AD VERTISEMENT

Ex ca libu r is the introdu ctory dra ma of a contempla ted tr ilogy fou nded on the A rth u ria n legends a s the perfect

embodiment of the spm t a nd imp u lse of tha tgrea t Ch ristia n

h t a n d epoch we ca ll Mediwva lis m . T e a t empt is ga i ma e

however ina dequ a tely to do for th e epic of ou r own r a ce a nd in a orm a da ted to dra m a tic resenta tion a , f p p , s m a ll mea s u re of th a t wh ich Rich a rd Wa gner a ch ieved

en in a n a llied a rt for the Teu ton ic leg ds .

Ex ca libu r wa s com leted a nd in its resent or m in th e p , p f ,

ea 1 8 ince th en no oth e th n ve l ch n es ha ve y r 93 . S r a rba a g

h s s th t n th la s t been ma de . T i i s a id for e rea son th a du r i g e

fifteen yea rs severa l new dra m a tic vers ions of the A rth u r ia n

e ic h a ve a ea red a nd th e corres onden ces between them p pp , p

a nd th e present a ttempt m u st of necess ity be s omewh a t

ma ked In eve c se h th s a re du e to the r . r a owever e e y , ,

na tu re of th e s u bject a nd the comp u ls ion of es ta blis h ed a nd

ind c i e idea s estr u t bl . THE AUTHOR

Imi Pla ce y ,

Storrin ton S u ssex g , ,

ea st o St orbe 1 8 F . rt 0 f N , 9

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

ART HUR PEND RA GO N : afterwards King of England . U n RIENS , Ki g of Gore, ENT R E S n C N , Ki g of arlot , l s En OD EGRA NC E n Ca rne ia rd s . L E , Ki g of , Vas al of gland K L UCA S o r T HE O UT HFO LK DU E S , K B RA STIA S o r EST S EX DU E , RIENC E n s , Ki g of North Wale , IR T K S LAUNCELO DU LA E ,

SIR T O R ,

SIR E s s . PELLEAS , ngli h Knight

' SIR EC rO R , ' SIR B R EU S E SA U NC E Pm z ,

T HE A RC HB IS HO P o r CANT ERB U RY .

SIR KAY S s . , the ene chal

MERLIN .

MO RGA N FA Y n . LE , Quee of Gore

U ENEV E R Kin Leo de ra nce . G , Daughter to g

M MB lga . DA E COLU E , Wife to Sir y E‘ A lT RD .

Y D S E .

NIMU E .

n A ss s ns s Es s s Roma mba ador , Baro , Knight , quire , Citizen ,

s s n s s a n d s . Prie t , Mo k , Heralds , Page , Lake Girl

a n nd Wa les N En l d a . SCE E , g

QExtaIibut

PROLOGUE

he t n n T cu r a i s open o impenetra ble da rk ness .

ME RL IN (invisible) . ’ Pen dragon passes ; now Pen dragon s seed ’

S n n on n n n . hall reig , Pendrago , Pe drago s thro e ’ A kingdom passes ; now a kingdom s kin g

Shall rai se a kingdom for the King of kings .

’ - Merlin s u re becomes a intl vis ible oised in mid a ir . ( fig f y , p )

n le se n Morga Fay, ri from the rive rock , s th e e s Ri e through wat r of the Magic Mere,

s s . Merlin , thy ma ter, call i The n ight s done . I s n hear the trumpet of the trampli g day, I see th e glimmer of the torc h of dawn

Dance like the northern fires along the sky.

c s is e En n es n . The ur e lift d , gla d wak agai

Anc E u c VOICES (a bove) . ss s Night pa e , the darkness breaks see how the curse is wa ited a wa yl n n Dow from Heave ,

a beam of light , Sink s the smile o f th e En la n a wa k ! g d , e Rou se to th e cry ! Day i s at da wn fo r th e l a nd w w for Go d 1s a a ry of ra th .

M ERL1N. Hark ! how the ma rsha lled c horisters of Go d n o w Pro claim th e dawn that b u rgeo s n the o rld . fal s th n m r a n a ll wra c Now l y ki gdo , Mo g , a k ,

U es a n d En a n d ts . For ther , wai a king ! di ’ Th e ru n e i s written fi0w Pen dra gon s see d ’

al re n n r o n o n n dr on s th ro n . Sh l ig , Pe d ag , Pe ag e ' ’ W o ows i hereby G d s kin gdom gr n En gla n d . s Ri e,

Morgan le Fay ! Pen dra go n pa sses . Rise ! d h n en r o n sses a n t e 1s n . P d ag pa , ight do e

Y e ow in s i le . MO RGA N LE FA (b l , vi b ) en a o n sses b ut th e n ess s P dr g pa , dark hold , And En a n d slee ps : her dawn s hall n ever co me w The h e I ru le the Magic Mere . Th e day Is not fo r her un til I loo s e my ha n d ; Un til th e s un ken sea a n d all the go ds h t n s a n d fal T at dwell herei , hall fail l away, a s is Disso lvin g th e m t that meets the su n .

ME RLIN . su n su n ! o r th e d u n in s The , the L ok whe e a t g ho t z n ns u n s h Of bla i g minio mo t t e stee p of He aven . n re n is en e ! Morga , thy ig d d

o ? MORGAN. At whose w rd Cataltbur

MERLIN .

Of I e . The word God, and here giv it thee U d His n wa s s What time King ther live , ha d tayed . ile Englan dgpaid the grievous pen alty n a nd w s en Of evil do e, thou a t giv leave T O sc ourge u s with the c urse Of n gods . o pay im sses a n d b a n 1s s Pendragon pa the rai ed , ’ s e 18 Pendragon s ed lord .

MORGAN . Is lord not yetl Deep In the Magic Mere I hold the Sword e It c n e th e n Tak , magi ia , if y have ha d , n n ns no s Pe drago wi wor hip if ye fail .

MERLIN . U wa s in While ther lived , the Sword thy hold ;

n n ss s a nd 1s . Pe drago pa e , the Sword won

MORGAN . s n is s ! Thou lie t, Merli , for the Sword lo t

MERLIN . s n Thou lie t, Morga , for within my hand I hold the proof.

MORGAN . The proof P

MERLIN . Ex ca lib u r l Mer n s l F ou ( li 1 i lu m m a ted with a da z z lmg ra dia nce. sh a ts o li ht sh oot u wa rd dow nwa rd a nd to e1th e f f p , , h a nd a s he dra ws Ex ca li u r bra nd1 sh 1 n it a lo , b , g 1 n th e 1 l ght. ) MORGAN . to l Here me, all ye dwe lers In the mere ! Ex 13 ! t calibur won Cry reason , cry U t th e u t a n d est t n o termost deep dep h , U t th e s n s Of t n o farthe t bou d pall hepworld , ! ” Excalibur 13 won ! Black treason stalks Stark In the sun ken sea : your boo tless blades R st 1n e sc s ss n s u th ir abbard , hingele ha g the door t s e T erra bil th e Tha closed my Ca tl , walls I reared to ward Ex c alibur are cleft

In sunder hopelessly . The Sword returns !

Vo Ic a s . Queen Morgan c alls ! Who reft th e sleeping Sword From out our holding ? Treason !

MORGAN . A 1s st ll lo , And we ourselves hurled from our high dominion w h e S ! Unless ye in him back . Gain me t word

A on t 1s e s . ll hangs this , the nigh broken l e

Da rk h a ntoms da sh a cross th e li ht a ssa ilin ( p g , g M lt c es L N wh o ests motion ess . A tu m u o r 1 ER I , r l f a nd o low t n er f h u d . )

MERLIN . s E Pendragon pas es , and xcalibur ’ Is le for Pendragon s seed . Morgan Fay , The sun is bursting from the blac k a byssm ; t n th e s o n th e Give hee good ight, day break MORGAN . ri S i ts of darkness from the Magic Mere, Vliin me the Sword !

Ex t VOICES . calibur is los , n u Our hands are helpless : mighty Merli conq ers .

MORGAN . Win me the Sword !

VOICES . Excalibur is lost; Wo e to the people of th e Magic Mere ! Wo e to n n ss u thee, Morga , crow le q een,

’ T e s i its n s a O G voice is ( h p r va i h downw rd. M R AN s ea d a h r fa r off. )

MORGAN . n Hold the Sword , Merli , guard it with thy craft is th e w : The day breaking, but day ill die

. ! Night follows close The rune is written . Hear ! ’ n n n s Pe drago passes . Now Pe dragon s eed ’ Shall slay Pendragon for Pendragon s lust. ’ A s kin dom passes , now a kingdom king ” o O Shall se a kingdom to th e lord f hell .

R ME LIN . E is n Not while xcalibur i his hand .

n le n E a Morga Fay shall gai xc libur . c xtaltbut

MERLIN . ’ Not while gray Merlin guards Pendragon s seed .

MORGAN .

n ss s a nd n e s . Gray Merli pa e , the ight b fall

se l S n s . Magician , guard thy lf the word retur

MERLIN . SO s n n ! run the ru e, but God shall gai the day ’ E is a n d En n s xcalibur won , gla d dawn ! Is n : cr n breaki g y adow the winds, All hail , ” t Pendra on n Of En ! Ar hur g h Ki g gland , hail ’ s c i in ness Build thou God ty the wilder , Trample th e paynim un derneath thy feet th e ss n And raise Cro above a thirsty la d . A n n s ! ll hail , Pe drago , ervant of the Lord

CE a b e ANGELIC Vo I s ( ov ) . n Hail , Pendrago , Lord of the Sword ! Crowned of England s a nd n aviour ki g . se nt Come forth , thou rva of God , th e h 1s l for daw white on the wor d , s s - and Chri t hall arm thee to day . 18 The Sword won , 1s c n hell o founded , back from England

cowers the curse . The Sword Ex c alibur comes ; follo ws fast the Kingdom of Go d !

6 em am

MERLIN .

SO answers Heaven a n d hell is dumb . The bell S n the th n E ou ds for day ; go e , xcalibur, t i Hold in the heavy rock un il the k ng, ’

t E n s n t his own . Grea ngland s ki g, hall gai hee for S I t A o do send hee, Sword of valon , o n Down t the waiting world . Pendrago comes !

He bra ndishes E B h rice t en h u rls it down ( XCALI UR t , h w rd e a : th light va n ish es . ) QExtaIihur

ACT I

’

Lon on . T e . d h o sters t l s n cl i o S . a u I SCENE I f P . th e m idst o th e a rth is a rea t n ic ros s in t e ba se o f g g ru c , h f w ich th e Swo d is b ed to t e t s s n in h r u r i h h il . MERLIN i ta d g b e h e e n n es id it. Wit o t is h a rd th ch ti o t e Miserer u a g f h e . Enter : th e u n era l rocession o UT N AG N f p f HER PE DR O , t e bod o th e kin bor ne in th e m idst o n bier e h y f g u p a . B fore a k n k e t n c e w l ma n mo s r i s s a d a ol t s . F ollowin comes y , p , y g th e A RCHE IS IIO P O F T B a ttended a nd beh ind CAN ER URY, , h im G NEN'rR E s UR IENs K K KIN , KING , DU E LUCAS , DU E B RA STIA s SIR T SIR B R EU S E a nd other n s , LAUNCELO , , K ight a n d Barons .

’ MEN S VOICES . en n fa c n in n nt tu a B ig e Domi e bo a volu ate Sion ,

Ut a edifi centu r muri Jeru salem .

MERLIN . ’ n n ss s no w n n Pe drago a e , Pe drago s seed ’

n endra on on n n . Shall reig , g , Pe drago s throne

’ MEN S VOICES . u tifi ceris n in ermonib u s 1 J s Domi e s tu s ,

Ut vincas c u m Ju dic a ris .

(Th e pr ocess io n crosses th e front of th e sta ge: bier comes in th e centre it 1 s set down a nd th e

e n s BISHOP ra is s h is cros ier a d spea k . ) ARCHBISHOP . s Of th e a nd n n Lord realm ge tleme at arms , From all the farthest borders of the land n n n I summon ed ye to a swer, u der pai

Of b a n and interdict of Holy Church . ’ U 1s a n d ns his ther dead , gai t heritage

The ravening kings are leagued . In jeopardy

En n n s m . Lies gla d , ki gle s , prey to who comes n n a nd Pe drago dies , dies the last of them n That ruled Engla d by the grace of Go d .

se is n a n d is no . The Hou falle , there heir Nor law no r c ustom meets this woful plight ct n s s Where in we sink . eed mu t that a king u s n la nd Rule over , lest g be disrupt And parcelled out in shamefu l vassalage d a is Easter : on this blessed morning L esu s Of c ord ro e, wherefore His great mer y Perchance this day He may give certain si 11 i n Who by His will shall re g . The love of d

Passeth our wisdom . For a miracle on u n s s Of n s Fall yo r k ee , be iege the King ki g

With l usty prayer .

IR N L . a ! S LAU CE OT Dear God , miracle

OMNEB . O ! Jesu , hear us

’ ARCHBISHOP . By thy Mother s love, s w ! Lord Je u , ans er

’ M O NES . For thy Mother s love !

9 t xtalibut

L MER IN . i o d s His C n a nd s s . G hear hildre , the word aid

AR CNEIS K O P .

s e n s n Now p ak , magicia , if thou ha t a to gue, For in thy words is somewhat ominous ’ e ! Of welfare to Pen dragon s kingdom . Sp ak Where is th e sign Of God

h e L N ene t s . MER I . B ath cros e e ns a nd e n s s Gath r, y baro y k ight at arm , ns th e es e s Gather, ye commo from farth t fi ld , And look upon the mercy of th e Lord !

t t (He mou nts th e s eps of h e cross . )

t in n See ye the Sword hat grows livi g rock , Thrust to th e hilt within the closing stone See ye the script u re writ aroun d it Read !

n a nd e n e a nd . Read ye the ru e, r adi g, ris do r n ere et wa s e This ve y ight, y day conc ived , n ss n n Whilst grimly dark e gripped the cri gi g earth , I C n heard a Voice that left the sombre ight,

And u s it s a nd s n e . th pake, peaki g di d away ! ’ n n ss s now n n s Pe drago pa e , Pe drago s eed ’

S l n en n o n n n t n . hal reig , P drago , Pe drago s hro e And all the night grew white with leaping light As n s r down the heave ly glory fla hed a sta , A strea ming fire that thun dered to the earth n x m th e c . E is Rivi g ro k calibur co e.

OMNES . Excalibur is come !

1 0

Cxtallbut

NG UR IENs n KI . Traitor ki g, Morgan le Fay is mine ! From Queen Igraine ’

th e e s r . e e I gain daught r dow y Giv me plac , o For s to me comes England .

B R E US E u n ! . Hold yo r ha d ’ How runs the rune ? Pendragon s seed shall n reig , ’ And not n e ten s Duke Cor wall s daught r, got fir t ! O n Igraine ere sh e lay with Uther . Hold

Nor look to gai n a kingdom with a wife . ’ w h er s o n I in the Sword that am King Ut s .

STI DUKE B RA A S . NO bastard reigns in Englan d !

B R E U S E . n I thy teeth , ne k e s sc n u ! Thou dam d du , I ca t thy or f l word ’ s no e n en 3 e Ba tard or , I r ig , P dragon se d e sw B reu se s sen hee Heav up thy ord , for hall d t hence !

K B R A STIA S DU E . u n n ! Have at thee, boaster , that wo ld fai be ki g

ARCHBISHOP . a O f c Now by uthority Holy Chur h , e se e n e n th e b a n I bid ye c a , lse u d r eath s e s s win I ca t y , traitor . Who hall the Sword

Is ri htwise n Of En n a n d n n se . g Ki g gla d , o e el Strike back your swords ! What ! dare ye h esitate ?

1 2 Cxtallbut

Then SO I damn ye ! Good : Now hold your peace ! n : s ! Merli , guard thou the Sword my lords, e say

' NENrR Es .

E n 1s m Ine a nd s ngla d , thu , What c raft is is z n in th e n c The brand fro e iro ro k , Cu rs d n e é magicia , by what vil spell

MERLIN .

l ce n Nentres En n is not . Give p a , Ki g , gla d thine

R T I DUKE B A S A S . ne SO win th e c n But mi , and I lightly row , ’ Hell a n d hell s angels hold thee !

K n . DU E LUCAS . For my ha d Ex calibur a nd England !

no t MERLIN . Are thine .

B R E U S E . ’ o Pendragon s seed shall reign . Said s th e rune e m e ! Wh t n th e s Her to , Sword at, firmer ha hill ’ e n By God I ll riv the grou d up from the rock , Th e c e u l n e s c e . ro k from eth r h ll , but tho ha t om Wh at demons hold thy blad e ? Unsheathe thyself! ’ ’ Kh ow st thou no t m e i It is Pendragon s seed That grips thee ! Devils rend ye Merlin

ARCHBISHOP . Peace ! c Breu se i s e . Fall ba k , Sir , the Sword not for the

I3 en nui :

Enter : u n erceived G LE FAY . ( p , MOR AN )

SIR B R E US E .

No t now : n , but after Merli , mark me well ,

s th e a nd En n e s . I eize Sword gla d , maugr thy pell

KING URIENS . n a sk m e B reu se The for them , fair Sir , for now

c t . n t I n I laim hem Morga , aid me, hat gai r d n Thy dow y a n a ki gdom .

. n t MERLIN Sta d hou back ,

n le s ss . Morga Fay , thy god are helple here

MORGAN . ! n s Ex Wait for the proof Ki g, gra p calibur ! And cry Here to me from th e Magic Mere o Of n e s G ds the su ken sea ! Que n Morgan call , ” Win h er Ex c a lib u r l

MERLIN . The charm is void .

MORGAN . Wait for the proof

C is MERLIN . The harm void , for so

I shield the Sword a nd Englan d from thy spell .

ss (He ma kes over Ex ca libu r th e s ign of th e cro . )

KING URIENS . ’ SO now th o u dst prop thy magic with the sign Of thy Redeemer when the magic fails ;

x4 As men deny their Lord to win the ca st

n n . And faili g, fall on Him for fi al aid SO e t e l s so , I d fy he , b ack bla phemer, ,

I seize my kingdom . From the Magic Mere ns Of s n n sea ! Here to me, demo the u ke n n c s ! Win h er Ex c Quee Morga all alibur, Yield me a kingdom !

OM is s ! NES . See, the Sword fa t

MERLIN . n le c s Morga Fay, thy magic la k the prop

Of righteousness . God gives to whom He will n e Of s n n Of n K owl dge law , domi io unsee ,

Unfathomed powers that yet a re His alone . ” o s ! c s e s s s Fo l mutter Magic ros th m elve agha t , n n n o s s e e own Gra ti g to God wi dom av th ir , c is s n Of e The whi h to Him li pi g a bab , T O a n d x th e Him who made the world , fi ed laws H w its en c . is s e Of duran e Of over ign ill , men e From time to time , that may hav the light e s s th e Wherewith to guide th ir foot tep through dark , He grants some glimpsing vision Of that Truth in His e n n u s s n That B i g, u to who ta d As His ambassadors ; but k now ye well That whoso wield s this wisdom without God s o th e e s Fall t n thermo t hell .

MORGAN Wh ere thou art summoned e s e l A littl while, ma hap , thou do t pr vai , s e no t c nc a n d o r u lite But w ll wit o eit g ,

For thou shalt play the fool . Th e Sword returns !

1 5 Cxtullbut

t (Tu m u l a nd confu s ion with ou t. Enter : SIR KAY a nd

' ' IR EC I OR ollowedb ma n eo le in rea tdisorder . S , f y y p p g )

KAY .

s ns n hts ! Lord Bi hop , baro , oble kni , to arms n n a nd n Ca ra dos Ki g Lot of Ork ey Ki g , The King of S cotlan d a nd a myriad kn ights e O n n B at down the gates f Lo do . Like a flood s e ns th e t n They urg agai t ramparts , cres i g high n A breaki g wave of death . The people quail n n in k in l ss n Coweri g, ki gless , a la d , ‘gl 0 n With none to lead them . fi is chose

MERLIN . None .

KAY. Christ help u s ! Lot is at the gates

Claiming the for Queen Ma rga wse . Choose ! ’ o C s ! For G d s love, hoo e

no n LAUNCELOT . Stand t upo the form Wh u s en es n ile doloro peril m ac the la d . c th e Of s n ! Beat ba k tide trea o Follow Gore, u s ra stia s Or Ne tre , B , or any knight es That dar to lead us .

B 'r K RA S IA s . DU E Follow me afield , c o The r wn may rest with Uther .

N ' R ! KING ENr Es . Follow me

e n e s th e S n c n . Whil Merli k ep word , I gai the row

I6 t xtallbut

DU KE LUCAS . Is England won upon the field to-day ?

t n w . S a d by me, lords, for I ill lead the fight

OMNES . Wh o n heads us , Merli

s MERLIN . He who hail the Sword

None other .

LA ' ‘ t SIR UNCELO I . n t Merli , art hou leagued wi h them That shatter England ?

N . t. MERLI No , Sir Launcelo

The king shall come .

T we LAUNCELO . Must abide thy jest And stand h ere waiting while the c ity falls n s e wn r n n s I hear the ki g hal do the g i di g gate , And traitor k nights prick through the screaming streets s t To bait us in thi rap .

SIR KAY. s Black traitor all , ’ For Go d s lo ve Choose !

ot h s s n ARCHBISHOP . We may n . He a e t ’ Ex c En n s s S alibur to gla d , Jo eph word f s s s nc Le t long in Avalon , lo t age i e, An d held un ransomed in the Magic Mere W While Uther lived . hoso shall draw the Sword

I ri htwise in En a n d n . s g k g of gland , no e else

1 7 Cxtalthur

SIR KA Y .

SO En s Lot n ! gland fall , for is king ano

ME R LIN .

S En s s co . o gland fall not, for the king hall me

SIR KA Y . To rule a desert waste !

S ARCHBI HOP . Go d give us a id

‘

AS h a s en s n . o n the He giv ig Fall Sword ,

ns a nd s s is n . Baro knight , who hale him forth ki g

Th e hts ca st th em selves a bou t th e cross strivin ( Kni , g

or th e word. E nter T . f , AR HUR )

’ n ss s e n s Pendrago pa e , now P ndrago seed ’

n n o n e n r . Shall reign , Pe drago , P ndrago s th one

UR. s Of th e in Lot 1s o n th e l ! Lord realm , K g wa ls Our knights fall from him like th e mangled dogs

That roll before a foaming boar at bay . S n o the s s ! ou d th u on et, herald , lord , to arms

SIR KA Y.

not ns is n . They may a wer, for there no ki g

MERLIN . e s Their ye are blinded , Arthur , by the hilt Of some fair Sword that holds within the ro ck o e o Anc m s n t forth .

( stratum:

ARTHUR. o e ! t ! G od J su , help me Come, reluc ant Sword

He ha e th e Sword orth a n a n i e i n l s d br d sh s t i a ir . ( f , )

OMNES . is wo n a nd ss bo ! The Sword , by a beardle y

KING NENTR ES . is wo n w ! E n s . The Sword lai e, thy do ry fall

MORGAN. is wo n ! c n The Sword Magi ia , guard thy craft .

DUKE B RA STIA S . The Sword is wo n ! What bastard gains the goal

ARTHUR . w is o n a n d s . The Sword , lightly , by thi arm s s o s ? Why tare ye all a tonied , go d my lord Is it so hard to hale a biting blade From roc k that grips it with but half a hand ’ s n s s r s Your arm are wome arm , that like your hea t n ! on Halt quaki g Holy father, cry them , w The toy is mine and I c a n heave it ell . s n n C n w sw s Now let the e whi i g hildre dra their ord ,

Full heavy for their futile hands . A king

- c r s s . Baleful , bla k hea ted , hammer at our gate c c n s n ? I all a halle ge, hall I fight alo e

H T E COMMONS . Hail to the King of England !

20 4151111 111111:

’ A H Wh th e RT UR . ere s king, ’ Save Uth er s corpse ? Nathless a rotting king s Best lead dead warriors .

’ T HE COMMONS . Hail to England s king ! Excalibur is won ! Lead us to war !

ARTHUR . Wh o wins Excalibur ?

L . MER IN Look in thy hand .

ARTHUR . What Sword is this ?

E THE COMMONS . xcalibur !

Y ARTHUR . e lie ! in : a n n t s Lie your teeth m gicia , ame hi Sword .

MERLIN .

Excalibur .

W o rt ? ARCHBISHOP . h a thou

ARTHUR . Arthur .

T HE MM . CO ONS Hail , E ri htwise Arthur of ngland , g king and lord !

ARTHUR . Call ye me king ?

2 1 THE MM N . A i En CO O S ye, K ng of gland .

SIR B R EUS E . I challenge thee !

N R KING NE T ES . I challenge thee !

An d ! KING URIENS . I

T HE BARONS . ’ Uth er s s s n w n na King eed hall reig , no lo bor k ve c e Propped with the magi of a sorcer r .

T HE N G K I HTS . ’ A squire for England s king ? What shame is this

K B RA STIA DU E S . No bastard reign s in England !

T AR HUR . Hold thy cry, Thou fool- mouthed carrion crow ! My bloo d clean ’ Ka An s it. d with thi Sword I ll prove Fair Sir y, : I Thou art my father tell him , ere cleave r His moc king mouth a nd feed my hung y bla de .

T HE MM N CO O S . ’ Arthur is king : we ll have none other !

B H ! ARCH IS OP . Peace e th e Merlin , thou art the ward r of Sword , ’

ca k k now st a n ns . Is s S , if thou a wer thi he ’ h a t reigns in England a s Pendragon s son ?

' 22 MERLIN Srr e Kay, give thou the answ r .

SIR KA Y . King and liege, o e Up n my kne s I swear thee fealty .

SIR EC T R O . A 0 E nd I , King of ngland .

RT . A HUR How, to me k neelest a n d E t ? ! Thou father , thou , c or Speak Why yield ye homage to the youngest born

KA Y SIR . ’

th . For at thou art Pendragon s son , and lord

THE MM N CO O S . ’ King Uth er s son !

’ H o T E BARONS . The king s s n !

IR A OT is ? S L UNCEL . How this

in U . K g ther died , and passed, devoid of heir

KE B RA T DU S IA S . No bastard reigns in England !

ERL N . s M I Cea e your clamour, While from the misty caverns of the night I raise a vision that shall wash your eyes r is i h wise O . A r f cloudy sleep thur g t king, For by his hand Excalibur is dra wn n To carve a natio from the wreck of worlds . to U I n Son King ther, got on Queen grai e ’ Ere ye:th e Church had blessed the king s ove, ’ t o Ar hur Pendrag n holds Pen dragon s th ro ne.

T S DUKE B RA S IA . I s So now see two ba tards in th e field , r B reu se a u ce Pité A thur Pendragon , s n ;

a nd ta s e da . Choose, lords commons , bas rd hav the y

T HE COMMONS . Arthur for England !

W ’ T HE BARONS . e ll no baseborn king !

T HE COMMONS . Arthur for England !

O u his T HE KNIGHTS . t upon name !

T AR HUR . in Have I no word this ? I win the Sword .

Ut n n wa s . her Pe drago my father Well , s ? England is mine . Will any meet my troke

Here stand I ready .

’ B R EUS E t s . If my fa her lust ’ Sowed thine untimely seed in Others fields

Ere et wa s is . y my day come, his blood mine ’ ’ s Tis n s e n . Pendrago s eed hall r i mine or thine , if bla de ! n . l g th Brother, I eed thy l e url up y

24 m um

ARCHBISHOP . Once more I charge ye under pain of ban s is Strike home your sword ! Merlin , there no choice

MERLIN . t t Breu se Aye, be ween son and bas ard ; , thy claim ’

Uther s . Is null and void, Arthur is son

SIR B REUS E .

And I as well .

RL n . ME IN . Bor out of wedlock Hear, n W n n wa s Ye men of E gland . he the ki g hot ’ t n n Wi h fire of love for Igrai e, Cor wall s duke

a U his . Lay far field , and ther had will But ere befell the crowning of his love The Duke of Cornwall died upon the field n And Uther knew it not. But when Igrai e ’ Grew great with England s hO pe a nd gave him birth Tinta ail stood beleaguered of the god s esu s s n in That fi Chri t had pri o ed the Mere, For well they read the rune that gave them word ’ o s n s How n a day hould come Pe dragon s eed , The which would lightly cast them deep in hell s n s And ransom England . By their ubtile ha d Wa s a nd Igraine reft of Arthur, the child es Hurled downward to the sea . The friendly wav tl c Sof y re eived him , bore him to my feet An d laid him scathless in my shielding arms ; SO then I lightly gave him to Sir Kay i son . A To rear him as his non , the k ng

25 ’ W r i sh e En s n edded Ig a ne, and was gland quee , ’

rt n s a n s a so n . So A hur sta d , Pendr go l wful

T AR HUR . ’ S s men En n Uth er s o tand I , of gla d , son , An d ri htwi n o g se ki g from sea t c rawling sea . Swear me allegi a nce ! While we parley here ’ ’ s c h a fl erin c s n Like old wive g s andal , Orkney ki g s th e W Leaguer walls of London . hen the waves Rack the tough timbers of a sinking ship An d s w n s n hell gape ide where howli g breaker yaw , Do m en contend who shall be master ? On ! O n ! A En n O n ! I cry you , rthur for gla d ,

ENT R KING N ES . t n n Bet er that E gla d falls than Arthur reigns .

NG U KI RIENS . - n ns no men to . Merli , thy magic wi day

BR S E SIR EU .

s No bastard brother hall command my sword .

NG NENT R ES KI . n s Give us a true ki g, Bi hop , or we fail .

SIR KA Y.

t E ! n s n . S and by me, ctor Ki g, our sword are thi e

TA S CER IN KNIGHT . A d n a nd ne ! n s u s . mine, mi Ki g, mar hal for war

26

( 11:3 1l

There was a day when wives gave birth to babes And n urtured them for heroes : not to rats n s n That waxed to bloated vermi . Fat with plee , s a e Yellow with jealou y, ye b rter lif ,

Englan d a nd honour for your belching pride . What would ye have ?

T HE A . ! B RONS A proof, foul Merlin , proof

T AR HUR. A s wi nd ye hall have it, if the Lord ll speak In otherwise than by a thunderbolt n To hurl ye back to hell , whe ce came ye forth

To do disworship to your chivalry .

’ k nee be re Kin t e bie (He ls fo g U h r s r . )

’ a v st n O thou , that g me life, thou ki g of men , ! f a n ? father, hear me From that aw ul l d ifh en thou a rt walking with the saints of God s Hear me a nd save thy kingdom . Speak to the e e n e son Thy li geme ; tell th m that I am thy , ’

n no r s e En n s n . Nor k ave ba tard , but gr at gla d ki g Save tho u thy people !

Th e dea d kin li ts h is h a nd removes the crown ( g f , b n t rom his row a d wi h it crowns T . f , AR HUR )

OMNES . Lo ok ! Christ Jesu ! Look !

I ARCHB SHOP . s a nd s To Thee, O Chri t, to Thee, Lord of Host , B e pra ise forever !

28 M b :

L . Ar e t MER IN ye sa isfied , That hounded God until He gave ye proof ?

DU KE LUCAS .

It is enough . With all my men at arms

n a nd . I yield thee, ki g, liege love loyalty

ART HUR .

My honour take for guerdon . King of Gore, Dost thou co nfess me rightwise overlord

n n a nd s a n . De y him , ki g, thou halt we r the crow

KING UR IENS . b e ss C n n n Shall Gore va al to a ha geli g, crow ed ’ By sorc ery with England s co ro ner ?

I solemnly deny thee .

ART HUR . GO thy ways ; ’ e in n Anon I ll me t thee the reeki g field ,

o n e s . And thy bod prov thy trea on Speak , Nentres of Gar o t!

NE NT R ES . s n o ! KING I have poke , fo l ’

c s . n n n Now ome the deed I joi with Scotla d s ki g, W s n ith Gore a nd Ca ra do s . The tolen crow s Fall from thy head ere s unset .

A T . B ra s ia s R HUR t , Dost thou deny me ?

29 ( stratum

K B RA TIA S to li t DU E S . I am sworn gh E a nd s s t e n For ngland , I tand be ide h e, ki g,

If that thou art . I tell thee to thy face th e wo n E If, when fight is and ngland free, fi nd t crownéd t t I hee but a bas ard , hen ’ a r h e t o By God , I ll hurl thee he dlong f om t hr ne And a sk no priest to shrive me of my sin !

T AR HUR . B ra stia s : th a Well spoken , give me y h nd , ’ And if Pendragon s blood flows not to -day o u t s n I t From my undered vei s , give hee leave

To snatc h the crown I reached no hand to win . Ga rlot e s and Gor , lightly avoid our ight

U e s in e . ntil we meet y , traitor , the fi ld s n t a rms ! Now, herald , ou d the onse . Knights, to Arthur for England !

Flo sh ts h e n k neel ( u ri of tr u mpe . T Barons a d Knights be n ore RT swea ri a lle ia nce. f A HUR, g g )

SIR B R EU S B u o r E . t not yet f me . n n u a e Quee Morga , art tho helpless in the bl z ’ Of Merlin s moc kery ? Hast thou no spell To blast this folly ?

W B u A . t i t re se MORG N ai a l t le, ; I know no spell to matc h with marching time ’

s en s n s s . To wa h m mi d of madnes Follow me, ’

t en . k now st I t Wait pa i tly Thou love thee, knigh , And I do swear the crown shall clinch thy brow t When Ar hur ro ts .

30 Cxtalibur

NG NENT R ES . KI My lord of Gore, Why dally we among these da fii sh dupes

. n t ! The road is open for us Follow, k igh s W e fight with Orkney, Arthur fights alone

Ex eu n t NENTR ES U N IR BR EU E ( KING , KING RIE S , S S , n a nd certa i of th e Knights . )

MERLIN . Bright in the blazing zenith flames the su n ’

En n s . n c r s Of gla d dawn Ki g, y the on et!

A H . o RT UR C me, ’ ’ n E s c n E Liegeme of ngland row ; for ngland s king, An so En n let d for gla d , your impatient sword s Menace th e sun with lightn ings ; let the horn s In brazen clamour hurl the word abroad ’ That England s king brook s no disloyalty i c e his Of pr n e or peasant, whil faithful knights su ff e no s n Die, if God wills , but r di dai n is t e To fall upo their lord who h ir land . u s En c h War waits ; gland wat hes ; God a s he ard .

Ex eu nt T the ns n s a nd n ( AR HUR, Baro , K ight , Commo s , t e a s e s inging h w r ong . Th ARC HBISHOP a nd Monks re- enter th e ca th edra l ch a ntin Te De m g , u la u da ” s rem a ins s ta n in n m u . MERLIN d g o th e steps of th e ’ cross re a rdin wh o rema in s b HE R , g g MORGAN , y UT S

bier a z m on him with de a n ce. , g g fi )

3 1 m m:

WAR SONG

S un , see us, Wi u s nd, hear ,

E t u s n . ar h , feel hurli g on

God , free us, Wh o near us

brings foemen whirling on .

i u s Christ, gu de , i ts sa n , arm us , r no w! Lady Ma y, lead us Non e abide us hurt or harm us King and kindred need us now !

M ERLIN . ’ d n ss now n o s Pen rago pa es , Pe drag n seed ’

n n n n n . Shall reig , Pe drago , on Pe dragon s thro e ’ A n ss s now k in n ki gdom pa e , a dom s ki g e I Shall raise a kingdom for th fi ng of kings .

n ded N . Ga rlio . The crown o a low woo SCE E II f , th e a l a vilion in th e m st In ont R A h ll: ro id . r I LL i y p f S PE E S , w nded ' ‘ ‘ R n s A ro nd a re other l in ou E I IA D u r in him . u y g , g w th es n t w n S u nset: th e Knights i Monk s dr s i g h eir o u ds .

ba ttl wit nt a t T O R . s nd o e hou t. E er a a lo SIR ou f g p,

SIR PELLEAS . How goes th e fight ?

31 ° c xtaltbnt

e n o SIR TO R . As som e ormous fl od n s the n n in That th u der down mou tai , roll g on

Inexorable .

o ’ IR PEL EA s . t f r s S L S ady, God love, Tor,

And c a se my woun s with word of victo ry . The king prevails ?

R s s o ! TO . Thou peake t as a f ol

bo fi h ts . c The even as St Mi hael fought, And reye! ings fall headlong fro m his stroke ’

A e n e . s f ll the devil s a ls Stay me not,

I ride with word for ga u ncelo t.

SIR PELLEAS . Sir Tor !

s a nd n s s o u t . He goe , all my wou d bur t afresh Etta rd ! e s i ! , I follow him Giv me my h eld

ET TA RD .

t n t n s Nay, swee , fair k ight, be hi k thee of thy ca e, ’ Thou could st not lift a sword ; see how thine arm

T n n w . ur s rebel to thi e whole, unwounded ill

Abide a little .

LL A . A a nd s PE E S ye, hou e me here a n n e Like y whini g c hurl , the whil the fight s a nd st in n Roar loud lu y, howling mi e ca r

To rise a nd follow . Give me drin k ! My shield ! Etta rd s e ! t , bring me my hi ld If I mus die ’ s is n t At lea t I ll die where steel biti g s eel , ’ o s N t in a woman s arm .

33 t not Thou shal die,

e e e th a w l . For h r I hold the , maugre y he dlong i l See e t c ns not th e s , d ar my lord , hou a t rive cla p s a nd s t Of my two arm , would t thou lead the figh n en e Co t t thys lf.

SI PE u o n th e na R LLEA s . O t scurvy k ve That did m e this disworship !

Enter K wou nded. ( DU E LUCAS , )

is c Who ome, s n a nd n s c o n s For pe t, gapi g with u h grimly w u d n t Sir k ight, wha word

- w K . i e o n DU E LUCAS The day s w ll n igh , But for this vile a nd most felon ious wo un d

I needs must lose th e glory ofthe end . e es th e t me t s t C rt , villain tha did hi rick e C e in es n th e s e F ll , l ft halv u to addl bow, e But all too lat .

SIR . Etta rd PELLEAS Look thou to him , ,

s . n t e : e He fall Sir mo k , come hi h r look afi ld , Canst thou see ought ?

K . s s MON Naught , ave a whirling torm Of dust that rolls in du n a nd sullen clouds ot he t Along th e meadows . Think n of t ba tle

Bu t of thyself: perchanc e thou art to die . Art thou assoiled

34

K MON . he ss the is ! t a n . Hold by Ma , fight at end t s c wrn in the i A migh y hout omes g g on w nd , And down the field th e dragon-c rested knights e Come spurring wond rly .

I S R PELLE AS . God save the king !

DU K E LUCAS . cr t ? ! What y is hat Quick , lift me higher, girl Who says the fight is won

NK . in in ! MO The k g, the k g Th e n ns see pagea t ope , and I him ride With whirling sword before th e shouting knigh ts ; God s ave King Arthur !

SI R PELLEAS . Grip me roun d the waist A l : see th e i ! nd ift me, so , good monk I k ng

OMNES . God save King Arthur ! n ! Hail , Pe dragon Ha il !

Enter : K NG A SIR SIR T O R ( I RTHUR, LAUNCELOT, , R E IR KAY K B RA ST IA S a n d SI CTOR, S , DU E , d n mou nte . K ights , )

K T ING AR HUR . th e E n th e t So fight saints for ngla d , and ide Of treason that rose darklin g on th e lan d

36 Catalina:

’ ’ n n s s To whelm Pe drago Hou e and heritage , Is n t s e halted, broke , ut erly di p rsed ’ th e e In shallow ripples sobbing o er fi lds . s s s n sk Now oar the Dragon to the houti g y, Ex u nc n n e alted high, halle ged , u dismay d ; En n is h a s won th e ! gla d free, for God day

A T L UNCELO . t e A th to ! By he , King rthur, for a hand ’ Stru c k down the enemies of 11 g an d s crown As o s e e e I thought n t to e the lik th reof. wa s th e s n Thine victory, for i ce he rode, in s The king, thy father, the late t fight, his t s t s And heaved migh y word , wi h pal ied arm ’ th e En n s Made iron by grace of gla d God , n Such prowess h a s not bee .

SIR . A a PELLEAS King rthur, h il ! Go d save th e man that saved a kingdom !

OMNES . Go d save th e king !

T . no n u s AR HUR Give me ho o r, lord ; Wh s th e n at brought I , ave braw of rugged arms If ye would glorify the holy thing won th e loo k s wf That day , on thi a ul Sword ’ e s u ntra m elled c wh oe e That h w vi tory, r

. Ex May hap to wield him Hail calibur, And u n s on e n not on m e heap yo r tha k M rli , .

37 e althur

T LAUNCELO . O n thee a nd Merlin a nd Ex calibur En n c s s th e h er s All gla d a t tribute of prai e , t s n But hou art fir t for that thou art the ki g , And he that c limbs to c lutc h the royal c rown off e s From thy riven helm t, from thi day Must reckon first on dolorou s debate n With every man that backed thee i the field .

B RA STIA S .

And st me t c w fir with ; I wan the tri k of ords , n not en That am for fighti g, for parliam t, M is e But I confess thee king . y sword thin ; o What B ra stia s gives he takes n r bac k again .

KING ART HUR . ’ As n n n s n e I am ki g, I pledge Pe drago am n s B ra stia s no c s m e Thou gai e t, , au e from e To a sk it ver .

N T . s n . LAU CELO Come, victoriou ki g s ee s n s Avoid thy t d for ea i g of thy limb , Th e while thou dost refresh thy ta x éd strength o With meat a nd drin k : we fight n more to day .

Res t on thy vic tory .

T e m e ne AR HUR . Giv thi hand , ’ And for a narrow spac e I ll halt me here The while my hounds shall harry to their holes T ow h e c r n d s o n . é wolve of treas Fair Sir Tor, Look thou that all the knights a nd men at arms

38 we s . th o S Be ll dispo ed Of y g od grace, ir Kay, t e t t I pray he see ha all who are on live, n e s n t Yet sorely wou ded , hav uch mi is ry As fi ts s a nd S t their ca e ; thou , ir Launcelo , t : I ne co u nc l nt Hold hou by me ed thy i me .

Ex eu nt a ll bu t G A T SIR N K ( KIN R HUR, LAU CELOT, DU E

A a nd . LUC S , Monk )

DU K E LUCAS . t not e n u n Death frigh s me , now I have s e the s wn t s u s c Go do upon hi wondro vi tory . f m e : s Li t , good monk king, I am ore bested h n no With sea rc i wounds . I may t see thee fight A n E s d e gai for ng and , but if I mu t i

I die thy vassal .

’ ’ e ART HUR . T is Duk Lu ca s s voice That hails me from a mask of sorry wounds ! The su n Of victory is in ec lipse s s If thou art inking toward a grievous en d. n Grip hard upo the hilt of life , my lord , And thou shalt brandish it against the foe n n s ere is O ma y field yet thy day done .

DU KE LUCAS . su n is I fear me , king, my on the rim ’ Of death s horizon . Let it go : content now won Am I to follow, the field is .

KING ART HUR .

s t not. him e That halt hou Good father, guard w ll ,

39 c atalnmr

And thou shalt be a n abbot for thy pains . n in Would well my Merli followed the field,

For he is skilled in c unning medic ine . Ha s a ny seen him

x t nd (E i DUKE LUCAS a Mo nk . )

T . A e LAUNCELO y , King Arthur, horsed U n t s ee a s c po a frigh ful t d bla k as hell , That gn ashed with foaming teeth a nd bloo dy j a ws Against the horses whil st his master fo ught : e s e A bal ful pectacl .

T ? KING AR HUR . Did Merlin fight es e e his e ns e s s M e m d w apo wer the fateful tar , His u ha berk fearsome magic .

SIR T . A e LAUNCELO y , he fought, ’ And n s ro wo derly , for where o er he de Th e s ene In traitor op d from him amaze, c n e n n h Nor ould e dur the light i g of is eye .

T AR HUR . ’ Tis very strange : but marvels fall as rain

E c In En n . me nce a h day gla d Tell , Lau lot , Th e n a nd n t while we dri k que ch the flame of figh , ’ Bore I myself a s fi ts Pen dragon s son There In the press of battle

SIR N T . LAU CELO Good my lord , c e he St . Mi ha l In t charge of heavenly hosts ns h e e not i n Agai t t d vil fought such wise .

40 £13 11! !t

T AR HUR . ’ na a n o n Nay, answer with y c urtier s to gue, n I crave no words of fawn i g flattery . S ea k as a p ro véd knight o nto a squire hat feutred maiden spear alongthe lists Wa s r1 htl ? And rides victorious . it g y done

Pardie ! I know not .

’

A a n . L UNCELOT . Aye, tw s bravely do e An d s n foe thou ha t routed , not alo e the , n Ca ra dos n c Ork ey and , the Ki g of S ots, Th e traitor Ga rlot Go d alone ca n tell The number O f the k in but more than all ’ Thou hast o erth rown t e last Of them that moc ked s Aga inst thv ma je ty .

’

NG A T . t so KI R HUR God gran tis , s But flame tamped out oft bursts again anew . I would th e daywere ten good years agone W hen I did gu n the crown .

IR S LAUNCELOT . Ten years of years u i on Co ld fix t no more firmly thy brow . ’ ’ n Pendragon s blood co firms Pendragon s seed .

T KING AR HUR . ’ th e n ir n ? s How runs ru e, S k ight Pendragon s eed Shall slay Pendragon

’

SIR T . LAUNCELO Nay, Pendragon s seed ’

n n s t . Shall reig , Pendragon , on Pendrago hrone

41 T KING AR HUR . me o I think of the ther .

T ? IR N . Wh S LAU CELO y, my lord

T AR HUR . For that the fi re of fight within my veins n a nd n s Is fadi g, the dark of coming thi g

o s s n . e n e Lo m clo e upo me T ll me, Lau c lot, ’ Woulds t tho u be king ?

’

I T . ir o S R N L s n t. LAU CE O Aye, , an thou wert

T KING AR HUR . Take thou th e crown !

SIR T . s is s n ? LAUNCELO What je t thi , Ki g Arthur

T AR HUR .

s n e a s fi nd . No je t, good Lau c lot, I do ’ en s c e n a nd o n c Sev day I ve all d it mi e , ea h day

x e in . e n It wa d a pound weight A w ary thi g, An s in c n irk ome, weary th g, a royal row ; Yet men would sell the ir souls to feel it c ling ’

n s a nd n w s wo n . Arou d their brow , hate it whe t a

E nter a t ba ck ( MERLIN . )

T SIR LAUNCELO . n This sadness likes me ot.

42

c xtauhut

That itches for a sword when steel and steel Are clanging music in the listening ear No more of that ; thou a rt anointed king ’ With traitors bloo d : th e c hrism of my lord o Of Canterbury c a n avail n more . to s a nd r lot! So now, hor e, ide for Came

G TH KIN AR UR . A le he o x fi nd t nd t t trait r fo es heir holes , Nor scourge them for their treason

Let . MERLIN . them be o n e s ss Already their bord r pre the foe, And flame a nd slaughte r hot! call them home ; i ‘ l s n . i They may not hi der thee he war done,

Now statecraft clamours for thee .

NG T H KI AR UR . I am fain e ! To harry them a littl Ha Sir Tor, What tidings of the chase ?

En I O R ( ter S R T .)

T R O . The sky is clear . e n su n Like fl eting mist before the risi g , The foe has melted into little clouds th e n That, driven by wi d of victory, c s ess n n S ud aimles , forml , blind with bla c hi g Shall we pursue ?

. t e n MERLIN Bethink hee w ll, Ki g Arthur .

44 KING ARTHUR . th e s est e Call back knight , we r h re till the dawn ; T o -morrow we will lie at Camelot

And call a Parliament .

x it I R (E S R T O . )

’ Tis s . ME RLIN . well re olved th e n Thou hast approved thy right to wear crow ,

U e . s e on the fi ld Prove thou the ceptre thin , th e o n The sword of justice a nd g lde orb , A ' i en s thou s halt prove them n thy Parliam t,

And thou art king in deed .

nte Y (E r Sm KA . )

SIR KA Y . ss My lord , a va al ’ But lately fighting gainst thy majesty Is e n his com , repenta t of evil mood , e To do the worship .

i KING ARTHUR . We will greet him k ndly ;

Bring him before u s .

b o ! L . n e n MER IN Ki g, thy guard ’ There s more of treason than the bearing arms

Against thee in the field .

KING ART HUR . I am the King En an E n a nd Of gl d , all of ngla d , I hold ’ No hatred gainst a vass al that repents s Of trea on , asking pardon .

45 (Enter KING URIENS a nd QUEEN MORGAN . ) i o K ng of G re, An s c ! d thou, our ister, wel ome

i h ide . MERLIN (a s ) Loathly w tc , h c in s ! No w n I scent t y raft thi Merli , watch , ’ n For danger c limbs the steps of Arthur s thro e .

MORGAN .

n e we to th e . Ki g Arthur, h re yield us y grac Thou art a pp rovéd king : in vassalage W e humbly knee! a nd swear liege loyalty .

KING ARTHUR . sis b u t n Thou art our ter, Morgan , not ki g

So let him speak .

c n s th e o KING URIENS . I do o fes pro f

And hail thee King of England .

th s ARTHUR . On y knee Thou shalt swear fealt'y a t Camelot T o - enesc n th morrow . S hal , i to charge We n e n n give the Ki g of Gor , and orga , quee , A n d sister unto England .

t MERLIN . Guard hem shrewdly,

Sir Kay, but look thou to the lady c nn n With double u i g .

SO MORGAN . , the sorcerer n ! c th e n Still props the thro e We do onfess ki g,

B u not his s e . t ma t r, Merlin

46 Catteither

s ! MERLIN . As thou halt

(Enter : SIR ECT OR a nd DUKE B RA ST IA S . )

ECTOR . Ulfi u s is ne My lord , Sir well retur d b o ndin Lo n s n n From u g t adow the we ter wi d , And with him bruit of war hard here at han d ’ Rience Ki11 s ns By , gof Wale , gai t thine ally ,

Leo de ra nce 1( m Ca melia rd . g , g of

SIR LAUNCELOT . ’ s s sir ? How ay t thou ,

ART HUR . Is Rience loose a a in

e e th e wo lfi sh n s . I hat him w ll , Ki g of ale s e n s s - e n A mo t f lo iou , fal e h arted k ave, While Kin g Leo degra nc e held by our House e l In hearty fri n dship . How says U fi u s n th e t e Ec ? Touchi g ba tl , tor

EC TOR . King Rienc e s s L Prevail mo t wonderly . eo degra nc e Is s e in his c s e s s pri on d a tl , clo e be et By howling hoards of lewd a nd savage men s ot That cea e n from the siege . Th e kin g is lost s c c c es not s If u our om wiftly .

SIR T . es s LAUNCELO J u Chri t , Hold bac k the hasty su n !

47 NG TH R. sa s ? KI AR U How y ye, lord fo refo u hten b u t th e ! s We are g , eri loom L ! we es Close on eo degra nce . Sha say This brave adventure ?

K BRA ST IA S . t th e o DU E Wait un il morr w, We cannot fight with bodies that cry out c L o e r c For mercy . Mar h at dawn ; e d g a n e

Must hold a little longer .

L T . LAUNCE O Good my lord , ’ In God s name grant this boon that on my knees I a sk of thee ! Marc h for Ca melia rd s n s e ! e Thi ight, thi v ry hour Thou know st not t is s n i Tha all my life pri o ed with the k ng, n th e c u c And eve now, mayhap , black Ri e Is s th e to e bur ting through walls hale th m forth , n a nd Gu enever Thi e ally, the lady

t I e . n A e Tha do lov Ki g rthur, give no h ed i s n To caut ou cou cil , but be moved by me

If thou dost love me .

NG T . Sir e KI AR HUR Fair Launc lot,

s n . S s Thy love leap with my liki g ound the horn ,

An d strike th e c amp a s lightly as ye may . O n to Ca melia rd !

t nte m a n s . (Tr u mpets with ou . E r y Knight )

SIR . LAUNCELOT My life is thine,

A a sk n . King rthur, it of me whe ye will O n to Ca melia rd !

48 Q u alifier

T M s n AR HUR . y lord , my k ights , men En n n Rienc e My hardy of gla d , Ki g , Th e whic h we loath sinc e h e doth hate u s well And s a inst u s s es Leo de ra nc e hold a , trik g , l e c s s Our sworn a y. Aroun d th a tle wall A rabble army all diswo rshipfu l W s a nd . e a re n s Howl loud for blood booty k ight , Sworn by our knighthood ever to afford

All aid to the m that suff er evil hap . For high adventure march we forth to - night ’ l T O- su Into Ca m e ia rd . morrow s n see u s e sc Shall w ll di harged of our devoir,

And Rience beaten bac k into his lair . Let n s n e se s ho our tay our hu ger, a our limb , we no n Rience ! t. Here rest Cry , Death to Ki g O n s c ! , for the wor hip of our hivalry

Ex eu nt lea v in st ndin be ore th e a vilio n ( , g MERLIN a g f p , h e KING URIENS a nd QUEEN MORGAN a t ba ck . T e e sta g is qu it da rk . )

e MERLIN (s a ting himself benea th th e pa v ilion) . se a s a n e e e n All pas th ord r d pag a try , And without hind eranc e the great design That gathered perfect form within my brain 0 o d a nd s s n . 8 s n G Takes shape ub ta ce I ta d with , Who did conc eive the project of a world And e n in give it b i g, that I may weave A splendid fabric where the warp a nd woof e s e n e Are littl live that, lik a ta gl d web n tt n s e a nd Of k o i g thread , would br ak haul awry I not n Did play the part of desti y .

49 t attltlntr

MORGAN . See where th e grim magic ian sits him down Upon th e throne of his poor puppet king ’ I u n g i se of majesty . T is well devi sed ; He is th e king !

I A w e K NG URIEN S . nd m u st e b ar with this th e n Of een n e That hold thro e right from Qu Igrai , Nor lift a hand against this tric kery ? M ORGAN . sw is ee s e En n no w! Thy ord by th , trik for gla d

U S KING RIEN . n is ne The ki g go .

Th e n n c ! MORGA N. ki g is i thy rea h

S KING URIEN . e n e e n How m a y , M rli

M h e s n s ! s . ORGAN . Hu h peak agai

MERLIN . What m a n is there would crouch beneath a c rown And be th e e s n s s targ t of a thou a d word , Wh en h e might stand unseen behind the thro ne s es e es s To mar hal armi , ov rthrow tate , An d fa shion kingdoms by his sovereign will There lie s th e potency of royalty

in a e . e n Hid littl word Pr vaili g will , e e a nd th e s n Th e essenc e of th Godh ad , ig

That shows in m a n th e imagery of God .

50

( n either

wit ee n o u t n Thy forsakes th , Morga , d st tho hi k To co pe with Merlin Marshal in their might ° Th e quakin g spirits of the Ma l c Mere And me sh aIl no t hurl them on , they fright me o I Nor let me from my lab ur . am he

That God h a s made His deputy o n ea rth . n n e a nd e I am i car at will , I abid e s c Forever scathl s . Thou a rt futile raft

And this thy tool is blin d a nd senseless force . Shall either match me that am perfect will Un n o n n ? t o n trammelled , u c ditio ed Get hee g e An d s n s in sea i k thy deep di honour the , Nor sally forth to moc k me with the jest nt n n Of pote hi dera ce . I am thy lord , a m a nd s a nd I s n For I will wi dom , ta d Un hampered of thine idle enmity Until my task is en ded : until Go d e s s in En n a nd R ign ab olute gla d , the day

Of righteousness shall lighten o n th e land .

My will prevails : content thee with thy doom .

Cu rta in .

h e ca stle o G melia rd. e e t SCENE III . Ca B for f KIN L D e : nted a nd ea rth EO EGRA NC E . E nt r RIENC E mou KING , ,

- - daw n . him n Men a t s a nd n . B e ore K ights , arm , Bowme f

R I KING ENC E . Now breaks the day of triumph to our arms ! n men Leo de ra nce Too lo g, my of Wales , g , s c rs Cha ed like a fox to over, flou our might

52 Cxtellber

And holds his haughty castle that uprears n n A me ace to our kingship . O ce again ’ ss th e a nd e A ail dragon s nest, hal him forth h ll diswo rs i fu . n To die p y Sou d the horns, An d c s ss hurl against the ro ky fa tne , doomed , E su n s o n th e re yet the laggard lift world , To fall in ragged splinters roun d the king n s t Rien ce s That thi k to hal with tony walls . i s s n . th e Thi day mi e Good herald , sound horns !

e s nt a bove L EO (Tru mp t . E er : KING D EGRA NC E a nd n K ights .)

LEO D EGRA NC E .

c m en Rienc e a nd t Hold ba k thy , , give thy ongue ere l s To gentle parley, the dreadfu hock O ns e f grimly war distai the br aking day . c s De lare thy quarrel , that with avage arms ’ w est n n Thou a g battle gai st my ki gdom .

C R IEN E . So ! The orgulous mon arc h turn s to mellow speec h L n s not. eo de ran ce Whe warfare help him g , I fight thee for that I do loathe thy name bla z o n d s All é with epithet of praise, e n For that thou dost r vile me for a k ave, For that thou a rt a vassal to the fool n Uther Pendrago .

R KING LO ED EG A NCE . Uther lieth dead

Pen dragon dieth never . I am sworn In n s s loyal frie d hip to that royal Hou e,

53 Gxtellbet

e I die so s ea Wher fore if God will my d th ,

But never shall forget my k nightly oath .

K ING R IENC E . C m el a rd en es n . a i Why th , thou di t, ki g I hold in fee before th e lifting su n - n s in e en . c e s n s ! Ha g mid h av Ar h r , be d your bow

R C E KING L EO D EG A N . n ce e n Rien ce ns e ea O mor , Ki g , a w r my app l ; What then befall s m e if I swing th e gates And yield my c astle

I NC fl e- R E E . Four a m bran ded steeds en th c c se ! s ee n To r d y ar a Thi for th , Sir ki g, And s e n en e c m a n for thy qu aki g wom , a h a , s t es e ea s A talwar wolf of Wal , to dry th ir t r - An d give the m joy before their death to night . me sc n a u e Gu enever For thy or ful d ght r, ; no w s n es ! So , wi g wide thy gat

L EO D EGRA NC E . e Thou damn d cur, Hell howls to grip thee In its grinn ing jaws ! A ’ w w n e s die e die not n . mu t , by thy ha d Th e c astle thou dost covet is a tomb e e c ses e c th e s H ap d high with orp , if ye br a h wall In c s e Go d bla k de pit of .

I R IENC E . e e K NG A brav r ply , n - r n e Thou wi try pa ed misc rea nt . Thi k w ll e e de B for thou hol st longer . Strike a blow On ce more to- day against my majesty

54 Qu alifier

An d I will crucify thee o n the wa lls And shame thy daughter in thy dying eyes !

L EO D EGRA NC E . Bring forth thy legions out of yawning hell And ring my castle with c onsuming flame Unt s a nd s in n s il it melt , pour blazi g treams

n s n e s . n Alo g the creami g m adow I e dure, ’ And flaunt Pendragon s banner in thy teeth !

R IENC E .

See s O f s th e a n n e , wolve Wale , dr go , dru k with dol , Crawls fearsomely upon his battlements e Intent to stay my han d . Giv me a bow l ’ I n his s I? God , ll ail the dotard to hield ith this my mighty arm . Give me a bow!

Tr u m ets . Th e ra m a rts a bove ill with bowme ( p p f n . ’ R IENC E S force bring s ca ling la dders a nd mou nt a nd t t figh o n h e wa lls . )

D R NC KING L EO EG A E . s u s ns n s God fight with agai t u righteou Wales . o n n s th e is not et Hurl them , k ight , day lost y .

R IENC E . Heave up the catapult a n d breac h the walls ! Bring in th e ram a nd s plit th e guarding gates ! O ne e es a nd e s l l littl hour , my wolv , y hal ie s en With glutted maw , b eath the drowsy shade n s Of bloomi g orchard .

55 NENTR E ter : G S o Ga rlot mou nted. (En KIN f , )

NT R ES . Rience ! NE Hail , great King t es Ga rlo t a n d I c Nen r of am I , ome To fight with thee if thou wilt league with me Against the wittol that h a s fi lch ed th e c rown

n n c sc v s c . Of E gla d, ba ked by ur y or ery

R IENC E . Marshal your shields along the leaping ram

m en . SO ow s For cover of the , n e say ! lot n d not Ga r , I ee thee , but for the hate n I h ea r Pen drago I will stan d with thee . ’ m en a nd n ! Back , , to t agai How came ye here, Nentres of Ga rlot

NG ENTR ES e KI N . From a grim debat

With traitor kn ights that bac k the bastard king.

R IENC E . That did thee hurt ? Gramercy for thin e aid ! e s ! Ha , w ll ped Sirrah , to the catapult , And bid th e c aptain load with blazing brand s ; Once more against the gates !

NENT R E S . n Rience KING Nay, Ki g , T h e rebels fled along the hiding night

Distraught with dole .

G R IENC E . no o n KIN Crave thou bo ty, ki g ; This castle is for me a n d for my men ; o Ye gain no part there f.

56 th e s e . KING NENTRE S . Nor ask am For guerdon give me aid to overthrow

Pendragon .

R IENCE . n . Not for guerdo , but for hate Thou winnest worship not of m e to day

That stan dest prating while we toil amain . Get thee within the fight ! E ( nter : A Welch Kn ight . )

now t o l ? How , hou f o What sears thy face with fear ?

! N G T . A K I H My lord , my lord The forest turns to grim a n d armed kn ights c - c s n on n Fier e, dragon re ted , ragi g our fla k With savage fury !

RI NC E n ! G E . KIN Damn thee, traitor ki g Is this thy work

N N R E s e n not! KING E T S . I w ar I k ew it ’ s n s is n r ! n God wou d , it Ki g A thur We are do e

The heavenly host a inst him may nOt prevail . S t in Rience ! ave thou hyself, g

R IENC E . n n s ! Tur , my k ight ’ Give o er the siege until we stay the fool That hin ders us when our enhungered fan gs ’

s . o n s Are at the quarry throat Come , my wolve , An d make a moc k of England !

57 Ex eu nt R IE NC E a nd th e e s n h s ( , KING W l h K ig t . E nter a bove : I L E O D EG RA NC E , K NG . )

L EO D EGRA NCE . es s J u Chri t, Thy hand is stretc hed to save ! A mirac le ! M m en a c e ! e s y , mira l Who do God will M ine eyes a re lightless a n d I sc arc e c a n see . e m e n th e c e h s T ll , Sir k ight , who by gra of C ri t ? Ha s turned th e tide o f b a ttle

I A KN GHT . All is hid n o Within a rolli g cl u d . A myri a d m en As th ey were like a plague of summer gn ats o n R Fall ience .

L EO D EGR NCE ns no c es ? KING A . Ca t thou t mark their r t

I A KN GHT . ’ a ll th e s n s tis En n s u s n ! By ai t , gla d aid , ki g Th e o n s es h o u th e see n s drag fla h t r gh thi g torm , Pen dragon comes !

’

M S . sa e en n s n e O NE God v P drago am , a ea En a n a ! en n c s ! All h il , gr t gl d , h il P drago ome

t n Th e (E nter : English a nd Wel sh Knights figh i g . y t e pa ss a cross th e s a g . )

D R C KING L EO EG A N E . Down to th e port a nd swing th e labouri ng gates ! O n fo r th e s Ca m elia rd , wor hip of , An d smite th e wolves of Wa les in open fi eld ! w l a r i ee ns th e da Ca m e i d s . God i y, fr

58

excellfier

O th e Sl h , king is ain ! He falls along his steed !

te : IR T . He s es a NC (En r S LAUNCELO ru h a g inst R IE E . T reels in th e sa ddle AR HUR .)

GUENEV E R . s n s c God e ds him u cour . What favour flutters round the bruised helm Of him that presses h orly on Rience ? ’ ! n tis ! My favour Lau celot, Launcelot

RIENC E l ( fa ls . )

s n cu c ! He fall , Ki g Ri e falls

NG T . nc t KI AR HUR Nay, Lau elo , wa s Thou dost unkindly by me . I fain w To in this worship .

Art n ? IR T . n S LAUNCELO thou wou ded , ki g

T KING AR HUR . ’

W a nd ns . s b u t hole, hardy, u cathed Twa a blow

That blotted reason for a little space . The day is won !

U ENEV ER . en n G God save thee, g tle ki g, h u s ! S n e T ou hast delivered ir Lau c lot , t d s n t ? Look hi herward , o t k ow me, Launcelo

60 c xtallfiet

IR L T S LAUNCE O . I the t Aye, lady, as know favour wined

e a nd t . Around my h lm , I do love hee well

GUE NEV E R .

s t ! Ysed Hold thou thy ta ion Follow me, , While with the king my father we do come ’ s e n To lay our wor hip befor E gland s feet . e (Ex u nt. )

KING ART HUR . Why no w I win a fight a n d thou a maid e n a nd ee ne Giv me thy guerdo I yield th mi . ’ s nc e ? How say t thou , Lau lot

SIR C T . n LAUN ELO My noble ki g, Were all the world within thy roff ered hand ’ I d t es n wep1 n en cas it from me, r ti g co t t e With that I hav .

Enter : rom th e ca stle L EO D EGRA NC E ( f KING , GUEN Y d n n e E nter V S ED a n ma n a d s . E ER, , y K ights Ladi rom the eld SIR KA Y SIR EC T SIR T O R K f fi : , OR, , DU E

B RA STIA S a nd ma n n s . T R , y K ight KING AR HU

dismo u nts . )

’ s e e En n OMNE S . God av gr at gland s ki g !

KING L EO D EGRA NC E . Where Is the servant of th e living God w l a Come do n from Heaven to save Ca me i rd . Let e d me b hol him .

61 Qu alifier

L e nce N RT . n eo d KI G A HUR Ki g ra , u en n is en n sti I Arth r P drago P drago , An d holds by th e m Ki ng Uther loved withal ;

Give me thy hand .

e nees KING L EO D EG RA NC E . Upon my palsi d k O f n n n ee n E . I tha k th , Ki g gla d

en KING ART HUR . God forf d s u s nee so e e en That thou ho ld t k l , that art r v r d And e h ea s whit wit y r .

M G u enever L EO D EGRA NC E . e KING y daught r , Do homage u nto Engl a nd !

RT . A HUR Lady fair, e n ee in e My homag u to th place th reof, ne h n For, by mi oat of k ighthood , fair thou art And matc h ed by no n e in all the c rowded world ; w n o s . Wh erefore ta ke th u my or hip Lau celot, a c e ! n th e n is n I pr y thee, om Sir k ight , crow thi e

Upon conditio n .

SIR T . c e no t LAUNCELO Sir, I rav it ,

But on ly thi s .

’

He k neels kiss in EV E h a nd . ( , g GU E N R S )

N W o w i ne T . h n th e s u n s KI G AR HUR y go ,

An d victory is but a hollow name . M e Of Ca m elia rd y broth r , we two Will sit forlorn about th e patient board

62 t xrallfier

And talk full sadly O f th e emptiness o win Of martial triumph . Who w uld a fight And fi n d th e e d n ned th e e e e gu r o gai fam th r of, e O e s e th e e s Whil th r r ap booty Com , my lord , We w n a n d e we e se u s e will ithi , whil a w ll , Drink d eep the hea lth of King Leo degra nc e

An d th e o e en Gu enever . of fl w r of wom ,

i Cu rta n . t xrallfier

ACT II

! C L Ca elot. Th e s h ore o th e Ma ic Mer e S ENE m f g , s en clos e t a n th rou h ta ll slim trees . In th e m idst e a h d g ,

a s ilk en wlia n o en on a ll s 1 der . M MB pa p DA E COLU E , GU ENEV E R YS ED a nd ET rA R D SIR C T SIR , , ; LAUN ELO ,

S SIR T O R a nd SIR KAY l m o n th e r a ss . PELLEA , , , y g g

COLUMBE . ee z e s n me s n n Sw t damo l , i g that o g agai s is a nd wet e s Full dolorou it with t ar , w a s o ne s ee Yet glad ithal , hould w p with joy

Of life that is too sweet with brimming bliss .

GU ENEV ER .

e It ss Nay, Lady Columb , pray you let pa ,

A true thing said ri ngs false if said agai n . Sang I not tru e ?

MB . A e Gu enever in t COLU E y , , fai h s n me a nd en a s r Ye a g true, ev my hea t

Calls gently when th e night is very still . n ve s How thi k , lord

KA Y . r t sa Dame Columbe, p y hee y h ea rd h e z z If still my gri led , for the maid n me so s O f swee e s Sa g oftly the t , d ad day , Wh en all my blood leaped lik e a noble stag en e n s s t t se e Through gold , gl ami g fore t , ha me em d Twoscore ofyears had vanished with her song ;

I was a squire again .

64 t xtallfier

ETT AR . u a rt O As tho now, ir s b e e th e S Kay, and hall ver, for years Are not for thee ; the silver in thy beard

Turns traitor to th e fire within thy blood .

SIR KA Y. O u t on the knave that gives me evil name ! ea r I t t s n Sir h d, charge hee with high rea o

COLUMBE . Hold Wreak not thy vengeanc e o n a silly rogue s i s n n That deal n futile lie that o e believes . Th t s ns th e y hear , my Kay, give a wer to lie ? s n Sir Tor, liked thou the o g

As s nn TOR . i ers love n s s s n The ha d that hrive them , make them clea

God . a e e sa n I sa w n F ir lady, whil y the wi d Grow bright with a ngeIs leaning near to learn The why men seem to love this paltry world

More than the courts of heaven .

MB e s COLU E . W ll aid , Sir Tor . in th s ? Speak , Pelleas , what saw ye e ong

PELLEAS . I sa w the milky blossoms of the Ma s s s n nt ne e blbo m Ripe ro e bur ti g i o ho y d , An d every flower that burgeons on th e bough When summer win d s are warm with summer And t es a s all h e melted , the music moved , Into one face

65 Cn allfier

? COLUMB E . That thou didst call

IR S . S PELLEA Etta rd .

COLUMB E .

sir s ea es a s n . Fair , thou p k t a loyal k ight No w nce s no s ? Lau lot, ha t thou word of prai e

T LAU NC ELO .

No word th a t I ma y sa y.

M B . se c n n COLU E Fal , rave k ight , Dost yield thee rec rea nt ?

IR NC T . S LAU ELO With all my h eart .

COLUMBE . en n e! a n su e c Th k e d for mer y .

NC T . Gu enever LAU ELO , Un se a nd a n s e n e n ea t hor d v qui h d , wou d d u to d h

nee n c a e e c . e m e e K li g I r v thy m r y Giv lif , Nor send m e bac k i nto th e dolorous dark

Whence c ame I forth to fi nd thee . Let me live ’ n a nd s s n s Thy loyal k ight, by Sir Je u wou d s e e se v ce n ee I w ar to yi ld true r i u to th ,

And stainless worship .

GU E NE V E R . nce o Fair Sir Lau l t, e O f o e n n t nee . I pray th , thy k ighthood , do k l Ho w s we ee e so s n hould I th lif , that art tro g And s ? Wit e s n n t lu ty ye w ll , mo t ge tle k igh , es no s Thy life li t within my holding b a nd .

66

Carallfier

GU ENEV E R .

e I n nOt to . Now wit ye w ll , k ow what do s s s n See how it lie like ome oft, wou ded bird

Among the primrose buds that nestle c lose . s I n in s Certe , fai would warm it my brea t, I c n But do fear me it would ha ge, mayhap ,

Into a serpent.

SIR . s LAUNCELOT Never, by my word , And by th e faith I owe my knighthood !

t ks th e la ke: LE A En er on th e ba n o F Y. ( , f MORGAN )

COLUMB E . See ! Wh ere through the quaking trees Queen Morgan o s g e , Ill ha betides u s if sh e lifts her eyes

And oo k s upon u s .

s ! ? Je u , mercy Why I s ? do be eech thee, why

MB . no t s COLU E Thou art wi e, ’ Ysed in th e s c , all lore of Arthur ourt, o s Else wouldst thou a sk n t such a fooli h thing .

: n Yet tell me, lady I am ewly come l d From out Ca me ia r .

i h e MB . n s s COLU E Quee of Gore , to U ns m en And wife rie , but say well

68 t xtallfier

no t h a s won O ne kingdom likes her , and she By crafty magic a nd unchristian lore Dominion over all the paynim gods En n n s e c That fled from gla d whe Chri t J su ame . And no w beneath th e waters of the Mere In n e n n n golde cav r s, wo derly besee ,

She holds her court .

o o w she IR . h s S PELLEAS Lo k , lift her head And o n u s gazes with her serpent eyes .

GU ENEV ER .

e n s sh e n c nt M thi k bri gs a hill, unge le win d

From out the hollows of the Magic Mere,

a nd s n . For I am cold , hrink with creepi g dread

IR T S LAUNCELO . not n ma not Look upo her, she y harm thee

Whilst I stand ready .

MB . is n COLU E She go e again , B u e t I do fear the malic of her eye .

KA Y. ’ O ne only m a n in Arthur s kingdom c urbs a n c e n Her w ton witch raft , for old M rli holds s in t t c t Her hard in lea h , ha the raf of God , Wh ereb s is nt o he work , pote to c mmand ’ n M n da mn d Quee orga s é magic .

R SIR T O . If the king W e not n t t n s no t er an headstro g boy ha k ow fear,

69 extallfier

n a nd t He would give ear to Merli , the wi ch e Should burn right m rrily .

KA Y e s . See wher he come In se n o n s gui full k ightly a royal que t, ’ e e E n s n The prid of chivalry , gr at ngla d ki g, n o n Arthur Pe drag , that did overthrow King Lot of Orkney a nd King Ca ra do s ’ And all that leagued them gainst the high esta te ’ th er n Of U s ki gdom .

GU ENEV E R . I n n ? s it, the , the ki g n I n h is c Full fai am to look upo fa e, For sinc e I came from far Ca melia rd n e h is To Camelot , I o ly h ar name s n m e a s n Go ru hi g by a whispering wi d , e e e Nor ev r hav I se n him .

MB . Gu enever COLU E , The king is hungry for a knightly quest ; c n is th e o en c wn For ertai it that g ld ro , won s s s ss o n his So lightly , it re tle brow ; no t in th e n c We may hold him arrow ourt , e - c n s wa lea rn éd ds Wh re gray beard ou cillor g hea , n n s s e n s Or wa to girl with l epy, longi g eye ’

s n s ee s ds . Creep oftly rou d him with w t, ubtle wor nc nor s ec e Nor dallia e tat raft lur him now , s He ride afar afield .

GU ENEV ER . I n fear me, the , is n e n m en sa He i d ed the thi g that all v, And so l I hold him most unworshipfu .

70 ( stallfier

SIR KA Y. What thing is that ?

m a n U ENEV ER . G A without a fault . o Such manners like me n t. Give me a m a n n n no r ee th e Co te t with that , gr dy for crown T h e blesséd saints achieve when they are dead

And m en no longer .

MB . n e r ! COLU E Fie upo th e , gi l s a re e s a nd n a en e Thy word pe vi h , u m id lik h e T e thought that prompts th m .

ENEV ER . c e ne Thou art thri mi age, An d c ne e s n ne that mu h ar r ai thood , lady mi ,

- - ess e e m s n . e a Nathl y lik d y o g Ah , w ll day l We a s b e n c e s in e s m id ought but brat h t a l a h , n n ! s th e n th e Give you good hu ti g Hu h , ki g, king !

Enter : T m ou nted with h im SIR ECT ( KING AR HUR, , OR . G U ENE V E R sta nds a stde a mo n th e trees g . )

S OMNE . Hail to th e King of England !

IN T . e K G AR HUR Give y joy, Ho n s a nd es . w no w e Sir k ight ladi fair , Columb , Art wea ry o f tall Ca melot ?

MB M COLU E . y lord , T h e s n ec ne a nd e w pri gtime b ko d , my h art a s fa in To leave the co u rtela ge of Camelot And c th e s e s s n tra k foot t p of the que ti ng ki g . e alifier

T AR HUR. e e s n t led The whil he follow d where the pri g ime , W w o a s e a s e s . that thy thought W ll , it ven Maid April starts a quicken ing in the blood That when th e wind s of u ne are o n the field s

Is ns d . e cto r u s est ill gai ai Com , , let r And c rave refreshment of these gentle folk ; o I would b e weary were I n t a king .

MB COLU E . e nOt n th e su n Is Will y dri k , my lord high , e n h And h avy ha gs t e harness of a kn ight . ' Q u a fi thou this goblet : when thou a rt assuaged

Then shalt thou tell u s of thy latest quest .

T KING AR HUR . n ee et e I n I tha k th , dame, hav ought to tell Save of a Questing Beast I followed far A d wo s d n n di worship of him in the en .

SIR KA Y .

n t . Of thy good grace, Ki g Arthur, tell the ale

T AR HUR . ’ Tw s i a n s s a nd . thi wi e, ye may laugh at will h n n Rience a nd W e we had fought Ki g , had freed Leode ra nc e n Ca melia rd g , Ki g of h e h a s one s n s da u hter hi ht T which mo t wo drou g , g ( u enever ss he Lady G , more pa ing fair

n sa w e n in . Tha I ev r, eve my dreams ) n I rode in quest of some adventure . Noo

72 e allfier

Wa s n I hot upo us , and lay me down s n n s Be ide a fou tai in a drow y wood , ' An d if s e n no t n n I l pt I k ow , but a o Deep thunder rolled a nd I did see in sooth es rifli ns n a nd The for t filled with g , gau t grim , An d s ser ents s e n a s limy p , lav ri g they crawled

O n sc aly bellies throu h the cringing grass . in th e dst a l a s e e n High mi of , he w r ki g, I sa w ea s e n k en a b t b yo d all mortal , e e a n d e s S s Hug , hump d horribl , with caly ide

An d twisted ta lons fi erc e with rendin claws . n ns a i a t Winged was he with the pi io of , An d either side his harsh a nd horny b eak e e s n nd n Blazed bal ful ye that bli ked a rolled amai , While over all I sa w a s o n his helm n The Drago of our Hou se . T he while I lay An d e e o s n nd z n marv ll d n thi stra ge a gri zly thi g, Meseemed th e wood grew thic k with myriad knights n i n From all my kingdom . The the rag g Beast Shrilled wonderly : right so the serpent brood on n s a nd in s Hurled my k ight , uch grievous wise

That in a little none wa s left on live . An d all the forest darkened a s th e B east ‘ ’ W w en s ent howling onward . No P dragon s eed

Shall slay Pendragon ! And I sa w him nor.

I T S R LAUNCELO .

i n n . By Holy Rood, a gr m, u ge tle dream

T KING AR HUR .

t I I sa w s n . So hought , but the Bea t agai Carallfier

COLUMBE . With thine own waking eyes

w e sa . ART HUR . I the B ast NO word said I unto Sir Ector here O e o n da f that I thought a dr am, but a y, Th e e e a s e whil we rod thwart a avag wood , ! E c : ee es b e ! Sir tor cried Sw t j u , my aid n is a nd th e s What thi g that I looked , lo , Bea t Came hurling with th e sou n d of many hou nds Adown a forest path until he spied h e e n n e e s e n . A littl fou tai , wh r tay d to dri k

SIR C T LAUN ELO . And didst thou slay him

T s n nce AR HUR . Li te , Lau lot . e es on th e e s C rt I pricked full hotly B a t, w n e th e nse on b e e But he he mark d o t , roll d e e T h e while I followed fiercely . W ary l agues I trac ked him till my steed wa s c lean forspent An d e n n th e es n f ll be eath m e . The Qu ti g Beast ne n a nd ss Tur d like a labouri g carrack , I dre ed s e I n s e e a e My hi ld , for did thi k a or d b t l x u s th e e s e n e a nd s a k e La twi t , but B a t gav to gu I'la il n a nd a e ! s dea r , ki g f th r Seeke t thou for ”

now e c es u s . Not , but aft r, om the doloro day e e n s e s Wh r with he va i h d like a fla h of light, A o es nd s I wo n disworship of my qu t .

COLUMBE . th e s n s O f B ea tl By all ai t God , an evil S

74

t xtallfier

T AR HUR . As s n n n thou halt k ow, a o , my lady fair ; e sit s e me see n es Com , be id , let me thi e ey n ne a n d let r Look i to mi , me hear thy vo ce That lingers like the gentle summer wind n Amon the yearn ing trees . Give me thy ha d

And te 1 me of Ca melia rd a nd thee .

He lea ds er be e t t e i ( h n a h h pa v lion . )

e nce s n Look wh re Sir Lau lot , the dolorou k ight , n n Stands ri ged with thu de r .

’ i n ET TARO . T s a grievous thi g To match a king in contest for a maid ;

I do bemoan his fortune .

SIR . nce PELLEAS Lau lot , h o w no w nc ! s u s Why , , Lau elot Have peech with , n ! Sir k ight, be merry

A SIR T O R . rt n n thou the u horsed , Fo refo u gh ten with the first rude shock of fight That hurtles down the lists

o n ! Out thee, Tor s s c n n That thou hould t mo k a k ight so all forlor .

COLUMB E . This likes me not : I would the kin g would ride

Upon some other quest .

Ex it IR T ( S LAUNCELO . )

76 Q u alifier

Sir Launcelot! He lightly leaves th e field ! Who follows on t

r s s s th e n . A mer y cha e ; come, ir , hu t is up

Ex it ollowed b SIR TO R a nd SIR EC T . ( , f y OR )

TT E ARO . I have no heart for such a scu rvy jest ; A s nc ! la , poor Lau elot

SIR A . e i not PELLE S B wa l him , ’ I bac k him gainst the king .

ET TA O . s R Nay, Pellea , ’ no Bac k m a n gainst King Arthur .

SIR A . e PELLE S Com away , ' I s c s if st do be ee h thee , weet, thou do say ’ ” c no m a n n Ba k gai st King Arthur .

ETT O . S s AR ave thy elf, s s For well thou knowe t , Pellea , my heart Is s s s a nd like a tubborn fortre s , trong true, e s th e Wh reof thou ha t key .

IR S PELLEAS . Yet let u s go ’ s A little way along the water rim , his nc e s u For by gla s Arthur need s not.

TT E ARO . Poor Launcelot !

77 e allfier

E d SIR S . not tta r PELLEA Think of him , , ’

a n . Or follow, d I ll teach thee to forget

t (Ex eu n . )

N T KI G AR HUR . ee no t o n u s e e Sir Kay, I pray th , wait h r ,

I would no t hinde r thee .

S IR KAY . s I do prote t , NO n a n ce r . hi der , my lo d

N T . es KI G AR HUR I do prot t, s s n e nc e Mo t grievou hi d ra , my fair Sir Kay

We follow straitly .

MB . S s . COLU E ir, we mu t away

e . Come thou with me, I f ar the fruit of this

(Ex etm t SIR KA Y a nd COLUMB E . )

ARTHUR . n s en m e ! e a re My bo d are riv from Th y gone , And I may give my tongue full liberty

To voi c e the surging of my teaming heart . th Gu enever ! I love ee,

E EV E R A d on N . n the word ’ Thy sport o ersteps the limits of a jest . I am at fau lt that I did venture c lose

U n n n . o e po the bri k of da ger C m , my lord , u s c : s c Let go hen e thi peril laims us not .

78 ¢xrallfier

ART HUR . e ee ! me c en e n s I lov th Give ba k thy g tl ha d , And let me see the wonder of thine eyes

Upturned to mine . I lac k all mode of speec h e n ee s a re e For pl adi g with th , for my word rud An d a y e th e c se e h rdl temp red to au of lov , For that I am unlearned In th e field e a n c c s m e nsc e Wher y ourtier mat he u ath d , n no t nc That am for fighti g, for dallia e ; And so I k now no t a ny form of word s is en n e e s ee ! That more pot t tha , I lov the , w t I love thee !

V c GU ENE E R . With su h love a s princ es feign e To lightly l ad them to th e en d thereof. s e s no That u ag like me t.

ART HUR . With su c h a love As never yet wa s known of a ny m a n Were h e th e tru est k night of all th e world ! ne no t wh e e e I k w y my fath r gav me lif , ’ I k new no t why I c ame by Englan d s c rown wh c e ee Leo de ra n c e Nor y I mar h d to fr g , e sa w ee Gu enever Thy fath r , till I th , , An d then I k new !

V h E ER . How lightly lies t e oath

n o o d o n ee . a nc e Of k ighth th Wh t of Lau lot , w nce c Aye , hat of Lau lot High hivalry

' sh owest n ! s no Thou , ki g Ha t thou thought him

79 ( stallfier

ART HUR . no r n n s Nor him , yet for a ythi g that live , e T h e n n n es Save only the . light i g of thi e ey s n Blot out all memory , all ho our, all ? e n . nc That guid d , gover ed me Sir Lau elot I know him no t! Is he then o verlord a nd s o n Of thee me , that I hould wait him And c e his e s ? not m a n rav pl a ure Am I a , n k in no t tc A k ight , a Shall I ma h with him In contest for t y favour ? Art thou his ? How c ame he by thee ? Is his title proved Go d c n ! By , I halle ge it

U E EV E R not G N . I know thee

In s n n . thi u wo ted humour Let me go , Thou a rt distraught!

NG T . to s KI AR HUR Aye, the perilou edge Of perfect madness ! In my fevered veins The seething blood c ries out for recompense And hot requital !

U E EV R ntl G N E . Of thy ge eness Un s n ! loo e me , ki g

KING ART HUR . Not though the sword of Go d n s in n e s ! s e Were bra di hed mi e ye I love thee, w et, s se ! Give me thy lip , thy lf

(Enter MERLIN . ) ! N . n MERLI Ki g Arthur, hail

A . nd to thee, lady, my most high devoir

n . My lord , I wait upo thee

80 Catallfiet

T et n ! KING AR HUR. G ye go e u n v ! Avoid my sight a nd lightly . G e e er

V R (Ex it GU ENE E . )

MERLIN . S t n n tay thou wi h me, if thou i deed art ki g, A nd other than thy folly doth denote.

T KING AR HUR . Wh at malice drove thee hither ?

En n sir MERLIN . gla d , ,

That hardly brooks divided loyalty .

Tho u art the king . Let that enlightening torc h n o n trea dest in Shi e ever the road thou , For by that light alone shalt thou avoid

s en . c e not Rude mi adv ture I will hid thee ,

s . That thou ha t played the fool Thou art a boy, And therefore prone to vain a nd wanton things n n ss But like a torre t ragi g lawle ly, ’ I ll turn thine ardour In a n wholesome course ’ Until i t serve God s end s .

T KING AR HUR . Must I abide ’ In erridin S n vassalage to thine o g plee , That am a king ?

t e MERLIN . Abide a lit l yet

An d shortly shalt thou reap the high reward . n n s c s No wa to humour lead me, but a au e, ’ A n t En n s k n gia t purpose, mee for gla d i g T O e his ow En u r m e mak n . d e , good my lord , An d I shall set thee o n the awful throne n no w Of u iversal maj esty . Bu t I missed th ee from the counc il of th e kings a re ss s a nd fi nd ee es e That thy va al , I th m h d

Within th e springes of a wanton girl . Yet c e e no t ee c e will I hid th e , but bid th om Th e w e s e n s hil I how th e labour fit for ki g , And n ee s e n doubly fitti g for th , that hall r ig T h e ce is e n s . e lord of mo arc h Com , thy pla ther I ’ n n e En n s t n . Camelot, upo gr at gla d hro e

t in Cu r a .

A ’ C . a e t T e terra ce o RT HU R s ca stle . S ENE II C m lo . h f ’ N L E FA Y is sta ndin a lo ne a z in o n S MORGA g , g g MERLIN we to r which rises solita r in th e ba ck rou nd. , y g

MORGAN . Thou bl a c k magic ia n O f th e en c hanted Builded of dreams by subtle so rcery T O win n n th e domi io over all world , Ho w shall I b a flle thee ’ Ringed roun d with c loud n n e o - s e e n Thy frow i g tow r, f ur quar , impr g able, w s e e s . Fit ymbol of thy prid , d fie my ill High o n th e giddy ramparts of th e keep Thy fell a n d fatal visage ben d s u nseen Above th e mysti c lore of peri shed world s o T h e n For thou art s re bested . puli g boy n s s s ee s e Thou fai would t make thy c at paw, fail th or ,

82

NIMU E . e n s u s M rli fear not, For that the armour he has wrought him well Of spells a nd magi c gives him leave to laugh

At that we do .

’ G N c in his f MOR A . I ll mat h him cra t, E e n n s c r a nd n ls k ow I ought of or e y , bi d

Him helpless in a Sleep of living death . is n s a ter n s There a pote t pell the f y k ow , And s s e only he, that grip in heavy le p ’ n n wh o soe er Beyo d all power to wake ,

It falls o n .

’ h u n n NIMU E . And t o dst have me lear the ru e TO -n ight

- T t e s . G N . O n MOR A igh , or after, if y fail at fir t

s n c e Is no c . Thi thi g we must a hi ve, there choi e

Wi n me the rune a nd Englan d falls awrac k .

The way I leave to thee, but guard thyself, Thou tiltest no t against a n orgulou s boy

But In the front of awful wisdo m .

NIMU E . Good I sound my c hallenge ! In the lists of life Flame-favoured Love h a s ever overthrown

Sir Wisdom .

n . is MORGAN . But not Merli He armed In supple harness that will tu rn the po int Of weapons deadly to the c ringing king . Be wise a nd wakefu l ; strike wi th subtler tools n Tha serve against a m a n .

84 e allfier

I o ? NIMU E . s he n t that Mayhap the cloak Of wisdom clothes him well

m n S a t. B u t u nderneath is a . I trike t tha

A MORG N . n th e t t Mea while I lime wigs to ca ch a king, B u t look ye where she comes ! The savou ry bait W w I u en ver here ith lure him : G e .

NIMU E . e Farew ll , The night is moonless : ere the east is gray ’ a nd win n ! I ll cope with Merlin , I the ru e

A N MORG . How best to u se this knotted skein of love W nc th e i a nd Gu enever here Lau elot, k ng, Are sorely tangled If th e kn ight shall win Wh at follows but the fixing of the kin g More strong! ’ in his purpo se to obey Nl l The crafty er in . But if Arthur gain And Launcelot yield nothing : Through th e night wa s so I s That dark see a little tar, s n s t s t A little, di ta t tar hat waxe grea And brightens to a ball of shrieki ng flame That shall with shame a nd slaughter overwhelm n th e a nd e n : Gu enever The ki g, Court, M rli ’

th e n a nd t. I ll give ki g, later, Launcelo A merry game a nd I c a n play it well ;

I n Gu enever call a greeti g to thee, .

V (Enter GU ENE E R. )

8s Cxtalllmt

GU ENEV E R . Wh o hails me from the du sky twilight dim c r n I y thee pardo , lady , but the light B n o efrie d s me n t.

is MORGAN . It the Queen of Gore .

v GU ENE ER . ! a nd E ss the e Oh , ho mpre of Magic M re, T h e two n s lady of ki gdom .

O . NOW n M RGAN , i deed , I know thou givest ear unto the tales se- n n n s set in Loo ha gi g to gue free Camelot, s I s ss n s But thi tell thee, girl ; the hamele k ight And n n n wa n s wa to wome g forbiddi g head , sc ! c a nd oc m e a s Mi al me wit h m k with their j pe , For that their witless folly likes me not An d I am wise in lore of many things e n no t e n S es e Th yk ow of. Gray M rli trik th m dumb , W e ss e s e ith bat d breath they pa him f ar om ly , I n se But , that am a woma , rou their wrath

For matching Merlin .

V ER A not GU ENE . nd I blame them ; W I c c nc n th e s s ere to ou h a la e alo g li t , ’ sh e- n n in fi hter s e A k ight thrusti g a g fi ld , ’ e o W c n en I d giv them leave t moc k me . ell o t t h a s Am I that God made me What I am , Content that He h a s made men a s they a re ;

n is n own a sk n n s . My ki gdom mi e , I o e el e

86 m ute:

A MORG N . Yet e is . I The which folly like thee w ll, And so let call a tru ce to warring words

Th e e c n se . o Whil I ou l thee Th u art a girl , An s n ss c head tro g filly , heedle of the urb ; ess I en e n n Lawl , mpati t ; l ar a thi g of me en th e n ss s That am well brok to har e , Wi e In n n n diverse things that thou shalt k ow a o .

GU E NEv ER . That I may reign beneath the Magic Mere e n ns ? e ne e A qu e of gobli Ke p thy lear d lor , An c n en s earthly c rown o t t me .

. s MORGAN Gra p it, girl , And thou art Queen of Englan d !

G U E N V R E E . s ese s Fir t, m em , ’

see ff e . e n es no t I d it pro er d Thi vi g lik me , ’ et e s s h en a c n Nor y a b ggar u age, w row IS e h ld for guerdon .

! . e Gu enever MORGAN H ar me, c It s th e n Wit h am I , if plea e prati g Court ; s a nd n a nd e Wi e am I , maugre Court ki g th e ; A nd s n . u ss e thi I k ow tho art a ott d , girl , If thou dost think King Arthur loves th ee not!

GU E NEV ER .

e se th e lea rnéd een Fool am I , if it pl a qu ; a nd n a n d Maid am I , maugre Court ki g And so I k new Kin g Arthur loved m e well h n s a w in Ca melia rd W e fir t he s me .

87 MORGAN . ' i n o Then se ze the crow he pr fi ers with his heart .

GU ENE V E R . I see not The heart , but as yet th e crown .

th s s f I in Na le s he hold it orth . know the k g, An d s for a Word thou halt be crownéd queen .

GU ENEV ER .

Of England .

G N . A En : of th e o ! MOR A ye, of glan d w rld it Flout thou my wisdom if pleaseth thee, B u r well I know that on b efore th e king Stretches a path that rises to a height Of glory a nd dominion such as men As n s n . th e en yet have ever ee Be thou que , Walk thou with Arthur toward th e blindin g flame a nd b n in his Of fame honour lazi g path , And thou shalt reign the Queen of Ch ristia ntie !

GU ENEV ER . An d pay the h a teful price !

MORGAN . Why dost thou gaze With wistful eyes into the crowding dark The while with heavy sigh thou sayest slow ! ” ’ A f r ce n s th e t nd pay the hate ul p r . Ca t read cres Above the helmet of the drooping k night That mounts the steep upon a jaded steed ? ’ I n ! n n Nay, now k ow Tis Lau celot retur ed To Camelot from riding on the quest That quic kly called him when the king returned d And foun d thee come from far Ca melia r . s s ? o n Gu enever ! Do t igh for him Out thee,

That weighs a king against a wanton knight .

GU ENEV ER .

n a nd ! Be sile t, witch , lightly quit my sight m e nor Mock no more, tempt me with the tale Of crown a nd kingdom purchased with the blood Of this my heart ; I need thee not!

! MORGAN . Farewell I e n b u t leave th e to Sir Lau celot, mark n sa : c n is The thi g I y the row for thy brow, Nor shall a k n ight let Arthur from his own

GU ENEV ER .

n t Ah me, u happy, tha am like a ball Tossed bac k and forth ac ross the tenn is c ourt; o s in a n n F rbid to re t y frie dly hand , B u o t made the sp rt a nd pastime of a game . ’ Would well I knew so muc h of Morgan s lore ’ n s a s Or Merli , would tell me why the heart An d n n s brai were made of God fierce e emie ,

Nor ever in accord . The crown is mine A c o ne s e wo nd at the pri e of lea t littl rd , Fo r s n n Arthur love me, fai would make me quee , To reign unchallenged ; but Sir Launcelot

89 exrallfier

W a nd his ould make me wife, bend me to will

A fawning slave . What woman halts for choice ’ x s e a n d n n th e c n Twi t ervic domi io So , row es s nn n s s e n Go pi ing dow the va ty wa t of ight,

c n e n s s . A mo ki g bauble, m et for e viou fool ° O s is a n d wo n The u t over the favour , liea rt in s s Sir , thou art the victor the li t , n th e c e n s n ! Sir Brai re r a t, I the wari o

e He e Ent r : below the terra ce SIR C T . r ( , LAUN ELO m a tn s o a s a t f r time e ed on his h orse. )

N T LAU CELO . n n th e e s Although the ight were dark er tha d pth , n s n en ne e Lo g i ce forgott , of the ther h ll e e da m né s s s en ! Wh r d oul , for ak , how for light, th e z n en n a e Yea , for bla i g of torm ti g fl m ’ ’ SO a e n ee Gu enever ! th t twer light I d k ow th ,

GU ENEV E R . And were th e world resou nding with the din en n e ens o n en Of r di g h av the Judgm t Day, ’ e c o s c n I d h ar thy voi e if th u did t all my ame, O Launcelot !

IR C T e no n th e n S LAUN ELO . Hid t Withi ight , n th e n s a e I k ow ki g i with thee . H l him forth ee e That I may s thy lov r .

GU E NE V ER . La u nceIOt!

90

My sword all shattered a nd my spear forh ewn ; n n I th e A craven k ight, forlor walk world , ’ Nor fall o n worship wh ereso er I go

For that I loved her that betrayéd me .

GU E NEV ER . Am I a wanton that I stand at speech ' And ch afl er mouthings with a da flish churl

This is the end . If I do look on thee O ne n in ! o ly time Camelot, beware ’ I ll e n charge the with black treaso to thy face, And call on every kn ight that loves the kin g s n Or holds me wor hipful, to prove me clea , h c n Upon t y rave body .

! LAUNCELOT . Stand thou there el I have a thing to sa y . I loved thee w l o n t And wore thy fav ur twi ed abou my helm , W h erefore I grew a jest for all the Court . ’ r s n w Thou wert n A thur , and they k e it well I e e n not e The While dot d , he di g the fam n n l That ra so lightly of thi e evi wa ys . s e c s a nd Girl mock d me, urled their lip laughed me down ; Knights tossed th e shameful jest from han d to hand ; The very pages roun d th e royal throne s n e I ss Shrilled cor ful laught r when pa ed them by, e And still I lov d thee . Then upon a day ’ Meseemed I could no longer dure the Court e And rode for silence in the tonguel ss wood . I a t Right so met a maid th bade me stay,

92 Cxtallfier

And l s in so plucked me by the mant e, ay g , ! With railing word s : Wouldst tho u then king ra e t s n t y thee of thy g n lenes , Sir k igh , vo lest him not; he lies With Gu enever n e n ro Amo g the f r s beside a little b ok ,

He needs u s not. A quarrel from the bow I n s u n s ed alo g the fore t, dr k with wrath , pievin n et e e n Be g aught, y half b li vi g all An d n I . o n n the saw thee Thr ugh the lea i g trees , e n I n B side the ki g marked thee movi g slow,

With willing eyes uplifted to his face . Wh e n s n e s e t it lightni g eared mi e yeball , h avy nigh n ene n w Shut dow imp trable, but I k e .

te (En r KING ART HUR . )

GU ENEV ER .

t i ss sc nt n For hat thou art a fa thle , mi rea k ight, And in d like a buzzard fa of filthy foo , s n I owe t All gorged with la der, do hee nought,

I ess . But this tell thee, I am blamel here n no r na no By either word act, y, by thought, No little fawn ing fancy h a s the king s s Done me di wor hip .

T c m n AR HUR ( o i g forwa rd) . It is soothly said , And n own s o I will prove the lie with mi e w rd , Upon h is body that with shameful tongue e o Says that thou art not spotless b fore G d . h t n s s Gu enever W a k ave mi say thee,

93 ENEV E R . n Sir ki g , e no t: s I pray th e , harm him a blighting pell Is e he o s no t s s ov r him , kn w what he ay , ’ e e r c h e wa s n For by magi drive mad ,

n s n he wa s s n ess n . Thou k owe t, ki g, a tai l k ight

ARTHUR . c a k n a nd c S , traitor to thy ki g hivalry, hat dost with bawdy mouth revile a maid ! Th e n ss c s e let see ce dark e loak th e, me thy fa , n o n ! Sta d f rth , thou art no k ight of Camelot

SIR LAUNC ELO T .

My lord , I a m no traitor !

n ! ART HU R . Lau c elot ’ s s w n s I w n e By Je u ou d , ould a thu d rbolt Had riven Camelot a nd hurled it wide In roc ky rain upon th e blasted field s Or ever I had seen this dolorous day !

LAUNCELOT . SO sa 1 n a nd s o n ee y , ki g , had t th u take h d n own n sc et s Of thi e k ighthood , and the arl hame That like a broide red mantle thou hast c ast U n Of po the body thy paramour, u Tho would st have halted in thy fa ithless quest .

KING ART HUR . I k now no t by what dark a nd deviou s road c s n n s s Thou ame t, Lau celot, u to thi pa s ,

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T KING AR HUR . Art ready ?

SIR LAUNCELOT Cry you o n !

h e ht (T y fig . )

GU ENEV ER .

I me si I s ! f ye do love , rs, pray ye, tay

nte t c (E r SIR KAY : with him pa ges bea r ing or h es .)

KAY. Wh o dares defy the laws of Camelot An d with rude weapons wa r against th e peace n En n ? s Of Arthur, Ki g of gla d Stay your words , Or righ twise shall I charge ye with off enc e ’ An d n ns Gu enever ! in . treaso gai t the k g Ha , What knights are these ?

V l GU ENE ER . n Woe to me, Se escha , I is in a nd n l t the k g Lau ce ot .

Enter : SIR A SIR TO R Br u no a nd other ( PELLE S , , , - n s a nd es with them torch bea rer s . K ight Ladi , )

KA Y Alas ! I know not h ow to speak for dole and woe ; A I st ! Lord rthur, of thy grace pray thee ay n Sir Lau celot , give way before the king, Nor peril England with thy faithless bla e.

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GU E NEV ER .

s a n end s ! is n Lord , make of thi My heart tor n s c s That I , u happy, am the orry au e

Of this forlorn debate .

e SIR T O R . What vil star Ha s risen over England

SIR PE LLEA s . How befell This wic ked warfare twix t the hasty king And Launc elot ?

Enter SIR E T FA Y CO LUME E YS ED ( : C OR, MORGAN LE , , , oth er s a nd . )

’ ’ is th ! M B . s c t e n COLU E God mer y , ki g es ! Let no t s s Sir Kay, b tir thi awful hame c o Fall bla kening n the land .

! SIR KAY. u see Lord Arth r, U n n s c r e c ! po my k ee I y thee m r y . Hold ’

s . n For God love, hold Thi k that thou art the king, ’ z z Nor ha ard England for a traitor s blood .

a si e MORGAN ( d ) . Too soon I see the fruit of my design w n et I s o . Fall all u timely, y gra p it n

See see ! n s a nd nce , Ki g Arthur bleed , Lau lot Is pressing on him sorely !

97 IR O R ! the n S T . Ha ki g I s n n t is s s miti g won de rly . The k igh lo t, He falls !

SIR no ! He PELLEAS . No, struck that blow aside ; Look there !

IR KAY M ! S . y lord

! SIR EC T . en e e OR By God , this d th h re

e w (H dra s a nd ru s h es o n LAUNCELOT . )

KING ARTHUR . s m e m th e s es fo e Who let fro fight or trik my , Hangs dead to- morrow o n the castle wall !

N h a s entered: h e t e h h th e crowd (MERLI s rid s t rou g , ’ seiz es E T sword a nd with it strik es down th e C OR S ,

wea pons with s u ch force they fa ll on th e grou nd. )

MERLIN . i o n so d e s en . The I , for I d the fight a rt n a nd a rt la w Lord Arthur, thou ki g thou ; a rt nc n e En n a nd Thou i ar at gla d , thy word I s backed with all the majesty of God . Nathless throu gh me speaks all the awfu l line s e n s e e a n d c n Of peri h d ki g that gav thee lif row , A o nd with a voice th a t brooks of n reply . ’ Save thou thy sword for England s enemies !

a i e MORGAN ( s d ) . A in e n t u s ! ga I me t thee ; Merli , ho halt die

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ARTHUR . s e a nd s ne Thou peakest w ll , I am sore di tai d That with unwatc hful heart I did forget s n n e The olem war ing thou didst bid me he d , Yet I c fi nd c ce , by my knighthood , ould no hoi , For Laun celot did blac ken Gu enever s n n S n e a n d th e n With mo t u ge tle la d r, crow

That guard s the head clings not about the he art .

T LAUNCELO . s no t e th e s a n e m e n Thou ha t prov d l d r on , ki g, Nor blotted out th e shame with thine own blood ; n th e Wherefore I sta d my groun d Before Court , Yea e n s , Arthur , b fore God , with brimmi g tear , For that my heart is brok en that my king Should deal dishonourably with a maid e ss n s nce n I lov d with pa i g wor hip , o agai

I do impeach th ee of u nk nightly shame .

SIR T O R . I challenge thee !

’ ’ I ll th e I E . S R C TOR God s blood , prove lie Upon thy body !

! M . n O NES Treaso , treason

! ARTHUR . Hold c n Gramer y for your loyalty, m k ights , or lie But neither words no r blood b out a , s a nd s s The deed is all . Hear, lord knight at arm , Sir Launcelot impea ch eth me of shame ;

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n e . Take ye the a sw r Lady, of thy grace s art sh e I do be eech thee hear me . Thou in a n t s That I do love loy l, k igh ly wi e, As I have loved thee since the blesséd day W hen first I sa w thee in Ca melia rd . n s t is no n s God k ow , and thou , here bo d of hame x n Betwi t us , maugre the sca dal of the Court , An d e u never n th refore, G e , wilt thou be quee Of Arthur a nd of England ?

MERLIN .

GU ENEV E R . My lord As I am stainless a nd all clean of sin

I will be Queen of England .

a side MORGAN ( ) . I have won !

T KING AR HUR .

Bid all the trumpets blow, a nd let the flame n n e n s n th e k Of flau ti g b aco pai t sombre s y . En n s n ! gla d , thou ha t a quee

MN . Gu enever ! O ES Hail ,

SIR N T a ide LAU CELO ( s ) . s s c ! Chri t Je u , of thy mer y, let me die

MERLIN . es e s n So com the t rror talki g through the n ight .

MORGAN . n a n d En n s Merli , the fight is lost, gla d fall .

IO ! MERLIN . in s c ! Not thy hand , bla k witch

T . o n KING AR HUR C me, Lau celot Thou hast impeached thy king a nd drawn a sword wa inst his sacred bod Stand thou forth ; hat chastisement beyts thee ?

SIR A T ie L . e L UNCE O Let m d .

GU ENEV E R . ’ n e In God s am , dear my lord

. Gu enever. ARTHUR Peace, It n eeds not that thy h eart should i ntercede o For Laun celot . I am no rgulous foo! ’ To sla y the kn ight that guards my lady s fame . th n n e sw Give me y ha d , the ha d that heav d a ord s Again t thy king to shield a maid . I swear s win s sir Thou did t greater wor hip of me , , n I in Tha found ever all Camelot . e now ss n I know the , a fearle champio ’

n s n d n e n . Of maide ho our, a n a obl k ight n n Look thou , Sir Lau celot, that whe the crown En n s Gu enever Of gla d top the head of , o n n Th u dost defe d her ho our to thy death , ’ ns n Yea , gai t the ki g himself.

IR T e ow S LAUNCELO . I pray the n m e is . Let depart, my heart like to break

T K ING AR HUR . n Yet would I have thee by me, Lau celot ,

n r Gu enever . I eed thy knightly hea t . Come,

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n n n c Whe , by the fiat of Om ipote e, Th e w n s a nd ho li g chao , without form, void , e e th e e Sw ll d to this awful vault, hollow dom That prisons u s upon this little world H s n nex e a hu g i orabl . Like a bird e s e n ns th e That b at with futil wi g agai t roof, The soul soars through the cavernou s abyss ’ To s mite impatient pin ions gainst th e sky

And s a n s . O n e s e fall back , v qui hed the farth r id Of that impenetrable fi rm a m ent es s s e e e n th e n s Li Wi dom ab olut , wh r i sai t e And shining an gels hav a part with God . Yet we that need so grievously th e light no e e e e s en e Of k wl dg , w r it but a l d r ray No la rger than should filter through th e Chink a n s s e es Of y little tar, mu t liv our liv

Un en t . holp , un direc ed What is this That I have wo n of Wisdom but the blin d And devious gropings of a c reeping worm Hid in the heavy earth T h e world of men n s not a s n no is He k ow , I k ow t what hid

Forever by that roof of adamant . ' An et s c e n n a s win s se d y , u h l ar i g I mu t rve To make me master of these little m en

e n . Wh reof I build a ki gdom Oh , how frail s nes s The to that I mu t work withal , how small Th e c s m e a n d n is n raft that aid , whe all do e n is se How un enduri g the fabric rai d .

not n s e I may thi k of thi , but for the tim As men see s b a n d other , that which lie to ,

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For wisdom works in action in th e blood By showing forth the dread futility w ness s th e Of that e do . How dark chill will

And s n . o e senc n n e halt the ha d C m , di ha ti g flam , Dispel my la nguor !

H a nte E E r NIM . ( e kindles th e br z ier . : U )

N IMU E . e e Pryth e, chid That I have clomb with un familiar feet Le me es Unto thy roc ky fastn ess . t r t e th e e e s ce Abov world with th e , a littl pa ,

I will no t hamper thee .

MERLIN . Were I a boy s s n All flu hed with ardour , I would thi k a dream Encoun tered with me in some dusky pass

Of unsub stantial sleep .

N IMU E . s e e sir Why tar y , , An d bend your solemn brows upon my fa c e ? Is it so strange a thing to meet a maid Within thy fro wn ing stronghold

MERLIN . Wit ye well You a re th e only lady of the co urt That would forgather with th e sorc erer n h is Strei h twa Upo tower . g y give me word n es n is Old Of that thou eed t, for the ight And thou mu st lightly go .

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I E o N MU . Dismiss me n t! n s ee no e The boo I crave leave th poor r, lord , Y t It e may make me ric h .

MERLIN . Ye la c k th e spell To win u nwilling love ?

’T NIMUE . is soothly sa id ; e My love r turn s to m e with e mpty ha nd s .

MERLIN .

ma no t e . ns e I y aid the Potio lik me not ,

s s . G0 n Nor illy pells thou to Morga , girl , h Th a t s e may ea se th ee .

E n t NIMU . Out u po h e witc h That deals with pagan de mon s in th e Mere ! no t s e h e I will p ak with r.

n a rt s MERLIN . The thou wi e,

Yet sh a lt thou l a ck thy philtre .

E so NIMU . Better Than that I peril mine immortal soul

In most u nchristian commerce with a witch . I am c ontent to c ouch me at thy feet The while with potent hand thou dost control The s n s s c th e e e en s trayi g tar , ompel l m t That with unkindly m a lic e hinder u s m o t An d u s . en e n let from our goal D y , ' B u t su fl er me c c a ns ee to rou h gai t thy f t ,

Most mighty master .

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n s My lord , my love, look deep i to mine eye An d see my secret !

o c (S ft m u s i . )

m s . e s ss ea MERLIN Dr am a ail me, dr s no t : e s u n e Of day that are dr am of la ghi g lov ,

And dre ams of love that wept for very joy . Why should I dream ?

NIMU E . n ! I love thee, Merli

MERLIN . c a n n n n n e I heard a voi e that spake u k ow to gu , ” Th e e which did sa y I lov thee .

NIMU E s . Lift thine eye And look upo n my fac e !

Th e n i h t slowl u sh es with ros li h t a nd a ll th e ( g y fl y g , s k t r ns o a owe ea a n e y u t fl ry pl s u c . ) W MERLIN . h o art thou

NIMU E .

e e n That lov d the lo g ago .

e no t MERLIN . I k now th e And et e ee ! y , I lov th

NIMU E s . s Cru h me to thy brea t, s Thou lord of all the world . Give me thy lip

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And drin k the wine of life that brimming high Shall quench thine angu ish !

e s ss me e s MERLIN . Dr am a ail , dr am e e e Of days that may b e n v rmor .

NIMU E . My lord , See ho w th e forest O p en s for our feet e is th e n e This day of Jun . It La d of Lov , e Com follow, follow

ollows slowl . (Sh e m o u nts th e ba ttlem ents . MERLIN f y )

I e s ss me e s MERL N . Dr am a ail , dr am Th a t b a file m e

n n ! NIMU E . Give me thy gropi g ha d We two will lie beneath th e little l eaves T h e e s e s ee s n s e while th y whi p r l py o g of lov , An n n n d oo melts i to night .

n s e MERLIN . A mocki g p ll Is over m e my heart h a s ceased to beat ! n is in s e . e My brai di ord r H lp me, God My craft is broken !

(He m a kes th e s ign of th e cross : th e vis ion va n is h es . ) n ee w c e ! Dam th , it h of h ll I k now th ee no w !

NI E ! MU . c s Have mer y, ma ter

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! MERLIN . Go He h u rls h er down r om th e ba ttlements th en ( f , e n t l t d sce nds a d sea s h im se f by he ta ble. )

How b etter am I than the least of these n oble creatures that I make my pawns igo n the board where I do play at chess ! p n e e ith desti y . Am I no mor than th y That I should be beguiled of sorcery n ! en s Merli , thou art a wittol M d thy wit c Or England rumbles .

(Enter : KING ART HUR . ) e c n Thou art w l ome, ki g ; fi nd e c n n So like a cloud I th e, ha gi g form e e e n ns e With v ry littl wi d , u tabl , frail , o I durst n t count upon thee . Bein g come ’

e e . I c rav thy pati nce I ll have speec h with thee .

KING ARTHUR . Meseems thou art ungentle in thy words

And sc ant of courtesy . I am thyking W e hil thou art Merlin .

MERLIN . M erlin am I still When thou art c rownless a nd a naked soul ’ s e e e th e a n s Aba h d b for Lord , thou do t flout T h e e ee aid I off r th .

T KING AR HUR .

n MERLIN . Sir ki g , n s I am thy serva t if thou do t obey,

N O

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A ARTHUR . ct thou thy part As n e so guardia of the Stat , if thou art ;

se me no t in ne . n Oppo mi I am the ki g,

And royalty strikes deeper than the crown . e me c nc m e w e Giv thy ou il , aid ith thy lor , But hold In mind I am no puppet kin g e ! Con tent with e mpty majesty . I r ign And while th e crown i s mine I shame It no t

By playing pupil to thy mastership .

MERLIN . I hear Pendragon speaking through thy mouth

And c n en n s . am o t t , but o ly with thy word Act a s s a es n a nd thou pe k t , ki g, I am dumb , But whil e thy word s a re grave thy deed s a re wild n c c es se n And wanton . Rui rou h clo at ha d e e s a n d w Wh r thou do t w lk , a for a paltry him ’ Th ou dst barter England .

a e n sir ! N T . e KI G AR HUR N m thy grieva c ,

MERLIN . Did I nor hold th ee from thy doltishness ’ u v Th o u dst lightly make a qu een of G ene er .

ART HUR . a e h e r een e s e w ! By God , I m k qu d pit thy ill e s c ra This leaps th e bou n ds of r a son . Mu t I wl O n supplicating belly to thy feet An d cra ve thy grace to wed with h er I love ? I will norl

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s n In th e s ent se MERLIN . Li te ev h hou , Yea in c s t e in s e s , the u p her of, quar of Mar , t M lefi c e The Grea a , grim , implacabl , n o n h a nd e e s Frow ed t y birth , th r fore halt swear To have no part in love forevermore ; st th n e For if thou take to y thro e a qu en , e sh e a s a s s s en W re pure flame, thou halt de c d n e a n d e d I to thy grav a cuckold , I r a , s c in t ne e s s Ala , too learly, hi vil tar , n thv That England is entangled i fall .

T AR HUR . n no t I e s e I k ow why do abid thy p ech , - s n e e no r Thou foul mouthed la d r r, hurl Incontinently from the battlements v For speaking thus of Lady Gu ene er . e e st e I giv my lif in ho ag for her faith , n Co tent thyself with that .

’ L N . MER I Thou art o er bold . Dost thou no t know that with a whispered word I c ould weave round her su c h a subtle spell That thou shouldst see h er no t forevermore ? NO ma n w ns me s i aught of by haughty word , Fo r as the sword leaps b a flled from my breast

So threats fall from me .

NG T . s e o KI AR HUR Thou do t daunt m n t. Lay by thy magic for the quaking girls

That throng the Cou rt. I marry Gu enever !

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MERLIN .

Not while I live .

d ie T . n s s KING AR HUR The halt thou hortly , ’ s n s ! For, by God wou d , I will

M o o ERLIN . Wait for the pr f ;

n in . ee n I have a ha d this I made th ki g, ’ ’ And king I ll k eep th ee til the doleful day ’ En n e s a nd n n s se e d When gla d tott r , Pe drago ’ Shall slay Pendragon for Pendragon s lu st .

T AR HUR . me no t Me n w a n e n Mock , rli , ith idl ru e, c is no c For magi medi ine for love . Within th e ordered limits of thy sphere B e e b t e e no t thou my guid , u look ye leav th m , e is et n e e For ther y a oth r province, me t i t c n c s a d I ee s r . For o her ou illor , n there bar th , es m e no t s no c n Mol t , for love brook o trol is Of w dom or of magic or of fear .

MERLIN . Swear o n thy knightho od a nd th e holy Cross

That thou Wilt cast away all love a nd lust .

T KING AR HUR . s w c a s a b u t ne e Lu t ill I t way , ver lov ; c s e e e Who mo k th r at is damned for blasph my .

MERLIN .

Who plays with eith er perils all thin gs el se .

1 1 4

e n Nor seek me ev r whe thou art bested . So splits the go lden dream !

w o o ART HUR . I ill n t g

a n d . e n s e With wrath malice M rli , I mu t liv , e not n a nd en a s s My lif , thi e, ev my oul ’ That I revere a s Go d s ambassador e t e a rs Comman ds m e . Thou art with red with hy y And n th e s may not k ow maje ty of love, e e e s b e sea léd o Th r for , my heart mu t a b ok , s c a nd e f a ilin Cla ped , lamped , lock d before thy g si ht , e a nd in s Yet I magy r ad it well , the word

I see the trac ing of the hand of God . o By this I walk . I c a n n other thing .

MERLIN . Ho w like my life is this forlorn abyss Of empty air that rings me with a wall

n e n n n . ne Of u r le ti g iro All alo , Un n e en aided , u b fri ded , I abide In s e n s n n ol m i olatio , toili g on To build a nation of the headstrong boys ’ n W That feign ma s grave estate . hy should I strive To wrench incompetenc e to dignity Against its will Fool ! for that thou a rt w is e With lofty learn ing men know nothing of

Thou a rt of them that rule the c hildish world .

1 1 6 T hou a rt the king . ffl n s Ye silent, ba i g star , ! win t Give me your aid How shall I the cas , Despite th e headlong folly of the boy ’ I crowned with Englan d s crown From sore defeat Shall I not win abundant victory ? n b u t s That thi g I do, by what ubtle means

u n v e King Arthur weds with G e e er . I h ard

n s n nd n th e . Pendrago peaki g, a I k ow blood What follows after ? King Leo degra nce f ’ Hence orth is England s vassal . Sma ll reward fi nd n Leo de ra nce ! I the fact, but Ki g g

n a ssorted ! s Merli , thou art Rou e thy wits not s e t That are u ed to such bas reachery . e n Gu enever ? A h er e th e n Qu e ye, let w ar crow , And let th e king be lapped in dallia n ce e e el If so b pl ase . Out of Ca m ia rd The dau ghter of Leo degra nc e shall bring A s n th e e dowry that will di e thrall Stat , s e n n o n th e n Relea e it from d pe de ce ki g, An i e en e d guard it w th invincible d f c .

r So cometh victo y from overthrow, s w So wi dom matc hes folly . So I in n L Domi ion absolu te . eo degra nce ’ Yield s the Roun d Table into Arthur s hand !

Cu rta in .

1 1 7 ACT III

Ca me o S N I . l t. The r ea t h a ll o th e ca s tl e CE E g f . S IR TO R SIR E O SIR SIR B R E US E , CT R, PELLEAS , . a n d o th e r

Knights .

PELLEAS . ’ Now drain a beaker to Lord Arthur s love ’ And En n s n on gla d quee that shall be, a day ; The fairest mistress and most worshipful Betwixt th e borders of th e Scottish king i Tinta a il th e And m g by southern sea . The Eady Gu enever !

Gu enever ! MN S . O E Hail ,

SIR BR EUS E .

n ! d s Forget not Lau celot Come , good my lor , And drink oblivion to Launcelot ’

T . Lest he rebel . were safer for the State

SIR T O R .

o Missay him n t. As any loyal knight -He s i no r s s yield before the k ng, tretche forth

A hungry han d to grasp the thing he gave .

SIR B R EUS E . A noble knight ! et may the gift retu rn For very liking ; ye will scorn It not .

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SIR T O R . n s ! Sta d back , good Pellea B reu se sa u nce Pité s , thi overleaps a jest . Guard thou thy tongu e : we brook no calumny

Against a maid .

O o SIR EC T R . Curb thou thy bastard bl o d s se n s Or thou halt lo it lightly ; we are k ight , s c s d a n s n u s no t. Not avage hurl , la der likes

SIR BR EU S E . Is any here would have to do with me ? My sword is ready !

R W o won SIR T O . orship is n t fi n s For hti g mi begotten sava es . n a s e Hold ard thy to gue , or light y y may n n Get thee agai i to thy wilderness .

SIR B R EU S E . Fair manners fi n d I in the haughty Court !

EC TOR . ’ ! S c o es with a Thou t traitly p deeds a s well s words , ’ s s ence no e An thou do t il t thy railing spe ch .

e e s a nd o u . Avoid him , P ll a , y , Sir Tor a n is s ee e s s Come hither where the w t r ; ir , What k now ye of th e rumour in th e Court Touching th e d eed that Arthur does to- day Fame is that some unwonted fortune falls O n En n n Leo de ra nce gla d through that Ki g g , e s Rienc e We freed of W l h , but of what temper is n The merit , or how the boo shall come, W n s n n n hether of gold or k ight or la d , o e knows

That I have coped with . Wit ye ought of this

SIR TO R .

s n n c e w hi Naught ave that ever ra som mat h d ith s .

PELLEAS . ’ And I o erh ea rd the seneschal the while ! He muttered a wso m ely An d I shall see r n Leo de ra nce Our glory g ow agai ; g , ’ ” By thee comes England s dawn !

’ EC T Tis s OR . very trange ; ee n e e n s A fl ti g m mory , lik fadi g moke, Slips lightly by m e of a magic tale My father told me very long ago W en wa s e n h Arthur my broth r, of a thi g Th e d ead King Uther had whereby th e State Wa x w n e n e ed o d rly , u til a dol ful day W n n s h is hereo a ki g did wre t it from hold , ’ The whic h wa s Englan d s ruin .

SIR PELLEAS . That, mayhap , W ’ a s s s s Ex . Jo eph word , calibur

SIR CT E . so OR Not , For I remember me the legend well Of that most holy bran d Lord Arthur wo n ’ In r London at King Uth e s burial .

n : IR KA Y (E ter S . )

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SIR PELLEAS . W we n ould well k ew .

SIR T O R . Look where th e senesc hal s e b e t Come w ll sene in honour of h e day . Ask Ec . him , Sir tor

SIR EC T . e e e OR Fath r, by thy l av I pra y th ee tell u s of this wondrou s thing n a in éd Ca m elia rd Ki g Arthur g of , Th e which work s fame for Englan d .

KA Y . Curb thy zeal ,

Nor strive to sou nd th e sec rets of the king . I promise th ee h e tells ye wh en th e time Ha s e c e its e c a n sa e n r a h d t rm , but I y y ough s Nor will for all your a king .

SIR P E LL EA s . Fair Sir Kay , no t c s " esee s Play a hurli h part , it i b m

Thy gentle bearing a n d so gra c iou s h e a rt .

e u s sen esc . T ll , good hal

SIR KA Y. e en no t Pr v t me , vex m e n n es Nor with your pryi g i quiri ,

e e n . I mu st atten d the king . I t ll y ought

SIR PELLEAS . An d e a n d is th e e s n sir brav hardy r a o , ;

Thou knowest nothing .

’

R O R s n . SI T . I ll be wor of that

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SIR . In s00th PELLEAS , Sir Kay ds s d s c n Guar well the trea ure e ret of the ki g, u Yet I do think he gave s little light . W u hat boots a table to s .

’ ECTOR . Tis the same ! I do remember now; the Table Roun d wa s ss in e That the pledge of prowe the fi ld , Th e guaranty of valour unex c elled ; o But how a nd Why I do remember n t.

PELLEAS . s s W in s s s Me eem I mall wi dom from thy word , For to the full they a re a s tenebrous ’ An n d blind of mean i g a s thy fath er s speec h . c n on d Sir Tor, I ou t thee, for thou art merge

In gloomy seas of studious de bate . Read u s the riddle !

As T O R . a mariner n n n a nd s Co te di g with the rough burly wave , Gropes blindly for the rope o u tflu ng for aid s s so c c In i n Nor gra p it ever, I lut h va At fleeting phantoms of for otten things e n endra on The gr at Rou d Table of g , its wf My father told me of a ul worth ,

SO muc h I know .

b e I Enter : a ov . ( , MERL N )

A i othin l! SIR . nd s n PELLEAS that g Hail , s e n n n Thou fear om Merli , I did thi k thee ear ,

1 24 Qu alifier

For o n a moment all the hall grew dim n ss a s d n With murky dark e , a cloud had raw u Athwart the merry visage of the s n . We s nd z c n ta at ga e, magi ia , dumb with doubt, But thou art come to bring u s blessed ease ; h Is ns Leo de ra nce W at the ra om of g , The great Round Table ?

MERLIN . What is that to thee Wh ere heard ye ought of this W SIR . s sir PELLEAS here el e, fair , ’ th e n ss 3 Save at bubbli g mouth of go ip well , n s nesc s n s The prude t e hal , that tro gly wore

n n a nd n d . He would tell othi g, the lightly tol

MERLIN . Confi de thy sec rets to judic ious age That like a with ered bawd goes up a nd down To hawk her wares along the market- plac e !

SIR PELLEAS . A tru c e to mouldy saws ; tell u s of this !

MERLIN .

nc e do e th e . Si ye have the half, take y whole e nd n n c s The gr at Rou Table of Pe drago ome , A nd so is England armed against the world .

SIR EC TOR . c That mu h we know .

R T O R . SI But not the c ause thereof.

1 25 I MERL N . Wh en blesséd Joseph c ame from Palestine U s c s nto the a red i le of Avalon , He Ex c brought the awful Sword , alibur,

And s s the . that mo t preciou Thing, Holy Grail h e in a nd t Long time lay Avalon , hey That c ame with him from looking o n the face s s did t c Of Je u Chri t , build a lit le chur h h st n s s e n s n W ere a d the ol m pile of Gla to bury , And daily did th e brothers sit at meat

Around th e Table . O ne by one the Lord Ca lléd e t t e th m to Him, till the la es l ft,

ne c n e c e c e . Alo and wat hi g, h ard the wel om voi Yet s e e h e th e ere he an w r d did give Sword , a nd s s e n The Holy Grail , thi ame Tabl Rou d , Unto the king from out whose mighty loins ’ e e Sprang gr at P ndragon s line . A little while Pendragon guarded well th e sacred gift

And England wax ed in glory . On a da y e n a nd Gra il He prov d u faithful , the Holy n e n Returned to heave , yet the Sword r mai ed , And e s eke the Table . Slowly rolled the y ar ’ ’ U t Uth er s e ne n il King father s father r ig d , w en e By whom the Sword a s lost. Th vil hap t n n En n s nc Swep darke i g over gla d ; pe tile e, n a nd t e s d n Fami e bat l bla te all the la d , Until th e k in stood in su c h sorry plight He gave the Table to Ca melia rd ’ For aid a nd su ccour gainst the paynim kings . ’ e t En n s a nd th e s So f ll grea gla d glory, hame That scorc hed her field s burned out the memory

1 26

e alifier

Un n n e s to Ki g Arthur e dl s victory,

ss n n a nd s e s c n . Rimle domi io , a t adfa t row No longer England c hafes within the c urb e n s s s th e n Of fr tti g ea , but leap arrow flood ’ w ns th e w n n s e e ! And i orld , Pe drago h ritag t (Ex i . )

SIR EC TOR . u s e n ! Ye mock , M rli

I i n n S R PELLEAS . He s go e agai A d n a s h e c e n a n . am , u marked of y eye n e n s u s How thi k y , Tor, did Merli je t with , Or is this won der rising to its dawn

SIR TO R .

d m e n n now n ns I oubt othi g, Ki g Arthur reig ;

No marvel balks m e .

SIR E T . n s C OR Hark , what hor are these , Didst h ear them

T R s SIR O . e c c s Aye, look wh re Duke Lu a ome Wh Forspent with haste . at word

P ? SIR . d ELLEAS Lord uke, what word

: (Enter DUKE LUCAS . )

DUKE LUCAS . o s c n o n t n Go d sir , I ome from looki g a hi g SO passing wonderful I lac k the heart

1 28 t eilhet

c r d n To give it forth , for ye will y me ow , A nd moc k me for a madman .

T . SIR O R no . Nay, whit We th n s th e su n take y word , for wo der with e ri i e Ris b gh tn ng ov r England on this da y.

SIR PELLEAS . Hast thou desc ried a comet in the noon Fighting th e su n with greater glory ?

SIR E T . e C OR Sp ak , c s th e So u thfo lk no r de Duke Lu a of , fraud

Our hungry ears of marvels .

K . As DU E LUCAS I rode, no w ns e n s Ied But to a w r to the ki g, I p n e e A little army wo d rly array d , A e n d dec ked with trappings alien to mine yes . NO nne s e n th e n n ba r bl w alo g mor i g air , n s e s s n es e n s All bla k the hi ld that wu g b id the k ight , B u t fa sh ionéd of brass that moc k ed the su n e n c With mulati g fire . For a spa e n n s I halted , dumb with wo der ; movi g low Th e e n ssed a n d in ds e pag a t pa , the mi t ther of sa w e e e m en s e e en I tw lv ag d , mo t r v r d And grave of coun tenanc e ; within eac h hand n c O e s e th e e c e es A bra h of liv pak p a ful qu t , Th e c ss a nd so s whi h a uaged my doubt, with pur Unspared I galloped here to Camelot

To warn the castle .

1 29 e alifier

I C O e ! S R E T R . Embassy from Rom ’ So far th e fame of England s name h a s fled .

SIR T O R . Call o u t th e kn ights ! Advise th e heedless king s s ra cro u s Of thi mo t g adven t .

r u m et (T p s with ou t. )

K DU E LUCAS . Follow me ! ’ h o w n s Hark , the trumpets sig al Rome approach , we we on S s . Make what how may Come , ir knights !

r u e (T mp ts . )

SIR PELLEAS . I know that song : the horns of Camelot ’ Give England s greeting to Imperial Rome . Cr e n s ! y royal w lcome, k ight

M . e ! ! O NES Hail , Rom All hail x e nt: (E u lea ving SIR B REU S E . )

B R EU S E .

e s n s So , lik a mob of illy, gapi g boy , Th e n u o n fawni g ho nds troop ff to mouth a d stare . st h ere a n d c v h er I re me wat h ; I ha e word , ’ en n s t s e c n Que Morga word , tha I hall w ar the row That Arthur ravi sh ed from th e rotting skull - ? Of Uth er . Shall I gain it then to day n ! Ha , Morga

1 30

t alifier

SIR B R EUS E . And Uriens

’

c o . MORGAN . Falls with Lord Arthur s r wn

R B SI R EUS E . How long must I abide

n n MORGAN . U til the ki g Ha s Gu enever nc e married , and Lau lot Makes noble horns sprout on the royal head To c rowd th e c rown !

I B A o h e h e R n t . S R E US E . nd word comes

Bid him bestir .

(En ter : SIR LAUNCELOT . )

G N e du e MOR A . Hail , Launc lot Lak , ’ Thou art o er kin d to wait upon th e king

That lightly triumph s over thee .

SIR B R s e E US E . Be ur ’ en ee n e e s He ll not att d th , k ight, in g ntl wi e Th e night thy triumph falls !

C T B reu se LAUN ELO . Hark ye, Sir , I am not tempered to abide thy words a n n a s s s s This day or y whe , limy nail Defile s n a ro e, they do befoul the ame

o it . . t Of Lady Gu enever Look , sir

1 32 SIR B R E US E .

’ ‘ Before to-da I ve seen a monkish cow! y n n Serve a s a C oak for cun i g lechery, n Nor ducked devotion for the seei g .

SIR LAUNCELOT . Peace ! a n u n h rIve Or on th e word thou art s d corse .

SIR B R E US E . By God ! I lie no longer in th e b a il ’ Of ribald railing that King Arthur s Cou rt Holds high in honour !

G N e s MOR A . Sheath thine eager word, e s Thou testy brawl r, le t it cut the cord

t s e . n Tha bind the to good hap Sir Lau celot, o s n s c n t Small w r hip gai e t thou of o flic here,

But haply misadventure .

it a n IR B (Ex MORGAN d S R E US E . )

SIR N T . s LAU CELO Go thy way ,

c r I t no . Thou mo k of chival y, kill hee t

Enter : C Tru m ets . K K B RA ST IA S ( DU E LU AS , DU E , SIR SIR EC T SIR a n s . OR, OR, PELLEAS , d Knight With th em twelve s Ambassador . )

DU KE LUCAS . ’ I o n s s now En s n p the troke come great gland ki g, ldf e ost rever nd ambassadors . Be sure He will of his great gentleness be pleased

1 33 ’ To have Rome s message in h is royal han ds th e s i Before ta k that wa ts him . Stand ye here

Beside th e throne .

SIR TO R . h o w n n c Hark , the war i g all Of brazen-th roated trumpets doth proclaim

His happy coming .

’ E s n ! OMNES . Hail to ngland ki g God save King Arthur !

Enter : NG A T H with him va ssa l Kin s No ble s ( KI R UR, g , , W n a nd receded b SIR KAY. h en K i hts , Pages , p y th e ging comes before the throne the Ambass ado rs n e k e l . )

R T M . n ! FI S A BASSADOR Hail , most mighty ki g a nd r Receive our homage , of oyal grace Be pleased to listen to the solemn words I h a s mperial Rome spoken .

W T H . ho AR UR are ye, n s Most ve erable, that do tay the course ’ Of England s king upon this blessed day ? We ive ye royal teeting Let It serve Until theyhigh ful lment Of the hour ; Then shall we hark with unabated ear

Un si n . s . to our cou , Rome Go on , my lord

T MB FIRS A ASSADOR .

En ! not . Stand , gland for our duty may wait

1 34

SIR T O R ss . B the Ma , s s a s m a n ! d n Thou peake t a My lor :my ki g , Have done with this !

T ss SIR LAUNCELO . Dismiss the Emba y !

M O NES . Down with them !

W o wnéd n T . ! e cr KING AR HUR Silence are ki g,

ir . a s n s n . n s And a ki g we li te Fi ish ,

T M A FIRS A BASS DOR . ’ So runs Rome s high commandment : n e e n ae To re d r homag u to C sar, fail To pay th e tru a ge righ due to him As sovereign lord of E and

B A K RA STI S . n DU E Stay thy to gue, Thy life is forfeit if thou sayest more !

G A TH KIN R UR . ! s n s e Peace Are ye knight , or k ave , that dar defy Our royal will Say on !

T FIRS AMBASSADOR . Ifye refuse n se in ss e To bi d your lf va alage to Rom , He will forthwith wa e such unkindly war ns end e Agai t your realm , t at to the of tim Ye shall re main a warn ing to th e world Of that most fe arsome c hastisement that falls W s c a s e e . On u h do deny him . are don

1 36 SIR PELLEAS . n t n ! K igh s , rally to the ki g

K B RA STIA S e s s ! DU E . H ll eize the churl

K DU E LUCAS . ’ s s Go d n By all the aint of , we ll prove our ki g The peer of a ny Roman !

SIR s s ! PELL EAS . Draw your word

T AR HUR . e me s e en ! Her to , p arm guard them with your lives

Or yours shall pay the forfeit . Hear me speak ! n m en ess es Am I a ki g of , or lawl wolv , That ye shall dare assa il ambassadors With olives in their hand s Strike back your sword s !

SIR T LAUNCELO . They mocked your majesry!

SI R PELLEAS . They did defile Th e honour of our kingdom !

T KING AR HUR . What of that ? no n n s n We are wa to , jealou of a ame ’ s n s n n En nd s That bears ca t que tio i g, but gla king,

1 37 Raised o n a n eminence of suc h estate That word s are ga dflies wa gir silly war ige l e Against a mighty mountain . wi l giv Suc h answer unto Rome a s does b efi t

Our c rown a nd Englan d . ss s Lord amba ador , s n sc e n n Ye hall retur un ath d u to your ki g, c s th e c Lu iu , Dictator of Publi Weal ” ’ l n s And Sovereign of the Wor d . From E gla n d k in

o uI n s En n s k e . Bear ye greeti g ; say , Thu gla d pa ’ The great Round Table of Pendragon s Hou se ’ i - An n e n s Is sta bl shéd to day . hu dr d k ight And n ess n n e fifty, stai l , ig ora t of f ar, w Sh a ll form a circle none may cope ith a l . To- morrow we will wed with Gu enever ; U o n th e e e e we s a day th r aft r h ll go , es s s th e e ith raging armi that hall hake arth , ss ss n e e To take po e io of Imp rial Rom ,

Whereof we are the k ing a nd ove rlord . To them that do confess u s e mperor We n n n n gra t abu da t pardo , but to him s ne a nd n That doth u urp our thro , u to them That dare d eny our lordship we shall mete fi e Such c hastisement a s doth b e t th eir c a s .

Th e audience is ended .

S e OMNE . O n to Rom ! God save King Arthur ! L ea d u s o n to Rome !

Cu rta in

1 38

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Sits in his hau h seige amid the knights

Of that Roun able that shall guard the king . I see the issue of that royal whim ; is ns Red war out agai t Imperial Rome, The while along the borders of the realm c ns Impatient kings are fretting at their hai , A nd blac k confusion like a thunder c loud

Creeps to the zenith .

SIR B R EUS E . Have we nought to do P Or may we sit a nd babble of the day When I am king ?

G N . in s MOR A I do not deal word ,

I a cr.

SIR B R E U S E . Then lightly to thy labour .

MORGAN . Aye, The while ye idly fondle dreams of state

When I have c rowned ye .

I E S R B R U S E . Curse thine idle tongue ! What would ye have me do

MORGAN . Avoid my sight s That I may a c t alo ne . Stay ! eek the Court n A d bring me word of Merli n a nd th e king .

IR B R E S U S E . A gentle e rrand !

1 4° Qu alifier

MORGAN . For a gentle knight .

e B reu se . Farew ll, Sir

(Ex it SIR BR EUS E .)

Now I have ample swing ; f s ! Nim u e ! Come orth , my word Hola , brave

(Enter from the Mere: NIMU E . )

NIMU E .

U se in s s . n es nhor d , but the li t Gra t me a qu t, And I will lift mi ne ho nour from the deep

Where Merlin hurled it .

n MORGAN . Cope with him agai With better fortu ne : now another task

Of gentler savour have I for thy hand . n n s es the e e A o King Arthur walk b ide M r , If thou did st Whisp er in his hu ngry ear

The thing I bade th ee .

NIMU E . n th e s e ss es Ki g, p ll di olv s nse c e -n ! At u t, by the Magi Mer , to ight

MORGAN . s o n ee ! Where ye Shall o encounter with him . S How like a jaded warrior th e su n ’ Stands halting o n th e world s empurpled s hore Before h e plu nges in th e sea O f night ;

The tide is at th e flood and Arthur c omes . E n s him se treat him wor hipfully ; give pau , Until I ring him with a magic Sleep

1 41 Qu alifier

Then sink with him a thousand fathoms down

The where I wait thee .

NIMU E . s Hu h , I hear the fall

Of eage r feet .

MORGAN . And on the word I go .

(Ex it MORGAN . )

NIMU E .

And I will crouc h me fo r a splendid spring . s s : ! Thi hunting like me well come, little king

: (Enter KING ARTHUR . )

ARTHUR . At sunset by the Magic Mere to-night

s e s . S e s n c The p ll di solves o breath d a pas i g voi e , A I e f c e e nd , a king, p r or must walk alon es c u rséd c ce B ide a lake, and wait on han

To give me that is mine . And Merlin hell ’ W t s f e e ould ligh ly ca t him orth an he w r dead , e ef c s c Th r ore he lives , and loak him with a loud c s r Of bla k , impenetrable orce y, As he has shrouded Gu enever By Go d ! ’ I ll burn him fo r high treason if he crawls

Onc e more within my grasp . And Gu enever ! c t see su n is I anno her, yet the gone, And noisome pestilence is lifting white l . Wh o a e Above the Mere p d this sorry j est Upon me for my Shame hat whitened there ? Wa s it a ghostly creature fro m th e lake Or wa s it Gu enever

1 42

Qu alifier

is KING ARTHUR . What hid Behind the arras of thy woven words ?

NIMU E . Swift warning !

KING ARTHUR . Give it voic e .

NIMU E . The sorc erer ; E ndure him no t lest thou shouldst see the crown

Reft from th ee lik e thy mistress .

KING ARTHUR . Wh at ofher s e n s c n I hold a word that w ll defe d a row ,

is e ess e e . S e Yet it h lpl h r p ak lightly , girl, ’ st If thou k now ought of Gu enever.

. r NIMU E My lo d ,

My honour o n h er comi ng . Of thy grac e I ee sit a nd sc e e e nes pray th , hool thin ag r s ’ Until the stroke when Merlin s magic fails e And Gu never is free .

T . a rt e n ? KING AR HUR What thou , th ’ HO W c a m st thou by this k nowledge By th e Mass

I do misdoubt thee .

nd d s me NIMUE . A thou o t hurt By thinking malic e of my championship n er Nathless I will content thee . Gu e ev led s e e F all di traught with dol from Cam lot, For that old Merlin sought to weave a spell

1 44 Qu alifier

About her that should lift a wall of b rass ’ m Foreve r twixt her and the world of en .

(Soft m u sic; th e mist from the la ke deepens . )

I fou nd her c rouc hi ng in the reedy sedge b a flled e fo r I c And M rlin, won a harm n th e e Most pote t, from the Lady of Lak e n w n s c se c a d h e sa h er . Lo g in e, for rvi , not

(The Lak e Girls rise silently a bove the Mere ; they come softly forwa rd a n d da nce a rou nd the KING

a nd NIMU E . )

h n s i n i s Wit i a my t c la d of drift ng dream , A r n e se s realm of fae y , ri ged with summ r a , ’ S e s e n th e n ss f he li th , le pi g, til lo g ki rees

Her veiléd eyes O f slumber . Level b eams Of sultry sunlight linge r drowsily

A n ses n . rou d her bed of ro , fai t with love n a nd s n Give me thy ha d , thou halt be d above

e h er n e a nd sh e s e . To breath am , hall wake to the

The m st s de e ed ti a l ( i h a ep n u n l l is obscu red. It u s h es rose c lo r a d s diss ves fl o u n lowly ol . )

°

o 11 . e ea t i s m e 1 B n th he Ma g c Mm . 4 h a ll of the e a ted nch n ca stle. MORGAN LE FAY in the gu ise of ENEV E R is sea ted a GU on splendid throne. KING ARTHUR lies a t h e eet his hea d o er k e s r n h n es . f , Lake Girl a re da ncin so tl i a i a t t g f y n r ng bou the hrone. )

MORGAN . n O thou that art the king of earthly ki gs, c a nd e The flower of hivalry my tru love,

1 45 Qualifier

Come from the misty la nd O f dreams . Awake ! U nc s ne e es a nd c lo e thi y look upon my fa e, Dost thou not know me ?

v ! KING ARTHUR . Gu ene er

MORGAN . My ki ng, d wo rs i fu ll O e A n h p est lord f all my lif ,

I love th ee .

K ING ARTHU R . Say that word again ! Dear n no t s ee b th e s e I k ow if I l p , or y p ll m Of sorc ery am priso ned In a drea . ’ let m e e no m e which e er Oh , wak or , it

But lie forever in thy c ircli ng arms . I e ee Gu enever ! lov th ,

. s MORGAN With all my oul , a nd fe With all my body , with all my li

ee s . I do th wor hip , Arthur

ARTHUR . B end thy fac e m m se c o se e e . Le e n th e ne Clo , l abov t dri k Wi Of passion from th e c halic e O f thy lips ’ ! a m n e ! 0 Gu enever Ti I dru k with lov , Let m e but love th ee while th e s liding sa nds e o ne s n a nd die T ll hort hour of ight, I will

Content with life .

1 46

MORGAN. ’ I In s t st Now do know oo h thou lov me well , An d a ltr n t for thy y ki gdom cas aside, i e l n n I g v thee, ove, a other ki gdom , meet s c a s n n For u h thou , the La d of Livi g Love, W e w e In e s h re we ill lie for ver, lapped dr am

And lost to all the world .

th ! ART HUR . To all e world u s ns t Farewell , my f tile vi io of es ate, ro a l c n s a n e My y row , m wift d savag Sword , ' e e b a flled a l Far w ll , proud erlin , of thy And nc c t n blind with arroga e, as dow to ell Th e I n i n n n while reig heaven , crow ed ki g Of love and Gu en ever !

A . MORG N Give me thy Sword , I c e s It a nd In th e That may h ri h , flame Of blazing jewel s burning o n th e hilt See t n t perfec provi g of thy perfec love,

For with th e Sword goes England .

T KING ARTHUR . ake the toy m a n That is the badge of vassalage to , t ss off And give me aid to cas this harne ,

I need it not.

(Th e Lake Girls remove his a rm ou r : MORGAN ta kes

EXCALIBUR a nd lifts it h igh in the a ir . )

M . s ORGAN Now wear upon thy Sword , And by the faith of thy true body swear

1 48 That thou wilt bear liege love and loyalty

Forever unto me and to my land .

ARTHUR . U pon my Sword , and by the blameless s Gu enever Of thi my body, , I swear I w s s n ill do no di wor hip u to thee, n n a n But yield u endi g love d servic e .

MORGAN . Come !

e mi t l es (Th s c os . )

Th e sh ore o th e Ma ic SCENE IV . f g Mere a ll 1s a le mist th a t slowl melts a wa h idden in p y y . MERLIN is . ta ndin beside T wh o 1 s l in u on t s g AR HUR, y g p he grou nd i u o rd. Moonl t withou t h is a r m o r r Swo gh .

T AR HUR . Gu enever ? Where art thou , The moving s w x u s no Came clo e bet i t and I saw thee t. Give me thy lips a nd lift me to thy heart h e Gu enever ? W re art thou ,

is ME R LIN . Where thy Sword

KING ART HUR . What vision mocks me from the barren world c ? n st I lightly ast away Bego e, gray gho , Nor vex me with thy face !

th MERLIN . Where is y Sword ?

1 49 T AR HUR . s n e n e Who e t the hither to the La d of Lov , Thou baleful po rtent That thou hast the And n s s c e e hu g vi age of the or r r, M er in c n ss . Gray , I o fe

W is MERLIN . here thy Sword

ART HUR . s n - o n Gu enever I gave it, tarli g t gue, to In a s pledge of love, I would give the world ’

An o ss ss . As c n I p e ed it I gave my row , n ! My ki gdom , all

R . n ME LIN Thou silly , babbli g fool , ’ n s s c a nd s Look rou d ; do t know thi pla e, do t tho u see The Lady Gu enever

T . s e ! AR HUR Speak , orc rer Hast thou through blac k enc hantment reft h er henc e ? W s n Gu enever ? hat ha t thou do e with By God , ’ An s h er r thou ha t harmed , I will gnaw thy hea t Before thi ne eyes !

N . n is MERLI Oh , what a thi g man , When he h a s c ast away the flimsy guise w The orld bestows to veil his nakedness . And I must work with such u nhandy tools n As these to c arve a ki gdom .

1 50

Qu alifier

n w w Dow to the murky depths . I sa th ee cra l ’ A wanton suppliant at a witch s feet ; I sa w thee ha ng upon h er moc king lips

And sell the Sword I b ra véd hell to win .

ARTHUR . 0 n a s Merli , I am a troubled child es n That wak from oisome dreams . I cannot

I k now no t what I sa y . Give me thy hand And entl n n g e pardo for u knightly words , Read me th e c u rséd riddle !

ME RLIN . Endless years

Have I wro u ght patiently to save this la nd . c se wa s a nd n The ur lifted , I crowned thee ki g And gave thee that which should have made lord

Of suc h a kingdom a s were fit fo r Go d . Against thee hurtled all the craft of hell n Ex c a nd s To gai alibur, thou did t prove A faithless warder ; traitor to thy name

And knightly lineage . The Sword is gone .

T KING AR HUR. I h er I Merlin, love as love my God ; ’ Twas Gu enever !

’ l R N . s e ME LI Twa Morgan, hight Fay ,

Thy s ister .

N T . ! KI G AR HUR Jesu , mercy

He a l s e ( f l u pon his fa c . )

1 52 Qu alifier

R N ME LI . For thy sin, n o! inc est c r For thi e unho , ry to God " y l ho u sh a lt th e t For pardon . pay penal y W a nd I s nor ithpthine own blood , may ave thee o n Altho u gh I love thee a s a n only s . A little time is left u s ere the doom o Falls on thee . Swear t do my will ille n s th e And we may ba Morga , ave State, I b And render t into the and of God .

A I S . Swear me, King rthur, and win the word

T KING AR HUR . Go d fo r sin Blast me, Lord , with lightning, my , Else will I tear mine eyes from out my face And sink my body in th e c u rséd Mere !

MERLIN . th s Rend not thy body , Arthur, rend y oul , a rt e e For that thou a perjur d , bawdy knav , Foul with dishonour ; yet I k now indeed

That thing must lie with Go d . I deal with As E King of ngland , I may give no heed U s n S nto thy oul but o ly to thy word , Th e c whi h I will achieve if tho u wilt swear .

KING ARTHUR. What shall I do to gain Excalibur ?

MERL IN . Wilt thou be sworn ?

NG A TH . I KI R UR Yea, Merlin, will swear . MERLIN . Renou nce thou by thy k nighthood love a nd lust; ’ Swear by Christ Jesu s wou nds that thou wilt live

s ess n a nd win th e . A potl k ight, I will Sword

T KING AR HUR .

I nn e n . ca ot, M rli

N . nOt s e ? MERLI What, thou Wilt w ar

ARTHUR .

c nn e n . s n I a ot, M rli Lu t I fli g away , ’ And s ce e se sin , by God gra , I ke p my lf from He m e ne o wn If will help . Love I hold mi ; Fo r I have sworn a n oath to Gu enever n ee A d I will k p it if I lose the c rown .

MERLIN . e n ee n fo r E n n n s o n s B thi k th , ki g, gla d ha g thi ; s s Exc alibur is go ne . Amba sador But lately come from out disdai nful Rome Already a re returni ng to their ki ng e That thr ats thee with invasion . Grimly war Shall compass England with a ri ng of death Adva nc ing dau ntlessly upo n thy throne ’ o m m Where thou art shrinking in a w a n s ar s . What shall they profit th ee if thou art bare s s e e e n e Ex c ? Of thy mo t ur d f c , alibur

KING ART HUR . o rsa k e s n e n let m e o F thy vi io , M rli ; g m e And hid e e in th e refu ge of my lov .

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’ s n Shall lay Pe dragon for Pen dragon s lust . e R ad thou the Import . Yet a little while An d Morgan bears a c hild within whose veins ’

n s a nd nd n o . Ru , dark turbid , great Pe rago s blo d es n ! By him thou di t, ki g

T . And in s s AR HUR thi wi e, n own n n a ct m For mi e wa to , the doo shall

n . s c a c t So be it, Merli Ye have pa e to An d n ere th e I to do thy biddi g, wrath

is o n . Gu enever Of God me Give me , And when I go the crown sh a ll fall again ’ n e e U to P n dragon s s ed .

n a s (A lo g p u e . )

Yea MERLIN . , that is well . And in despite o f destiny I yield n n U to thine i clination .

NG T e KI AR HUR . Pl dge thy word , n n a nd n Thi e ho our, thi e oath to give me her Gu enever That I do love, the Lady ,

To make her queen .

n s MERLIN . That thi g I oothly do , th o u b e s n Wilt y wor

l . n I s KING ARTHUR Yea , Merli , wi l wear .

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MERLIN . ’ ’ n n s a nd s The , by God s wou d by thy body faith , s s e Swear to for ake all lu t for vermore, i But live u nsta inéd a nd devoid of s n .

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KING ART HUR . ’ By Jesu s Blood a nd by the faith I o we n o s th e Unto my k ightho d I do wear oath .

MERLIN . o e da is no t s C m thou with me, the y yet lo t l e s n e Though peri led gri vou ly, for evermor May I compel th e false a n d a ynim Witc h

To render up Ex c alibur . Ee true Un n s En to thi e oath ; we may ave gland yet, T hough hardly .

He lea ds T to th e b ink t M e ( AR HUR r of h e er . )

Stan d thou b me while I call U n c ce po the loathly wit h to ear my voi , And by th e power of th e awful spell ’ c e n That by God s gra e I w ave arou d her , yield n The Sword of Joseph to thy waiti g hand . ? Art ready , boy

T . : s ! KING AR HUR Here stand I , Merlin peak

MERLIN . n s a n M Whe thou do t see arm from out the ere,

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e in s e the Rob d white amit , lift above flood , s Gra p thou the proffered hilt .

N T KI G AR HUR . I will obey .

RLIN . n le e es Morga Fay, by grac of Him that liv e n a n d E a nd s Lord God of H ave arth , by the pell a n d so en th e n So awful pot t, of ki g n s e O ! Great Solomo of I ra l , bey Arou nd the Magic Mere I weave th e ru ne

That loc k s thee helpless In a n iron ri ng . ’ ess st no win From thy dur e thou may t away, a nd sc n fa ter sc e Thou lewd mi rea t y , without ath

Unless ye render ransom . Yield th e Sword

! That with mal e ngi ne thou didst win away . Yield thou th e Sword !

e (A sou nd of wa iling ris s from th e la ke . )

Mu st I then a sk again ee n n e th e I give th war i g, lightly yi ld Sword , For if thou h a ltest til! th e lifting moon Mou nts skyward by th e breadth of half a hand ’ I ll damn thee down to

(Clo u ds obscu re th e m oon a nd a fierce wind ru s hes ke c o t e ek . a r s s he la . The wa iling Increa s s to a s h ri Yield thou the Sword ! s n m e th e s u s Do t thi k to fright with to r of torm ,

And let me from my qu est with futile din .

ss n . ! Thou art a otted , Morga Yield the Sword

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