ACT IV

Hen.This is a fitting room for Death's cold jest;So proudly hung, and filled with comfort's chattels,As though its owner hoped long respite fromA clayey bed. Where is the tenant, father?Friar.She'll enter presently,—ah, even now.[Henry puts on cowl. Enter lady Albemarle, bearing a small box which she holds to her bosom]La. Alb.Father, hast brought the holy man? The saintWhose prayer may save the soul already damned.Fr.Good daughter——La. Alb.Ha! Good devil! That were better!He's here? Well, send him back. I've changed my mind.I will not see him,—no, nor you!Fr.Farewell.La. Alb.Nay, do not go! Wouldst leave a soul in hellFor humor of the tongue?[Friar returns to her]My soul? Pah, sir!You think a priest can save it? I want notYour prayers, but your good service to set rightA wrong. Don't mumble over me! I speakBecause I'm dying. Had I hope to live,Then right might shift for itself. And you call thisRepentance! Pah! Who can keep mum when deathTurns the last screw? You know the earl of Kent?My brother?Fr.Yes, my daughter.La. Alb.I know thatWill make his peace with Henry—foolish king!I must go back to tell you—years and years.[Turns away as if musing]Fr.Speak, lady, in God's name.La. Alb.I'll tell you all.But I'll not kneel. I've lived too much on knees.... See? Albemarle! He has as many bodiesAs he has wishes to keep spy on me.... He's gone, and did not speak. He never speaks,But there's a sort of beast sits in his heartThat growls and I do hear it.Fr.Peace, good lady.La. Alb.Ah, good again. Foul, foul and villainous!Come here, thou holy man. To you I'll speak.Dost think that ever I was beautiful,And these long locks once bound a king to me?Hen.A king?La. Alb.Ay, royal John. A king indeed!Angel to me though devil to the world.None loved him but his Eleanor,—none, none!The rest were mistresses unto his throne.I gave my heart, he took me up to his.Ah, father, do you think that is my sin?That is my joy, my glory, my one pride.I'll ne'er repent it until I repentThat e'er I smiled or felt myself alive.Repent? Nay, father, not till I believeThat marble women are more dear to GodThan we whose hearts are warm with the same loveThat beat in His when worlds leapt from His joy.Come back, O golden summer, when there dweltTwo happy beings in a magic wood,Treading not earth but soft enchantment's air,Until the beast came! There, do you not see him?Away, black Albemarle! O, mercy, Heaven!... Then there was Glaia, bud of our true love——Hen.Glaia!La. Alb.O, happy I, when he my kingBent over me and said, "Sweet, she is ours!"Hen.My sister!La. Alb.What dost say? Thy sister? Ha!Base monk, I tell thee that her blood was royalAs Henry's own! Ay, nobler! Who shall sayMy spirit leapt not o'er pale Isabel's?[Retreats to couch by which is a small table. Puts box on table and lays her head upon it, weeping]Hen.Then Glaia was my sister. Did you hear?Fr.I heard what I well knew beforeBy my heart's guess, but had no proof of it.La. Alb.[Starting up]Hear, father! You've heard nothing yet. Last nightI killed her. Do you hear? I killed her.Hen.O!La. Alb.You hear? Ay, for you gasp and mutter prayers.I thought to go and watch her while she slept,And walked a devil with me who held closeA dagger—Hubert's—that's my brother, monk.Still, still, ye swirling fiends that in my brainKeep your hot dance! Be still!... She lay asleep,Pain in her heart and beauty on her brow;Her curls—her father's curls—around her face.One fell upon my wrist—and see, a burn,As though its gold were fire. She turned to me,And murmured as her father did in sleep;Then, in my hand the knife arose, and fell,And as my brain rocked sick I heard him say,My lover, bending o'er me, "She is ours."[Pauses]Hen.And then?La. Alb.What next I know not, but I thinkSome cunning led me to conceal the deedAnd make escape. I left the dagger there.'Twas Hubert's. You had best be quick, or harmWill come to him. The world is such a fool!But wait—O, wait till I am dead! I amA coward born, and life has bred me such.Hark! Albemarle is coming! Lock the door![Runs to the table and takes up the box]Look—in this box—my lover's letters—see!I have the key. I'll give it to the devil,And Albemarle may look for it in hell.O, I am dying! Hide them for me, priest.My letters from my king. I'll burn them all.Nay, nay, sweet, pretty words, lie down with me.Together we'll grow cold. Ye'd fire enough,God wot![Lies on couch]Glaia is dead. Be quiet now.Hast heard I was her mother? There's a secret—No—no—I must not speak it—but 'twill outBy doomsgate, so they say. You are a priest;Canst tell how far 'tis from the grave to hell?You think they'll let me lie a little firstAnd see how 'tis to sleep? 'Tis a long walk,I'll lie quite still, and give no trouble—none.[Dies]Hen.Help! Something to revive her.Fr.It were vain.Earth has not such restorative.Hen.Not dead?Fr.The heavenly amaranth alone can dewHer brow with life.Hen.O, Hubert! What am I?Let me crawl to thy feet, cast off my crownAs I cast off this cowl, and lie in dustBefore thee! O, too late![To friar]'Tis as you guessed.And each confessed in sacrificial loveHoping to save the other. Tell me nowWho plays the angel here?Fr.My liege, one whoWould not be here but that he fears no death.[Removes his cowl]Hen.Roland!Wynne.My king!Hen.Not king, but friend,And equal in this woe. Rise! 'Tis no timeTo kneel. What must we do? Now MargaretIs safe—but Hubert? Even now they doom him.Barons and church are leagued to prove him guilty,Nor have I power against their proof to pardonAnd keep my throne.Wynne.Take courage. Thou art king.Hen.To th' tower then. If majesty is yetA word of might, we'll dare them all.Wynne.Now speaksYourself.Hen.I'll be the king!Wynne.You fill my heartWith singing prophecies.Hen.But first we'll giveAn order for the noble burialOf this poor woman. Glaia's mother, Roland.She called me brother, and would have it so.Ah, little sister, did the angels tell you?You lived so much with them.... 'Twas I who killed her.My very hand, and not this poor mad woman's.I slew them both. Oh, oh, oh!Wynne.Dear my lord,Leave grief unto the grave, that it best decks;The living call us now.Hen.You talk so, sir,Who did not love her.Wynne.O, my lord!Hen.You did.Forgive me, friend, that I forgot your heart.Wynne.If constancy past sacrifice of hopeIs love, I loved her, sire. If to be trueTo every wish that rises from her graveIs love, I love her still. But you, my liege,Cloud your fidelity, wasting in tearsThe moments now devoted by the starsTo rescue one she loved.Hen.Shame me no more.We'll give an order here, then to the tower![Exeunt]

Hen.This is a fitting room for Death's cold jest;So proudly hung, and filled with comfort's chattels,As though its owner hoped long respite fromA clayey bed. Where is the tenant, father?

Hen.This is a fitting room for Death's cold jest;

So proudly hung, and filled with comfort's chattels,

As though its owner hoped long respite from

A clayey bed. Where is the tenant, father?

Friar.She'll enter presently,—ah, even now.

[Henry puts on cowl. Enter lady Albemarle, bearing a small box which she holds to her bosom]

La. Alb.Father, hast brought the holy man? The saintWhose prayer may save the soul already damned.

La. Alb.Father, hast brought the holy man? The saint

Whose prayer may save the soul already damned.

Fr.Good daughter——

La. Alb.Ha! Good devil! That were better!He's here? Well, send him back. I've changed my mind.I will not see him,—no, nor you!

La. Alb.Ha! Good devil! That were better!

He's here? Well, send him back. I've changed my mind.

I will not see him,—no, nor you!

Fr.Farewell.

La. Alb.Nay, do not go! Wouldst leave a soul in hellFor humor of the tongue?[Friar returns to her]My soul? Pah, sir!You think a priest can save it? I want notYour prayers, but your good service to set rightA wrong. Don't mumble over me! I speakBecause I'm dying. Had I hope to live,Then right might shift for itself. And you call thisRepentance! Pah! Who can keep mum when deathTurns the last screw? You know the earl of Kent?My brother?

La. Alb.Nay, do not go! Wouldst leave a soul in hell

For humor of the tongue?

[Friar returns to her]My soul? Pah, sir!

You think a priest can save it? I want not

Your prayers, but your good service to set right

A wrong. Don't mumble over me! I speak

Because I'm dying. Had I hope to live,

Then right might shift for itself. And you call this

Repentance! Pah! Who can keep mum when death

Turns the last screw? You know the earl of Kent?

My brother?

Fr.Yes, my daughter.

La. Alb.I know thatWill make his peace with Henry—foolish king!I must go back to tell you—years and years.[Turns away as if musing]

La. Alb.I know that

Will make his peace with Henry—foolish king!

I must go back to tell you—years and years.

[Turns away as if musing]

Fr.Speak, lady, in God's name.

La. Alb.I'll tell you all.But I'll not kneel. I've lived too much on knees.... See? Albemarle! He has as many bodiesAs he has wishes to keep spy on me.... He's gone, and did not speak. He never speaks,But there's a sort of beast sits in his heartThat growls and I do hear it.

La. Alb.I'll tell you all.

But I'll not kneel. I've lived too much on knees.

... See? Albemarle! He has as many bodies

As he has wishes to keep spy on me.

... He's gone, and did not speak. He never speaks,

But there's a sort of beast sits in his heart

That growls and I do hear it.

Fr.Peace, good lady.

La. Alb.Ah, good again. Foul, foul and villainous!Come here, thou holy man. To you I'll speak.Dost think that ever I was beautiful,And these long locks once bound a king to me?

La. Alb.Ah, good again. Foul, foul and villainous!

Come here, thou holy man. To you I'll speak.

Dost think that ever I was beautiful,

And these long locks once bound a king to me?

Hen.A king?

La. Alb.Ay, royal John. A king indeed!Angel to me though devil to the world.None loved him but his Eleanor,—none, none!The rest were mistresses unto his throne.I gave my heart, he took me up to his.Ah, father, do you think that is my sin?That is my joy, my glory, my one pride.I'll ne'er repent it until I repentThat e'er I smiled or felt myself alive.Repent? Nay, father, not till I believeThat marble women are more dear to GodThan we whose hearts are warm with the same loveThat beat in His when worlds leapt from His joy.Come back, O golden summer, when there dweltTwo happy beings in a magic wood,Treading not earth but soft enchantment's air,Until the beast came! There, do you not see him?Away, black Albemarle! O, mercy, Heaven!... Then there was Glaia, bud of our true love——

La. Alb.Ay, royal John. A king indeed!

Angel to me though devil to the world.

None loved him but his Eleanor,—none, none!

The rest were mistresses unto his throne.

I gave my heart, he took me up to his.

Ah, father, do you think that is my sin?

That is my joy, my glory, my one pride.

I'll ne'er repent it until I repent

That e'er I smiled or felt myself alive.

Repent? Nay, father, not till I believe

That marble women are more dear to God

Than we whose hearts are warm with the same love

That beat in His when worlds leapt from His joy.

Come back, O golden summer, when there dwelt

Two happy beings in a magic wood,

Treading not earth but soft enchantment's air,

Until the beast came! There, do you not see him?

Away, black Albemarle! O, mercy, Heaven!

... Then there was Glaia, bud of our true love——

Hen.Glaia!

La. Alb.O, happy I, when he my kingBent over me and said, "Sweet, she is ours!"

La. Alb.O, happy I, when he my king

Bent over me and said, "Sweet, she is ours!"

Hen.My sister!

La. Alb.What dost say? Thy sister? Ha!Base monk, I tell thee that her blood was royalAs Henry's own! Ay, nobler! Who shall sayMy spirit leapt not o'er pale Isabel's?[Retreats to couch by which is a small table. Puts box on table and lays her head upon it, weeping]

La. Alb.What dost say? Thy sister? Ha!

Base monk, I tell thee that her blood was royal

As Henry's own! Ay, nobler! Who shall say

My spirit leapt not o'er pale Isabel's?

[Retreats to couch by which is a small table. Puts box on table and lays her head upon it, weeping]

Hen.Then Glaia was my sister. Did you hear?

Fr.I heard what I well knew beforeBy my heart's guess, but had no proof of it.

Fr.I heard what I well knew before

By my heart's guess, but had no proof of it.

La. Alb.[Starting up]Hear, father! You've heard nothing yet. Last nightI killed her. Do you hear? I killed her.

La. Alb.[Starting up]Hear, father! You've heard nothing yet. Last night

I killed her. Do you hear? I killed her.

Hen.O!

La. Alb.You hear? Ay, for you gasp and mutter prayers.I thought to go and watch her while she slept,And walked a devil with me who held closeA dagger—Hubert's—that's my brother, monk.Still, still, ye swirling fiends that in my brainKeep your hot dance! Be still!... She lay asleep,Pain in her heart and beauty on her brow;Her curls—her father's curls—around her face.One fell upon my wrist—and see, a burn,As though its gold were fire. She turned to me,And murmured as her father did in sleep;Then, in my hand the knife arose, and fell,And as my brain rocked sick I heard him say,My lover, bending o'er me, "She is ours."[Pauses]

La. Alb.You hear? Ay, for you gasp and mutter prayers.

I thought to go and watch her while she slept,

And walked a devil with me who held close

A dagger—Hubert's—that's my brother, monk.

Still, still, ye swirling fiends that in my brain

Keep your hot dance! Be still!... She lay asleep,

Pain in her heart and beauty on her brow;

Her curls—her father's curls—around her face.

One fell upon my wrist—and see, a burn,

As though its gold were fire. She turned to me,

And murmured as her father did in sleep;

Then, in my hand the knife arose, and fell,

And as my brain rocked sick I heard him say,

My lover, bending o'er me, "She is ours."[Pauses]

Hen.And then?

La. Alb.What next I know not, but I thinkSome cunning led me to conceal the deedAnd make escape. I left the dagger there.'Twas Hubert's. You had best be quick, or harmWill come to him. The world is such a fool!But wait—O, wait till I am dead! I amA coward born, and life has bred me such.Hark! Albemarle is coming! Lock the door![Runs to the table and takes up the box]Look—in this box—my lover's letters—see!I have the key. I'll give it to the devil,And Albemarle may look for it in hell.O, I am dying! Hide them for me, priest.My letters from my king. I'll burn them all.Nay, nay, sweet, pretty words, lie down with me.Together we'll grow cold. Ye'd fire enough,God wot![Lies on couch]Glaia is dead. Be quiet now.Hast heard I was her mother? There's a secret—No—no—I must not speak it—but 'twill outBy doomsgate, so they say. You are a priest;Canst tell how far 'tis from the grave to hell?You think they'll let me lie a little firstAnd see how 'tis to sleep? 'Tis a long walk,I'll lie quite still, and give no trouble—none.[Dies]

La. Alb.What next I know not, but I think

Some cunning led me to conceal the deed

And make escape. I left the dagger there.

'Twas Hubert's. You had best be quick, or harm

Will come to him. The world is such a fool!

But wait—O, wait till I am dead! I am

A coward born, and life has bred me such.

Hark! Albemarle is coming! Lock the door!

[Runs to the table and takes up the box]

Look—in this box—my lover's letters—see!

I have the key. I'll give it to the devil,

And Albemarle may look for it in hell.

O, I am dying! Hide them for me, priest.

My letters from my king. I'll burn them all.

Nay, nay, sweet, pretty words, lie down with me.

Together we'll grow cold. Ye'd fire enough,

God wot![Lies on couch]

Glaia is dead. Be quiet now.

Hast heard I was her mother? There's a secret—

No—no—I must not speak it—but 'twill out

By doomsgate, so they say. You are a priest;

Canst tell how far 'tis from the grave to hell?

You think they'll let me lie a little first

And see how 'tis to sleep? 'Tis a long walk,

I'll lie quite still, and give no trouble—none.[Dies]

Hen.Help! Something to revive her.

Fr.It were vain.Earth has not such restorative.

Fr.It were vain.

Earth has not such restorative.

Hen.Not dead?

Fr.The heavenly amaranth alone can dewHer brow with life.

Fr.The heavenly amaranth alone can dew

Her brow with life.

Hen.O, Hubert! What am I?Let me crawl to thy feet, cast off my crownAs I cast off this cowl, and lie in dustBefore thee! O, too late![To friar]'Tis as you guessed.And each confessed in sacrificial loveHoping to save the other. Tell me nowWho plays the angel here?

Hen.O, Hubert! What am I?

Let me crawl to thy feet, cast off my crown

As I cast off this cowl, and lie in dust

Before thee! O, too late![To friar]

'Tis as you guessed.

And each confessed in sacrificial love

Hoping to save the other. Tell me now

Who plays the angel here?

Fr.My liege, one whoWould not be here but that he fears no death.[Removes his cowl]

Fr.My liege, one who

Would not be here but that he fears no death.

[Removes his cowl]

Hen.Roland!

Wynne.My king!

Hen.Not king, but friend,And equal in this woe. Rise! 'Tis no timeTo kneel. What must we do? Now MargaretIs safe—but Hubert? Even now they doom him.Barons and church are leagued to prove him guilty,Nor have I power against their proof to pardonAnd keep my throne.

Hen.Not king, but friend,

And equal in this woe. Rise! 'Tis no time

To kneel. What must we do? Now Margaret

Is safe—but Hubert? Even now they doom him.

Barons and church are leagued to prove him guilty,

Nor have I power against their proof to pardon

And keep my throne.

Wynne.Take courage. Thou art king.

Hen.To th' tower then. If majesty is yetA word of might, we'll dare them all.

Hen.To th' tower then. If majesty is yet

A word of might, we'll dare them all.

Wynne.Now speaksYourself.

Wynne.Now speaks

Yourself.

Hen.I'll be the king!

Wynne.You fill my heartWith singing prophecies.

Wynne.You fill my heart

With singing prophecies.

Hen.But first we'll giveAn order for the noble burialOf this poor woman. Glaia's mother, Roland.She called me brother, and would have it so.Ah, little sister, did the angels tell you?You lived so much with them.... 'Twas I who killed her.My very hand, and not this poor mad woman's.I slew them both. Oh, oh, oh!

Hen.But first we'll give

An order for the noble burial

Of this poor woman. Glaia's mother, Roland.

She called me brother, and would have it so.

Ah, little sister, did the angels tell you?

You lived so much with them.... 'Twas I who killed her.

My very hand, and not this poor mad woman's.

I slew them both. Oh, oh, oh!

Wynne.Dear my lord,Leave grief unto the grave, that it best decks;The living call us now.

Wynne.Dear my lord,

Leave grief unto the grave, that it best decks;

The living call us now.

Hen.You talk so, sir,Who did not love her.

Hen.You talk so, sir,

Who did not love her.

Wynne.O, my lord!

Hen.You did.Forgive me, friend, that I forgot your heart.

Hen.You did.

Forgive me, friend, that I forgot your heart.

Wynne.If constancy past sacrifice of hopeIs love, I loved her, sire. If to be trueTo every wish that rises from her graveIs love, I love her still. But you, my liege,Cloud your fidelity, wasting in tearsThe moments now devoted by the starsTo rescue one she loved.

Wynne.If constancy past sacrifice of hope

Is love, I loved her, sire. If to be true

To every wish that rises from her grave

Is love, I love her still. But you, my liege,

Cloud your fidelity, wasting in tears

The moments now devoted by the stars

To rescue one she loved.

Hen.Shame me no more.We'll give an order here, then to the tower![Exeunt]

Hen.Shame me no more.

We'll give an order here, then to the tower![Exeunt]

Scene1.The council chamber in the Tower of London. Barons and prelates assembled. Archbishop of Canterbury presiding. Princess Adelais present, attended by several French nobles and her women. She advances before the archbishop.

Ade.Ye peers of England, and ye men of God,Humbly I make my suit. Not as a princessWith vassal pomp and power to awe the eyeAnd judgment take fore-captive, though a scoreOf buried kings have dowered me with veinsOf high regality; nor sue I withThe holy potency of Heaven's pontiff,Though his own mouth would speak if I were silent,As speak the skies when tempests chasten earth.But here, my lords, a lonely woman kneels;A weary mother weeping her lost son.You know how all my better years were spentIn that dark wild where wander minds dethroned.When the dear world came back to me, my cryWas for my babe—no more a babe, but upTo manhood shot as in a single hour.And as the hunger takes some starving wretch,Desire upon me seized to know his love,And on his breast to die. My lords, mayhapI am as old as is the oldest here,But O, so poor in time. I've but that youth,Brief youth that held its morning roses upAnd fled, and this bare, aged now that dropsBut aching moments till I've found my son.Cant.Rise, royal Adelais! Believe that weHave hearts of men, and know the love of mothers.But to give back your son belongs to HimWhose voice doth open graves and call the dead.Ade.My heart cries that he lives! O, he was hereFive years ago—five little years. Why, 'twasBut yesterday! This letter tells you, sirs."Brave and right royal. Great Henry's worthy son."This letter from the man who guarded him,Geoffrey de Burgh, an honest, good old man,And faithful to his king. He could not haveA son so cruel as to kill my son,Or rob the world of what did so adorn itAnd yet none know.Cant.In grief I say 'tis so;And England lies in shame that her chief lord,Raised to administer her vaunted justice,Should prove so base, so foul, that——Ade.O, my lord,He must be nobler than you think, else would your kingLift him so high?—make him his friend,And with an earldom top his risen fortune?May be he overcapped too many whomHis guilt would please more than his innocence.Cant.We've given him fair and open trial. Urged himIn name of God and England to declareHis knowledge of the precious living chargeHis father left to him. But he is brazenIn flat denial.Ade.O, your eminence,May I not see him? Let me plead for truthWith a poor mother's tears.Cant.You will but hearThe unblushing lie which we have sought to spare you.Ade.O, let me see him!Cant.Kent, step forth and tellThis suffering princess what you will.Kent.[Coming out from guards]Dear madam,Your tears are suitors to my pity——Ade.Henry!Kent.Each drop a supplicant that I would easeWere such sweet power mine. But, by my soul,And by the mother's love I never knewThough dreamed on, I am innocent of blood,Nor did I ever see or know your son.Ade.Ah, I have found him, lords! O, you old men,If any here be old, do you not hearThe mighty Henry speak in this young voice?My grandsire, Louis, bends that brow on me,That eye has flashed such light from 'neath a crown.[To Kent]Be not amazed; thou art my only born.Thy mother's heart could not so falsely beatAs to deny thee! England, be glad with me!Count de Rouillet.O, pity, Heaven! She is mad again.Win.Take her away.Ade.Away? When I have found him?By those blest stars that drew my feet to his,I'll not go hence till he may go with me!Kent.Dear lady, go. I'll come to thee in time.Ade.I am thy mother. Wilt not call me so?I've cleared my vision with a sea of tearsAnd can not be deceived.Cant.Wouldst call a villain son? A man condemned?Whose headsman waits even now?Ade.What has he done?God does not lie, and 'twas his hand that writThis countenance to mark a noble mind,And not to be a villain's fair decoy.Ah, murder him, but the same axe will strikeMy life away, for never shall he goFrom out my arms!One of her women.Come, dearest lady.Win.Ay,She must depart.[To Rouillet]Pray, lead her off, my lord.She interrupts the court.Ade.You'd force me, sir?Ah, true, I am in England. O, my lords,I beg you let me stay! I'll not disturb you,But sit as quiet as the stone I am.[Takes a seat. Her women attend her]You see, my lords, I'm calm. I have no son.Win.[To Canterbury]This time is poorly spared.Pray you, proceed.Cant.Hear then your sentence, Hubert, earl of Kent,And Margaret, his wife, stand forth with him.Unto the block you both shall go forthwith——A guard at door.The king!Win.The king? The doors are closed to all!Hen.[Entering]All but the king, lord bishop. Margaret,I bring a gift—your freedom. Ah, you sinnedWhen you confessed your guilt, but not before.Our dearest Glaia died not by your hand,Nor yet by Kent's. First, lords, know youThe maiden was the daughter of my father—Ay, ay, there's proof. She was the child of JohnAnd a fair lady of his court and ours,Who, dying, made confession to her priest——Win.A priest? We know, my lord and king, that priestsOft sell reports unto the devil's purse.Hen.That from a churchman?Win.Would an honest priestBetray confession?Hen.This was given, sir,For open use in Kent's defence. In short,I was that priest, my lord, and played the monkTo better purpose than I've played the king.Cant.Your majesty——Hen.Is pleased to speak, your graceThis then, my lords, proves Kent had holy reasonFor thwarting my vain love.Alb.Could this be trueAnd Kent not speak when a bare word had saved him?Hen.Have you been home to-day, my lord?Alb.My liege,Since morn I've ridden hard, and was much pushedTo arrive in season for the trial.Hen.What newsFrom north?Alb.'Twas south I rode, your majesty,About my shore estates.Pem.Sire, I informed you——Hen.Ay, so.Alb.What should I do at home, my liege?Hen.Comfort your lady, who fast droops to death.Alb.My wife? But she was well when I set forth.Hen.You'll find her changed! But we must speak of Kent.My lords, he was close pledged not to betrayThe maiden's parentage for this good reason.Her mother was his sister, living in dreadOf her harsh present lord, and she besought,Past power to resist, his oath to dieEre he should make it known. I know not whoOf you would prove so true to oaths if deathLay in the keeping, or what hearts are hereWould drain themselves to guard a sister's life.Cant.Who is this sister, sire?Alb.This shows that kingsMay even be duped like poorer men. All knowThat Kent's sole sister is my countess.Hen.Sir,We've no mind to deny you. It is sheWe mean,—the lady Albemarle.[Albemarle staggers]Pem.My lord——Alb.Air! Stand from me! Give way! I must be gone!Hen.We must command you stay.Alb.This air is poison!Hen.Stay, sir!Alb.I say not to the king 'tis false,But to each British lord who hears I swear'Tis a foul lie!Hen.My ears, sir, registeredHer last confession, that 'twas her hand struckHer daughter's heart, her child and John's.Alb.Let go!It was her malady that spoke. I'll to herAnd rival death in tortures! God, I will——Hen.Death has outstripped you, sir. Her breath is gone.Alb.Then I'll inflict her body till her ghostComes back to shriek in it!Hen.You're yet too late.We've given orders for her due intermentAs mother of our sister.Alb.Ha! My servants!You guard my house?Hen.We do, my lord.Win.[Aside to Canterbury]Haste, sir,Or Kent will yet escape.Cant.Your majesty,The lady Margaret, thanks to Heaven and you,Is now at liberty, but the life of KentIs forfeited. He must at once to doom.Hen.Already sentenced, sir? You're hasty reachingYour black conclusion. Stay a little——Cant.Sire,We moved with deference, respecting himWho for a time had lived within your bosom.To longer stay his death would tempt the skiesTo draw their mercy from us, seeing it wereSo basely used. Guards here for Kent!Hen.O, stayOne moment, please your eminence. My lordOf Winchester, I'd see again the papersFirst gave excuse to put this guilt on Kent.Win.And here they are, my liege.[Gives him papers]There you will readOf the great trust consigned by Henry SecondTo Geoffrey de Burgh, and by him to his son,As Adelais brings proof.[Enter Wynne, carrying a small box]Wynne.Your majesty——Hen.[Reading]Your patience! Presently we'll hear you.Pem.What!The lord of Wynne returned?Alb.Returned! I doubtIf he has seen salt water.Pem.But I hopeHe has not bent a wizard's eye uponOur secrets.Hen.Hear, my lords, this paper givenBy dying Pembroke to our Winchester,Signed, ay, and written, by our grandsire king.[Reads]"And for we know that envious ills assailThe nobly born when not by wedlock blest——"Win.Nay—'tis not that! My lord, I beg—it isThe other paper!Hen.[Reading]"Till he be a manAnd cast a weighty spear, let him be calledDe Burgh, and known as Geoffrey's son——"Win.Hear me——Hen.Peter des Roches, here's matter for your death,Which at your humble suit we'll moderateTo banishment.Win.O, blasted be this hand——Wynne.Curse not the unlucky hand that bared thy sin,For we have other proof of Kent's high birth.Within this box where lady AlbemarleTreasured the tokens from her kingly love,I found a paper of another tenor,—A letter from her father, old De Burgh,To be delivered at his death to oneCalled Hubert, his supposed son, whereinHe tells him of his birth and bids him claimName and estate as his great father willed.You know the words, my fallen Winchester,—"Rockingham, Harle, Beham and Fotheringay,With strongest Bedford as his ducal seat."This letter, as we know, was kept from Kent,And where 'twas found best tells the why thereof.Ade.[Rising]Who will deny me now? Must I keep still,Ye lords of England? Have I yet your leaveT' embrace my son?Kent.[Crossing to her]We'll ask no leave, my mother.Do dreams take flesh, and prayers become alive?For I have dreamed and prayed to see your face,Though but in vision, thinking you in Heaven;And all my life your voice like far off singingHas followed me. Sometimes it seemed 'twould nearIf I might wait in silence, wooing it,But life that waits no longing pushed me onWith the old loss new in my heart.Ade.My son!My only son! O, twice thou'rt born to me!Kent.And I must double yet thy joy, for seeThy daughter too.[Presents Margaret]Mar.[To Adelais]If thou wilt call me so.[Adelais embraces Margaret]Hen.Those castles, Albemarle, which were your boast,Must now revert to their right lordly owner,The earl of Kent.Alb.Take them, my liege, take all,But leave me this good sword which I would wearAs your most loyal subject.Hen.Nay, my lord,Your service past but illy recommends you.You are our prisoner. Guards for Albemarle!Alb.What does this mean? You cast your crown by this!Hen.It means, proud man, you are a traitor proved.You galloped hard last night, and 'twas to death.Those troops you called on pretence to avengeThe death of Kent will be by Kent commanded.Alb.[To Wynne]'Tis you who've brought this hell upon me, villain!Hen.By your good patience, he is not a villain!I know not all his merit, but enoughTo make him my chief general; asking firstHis guard against this plotting Poitevin—This unfrocked bishop—should he e'er attemptTo make new friends and land upon our shores.Wynne.Sire, in my arms he'll find a barrierHigh as the devil sealed to enter Heaven.Alb.[To Pembroke]Be lightning in my cause, if you would save me!Pem.I go at once to raise what power I can.Hen.Out, guards, with Albemarle, and keep him closeTill he go forth to death.[Exit Albemarle under guard. Pembroke is hurrying out]Stay, Pembroke. YouHave been too close his brother. 'Tis a pityTo sever you in death, but for the sakeOf your great father dead we're lenientAnd banish you the kingdom.Pem.Sire, I go.[Exit]Hen.[To officer]Follow him, sir, and see him straightway shipped.[Exit officer]Now Kent may ask and have. What gift shall speakMy great affection? What thy dearest wish?Kent.Let him not ask for more, who has the loveOf Margaret, his mother, and his king.[Curtain]

Ade.Ye peers of England, and ye men of God,

Humbly I make my suit. Not as a princess

With vassal pomp and power to awe the eye

And judgment take fore-captive, though a score

Of buried kings have dowered me with veins

Of high regality; nor sue I with

The holy potency of Heaven's pontiff,

Though his own mouth would speak if I were silent,

As speak the skies when tempests chasten earth.

But here, my lords, a lonely woman kneels;

A weary mother weeping her lost son.

You know how all my better years were spent

In that dark wild where wander minds dethroned.

When the dear world came back to me, my cry

Was for my babe—no more a babe, but up

To manhood shot as in a single hour.

And as the hunger takes some starving wretch,

Desire upon me seized to know his love,

And on his breast to die. My lords, mayhap

I am as old as is the oldest here,

But O, so poor in time. I've but that youth,

Brief youth that held its morning roses up

And fled, and this bare, aged now that drops

But aching moments till I've found my son.

Cant.Rise, royal Adelais! Believe that weHave hearts of men, and know the love of mothers.But to give back your son belongs to HimWhose voice doth open graves and call the dead.

Cant.Rise, royal Adelais! Believe that we

Have hearts of men, and know the love of mothers.

But to give back your son belongs to Him

Whose voice doth open graves and call the dead.

Ade.My heart cries that he lives! O, he was hereFive years ago—five little years. Why, 'twasBut yesterday! This letter tells you, sirs."Brave and right royal. Great Henry's worthy son."This letter from the man who guarded him,Geoffrey de Burgh, an honest, good old man,And faithful to his king. He could not haveA son so cruel as to kill my son,Or rob the world of what did so adorn itAnd yet none know.

Ade.My heart cries that he lives! O, he was here

Five years ago—five little years. Why, 'twas

But yesterday! This letter tells you, sirs.

"Brave and right royal. Great Henry's worthy son."

This letter from the man who guarded him,

Geoffrey de Burgh, an honest, good old man,

And faithful to his king. He could not have

A son so cruel as to kill my son,

Or rob the world of what did so adorn it

And yet none know.

Cant.In grief I say 'tis so;And England lies in shame that her chief lord,Raised to administer her vaunted justice,Should prove so base, so foul, that——

Cant.In grief I say 'tis so;

And England lies in shame that her chief lord,

Raised to administer her vaunted justice,

Should prove so base, so foul, that——

Ade.O, my lord,He must be nobler than you think, else would your kingLift him so high?—make him his friend,And with an earldom top his risen fortune?May be he overcapped too many whomHis guilt would please more than his innocence.

Ade.O, my lord,

He must be nobler than you think, else would your king

Lift him so high?—make him his friend,

And with an earldom top his risen fortune?

May be he overcapped too many whom

His guilt would please more than his innocence.

Cant.We've given him fair and open trial. Urged himIn name of God and England to declareHis knowledge of the precious living chargeHis father left to him. But he is brazenIn flat denial.

Cant.We've given him fair and open trial. Urged him

In name of God and England to declare

His knowledge of the precious living charge

His father left to him. But he is brazen

In flat denial.

Ade.O, your eminence,May I not see him? Let me plead for truthWith a poor mother's tears.

Ade.O, your eminence,

May I not see him? Let me plead for truth

With a poor mother's tears.

Cant.You will but hearThe unblushing lie which we have sought to spare you.

Cant.You will but hear

The unblushing lie which we have sought to spare you.

Ade.O, let me see him!

Cant.Kent, step forth and tellThis suffering princess what you will.

Cant.Kent, step forth and tell

This suffering princess what you will.

Kent.[Coming out from guards]Dear madam,Your tears are suitors to my pity——

Kent.[Coming out from guards]Dear madam,

Your tears are suitors to my pity——

Ade.Henry!

Kent.Each drop a supplicant that I would easeWere such sweet power mine. But, by my soul,And by the mother's love I never knewThough dreamed on, I am innocent of blood,Nor did I ever see or know your son.

Kent.Each drop a supplicant that I would ease

Were such sweet power mine. But, by my soul,

And by the mother's love I never knew

Though dreamed on, I am innocent of blood,

Nor did I ever see or know your son.

Ade.Ah, I have found him, lords! O, you old men,If any here be old, do you not hearThe mighty Henry speak in this young voice?My grandsire, Louis, bends that brow on me,That eye has flashed such light from 'neath a crown.[To Kent]Be not amazed; thou art my only born.Thy mother's heart could not so falsely beatAs to deny thee! England, be glad with me!

Ade.Ah, I have found him, lords! O, you old men,

If any here be old, do you not hear

The mighty Henry speak in this young voice?

My grandsire, Louis, bends that brow on me,

That eye has flashed such light from 'neath a crown.

[To Kent]Be not amazed; thou art my only born.

Thy mother's heart could not so falsely beat

As to deny thee! England, be glad with me!

Count de Rouillet.O, pity, Heaven! She is mad again.

Win.Take her away.

Ade.Away? When I have found him?By those blest stars that drew my feet to his,I'll not go hence till he may go with me!

Ade.Away? When I have found him?

By those blest stars that drew my feet to his,

I'll not go hence till he may go with me!

Kent.Dear lady, go. I'll come to thee in time.

Ade.I am thy mother. Wilt not call me so?I've cleared my vision with a sea of tearsAnd can not be deceived.

Ade.I am thy mother. Wilt not call me so?

I've cleared my vision with a sea of tears

And can not be deceived.

Cant.Wouldst call a villain son? A man condemned?Whose headsman waits even now?

Cant.Wouldst call a villain son? A man condemned?

Whose headsman waits even now?

Ade.What has he done?God does not lie, and 'twas his hand that writThis countenance to mark a noble mind,And not to be a villain's fair decoy.Ah, murder him, but the same axe will strikeMy life away, for never shall he goFrom out my arms!

Ade.What has he done?

God does not lie, and 'twas his hand that writ

This countenance to mark a noble mind,

And not to be a villain's fair decoy.

Ah, murder him, but the same axe will strike

My life away, for never shall he go

From out my arms!

One of her women.Come, dearest lady.

Win.Ay,She must depart.[To Rouillet]Pray, lead her off, my lord.She interrupts the court.

Win.Ay,

She must depart.[To Rouillet]Pray, lead her off, my lord.

She interrupts the court.

Ade.You'd force me, sir?Ah, true, I am in England. O, my lords,I beg you let me stay! I'll not disturb you,But sit as quiet as the stone I am.[Takes a seat. Her women attend her]You see, my lords, I'm calm. I have no son.

Ade.You'd force me, sir?

Ah, true, I am in England. O, my lords,

I beg you let me stay! I'll not disturb you,

But sit as quiet as the stone I am.[Takes a seat. Her women attend her]

You see, my lords, I'm calm. I have no son.

Win.[To Canterbury]This time is poorly spared.Pray you, proceed.

Win.[To Canterbury]This time is poorly spared.

Pray you, proceed.

Cant.Hear then your sentence, Hubert, earl of Kent,And Margaret, his wife, stand forth with him.Unto the block you both shall go forthwith——

Cant.Hear then your sentence, Hubert, earl of Kent,

And Margaret, his wife, stand forth with him.

Unto the block you both shall go forthwith——

A guard at door.The king!

Win.The king? The doors are closed to all!

Hen.[Entering]All but the king, lord bishop. Margaret,I bring a gift—your freedom. Ah, you sinnedWhen you confessed your guilt, but not before.Our dearest Glaia died not by your hand,Nor yet by Kent's. First, lords, know youThe maiden was the daughter of my father—Ay, ay, there's proof. She was the child of JohnAnd a fair lady of his court and ours,Who, dying, made confession to her priest——

Hen.[Entering]All but the king, lord bishop. Margaret,

I bring a gift—your freedom. Ah, you sinned

When you confessed your guilt, but not before.

Our dearest Glaia died not by your hand,

Nor yet by Kent's. First, lords, know you

The maiden was the daughter of my father—

Ay, ay, there's proof. She was the child of John

And a fair lady of his court and ours,

Who, dying, made confession to her priest——

Win.A priest? We know, my lord and king, that priestsOft sell reports unto the devil's purse.

Win.A priest? We know, my lord and king, that priests

Oft sell reports unto the devil's purse.

Hen.That from a churchman?

Win.Would an honest priestBetray confession?

Win.Would an honest priest

Betray confession?

Hen.This was given, sir,For open use in Kent's defence. In short,I was that priest, my lord, and played the monkTo better purpose than I've played the king.

Hen.This was given, sir,

For open use in Kent's defence. In short,

I was that priest, my lord, and played the monk

To better purpose than I've played the king.

Cant.Your majesty——

Hen.Is pleased to speak, your graceThis then, my lords, proves Kent had holy reasonFor thwarting my vain love.

Hen.Is pleased to speak, your grace

This then, my lords, proves Kent had holy reason

For thwarting my vain love.

Alb.Could this be trueAnd Kent not speak when a bare word had saved him?

Alb.Could this be true

And Kent not speak when a bare word had saved him?

Hen.Have you been home to-day, my lord?

Alb.My liege,Since morn I've ridden hard, and was much pushedTo arrive in season for the trial.

Alb.My liege,

Since morn I've ridden hard, and was much pushed

To arrive in season for the trial.

Hen.What newsFrom north?

Hen.What news

From north?

Alb.'Twas south I rode, your majesty,About my shore estates.

Alb.'Twas south I rode, your majesty,

About my shore estates.

Pem.Sire, I informed you——

Hen.Ay, so.

Alb.What should I do at home, my liege?

Hen.Comfort your lady, who fast droops to death.

Alb.My wife? But she was well when I set forth.

Hen.You'll find her changed! But we must speak of Kent.My lords, he was close pledged not to betrayThe maiden's parentage for this good reason.Her mother was his sister, living in dreadOf her harsh present lord, and she besought,Past power to resist, his oath to dieEre he should make it known. I know not whoOf you would prove so true to oaths if deathLay in the keeping, or what hearts are hereWould drain themselves to guard a sister's life.

Hen.You'll find her changed! But we must speak of Kent.

My lords, he was close pledged not to betray

The maiden's parentage for this good reason.

Her mother was his sister, living in dread

Of her harsh present lord, and she besought,

Past power to resist, his oath to die

Ere he should make it known. I know not who

Of you would prove so true to oaths if death

Lay in the keeping, or what hearts are here

Would drain themselves to guard a sister's life.

Cant.Who is this sister, sire?

Alb.This shows that kingsMay even be duped like poorer men. All knowThat Kent's sole sister is my countess.

Alb.This shows that kings

May even be duped like poorer men. All know

That Kent's sole sister is my countess.

Hen.Sir,We've no mind to deny you. It is sheWe mean,—the lady Albemarle.[Albemarle staggers]

Hen.Sir,

We've no mind to deny you. It is she

We mean,—the lady Albemarle.[Albemarle staggers]

Pem.My lord——

Alb.Air! Stand from me! Give way! I must be gone!

Hen.We must command you stay.

Alb.This air is poison!

Hen.Stay, sir!

Alb.I say not to the king 'tis false,But to each British lord who hears I swear'Tis a foul lie!

Alb.I say not to the king 'tis false,

But to each British lord who hears I swear

'Tis a foul lie!

Hen.My ears, sir, registeredHer last confession, that 'twas her hand struckHer daughter's heart, her child and John's.

Hen.My ears, sir, registered

Her last confession, that 'twas her hand struck

Her daughter's heart, her child and John's.

Alb.Let go!It was her malady that spoke. I'll to herAnd rival death in tortures! God, I will——

Alb.Let go!

It was her malady that spoke. I'll to her

And rival death in tortures! God, I will——

Hen.Death has outstripped you, sir. Her breath is gone.

Alb.Then I'll inflict her body till her ghostComes back to shriek in it!

Alb.Then I'll inflict her body till her ghost

Comes back to shriek in it!

Hen.You're yet too late.We've given orders for her due intermentAs mother of our sister.

Hen.You're yet too late.

We've given orders for her due interment

As mother of our sister.

Alb.Ha! My servants!You guard my house?

Alb.Ha! My servants!

You guard my house?

Hen.We do, my lord.

Win.[Aside to Canterbury]Haste, sir,Or Kent will yet escape.

Win.[Aside to Canterbury]Haste, sir,

Or Kent will yet escape.

Cant.Your majesty,The lady Margaret, thanks to Heaven and you,Is now at liberty, but the life of KentIs forfeited. He must at once to doom.

Cant.Your majesty,

The lady Margaret, thanks to Heaven and you,

Is now at liberty, but the life of Kent

Is forfeited. He must at once to doom.

Hen.Already sentenced, sir? You're hasty reachingYour black conclusion. Stay a little——

Hen.Already sentenced, sir? You're hasty reaching

Your black conclusion. Stay a little——

Cant.Sire,We moved with deference, respecting himWho for a time had lived within your bosom.To longer stay his death would tempt the skiesTo draw their mercy from us, seeing it wereSo basely used. Guards here for Kent!

Cant.Sire,

We moved with deference, respecting him

Who for a time had lived within your bosom.

To longer stay his death would tempt the skies

To draw their mercy from us, seeing it were

So basely used. Guards here for Kent!

Hen.O, stayOne moment, please your eminence. My lordOf Winchester, I'd see again the papersFirst gave excuse to put this guilt on Kent.

Hen.O, stay

One moment, please your eminence. My lord

Of Winchester, I'd see again the papers

First gave excuse to put this guilt on Kent.

Win.And here they are, my liege.[Gives him papers]There you will readOf the great trust consigned by Henry SecondTo Geoffrey de Burgh, and by him to his son,As Adelais brings proof.

Win.And here they are, my liege.[Gives him papers]

There you will read

Of the great trust consigned by Henry Second

To Geoffrey de Burgh, and by him to his son,

As Adelais brings proof.

[Enter Wynne, carrying a small box]

Wynne.Your majesty——

Hen.[Reading]Your patience! Presently we'll hear you.

Pem.What!The lord of Wynne returned?

Pem.What!

The lord of Wynne returned?

Alb.Returned! I doubtIf he has seen salt water.

Alb.Returned! I doubt

If he has seen salt water.

Pem.But I hopeHe has not bent a wizard's eye uponOur secrets.

Pem.But I hope

He has not bent a wizard's eye upon

Our secrets.

Hen.Hear, my lords, this paper givenBy dying Pembroke to our Winchester,Signed, ay, and written, by our grandsire king.[Reads]"And for we know that envious ills assailThe nobly born when not by wedlock blest——"

Hen.Hear, my lords, this paper given

By dying Pembroke to our Winchester,

Signed, ay, and written, by our grandsire king.

[Reads]"And for we know that envious ills assail

The nobly born when not by wedlock blest——"

Win.Nay—'tis not that! My lord, I beg—it isThe other paper!

Win.Nay—'tis not that! My lord, I beg—it is

The other paper!

Hen.[Reading]"Till he be a manAnd cast a weighty spear, let him be calledDe Burgh, and known as Geoffrey's son——"

Hen.[Reading]"Till he be a man

And cast a weighty spear, let him be called

De Burgh, and known as Geoffrey's son——"

Win.Hear me——

Hen.Peter des Roches, here's matter for your death,Which at your humble suit we'll moderateTo banishment.

Hen.Peter des Roches, here's matter for your death,

Which at your humble suit we'll moderate

To banishment.

Win.O, blasted be this hand——

Wynne.Curse not the unlucky hand that bared thy sin,For we have other proof of Kent's high birth.Within this box where lady AlbemarleTreasured the tokens from her kingly love,I found a paper of another tenor,—A letter from her father, old De Burgh,To be delivered at his death to oneCalled Hubert, his supposed son, whereinHe tells him of his birth and bids him claimName and estate as his great father willed.You know the words, my fallen Winchester,—"Rockingham, Harle, Beham and Fotheringay,With strongest Bedford as his ducal seat."This letter, as we know, was kept from Kent,And where 'twas found best tells the why thereof.

Wynne.Curse not the unlucky hand that bared thy sin,

For we have other proof of Kent's high birth.

Within this box where lady Albemarle

Treasured the tokens from her kingly love,

I found a paper of another tenor,—

A letter from her father, old De Burgh,

To be delivered at his death to one

Called Hubert, his supposed son, wherein

He tells him of his birth and bids him claim

Name and estate as his great father willed.

You know the words, my fallen Winchester,—

"Rockingham, Harle, Beham and Fotheringay,

With strongest Bedford as his ducal seat."

This letter, as we know, was kept from Kent,

And where 'twas found best tells the why thereof.

Ade.[Rising]Who will deny me now? Must I keep still,Ye lords of England? Have I yet your leaveT' embrace my son?

Ade.[Rising]Who will deny me now? Must I keep still,

Ye lords of England? Have I yet your leave

T' embrace my son?

Kent.[Crossing to her]We'll ask no leave, my mother.Do dreams take flesh, and prayers become alive?For I have dreamed and prayed to see your face,Though but in vision, thinking you in Heaven;And all my life your voice like far off singingHas followed me. Sometimes it seemed 'twould nearIf I might wait in silence, wooing it,But life that waits no longing pushed me onWith the old loss new in my heart.

Kent.[Crossing to her]We'll ask no leave, my mother.

Do dreams take flesh, and prayers become alive?

For I have dreamed and prayed to see your face,

Though but in vision, thinking you in Heaven;

And all my life your voice like far off singing

Has followed me. Sometimes it seemed 'twould near

If I might wait in silence, wooing it,

But life that waits no longing pushed me on

With the old loss new in my heart.

Ade.My son!My only son! O, twice thou'rt born to me!

Ade.My son!

My only son! O, twice thou'rt born to me!

Kent.And I must double yet thy joy, for seeThy daughter too.[Presents Margaret]

Kent.And I must double yet thy joy, for see

Thy daughter too.[Presents Margaret]

Mar.[To Adelais]If thou wilt call me so.[Adelais embraces Margaret]

Hen.Those castles, Albemarle, which were your boast,Must now revert to their right lordly owner,The earl of Kent.

Hen.Those castles, Albemarle, which were your boast,

Must now revert to their right lordly owner,

The earl of Kent.

Alb.Take them, my liege, take all,But leave me this good sword which I would wearAs your most loyal subject.

Alb.Take them, my liege, take all,

But leave me this good sword which I would wear

As your most loyal subject.

Hen.Nay, my lord,Your service past but illy recommends you.You are our prisoner. Guards for Albemarle!

Hen.Nay, my lord,

Your service past but illy recommends you.

You are our prisoner. Guards for Albemarle!

Alb.What does this mean? You cast your crown by this!

Hen.It means, proud man, you are a traitor proved.You galloped hard last night, and 'twas to death.Those troops you called on pretence to avengeThe death of Kent will be by Kent commanded.

Hen.It means, proud man, you are a traitor proved.

You galloped hard last night, and 'twas to death.

Those troops you called on pretence to avenge

The death of Kent will be by Kent commanded.

Alb.[To Wynne]'Tis you who've brought this hell upon me, villain!

Hen.By your good patience, he is not a villain!I know not all his merit, but enoughTo make him my chief general; asking firstHis guard against this plotting Poitevin—This unfrocked bishop—should he e'er attemptTo make new friends and land upon our shores.

Hen.By your good patience, he is not a villain!

I know not all his merit, but enough

To make him my chief general; asking first

His guard against this plotting Poitevin—

This unfrocked bishop—should he e'er attempt

To make new friends and land upon our shores.

Wynne.Sire, in my arms he'll find a barrierHigh as the devil sealed to enter Heaven.

Wynne.Sire, in my arms he'll find a barrier

High as the devil sealed to enter Heaven.

Alb.[To Pembroke]Be lightning in my cause, if you would save me!

Pem.I go at once to raise what power I can.

Hen.Out, guards, with Albemarle, and keep him closeTill he go forth to death.[Exit Albemarle under guard. Pembroke is hurrying out]Stay, Pembroke. YouHave been too close his brother. 'Tis a pityTo sever you in death, but for the sakeOf your great father dead we're lenientAnd banish you the kingdom.Pem.Sire, I go.[Exit]Hen.[To officer]Follow him, sir, and see him straightway shipped.[Exit officer]Now Kent may ask and have. What gift shall speakMy great affection? What thy dearest wish?Kent.Let him not ask for more, who has the loveOf Margaret, his mother, and his king.[Curtain]

Hen.Out, guards, with Albemarle, and keep him close

Till he go forth to death.[Exit Albemarle under guard. Pembroke is hurrying out]

[Exit Albemarle under guard. Pembroke is hurrying out]

Stay, Pembroke. YouHave been too close his brother. 'Tis a pityTo sever you in death, but for the sakeOf your great father dead we're lenientAnd banish you the kingdom.

Stay, Pembroke. You

Have been too close his brother. 'Tis a pity

To sever you in death, but for the sake

Of your great father dead we're lenient

And banish you the kingdom.

Pem.Sire, I go.[Exit]

Hen.[To officer]Follow him, sir, and see him straightway shipped.[Exit officer]Now Kent may ask and have. What gift shall speakMy great affection? What thy dearest wish?

Hen.[To officer]Follow him, sir, and see him straightway shipped.

[Exit officer]

Now Kent may ask and have. What gift shall speak

My great affection? What thy dearest wish?

Kent.Let him not ask for more, who has the loveOf Margaret, his mother, and his king.

Kent.Let him not ask for more, who has the love

Of Margaret, his mother, and his king.

[Curtain]

ADRIAN LAVROV,the Shepherd of LonzPETER VETROVA,an old peasantCATHERINE,Vetrova's wifeVASIL,grandson of Peter and CatherineVERA,sister to VasilKORELENKO,betrothed to VeraPRINCESS SOPHIE TRAVINSKIKALUSHKIN, SIMEON, GREGORI, UGO,peasants of LonzANNA, ULIANA,neighbors to the VetrovasGREGORIEF,an ex-prisonerGALOVKINE,a doctorMANLIEF,a studentCOLONEL ORLOFF,of the Czar's armyIRTENIEFF, ZARKOFF,officersSoldiers,revolutionists,peasants,&c.Scene:A peasant home in RussiaTime:June, nineteen hundred and five

Scene:A peasant home in RussiaTime:June, nineteen hundred and five

Note.—The song episode in Act II is adapted from "The Green Book," by Maurus Jokai.

Scene1.A room in Peter Vetrova's cottage. Door opens centre rear into a little yard beyond which is the village street. Centre right, door into Lavrov's room. Right second entrance leads to kitchen and garden. Between the two doors right a large brick stove whitewashed and at present unused. Shelf above stove. A loom stands in right hand corner rear. A window in rear wall between loom and door. Before window a small table on which are student's books and papers. On left side of door a small, rude cabinet is built in the wall about six feet from floor. A wide bench stands under cabinet. A small high window in left wall. Near front, very high up on wall left, hangs a half length portrait of the Saviour.A table left of centre. Bench before loom. Two or three stools, one or two plain chairs; and a larger chair, of peasant make, near table centre.Glimpses of grass and a fruit-tree in bloom seen through open door and window rear.Vetrova discovered, making bark shoes. Catherine sits near him in the large chair, sewing. Vera at loom. Vasil in door rear with violin. He ceases playing as curtain rises.Vetrova.That brings back young days, mother.Catherine.The summer is getting into your head, Petrovich.Vet.My heels too. If the boy plays any more I shall forget my broken bones and be off to the forest.Vasil.I'll keep on forever if I can play your crutch away, grandfather.Cath.[Hastily, as Vasil raises the bow]No! Enough for to-day.Vera.[To herself, as she weaves]Rags—rags—rags! O, if I could make some of those beautiful things I saw at the bazaar![Softly]Or just a sweet white coverlet for me and Sasha.[Turns from the loom to the others]Vasil.[Who has crossed to Catherine]If I can please but one it shall be you, little grandmother.Vera.[Running to Vetrova, and sitting on his knee]And ifIcould please but one it should be you, little grandfather!Cath.[Removing Vasil's arm from her shoulder]There, go to your book, lad. The Shepherd will be coming back.Vasil.[Smiling]I am ready for him.[Crosses to small table rear, sits by it, and begins studying. Vera follows him, and they look over the book together, Vasil explaining, Vera teasing]Vet.[Taking up his work]I wish you loved the music, Catherine. It makes things different somehow ... while it lasts.Cath.'Tis your spirit, Petrovich. You were never like the rest of us. The others called you queer, but I knew it was just spirit.Vet.Eh—yes. Don't you remember the gypsy ring in the forest forty-five years——Cath.How you talk, Petrusha! 'Tis evil times[looks guardedly at the young people]and we are old.Vet.Yes ... old. We may gather acorns in the woods, mother, but we shall never find any more flowers. Well enough. The trees would grow wrinkled withlaughter to see an old man dancing beneath them. Eh—yes, let him stoop, and pick up brush.Cath.[Comfortingly]We have the children, Petrusha.Vet.[Sullenly]We had their father and mother, too.Cath.We've fared better than others. We've always had our home.Vet.Because you served in the barin's house and the mistress liked you. Just chance! And then the barin died and Travinski got hold of everything.Cath.But the Shepherd came.Vet.Another chance! Life oughtn't to owe itself to that. It isn't living. Those two awful years before the Shepherd came—when Andrei died—they were real. A part of whatis. We were like our neighbors then. Yes.[Stops talking as Vera crosses to her grandmother]Vera.[Leaning affectionately against Catherine]How you must love Vasil, grandmamma, to make him an embroidered blouse out of a piece of your best blanket!Cath.He is leaving us, my child.Vera.You said I should have this if I married Alexander.Cath.Perhaps these bad times will be over then, and we may be able to get something new.Vera.O, these bad times! They will never be over. I've been waiting for that ever since I was born.Cath.And we waited before you, child.Vera.[Repentant]I didn't mean it, grandmamma! Can't I help you make the blouse? But it may not be the fashion in Berlin. I will ask Sasha what the students wear.[Takes up a piece of the stuff]And how can you sew on winter things in summer time? Winter is so far away,—a thousand years away. Vasil will never live till winter time.Cath.[Shocked]Vera!Vera.Well, you know he can't live a thousand years.Cath.Why does winter seem so far off, dear?Vera.O, I don't know.[A slight pause]Alexander says we can not be married before winter.Cath.[Smiling and laying down her work]Do you love him so much?[Vera buries her face in her grandmother's lap]And he is right, dear. You should wait a long time. What can a young man do now? Everything is uncertain. Nothing is sure but hunger and children.Vera.[Looking up]Isn't it the strangest thing in the world?Cath.What, dear?Vera.That he should love me.Cath.And that you should love him?Vera.O, no! I couldn't help lovinghim!Cath.[Shaking her head and taking up her work]My thread, child. I left it in the kitchen.[Exit Vera, second entrance, right]Vet.[Looking after her]She is like her mother, Catherine.Cath.Yes ... dear Polya. I thought she was going to have a wilful heart, but she is just a woman.Vet.[Moodily]I wish they were both with their parents in the only safe place in Russia, the grave.Cath.[Looking at Vasil]Hush! He will be safe enough soon. The Shepherd is good to send him away, and he so poor himself. Buy him from the army, and all.Vet.Send an innocent lad out of his own country to be safe.Cath.He is to be a musician as well as a scholar. Berlin is the place. The Shepherd knows. He could not keep out of trouble at our universities. You know what you were in your youth, Petrovich.Vet.I wanted to be a scholar too. But they beat me back.Cath.You have been a good peasant. You might havebeen a poor scholar. And we have had the teachers. Don't you remember the first night-class in our cottage, and the noble's daughter who wore peasant clothes and taught grown men to read? That was thirty years ago.Vet.And she went to Kara for it ... to the mines ... for teaching men to read.Cath.But others came.Vet.And went ... as she did.Cath.God bless them! We can all read our Bibles now. And the lad is going to a university.Vet.'Tis far, Berlin. I am old. The Shepherd is needed everywhere. He may go any time. Vasil ought to stay with his sister.Cath.She has Alexander.Vet.How long will he keep out of prison with that big heart and hot head?Cath.God will protect her.Vet.As he did her mother! Yes.Cath.You are hardening your heart, Petrovich.[Turns toward icon, crossing herself]Vera.[Re-entering]Grandmamma![Stands in door]Cath.The thread, child.Vera.O, I forgot. Uliana is in the kitchen.Cath.[Rising quickly]Uliana!Vera.It's bad news, I'm afraid. She keeps wiping her eyes pretending she isn't.Cath.Did she tell you anything?Vera.No, grandmamma. I couldn't make her.[Catherine hurries across to kitchen entrance. Vetrova takes up his crutch and hobbles after her]Cath.[Sternly]Stay with the children, Petrovich.[Exit, closing door behind her]Vera.[Opening door for Vetrova]Go on, grandfather.[Laughs and kisses him]Are you afraid? I promise you Vasil and I will stay here. She wantsyou, I know.Vet.[Lifting her chin]A good child, but too pretty, too pretty.[Exit]Vera.[Turns and looks at Vasil, who is absorbed in his book. Crosses to him]Vasil?Vasil.[Looking up reluctantly]Ten pages beyond Adrian's mark. He will be pleased.Vera.Is there anything you like better than to please Adrian?Vasil.[Listening]Who is in the kitchen?Vera.Uliana.Vasil.And you don't want to hear the gossip?Vera.No. I want to stay with you.[Guilefully]You are going away, you know.Vasil.[Rising]There may be news from——Vera.Don't go! I promised.Vasil.Then itisfrom Petoff.Vera.Adrian doesn't want you to hear about such things.Vasil.[Sitting down]Haven't I ears and eyes? They think I don't know ... but see here.[Takes up a tablet]You may read it, Vera.[She glances over tablet]I wrote it this morning.Vera.It is gay and sad too. But it is not like a June song. There are no birds and flowers in it.Vasil.Don't you know who the "Summer Maid" is, Vera?Vera.Summer herself, isn't she?Vasil.No, stupid. She is Freedom—Liberty.Vera.O, Vasil! And the old, dead Winter is——Vasil.Yes, the Czar.Vera.O, I'm afraid! Let me burn it, Vasil.Vasil.[Taking it from her]No.Vera.Suppose somebody should find it—a spy?Vasil.He wouldn't understand it. You didn't yourself.Vera.But I'm a stupid.Vasil.[Catching her in his arms]Are you, little sister?Vera.Let me have it, Vasil.Vasil.[Tears sheet from tablet, folds it and puts it into his pocket]No. It's as safe as any piece of paper.Vera.Adrian won't like it. He says your mind must be free from—all that. Free for what, Vasil? We want to be free only to do things.Vasil.[Laying his hand on his book]For this,—and this[softly touching his violin],—and this.[Lifting his pen]Vera.O, what a slave! You will have three masters. I want to be free too, but not for such things. I want to make Sasha happy.Vasil.A woman's freedom. Free to wear fetters. Have you seen him to-day?Vera.No, but——Vasil.What? And the sun so high?Vera.I am waiting for him now. I shall tease him about the great man who fell in love with me at the bazaar.Vasil.Who was it wanted to make Sasha happy?Vera., He ought to be glad that such a splendid officer even looked at me!Vasil.And were you glad, Vera?Vera.No. I ran away.Vasil.What did Madam Korego say to that?Vera.[As Korelenko enters unseen by her]She said she would never take me again, and I told her I didn't care, I was going to many Sasha, who was finer than any officer in the world.Vasil.Good-morning, Alexander Korelenko.Vera.[Whirls about and sees Alexander]Now I can't tease him![Vasil returns to his book]Korelenko.About what, little bird?Vera.O, I found a new lover at the bazaar.Kore.[Smiling]I told Madam Korego it would never do to take you.Vera.A fine gentleman, all covered with gold lace.Kore.And he gave you a piece to weep over when you are only poor little madam Korelenko?Vera.A very great man—General Petrizoff!Kore.[Starting furiously]Has that—hashelooked at you?[Walks from her]Vera.[Imploring]Sasha!Kore.[Turning back to her]My little one! I'm a jealous fool! He will not hunt out you, poor little you.[Holds her to him, and shakes a clenched fist behind her back. Adrian enters by street door and goes up to Korelenko]Adrian.You would hold love in your heart and hate in your hand, Alexander?Vera.[Freeing herself]O, Adrian![Takes his hat and stick]You are tired. I will bring you some tea.Adr.No, little sister. Lay the table in the garden. It makes one hungry to walk from Petoff.Vera.So far! Sit down, you bad little brother![Leads him, to the large chair, and goes toward kitchen]In three minutes![Listens at door and says softly]Uliana is gone.[Exit]Kore.What of Petoff?Adr.[Looks about and sees Vasil at his book]Vasil, lad, a cup of water from the garden well. The roads are unusually dusty for the first of June.[Exit Vasil, kitchen way]Kore.You are wrong, Adrian. It is time for him to know man's work. This is not a day for dreamers.Adr.For dreamers, no,—but a dreamer, yes. Can we not spareoneto step out of the days to a place in the ages? We shall die, indeed, if there is none to sing us.Kore.He must know his theme then.Adr.He shall know it,—when he knows art so well thatlife can not tempt him to die. I will save his youth, his enthusiasm, and then ... he may please himself.Kore.No use. Our prisons are full of buried enthusiasms. He must take his fate with the rest of us. This is the world, not a fairy's cockle-shell. You can't save him.Adr.I must. In him Heaven has given me back my own youth. I shall not surrender it a second time.Kore.He belongs to himself, and he will soon find out that he is a man and a Russian. But Petoff? What did you find there?Adr.Despair, desolation, death. That is all they have gained by revolt.Kore.No! They have gained the name of men. To have submitted to be stripped and turned bleeding under the skies would have proved them lower than beasts.[Enter Vetrova, right, with cup of water]Vet.I begged the cup of Vasil. Let me die when I can not serve Adrian Lavrov.Adr.[Advancing to him and taking the cup]Thank you, Petrovich. I would rather serve you.[Drinks]Vet.Are we safe, Adrian Lavrov? Is Lonz at peace?Adr.Yes, Petrovich. I have Prince Travinski's word that we shall not be molested so long as we are patient under the law.Kore.The law? Under robbery and the rod! Patience under the foot of your master!Adr.The slave can always rise above the master by forgiving him. Go among our neighbors, Petrovich, and let them know they need fear nothing while they themselves keep the peace.Vet.Heaven, and the Shepherd of Lonz, be praised![Places cup on table and goes out street door]Kore.You saw Travinski? How did you manage it? He has steadily refused to see any one from the people.Adr.And he refused to see me at first, but as I was coming away I met a lady who interceded for me.Kore.His daughter? The princess Sophie?Adr.No. Sophie Remon. One of the Red Cross workers.Kore.Remon? I don't know her.Adr.Her district is farther north, but she comes here occasionally.Kore.She must have great influence.Adr.Yes. I was surprised to meet her in the palace.Kore.Naturally. In the enemy's camp. A spy on one side or the other.Adr.[Sternly]I, too, was in the palace, Korelenko.Kore.[Looking at him closely, after a surprised start]All right. I suppose she explained her presence there.Adr.I asked nothing. She is probably a friend of the princess.Kore.I hope not. She can't be her friend and yours too.Adr.Why not?Kore.I learned to-day that the princess Sophie is one of Petrizoff's spies. She has a wager with him, a luck-piece against a tiara, that she will secure evidence to convict you.Adr.Petrizoff need not be at so much trouble. He can imprison me without evidence when he pleases.Kore.Not you. That may do for other poor devils, but you have friends all over Russia. It would make too much of a stir even for Petrizoff. He would have to show the papers——[Re-enter Vera, right]Vera.Have you forgotten you were hungry?Adr.Come, Sasha.[They go out, right, with Vera, as Vetrova and princess Sophie Travinski appear at street door. She wears along gray ulster marked with a red cross, and a plain, drooping hat with veil]Sophie.Thank you, sir. I might have missed the house.Vet.[As they enter]Bless you, no! There's not a child in the village out of its cradle that couldn't tell you where the Shepherd lives.Soph.[Looking about the room]And he lives here?Vet.As I've told you, lady,—with me, old Vetrova. Ten years since he came in at that door to be a son to me and Catherine.Soph.He has lived here ten years?Vet.Not all of that, for he is often called away. But he always comes back. 'Tis never too far to come back.[Draws up the large chair]Will you sit here, madam?Soph.You have a granddaughter?[Sitting]Vet.Little Vera,—and a grandson, too. Twins, though not a bit alike, as you may see for yourself before you go. 'Twas Vasil, my grandson, who brought the Shepherd to us. He was just seven years old then, and a fine lad. We can say that about our grandchildren, ma'am. The Shepherd loved him at first sight, and a father he's been to him ever since. His own father, my Andrei, died under the rod one bad year when taxes couldn't be paid, and his wife—the little mother—died too when they brought him in. She dropped like that. But we don't tell the children. They'll not have to dig up graves for trouble.[Going right]I'll let the Shepherd know you are here.Soph.[In sudden confusion]Wait—I mean—yes—tell him I am here.Vet.'Tis luck you have found him at home, for these bitter days keep him at work. Shall I tell him your name, lady?Soph.Sophie Remon.[Exit Vetrova]Soph.His home! What a place! But I could kneel here.[Rises and walks nervously, but becomes suddenly composed at sound of a step. Enter Adrian, right. He stands reservedly at some distance from her]Adr.May I helpyouthis time? But I hope it is not trouble of your own that brings you.Soph.No.Adr.Then I am glad to see you again. We had so little time this morning, and my surprise was so great when I recognized you——Soph.You knew me?Adr.I should know you anywhere.Soph.But you will keep my secret? It is important. No one must suspect that I am Sophie Travinski.Adr.[Starts]Ah!... I did not know——Soph.You said you recognized me!Adr.As Sophie Remon. We had not met for some time.Soph.O——Adr.But have no fear, your highness——Soph.[Approaching and offering her hand]Not to you. To you I am still the same.Adr.[Not seeing her hand]Let me thank you again for being my kind divinity this morning.Soph.I did nothing.Adr.Everything. The people are crazed out of their dulness. They fear new, unknown horrors. I did not know what might happen; but the assurance of Prince Travinski will renew their endurance. That was what I needed—his word.Soph.[Uneasily]You can not need it. You who have such power over the people. 'Tis not because Travinski said it but because you repeat it that they believe. You are a great man, Adrian Lavrov.Adr.[Smiling]Not great enough to be flattered as great.Soph.O, I have seen—[checks herself, changing her words]men with men, and I know a king from a subject.Adr.Then you are wiser than I. But what is your wish, your highness? You say you have not come for yourself.Soph.No. For Vera Vetrova. She is in danger.Adr.Vera? How can such a child be in danger?Soph.You ask that in Russia?Adr.She lives at home—she goes nowhere.Soph.Where was she yesterday?Adr.I was away all day.Soph.And Vera was in Yaltowa, at the bazaar to raise funds for the wounded.Adr.I remember now. Madam Korego asked permission to take her.Soph.She is not a wise woman.Adr.What has happened?Soph.Petrizoff saw her. You know the man he is.Adr.Yes—O——Soph.She escaped him, but madam was pleased to give all information.Adr.What can I do? Where will she be safe?Soph.Not in the Czar's dominions. Petrizoff——Adr.I know! Something must be done at once. I must think!Soph.I have already thought. Will you trust me?Adr.[Gazing at her]Absolutely.Soph.O, thank you!Adr.You have a plan?Soph.A friend of mine leaves for Odessa to-morrow to embark for America. Vera can travel with her, taking her maid's passport. She will be safe until to-morrow. The officers' ball, and some other matters, will keep Petrizoffoccupied. I will arrange everything and send for her in the morning.Adr.Poor little girl! It will be hard for her, and her grandparents are very feeble. Dear old Petrovich! It will kill him to lose his darling.Soph.[With concealed anxiety]You—you are very fond of her?Adr.Yes.Soph.[Bravely]Perhaps you love her.Adr.I do.Soph.O! Then——Adr.But it will be hardest for Korelenko. She is betrothed to him.Soph.Betrothed! Ah, to——Adr.Alexander Korelenko. He is headstrong, and does not always understand. I'm afraid he will want to brave things out here.Soph.O, he can't! He must understand that he can't. That would mean the destruction of both. Could he not go with her?Adr.Perhaps.Soph.I can arrange that too, if he wishes. My friend was to be accompanied by a brother. He can go later. Tell Korelenko, and let me know before to-morrow.[Re-enter Vetrova, right]Vet.[Respectfully]Will the lady take a cup of tea in the garden with Catherine and my little granddaughter?Soph.Gladly.[To Adrian]She must know me.[Vetrova holds the door open for her][Vera's voice without]O, you have come! This way to the garden.[Vetrova closes the door and crosses to Adrian, who stands motionless, apparently not seeing Vetrova]Vet.A sweet lady.Adr.[To himself]The princess!Vet.Eh, yes, she steps like one. But not so pretty as our Vera.Adr.[Catching the last word]Vera! Ah,—Petrovich, I've been thinking that the children ought not to be parted.Vet.You are right, Adrian Lavrov.Adr.And you would be willing to let Vera go with Vasil to Berlin?Vet.[Astounded]Go with him? My Vera? My little girl? Go away? Leave her old grandfather? I don't understand you, Adrian Lavrov. Let the boy stay with his sister.Adr.[Putting his hand on Vetrova's shoulder]That must not be, Petrovich. He ought to go. Hemustgo. He will be a great musician. God means it. There is no mistake abouthim.[Leaves Vetrova and crosses to table where Vasil has been studying. Turns over the papers meditatively, forgetting Vetrova]He will never write. He feels too much to articulate. But music—through that his divinity can flow.[Takes up the book]Bless the lad! He learns by leaps.[Drops book]And I must send him from me—my youth—my dreams.Vet.But not Vera! Not her!Adr.If she stays she will marry, Petrovich. And she must leave you then.Vet.No, no! Alexander has promised me that she may live with me till I die.[Pleadingly]Only till I die, Adrian Lavrov.Adr.[Hiding his emotion]Well, Petrovich, sufficient unto the day. Let us be happy till to-morrow.[Re-enter Korelenko, right]Kore.Vera is calling you, Petrovich.[Vetrova hobbles off, right]Who is this woman, Adrian?Adr.You heard the name.Kore.I heard what she calls herself, but who is she?Adr.I shall not tell you.Kore.You needn't. I know enough.Adr.What do you know?Kore.What my eyes tell me. She is helping Vera with the dishes—and such hands! Remember I have warned you against the princess Sophie.Adr.Forget that slander, Korelenko.Kore.Slander! I believe that this woman is the friend and accomplice of the princess.Adr.[Smiling]You do?Kore.[Looking at his watch]I must hurry to Yaltowa. Do me this favor, Adrian. Don't leave Vera alone with this—Sophie Remon. At the best she is not what she pretends to be, and for some reason she is trying to win Vera's friendship.Adr.Alexander, I must speak to you about Vera.Kore.[Going]Not a second to spare. I am already late, and Gregorief——Adr.Gregorief! He will ruin you, Sasha. You are half a terrorist now. He will complete the work.Kore.He is getting at the bottom of a big reactionary plot. I can't stay to explain, and we don't know enough yet——Adr.Keep away from him!Kore.Can't now. We must root this out. It is a terrible thing. I shall be back by midnight.[Exit]Adr.And Vera must go to-morrow.[Re-enter Vetrova, right]Adr.What is wrong, Petrovich?Vet.The lady is a good lady. Yes. But why does she want to take Vera from the old man? She has stolen the child's heart. And to-morrow she is going to send a carriage——[Distant cries are heard from without]Adr.What is that? It sounds like—Petoff yesterday.[Uliana hurries in, street door]What is it, Uliana?Uliana[Crossing herself toward icon as she enters]O, sir, the soldiers have come!Adr.The soldiers? Well, they are only passing through the village.Uli.They have stopped, sir! And they are Cossacks.Adr.Do not be alarmed. They—[Enter two peasants]Simeon? Gregori?Simeon.What do they want—the soldiers?Adr.Nothing.Gregori.We are ordered to line up in the street. They are dragging some of the men out. Does that mean nothing, Shepherd of Lonz?Adr.I will find out what it means. Stay here. You have done no wrong. You will not be harmed.[Enter another peasant]Ugo?Ugo.Is it flogging, sir?Adr.No! It can't be![Goes toward door. Cries of "The Shepherd, The Shepherd," heard without]Adr.[In door]I am here.A voice without.We have followed your counsel, Shepherd of Lonz. We have kept the peace. We have borne the taxes. We have given our sons to the war. Why are the soldiers here?Adr.I do not know. But I have the word of Prince Travinski, your little father, that no outrage will be committed. Come in, friends.[A dozen or more peasants enter.Catherine,Sophie,Vera and Vasil come on, right]A peasant.[Doggedly]I gave the Czar my two sons. He gives me the rod.Another.My children have no bread. But the taxes are paid.Adr.You have done your best, and I can not believe that you will be harmed.A peasant.It makes no difference how we do. There were good men at Petoff.[A man staggers in]Adr.Kalushkin!Uli.[Rushing to him]My Petrov! Out of your bed! Why did you come?Kalushkin.We are to be lined up in the street and every tenth man flogged.[Silence. Then a woman hurries in]Adr.Anna!Anna.[Kneeling before Adrian]My lad—they have taken him! His father died last night. You know how he died. He was starved. He left the bread for me and the lad. And now they have taken him—my boy—[sobbing][Adrian lifts her up in silence]A peasant.[Starting up from bench where he has sat as if stunned]Flogging![Relapses into silence]Kalush.We are weak, we are starved, we can not bear the blows.Adr.Whatever happens we will not forget that the blow we receive falls on our bodies only; the blow we give falls back upon our souls. We will be patient even unto death; we will not league with our enemy against our immortal selves.[Groans, and mutters of remonstrance]What have our neighbors at Petoff gained by striking back? Put out your hands and feel the ashes of their homes. And they have lost not only their homes, their children, and themselves, but an eternal triumph, a triumph for the spirit of peace in the world.A voice at door.Here they come![Enter Orloff, with soldiers. Others are seen crowding into the yard]Orloff.We want the men of this house.Adr.I am one.Orl.[Looking him over]Not you. We know you. We want the peasants. There are two here.[Glancing at paper in his hand]Peter Vetrova, Vasil Vetrova.Adr.For what are they wanted? This is a peaceful village.Orl.And we intend to see that it remains so.Adr.I can assure you of that. My word is worth something.Orl.Not in the army, friend.Adr.The men of Lonz are men of peace.Orl.A warning not to get bad habits from their neighbors won't hurt them. Revolt is catching, and Petoff has given us a deal of trouble.Adr.Does this mean flogging?Orl.Only every tenth man. The same as for taxes. They get off light, but we've heard no thanks yet.Adr.Prince Travinski gave me his word this morning——Orl.Travinski! It was this morning that he sent to Petrizoff asking him to warm up Lonz a little and be quick about it.Adr.This morning?Orf. You see, my friend, your word won't pass in the army. And you can't blame Travinski for wanting to take things in time here after all his bother about Petoff.[Loudly]Peter Vetrova!Adr.[Pushing Vetrova forward]One blow would kill this old man. Have you a warrant for murder?Orl.Let him go. Death will take care of him.[Laughs][Adrian draws Vetrova back]Orl.Vasil Vetrova![Vasil steps out, his face white, his eyes blazing]A voice.Adrian Lavrov, do you still say submit?Adr.[Blanching]Submit.Orl.[To Vasil]Come!Adr.[Stepping between them]I will take his lot. Put me in his place.Orl.You are not a peasant.Adr.I live as one, work as one. We are not born to a class; we choose it. It is the lad who is no peasant.Orl.What is he then?Adr.A student.Orl.Ha! In the University of Lonz! No. He must come with us.Adr.If I can not stand for him I will stand for myself. I am one of these people.A voice.No!Adr.You live by my counsel. I too must live by it. If I shun the fate it brings I can not ask you to believe me again.[Sophie moves appealingly forward, then back unnoticed]Orl.I can't oblige you with a flogging,—I am sorry to say,—even to keep you in favor with your converts. Forward! To the line!Soph.[Stepping out]Release the boy!Orl.Who areyou?Soph.[Taking off her hat]You know, Count Orloff.Orl.I salute your highness.Soph.Release him.Orl.Again I salute your highness, but my orders are from Petrizoff.Soph.Mine also. Read this.[Holds an open locket before him]Orl.[Reads]"The bearer is in my service. Petrizoff."[Softly]Ah,—the tiara?Adr.O God!Orl.We release Vasil Vetrova.[To princess, in low tone]When may I see you?Soph.To-night, at the ball.Orl.[Bending over her hand]Till then—silence.[To the men]Forward!A voice.Must we go, Shepherd of Lonz? We have hands as well as they! Must we go?Adr.Go. The millennium is no lie, and the man who suffers wrong for the eternal right's sake is the man who brings it nearer. Go! And God give you strength to be true to yourselves—to the future—to Him![Orloff, soldiers and peasants pass out. Adrian is following when Sophie comes toward him hesitatingly]Adr.I must go with the people.Soph.I have not deceived you in the way you think.Adr.[Passing her]I must go.Soph.You will return here?Adr.This is my home.Soph.I shall wait for you.Adr.Farewell! [Exit][Sophie stands looking after him. Vasil approaches and kneels before her. She gives him her hand, which he kisses reverently. Curtain]

A table left of centre. Bench before loom. Two or three stools, one or two plain chairs; and a larger chair, of peasant make, near table centre.

Glimpses of grass and a fruit-tree in bloom seen through open door and window rear.

Vetrova discovered, making bark shoes. Catherine sits near him in the large chair, sewing. Vera at loom. Vasil in door rear with violin. He ceases playing as curtain rises.

Vetrova.That brings back young days, mother.

Catherine.The summer is getting into your head, Petrovich.

Vet.My heels too. If the boy plays any more I shall forget my broken bones and be off to the forest.

Vasil.I'll keep on forever if I can play your crutch away, grandfather.

Cath.[Hastily, as Vasil raises the bow]No! Enough for to-day.

Vera.[To herself, as she weaves]Rags—rags—rags! O, if I could make some of those beautiful things I saw at the bazaar![Softly]Or just a sweet white coverlet for me and Sasha.[Turns from the loom to the others]

Vasil.[Who has crossed to Catherine]If I can please but one it shall be you, little grandmother.

Vera.[Running to Vetrova, and sitting on his knee]And ifIcould please but one it should be you, little grandfather!

Cath.[Removing Vasil's arm from her shoulder]There, go to your book, lad. The Shepherd will be coming back.

Vasil.[Smiling]I am ready for him.[Crosses to small table rear, sits by it, and begins studying. Vera follows him, and they look over the book together, Vasil explaining, Vera teasing]

Vet.[Taking up his work]I wish you loved the music, Catherine. It makes things different somehow ... while it lasts.

Cath.'Tis your spirit, Petrovich. You were never like the rest of us. The others called you queer, but I knew it was just spirit.

Vet.Eh—yes. Don't you remember the gypsy ring in the forest forty-five years——

Cath.How you talk, Petrusha! 'Tis evil times[looks guardedly at the young people]and we are old.

Vet.Yes ... old. We may gather acorns in the woods, mother, but we shall never find any more flowers. Well enough. The trees would grow wrinkled withlaughter to see an old man dancing beneath them. Eh—yes, let him stoop, and pick up brush.

Cath.[Comfortingly]We have the children, Petrusha.

Vet.[Sullenly]We had their father and mother, too.

Cath.We've fared better than others. We've always had our home.

Vet.Because you served in the barin's house and the mistress liked you. Just chance! And then the barin died and Travinski got hold of everything.

Cath.But the Shepherd came.

Vet.Another chance! Life oughtn't to owe itself to that. It isn't living. Those two awful years before the Shepherd came—when Andrei died—they were real. A part of whatis. We were like our neighbors then. Yes.

[Stops talking as Vera crosses to her grandmother]

Vera.[Leaning affectionately against Catherine]How you must love Vasil, grandmamma, to make him an embroidered blouse out of a piece of your best blanket!

Cath.He is leaving us, my child.

Vera.You said I should have this if I married Alexander.

Cath.Perhaps these bad times will be over then, and we may be able to get something new.

Vera.O, these bad times! They will never be over. I've been waiting for that ever since I was born.

Cath.And we waited before you, child.

Vera.[Repentant]I didn't mean it, grandmamma! Can't I help you make the blouse? But it may not be the fashion in Berlin. I will ask Sasha what the students wear.[Takes up a piece of the stuff]And how can you sew on winter things in summer time? Winter is so far away,—a thousand years away. Vasil will never live till winter time.

Cath.[Shocked]Vera!

Vera.Well, you know he can't live a thousand years.

Cath.Why does winter seem so far off, dear?

Vera.O, I don't know.[A slight pause]Alexander says we can not be married before winter.

Cath.[Smiling and laying down her work]Do you love him so much?[Vera buries her face in her grandmother's lap]And he is right, dear. You should wait a long time. What can a young man do now? Everything is uncertain. Nothing is sure but hunger and children.

Vera.[Looking up]Isn't it the strangest thing in the world?

Cath.What, dear?

Vera.That he should love me.

Cath.And that you should love him?

Vera.O, no! I couldn't help lovinghim!

Cath.[Shaking her head and taking up her work]My thread, child. I left it in the kitchen.

[Exit Vera, second entrance, right]

Vet.[Looking after her]She is like her mother, Catherine.

Cath.Yes ... dear Polya. I thought she was going to have a wilful heart, but she is just a woman.

Vet.[Moodily]I wish they were both with their parents in the only safe place in Russia, the grave.

Cath.[Looking at Vasil]Hush! He will be safe enough soon. The Shepherd is good to send him away, and he so poor himself. Buy him from the army, and all.

Vet.Send an innocent lad out of his own country to be safe.

Cath.He is to be a musician as well as a scholar. Berlin is the place. The Shepherd knows. He could not keep out of trouble at our universities. You know what you were in your youth, Petrovich.

Vet.I wanted to be a scholar too. But they beat me back.

Cath.You have been a good peasant. You might havebeen a poor scholar. And we have had the teachers. Don't you remember the first night-class in our cottage, and the noble's daughter who wore peasant clothes and taught grown men to read? That was thirty years ago.

Vet.And she went to Kara for it ... to the mines ... for teaching men to read.

Cath.But others came.

Vet.And went ... as she did.

Cath.God bless them! We can all read our Bibles now. And the lad is going to a university.

Vet.'Tis far, Berlin. I am old. The Shepherd is needed everywhere. He may go any time. Vasil ought to stay with his sister.

Cath.She has Alexander.

Vet.How long will he keep out of prison with that big heart and hot head?

Cath.God will protect her.

Vet.As he did her mother! Yes.

Cath.You are hardening your heart, Petrovich.[Turns toward icon, crossing herself]

Vera.[Re-entering]Grandmamma![Stands in door]

Cath.The thread, child.

Vera.O, I forgot. Uliana is in the kitchen.

Cath.[Rising quickly]Uliana!

Vera.It's bad news, I'm afraid. She keeps wiping her eyes pretending she isn't.

Cath.Did she tell you anything?

Vera.No, grandmamma. I couldn't make her.

[Catherine hurries across to kitchen entrance. Vetrova takes up his crutch and hobbles after her]

Cath.[Sternly]Stay with the children, Petrovich.[Exit, closing door behind her]

Vera.[Opening door for Vetrova]Go on, grandfather.[Laughs and kisses him]Are you afraid? I promise you Vasil and I will stay here. She wantsyou, I know.

Vet.[Lifting her chin]A good child, but too pretty, too pretty.[Exit]

Vera.[Turns and looks at Vasil, who is absorbed in his book. Crosses to him]Vasil?

Vasil.[Looking up reluctantly]Ten pages beyond Adrian's mark. He will be pleased.

Vera.Is there anything you like better than to please Adrian?

Vasil.[Listening]Who is in the kitchen?

Vera.Uliana.

Vasil.And you don't want to hear the gossip?

Vera.No. I want to stay with you.[Guilefully]You are going away, you know.

Vasil.[Rising]There may be news from——

Vera.Don't go! I promised.

Vasil.Then itisfrom Petoff.

Vera.Adrian doesn't want you to hear about such things.

Vasil.[Sitting down]Haven't I ears and eyes? They think I don't know ... but see here.[Takes up a tablet]You may read it, Vera.[She glances over tablet]I wrote it this morning.

Vera.It is gay and sad too. But it is not like a June song. There are no birds and flowers in it.

Vasil.Don't you know who the "Summer Maid" is, Vera?

Vera.Summer herself, isn't she?

Vasil.No, stupid. She is Freedom—Liberty.

Vera.O, Vasil! And the old, dead Winter is——

Vasil.Yes, the Czar.

Vera.O, I'm afraid! Let me burn it, Vasil.

Vasil.[Taking it from her]No.

Vera.Suppose somebody should find it—a spy?

Vasil.He wouldn't understand it. You didn't yourself.

Vera.But I'm a stupid.

Vasil.[Catching her in his arms]Are you, little sister?

Vera.Let me have it, Vasil.

Vasil.[Tears sheet from tablet, folds it and puts it into his pocket]No. It's as safe as any piece of paper.

Vera.Adrian won't like it. He says your mind must be free from—all that. Free for what, Vasil? We want to be free only to do things.

Vasil.[Laying his hand on his book]For this,—and this[softly touching his violin],—and this.[Lifting his pen]

Vera.O, what a slave! You will have three masters. I want to be free too, but not for such things. I want to make Sasha happy.

Vasil.A woman's freedom. Free to wear fetters. Have you seen him to-day?

Vera.No, but——

Vasil.What? And the sun so high?

Vera.I am waiting for him now. I shall tease him about the great man who fell in love with me at the bazaar.

Vasil.Who was it wanted to make Sasha happy?

Vera., He ought to be glad that such a splendid officer even looked at me!

Vasil.And were you glad, Vera?

Vera.No. I ran away.

Vasil.What did Madam Korego say to that?

Vera.[As Korelenko enters unseen by her]She said she would never take me again, and I told her I didn't care, I was going to many Sasha, who was finer than any officer in the world.

Vasil.Good-morning, Alexander Korelenko.

Vera.[Whirls about and sees Alexander]Now I can't tease him![Vasil returns to his book]

Korelenko.About what, little bird?

Vera.O, I found a new lover at the bazaar.

Kore.[Smiling]I told Madam Korego it would never do to take you.

Vera.A fine gentleman, all covered with gold lace.

Kore.And he gave you a piece to weep over when you are only poor little madam Korelenko?

Vera.A very great man—General Petrizoff!

Kore.[Starting furiously]Has that—hashelooked at you?[Walks from her]

Vera.[Imploring]Sasha!

Kore.[Turning back to her]My little one! I'm a jealous fool! He will not hunt out you, poor little you.[Holds her to him, and shakes a clenched fist behind her back. Adrian enters by street door and goes up to Korelenko]

Adrian.You would hold love in your heart and hate in your hand, Alexander?

Vera.[Freeing herself]O, Adrian![Takes his hat and stick]You are tired. I will bring you some tea.

Adr.No, little sister. Lay the table in the garden. It makes one hungry to walk from Petoff.

Vera.So far! Sit down, you bad little brother![Leads him, to the large chair, and goes toward kitchen]In three minutes![Listens at door and says softly]Uliana is gone.[Exit]

Kore.What of Petoff?

Adr.[Looks about and sees Vasil at his book]Vasil, lad, a cup of water from the garden well. The roads are unusually dusty for the first of June.

[Exit Vasil, kitchen way]

Kore.You are wrong, Adrian. It is time for him to know man's work. This is not a day for dreamers.

Adr.For dreamers, no,—but a dreamer, yes. Can we not spareoneto step out of the days to a place in the ages? We shall die, indeed, if there is none to sing us.

Kore.He must know his theme then.

Adr.He shall know it,—when he knows art so well thatlife can not tempt him to die. I will save his youth, his enthusiasm, and then ... he may please himself.

Kore.No use. Our prisons are full of buried enthusiasms. He must take his fate with the rest of us. This is the world, not a fairy's cockle-shell. You can't save him.

Adr.I must. In him Heaven has given me back my own youth. I shall not surrender it a second time.

Kore.He belongs to himself, and he will soon find out that he is a man and a Russian. But Petoff? What did you find there?

Adr.Despair, desolation, death. That is all they have gained by revolt.

Kore.No! They have gained the name of men. To have submitted to be stripped and turned bleeding under the skies would have proved them lower than beasts.

[Enter Vetrova, right, with cup of water]

Vet.I begged the cup of Vasil. Let me die when I can not serve Adrian Lavrov.

Adr.[Advancing to him and taking the cup]Thank you, Petrovich. I would rather serve you.[Drinks]

Vet.Are we safe, Adrian Lavrov? Is Lonz at peace?

Adr.Yes, Petrovich. I have Prince Travinski's word that we shall not be molested so long as we are patient under the law.

Kore.The law? Under robbery and the rod! Patience under the foot of your master!

Adr.The slave can always rise above the master by forgiving him. Go among our neighbors, Petrovich, and let them know they need fear nothing while they themselves keep the peace.

Vet.Heaven, and the Shepherd of Lonz, be praised!

[Places cup on table and goes out street door]

Kore.You saw Travinski? How did you manage it? He has steadily refused to see any one from the people.

Adr.And he refused to see me at first, but as I was coming away I met a lady who interceded for me.

Kore.His daughter? The princess Sophie?

Adr.No. Sophie Remon. One of the Red Cross workers.

Kore.Remon? I don't know her.

Adr.Her district is farther north, but she comes here occasionally.

Kore.She must have great influence.

Adr.Yes. I was surprised to meet her in the palace.

Kore.Naturally. In the enemy's camp. A spy on one side or the other.

Adr.[Sternly]I, too, was in the palace, Korelenko.

Kore.[Looking at him closely, after a surprised start]All right. I suppose she explained her presence there.

Adr.I asked nothing. She is probably a friend of the princess.

Kore.I hope not. She can't be her friend and yours too.

Adr.Why not?

Kore.I learned to-day that the princess Sophie is one of Petrizoff's spies. She has a wager with him, a luck-piece against a tiara, that she will secure evidence to convict you.

Adr.Petrizoff need not be at so much trouble. He can imprison me without evidence when he pleases.

Kore.Not you. That may do for other poor devils, but you have friends all over Russia. It would make too much of a stir even for Petrizoff. He would have to show the papers——

[Re-enter Vera, right]

Vera.Have you forgotten you were hungry?

Adr.Come, Sasha.

[They go out, right, with Vera, as Vetrova and princess Sophie Travinski appear at street door. She wears along gray ulster marked with a red cross, and a plain, drooping hat with veil]

Sophie.Thank you, sir. I might have missed the house.

Vet.[As they enter]Bless you, no! There's not a child in the village out of its cradle that couldn't tell you where the Shepherd lives.

Soph.[Looking about the room]And he lives here?

Vet.As I've told you, lady,—with me, old Vetrova. Ten years since he came in at that door to be a son to me and Catherine.

Soph.He has lived here ten years?

Vet.Not all of that, for he is often called away. But he always comes back. 'Tis never too far to come back.[Draws up the large chair]Will you sit here, madam?

Soph.You have a granddaughter?[Sitting]

Vet.Little Vera,—and a grandson, too. Twins, though not a bit alike, as you may see for yourself before you go. 'Twas Vasil, my grandson, who brought the Shepherd to us. He was just seven years old then, and a fine lad. We can say that about our grandchildren, ma'am. The Shepherd loved him at first sight, and a father he's been to him ever since. His own father, my Andrei, died under the rod one bad year when taxes couldn't be paid, and his wife—the little mother—died too when they brought him in. She dropped like that. But we don't tell the children. They'll not have to dig up graves for trouble.[Going right]I'll let the Shepherd know you are here.

Soph.[In sudden confusion]Wait—I mean—yes—tell him I am here.

Vet.'Tis luck you have found him at home, for these bitter days keep him at work. Shall I tell him your name, lady?

Soph.Sophie Remon.

[Exit Vetrova]

Soph.His home! What a place! But I could kneel here.[Rises and walks nervously, but becomes suddenly composed at sound of a step. Enter Adrian, right. He stands reservedly at some distance from her]

Adr.May I helpyouthis time? But I hope it is not trouble of your own that brings you.

Soph.No.

Adr.Then I am glad to see you again. We had so little time this morning, and my surprise was so great when I recognized you——

Soph.You knew me?

Adr.I should know you anywhere.

Soph.But you will keep my secret? It is important. No one must suspect that I am Sophie Travinski.

Adr.[Starts]Ah!... I did not know——

Soph.You said you recognized me!

Adr.As Sophie Remon. We had not met for some time.

Soph.O——

Adr.But have no fear, your highness——

Soph.[Approaching and offering her hand]Not to you. To you I am still the same.

Adr.[Not seeing her hand]Let me thank you again for being my kind divinity this morning.

Soph.I did nothing.

Adr.Everything. The people are crazed out of their dulness. They fear new, unknown horrors. I did not know what might happen; but the assurance of Prince Travinski will renew their endurance. That was what I needed—his word.

Soph.[Uneasily]You can not need it. You who have such power over the people. 'Tis not because Travinski said it but because you repeat it that they believe. You are a great man, Adrian Lavrov.

Adr.[Smiling]Not great enough to be flattered as great.

Soph.O, I have seen—[checks herself, changing her words]men with men, and I know a king from a subject.

Adr.Then you are wiser than I. But what is your wish, your highness? You say you have not come for yourself.

Soph.No. For Vera Vetrova. She is in danger.

Adr.Vera? How can such a child be in danger?

Soph.You ask that in Russia?

Adr.She lives at home—she goes nowhere.

Soph.Where was she yesterday?

Adr.I was away all day.

Soph.And Vera was in Yaltowa, at the bazaar to raise funds for the wounded.

Adr.I remember now. Madam Korego asked permission to take her.

Soph.She is not a wise woman.

Adr.What has happened?

Soph.Petrizoff saw her. You know the man he is.

Adr.Yes—O——

Soph.She escaped him, but madam was pleased to give all information.

Adr.What can I do? Where will she be safe?

Soph.Not in the Czar's dominions. Petrizoff——

Adr.I know! Something must be done at once. I must think!

Soph.I have already thought. Will you trust me?

Adr.[Gazing at her]Absolutely.

Soph.O, thank you!

Adr.You have a plan?

Soph.A friend of mine leaves for Odessa to-morrow to embark for America. Vera can travel with her, taking her maid's passport. She will be safe until to-morrow. The officers' ball, and some other matters, will keep Petrizoffoccupied. I will arrange everything and send for her in the morning.

Adr.Poor little girl! It will be hard for her, and her grandparents are very feeble. Dear old Petrovich! It will kill him to lose his darling.

Soph.[With concealed anxiety]You—you are very fond of her?

Adr.Yes.

Soph.[Bravely]Perhaps you love her.

Adr.I do.

Soph.O! Then——

Adr.But it will be hardest for Korelenko. She is betrothed to him.

Soph.Betrothed! Ah, to——

Adr.Alexander Korelenko. He is headstrong, and does not always understand. I'm afraid he will want to brave things out here.

Soph.O, he can't! He must understand that he can't. That would mean the destruction of both. Could he not go with her?

Adr.Perhaps.

Soph.I can arrange that too, if he wishes. My friend was to be accompanied by a brother. He can go later. Tell Korelenko, and let me know before to-morrow.

[Re-enter Vetrova, right]

Vet.[Respectfully]Will the lady take a cup of tea in the garden with Catherine and my little granddaughter?

Soph.Gladly.[To Adrian]She must know me.

[Vetrova holds the door open for her]

[Vera's voice without]O, you have come! This way to the garden.

[Vetrova closes the door and crosses to Adrian, who stands motionless, apparently not seeing Vetrova]

Vet.A sweet lady.

Adr.[To himself]The princess!

Vet.Eh, yes, she steps like one. But not so pretty as our Vera.

Adr.[Catching the last word]Vera! Ah,—Petrovich, I've been thinking that the children ought not to be parted.

Vet.You are right, Adrian Lavrov.

Adr.And you would be willing to let Vera go with Vasil to Berlin?

Vet.[Astounded]Go with him? My Vera? My little girl? Go away? Leave her old grandfather? I don't understand you, Adrian Lavrov. Let the boy stay with his sister.

Adr.[Putting his hand on Vetrova's shoulder]That must not be, Petrovich. He ought to go. Hemustgo. He will be a great musician. God means it. There is no mistake abouthim.[Leaves Vetrova and crosses to table where Vasil has been studying. Turns over the papers meditatively, forgetting Vetrova]He will never write. He feels too much to articulate. But music—through that his divinity can flow.[Takes up the book]Bless the lad! He learns by leaps.[Drops book]And I must send him from me—my youth—my dreams.

Vet.But not Vera! Not her!

Adr.If she stays she will marry, Petrovich. And she must leave you then.

Vet.No, no! Alexander has promised me that she may live with me till I die.[Pleadingly]Only till I die, Adrian Lavrov.

Adr.[Hiding his emotion]Well, Petrovich, sufficient unto the day. Let us be happy till to-morrow.

[Re-enter Korelenko, right]

Kore.Vera is calling you, Petrovich.[Vetrova hobbles off, right]Who is this woman, Adrian?

Adr.You heard the name.

Kore.I heard what she calls herself, but who is she?

Adr.I shall not tell you.

Kore.You needn't. I know enough.

Adr.What do you know?

Kore.What my eyes tell me. She is helping Vera with the dishes—and such hands! Remember I have warned you against the princess Sophie.

Adr.Forget that slander, Korelenko.

Kore.Slander! I believe that this woman is the friend and accomplice of the princess.

Adr.[Smiling]You do?

Kore.[Looking at his watch]I must hurry to Yaltowa. Do me this favor, Adrian. Don't leave Vera alone with this—Sophie Remon. At the best she is not what she pretends to be, and for some reason she is trying to win Vera's friendship.

Adr.Alexander, I must speak to you about Vera.

Kore.[Going]Not a second to spare. I am already late, and Gregorief——

Adr.Gregorief! He will ruin you, Sasha. You are half a terrorist now. He will complete the work.

Kore.He is getting at the bottom of a big reactionary plot. I can't stay to explain, and we don't know enough yet——

Adr.Keep away from him!

Kore.Can't now. We must root this out. It is a terrible thing. I shall be back by midnight.[Exit]

Adr.And Vera must go to-morrow.

[Re-enter Vetrova, right]

Adr.What is wrong, Petrovich?

Vet.The lady is a good lady. Yes. But why does she want to take Vera from the old man? She has stolen the child's heart. And to-morrow she is going to send a carriage——

[Distant cries are heard from without]

Adr.What is that? It sounds like—Petoff yesterday.[Uliana hurries in, street door]What is it, Uliana?

Uliana[Crossing herself toward icon as she enters]O, sir, the soldiers have come!

Adr.The soldiers? Well, they are only passing through the village.

Uli.They have stopped, sir! And they are Cossacks.

Adr.Do not be alarmed. They—[Enter two peasants]Simeon? Gregori?

Simeon.What do they want—the soldiers?

Adr.Nothing.

Gregori.We are ordered to line up in the street. They are dragging some of the men out. Does that mean nothing, Shepherd of Lonz?

Adr.I will find out what it means. Stay here. You have done no wrong. You will not be harmed.[Enter another peasant]Ugo?

Ugo.Is it flogging, sir?

Adr.No! It can't be![Goes toward door. Cries of "The Shepherd, The Shepherd," heard without]

Adr.[In door]I am here.

A voice without.We have followed your counsel, Shepherd of Lonz. We have kept the peace. We have borne the taxes. We have given our sons to the war. Why are the soldiers here?

Adr.I do not know. But I have the word of Prince Travinski, your little father, that no outrage will be committed. Come in, friends.

[A dozen or more peasants enter.Catherine,Sophie,Vera and Vasil come on, right]

A peasant.[Doggedly]I gave the Czar my two sons. He gives me the rod.

Another.My children have no bread. But the taxes are paid.

Adr.You have done your best, and I can not believe that you will be harmed.

A peasant.It makes no difference how we do. There were good men at Petoff.[A man staggers in]

Adr.Kalushkin!

Uli.[Rushing to him]My Petrov! Out of your bed! Why did you come?

Kalushkin.We are to be lined up in the street and every tenth man flogged.

[Silence. Then a woman hurries in]

Adr.Anna!

Anna.[Kneeling before Adrian]My lad—they have taken him! His father died last night. You know how he died. He was starved. He left the bread for me and the lad. And now they have taken him—my boy—[sobbing]

[Adrian lifts her up in silence]

A peasant.[Starting up from bench where he has sat as if stunned]Flogging![Relapses into silence]

Kalush.We are weak, we are starved, we can not bear the blows.

Adr.Whatever happens we will not forget that the blow we receive falls on our bodies only; the blow we give falls back upon our souls. We will be patient even unto death; we will not league with our enemy against our immortal selves.

[Groans, and mutters of remonstrance]

What have our neighbors at Petoff gained by striking back? Put out your hands and feel the ashes of their homes. And they have lost not only their homes, their children, and themselves, but an eternal triumph, a triumph for the spirit of peace in the world.

A voice at door.Here they come!

[Enter Orloff, with soldiers. Others are seen crowding into the yard]

Orloff.We want the men of this house.

Adr.I am one.

Orl.[Looking him over]Not you. We know you. We want the peasants. There are two here.[Glancing at paper in his hand]Peter Vetrova, Vasil Vetrova.

Adr.For what are they wanted? This is a peaceful village.

Orl.And we intend to see that it remains so.

Adr.I can assure you of that. My word is worth something.

Orl.Not in the army, friend.

Adr.The men of Lonz are men of peace.

Orl.A warning not to get bad habits from their neighbors won't hurt them. Revolt is catching, and Petoff has given us a deal of trouble.

Adr.Does this mean flogging?

Orl.Only every tenth man. The same as for taxes. They get off light, but we've heard no thanks yet.

Adr.Prince Travinski gave me his word this morning——

Orl.Travinski! It was this morning that he sent to Petrizoff asking him to warm up Lonz a little and be quick about it.

Adr.This morning?

Orf. You see, my friend, your word won't pass in the army. And you can't blame Travinski for wanting to take things in time here after all his bother about Petoff.[Loudly]Peter Vetrova!

Adr.[Pushing Vetrova forward]One blow would kill this old man. Have you a warrant for murder?

Orl.Let him go. Death will take care of him.[Laughs]

[Adrian draws Vetrova back]

Orl.Vasil Vetrova!

[Vasil steps out, his face white, his eyes blazing]

A voice.Adrian Lavrov, do you still say submit?

Adr.[Blanching]Submit.

Orl.[To Vasil]Come!

Adr.[Stepping between them]I will take his lot. Put me in his place.

Orl.You are not a peasant.

Adr.I live as one, work as one. We are not born to a class; we choose it. It is the lad who is no peasant.

Orl.What is he then?

Adr.A student.

Orl.Ha! In the University of Lonz! No. He must come with us.

Adr.If I can not stand for him I will stand for myself. I am one of these people.

A voice.No!

Adr.You live by my counsel. I too must live by it. If I shun the fate it brings I can not ask you to believe me again.

[Sophie moves appealingly forward, then back unnoticed]

Orl.I can't oblige you with a flogging,—I am sorry to say,—even to keep you in favor with your converts. Forward! To the line!

Soph.[Stepping out]Release the boy!

Orl.Who areyou?

Soph.[Taking off her hat]You know, Count Orloff.

Orl.I salute your highness.

Soph.Release him.

Orl.Again I salute your highness, but my orders are from Petrizoff.

Soph.Mine also. Read this.[Holds an open locket before him]

Orl.[Reads]"The bearer is in my service. Petrizoff."[Softly]Ah,—the tiara?

Adr.O God!

Orl.We release Vasil Vetrova.[To princess, in low tone]When may I see you?

Soph.To-night, at the ball.

Orl.[Bending over her hand]Till then—silence.[To the men]Forward!

A voice.Must we go, Shepherd of Lonz? We have hands as well as they! Must we go?

Adr.Go. The millennium is no lie, and the man who suffers wrong for the eternal right's sake is the man who brings it nearer. Go! And God give you strength to be true to yourselves—to the future—to Him!

[Orloff, soldiers and peasants pass out. Adrian is following when Sophie comes toward him hesitatingly]

Adr.I must go with the people.

Soph.I have not deceived you in the way you think.

Adr.[Passing her]I must go.

Soph.You will return here?

Adr.This is my home.

Soph.I shall wait for you.

Adr.Farewell! [Exit]

[Sophie stands looking after him. Vasil approaches and kneels before her. She gives him her hand, which he kisses reverently. Curtain]

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