m a LIBRARY OF THE University of California. Class ■ft. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL " The same God, Who meteth all things . . . Knits together in a love most fond Unending wedlock" — Poems of King Alfred the Great (Jubilee Edition), p. 198. :as33iai4*»i#a«isiwtf*ral;i*iK ~ "m? king alfred's : : jewel : : BY KATRINA TRASK AUTHOR OF "NIGHT AND MORNING" " MORS ET VICTORIA," ETC. ETC. LONDON : JOHN LANE, THE BODLEY HEAD NEW YORK : JOHN LANE COMPANY. MCMIX ■ l'M\ THIRD EDITION Printed by Ballantyne, Hanson <5r* Co. At the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh INTRODUCTION "Seeing that so many uncritical statements on the subject of King Alfred are abroad, it is all the more imperative that we begin our work with a critical survey of the materials at our disposal. We shall find them in many respects disappoint- ingly scanty and incomplete. "... The first place in our list of authorities for the life of Alfred must be given to his own literary works. It is true that the evidence they furnish is mostly indirect, but it is for that very reason all the more secure." — Charles Plummer, M.A., The Life and Times of Alfred the Great. He who would find King Alfred through the mist of the centuries knows the force, the truth of these words. One searches the Saxon Chronicles ; they are as bare as bones. One searches the pages of Asser, and they contain a heavy coat, of divers threads monk-woven, that hides the Man. One turns to Alfred's transla- 192881 vi INTRODUCTION tions of Boethius, Orosius, Bede, St. Gregory's " Pastoral Care," and " The Blossom Gather- ings " from St. Augustine, and there one meets the living Alfred, throbbing with eternal life — alive in every personal word interwoven between the lines of the text he translated that he might pass on to his people the a bloom " which he had gathered. With simple directness " Alfred The-Truth- Teller " reveals himself. First, by the varying subjects which he chooses to translate : History, Travel, Philosophy, Law, Ecclesias- tical Literature and Pagan Story, the Church's Legends, and the Ballad of the simple folk ; then, by the manner of his translation ; but most of all, in his own words which shine out from the text. One apprehends the motive-springs that moved him ; one feels the concentration and the many-sidedness, the ambition and the aspiration of this sovereign spirit. INTRODUCTION vii Scholar, Statesman, Poet, Author, Law- giver, Churchman — but in all and through all, a Man. Not a visionary Saint, not a sexless Monk, but a Man of natural body and of quickening spirit met together ; a Man of three-fold nature commingled, as Alfred himself portrayed a Man in these words : — 44 1 said that the soul was three-fold because philosophers affirm that it hath three natures. One of these natures is subject to desire ; the second, subject to passion ; and the third, that it is rational. . . . Reason must control both desire and passion, for it is a special virtue of the soul. . . . 44 Thou, O Lord, bringest together heavenly souls and earthly bodies, and minglest them in this world." KING ALFRED'S JEWEL CHARACTERS Alfred . . . Cornewulf. . monfichet . . Cedric . . . GURTH . . . GUNERUNG . . An Ealdorman. The Bishop. Elswitha . . Elfreda . . . Dridda . . . NUMANERA . . King of England. Cup-beai-er to the King. The King's Fool. A Thane. A Neat-herd. A Dane. Wife of King Alfred. Daughter of Gurth the Neat-herd. Wife of Gurth and Mother to Elfreda. First Maiden to the Queen. Courtiers, Thanes, Monks, Ladies of the Court, Saxon The Scene is laid in England in the years 878 and 879 A.D. OF '. UNIVERSITY CF KING ALFRED' S JEWEL ACT I SCENE I The Forest of Selwood The day after the Battle of Chippenham, where the English had been surprised in their winter quarters by the Danes. The victory was decisive for the Danes. KING ALFRED has disappeared and the Saxon host is scattered. A lonely part of the forest, silent with the silence of mid-winter. The bare oak-trees and beech- trees are interspersed with many ever- greens. To the right, the forest is compara- tively open ; a path leads to the centre, where the ground rises and the trees stand farther apart. To the left, it is very dense ; in the foreground, closely growing shrubs of ever- 3 4 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL green form a thicket. For a few moments nothing can be seen but the silent forest. ALFRED, King of England, comes from the right and walks to the open. He is disguised; he wears the rough dress and cap of the Saxon peasant; he takes off the cap, which had been pulled far down over his face, and lifts his head eagerly — with a boyish freedom of movement suggestive of indomitable life; he draws a long deep breath, and looks about him at the forest and at the sunset sky, as though abandoning himself to the refreshment of nature, Alfred. Through glooms of forest and through open glade, Across the wind - swept, winter - shrouded marsh, I hurried onward to this secret place. Here, I may bide in safety for the night. I would that I had brought my harp with me ! The wild wind chanting in the evergreens, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 5 The myriad branches of the naked oaks — Majestic tracery against the sky — The sunset colours of the glowing West, Stir me to music, songs within me well ; that I had my harp ! Then would I sing ! [A voice comes from the thicket, Elfreda. Are you a minstrel, sir ? I pray you, sing Without a harp — what harp hath singing- bird ? ALFRED (looking quickly to the left and to the right). Who speaks ? Whence comes that voice ? [A light laugh comes from the thicket } and again the voice. Elfreda. Deep in the tangle of this greenery 1 tryst with fairies — and you broke the spell ! I will not chide you, for you did not know. [A maiden steps out from the thicket; she is young and very fair. She 6 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL is dressed in the simple frock worn by the Saxon peasants ; it is home- spun like theirs, but, unlike theirs, the colour is white. Alfred (aside). As innocent as moonlight is her face, And in her eyes sits purity enthroned. [Aloud. Friend of the fairies, lovely forest-child, What is your name ? Elfreda. Elfreda. Tell me yours. Alfred. I am a wanderer. I have no name. Elfreda. No name, poor wanderer ? And have you no home ? Alfred. My home is buried in a mist of woe. Elfreda. Come home with me — our door is open wide, Huts have no latches — you are welcome there. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 7 My father is the neat-herd — Gurth. In speech, Perchance, he may be rough, but not in deed. My mother is most kind. Alfred. Hast thou no fear, Elfreda ? Evil men May wander in the forest — ruthless Danes. Elfreda. God walks here, also ; He is stronger far Than any man. Alfred {aside). O blessed innocence ! I will confide in her ; true is her heart As white-robed Truth. {Aloud.) Elfreda, I would fain Rest close awhile, from every one concealed, My thoughts for company. I may not seek Thy sheltering roof ; no man may know of me ; I trust thy lips to guard my hiding-place. Elfreda. I will not tell it — even to the birds ! 8 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL And I will share with you my secret Bower. [Pointing to the thicket. Within its round secure you may sleep safe ; But you must bend your head — you are so tall !— When you would enter underneath the bough. There you will find my treasury — a wing As white as hawthorn from a bird that flew Inland from the great waters of the sea ; A sunrise-tinted shell ; a lonely nest ; A truliest fairy stone, o'erlaid with moss, Whereon the fairies danced in merriment, When the dew fell at moonlight in the wood — Touch not the stone lest you should break the charm ! Will you be gone to-morrow, when I come ? Alfred {smiling). Not if you come to- morrow, ere I go. Elfreda. I rise at crow of cock and cross the wood KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 9 To seek this open where I find the sky. I love to watch the Sun come from his bed Of rosy dawn-clouds in the joyous East, And put his glistering armour on. Each morn I watch and watch the pallid sky and fear That he will never come again ; but yet, He rises every happy day anew. The Mass-Priest said I should be at my prayers — But must one speak to pray ? Methinks I pray Without an Ave when I see the Sun ! Look — Minstrel — at the shadows, where they creep Beneath the trees like ghosts in winding- sheets ! My mother will be calling — I must go. [ELFREDA runs away, waving her hand. ALFRED stands silent until she is out of sight; then he speaks. io KING ALFREDS JEWEL Alfred. After the hurtling hiss, the des- perate din Of battle-hours — the onward-moving rush — The constant clanging of relentless steel ; After long wandering, pursued, hard-pressed — This calm-fraught silentness is kind to me. My heart is heavy-laden and disquieted, But in this refuge, rounded close with green, I may contemplate the most dire event Of our dark yesterday. My valiant host Is scattered ; a triumphant enemy Laughs in derision at our overthrow. Elswitha and my son at Athelney, Encompassed by the Danes, in danger wait. Black-girdled is the morrow, sable-clad — O God of Light ! Light Thou my sombre path. Thy Standard on this Island I must place, That every sea-king, jarl and common thrall, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL n In the great heathen army, may know Thee, And turn from pagan worship to Thy feet. I cannot slink away to live at Rome In idle tutelage, as Burgred lived ; There is a way — a door to victory ; It is my quest to find it ! Lo ! A star ! There, in the welkin, gleams the Evening Star ; It comes with sudden shining prophecy Into the shadow of this twilight dim ; Full soon the vasty spaces of the sky Will glow with all the marshalled host of heaven. Thus, through the darkness, comes a sign to me. I take the augury. Hope spreads her wings. I will hold counsel with the mighty stars ; And then, to-morrow, on to Athelney To gather forces for a new campaign ; Unconquerable England shall prevail ! 12 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL My arm once more is strong for victory Despite defeat, which doth but whet my pride. I — Alfred — am the crowned, anointed King ; The God of Splendour is my Sovereign Lord ; I will Jesu, have mercy ! My eyes are sightless — and my heart is faint — [ALFRED sways and almost falls, but saves himself ; leaning against a tree, he passes his hand over his eyes, then to his forehead, where he holds it as he continues speak- ing. God ! have I fought and held grim death at bay To meet the silent Angel unaware Here, in the lonely forest ? Is this death ? We are but as the lilies of the field. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 13 In the same moment that our spirit soars And every power arises strong for flight We are cut down Ah ! I remember now ! I have not tasted food since I went forth To battle — I forgot to eat. Must man's Immortal spirit wait on mortal needs — High purpose on corruption ? Enterprise On hunger ? Poor mortality to be Thus hedged about with circumstance of flesh, And choked with dust and ashes ! — Ah — I faint — Our blessed Lord Himself was likewise bound In His humanity — Upon the Cross He suffered thirst — I hunger [Alfred falls at the foot of the tree and swoons. 14 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL SCENE II The following morning ; sunrise. The Scene is the same as before King Alfred is lying unconscious at the foot of the tree, ELFREDA is kneeling beside him ; she bathes his head with water from a small jug. On the ground beside her there is also another jug and a small loaf of bread ; she looks anxiously at ALFRED ; suddenly he opens his eyes. Alfred (faintly). Elswitha — Edward — am I home ? Elfreda. O no, Poor Minstrel ! You are here, in forest hid. Speak not but drink. Now — take and eat this bread. [Elfreda holds the jug to Alfred's lips; he takes a deep draught of milk. She then gives him the KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 15 bread, which he eats ravenously ; he raises himself and, leaning upon his arm, looks into ELFREDA'S face; the colour comes back to his cheeks. Alfred. Elfreda ! Elfreda. Ah ! — You know me ! I am glad. Methought that you were dead, when first I came ; You lay so still, and looked as coldly white As my sweet sister looked when in the ground We laid her — Rest her soul ! — Then to the burn I went for water, to the hut for food ; I feared that you were dead ; but as I bathed Your face I prayed that God would let you live, That you would open those fast-closed eyes — 16 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL And then you opened them — He heard my prayer. Alfred. How knew you that I was an hungered, child ? Elfreda. I know not how I knew it — but I knew ; Within mine ears I seemed to hear a voice, " Give him to eat, Elfreda." So I ran, And brought my morning portion forth to you. Alfred. In very truth you are a woman, child ; A woman's heart with tender surety knows When to pour forth the spikenard of her care. Give me to drink again — [ALFRED takes another long draught. And let me eat ; We cannot live without our daily bread Whatever our philosophy. Sweet maid, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 17 No fatted calf, no spiced honey-mead, E'er pleased my fancy as this forest feast ; Come, share thine own — eat thou, and drink with me. [ALFRED breaks the bread, giving some to ELFREDA, and passes the milk to her; he rises. I am remade, restrengthened by thy grace. The father of all Angels bless thee, child. Thy service I will not forget. Elfreda. And I Will not forget you, for your face is like Two things I love — prayers and a festal-day. Alfred {aside). My twofold nature doth the child divine. {Aloud.) A festal-day and prayer ? Elfreda. I think of both. When 1 behold your face I seem to kneel In church where Saints are singing — then to be B 18 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Laughing and running in the wild green wood. Alfred {laying his hand on her head). Fare- well ! [ELFREDA goes away, waving her hand, and singing a melody without words, Alfred. Life ! And God's world. New- girt with threefold strength, Clothed with new garments of the risen morn, Give me but opportunity ! Who comes ? Footsteps — far off — I know the soldier-tread — [ALFRED starts, and listens as steps are heard coming through the forest; he goes over to the thicket at the left ; he turns up the collar of his doublet and pulls the cap down over his eyes so that his face is almost entirely hidden. From the opposite side, CEDRIC enters with four Saxon soldiers. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 19 If they be Danes, I seek Elfreda's Bower ; If they be Saxons — yea, 'tis Saxon men, And Cedric with them ! Opportunity Is here. I will not yet declare myself ; I will their temper try and hear their words. Cedric. By God in Heaven ! We yet shall drive the Danes Into the sea, that bore them to our shores. [He peers through the trees. Look ! Through the trees ! A soldier in dis- guise ! First Sol. How know you he is not a common churl ? Cedric. A soldier knows another soldier's form, His step, his movements, though he be dis- guised. Ho — there ! Stand still ! Who are you ? Answer me. 20 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Alfred (in an assumed voice). Good morrow, sir. Cedric. Good morrow? Nay, not good; It is a bad To-day when Saxon men, Yea, Saxon soldiers — for I know your stamp ! — Hide in the woods for cowardice. O shame ! That you, a soldier, should be sneaking here, When England needs each unit to increase The sum of her resistance. Alfred. I have heard The King doth also in close-hiding lurk ; He, it is said, ingloriously ran From the lost field and hid himself so deep That he is lost, e'en to his followers. All. Silence ! First Sol. Dare not to speak of our liege lord In accents so familiar ! KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 21 Cedric. By the Cross ! I will avenge the inference. The King Skulks not in hiding from a low-born fear ; Brave as St. Michael fought he on the field ; I saw five Danes beset him at one time ; He clove his freedom through the gory way His royal sword hacked for him. At the last, — But not until the last, when from our ranks Each peradventure had been forced to flight — When driven from their vantage-ground our host Ran down the slope, confessing their defeat, King Alfred vanished — no man knoweth where. All night we sought him, but we found him not. Bitter the fate for us — though he is wise. Our valiant King holds in his hand our cause, And in his person holds our liberty ; 22 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL He is incarnate England ! Well he knows, If he were prisoner, despair would fall On every Saxon like a blighting frost. Somewhere, he waits — not hiding but well hid— Weaving upon the loom of his great mind A new emprise to save us. We are his, And trust him seen or hiding — in the fight Or in the forest, watching for his hour. The Saxon host has rallied and desire him, The King, the heart, the leader of the host. It is a wrath-arousing chance to find A soldier hidden in a churl's disguise, Assailing lightly his beloved name. Alfred. I have but said he hides, as I am hidden. Cedric. And I have said I would avenge that word ! Who art thou, coward, that the King's great name, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 23 The King's great deeds, and thine, should be compared ? Were you a churl, I should dispatch your clay To rot upon the marshes ; but no churl — I take you for a soldier, Alfred's man. Alfred (smiling). I am a soldier, as you have divined, But — Alfred's man ? — That were a question fit For school and scholars. Cedric (handing Alfred a sword). Cease your impudence ! It passes bearing. Take this heathen sword — I captured it from an expiring Dane — Defend yourself and fight ! I call all these In testimony that I fight with you To prove the King hides not from cowardice. ALFRED (aside, examining the sword). Get thee behind me, Satan ; tempt me not 24 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL To lively pastime in this grave event ! What mischievous delight, what stirring cheer, With this stout-hearted fellow to cross swords ! But unto what avail ? I cannot spare A single drop of his red blood — not one. {Aloud.) I may not fight, sir, for I hold my life, Yea, even my well-being, in high trust. Cedric {rushing on Alfred). I care not, coward, for your trust ! Come on ! ALFRED {lifting his cap and speaking in his natural voice). Cedric ! CEDRIC {with much emotion, kneeling). My liege ! All {kneeling). The King — the King — Thank God! Alfred. Rise, Cedric — rise, my men. You read aright Your master's mind and, by the grace of God, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 25 He hath read yours, and knows this doughty band. After the vigil of the long black night Tis daybreak to my heart to see, again, Your loyal faces. I had mood to test The mettle of my soldiers. It is done ; I see enough in you, my gentlemen ; With such a handful we could hold the bridge Of hope that spans the chasm of despair. A valiant remnant hath more potency Than many an host less valiant. Imprisoned England calls us to unloose The pagan bonds that bind her ; let us go Empanoplied in faith to set her free. Cedric — a purpose rises and unrolls. Come, my brave soldiers ; Athelney is near ; There we will gather those who seek for us And plan, ere spring, a new and swift surprise For Guthrum and the Danes, the while they till 26 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Our English soil and stalk among our oaks. When an invading army in a land Of bounty swells with victory secure Then is the time to strike another blow, Despoiling them while they are at their spoils. Not as before will we give battle next. Wisdom persuades me honest strategy May oft be truest bravery in war. When Regulus the Roman — mightiest man Of all the Romans — in Bragada slew The Serpent, he at first essayed to shoot Straightforward arrows at the giant Worm, But from the gloss-smooth scales they slipped away As water trickles from a shining leaf. Then he commanded the balista turned To hurl the stones obliquely at the Thing Sidewise to strike between the lapping scales ; Forthwith the creeping creature was o'er- come. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 27 So will we by some stratagem observe The vulnerable portion of our foe Between the scales that archers failed to find. Ay, Cedric, I conceive a new campaign. We will obliquely strike — and slay the Worm ! SCENE III Four months later; the month of May, The Hall of the rude house at Athelney, where KING ALFRED and his faithful followers have been in hiding from the Danes during the winter. A long Hall with a door at the left and one at the right ; it is barely furnished with rude seats and low benches covered with fur- skins. NUMANERA, handmaiden to the QUEEN, and other maidens, are sitting around a frame, embroidering, and singing as they work. Through the windows may be seen the lingering glow of sunset and the birds flying to their nests ; the song of the 28 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL birds may be heard above the song of the MAIDENS, and afterwards, from time to time, until the light fades. The Maidens {singing). Weave, weave, weave the thread ; Weave the strands of ruby-red, Gold and silver, dark and light, Azure-blue and fleecy white ; Yellow strands to match the sun ; Rose of rose — the day's begun, Grey of grey — the day is done ; It is a goodly sight to see Maidens weaving broidery. Weave, weave, weave the thread. Are our lovers lying dead 'Mid the battle's clash and din ? Thus we weave the question in. Happy smiles for sunny bowers, Heart-beats for remembered hours, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 29 Terror black that grimly lowers, Tears and fears for what may be, Weave we in the broidery. Numanera. O neither smiles nor questions, nor hot tears, In these dull days ; the thread is endless grey. How long must we be prisoned on this Isle ? Rather I would by Danes be done to death ! First Maid. Your courage is no courage ; well you know That every Dane would rescue you from death. My lack of beauty finds a refuge here. Second Maid. To quick impatience beauty kindles fire. Third Maid. Not with the Queen — her beauty asks no more Than to shine fair upon this lonely Isle Like Altar-candle in a sombre church. 3 o KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Numanera. She hath her husband — she is well content ; What chance have we of husbands ? Second Maid. Cedric is here — Numanera. Bah ! Cedric is the shadow of the King ; I want a king — Second Maid. Ha ! Hear the girl ! — She says I want a king as she might say I want A ribbon. Numanera. Think you I meant a throned king? A king in spirit will suffice for me. Second Maid {looking archly at Numanera). When comes Sir Helmwulf hither ? NUMANERA {tossing her head). Ask yonder stupid birds that make the air All-hideous with harsh discordant notes ; I would that I could wring their little necks — KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 31 They fret my nerves like broken strings ! Second Maid {aside). Spite-cat ! He comes not — that is why. Numanera. I hate the men Upon this hateful Island ! Four long months We are imprisoned since the King returned. When is the trysting-day ? Second Maid. When the moon changes. Numanera. O — too long to wait ! Give me fierce war, great battles and events — Third Maid. O — too soon ! — too soon ! — Numanera. Ha ! Ha ! Your white cheek tells a tale ! And see — The red confirms it — Hark ! The Queen ! First Maid. Our Lady Beautiful ! NUMANERA(asicte,impatiently). And I must bow My Roman pride to her — Must sing the song Of beauty — beauty, to her willing ear ! Are snow-white flesh and golden tresses fair ? In Rome, the beauty lies in darker tints — 32 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Queen Elswitha enters. The Maidens rise. The Queen smiles graciously. Elswitha. The sunset light hath faded from the sky, The orbed moon rides in her silver car And heralds evening. Put the broidery- frame, The many-coloured silks, away, my girls. The wood breathes now deep quiet, and the wind All blossom-fragrant wooes the whispering trees. Go, sit beneath the moon and dream of love. [The Maidens put away the frame , and go out by the door at the left. Elswitha. The spring-time wanes ; the summer comes apace ; The dreaded hour when from my lord I part KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 33 Looms like Fate's portal ever to my sight. God ! Why didst Thou give a woman's heart Free wings of flight, and yet tie fast her feet ? Swift will my spirit fly with my dear lord, When he goes forth ; but here, at Athelney, I, being woman, must abide content. My Alfred gone — these woods are desolate, This Island is a dreary Isle of death ; — But I will close mine eyes, and look not down The waiting morrows ; — I will drink the joy, Without foreboding, of the days that are. [From without comes the sound of an harp. ELSWITHA starts, clasps her hands, listening intently. Alfred {singing). Lean from thy window, my darling delight, And rival the moon with thy face ; 1 watch for thee here, in the love-laden night, I wait for a word of thy grace. 34 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Elswitha. Our bridal song ! Alfred {singing). Lean from thy window, my darling desire, The Love-god keeps watch, here, with me, The fair-shining god, with his wings of white fire, O come — we are calling to thee ! [Elswitha opens the door to the left The moonlight floods the room. Alfred and Elswitha meet on the threshold. Alfred {embracing her). Elswitha, didst thou know the song ? Elswitha. I knew It as I know the beat of mine own heart. O happy days of wooing, when you sang Beneath my Mercian window ! KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 35 Alfred. Happier days When I have won thee, and still sing to thee. [ELSWITHA takes the harp and hangs it upon the wall; she leads ALFRED to a low, fur-covered seat ; he sits and she kneels be- side him, leaning against him, Alfred. Tis May-time, Love — four months have passed away Since that dark night when I to thee returned. I thought to come a conqueror, to lead My lady forth in majesty of state To reign o'er England ; but, instead, I came A fugitive, in dire defeat, to make More fast the fastness of this Athelney, To hide her beauty deeper in the wood, And doom her to this melancholy marsh. Elswitha. O like a hero thou didst come, my king, Undaunted by adversity, untouched . 36 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL By dire defeat. Fairer than laurel-leaves The aureole that circled your proud head, Brighter than victory the steadfast hope That shone a beacon in that midnight dark. Alfred. Elswitha, thou art consort for a king; Thou dost not judge by outward shows nor set The music of thyself to circumstance. Beloved — when I sang our bridal song At moonrise, in sweet memory, to-night, Upon my harp-strings trembled a farewell. Elswitha. Ah ! — Nay. Not yet farewell — not yet farewell ! Alfred. The hour has come, Elswitha, I must go. ELSWITHA (turning pale, starting to her feet). Go ? There are many days to pass before The appointed tryst — I count them, one by one, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 37 As miser counts his gold — one sunrise more, Another moonrise, yet another dawn — Alfred. To-night, Elswitha, I leave Athel- ney. ELSWITHA (with a forced quiet). The tryst hath then been hastened ? [Alfred takes Elswitha's hand and draws her down upon the seat by his side. Alfred. Elswitha, dearest partner of my thought, Thou hast approved our enterprise to strike The Danes in their security. If we But knew their secrets and their crafty plans The victory were ours ! They think the King Is conquered or, perchance, that he is dead. What if a minstrel strolls within their camp And sings them to forgetfulness of war, Counting, meanwhile, their numbers, hearing words 38 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Of marches planned, and secret purposes ! Elswitha. A Saxon minstrel in a Danish camp ? — And who — my lord ? Alfred. The Saxon Alfred. Elswitha (in a voice of terror). Oh ! — Alfred. Fear not, Elswitha, Alfred hath no fear. Elswitha. The peerless King knows not the word of fear ; It is a stranger to his dauntless soul. Alfred. And thou, Elswitha, art King Alfred's wife. Elswitha. Each bow-string hath its limit — this is more Than woman'sheart can bear. Alfred! — to stand Unarmed — alone — amongst the savage Danes ! — 'Tis madness ! Must this life incomparable, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 39 England's one hope, be put in jeopardy Of certain death, irrevocable doom ? As well might you essay the lion's cave And sing to charm the hungry beasts of prey. [Alfred embraces Elswitha but does not answer. Elswitha. Are my words naught to thee ? Alfred. More than the words Of any human speech, if I might hear, But I my purpose may not alter now. Hope leads the host again ; each valiant arm, That dropped despondent, is new-mailed with strength. We sat in council and it was agreed It were in vain vainly to meet the foe ; Bold fighting in the valley, on the hills, Swords, and the speed of arrows, are as naught With ignorance behind them ; if we knew The strength, the purpose and the quality, 40 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL The veritable number of our foe, Then would each English sword smite to an end, Each arrow speed unto accomplishment. Elswitha. Send some brave Saxon soldier who can sing. Alfred. I send no man where I have fear to go. Elswitha. Go not alone, my lord — go not alone — Alfred. I do not go alone — I have my harp ; I will be Orpheus and allure the Danes To let me pass. If I but sing of thee, My beautiful Elswitha, I am safe. ELSWITHA (in a low voice, leaning her Jiead lightly upon his arm). Alfred, my husband, I am sore afraid. Alfred. Be not afraid — no minstrel ever sang KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 41 Who seemed more minstrel than thy lord will seem ; My garments are a minstrel's — and my face. Had I no motive for the deed, 'twould be A blithe adventure, fraught with merriment. I will, with lusty voice, sing Saxon songs ; I will, with lusty arm, play Saxon games ; And I will throw a Saxon lance to win A prize for thee, my lady. As I play I will record their weakness and their strength Upon the tablets of my memory — Their numbers, purposes, and planned cam- paign. ELSWITHA (putting her arms around ALFRED). I would mine arms were prison-bands to hold My lord at Athelney ! Alfred. If he might stay 'Twould need no prison-bands to keep him here. 42 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL I could forget my quest in thy warm hair, Lost in its radiant meshes ; I could drink Forgetfulness of kingship in thine eyes Where living love communes with memory, Bask in thy smile whilst England called to me, — But, if I did not go, should I be then The man thy heart desires ? — A woman loves The man who does the deed. Elswitha. Wise Alfred, learned in musty parchment rolls, Thou thinkest, when thy wisdom can suffice To master many deep philosophies, That it is naught to know a woman's heart ; Believe me, sir, it is a harder task. ALFRED {taking ELSWITHA'S face between his hands). Look in mine eyes, Elswitha — do I know ? Elswitha. Ah — my Love [Elswitha leans upon Alfred's arm and looks up into his face. "HE UNIVERSITY KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 43 Alfred, rememberest thou the garden-bower New-made to mark our bridal-night ? Alfred. The bride Within the bower I do remember well ; She was as fair as the rose-tinted dawn Which led to fairer beauty of the day. Elswitha. It was a bower of glowing roses red — Alfred. It held a rose more glowing than the bower — Elswitha. O days of joyance, circled by your grace ! There, oftentimes my learned lord would seek, From liquid tongues of countries o'er the sea, Some story to beguile me, turning it With readiness to our familiar tongue To meet my unschooled ignorance. One tale There was of valiant Hector and his wife — It made me weep, — is it not passing strange ? 44 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL A Greek, so long ago, could say the word My English heart would say to you to-day. Alfred. Words from the heart speak ever to the heart ; Love knows no yesterdays. Elswitha. Alfred, thou art to me as Hector was ; Thou art my husband and my father, too, My mother and my nurse ; but thou art more — More e'en than Hector to Andromache — Thou art my King and my High Priest of God. And now thou goest from me to confront Unequalled danger — to meet direful death ; Out of the deep my soul cries No to thee. Alfred. Too long, Elswitha, have I known thy soul To hear the No that echoes from thy lips. My Pleiad, who hath wandered from the sky KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 45 To light my path with thy celestial smile, To bind my life with sweetest influence, I love thee. Think on that, when I am gone ; Thou art the dear Beginning and the End, The very warp and woof of my desire. Be of good cheer — I go but to return ; Then will I comfort thee as father might, Solace with soothing as a kindly nurse, And as an husband kiss thee. Fare thee well. [ALFRED embraces ELSWITH A and goes out by the door at the right, leav- ing it open. ELS WITH A sways for a moment, then, recovering herself, goes to the door; she stands on the threshold and looks down the path leading to the soldiers' quarters. Elswitha. The moonlight glimmers on him as he goes ; With hero's tread he walks the silvered way, 46 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL A man in majesty, a king in might — And I am his Elswitha. His son's milk Shall not be curdled by my foolish tears, Nor by forebodings dried within my breast. SCENE IV Three weeks later; Mid-May. A large Hall in a house near Egbert-Stane. A wild storm rages without. Within the lofty Hall, an EALDORMAN, master of the house, and many disaffected SAXONS, sit around a table, having just finished their evening meal. KING ALFRED, disguised as a minstrel, sits by the fire that burns in the centre of the Hall — on the side farthest from the table ; the EALDORMAN and the SAXONS continue their talk without noticing him, as the fire lies between; apparently he is absorbed in drying his garments that bear evidence of the storm through which he has come; he had KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 47 entered the Hall a short time before, and asked permission to warm himself. The EALDORMAN and the SAXONS seem to have forgotten him. The Eald. What say you, Saxons, shall we tryst or no ? The secret emissaries of the King Have brought the word of trysting-time and place ; The Saxon host is rallying. As for me — I balance go with go not, in my hand, And fight with fight not ! First Sax. Far-reaching issues for King Alfred wait On your decision — many follow you. Second Sax. {scornfully). What bodes another battle but defeat ? No tryst for me I A desolate dry place This England ! What is left ? It is a land O'errun with pagans — ruined, devastate. 48 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL The Eald. Our young King is a slender reed that breaks Beneath his burden ; all his treasury Is emptied and his thews unstrung. God's Blood ! I care not for his standard in these days. Second Sax. {indignantly). Why should we longer fight against our fate ? 'Twere better to cease struggle and to swim In comfortable current with the tide ; The men of Gloucester traffic with the Danes, Bow to their Odin, and — they eat their corn. Third Sax. I care not for my corn. I'd see my fields A harried wilderness, if I could keep The warmth within my heart, that once I knew For our young Alfred on that glorious day When he, an Atheling, on Ashdown Field, Asked not consent of Ethelred his lord KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 49 But led our army on to victory. Where now is he ? The Eald. He is snuffed out like a candle in the dark. Tis true, he sets a tryst and bids prepare For a new battle, with his word of hope, But, were he valiant, it had been before. My ready armour hath been burnished bright Since Chippenham. Third Sax. Give me a hero and a famine- plague Rather than fat fields with an idle King ; I am for treaty with the Danes — All the Sax. And I — THE EALD. {turning and seeing ALFRED whom he had forgotten). Hie, minstrel! — Tune your harp and sing a lay Of heroes bold and dauntless deeds of war ; The Lord hath sent you for this dreary hour. The beating of the rain upon the house, D 50 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL The sighing and the sobbing of the wind, Drive me to madness — my hair-roots are cold. Alfred. My harp is silent — and my harp- strings mute. The Eald. Come to the board and warm your throat with wine. The boisterous wind that broke your harp, perchance, Hath chilled you. Alfred. In thanks to you, I drink no wine to-night. The Eald. No wine — no song ? A merry minstrel this ! No gleeman could be livelier ! I'd thought To cheer our tide with tales adventurous. I hate the bellowing tempest — hear it howl ! Alfred. Far have I journeyed through the rain-soaked wood, Swept by the tempest on the open wold. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 51 I cannot sing, but I will word a tale — If it will pleasure you. The Eald. 'Twill pleasure us, And pass the moments, making us forget The wind that wails like clamned souls in Hell. All. The tale— the tale— the tale ! [King Alfred moves his seat, thus bringing himself more into view of the others; he remains seated and begins his tale in an assumed voice, quietly, almost monotonously, but as he continues his voice and manner gather intensity. Alfred. In a far land that lay beneath the moon, Midway between the mountain and the marsh — Between the vision-summit and the slough That darkly runs athwart this middle-earth, In the dim morning of the dawn of days, There lived a King who loved his people well ; 52 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL For them he held a purpose and a prayer. His was a land of fair fertility, Of circling waters and of sunny skies ; In the deep secret places of the hills Riches were waiting those who sought for them ; And in the valleys ran the limpid streams To water and to fructify the soil. The King said to his mind : — " This realm shall rise High above nations, by the grace of God ; She shall be Wisdom's spouse, light-crowned and free." Now, no man, as thou knowesi, can get play For his emprise unless he hath fit Tools; A Kings material and instruments Of governance are a well-peopled land; He must have men of prayer, and men of war, And men of work* The King whose deeds I tell * King Alfred's own words. See Appendix. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 53 Brave Tools possessed. Thus was he glad of heart. But lo ! A horde of base barbarians Came forth from caverns of the nameless North ; They overswept the country of the King, Destroyed her Altar-fires and ravished her ; To North and South the invaders pushed their way ; To East and West they planted pagan shrines. The King reached forth to find his God-given Tools — Some were beside him, ready to his hand ; Some, he found broken ; some had slipped away ; And some, like children frightened by a ghost, Ran to the hands of the barbarians. All. Traitors ! O cursed Tools ! Alfred. Nay, curse them not ; Hear out the tale. The King was sore beset ; 54 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Could he, with host depleted, overcome The savage horde that overspread the land ? That was the haunting question of the King. First Sax. What did he, minstrel ? Second Sax. What did this poor King ? Alfred. He went to seek the knowledge of his fate. He clothed himself with garments of disguise, And sought the camp of the barbarians ; He entered in and stood before their King, The cruel King, whose vow was echoing To hew him into pieces, when they met. Second Sax. He went alone ? Third Sax. Alone ? — A hero's deed ! Alfred. About the camp he wound a gracious way, As any minstrel might who thought to please — As I came here, but now, and entered in From out the storm and sat beside your fire To find a generous hospitality — KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 55 They looked not on him as an enemy ; Wide as sweet music is the minstrel's home. Savage in all things, the barbarians, Moved by soft strains, were tame and gentle- wise, As Cerberus, the hideous Hound of Hell, And the grim warder of that dreadful gate Were moved by strains of Orpheus, when he played Upon his harp melodious. The King, Of whom I tell, possessed an harp sweet- strung, Low-vibrant with deep woodland memories ; His song-hoard had been gained from many folk, His voice was never wearied — The Eald. (interrupting). Would that yours Were like it, minstrel, you could sing the tale. First Sax. We need no music for heroic deeds. 56 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Alfred. Alone — the King as minstrel faced his foes ; Alone — he stood before his enemy ; Blithely he roamed about the idle camp, Assuming welcome and receiving it ; He saw the savage army, heard their oaths — Flung forth like javelins — to their false gods, To grind the King and all his subjects fine As dust before a land-storm. Loud they swore To bend the stubborn neck of every man Left in the kingdom, when the broadsword's work Was finished there. Then laughed the Minstrel-King — It seemed that he was laughing at his song, And they laughed with him at the jocund words — He laughed, forsooth, to hear the vaunting boast KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 57 Of the bold King, knowing its vanity, Laughed lightly in the face of that fierce King. Third Sax. Brave hero ! I would follow such a man Into the everlasting pit. Second Sax. And I. Alfred. He felt keen gladness throbbing through his frame. To be encircled by the chance of death, Death terrible with torture, yet to hold Within his daring hand the mastery Of the adventure, was a conquest fine To whet his temper and to stir his pride. Gained was the knowledge of his enemy, Their number and their weakness and their strength, A solid step-stone unto victory. All. Hail to the King ! Hail to the hero bold! 58 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Alfred. He left the camp of the bar- barians — He knew their secrets and it was enough. Then through the night and through the day he sped Back to his camp. Lo ! On the second night, A tempest broke upon him on the wold ; The pent-up water-spouts of heaven burst forth And poured on him their deluge ; he was fain To shelter him at some warm welcoming hearth ; He found a friend's door, and he entered in ; They knew him not — he sat down in their midst — And then he heard these words from his own Tool: " Our young King is a slender reed that breaks Beneath his burden — all his treasury KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 59 Is emptied, and his thews unstrung — God's Blood ! I care not for his standard in these days." [Alfred rises. Whilst he before the enemy had stood, Gay laughter moved him ! When he heard these words Then he knew sorrow — then his harp-string broke ! [As ALFRED has been speakingy excite- ment has been gaining among the SAXONS ; it reaches its height as he finishes; they fall on their knees and bow their heads f over- come by remorse. THE EALD. (offering his sword). Sir King — forgive — forgive me ! Take my sword ! — Third Sax. By God ! Here is my hero ! I am his For life — for death — for ever ! 60 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL All. O forgive — First Sax. Most noble gracious King — forgive ! — Alfred {taking off his disguise). Rise — my brave Tools — forgiven. Ye knew me not — And now ye know me ! The appointed tryst Is Egbert-Stane. The Saxons gather fast ; We hasten on our way to keep the tryst ; We wait our followers — will you be there ? All (rising, drawing their swords and lifting them high). Every man — my lord ! SCENE V Two weeks after the Battle of Ethandun The Forest of Selwood. The Scene is the same as in Scene I. The forest is now green with the full foliage of late May. Afternoon. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 61 Enter a group of Saxon Soldiers, singing. The Soldiers (singing). We met the Danes upon the downs, With battle-axe and brand ; We drove the Danes across the downs, We drove them from the land. O the salt seas ! O the oak trees ! O the mighty men of England ! We drove the Danes across the downs, We drove them to the sea ; The Golden Dragon holds the downs With golden victory. O the salt seas ! O the oak trees ! O the mighty men of England ! First Sol. Now comes a better ending to that song 62 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Than when we sung it hitherto ; then Danes Were driven to their far eyrie, but returned With the returning tide, at change of moon. Our Alfred, England's darling, has achieved A goodlier victory ; he has kept them here — His vanquished enemies — within his realm. Second Sol. None but a God-descended conqueror Could turn the blood-steeped Danes to Englishmen, Could make the mighty Guthrum change his name, Forswear his heathen gods, and bend his neck To Saxon sovereignty. Third Sol. By the Lord God ! That is a victory ! The Sea- World's King Our darling's godson ! Wine and mead and ale Are running in my veins. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 63 Second Sol. A master stroke For England — She is saved ! Hark you— I hear The coming of the King ! Let us dispatch His business. {Calling.) Gurth ! All {calling). Gurth !— Gurth ! [From the centre, where the forest is more open, comes GURTH the neat-herd; he is a rough, awk- ward man in peasant dress; he has a shock of red hair, a loud voice, and a self-satisfied manner. First Sol. Make haste, man ! You are crawling like a snail. Know you a neat-herd hereabouts named Gurth ? Gurth {gruffly). And if I did, what matters that to you ? Second Sol. Find him. The mighty Alfred, England's King, 64 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Would speak with him. Don't swallow me, my man, Tis simple statement ; there's no need to drop Your gaping jaw down to your belly — Come ! The King awaits you. GURTH (trembling). Sir — the King — the King! What have I done ? Good Lord ! What have I done ? King ALFRED enters with Thanes and soldiers. GURTH falls on his knees. GURTH (stuttering with confusion). Almighty King — All-glorious one ! — Alfred. Silence ! I am not God ; use not His attributes In your address to any mortal man. GURTH. O Sir — O King! I did not do it! KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 65 Alfred. You have a daughter, Gurth, Elfreda named. {Aside.) From dankest bogs the loveliest lilies grow. Gurth. A daughter ? — Ay, Elfreda. O great King — It is a plot — she did not do it Alfred. A quick denial breeds suspicion, Gurth ; I am the witness of Elfreda's deed. Gurth. Holy St. Peter ! She has ruined me ! I always told her mother Alfred. Cease, man ! — Naught but the good, Elfreda gives — The life of Alfred, England's king, she saved ; I would, remembering, reward the deed. Gurth. Ye devils ! But the Mass-Priest spoke the truth — He said a jug too much befogs a man — 66 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL I'm drunk and dreaming. There's Elfreda, now — It will unfog me when I see her face. [As Gurth is speaking, ELFREDA is heard singing. Elfreda. Violet so blue, O to be you Down in the cool green grass ! ELFREDA enters from the right; over her arm is a garland of flowers that she has woven, and her hands are filled with other flowers ; when she sees the KING, the song dies on her lips, and the garland and flowers fall to the ground. Elfreda. My minstrel — and my King ! Alfred. Elfreda — we Have come to-day to thank you in the name Of England. [Taking her hand. When it broke the bread, this hand KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 67 Knew not it was for England. What slight things Become momentous in man's destiny ! [Turning to GURTH, who has been overcome with astonishment at ELFREDA's recognition of the King. Attend us, Gurth, we have a word to say. {Aside.) I would I were as potent with the Danes To strike them powerless without e'en a blow. {Aloud.) I cannot loiter here with lifeless men — Gurth. O mighty King ! I am befogged ! — [Alfred, smiling, pricks Gurth with his sword. Gurth {aside). Swlf ! That unfogs me ! {Aloud.) Great King ! Is this a jest for laughter played On a poor neat-herd ? 68 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Alfred. No — a truth ! Lost in the forest I had wandered far, Forgetting food ; — stern Nature cried aloud Too jealous of mortality, I sank Beside the way with weariness. Your child Then found me, fed me from her share, revived My ebbing strength, and knew not what she did, Nor unto whom she did it. In this hour Of England's triumph, I would recompense The deed. Wherefore, to you I give an house In Cornwall and two hides of land ; you now Become a freeman, by the Saxon law. Also, a dower for maintenance I give. My messengers will come with further word. [GuRTH makes violent contortions in an effort to speak, but, finding it impossible, bows his head. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 69 Elfreda. For mother ! — O my King ! No more the cold, The cruel winter cold, will nip those arms That held me when I was a little child ! [Elfreda stoops to gather the /lowers she had dropped; selecting one, she offers it to the KING. Here is a fairy flower for thanks, my King, From the enchanted circle in the wood. GuRTH {aside, making desperate efforts to stop Elfreda). She has no fear of man or God or king ! {Aloud.) Hold your rude tongue, you brazen child, speak not To kings in every-day ! ALFRED {accepting the flower and placing it in his armour). Symbol of life — the flower upon the steel ! [Through the wood, at the left, is heard the coming of many feel. ALFRED 70 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL turns his head ; his face lights with pleasure. My royal lady ! — [Leaving Gurth and ELFREDA, Alfred walks to the left as ELSWITHA and herMAWENS enter. Elswitha. An hundred thousand welcomes — O my liege ! Alfred. O shining Flower of England ! Sun-begot, New-bathed with dew of morning, thou, in- deed, Art rich reward for hardships well-endured ; Now battles, dangers, weariness and war, Are all forgot in thee. Elswitha. And I in thee Forgot the days of thistle and of thorn At Athelney — so many days, my lord — The days were cycles and the hours were years. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 71 [As they speak, Elfreda and Gurth are standing at the left in silence, not knowing whether to go or to stay. Suddenly ELSWITHA be- comes conscious of them : she looks quickly at ELFREDA, and about the wood in a questioning way, but so veiled that ALFRED does not notice it. Elswitha (aside). My feet kept pace with my impatient heart To meet my Love ; he loitered as he came. (Aloud.) You paused, my lord, upon your way to us — Alfred. Yea, for a work of justice to that child ; She saved your Alfred's life. Elswitha (apparently seeing Elfreda for the first lime). A happy child ! In sooth, she seems o'er-frail for such a deed. 72 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Alfred. God chooses weak things to con- found the strong ; I will recount the circumstance to thee. ELSWITHA {with sudden intuition). Tis not your wont to wear a flower, my lord— Alfred (smiling). This is a fairy flower. [ELSWITHA looks at ELFREDA and sees that the flowers in her hand are like the one which ALFRED wears ; she draws herself up zvith a proud movement of reserve. ELSWITHA (coldly). I did not know That thou hadst found, once more, the tales we leave In babbling babyhood. ALFRED (unconscious of her tone and mood). We touch the spring Of our immortal life when we become A little child, again. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 73 [Alfred and Elswitha walk into the wood y followed by the MAIDENS, Thanes, and Soldiers, who have been talking together in low tones. As they pass on, NUMANERA speaks to a Maiden. NUMANERA (whispering). Houses are cheap in England — cheap as bread. The Maiden. Our noble King is gracious. Numanera (suspiciously). Gracious ? — Ha ! [GURTH and ELFREDA have not moved. GlIRTH stands with open mouth as though dazed ; ELFREDA picks up the garland and dances, twining it around her, and dancing in and out of it as she sings . Elfreda. Violet so blue, O to be you ! Down in the cool green grass. Violet so blue, O to be you ! Watching the clouds as they pass. 74 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Gurth. Elfreda, am I mad ? Elfreda (kissing him). Now, are you ? Nay! My prayers are answered, that is all. I prayed To God, and asked the fairies, whom He loves, To send a healthier home than that poor hut For mother — Gurth. It is wonderful ! Elfreda. O — nay ! Naught is more wonderful than everything. ACT II SCENE I Autumn of the following year — Cornwall — The Sea-shore King Alfred stands on the shore r looking out to sea Alfred. O deep sea-waters, surging ever- more In the wide way appointed unto you By the great Warden of the Universe ! Mysterious, unfathomable, you fling Perpetual challenge to the mind of man. Here, on this foam-flecked shore, I stand and gaze Upon the far horizon, where the blue Of sky-dome dips to touch the gleaming grey. 75 76 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL What if beyond this sea-realm there is land ? I will build ships to push the question through These tossing and tumultuous waves. I will Send forth my sailors on the untracked way To bring an answer from that billowy world. Othere has told the story of the North ; His words are as a meteor to my mind ; They stir me to adventure, like to his. Had I been born to lesser dignity, Had I no kingly claims to hold me here, I would go forth upon that moving world, And tilt a tourney with the great spearman To wrest his secrets from him, which he keeps Behind his vast and foamy fortress hid. Last night, as I lay sleepless on my bed, I heard a voice say : " Look, what is to be ! " Then, like the sheet our blessed Lord let down KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 77 To Peter, lo ! I saw a vision there. On some high pinnacle I seemed to stand ; Beneath my eyes a greater England spread ; To the far East she stretched — where, radiant, The splendid morning rises ; to the West — Where the great sun in majesty goes down. I saw a mighty race born of this land, Speaking one language, worshipping one God, Drawing as common sap their nourishment From one great mother-vine ; new branches grown — For separate climbing — but bound, each to each, In strength of heritage and unity. Great ships I saw, like shuttles back and forth Weaving and interweaving a firm web In friendly commerce for a common gain ; New order ruled and just and righteous laws ; And all the sons and daughters of this race 78 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Were clothed upon with Christ-beholding faith As with white-shining garment. This I saw — Was it a dream — or was it prophecy ? Caedmon had visions — he was not a Saint — The consecrated Bede tells many a tale Of visions granted to the sons of men ; Perchance this was, like theirs, a Godspeech sent To comfort me with promise of the goal In my unequal fight with circumstance. The war-tracked land — burnt, harried, de- vastate ; The unschooled, ignorant people, seeing not ; The work which calls to me from dawn to eve ; Ofttimes o'erwhelm me and dismay my soul. I am like one who strives alone to fell A giant forest on a storm-black night. [In ttie distance CEDRIC appears- KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 79 Cedric ! — My heart -of-oak ! His sturdy ways Are pleasant to me. [The KING turns to meet CEDRIC. Cedric — I know your countenance, full well ; I can discern a pent-up flood kept back By courteous control. Speak ! If thy King Can serve thee — it is done. Cedric. My liege lord is a great and glorious king ; I am a churl -begot, a lowly-born, And this he ever maketh me forget. ALFRED. // is the mind of man that giveth rank ; Man's truth is his nobility* CEDRIC (aside, with emotion). O King Of mind ! O King of very truth ! Alfred. Cedric You here have followed me to speak — speak on. * King Alfred's own words. See Appendix. 80 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Cedric. I speak for Alfred, King of Eng- land, sir. He placed the Golden Dragon on this Isle — It floats in triumph, but it stands too still ! He is the Julius Caesar of to-day ; He and the Roman Pontiff could divide The earth, would he but lead to conquest new The Golden Dragon and the Saxon host. Alfred. Say it not, Cedric. Your en- kindling words Strike on my ready mind like flint on steel. If my desire were captain of my will, The whole wide world would be my battle- field Until it was my vassal — Tempt me not ! I follow Christ who is the Prince of Peace. Let not that doubting smile lurk in your eyes, My Thane, who stood beside me on the field — I fought for Christ and for His sovereignty Upon this Island. What is done — is done ; UNIVERSITY CF KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 81 And should again the dusky raven dare Upon our hearthstones its dark shadow cast, Or hide our altars 'neath its ebon wings, Then will I fight again as I have fought ; But proud ambition's call I follow not, Nor yield to lust of conquest or of fame, For Fame is but the vaunting of this world. A glorious fate for England I foresee ; But ere she meets it, she must be remade. A lawless people, restless and unlearned, Surge through our border as the untamed surf Surges perpetually upon the shore. Swart and woe-ridden lies our fruitful land ; Fierce lust of gain-getting possesses it ; Heathen communication hath corrupted it, And senseless superstition holds the glass To blinking eyes disordered by the past. Naught bindeth a man's soul down to the dust 82 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL As ignorance ; naught can so dower his soul With deed of manumission — as to know. Poor England sits in moonless, starless night Beside a fast-closed door, unschooled, un- taught ; Men cannot read the words they say to God Nor read the words that God hath said to them ; And yet, a little way beyond the door Is Light — and Wisdom waiting with his torch. Is it not better to teach men to think, To feed them with the eternal Bread of Life, Than it can be to lay them in the dust Silent and stark ? Cedric {smiling). I pray you, did you ask that of the Danes ? Alfred. I asked the Danes one question — " Will you yield ? " And straightway made them answer " Yea " to me. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 83 I then obeyed the voice of God on high And now I would obey Him in His peace. The King who pours his subjects' valour forth Or seeks afar new conquest for his pride, Leaving the harrow standing in his home, Is but a fool consumed by greed of gain. Cedric. O not for gain I plead — but that my King, Who is the destined sovereign of the world, May leave therein his monument — Alfred. I work For God and England — my best monument A godlier England. Champion-wise, my Thane, You met my thought in battle — meet it now; High vision of a loftier warfare looms, A warfare with the forces of the dark Not transitory, temporal, but fraught With everlasting issues. 84 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Cedric (with enthusiasm). My King, I follow where you lead, beneath Your royal standard on the crimson field, Or in the quiet pastures green of peace. ALFRED (drawing his sword). There spoke the faithful servant of his King ! Cedric, look on this sword ! Behold the point Made sharp for service ! Here, upon the hilt, A cross is wrought — the symbol of our faith; This holds an inward meaning, mystical. A Christian sword is consecrate to Christ To fight His holy battles for the Truth ; Those battles won, then should aChristian king Reverse the sword — thus, Cedric — and hold high The Christ-cross for the desolate dark world, To lead men on in God's name to the light. [ALFRED reverses the sword and holds the cross high above his head. CEDRIC falls upon his knees. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 85 SCENE II The following afternoon. Cornwall. A beautiful wood. The trees are touched with yellow, A carpet of thick moss covers the ground. ELFREDA comes from the left with a buoyant dancing step; she is dressed in white. Elfreda. O joyous-hearted, music-haunted wood ! O dew-fresh, sun-and-shadow woven wood ! happy wood ! Thou art my heart's own home ! 1 love the heavenward-reaching trees that sing, Waving their tossing boughs to lure me high ; I love the wood-flowers peeping from the moss, The lichen and the bracken and the fern Would I were free as any winged bird 86 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL To wander through the forest all the day ! The King hath dowered us with dignity ; I am well-mindful of his benefits ; But — O — I would that he had left me free To tryst and dance with fairies in the wood ! Now is my father set about with thought Of guarding me and making me a dame, A very stiff and stately little dame. [The strains of a harp are heard, coming nearer. Hark ! 'Tis a harp sweet-singing in the wood. Some happy, strolling, minstrel-harper comes. [She looks down the path. Nay! 'Tis a courtier, sumptuously arrayed; Now will Elfreda hear how courtiers sing ! [She seats herself under a large tree beside the path. From the right enters Sir CORNEWULF, Cup- bearer to the King, playing on his harp and singing. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 87 CORNEWULF (singing). O the Spear and the Spindle Must parted be this day ! For the Spear must speed to battle away, A battle to wage and a battle to win, But the Spindle must bide in the shadow And spin — And spin. O sorry for the Spindle, For she can never feel The glory of battle, when steel strikes steel, The rapture of the rushing, the clanging and the din, For the Spindle must bide in the shadow And spin — And spin. [As CORNEWULF sings the last line, he has nearly reached the tree under which ELFREDA is sealed; she rises and steps into the path. 88 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Elfreda. / will not — nay — I do not like to spin. Cornewulf. Who art thou, maiden, beautiful as spring ? Elfreda, I am Elfreda, daughter of that Gurth The King made free. Cornewulf {aside). Her eyes are bluer than the blue of heaven, Her hair is sunnier than the summer sun ; When she unfoldeth, she will grace the world And crown a man's estate. (Aloud.) Fair maiden, sit Beneath the branches of the burnished beech, And I will make a little song for thee ! Elfreda. Art thou King Alfred's man ? Cornewulf. Unto the death ! I am the great King's Cup-bearer — my name Is Cornewulf. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 89 ELFREDA {leaning against the tree). I will not sit — for sitting argues stay — But I will hear you, if you will not sing Of Spindles in the shadow. Cornewulf. I had not seen thee, when I made that song. [CORNEWULF sings to the accompani- ment of his harp, looking at ELFREDA as he sings. Cornewulf (singing). Beneath her maiden snows, All petal-folded deep, Lieth the fair primrose, Asleep — asleep. Her sun I now will be, My quickening fire shall make Her virgin heart for me Awake — awake ! [ELFREDA listens to the song without emotion. 90 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Cornewulf. Thou art not yet awake, Elfreda. Elfreda. Awake ? I am awake ; look in mine eyes. Cornewulf {aside). 'Twere fire to passion to gaze long therein. (Aloud.) Maiden, thy soul still sleeps and waits the dawn Of love. Wilt thou, when thy dawn-time hath come, Remember Cornewulf ? Elfreda (looking critically at Cornewulf). Remember thee ? — Thou art not so comely as the King. Cornewulf. Maiden, No man is comely by his side. Elfreda (hesitatingly). Thy voice Is not so wondrous as the King's. Cornewulf. The King's ? No voice is like the King's, but I will say Low words to thee that he will never say. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 91 ELFREDA. Wilt thou ? What are they ? Cornewulf. Ask me not to-day ; The hour for words will come — Elfreda. How shall I know, sir, that I am awake When now I know not that I am asleep ? Cornewulf. Women sleep fast and know not that they sleep, But, when they waken, then straightway they know ; Soon thou wilt be a woman, lovely maid. Elfreda. I am a woman now, King Alfred says. Cornewulf (aside). He will approve my choice — all things beclad In beauty are by Alfred well approved. (Aloud.) If one should come to woo thee, maiden, say, " 1 pledged my troth to Cornewulf, who gave His heart to me, in the same hour we met." 92 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Elfreda. No pledges and no promise have I given, But I will give not unto him who asks, Remembering thee — Sir Cornewulf. Cornewulf. Enough ! True love compelleth love by Love's own law. Keep thy fair field of flowers unpledged, and I Will win the field and foster the fair flowers. Before the time unfolds, remember this — I hold within my hand authority By my lord's grace ; I am thy trusty knight ; If thou hast need of service, call to me — To Cornewulf, Cup-bearer to the King. [CORNEWULF bows reverently to ELFREDA, who courtesies; he goes off to the left. Elfreda {looking after him). Sir Corne- wulf, Cup-bearer to the King ! — I'm very glad the Court to Cornwall came. [NuMANERA comes in sight. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 93 How pretty is the scarlet of that robe Amid the green ! — A lady of the Court, She treads as one who walks in palaces. [NUMANERA enters from the right. Numanera. I saw thee, maiden, with Sir Cornewulf. Tis well to have a care with courtiers bold; Let them not lure thee to the woods alone. Elfreda. Why ? — Lady — Numanera. Men are ofttimes dangerous. Elfreda. I found no danger in Sir Corne- wulf. NUMANERA (shrugging her shoulders, looking slyly at Elfreda). Perchance, you saw him not ! — You love the King ? Elfreda. With all my heart. Do you not love the King ? Numanera (with sarcastic homage). I honour him. 94 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Elfreda. When honour moves me, then Straightway I love. NuMANERA (regarding her searchingly). The King hath dowered you ? — You saved his life ? Elfreda. I gave him bread — no more. Numanera. Tell me the story ! Elfreda. There is naught to tell ; Our gracious King is mighty in exchange ; I gave him bread — he made my father free. Numanera. And is that all ? Elfreda. O no ! He gave us land, A stately house, and many royal gifts. Numanera (with irony). It is not strange you saw not Cornewulf. Elfreda. I saw him, lady — I can see him now. Numanera. 'Tis courtly manners to con- ceal your thought. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 95 There yet are many things to learn, fair maid, Ere you are Court-cut — will you learn of me ? Elfreda. I thank you, lady. Numanera (aside). She clothes herself with chastity for charm ; She wears the garments of sweet innocence ; Methinks the wench hath not so much to learn ! Her power is waxing — I must weld a link. (Aloud.) Soon you will come to Court ? Elfreda. Tis as the King Commandeth me. Numanera (smiling). He is your master — then? Elfreda (remembering Cornewulf's phrase). Unto the death — Numanera. Sit here, with me, and I Will tell you many stories of the Court. Elfreda. Your pardon, lady — I must hasten home. 96 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL NUMANERA (sweetly). My little Saxon maiden, we are friends ? Elfreda {with reserve). Lady, I wish you well. [Elfreda bows to Numanera and goes off to the right, walking more slowly than is her wont. Numanera (looking after Elfreda, her eyes narrowing unpleasantly). Piece fits to piece — I see the pattern whole ! A little child — with little winning ways — A bit of bread — and freedom for a fee — So blew the breezes then, perchance, but now The blossom ripens to the luscious fruit ; Her form is rounded and her proud young breasts Swell with the rising tide of womanhood. Despite his prayers and his philosophies This Alfred is no paragon. I heard A secret gossip of his early youth KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 97 From one who hunted with him in these woods ; Temptation of the flesh beset him, then ; What hath been comes again — men do not change. [Starting with sudden remembrance. At last I understand the mystery ! — The secret of the jewel of the King ! For many days Cesario hath wrought, With jealous pride of the artificer, Upon a jewel ; with his teasing smile Called me Pandora, Eve, and likesome names, When I essayed to trip from him the tale. Then, fearing silence more than word dis- creet, He warned me breathe no mention of the thing — The King would make a secret gift, he said, No one must know, and, least of all, the Queen. 98 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Here, in the wood, led by the guiding hand Of my avenging Angel, do I chance Upon the wanton secret. O kind Fate, To send me in my seething mood of wrath This instrument of vengeance ! [NUMANERA pulls a delicate branch from a bush and, ruthlessly strip- ping off the leaves, scatters them about her. I hate the Queen ! — I hate the Saxon brood ! But most of all I hate the arrogant Queen ! Long have I hated her imperious pride — It ever stirs the ancient blood of Rome To hot and fierce rebellion in my veins — But I have bowed in feigned humility That I might linger where Sir Helmwulf passed. Last night I stood behind the royal seat And saw a thing that let the devils loose Within me. Helmwulf's eyes I saw turn swift KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 99 Upon Elswitha — when she marked him not, And deep therein white worship burned. To feel That look shine on me I would crawl through Hell. Who is this Mercian dame that she should hold The dower of all things emptied in her lap ? The royal diadem — King Alfred's love — The lofty heart of Helmwulf, peerless knight ! [NUMANERA stoops, plucks some red berries from a low bush and crushes them in her hands; the red juice slowly trickles between her fingers and falls upon her gown. The purple from her shoulders I will strip And weave for her a girdle of sharp thorns — A sorrowing woman she shall bend her head ! Must I alone weep through the haunted night ? ioo KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Must I alone pluck love with bitter hands From out my heart ? — Ah ! Let her writhe awhile ! The God of Justice sends me my revenge. SCENE III An hour later. The house in Cornwall given to GURTH by the King A large Hall. To the right, a door stands partly open ; in the centre wall there is a closed door. GURTH, the neat-herd, dressed as a Saxon gentleman, walks up and down the Hall. DRIDDA, his wife, sits on a stiff wooden seat; her hair is grey, and her kind but careworn face is weather-beaten ; her hands are awkwardly folded, as though unaccustomed to idleness, and she moves as though unaccustomed to sitting still. Gurth. Ho you ! Sit up upon your chair more straight, Old dame, and do not wallow. You have look KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 101 Of churl's hut ; noble ladies sit up straight ! [With a sudden jerk, DRIDDA straightens herself. And close your gaping mouth ! A lady's mouth Is shut from flies. [DRIDDA closes her mouth with a snap. That is more seemly, Drid. Dridda. How can I tell you what I have to tell ? Gurth. You silly woodcock ! Open it for that. Dridda. Your tunic you have put on hind before. You look like any neat-herd in good clothes That he has borrowed for an holiday. Gurth. Swlf ! So it is. This costly finery Is more difficult to match than fagots. You are not all a fool. Dridda. No, Gurth, somewhat was over- left for you. io2 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Gurth. Tis easy to be master of a house — Dridda {interrupting). But not to look like one. Gurth. Elfreda fits This fine estate as she were born thereto. Why is it ? She is ours, and we — and we — Dridda. Come, say it out — we look, for all our boast, Like neat-herds. Gurth. Talk not of neat-herds ! What are they to us ? Dridda {chuckling), I saw a neat-herd, one night — in a dream ! Gurth {testily). Talk not your folly to Elfreda, Drid — Her lofty station she must learn, nor run Like a wild round-eyed hare within the wood, Singing as common wench upon the way. Ladies don't sing. Dridda. Poor ladies ! And poor me ! KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 103 Your ladies cannot sit nor sing nor speak ! Tis very weary to be gentlefolks. Gurth. Shame on you, Drid ! [Drawing himself up. We each must fit the place We're born to. Churls are churls, but gentle- men Are gentlemen. How will I come to Court If your Elfreda makes them laugh at me By manners of the soil ? Dridda. You go to Court ? [There is a noise at the door } and singing is heard without. A VOICE (singing). This merry, merry world is but a shell ! Crack it goes, and who can tell If it be Heaven or if it be Hell ! Call for the Priest, and call for the Bell, It may be Heaven, and it may be Hell. ic>4 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Dridda. Who is the clatterer before our door Dinning so loud that most unholy song ? GURTH {going to the door and opening it). Why, here's a jolly gentleman from Court As I of Court am speaking. Tis a friend — A friend ! — A little hunch-backed man, gaily dressed in motley-coloured garments, enters ; his eyes are sharp and bright ; he is laughing ; he is MONFICHET, the Kings Fool. Monfichet. The door stood open as I passed this way, I paused to say good-morrow. {Aside.) I would see How fits the neat-herd to a stately house ; It is a study for philosophers. Gurth {with effusion). You're very wel- come — very welcome, sir — O very welcome ! KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 105 Monfichet. Welcomes so many bode you wish me gone ! (Aside.) But yesterday I met this vulgar Gurth. I'm near the King — ergo, I am a friend ; He knows not of my quality at Court ; It is enough I breathe the same fine air ; Better I like the baiting of the lords Than fawning flattery. (Aloud.) Good morrow, Gurth ! Good morrow to the Lady of the House ! Dridda (aside). I've seen such curious things since I was rich ! (Aloud.) I think, sir, that's a most unholy song. Monfichet. Madam, don't think. There's nothing so fatigues The brain as thought. I never think, and thus — I keep my beauty, madam, as you see, Untouched by time. io6 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL DRIDDA (aside, but loudly enough to be heard). Poor gentleman ! I fear He's lost his wits. MONFICHET. Yea, madam, that I have. But Gurth hath double quantity for two. GURTH (drawing himself up proudly). My wits and brains have brought me where you see. Had I less brains, I'd be a neat-herd still. MONFICHET (aside). Were he still neat- herd, he would have more brains. (Aloud.) Thy brain is a bright comet — with a tail. Gurth. Men know me, Drid — You say I'm only Gurth ! Monfichet. A man is ever more than his wife sees — If Gurth were only Gurth — why — he would be Gurth only — that is plain. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 107 Gurth (aside, to Dridda). A learned wit ! His words are very wise ! Dridda (aside, to Gurth). They have no sense ! I wonder — is he drunk, or is he mad ? Monfichet. Fair lady — wilt thou take me for thy knight ? I'll crown thee Queen of Beauty in the list ; I'll wear thy colour in the tournament. What is thy colour, lady ? DRIDDA (much confused). Blue — no, red — : (Aside.) Mad — mad — he is as mad as March — (Aloud.) Green — yellow — Monfichet. Madam, must I wear rain- bows on my helm ? Dridda (aside). Mad as a cock that's shut up in a pen ! (Aloud.) Sir, are there many like you at the Court ? 108 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Monfichet. I am the one and only of my kind. Dridda. God knows it is enough, sir. Monfichet. Unhappy me ! Now must I die of love ! Dridda {aside). Mad ! He is raving mad. O ! I am sure of it. Monfichet. I heard you, madam. All the world is mad ; I am not madder than the whole mad race. In sooth, this madman, knowing he is mad, Is a sane madman not so mad as most. DRIDDA {aside y putting her hand to her head). If he stays longer, I shall go mad too. [Aloud, rising from her seat. Poor gentleman ! You need a medicine. I go to find you one — Monfichet. Save your steps, lady ; seek no medicine ; My madness is immortal. I must go ; KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 109 My lord the King awaits me — [MONFICHET bows with elaborate cere- mony and goes out. Dridda. In God's name, Gurth, who is the gentleman ? Gurth. He is a mighty minion of the Court. He often rides beside the King ; methinks He is a famous counsellor or reeve ; I met him yesterday upon the road, And we became the merry friends you see. Dridda {aside). O what a merry friend- ship ! Gurth. My name I told him, and he told me his — It was as long as charity ; it breaks The jaw to say it, so I have forgot. [In the distance^ ELFREDA can be heard singing. Hear that Elfreda singing ! By the Saints ! no KING ALFRED'S JEWEL No gentleman will stoop to marry her, And she shall not stoop lower. Dridda. Let her be. You may be wise, Gurth, but you're foolish too — Elfreda is Elfreda. Let her be. [As ELFREDA comes nearer, the words of the song are heard ; she enters singing; she bears a branch of scarlet autumn berries and waves it as she sings. Elfreda {singing). Deep in the woods the fairies dance Merrily, merrily, One — two — three ! Through the tree-boughs the moonbeams glance Silverly, silverly, Fairies to see. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL in When in the night the neat-herds sleep, Healthily, healthily, Four — five — six ! Then to the herds the fairies creep Stealthily, stealthily, Up to their tricks. Gurth (severely). Sing not of neat-herds — they are lowly folk. DRIDDA (softly, that GURTH may not hear). Vex not thy father with remembering ; Men like to rise by what they have for- got. (Aloud.) Where hast thou been, sweet Mis- chief ? Elfreda. In the woods. Gurth (crossly). The woods — the woods — for evermore the woods ! What would the great King say to your mad pranks ? ii2 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL When will you learn to spin ? — The wedding smock Is woven by your mother, and men mark Your beauty ! ELFREDA (lifting her finger and speaking softly). Father ! I am fast asleep. Gurth. What means this nonsense ? ELFREDA {laughing). Ask Sir Cornewulf, Cup-bearer to the King. Gurth. Cup-bearer ? — King ? — DRIDDA (tenderly). What whimsies wild run riot in your head ? Gurth. Whimsies or whimsies not — 'tis time for her To wed ; she is a woman — fully grown — DRIDDA (interrupting). Let her be virgin longer, Gurth, I pray ; A woman's burden weighs when she is wed. Gurth. Come, Dridda, stop your mouth with honey-mead, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 113 And teach Elfreda no fool tattle-stuff. Elfreda, wait me here — [GURTH and DRIDDA go out by the closed door. Elfreda. No solemn speech shall spoil these joyous days ; Better it pleases me to hear the birds Sing nesting - songs than talk of wedding smocks. Heigh-ho for fun ! A jocund trick to play ! 'Tis merriment to watch the puzzled frown On father's forehead, hear his muttered words — They sound like thunder, — but I see the bow ! — In this old wall I found a tiny door ; It lies concealed in this dark corner, here. [Going to the corner at the left. A thin-edged board is loose, and one light touch Opens the secret. Like a little rat H ii4 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL I entered, yesterday, the opening ; I found a tiny passage — there I'll hide. Was it not made in very sooth for me ? When father comes I'll imitate the birds ; The while he ponders, I will run to kiss Away the frowning. What if stranger comes ? I will hide close till he be gone again. Open — O little door — Elfreda's here. [ELFREDA presses open a board in the wall and, stepping in, closes it behind her; all is silent in the empty HalL SCENE IV An ancient house in Cornwall, used by the KlNG as the Royal Residence during the hunting season The QUEEN'S Chamber The same day, at the same hour as last Scene A large room hung with tapestries ; in one corner, a wide bed curtained with rich hang- KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 115 ings ; various tables and seats stand about the room. There is a door to the right, one to the lefty and one directly in the centre of the wall. The QUEEN is seated before a low table, filled with the numerous toilet -articles used by a Saxon lady of rank in the ninth century. The QUEEN wears a long, loose robe, and her beautiful hair falls over her shoulders; NUMANERA is combing it and, drawing it through her fingers, holds it up to the light admiringly, Numanera. Lady, if noble men of Rome were here — ELS WITH A (smiling). And if they were ? Numanera. They would approach the Queen As men approach Minerva, half in awe But all in reverent worship at her feet. The sunshine captive in these curls, my Queen, This beauty, this Aurora loveliness, n6 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Seem not for mortals, as the men of Rome Know mortal women in the land of Rome. Tis pity that the mighty King has set So many duties for his candled hours. He has short time, in his affairs of state, To play with roses — Elswitha {coldly). Have a care — you pull My tresses ; move the comb more gently, girl. NUMANERA. Pardon, O gracious queen — short time to chase This golden sunshine — ay, but kings are kings ! Elswitha {sharply). Yea, kings are kings — and serving-maids are maids, And not to speak of kings. Now, curl my hair. [NUMANERA drops the comb as if by accident; stooping to pick it up, she lets something fall from her bosom ; she starts, assumes great KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 117 confusion, and, with much show of apparent secrecy, hides it again; her movements attract the QUEEN'S notice, as NUMANERA intends. Elswitha. What ails you, girl ? What is it that you hide In manifest confusion in your breast ? NUMANERA {aside, but loudly enough to be heard). The Saints in heaven be praised ! She saw it not. Elswitha. Make not a tragedy of comedy ; I care not for your secrets — I but asked For pleasantness. NUMANERA {in assumed confusion). The secret is not mine ; It is — it is — the King's. Elswitha {holding out her hand). Give me the thing. \With apparent reluctance, NUMANERA hands to the QUEEN a waxen model of an ornament. n8 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Elswitha (aside). Alfred ! His name — his Saint — our flower memorial ! (Aloud.) What is this ? — Speak — NuMANERA (shrugging her shoulders). 'Tis not for serving-maids to speak of kings. Elswitha (aside). I must not strike the viper till I know. (Aloud.) You've learned your lesson well ; here is another one — 'Tis not for serving-maids to hesitate ; Whence came this waxen bauble ? Answer me ! NUMANERA (in a voice of terror). I fear the dreadful anger of my Queen. Elswitha. Then speak more quickly, that you see it not. Numanera (sweetly). I would not hurt my royal mistress — nay, I would defend her from a stinging pain. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 119 Elswitha (aside). God — how she taunts me ! (Aloud.) Listen to me, girl, I wait to hear the story of this toy, Where you have found it, wherefore hidden it— And I will wait no longer. NUMANERA (slowly, but watching the QUEEN slyly from beneath her lowered eyelashes). Lady— I— I have a brother called Cesario — Elswitha. What's that to me ? Make haste to tell the tale. Numanera. He who makes haste in marshes oft is lost. Elswitha (aside). The very demons trick me in this girl ! Numanera. My brother is no stranger to the Queen ; From Rome he came with me — 120 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Elswitha. Once have I said I would not longer wait. Numanera. My brother, who is named Cesario, Doth fashion gold like one from Heaven endowed With magic. By his handicraft he brings A lifeless jewel into life. The King Called for Cesario and gave to him This fair design which he — the King — had wrought, With strict command to copy it with care In gold and glowing colours, like a rose. Ah what a skilful artist is the King ! Lady — is it not marvellously wrought ? Here is the flower — Elswitha {interrupting). I hear the story ! — I have seen the thing. NumAnera. Twice hath the moon been rounded since the King KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 121 Gave this design unto Cesario. To-night, he carries, with a conscious pride, The golden jewel, finished, to the King ; Lady, it is more beautiful than this By so much as a flower is lovelier, When colour quickens it, than in the green. I begged Cesario to let me gaze Upon this model for his handicraft — I would contemplate a great King's design And think myself at home in doing so ; In Rome, such bits of beauty are the lot, The common daily lot, of every eye. Cesario, as ever, trusted me ; He handed me this beautiful design ; Then, as I held it, I was summoned here, And thrust it in my bosom. There's the tale. Elswitha {coldly), 'Twas well you dropped it. I will keep the wax — A King's designs are not for casual eyes. I will return it to my lord the King. 122 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL NuMANERA (apparently much agitated). My Queen — O nay — Be merciful to me ! The King — Cesario — the jewel — the King — Elswitha. Where are your wits? What doth this mumbling mean ? Numanera. The King hath private purpose for the jewel ; He told Cesario — my brother said — O Lady, he — Elswitha (sharply). What said he ? Must I shake The stupid words from out those stuttering lips? Numanera (insinuatingly). The King said it was destined for a gift. Elswitha. A gift ? So be it — Kings are wont to give. Numanera (slyly). My brother said the gift was for a maid, To whom the King hath granted rich estates — KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 123 A Saxon maid — O she is beautiful! I met her in the woods and talked with her. Her artless prattle of the King — ELSWITHA (in icy tones). My hair is not yet braided — you are slow, And twice the comb was tangled in a curl ; Your hands are over-rough for royalty. (Calling.) Edmora ! — [The head of the QUEEN'S household enters and makes a low reverence. Send me a softer-handed maid, and one With honest Saxon blood within her veins ; Take hence this alien Roman from my sight — Put her from out the Castle and the Court. [Edmora and Numanera go out together. [ELS WITH A rises; she looks at the model, turning it over and over in her hand. His Saint — his name — his sign — Yea ! It is true ! 124 KIN G ALFREDS JEWEL Since that strange day — when I beheld those eyes, Like summer blue-flowers, turned upon my lord ; Since he endowed a neat-herd with estates Because he had a daughter — all my heart Has vibrant been to echoes. Am I mad ? — No ! — It is false — false — false — I never liked This Roman with unblinking serpent-eyes ; In steady leash suspicion I will hold, Lest I should do my lord a wicked wrong. But — Ah — The torment bites ! — Alfred — my lord— My husband — O art thou like other men ? Great God in Heaven — Thou ? ACT III SCENE I Again the Queen's Chamber. Two hours after the last Scene Daylight has faded and the room is lighted by hanging lamps. The door in the centre of the wall now stands open, A transverse corridor, dimly lighted, passes the door; on the other side of this corridor, and directly opposite the QUEEN'S door, hangs an arras ; this covers the private door leading to the apartments of the KING. The QUEEN stands at the door of her own chamber; she is resplendent in beautiful garments. Her hair is curled, and a wreath of roses is wound among the curls. Elswitha. Suspicions are the pest of petty minds, 135 126 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL And doubts are bats which fly but in the night To disappear at sunrise ; mine have flown In the glad radiance of my risen love. My Truth-teller ! Did I a moment doubt The virtuous honour of thy sovereign soul ? Rather I doubt the Saints in Paradise. Forgive me, Alfred, if the bat's wing cast Its ugly darkness o'er my thought of thee ! There is his chamber — there my door to him ; And this — his door to me. O happy doors That let in love ! To-night, he hath no time For dalliance or for amorous delight. To-morrow morn, the Cornwall Hunt begins ; Now are there grave affairs of State, he said. Steward of God, my King may well be called ; He takes no pleasure till his task is done, And, ere he rides to-morrow to the Hunt, He serves the State with all fidelity. From Winchester the Bishop came, to-day, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 127 With many parchment-weighted monks, to talk Of some momentous matter with the King ; Now to the Monastery they have gone, And Alfred waits, alone, their quick return. I will surprise his solitude — I wear The garments he has often well approved, Silk-sewn and rosy-coloured, interwrought With broideries of gold. My curls are twined With fragrant roses. I will challenge him To steel his Spartan heart against my plea For one dear moment of delightsomeness In whispered word Mother of God ! What is it that I see ? — [The arras, covering the door leading to the KING'S apartment, opens and ELFREDA comes out; she does not see theQ\JEEN,in the shadow of her chamber, and stands for a moment against the arras, which has fallen behind her ; she looks to the right 128 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL and to the left as though to be sure that the corridor is free. The QUEEN swiftly crosses the corridor ; and lays her hand over ELFREDA'S mouth. Elswitha. Hush ! — Make no sound or I will strangle you. Come farther from the arras. [The QUEEN drags ELFREDA into her own chamber and closes the door. Now — speak soft. What calling had you, Base-born, there, within The chamber of the King ? I am the Queen. Confess — or, by the Mass ! you shall be slain By these two hands that hold you. Elfreda. O my Queen ! I pray you, let me go — I meant no harm. Elswitha. Go ? — I will let you go when from my head KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 129 I pluck out my two eyes for pastime. Go?— I will let you go when the blue sky is green And all the earth is azure. Answer me : Why were you in the chamber of the King ? Elfreda. Lady, I sought the King — I came to him — I came — God teach me what to say ! Elswitha. Silence ! God is no Master to teach lies. You came — That fact is manifest enough to me — But wherefore came you ? Elfreda. I was sent, Lady ! Elswitha. Sent ? — And by whom ? Elfreda. By God, I think. Elswitha. Silence ! You whitewashed sepulchre ! It is a lie. If you were sent by God, you would make haste To justify your purpose to the Queen. 1 130 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Elfreda. O Queen ! I may not ; it be- longs to God, And to the King. Elswitha. Incarnate lie ! You went — Nay, I'll not sully royal lips to speak The shame of it. [The QUEEN points to the door at the right. Look you at yonder door ! It leads into a dungeon. [ELFREDA gives a little cry of fear. Hush — no sound ! You need not struggle, for my arm is strong. [The QUEEN tears off her silken girdle and binds ELFREDA's mouth. ELFREDA does not struggle. There — I have silenced her. And if, per- chance, Upon her pouting lips, should linger still Warm kisses, this my girdle wipes them off. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 131 [The QUEEN drags ELFREDA to the door at the right, holding her with one hand, while with the other hand she opens a stout door; a dark passage is seen. Elswitha. Behold that passage ! And be- yond, that door ! Within is darkness — cold — and certain death ; And here, without, is light and living warmth. If I unbind your mouth will you confess — Tell me what led you to the Royal Room, Tell me what passed between you and the King? You cannot speak, but I can read your sign; You need but move your hand to signify Your yes to me ; I will unbind your mouth To hear you ; peradventure, should I find That you were justified in the event I will not punish you. I wait the sign. 132 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL My God ! She makes no move — she will not speak — She is convicted by her sullenness. Know you what meets the daughter of a churl, When she presumes defiance to a queen ? [The Queen turns Elfreda's /arc to the light. Once let me look at her — are her eyes blue ? No, they are grey as any rain-washed stone. Is her hair " sun-kissed " ? — as he once called mine ; No, it is colourless as stupid flax. [The Queen takes Elfreda down the dark passage. Great God ! I have her fast — Go in ! SCENE II The following day : noon. A forest in Cornwall. A glade : in the background, the open country with a lovely view of distant hills. A broad KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 133 stream runs from left to right ; large ola trees grow upon the banks of the stream and in the foreground. To the left, a path leads to a hunting-hut ; to the right } the edge of a dense wood borders on the foreground ; in the background to the right, the land rises toward the open country. By walking to the edge of the wood and over the rising ground to a knoll may be seen the eastern view, which is hidden from the foreground by the dense wood. The King's servants are spreading a repast beneath the trees, by the side of the stream. CORNEWULF, CEDRIC, and others are talking while they await the KING, who has stopped at the hunting-hut. First Court. Thank God ! The happy hunting-tide hath come ! I feel my limbs grow lusty, once again, After the weariness of endless peace ; No battles make of man a puny thing. 134 KIN G ALFRED'S JEWEL The dreary Court hath been since Atheldun Duller than any graveyard on wet days. CORNEWULF. Dull — do you find it dull ? First Court. Yawningly dull, Sir Pick-me-up ! — Cornewulf. And wherefore is it dull ? Nothing stands still ; 'Tis movement, motion, new things every- where. First Court. Give me the old things — they were merrier. Give me the roistering days of old, when men Could eat and drink and sing a lusty song. Cornewulf. They drink enough to-day, God wot, and sing Songs that make blush the angels. Must a man Eat till his leathern thong has burst to prove His gaiety — and drink till hiccoughs drown The minstrel's melody to prove his wit ? Wit is not wit that wallows in the mire ; KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 135 Wit is the brightness of the spirit's play, With fine discernment making laughter well Deep in the soul to warm it. Gaiety Is sunshine's self that sparkles in the heart. First Court, {interrupting). By Peter's staff ! You have a lengthy tongue And wag it like a clapper. Where's the fool ? [MONFICHET comes from the hunting-hut. Monfichet. Look in the glass, my lord. First Court. I looked this morning and saw Wisdom's self. Monfichet. There is no folly in the whole wide world Can equal Folly dressed in Wisdom's garb. First Court. Sir Impudence — why call you me a fool ? Monfichet. First, you're a courtier — then, you are ambitious. First Court. I grant the first impeach- ment, but the last — 136 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Monfichet. Finds you in a most narrow strait 'twixt two. If you admit it, then it stands a truth ; If you deny it, straightway it is proved. Second Court. Come — little crooked man, make sport for us ! Monfichet. The other way, my masters, it is you Who make the merry sport for Monfichet ; Things contradict their seeming oftentimes. You laugh at me because I'm called a fool — And prove yourselves the fool that I am called. All. Impudence ! Monfichet. Tell me, my masters, which do you prefer — A crooked purse, well filled with honest gold, Or a straight pig-skin, measured by the rule, And counterfeit therein ? Second Court. Good gold, forsooth ! What matter howsoever it be held ? KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 137 Monfichet. You have admitted in the metaphor That my crooked frame is but of small account. First Court. And do you dare to call us counterfeit ? You little broken-backed deformity ! Monfichet. I call you naught ; you stand for what you are, Or what you are not — as the case may be. First Court. Your damned insolence goes far — too far ; Sirrah — remember unto whom you speak. Monfichet. I speak to dust and ashes — what of that ? Cedric. You speak to lords, to Ealdormen, and Thanes. Monfichet. And who am I ? — I am your kinsman, sir. Second Court. Art thou a bastard ? 138 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Monfichet. All men are bastards if they were begot In loveless wedlock, but my princely claim Is an eternal claim, for I am son Of the great King of Heaven ; wherefore I stand Your brother. All. Brother ! Hear the fool ! Ha ! Ha ! First Court. He has turned preacher and of Sunday smells. Monfichet. There's where the fool is wiser than the wise. Straight in your bodies, strong in circum- stance, You favour devils Monday, Tuesday, yea — Wednesday and Thursday, Saturday as well, And crawl to God on Sunday, and, perchance, Remember Him on Friday. I'm the same Sundays and every day. If I forget To say my Pater Nosters at the Mass, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 139 When Sunday comes, yet I remember God On week-days. Cornewulf. If you remember God How dare you be the sinner that you are ? Monfichet. I am an honest sinner, at the worst. I hear men wailing, whining at God's feet, Bemoaning their intolerable sins, Beseeching mercy for the grievous load, And ere the echo dies upon the air They from their Pharisaic knees arise And, smiling, sin the same sweet sin again. [Looking around critically. I know a man who loudly keeps the Law And the Commandments with a trumpet blast, As he goes in and out his castle gate, His garments glistening o'er with sprinkled drops Of holy water ; but when darkness falls, 140 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL He hastens slyly to the postern gate To meet the devil by appointment there. First Court, {interrupting). I would the priest were here to sprinkle us To save us from the devil of your tongue ! MONFICHET {laughing maliciously). Fear not, my noble lord, I meant not you ; Where would my manners be ? First Court. Here comes the King ! We must be solemn now. Monfichet. How far from comprehending that great heart ! How blind ye are ! There is no man at Court Loves honest laughter better than the King — Laughter that hath a breath of morning in it ; Your laughter smacks of smut, my lords. Second Court. And yours ? Monfichet. I am a fool and feel myself at home KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 141 On dung - heaps and upon the mountain- side ; The King likes best the summit — life is choice. But yesterday I heard him say these words : " 'Tis therein that you differ from the beast ; You have within your soul the will to choose! 1 * [Alfred comes from the hut; he pauses a moment and looks search- ingly at the woods to the right : he -glances at the feast spread under the trees and, seeing that the pre- parations are not completed, he seats himself on a large fallen tree, overgrown with moss. The COUR- TIERS gather about him, Alfred. Here we will sit beside the laugh- ing burn Beneath the trees to rest awhile. The sun, Still upward climbing, marks not noontide yet. * King Alfred's own words. See Appendix. 142 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Behold the wondrous scene before us spread ! The distant hills are beautifully blue, They lie at peace in the autumnal haze ; The yellowing trees glow golden in the light ; Who would abide in houses made with hands ! Castles are prisons of necessity, And walls are barriers unto the soul. Our Lord is the supremest Architect. Behold this perfect mansion roofed by heaven, With living arches that upreach to God ! Sing — Hunters ! Sing the merry hunting- song ! Let the woods ring ! [The Courtiers sing, Alfred joining in the singing of the first verse. The Courtiers (singing). Ho ! Ho ! Quoth the King, At the hunting-tide, Let the wild woods ring As we ride — ride — ride KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 143 Over the moorland, over the lea, Through Cornwall Forest fast and free ! Blow, Hunter, blow ! To the morning wind. There are stags in the Forest Many-tin ed. Ho ! Ho ! For the hunt Of the hart and the hind ! The Court and the King, At the hunting-tide, Make the wild woods ring As they ride — ride — ride. They ride to East and they ride to West, Ever the King rides first and best ! Blow, Hunter, blow ! To the morning wind. The stag in the Forest Who shall find ? Ho ! Ho ! 'Tis the King Has the hart and the hind ! 144 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL [A man comes hurriedly from the wood and kneels before the King. He has shifty eyes and a month indi- cating cruelty; he is GUNERUNG, the Dane. Alfred does not rise; he keeps his position of careless ease y but fixes his gaze upon GUNERUNG, watching him closely. GUNERUNG. Justice — O King ! Alfred. Speak ! In the name of Justice we would rule. GUNERUNG. Sir King, there is a patch of wooded land There, to the eastward. It is mine by right, But a contentious neighbour maketh claim The stream, that cuts our boundaries like a blade, Is his, the water his, and all the fish — The many fish therein — are his alone. Now this stream turneth southward with a curve KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 145 To cross the boundary upon my side ; I hold this gives me claim upon the stream, And, also, upon all that therein is. If but the King had in his ample mind The just conditions of the boundary, He could decide the question and avoid An endless strife 'twixt neighbours. Gracious King, Beyond the line of the concealing wood The low ground rises ; there, the countryside May be discerned — my boundary and his — Sir, deign to go with me and turn your eyes, You will confer an endless benefit. I crave kind pardon from thee, mighty King, That I so far forget the dignity Encompassing a sovereign, I should dare Beseech my lord to walk a pace or two And turn his head for such a lowly one. Alfred. Our royal dignity lies not in form, Nor flatterer's remembrance of a crown ; 146 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Our kingship is not compassed by a rule ; I am the father of my people, glad To minister to all — both low and high. {Rising,) You are my subject — I will go with you. Lead on. GUNERUNG {stepping aside with feigned humility). After the King, I follow, sir. Alfred {severely). Go first — before the hunter runs the hound ! [The King aw^Gunerung walk to the right. A Courtier {aside to Cornewulf). The King is over-gracious to the Danes ; He stoops to humour them. Cornewulf {aside to Courtier). He con- quers them — He who can conquer best may humour most. [The KING and GUNERUNG have now reached the knoll; the KING stands facing GUNERUNG. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 147 GUNERUNG (pointing behind the KING). Sir King, my land lies yonder — to the east. [The King does not turn his head. Alfred (calmly). There is a little place beneath the bone In a man's back that lets the dagger through To still the heart — and if my heart were stilled What would it profit you ? GUNERUNG (nervously). My lord — Sir King — I know not what you mean. ALFRED (with majesty, holding out his hand). Give me the dagger destined for my back ! GUNERUNG (surprised and confused). Dagger for thee — O King ! [GUNERUNG looks furtively around, contemplating flight; the KING seizes him. Alfred. Let the deep wolf-cave wait on us awhile ! 148 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL GUNERUNG {aside). Is he the King of Devils, who can see My mind, with those all-penetrating eyes ? [CORNEWULF, who has seen the KlNG seize GUNERUNG, hastens to the spot, followed by the others. ALFRED {delivering GUNERUNG to the Thanes). Within his doublet is a dagger hid To cut the Cord of England — search him well ! But see you harm him not — there is a word That I would say to him. Cornewulf. Our noble King Is gifted with a vision from on high. Cedric. He reads men's purposes — fore- knows their deeds. All. Treason ! Treason ! [ALFRED walks back to the fallen tree and sits while GUNERUNG is searched. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 149 Alfred (aside). To die in valiant battle for the right Is man's best fate, but to be foully stabbed By an assassin in the back — to die By treacherous hand, unshriven and uncon- fessed, That were a fate to make the staunchest pale. By grace of God I was forewarned, last night, Of this conspiracy — yet knew I not The moment nor the manner of the deed ; Close in the wolf-cave lurked the wretched Dane, With dagger for my back — this much, I knew, No more. The while I sang the hunting-song I felt with prescient prick the dagger point, Yet must I still sing on and make no sign. 'Tis written in the unwritten Code of Kings That we must walk unflinchingly the edge Of perilous danger with a steadfast smile, 150 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Must sing of life whiles men who hold for us Blood-dripping death are cowering behind. [The dagger is found. First Thane. The dagger ! Fires of hell ! Our King's life-blood, Save for this miracle, would stain it now. Second Thane. You devil-born ! But for the King's command, You should be ground to dust I Alfred (aside). Why do men hate us ? — We but do our part As each man does the part appointed him. We did not seek the burden, cannot lay The burden down, for we were born to it Who also are but servants of our Lord The King of kings. Deeper than any deed The hatred cuts — I will essay to change it. 'Tis better to turn hatred into love Than seek a vengeance which belongs to God. [GUNERUNG is led to ALFRED. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 151 Alfred (looking keenly at Gunerung). Did you not swear allegiance to the King ? Gunerung (sullenly). When we were con quered, then I took the oath As we were forced to take it — by the sword. Alfred. False coward, Judas-traitor, sunk so deep You could resort to this most damnable deed, To strike a friend when he has turned his back To do you favour, could reward a gift With dagger and with death — O craven son Of noble Guthrum and a valiant race ! [After a pause, Alfred continues. A pity stirs within me for your soul — How very desolate that soul must be, Consumed with fires of hatred and of Hell ! What is your name ? I would remember it Henceforth in prayer. Gunerung. My name is Gunerung. t52 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Alfred. The doom of this deed, Gune- rung, is death. 'Twould need no doom to sentence you, false Dane, If I but gave you to my followers. In mercy I will save you from their wrath. This treacherous act touches alone the King, And — I forgive you, as the Christ, our Lord, Forgave His enemies. Gunerung. Merciful sovereign ! Is your God like that ? He were a God to worship if — Alfred {sharply). No ifs! Attend my word. There are no ifs. You crawled here to my feet, petitioning A favour at my hand — you humbly sued That I should turn my eyes to service you, Holding the purpose to deal death to me In very act of service. I am man, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 153 And I, as man, would lash you unto death, And hang on yonder tree your carrion foul For kites and vultures. That I do it not Proves that I am Christ's-man. Gunerung (aside). What if his God be very God indeed ! Odin, the god of vengeance, ne'er forgave. Almost I am persuaded to believe. SCENE III The Royal Residence in Cornwall. KTNG Alfred's Chamber. Late afternoon of the same day A spacious room, the sunset light coming through narrow windows. The room is hung with rich tapestries. Fur-skins are on the floor ; a large crucifix hangs upon the wall. There are many seats of different kinds ; many tables covered with parchments, rolls, boxes, numberless musical instruments, implements, 154 KINr; ALFRED'S JEWEL and other articles, showing the many-sided interests and activities of the K I NO . A L F R B I > has Just entered the. chamber ; he is still in hunting-dress. Alfred. Save for that child, I should be wandering now In Death's vast silent meadow with the Shades. For me, what unimagined mysteries In that first dawn-break of eternity! For England's lady, what a piteous plight, What fall of human teai i if they had brought Only an empty tenement of clay, When she came forth with glowing lips to meet Her lord returning ! Where now t.irrieth she ? Tis not her wont to leave me welcomeless. I sent my emissaries with dispatch To tell the story of to-day's event, Lest it should meet her inadvertently. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 155 She comes — I know that proudly royal step, Touching the earth as though with winged feet. Ki.swiTHA enters ; she moves as in a dream; her face is colourless. Thou art white, Elswitha, as the virgin snow When first it falls from chambers of the North. Beloved — art thou sick ? — Or weary ? — Nay. Am I not slow of wit ! It is thy fear Of death-fraught danger that o'ershadowed me, The picture of my peril ; but that's past ; Flash forth thy smile and make November, May. Put on the wedding raiment of thy soul, Thou art not widower! ; I am here to kiss Warm colour to the snow-drift, once again, 156 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL To banish from those terror-haunted eyes The picture of dark traitor-deeds. [From a box on the table ALFRED takes a beautiful jewel of gold and enamel. It is about two inches long, and resembles the waxen model which NUMANERA had shown to the QUEEN. The jewel is sus- pended from a long chain of wrought gold. Behold ! Here is a jewel that I made for thee — A guerdon for thy birth-night festival — I will not keep it for the appointed hour, But let it serve a cheering purpose now, As medicine to moody memories Of the foiled tragedy, the stamped-out plot ; By thy grace, Lady, I will put it on ; I will essay to clasp it fittingly ; I am a soldier — and my hands are used To sword-grip, not to dainty services. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 157 [ALFRED clasps the chain around ELSWITHA'S neck, then puts one arm lightly about her while, with the other hand, he lifts the jewel for ELS WITH A to examine. Is not the jewel fashioned well for one Unskilled in handicraft ? — Cesario The Roman wrought the gold and coloured it, But I first modelled the design in wax ; It is my work, he did but copy it ; I made it as a love-gift for my Queen. Elswitha. My lord — Alfred. The name of Alfred curves the circle here — I would my name might lie upon thy breast — And here, upon the gold is graven deep Our flower of memory to whisper thee Of unforgotten things ; here — blessing all — The holy Saint who guards our life and home, It is of many meanings eloquent, 158 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL As doth befit its destiny for one Who, in the circle of herself, combines All that is holiest and loveliest, Who meets both sides of manhood's requisite. Thou art the very flower of wifelihood. Elswitha. My lord — [ELS WITH A has been standing as though turned to stone. ALFRED, stand- ing beside her, and studying the jewel as he speaks, has not seen her face ; she is very pale, and her eyes are as the eyes of one who walks in sleep. Suddenly, Elswitha, as though breaking the bondage of a trance, moves away from him. ALFRED {regarding her solicitously). Paler than whiteness yet — and tremulous ! — Where is thy fortitude ? Thou need'st not fear The old imperilled days will come again ; There will be no uprising of the Danes. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 159 And have no fear for me — this Gunerung Is safer living than he would be dead. I did not tell thee all — the best is this, I saw the hatred die within his eyes When I forgave him, saw his enmity Turn to a look akin to friendliness. Perchance, he hath been won to Christ ; if he- Then others will be won. Thus a dark deed May serve good purpose in Life's ordering. Fate granted me the advantage of the hour In that I was prepared to act. Last night, Elfreda — that most blessed girl of God — Came to my chamber, led by Cornewulf. Once here, she bade him go as princess might. I smiled to see the love-proof Cornewulf Yielding obedience to a little maid. The sorry tale she told me with swift speech. In secret hiding in her father's Hall, 160 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL She overheard this miserable Dane, Together with another traitor, plan The foiled assassination of to-day. With steady courage, and a larger mind Than her slight frame betokens, she came here To give me warning — a courageous deed ! She well-divined the secret must be kept, Her task must be accomplished without aid ; Her loyal little heart dared all ; she came Alone, through the deep forest in the dark, And told her story with simplicity. I then commanded her she speak no word On pain of my displeasure. [As Alfred speaks, Els with a's face has grown more horror-stricken ; wildly, she unclasps the chain and holds it out to Alfred. Alfred. Elswitha — Art thou mad ? Elswitha. I would I were. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 161 ALFRED {taking the jewel from her hand tenderly). My poor Elswitha — Elswitha {with a bitter cry). I have sinned — beyond forgiveness ! [ELSWITHA rushes from the room. ALFRED sinks into a seat t cover- ing his face with his hand. For a time there is silence in the room, then ALFRED lifts his head ; his face is changed as if suddenly aged. Alfred. My God ! Hath life's unequalled anguish cast Its darkest doom upon this house ? Am I, Like Arthur, stricken by the hand I ringed In holy sacrament of marriage bond ? Her baleful beauty drew me as the moon Draws the strong ocean to the change of tide ; And if her soul was dearer unto me Than mine own soul's salvation, God is judge. L 162 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Perchance, this doom was foreordained for that ; It is my punishment. My human love Allured with rosy aureole mine eyes From gazing on the Cross. Yet, man is man ; He cannot wear monk's habit on his heart Nor curb his passion with an hempen cord. She is mine own ! — Mine own ! Where is the man Who hath defiled my bed ? Great God in Heaven ! She has sinned? Sinned and "beyond for- giveness " ? — Those words can have no meaning save the one ! My house is desolate — all desolate ; Nothing is left — I sit amid the ruins, And dark Despair sits in Elswitha's seat ; Deep in his cavernous eyes a mocking laugh KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 163 Confronts me when I turn to her old place, From dear familiar habit of the mind ; I have been robbed of all I valued most, And in my children I shall daily see Memorials of that which never was. I have not even sacred Sorrow's balm ; If she were dead and I could touch her hand, Cold but yet pure — that were a benison ; Then Memory would like a mother come To assuage the bitter poignancy of pain ; She hath not left me even memory — Each kiss burns backward with a stinging blow, Each recollected hour becomes a pang. Where is the man who hath denied my bed ? [Rising and drawing his sword. My sword in scabbard leaps to feel his blood Upon its blade, his corpse beneath its point. Across the world and over farthest seas I will pursue him — I shall know his face 164 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL When once I look upon it — I will stamp That false adulterous visage in the dust — [ELSWITHA enters softly at the right and stands by the door. Elswitha. O Alfred — O my lord ! — Alfred. Elswitha ! Thou ! — Elswitha. Ere I forever leave the para- dise Of thy dear presence, ere the door be closed For evermore to shut me out from thee Into the darkness of eternal night, O let me look once more upon thy face, And feel thy hands once more upon my brow, Commending me to mercy and to God ! My sin was great but it was born of love, My love for thee which led me to my sin. Alfred. Unhallowed words ! Bring me no sounding brass ; 'Tis blasphemy to vaunt a holy past In this black shadow of a sin-stained now. KING ALFREDS JEWEL 165 Elswitha. My lord, it was that past which made me sin. Alfred. Leave riddles — and speak plainer. Waste no words. Elswitha. I am a murderess ! — Alfred {starting). Ah ! Then — It was not—? Elswitha. With wrath I slew in purpose and desire That blessed maiden God hath sent to us As His best gift ; — twice hath she saved my lord. Alfred. Elfreda ? — Dead ? — Elswitha. No ! For I rescued her — By God's grace, there was time. But in my heart I slew her, and God saw the deed. He spread His wings above her — left alone to die — That was His mercy — but my sin was sinned. 166 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL I locked her in the dungeon ; there she lay Cold and alone in darkness — that frail flower ! When from your presence in such haste I sped It was to her ! I thought it was too late — But there was still God's merciful Perchance. I sped as swiftly as the passing wind, I reached the dungeon and unbarred the door — She prostrate lay upon the death-damp stones ; But — thanks be unto God — she breathed ! She breathed ! And when I lifted her, she opened wide Her tender eyes, and when she knew my heart, She smiled forgiveness, as an angel might. Alfred. Wherefore, Elswitha, didst thou do this thing ? Elswitha. The fiend of jealousy possessed my soul KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 167 And made my spirit stranger to myself. I heard from Numanera, yesterday, A wicked lie that flamed my heart and blood. 'Twas not alone her words that maddened me, But the unloosed thoughts that stirred again From out their covert ; thoughts that chal- lenged me When first I saw Elfreda — when I knew The King had dowered her with royal gifts. A burning shame o'erwhelms me to confess So dark a storm-cloud to your soul of light. Alfred {lifting his hand protestingly). O hush ! My soul is dark — Elswitha. I fought the doubts until sus- picion died ; With eager longing to atone for thoughts You knew not of, I waited at the door Of mine own chamber, on myway to you, Communing with you in my sorry heart ; i68 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Then, lo ! Elfreda from your chamber came ; She stood before the arras, fair and white As a May lily on a sunny morn ; Upon her lips a joyous triumph shone As if to say, in whispers to herself, 11 1 have the happiness that I desired." The blood within my veins was leaping flame ! Swift as a tigress, hungry for her prey, I seized the girl and put the questions fast ; She answered not, or yet, in such a wise She fed suspicion, even as she spoke ; Then I knew naught but one blind seething wrath ; The earth — the sky — the very air — became Hateful to me, and tremulous with red. With these my hands I could have strangled her, And marred her beauty with these fingers save For you ; one fear of you welled underneath The wrath ; I could not kill her openly, KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 169 You might surprise me and behold the deed ; I dragged her to the dungeon, locked her in, And left her there to die. The black night passed, I know not how ; the ghastly awful dawn Crept through the trees, and passed, I know not how ; The blank day rose, and passed, I know not how ; They told me of your danger, your escape, I heard and did not hear. You summoned me, I came — or rather say, I moved like one Who sleeps in moving yet can never sleep. And then I knew — you said those words to me ! Sir !— I may not breathe the air you breathe, 1 am not worthy — I must go away To live a life of penitence and prayer. 170 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Alfred (moving toward Elswitha). Els- witha, God who made the heart of love Alone can comprehend the heart He made — He will forgive our sin — Elswitha. Our sin ? — ALFRED (taking her hand, tenderly). You need not go, beloved, far from me To pray, for I have sinned the sin you sinned, And I must pray with you the prayer you pray. Elswitha. My lord — I do not hear your words aright ! — Alfred. Elswitha, in the compass of this hour, I trod the wine-press — knew Gethsemane. In all things man is tempted, like to like, And none need boast or vaunt himself, to-day, Not knowing the to-morrow nor the heart. When I forgave the Dane, I called myself Christ's-man — and even as I spoke, I fell. KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 171 The pitiable Gunerung assailed Naught but my life — so easy to forgive ! — But when the poisoned arrow touched my soul, In that black moment, I forgot the Christ ; Love-born, like yours, a murderous anger flamed ; Had it then found an outlet, it had done The very deed of murder with a laugh. Maris soul is threefold : passion is one pari* Within my soul blazed passion's scorching fire, When, by your words, I thought you false to me — I thought you loved me not. Elswitha. I love you not ? O thou who art the very fount and source Of all my being ! Thou who art a man To dower me with rapturous bliss beyond * King Alfred's own words. See Appendix. 172 king Alfreds jewel The bridal dream of women, yet a star — My Morning Star of the resplendent East, That leads my wayward soul unto the Christ- Do I not love thee ? At thy feet I kneel. [ELSWITHA kneels. Alfred (raising Elswitha). Not at my feet, Elswitha, on my breast, Thy biding-place. And when thou kneel'st to God, I will kneel near thee. Lift thy face to mine And let me drink renewal from thy lips, After the parching passion of my thirst. [Alfred embraces Elswitha ; he then goes to the table and finds the jewel. And now, Elswitha, bend thy gracious head, And let me clasp, once more, around thy throat KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 173 This golden circle ; let me lay, once more, My love-gift, Alfred-graven, on thy breast. [Clasping the chain around Elswitha's neck. Receive this jewel that I made for thee, For thee — my sweetheart, and the mother- bird Of my young Edward. [Voices are heard singingy without. The Voices. Praise we the Lord of Hosts, He saved our King. Praise we the Lord of Hosts, Come, let us sing Glory to Thee, Glory to Thee, O God Most High ! Alfred. Elswitha, we must yield our hour's delight ; 174 KING ALFRED'S JEWEL Sovereigns are subject to their people's call ; We are the servants of our destiny ; We may not close the door to shut in love Nor be alone with rapture — we belong To England. [ALFRED goes to the door and opens it. Welcome, Sir Bishop ! Greeting, in God's name ! The Bishop, the Abbot, Monks, Courtiers, and others, enter. The Bishop. My noble son and my most excellent lord, We go to render thanks to God most high For His great benefits unto this realm. He, in His mercy, turned aside the hand That basely struck at our anointed King. The Lord Omnipotent hath compassed thee With angels, Alfred, saving thee from death To serve His holy Church upon the earth ; KING ALFRED'S JEWEL 175 Full worthily for her thou hast performed High service hitherto, my worthy son. [As the BISHOP speaks the last words, Alfred kneels. Alfred. Most reverend sir, I am a mortal man ; I do what I may do but by God's grace. [Rising, Lead on, Sir Bishop, we will follow you To render thanks. [The Bishop, Monks, Courtiers, et cetera, go out. In the distance, voices are heard singing. Alfred. Elswitha ! Come, my Queen, Now we will kneel together, side by side. OF THE UNIVERSITY APPENDIX I (page ^2) " But I desired instruments and materials to carry out the work I was set to do, which was that I should virtuously and fittingly administer the authority com- mitted unto me. " Now no man, as thou knowest, can get full play for his natural gifts, nor conduct and administer government, unless he hath fit tools, and the raw material to work upon. By material I mean that which is necessary to the exercise of natural powers ; thus a king's raw material and instruments of rule are a well-peopled land, and he must have men of prayer, men of war, and men of work. As thou knowest, without these tools no king may display his special talent." King Alfred's Version of The Consolations of Boethius. Done into Modern English by Walter John Sedgefeld, Litt.D. (page 41). 177 M 178 APPENDIX II {page 79) All men and all women on earth Had first their beginning the same, Into this world of their birth All of one couple they came : " Alike are the great and the small ; No wonder that this should be thus ; For God is the Father of all, The Lord and the Maker of us. " Well-born alike are all folk Whom He hath made under the sky Why then on others a yoke Now will ye be lifting on high ? " And why be so causelessly proud, As thus ye find none are ill-born ? Or why, for your rank, from the crowd Raise yourself up in such scorn ? APPENDIX 179 " In the mind of a man, not his make, In the earth-dweller's heart, not his rank, Is the nobleness whereof I spake, The true, and the free, and the frank." Complete Works of King Alfred the Great. Jubilee Edition (page 208). Ill {page 141) " And lo ! ye have something divine in your souls, even Reason and Memory, and the discerning Will to choose." King Alfred's Version of The Consolations of Boethius. Done into Modern English by Walter John Sedgefeld, Litt.D. (page 31). IV {page 171) "I said the soul was threefold because philo- sophers affirm that it hath three natures. One of these natures is to be subject to desire, the second to be subject to passion, and the third that it is rational. Two of these qualities are possessed by 180 APPENDIX beasts in the same way as by men, namely, desire and passion ; no creature, save man alone, hath reason, and therefore he hath excelled all earthly creatures in forethought and sense. Reason must control both desire and passion, for it is a special virtue of the soul." King Alfred's Version of The Consolations of Boethius. Done into Modern English by Walter John Sedgefield, Litt.D. (page 90). UNIVERSITY OF UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRA RY THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW OCT 25 *» SEP 211917 30m-6,'14 Ca yB 32G42 192881