ACT I
The Château of Morbec in Brittany. A formal garden and a wide terrace with stone balustrade. In the background the château, white and peak-roofed, with great arched doors. Beyond it a distant prospect of a Breton village and of the sea beating against a dangerous coast. To the left a thick wood, to the right a perspective of garden alleys, fountains, and flowering trees. On the terrace a small table set with bread, fruit, and wine. In the angle formed by the level of the terrace and the wide stone steps leading into the garden the statue of a nymph, its high and broad pedestal draped with ivy. Scattered on the terrace and steps a litter of stones, broken cudgels, rusty and uncouth weapons. The sun shines, the trees wave in the wind, the birds sing, the flowers bloom. It is a summer morning in the year 1791.
Enter from one of the garden paths a lackey andRémond Lalain.Lalainwears a riding dress with a tricolour cockade.
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
Say to Monsieur the Baron of Morbec,Rémond Lalain, the Deputy from Vannes,In haste is riding north, but hath drawn rein—Hearing to-day of Baron Henri’s death—And audience craves that he may homage payTo Morbec’s latest lord!
Say to Monsieur the Baron of Morbec,Rémond Lalain, the Deputy from Vannes,In haste is riding north, but hath drawn rein—Hearing to-day of Baron Henri’s death—And audience craves that he may homage payTo Morbec’s latest lord!
Say to Monsieur the Baron of Morbec,Rémond Lalain, the Deputy from Vannes,In haste is riding north, but hath drawn rein—Hearing to-day of Baron Henri’s death—And audience craves that he may homage payTo Morbec’s latest lord!
Say to Monsieur the Baron of Morbec,
Rémond Lalain, the Deputy from Vannes,
In haste is riding north, but hath drawn rein—
Hearing to-day of Baron Henri’s death—
And audience craves that he may homage pay
To Morbec’s latest lord!
The Lackey
The Lackey
The Lackey
I go, monsieur!
I go, monsieur!
I go, monsieur!
I go, monsieur!
[Exit the lackey.
[Exit the lackey.
[Exit the lackey.
[Exit the lackey.
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
These gloomy towers!
These gloomy towers!
These gloomy towers!
These gloomy towers!
[He muses as he paces the garden walk before theterrace.
[He muses as he paces the garden walk before theterrace.
[He muses as he paces the garden walk before theterrace.
[He muses as he paces the garden walk before the
terrace.
Mirabeau is dead!Gabriel Riquetti, dead, I salute thee,Great gladiator! Who treads now the sandThat yesterday was trod by Mirabeau?Barnave, Lameth, ye are too slight of frame!There’s Lafayette. No, no,mon général!Robespierre? Go to, thou little man!Jean Paul Marat, dog leech and People’s Friend?Wild beast to fight with beast! Faugh! Down, Marat!Who stands this course, why, that man’s emperor!Now how would purple look upon Marat?Jacques Danton?—Danton! Hot Cordelier!Dark Titan forging to a Titan’s end!Shake not thy black locks from the tribune there,Nor rend the heavens with thy mighty voice!‘Tis not for thee, the victor’s golden crown,The voice of France—
Mirabeau is dead!Gabriel Riquetti, dead, I salute thee,Great gladiator! Who treads now the sandThat yesterday was trod by Mirabeau?Barnave, Lameth, ye are too slight of frame!There’s Lafayette. No, no,mon général!Robespierre? Go to, thou little man!Jean Paul Marat, dog leech and People’s Friend?Wild beast to fight with beast! Faugh! Down, Marat!Who stands this course, why, that man’s emperor!Now how would purple look upon Marat?Jacques Danton?—Danton! Hot Cordelier!Dark Titan forging to a Titan’s end!Shake not thy black locks from the tribune there,Nor rend the heavens with thy mighty voice!‘Tis not for thee, the victor’s golden crown,The voice of France—
Mirabeau is dead!Gabriel Riquetti, dead, I salute thee,Great gladiator! Who treads now the sandThat yesterday was trod by Mirabeau?Barnave, Lameth, ye are too slight of frame!There’s Lafayette. No, no,mon général!Robespierre? Go to, thou little man!Jean Paul Marat, dog leech and People’s Friend?Wild beast to fight with beast! Faugh! Down, Marat!Who stands this course, why, that man’s emperor!Now how would purple look upon Marat?Jacques Danton?—Danton! Hot Cordelier!Dark Titan forging to a Titan’s end!Shake not thy black locks from the tribune there,Nor rend the heavens with thy mighty voice!‘Tis not for thee, the victor’s golden crown,The voice of France—
Mirabeau is dead!
Gabriel Riquetti, dead, I salute thee,
Great gladiator! Who treads now the sand
That yesterday was trod by Mirabeau?
Barnave, Lameth, ye are too slight of frame!
There’s Lafayette. No, no,mon général!
Robespierre? Go to, thou little man!
Jean Paul Marat, dog leech and People’s Friend?
Wild beast to fight with beast! Faugh! Down, Marat!
Who stands this course, why, that man’s emperor!
Now how would purple look upon Marat?
Jacques Danton?—Danton! Hot Cordelier!
Dark Titan forging to a Titan’s end!
Shake not thy black locks from the tribune there,
Nor rend the heavens with thy mighty voice!
‘Tis not for thee, the victor’s golden crown,
The voice of France—
[The doors of the château open. Enter three lackeysbearing a great gilt chair, which they place withceremony at the head of the steps which lead fromthe terrace into the garden.
[The doors of the château open. Enter three lackeysbearing a great gilt chair, which they place withceremony at the head of the steps which lead fromthe terrace into the garden.
[The doors of the château open. Enter three lackeysbearing a great gilt chair, which they place withceremony at the head of the steps which lead fromthe terrace into the garden.
[The doors of the château open. Enter three lackeys
bearing a great gilt chair, which they place with
ceremony at the head of the steps which lead from
the terrace into the garden.
First Lackey(stamping with his foot upon the terrace)
First Lackey(stamping with his foot upon the terrace)
First Lackey(stamping with his foot upon the terrace)
The gilded chair place here!We always judge our peasants from this chair,We lords of Morbec! North terrace, gilt chair!
The gilded chair place here!We always judge our peasants from this chair,We lords of Morbec! North terrace, gilt chair!
The gilded chair place here!We always judge our peasants from this chair,We lords of Morbec! North terrace, gilt chair!
The gilded chair place here!
We always judge our peasants from this chair,
We lords of Morbec! North terrace, gilt chair!
Second Lackey
Second Lackey
Second Lackey
Baron Henri sat here the day he died!
Baron Henri sat here the day he died!
Baron Henri sat here the day he died!
Baron Henri sat here the day he died!
First Lackey
First Lackey
First Lackey
Now Baron René takes his turn!
Now Baron René takes his turn!
Now Baron René takes his turn!
Now Baron René takes his turn!
[They place the chair.
[They place the chair.
[They place the chair.
[They place the chair.
Lalain(as before)
Lalain(as before)
Lalain(as before)
Danton!Why not Lalain? It is as good a name!Mirabeau’s dead! Out of my way, Danton!
Danton!Why not Lalain? It is as good a name!Mirabeau’s dead! Out of my way, Danton!
Danton!Why not Lalain? It is as good a name!Mirabeau’s dead! Out of my way, Danton!
Danton!
Why not Lalain? It is as good a name!
Mirabeau’s dead! Out of my way, Danton!
Third Lackey(gathering up the stones which lieupon the terrace)
Third Lackey(gathering up the stones which lieupon the terrace)
Third Lackey(gathering up the stones which lie
upon the terrace)
I’ll throw these stones into the shrubbery!
I’ll throw these stones into the shrubbery!
I’ll throw these stones into the shrubbery!
I’ll throw these stones into the shrubbery!
Second Lackey(lifting a rusty scythe from the steps)
Second Lackey(lifting a rusty scythe from the steps)
Second Lackey(lifting a rusty scythe from the steps)
This scythe I’ll fling into the fountain!
This scythe I’ll fling into the fountain!
This scythe I’ll fling into the fountain!
This scythe I’ll fling into the fountain!
First Lackey(his hands in his pockets)
First Lackey(his hands in his pockets)
First Lackey(his hands in his pockets)
Hé!One sees quite well that we have stood a siege!
Hé!One sees quite well that we have stood a siege!
Hé!One sees quite well that we have stood a siege!
Hé!
One sees quite well that we have stood a siege!
[The lackeys gather up the stones, the sticks, the brokenand rusty tools and weapons.
[The lackeys gather up the stones, the sticks, the brokenand rusty tools and weapons.
[The lackeys gather up the stones, the sticks, the brokenand rusty tools and weapons.
[The lackeys gather up the stones, the sticks, the broken
and rusty tools and weapons.
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
Where lives the man who doth not worship Might?O Goddess All-in-All! make me thine own,As the bright moon did make Endymion;And I will rim thy Phrygian cap with stars,And give thee for thy cestus the tricolour!
Where lives the man who doth not worship Might?O Goddess All-in-All! make me thine own,As the bright moon did make Endymion;And I will rim thy Phrygian cap with stars,And give thee for thy cestus the tricolour!
Where lives the man who doth not worship Might?O Goddess All-in-All! make me thine own,As the bright moon did make Endymion;And I will rim thy Phrygian cap with stars,And give thee for thy cestus the tricolour!
Where lives the man who doth not worship Might?
O Goddess All-in-All! make me thine own,
As the bright moon did make Endymion;
And I will rim thy Phrygian cap with stars,
And give thee for thy cestus the tricolour!
EnterGrégoire.
EnterGrégoire.
EnterGrégoire.
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
Monsieur Lalain!
Monsieur Lalain!
Monsieur Lalain!
Monsieur Lalain!
Lalain(waving his hand)
Lalain(waving his hand)
Lalain(waving his hand)
My good Grégoire!
My good Grégoire!
My good Grégoire!
My good Grégoire!
Grégoire(to the lackeys)
Grégoire(to the lackeys)
Grégoire(to the lackeys)
Despatch!Monseigneur will be here anon!
Despatch!Monseigneur will be here anon!
Despatch!Monseigneur will be here anon!
Despatch!
Monseigneur will be here anon!
[He glances at the stones, etc.
[He glances at the stones, etc.
[He glances at the stones, etc.
[He glances at the stones, etc.
Rubbish!Away with’t!
Rubbish!Away with’t!
Rubbish!Away with’t!
Rubbish!
Away with’t!
[Passing the statue of the nymph, he strikes it withhis hand.
[Passing the statue of the nymph, he strikes it withhis hand.
[Passing the statue of the nymph, he strikes it withhis hand.
[Passing the statue of the nymph, he strikes it with
his hand.
Will you forever smile?Stone lips that long have smiled at bitter wrong!You might, my dear, have lost that smile last night!
Will you forever smile?Stone lips that long have smiled at bitter wrong!You might, my dear, have lost that smile last night!
Will you forever smile?Stone lips that long have smiled at bitter wrong!You might, my dear, have lost that smile last night!
Will you forever smile?
Stone lips that long have smiled at bitter wrong!
You might, my dear, have lost that smile last night!
First Lackey
First Lackey
First Lackey
Last night was something like!
Last night was something like!
Last night was something like!
Last night was something like!
Second Lackey(throwing the stones one by one intothe shrubbery)
Second Lackey(throwing the stones one by one intothe shrubbery)
Second Lackey(throwing the stones one by one into
the shrubbery)
Sangdieu! last nightMy heart was water!
Sangdieu! last nightMy heart was water!
Sangdieu! last nightMy heart was water!
Sangdieu! last night
My heart was water!
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
Ah, poltroon; your heart!
Ah, poltroon; your heart!
Ah, poltroon; your heart!
Ah, poltroon; your heart!
Third Lackey(making play with a broken stick)
Third Lackey(making play with a broken stick)
Third Lackey(making play with a broken stick)
Our baron’s a swordsman! His rapier flashed!
Our baron’s a swordsman! His rapier flashed!
Our baron’s a swordsman! His rapier flashed!
Our baron’s a swordsman! His rapier flashed!
First Lackey
First Lackey
First Lackey
Keen as the blade of the Sieur de Morbec!—And that is a saying old as the sea!
Keen as the blade of the Sieur de Morbec!—And that is a saying old as the sea!
Keen as the blade of the Sieur de Morbec!—And that is a saying old as the sea!
Keen as the blade of the Sieur de Morbec!
—And that is a saying old as the sea!
Second Lackey
Second Lackey
Second Lackey
Hard as the heart of the Sieur de Morbec!—And that was said before the sea was made!
Hard as the heart of the Sieur de Morbec!—And that was said before the sea was made!
Hard as the heart of the Sieur de Morbec!—And that was said before the sea was made!
Hard as the heart of the Sieur de Morbec!
—And that was said before the sea was made!
[They laugh.
[They laugh.
[They laugh.
[They laugh.
Third Lackey(pointing toLalain)
Third Lackey(pointing toLalain)
Third Lackey(pointing toLalain)
What’s he?
What’s he?
What’s he?
What’s he?
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
The advocate Rémond Lalain.
The advocate Rémond Lalain.
The advocate Rémond Lalain.
The advocate Rémond Lalain.
Third Lackey
Third Lackey
Third Lackey
A patriot?
A patriot?
A patriot?
A patriot?
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
Hotter than Lanjuinais!
Hotter than Lanjuinais!
Hotter than Lanjuinais!
Hotter than Lanjuinais!
Third Lackey
Third Lackey
Third Lackey
What does he at Morbec?
What does he at Morbec?
What does he at Morbec?
What does he at Morbec?
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
How should I know?His home was once within the village there,And now and then he visits the curé.
How should I know?His home was once within the village there,And now and then he visits the curé.
How should I know?His home was once within the village there,And now and then he visits the curé.
How should I know?
His home was once within the village there,
And now and then he visits the curé.
First Lackey
First Lackey
First Lackey
The curé! He visits Yvette Charruel!
The curé! He visits Yvette Charruel!
The curé! He visits Yvette Charruel!
The curé! He visits Yvette Charruel!
Lalain(as before)
Lalain(as before)
Lalain(as before)
Mirabeau and I were born in the south.Oh, the orange flower beside the wall!And the shaken olives when Mistral wakes!
Mirabeau and I were born in the south.Oh, the orange flower beside the wall!And the shaken olives when Mistral wakes!
Mirabeau and I were born in the south.Oh, the orange flower beside the wall!And the shaken olives when Mistral wakes!
Mirabeau and I were born in the south.
Oh, the orange flower beside the wall!
And the shaken olives when Mistral wakes!
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
Once they were friends, Baron René and he;The Revolution came between—
Once they were friends, Baron René and he;The Revolution came between—
Once they were friends, Baron René and he;The Revolution came between—
Once they were friends, Baron René and he;
The Revolution came between—
First Lackey(He sends a pike whirling into theshrubbery)
First Lackey(He sends a pike whirling into theshrubbery)
First Lackey(He sends a pike whirling into the
shrubbery)
Long liveThe Revolution!
Long liveThe Revolution!
Long liveThe Revolution!
Long live
The Revolution!
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
My friend, ‘twill liveWithout thy bawling!
My friend, ‘twill liveWithout thy bawling!
My friend, ‘twill liveWithout thy bawling!
My friend, ‘twill live
Without thy bawling!
Third Lackey(arranging the bottles upon the smalltable)
Third Lackey(arranging the bottles upon the smalltable)
Third Lackey(arranging the bottles upon the small
table)
So! The red wine here,The white wine there!(To a fallen bottle.) Stand up, Aristocrat!
So! The red wine here,The white wine there!(To a fallen bottle.) Stand up, Aristocrat!
So! The red wine here,The white wine there!
So! The red wine here,
The white wine there!
(To a fallen bottle.) Stand up, Aristocrat!
(To a fallen bottle.) Stand up, Aristocrat!
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
The sun is high!
The sun is high!
The sun is high!
The sun is high!
[He approaches the terrace and addresses the nearestlackey.
[He approaches the terrace and addresses the nearestlackey.
[He approaches the terrace and addresses the nearestlackey.
[He approaches the terrace and addresses the nearest
lackey.
How long must I awaitThe pleasure of Monsieur the Baron here?
How long must I awaitThe pleasure of Monsieur the Baron here?
How long must I awaitThe pleasure of Monsieur the Baron here?
How long must I await
The pleasure of Monsieur the Baron here?
The Lackey
The Lackey
The Lackey
Monsieur?
Monsieur?
Monsieur?
Monsieur?
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
Go, fellow, go! and to him say,Rémond Lalain—
Go, fellow, go! and to him say,Rémond Lalain—
Go, fellow, go! and to him say,Rémond Lalain—
Go, fellow, go! and to him say,
Rémond Lalain—
The Lackey
The Lackey
The Lackey
I go, monsieur!
I go, monsieur!
I go, monsieur!
I go, monsieur!
[Exit the lackey.
[Exit the lackey.
[Exit the lackey.
[Exit the lackey.
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
‘Tis well,René de Vardes, to keep me waiting thus!
‘Tis well,René de Vardes, to keep me waiting thus!
‘Tis well,René de Vardes, to keep me waiting thus!
‘Tis well,
René de Vardes, to keep me waiting thus!
[Grégoirepours wine into a glass and descendingthe steps offers it toLalain.
[Grégoirepours wine into a glass and descendingthe steps offers it toLalain.
[Grégoirepours wine into a glass and descendingthe steps offers it toLalain.
[Grégoirepours wine into a glass and descending
the steps offers it toLalain.
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
The old vintage, Monsieur Lalain!
The old vintage, Monsieur Lalain!
The old vintage, Monsieur Lalain!
The old vintage, Monsieur Lalain!
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
Thanks, friend.The day is warm.
Thanks, friend.The day is warm.
Thanks, friend.The day is warm.
Thanks, friend.
The day is warm.
[He raises the glass to his lips. Laughter and voicesfrom the winding garden paths.
[He raises the glass to his lips. Laughter and voicesfrom the winding garden paths.
[He raises the glass to his lips. Laughter and voicesfrom the winding garden paths.
[He raises the glass to his lips. Laughter and voices
from the winding garden paths.
What’s that?
What’s that?
What’s that?
What’s that?
Grégoire(shrugging)
Grégoire(shrugging)
Grégoire(shrugging)
More guests, no doubt!The count, the vidame, and the young marquise!All Morbihan felicitates Morbec,And brings our baron bonbons and bouquets,As if there were no hunger and no frost!
More guests, no doubt!The count, the vidame, and the young marquise!All Morbihan felicitates Morbec,And brings our baron bonbons and bouquets,As if there were no hunger and no frost!
More guests, no doubt!The count, the vidame, and the young marquise!All Morbihan felicitates Morbec,And brings our baron bonbons and bouquets,As if there were no hunger and no frost!
More guests, no doubt!
The count, the vidame, and the young marquise!
All Morbihan felicitates Morbec,
And brings our baron bonbons and bouquets,
As if there were no hunger and no frost!
[A distant sound from the wood of harsh and complainingvoices.
[A distant sound from the wood of harsh and complainingvoices.
[A distant sound from the wood of harsh and complainingvoices.
[A distant sound from the wood of harsh and complaining
voices.
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
And that?
And that?
And that?
And that?
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
Soldiers and huntsmen beat the woods;For half the village is in hiding there,Having assayed last night to burn Morbec!As if ‘twould burn! This time the soldiers came!Mon Dieu! the times are bad.
Soldiers and huntsmen beat the woods;For half the village is in hiding there,Having assayed last night to burn Morbec!As if ‘twould burn! This time the soldiers came!Mon Dieu! the times are bad.
Soldiers and huntsmen beat the woods;For half the village is in hiding there,Having assayed last night to burn Morbec!As if ‘twould burn! This time the soldiers came!Mon Dieu! the times are bad.
Soldiers and huntsmen beat the woods;
For half the village is in hiding there,
Having assayed last night to burn Morbec!
As if ‘twould burn! This time the soldiers came!
Mon Dieu! the times are bad.
Lalain(abruptly)
Lalain(abruptly)
Lalain(abruptly)
All the village!Did Yvette Charruel—
All the village!Did Yvette Charruel—
All the village!Did Yvette Charruel—
All the village!
Did Yvette Charruel—
Grégoire(shrugging)
Grégoire(shrugging)
Grégoire(shrugging)
Yvette!
Yvette!
Yvette!
Yvette!
First Lackey(from the terrace)
First Lackey(from the terrace)
First Lackey(from the terrace)
Yvette!
Yvette!
Yvette!
Yvette!
Second Lackey
Second Lackey
Second Lackey
I warrant monseigneur will hang Yvette!
I warrant monseigneur will hang Yvette!
I warrant monseigneur will hang Yvette!
I warrant monseigneur will hang Yvette!
[Lalainpours the wine upon the ground and throwsthe glass from him. It shatters against the balustrade.Laughter and voices. Guests appear in the gardenwalks, the women in swelling skirts of silk or muslin,powdered hair and large hats; the men in brocadeand silk with cane swords, or in hunting dress.
[Lalainpours the wine upon the ground and throwsthe glass from him. It shatters against the balustrade.Laughter and voices. Guests appear in the gardenwalks, the women in swelling skirts of silk or muslin,powdered hair and large hats; the men in brocadeand silk with cane swords, or in hunting dress.
[Lalainpours the wine upon the ground and throwsthe glass from him. It shatters against the balustrade.Laughter and voices. Guests appear in the gardenwalks, the women in swelling skirts of silk or muslin,powdered hair and large hats; the men in brocadeand silk with cane swords, or in hunting dress.
[Lalainpours the wine upon the ground and throws
the glass from him. It shatters against the balustrade.
Laughter and voices. Guests appear in the garden
walks, the women in swelling skirts of silk or muslin,
powdered hair and large hats; the men in brocade
and silk with cane swords, or in hunting dress.
A Lady(curtseying)
A Lady(curtseying)
A Lady(curtseying)
Monsieur le Vicomte!
Monsieur le Vicomte!
Monsieur le Vicomte!
Monsieur le Vicomte!
A Gentleman(bowing)
A Gentleman(bowing)
A Gentleman(bowing)
Madame la Baronne!
Madame la Baronne!
Madame la Baronne!
Madame la Baronne!
Mme. de Malestroit
Mme. de Malestroit
Mme. de Malestroit
A heavenly day.
A heavenly day.
A heavenly day.
A heavenly day.
Enguerrand La Fôret
Enguerrand La Fôret
Enguerrand La Fôret
No cloud in the sky.
No cloud in the sky.
No cloud in the sky.
No cloud in the sky.
The Vidame(saluting a gentleman)
The Vidame(saluting a gentleman)
The Vidame(saluting a gentleman)
Count Louis de Château-Gui!
Count Louis de Château-Gui!
Count Louis de Château-Gui!
Count Louis de Château-Gui!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Ah, monsieur!
Ah, monsieur!
Ah, monsieur!
Ah, monsieur!
[Presents his snuff-box.
[Presents his snuff-box.
[Presents his snuff-box.
[Presents his snuff-box.
Mme. de Pont à L’Arche
Mme. de Pont à L’Arche
Mme. de Pont à L’Arche
For laces I advise Louise. Fichus?The Bleeding Heart above the flower shop.
For laces I advise Louise. Fichus?The Bleeding Heart above the flower shop.
For laces I advise Louise. Fichus?The Bleeding Heart above the flower shop.
For laces I advise Louise. Fichus?
The Bleeding Heart above the flower shop.
The Vidame
The Vidame
The Vidame
—Alettre de cachet. To Vincennes he went!
—Alettre de cachet. To Vincennes he went!
—Alettre de cachet. To Vincennes he went!
—Alettre de cachet. To Vincennes he went!
Mme. de Malestroit
Mme. de Malestroit
Mme. de Malestroit
But ah! what use of laces or fichus!We emigrate so fast there’s none to see!
But ah! what use of laces or fichus!We emigrate so fast there’s none to see!
But ah! what use of laces or fichus!We emigrate so fast there’s none to see!
But ah! what use of laces or fichus!
We emigrate so fast there’s none to see!
The Englishman
The Englishman
The Englishman
I quote a great man—my Lord Chesterfield:“Exist in the unhappy land of FranceAll signs that history hath ever shown”—
I quote a great man—my Lord Chesterfield:“Exist in the unhappy land of FranceAll signs that history hath ever shown”—
I quote a great man—my Lord Chesterfield:“Exist in the unhappy land of FranceAll signs that history hath ever shown”—
I quote a great man—my Lord Chesterfield:
“Exist in the unhappy land of France
All signs that history hath ever shown”—
Mme. de Pont à L’Arche
Mme. de Pont à L’Arche
Mme. de Pont à L’Arche
The Queen wore carnation, Madame, pale rose,The Dauphin—
The Queen wore carnation, Madame, pale rose,The Dauphin—
The Queen wore carnation, Madame, pale rose,The Dauphin—
The Queen wore carnation, Madame, pale rose,
The Dauphin—
Lalain
Lalain
Lalain
What do I in this galley?(ToGrégoire.) I’ll walk aside!
What do I in this galley?(ToGrégoire.) I’ll walk aside!
What do I in this galley?(ToGrégoire.) I’ll walk aside!
What do I in this galley?
(ToGrégoire.) I’ll walk aside!
[ExitLalain.
[ExitLalain.
[ExitLalain.
[ExitLalain.
Count Louis(toGrégoire)
Count Louis(toGrégoire)
Count Louis(toGrégoire)
Was that Rémond Lalain?
Was that Rémond Lalain?
Was that Rémond Lalain?
Was that Rémond Lalain?
Grégoire
Grégoire
Grégoire
It was, Monsieur le Comte.
It was, Monsieur le Comte.
It was, Monsieur le Comte.
It was, Monsieur le Comte.
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Ah, scélérat!
Ah, scélérat!
Ah, scélérat!
Ah, scélérat!
The Vidame
The Vidame
The Vidame
The talked-of Deputy for Vannes?
The talked-of Deputy for Vannes?
The talked-of Deputy for Vannes?
The talked-of Deputy for Vannes?
La Fôret
La Fôret
La Fôret
TribuneEloquent as Antony!
TribuneEloquent as Antony!
TribuneEloquent as Antony!
Tribune
Eloquent as Antony!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Demagogue!
Demagogue!
Demagogue!
Demagogue!
The Englishman
The Englishman
The Englishman
I heard him in the Jacobins. He spoke,And then they went and tore a palace down!
I heard him in the Jacobins. He spoke,And then they went and tore a palace down!
I heard him in the Jacobins. He spoke,And then they went and tore a palace down!
I heard him in the Jacobins. He spoke,
And then they went and tore a palace down!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Stucco!
Stucco!
Stucco!
Stucco!
Enter, laughing,Mlle. de Château-Gui,Melipars deL’Orient,andCaptain Fauquemont de Buc.DeL’Orienthas in his hand a paper of verses.
Enter, laughing,Mlle. de Château-Gui,Melipars deL’Orient,andCaptain Fauquemont de Buc.DeL’Orienthas in his hand a paper of verses.
Enter, laughing,Mlle. de Château-Gui,Melipars de
L’Orient,andCaptain Fauquemont de Buc.De
L’Orienthas in his hand a paper of verses.
My daughter and De L’Orient,Captain Fauquemont de Buc!
My daughter and De L’Orient,Captain Fauquemont de Buc!
My daughter and De L’Orient,Captain Fauquemont de Buc!
My daughter and De L’Orient,
Captain Fauquemont de Buc!
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Messieurs, mesdames!The poet and his verses!
Messieurs, mesdames!The poet and his verses!
Messieurs, mesdames!The poet and his verses!
Messieurs, mesdames!
The poet and his verses!
The Company
The Company
The Company
Ah, verses!
Ah, verses!
Ah, verses!
Ah, verses!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Who is the fair, Monsieur de L’Orient?Lalage or Laïs or little Fleurette?Men sang of Célestine when I was young,—Ah, Célestine, behind thy white rose tree!
Who is the fair, Monsieur de L’Orient?Lalage or Laïs or little Fleurette?Men sang of Célestine when I was young,—Ah, Célestine, behind thy white rose tree!
Who is the fair, Monsieur de L’Orient?Lalage or Laïs or little Fleurette?Men sang of Célestine when I was young,—Ah, Célestine, behind thy white rose tree!
Who is the fair, Monsieur de L’Orient?
Lalage or Laïs or little Fleurette?
Men sang of Célestine when I was young,—
Ah, Célestine, behind thy white rose tree!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
I do not sing of love, Monsieur le Comte!
I do not sing of love, Monsieur le Comte!
I do not sing of love, Monsieur le Comte!
I do not sing of love, Monsieur le Comte!
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
He sings of this day—
He sings of this day—
He sings of this day—
He sings of this day—
De Buc
De Buc
De Buc
The Eve of Saint John.
The Eve of Saint John.
The Eve of Saint John.
The Eve of Saint John.
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
It is a Song of Welcome to De Vardes!
It is a Song of Welcome to De Vardes!
It is a Song of Welcome to De Vardes!
It is a Song of Welcome to De Vardes!
De Buc
De Buc
De Buc
But yesterday poor Colonel of Hussars!
But yesterday poor Colonel of Hussars!
But yesterday poor Colonel of Hussars!
But yesterday poor Colonel of Hussars!
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
To-day Monsieur the Baron of Morbec!
To-day Monsieur the Baron of Morbec!
To-day Monsieur the Baron of Morbec!
To-day Monsieur the Baron of Morbec!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
Mars to Bellona leaves the tented field.
Mars to Bellona leaves the tented field.
Mars to Bellona leaves the tented field.
Mars to Bellona leaves the tented field.
De Buc
De Buc
De Buc
That’s Bouillé at Metz! Kling! rang our spurs—De Vardes’ and mine—from Verdun to Morbec!
That’s Bouillé at Metz! Kling! rang our spurs—De Vardes’ and mine—from Verdun to Morbec!
That’s Bouillé at Metz! Kling! rang our spurs—De Vardes’ and mine—from Verdun to Morbec!
That’s Bouillé at Metz! Kling! rang our spurs—
De Vardes’ and mine—from Verdun to Morbec!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
The warrior hastens to his native weald.
The warrior hastens to his native weald.
The warrior hastens to his native weald.
The warrior hastens to his native weald.
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Would I might see again Henri de Vardes!
Would I might see again Henri de Vardes!
Would I might see again Henri de Vardes!
Would I might see again Henri de Vardes!
De Buc
De Buc
De Buc
It would affright you, sir! The man is dead.
It would affright you, sir! The man is dead.
It would affright you, sir! The man is dead.
It would affright you, sir! The man is dead.
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Ah, while he lived it was as did becomeA nobleman of France and Brittany!He was my friend; together we were young!From dawn to dusk, from dusk to dawn again,We searched for pleasure as for buried gold,And found it, too, in days when we were young!From every flint we struck the golden sparks,We plucked the thistle as we plucked the rose,And battle gave for every star that shone!O nymphs that laughing fled while we pursued!O music that was made when we were young!O gold we won and duels that we fought!On guard, monsieur, on guard!Sa! sa!A touch!What shall we drink? Where shall we dine? Ma foi!There’s a melting eye at the Golden Crown!The Angel pours a Burgundy divine!Come, come, the quarrel’s o’er! So, arm in arm!O worlds we lost and won when we were young!O lips we kissed within the jasmine bower!O sirens singing in the clear moonlight!—With Bacchus we drank, with Apollo loved,With Actæon hunted when we were young!The wax-lights burned with softer lustre then.The music was more rich when we were young.Violet was the perfume for hair powder,Ruffles were point and buckles were brilliantAnd lords were lords in the old land of France!We did what we would, andlettres de cachet,Like cooing doves they fluttered from our hands!
Ah, while he lived it was as did becomeA nobleman of France and Brittany!He was my friend; together we were young!From dawn to dusk, from dusk to dawn again,We searched for pleasure as for buried gold,And found it, too, in days when we were young!From every flint we struck the golden sparks,We plucked the thistle as we plucked the rose,And battle gave for every star that shone!O nymphs that laughing fled while we pursued!O music that was made when we were young!O gold we won and duels that we fought!On guard, monsieur, on guard!Sa! sa!A touch!What shall we drink? Where shall we dine? Ma foi!There’s a melting eye at the Golden Crown!The Angel pours a Burgundy divine!Come, come, the quarrel’s o’er! So, arm in arm!O worlds we lost and won when we were young!O lips we kissed within the jasmine bower!O sirens singing in the clear moonlight!—With Bacchus we drank, with Apollo loved,With Actæon hunted when we were young!The wax-lights burned with softer lustre then.The music was more rich when we were young.Violet was the perfume for hair powder,Ruffles were point and buckles were brilliantAnd lords were lords in the old land of France!We did what we would, andlettres de cachet,Like cooing doves they fluttered from our hands!
Ah, while he lived it was as did becomeA nobleman of France and Brittany!He was my friend; together we were young!From dawn to dusk, from dusk to dawn again,We searched for pleasure as for buried gold,And found it, too, in days when we were young!From every flint we struck the golden sparks,We plucked the thistle as we plucked the rose,And battle gave for every star that shone!O nymphs that laughing fled while we pursued!O music that was made when we were young!O gold we won and duels that we fought!On guard, monsieur, on guard!Sa! sa!A touch!What shall we drink? Where shall we dine? Ma foi!There’s a melting eye at the Golden Crown!The Angel pours a Burgundy divine!Come, come, the quarrel’s o’er! So, arm in arm!O worlds we lost and won when we were young!O lips we kissed within the jasmine bower!O sirens singing in the clear moonlight!—With Bacchus we drank, with Apollo loved,With Actæon hunted when we were young!The wax-lights burned with softer lustre then.The music was more rich when we were young.Violet was the perfume for hair powder,Ruffles were point and buckles were brilliantAnd lords were lords in the old land of France!We did what we would, andlettres de cachet,Like cooing doves they fluttered from our hands!
Ah, while he lived it was as did become
A nobleman of France and Brittany!
He was my friend; together we were young!
From dawn to dusk, from dusk to dawn again,
We searched for pleasure as for buried gold,
And found it, too, in days when we were young!
From every flint we struck the golden sparks,
We plucked the thistle as we plucked the rose,
And battle gave for every star that shone!
O nymphs that laughing fled while we pursued!
O music that was made when we were young!
O gold we won and duels that we fought!
On guard, monsieur, on guard!Sa! sa!A touch!
What shall we drink? Where shall we dine? Ma foi!
There’s a melting eye at the Golden Crown!
The Angel pours a Burgundy divine!
Come, come, the quarrel’s o’er! So, arm in arm!
O worlds we lost and won when we were young!
O lips we kissed within the jasmine bower!
O sirens singing in the clear moonlight!—
With Bacchus we drank, with Apollo loved,
With Actæon hunted when we were young!
The wax-lights burned with softer lustre then.
The music was more rich when we were young.
Violet was the perfume for hair powder,
Ruffles were point and buckles were brilliant
And lords were lords in the old land of France!
We did what we would, andlettres de cachet,
Like cooing doves they fluttered from our hands!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
Our tribute take, last of a noble line!
Our tribute take, last of a noble line!
Our tribute take, last of a noble line!
Our tribute take, last of a noble line!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Women! There will come no more such women!
Women! There will come no more such women!
Women! There will come no more such women!
Women! There will come no more such women!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
The laurel and the empress rose we twine.
The laurel and the empress rose we twine.
The laurel and the empress rose we twine.
The laurel and the empress rose we twine.
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
And Henri’s gone! And now his cousin reigns,—René de Vardes that hath been years away!The King is dead. Well, well, long live the King!They say he’s brave as Crillon, handsome too,With thatbel airthat no De Vardes’s without!
And Henri’s gone! And now his cousin reigns,—René de Vardes that hath been years away!The King is dead. Well, well, long live the King!They say he’s brave as Crillon, handsome too,With thatbel airthat no De Vardes’s without!
And Henri’s gone! And now his cousin reigns,—René de Vardes that hath been years away!The King is dead. Well, well, long live the King!They say he’s brave as Crillon, handsome too,With thatbel airthat no De Vardes’s without!
And Henri’s gone! And now his cousin reigns,—
René de Vardes that hath been years away!
The King is dead. Well, well, long live the King!
They say he’s brave as Crillon, handsome too,
With thatbel airthat no De Vardes’s without!
EnterMme. de Vaucourtfollowed by theAbbé Jean deBarbasan.
EnterMme. de Vaucourtfollowed by theAbbé Jean deBarbasan.
EnterMme. de Vaucourtfollowed by theAbbé Jean de
Barbasan.
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Monsieur l’Abbé!
Monsieur l’Abbé!
Monsieur l’Abbé!
Monsieur l’Abbé!
De Buc
De Buc
De Buc
Madame de Vaucourt!
Madame de Vaucourt!
Madame de Vaucourt!
Madame de Vaucourt!
Mme. de Vaucourt(with outspread hands)
Mme. de Vaucourt(with outspread hands)
Mme. de Vaucourt(with outspread hands)
You’ve heard? Last night they strove to burn Morbec!
You’ve heard? Last night they strove to burn Morbec!
You’ve heard? Last night they strove to burn Morbec!
You’ve heard? Last night they strove to burn Morbec!
All
All
All
What?
What?
What?
What?
Mme. de Vaucourt
Mme. de Vaucourt
Mme. de Vaucourt
The peasants!
The peasants!
The peasants!
The peasants!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Again!
Again!
Again!
Again!
De Buc
De Buc
De Buc
Ah, I am vexed.Messieurs, mesdames, the Baron of MorbecSilence enjoined, or the tale I’d have told!The abbé is so bold—
Ah, I am vexed.Messieurs, mesdames, the Baron of MorbecSilence enjoined, or the tale I’d have told!The abbé is so bold—
Ah, I am vexed.Messieurs, mesdames, the Baron of MorbecSilence enjoined, or the tale I’d have told!The abbé is so bold—
Ah, I am vexed.
Messieurs, mesdames, the Baron of Morbec
Silence enjoined, or the tale I’d have told!
The abbé is so bold—
The Abbé
The Abbé
The Abbé
De Buc’s so proud!And just because he brought us help from Vannes!The red Hussars to hive the bees again!
De Buc’s so proud!And just because he brought us help from Vannes!The red Hussars to hive the bees again!
De Buc’s so proud!And just because he brought us help from Vannes!The red Hussars to hive the bees again!
De Buc’s so proud!
And just because he brought us help from Vannes!
The red Hussars to hive the bees again!
The Englishman
The Englishman
The Englishman
The seigneur and his peasants are at odds?
The seigneur and his peasants are at odds?
The seigneur and his peasants are at odds?
The seigneur and his peasants are at odds?
The Abbé
The Abbé
The Abbé
Slightly!
Slightly!
Slightly!
Slightly!
Count Louis(complacently)
Count Louis(complacently)
Count Louis(complacently)
Henri was hated! Hate descendsWith the land.
Henri was hated! Hate descendsWith the land.
Henri was hated! Hate descendsWith the land.
Henri was hated! Hate descends
With the land.
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
There is a girl of these parts—
There is a girl of these parts—
There is a girl of these parts—
There is a girl of these parts—
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Eh?
Eh?
Eh?
Eh?
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
She plays the firebrand.
She plays the firebrand.
She plays the firebrand.
She plays the firebrand.
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Bah!
Bah!
Bah!
Bah!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
She hathThe loveliest face!
She hathThe loveliest face!
She hathThe loveliest face!
She hath
The loveliest face!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
Hm!
Hm!
Hm!
Hm!
The Abbé
The Abbé
The Abbé
I am unscathed.De Vardes is slightly wounded!
I am unscathed.De Vardes is slightly wounded!
I am unscathed.De Vardes is slightly wounded!
I am unscathed.
De Vardes is slightly wounded!