ACT II
The garden of the Convent of the Visitation at Nantes. Long lines of fruit trees which appear to sleep in the sunshine. In the middle of the garden a stone fountain, where rises and falls a little jet of water. To the left the white buildings of the convent; in the background, between the convent and the street, a high garden wall, the tops of trees, and the roof and spire of a church. There is a barred door in the wall. The doors and windows of the convent parlour giving upon the garden are open. It is the summer of 1792.
A nun appears for a moment at the door of the convent, then vanishes, andDe VardesandYvetteenter the garden.
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
What hast thou learned to-day?
What hast thou learned to-day?
What hast thou learned to-day?
What hast thou learned to-day?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
In history:The battles of Rossbach and of Minden!The Peace of Paris—
In history:The battles of Rossbach and of Minden!The Peace of Paris—
In history:The battles of Rossbach and of Minden!The Peace of Paris—
In history:
The battles of Rossbach and of Minden!
The Peace of Paris—
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
Indeed!
Indeed!
Indeed!
Indeed!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Philosophy:Man is born free—but who will break his chains?
Philosophy:Man is born free—but who will break his chains?
Philosophy:Man is born free—but who will break his chains?
Philosophy:
Man is born free—but who will break his chains?
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
It is a question truly!
It is a question truly!
It is a question truly!
It is a question truly!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Theology:God is the father of us all—and yetI think I know how feels an orphan child!
Theology:God is the father of us all—and yetI think I know how feels an orphan child!
Theology:God is the father of us all—and yetI think I know how feels an orphan child!
Theology:
God is the father of us all—and yet
I think I know how feels an orphan child!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
Defeat of France, Rousseau, and Modern Doubt!And hast thou learnt all this in convent walls?
Defeat of France, Rousseau, and Modern Doubt!And hast thou learnt all this in convent walls?
Defeat of France, Rousseau, and Modern Doubt!And hast thou learnt all this in convent walls?
Defeat of France, Rousseau, and Modern Doubt!
And hast thou learnt all this in convent walls?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
No!
No!
No!
No!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
They are good to thee, the Sisters all?
They are good to thee, the Sisters all?
They are good to thee, the Sisters all?
They are good to thee, the Sisters all?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Monseigneur, yes!
Monseigneur, yes!
Monseigneur, yes!
Monseigneur, yes!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
When I did place thee hereAfter that day thou didst not burn Morbec!I gave the Reverend Mother straitest charge,—This convent oweth much to the De Vardes.They have enriched it oft, and it in turnRefuge hath given unto noble dames.Oft did she sit beside the fountain there,That Duchess Jeanne whose look thou wearest now!
When I did place thee hereAfter that day thou didst not burn Morbec!I gave the Reverend Mother straitest charge,—This convent oweth much to the De Vardes.They have enriched it oft, and it in turnRefuge hath given unto noble dames.Oft did she sit beside the fountain there,That Duchess Jeanne whose look thou wearest now!
When I did place thee hereAfter that day thou didst not burn Morbec!I gave the Reverend Mother straitest charge,—This convent oweth much to the De Vardes.They have enriched it oft, and it in turnRefuge hath given unto noble dames.Oft did she sit beside the fountain there,That Duchess Jeanne whose look thou wearest now!
When I did place thee here
After that day thou didst not burn Morbec!
I gave the Reverend Mother straitest charge,—
This convent oweth much to the De Vardes.
They have enriched it oft, and it in turn
Refuge hath given unto noble dames.
Oft did she sit beside the fountain there,
That Duchess Jeanne whose look thou wearest now!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Oh!—
Oh!—
Oh!—
Oh!—
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
How mournfully thou sighest! YetHow glorious are thine eyes this lovely day!Thou’rt well, and thou art happy, art thou not?
How mournfully thou sighest! YetHow glorious are thine eyes this lovely day!Thou’rt well, and thou art happy, art thou not?
How mournfully thou sighest! YetHow glorious are thine eyes this lovely day!Thou’rt well, and thou art happy, art thou not?
How mournfully thou sighest! Yet
How glorious are thine eyes this lovely day!
Thou’rt well, and thou art happy, art thou not?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
There is no hunger here, no cold, no care!I ever wished to learn and here I learn,Here where the Duchess Jeanne did sit forlorn,—And then I pray within the chapel there,And then I count the stars as they are lit,—And then I think of all the lights of Nantes!
There is no hunger here, no cold, no care!I ever wished to learn and here I learn,Here where the Duchess Jeanne did sit forlorn,—And then I pray within the chapel there,And then I count the stars as they are lit,—And then I think of all the lights of Nantes!
There is no hunger here, no cold, no care!I ever wished to learn and here I learn,Here where the Duchess Jeanne did sit forlorn,—And then I pray within the chapel there,And then I count the stars as they are lit,—And then I think of all the lights of Nantes!
There is no hunger here, no cold, no care!
I ever wished to learn and here I learn,
Here where the Duchess Jeanne did sit forlorn,—
And then I pray within the chapel there,
And then I count the stars as they are lit,—
And then I think of all the lights of Nantes!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
It hath been many days I’ve been away,To Morbec and to Vannes and to Vitré.
It hath been many days I’ve been away,To Morbec and to Vannes and to Vitré.
It hath been many days I’ve been away,To Morbec and to Vannes and to Vitré.
It hath been many days I’ve been away,
To Morbec and to Vannes and to Vitré.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
I thought that thou wouldst never come again!
I thought that thou wouldst never come again!
I thought that thou wouldst never come again!
I thought that thou wouldst never come again!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
Didst think the night had ceased to long for day?Didst think the tide no more obeyed the moon?The reed no longer bowed unto the wind?
Didst think the night had ceased to long for day?Didst think the tide no more obeyed the moon?The reed no longer bowed unto the wind?
Didst think the night had ceased to long for day?Didst think the tide no more obeyed the moon?The reed no longer bowed unto the wind?
Didst think the night had ceased to long for day?
Didst think the tide no more obeyed the moon?
The reed no longer bowed unto the wind?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Ah, do not jest!—There’s blood upon thy coat!
Ah, do not jest!—There’s blood upon thy coat!
Ah, do not jest!—There’s blood upon thy coat!
Ah, do not jest!—There’s blood upon thy coat!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
‘Tis nothing!—We have had hard words to-day,My men and I!
‘Tis nothing!—We have had hard words to-day,My men and I!
‘Tis nothing!—We have had hard words to-day,My men and I!
‘Tis nothing!—We have had hard words to-day,
My men and I!
[He gazes around at the quiet garden.
[He gazes around at the quiet garden.
[He gazes around at the quiet garden.
[He gazes around at the quiet garden.
O holy peace! O balm!O green and sunny quietude! OutsideThere’s tumult, heat, confusion, enmity!Here is a haven, here ‘tis blissful sweet!
O holy peace! O balm!O green and sunny quietude! OutsideThere’s tumult, heat, confusion, enmity!Here is a haven, here ‘tis blissful sweet!
O holy peace! O balm!O green and sunny quietude! OutsideThere’s tumult, heat, confusion, enmity!Here is a haven, here ‘tis blissful sweet!
O holy peace! O balm!
O green and sunny quietude! Outside
There’s tumult, heat, confusion, enmity!
Here is a haven, here ‘tis blissful sweet!
[They sit upon the marge of the fountain.
[They sit upon the marge of the fountain.
[They sit upon the marge of the fountain.
[They sit upon the marge of the fountain.
All is dismay and doubt in France to-day.With troubled eyes men question destiny!Outside I front the storm as best I may,But here is anchorage profound and fair—There fruit trees drifting bloom, this fountain marge!
All is dismay and doubt in France to-day.With troubled eyes men question destiny!Outside I front the storm as best I may,But here is anchorage profound and fair—There fruit trees drifting bloom, this fountain marge!
All is dismay and doubt in France to-day.With troubled eyes men question destiny!Outside I front the storm as best I may,But here is anchorage profound and fair—There fruit trees drifting bloom, this fountain marge!
All is dismay and doubt in France to-day.
With troubled eyes men question destiny!
Outside I front the storm as best I may,
But here is anchorage profound and fair—
There fruit trees drifting bloom, this fountain marge!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
I better love the wild and desolate shore!
I better love the wild and desolate shore!
I better love the wild and desolate shore!
I better love the wild and desolate shore!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
What is that ribbon closed within thy hand?
What is that ribbon closed within thy hand?
What is that ribbon closed within thy hand?
What is that ribbon closed within thy hand?
[Yvette opens her hand and shows a ribbon cockade.
[Yvette opens her hand and shows a ribbon cockade.
[Yvette opens her hand and shows a ribbon cockade.
[Yvette opens her hand and shows a ribbon cockade.
The tricolour!
The tricolour!
The tricolour!
The tricolour!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Wilt thou not wear it?
Wilt thou not wear it?
Wilt thou not wear it?
Wilt thou not wear it?
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
No!
No!
No!
No!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
It was my favour—Fare you well, monsieur!
It was my favour—Fare you well, monsieur!
It was my favour—Fare you well, monsieur!
It was my favour—Fare you well, monsieur!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
I might not wear that ribbon, no, not ifIt were thy favour truly, Vivien!Ah, when will cease this discord of our minds?Wilt thou forever be a Jacobin?
I might not wear that ribbon, no, not ifIt were thy favour truly, Vivien!Ah, when will cease this discord of our minds?Wilt thou forever be a Jacobin?
I might not wear that ribbon, no, not ifIt were thy favour truly, Vivien!Ah, when will cease this discord of our minds?Wilt thou forever be a Jacobin?
I might not wear that ribbon, no, not if
It were thy favour truly, Vivien!
Ah, when will cease this discord of our minds?
Wilt thou forever be a Jacobin?
[A distant bugle, followed by a roll of drums andmartial music.
[A distant bugle, followed by a roll of drums andmartial music.
[A distant bugle, followed by a roll of drums andmartial music.
[A distant bugle, followed by a roll of drums and
martial music.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Aux armes, Citoyens!Formez vos bataillons!
Aux armes, Citoyens!Formez vos bataillons!
Aux armes, Citoyens!Formez vos bataillons!
Aux armes, Citoyens!
Formez vos bataillons!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
Where learned’st thou the Marseillaise?
Where learned’st thou the Marseillaise?
Where learned’st thou the Marseillaise?
Where learned’st thou the Marseillaise?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
‘Tis in the air! Oh, on these moonlight nightsI dream of France and how he spoke to meOf all the wrongs of France we should redress!
‘Tis in the air! Oh, on these moonlight nightsI dream of France and how he spoke to meOf all the wrongs of France we should redress!
‘Tis in the air! Oh, on these moonlight nightsI dream of France and how he spoke to meOf all the wrongs of France we should redress!
‘Tis in the air! Oh, on these moonlight nights
I dream of France and how he spoke to me
Of all the wrongs of France we should redress!
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
Who spoke to thee?
Who spoke to thee?
Who spoke to thee?
Who spoke to thee?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Rémond Lalain.
Rémond Lalain.
Rémond Lalain.
Rémond Lalain.
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
Rémond Lalain was once my closest friend.He travels now a dark and winding way!
Rémond Lalain was once my closest friend.He travels now a dark and winding way!
Rémond Lalain was once my closest friend.He travels now a dark and winding way!
Rémond Lalain was once my closest friend.
He travels now a dark and winding way!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Where is she now, that lady bright and fairWho’s named La Belle Marquise in Morbihan?
Where is she now, that lady bright and fairWho’s named La Belle Marquise in Morbihan?
Where is she now, that lady bright and fairWho’s named La Belle Marquise in Morbihan?
Where is she now, that lady bright and fair
Who’s named La Belle Marquise in Morbihan?
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
She is in Nantes.
She is in Nantes.
She is in Nantes.
She is in Nantes.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Ah!—Is she not fair?
Ah!—Is she not fair?
Ah!—Is she not fair?
Ah!—Is she not fair?
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
Most fair.
Most fair.
Most fair.
Most fair.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
And nobly born?
And nobly born?
And nobly born?
And nobly born?
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
And nobly born.
And nobly born.
And nobly born.
And nobly born.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Alas!
Alas!
Alas!
Alas!
EnterSister Benedicta.
EnterSister Benedicta.
EnterSister Benedicta.
Sister Benedicta
Sister Benedicta
Sister Benedicta
Monsieur le Baron de Morbec,—A courier, in haste, foam-flecked and spent,Demands to speak with you.
Monsieur le Baron de Morbec,—A courier, in haste, foam-flecked and spent,Demands to speak with you.
Monsieur le Baron de Morbec,—A courier, in haste, foam-flecked and spent,Demands to speak with you.
Monsieur le Baron de Morbec,—
A courier, in haste, foam-flecked and spent,
Demands to speak with you.
De Vardes
De Vardes
De Vardes
What tidings now?Ill news like ravens to a cumbered field!I come, my Sister!(ToYvette.) I’ll return.
What tidings now?Ill news like ravens to a cumbered field!I come, my Sister!(ToYvette.) I’ll return.
What tidings now?Ill news like ravens to a cumbered field!I come, my Sister!(ToYvette.) I’ll return.
What tidings now?
Ill news like ravens to a cumbered field!
I come, my Sister!
(ToYvette.) I’ll return.
[ExeuntDe VardesandSister Benedicta.
[ExeuntDe VardesandSister Benedicta.
[ExeuntDe VardesandSister Benedicta.
[ExeuntDe VardesandSister Benedicta.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Alas!She is in Nantes! He sees her every day.What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?
Alas!She is in Nantes! He sees her every day.What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?
Alas!She is in Nantes! He sees her every day.What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?
Alas!
She is in Nantes! He sees her every day.
What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?
[Laughing voices of young girls. Enter from theconventSister FidelisandSister Simpliciawith a cluster of young girls, pupils of the nuns orrefugees from Royalist families. They seat themselvesupon the wide steps of the fountain.Yvetteleans against the basin and plays in the water withher hand.
[Laughing voices of young girls. Enter from theconventSister FidelisandSister Simpliciawith a cluster of young girls, pupils of the nuns orrefugees from Royalist families. They seat themselvesupon the wide steps of the fountain.Yvetteleans against the basin and plays in the water withher hand.
[Laughing voices of young girls. Enter from theconventSister FidelisandSister Simpliciawith a cluster of young girls, pupils of the nuns orrefugees from Royalist families. They seat themselvesupon the wide steps of the fountain.Yvetteleans against the basin and plays in the water withher hand.
[Laughing voices of young girls. Enter from the
conventSister FidelisandSister Simplicia
with a cluster of young girls, pupils of the nuns or
refugees from Royalist families. They seat themselves
upon the wide steps of the fountain.Yvette
leans against the basin and plays in the water with
her hand.
A Young Girl(toYvette)
A Young Girl(toYvette)
A Young Girl(toYvette)
We’re telling stories!
We’re telling stories!
We’re telling stories!
We’re telling stories!
Another
Another
Another
Finish thine, Louise!
Finish thine, Louise!
Finish thine, Louise!
Finish thine, Louise!
Louise
Louise
Louise
‘Tis told. The beau prince wed the belle princesse,And they lived happily ever after!
‘Tis told. The beau prince wed the belle princesse,And they lived happily ever after!
‘Tis told. The beau prince wed the belle princesse,And they lived happily ever after!
‘Tis told. The beau prince wed the belle princesse,
And they lived happily ever after!
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
Whose turn now?
Whose turn now?
Whose turn now?
Whose turn now?
Another
Another
Another
Tell us a story, Yvette!
Tell us a story, Yvette!
Tell us a story, Yvette!
Tell us a story, Yvette!
Yvette(turning from the fountain)
Yvette(turning from the fountain)
Yvette(turning from the fountain)
Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy,Suddenly, out of the dark,I heard a grey wolf bark!Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!The snow was on the ground,The shadows all around,Laid a finger on my lip,As I stood, hand on hip,Listening the grey wolf bark.Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!A little child came by.“Yvette, the wolf is nigh!Yvette, take thou me up,I’ve neither bite nor sup!”Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!The child came to my arm.He was so fair and warm!The child came to my arm,I kept him safe from harm!Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!A light grew round his head,I felt all cheered and fed.“Yvette, have thou no fear!Who giveth aid, to me is dear!”Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!The child no longer pressed,White snow lay on my breast!The grey wolf ran away,Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!There broke a splendid day,Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!
Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy,Suddenly, out of the dark,I heard a grey wolf bark!Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!The snow was on the ground,The shadows all around,Laid a finger on my lip,As I stood, hand on hip,Listening the grey wolf bark.Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!A little child came by.“Yvette, the wolf is nigh!Yvette, take thou me up,I’ve neither bite nor sup!”Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!The child came to my arm.He was so fair and warm!The child came to my arm,I kept him safe from harm!Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!A light grew round his head,I felt all cheered and fed.“Yvette, have thou no fear!Who giveth aid, to me is dear!”Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!The child no longer pressed,White snow lay on my breast!The grey wolf ran away,Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!There broke a splendid day,Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!
Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy,Suddenly, out of the dark,I heard a grey wolf bark!Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
Beneath the halfway tree,
‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy,
Suddenly, out of the dark,
I heard a grey wolf bark!
Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
The snow was on the ground,The shadows all around,Laid a finger on my lip,As I stood, hand on hip,Listening the grey wolf bark.Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!
The snow was on the ground,
The shadows all around,
Laid a finger on my lip,
As I stood, hand on hip,
Listening the grey wolf bark.
Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
Beneath the halfway tree,
‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!
A little child came by.“Yvette, the wolf is nigh!Yvette, take thou me up,I’ve neither bite nor sup!”Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
A little child came by.
“Yvette, the wolf is nigh!
Yvette, take thou me up,
I’ve neither bite nor sup!”
Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
The child came to my arm.He was so fair and warm!The child came to my arm,I kept him safe from harm!Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
The child came to my arm.
He was so fair and warm!
The child came to my arm,
I kept him safe from harm!
Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
A light grew round his head,I felt all cheered and fed.“Yvette, have thou no fear!Who giveth aid, to me is dear!”Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!The child no longer pressed,White snow lay on my breast!
A light grew round his head,
I felt all cheered and fed.
“Yvette, have thou no fear!
Who giveth aid, to me is dear!”
Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
The child no longer pressed,
White snow lay on my breast!
The grey wolf ran away,Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!There broke a splendid day,Beneath the halfway tree,‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!
The grey wolf ran away,
Hoée! Hoée! Hoée!
There broke a splendid day,
Beneath the halfway tree,
‘Tween Josselin and Pontivy!
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
A miracle?
A miracle?
A miracle?
A miracle?
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
I do not know.
I do not know.
I do not know.
I do not know.
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
I liked bestThe beau prince and the belle princesse.
I liked bestThe beau prince and the belle princesse.
I liked bestThe beau prince and the belle princesse.
I liked best
The beau prince and the belle princesse.
Another Girl
Another Girl
Another Girl
Oh,Thou’rt an Aristocrat!
Oh,Thou’rt an Aristocrat!
Oh,Thou’rt an Aristocrat!
Oh,
Thou’rt an Aristocrat!
[The young girls return to their embroidery.Yvetteplays in the water of the fountain with her hand.
[The young girls return to their embroidery.Yvetteplays in the water of the fountain with her hand.
[The young girls return to their embroidery.Yvetteplays in the water of the fountain with her hand.
[The young girls return to their embroidery.Yvette
plays in the water of the fountain with her hand.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Gold fish, gold fish,How are the fish of Quiberon?
Gold fish, gold fish,How are the fish of Quiberon?
Gold fish, gold fish,How are the fish of Quiberon?
Gold fish, gold fish,
How are the fish of Quiberon?
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
Were IA fairy prince, then my princess should beMadame la Marquise de Blanchefôret!
Were IA fairy prince, then my princess should beMadame la Marquise de Blanchefôret!
Were IA fairy prince, then my princess should beMadame la Marquise de Blanchefôret!
Were I
A fairy prince, then my princess should be
Madame la Marquise de Blanchefôret!
Another
Another
Another
If IWere a princess, I would have for my princeMonsieur le Baron de Morbec.
If IWere a princess, I would have for my princeMonsieur le Baron de Morbec.
If IWere a princess, I would have for my princeMonsieur le Baron de Morbec.
If I
Were a princess, I would have for my prince
Monsieur le Baron de Morbec.
[Yvetteturns from the fountain.
[Yvetteturns from the fountain.
[Yvetteturns from the fountain.
[Yvetteturns from the fountain.
A Third Girl
A Third Girl
A Third Girl
They sayThat in all France there’s none more brave than he!And far and near she’s called La Belle Marquise!A little while and there’ll a wedding be!
They sayThat in all France there’s none more brave than he!And far and near she’s called La Belle Marquise!A little while and there’ll a wedding be!
They sayThat in all France there’s none more brave than he!And far and near she’s called La Belle Marquise!A little while and there’ll a wedding be!
They say
That in all France there’s none more brave than he!
And far and near she’s called La Belle Marquise!
A little while and there’ll a wedding be!
The First
The First
The First
But then, the poor Yvette! He is, you know,Her prince!
But then, the poor Yvette! He is, you know,Her prince!
But then, the poor Yvette! He is, you know,Her prince!
But then, the poor Yvette! He is, you know,
Her prince!
[They laugh.
[They laugh.
[They laugh.
[They laugh.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Oh, mockery!
Oh, mockery!
Oh, mockery!
Oh, mockery!
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Hush, children, hush!Monsieur le Baron is her benefactor!
Hush, children, hush!Monsieur le Baron is her benefactor!
Hush, children, hush!Monsieur le Baron is her benefactor!
Hush, children, hush!
Monsieur le Baron is her benefactor!
Sister Simplicia
Sister Simplicia
Sister Simplicia
He plucked her from the dreadful world outside!
He plucked her from the dreadful world outside!
He plucked her from the dreadful world outside!
He plucked her from the dreadful world outside!
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
He placed her here beneath Our Lady’s care.
He placed her here beneath Our Lady’s care.
He placed her here beneath Our Lady’s care.
He placed her here beneath Our Lady’s care.
Sister Simplicia
Sister Simplicia
Sister Simplicia
In everything he is her truest friend!
In everything he is her truest friend!
In everything he is her truest friend!
In everything he is her truest friend!
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
But for his condescension, ah, who knowsWhat in these fearful days might be her lot!Here in this fold she’s safe.
But for his condescension, ah, who knowsWhat in these fearful days might be her lot!Here in this fold she’s safe.
But for his condescension, ah, who knowsWhat in these fearful days might be her lot!Here in this fold she’s safe.
But for his condescension, ah, who knows
What in these fearful days might be her lot!
Here in this fold she’s safe.
Yvette(aside)
Yvette(aside)
Yvette(aside)
Alas! alas!
Alas! alas!
Alas! alas!
Alas! alas!
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
Oh, she is fairer than the fairy queen!Clarice de Miramand and Blanchefôret!
Oh, she is fairer than the fairy queen!Clarice de Miramand and Blanchefôret!
Oh, she is fairer than the fairy queen!Clarice de Miramand and Blanchefôret!
Oh, she is fairer than the fairy queen!
Clarice de Miramand and Blanchefôret!
Yvette(aside)
Yvette(aside)
Yvette(aside)
Is she so fair? Is she so fair indeed?I broke her fan—now she will break my heart!
Is she so fair? Is she so fair indeed?I broke her fan—now she will break my heart!
Is she so fair? Is she so fair indeed?I broke her fan—now she will break my heart!
Is she so fair? Is she so fair indeed?
I broke her fan—now she will break my heart!
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
He is a knight like Lancelot!
He is a knight like Lancelot!
He is a knight like Lancelot!
He is a knight like Lancelot!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Oh me!She is the Queen, she is that Guinevere!
Oh me!She is the Queen, she is that Guinevere!
Oh me!She is the Queen, she is that Guinevere!
Oh me!
She is the Queen, she is that Guinevere!
[Distant music. The noise of footsteps and voices inthe street beyond the wall.
[Distant music. The noise of footsteps and voices inthe street beyond the wall.
[Distant music. The noise of footsteps and voices inthe street beyond the wall.
[Distant music. The noise of footsteps and voices in
the street beyond the wall.
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
Oh, outside the wall what is there passing?
Oh, outside the wall what is there passing?
Oh, outside the wall what is there passing?
Oh, outside the wall what is there passing?
Sister Fidelis(severely)
Sister Fidelis(severely)
Sister Fidelis(severely)
We have nothing to do with outside the wall.
We have nothing to do with outside the wall.
We have nothing to do with outside the wall.
We have nothing to do with outside the wall.
A Young Girl(indicating the door in the wall)
A Young Girl(indicating the door in the wall)
A Young Girl(indicating the door in the wall)
Might we open the door a little way?
Might we open the door a little way?
Might we open the door a little way?
Might we open the door a little way?
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
The blessed saints forbid!
The blessed saints forbid!
The blessed saints forbid!
The blessed saints forbid!
[From the street are heard the drums and fifes ofpassing National troops. The bayonets of the soldiersare visible above the wall.
[From the street are heard the drums and fifes ofpassing National troops. The bayonets of the soldiersare visible above the wall.
[From the street are heard the drums and fifes ofpassing National troops. The bayonets of the soldiersare visible above the wall.
[From the street are heard the drums and fifes of
passing National troops. The bayonets of the soldiers
are visible above the wall.
Voices(in the street)
Voices(in the street)
Voices(in the street)
Allons, enfants de la patrie,Le jour de gloire est arrivé!
Allons, enfants de la patrie,Le jour de gloire est arrivé!
Allons, enfants de la patrie,Le jour de gloire est arrivé!
Allons, enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé!
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
Oh, soldiers!
Oh, soldiers!
Oh, soldiers!
Oh, soldiers!
Another
Another
Another
Were the wall only down!
Were the wall only down!
Were the wall only down!
Were the wall only down!
[The circle about the fountain breaks. The younggirls walk up and down beneath the trees. The Sisterswatch them from a garden bench. The musicdies away.Yvettesits upon the stone marge of thefountain.
[The circle about the fountain breaks. The younggirls walk up and down beneath the trees. The Sisterswatch them from a garden bench. The musicdies away.Yvettesits upon the stone marge of thefountain.
[The circle about the fountain breaks. The younggirls walk up and down beneath the trees. The Sisterswatch them from a garden bench. The musicdies away.Yvettesits upon the stone marge of thefountain.
[The circle about the fountain breaks. The young
girls walk up and down beneath the trees. The Sisters
watch them from a garden bench. The music
dies away.Yvettesits upon the stone marge of the
fountain.
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?What matters it to me whom he doth love?And what concern of mine that she is fair?I would she were not so!—Oh, misery!She is in Nantes, she is La Belle Marquise!I would that she were dead!
What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?What matters it to me whom he doth love?And what concern of mine that she is fair?I would she were not so!—Oh, misery!She is in Nantes, she is La Belle Marquise!I would that she were dead!
What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?What matters it to me whom he doth love?And what concern of mine that she is fair?I would she were not so!—Oh, misery!She is in Nantes, she is La Belle Marquise!I would that she were dead!
What is this pain that’s tearing at my heart?
What matters it to me whom he doth love?
And what concern of mine that she is fair?
I would she were not so!—Oh, misery!
She is in Nantes, she is La Belle Marquise!
I would that she were dead!
[The chapel bell rings.
[The chapel bell rings.
[The chapel bell rings.
[The chapel bell rings.
O Seigneur Dieu!Her death! I do not wish her death! Not I!O Our Lady! let not ill thoughts possess me!I would I were at Morbec this still eve,Herding the cows amid the golden broom,Above a sea of glass without a wind,As stagnant calm as is this prisoned water!I would gather the musk rose in the lane,I would tread the wet sand and count the ships,My brow would not burn, my heart would not ache,No tears from my eyes would I wipe away!Why should they not fall like the winter rain?I am the herd girl here as at Morbec,And she’s a great lady, loved for herself!O love! is it love that stifles me so?O love! is it love that makes me weep?I thought that love was all splendour and light,The bow in the sky, the bird at its height,The glory and state of an angel bright!What is this pain that burdens all my heart?
O Seigneur Dieu!Her death! I do not wish her death! Not I!O Our Lady! let not ill thoughts possess me!I would I were at Morbec this still eve,Herding the cows amid the golden broom,Above a sea of glass without a wind,As stagnant calm as is this prisoned water!I would gather the musk rose in the lane,I would tread the wet sand and count the ships,My brow would not burn, my heart would not ache,No tears from my eyes would I wipe away!Why should they not fall like the winter rain?I am the herd girl here as at Morbec,And she’s a great lady, loved for herself!O love! is it love that stifles me so?O love! is it love that makes me weep?I thought that love was all splendour and light,The bow in the sky, the bird at its height,The glory and state of an angel bright!What is this pain that burdens all my heart?
O Seigneur Dieu!Her death! I do not wish her death! Not I!O Our Lady! let not ill thoughts possess me!I would I were at Morbec this still eve,Herding the cows amid the golden broom,Above a sea of glass without a wind,As stagnant calm as is this prisoned water!I would gather the musk rose in the lane,I would tread the wet sand and count the ships,My brow would not burn, my heart would not ache,No tears from my eyes would I wipe away!Why should they not fall like the winter rain?I am the herd girl here as at Morbec,And she’s a great lady, loved for herself!O love! is it love that stifles me so?O love! is it love that makes me weep?I thought that love was all splendour and light,The bow in the sky, the bird at its height,The glory and state of an angel bright!What is this pain that burdens all my heart?
O Seigneur Dieu!
Her death! I do not wish her death! Not I!
O Our Lady! let not ill thoughts possess me!
I would I were at Morbec this still eve,
Herding the cows amid the golden broom,
Above a sea of glass without a wind,
As stagnant calm as is this prisoned water!
I would gather the musk rose in the lane,
I would tread the wet sand and count the ships,
My brow would not burn, my heart would not ache,
No tears from my eyes would I wipe away!
Why should they not fall like the winter rain?
I am the herd girl here as at Morbec,
And she’s a great lady, loved for herself!
O love! is it love that stifles me so?
O love! is it love that makes me weep?
I thought that love was all splendour and light,
The bow in the sky, the bird at its height,
The glory and state of an angel bright!
What is this pain that burdens all my heart?
[She bows her head upon her knees. The hum of thestreet deepens to a continuous and sinister sound.In the distance a roll of drums.Yvetteraises herhead.
[She bows her head upon her knees. The hum of thestreet deepens to a continuous and sinister sound.In the distance a roll of drums.Yvetteraises herhead.
[She bows her head upon her knees. The hum of thestreet deepens to a continuous and sinister sound.In the distance a roll of drums.Yvetteraises herhead.
[She bows her head upon her knees. The hum of the
street deepens to a continuous and sinister sound.
In the distance a roll of drums.Yvetteraises her
head.
I sit by this fountain, he’ll not return!He cares not for me,—he’s the Sieur de Morbec,And I a herd girl wandering through his fields!Mother, my mother, did you sit and wait,By the wild sea rim on a glowing eve,Mid the brown seaweed on the shining sands?Your heart did it beat, and your senses swim?—But your lover, the fisher, he came, he came!
I sit by this fountain, he’ll not return!He cares not for me,—he’s the Sieur de Morbec,And I a herd girl wandering through his fields!Mother, my mother, did you sit and wait,By the wild sea rim on a glowing eve,Mid the brown seaweed on the shining sands?Your heart did it beat, and your senses swim?—But your lover, the fisher, he came, he came!
I sit by this fountain, he’ll not return!He cares not for me,—he’s the Sieur de Morbec,And I a herd girl wandering through his fields!Mother, my mother, did you sit and wait,By the wild sea rim on a glowing eve,Mid the brown seaweed on the shining sands?Your heart did it beat, and your senses swim?—But your lover, the fisher, he came, he came!
I sit by this fountain, he’ll not return!
He cares not for me,—he’s the Sieur de Morbec,
And I a herd girl wandering through his fields!
Mother, my mother, did you sit and wait,
By the wild sea rim on a glowing eve,
Mid the brown seaweed on the shining sands?
Your heart did it beat, and your senses swim?—
But your lover, the fisher, he came, he came!
[The voice of the street deepens.
[The voice of the street deepens.
[The voice of the street deepens.
[The voice of the street deepens.
I will not have this pain! I’ll tear it out!
I will not have this pain! I’ll tear it out!
I will not have this pain! I’ll tear it out!
I will not have this pain! I’ll tear it out!
[Her hand touches the purple mark on her throat.
[Her hand touches the purple mark on her throat.
[Her hand touches the purple mark on her throat.
[Her hand touches the purple mark on her throat.
Ha! how burns this hateful mark to-day!
Ha! how burns this hateful mark to-day!
Ha! how burns this hateful mark to-day!
Ha! how burns this hateful mark to-day!
[There comes from the church towers of Nantes asudden and violent crash of bells.
[There comes from the church towers of Nantes asudden and violent crash of bells.
[There comes from the church towers of Nantes asudden and violent crash of bells.
[There comes from the church towers of Nantes a
sudden and violent crash of bells.
Sister Fidelis(rising)
Sister Fidelis(rising)
Sister Fidelis(rising)
The tocsin!
The tocsin!
The tocsin!
The tocsin!
The Young Girls(They flutter forward to thefountain)
The Young Girls(They flutter forward to thefountain)
The Young Girls(They flutter forward to the
fountain)
The tocsin! Oh, the tocsin!Like a hive of bees hums the street without!
The tocsin! Oh, the tocsin!Like a hive of bees hums the street without!
The tocsin! Oh, the tocsin!Like a hive of bees hums the street without!
The tocsin! Oh, the tocsin!
Like a hive of bees hums the street without!
Yvette
Yvette
Yvette
Oh, all ye iron bells! ring on! ring on!
Oh, all ye iron bells! ring on! ring on!
Oh, all ye iron bells! ring on! ring on!
Oh, all ye iron bells! ring on! ring on!
EnterMlle. de Château-GuiandSister Benedicta.
EnterMlle. de Château-GuiandSister Benedicta.
EnterMlle. de Château-GuiandSister Benedicta.
The Young Girls
The Young Girls
The Young Girls
Here is Mademoiselle de Château-Gui!She’ll tell us why the bells are ringing!
Here is Mademoiselle de Château-Gui!She’ll tell us why the bells are ringing!
Here is Mademoiselle de Château-Gui!She’ll tell us why the bells are ringing!
Here is Mademoiselle de Château-Gui!
She’ll tell us why the bells are ringing!
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
O Ciel!Would you believe it? O blessed saints above!The country is in danger!
O Ciel!Would you believe it? O blessed saints above!The country is in danger!
O Ciel!Would you believe it? O blessed saints above!The country is in danger!
O Ciel!
Would you believe it? O blessed saints above!
The country is in danger!
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
A Young Girl
Oh! we thoughtYou brought us news!
Oh! we thoughtYou brought us news!
Oh! we thoughtYou brought us news!
Oh! we thought
You brought us news!
Mlle. de Château-Gui(joyously)
Mlle. de Château-Gui(joyously)
Mlle. de Château-Gui(joyously)
Do you not hear the bells?Oh, such a day outside! It is proclaimed!La patrie est en danger!
Do you not hear the bells?Oh, such a day outside! It is proclaimed!La patrie est en danger!
Do you not hear the bells?Oh, such a day outside! It is proclaimed!La patrie est en danger!
Do you not hear the bells?
Oh, such a day outside! It is proclaimed!
La patrie est en danger!
[Distant trumpets.
[Distant trumpets.
[Distant trumpets.
[Distant trumpets.
Well you may wail,You brazen trumpets of the Revolution!The Duke of Brunswick he is marching now,And with him all our nobles back from Coblentz!O bliss!La patrie est en danger!
Well you may wail,You brazen trumpets of the Revolution!The Duke of Brunswick he is marching now,And with him all our nobles back from Coblentz!O bliss!La patrie est en danger!
Well you may wail,You brazen trumpets of the Revolution!The Duke of Brunswick he is marching now,And with him all our nobles back from Coblentz!O bliss!La patrie est en danger!
Well you may wail,
You brazen trumpets of the Revolution!
The Duke of Brunswick he is marching now,
And with him all our nobles back from Coblentz!
O bliss!La patrie est en danger!
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Sister Fidelis
Oh, hush!The very walls have ears!
Oh, hush!The very walls have ears!
Oh, hush!The very walls have ears!
Oh, hush!
The very walls have ears!
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
My father saysThe King shall have his own again, and allWill go as merry as a wedding bell!La patrie est en danger!
My father saysThe King shall have his own again, and allWill go as merry as a wedding bell!La patrie est en danger!
My father saysThe King shall have his own again, and allWill go as merry as a wedding bell!La patrie est en danger!
My father says
The King shall have his own again, and all
Will go as merry as a wedding bell!
La patrie est en danger!
EnterCount Louis,Melipars de L’Orient,and theAbbé de Barbasan.
EnterCount Louis,Melipars de L’Orient,and theAbbé de Barbasan.
EnterCount Louis,Melipars de L’Orient,and the
Abbé de Barbasan.
Oh, here areMy father and Monsieur de L’Orient!
Oh, here areMy father and Monsieur de L’Orient!
Oh, here areMy father and Monsieur de L’Orient!
Oh, here are
My father and Monsieur de L’Orient!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
So sweet the flowers here—
So sweet the flowers here—
So sweet the flowers here—
So sweet the flowers here—
Count Louis(to the young girls)
Count Louis(to the young girls)
Count Louis(to the young girls)
Mesdemoiselles,One garden of rosebuds time hath not touched!(To the Sisters.) In your prayers, my Sisters, name Château-Gui!
Mesdemoiselles,One garden of rosebuds time hath not touched!(To the Sisters.) In your prayers, my Sisters, name Château-Gui!
Mesdemoiselles,One garden of rosebuds time hath not touched!(To the Sisters.) In your prayers, my Sisters, name Château-Gui!
Mesdemoiselles,
One garden of rosebuds time hath not touched!
(To the Sisters.) In your prayers, my Sisters, name Château-Gui!
[The young girls curtesy, then exeunt between thetrees.Yvetteremains beside the fountain.CountLouislooks at her through his glass.
[The young girls curtesy, then exeunt between thetrees.Yvetteremains beside the fountain.CountLouislooks at her through his glass.
[The young girls curtesy, then exeunt between thetrees.Yvetteremains beside the fountain.CountLouislooks at her through his glass.
[The young girls curtesy, then exeunt between the
trees.Yvetteremains beside the fountain.Count
Louislooks at her through his glass.
Ha!
Ha!
Ha!
Ha!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
The herd girl of Morbec!
The herd girl of Morbec!
The herd girl of Morbec!
The herd girl of Morbec!
Count Louis
Count Louis
Count Louis
I have eyes,De L’Orient!
I have eyes,De L’Orient!
I have eyes,De L’Orient!
I have eyes,
De L’Orient!
The Abbé
The Abbé
The Abbé
Hm!—Fair child!
Hm!—Fair child!
Hm!—Fair child!
Hm!—Fair child!
Yvette(coldly)
Yvette(coldly)
Yvette(coldly)
Citoyen!
Citoyen!
Citoyen!
Citoyen!
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Mlle. de Château-Gui
Monsieur de L’Orient, you promised meMy father should not walk abroad to-day!
Monsieur de L’Orient, you promised meMy father should not walk abroad to-day!
Monsieur de L’Orient, you promised meMy father should not walk abroad to-day!
Monsieur de L’Orient, you promised me
My father should not walk abroad to-day!
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
De L’Orient
What could I do? He is so young and rash!
What could I do? He is so young and rash!
What could I do? He is so young and rash!
What could I do? He is so young and rash!
Count Louis(taking snuff)
Count Louis(taking snuff)
Count Louis(taking snuff)
‘Tis true that Nantes is dangerous to-dayTo all save those wild beasts the sans-culottes!But that’s no reason I should stay at home.Where is De Vardes? His man said he was here.It is his wont, pardieu!
‘Tis true that Nantes is dangerous to-dayTo all save those wild beasts the sans-culottes!But that’s no reason I should stay at home.Where is De Vardes? His man said he was here.It is his wont, pardieu!
‘Tis true that Nantes is dangerous to-dayTo all save those wild beasts the sans-culottes!But that’s no reason I should stay at home.Where is De Vardes? His man said he was here.It is his wont, pardieu!
‘Tis true that Nantes is dangerous to-day
To all save those wild beasts the sans-culottes!
But that’s no reason I should stay at home.
Where is De Vardes? His man said he was here.
It is his wont, pardieu!