 | Godfrida |  |
ACT IV.
SCENE.—Theodoric's Tower. The ruins of a Gothic castle situated on the crest of a low hill. A mouldering ivy-covered wall stretches obliquely from right to left. The wall decreases in height towards the left, and is finally broken away, showing the ridge crowned in the near distance by a tower. On the left down to the front are trees: on the right, a gateway and a few trees. In the middle of the wall is a large window about three feet from the ground; the ivy grows all round and outside the window. On the extreme right is a low doorway in the wall. Near the centre of the stage a fragment of masonry to serve as a seat. Behind and over the wall the sky alone is visible. There are five entrances: by the window in the centre; by the low doorway on the right; by the gateway; and an upper and lower left entrance.
It is evening when the act opens, and the sun has sunk by the end of it.
On the rising of the act-drop Ingleram is standing at the window and Dagobert is looking out on the left.
With the exception of Anselm, in this act all the men are armed according to their rank.
Ingleram
[turning to Dagobert].
Well, and I care
not who knows it, I would sooner watch a battle from
this window, than have the whole credit of gaining
one.
Enter Cyprian, lower left.
Dagobert.
Have you seen Berthold?
Cyprian.
I passed him on my way hither. Adomar
had him in his clutches.
Ingleram
[who has crossed to the left].
Here comes
Berthold—with Adomar. We shall never get rid of the
fool.
[Comes down stage. They stand close together.]
Are we agreed? Is the signal understood?
Dagobert.
Yes; when the battle is about to begin,
Esplandian's trumpets shall sound retreat, and in the
amazement and confusion of this we change sides.
Ingleram.
And we four together charge Siward.
Cyprian.
How many men have you?
Dagobert.
Why, half the army is with us in spirit.
The rank and file hate the Norseman and his tight rein.
Cyprian.
But have you no list of names? I trust only
acknowledged traitors.
Dagobert.
Oh, yes! some hundreds.
And these will go over compactly in the
sight of both armies?
Dagobert.
Yes.
Enter Berthold and Adomar, upper left.
Adomar
[before and as he enters].
Now, for my
part, sorcery is one of those things that a man may very
well consider twice or thrice before—
Ingleram.
Berthold, we had some words yesterday—
your hand.
Berthold.
I have forgotten.
Ingleram.
In the palace.
Berthold.
No; my memory is like an empty sponge,
and my head aches like a beaten anvil. Adomar, tell
them the news.
Adomar.
Why, gentlemen, the Duchess has come
into the camp with a bevy of ladies. They have watched
Siward carry all before him in the lists—including me.
Now they wish to see him win a battle. And here they
will take their stand.
Ingleram.
Ay, ay, Adomar! Well, since the Duchess
is the prize for which Esplandian fights, it is fitting she
should be in evidence.
Adomar.
Yes. But do you know what Isembert is
saying?
Ingleram.
No, Adomar.
He says that I have developed a fine vein
of irony—which was unsuspected in me.
Ingleram.
Ah!
Adomar.
But is your niece really a sorceress,
Ingleram?
Ingleram.
Oh yes! like all handsome ladies. The
vein of irony, Adomar; show us the splinter that pleased
Isembert.
Adomar.
Why, it was thus. The Duchess asked me
to marry Godfrida, but I said, “No; seeing she is so
high-spirited, I perceive I am no mate for her.”
[They
stare at him blankly.]
Well, Isembert thinks it highly
ironical. I didn't mean it, of course; but I said it: you
see Godfrida looked at me so fixedly I spoke without
thinking.
Cyprian.
That is how the truth always leaks out.
Adomar.
Is irony truth?
Dagobert
[pointing to the left].
Look! Siward with
Ludovic and those of his person.
[Godfrida enters on the right, and seeing her uncle goes out immediately.]
Berthold.
They are coming this way.
Ingleram.
No; I think not. They can observe the
enemy as well where they are.
Berthold.
We have a better view here.
Let us slip past them. The trees will
screen us.
Adomar.
Isembert said it was irony. He said I must
have meant it ironically, and I believe Isembert.
Cyprian.
Stick to that, Adomar.
[All except Adomar go out by lower left.
Adomar.
Yes; but don't you also think it highly
ironical?
[About to go out.
Re-enter Godfrida on the right.
Godfrida.
Adomar! Adomar!
Adomar.
Godfrida!
Godfrida.
Help me, Adomar. Tell Siward I am here.
Adomar.
Tell Siward!—Yes; but why not go to him
yourself?
Godfrida.
It must not be known that I have come,
unless Siward sanctions my presence. See that no one
hears you but Siward. Quickly, I beg you, Adomar.
[Adomar goes out upper left. Godfrida, screening herself behind the trees, looks out left for several seconds; then with a gesture of delight crosses to the window.
Enter Siward, upper left.
Godfrida.
Siward!
Siward.
Godfrida!
Godfrida.
I have come to you!
Alone?
Godfrida.
Alone.
Siward.
On foot?
Godfrida.
On Pericles,
My palfrey. In a wood I tethered him
A mile away: if I had ridden here
I might have been discovered by my foe
Ere I had seen you. Will she send me back?
Oh, may I stay?
Siward.
My word is here supreme!
And stay you shall, most gallant wanderer.
Godfrida.
Who, if not I, should see you in the field?
Let me not hinder you. Where shall I go?
Siward.
The battle is not yet.
Godfrida.
When will it be?
Siward.
I cannot tell. I wait to be attacked.
Godfrida.
But is it brave to wait?
Siward.
Sometimes it is.
Courage endures vexation and delay,
Biding its time while frantic cowardice
Leaps to unlooked-for ruin. Timid souls
Are always in a hurry.
Godfrida.
Am I then
A timid soul? I hurried; I was vexed.
I thought how other ladies watching you
And jealous of them all I took the road.
Siward.
Out of your shining eyes your brave soul leans
As from your lattice once your body bent;
You are all light and fragrance, fire and dew.
Godfrida.
Oh, as I galloped hither, in my ears
The rushing wind like war-trumps sang! I heard
The snap of riven lances, and the clash
Of blades, the thudding mace, extorted cries,
Deep groans and stifled breath!—drums, cymbals, bells;
And in a flashing vision you I saw
Order the battle horsed on victory.
Siward
[pre-occupied. Pointing through the window].
The victory will be thrust upon our hands:
Esplandian cannot wait. He shifts his front;
Moves here and there, extends this wing or that,
Until his army like a restive horse
Unaptly managed, plunges desperately.
Here you can watch the fight. Now I must go.
Godfrida.
Let me go with you. Just a little way.
[They go out upper left.
Enter Ermengarde, Isembert, Ludovic, Anselm, and Lieutenant, with Ladies, Maids-of-Honour and Halberdiers.
Ermengarde.
He is not here.
Madam, he went this way.
Adomar came for him.
[Isembert, looking out upper left, points out Siward and Godfrida to Ermengarde, who then comes down to the centre of the stage and sits, holding her hand to her heart. Her maids come about her with assistance, but she motions them away.
Ermengarde.
Leave me awhile.
[All go out except Isembert, and he is about to follow.
Not all alone. [Isembert stands beside her.]
—I should have burned the witch!
The brilliant day a smoky hovel seems
While she free-hearted breathes. Oh, Isembert,
Can nothing help me now?
Isembert
[with disdain].
A steadfast will;
That always can avail. Clasp to your mind
The reason why you set Godfrida free:
Your Duchy was at stake, and Siward's sword
Your only hope: you dared not thwart his love.
Ermengarde.
I care not for my Duchy! I was faint
With rending passions, and my memory
Oblivious of the true alternative—
Her life or mine. Counsel me now again.
Isembert.
They are not married yet.
[rises eagerly].
True, Isembert!
What then, my friend?
Isembert.
Nothing, except that chance
Is active in the world.
Ermengarde.
The chance of war?
Isembert.
A thousand things may happen.
Ermengarde.
Certainly!
Siward may fall. That would not be amiss.
I hate him while I love him.
Isembert.
Love is blind
Until it learns to hate the thing it loves.
Ermengarde.
Godfrida . . . Isembert! The chance of war!
Godfrida—she might fall!
Isembert.
Hardly by chance.
Ermengarde.
But it might seem to be! If she were dead,
Out of her grave my life would grow again!
Her life or mine! Oh, you can help me now!
Isembert.
The chance of war? The license of the camp:
The sutler's men; the rabble—murderers
Among them; robbers, bravos. Killed?—and robbed?—
But Siward would not love you.
Ermengarde.
What of that!
If this one hated creature be not she.
Oh, will you understand a woman's heart!
She was my rival, and she baffled me.
Isembert.
If I devise Godfrida's murder, think
Whose death would follow quickly.
Ermengarde.
Whose, then?
Isembert.
Mine.
You see, I understand one woman's heart.
Ermengarde.
What! I would have you killed?
Isembert.
Infallibly.
Ermengarde.
Because I would be in your power?
Isembert.
Even so.
Ermengarde.
You understand me not at all, my friend.—
Who knows my subtle brain, my fiery soul?
Nay, I remember all your adoration!
Oh, if you love me let Godfrida die!
Isembert.
And afterwards? How soon should my time come?
Ermengarde.
When it should please you.
Isembert.
Please me?
Ermengarde.
If my life
Be by her death preserved—and in her death
Alone lies hope for me!—I owe my life.
Your life?
Ermengarde.
Myself.
Isembert.
You owe yourself to me?
Ermengarde.
It would amaze the world! But we should stir
Amazement more profound; for we have brains.
What could we not accomplish, Isembert?
We'd make Provence a kingdom once again!
Isembert.
You mean to marry me—to be my wife?
Ermengarde.
If you will have so deeply scorned a gift
As my poor broken heart.
[Watching Ermengarde closely, Isembert kisses her hand, and then her cheek.
Isembert.
By chance of war.
Ermengarde.
My wounds begin to heal.
[A confused noise of voices is heard from the left.
Isembert.
What is it now?
[Re-enter by the lower left Ludovic, Lieutenant and Halberdiers with Marcabrun and Melchior. The Ladies crowd in the entrance. Marcabrun and Melchior are dressed in rags and rusty armour. They carry long-swords; and have the appearance of thorough scoundrels.]
Who are these, Ludovic?
They look like spies.
We found them lurking in a thicket near.
Isembert.
Most problematic rogues! Leave them to me.
Ermengarde
[affecting gaiety].
Come, let us find our amorous general.
[Ermengarde, Ludovic, Anselm, and the Ladies go out by the upper left.
Isembert
[to Marcabrun and Melchior.]
Come
here.
[to Lieutenant.]
Stand aside.
[Lieutenant and
Halberdiers draw off, and the Spadassins approach Isembert,
who is seated.]
What are you?
Melchior.
We are poor fellows, sir.
Isembert.
You look like crafty rascals. Are you spies?
Marcabrun.
Oh, no, sir! Crafty rascals, but not spies.
Melchior.
There's no deceiving you, sir. We are
Provençals.
Isembert.
Of what town?
Melchior.
Saddlers of Aix, sir.
Isembert.
And why have you left your work?
Marcabrun.
It left us, sir.
Isembert.
You must not lie to me. You robbed your
masters and decamped. You are thieves, human vultures,
come hither to strip the dead. And I suspect you
of another trade. These long-swords. If a man had an
enemy, now?
What do you take us for?
Marcabrun.
For cut-throats, to be sure! He has an
enemy.
Isembert.
What if I had an enemy?
[He rises, and the three draw close together.
Marcabrun.
For ten broad pieces you could say
indeed, “I had an enemy.”
Isembert.
Both of you shall have a score of broad
pieces.
Melchior.
In hand?
Isembert.
Five in hand. The rest when the deed is
done.
Melchior.
Ten in hand.
Isembert.
Five in hand; or you shall hang off-hand.
Marcabrun.
Let it be.—When and where shall we
receive the balance?
Isembert.
Be at the gate of the Cathedral of Arles
to-morrow by sunset.
Marcabrun.
Who shall bring it?
Isembert.
I, or another.
Marcabrun.
Who are you, sir?
Isembert.
That is not in the bargain.—I shall keep
you under arrest in the meantime. When I set you free,
you must hide in my neighbourhood. After the battle
standing beside me on my left.
Marcabrun.
Observe a lady standing on your left.
Isembert.
Your swords are in your hands as you rush
past.
Marcabrun.
And being beside ourselves with fear we
might in our panic wound the lady.
Isembert.
Death.
Marcabrun.
Kill her outright by one of those untoward
accidents.—And afterwards?
Isembert.
Continue your flight. Save yourselves.
[The pair move a little aside and consult in whispers.
Marcabrun.
On your left, sir?
Isembert.
On my left.
[Giving money.]
I shall seem to repel your attack;
but heed nothing I may do or say.
Marcabrun.
It is understood, sir.
Melchior.
Unless we see a clear way of escape we
harm no one, remember.
Isembert.
That also is understood.
[Recalls Lieutenant.]
Resume your charge. These are not spies.
Proceed.
[Lieutenant and Halberdiers march Marcabrun and Melchior out lower left.
She means my death: she could not marry me!
Yet stranger things have been . . . I kissed her cheek.
Would mere dissimulation suffer that? . . .
I'll play the great game as it should be played:
There is one way alone—the way to win.
[Kettle-drums are heard from the valley. Re-enter Lieutenant with Marcabrun, Melchior, and Halberdiers.
Well?
Lieutenant.
The Duchess is returning sir.
Isembert
[takes Marcabrun and Melchior to the low doorway at the back].
Down there; and see you do your
duty.
[Marcabrun and Melchior go out.
Re-enter Ermengarde lower left.
Isembert.
Esplandian descends into the plain.
Ermengarde.
As Siward said he would.—Is it
prepared?
Isembert.
Yes.
Ermengarde.
Shall I see it?
Isembert.
Yes, if you look on.
Ermengarde.
I spoke to her—Oh! civilly enough!—
Her senses reel with love and pride. She comes
To watch the battle here.
And that is well,
For she must stand by me.
Ermengarde.
I shall take care.
Isembert.
[indicating Halberdiers].
These must be further off.
Ermengarde.
Appoint their place.
Isembert.
Station yourselves among the cypresses.
[Lieutenant and Halberdiers are about to file out, upper left, when Godfrida and Anselm enter quickly, and cross to the window. Maids-of-Honour and Ladies enter, some upper and some lower left, and look over the wall where it is lowest. The Halberdiers go out, but re-enter when the trumpet sounds and look over the wall among the ladies. Ermengarde, standing near the centre of the stage, watches Godfrida. Isembert, near the front, on the left, watches the whole scene.
Anselm
[seated in the window].
I cannot see him yet.
Godfrida.
There, Anslem! Look!
He rides to battle!
Anselm.
And I am dangling here
Among the women on a ruined wall!
I have no chance, Godfrida!
Godfrida.
You shall see
The sky broods over him; the breathless winds
Are listening: when the silver clarions sound
Siward shall gather victory like a rose.
[A trumpet sounds from the valley.
Ermengarde
[rushes to the window].
What's that?
Isembert
[goes to the window].
A note of truce or of retreat!
Our troops go over to the enemy!
Ermengarde.
What! my Provençals! God, I cannot look!
[Comes down stage and sinks on the seat.
Godfrida.
They strike at Siward!
Anselm.
Ah! he is betrayed!
They hem him round! His own men turn against him!
Ermengarde.
Who leads the rebels?
Isembert.
Dagobert, I think.
They swarm and shift. What!—No; I cannot tell.
[Comes down quickly to the front.
[To himself.]
This was their plot then! And my Cyprian
The foremost in it—sombre, subtle knave!
Godfrida.
But look at Siward, fighting! See him there!
He makes a space about him!
Back to back,
Some one supports him! Thangbrand it must be.
I too shall help him!
[Goes out by the window.
Godfrida.
Go, my brave one; go!
Tell Siward I am waiting for him here.
Isembert
[at the front. To himself].
On whose left shall I stand?
If Siward falls
Godfrida might be mine. That I must watch.
[Goes quickly to the window.
Is Siward down? I cannot see him now.
Godfrida.
I think he cut his way out of the throng.
Isembert
[comes down to Ermengarde].
Madam, you must determine—
Ermengarde
[weakly].
Let me be!
Isembert
[comes down to the front. To himself].
Provence is doomed! This feeble halting soul,
Aghast in her despair, would cling to me
With poverty and ruin for her dower.
The other woman, like a fount of hope,
Could help a beaten man to win the world.
On whose left shall I stand? The temptress there,
The woman who desires the other's death,
Madam, I think
I'd better put an end to your distress.
[A restless movement has been in progress among the Halberdiers. One or two have already stolen stealthily out.
Lieutenant
[panic-stricken].
Esplandian charges home; the game is up;
Our men on all sides fly! Each for himself!
[Comes down to Ermengarde.
Madam, you must with us. Come!
Halberdiers.
Save yourselves!
[The panic becomes general. Halberdiers and Ladies rush out upper left. One of the Halberdiers drops his halbert. Ermengarde staggering to her feet picks it up.
Ermengarde
[leaning on the harlbert].
Here shall I stay, and this shall guard me now!
[Lieutenant goes out upper left.
You paltry coward!
Isembert
[to himself].
So! some courage yet! . . .
The quaking murderers must now be near. . . .
Why should they kill at all? I see no cause;
No end to serve, since Siward's overthrow
Destroys the world I make. Or does some power
Before the hurrying issue, life or death,
I have become impartial destiny:
I hold the balances; I must be just!
Neither shall die!
Re-enter Marcabrun and Melchior by the low doorway at the back, running with drawn swords. Seeing Isembert standing alone, they halt. Isembert signs to them to withdraw; but Ermengarde attacks them frantically with the halbert.
Ermengarde.
More cowards still! Go back!
Back! Would you live for ever? Back and fight!
[The Spadassins defend themselves. Isembert running to Ermengarde's assistance gets upon her right.
Isembert.
Hold, villains! Hold your hands!
Marcabrun and Melchior.
Upon your left!
[They wound Ermengarde and run out on the right. The halbert falls from Ermengarde's hands. Isembert supports her, and Godfrida runs to her assistance.
Ermengarde.
Godfrida. [Tries to push her away. Godfrida moves from her.]
Isembert, did they mistake?
Isembert.
Help her, Godfrida.
Godfrida.
No; my post is here.
Ermengarde.
The tournament is over. . . . Home, my lords!
Godfrida.
Poor lady! I will go a little way.
[Isembert and Godfrida help Ermengarde out, lower left.
Enter Dagobert, upper left, meeting Ingleram who enters, wounded, on the right.
Dagobert.
I cannot find him anywhere.
Ingleram.
Nor I.
Is that Godfrida?
Dagobert.
Yes, with Isembert.
They help the Duchess hence. Her reign is done.
Where are the others?
Ingleram.
Berthold fell; I saw
The thirsty earth lap up the drunkard's life.
Dagobert.
But Cyprian?
Ingleram.
Wounded to death, he says.
Dagobert.
If Siward has escaped I'll find him yet.
[Goes out by the right.
Ingleram.
And I'll find out a surgeon. If this fop
Encounters Siward single-handed, why
Berthold and Dagobert and Cyprian dead,
Old Ingleram's the only gleaner left
After Esplandian's harvest in Provence!
I'll find a surgeon for old Ingleram—
A gentle surgeon for old Ingleram.
And for this damsel-errant niece of mine,
I'll yoke her with a husband speedily.
[Goes out upper left.
Re-enter Godfrida lower left. She crosses to the window and looks out. Then re-enter Isembert. He stands for a moment, then goes to Godfrida and lays his hand on her shoulder.
Isembert.
Godfrida.
Godfrida.
Leave me, sir.
Isembert.
The Duchess paid
Her life for yours. I would have saved you both:
But malice, in the saddle, spurs a course
Uncurbed, although repentance leap behind.—
The past is done with; here for us begins
Another age, another world. Defeat,
Like death, opens the gate of life: my soul
Arises from the mouldering sepulchre
Of mean ambition, spotless to achieve
A new device, a cognizance divine.
Of love, no hint, no glance shall trouble you:
You shall be high and sacred. Come!
Godfrida.
I wait
On Siward. I am his.
Isembert.
Siward is dead.
Godfrida.
He is not dead! I saw death at his side
In ghostly armour like an angel fight
Against his foes.
[Re-enter Siward by the window. He has lost his helmet, but is unwounded.]
If he be dead
Behold his radiant spirit!
Siward.
Isembert,
I underlie your challenge, and shall rob
The gallows of a villain.—Quickly, sir.
Isembert
[choking].
Devil! who sends you here to damn my soul?
Out of the earth an elemental hate
Invades my spirit at the sight of you,
Dethrones my newly crowned benevolence,
And hurls me at your throat, stark ruffian!
Now, for Godfrida!
Siward.
For Godfrida, sir!
[They fight.
Now! now!
[He stumbles.
Siward.
You'll spit yourself upon my sword.
Take time; take breath.
Isembert.
Your breath I mean to take!
He who in single combat conquers you,
The undefeated warrior, reaps your fame,
And on my brow I swear to set that wreath.
[Attacks Siward.
Siward.
Not in this region was my conqueror born.
[He drives Isembert towards the window.
Isembert.
Now! For Godfrida! Now! Help me, my heart!
[He is driven over the window mortally wounded, the word “heart” being prolonged into a despairing shriek. Siward crosses quickly to the right and listens intently. Godfrida looks fearfully over the window, and then runs to Siward.
Godfrida.
Unsparing death! most terrible it seems!
Must we die too?
Siward.
Yes; when our time shall come;
Not now.
Godfrida.
But, Siward, Ermengarde is dead.
Siward.
How did she die?
By treachery. I fear
She fell upon the swords she aimed at me.
Siward.
Treason on every hand—a pestilence
Inherent in the air!—They come?—Not yet!
Godfrida.
Who come?
Siward.
My horses. Thangbrand brings them up,
And Anselm. Hearts of gold! They will not fail:
When Thangbrand sounds his horn the way is clear.
Godfrida.
Betrayed and hunted, why are you so glad,
So like a conqueror?
Siward.
And so I am!
I cleft a passage through a hundred foes!
Each nerve and sinew, every sounding pulse
That marks the tramp of life along my veins
Is charged to do my will triumphantly.
Anselm shall guide us safe to Avignon,
And there we shall be married.
Godfrida.
When?
Siward.
To-morrow.
Knight-errant and his lady, we shall ride
Across the plains of France, home to the north
Where kindly cold can temper human hearts,
And faith unflinching welds the souls of men.
Godfrida.
Our souls are welded.
[taking both her hands].
Will you come with me?
Godfrida.
Now, as I am. Take me to life or death.
Siward.
The way is long.
Godfrida.
My love will never end.
Siward.
I have no friend, no fortune but my sword.
Godfrida.
I bring you nothing—nothing but my love.
Siward.
Peril shall haunt our steps.
Godfrida.
Peril is wine:
I know its exaltation!
Siward.
Calumny
May overcast your fame.
Godfrida.
Not in your thought!
You cannot frighten me. I am your mate!
Siward.
My mate? my queen!
[The low note of a bugle is heard on the right.]
The signal!—Think again.
Godfrida, will you, dare you follow me?
Godfrida.
Sweetly and valiantly through all the world.
Curtain.
| Godfrida | |