CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OF TWO FRIENDS OF Cornell University 1934 Cornell University Library PS 3158.W7R3 Ralegh In Quiana, Rosamond and A Christm 3 1924 022 210 235 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tlie Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022210235 RALEGH IN GUIANA RALEGH IN GUIANA ROSAMOND AND A CHRISTMAS MASQUE BY BARRETT WENDELL NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS 1902 ^ Copyright, 1902, hy Charles Scribner's ^ons Published October, 1902 l\U%^i^ D. B. Updike, The Merrymount Press, Boston CONTENTS INTEODUCTION RALEGH IN GUIANA ROSAMOND A CHRISTMAS MASQUE T IS 81 97 INTRODUCTION I L HESE essays in dramatic verse are made in a manner common to all the Elizabethan play- wrights. The better one knows these writers, the better one understands that they were reaUy translators into terms of speech and action of material which they found in narrative form. Among the reasons which moved me to attempt something in their manner was a desire, when I was lecturing about them, to study their practice experimentally. Yet no such reason often operates alone. Some years ago, a friend — then a young girl — asked me to make her a version of the story of Fair Rosamond. In so doing, I only turned to the ballad, as it stands in the old editions of Percy's Reliques, and swiftly translated the narrative into versified dialogue, with whatever alterations and additions chanced to occur to me. The dramatic scene which resulted was pubhshed in Scribner's Magazine. My second essay in this kind of writing was 8 INTRODUCTION made several years later, in 1896. Certain dis- putes about a work of art, at that time exciting local interest, had led some friends, in the warmth of discussion, to inform me that I was tempera- mentally inartistic. Stirred by this intimate frank- ness, I found myself eager to express, as well as I could, sentiments which had long been gather- ing about my thoughts concerning the character, the fate, and the historical significance of Sir Walter Ralegh. Accordingly, I turned to his Dis- covery of Guiana and his Apology, as they ap- pear in the eighth volume of his collected works ; to the Lives of him by Oldys and by Birch, in the first volume of this edition ; and to some oc- casional passages in his History of the World. With these pages open before me, and with va- rious other books at hand, I made of his story some such free version as I had previously made of Percy's ballad about Rosamond. Having com- pleted this, I proposed that it be performed at a small club, where the dispute which provoked it into being had arisen. There it was so far success- ful that we were invited to reproduce it more pubhcly. On March 22, 1897, then, my essay in INTRODUCTION 9 chronicle-history had the honour of a Univer- sity performance, at Sanders Theatre, Harvard College. This performance derived special interest from the fact that we reverted to the stage tradi- tions of the Elizabethan theatre, and brought out my new-made scenes in a background and sur- roundings which had been prepared, some two years earlier, for the production, with approach to archaeological accuracy, of a play by Ben Jon- son. That Ralegh in Guiana so readily adapted itself to this unusual setting seemed to indicate that it possessed some trace of the spirit which had animated the old English theatre, thus ad- venturously mimicked. A few months later, it was published in Scribner's Magazine, where Rosa- mond had preceded it. These two experiments in Elizabethan play- writing were wholly mine. The third illustrates another phase of Elizabethan work, so frequent as to make the actual authorship of almost any Elizabethan scene a fair matter for debate. Those old playwrights were not only translators; they were constant collaborators, too. Just how their collaboration took place three hundred years ago, 10 INTRODUCTION no one now can quite tell. The collaboration which resulted in the Christmas Masque was frank and simple. At the club where Ralegh in Guiana was first acted, it has been customary to celebrate Christ- mas Eve by a dramatic performance, written an- nually for the occasion ; and these performances have assumed distinct conventional form. The first part is regularly given on the lower story of the club-house ; at its close, the whole company, led by the actors, ascend to a dining-room, where a Christmas dinner is served, during which — at intervals — the masque proceeds, and there are toasts, and songs, and a Boar's Head, and the like ; when dinner is done, the company are again led upstairs by the actors, and in a large hall above the masque is formally concluded. Last Christmas-tide, my friend, Mr. Winthrop Ames, conceived the most elaborate pageant on which the club has yet ventured. The club-house was to be transformed, by some ingenious scenic devices, into the likeness of a mediaeval castle; and the company, who were to assemble in cos- tumes of Crusading times, were not to be a mere INTRODUCTION 11 body of spectators, but actually to participate, so far as aspect went, in the masque thus given. Mr. Ames thereupon devised and wrote out an elabo- rate plot; and professing, with justice, that this was quite enough to expect from any one man, he requested me to write the dialogue. Though he kindly gave me leave to treat his plot as freely as I chose, I found myself disposed to alter it very httle. The resulting Christmas Masque, then, is Mr. Ames's in plot; in character, it is inex- tricably his and mine; and it is mine in phrase. Once more, though under different conditions, I found myself writing in the Ehzabethan manner — not creating, but translating and collaborating. II Rosamond and the Christmas Masque must be their own excuse for being. With Ralegh in Guiana the case is somewhat different. The story which it sets forth, with such approach to fact as was common in Elizabethan chronicle-history, is one which has long seemed to me deeply sig- nificant. At the time when it was written, the Spanish War of 1898 and all the history which 12 INTRODUCTION is ensuing were still to come. An earlier phase of the same world-question, however, — the dispute between England and America which arose over Venezuela, — was fresh in mind. And in the days when this had most troubled those of us who be- lieve the future to loom least dark in regions dominated by our own ancestral ideals, — by the traditions of right which spring from the English Bible and the attested rights asserted by Eng- lish Law, — I had grown more and more to long that fate had let Sir Walter hold his way three hundred years ago. With the foresight of a true statesman, he had instinctively felt how much must depend on the control of the American continent; and through all the complexities of his troubled and various life, he was true to his conviction that if England were to prosper, the career of Spain must be checked. In a note, prefixed to the play, I have set down such historical facts as need be in mind. The question was how to set these forth in a manner which should at once be within the limited powers of presentation afforded by the club for which I was writing, and vividly define INTRODUCTION 13 the climax of this tragic recorded story. To do so it seemed to me that I had best surround Ralegh — a typical Elizabethan — with figures which should embody the forces to which he succumbed. First among these was the spirit of papal, continental Europe, incarnate in Spain; to represent this I had no scruple in transfer- ring Don Antonio de Berreo from the Guiana of 1595 to that of 1618. More subtle than Spain in fact, though far less so in aspect, was the disin- tegrating decadence of English character which declared itself as the spacious days faded. From Ralegh's own records I took the brave, honest Keymis, incapable of independent action; from Mr. Tyler's eccentric but interesting edition of Shakspere's Sonnets I took the name of Pol- whele, which I chose for my tjrpe of the roaring adventurer; partly from Drummond of Haw- thornden's memoranda of his visit from Ben Jon- son I took the amiable, reckless young Ralegh, true at heart but fatally without the power of the elder time; and from the by-ways of Elizabethan comedy I took the Boatswain, a man of the peo- ple in days when no man dreamed of democracy. 14 INTRODUCTION And then, when I tried to combine these types of character in a composition which should ex- press, with substantial truth, a tragedy on which the fate of centuries has turned, there came a gladdening experience. These personages took on themselves what seemed an independent life. To me at least, they were no longer deliberately chosen types; they were rather actual individuals, whose thoughts were of their own making, not of mine. To me, then, this essay in chronicle-history became no longer ingenious but vital. Whether it can seem so to others, they must judge. If they find it so, and take pleasure, they may perhaps take in it such more lasting pleasure as should arise from considering how deeply this story has influenced our national history. B. W. RALEGH IN GUIANA NOTE OiR Walter Ralegh was bom of a good Devonshire family in 1552. "Country gentleman, student, soldier, sailor, adventurer, courtier, favourite and spoilsman, colo- nizer, fighter, landlord, agriculturist, poet, patron of letters, state prisoner, explorer, conqueror, politician, statesman, conspirator, chemist, scholar, historian, self-seeker, and martyr to patriotism, he acquired through the latter half of Elizabeth's reign the most comprehensive experience ever known to an Englishman.'" The most serious motive of his life Ralegh states in the preface to his Discovery of Guiana, an account of his first voyage, in 1595, to the region now called Venezuela: "If we now consider of the actions both of Charles the Fifth . . . together with the affairs of the Spanish king now living, . . . how many kingdoms he hath endangered, how many armies, garrisons, and navies he hath and doth maintain; ... we shall find that these abilities rise not from the trade of sacks and Seville oranges, nor from aught else that either Spain, Portugal, or any of his other provinces produce: it is his Indian gold that endangereth and disturbeth all the nations of Europe; it purchaseth intelligence, creepeth into counsels, and setteth bound 18 RALEGH IN GUIANA loyalty at liberty in the greatest monarchies. ... I have therefore laboured all my life ... to advance all those at- tempts that might ... be a let and impeachment to the quiet course and plentiful trades of the Spanish nation.'" Whether the regions which Ralegh explored in 1595 were already in the possession of Spain is debatable. He always declared not, "because the natural lords did most willingly acknowledge queen Elizabeth to be their sover- eign, who by me promised to defend them from the Span- ish cruelty.'' The expedition of 1595 was not strong enough to do more than explore; nor was Ralegh able to fit out another during the lifetime of Elizabeth. What happened later is thus related by Carew Ralegh, his surviving son: "When king James came into England, he found Sir Walter Ralegh (by favour of his late mistress queen Elizabeth) lord warden of the stannaries, lord lieutenant of Devonshire and Corn- wall, captain of the guard, and governor of the Isle of Jersey; with a large possession of lands, both in England and Ireland. . . . But finding him (as he said himself) a martial man, addicted to foreign affairs and great actions, he feared lest he should engage him in a war, a thing most hated and contrary to the king's nature; wherefore he be- gan to look upon him with a jealous eye, especially after NOTE 19 he had presented him with a book, wherein with great animosity he opposed the peace with Spain. . . . But Sir Walter Ralegh's enemies, soon discovering the king's hu- mour, resolved at once to rid the king of his doubt and trouble, and to enrich themselves with the lands and offices of Sir Walter Ralegh. Wherefore they plotted to accuse him, and the lord Cobham, a simple, passionate man, but of a very noble birth and great possessions, of high treason. . . . Sir Walter was condemned; ... all his lands and offices were seized, and himself committed close prisoner to the Tower." Here Ralegh remained, with a sentence of death in re- serve, from 1604) to 1616. During this interval he wrote his History of the World. At last, his son declares, "he found means to obtain his liberty, but on condition to go a voyage to Guiana, in discovery of a gold mine." The issue of this voyage is substantially set forth in the follow- ing pages. On Ralegh's return, he was arrested; he was executed on October 29, 1618. The closing passage of Oldys's Life of Sir Walter Ralegh completes the story: "King James, soon after Ralegh's execution, beginning to see how he was and would be de- luded by the Spaniard, made one of his ministers write to 20 RALEGH IN GUIANA his agent in Spain, to let the state know that they should be looked upon as the most unworthy people in the world, if they did not now act with sincerity, since ... to give them content, he had not spared [Sir Walter Ralegh]; when, by preserving him, he might have . . . had at com- mand, upon all occasions, as useful a man as served any prince in Christendom." PROLOGUE J. ONiGHT, good friends, we come, as others came. To waken chords, half slumbering in your hearts, Of music like old music, that brought fame To players long gone to play unbodied parts. Like them we fain would please; still like them, too, We fain would summon back to earth once more Heroic elder days, else lost to view In musty tomes, recording deeds of yore : How Ralegh in Guiana strove with Spain, When all our Western World was yet unwon. Our play shall tell; nor shall the tale be vain If you, when these our fleeting acts are done. Remember, had Sir Walter held his way, Our country, with the world, were happier today. CHARACTERS SIR WALTER RALEGH YOUNG RALEGH CAPTAIN KEYMIS CAPTAIN POLWHELE DON ANTONIO DE BERREO A BOATSWAIN The seem is the cabin of Sir Walter RalegKs ship, the Destiny, when she lay off the moiith of the Orinoco in the winter of 1617-18. At the back is a ladder, or sea- stairway, leading from the deck above. On either side are sea-chests, and between them a table, whereon, in the First Part, stand a flagon of wine and cups. RALEGH IN GUIANA THE FIRST PART Enter, in dispute. Captain Keymis and Captain Polwhele. KEYMIS Jxalegh was never faithless! POLWHELE He is a man; What man was ever faithful, saving them That chance to die before their faith is broke? KEYMIS Well, sir, I '11 pledge mine honour — POLWHELE God be praised You keep it still to pledge ! KEYMIS Sir Walter gone, I am master here aboard. POLWHELE Ay; and are like To stay so. KEYMIS Then beware, sir, how you loose Your tongue again. Mine hair in youth was red; 24> RALEGH IN GUIANA And though sea-salt encrust it now with gray The head beneath stays hot. POLWHELE Nay, Captain Keymis, You understand me not. KEYMIS Sir Walter 's gone. You said, and left us in a Spanish trap. POLWHELE Not I, not I, sir; 'twas but what the crews Are murmuring I told you. — Boatswain there! THE BOATSWAIN, Jrom the deck without Ay, ay, sir. POLWHELE Come within here. So Jrom the deck comes the Boatswain, reluctant; and as he conies down the stairway Polwhele speaks on. Captain Keymis Would fain know how the sailors speak together. THE BOATSWAIN Very vilely, sir. When knew ye a company of men left by themselves but that straight they fell to talking bawdy.? Then Captain Keymis, testily answering; sits him down on one of the sea-chests; atnd on the other sits Captain Pol- THE FIRST PART 25 whele; and the Boatswain stands between them, turning to one or the other as he speaks. KEYMIS To the point, Boatswain. Boy and man, thou hast known me, and Sir Walter too, this thirty year. THE BOATSWAIN Ay, sir, for very honest gentlemen. POLWHELE Speak now, telling in what respect this opinion of thine lacketh favoiu: among thy fellows. THE BOATSWAIN Without offence. Captain Keymis.? KEYMIS Unless thou liest. THE BOATSWAIN God forbid that I should lie if what they say be true; for they would have it that we be nearer Heaven or Hell, according to our deserts, than Christians love to be. POLWHELE He bears me out, you see. KEYMIS Be precise, Boatswain. THE BOATSWAIN Precise, Captain, as I understand the term, is as one 26 RALEGH IN GUIANA should say, Be brief, short, not lengthy or without end. Marry, then, to be precise, and to waste no words and not unduly to take up time for which doubtless there should be more worthy business and occupation; in fine, to speak precisely — KEYMIS What then? What do the sailors murmur? THE BOATSWAIN Of yourself, sir, naught but good. KEYMIS And of Sir Walter Ralegh? THE BOATSWAIN Faith, Captain, what they say of Sir Walter I know not altogether. For there be many, not only of the Destiny here, but also of the Encounter, and of the Thunder, and of the Flying Joan, and of the rest of the fleet, which for preciseness I will not stop to name, with whom I have had no words. And of such matter a man can tell only what he hath heard with his own ears. POLWHELE Speak out. Boatswain, telling what thine own shaggy ears have heard concerning Sir Walter. THE BOATSWAIN Marry, sir, there be doubtless them that say how that salt meat breedeth scurvy, and that Sir Walter — mark THE FIRST PART 27 you both, gentlemen, I say it not of mine own motion — hath eaten overmuch salt meat. Meaning thereby? THE BOATSWAIN Nay, Captain, who can tell what men mean? I can but guess that their meaning is as if one should say how that we be left here in these shallows to God's mercy; and Sir Walter gone not to return; and the old Spanish Don — him that was our prisoner in the Queen's time when we burnt their city of Saint Joseph — now no longer here a prisoner, but our master, waiting for force to put us all to the sword, even as we put his guard aforetime after that we had drunk them careless; and so no mines in the river save mines of powder that shall be the end of us — But all this I myself believe not, Captain Keymis, having trust in Sir Walter Ralegh and in you. Then very gravely. Captain Keymis rises; and thereupon Captain Polwhele rises jauntily and stands, like one who has proved his point, while Keymis speaks. KEYMIS Go, Boatswain, keep thy trust; and tell them this: They be our eyes wherewith we keep our watch; But I, until Sir Walter come again — As come he shall, with news of where the stream Flows deepest for our navy — am the will 28 RALEGH IN GUIANA That governs this our force. Let but the eyes Report a Spanish quiver in the air — Nay, in the hues of sunset — and the will, I pledge my word, shall make that grim old Don Go face it hanging. THE BOATSWAIN God be ■wi' you, sir. So he goes willingly forth, up to the deck again; amd when he is gone, Polwhele speaks. POLWHELE Brave words, sir; but remember, when the Queen Betook herself from earth, and canny James Journeying toward London met our vagrant knight, Then Captain of the Guard, his Scottish mind Was even as doubtful as these sailors' are. So when Sir Walter crooked his pliant knee, "I have heard but rawly of thee!" cried the King, And clapped him in the Tower. KEYMIS Thou saucy fellow ! That speech, thou knowest. Sir Walter never brooked From any save the King. An thou presumest — POLWHELE More gently, sir. I am a gentleman Who hath adventured much. THE FIRST PART 29 KEYMIS I thou thee, man, To show thee here thy place. A gentleman ! God's blood ! Time was when gentlemen had died Ere they had slunk as thou. — Hark. If to me A whisper cometh more that buzzing doubters Gather about thee, — even as tropic flies Swarm to a carrion there to fat themselves With noisome nurture, — ere Sir Walter come 1 11 lay the lashes on thy gentle back. POLWHELE By God, sir, you shall answer me for this. If ever we see England. KEYMIS Keep the peace Till then; and send me for a challenger Some stale companion of thy lady wife — Her that the player wrote his sonnets for, Pembroke's cast mistress. Then Polwhele, in anger, makes as if to draw his sword; but just then Young Ralegh calls to them merrily _/rom the deck above; and his voice shows him already flushed with YOUNG RALEGH Ho, within there ! Wine 's Ready, I hope. 30 RALEGH IN GUIANA And with that, Key mis turns sternly to Polwhele, speaking as one in command. KEYMIS Now silence to our brawl. Here are young Wat, and Don Antonio, The hard-favoured Spaniard. So Polwhele does not draw, hut stands angry; and down Jrom the deck comes Young Ralegh, unsteady with his drink, but making as if in courtesy to aid the grave old Spanish Don Antonio de Berreo, whoJbUows him. YOUNG BALEGH Nay, sir, I '11 go first. This ladder's steep. Lean on my shoulder. — So. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Gracias. I grow old. YOUNG RALEGH For want of wine. — Why, Captains, till we came with store of sack. This reverend sinner tells me, — we be all Miserable sinners in our service-book; I'll show it you anon, sir, — for some score Of weeks, they quenched their thirst by biting bungs Of voided pipes and tuns. Here 's better liquor. It grew in Spain, sir; how it came to us Were not quite mannerly to tell. — And by this he has gone to the table, and from the flagon THE FIRST PART 31 there he has jUled cups, giving one to each of the com- pany. And thereupon, looking at each in turn, he gives his toast with a laugh. The King, God bless him ! So the Captains Keymis amd Polwhele raise their cups; but Don Antonio de Berreo makes a gesture to interrupt the toast, asking courteously his question. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Pray, which king, sir? YOUNG RALEGH Which you will. I gave the toast to fit or our King James Or your King Philip. They are royal friends, As we are friends though humbler. — Captain Keymis And Captain Polwhele, do not lag behind us; Drink with us to the King, who shall possess His own Guiana. ALL Amen. To the King ! So they drink the toast; and presently the Spaniard speaks. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Now, gentlemen, I pray you drink with me. And thereupon Young Ralegh takes again the Jlagon, and Jills for all, speaking with merriment. 32 RALEGH IN GUIANA YOUNG RALEGH Fill your cups. Spare no wine. Our sober Keymis Shall pledge you brimming this time. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO With me to Sir Walter Ralegh, my most gallant host Here on the Destiny. He is gone to seek A passage to the deep Guiana mines; And may he prosper as we hope he shall. So the two Captains, with the Spamiard, raise their cups again. But this time Young Ralegh interrupts, suddenly grave, with the gravity of drink. YOUNG RALEGH How mean you that, sir .'' DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Marry, as it please you; I gave it to suit all. YOUNG RALEGH Then all be suited. So all drink the Spaniard'' s toast; but as they set dozen their Clips, Captain Keymis leads Young Ralegh apart, speak- ing to him privately, with concern. KEYMIS Your leave, sir. Be not careless with your wine. Here wit must not be cloudy. THE FIRST PART 33 YOUNG KALEGH, to KeyvVtS Never fear. I play my father's game. Fasting from wine Hath made the Don's head light. I '11 set it spinning Till his tongue reel us yarns. KEYMis, stiU to Mm I fear yourself Shall grow entangled in them. YOUNG RALEGH Trust me, friend. — So he turns Jrom Keymis, gravely addressing him to the Your favoiu-, Don Antonio. On your neck I see the image of our Blessed Lord. DON ANTONIO DE BEEBEO To wear it is our manner. YOUNG RALEGH So in France I have seen them — not so featly car van as this; And yet methinks I made one better there. DON ANTONIO DE BERBEO Yourself, sir.'' YOUNG RALEGH Ay, myself. I was but young — 34 RALEGH IN GUIANA DON ANTONIO DE BERREO And now? YOUNG RALEGH I am three and twenty. Lusty Ben — You knew him, Polwhele. POLWHELE He that makes the plays. Laid bricks once, slew a player, and drinks deep? YOUNG RALEGH The same. He was my tutor. Once I plied him Till he was e'en past snoring. Then, his heels Together, either arm stretched out, his head Dangling, I bade them lay him in a cart And carry him abroad through Paris streets, A livelier image of the crucifix Than any carved in France. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Your language, sir, I am not perfect in; else I had thought This jest unseemly. YOUNG RALEGH My grave father swore It smacked irreverence ; but my lady mother — Born Bess Throckmorton, sir; bred at the court Of great Elizabeth. — THE FIRST PART 35 POLWHELE, apart to Berreo And big with him Before her hand was ringed. (To Young Ralegh.) Pray, what said she? YOUNG RALEGH She clapped him on the cheek, and cried in youth He was no wiser. — So the trouble passed. — And with that he turns laughing to the table, filling the cups again, while he speaks on. Your health, sir, now. Come, Captains, to the Don ! Then he shall pledge all three. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Your pardon, sir; I have my fill. YOUNG RALEGH Why, then, I'll sing a song Shall make you thirst; I made it to a tune The sailors chant at work. — Your health, sir, first. So he drinks once more, this time to the Spaniard; and then, to the tune they call "TTie King shall have his own again,'''' he sings his song. So from Cadiz by the sea, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! Where we made their gimners flee, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! O'er the drowsy ti-opic main, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! Where we Ughtened ships of Spain, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! 36 RALEGH IN GUIANA To the Indies now we come, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! Where they beat the alarum drum, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! For the harbours and the gold, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! Which they have, but shall not hold, Yo-ho — Heave-ho ! How's that, sirs? — Sure the tide runs faster now Than ever it ran before. 'T is hot here, too. These tropic seas make all our knees give way. KEYMIS 'T is cooler in your cabin. Come with me. Rest you awhile. YOUNG RALEGH Why, as you will. — Your arm — I am something qualmish. — Look for me anon To pledge the Don afresh. So Keymis leads Young Ralegh to the cabin within; and when they are gone beyond hearing Polwhele turns him quicMy to the Spaniard. POLWHELE Sir, all goes well. The crews are wavering; till, in fine, these two — The grizzled incorruptible, and the boy, Silly with drink — are all that stoutly stand Betwixt us and possession. THE FIRST PART 37 DON ANTONIO DE BEEKEO Sir, your hand. — It shakes not; and mine own is steady, too. POLWHELE And both are armed. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Nay, sir, the trouble 's there. I am here a guest. The usage of our Spain Locks guests' arms to the scabbard. POLWHELE Mere punctilio Must not avoid our purpose. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO We of Spain May not forget punctilio. POLWHELE But myself Were sore at odds with two. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO I will hold the boy. POLWHELE Meseems your years were something overmatched By his strong English youth. 38 RALEGH IN GUIANA DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Made weak with wine, Even as a life run thrice the span of his In temperate health hath made my grip like steel. POLWHELE Here cometh Keymis. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Have at him from behind. So Keymis comes bach, sad and thoughtful; and Polwhele, when he is well forward, draws and makes at him from behind; but Keymis, drawing his sword, turns swiftly, stoutly defending himself. And a^ theyjigkt, he shouts. KEYMIS What ho ! Young Walter ! Treason ! To my aid ! Then comes stumbling back Young Ralegh, still heavy with drink, his sword drawn. YOUNG RALEGH By God, sirs, this is scurvy! DON ANTONIO DE BERREO, pinioning his arm^ Nay, young sir, Stand still by me. We will mark them. You meanwhile May chant again your pretty sailor-song. KEYMIS Wouldst gore me with the horns that Pembroke bought thee? THE FIRST PART 39 POLWHELE Hold fast the boy ! YOUNG EALEGH By God, sirs, this is scurvy! But then comes from the deck a great shout of voices crying in greeting, "Sir Walter Ralegh! Sir Walter Ralegh!" And with that Polwhele, taken aback, falters ; amd Keymis presses him hard, again shouting. KEYMIS Sir Walter! Ho! Here's treason, but I've downed it. So he has Polwhele on his back. And then swiftly down from the deck comes Sir Walter Ralegh, followed by others, men at arms and the like, who sta/nd back. Then, looking sternly about him, lie speaks. RAIEGH I come in happy season, here to find A happy ending to a happy voyage. DON ANTONIO DE BERREo, releasing Young Ralegh And here is your babe whom I have saved from hap. YOUNG RALEGH Father, I beg thee, father, give me chance To show myself the man. RALEGH Anon, Wat. Now Betake thee to thy cabin. So Young Ralegh goes out, sad; and Ralegh speaks on. 40 RALEGH IN GUIANA Captain Keymis, You are hurt? KEYMIS Praise God, sir, no; I had him down. RALEGH Clap him in chains. I will call you back anon. Now leave us. So all bid Ralegh and Berreo go forth to the deck; and Ralegh, taking the flagon, drinks therefrom a great draught of wine; amd then, refreshed, turns him sternly to the Spaniard. Don Antonio de Berreo, Was this well done, our kings at peace, myself Trusting your friendship.? DON ANTONIO DE BEBREO I was taught the trick, sir. When to my town Saint Joseph, years ago. There came a fleet of English friends. I gave them Of what I had; and when the Indian night. Glorious with stars, fell on our revelry. They tmned those heavenly lamps to thievish lanterns. And slew my guard, and made me prisoner. Burning my town. RALEGH I had savoured of the ass To leave your strength behind me, journeying on To explore my Queen's Guiana. THE FIRST PART 41 DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Nay, Sir Walter, I may not yield you that: Guiana was ours From the bold days of great King Charles the Fifth. RALEGH Grant that your Carlos knew her secrets first, — As he knew store before he took the cowl. Seeking God's mercy superstitiously, — It was by no fair encounter, but such force As your armed soldiery use with soft-eyed girls And wives of Orinoco. We were come To right that mischief. She — our maiden queen, Elizabeth — DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Brave maiden ! RALEGH Sir, of her No word unreverent. Now these fourteen years She dwells in glory, heaven the richer for Our poverty on earth. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO The which, methinks. Bred in her love of gold most justly ours. RALEGH You do her wrong. She loved it as it brought 42 RALEGH IN GUIANA Power with possession. Not its yellow self Did she, or I, her servant, ever care for. 'T was when she marked your shuttling galleons weave On this Atlantic loom your golden tissue Of priestly empire, faring back and forth With precious threads, she roused her English spirit ; Then bade me spoil the stuff, replacing it With our more rude but stouter. DON ANTONIO DE BEBREO And therewith.'' RALEGH Why, she would have mantled all this Western world, Covering the wounded nakedness you wrought. With that sweet name, bom of her purity, — Virginia. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO That queen is dead. Sir Walter. RALEGH May God so guide me, when my time shall come. That I may pass to where she lives undying. DON ANTONIO DE BERKEO The king who had succession to her throne Of England holds more prudent policy. RALEGH Held rather. He mistrusted. But no longer THE FIRST PART 43 Doth stiffening inaction keep me caged In London Tower, making the history books That men shall cherish. Now, in loyalty. He sends me forth, his loyal servitor. To take possession, in his sovereign name, Of this, his broad Guiana. DON ANTONIO DE BEEREO Listen, sir; You found me here before you, come from Spain Hasting to bid you welcome. RALEGH Ay; and wondered To find you voyaged so far; but gave my handj Renewing broken friendship. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Have you guessed Who sent me hither.'' RALEGH Philip. DON ANTONIO DE BEEREO No ; King James. — So, as fie speaks on, he draws from his breast a packet of papers; and these he gives one by one to Sir Walter Ralegh. And Ralegh, as he takes them, sits, gazing at them, amazed. And the Spaniard stands by his side, ex- pounding their meaning. 4)4 RALEGH IN GUIANA I ask you not to trust my Spanish word, For I would trust no English. Here are letters To prove me truthful. From the King of Spain One that I brought in March; another sent After in May; another still — July Brought this from Porto Rico, from the Bishop, Duly attested; here is a fourth, not from King Philip's hand, but written by our farmer Of customs in the Indies. All are like In tenor. Do you read our Spanish script? RALEGH Faultily, Don Antonio. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO May I aid you. In substance all say this: Your royal James, At peace with our King Philip, greeteth him, Sending him message how you are gone forth To seek rich mines still unpossessed by us. He bids us guard our own, then ; since aforetime 'T was whispered you were something careless of The laws of mine and thine. So, if perchance We find you trespassing and let you go Unprisoned, why, your own just English law Shall hold you answerable, if for nothing else Then for the sentence passed in Cobham's case Upon your daring neck. THE FIRST PART 45 RALEGH I had read aright, Choosing to doubt my wit, before the throne That was Ehzabeth's. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Elizabeth Dwells now in glory. Orinoco, sir. Is warned and guarded. You, unwarranted. Trespass on our Guiana. Make your choice: Or go in peace, or stay a rebel to Your own King James. RALEGH, rising up You put me to the test ! Thereby my mind is settled. — Ho! Without there! Bid Captain Keymis come hither. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO You make sail.? RALEGH Not SO; this cloudy monster, circumstance. Affrighting common folk, doth melt to air Round them that, plunging in her maw, dare vex Her misty bowels. Enter Keymis. KEYMIS At your bidding, sir. 46 RALEGH IN GUIANA RALEGH Polwhele, the roaring gentleman, is chained? KEYMIS Securely, sir. RALEGH Why then, Tom Keymis, I '11 trust thee With something nobler. Now this thirty year Have thou and I been shipmates, and we near At last our final harbour. KEYMIS Nay, Sir Walter, I hope not yet. RALEGH Good! Keep thine hopes alive; We need them all, God knows. — There's treason, Tom. DON ANTONIO DE BEEREO Tell whose! RALEGH Nor I nor thou shall whisper whose! I am master yet, Berreo. — Keymis, choose men. And take young Walter with thee. Seek the mines You wot of. Dig there. Bring me back the gold Shall win the heart of James. — O, if that I Might lead the way ! But those twelve idle years In London Tower have crippled that bold strength THE FIRST PART 47 Which made my body, in the olden times, Stout as my heart. So I must tarry here, And watch, and pray and guard. — Tom, none but thee Would I quite trust with this; for all is at stake. — Come! Hug me, man! — So. Bid thy crew make ready. KEYMIS 'Tis here you plan to wait me? £ALEGH Ay, just here. KEYMIS How long, sir.'' BALEGH Take a month. Go stoutly armed; You shall see fighting. If the thirtieth day Bring no good news of thee, it shall be the last Of this grave old Berreo. Tell Spaniards so, If on the river they seek word of him. And guard him to his cabin, there to outwait The changes of a moon. So, with a mocking smile, the Spaniard gives wp his sword; and presently Keymis leads him out. Then, after a little while, Ralegh, alone at the door of his son's cabin, caUs to him. What, Walter boy, Come forth. Then Jhrth Jrom the cabin comes Young Ralegh, penitent; 48 RALEGH IN GUIANA amd kneels him down at his father's Jiet, who tenderly lays his hand on the boy''s head. YOUNG EALEGH O, father, father, I am young, And played the fool. RALEGH Well, play it, Wat, no more. Here 's business afoot shall make thee great Or end us altogether. Trust thee, boy, In good Tom Keymis, to whom I trust myself. And Just then sailors without begin chanting Young Ralegh's time. Hark. They make ready. Make thee ready, too; And, Walter boy, whatever hap, remember Thou 'rt Walter Ralegh's son and Bess Throckmorton's, Bred at the court of great Elizabeth. And so they part, Young Ralegh going to the deck, amd Sir Walter, heavy with care, to his cabin. Between the First Part and the Second, almost a month is feigned to pa,ss. THE SECOND PART Sir Walter Ralegh enters, pondering over a map. Then to him enters his prisoner, the Spaniard. And Ralegh, laying down the map, begins to speak sorrcmfuHy. RALEGH Antonio de Berreo — DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Walter Ralegh. — I SO forgot your knighthood, hearing you Forget my due. RALEGH We English, blunter folk Than Spanish, have an honest, fooUsh trick Of speaking, when our hearts be big, to men By just the names God gave them. For as God Makes gentlemen of nobler clay than knaves. Nor earthly honours alter any jot The one or the other, so His simplest names Mean most of all. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO The speech I had esteemed A flout you turn to an honour. RALEGH Ay, and more. — You bade me once not trust your Spanish word. 50 RALEGH IN GUIANA For you would trust no English. Yet today I mean to trust you. DON ANTONIO DE BEEEEO If you will, you may; — Within the bounds of honour. EALEGH Give me aid : Interpret to me what an Indian means Whose tongue we have no skill in. DON ANTONIO DE BEEKEO That I will. EALEGH I thank your courtesy. Nine and twenty days These tropic tides have swung us since the flood Of Orinoco bore from sight the boats On whose adventure warring Spain and England Must stake their future. Now, perchance, this savage May tell their story; that, no wit but yours Among us can unravel. DON ANTONIO DE BEEEEO You, sir, would Have done so much for me, had I come hither, A transient voyager, where these many years You had governed, learning quaint, barbaric tongues That brown -faced Indians chatter. THE SECOND PART 51 RALEGH So I would, And may do yet! — But let that pass. — In the night He slipped beside us. When the morning broke Pull-grown from the womb of ocean, he from his boat Made eager signals. So we had him aboard; And ever since he points us toward the river With antic motions, uttering uncouth sounds That leave us never wiser. DON ANTONIO DE BEEEEO It is like I can tell their meaning. RALEGH Which, perhaps, shall be The meaning of our lives. These thirty years Good enemies, each knows the other true To the cause he lived for — I to England's, you To that of Popish Spain. And, Don Antonio, I think that when we meet o' the other side Of that we wait for, if so be it we may, Why, each shall love the other better for So loyal warfare here. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Sir Walter Ralegh, May I speak from the heart? 52 RALEGH IN GUIANA KALEGH Sure that is how I speak myself today; for I grow weary Of this dissembling trouble, hollow life, AVhere each would thwart the rest. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO I wonder not Your heart hath sickened. While our Spanish kings Stand trusty by their servant, James of England Deserts you, in these ticklish, fatal days When most you need him. EALEGH Kings are mortal men; And empires, too, shall pass. Our tumbling world Flows down the slope of time to be engulfed In deep eternity, as mighty rivers Merge in old ocean. Yet, as this frothy world Outlasts the imperial systems, burst like bubbles From out of it, so those glistering realms outlast • Their flitting tenants. England shall remain. Long after James, and we, with all that live Today, lie rotting. Those of time to come May judge James as it please them, judging me So long as James was England loyal to My English duty. THE SECOND PART 53 DON ANTONIO DE BEEREO Why not rather loyal To all the future world? I bear you a mission, TiU now unbroken, from a stauncher king Than you have known. Sir Walter, would you listen To Philip's greeting, you and I together Might plant in this Guiana dynasties To outlast old Europe. RALEGH That imperial hope I cherish for old England is too wide To brook a rival. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Even so thought we. Till we beheld so worthy a rival come That we would rather count him with ourselves Than rule without him sovereign. RALEGH Don Antonio! — I am not angry. You have warrant for this, Knowing how Scots in England hold their faith As light as churls of Carthage; nor is it strange Scotland and Devon to your Spanish mind Should seem all one. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Believe my conquered love 54. RALEGH IN GUIANA For your brave person urges me to urge Our royal Philip's friendship. RALEGH Greet him, sir; — If so it chance you may fare home to Spain, Our English venture prospering; — and so tell him It were not seemly I should reason of James, Being his subject; but that ere this fleet Set forth, which rides here still, rigged at the cost Of many English gentlemen, one of these, — The Lord Arundel, a very worthy man, — ■ Beset with doubts, had promises from me To see me there again — which I must keep. Or soil mine honour. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Yet remember, sir, Whatever chance here, your courageous life Shall rest unsafe in England. RALEGH For myself I care not, so that England prosper still. — This savage Indian — why the devil waits he? — Perchance hath prosperous news for Englishmen, Won by the venture Keymis and my young Wat So boldly undertook — What, Boatswain there! THE SECOND PART 55 THE BOATSWAIN, answeringjrom the deck without Ay, ay. Sir Walter. Arid so, with looks of vexation, the Boatswain comes slowly down the stair Jrom the deck. And as he comes Sir Walter speaks on. EALEGH Why bringest thou not the Indian, as I bade thee? THE BOATSWAIN Marry, Sir Walter, an it please you, — or, for that matter an it please you not, neither, for it is all beyond me, — I bring him not for very good reason; namely, that I have him not to bring. KALEGH Surely thou hast not let him escape. THE BOATSWAIN Escape, sir! What think you of us all to say that? He hath by no means escaped. RALEGH But what then? What then? THE BOATSWAIN Why, what he hath done, Sir Walter, is as it were the opposite of escape. For escape, as I take it, is as one should say come out of danger into safety; and the naked fellow is even now clambering out of comfortable, friendly safety into the most danger he can find. 56 RALEGH IN GUIANA RALEGH Clambering! And whither should he clamber? THE BOATSWAIN Nay; whither, Sir Walter, I cannot now justly tell, but whence I can. For when your honour called me below he was sitting in the main-top, even as the Popish apes we saw aforetime in Orinoco — of whom I myself would think him one but that his bum hath no tail — would sit in branches, jabbering their bawdy prayers and the like. RALEGH And how came he there in the main -top.? THE BOATSWAIN An you will grant me time to tell you, Sir Walter, I will make shift to do so. For, by your order, we had made him welcome, and fed him, and brought him drink — but not so much as he would have had, being like the rest of them, and some Christians also, too thirstily given — RALEGH Enough of that. Why couldst thou not bring him below here.? THE BOATSWAIN Why, when in all gentleness, Sir Walter, we would have clapped hands on him to bring him below here, through the hatch-way, he, being without clothes, but as God made him, was through our fingers and up the shrouds before THE SECOND PART 57 we might find breath to bid him be damned. And how to bring down, save with a shot, I for one know not. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Let me go call to him. These Indian folk Have much mistrusted since, in former times, We closed our hatches over two caciques And brought them home to Spain. RALEGH Ever the same Sly tricksters ! with ourselves, or with these meek Brown children of the West, who held you as gods Till sorrow proved you devils ! DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Good Sir Walter, Our Spanish ways little resemble yours, — Our king is very trusty, — but ourselves, Like your best selves of England, may not hear Rebukes without rebuke. RALEGH I cry you pardon. I am not what I was, in all the strength Of youth and confidence. Elizabeth Bore with her from this world something whereof The lack makes flickering weakness master me, And hasty speech usurp the seat of judgment — 58 RALEGH IN GUIANA Seek, how you will, the Indian. What he bears me I cannot bear to lose. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Nor shall you, sir. So they go out, the Boatstvain leading, and Ralegh is left alone. EALEGH O, I am old and sickly ; and my brain Reels palsied doubt. Mine England ! if thou mightst Possess these future continents we coast And spy, then, though ten thousand valiant lives As dear as Keymis' or Wafs — more dear than mine. Dull, aged, broken — took their starry flight From Orinoco, I could shout for joy Above the sons of the morning! O, my Queen! When thine Auroral presence brightened earth Who loved not, feared it. Now thine English glory Fades in rank Scottish mists; and lurking scroyles Creep forth T the murk until our very crews Seem of them, hither lured by greed of gold, Not care for England. — So my groping love Cleaves heart-sick to that valorous old man Here in my power. While the fleeting days Bring on his time of parting, if no word Come sooner from our venturers, his cheek. More pale than mine with years, begins to glow With buoyant hope for what shall bring despair THE SECOND PART 59 To England, plunging this round hemisphere Deep in the Popish drowsiness of Spain. A cry without: "Overboard!" Overboard ! Who ? The Spaniard ? THE BOATSWAIN, cowkfig hostUy doWTi the stair, speaking as he comes Nay, Sir Walter; have no fear. The Spaniard is safe enough, but you should have seen the other at the sight of him, who is now farther from good, comfortable escape than ever he was, among the man-eating fishes, unless per- chance in the dimness of the waters they should take him for one of their ugly selves. RALEGH Nay, tell me clearly, who is overboard. I hope 't is not the Indian. THE BOATSWAIN Good Sir Walter Ralegh, with your leave I will tell you all. We come on deck, I first and the other in his black suit following close. So I, catching sight of him there in the main-top, shake my fist at him thus, pleasantly, to show him what an I had my own way he should catch for his manners, or lack of them, in so slipping aloft to our trouble and vexation. But there he sits, for all me, grinning back at us with his apish jabber. Then comes the Don up after me, very grave, with his hand thus in what should be his jerkin — for how they name their outlandish Spanish garb I can- 60 RALEGH IN GUIANA not call to mind. (And just here comes the Spaniard, gravely descending the stair, unobserved.) But of this I am sure, that he makes no friendly motion such as mine was. So when the naked fellow aloft sees him he gives a great cry like "Span- yole!" — which I take to be what these papists foolishly call themselves — and so out on the yard, and head-first takes water, that the sharks may have him sooner than we. RALEGH Send me the Spaniard hither. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO I come unsent, sir, To tell you all I can. RALEGH Send me hither, too, The vapouring Captain, striking oiFhis chains. — ^b the Boatswain goes out. I am displeased to find you play with me At fatal moments. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO In all sadness, sir. Here was no playing. RALEGH Lord ! I know not that — Nor know I anything in this treacherous world Save what myself may do. THE SECOND PART 61 DON ANTONIO DE BERREO So far as I Could mark, he came of an once warlike tribe Who, rising against us, met with chastisement That makes them shiver at the thought of Spain. RALEGH And even so, I would that men of Spain Might view us English ! DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO I had thought you, sir. Too wise to waste the treasure of your wishes In airy folly. RALEGH Let me remember you Your time grows very short. We have no priests Here in our fleet. Make shift to shrive yourself. For if tomorrow — that 's the thirtieth day Past since they left us, Keymis, and my young Wat, And all the rest — bring us no happy news Through them for England, then that same dark morrow Must be your last. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Last days must come to all ; You shall not find me fearful. Enter Polwhek. 62 RALEGH IN GUIANA EALEGH For this fellow, Who had sent Tom Keymis to God a little sooner — POLWHELE You speak of me, Sir Walter? RALEGH Ay, sir. POLWHELE Listen, I pray you rather, while I speak myself. I am a gentleman who, trusting your skill, Adventured much. You absent, I believed Venture and life in danger. If I erred You might with justice reason with mine error. Instead, you chained one who hath friends at home As good as you, and better. I take it ill To be thus scorned. RALEGH Why, take it as it please you. — This gentleman tomorrow hath a mind To leave us, and betake him to that voyage We all embark on. — POLWHELE O, poor gentleman ! This is most bloody. He shall have my prayers. THE SECOND PART 63 RALEGH He shall have more. POLWHELE More? EALEGH Ay, your company. POLWHELE Sir Walter! Sweet Sir Walter! I repent All these fond indiscretions. RALEGH Very well; You Ve the less to do beforehand. Do not whimper; Mark him, and let his Spanish valour teach Your English knavery how to make an end. But just then there comes from the deck without a sudden cry of: "A boat! A boat!" And Sir Walter, turning him qukMy, cries questioning to them without: A hosA? A VOICE, from the deck without Ay, sir, a boat from out the river. RALEGH Why, Don Antonio, our vagrants come Just in the nick of time ! All is well with you ! DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Be not too sure one boat brings welcome news. 64 RALEGH IN GUIANA POLWHELE Praise God, they come! I am safe! RALEGH Perchance thou art; But now, as I remember, thine offence Was chiefly done to Keymis, who comes again, In just the hour to judge thee. POLWHELE Sweet Sir Walter! He is hot and very violent. RALEGH The less Thy chance, then. — Ho, without there! Do they come.'' THE VOICE, from the deck Ay, sir. We see more now — three or four at least. POLWHELE Sir Walter— RALEGH Stay below here. I am going To greet Tom Keymis and Wat. POLWHELE Here, on my knees, I pray you — RALEGH stay with Don Antonio. So Ralegh goes eager up on deck; and the Spaniard stands THE SECOND PART 65 by the stair, hoiking after him, as if to learn what is doing there above. And Polwhele, very sorrowfiil, sits silent a little while, then speaks domhtfully. POLWHELE 0, sir — DON ANTONIO DE BEKBEO You speak to me? POLWHELE Good heavens, sir. Who else is here to speak to? DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Why, then, speak At all? POLWHELE Pray, were you ever chained by the leg? DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Not I, sir. POLWHELE Had you been, you would crave for speech With any that would listen. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Not, I think, With those disposed to silence. — Pray, good Boatswain, The boats come still ? 66 RALEGH IN GUIANA THE BOATSWAIN, cmsweringjrom the deck without Ay, sir, that they do ; and the first draws near at hand. O, all goes bravely; you should see Sir Walter wave his hat to them. Shouts without. POLWHELE Lord ! This is worse than what in other years I thought my worst — when Mary Fitton, sir. Who was my wife at last — thereby I had The money for this venture — played me false With one Will Shakspere. You should never have heard His name — a common player that made plays, Otherwise noteless; — but she liked his rhymes, And he was less in girth than I was then. So grieving I betook me to the stews, Unsavoury to remember. Shouts g^" Captain Keymis!" THE BOATSWAIN, still Without Ay, Captain Keymis it is, sure enough, my merry Don. He draws alongside even now. POLWHELE Woe is me! I would I were again in TurnbuU Street, Mad, jilted, drunk, and happy. Shouts without. THE SECOND PART 67 DON ANTONIO DE BERREO What now, Boatswain? THE ■BOATSwAia, still without They come aboard, sir, they come aboard. Here is Cap- tain Keymis over the side. And Sir Walter hugging him. And more crowding up; and all as it should be, save that their faces be neither so clean nor so joyful as was to be hoped. — Nay! God save us all ! What is this they are say- ing.? — Alas! Alas! And where is young Captain Ralegh.? A confused noise without. POLWHELE Young Walter gone, he said? Then something is gained; There comes one less to flout us! DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Nay, if this Be true, God grant the blessing of his peace To that brave, foolish boy his father loved ! Then down Jrom the deck comes Sir Walter Ralegh with Keymis, followed by others to whom Sir Walter sternly speaks, pointing his hand at Polwhele and the Spaniard. RALEGH Take those two out, and guard them. So they lead out the Spaniard and Polwhele, guarded. And Sir Walter Ralegh and Keymis are left there together. So poor Wat Is killed. 68 RALEGH IN GUIANA KEYMIS He made a valiant end. RALEGH Trust him For that — my son and Bess Throckmorton's, too. KEYMIS Come near the hills, we landed. In the night The Spaniards came, unlocked for, in such force As made our common sort give way. Then he Most cheerily revived us. Without him I think we had been cut to pieces. EALEGH With him.? KEYMIS We lightly charged the chargers, carrying them Confused before us. EALEGH Good! KEYMIS He, in our van With pikemen, leading on, was struck with a shot Full in the breast; but ere his gallant soul Broke forth from the wound, he found breath for these words : "The Lord have mercy on me, prospering your venture!" THE SECOND PART 69 RALEGH Why, SO farewell, dear Wat. Thou happily Art dead untired, knowing of heavy life Only the flushed beginning. Thy last prayer The Lord hath heard; and if from paradise Thou mayst glance back at us who linger here, Thy joys shall brighten still, to see us prosper. KEYMIS How prosper, sir.? EALEGH Nay, that I wait to hear. Knowing only how you come victorious. And, sure, this victory shall outlive us, Tom, Even when we are forgotten. Thou and I Must soon fare after Wat — it is all one Or now or later. But the centuries Unborn hang on our conquest. Whether here The manly law of England shall prevail. Or else this tropic western hemisphere Languish with slumb'rous Spain, is what we fought for; And all the English seed of time to come Shall bless the fruit of our doings. KEYMIS Take me with you. Sir Walter, 70 RALEGH IN GUIANA EALEGH Those deep mines thy skill hath won Confirm Guiana ours. Uncertain James, His eyes convinced by store of golden proof Which through your deeds I bring him, shall avow Our purpose his. And so, good-by to Spain ! The whole wide world is England's! KEYMIS Dear Sir Walter, We bring no gold. EALEGH No gold ! What baser tool Shall royal wits be wrought with.'' — Cease these stammer- ings! What bring you from the river.? KEYMIS Only ourselves, Escaped with hardship from the watery wastes Of Orinoco. RALEGH Now, by Jesu Christ, One of us two runs mad ! KEYMIS The Spaniards held The stream in force, the hills, the very mines — If any be in those barrens — - THE SECOND PART 71 BALEGH Be there, sir! Thou knowest them there, and bottomless ! KEYMIS I never Found trace of them. RALEGH Thou liest! KEYMIS Walter Ralegh, I have served you faithfully these thirty years — RALEGH Winning my trust, until I charged on thee The charge I bore for England. Fool that I was! Thou hast done us noble service. KEYMIS Still I serve You faithfiil, brooking words no other man Had uttered scathless. RALEGH Still the coward who Turned tail in Orinoco, leaving Spain To laugh her sleepy scorn of us. KEYMIS Have a care, sir ! 72 RALEGH IN GUIANA And listen: was it better there to die Of sword or famine, unrecorded, leaving You prey for timeless doubt; or thus to tell you Just how we tried and failed? I mused on it long; Then puzzling came, chiefly for love of you, My life-long leader, who I thought would choose To know our whole sad story. RALEGH GaUant love! At least it saved thy skin. KEYMIS I would that skin Were pierced and flayed like them the Indians tan ! It was saved but for your service; and you fling Such taunts at me as no man dared before Nor any shall much longer. UALEGH He bids me shall! As though he knew me one brave terms could fear From damning knavish jacks ! KEYMIS I have lived to learn, Finding you thus ungentle, one was right I chided late for telling that old tale Of how, when first you knelt before our James, THE SECOND PART 73 "I have heard but rawly of thee!" cries the King, And claps thee in the Tower. RALEGH Captain Keymis, Thy sword! So. And with that Keymis sorrowfully gives wp his sword; and Sir Walter Ralegh, turning to the wall, hangs it beside the sword of the Spaniard, which is there already. And then, turning back to Keymis, he speaks on, heavily. To thy cabin, there to ponder Thine argument. K thou make it satisfy His Majesty and the State, why, I for one Shall be glad of it. Betwixt thee and me All is over. KEYMIS All, Sir Walter.? BALEGH All, sir. KEYMIS Nay, Sir Walter, both were hasty. Our old love — RALEGH Old folly, rather. For thine obstinacy, Which hath undone our England, breeds one good: I know thee craven at last. — I trusted Wat To thee; an I had trusted thee to Wat This had gone otherwise. 74 RALEGH IN GUIANA KEYMIS I know then, sir. What course to take. So, with bowed head, Keymis goes out, to his cabin within. EALEGH, to those without Send back the prisoners here. — I will show them yet there is danger left in me, Though I be soused in danger. Enter Berreo and Polwhele. Gentlemen, I think you smile, deeming yourselves no doubt Well out of trouble. Then your devilish games Have troubled me enough to make you smile. You have double cause for joy. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Worthy Sir Walter, I have no thought of smiling. POLWHELE No more have I. RALEGH And yet, methinks, ere this you should have heard The fate of our expedition. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Ay, sir; and THE SECOND PART 75 Rejoicing for myself, I grieve for you, My faithful enemy. EALEGH What I shall do I know not altogether; but on this I am fixed : it is my need that all be sure About me. So to make it, I today Shall hang you both. POLWHELE Surely you jest, sir; but I hardly savour your merriment. A shot without. KALEGH What is that? Mutiny? THE BOATSWAIN, who comes rwnning Jrom the cabin of Keymis, within O, Sir Walter, Sir Walter! — Captain Keymis! — RALEGH He said he knew what course to take. An it be mutiny, he shall find me plucky. And therewith he draws his sword. THE BOATSWAIN O, Sir Walter, if it were naught but a scurvy mutiny, I would not so come hither without orders and against all 16 RALEGH IN GUIANA manners and discipline. But Captain Keymis — brave Cap- tain Keymis, that we have loved, and fought with, and known this thirty year — RALEGH What of him, man? I am ready for the worst. THE BOATSWAIN And he past the worst, Sir Walter, with a bullet in his brain that himself hath put there, and his dagger, to make sure, stuck just beneath his left pap. RALEGH Dead, say you! Dead by his own hand.!" THE BOATSWAIN Alas ! Alas ! That we should have lived to see him grow white and stiff, and next we shall be living so to see our- selves ! RALEGH Why, Tom Keymis, I jump at last to thy meaning; and the course Thou takest is the course that I must steer Out of this troublous world. — To thee and me Life is bootless, nor can striving any more Lure back those glories here, to dwell wherein Thou surgest skyward! — Stay! I'll follow thee! So he turns his sword on himself; biit Berreo and the Boat- swain prevent him. Sir Walter- THE SECOND PART 77 DON ANTONIO DE BEUREO POLWHELE Let him strike; 't were best for us. DON ANTONIO DE BEREEO Doth not sad human duty bid you stay This desperate happiness? RALEGH What mean you, sir? DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Why, even when I urged King Philip's love, The Lord Arundel, a very worthy man. You told me, had your word to see you back In England. RALEGH So he had. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Not keeping which. You said — RALEGH I soiled mine honour. Even so. — Mine honour, fair as England's, ere King James Made England Scottish. English royalty Crumbles to dust with bright Elizabeth, 78 RALEGH IN GUIANA And that fair realm she ruled hath need of all Her fading gentry. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO Then, the greater way Were to betake you thither. RALEGH Thither, where That sentence waits me, passed in Cobham's case By tricksy quibblers. I had dared to dream Of faring home triumphant, conquering that In world-wide conquest. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO I might pledge you still The love of Philip. RALEGH Which I prize too high To hold but finally. He shall love me best In fair Saint Margaret's. — Boatswain, go bid them Make sail. We are going home. So the Boatswain goes sadly out. Now on the block I '11 lay me down to sleep, keeping for aye Mine honour that your wit hath kept me safe When I so madly wavered. THE SECOND PART 79 POLWHELE Silly wit, Fanning anew our dangers. Now while Polwhele is speaking. Sir Walter Ralegh ha^ turned him toward the wall, and has taken therefrom the Spaniard''s sword, which now he hands to him, speaking gently. EALEGH Fare you well. Go free. So Berreo has back his sword; and sheathes it. POLWHELE And what of me? RALEGH Why, go so, too. The time is past when I should trouble me With earthy things. POLWHELE Come, while he entertains These heavenly thoughts. In England I will prove him What earthy things can do. So Polwhele goes threatening out. DON ANTONIO DE BERREO I will wait. — Farewell, Sir Walter Ralegh. Had I been your friend. 80 RALEGH IN GUIANA Throughout this strife, perchance I had not known Your nobleness as now. For enemies, Most keen for mutual fault, learn best of all Each other's virtue. Had you been of Spain, Our Spain had prospered better than she shall. KALEGH Had England stood so faithful as your Spain, The world, I think, had known a braver future Than that I see darkling behind the keels That glide me to my rest. Our English die Is cast; the game is against us; and my rest Is all I look for now. And Just then sailors' on the deck without begin chanting the tune which Young Ralegh sang in derision to Spaniard. Your hand — Farewell. So they clasp hands. Then Don Antonio de Berreo gravely passes out. And all the while the sailors sing, as, with bowed head, Sir Walter Ralegh betahes him to his cabin. And presently comes a sound of the Boatswain! s whistle; and with that all ends. ROSAMOND CHARACTERS ELINOR, THE QUEEN ROSAMOND Scene TTie Bower at Woodstock. ROSAMOND EosAMOND, readmg Oo fare thee well, Rose of the World. From France One shall ride swift with greetings. Day by day My thoughts shall fly to thee. Rebellious sons Of their curst mother take me from thee now. The cares of state, the turmoil of the wars Keep my wits busy — yet no day shall pass Without an embassy of love to thee. Watch for them day by day, and when they fail Know me no longer thy Plantagenet." — This from Southampton. Ay, and days have passed. And nights have I lain waking for the words I would not sleep for reading. Yet none came. So I begun to dread lest far away In France, amid all the pomp of royalty, Henry Plantagenet had little thought For these dull glades of Woodstock. Then, but now, Has come the summons calling forth the guard; And these dear lines I have so often conned I con again, to take farewell of them. For fresher greetings hurry to me now. And what has latest touched King Henry's hand Is dearest to my heart. — I hear one come Hurrying hither with the words of love 84 ROSAMOND That now henceforth shall greet me day by day. Come hither quickly ! Enter the Queen. THE auEEN, ^o attendants without Stay without there! I Would enter here alone. ROSAMOND Would enter here? Pray, lady, by what leave? Meseems it were Fitter that I should chide thy sauciness Than question any further. THE QUEEN Rosamond Men call thee. ROSAMOND ■■T was a name not dear to me Until I knew it dear to him whose lips Have kissed my soul away — THE QUEEN Say no word more. Those thou hast said already were enough To prove my visit timely. ROSAMOND With your leave. I know not who you are. But this I know: ROSAMOND 85 The name that greets me from the royal lips Of Henry is a name no other tongue May speak to me unchallenged. All but he Call me the Lady Clifford. THE QUEEN To thy face. What I have heard thee called sounds little like A term of honour. ROSAMOND How you entered here I know not. He who guards me waits without, Bound by allegiance so to do my will In Woodstock here as though King Henry's voice Spoke through my lips. Here I am royal too. The whims of kings are laws. A word from me, And your shrill voice is silenced. THE QUEEN Silly girl. Dost thou not know vae? ROSAMOND No, nor would. Go safe. I give you leave to leave me, for that now Your voice and look speak ill of none but me, And I am merciful today, when fresh From France come greetings from my royal love. 86 ROSAMOND THE aUEEN Greetings today ! ROSAMOND You are not safe to wait. I am a woman full of fantasy. Perchance my whim shall change. Your reverend airs Would not avail you should I speak the word Of doom instead of mercy. THE QUEEN Know me, then, Elinor of Guienne. ROSAMOND How came you here.!* THE aUEEN My guards without have mastered thine. This bower Is mine, who rule in England while my lord The King is busy with his wars in France. ROSAMOND Sir Richard, ho ! THE QUEEN Sir Richard hears, perchance; They say the dead have ears, but all too low Their voices are to answer. ROSAMOND Dead! ROSAMOND 87 THE QUEEN Ay, dead! He strove to bar my passage with such news Of Henry's dotings as you prate. He fought Those I bade clear my way. So he is gone To see if at the gate of Paradise His royal master's name may more avail Than here on earth. ROSAMOND And I am here alone. And at thy mercy.? THE QUEEN Mercy, Rosamond? Look not for that from me. Here I am come To do a deed of justice. ROSAMOND If the King Were by, to judge between us — THE QUEEN These grave wars In France distract the King. While he is gone To chide his warring children, I remain To do the petty works he leaves behind — Smile on the fawning courtiers, vex the Jews Till they bring forth their hoards, proclaim the laws. 88 ROSAMOND And judge what forfeit those shall pay whose deeds Work mischief here in England. ROSAMOND Tell me, then, What forfeit she must pay who long ago, When Henry's children gathered at her knee. Whispered them tales of how, in times gone by, Princes waxed strong had harried hapless kings Into their graves. THE QUEEN 'Tis thou that in the ear Of yielding Henry whisperest these tales To stir up strife betwixt him and the wife God gave him, ROSAMOND Now, by all the blessed saints That pray in Heaven for our sins on earth. You name a sin I am not guilty of. THE QUEEN Let the saints judge of that. ROSAMOND Nay, let them judge As sternly as God will what I have done — And I am very sinful, nor will plead Aught save that from the day when first he smiled ROSAMOND 89 On me, a virgin, in my father's house, I have not thought a thought, nor spoke a word, Nor done a deed I have not done and spoke And thought to make him happy. — Let the saints Doom me for that. 'T is justice. But believe I never slandered thee. THE QUEEN Why, even now. Here, to my face, thou spakest out the words Thou wouldst disclaim. ROSAMOND Ay, to thy face I spake What men have told for truth. But unto him, Henry, my king, my love — THE QUEEN My husband, girl! ROSAMOND So be it. — I have never spoken word To stir his wrath against a living thing. Vexed with the cares of state, with wars, with plots. With all the turmoil that I know not of. He comes to me, to lay aside awhile The tedious pomp of royalty. And days Have passed, and months, and years, — the which I count For so much Heaven granted me on earth, — 90 ROSAMOND And through tiiem all betwixt the King and me Pass words of peace, and love, and joyousness. Believe me, we have dearer business Than thee and thy misdoing. THE QUEEN Rosamond, Thy time grows short. EOSAMOND Well, take me where thou wilt. Woodstock is thine now. Send me forth, and search it For that great treasure which tiU now it housed, King Henry's heart. THE aUEEN Thou hast not far to go. In Godstowe Church I bade the monks prepare A chamber for thee. 'Tis a narrow one; I would it were so narrow that therein Thou couldst not keep thy treasm-e. But, alas. My power is all too little to bereave Thee of the love that thy fair locks have stolen From me in aU my royalty. ROSAMOND From thee. Lady, I have stolen nothing. Surely, then, Thou wouldst not have me die! ROSAMOND 91 THE aUEEN Ah, Rosamond, Think'st thou I love him not? BOSAMOND Thou? Love the King? THE QUEEN Ay, love him with a consecrated love Made holy by the blessing of the Church. Oh, I am old. Thy locks are ruddy gold, And mine grow grizzled. Thy fair face is smooth. And my grim visage wrinkled with the cares Of years that were no more long ere thine eyes Laughed back the sunshine. But my heart awoke Almost as late as thine. When first the King Came in his bridal pomp to take this hand That made him master of those lands in France My fathers ruled, I looked upon the face Thou knowest as well as I. Then first I knew What life might be on earth. Ay, curl thy lip. Louis of France had known me; then proclaimed How some black -bearded Saracen, long since Gone to his lying prophet, made me sin Against his honour and the cross of Christ; So cast me forth. These tales are old. But hear One older still : how younger yet than thou When first King Henry saw thee, I was made 92 ROSAMOND Bride to that stale, unloving prince of France, Who craved Guienne, and took me as the price They made him pay for purchase. — Royalty Men deem most worthy state of mortal men. I have reigned Queen of France; I reign today Lady of England. Wouldst thou change with me? Take all my honours ? give me in return Only the love of Henry .'' ROSAMOND Rather die, As die I must if what thou speak'st be true. THE QUEEN And dost thou think that aught but truth could wring From me, from Elinor the Queen, these tales That speak the story of my wretched life — A wife unloving, then a wife unloved.? EOSAMOND Lady, my sins are deeper than I knew. Heaven, I knew, forbade me so to love As what was earthly in me made me love. I turned from Heaven. Henry's love on earth Was Heaven enough for me. THE aUEEN So, too, for me Who bore him children, served his every nod, Watching and praying through the lingering years ROSAMOND That, wheresover his light fancy strayed, His eye at length might fall on me, and know The wife that loved him. — Girl, one look of love That never came had saved thee even now. ROSAMOND Lady, forgive me. I am very frail, And young, and sinful. Now at last I know That thou hast right to be as stem as God In judging me. Yet I have dared to hope That God, for Christ's sweet sake, and for the saints' That pray for us in Heaven, might perchance Forgive the sin I sinned against His law. Knowing the love that bound me. Elinor, Thou knowest that love. Be merciful. Forgive. I am afraid to die. THE QUEEN If thou wert I Wouldst thou forgive.'' EOSAMOND Alas, I know not. I Have in my veins none of that godlike blood That feeds the life of princes. THE aUEEN Rosamond, I have forgotten what my fathers were. And what I am today, save that I am 94. ROSAMOND A woman and a wife much sinned against. Here, take this phial. aOSAMOND Lady! Elinor! Have mercy! To thy right I bow myself. I will go forth from hence, will hide my head, Where'er thou wilt, where none may find me out, And there live out my life in penitence For the great wrongs I did thee. Nevermore Shall Henry see my face — THE aUEEN And thinkest thou This earth is wide enough to hold a spot That love cannot search out? Oh, Rosamond, Through all the unseen centuries to come Men will remember that thy locks were fair And twined about the heart of him whose love I yearned to win in vain. In Godstowe Church Men will shed tears above thee sleeping there, Loved, unforgotten. All that blessedness Is thine forever. And my lot must be What it has been on earth. Where'er I sleep The sneers of men shall pierce the marble through And quiver in my bony ears the news That here in death, as erst in life, one lies Royal, unloved, forsaken. ROSAMOND 95 EOSAMOND Pity me — THE aUEEN Nay, rather pity me. Here, take this glass. In to thy chamber. There make peace with God. Then drink the potion. In an hour's time My men shall come to find thee — if in death, To bear thee reverently to Godstowe Church, There to have burial. But lest thy faint heart Should fail to speed thee on thy road to God They shall bear daggers with them. ROSAMOND Fare thee well. Thy men shall find me even as thou wilt. May God have mercy on me. I have loved Even as thou. And were I thou, perchance Like thee I should do justice. If the King Ask thee in time to come how when thou camest To Woodstock here thou found'st poor Rosamond, Tell him that in her hand she bore this scroll His hand had written ; conning it again, Though well she knew the lines, for that they bore Tidings of what was hers — and never thine — His love ! THE aUEEN "So fare thee well. Rose of the World." A CHRISTMAS MASQUE CHARACTERS THE PROLOGUE THE LORD CONRAD WALTER, HIS SON HIS HERALD HIS JESTER THREE CRUSADERS A MESSENGER FROM THE LORD PHILIP A CHAMPION OF THE LORD PHILIP A CLOWN A LITTLE CHILD Crusaders, Attendants on the Lord Conrad, Musicians, Sword-Dancebs, and the like. The scene is in the Castle of the Lord Conrad, on a Christmas Eve, during the Crusades. A CHRISTMAS MASQUE The company heimg assembled on the lower jloor, m the dress of soldiers retvmedjroni Crusading wars, there is first a sound of music above. And presenthf down the stair comes the Prologue, bearing a staff swrmounted by a cross. And having saluted them he speaks: THE PEOLOGUE VTooD friends, you must be good friends indeed tonight. For if you would understand the fancies we would unfold before you, you must e'en make yourselves one and aU part of them. So when, in a little while, one shall follow me, coming from an old world above to this world of yours be- low, you must take him as he comes; and feigning your- selves, as you seem, not men of these our later days but warriors come home from wars in heathen lands, you shall perchance taste such Christmas joys as once made Christmas seem halfway from earth heavenward. THE FIRST PART Tlien a trumpet sounds above; and after saluiing them again the Prologue goes back up the stair. TTien presently, after some merry noise, down the stair comes the Jester, tum- bling. Who, gathering himself up, salutes the company and THE JESTER Figure that I am one fallen from heaven, even as Our 100 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE Blessed Lord fell on the first Christinas of all, unlooked for, among beasts that bleat and bray. For in truth I bear you a message from above. A CRUSADEE, ^o?M wmong the company Is this an hour for folly.'' THE JESTER Hist!— Who be ye all.? A SECOND CRUSADER Our lord Conrad's servants and men at arms, fool, come tired with our toils from the Holy Land. THE JESTER Hist, again! — And whither be ye come here."" A THIRD CRUSADER To the threshold of our home. THE JESTER Our heavenly home or our earthly.? THE THIRD CRUSADER Our earthly, fool. THE JESTER Fool thyself. Wouldst thou strip earth of her folly .? For what else marks the difference between earth and Heaven save that folly sweetens not the skies ? — Bear with me, then. THE FIRST PART 101 that bear you, as I said, a message from above, or, to speak more plainly, from our lord. THE FIRST CRUSADER Take not His name in vain whose holy tomb. Thrilling with Easter sunshine long ago, Gave life to conquered death. That blessed seed Awhile inurned there bloomed to the mystic flower. Unseen, eternal, which perfumeth still The souls of all the righteous. THE JESTER Hist! Hist! Hist!— 'T is thou art vain of thy sermon taking in vain the name of Our Blessed Lord. The lord from whom I bear you mes- sage, God be praised, is no blessed one, nor shall be, I hope, yet awhile, unless it be in the joy of your presence. He is our good old lord Conrad, who bids me bid you — THE THIRD CRUSADER What.? J. trumpet sounds above. THE JESTER Nay, that I have forgotten, save welcome home ; but here comes one can tell you better than I. Then, with another sound of the trumpet, down the stair crnnes the Herald; and having in turn saluted the company, he speaks: 102 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE THE HERALD First for a Christmas greeting: — Glory to The Lord on high, and on this earth to men Of good-will peace. THE CEUSADERS Amen! THE HERALD Now to yourselves — Come from the Holy Land in happy hour To join in Christmas revels and forget The toils wherethrough ye have won right to rest, First here on earth and then eternally In Abraham's bosom, — I am bidden bring All words of welcome which your hungered hearts May crave. Let each one image for himself The words he most would cherish; then let each Deem that those words are Conrad's. Even so, If strength would suffer, he would greet you — each According to your station — face to face. But, since his age is feeble, as ye know, — So that against his will he lingered here While ye went forth to battle for the Lord, — He must speak once for all. So, by my lips, He bids you range yourselves, each in your place. To hear his greeting; — in the foremost place Walter, his son, and heir to this domain, THE FIRST PART 103 The Cntsaders murmur cmwng themselves. Then the chief captains, fintdly the men at arms. So he stands aside; and the Crusaders range themselves; hut tlie Jbremxjst place is left empty. Then presently down the stair comes a procession, led by a choir who sing the March Jrom Judas Maccabceus; and last qfcdl comes the old lord Conrad, led by him that spoke the Prologue, still bearing his cross. And when all are down, and the music ended, and each in his place, the Herald scninds his coil again, and THE HERALD Now listen to the words our ancient lord Would speak to all together. CONRAD Gentlemen, ■« — For whencesoever he that meanest stands Among you sprang, his service to Our Lord Hath won him title to nobility, — Welcome to peace. And first sweet peace to them Who once among us, faltering in the ways Of darksome earth, stand now irradiate In glorious presence of divinity. THE FIRST CRUSADER Amen! THE CRUSADERS, in uuison Amen! THE JESTER Ah, men that are no men. 104 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE But blithesome spirits! CONRAD From thy foolish wit I take my cue.^ — Those blithesome spirits hover About us here, until to sight like mine, — Who hardly can discern the lineaments Wherewith God marked His image on us all, — Ye that are come again, and they whose forms Sleep in the green-clad arms of Mother Earth, Seem all alike, in this dear company Of Christmas charity. So I bid to all That ever were among us, welcome home. How ye have toiled ye know, and I believe. Who, old, blind, crippled, sent you in my name To win the sepulchre of Jesu Christ Back from the heathen. Ye shall tell your tales While we are feasting; for that ye are come To share our Christmas revels is a chance So happy that to dim our happiness I would not name a grief. And yet before Ye follow me up to our Christmas board, Know that a seat is lacking there tonight. Because Our Lord, finding His heavenly feast A shadow short of Heaven, hath summoned hence My gracious lady, to complete His joy; So I must sit alone to welcome you Without her lovely presence. THE FIRST PART 105 THE CRUSADERS God's will be done. CONRAD And so it is; for sure ye know how they Who knew her best knew least the fleeting faults That made her sweetly human. — Well, she left us One who shall bravely show in time to come, As he no doubt hath shown in leading you, How her most gentle spirit, tempering The ruder strain, though brave, he had from me. Bred him to noblest knighthood — My dim sight Is foolishly at fault. I cannot tell Which of you there is Walter. A pause. THE FIRST CRDSADER Noble sir, — CONRAD That voice is not my son's. THE FIRST CRUSADER I would it were; Gruff though it be, 't is honest. CONRAD Does its tremor Tenderly try to tell me Walter's voice Shall gladden earth no more.!" 106 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE THE FIRST CEUSADER Most noble sir, Walter is here among us. CONEAD In God's name, Why starts he not to greet me, then? When I Was of his years I had not stood on form. Waiting the end of tedious, empty words. To crave a father's blessing. THE SECOND CROSADER He starts not Because he cannot. CONRAD Cannot? THE THIRD CRUSADER Ay, my lord, We would not suffer him to hide his head From your most righteous judgment. CONRAD Now, by all The saints in Heaven, thou art treasonable! THE JESTER Father, — CONRAD Who speaks the name Walter alone Hath right to speak? THE FIRST PART 107 THE JESTEE Father, 't is Christmas Eve; And foolishly it seems to me that peace Among men of good-will were fitter now Thsm angriness. CONEAD But by the wounds of Him Who bled for our salvation, I should be Fitter for Hell than Heaven, if this fellow, Slandering mine only son, went unrebuked! THE FIEST CEUSADEE Judge US. (To those about Mm.) Bring forth young Walter. So they thrust Jhrward Walter, whose arms are bound; a/nd those about Conrad start and miwmur m their surprise. CONEAD Who hath dared Thus lay uncivil hand on him whose form Embodied mine, your master's.'' WALTEE Good my lord. This fellow hath some reason in him. CONEAD What! WALTEE Shall he speak out, or I ? 108 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE THE FIRST CRUSADER Most honoured sir. Give ear to me awhile. WALTER Well, let him speak; He is honest, though his wit be less alert Than his tough brawn. CONRAD, seating himself Stand back, sir. Walter, sit At my right hand. WALTER Nay, sir, I will stand like him Till you have judged our cause. CONRAD How quarrelled you.'' WALTER There is no quarrel, sir. He is as honest As you or I; only his honesty Has grown at odds with mine, and he is one Who cannot grant that others than himself Can see in the sunlight. CONRAD Come, unriddle this. THE FIRST PART 109 THE FIRST CEUSADEE You know me plain and blunt, sir. When we fared Forth from your presence — CONRAD Ay, I mind the time. THE JESTER And SO do I. It was just three years ago, When first the little voices of the birds Carolled the dawn of spring-time. CONRAD Silence, fool. THE JESTER If all the fools kept silence, this grave world Would nod with dreary wisdom. CONRAD Sirrah, peace. THE JESTER Ay, peace to all this joyful Christmas-tide. CONRAD Proceed. THE FIRST CRUSADER We journeyed bravely, prayerfully Across the frowning Alps. We came at last To where the sunny seashore of the South 110 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE Blooms like the coasts of Heaven. In the port From whence the Christian navies held their way Unto that happy strand which Our Dear Lord Blest with His holy feet, we for a while Were brought to rest. Young Walter, till that time Faithful and brave, — WALTER You see, my lord, he is honest— Honest as you or I, CONRAD Let him speak on; Then answer thou at large. THE FIRST CRUSADER In that soft clime Of flowers and languor, where the smooth-limbed girls Laugh like the soulless gods of ancient days That lured old Romans Hell-ward, Walter fell Asleep one day in the sunshine. — WALTER And therewith Thawed my chill veins. Here in the frozen North They had been conduits only of such humours As make thin saints unearthly. CONRAD How now, Walter! THE FIRST PART 111 WALTER He speaks the truth. CONRAD Truth! THE FIRST CRUSADER Truth, sir, — naked truth! And from that sleep he wakened as you see him, Unsouled, a thing of earth. I pleaded with him. He laughed. I chided, minding how that you Had given to my years the charge of him, Unskilled as yet in warfare and the world. Whereat he laughed again. And when at last The thrilling trumpets blared the summons out To gird us for our passage, he — your son That should have leaped our leader, — CONRAD Well, sir.?— Well? THE FIRST CUnSADEB Vanished, we knew not whither. WALTER TiU ye came And found me there to greet you, faring back Warworn and solemn. THE FIRST CRUSADER Even so, my lord ; 112 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE For when our prows butted the sun-drenched quays Of Christendom again, we heard a laugh Greeting our very names. And looking down Amid the salty cordage, saw the form That stands before you here. WALTEB But not thus bound! — Nor yet all free, for round my neck there hung The cool arm of a lass — I never knew Her name — whose merry eyes did then outshine The radiance of the morning. THE FIHST CRUSADER With her like — WALTER Ay, there were others — others fair as she. THE FIRST CRUSADER He had outspent the hours, the months, the years In wanton dalliance. And we the while Had fronted countless perils — of the sea. Cold, hungry, surging; ay, and of parched sands That scorched with flameless fire; of battle, too, Upholding with our lives the Oriflamme; — For our deep vows had held us consecrate To Christ, Our Lord. THE FIRST PART 113 THE JESTEE Who is the Prince of Peace; — Remember that, father, — the Prince of Peace. CONRAD Peace, fool; let Walter answer. THE JESTER He keeps peace, Setting you all example. CONRAD Walter, hast Thou nothing to reply? WALTER Nothing that ye Can understand, who hold that Prince of Peace A vengefiil master, shadowing all the world With gray commandment. THE SECOND CRUSADER Even thus, my lord. He jeered our holy warfare. WALTER In the name Of heavenly peace, ye clothed in stiffening steel These limbs God made for freedom. And the voice Of heavenly peace ye stifled with alarums; And for the sake of heavenly peace assaulted 114 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE The peace wherewith those far-off lands were blest That harmed you not. CONRAD Not harmed us! — When the tomb Wherein awhile His hallowed bones abode Who gave His life for ours, lay subject to Infidel conquest! WALTER Think you fire and sword Can root again in that abandoned grave The tree of Life? THE THIRD CRUSADER With blasphemies like these He jeered our holy warfare! WALTER If your Prince Of Peace proclaim such war, he is not for me! — Hold me not coward! I would dare engage With any that lift hand against ourselves; But them that harm us not I rather would Leave to their joys. CONRAD Sharing their godlessness.!" WALTER Ay, if you will. THE FIRST PART 115 CONRAD, rising Down, Walter, to thy knees ! Crave pardon both of us and of our God, Before this image of the Crucified ! WALTER I see not with your eyes. — Let bloodless lips Of painted saints that sadden altars kiss Those earth-stained feet. I am wiser. — ^When the sun Kindled the veins of the Spring, and happy girls Laughed with the mating birds, there came to me Another message than your mystic spells. Unriddling eternity. — "Joy! Joy!" Cried every voice of Nature, "so your joy Leave others joyous too; for by and by We fall asleep together. While ye wake Let life thrill all your being!" — So again I tell you all, if He whose downcast eyes Ye call divine bid me disdain old earth, Shunning her joys, wedding her sorrows, — ay, And in His name breeding new sorrows, too. Wherever He casts His shadow, — let Him work His will even how He will. I bow not to Such deity as His ! A pause. CONRAD Lord, I thank Thee 116 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE That Thou hast taken to Thy sheltering bliss The saint that bore this recreant! — Open wide The gates there ! — From my heart I cast him out That was my son and heir ! THE JESTER Leaving thyself, Father, no hairs save these that frost thy chin? CONRAD Crack thou thy jests ! They shall not crack my heart For all his emptiness. — Let one or two Of you thrust from our doors this craven thing, That once we deemed the vessel of our hopes Upon the seas of the future. WALTER I will go Unthrust. Lay no hand on me. So they make way, sUent; a/nd Walter passes out. CONRAD Gentlemen, Think not because this luckless hap hath come To me that I would have your Christmas-tide Go cheerless. Still that feast is spread above Where each of you hath place. There merriment Shall rule our jolly night, and ye shall hear Me laugh with the loudest. There is stuif in me THE SECOND PART 117 Shall shame that devil back to gaping Hell Who tempts us dim the radiance of this night, Made glorious with the coming of Our Lord, For earthy sorrow. — Good lieutenant, thou Shalt walk with me. — Strike up the music there! So the Herald sounds his trumpet; and presently thereafter begins the Chorus. And so, led by Conrad and the First Crusader, all proceed to the haU above. THE SECOND PART And in the hall above they sit them down andjeast; in the midst of which feasting there is merrymaking, songs and the like. And when at last the feast draws to a close the Herald, rising, sounds a call. And when the company grow quiet, he speaks: THE HERALD Now listen to the words our ancient lord Would speak to all together. THE JESTER Saving one, Alas! CONRAD Name thou not him ! Or else go crack Thy jests to howling winter! — Gentlemen, Ye have made merry with me, stout of heart. Forgetting, one and all, the frost that came 118 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE To blight our bud of hope. So merrily Let us all onward where the swordsmen wait To wield in play such weapons as your strength Made fearfulj used in earnest. Merrily The hours have passed ; merrily let them pass. Till, brightly as the heavenly angels shone Before the wondering shepherds long ago, Shall glow through every portal of our home The hallowed dawn of Christmas. — Sound a march! And thereupon the Herald sounds his call; and the mime strikes up. And so, quitting' the feast, the company make their way to the great hall above. THE THIRD PART In which uppermost hall they range themselves, some on seats and benches about the walls, some standing about the en- trance, leaving a space in the midst of alljhr the sports. And when Conrad has seated himself on his dais, with the Jester by him, and the Bearer of the Cross, and the Herald, the sports begin, a sword-dance and the like, as long as may be. Then by and by there comes Jrom them about the entrance a Jeering cry. And when the dancers stop their dance to listen, voices are heard merrily shouting. A VOICE There he runs. ANOTHER VOICE Stop his way there. THE THIRD PART 119 A THIED VOICE Ha ! Ha ! Caught again. And those about the door join in the laugh. A CLOWN, without, whimpering' For God's sake, merry sirs, let me go, — let me in. CONEAD Who interrupts our revels.!" THE THIED cuvsADEJi, who is h/ the dooTwai/ An it please you, Here comes some quaking clown would force his way Into your presence, whom we gently stop. THE CLOWN, without, howling Wrench not mine elbow again, good gentlemen. I will say whatever ye will, God save us all. THE JESTEE Now if that be not the voice of mine own brother it is that of one as stout and steadfast. Prithee, father, bid him welcome. CONEAD This is some pastime. Let the fellow in. So, with laughter, those about the door thrust forward the Clown, a country fellow, who trembles and rubs his arm, which they, in their play, have twisted. THE JESTEE, comiug foTward to meet Mm Art thou indeed my brave big brother.? 120 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE THE CLOWN Will they wrench mine arm again, sweet sir, if I make answer? THE JESTER Not they, Yaith; here's my hand on't. THE CLOWN Nay; — with your kind, excellent leave, nay. — 'Twas thus they beguiled me without. — And as for thy brother- hood, who knows.? — save that on the mother's side it can- not be, mine being Joan the milkmaid, that died bearing me at fifteen, God rest her soul. I would we were all with her. THE JESTER So do not I; for o' winter nights I love warmer cheer. Instance this horn of wine. Pledge us, brother; for beyond perad venture we are brethren in Father Adam. THE CLOWN, starting to drink, and dropping the horn for trembling O Lord ! Here is a merry Christmas indeed ! THE JESTER Expound to us, brother, the special cause of thy jovial merriment. THE CLOWN Nay, that I am feared to do since they twisted mine elbow without there for bidding them all save themselves while yet there is time. THE THIRD PART 121 THE JESTEE This reverend man is plainly some Puritan preacher of the Word, come that he may exhort iis all to salvation. THE CLOWN Now it is that same salvation, look you, from which I would bid you all save yourselves, save that ye bid me not. For having fed me in the kitchen below, I was e'en making my way home as best I might, being led astray with good cheer; and then did I see him; and so came stumbling back to warn you. THE JESTER The misty terms of our reeling earth, good brother, do something obscure the heavenly vision which hath struck the scales from thine eyes. Tell us, then, whom thou dost mean, saying "him." THE CLOWN Nay, that ye shall never have from me ; for they twisted mine arm in the stair when I came out of breath with shouting how there is an armed man riding fast down upon you who have laid down your arms. CONRAD An armed man? What mean you.? THE SECOND CRUSADER, cotmng swiftly Jrom without, through the press Good my lord. 122 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE This quaking carle hath reason. Close at hand A steely foe comes stealing through the night To break our Christmas peace. At the which word the ccmipany mwrmur, surprised and wroth. THE CLOWN Now will I run hide myself in the cellar; and such of you as dread salvation had best do the like. And so he runs out. CONEAD And who shall dare Intrude him thus upon us.? THE SECOND CRUSADER To the gate, Where I kept watch, came riding one who bore Message from one I would not name tonight Save that he names himself — thine enemy And neighbour, Philip. THE HERALD, who hos possed to the doorway Here is one, my lord. Who claims his right to parley, in the name Of stout Lord Philip. And therewith boldly enters the Messenger of Philip. CONRAD Dares Lord Philip send — THE THIRD PART 123 He whom the years have proven more and more Marrer of all that seems to me God's will — Message to me seasoning our Christmas cheer With salt of earthy business? THE MESSENGER Even so, Most honoured Conrad; ay, and dares entrust him To that nobility which you have held Through all these years of conflict. Here I come Unarmed, with message not of enmity, Unless yourself so find it. THE FIEST CRUSADER Give the word, My lord, and we will serve this fellow as His manners warrant. CONRAD He stands in oxii house. Unguarded, in the semblance of a guest. — Stay in your places. — (To the Messenger.) Speak your tid- ings out; We will give answer. THE MESSENGER Philip, noble sir. Bids me commend him to you, urging first How through the years of feud which ye have waged — Ye and your fathers — one against the other. 124 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE No tongue so loose hath ever yet been found To stain the fame of either. Honestly Each has maintained his quarrel. CONRAD This is true. THE MESSENGER Therefore, at this sweet season, when throughout Both Heaven and earth glad tidings of good-will Do spread them, he holds hope that from henceforth Your honest enmity may turn itself To friendship just as honest. CONRAD That shall be Even as he will. Let him but satisfy Our claim upon those lands his grandsire seized When ours lay sleeping, and the enmities Of all these years shall fade. THE MESSENGER And that shall be, Most honoured sir, even as yourself shall will. CONRAD He knows my will. THE MESSENGER He knew it, as it stood THE THIRD PART 125 Before this grief came on you in the which He shares your sorrow. — CONBAD Cease thy mocking speech, Injurious fellow! THE MESSENGER Nay, sir, you mistake. Here is no mockery. My master's heart Goes out to you this widowed Christmas-tide Which finds you heirless. CONRAD Heirless ! THE MESSENGER He has heard The story of young Walter, — ay, and how You played the Roman.. Wherefore, in the place Of that dishonest boy, he bids me offer Himself to be your heir. THE SECOND CRUSADER Now, by the saints, This rudeness goes too far. CONRAD Assail him not! — If I have caught thee right, thy master, Philip, Will make his peace with me, if only I 126 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE Will grant that he, thy master, when my time Shall come, may enter here, as lord of all. THE MESSENGEK And so, most honoured sir, in harmony Those jars should blend wherewith throughout the years Our country has been vexed. CONKAD Well, tell thy master I have no need for heirs. That heir I had Has proved too little solace in mine age To make me yearn for more. THE JESTER The old lion rouses. There is mettle in him yet. CONEAD Ay, so there is. — Tell that to Philip, too. — If that the mind Should take me to provide myself against The hour of my parting, never an heir His courtesy would choose me should so serve My turn, but there is mettle in me yet To get a better. At the which word the company laugh, deriding the Mes- senger, amd the Jester, coming forward with a cup of wine, greets him, mocking. THE THIRD PART 127 THE JESTEE Brother, pray you drink A cup with me before you part, for sure We two are fellow fools. THE MESSENGEK, putting the JestcT aside Since ye thus flout His friendship, know that Philip, my liege lord. Is wiser than ye hold him. He hath sent Another message too, foreseeing how This might fall out. CONRAD Speak it. — In form thou stiU Art here our Christmas guest. THE MESSENGEE He bids you, then, Defend yourselves as best ye may. About Your castle walls his force draws close, wherewith He comes to seize that which ancestral law Proclaims his own. For when a noble house Ends childless, then the custom of our land Gives their possessions to the fostering care Of him whose fiefs lie nearest. THE FIEST CEtlSADEE Good my lord. We are come in happier hour than we knew. 128 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE These arms we bear, blest in the holy wars Of Palestine, shall still do service, ere They rust in lazy drowsing. THE MESSENGER Look without. Before ye boast too high. For every soldier Warm with his Christmas wassail here, there come Three men at arms in Philip's bold array. Ay, and his van, while we were parleying, Hath stolen into your very court. CONRAD What ho! Ye by the casement — speaks this fellow true? So they by the casement throw it open, and therewith, from the court without, comes a great shout of mocliing defiance. THE SECOND CRUSADER They are upon us ! CONRAD Seize this shifty knave Who dared beguile while his thieves stole in. Cloaked in his parlous parley! CRUSADERS, surrounding the Messenger, threatening Cut him down! — Have at him! THE THIRD PART 129 THE MESSENGEK I appeal to Conrad here; I am unarmed. CONRAD And therefore shall our arms, Washed pure with blood drawn in the glorious cause Of Jesu Christ, stay stainless of those jellies That clog thy veins. — Put up your weapons there. — And one of you go tell this fellow's master. Who waits below craving admittance to Our presence, that our pleasure is that he Still wait. So, if he rudely force himself Upon us, he may chance to find his way Blocked with bobbing carcass of his henchman. Whom we thereon shall hang, to grace our portal In lieu of arras. THE THIRD CRUSADER That dishonest foe Shall have his message straightway. So he goes out, swiftly. CONRAD Let one bring me Those trusty arms wherewith in elder days. When these my limbs were stoutly bold, as still Ye shall find my rising heart, I blithely rode To chanting victory. Though mine eyes be dim 130 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE For all the petty uses of this world, There is in them yet a fire shall dazzle those That, facing me, shall see their glancing flash Beneath my dented beaver. THE JESTER Father, ere The flood-tide of thy wisdom rise and whelm This little bay of peace, where we have rode So buoyant, waiting Christmas, prithee, mark Some ebbings of my folly. CONE AD, while they bring arms, and he dons them Merrily I have shared your feast; and merrily, ye see, I gird me now to lead you. Merriment Hath place here still. Speak on. From without comes a disturbance, as afam,gry murmur. THE SECOND CKUSADER Lord Philip's men Hear now our merry message. THE JESTER To the which I speak sad epilogue. Our Blessed Lord, Who feasts tonight on high, can work His will Despite us troublous men. His reverend ways May teach us all, amid these haps of earth. THE THIRD PART 131 Lessons shall shrink your wisest wisdoms here To follies weak as mine. CONRAD Why, that is sure. — Buckle my belt more tightly. Do not fear To pull. — But what of that, most pregnant fool.? THE JESTER Why, even this: that glorious Lord hath deigned To summon hence our mistress, — CONRAD Blessing us With a most sainted bedesman, who on high Shall pray our ventures onward. THE JESTER And He hath deigned Mysteriously to cut that chain whereof Thyself, last link, art powerless to bind The clanking past to the future. Were we not Best, then, to bow ourselves unto His will Submissive? For that Christmas dawns apace When His sweet word hath bidden us adore Him, The Prince of Peace. CONRAD And who shall say but Peace Hovers above our banners?— Gentlemen, 132 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE Even as I dreamed my faint infirmities Gave warrant that I rest, so your brave selves Perchance have dreamt that those most gallant toils Wherefrom ye are returned were all that God Had need for from you. Yet we both together Must fight this one fight more, for His sweet sake Who would not have His Christmas dawn anew Dimmed here with misty warfare. Tonic steel Nerves once again my sinews, till your own Scarce knot them stouter; and mine age-bleared eyes Turn eagle's as they sink their vision deep In those infinities of quivering light That swim before the piuposes of God. She that was erst my comfort here below Kneels by His throne, to guard his ear against Distracting prayers from other, lesser saints, Proving our loss our blessing. That lewd boy. Our only craven, hath been plucked away Both from our hearts and presence. So our arms, Sure in the certainty of heavenly right, Shall find their strength full trebled when they lift Its power against aggression. THE THIRD CKUSADER, swiftly entering Philip, sir. Prepares him to enforce his claim. THE THIRD PART 133 THE SECOND CRUSADER Why, then His henchman shall go hang. CONRAD Stop! — Guard the stair! — And let us, ere we lift a single hand To enforce our justice, bend our reverent heads Before the God of Battles. — To your knees! So all kneel them down. Divine Protector of Eternal Right, Have mercy on their souls, whose lives this hour Of combat shall unbody. By Thy side Kneels now our sainted lady. Let her voice. Low, sweet, and clear, — even as these quavering notes That rise from earth sound harsh, — pray that Thou keep Us pure of heart throughout this trial to come; So whatsoever means the Mystery Of Thine unbounded might shall take to uncoil The perils that environ us, not one Among us shall breathe any lesser prayer Than that we learned of Thee — Thy will be done. And thereupon all bow their heads, and the choir sings a little while. And when the singing is done, certain Cru- saders gather about Philip's Messenger, threatening. THE FIRST CRUSADER Now, ere we press us forward, give us leave To work God's will upon this prisoner, 134 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE Who tricked us with his parley. CONEAD Even so. — Sirrah, thy time is come. THE MESSENGEK Do what ye will, Ye cannot quell my soul. Beguiling you, I did my duty. CONRAD Hang him ! So they lay hands an the Messenger, to hang him. But just then there is a contused noise about the door, and pres- ently, through the press, Walter, armed, forces his way, thrusting aside them that would prevent him. WALTER Stay your hands ! So they that hold the Messenger give way for a moment; and in the confusion, the Messenger escapes. Whereupon the Crusaders gather threatening about Walter. But them, too, he thrusts aside, saying. Come, give me way! And so he is before Conrad, where he kneels him down. Dear father, here I kneel To crave unearned indulgence. CONRAD Craven boy. THE THIRD PART 135 Now thy misdeeds have stirred this tempest up Fleest thou to us for shelter? WALTER, rising' Nay, I come To purge myself of that unworthiness Mine eyes were blind to when the dazzling rays Of dalliance danced before them. — Deal with me As with the Prodigal that sire of old Who took his wanderer back, and thou shalt find me Still thine own son, and hers in whose dear name I pray this mercy. THE JESTEE Father, my poor folly Doth seem to hear in these unwonted words An answer to the prayer thou didst breathe out A little while ago. CONRAD Can thy heart so rise That thou wouldst fight beside us, child? WALTER My heart Rises so far the higher that, if thou Wilt grant the boon, I offer here myself Champion for thee and all these gallant men Who, while I idled, toiled. 136 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE THE THIRD CRUSADER This may not be ! THE SECOND CRUSADER We who have toiled have right to toil us on. Where honour is to win ! THE FIRST CRUSADER Now God forbid That you forget how this unreverent youth Stirred up these storms that vex our Christmas-tide, Not only dallying, but renouncing Him Who gave His life for ours. WALTER, hmelmg him down once more For the which Here, on my knees, I crave the pardon both Of ye who heard me rave, and more of Him, The First great Champion of all mankind. And so he rises up again. For when I marked the flood of Philip's force Eddy about our walls, another flood Unseen washed clear my soul. And I remembered What my dear mother taught in years gone by. When I was still a little simple boy. THE JESTER Father, she sendeth answer to thy prayer. THE THIRD PART 137 WALTEE For she would bid me strive to do for mine Even as He hath done for all. — And thus I knew His face at last. And thereupon I made my way through Philip's mailed men Unto his presence, where I pleaded with him That ere the Christmas morning gladden earth With peace and all good-will, he should draw back His armed claim, trusting his cause alone To such stout champions as he should choose To match their skill with mine. And noble Philip Will grant that boon if but thy mercy will Grant me that in thy presence here I fight With two in turn, and conquer. CONRAD Gentlemen, Ye have heard this weakling boy essay to undo His mischiefs. Tell me if ye are content To trust yourselves to me. THE FIRST CRUSADER Ay, even as Our fathers and their fathers trusted them To you and yours. CONRAD Truly, I cannot teU Whether mine age stays wise. But as the hours 138 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE Fleet on that bring the Christmas dawn apace, They quicken in my heart a mood that deadens All hot desire of bloodshed. If this boy Shall win his double fight, all shall have peace. And if he fall, and with him all my claim To lordship, why, there is none but he and I Shall suffer. To the rest comes either way The Christmas peace ye toiled for. THE FIRST CRUSADER Honoured Conrad, Think not we shall forsake you. CONRAD Good lieutenant. Ye have trusted you to me. — So I give judgment. — Walter, as in the wondrous days of old The hosts of Saul set all their chances on That shepherd's sling from whose anointed race Our Saviour sprang, so now I trust ourselves To thine untested arms. — And to the Lord I turn me once again, uttering His prayer — Thy Will be done! THE CRUSADERS Amen! WALTER Father, I give Exultant thanks to God. THE THIRD PART 139 THE HERALD, hy the door The champion Of Philip waits without. CONRAD Summon him in. So they usher in the Champion of Philip, who advances, fol- lowed by certain supporters. And having saluted the com- pany, he speaks: THE CHAMPION Here stand I, Geoffrey, Philip's champion. Come to maintain against young Walter, son Of Conrad, all the claims my master hath Upon these lordships. So I here await The signal to begin. WALTER And here stand I, Walter, the son of Conrad, ready to Defend against this Geoffrey, champion Of Philip, all those rights which from of old Prove Philip's claims unrighteous. So, like Geofirey, I here await the signal to begin. CONRAD Bid them set on. THE HERALD Now God defend the right ! 140 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE So Walter and the Champion engage; and presently after ajierce bout, Walter has him down. THE CHAMPION O, I am slain! And thereupon the Crusaders raise a joy fid shout. THE JESTER Father, the hon's cub Proveth himself a lion. And now, as amid conftision they that came with the Cham- pion bear him out, Walter is seen to reel. Whereat the Crusaders murmur, anxious. CONRAD Walter, art Thou hurt? WALTER Why, thinkest thou, father, men can fight Good fights unscarred? I bleed. CONRAD My son ! My son ! Thou art indeed the son I dreamed should be The courage of mine age. A trumpet soimdsjrom without. WALTER Dear father, though My body faint, thou, looking in mine eyes, — As thou wast wont to do when long ago THE THIRD PART 141 I sat upon thy knee, — shalt see my spirit Dreads not this fresh encounter. THE FIRST CRUSADER Let me take His place ! THE SECOND CRUSADER Let me ! — Thou art old ! THE THIRD CRUSADER Let me ! — This boy Is hurt beyond his strength ! WALTER Nay, gentlemen, Still trust yourselves to me. It takes much blood To pay for basking idle in the sun. The sin was mine, not yours; the debt is mine; And I will pay it. THE HERALD Philip, noble sir. Advances now his second champion. THE SECOND CRUSADER Bring wine! THE FIRST CRUSADER Bring water! — Walter reels with faintness! WALTER O, let not any liquors of this world 142 A CHRISTMAS MASQUE Profane me now. But, father, let me kneel Once more before thee. Rest thy reverend hand In blessing on my head; and if thou deign Give that refreshment which my soul most craves Beyond all else, advance again that image I once disdained, of Him who gave His life For all mankind. So Conrad signs to him that bears the Cross, who presently advances. And as Walter kneels before it, adoring, Conrad lays his hand on Walter'' s head tenderly. CONRAD God's blessing on thee, child. THE HERALD, at the door Make way for Philip's second Champion ! Then, instead of the trumpet, which announced the first Cham- pion, is heard the sound of a harp. To the which gentle music, as the company part, to maJce way for the new Champion to advance, there enters a little Child, robed in white, and bearing a casket, whereon rests a sprig of olive. And to the harp-music the little Child timidly advances to Conrad, saying no word, but looking up trustfully at last, and so offers him the casket. The which Conrad takes, in wonder; and opening it, draws forth a scroll. CONRAD Mine eyes are dim with age, I cannot read The message writ here. Walter, who shalt be Myself again when I am gone, I pray thee Be now myself a little while, and read. THE THIRD PART 143 WALTEE Alas, dear father, all the world doth reel Before mine eyes; I cannot see to read. THE JESTEE Why, then there is nothing left but that you give The scroll to me. For these fair gentlemen Who press about us are not learned clerks Like you — and me. So he takes the scroll and reads. "Philip doth send to Conrad A Christmas greeting of good- will and peace. — Forasmuch as the gallant deed of young Walter hath proved him beyond peradventure so fit for his heirship, let us agree that from this Christmas dawn all feud between us shall die. And let that death of enmity be the last death wrought in our quarrels ; for thus shall we serve God best." TTien turning to the company, the Jester speaks on. Now even as at night I came to you like one falling from Heaven to earth, so now as the morning beginneth to glow I soar before you like one rising back from earth toward Heaven. Therefore it is fit that I speak you all your Christ- mas greeting: Glory to the Lord on High; and on earth Peace, Good- will towards men. — And so, let the music swell. And thereupon the singers begin their last chant. And when this is finished, the company part, however they wUl. And so all ends. i Si tll"i( I Mm ■ ' 1. BiiLmit'ii