43&1- 
 
 mS'lmi 
 
CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 FROM 
 
 The 7-B§r Shelf 
 
PR4964.M C 5l2 e i" 1 U 9 i 22 Si,yLibrary 
 
I| Cornell University 
 9 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013519859 
 
IF I WERE KING 
 
 A ROMANTIC PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 
 
 BY 
 
 JUSTIN HUNTLY McCARTHY 
 
 **** 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH 
 
 Publisher 
 25 WEST 45th STREET 
 
 LONDON 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. 
 
 Publishers 
 
 26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET 
 
 STRAND, W.C. 2 
 
Golden Days 
 
 ri. comedy of youth, in four acts, by Sidney Toler and Marion Short. 
 7 males, 'ltPfemales. Three interior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 
 2 l / 2 hours, ^sjj 
 
 "Golden Days" is a play with all the qharm of youth. It enjoyed a 
 run of sixteen weeks in Chicago with Patricia Collinge in the leading 
 role, and was then brought to the Gaiety Theatre, New York, with Helen 
 Hayes in the part of "Mary Anne." Price, 75 cents 
 
 \ 
 Come tDut of tire Kitchen 
 
 A charming comedy in 3 acts, adapted by A. E. Thomas from the 
 story of the same name by Alice Duer Miller. 6 males, S females. 
 Three interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Plays 2J^ hours. 
 
 "Come Out of the Kitchen," with Ruth Chatterton in the leading role, 
 made a notable success on its production by Henry Miller at the Cohan 
 Theatre, New York. It was also a great success at the Strand Theatre, 
 London. A most ingenious and entertaining comedy, and we strongly 
 recommend it for amateur production. Price, 75 cents 
 
 His Majesty Bunker Bean 
 
 A farcical comedy in four acts. By Lee Wilson Dodd, from the 
 novel by Harry Leon Wilson. 12 males, 6 females. Four interior 
 scenes. Costumes, modern. Plays 2J4 hours. Those who have laughed 
 immoderately at Harry Leon Wilson's story will be greatly" amused by 
 the play, which tells the story of a cowed and credulous youth who 
 became kingly when he was tricked into believing himself a -reincarnation 
 of Napoleon. "His Majesty Bunker Bean," with Taylor Holmes in the 
 title role, was brought to the Astor Theatre, New York, after a run of 
 25 weeks in Chicago. A delightful and wholesome farce comedy with 
 no dull moments. Price, 75 cents 
 
 A Full House 
 
 A farcical comedy in three acts. By Fred Jackson. 7 males, 7 
 females. One interior scene. Modern costumes. Plays 2V 2 hours. This 
 newest and funniest of all farces was written by Fred Jackson, the well- 
 known short story writer, and is backed up by the prestige of an im- 
 pressive New York success and. the promise of unlimited fun presented 
 in the most attractive form. -A cleverer farce has not been seen tor 
 many a long day. "A Full House" is a house full of laughs. 
 
 Price, 75 cents 
 
 (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 25 West 45th Street, New York City 
 Our New Descriptive Catalogue Sent Free on Request 
 
IF I WERE KING 
 
A7 
 
 IF I WERE KING 
 
 All rights reserved 
 
 Especial notice should be taken that the possession of 
 this book without a valid contract for production first 
 having been obtained from the publisher, confers no right 
 or license to professionals or amateurs to produce the play 
 publicity or in private for gain or charity. 
 
 In its present form this play is dedicated to the reading 
 public only, and no performance, representation, produc- 
 tion, recitation, or public reading, or radio broadcasting 
 may be given except by special arrangement with Samuel 
 French at 25 West 45th Street, New York, or at 811 West 
 7th Street, Los Angeles, Calif. 
 
 This play may be presented by amateurs upon payment 
 of a royalty of Seventy-five Dollars for each performance, 
 payable to Samuel French at 25 West 45th Street, New 
 York, one week before the date when the play is given, or 
 811 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, Calif. 
 
 It is strictly forbidden to use or advertise in any way any 
 of the music from "The Vagabond King" in connection with 
 any production of the play "If I Were King." 
 
 Whenever the play is produced the following notice must 
 appear on all programs, printing and advertising for the 
 play: "Produced by special arrangement with Samuel 
 French." 
 
 Attention is called to the penalty provided by law for 
 any infringement of the author's rights, as follows : 
 
 "Section 4966: — Any person publicly performing or rep- 
 resenting any dramatic or musical composition for which 
 copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the 
 proprietor of said dramatic or musical composition, or his 
 heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages thereof, such 
 damages, in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less 
 than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for 
 every subsequent performance, as to the court shall appear 
 to be just. If the unlawful performance and representation 
 be wilful and for profit, such person or persons shall be 
 guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be im- 
 prisoned for a period not exceeding one year." — U. S. 
 Revised Statutes : Title 60, Chap, 3. 
 
 Printed in the United States of America 
 
IF I WERE KING 
 
 Produced on August 30th, 1902, at the St. James's Theatre, 
 London, with the following cast of Characters: — 
 
 Francois Villon ..... George Alexander. 
 
 Louis XI Charles Fulton. 
 
 Tristan l'Hermitb Alfred Brydone. 
 
 Olivier le Dain E. Vivian Reynolds. 
 
 Thibaut d'Aussigny E. Lyall Swete. 
 
 Noel le Jolys ...... Henry Ainley. 
 
 Bene de Montigny ..... Herbert Dansey. 
 
 Guy Tabarie W. R. Staveley. 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx H. Carter Bligh. 
 
 Jehan le Loup Arthur Machen. 
 
 Casin Cholet G. A. Seager. 
 
 Robin Turois Richard Dalton. 
 
 Trois Eohelles Percy Jackson. 
 
 Petit Jean . ... . Charles Lindley. 
 
 Toison d'Or, the Burgundian Herald . Ernest Griffin. 
 
 Montjoye, the French Herald . . . H. R. Hignett. 
 
 An Astrologer B. Fairchugh. 
 
 Captain op the Watoh . . , . F . Henderson. 
 
 Katherinx de Vaucellbb ... Julie Opp. 
 
 Mother Villon Bessie Page. 
 
 Huguette du Hamel .... Suzanne Sheldon. 
 
 Jehanneton le Belle Heaulmieee . . Auriol Lee. 
 
 Blanche May Saker. 
 
 Guillemettb .... Dorothy Scott. 
 
 Isabeau . .... JeanMackinlay. 
 
 Denise , . . . . . Beatrice Beckley. 
 
 Tax Queen . . . Margaret Caskie. 
 
ACT L 
 
 The Tavebb. 
 Night. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 The Gardes. 
 Noon. 
 
 ACT IIL 
 
 Ihe Masquh. 
 Evening. 
 
 ACT rv. 
 
 The Gibbet. 
 AforntNf. 
 
§ 
 
ACT L 
 
 The scene is the interior of the tavern of the Fir Cone, a large raftered room 
 that looks snug and comfortable in a somewhat sordid way. A wooden 
 gallery rising from a stair up r. runs along the back wall, ending in 
 a door to l. Door at turn of stair e.u.e. The main door of the inn 
 is centre, with small recessed window on left side, curtained with 
 brown curtains. At right down stage is small table with two stools. 
 Door r.i.e. At left down stage a fireplace with a large high-backed 
 settle in front of it. At l.u.e. is the entrance to Robin's quarters, 
 visible over a half-door. Barrels of wine, flagons, pipkins, and 
 all the appurtenances of a tavern of the time. Cellar door L.I.E. 
 At l. up stage is a table with stools around it. 
 
 When the curtain rises a group of gaily-dressed women and ruffianly 
 men are clustered around the table'L.u.E. drinking and dicing. The 
 men are Rene de Montigny sitting on stool 7, Guy Tabarie stand- 
 ing on the r. of stool 1, Colin de Cayeulx standing at the l. end 
 of the settle, Jehan le Loup sitting on stool 4 and Cabin 
 Cholet asleep on settle 11. The women are Huguette du Hamel 
 sitting on the table, Jehanneton la Belle Heaulmiere sitting 
 on stool 6, Blanche sitting on stool 3, Guillemette sitting on 
 stool 5, Isabeau sitting on stool 8, and Denise sitting on stool 1. 
 Huguette is dressed as a man. She is sitting on the table reciting : 
 laughter before and during rise of curtain. Robin Turgis, the land- 
 lord, shutting r. door, goes down to R. table to straighten up tuo. 
 
 Huguette. Daughters of Pleasure, one and all, 
 
 (To Denise). Of form and features delicate, 
 (To Isabeau). Of bodies slim and bosoms small, 
 
 With feet and fingers white and straight; 
 Your eyes are bright, your grace is great 
 
 To hold your lovers' hearts in thrall; 
 Use your red lips before too late, 
 
 Love ere love flies beyond recall. 
 
 (Throws kiss to Robin, who is down r.o. and picks up cards.) 
 
 All Ah' 
 
 Rene de Montigny (sitting at table). Devilkh good advice, 
 dollies I 
 
10 IF I WERE KING. [Act 1. 
 
 {During (he following Robin takes two mugs off table and goes up B.C., 
 and hat business at cupboard.) 
 
 Huguetth (commences reciting again). 
 (To Isabeau). For soon the golden hair is grey, 
 
 (Some toy " Oh " quietly.) 
 
 And all the body's lovely line 
 In wrinkled meanness slipped astray ; 
 (To Guillemette). Your limbs (smacking Guillemette's 
 shoulder, who is about to drink. She puts down cup after the 
 smack) so round and ripe and fine 
 
 Shrivelled and withered ; quenched the shine 
 
 That made your eyes as bright as day; 
 So, ladies, hear these words of mine, 
 Love ere love flutters far away. 
 All. Oh I 
 
 Denise (head on Huguette's knee). Enne. What a sad song, 
 Abbess 1 (Got Tabarie gives her his mug of drink.) 
 
 Huguette. Master Francois Villon made it for me t'other day 
 when I was teasing him. " You will grow old, Idol," he said, and 
 he made that song for me. And I tell it to you to teach you true 
 things. 
 Gut Tabarie (rising). Kiss me and forget it. 
 
 (dutches at her and takes Huguette's hands : she throws him off 
 to Denise, who catches him and sits him at table.) 
 
 Hdquette (jumping off table). I bave no kisses for any Jack 
 of you all but Francois. (All laugh.) 
 Colin de Cayeulx (standing by table). Well done, Virtue I 
 Jehan de Loup (rising on to stool). Hail, Nonpareil 1 
 Huouette (going up towards table and sitting). There's no one 
 of you can make songs like him (Isabeau ridicules Hcguette) or 
 make one sad as he can in the midst of gladness. 
 
 Jehan le Loup (still on stool). A mad reason for loving a man 
 that he makes you sad. 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx (pulling Jehan le Loup off stool and standing 
 in his place). Is this a Court of Love ? We're here for drinking. 
 There are other rooms for love-making. 
 Rene de Montigny. Where is our good Francois ! 
 Huguette. I have not seen him these two days I 
 Guy Tabarie (rising from stool comes down stage and hands pitcher to 
 Robin, the landlord, who is up r.o. and who comes to take it.) 
 Well, the place is quieter without him. He makes more noise 
 than the Burgundians. The pitcher's empty. Wine, Bluffer ! (All 
 shout " Wine," " Red Wine," " White Wine." Robin gets wine from 
 up b.o. barrel. Blanche gets cards from table and plays at window- 
 seat with Jehan lb Loup.) 
 
Act I.] IF I WERE KINO. U 
 
 (Out Tabarib return* to the table. AU movement but no noise. 
 The door O. open* softly and Tristan l'Hermitb comes down 
 stage. Tristan looks curiously round, then he returns to outside 
 door and speaks.) 
 
 Tristan. Oome In, messire. 
 
 (Louis XI enters. Tristan shuts door after entrance and comcf 
 down L. of Louis. Both are very quietly dressed like decent bur- 
 gesses of the -poorer kind, in dark colours. Rohin goes to L. with 
 wine for Guy Tabarie after entrance. Guy Tabarib pours out 
 wine for all. Both the new-comers conceal their faces as much as 
 possible.) 
 
 Louis (r.o.). Is this the eyrie t 
 
 Tristan (c). This is the Fir Cone tavern. 
 
 (Louis tils at table down stage b. on the L. side of it. Tristan goes 
 behind table to r. of it after Louis sits.) 
 
 Louis {sitting). I suppose we must take something for the good 
 of the house, gossip Tristan. 
 
 Tristan [standing up). Indispensable, messire — here comes the 
 host. 
 
 Louis. . I will board him. Master Taverner, you see hero two 
 decent cits who have turned a penny or twain in a bargain, and 
 would drown it if you have something to drink that is good alike 
 for purse and palate. 
 
 Robin (a). We have a white wine of Beaune, sir, which is 
 noble drinking. 
 
 Tristan. Bring it. 
 
 (Robin retires up r.o. to cupboard.) 
 
 Louis. You are free with other men's pennies, friend. 
 Tristan. I wear out my hands and feet in your service, but I 
 wish to save my throat and stomach. 
 
 (Louis grunts and fumbles in his purse. Robin brings wine from 
 cupboard and puts it on the table.) 
 
 Louis (paying). Thank you, friend. (Robin comes round l. of 
 Louis murmuring.) Well ? 
 
 Tristan. Give him a penny for himself. 
 
 Louis {reluctantly). Oh ! (Does so.) (Robin retires up o. and 
 shows coin to crowd. They laugh. Then goes to cupboard r. Louis 
 drinks.) This is seeing life, friend Tristan. 
 
 Tristan. Let's hope it mayn't be seeing death, friend Louis. 
 There are a couple of rogues in that covey who would spit you or 
 split you or slit you for the price of a drink. 
 
 Louis. Gossip Tristan, there is at my Court a scholar who told 
 me an Eastern tale. (Guy Tabarie rises and bus. of telling story 
 
1« IF I WERE KINO. _Aar U 
 
 at table. Blanche and Jbhan db Loop come from window to hear 
 story. Blanche sits o., corner of table. Jehan db Loop standi 
 back of table.) 
 Tristan. Pray God it be a gay one such as youi Majesty loves I 
 Loots. (Quickly.) Hush, man ! No " Majesty " here. 'Tis 
 of an Eastern king — one Haroun, mirnamed, as I shall be sumamed, 
 " The Just." (Snort from Tristan.) It was his pastime to go 
 about Bagdad of nights in disguise, and mingling with his people, 
 thus learn much to the welfare of the realm. I am following his 
 example, and I expect to learn much. (Exit Robin to cellar, crossing 
 from r. up stage with jug.) 
 
 Tristan (gruffly). You are likely to learn how unpopular you 
 are. 
 
 Loots. Tou are always a bird of evil omen. Be bright, man I 
 Look at me. The Burgundian leaguer is at my gates ; my throne 
 sways like a rocking chair, yet I don't pull a sad face.' The stars 
 promise succour, and I dreamed a dream last night that filled my 
 heart with lightness. 
 Tristan. Dreams and stars ! Stars and dreams I 
 Loots. I dreamed that I was a swine rooting in the streets of 
 Paris, and that I found a pearl of great price in the gutter. I took 
 it and placed it in my crown, where it shone so brightly that it 
 filled all Paris with its light. 
 Tristan. A pig with a crown ! A tavern sign I 
 Louis. But it made my crown so heavy for my brow that I 
 plucked the pearl from its place and flung it to the ground, and 
 would have trod on it, when a star fell from Heaven and stayed me, 
 and I awoke trembling. 
 
 (Guy Tabarie comes to the end of his story. Laugh at table from all.) 
 
 Tristan. Leave dreams to weaklings, sire. 
 
 Louis. Don't preach but instruct. Who are these people ? 
 
 Tristan. Some of the worst cats and rats in all Paris. The 
 men belong to a fellowship that is called the Company of the Cockle- 
 shells, and babble a cant of their own that baffles the thief- takers. 
 (During this sentence Isabeau upsets Huguette's cards. Huguette 
 rises, gets away from table to o. and threatens Isabeau. Rene db 
 Montigny rises and intercedes. Guy Tabarie beckons her to return.) 
 The- women are trulls. Yonder she-thing in the man's habit is 
 Huguette dw Hamel, whom they call the Abbess for her nunnery of 
 light o' loves. (Jehanneton rises, sees Casin Cholet asleep, tells 
 Rene de Montigny, who pours wine over him from back of settle.) 
 
 Louis. She shall be reproved hereafter. 
 
 (Jehanneton disturbs Cabin Cholet at l. end of settle.) 
 
 Tristan. Yonder fellow in the purple jerkin is Rene 1 de Montigny, 
 of gentle birth and a great breaker of commandments. (Movement 
 from Casin Cholet.) But »t would waste my breath and youi 
 
Act L] IF I WERE KING. IS 
 
 patience to tell them all over. Bullies, wantons, thieves, murderers 
 — to enumerate their offences is to say the Decalogue backwards. 
 
 Louis. You have a pithy humour, Tristan. Our gallows shall 
 be busy anon. 
 
 Tristan (rising and looking at l. table). I miss one rogue from the 
 gallery, a fellow named Francois Villon, who is easily their leader. 
 The strangest knave in all Paris — scholar, poet, drinker, drabber, 
 blabber, good at pen, point, and pitcher. In the Court of Miracles 
 they call him the King of the Cockleshells. 
 
 (The voice of Francois Villon is heard singing outside o. Robin 
 
 returns.) 
 
 Villon (outside, sings). Since I have left the prison gate 
 
 (Jehan le Loup, Blanche, Colin de Cayeulx look out of window.) 
 
 Huouette (rises). (Springing up and to c, down a little.) It 
 is the voice of Francois. 
 
 (Isabeau comes round to settle and wakes up Casin Cholet. They 
 both stand l.o. waiting for Villon's entrance.) 
 
 Villon. Where I came near to say good-bye — 
 Rene de Montigny. His own unutterable pipe I 
 Villon. To this poor life that needs must fly — 
 All (rising). Francois ! Francois I 
 
 (Huguette rushes to door and Guy Tabarie pulls her away.) 
 
 Villon. From the malignity of Fate — 
 
 (Huguette and Guy Tabarie get r.o. before Villon enters. Rene 
 de Montigny and Isabeau come to l. of Mm.) 
 
 Robin. Here is the devil out of hell again (sits on settle l.o. after 
 taking keys out of door). 
 Villon. Perchance she now will pass me by — 
 Tristan, (sitting). The very Villon I spoke of. 
 Villon. Since I have left the prison gate. 
 
 (With last line of song the door o. is flung open and Francois Villon 
 stands framed in the opening. He is picturesquely ragged, in patched 
 and faded finery of many colours ; his tattered cloak is tilted by a 
 sword ; in his belt is thrust a small parchment ; a cock's feather is 
 stuck in his cap. He has a small beard, and his hair is long and 
 unkempt. At entrance all shout " Francois." Rene de Montigny 
 shuts the door after his entrance. Huguette is on his r.) 
 
 Villon. Well, hearts of gold ! How are ye ? Did ye miss me, 
 lads (to Guy Tabarie, taking hand) ; did ye miss me, lasses ? (Isabhau 
 embraces him.) 
 
 Huguette (pushing Isabeau away). Surely I missed yon, 
 Francois. (She throws her arms about him.) 
 
 (Cabin Cholet soothes Isabeau and takes Iter up m.a) 
 
U IF I WERE KING. [Act L 
 
 Villon. Very well, very well ! (Extricates himself gently from 
 her arms ; moving to l.) Give me a wash of wine, for my throat's 
 parched with piping. (Getting down h. a little. The crowd go up 
 for wine.) 
 
 Guv Tababie (offering cup from b.o.). Drink of my cup, Fran- 
 cois. 
 
 Colin dx Gayeulx (coming l.c). Of mine. 
 
 Villon (putting them aside). Nay, I will have my own. Have 
 we no landlord here ? Master Robin, come hither ! (Robin comes 
 forward l.o. Villon down c.) Why do you not salute gentry when 
 they honour your pothouse ? (Knocking Robin's cap off to crowd 
 at back who play with it.) A mug of your best Beaune, Master 
 Beggar-maker, to drink damnation to the Burgundians. 
 
 (Turns to Huouettb, who is on his r., and embraces her.) 
 
 Robin (l.0.). What colour has money nowadays, Master Fran- 
 cois ! 
 
 Villon (turning quickly. Clapping hand to dagger and murmur- 
 ing " What colour has money ? " Huouettb stops Villon's action.) 
 The colour of blood sometimes. 
 
 (Casin Cholet sits on settle.) 
 
 Robin. None of your swaggering, Master Francois. We have 
 a new king, and there should be a new king's name on the coinage. 
 Show me a Louis XI and I will show you my Beaune wine. (Villon 
 repeats " Show you a Louis XI " and makes for Robin but is stopped 
 by Huouettb.) 
 
 Louis. Let me do so much for you, sir 1 (To Villon, who bows 
 and star** at him in surprise. Long pause during bowing.) Will 
 you honour me by drinking at my expense ? 
 
 (Huouettb runs and sits on arm of settle.) 
 
 Villon (crossing to King), "u are a civil stranger and I will 
 so far honour you. I left my purse under my pillow this morning 
 (Laughter of 'Villon's friends. Villon repeats " Under my pillow.") 
 and this ungentle fellow denies me credit. How rarely we meet with 
 an ale-draper who is also a gentleman 1 
 
 Louis. My host, a flagon of our best I 
 
 (Robin advances. Louis tenders coin, which Villon intercepts q 
 Villon takes coin : Robin goes back to o. disgusted.) 
 
 Villon. Allow me ; and is this the new king's counter f (Sur- 
 veying coin.) Well, God bless his Majesty, say I, for I owe him my 
 present liberty. There was a gaol clearing when he came to Paris, 
 and as I happened to be in gaol at the time— through an erroi of 
 the law — (Laughter from Villon's friends. Villon repeats " Through 
 an error of the law ") — they were good enough to kick me out into the 
 free air. (Hugubttb gets off settle and goes to Jehan lb Loup sitting 
 on stool by table.) Will you add to your kindness, old gentleman, by 
 
Aot L] IF I WERE KING. 15 
 
 •flowing me to keep this token of our dear monarch in memory of 
 the event t 
 
 (Moves up to table, showing coin to others and putting it in pouch.) 
 
 Louis (with a wry face). By all means ! 
 
 (Beckons to host, who crosses to Louis as Villon goes up with com to 
 table. The crowd are all interested in it. Guy Tababie and 
 Huguette are r. of Villon and watch him put it in pouch. Louis 
 gives Robin another coin, who then moves up to cupboard B.o.) 
 
 Tristan (grimly to himself). Master Villon, you'll be sorry for 
 this! 
 
 Villon (crossing to Louis and on hit way meeting Robin with wine 
 which he has got from cupboard). Tou are a very obliging old 
 gentleman. 
 
 Louis. You harp on my age, sir. Tou are yourself no chicken. 
 
 Huouette (coming down l. from up a.). What's his age to you. 
 Sober-sides 1 
 
 Casin Cholet (rushing from l.o. and drawing sword). Lend the 
 cit a clip of the ear. 
 
 Villon (turning to others, bottle and cup in hand). Patience, dam- 
 sels, patience, good comrades of the Cockleshell. If our friend is 
 inquisitive, at least he has paid his fee. (Villon stops rush from l. 
 Robin who is now r.o. stops Rene de Montiony, Blanche, Isabeau, 
 Jehan le Loup and Denise, who rush toward Louis with menace. 
 They get back to old positions. Draping cloak around him, Villon 
 drinks and gives bottle to Huguette. Gives mug to Blanche. 
 Huguette takes bottle and fills Casin Cholet's cup.) For three and 
 thirty years I have taken toll of life, with such result as you see. 
 A light pocket is a plague, but a light heart and a light love make 
 amends for much. 
 
 (Turns to Huguette and embraces her.) 
 
 Louis. You are a philosopher ! 
 
 Huguette (hugging him). You are a little angel I 
 
 Villon (releasing himself and moving her over to his B.). Gently, 
 
 Abbess, gently ! (Grossing to C.) My shoulders tingle and my sides 
 
 ache too sorely for claspings. 
 
 (Moves down to l. a little. Robin sit* b. on form.) 
 
 Rene de Montignt (from up l.o.). What ails you ? 
 
 Villon (walking up stage). You behold me, friends, a victim of 
 love. (AU laugh.) 
 
 Huguette (advancing on him L.o.). What do you say ? (Busi- 
 ness with bottle as if going to strike him. Action stopped by Guy 
 Tabarie. ) 
 
 Villon (waving her down). Hush, hush, my girl t there are many 
 In nds of love, as you ought to know well enough. I am a rogue and 
 
W IF I WERE KINO. [Aor I. 
 
 a vagabond, and bo sometimes I love you (throwing kits to Huouette) 
 and other such Athanasian wenches, Isabeau there (pointing to her 
 on table) and Jehanneton (kissing her : she is-sfUvng on stool by settle). 
 Huguette (mowing towards them). Toti minxes, do you make 
 eyes at my man 1 
 
 (Business with bottle. Huguette makes for Jehanneton from 
 down r.c. Villon intercepts and turns her away to L. Hugu- 
 ettb gives jug to Cabin Cholet, who goes up l., drinking out of 
 it. Huguette comes l.o.) 
 
 Villon. But also I am, Heaven forgive me I a jingler of rhymes, 
 with the stars for my candles and the roses for my toys, and we 
 singers of songs sometimes love in another fashion. And so it 
 chanced to me for my sins and to my sorrow. 
 
 Huguette (l.o.). Cry baby. 
 
 Jehanneton (approaching o. from seat). Tell us what has hap- 
 pened. 
 
 (Huguette draws her away from Villon to l. Jehanneton has 
 mug in her hand. Blanche, Guy Tabarie and Jehan de Loup 
 move towards Villon approvingly.) 
 
 Louis. May I support the lady's prayer ? — unless a stranger's 
 presence distresses you. 
 
 Villon (to Louis, c, back to audience). Lord love you, no 1 
 I have long since forgotten reticence, and will talk of my empty 
 purse, my empty belly, and my empty heart to any man. Gather 
 round me, cullions and cutpurses, and listen to the strange adventure 
 of Master Francois Villon, clerk, of Paris. 
 
 (Villon seats himself on an empty barrel, which Guy Tabarie rods 
 across for him, with his legs crossed and holding his sword across his 
 knee. His friends group around him. Denise brings down jug 
 to Huguette. Guillemette brings stool whicl. Huguette takes 
 away. Casin Cholet brings Guillemette a stool. Denise 
 brings stool for Jehan de Loup. Isabeau brings mug to r.o. and 
 Rene de Montigny brings stool for her and sets it at head of 
 table r. Blanche brings stool for herself. Jehanneton has 
 mug and sits on floor o. Rene de Montigny brings stool forward 
 and stands r. of Villon, Isabeau on stool. Jehanneton lies on 
 (he floor, rests her face on her hands and looks up at Villon.) 
 
 Louis (speaking behind his hand). A diverting fellow I 
 Tristan. A dull ape I 
 
 (The positions of the characters art :— 
 
 Tristan seated r. of table m. 
 
 Isabeau seated head of table r. 
 
 Rene de Montigny standing behind Isabeau. 
 
Act JU] IP I WERE KINO. 17 
 
 Louis seated l. 0/ table b. 
 
 Villon seated cm barrel o., slightly r.o. 
 
 Hugdette sealed on stool on Villon's left. 
 
 Guy Tabarie with jug standing behind Huguette. 
 
 Jehan lb Loup seated on stool left of Huguette. 
 
 Denise sitting on his knee. 
 
 Colin standing on their left. 
 
 Blanche seated on stool on left of them but further down stage. 
 
 Gcillemette further left and still further down stage. 
 
 Cabin Cholet sitting on floor in front of Guillemettb. 
 
 Jbhanneton as indicated above. 
 
 Robin up l.o. by table.) 
 
 Villon (tossing hat on r. table). You must know, dear devils 
 and ever-beautiful blowens (to Huguette), that three days ago, 
 when I was lying in the kennel, which is my humour, and staring 
 at the sky, which is my recreation (look from Louis. To Louis.) — I 
 speak, sir, but in parable or allegory, a dear device with the school- 
 men — 1 saw between me and heaven the face of a lady, the loveliest 
 face I ever saw. 
 
 Huguette. You are a faithless pig t 
 
 (Sniffling. Isabeau laughs at Huguette.) 
 (During following Robin comes round from up l.o. and sits on settle.) 
 
 Villon (unheeding her). She was going to church — God shield 
 her I — but she looked my way as she passed, and though she saw 
 me no more than she saw the cobble-stone I stood on, I saw her 
 once and for ever. We song-chandlers babble a deal of love, but 
 for the most part we know little or nothing about it, and when it 
 comes it knocks us silly. (Guy Tabarie jerks Villon from back.) 
 I was knocked so silly that— (long pause) — well, what do you think 
 was the silly thing I did ? {To Jehanneion). 
 
 Rene de Montigny. Emptied a can for oblivion ? 
 
 Blanche. Kissed a wench for the same purpose. The times 
 that I've been wooed out of my name. 
 
 Cabin Cholet. Picked the woman's pocket ! 
 
 Jehan le Loup. Got near her in the crowd and pinched her ! 
 
 Villon. La, la, la I Sillier than all these. I followed her 
 into the church. 
 
 All. Oh f 
 
 Colin de Cayeulz. Whew I (Whistling.) 
 
 Louis (crossing himself repeatedly under hit gown). Yon are not 
 * church-goer, sir ? 
 
 Villon. No, old qneernabs, unless there's a pretty girl to follow. 
 (Huguette snaps fingers at Villon.) 
 
 Guy Tabarie (mock seriousness). Fie, fie I you'll shook this smug 
 citizen. 
 
 Villon. Nonsense I This good cuffin (leaning forward and slapping 
 
 B 
 
18 IF I WERE KINO. [Aot I 
 
 Loots on the back) has a friendly face {smack) and can take a joke 
 (smack). Can't you, old rabbit ? (Kicking him with foot.) 
 
 Louis. I thank Heaven I have a sense of humour. 
 
 Villon. Well, I sprawled there in the dark, with my knees on 
 the cold ground, and all the while the sound of her beauty was 
 sweet in my ears, and the taste of her beauty was salt on my lips, 
 and the pain of beauty was gnawing at my heart, and I prayed 
 that I might see her again. (Huguette catches up a jug to throw at 
 Villon, but is dexterously disarmed by Colin le Cayedlx, who 
 takes jug away and drinks.) And the incense tickled my nostrils 
 and the painted saints sneered at me, and bits of rhymes and bits 
 of prayers jigged in my brain, and I felt as if I were drunk with 
 some new and delectable liquor — and then she slipped out (pause) 
 and I after her (pause). She took the holy water from my fingers 
 (quietly). 
 
 Huguette. I wish it had burned you to the bone (pause). 
 
 Villon. It burned deeper than that, believe me. Outside, 
 on God's steps, stood a yellow-haired, pink-faced puppet, who 
 greeted her, and they ambled away together, I on their heels. (Allget 
 more interested.) Presently they came to a gateway and in slips 
 my quarry, and as she did so she turned to her squire and I saw her 
 face again, and lost it, for the tears came in my eyes. (Louis turns 
 round to face Villon.) I suppose you wonder, sir. (to Louis) why 
 I talk like this ? but when my heart's in my mouth, I must spit it 
 out or it chokes me. (Isabeau gives Villon cup. Villon keeps 
 this cup.) 
 
 Louis. I have learned to wonder at nothing. 
 
 Villon. I saluted the gallant and begged to know the lady's 
 name. He took me for a madman, but he told me 
 
 Huguette (rising l. of him, coaxingly). What was the name, 
 dear Francois ? 
 
 Villon (turning to her). Be secret, sweet ; it was Her Majesty 
 the Queen ! 
 
 (Villon's friends laugh; Colin de Cayeulx goes up to table 
 Huguette sits again.) 
 
 Louis. Fellow 1 
 
 (Louis rises, goes down stage two steps and turns on Villon. Tris- 
 tan's heavy hand drops on his shoulder and forces him into his 
 seat again.) 
 
 Villon (turning to Louis). Now, now, my rum duke, your 
 loyalty need not take fire. It was not her Majesty, but her name — 
 (some say " Well ! " Villon repeats " her name ") I shall keep to 
 myself, though it is written on my shoulders in fair large blue and 
 black bruises. 
 Rene de Montigny (b.o.). Did the popinjay beat you I 
 Villon (turning to Rene de Montigny). No, no ; it came about 
 
Act I.] IF I WERE KING. 19 
 
 thus. We tinkers of verses set a price on our wares that few find 
 them worth, yet with the love fever in my veins I wrote rhymes to 
 this lady, and sent them to her fairly writ on a piece of parchment 
 that cost me a dinner. 
 
 Louis. Did you think she would come to your whistle, like a 
 bird to a lure ? 
 
 Villon. In this kind of madness a minstrel thinks himself a 
 new Orpheus who could win a woman out of hell with his music. 
 But I got an answer — (" Well ? "from some.) Oh, I got my answer I 
 
 (Becomes silent and moody for a moment ; Rene db Montiony 
 claps him on the back.) 
 
 Rene de Montiony. What was the answer t 
 
 Villon (laughing). A fellow like a page boarded me here three 
 days ago, asked me if I had sent certain verees to a certain quarter ; 
 if so, I was to follow him at once. I followed like a sheep, with my 
 heart drumming, till we came to a quiet place, and there four boobies 
 with yard-long (stretching out hands and knocking Guy Tababie 's 
 face) cudgels fell upon me. (" Oh ! "from some.) I had no weapon 
 but my jack dagger, so I took to my heels. But I have been rarely 
 drubbed and roundly basted, and my poor back and sides are most 
 womanishly tender. (Slight turn from Blanche and Ouillembttb, 
 as if disappointed.) 
 
 Huguette. Will it teach you not to play the fool again ? 
 
 Villon. It will teach me not to play the fool again, Abbess. 
 The mark of the beast is upon me, and I shall dream no more dreams. 
 (Villon drinks from the jug, has cup in his hand.) I'm thirsty again. 
 More liquor. (Robin rises and sits when he sees that Villon hat 
 drink.) 
 
 (Guy Tababie fills Villon's cup. Jehanneton, Guillemettb, 
 Blanche, Denise, Casin Cholet start rising. Huguette and 
 Isabeau remain. Villon drinks. Guy Tabarie fills again. 
 Villon about to drink when Louis stops him. Guy Tababie 
 drinks out of jug.) 
 
 Louis. You drink more than is good for your health, sir. 
 
 Villon. Mind your own business t (Villon whose b. hand i* 
 held by Louis gets jug from Guy Tababie and drinks : gives it back 
 to Guy Tababie. Villon's friends laugh.) What can a man do 
 but drink when France is going to the devil, when the Burgundians 
 are camped in the free fields where I played in childhood, and a 
 nincompoop sits on the throne, and lets them besiege his city t 
 
 (Robin goes to sleep.) 
 
 Tristan (to himself). You'll be sorry yon spoke 1 
 Louis. No doubt you could do better than the king if fom were 
 In his place. 
 Villon (laugkimg). H I oould not do better than Look Do- 
 
20 IF I WERE KINO. [Aoi I. 
 
 Nothing Louis Dare-Nothing, having his occasions and advantages, 
 may Hugnette there never kiss me again — 
 
 Huguette (rises and moves to l., giving stool to Guillemette, who 
 takes it to table). Perhaps she never will 1 
 
 (Cabin Cholet takes Guillemette's stool. Jehanneton takes 
 Blanche's stool and -puts it by settle. Rene de Montigny take* 
 Isabeau's stool up to table. Is abeau gives Guy Tababib Villon's 
 hat.) 
 
 Isabeau (sidling up to Louis). Our Francois has made a rhyme 
 of it, sir, how he would carry himself if he wore the king's shoes. 
 
 Louis. A rhyme, say you ? Has he indeed, pretty minion I 
 (Takes Isabeau on his knee.) May we not hear it, master poet t 
 
 (All stop attentive and then gather about.) 
 
 Villon (taking hat from Guy Tababie. Guy Tabarie turns to 
 bench b. and gets his jug). You may ; you shall ; for, 'tis a true 
 song, though it would cost me my neck if it came to the king's 
 ears, very likely. But you are not tall enough to whisper is 
 them ; so here goes t 
 
 (Huguette, who is l., takes stool away from Guillemette which she 
 is bringing down l.o. Jehanneton brings stool and sits l.o. 
 Villon springs to his feet, drapes his tattered cloak closely about 
 him, strikes a commanding attitude, and begins to recite with great 
 solemnity, while Louis listens attentively.) 
 
 (The positions of the characters are: — 
 
 Tbistan seated r. of table b. 
 
 Guy Tabarie standing well above table b. 
 
 Louis seated l. of table b. 
 
 Isabeau on his knee. 
 
 Blanche up o. 
 
 On her left, Rene de Montigny. 
 
 Below him, slightly to L., Denise. 
 
 Then Casin Cholet. 
 
 Guillemette b. of settle. 
 
 Jehanneton in front of her, sitting. 
 
 Jehan le Loup standing in front to her left. 
 
 Huguette seated down l., facing left. 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx leaning on back of settU. 
 
 Robin sitting on settle.) 
 
 (Jehan lb Loup hushes for quietness.) 
 Vn&OW. (Beciting.) 
 
 All French folk, whereso'er ye be, 
 
 Who love your country, soil and sand, 
 from Paris to the Breton sea, 
 
 indbaok again to Norman strand. 
 
Act L] IF I WERE KINO. M 
 
 Forsooth ye seem a silly band, 
 Sheep without shepheid, left to chance— 
 
 Far otherwise our Fatherland 
 
 If Villon were the King of France I 
 
 (Villon's friends applaud. Isabeau gets off Louis' knee and tits 
 on the floor by Louis' feet. Huouette moves more a mnd 
 faces o.) 
 
 The figure on the throne you see 
 
 Is nothing but a puppet, planned 
 To wear the regal bravery 
 
 Of silken coat and gilded wand ; 
 Not so we Frenchmen understand 
 
 The Lord of lion's heart and glance— 
 And such a one would take command 
 
 If Villon were the King of France ! 
 
 (Villon's friends cry " Villon ! " enthusiastically. Colt* am 
 Cayeulx stands on stool below table and applauds.) 
 
 Villon. His counsellors are rogues, perdie I 
 
 While men of honest mind are banned, 
 To creak upon the gallows tree, 
 
 Or squeal in prisons over-mann'd ; 
 We want a chief to bear the brand 
 
 And bid the damned Burgundians dance: 
 God ! where the Oriflamme should stand 
 
 If Villon were the King of France I 
 
 (Villon's friends applaud.) 
 Envoi. 
 
 Louis, the Little, play the grand ! 
 
 Buffet the foe with sword and lance ; 
 'Tis what would happen, by this hand, 
 
 If Villon were the King of France 1 
 
 {General acclamations. Isabeau gets up o., moves round table up b. 
 
 to other table.) 
 
 Rene de Montiony (up c). Well crowed, chanticleer 1 
 Huouette (rising to him o., throwing arms about him). I forgive 
 you much, for that light in your eyes. 
 
 (Then the crowd regather round table. Jehanneton takes Huquettb's 
 stool to table. Guillemette takes Jehanneton's stool and puts it 
 by settle.) 
 
 Louis. You call yourself a patriot, I suppose. 
 
 Huouette sits on stool by settle. All the others are tune round the 
 table. Robin is still on settle.) 
 
22 IF I WERE KING. [Act L 
 
 Villon (has leaned at if exhausted against his barrel. He turns 
 to the King). By no such high-sounding title. I am but a poor 
 devil with a heart too big foi his body, and a hope too large foi his 
 hoop. Had I been begotten in a brocaded bed I might have led 
 armies and served France,, Jiave loved ladies without fear of cudgel- 
 lings, and told kings truths without dread of the halter, while, ai 
 it is, (rising from barrel), I consort with sharps and wantons, and 
 make my complaint to a doll little buzzard like you, old noodle 1 
 Oh, 'tis a fool's play, and it were well to be out of it. (Villon 
 goes up c. ; the others are engrossed with themselves.) 
 
 Tristan (to himself). You won't have long to worry. 
 
 Louis. You are sententious 1 
 
 (Huguette goes up to table and sits, kicking Bene de Mobtigny out 
 of her stool.) 
 
 (Jehanneton comes down to o., end of settle.) 
 
 Villon. The quintessence of envy, no less. I have great thoughts, 
 great desires, great ambitions, great appetites, what you will. I 
 might have changed the world and left a memory. As it is, I sleep 
 in a garret under the shadow of the gallows, and I shall be forgotten 
 to-morrow, even by the wolves I pack with. But this is dry think- 
 ing ; let's to drinking, {pomes down.) 
 
 (Jehanneton points out to Villon, Robin asleep on settle. Crowd 
 gathers round back of settle and watch Villon, who dexterously un- 
 hooks his bunch of keys from his girdle, and, with a triumphant 
 gesture, makes on tiptoe for the cellar door l.i.e., which he unlocks, 
 and through which he disappears. The others resume their game 
 at the table. Huguette is occupied telling her own fortune with 
 cards. AfterYiLLOx's exit, Qvy TababzetoUs up barrel to former 
 place.) 
 
 Tristan (rises and comes to front of table). Shall I hang him to- 
 morrow ? 
 
 Louis (rises also and goes c). We shall see 1 He is a loose-lipped 
 fellow, but he might have been a man. He has set me thinking of 
 my dream. I was a swine rooting in the streets of Paris. I found 
 a pearl — well, well I (Returning.) Let us kill the time with cards. 
 I linger because I expect company. Thibaut d'Aussigny, no less, 
 
 (Grossing in front of table to r. and sitting.) 
 
 Tristan. The Constable of Paris ! 
 
 Louis. He does not expect to find me here, I promise yon. 
 He would not come if he did. (The catch of the door 0. is rattled.) 
 Barber Olivier is to warn me of his coming. Is that he ? 
 
 Tristan (looking round). No, sire, another old woman. 
 
 (Louis and Tristan sit and tday cards.* 
 
Aot I.] IF I WERE KING. ' S3 
 
 (Villon's Mother enters o., an old, bowed woman, miserably but 
 neatly clad ; she peers about her, shading her eyes with her hand. 
 Rene de Montignt catches sight of her and skips towards her with 
 a reverence.) 
 
 Rene de Montignt (l.o. up stage). Your pleasure, sweet prin- 
 cess ? 
 
 Mother Villon (o.). Is Master Francois Villon in this company, 
 sir? 
 
 Rene de Montigny. Exquisite creature, I kiss your hand and 
 inquire. {Leaves her standing by door, and goes back to his compan- 
 ions. He points derisively at Huguette, who has hidden her face 
 in her hands over her cards, goes to her and speaks over her shoulder.) 
 There is a beautiful woman at the door beseeching our Francois. 
 
 Huguette {leaping up angrily). What do you say ? (Crosses 
 l.o. to Mother Villon. The rest rise.) Whom you do seek here t 
 (Huguette starts on seeing the wrinkled face.) 
 
 Mother Villon. Asking your pardon, young gentleman. {The 
 rest roar with laughter at the old woman's mistake.) I seek Master 
 Francois Villon. 
 
 Huguette. Seek him and find him. Montigny, you beast ! 
 
 {She makes for Rene de Montigny, who dodges her behind table. 
 Mother Villon comes slowly down stage towards c. The others 
 gather about her, mocking her, and finally joining hands, proceed to 
 dance around the bewildered old woman in a circle, singing a ribald 
 song. The old woman, frightened, stands still. At this moment 
 Villon re-enters, puts wine on settle, locks door and takes keys and 
 stands l.c. until Colin de Cayeulx comes near him, floors Colin 
 de Cayeulx with a blow from the bunch of keys, and draws his 
 Mother down stage l. The others run apart.) 
 
 Villon. Damn you, chubs ! It's my mother. Don't be fright- 
 ened, mammy ; they meant no harm. 
 
 (Robin runs wildly forward.) 
 
 Robin (coming down to c). My keys, my keys ! (Goes up stage 
 looking. The crowd hustle him.) Where are my keys ? (Finds 
 them on stage, and comes down e.g.) 
 
 (Colin de Cayeulx staggers to his feet, draws dagger and rushes 
 to Villon. Huguette stops his rush and throws him up o.) 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx. Curse you, you've cracked my crown. 
 
 Huguette (to others). She's his mother ; you all had mothers, 
 I suppose. (Colin de Cayeulx sits in window seat up l.o.) Let 
 her alone I 
 
 (Out Tabarie goes out o. The others gather round table again ; 
 Louis and Tristan stiU sit at their table and observe, Villon 
 and his Mother sit together on settle &.O.) 
 
34 IF I WERE KING. [Act L 
 
 Villon (sitting l. 0/ *ea<). Did they frighten you, mammy I 
 But they meant no harm — boys and girls, girls and boys. 
 
 Mother Villon (sitting r. of seat). Come home, Francois, come 
 home I (She puts her arms round him. Villon grimaces, but 
 makes no attempt to repulse her.) Where have you been these three 
 days ? 
 
 Villon. Very busy, mammy — State secrets ; mum's the word. 
 How did you find me out ? 
 
 Mother Villon. They told me at the " Unicorn " I might find 
 you here. 
 
 Villon. Oh, the " Unicorn " is no longer fashionable. They 
 want payment on the nail there, confound them ! Besides, this 
 is nearer the walls, and we can hear the Burgundians shouting. 
 'Tis as good as a relish with our wine (drinks out of stolen jug). 
 
 (During following scene Robin gets more wine from r.o. barrel for 
 Tristan and Louis, and stands watching their play until Guy 
 Tabarie's entrance.) 
 
 Mother Villon. Come away ; you've had wine enough. 
 
 Villon. Never in my life, mammy 1 I've a fool's head ; I 
 always get into my altitudes too soon. I can't come home just now, 
 but there's something I can do for you. Do you remember when I 
 was a little child ? — God I when I was a little child 
 
 Mother Villon. You were the prettiest child woman ever 
 bore. 
 
 Villon. You used to sing me to sleep. (Rocking her.) Do, do, 
 l'enfant do, l'enfant, dormira tantdt. Well, mammy, your dutiful 
 son has made a song for you to sing yourself to sleep with. I went 
 to church the other day (kneeling). Oh I on my honour I did — and 
 a prayer came into my head — a prayer for you to Our Lady. 
 
 Mother Villon. My love-bird 1 
 
 Villon. Here it is 1 Listen. 
 
 Lady of Heaven, Queen of Earth, 
 Empress of Hell, I kneel and plead 
 You pity, by the Holy Birth, 
 The humblest Christian of the Creed; 
 I cannot write ; I cannot read ; 
 I am a woman poor and old, 
 But in the church, where I behold 
 The gates of Paradise, I cry, 
 Woman to woman, make me bold 
 In thy belief to live and die. 
 
 Then, mammy I there's a pretty prayer for yon. 
 
 Mother Villon (sobbing on his shoulder). You should nave beta 
 a good man. 
 
 Villon (very gently and rising). We are as Heaven pleases, dear. 
 
lor I.] IF I WERE KING. 25 
 
 And now run away, mammy, and pray yourself to sleep. You 
 ihall see me soon, I promise you. 
 
 (He conducts her up stage to door o., which he opens for her. She 
 kisses him and, goes out. He comes moodily down stage.) 
 
 Jehak le Loup (pushing Isabeau forward, who attempts to hiss 
 Villon). Kiss a young mouth for a change. 
 
 Villon (pushing Isabeau off b.). Go to the devil 1 
 
 (Crosses to u He sits staring at the fire, muttering and gesticulating 
 to himself.) 
 
 Isabeau. (Going to table with Jehan le Loup.) He's in one 
 of his bad moods. Leave him to himself. 
 
 (Robin goes to cupboard. Guy Tababib opens door o., rushes in 
 and down o.) 
 
 Gut Tabarie. Friends, there's a fight at Fat Hargot's between 
 two wenches. They're stripped to the waist and at it hammer and 
 tongs. Come and see, for the love of God ! (He disappears. The 
 others leap to their feet.) 
 
 Rene de Montigny (a, rushing out). I'll crown the victor I 
 
 Jehan le Loup. I'll console the vanquished I 
 
 Huguette. I'll see fair play I (They all go out, except Hugu- 
 ette, who goes to Villon, down l.c.) Will you come, Francois ? 
 
 Villon (on settle drinking wine). Nay, I am reading. 
 
 Huouette (looking over). You lie ! 
 
 Villon. A man may read without a book. Go your ways, girl, 
 and skelp both the hussies 1 
 
 Huguette (goes up and out c, after the others, calling). Wait 
 for me ! — wait for me ! — Guy I Ren6 ! Blanche ! Jehanneton ! 
 
 (Louis and Tristan are still playing at cards. Robin has withdrawn 
 to his own quarters, l.u.e. Villon, after shutting door after 
 Huguette's exit and drawing curtain, makes preparation to sleep 
 on settle.) 
 
 Tristan (l. of table). Tour barber tarries. 
 
 Louis (r. of table). The game makes amends. 
 
 Tristan. Vou are winning, sire. 
 
 Louis. My grandsire will be remembered longer than most 
 kings for the sake of these wasters and winners that they made to 
 soothe his madness. 
 
 (Music.) 
 
 Tristan. My game, sire I 
 
 (The door o. opens and an armed servant enters : he looks round, then 
 moves back to the door, returning to stand half down o. Katherine 
 de Vauoelles enters. She is closely muffled, after the fashion of 
 
M IF I WERE KING. [Aur *. 
 
 disguise adopted by discreet ladies token they walked abroad in Paris 
 1m the fifteenth century.) 
 
 Katherine (l.c). Tou are sure this is the place t 
 Servant (o.). Sure. 
 Katherine. Wait outside. 
 
 (Servant goes out. She looks about her. Then is no sign of Robin. 
 Villon is asleep on the settle. She sees the two men &., and comes 
 down stage to l. of Tristan, whose shoulder she touches. He turns 
 to speak with her. Louis takes advantage of his turned back to 
 examine Tristan's hand, which he has laid upon the table, and to 
 substitute a card from his own hand for one of his adversary's.) 
 
 Kathertnb (e.c). Has Master Francois Villon been here to- 
 night? 
 Tristan {sitting h. of table). Yonder he squats by the hearth. 
 Katherine. I thank you. 
 
 {As she turns away and goes up stage, Tristan catches a sight of 
 
 her face.) 
 
 Tristan (over table). 'Zounds, sire I do you know who that was ? 
 Louis (smiling at his cards). Some bona roba who took you for a 
 
 Tristan. It was your Majesty's kinswoman, the Lady Katherine 
 ' dei Vaucelles. 
 
 Louis (rises). Oh, oh I Oh, oh 1 Does lovely Katherine come 
 to meet Thibaut ? I thought she loathed him. 
 
 Tristan (over back of table). She seeks Francois Villon, sire. 
 
 Louis (putting down cards). Is she the girl he spoke of ? She's 
 a proud piece, gossip. I told her once that she took my fancy, and 
 she flamed up in a red rage that chastened me. (Going to door R.B., 
 opening it and motioning Tristan to exit.) Do we catch her tripping ? 
 
 (Tristan goes out. Louis goes softly across the stage as if to leave 
 by the door o., but when there, seeing that he is unobserved, he glides 
 across back of stage and conceals himself behind the curtains of the 
 window, where he can hear and observe Villon and Katherine. 
 In the meantime Katherine crosses stage slowly to where Villon 
 sits and touches him lightly, and moves up l.c. Villon after first 
 touch turns over and groans. Katherine touches him again and 
 gets down from l.o. to o.) 
 
 Kathxbinb (uncovering her face and whispering). A word with 
 you. 
 
 Villon (starling and crossing himself unconsciously, then kneeling). 
 Are you real t 
 
 Kathxrinb (o.). Do I look like a ghost ? 
 
 Villon (l.o.). II this be a dream, pray Heaven I may nevwt 
 wake. 
 
Act I.] IF I WERE KING. 27 
 
 Katherinb (showing parchment to Villon). You wrote m" 
 these verses. 
 
 (Reading.) 
 
 " If I were King — ah, love ! if I were King, 
 What tributary nations I would bring 
 
 To kneel before your sceptre " 
 
 Villon (interrupting). "mad to swear 
 
 Allegiance to your lips and eyes and hair, 
 Beneath your feet what treasures I would fling 
 If I were King." 
 
 (He takes parchment from Katherine.) 
 
 Katherine. My elders tell me that poets say much and mean 
 little ; that their oaths are like gingerbread, as hot and sweet in 
 the mouth and as easily swallowed. (Getting away r.o. a little.) 
 Are you such a one ? 
 
 Villon (rising). I am your servant ! 
 
 Katherine. Are your words gold or gilded ! 
 
 Villon. My words are my life. I love you I 
 
 Katherine. Just because I show a smooth face ! 
 
 (Katherine siis l. of table.) 
 
 Villon (a). If all my dreams of loveliness had been pieced 
 together into one perfect woman she would have been like you. 
 All my life I have read tales of love and tried to find their secret 
 in the bright eyes about me — tried and failed. I might as well have 
 been seeking for the Holy Grail. But when I saw you the old 
 Heaven and the old Earth seemed to shrivel away and I knew what 
 love might mean. The world is changed by your coming ; all sw«et 
 tastes and fair colours and soft sounds have something of you in 
 them. I eat and drink, I see and hear in your honour. The people 
 in the street are blessed because you have passed among them. 
 (He moves two steps up o.) That stone on the ground is sacred, for 
 your feet have touched it (going r.o.). I love you 1 All philosophy, 
 all wisdom, religion, honour, manhood, hope, beauty lie in those 
 words — I love you I 
 
 (Kneeling and kissing her dress.) 
 
 Katherine (rising). Well, I have come to put your protestations 
 to the proof. If you meant every word you said, you can serve me 
 well. If not (speaking severely), good night and good-bye. (She 
 crosses in front of Villon to up c.) 
 
 Villon (rising and with h. hand outstretched stopping her). I 
 wrote with my heart's blood ! 
 
 Katherine (a). Listen. I am one of the Queen's ladies. Thi- 
 baut d'Aussigny, the Grand Constable of France, loves me a little 
 and my broad lands much, and he swears that I shall marry him. 
 
18 IF I WERE KING. [Act L 
 
 He tried to force me to his will, to shame me to his pleasure, (Villon 
 goes a little down b.o.) and so I hate him, and so should you, for it 
 was he who gave you your beating. 
 
 Villon (going a step towards her). Oh, it was he 
 
 Katherine. He gave your rhymes to me, and told me how you 
 had been treated. (Villon sits l. of table.) When I read them I 
 said, " Here, if a poet speaks truth, is the one man in France who 
 can help me." 
 
 Villon. Why not your yellow-haired, pink-faced lover ? 
 
 Katherine. Noel le Jolys is a man many women might love 
 — but I love no man. I only hate Thibaut d'Aussigny. Do you 
 understand ? 
 
 Villon. I begin to understand. 
 
 (There is a long pause.) 
 
 Katherine (eagerly to him, going r.o.). Kill Thibaut d'Aussigny. 
 You are a skilful swordsman, they say. You are little better than 
 an outlaw. Yon swear you love me more than life. Kill Thibaut 
 d'Aussigny. (Turning up o. and going to settle slowly.) Are you 
 less eager to serve me than you were \ 
 
 Villon (rising and going a). No, by Heaven I but I've been 
 dozing and dreaming ; and I've got to rub the sleep out of my eyes 
 and the dream out of my heart. Tell me how to serve you. 
 
 (Bows to her.) 
 
 Katherine (silting on settle and speaking rapidly). Thibaut 
 d'Aussigny comes here to-night. He has come heTe before in dis- 
 guise, for I have Imd him followed. I think he means to betray the 
 King to the Burgundians, so you will serve Prance as well as me. 
 How do such men as you kill each other ? 
 
 Villon (moving down o. a little). Generally in a drunken 
 scuffle. Will you wait here till he comes, pretty lady, for I never 
 saw him ? Then leave the rest to me. 
 
 Katherine. You love me very much ? 
 
 Villon (up a.). With all the meaning that the word can have 
 in Paradise. 
 
 Katherine. You didn't expect to be taken at your word ? 
 
 Villon (bowing and going towards her). I didn't hope to be ; I 
 will try to be worthy of the honour. 
 
 Katherine. You love and laugh in the same breath. 
 
 Villon (going away R.c). That is my philosophy. 
 
 Katherine (rising and going a little towards him). If you wish 
 (Villon turns and Katherine puts out hand), you may kiss my 
 Land. 
 
 Villon (o.). Nay, I can fight, and, if needs must, die in your 
 quarrel ; but if once I touched you so, that might make life too 
 sweet to adventure. 
 
 (Music.) 
 
act i.j IF I WERE KINO. 2« 
 
 Katherine {somewhat stiffly, moving away to l.). As you will 
 
 (The noise of shouting, singing and trampling feet is heard outside.) 
 
 Villon (down c, beckoning her upstairs). My friends retiming. 
 They mustn't see you. Come this way. 
 
 (They cross up stage to r. stairs and ascend to gallery.) 
 
 Here you can see without being seen. When he comes, show him 
 to me. Then you can reach the street by this door. (Pointing to 
 door on gallery to l.) 
 
 (The o. door opens, and the men and women who had gone out stream 
 noisily in. Robin reappears from l.o.e. and comes down l.c. 
 After entrance of the crowd Louis reappears, and moving over to 
 door b., beckons Tristan in.) 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx (o.). That was rare sport while it lasted. 
 
 Jehan le Louf (down l.c). It didn't last long enough. 
 
 Rene de Montiqny. Things took a different turn when you came, 
 Abbess. 
 
 Huouette (down l.c). I did as Francois bade me, and basted 
 both the jades (hitting Robin, who is on her l.). Wine, Robin, wine. 
 My arms ache. 
 
 (The door opens c, and Olivier le Dain enters — a small man plainly 
 clad, with his hood about his face.) 
 
 Guy Tabarie. Lord, how they squeaked and wriggled. 
 
 (Robin brings wine. They go to and gather round their table 
 
 again.) 
 
 Louis (beckoning Tristan in). Our mad poet may do me a good 
 turn, gossip Tristan (both sit at table as before, Louis on l. side of it). 
 
 (Robin takes wine to Huouette, who is standing on stool up o. by 
 table and comes down l.c.) 
 
 Villon (above, on balcony). Is that he ? 
 
 Katherine (on balcony). No, no. Thibaut is a big man. Yet 
 that figure seems familiar. 
 
 (Olivier le Dain comes to table r., and stoops between Louis and 
 
 Tristan.) 
 
 Olivier (over table). He is coming, aire. 
 Louis (sitting l. of table). You are sure ? 
 Olivier. We dogged his footsteps all the way, till I slipped ahead. 
 Here he comes 1 
 
 (Olivier slips out through door r.i.e.) 
 
 (The door o. opens, and Thibaut d'Aussigny enters. He is a tall, 
 powerful man, and is dressed like a common soldier. Be glances 
 
30 IF I WERE KINO. [Aor L 
 
 about him as he enters, exchanges looks with Rene db Montigny, 
 and comes down to l.c.) 
 
 Katherine (above). That is he 1 
 Villon. Good ! 
 
 (He moves away from her and over to table l.o.) 
 
 Thibaut (coming down to settle). Wine, landlord I (To Robin, 
 who is down L.o. Robin goes up to shut door.) 
 
 (Rene de Mowtignt leaves his party and comes down to Thibaut.) 
 
 Rene de Montigny. A fine evening, friend. 
 Thibaut. Pretty fine for the time of year. 
 Louis. Who is he talking with ? 
 Tristan (b. of table). The rogue of birth I spoke of. 
 
 (Robin goes to barrel and draws wine.) 
 
 Thibaut. How is your garden, friend ? 
 
 Rene de Montigny (l.o.). Very salubrious,, if it were not for 
 the shooting stars. 
 
 Thibaut. How ? 
 
 Rene de Montigny. My quip. The shooting star was a Bur- 
 gundian arrow a clothyard long, which came winging its way over 
 the walls at noon. Here is what the arrow carried. 
 
 (He hands paper to Thibaut, who goes to lantern over fireplace, and 
 
 reads it.) 
 
 Thibaut (returning to l. of Rene de Montigny). The Duke of 
 Burgundy will give me a duchy if I deliver Louis into his hands. 
 Can yon command some safe rogues of your kidney who think- better 
 of Burgundian gold than of the fool on the throne ? 
 
 Rene de Montigny. Ay, I know of half a dozen stout lads who 
 would pilfer the King from his palace of the Louvre if they were paid 
 well enough for the job. 
 
 Thibaut. Good ! (He gives Rene ds Montigny a purse.) 
 Meet me again to-morrow. (Rene de Montigny m about to rejoin 
 his comrades, but Villon throws him over to r. Thibaut goes to 
 fireplace. Throw paper away.) The fool King denies me the 
 mad maid. It shall cost him his crown. (Moves and is about to 
 go out a.) 
 
 (Music Villon now o. bumps into Thtbaut as he goes up.) 
 
 Villon (a, affecting intoxication). Ton walk abroad late, honest 
 soldier. 
 
 Thibaut (l.o.). That's my business I 
 
 Villon (a). Don't be testy. Let us crack a bottle. 
 
 Thibaut. I've had enough, and you've had more than 
 Go to bed! 
 
Aox I.] IF I WERE KINO. U 
 
 Villon. You're a damned uncivil fellow, soldier, and don't 
 know how to treat a gentleman when you see one. 
 
 Thibaut. Get out of the way 1 
 
 Villon. I will not get out of the way. How do I know yon are 
 an honest soldier ? how do I know that you are a true man f 
 
 (Robin is about to bring wine, when he hears the altercation. Am 
 Villon's voice rises, the altercation attracts the others, who rise. 
 Rene de Montigny slips to Villon's side, dragging him down 
 
 B.O.) 
 
 Rene de Montigny (whispers). Let him alone, Francois ; he's 
 not what he seems. 
 
 Villon {pushing Rene de Montigny b.). Seems 1 who cares 
 what he seems ! It's what he is, I want to know. Perhaps he's 
 not an honest soldier at all. Perhaps he's a damned Burgundian 
 spy. 
 
 (All get more excited and rush from table towards Thibaut.) 
 
 Thibaut (l.c). Fling this drunken dog into the street I 
 Villon (c). Drunken dog, indeed ! You are a lying, ill-favoured 
 
 knave I Keep the door, friends ; this rogue has insulted me. 
 
 Pluck out your iron, soldier 1 
 
 (The others gather round. The women draw back, except Huquettb, 
 who comes forward o. Rene de Montigny makes a sign to 
 Thibaut, and slips ovt by door o.) 
 
 Thibaut. Who the devil are you ? 
 
 Villon. My name is Francois Villon, and my sword is as good 
 as another man's. 
 
 Thibaut (l.c, laughing). Are you Francois Villon I Lend me 
 a cudgel, some one ! 
 
 Villon (getting cup from b. table and flinging wine in hie face). 
 The devil take you, coward ! 
 
 Thibaut (going towards Villon). You fool, I'll kill yon I 
 
 Villon (replacing cup on r. table). We shall see. 
 
 Huguette (coming between them). Fair play, fair play — thio is 
 David and Goliath. (Striking Thibaut on cuirass.) Well have 
 equal chances here. Let them fight with sword and lantern in the 
 dark I 
 
 (Others applaud. Casin Cholet gels lantern from fireplace up stage, 
 Colin de Cayeulx gets lantern from fireplace down stage.) 
 
 Villon (r.c). What do you say, Goliath ? 
 Thibaut (a). Any way you please, on this understanding: 
 when there's an end of you there's an end of the quarrel. 
 Villon (going down r.c). That's promised. Swear, Huguette I 
 Hoguette (c). I swear ! 
 
•I IF I WERE KINO. [Act L 
 
 (Thibaut lakes offhdmet, cloak and scabbard, and puts them on settle. 
 Colin db Cayxulx gives lantern to Thibaut. Casin Cholet 
 gives lantern to Huouettb. She gives U to Villon. Guy Tabarie 
 keeps the landlord quiet by menacing him with his dagger. The 
 women crowd on the stairs B.) 
 
 Tristan (rising). This must be stopped, sire. 
 Louis. Not at all, gossip ; whichever kills *he other saves the 
 hangman some labour. (Rises.) 
 Villon. Now, friends, keep a ring and dowse the glim. 
 
 (Out Tabarie moves table and teats to near r. and blows out light. 
 Huouettb blows out light on l. table.) 
 
 (Going tc Thibaut.) I think I shall square our reckoning, Master 
 Thibaut t 
 
 (This is spoken in a low tone. Huouettb and Casin Cholet get 
 L. by settle which they have pushed up against L. wall.) 
 
 Thibaut. You know me ? 
 
 Villon. Your varlets thumped me yesterday; I shall tickle 
 you to-day. Turn and turn about, Thibaut. 
 
 (The stage is quite dark., 
 
 Huouettb. Are you ready ? 
 
 (All present stand apart : the women on the staircase, except Huouette, 
 who is down L. in front of settle pushed against wall ; the men are 
 round the room. The lights are lowered and the stage is supposed 
 to be in total darkness but for the lanterns that the two ryan carry ; 
 but there must be enough light to distinguish the two figures, as they 
 creep about the stage, seeking and avoiding each other.) 
 
 Tristan (standing b. of table which has been moved). Sire, had you 
 not better go ? 
 
 (Trying to draw him off b.i.e.) 
 
 Louis (sitting l. of table). I wouldn't miss this for the world. 
 Huouettb. Are you ready! 
 
 (The fight commences with gleam of shifting lights and clash of meeting 
 steel. At a certain part of the fight Thibaut thrusts at Villon's 
 lantern. This is the signal for Huouettb to call " Stand Back I " 
 to Casin Cholet, who is about to rush at Thibaut. On this cue 
 " Stand Back 1 " the music quietens, Jehan le Loup hushes those 
 present, and three distinct knocks on 0. door are heard before the 
 Captain's line is spoken.) 
 
 Voice (outside). Open in the Ring's name I 
 Tristan (r.). 'Tis the watch I 
 Thibaut (o.). Open the door! 
 Villon (&.O.). Not so fast, Jack-rascal' 
 
Act I.J IF I WERE KINO. •» 
 
 (The blows resound upon the door. The fight continues until Thibatjt 
 puts lantern down and is about to deal Villon a two-handed blow 
 on the head. Villon runs him through. Thibaut groans, drops 
 sword and falls after ColiN de Cayeulx has picked the sword and 
 lantern up. Immediately Thibaut falls the c. door is forced open. 
 Jeiian le Loup comes down l.c. and joins Colin de Cayeulx. 
 Rene de Montigny enters, followed by the Captain leading torch- 
 bearers and soldiers. Rene de Montigny runs to Thibaut and 
 assists Mm. Captain is c, Villon r.c. The Captain standi 
 at the door until Villon has received the ribbon. Villon, standing 
 over Thibaut, with his sworfl to his body, turns and looks up at 
 the gallery. Katherine, leaning forward, flings him a knot of 
 ribbon which falls at his feet ; she disappears by galkry door L. 
 Villon picks knot of ribbon up and thrusts it into his breast as the 
 Captain of the Watch advances.) 
 
 Captain (o.). What is this tumult I 
 
 Villon (r.c). A fair fight, good captain, conducted according 
 to the honourable laws of sword and lantern. (Villon hands lantern 
 to Guy Tabarje, who is r.) 
 
 Captain (approaching Thibaut l.c). Who is this man I 
 
 (Rene de Montigny has lifted Thibaut and is supporting his head, 
 on his knee.) 
 
 a 
 
 Thibaut (l.). I am Thibaut d'Aussigny, the Grand Con- 
 stable ! ^ 
 
 (Movement of surprise and alarm among the spectators. The Captain 
 kneels and recognizes Thibaut.) 
 
 Captain (l.). Monseigneur, how did this happen ! 
 Thibaut (pointing to Villon). Take that fellow and hang him 
 from the nearest lantern. (Falls back fainting.) 
 
 (Villon is arrested by soldiers. Two soldiers cross halberds in front 
 of him. Villon drops sword. Huguette rushes from settle and 
 kneels to Villon.) 
 
 Captain. Take that fellow outside and hang him. 
 
 Louis (rising and coming forward). Stop, air ! that young gentle- 
 man is my affair. 
 
 Captain (c). Who are you that dares to interfere with the King's 
 justice ? 
 
 Louis (unhooding, b.c). I am the King's justice I - 
 
 Tristan (uncovering, •.). God save the King 1 ( All kneel except 
 soldiers.). 
 
 Villon. The King I Good Lord ! 
 
 Curtain on last word. 
 
act n 
 
 Th» Garden. Strike 12: 6 before, 6 after curtain. This scent 
 U the garden of King Louis' Palace within the walls of Paris. 
 A terrace with steps down from it extends at back of stage. At 
 B. a portion of one of the towers of the Palace is visible with a 
 postern door. Sundial up l.o. Marble seat down b. All the 
 garden in red with many shades of red, pale pink and deep crimson, 
 and imperial purple. 
 
 When the curtain rises Louis enters from r., walking restlessly to and 
 fro, with his hands clasped behind him. He is dressed in his familiar 
 dress of faded black velvet. An Astrologer follows him and stands 
 by seat b. 
 
 Loots (going up o. and coming down again). Well, Master Wizard, 
 how do you interpret my dream and the shining text of the stars ? 
 
 Astrologer (coming from r.c. to a). Your pearl of great price 
 tells me that there is one in the depths who, if he be exalted to the 
 heights, may serve and save the state. Of such a one it is written 
 in the stars that he would have potent influence for seven days from 
 this day. Then the Book of Heaven is confused, and the portent 
 of the falling star puzzles me. 
 
 Louis (c, points b.i.e.). Go. (Astrologeb enters tower r.i.e. ; 
 Louis watches him off, and then walks restlessly up and down, 
 O.). " If Villon were the King of France." How that mad 
 ballad-maker glowed last night. Fools are proverbially fortunate, 
 and a mad man may save Paris for me as a mad maid saved France 
 for my sire. (Tristan enters l.u.e.). Well, Tristan ? (coming 
 down l.) 
 
 Tristan (comet down r.o. and uncovers). Thibaut d'Aussigny, 
 whose wound was not mortal, has escaped from his house in dis- 
 guise and fled to the Duke of Burgundy. 
 
 Louis. I wish the Duke joy of him. 
 
 Tristan. The tavern rabble are in custody of Messire Noel. 
 
 Louis (going to Tristan). And my rival for royalty ? 
 
 Tristan. Barber Olivier has charge of him. 7 would have hanged 
 the rogue out of hand. 
 
 Louis. Your turn will come, gossip, never doubt it (moves away L. 
 up l.o. and down o. to Tristan). But the stars warn me that I need 
 this rhyming ragamuffin. There is a tale of Haroun al Raschid. 
 

 L 
 
 
 6*5 
 
 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 -3 
 
 » 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 <0 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 J! 
 
 /, 
 
 o 
 
 r 
 
act II.l IF I WERE KINO. IT 
 
 Tristan (c). Another tale, sire! 
 
 Louis. How he picked a drunken rascal from the streets and 
 took him to his palace. When the rascal woke sober the courtiers 
 persuaded him that he was the Caliph, and the Commander of the 
 Faithful found great sport in his behaviour. (Pauses, then moves 
 away L.) I promise myself a like diversion. 
 
 Tristan (anxiously). Are you going to let him think he is king, 
 sire % 
 
 Louis. Not quite. (Crosses to R. in front of Tristan.) When 
 he wakes he is to be assured that he is the Count of Montcorbier and 
 Grand Constable of France. His antics may amuse me (facing front 
 and then crossing l.), his lucky star may serve me, and his winning 
 tongue may help to avenge me on the froward maid, who comes 
 hither. Send me here Olivier. 
 
 (Tristan goes out r. ; Louis stands o., watching Katherine's 
 
 entrance.) 
 (Katherine: enters l.i.e., with her arms full of roses, and curtsys.) 
 
 Louis (l.c). Where are you going, girl ? 
 Katherine (crossing to r. in front of Louis). To her Majesty, 
 sire, who bade me gather roses. 
 
 (Louis turns and says " Ah." Katherine stops.) 
 
 Louis (approaching Katherine). Give me one. (She does so. 
 She is on the first of the steps. Taking her by the chin.) You are a 
 pretty child. You might have had a king's love. (Getting away to 
 L.O. and throwing rose away.) Well, well, you were a fool. Does not 
 Thibaut d'Aussigny woo you ? 
 
 Katherine. He professes to love me, sire, and I profess to hate 
 him. 
 
 Louis (going to dial). He was sorely wounded last night in a 
 tavern scuffle. 
 
 Katherine. Only wounded ? (Coming o.) 
 
 Louis. Your solicitude is adorable. Be of cheer. (Sitting on 
 sundial.) He may recover. And we have clapped hands on his 
 assassin. He shall pay the penalty. 
 
 Katherine. Sire, I bear this man no malice for hurting Thibaut 
 d'Aussigny. 
 
 Louis. You are clemency itself. It would never do to have 
 a woman on the throne (crossing hands on chest). But to hurt a 
 great lord is to hurt the whole body politic. He shall swing for it. 
 
 Katherine. This man should not die, sire. (Louis looks at 
 her.) Thibaut was a traitor, a villain 
 
 Louis (shaking finger at her). Take care, sweeting, lest you wade 
 out of your depth. (Rising and getting above her.) But you women 
 are fountains of compassion. If this knave's life interests you, 
 (crossing to r.o.) plead for it to my lord the Grand Constable. 
 
 Katherine (moves down L. a Utile). Thibaut is pitiless. 
 
18 IF I WERE KINO. [Act Ii 
 
 Louis (up B.C.). Thibaut is no longer in office. Try your lucl 
 with his successor. 
 
 (Chuckles and moves down b.) 
 
 Katherine (going down stage and looking up at Louis). His 
 name, sire ? 
 
 Louis (smiling). The Count of Montcorbier. He is a stranger 
 in our court, who has found a lodging in my heart. Tou shall have 
 audience of him. (Sees Olivier entering.) Ah, Olivier I 
 
 (To Olivier, who enters down steps r.i.e. and bows. Katherine 
 
 gets up l.c.) 
 
 Louis. By and by, when my Lord Constable takes the air 
 in the garden, bring this lady to him. (Louis goes up to Katherine 
 l.c, and brings her to exit r. up the steps, crossing her infront of himself.) 
 Now go, girl, or my wife and your queen will be wanting her roses. 
 (Katherine crosses, and goes out r. up steps.) Well, goodman bar- 
 ber, what of Francois Villon ? (After watching exit, Louis moves 
 away a. Olivier goes up r.o. and Louis crosses to marble seat r. 
 and sits.) 
 
 Olivier (coming down to left side of Louis). A pot of drugged wine 
 last night sent him to sleep in a prison. This morning he woke in 
 a palace, lapped in the linen of a royal bed. He has been washed and 
 barbered (Louis jokes at Olivier), sumptuously dressed and rarely 
 perfumed. He is so changed that his dearest friend wouldn't know 
 him. He doesn't even know himself. He carries himself as if he 
 had been a courtier all his days. (Moves away towards a. a Utile.) 
 
 Louis. I have little doubt that when the jackass wore the lion's 
 skin he thought himself the lion. But is he not amazed 1 
 
 Olivier. Too much amazed, sire (going towards Louis), to betray 
 amazement. His attendants assure him, with the gravest faces, 
 that he is the Grand Constable of France (getting away to L.c). I 
 believe he thinks himself in a dream, and, finding the dream delicate, 
 accepts it. 
 
 Louis (rising and going c). Have the fellow sent here, ana 
 remember only you and I and Tristan know or must know who he 
 truly is. (Olivier goes out up steps to palace, r.u.e. Louis 
 recommences walking up and down stage.) This Jack and Jill 
 shall dance to my whimsy like dolls upon a wire. It would be rare 
 sport if Mistress Katherine disdained Louis to decline upon this 
 beggar (up c). He shall hang for mocking me. But he carried 
 himself like a king for all his tatters and patches, and he shall taste 
 of splendour. (Looks r.u.e. Comes doitn r.c.) Here comes my 
 mountebank, as pompous as if he were born to the purple. 
 
 (Ooes out by tower r.i.e.) 
 
 (Villon enters at r.u.e. back and descends steps. He is magnifi- 
 cently dressed, and carries himself with the air of a Grand Seigneur. 
 
Act II.] IF I WERE KING. 39 
 
 His face is now smooth-shaven, his hair trimmed and dressed smoothly, 
 and he consequently looks very different from the Villon of the first 
 act. He it preceded by Olivier le Dain, who is preceded by 
 four Pages, two of whom carry golden trays with flagons and cups. 
 The Pages stand on steps, two at top and two at bottom, and Villon 
 passes between them. Olivier bows to Villon, and down stage 
 to r.o. Two Pages come down stage and place flagons on sun- 
 dial, and then stand down l.) 
 
 Olivier (r.o., bowing). Will your dignity deign to linger awhile 
 in this rose arbour ? 
 
 Villon (affably, c). My dignity will deign to do anything you 
 suggest, good master blackamoor. (Aside, crossing down a. to l.) 
 Better to humour them. 
 
 Olivier (r.c). I shall have to trouble you presently with cer- 
 tain small cares of state. 
 
 Villon (l.c). No trouble, excellent myrmidon. These duties 
 are pleasures to your true man. (Aside.) What on earth are they 
 talking about ? 
 
 Olivier. His Majesty will probably honour you with his com- 
 pany later. 
 
 Villon. Always delighted to see dear Louis. He and I are 
 very good friends. People say hard things of him, but, believe me, 
 they don't know him (crossing to r., down stage). 
 
 Olivier. May we take our leave, monseigneur ? 
 
 Villon. You may, you may. (Olivier moves up o. Approach- 
 ing Olivier.) Stay, one moment. (Olivier returns, bowing.) 
 You know this plaguy memory of mine ; what a forgetful fellow I 
 am. Would you mind telling me again who I happen to be 1 
 
 Olivier (c). You are the Count of Montcorbier, monseigneur. 
 
 Villon (astonished). The Count of 
 
 Olivier (bowing). Montcorbier, monseigneur. 
 
 Villon (going away r.). Montcorbier : Montcorbier : Montcorbier. 
 
 Olivier (bowing). The Grand Constable of France, monseigneur. 
 
 Villon (coming up r.c). Eh ! 
 
 Olivier. The Grand Constable of France, monseigneur (bowing). 
 It is his Majesty's wish that you contrive to remember this. 
 
 Villon (c). Of course, it was most foolish of me to forget. 
 Now I suppose, good master long toes (business from Olivier), 
 that a person in my exalted rank has a good deal of power, influence, 
 authority, and what not ? 
 
 Olivier. With the King's favour, you are the first man in the 
 realm. 
 
 Villon. Quite so. And does my exalted position carry with it 
 any agreeable perquisite in the way of pocket-money ? 
 
 Olivier. If you will dip your fingers in your pouch 
 
 (Villon goes down r.o. and thrusts a hand into pouch at belt and 
 brings out a handful of gold pieces.) 
 
<0 IF I WERE KINO. [Act II. 
 
 Villon. Gold counters, on my honour (returning up to a.). Good 
 sir, will you straightway despatch someone you can trust to the 
 Church of the Celestins, and inquire of the beadle there for the dwell- 
 ing of Mother Villon, a poor old woman, sorely plagued with a 
 scapegrace son ? Let him seek her out — she dwells on the seventh 
 story, and therefore the nearer to the Heaven she deserves — and 
 give her these coins that she may buy herself food, clothes, and 
 firing. (Goes down r.) 
 
 Olivier {bows and goes to dial). It shall be done. If there be 
 anything your dignity should desire, you have but to sound upon 
 this bell. 
 
 [Picking up bell off dial l.o.) 
 
 Villon (a). You are very good. Eh I stay one moment. 
 
 (Olivier returns bowing.) The Count of 
 
 Olivier. Montcorbier. 
 
 (Villon repeats the word several times. Olivier and two Pages 
 withdraw with every sign of the most profound deference. No hint 
 of any suppressed mirth, no consciousness of a hidden joke is to 
 interrupt for a moment the gravity of the scene as far as Olivier 
 and the Pages are concerned. As soon as they have gone out, 
 Villon looks curiously around him and goes to dial to drink. 
 When about to drink he sees Page l.o., puts down cup and dis- 
 misses him. Dismisses second Page r.c. and comes down c.) 
 
 Villon. Last night, I was a red-handed outlaw sleeping on the 
 straw of a dungeon. To-day, I wake in a royal bed and my varlets 
 call me Mod seigneur. There are but three ways of explaining 
 this singular situation. (Ticking points on fingers.) Either I am 
 drunk, or I am mad, or I am dreaming. If I am drunk, I shall never 
 distinguish Bordeaux wine from Burgundy, a melancholy dilemma 
 (going to dial). Let's test it. (Grosses to dial, pours wine, sniffs, 
 drinks.) This quintessence of crushed violets ripened no other- 
 where than in the valleys of Bordeaux. (Pours from other flagon, 
 drinks.) By Heaven, no nobler juice ever rippled from 
 Burgundian vineyards. Ergo, I am not drunk. (Sits on dial.) 
 I do not think I am mad either, for I know in my heart that 
 I am poor Francois Villon, penniless Master of Arts, and no 
 will-o'-the-wisp Grand Constable. Then am I dreaming, fast 
 asleep in the chimney corner of the Fir Cone tavern, having 
 finished that flask I filched (feeling under seat of dial for flask) and 
 everything since then has been, and is, a dream. The coming of 
 Katherine, a dream. My fight with Thibaut d'Aussigny, a dream. 
 Then the King — popping up at the last moment, Uke a Jack-in-the- 
 box — a dream. (Rises, moves down r.o. and then up 0.) These clothes, 
 those servants, this garden — dreams, dreams, dreams. I shall wake 
 presently, and be devilish cold and devilish hururrv and devilish 
 
Act H.] IP I WERE KING. 41 
 
 shabby. But in the meantime these dieam liquors make good drink- 
 ing (going to dial l.o.). 
 
 (Clock strikes. As he is about to pour out another cup Olivieb lb 
 Dain enters l.u.e. and comes down e.g.) 
 
 Olivieb (r.c). Your dignity will forgive me, but it is the King's 
 irish you should pass judgment on certain prisoners. 
 
 Villon (putting down cup l.c). I ? And here ! 
 
 Olivieb (r.c.). Such is the King's pleasure. 
 
 Villon (coming a). What prisoners ? 
 
 Olivier. Certain rogues and vagabonds, mankind and woman- 
 kind, taken brawling in the Fir Cone tavern last night. 
 
 Villon (o.). Tell me, is Master Francois Villon, Master of Arts, 
 rhymer at his best, vagabond at his worst, ne'er-do-well at all 
 seasons and scapegrace in all moods, among them ? 
 
 Olivier (bowing very low). Your dignity is pleased to jest. 
 Shall I send you the prisoners ? 
 
 Villon. Can I do with them as I wish ! 
 
 Olivieb. Absolutely as you wish. Such is the King's will. 
 
 Villon (crossing to r.). Set a thief to try a thief. (Olivieb 
 backs a Utile up o.) Well, bring them in. (Olivier goes out l.u.e.) 
 Oh ! My poor head 1 Am I awake ? Am I asleep ? What an 
 imbroglio I That damned fellow in black is confoundedly obse- 
 quious. I wonder if I could order him to be hanged ? He has a 
 hanging face (going up B.C.). (Music start.) Oh, here come my 
 poor devils I How hangdog they look — and how dirty ! 
 
 (Clock strikes quarter hour. Olivier leads on and points out the 
 Grand Constable to Noel le Jolys, l.u.e., who comes down o. 
 Olivier exits r.u.e. Enter Guy Tabarie, Casin Cholet, Colin 
 de Cayeulx, Rene de Montigny, each supported by a soldier. 
 They are taken to steps r. A soldier follows and stands up r.o. 
 After the men : Jehanneton, Isabeau, Blanche, Denise, 
 Guillemette and Hugdette. A soldier follows and stands up 
 l.o. on rostrum.) 
 
 Villon (coming down from up r.o. to l.o.) (Aside.) The puppet 
 who dangles after my lady. He jars the dream. 
 
 Noel (o., giving Villon a paper\. My lord, the names of these 
 night-birds. 
 
 Villon (taking paper). Have we ever met before t 
 
 Noel (o.). Alas, no ! your lordship has swooped into court 
 like an unheralded comet. 
 
 Villon. Messire Noel, if you and I had a mind to pluck the same 
 rose from this garden, which of us would win ' 
 
 Noel. I do not understand you. 
 
 Villon. Never mind. Send me Rene' de Montigny. (Noel Li 
 Jolts goes b. and orders Rene de Montigny forward. Villon 
 speaks aside, down l.o.) The popinjay fails to recognize me ; so 
 
« IF I WERE KING. [Act TL 
 
 may my bullies. (Rene de Montiony is pushed forward, l.o., by 
 
 a soldier. Villon sits o. on dial.) You are ? 
 
 Rene de Monotony. Rend de Montigny — of gentle blood — 
 fallen on ungentle days. 
 
 (In the course of the scene with the prisoners Villon conceals his face 
 as much as possible with the paper.) 
 
 Villon. Through no fault of your own, of course ? 
 
 Rene de Montiony. As your Grace surmises, through no fault 
 of my own. I am poor, but I thank my stars I am honest. 
 
 Villon. Since when, sir ; since last night ? 
 
 Rene de Montiony. I do not understand your Grace {getting 
 away a Utile). 
 
 {Before speaking, Villon beckons Rene de Montiony closer.) 
 
 Villon. When Jason was a farmer in Colchis he sowed dragon's 
 teeth and reaped soldiers. What do you sow in your garden, Sire 
 de Montigny ? 
 
 Rene de Montiony {bowing low). Cabbages. 
 
 Villon. Arrows, Master Rend, Burgundian arrows, most 
 condemnable vegetables. Have a care ! Tis a pestilent crop and 
 may poison the gardener. Stand aside. 
 
 Rene de Montiony. If your Grace will deign 
 
 Villon. Stand aside. 
 
 (Rene de Montiony it taken back to steps by his soldier.) 
 Villon. Master Guy Tabarie. 
 
 (Goy Tababib is pushed forward by a soldier, trembling.) 
 Guy Tabarie. My lord. 
 
 (Soldier knocks Guy Tabarie on to his knees.) 
 
 Villon. Vou come with clean hands ? 
 
 Goy Tababie {kneeling). As decent a lad, my lord, as ever kept 
 body and soul together by walking on the strait and narrow path 
 that leads to- 
 
 Villon. The gallows, Master Tabarie. 
 
 Guy Tabarie. No, no ; I have the fear of God in me as strong 
 as any man in Paris. 
 
 Villon. Do you know the church of St. Maturin, Master 
 Tabarie ? 
 
 Guy Tabarie (still kneeling, but moving a little away). 1 1 N-no, 
 my lord. 
 
 Villon. Master Tabarie, Master Tabarie, your memory is 
 failing you. Why, no later than the middle of March last you broke 
 into the church at dead of night and pilfered the gold plate from the 
 altar. (Goy Tababib rises and says, " This must be the devil 
 himself.") The fear of God is not very strong in you. 
 
Act IL] fW I WERE KINO. 41 
 
 Guy Tababib. My lord, I was led astray, my lord, I was not 
 alone 
 
 Villon. Stand aside. (Gut Tababie is dragged back to his old 
 position by a soldier.) Colin de Cayeulx and Casin Cholet. (These 
 two are brought forward, a soldier to each.) Are you good citizens, 
 sirs? 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx (o.). I loathe to sing my own praises, but I 
 can speak frankly for my friend here. The King has no better sub- 
 ject, and Paris no more peaceable burgess than Casin Cholet. 
 
 (Clapping him on the shoulder.) 
 
 Oasin Cholet (r.o.). If I have any poor merits I owe them all to 
 this good gentleman's example. I have followed his lead, halting 
 and humble. Keep your eye on Colin de Cayeulx, I have ever said 
 to myself, and learn how a good man lives. 
 
 Villon. You are the Castor and Pollux of purity ? (They bow, 
 close together.) Do you remember the night of last Shrove 
 Tuesday, and the girl you carried off to Fat Margot's and held to 
 ransom ? 
 
 (Colin de Cayeulx and Casin Cholet gradually rise.) 
 
 Cabin Cholet (starting away from Colin db Cayeulx). That 
 was Colin 's adventure. 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx. That was Casin's enterprise. 
 
 Casin Cholet (going up to Colin de Cayeulx). I deplored it. 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx. I had no hand in it. 
 
 Villon. Stand aside. (They are taken to former positions by two 
 soldiers.) Jehan le Loup. 
 
 (Jehan lb Loup steps forward without a soldier.) 
 
 Jehan le Loup (o., jauntily). At your service. 
 
 Villon. Vou seem a brisk, assured fellow for a man in duress. 
 
 Jehan le Loup. My good conscience sustains me. 
 
 Villon. I am glad to hear it. How did Thevenin Penaete come 
 to his death ? 
 
 Jehan le Loup. How should I know, my lord t 
 
 Villon. Who better ? That nasty quarrel over the cards — 
 the high words and a snatch for the winnings — a tilted table — an 
 extinguished taper — a stab in the dark and a groan. Exit Thevenin 
 Pensete. Your dagger doesn't grow rusty. 
 
 Jehan le Loup. My lord, I loved him like a brother. 
 
 Villon. As Cain loved Abel. Stand aside. (Jehan lb Loup goes 
 back to his former position. Villon rises and goes down c.) Now for 
 
 the girls. Captain (Noel lb Jolys moving forward.) Bring me 
 
 hither those gentlewoman (from b.). 
 
 Nobl (stops suddenly). Gentlewomen, messire — those doxies. 
 
 Villon. They are women, good captain, and you and I are 
 gentlemen, or should be. and must use them gently (going up r.o.) 
 
M IF I WERE KING. [An II. 
 
 Noel (shrugging his shoulders). And the demirep in the doublet 
 and hose \ 
 
 Villon (up r.o. Villon sees Huouette and returns down o.). 
 Let her stay for the present. (Noel signs. The Qirls come timidly 
 forward, Noel moves to r. again after Villon comet o.) Well, 
 young ladies, what is this trade of yours that has brought 
 you into trouble ? 
 
 Jehanneton. I make the caps that line helmets. 
 
 Isabeau (curtsy before speaking). I am a lace weaver (curtsy). 
 An honest trade (curtsy). 
 
 Denise. I am a slipper maker. 
 
 Blanche. And I am glover. 
 
 Guillemette. And I a seamstress. 
 
 Villon. No worse and no better. A word Id your ear. 
 
 (He whispers something in each girl's ear in turn. As he does so, 
 each girl starts, draws back, looks confused, laughs, and blushes. 
 Villon whispers to Guillemette (she runs l.) and then to Blanche, 
 who joins her. Then to Denise, who joins others, to Isabeau, who 
 joins others and speaks her line. Then to Jehanneton, who joint 
 rest and speaks. Villon draws back and talks to Noel b.o.) 
 
 Isabeau. A miracle ; he reminded me 
 
 Jehanneton (down l.c.) The gentleman is a wizard. Why, he 
 
 told me 
 
 Blanche. Why, he knows- 
 
 Guillemette. And he guessed about 
 
 Denise. What do you think he said ? 
 
 (The Girls speak rapidly together, and laugh after each repeats her 
 story to her friends, each whispering to the other what it is that Villon 
 has told her. Last laugh is the loudest and Villon it attracted by 
 the noise and speaks.) 
 
 Villon (o.). Young women (girls brace up), young women, the 
 world is a devil of a place for those who are poor. I could preach 
 you a powerful sermon on your follies and frailties, but somehow 
 the words stick in my gullet. Here is a gold coin apiece for you. 
 Go and gather yourselves roses, my roses, to take back to what, 
 Heaven pity you, you call your homes (gives a handful of money 
 to Jehanneton). 
 
 Jehanneton (l.c). Are we free ! 
 
 Villon (a). Free t Poor children ; such as you are never 
 free. Go and pray Heaven to make men better, for the sake of 
 your daughter's daughters. 
 
 (The Qirls exit quietly through l.i.b.) 
 
 Villon (up o.). As for these gentlemen, let them go when they 
 will. (Rogue.* surprised, soldiers file up B.O.) But first give them 
 food and drink and a pocketful of money. 
 
Act II.] IP I WERE KINGt. « 
 
 Rene de Montigny (delighted, moving forward). Your Excellency 
 is of a most excellent excellence. 
 
 Guy Tabarie (delighted, moving forward). God save you, sir I 
 
 Colin de Cayeulx (delighted, moving forward). Long live the 
 Grand Constable t 
 
 Casin Cholet (delighted, moving forward). A most rare Oon- 
 ttable I 
 
 Jehan le Loup (moving forward). I kiss your hands. 
 
 Villon. Go your ways, and, if you can, mend them. 
 
 Noel. My Lord, you are the miracle of mercy. 
 
 (The five Rogues run out, l.u.e., snapping fingers at soldiers as they 
 pass ; soldiers turn l. and march out l.u.e. ; Noel lb Jolys 
 notices Huguette as he passes her. She throws rose to him. 
 He exits L.3.B.) 
 
 Villon (down R.O.). Why, in God's name, does the world appear 
 so different to-day ? Is it the thing they call the voice of conscience, 
 or merely this purple and fine linen ? 
 
 (Coming up o. sees Huguette. He goes to where Huguette is 
 standing, takes her gently by the hand, and draws her down stage.) 
 
 Fair mistress, you have a comely face and you make it very plain 
 that you have a comely figure. (Huguette bows.) Why do you 
 go thus ? 
 
 Huguette (l.o., raising herself and slapping his hand away). For 
 ease and freedom, to please myself, and to show my fine shape to 
 please others. 
 
 Villon (a). Are you a happy woman, mistress ? 
 
 Huguette (l.o.). Happy enough, when fools like you don't 
 clap me into prison for living my life in my own way. 
 
 Villon. I may be a fool, but I did not clap you into prison 
 (away b.o. a Utile). Heaven forbid ! 
 
 Huguette (up to him gaily). Your voice sounds familiar, moo- 
 seigneur. Had I ever the honour to serve you ? 
 
 Villon. Who knows ? 
 
 Huguette (indifferently and turning up L.o.). Who cares ? 
 What are you going to do with me ? 
 
 Villon. Set you free, my delicate bird of prey. Those wild 
 wings were never meant for clipping and caging. (Huguette 
 a step up — pauses, Villon turns.) Is there anything I can do to 
 pleasure you ? 
 
 Huguette (o., earnestly). What has come to Master Francois 
 Villon ? 
 
 Villon (r.o.). Why do you ask ? 
 
 Huguette. He was with us when we were snared last night. 
 But he did not share our prison, and he is not with us now. Does 
 he live ? 
 
 Villon. He lives — he is banished from Paris, but he lives. 
 
*« IF I WERE KINO. [Act H. 
 
 Huguette. The sweet saints be thanked ! 
 (Clock striken.) 
 
 Villon. Why do you care for the fate of this fellow t 
 
 Huguette. As I am a fool, I believe I love him. 
 
 Villon. Heaven's mercy — why ? 
 
 Huguette. I cannot tell you, messire. A look hi his eyes, a 
 trick of his voice — the something, the nothing that makes a woman's 
 heart run like wax in the fire. He never made woman happy yet, 
 and I'D swear no woman ever made him happy. If you gave him 
 the moon he would want the stars for a garnish. He believes noth- 
 ing ; he laughs at everything ; he is a false monkey — and yet I 
 wish I had borne such a child. 
 
 Villon. Let us speak no more of this rascal 1 He believes 
 more and laughs less than he did. He is so glad to be alive that his 
 forehead scrapes the sky and the stars fall at his feet in gold dust. 
 (Huguette comet nearer Villon.) Paris is well rid of such a jack- 
 anape. (Villon, fearing recognition, crosses in front of her to L.o.) 
 
 Huguette. You are a merry gentleman. 
 
 Villon (up to her r.c). I would be more gentle than merry with 
 you. Will you wear this ring for my sake. (She takes ring, examines 
 Villon's hand.) Fancy that it cimes from Master Francois Villon, 
 who will always think kindly of your wild eyes. 
 
 (Re-enter Noel l.u.e. and coming down b.o.) 
 
 Huguette (quickly). Let me see your face. 
 
 Villon. Not so. (Crossing e.o., draws away.) Captain, (Hugu- 
 ette is up stage, watching Villon) give this lady honourable conduct. 
 (Noel le Jolys moves up to b. of Huguette.) 
 
 Noel (to Huguette). You are a comely girl. 
 
 Huguette (up a). This is news from No-man's land. (Going.) 
 
 Noel. (Following.) Where do you lodge ? 
 
 Huguette. At the sign of the Golden Scull, hard by the Fir 
 Cone (showing ring to Noel le Jolys). Will you visit me ! (With 
 inviting smile.) 
 
 Noel. As I am a man I will. 
 
 (He goes out, following Huguette l.S.e., leaving Villon alone. 
 Clock strikes half-hour.) 
 
 Villon (going up a). Heaven forgive me, I am becoming a most 
 pitiful loud preacher. Every rogue there deserves the gallows, 
 but so do I no less, and I have not swallowed enough of this Court 
 air to make me a hypocrite. Well, all this justice is thirsty work 
 (going to dial, first putting hat down and then taking jug and mug), 
 and, mad or sane, sleeping or waking, let me drink while I can. 
 
 (Music. Katherine appears on the terrace, upper platform, with 
 Olivier lk Dain, who points to Villon and comes down to him. 
 Katherine remains on the terrace.) 
 
▲as ILJ IF I WERE KINO. 47 
 
 Villon (at dial, fills a cup of wine and comes down l.c, looking 
 off B.). To the loveliest lady this side of Heaven. And by Heaven 
 my eyes dazzle, or I believe I see her {goes up to dial and puts back 
 cup). 
 
 Olivier (down steps). My lord, there is a lady there who desires 
 to speak with you. 
 
 Villon (l.0.). I desire to speak with her. 
 
 Olivier (up a.). Remember, my lord, that you are the Oount 
 of Montcorbier, newly come to court. Forget all else ; the King 
 commands it. 
 
 Villon (going up c). The King shall be obeyed. (Olivier 
 makes a sign to Katherine. Olivier goes out.) I am awake. No 
 dream could be as fair as she. (Katherine runs down steps and 
 kneels to Villon.) 
 
 Katherine (kneeling, head down). My lord, will you listen to a 
 distressed lady 1 
 
 Villon. Not while the lady kneels. (Assists her to rise. She 
 looks at him, but there is no sign of recognition. Aside.) She does not 
 know me. 
 
 Katherine (r.c). There is a man in prison this very hour 
 for whom I would beg your clemency. His name is Francois 
 Villon. Last night he wounded Thibaut d'Aussigny. 
 
 Villon (c. to down l.c. a step). Thereby making room for me. 
 
 Katherine. The penalty is death. But Thibaut was a traitor, 
 sold to Burgundy. 
 
 Villon. Did this Villon fight him for his treason I 
 
 Katherine. No. He fought him for the sake of a woman. 
 He risked his life with a light heart because a woman willed it. 
 
 (Moves a little to b.) 
 
 Villon. How do you know all this ? 
 
 Katherine (b.). Because I was the woman. This man had 
 Been me, thought he loved me, sent me verses. 
 
 Villon (a). How insolent ! 
 
 Katherine. It was insolence — and yet they were very beautiful 
 verses. I was in mortal fear of Thibaut d'Aussigny. I went to 
 this Villon and begged him to kill my enemy. He backed his love- 
 bale with his sword — and now he lies in the shadow of death. It is 
 not just that he should Buffer for my sin. 
 
 Villon. Do you, by any chance, love this Villon ! 
 
 Katherine (turns, with dignity). I pity him, and I do not want 
 him to die, though indeed life cannot be very dear to him if he could 
 fling tt sway to please a woman. 
 
 (Turns towards B.) 
 
 Villon (going b.o. near her). Even when you are the woman ! 
 If I had stood in this rascal's shoes I would have done aa he did f 01 
 your lake. 
 
« IF I WERE KINO. [Act II. 
 
 Eatherine. If you think thus, you should grant the pooi 
 knave his freedom. 
 
 Villon. That broker of ballads shall go free. Your prayei 
 unshackles him, and we will do no more than banish him from Paris. 
 Forget that such a slave ever came near you. 
 
 Katherine (bows low to him). I shall remember youi 
 clemency. 
 
 (Villon raises Katherine and sits her on seat r.) 
 
 
 
 Villon. By Saint Venus, I envy this fellow that he should have 
 won your kind thoughts. For I stand in his case, and I too would 
 die to serve you. +■ 
 
 Eatherine. My lord, you do not know me. 
 
 Villon lover l. end of seat). Did he know you ? Yet when he 
 »aw you he loved you and made bold to tell you so. 
 
 Katherine. His words were of no more account than the 
 wind in the eaves. But you and I are peers, and the words we change 
 have meanings. 
 
 Villon. Though I be newly come to Paris, I have heard much 
 of the beauty and more of the pride of the Lady Katherine de 
 Vaucelles. 
 
 Katherine. I am humble enough as to my beauty, but I am 
 very proud of my pride. % 
 
 Villon. Would you pity me if I told you that I loved you ? 
 
 Katherine (rising and going up to dial). Heaven's mercy I how 
 fast your fancy gallops. I. care little to be flattered, and less to 
 be wooed, and I swear that I should be very hard to win. 
 
 Villon. I have more right to try than your taproom bandit. 
 I see what he saw ; I love what he loved. 
 
 Katherine (a). You are very inflammable. 
 
 Villon (up r.c). My fire burns to the ashes. (Katherine 
 crosses in front of Villon to the steps r.) You can no more stay me 
 from loving you than you can stay the flowers from loving the soft 
 air, or true men from loving honour, or heroes from loving glory. 
 I would rake the moon from Heaven for you. 
 
 (Katherine is now on third step, Villon near her.) 
 
 Katherine. That promise has grown rusty since Adam first 
 made it to Eve. There is a rhyme in my mind about moons and 
 lovers : 
 
 Lift, is unstable, 
 
 Love may uphold { 
 Fear goes in sable, 
 
 Courage in gold. 
 
 \ rmom (moving away to o. Aside). 
 My rhyma* 
 
Act II.] IF I WERE KING. 4ft 
 
 Kathxrinb. Mystery covers 
 
 Midnight and noon; 
 Heroes and lovers 
 Cry for the moon. 
 
 Villon {away L.O.). What -dfcggerel I 
 
 Katherine. Doggerel ? 'Tis divinity t 
 
 Villon (returning to steps). Tell me what I may do to win ytmt 
 favour. 
 
 Katherine (on steps). A trifle. Save France. 
 
 Villon (retreating to a). No more ? 
 
 Katherine. No less. Are you not Grand Constable, chief of 
 the King's army ? There is an enemy at the gates of Paris and none 
 of the King's men can frighten him away. Oh ! that a man would 
 come to court. For the man who shall trail the banners of Bur- 
 gundy in the dust for the King of France to walk on, I may, perhaps, 
 have favours. 
 
 Villon. You are hard to please. 
 
 Katherine. My hero must have every virtue for his wreath, 
 every courage for his coronet. Farewell. (Katherine makes a 
 movement Ufgo.) 
 
 Villon (approaching steps). Stay, I have a thousand things to 
 say to you. 
 
 Katherine. I have but one, and 'twas said long since. Fate- 
 well 1 (GoingLup a few steps.) 
 
 Villon. I will follow you. 
 
 Katherine. Tou may not. I go to the Queen. 
 
 (She goes out.) 
 
 Villon. Oh t that a man would come to court ! Why should 
 I not deserve her ? Last night I was only a poor devil with a rusty 
 sword and a single suit. To-day all's different (coming from steps to 
 o. and down L.o.). I am the King's friend, it would seem, a court 
 potentate, a man of mark. What may I not accomplish 1 This 
 finery smiles like sunlight and the world will warm its hands at me. 
 
 (Louis enters from tower, r.i.e.) 
 
 Louis (o.). Good afternoon, Lord Constable. 
 
 Villon. Your Majesty 1 
 
 Louis (touching Villon's shoulder). Does power taste well f 
 
 Villon (kneeling, his back to the audience). Nobly, sire. On 
 my knees let me thank your Majesty. 
 
 Louis (going to dial and sitting). Nonsense, man ; I'm pleasing 
 myself. You sang yourself into splendour. " If Villon ware the 
 King of France," eh ? 
 
 (Villon rises and gets a.0.) 
 
 Villoh. Your Majesty will understand—— 
 
BO IF I WERE KINO. [Act II. 
 
 Louis. Perfectly. My good friend, you captivated me ! 
 With what a flashing eye, with what a radiant forehead, 
 with what a lofty carriage you thundered your verses at me. 
 " There," said I to myself, " is a real man, a man with a mission ; 
 a man who may serve France." 
 
 Villon (o.). Sire, that has been my hunger's dream of plenty. 
 
 Louis. Well, I couldn't very well make you king, you know, 
 and I wouldn't if I could, for I have a fancy for the task myself. 
 But I owed you a good turn, and your own words prompted the pay- 
 ment. This poor devil shall taste power, I said ; I will make hins 
 my Grand Constable 
 
 Villon. Sire, I will serve you as never king was served 
 
 Louis. I will make him my Grand Constable for a week. 
 
 Villon (down r.o.). For a week, sire ? 
 
 Louis. Good Lord, did your vanity credit a permanent appoint- 
 ment ? Come, friend, come, that would be pushing the joke toa 
 far t 
 
 Villon. A week! 
 
 Louis. Even so. One wonderful week. Seven delirious days , 
 one hundred and sixty-eight heavenly hours. It's the chance of a 
 lifetime. The world was made in seven days. (Rises.) Seven days 
 of power, seven days of splendour, seven days of love. 
 
 Villon (b.c.) And then go back to the garret and the kennel 
 the tavern and the prison 
 
 Louis (down a. and up with back to audience). No, no, not exactly ■ 
 you don't taste the full force of the joke yet. In a week's time you 
 will build me a big gibbet in the Place de Gr&ve, and there youi 
 last task as Grand Constable will be to hang Master Francois Villon. 
 
 Villon (down r.o. a little.). Sire, sire, have pity I 
 
 Louis. Are you so fond of life ! are you so poor a thing that you 
 prize your garret and your kennel, your tavern and your prison so 
 highly? 
 
 Villon. I was content yesterday. 
 
 Louis. Can you be content to-day ? Please yourself. There is 
 still a door open to you. You can go back to your garret this very 
 moment if you choose. Say the word and my servants shall strip 
 you of your smart feathers and drub you into the street. 
 
 Villon. Your Majesty, be merciful I 
 
 Louis. You read Louis of France a lesson, and Louis of France 
 returns the compliment (down l.o. and up a, back to audience). I 
 took you for true gold, and I am afraid you are only base metal. 
 You mouthed your longing for the chance to show what you could 
 do. Here is your chance. Take it or leave it. (Facing front.) 
 You may have your week of wonder if you wish, but if you do, by 
 my word as a king, you shall swing for it. 
 
 Villon. In God's name, sire, what have I done that you should 
 torture me thus f 
 
 Lama (moves down L.O., up a., and then up to r.o. ash* speaks). T<M 
 
Act n.] IF I WERE KING. 51 
 
 have mocked a king and maimed a minister ; you can't get oft 
 scot-free. (Hat off, mumbling over images.) 
 
 Villon (coming from e.g. to l.o. and sitting on dial). Heaven 
 help me ! Life, squalid, sordid, but still life, with its tavern corners 
 and its brute pleasures of food and drink and warm sleep ; living 
 hands to hold and living laughter to tickle me — or a week of cloth 
 of gold, of glory, of love — and then a shameful death I 
 
 Louis (coming down to Villon and speaking over him). Pray, 
 friend, pray, to help your judgment I 
 
 (Olivier le Dain enters l.c.e. Villon still sits on dial.) 
 
 Olivier (bottom of steps up o.). Sire, the Burgundian herald, 
 Toison d'Or, attends under a flag of truce with a message for your 
 Majesty. 
 
 Louis (r.c). We will receive him here, Olivier, in this green 
 audience chamber. We need the free air when we hold speech with 
 Burgundy. 
 
 (Olivier goes out l.c.e. Katherine, attended by Noel le Jolys 
 and her Ladies, comes on the terrace. Noel le Jolys gives her 
 a lute. Louis sees her, and a thought seems to strike him. He 
 advances to where Villon sits.) 
 
 Louis. How if my lady virtue who flouted me could be lured 
 to love this beggar man ? (To Villon.) One further chance, 
 fellow. If the Count of Montcorbier win the heart of Lady Kather- 
 ine de Vaucelles within the week (Villon rises), he shall escape 
 the gallows and carry his lady-love where he pleases. 
 
 Villon (l.o.). On your word of honour, sire ? 
 
 Louis (with imperial dignity). My word is my honour, Master 
 Francois. 
 
 (Villon picks up his hat from the dial seat and wears it.) 
 
 Kathxbtnb. (Sings on the terrace.) 
 Life is unstable, 
 
 Love may uphold ; 
 Fear goes in sable, 
 
 Courage in gold. 
 Mystery covers 
 
 Midnight and noon ; 
 Heroes and lovers 
 
 Cry for the moon. 
 
 (Louis, grimly smiling, rubbing hands, goes up b.o. and returns to 
 end of flower balustrade by steps.) 
 
 Louis (r.c, after a pause). Weill (To Villpk.) Tou cried 
 for the moon ; I give it to you. 
 
 Villon (down o.). And I take it at your hands. Give me my 
 week of wonders, though I die a dog's death at the and of it. 
 
m if i were ma [act ii. 
 
 Louis. Spoken like a man I 
 
 (A fanfare of trumpets is heard.) 
 
 (From L.D.E soldiers and knights enter and line the terrace. Otherx 
 descend the steps o. and take up positions in front of the hedges 
 facing the audience. A company of archers enter and take up 
 position from down l. to up l. behind the dial. Olivier enters 
 L.U.B. Toison d'Or, the Burgundian Herald, enters, accompanied 
 by Burgundian soldiers. The Herald remains for the moment up a. 
 On to the terrace r. come a crowd of Court Ladies together with 
 Tristan. Noel le Jolys comes down steps, bows to Louis, 
 tneers at Villon and coes r. The Astrologer enters r.i.e., and 
 stands by Noel le Jolys.) 
 
 Olivier (l.o. on the steps). The Herald of Burgundy, sire. 
 
 (Toison d'Or moves down the steps to down r.o. as Louis speaks the 
 following sentences. Villon is down l.o.) 
 
 Toison. In the name of the Duke of Burgundy, and of his allies 
 and brothers-in-arms assembled in solemn leaguer outside the 
 walls of Paris, I hereby summon you, Louis of France, to surrender 
 this city unconditionally and to yield in confidence to my master's 
 mercy. 
 
 Louis (sitting L.O.). And if we refuse, Sir Herald f 
 
 (All show interest.) 
 
 Toison. The worst disasters of war, fire and sword and famine, 
 much blood to shed (going down r.), and much gold to pay, and for 
 yourself no hope of pardon. 
 
 (Action from courtiers and knights.) 
 
 Louis (sitting). Great words. 
 
 Toison (down r.). The angels of great deeds. 
 
 (Louis rises, goes c, looks at Villon and then speaks.) 
 
 Louis. The Count of Montcorbier, Constable of Prance, is my 
 counsellor ; his voice delivers my mind. (Close to Villon.) Speak, 
 friend, and give this messenger his answer. 
 
 Villon (l.o.). As I will, sire ? 
 
 Louis. Yes, go on, go on. " H Villon were the King of Prance." 
 
 Villon (crossing to a.). Herald of Burgundy, in God's name and 
 the King's, I bid you go back to your master and say this : Kings 
 are great in the eyes of their people, but the people are great in the 
 eyes of God, and it is the people of Prance who answer you in the 
 name of this epitome. We are well victualled ; we are well armed ; 
 we lie snug and warm behind our stout walls ; we laugh at your 
 l leaguer. But when we who eat are hungry, when we who drink 
 are dry, when we wbo glow are frozen, our answer to rebellious 
 
Aox n.) IF I WERE KINO. S3 
 
 Burgundy will be the same. We give you back defiance fot de- 
 fiance, menace for menace, blow for blow. This is our answer — 
 this and the drawn sword (drawing sword). God and St. Denis for 
 the King of France. 
 
 (All draw and repeat. Villon stands with drawn sword. Towon 
 d'Or and two Burgundian soldiers shout " Burgundy," the rest shout 
 " France," Burgundians repeat " Burgundy." Louis sits with one 
 leg crossed over the other, smiling complacently. Kathbrine comes 
 forward and kneels to Villon.) 
 
 Kathbrine (coming down steps and kneeling in front of Villon). 
 My lord, with my lips the women of France thank you for your words 
 of flame. 
 
 Noel (r.). Katherine I 
 
 Louis (l.o.). Mistress, what does this mean t 
 
 Katherine (rising). It means, sire, that a man has oome to 
 oourt. 
 
 (Music.) 
 
 Medium Fast Curtain oh Last Woks. 
 
act m 
 
 Sunset. The same scene as Act II under different conditions of 
 light. The time is a red sunset, which deepens into a golden twilight, 
 and merges into a blue and moonlight night. 
 
 (When curtain rises, Louis is seated with the Queen and Courtier* 
 on the Palace steps, watching dance. After exit of ballet. King 
 comes down with Villon and Courtiers exit into Palace.) 
 
 Villon (following Louts who is walking to dial where he sits and 
 shows a map). Sire, I have blown it abroad that your Majesty 
 feasts to-night. While the Duke of Burgundy believes us to be 
 carousing we shall make a sortie from St. Anthony's gate. At the 
 cross road some few of us will make an attack upon the enemy's 
 left and beat a retreat. This will tempt him into our ambuscade, 
 and, as I believe, end in his rout. If the Duke of Burgundy falls 
 into my trap men will call me a great captain, yet it is no more than 
 remembering the shape of the meadows where 1 played in childhood. 
 
 Louis (still sitting on dial). Where did you learn wisdom ! 
 
 Villon (moving away a.). In the school of hope deferred. When 
 I was — what T was, I still believed that this dingy carcass swaddled 
 a Roman spirit. In the pomp of my pallet i dreamed Olympian 
 dreams. And the dreams have come true. 
 
 Louis. You are an amazing fellow. Here in a week you have 
 made me more popular than I made myself since my accession. 
 In court, in camp, in council, men are pleased to call you paragon. 
 
 Vtllon. I am a man of the people, and 1 know what the people 
 need. A week ago the good people of Paris were disloyal enough. 
 I repeal the tax on wine, and to-day they clap their hands and 
 cry " God save King Louis " lustily. A week ago your soldiers 
 were mutinous because they were ill fed, worse clothed, and never 
 paid at all. I feed them full, clothe them warm, pay them well, 
 and to-day your Majesty has an army that would follow me to the 
 devil if I whistled a marching tune. 
 
 Louis (rising 0. Pointing to dial). But in the meantime your 
 snnds are running out. Is your heart failing ? Is your pulse 
 flagging ? 
 
 Villon. Not a whit. I have been translated without dis- 
 credit from the tavern to the palace, and if the worst come to the 
 wont, I may say with the dying CsBsar, " Applaud me." 
 
 54 
 
Act HI.] IF I WERE KING. 66 
 
 Louis. You speak as if you had reigned for a century. 
 
 Villon. A man might live a thousand years and yet be no 
 more account at the last than as a great eater of dinners. Whereas 
 to suck all the sweet, and snuff all the perfume but of a single hour, 
 to push all its possibilities to the edge of the chessboard, is to live 
 greatly though it be not to live long, and an end is an end if it come 
 on the winged heels of a week or the dull crutch of a century (moves 
 a Utile up B.C.). j 
 
 Louis. Pray Heaven this philosophy may sound as fine when 
 your neck is in the halter (crossing r. in front of Villon). 
 
 Villon (l.c, bowing to Louis). Your Majesty's wit and my wish 
 run nose and nose in a leash. , 
 
 Louis (b.c). Messire Noel brings me a new astrologer to-night, j 
 The heavens seem in a conspiracy of confusion. My dream of a 1 
 star falling from heaven defies divination (going R.). 
 
 Villon (o.). Do you never tire of these sky doctors 1 
 
 Louis (b.). Don't jest, Master Poet, but ply your suit, ioi I swear, 
 if you fail, you shall hang to-morrow. 
 
 (He enters tower, b.i.b.) 
 
 Villon (putting hat on balustrade, B.C.). The petals of my reign 
 are falling from me, full of life, full of colour to the end. Shall I 
 win this woman ? (going o.) Am I mad to hope it ? If I lose, 'tis 
 a short shrift and a long rope at the end of a dazzling dream (returning 
 B.C.). How cold the June air seems, and these roses smell of graves ! 
 But if I win, how will it be (sits b.), I wonder, to marry my heart's 
 desire, to grow old sedately, to live again in the children on my knee, 
 a little Francois here more honest than his father, a little Katherine 
 there less comely than her mother ? (Rising, getting hat from balus- 
 trade and backing to dial.) Run away, my dear dream-children, to 
 your playground of shadows where you belong, for your father runs 
 the risk of being hanged to-morrow, and he fights for love and life 
 to-night. 
 
 (On the terrace enter Kathebinb, followed by Noel lb Jolys, 
 Courtiers and Ladies.) 
 
 Noel. Lady, I plead for a patient hearing. 
 
 Katherine. You pray amiss : this is my impatient hour. 
 
 Noel. When, then ? 
 
 Kathebinb. By and by, when the night is wiser. 
 
 Noel. I will spy upon it. 
 
 (A lady takes lute to Villon, who is by dial. He refuses, she returns to 
 Katherine (who has finished scene with Noel lb Jolys) and 
 gives her lute. As Katherine approaches a., Villon comes from 
 dial to meet her. Three ladies come down L.o., and sit on ground o.) 
 
 Kathebinb (r.o.). My lord, I am the voice of these ladies. 
 Rhyme us a rhyme that shall match this night of summer. 
 
66 IF I WERE KING. [Act III. 
 
 Villon, (a). What shall I rhyme about t 
 
 {Ladies come down l.o. and r.o. Pages and Knight and Ladies uf 
 stage take up positione. Noel lb Jolys moves over to l. of stage.) 
 
 Kathbrinb (crossing to dial and sitting). Your suitors are women ; 
 therefore nothing better nor worse than love. 
 
 (Villon goes to steps by lower balustrade.) 
 
 Viuoh. Sigh, my lute, sigh. 
 
 I wonder in what isle of bliss 
 Apollo's music fills the air; 
 In what green valley Artemis 
 For young Endymion spreads the snare} 
 Where Venus lingers debonair : 
 The wind has blown them all away — 
 And Pan lies piping in his lair — 
 Where are the gods of yesterday t 
 
 Say where the great Semiramis 
 Sleeps in a rose-red tomb ; and whan 
 The precious dust of Caesar is, 
 Or Cleopatra's yellow hair ; 
 Where Alexander Do-and-Dare : 
 The wind has blown them all away — 
 And Redbeard of the Iron Chair — 
 Where are the dreams of yesterday t 
 
 (Noel LB Jolts crosses from l. 3 e. to r. 3 b., pausing at balustrade 
 before exiting.) 
 
 Where is the Queen of Herod's kiss, 
 And Phryne in her beauty bare ; 
 By what strange sea does Tomyria 
 With Dido and Cassandra share 
 Divine Proserpina's despair : - 
 The wind has blown them all away — 
 For what poor ghost does Helen care t 
 Where are the girls of yesterday t 
 
 Alas for lovers I pair by pair 
 The wind has blown them all away, 
 The young and yare, the fond and fait I 
 Where are the snows of yesterday t 
 
 Kathbrinb (softly, to herself). Where are the snows of yesterday t 
 
 Villon. Sweet ladies, my song is sung. (Villon assists ladies 
 
 to rite. The others follow and get r.o. by steps.) Yesterday is dead, 
 
 to-morrow comes never. (To Kathbrinb by dial) Let us live 
 
Aot IILJ IF I WERE KINO. 67 
 
 and love to-day. (To ladies who are on steps) Shall we go to the 
 great hall where the Italian players gambol ? 
 
 (Ladies and Courtiers exit and four Pages line steps (two on either side) 
 for Villon to pass through. Villon is up the steps when Kathar- 
 ine's line stops him.) 
 
 (As Villon if exiting, Thibaut, disguised as a pilgrim, enters l.i.k. 
 He sees Villon and Katherine and exits l.u.k., but not before 
 Katherine has recognized him.) 
 
 Katherine (up o. steps). My lord ! 
 
 Villon (coming down r. steps). My lady f 
 
 Katherine (up l.o.). This masking kindles fancies. I thought 
 but now that the eyes of Thibaut d'Aussigny glared on me from under 
 a pilgrim's hood. 
 
 Villon (up o.). A villainous apparition. For the news is that 
 he lies dead in the camp of Burgundy. 
 
 Katherine (coming down stage to dial). I always hated him — 
 almost feared him. If he be dead I hope he will not haunt me. Ah ! 
 I tingle to-night like a lute that is tuned too high. 
 
 Villon (c). Will you watch the players 1 
 
 Katherine. No, I am more in a mood for moonlight than candle- 
 light (sits L.O.). 
 
 Villon. May I ask you a question t 
 
 Katherine. Surely. 
 
 Villon (r.c). Are you content with me f 
 
 Katherine. Vou have done much. 
 
 Villon. I have more to do. For seven days I have wrestled 
 with greatness as Jacob wrestled with the angel ; I have made the 
 King popular, the Parisians loyal, the army faithful. 
 
 Katherine. Then why do you linger here where courtiers feast 
 and ladies dance ? 
 
 Villon. I want the Duke of Burgundy to believe that the 
 King's favourite is a zany and the King's court an orgy, where the 
 King's honour melts like a pearl in a pot of vinegar. But our swords 
 are tempered in wine and sharpened to dance music (a little r.c), 
 and to-night we ride. 
 
 Katherine (rising and moving dote, to him). I would I were a 
 man that I might ride with you ? 
 
 Villon. I ride in your honour. (Villon takes Katherine's 
 hand.) Heaven has been very good to me, and I serve France 
 serving you. (Katherine withdraws her hand and slowly moves 
 L.O.). Perhaps I serve both for the last time. 
 
 Katherine (l.c). For the last time ? 
 
 Villon (up c). Even so, my sweet lady Echo. Those far-away 
 lanterns warn me that I may die to-morrow. Some of us will be 
 dreaming their last dreams by sunrise. I may be one of those heavy 
 sleepers. 
 
 Kathebink. Tou mav die if you ride on the King's business 
 
68 IF I WERE KINO. [Act m. 
 
 {turning away l.o.) but so may I who sit at home and eat my 
 heart. 
 
 Villon (coming down o. a little). For whom ? 
 
 Katherine (attempting to cross). I will tell you that to-morrow. 
 
 Villon (staying her, takes her l. hand in his r.)- There is no time 
 like now time. (Pointing to dial.) That dial there is as wise as the 
 wisest. 
 
 (Drawing Katherine to dial and releasing her, then reading from 
 the dial. Katherine stands looking at the dial, her back to 
 audience.) 
 
 Observe how fast time hurries past, 
 Then use each hour while in your power | 
 For comes the sun, but time flies on, 
 Proceeding ever, returning never. 
 
 Katherine (sits l.o.). This was old wisdom when Noah sailed 
 
 the seas. 
 
 Villon (o.). Well, let to-morrow tell to-morrow's story. To- 
 night I feel like a happy child in a world of make-believe. To-night 
 we are immortal, you and I, wandering for ever in this green garden 
 under those indifferent stars, breathing this rose-scented air, spelling 
 the secret of the world. 
 
 Katherine. You may say what you please — to-morrow. 
 
 Villon. Alas, no ! To-morrow I shall be mortally sober ; 
 to-night I am divinely drunk — drunk with star wine, flower wine, 
 song wine. The stars bum my brain ; the roses pierce my flesh ; 
 the songs trouble my soul (approaching Katherine). To-night if I 
 dared I would ease my heart. 
 
 Katherine. Vou may say what you please to-night (giving him 
 her hand.) 
 
 Villon (taking her hand). If J were to die to-morrow I would 
 tell you this to-night. I love you. (Kneeling.) These are easy 
 words to say, yet my heart fails as I say them, for their meaning 
 is as full and musical as the Bell of Doom (rising). Men are such 
 fools that they have but one name for a thousand meanings, and 
 beggar the poor love word to base kitchen usages and work-a-day 
 desires. But I would keep it holy for the flame which it some- 
 times pleases Heaven to light in one heart for the worship of another, 
 I never knew what love was till I saw a girl's face on a May morning, 
 and wisdom stripped the rind from my naked heart. The God in 
 me leaped into being to greet the God in your eyes. I love you. 
 This is what I would say if I were to die to-morrow. 
 
 (There is a long pause.) 
 
 Katherine (rising and going to h*m). If you were to die to- 
 morrow I might tell you this much to-night. A woman may love 
 a man because he is brave, or because he is comely, or because he is 
 
Act III.] IF I WERE KINO. 59 
 
 wise, or gentle— for a thousand, thousand reasons (close up to Villon). 
 But the best of all reasons for a woman loving a man is just because 
 she loves him, without rhyme and without reason (getting away a 
 step), because Heaven wills it, because earth fulfils it, (taking his 
 hand) because his hand is of the right size to hold her heart in its 
 hollow. 
 
 (Pressing his hand in hers.) 
 
 Villon (embraces her). Katherine 1 
 
 (Noel le Jolts appears on terrace and comes down as they an 
 walking up to dial.) 
 
 Noel (on step). Where are the lovers of yesterday t 
 
 Villon (a). Your pink and white ladybird. Ladybird, lady- 
 bird, fly away home. 
 
 Noel (r.c, up to Villon). My lord, I will measure word and 
 sword with you at any season, but now I seek promised speech with 
 this lady (getting away r.). 
 
 Villon (r.c). While I have better business in hand you shall 
 know only the smooth of my tongue and the flat of my .falchion. 
 Compass your swelling heart lest you play the lion before a lady. 
 
 (Noel le Jolts goes down b.) 
 
 Katherine (a, to Villon). My lord, he has importuned me for 
 audience. I will speak with you again ere you ride. 
 
 Villon. We ride at ten, remember. Meanwhile I will busy 
 myself with my last will and testament. 
 
 (To Noel lb Jolys, who is crossing up to B.C.) 
 
 To Messire Noel I bequeath 
 A helmless ship, a houseless street, 
 A wordless book, a swordless sheath, 
 To make his nothingness complete. 
 
 (Noel le Jolts goes up b.o.) 
 
 Katherine (o.). Do you leave me nothing 1 
 
 Villon (b.o.). The stars should be your pearls upon a string, 
 
 The world a ruby for your finger-ring; 
 
 And you should have the sun and moon to wear 
 
 If I were King. 
 
 (Villon goes out lxb. She follows him.) 
 
 Kathxbinb (l.). Well, sit t 
 
 Noel (who is earning down stage). I have always to seek you 
 nowadays. 
 Katherinb (going o.). The world is not yet so old that the waning 
 ' be done by women. 
 
eo if i Were kino. [act iii. 
 
 Noel (r.o.). I am out of favour since a fellow from nowhere 
 plays the fool in high places. 
 
 Katherine (o.). I do not hate you for railing at him, but it 
 does not help me to love you. 
 
 Noel (r.c). You have outgrown me. 
 
 Katherine (c). My soul was in bud a week ago. To-day it 
 is in blossom. 
 
 Noel (r.c). God have mercy, what can this fellow do that 
 is denied to me ? Can he stride a horse, or fly a hawk better ? 
 Show a brighter sword in quarrel or tune a smoother lute in calm ? 
 Can he out-dance me, out-drink me, out-courtier me, out-soldier 
 me ! (Crossing to l.). No, no no. (Katherine goes from c. to 
 the steps and pauses on second step.) And must I now believe that 
 he can out-love me ? 
 
 Katherine (on steps). When a man comes to court it is worth 
 while to be a woman. You will learn that some day, sir Noel, if 
 you grow to be a man. 
 
 (Going out up steps.) 
 
 Noel (approaching o. and turning down L.O.). Why are the women 
 all sunflowers to this scaramouch ? Well, I shall be revenged if my 
 astrologer plays his part and tells the weak King that this Count of 
 Montcorbier is his evil spirit. 
 
 (Clock strikes.) 
 
 (Huguettb enters l.u.e. She is wearing a pilgrim's gown over her 
 boy's dress.) 
 
 Huguette (speaks in a man's voice and touching Noel le Jolys 
 on shoulder). May I vend you an indulgence, good gentleman ? 
 
 Noel (moving up to her o. and backing her to r.c). Pass your 
 ways, pilgrim. I am in no mood for motley. 
 
 Huguette (r.c). Are you in a maid's mood or a mood for a 
 maid ? 
 
 Noel (c). Are you pandar as well as pilgrim ! I wait for a 
 woman. 
 
 Huguette (r.c). Is she tall or short ; young or old ; dark or 
 fair ; sweet or eour ? (Getting to seat r.). 
 
 Noel. She is of the colour of the chameleon ; of the age of the 
 ancient world ; of the height of any man's heart, and as bitter- 
 sweet as a crushed quince. 
 
 (About to go out l.i.e.) 
 
 Huguette (throwing herself full length on seat. In her own voice. 
 Vnhooding). Is she of my feet, favour, years, and savour ? 
 
 Noel (running to her, B.O., surprised). You are welcome, witch, 
 for you bring the best love in the world. 
 
 (To her. about to embrace her.) 
 
Act in.] IP I WERE KING. 81 
 
 Hpgubtte (pushes him off and comes a.). Hush, I am no love- 
 monger, now, no gallantry girl, but a most politic plotter. We have 
 an astrologer for your King. Will Louis come ? 
 
 Noel (a). As linnet to looking-glass. He is greedy of star 
 wisdom. Does your astrologer know his lesson ? 
 
 Hogdette (c). He is parrot-perfect. When all is quiet give 
 an owl's cry thrice and Reni will bring him. He will warn the King 
 against his Grand Constable, and commend Messire Noel le Jolys. 
 
 (Bowing to him.) 
 
 Noel (o.). Then I shall be king of the castle, and you shall 
 have a great gold chain and pearls as big as a virgin's tears. 
 
 Huguette (l.o., scornfully). You know the way to win a 
 woman. 
 
 Noel. I am no jingling rhyme-broker, I thank Heaven. I pay 
 my way. 
 
 (Tries to embrace Hcguette.) 
 
 Hoouette (avoiding him). I will kiss you when you win. 
 Noel. You are indeed a politician. (Clock strikes three quarters.) 
 I must wait on the King. 
 
 (He goes out by the door b.i.e. Throws kisses to her before exiting.) 
 
 Huguette (after him). Fool, dunce, dolt, ass, peacock, buzzard, 
 owl. (Up to seat it., taking lute up.) The world is as sour as a 
 rotten orange since Francois went into exile. 
 
 (She sits b., takes up Villon's lute and begins to thrum it. 
 Villon enters l.i.e.) 
 
 Villon. (Sees Huguette.) There's another of these pilgrims. 
 
 (Villon touches Huguette on the shoulder. She springs to her feet 
 and turns to him.) 
 
 Villon (b.o.). Hail, little brother 1 
 Huguette (rising b., disguised voice). Hail, little sister I 
 Villon (b.c). Why little sister ? 
 
 Huguette (b.o.). If I am a brother of yours, you must need 
 be a sister of mine. But you talk out of the litany. 
 
 (About to go o.) 
 
 Villon. What harm if you give me responses I 
 Huguette. I will give you no more than good-bye. 
 
 (Catching hold of lute and trying to see Huguettb's face. In the 
 attempt Villon turns Huguette round to o. in front of him.) 
 
 Villon (stops her). You shall not show me your heels till I show 
 myself your face. IB* suddenly unhoads her and starts in surprise.) 
 Huguette t 
 
62 IF I WERE KING. [Act III. 
 
 Hoguette (mysteriously approaching him). Who are you ! 
 (She looks closely in his face, then slowly recognizes him.) 
 
 Huguette (drawing him to a). Francois, you dear devil. (Em- 
 braces him.) Where have you been this thousand years ? They 
 said you were banished. How brave you are. (Villon puis 
 hand over Huguette's mouth.) Where did you steal so much 
 splendour ? (backs her towardt dial, R.o.) Are you cutting purses % 
 Are you plucking mantles ? 
 
 Villon (near seat). What are you doing here, Abbess ! 
 
 Huguette (sitting). The fair fool Noel has taken a fancy to me 
 Oh, I have missed you so much. Kiss me. 
 
 (Tries to draw him to the seat beside her.) 
 
 Villon. You should keep your kisses for the fair fool Noel. 
 
 Huguette. Has some great lady bewitched you ? 
 
 Villon. What are you doing here, Abbess ? 
 
 Huguette (kneeling to Villon, m front of him). Ah me, I cannot 
 shut the door of my heart in your smooth face. 
 
 Villon. Well ? 
 
 Huguette. Rene de Montigny has a great game afoot, and you 
 are back in time to share it. 
 
 Villon (sitting on seat vacated by Huguette). What game ? 
 
 Huguette (kneeling to Villon). Why, the fair fool Noel, de- 
 ceived by me, has persuaded the King to see &u astrologer here to- 
 night when all is quiet. Noel believes that the astrologer will advise 
 the King to fling his Grand Constable out of the window and call 
 Messire Noel in at the door. But we really mean to kidnap the 
 King and sell him to the Duke of Burgundy. 
 
 Villon (still sitting l.c). A great game. And who is this astro- 
 loger ? 
 
 Huguette. Thibaut d'Aussigny, who pretends to be dead, 
 but who lives for this revenge. 
 
 Villon. Then it was he. 
 
 Huguette. Noel is to give us the signal by crying an owl's cry 
 thrice. 
 
 Villon (rising and going a). Here is a chance in a thousand. 
 
 Huguette (sitting on floor). What are you thinking of ? 
 
 Villon (going up r.o. and down o. to dial, speaking to himself), i 
 have but to close my eyes and shut my ears and the good Thibaut 
 carries the good Louis to the good Burgundy to-night, and there 
 can be no hanging to-morrow. 
 
 (As Villon approaches dial, Huguette rises and gets b.o.) 
 
 Huguette. What are you talking about! 
 
 Villon (unheeding her). If they cut Gaffer Louis's throat between 
 them the world were rid of a crook-witted king and I free to win 
 Katherine, hold Paris, be the first man in Franc o 
 
 Huguette (b.0.). Francois, speak to me. 
 
Act HI.] IF I WERE KING. S3 
 
 Villon (leaning against dial). One would say I were a fool to 
 let such occasion slip through my ten commandments. But I 
 have learned a thing called honour, which I must not lose for the 
 sake of my lady. 
 
 Hugdettb (up to him and shaking him). Francois I Francois I 
 
 Villon (down c. together). Yes, child, yes. 
 
 Huguette. What does it matter to you what they do with the 
 fool King ? 
 
 Villon. I have a mind to play my part in this enterprise. I 
 am the King of the Cockleshells, and I have returned to authority. 
 Give me your pilgrim's gown, girl (in taking off cloak, Huguette 
 gets in front of him), and, mind, not a word to the brotherhood 
 (going tip stage together). I want to take friend Thibaut by surprise. 
 Hide among the roses till the sport begins. 
 
 (Huqcette, throwing a kiss to Villon, runs out l.u.e.) 
 
 Villon (coming down stage). How does the balance go ? In 
 the one hand a great king's life ; in the other a poor poet's honour. 
 King, beggar, beggar, king. (Making gesture of balancing.) Kath- 
 erine ! (Noel lb JohYstynters from k. i. e. and it B.C. when Villon 
 sees him.) Ah, Alessire Noel, a word in your ear. The king is in 
 danger, you are deceived, I want your help. 
 
 (Taking Noel le Jolys by the ear, he draws him inside tower and 
 closes door, and stage is empty for a few seconds. Then Noel 
 le Jolys comes out of the tower and goes up o. speaking line — 
 
 Noel. They have befooled me, but they shall not beknave me ; 
 now for an owl's cry to catch the traitor. 
 
 (Afterwards giving owl's cry ; then withdraws into tower. Enter 
 slowly from different directions, Colin de Cayeulx, Casin Cholet, 
 Guy Tabarie, Jehan le Loup, Rene de Montigny, and Thibaut 
 d'Aussiqny, disguised as pilgrims.) 
 
 Thibaut (a). Are we all here ? 
 
 Rene de Montigny (r.). Ay, and ready to gather the royal rose 
 of this garden. 
 
 Thibaut (a). I tell you, friend, when I fold my fingers about that 
 yellow neck of his, I would not change names with an emperor. 
 That grip of mine means France for Burgundy, Paris and Kather- 
 ine for me. Who is the fool that usurps my office ? 
 
 Rene de Montigny (r.). No one knows. He dropped from the 
 tree of Fortune like a ripe plum. 
 
 Thibaut. Keep close. 
 
 Louis (heard off r). Messire Noel, where is that new ast ologer ? 
 (All conceal themselves except Thibaut and Rene de Montigny.) 
 (From postern door Noel le Jolys enters, followed by Villon, 
 
 disguised as Louis. Huguette enters l.u.e., and conceals her- 
 self at back of dial.) 
 
64 IF I WERE KINO. [Act III. 
 
 Noel (coming up r.o. to o. with Villon). Is the star-gam heie ? 
 
 (Noel lk Jolts withdraws into r.i.e.) 
 
 Rene de Montiony (up b.). Ay, he is the wonder of the world. 
 He can read the stars more easily than a tapster the score on his 
 shutter. He can spell you the high luck and the low. Bohemian, 
 Egyptian, Arabian wisdom have no mysteries for him. 
 
 (Noel lb Jolys goes back into castle, r. 1 e. Casin Cholet and Colin 
 de Cayeulx enter r. 3 e., and stand down B.o. Guy Tababib and 
 Jehan le Loup enter r. 2 e. and l. 2 e. respectively and stand 
 up l.c. Villon comes to Teibaut in silence. Thibadt takes 
 Louis by the wrist down stage. During scene Villon if silent, 
 only suggesting by action that he is Louis.) 
 
 Thibaut (pushing Villon on his knees). Sire, I can decipher 
 your destiny. Do not speak, or I will kill you. (Shows dagger, 
 from which Villon shrinks. Rene de Montiony comes round 
 front of Willow from up B. to l.c). I am Thibaut d'Aussigny, sire, 
 whom you thought to be dead, but who lives to prison you. (The 
 Conspirators gather round.) You are in the toils. Silent you are 
 still a man ; give tongue and you are simple carrion. You must 
 come to the knees of Burgundy. You shall be the Dukp's footstool. 
 (Villon's actions indicate extreme terror. Noel le Jolys and Olivier 
 enter b. 3 e., Noel lb Jolys quietly crossing to l. down stage and 
 Olivieb on steps r.c. ready to pick up Villon's cloak and hat. He 
 puts them b. of steps.) Can a king be such a cur ? (Villon 
 kneeling on ground, rocking to and fro.) Stop crying I 
 
 Bene de Montigny (l.c). He seems to me to be laughing. 
 
 Thibaut (c). Laughing ! 
 
 (Villon rises and gives way to a hearty peal of laughter. As 
 Thibaut stares at him, postern door B. 1 e. opens and Tristan 
 comes out.) 
 
 Tristan (r.). The.King 1 
 
 {The garden is surrounded by archers and soldiers, who bar all the 
 exits. Thibaut stands l., held by two archers, astonished as Louis 
 comes out of the tower.) 
 
 Louis (r.c). Well, my Lord Constable t 
 
 (Cabin Cholet and Colin de Cayeulx run from b o. and are cap- 
 tured by soldiers up l.c) 
 
 Villon (c, pointing mockingly at Thibaut) — 
 " His counsellors are rogues perdie, 
 While men of honest mind are banned." 
 
 ¥hibaut (going r.c). You shall laugh no more. 
 
 (He springs at Villon with dagger, but is intercepted by Huguettb, 
 
n HI.] IF I WERE KING. 85 
 
 who flings herself upon Villon and is stabbed. Thibaut dashes 
 away from soldiers to r.u.e., and goes out followed by soldiers and 
 Noel le Jolys crying, " Kill him ! Kill him ! " The conspirator* 
 are seized and their pilgrim gowns removed, Villon bears 
 Huguette to dial. Olivier attends her.) 
 
 Huguette. Let me alone — I'm done for I 
 
 Villon. Courage, Abbess, courage, lass. That anyone should 
 
 s for me! 
 
 Huguette. This is a strange end (sinking on to floor). I always 
 
 ought I should die in a bed. Here is another kind of battlefield. 
 
 ve me drink. 
 
 Olivier. Some water % 
 
 Huguette. Not water. Wine. I have ever loved the taste of 
 
 and 'tis too late to change now. (Olivier brings wine. To Villon.) 
 
 >u give it to me. (Villon does so.) Your health. I suppose I 
 
 ve been a great sinner. Will God forgive me ? 
 
 Villon. He understands his children. 
 
 Huguette. You always were hopeful. Many men have loved 
 
 3, only one ever took my heart — —{Holds out her arms.) Give 
 
 9 your lips. 
 
 Daughters of Pleasure, one and all, 
 Use your red lips before too late ; 
 Love ere love flies beyond recall. Ah I 
 
 (F alls head down stage.) 
 
 'ltvier beckons soldiers down. Locis sends Tristan to look after 
 body. Tristan puts his hat on and follows Huguette's body with 
 Olivier.) 
 
 Villon (l.o.). Heaven, have mercy. 
 
 (Villon stands silent.) 
 
 Louis (coming up b.o.). Are you so dashed by the death of a 
 
 inton ? 
 
 Villon (approaching o.). She had God's breath in her body, aire. 
 
 was John-a-nods for a moment, now I am a Jack-a-deeds again. 
 
 le hour for battle is at hand. 
 
 Louis (o.). You have done me a good turn, gossip, and may 
 
 k any grace of me— except your life. (Re-enter Olivier ami 
 
 ustan, who stand up B.C.). That depends on your lady. 
 
 Villon. Sire, grant me the lives of these rascals. They will ride 
 
 ith me and fight for Trance. 
 
 'he Rogues are released and go up back, where they wait, talking 
 among themselves. Exeunt Archers through tower door, one closing 
 door after him.) 
 
 Louis (l.o.). Here eomes your lady. I think your love-fruit 
 ripe and you need not stand on tiptoe to pick it. 
 
 ■ 
 
06 IF I WERE KING. [Act III. 
 
 (Katherine appears on the terrace.) 
 
 Villon (o.). Sire, I believe I have won the rose of the world. 
 
 Louis. The Count of Montcorbier is luckier than Francois 
 Villon. But the lady has a high mind and a fierce spirit. She may 
 not relish the deception, pardon the cheat his lie ! 
 
 Villon. Cheat, lie ? Sire, those words fling me from my fool's 
 paradise. I have been a demi-god for a week, but she shall know 
 the simple mortal. 
 
 Louis. Please yourself. Win her or swing ; either way con- 
 tents me. {Goes up B.C. between Olivier and Tristan.) 
 
 Villon. Katherine. 
 
 Katherine (coming down steps to Villon o. and offering him a 
 scarf). Wear this with my prayers. With it I give you my hand 
 and my heart. You shall carry my plighted troth with you into 
 the battle (dragging him down to seat b.). Let me tell my love to all 
 the world. 
 
 Villon. Wait, wait, you must say no more until you know me. 
 
 Katherine (sitting r.). Do I not know you ? 
 
 Villon. Look in my face — look well. Do you see nothing there 
 that reminds you of other hours ? 
 
 Katherine. Of happy hours in this rose garden. 
 
 Villon (r.o.). No, no, of a dark night, a tavern, a cloaked 
 woman, a sordid fellow drowsing sottishly by the fire, a prayer, 
 a love-tale and a promise, a crowd of bullies and wantons, a quarrel, 
 a fight with sword and lantern in the dark, a breast-knot of ribbon 
 flung from a gallery. 
 
 Katherine (rising). What are you trying to tell me f 
 
 Villon. Here is the knot of ribbon which you flung to me in the 
 Fir Cone tavern (kneeling). Oh, Katherine, pity me, I am Francois 
 Villon. 
 
 Katherine. I can hear what you say, but it makes no mark 
 upon my brain. 
 
 Villon (r.o.). I am Francois Villon who served you with his 
 sword, who praised you with his pen, and who loves you with all 
 his soul. 
 
 Katherine. It isn't true (crossing to o. behind Villon), it isn't 
 true. I don't believe you. 
 
 (Louis comes down to.) 
 
 VnxoM. Whatever my fate, you must know the truth. (To 
 Rogue*. Tristan tomes down l.) Guy, Rene, all of you, come here. 
 Look at me— closer, closer. (They gather round him. Olivier 
 comes to up L.o.) Don't you know Francois Villon in spite of this 
 turn spirit shining in his eyes t 
 
 (The Rogues recognise him, clasp hit hands, etc) 
 
 Bui Dl Montiont. Franoois. 
 Oct Tabaot, Francois. 
 
Act HI.] IF I WERE KINO. M 
 
 Katherine. Sire, sire, is this true 1 
 
 Louis (l. of her). Most true, pretty mistress. You disdained 
 me for this. 
 
 Katherine. Pitiful traitor, why did you live this lie t 
 
 Villon. I loved you. 
 
 Katherine. Do not shame the sweet word. I hate you. To 
 think the face that I have learned to love should mask so base a 
 heart. You have stolen my love like a thief ; you have crucified 
 my pride. I hate you. Go back to the dregs and lees of life, skulk 
 in your tavern, forget, what I shall never forget, that so base a thing 
 as you ever came near me. 
 
 Louis. Is this the course of true love f 
 
 (She starts at sound of Kino's voice.) 
 
 Katherine. Sire, you have wreaked a royal revenge upon a 
 woman (pause). There are no tears in my eyes yet, but I pray they 
 will come that I may weep myself clean of this memory. 
 
 Louis. I am afraid you will hang to-morrow, Master Villon. 
 
 Villon. I should be glad to greet the gallows now, but I have 
 a deed to do before I die. (Clock begins to strike ten. Going to 
 Katherine.) I dreamed that love through which I have been 
 born again could lift me to your lips. The dream is over. But you 
 bade me serve France, and I ride and fight for you to-night. 
 
 (Enter from steps Knights, Courtiers, Ladies, who take places on 
 steps. From l.u.e. four Pages with Villon's armour, and 
 Soldiers, who form in double rank back stage. From l. 2 e. 
 Archers and Captain. Monks enter from L.U.E., one carrying the 
 Oriflamme. 
 
 Villon. Comrades t Let each man carry himself to-night 
 as if the fate of France depended upon his heart, his arm, his cour- 
 age. Strike for the mothers that bore you, the wives that comfort 
 you, the children that renew you — the women that love you. For- 
 ward in God's name and the King's 1 
 
 (Huzxahfrom all. Villon repeats " In God's name and the King's.") 
 Medium vast Curtain on loud cheers and huzzahs from all 
 
ACT IV 
 
 in open place in Paris. Quaint, old-fashioned houses, with gables, 
 overhanging windows, and fantastic signs. At back, a great arch- 
 way with statues in niches on either side. At left, entrance to ancient 
 Gothic church with steps leading up to it, and adorned with 
 paintings and gilded images of saints. On same side higher up, a 
 dais for the King and Court, covered with purple velvet, powdered 
 with golden fleurs-de-lis. A newly erected gallows, with platform 
 and steps. 
 
 (When the curtain rises, Trois Echelles and Petit Jean are dis- 
 covered drinking at foot of gallows. Trois Echelles is tail, thin, 
 grave, in sad-coloured clothes, and wearing a large rosary. Petit 
 J ran is a plump, jolly, spry little fellow, brightly dressed, and with 
 m merry, roguish manner that contrasts with the lugubnousness of 
 Trois Echelles.) 
 
 Jean {giving him jug, rises). Drink and be merry. 
 
 Echelles (drinking and sighing). I will drink, but I cannot be 
 merry. I have lost heart. I tell you I haven't hanged a man for 
 a week. 
 
 Jean (looking off b.u.e.). All Paris is on the walls watching the 
 battle. Lucky Paris. 
 
 Echelles. Not so lucky if we don't win the battle. 
 
 (Mother Villon enters, l.u.e.) 
 
 Jean. Good morrow to your night-cap, mother. Have yon 
 found you lost sheep ? 
 
 Mother. They say he is banished ; but he has sent me money, 
 bless him I though I touch none of it, lest it be badly come by. 
 
 Echelles (sanctimoniously, crossing to o.). Give it to me, to 
 spend on masses. 
 
 Jean. Lend it to me for drink-money. 
 
 Mother. For whom do you build this gallows ? 
 
 Echelles. Oddly enough, we don't know. Make me a gallows 
 here, says the Constable, in the open place, and sieges for the King 
 and his courtier*. 
 
 (Moral Villon goes into the church.) 
 
 rO to sleep and dream of hanging a king. 
 
 (Up stage, a.) 
 

 
 
 .0) 
 
 I 
 
 0) 
 
 
Aor IV.J IF I WEBB KINO. *1 
 
 Eohelles (turning to him, r.). Treason, friend, if Tristan heard 
 you. 
 Jean (going up stage). Well, let's say an archbishop. 
 Eohelles. An archbishop ought to make a good end. 
 
 (They ascend platform and compose themselves to slumber.) 
 
 'Katherine enters, followed by Noel le Jolts, l3i,; thty 
 tome down stage). 
 
 Katherine. Why do you follow me f 
 
 Noel. You should not walk unguarded. Therefore I shadow 
 you. 
 
 Katherine. You may well play the shadow, for you cast no 
 shadow of your own. The streets are very idle — the streets are very 
 quiet. I would sooner have my loneliness than your company. 
 Let me go to my prayers. 
 
 Noel (oetweem her and church). For your lover 1 
 
 Katherine. You have a small mind to ask, yet I have a great 
 mind to answer. My prayers are for a brave gentleman, whom I 
 shall never see again. (Crosses r.) 
 
 Noel. I am a brave gentleman. I slew Thibaut d'Aussigny 
 last night. The King has taken me back into favour — cannot you 
 do the like ? 
 
 Katherine. No, for you envy a great spirit, and your envy 
 makes you a base thing. 
 
 Noel. He is no man-angel t He is made of Adam's clay like 
 the rest of us. 
 
 Katherine. My pride has the right to hate him, but he is still 
 my soul's man. 
 
 (Enter Louis, followed by Tristan and Olivier, from church, l. 1 k.) 
 
 Louis (on last step). Good morning, friends. 
 Noel. Sire. 
 
 Katherine (a). Your Majesty. 
 
 Louis (moving to Noel). Take the top of your speed to St. 
 Anthony's gate, and bring hot news of the battle. 
 
 (Exit Noel le Jolts, r.u.e.) 
 
 Katherine (about to go into church). Have I your Majesty's 
 leave 
 
 Louis. Are you so hungry for your devotions that you cannot 
 waste some worldly words on me ? Are you still angry with me 
 for the trick I played on you ? 
 
 Katherine. It is wasted spirit to be angry with a king. 
 
 Louis. You are as pat with your answers as a clerk at matins. 
 Gould you give me your heart now, if I bent my knee t 
 
 Katherine. I lost my heart last night. I have not found it 
 again. 
 
 Louis. The fellow was a fool to blab so glibly. I would have 
 
72 IF I WERE KINO. [Ao* IV. 
 
 carried the jest farther, but he stood on the punctilio, and would not 
 win you without confession. 
 
 Katherinb. I am gl*d he had so much honour. 
 
 Louis. Can you forgive him ? 
 
 Katherine. Sire, in the long white night of my sleepless Borrow 
 I have learned rather to ask than to grant forgiveness. However 
 his wheel of life may spin, his spirit is too great for mine to disdain it. 
 My pride is drowned in a sea of tears. May Heaven pity him and 
 me I 
 
 Louis. If you wait in the church for his home-coming, you will 
 see how thfe jest ends. 
 
 (Katherine curtsys and goes into the church, L. 1 m. Mothek 
 Villon comes out at the same time, curtsys to her and crosses stage, 
 curtsying to Louis, and exit r.u.e. Meantime Tristan and 
 Olivier advance r. and L. of Louis.) 
 
 Louis (looking after Katherine). There goes a brave lady, 
 gossips ; a fair lady ; a chaste lady. She sails in the high latitudes 
 of love, and deserves to find the Fortunate Islands. Are there not 
 better things to do with Master Villon than to hang him t 
 
 Olivier (l.). This Villon is such a damnable double-dealer that 
 the ass-headed populace love him better than yon. 
 
 Louis (a). That is enough to hang him. Yet I have a kind of 
 liking for his courage and his tinkling wit. And my dream troubles 
 me — the star that fell from Heaven. 
 
 Tristan (r.). Hang the rascal while yon can, and thank Heaven 
 you are well rid of him. 
 
 Olivier (up l.o.). The people are coming from the walls. 
 
 Tristan (down r.). The Queen, sire ! 
 
 (The Queen enters in Utter, attended by Ladies and Courtiers. Louis 
 advances towards her. Takes her by the hand and conducts her to 
 her place on the dais. The ladies and gentlemen of the court range 
 themselves in their benches. The Scottish Archers rank themselves 
 at the sides of the royal inclosure. Straggling citizens begin to enter, 
 and to occupy the right of the stage. Trois Echblles and 
 Petit Jean have awakened and lean over the handrail of the plat- 
 form of the gallows surveying the scene. Noel lb Jolts enters 
 and advances towards the Kino. Shouts are heard.) 
 
 Noel (o.). Sire, my Lord the Grand Constable returns in 
 triumph. (Louder shouts.) You can hear his music now. 
 Louis (down l.). It is very well. 
 
 (Louis takes his place on the dais next to the Queen. The crowd 
 begin to come running in, shouting and cheering. The noise of 
 military music and the tramp of marching men is heard approaching 
 louder and louder. The people throng the right of the stage, flinging 
 flowers on the ground. Conspicuous in the crowd are Jehannxton, 
 Demise, Blanche, Isabeau, and Outllemxtte.) 
 
Mm IV.) IV I WERE KINO. 73 
 
 {Soldier* enter through archway at back and form a line at right to 
 keep the people behind them. People appear at the windows. An 
 open space is preserved in the centre, and into this space, when the 
 cheering is at its shrillest and the rain of flowers thickest, Villon 
 rides in through the gateway, followed by soldiers, who fill up 
 back of stage. Villon leaps from his horse, advances towards 
 the dais and salutes the King and Queen. Villon is closely 
 followed by the five rogues, who are wrapped in Burgundian 
 banners. Noel lb Jolys advances indignantly.) 
 
 Noel (coming upfront L.). In Heaven's name, sir, who are these 
 scarecrows who dare to flaunt their rags in the presence of the King f 
 
 Villon. These scarecrows are rogues who have fought like 
 gentlefolk, and these rags are the banners of the enemy. 
 
 Louis (l.). Well answered. 
 
 Villon (a.). Louis of France, we bring you these silks for your 
 carpet. An hour ago they wooed the wind from Burgundian staves 
 and floated over Burgundian helmets. I will make no vainglory 
 of their winning. Burgundy fougbt well, but France fought better, 
 and these trophies trail in our triumph. When we here, who 
 breathe hard from fighting, and ye, who stand there and marvel, 
 are dust ; when the King's name is but a golden space in chronicles 
 grey with age, these banners shall hang from Cathedral arches, and 
 your children's children, lifted in reverent arms, shall {going to Louis) 
 whisper an echo of our battle. 
 
 All. God save the Grand Constable I 
 
 (Shouts.) 
 
 Olivier (aside to Louis). They cheer him, sire. 
 
 Louis. My Lord Constable, and you, brave soldiers, the King 
 of France thanks you for your gift (taking banners). Victory was 
 Indeed assured you by the justice of our cause. My Lord of Mont- 
 corbier, you may promise these brave fellows that their sovereign 
 (pause) will remember them. 
 
 Villon. In the King's name a gold coin to every man who 
 fought, and a cup of wine to every man, woman, or child, who wishes 
 to drink the King's health (going to balustrade). 
 
 (Louis calls Villon forward. All shout.) 
 
 Louis. Ever generous I 
 
 Villon. To the end, sire. 
 
 Louis. What have you now to do t 
 
 Villon (above Louis. Turns and sees gallows). My latest duty. 
 (Realizing his doom. Turning to the crowd.) Soldiers who have 
 ■erved under me, friends who have fought with me, and you, people 
 whom I have striven to succour ; listen to my amazing swan song 
 (movement from Knights). You know me a little as Count de Mont- 
 eorbier, Grand Constable of France. I know myself indifferently 
 
74 IF I WERE KING. [Act IV. 
 
 well as Francois Villon, Master of Arts, broker of ballads, and some- 
 while bibbei and brawler. It is now my task as Grand Constable 
 of Fiance to declare that the life of Master Francois Villon is forfeit, 
 and to pronounce on him this sentence, that he be straightway 
 hanged upon yonder gibbet. 
 
 (A silence, then :) 
 
 All. What! Hanged! No. No. 
 
 Rene de Montiony. What jest is this f (Up to Villon, then 
 goes down b.). 
 
 Villon. Such a jest as I would rather weep over to-morrow than 
 laugh at to-day. For the pitcher breaks at the well's mouth this 
 very morning. Messire Noel (comes down), to you I surrender my 
 ■word (Noel lb Jolys takes sword and backs l. of Tristan.) I like 
 to believe that it has scraped a little shame from its master's coat. 
 Master Tristan, perform your office upon this self-doomed felon. 
 
 (As Tristan l'Hermite advances to lay hands on Villon, angry 
 murmurs break from the crowd. Then all shout.) 
 
 Voices. No, no ! Long live the Grand Constable ! (Cries get 
 louder and louder.) Pardon him, save him 1 Pardon — pardon I 
 
 (Villon now up stage.) 
 
 Rene de Montigny. King, is this justice t 
 
 Louis (rises). Good people of Paris, you have heard your Grand 
 Constable pronounce sentence upon a criminal. Has Master Fran- 
 cois Villon any reason to urge, any plea to offer, why the sentence 
 should not be carried out ? 
 
 Villon (down r. c. and taking off gloves). I have nothing whatever 
 to say, sire. Francois Villon is doomed, and Francois Villon must 
 die. (Murmurs of dissent. Rogues come forward.) It's bad luck for 
 him, but he has known worse luck, and so — to business. 
 
 (As Villon advances towards the gallows angry murmurs break from 
 
 the crowd.) 
 
 Voices. He shall not die! Justice! Justice t Mercy 1 Rescue 
 him ! Save him 1 A rescue 1 A rescue ! 
 
 Guy Tabarie. Kings must listen to the voice of the people. 
 Shall the man who led us to victory die a rogue's death T 
 
 All. No ! 
 
 (All shout. The crowd seem inclined to rush upon the Kino. Sligh 
 movement from crowd. Noel le Jolys and Courtiers draw swords. 
 The Scottish Archers have formed a circle round the Kino. The 
 crowd hold back uncertainly. Queen rises and takes the hand of the 
 Kino.) 
 
 Voices. Hear the King I Let him pardon I Rescue! Pardon! 
 Speak! 
 
Act IV.] IF I WERE KING. 1 
 
 Louis. Good people of Paris. You all love this man ? {Shaw 
 of " Yes, Ay.") Hear then my judgment I This man's life ; 
 forfeit. (Shouts of " Oh, no, no.") Which of you will redeem it 
 (Long pause and absolute silence.) If there be one among you read 
 to take Master Villon's place on yonder gibbet, let that one spea 
 now. Who will slip neck in noose for the sake of a hero f 
 
 (Crowd fall back a little.) 
 
 Villon. No man shall die for me. 
 
 (The Queen sits.) 
 
 Louis. Tristan, go into yonder church and bring me a lighte 
 candle. (Tristan bows and goes into church.) Our royal mercy I 
 mild ; our royal mercy is patient. 
 
 (Tristan returns bearing a small lighted candle which is half burnt 
 down. He gives it to a soldier to hold down l.) 
 
 Louis. So long as this candle burns so long Francois Villo 
 lives. If while it burns one of ye is moved to take Master Villon 
 place on the gallows, so much the better for Master Villon, and e 
 much the worse for his substitute. Herald, proclaim our royi 
 pleasure. (Sits.) 
 
 Herald (advance to l.o.). The King's grace is ready to pardo 
 Francois Villon if anyone be found willing to die his death that li 
 may live his life. 
 
 (A great silence.) 
 
 Louis (seated, looking over balcony rail). Master Villon, Mast< 
 Villon, you see what human friendship means, and the sweet voici 
 of the multitude. 
 
 Villon (down r.o.). Sire, it is no news to me that men love tl 
 dear habit of living. 
 
 Louis. Once again, Herald. 
 
 (As the Herald repeats his proclamation Mother Villon comes & 
 of the crowd at r. At first she stares in surprise at the throng ; tJu 
 as her ears catch the significance of the Herald's words, she hot 
 wildly around her and sees Villon where he stands in custody. St 
 rushes forward.) 
 
 Mother Villon. Sire, sire, I will die for him 1 
 
 (Katherine appears on the steps of Ike church.) 
 
 Villon. Mother, mother, go away. 
 
 (Tries to advance towards his mother, but is prevented by his guard 
 Mother Villon crosses and kneels to Kino.) 
 
 Mother Villon (kneeling to Kara). Sire, I beseech y<m. 
 
7« IF I WERE KING. IAct IV. 
 
 (Mother Villon is drawn apart up l.o. by Noel le Jolys, break* 
 from him and goes to Villon.) 
 
 Louis. Herald, for the last time. 
 
 (The Herald proclaims again. Katherine stands on steps, listening.) 
 
 Katherine. I will. 
 
 {Surprise from crowd.) 
 
 Villon. Katherine I 
 
 Katherine (going to Loots). I will die for him, rii*. 
 
 (Slight murmurs of approval from crowd. Mother Villon moves 
 down l. of Katherine.) 
 
 Villon. Katherine ! 
 
 (Queen supplicating attitude to Kino.) 
 
 Loots. Mistress, we speak to men. 
 
 Katherine (to Loots). Sire, I love this man, (exclamation from 
 crowd) and would be proud to die for him. (Exclamation from crowd.) 
 It may chime with your pleasure to slay him ; it cannot chime with 
 your honour to deny me. Your word is given, and a king must keep 
 his word. 
 
 Louis. We speak to men. 
 
 Villon (a). I speak to a woman. Katherine, my Katherine, 
 death is a little thing. For love is deathless, and you give me a 
 better thing than life. 
 
 Katherine (l.o.). Sire, I claim your promise. 
 
 Loots. We speak to men. Tristan, do your office. 
 
 (Shouts of " No.") 
 
 Villon (breaking from Guards). No, by God's rood, the candle 
 of my grace has not yet burnt to the socket. (When Villon sees 
 soldiers between him and Katherine he turns to crowd for next line.) 
 People of Paris, shall I not speak to my lover before I die 1 
 
 (The scene is full of tumult and menace.) 
 
 Louis. Speak to her while the candle burns, not a second longer. 
 
 Katherine (approaching Villon). Francois, will you not take 
 life at my hands ? 
 
 Villon (down e.g.). Dear child, if that crowned Judas there had 
 taken you at your word, do you think I would have outlived you by 
 the space of a second ? 
 
 Katherine. You are resolved ! (Crossing her to o.) 
 
 Villon. I am as stubborn as a mule, and no pleadings will move 
 me. 
 
 Katherine. Oh, dearest, the candle flickers in the wind. There 
 b a dagger in your girdle. Slay me and yourself. 
 
Act IV.] IF I WERE KING. H 
 
 Villon. You mean it. 
 
 Katherine. By God's Mother and God's Son t 
 
 (Katherine on Villon's l. — he draws her to hit ».) 
 
 Viu. m (as if seized by a sudden thought). Then we will spoil old 
 Louis's pleasure yet. Love, will you marry me here at the foot of 
 the gallows ? 
 
 Katherine (arms about his neck). With all my heart. 
 
 Villon (turn back again). King, I crave your patience, but your 
 sentence must tarry and turn, for I claim to marry this lady. 
 
 (Murmurs from croud.) 
 
 Louis (rising). It is too late. Sing your neck-rhyme and have 
 done, for your noose is too large for a wedding ring (sitting). 
 
 Villon. Sire, I am a Master of Arts of the University of Paris, 
 and as such have the right in extremis to any sacrament of the Church. 
 I have lived a confirmed bachelor, but now I have a mind to change 
 my state. Find me a priest, King Louis. 
 
 (Murmurs of delight.) 
 
 Louis. What do you hope to gain by this ! 
 
 Villon. The right to die like a soldier by the sword, not like a 
 rogue, by the rope. 
 
 Katherine (still on Villon's right). Nay, you gain more than 
 this. I am the Lady Katherine de VauceUes, kinswoman of the 
 royal house, mistress of a hundred lands, Grand Senechale of 
 Gascony, Warden of the Marches of Poitou. In my own domains 
 I exercise the High Justice and the Low. This man is of humble 
 birth, and when I marry him he becomes my vassal. Over my 
 vassals I hold the law of life and death. 
 
 (Villon kneels. Murmurs from crowd.) 
 
 Louis. You are a bold minion and you have a quick wit. But 
 if you marry this gaol-bird you decline to his condition. Your high 
 titles fall from you, your great estates are forfeit to the Crown, and 
 you and he must go out into exile together — the beggar woman with 
 the beggar man. 
 
 Villon. Do you think I'm worth it, Kate f 'tis a big price to paj 
 for this poor anatomy. 
 
 Katherine. 'Tis a little price to pay for my lover. Do yon 
 doubt me ? 
 
 Villon (rising). No, Kate, no ! The world is wide, our hearts 
 are light ; for a star has fallen to me from Heaven, and it fills th< 
 earth with glory. 
 
 Louis (rises). A star has fallen from Heaven. My dream, mj 
 dream. The stars have spoken. People of Paris, I have tried thai 
 man's heart and found it pure gold (shouts from the crowd), thai 
 woman's soul, and found it all angel. (Coming between Francos 
 
78 IF I WERE KINO. [Aoi IV. 
 
 and Kathebine.) Shepherd and shepherdess, go tend your sheep. 
 Kathebine. You may carry my heart where you will. 
 
 (King kisses Queen's hand, which she extends to him. Vnxo» 
 stands between Kathebine and his Motheb.) 
 
 Vulok Deep in the woods I hear a shepherd sing 
 A simple ballad to a sylvan air, 
 Of love that ever finds your face more fair; 
 I could not give you any goodlier thing 
 If I were King. 
 
 {Cheers and general enthusiasm.) 
 Fast Ccbtaui om Guuum. 
 
HAHD PR0PERTIB8 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Bow, silk arm length and parchment (or Katherd* 
 
 Slip of parchment for Rene de Montigny . 
 
 Purse for Thibaut. 
 
 Money for Louis, Tristan, Guy Tabarie and Hag u e t am 
 
 Cards for Bullies on B.O. Table, 
 
 Sword on Stage. 
 
 ACT n 
 
 Roses for Katherine. 
 Money for Villon. 
 Bell on Dial 
 Plucking Roses on Tree. 
 
 ACT Of 
 
 Rosea on Broth. 
 Map for Vittn. 
 
<> 
 
 & 
 
 MY HEART'S IN THE HIGHLANDS 
 
 Fantasy. By William Saroyan. 13 males, 2 females, 
 extras. Simple arrangement of scenes. Modern cos- 
 tumes. 
 
 Successfully produced by the Group Theatre in New York 
 City. In Fresno, Calif., live« 2 poet who kneels on a stool to 
 write his poems on the head of a barrel. His son turns hand- 
 springs outside and wheedles bread and cheese from a stylized 
 grocer. And an old, old man, who is an actor and a trumpeter, 
 comes to live with them for a while and plays sweet old songs 
 on his horn while the people of Fresno gather around. But 
 the poet's poems come back from the Atlantic Monthly and 
 the old man dies, rambling through Shakespeare. The boy is the 
 center of this. He is a gay, ingenious lad and through him 
 the author now and then wonders about life — or hints at won- 
 derment. He hints, too, of war and of love and of the place of 
 money and art in the world. This is a play filled with affection 
 for small people, for the innocents of this world who long 
 dimly for a beauty they but vaguely understand. 
 
 (Royalty, J*5.oo.) Price, fs.oo. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 V 
 
 < > 
 
 PEOPLE AT SEA 
 
 Drama. 3 acts. By J. B. Priestley. 8 males, 4 females. 
 Interior. Modern costumes. 
 
 Successfully produced in London. The action of the play 
 takes place in the S.S. "Zillah," which has become a derelict 
 in the Caribbean Sea through fire. Many of the passengers 
 have lost their lives in an attempt to get away in the boats. 
 Those left on board are divided into the rough categories de- 
 claimed by one of them — People who have it All Their Own 
 Way, an"d People who Never Have a Chance. Boyne, a hairy 
 ape of the stokehold, and Miriam Pick, lady's maid to the 
 glamorous Hollywood film star Diana Lismore, both seething 
 with resentment at the slavery and indignity of the vnder- 
 dog's life, organize a mutiny in order to gam a measure ot 
 social freedom and happiness by the theft of the rich passen- 
 gers' money and jewels. The wireless is put out of order, the 
 Chief Officer sandbagged and Boyne takes charge of the ship 
 as a savage bully with murderous intent. A major tragedy is 
 averted, however, by the cool-headed Professor Pawlet, a gen- 
 tle talkative philosopher, who engages his burly listener in a 
 socialistic homily before shooting him dead in front of every- 
 body. 
 
 (Royalty, $45.00.) Price, 75 cents. 
 
 < > 
 
 < ► 
 
 < > 
 
 1 > 
 
The Charm School 
 
 A fascinating comedy in three acts, by Alice Duer Miller and Robert 
 Milton. 6 males, 10 femajes. (May be played by S males and 8 females). 
 Any number of school girTs~may -be. usgd_ in the ensembles. Scenes, two 
 mteriors. Costumes, modern. Plays 2p£" Hours. , _ 
 
 The story. of "The Charm School" is familiar to Mrs. Miller's readers. 
 It relates the adventures of a handsome young automobile > salesman 
 scarcely out of his 'teens who, upon inheriting a girl's boarding school 
 from a maiden aunt, insists on running it himself, according to his own 
 Ideas, chief of which is, by the way, that the dominant feature in the 
 education of the young girl of today should be CHARM. 
 
 The situations that arise are teeming with humor — clean, wholesome 
 humor. In the end the young mangives up the school and pronfrees to 
 wait until the most precocious 'oTTiis pupils reaches- a— marriageable age. 
 
 "The Charm School" has the freshness of youth, the inspiration of an 
 extravagant but novel idea, the charm of originality, and the promise of 
 wholesome, sanely amusing, pleasant entertainment. 'We strongly recom- 
 mend it for high school production. 
 
 "The Charm School" was first produced at tire Bijou Theatre, New 
 York, and then toured the country. Two companies are now playing it 
 in England. Price, 75 cents 
 
 Daddy Long-Legs 
 
 A charming comedy in four acts, by Jean Webster. The full cast calls 
 for 6 males, 7 females and 6 orphans, but the play, by tire easy doubling 
 of some^pf^lhe characters may be played by 4 males, 4 females and 3 
 rfrphans; The orphans appear only in the first act and may be played 
 by small girls of any age. Four easy interior scenei. Costumes, modern. 
 Flays 2y 2 hours. 
 
 The New York Times reviewer, on the morning following the Broad- 
 way production, wrote the following comment: 
 
 "If you wilL-take' your pencil and write down, one below the other, 
 the words delightful, charming, sweet, beautiful and entertaining, and 
 tnen draw a line and add them up, the answter will be 'Baddy Long-Legs.' 
 To that result you might even add brilliant, pathetic and humorous, but 
 the answer even then would be just what it was before — the play which 
 Miss Jean Web§£ex~lias~ made^from her book, 'Daddy Long-Legs,' and 
 which^waB-*p*reBented at the Gaiety last night. To attempt to describe 
 the "simplicity and beauty of 'Daddy Lonsr-Legs' would be like attempting 
 to describe the first breath of Spring akar an exceedingly tiresome and 
 hard Winter." 
 
 "Daddy Long-Legs'' enjoyed a two-years' run in New York and was 
 then toured foroyjex— three years, and is now published in play form 
 for the^first-tfrne/ Price, 75 cents 
 
 v - 
 
 (The Above Are Subject to Royalty When Produced) 
 
 SAMUEL FRENCH, 25 West 45 th Street, New York City 
 
 Our New Descriptive Catalogue Sent Free an Request 
 
&$><&$>®^<&&$>m*&$m>?>'$'$<, **&®o>&$-&$®®®®®&&&$>®&&®&&& 
 
 "HERE TODAY" f 
 
 Comedy. 3 acts. By George Oppenheimer. 4 males, ^ 
 
 4 females. Interior, exterior. Modern costumes. ^ 
 
 <i> First produced in New York at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre <l> 
 
 by Sam Harris. Mary Hilliard, a brilliant playwright, and $ 
 
 Philip Graves, a novelist, were married when they were strug- <§> 
 
 gling for success, but the marriage didn't "take" because & 
 
 neither of them would face emotional or financial responsibili- x 
 
 ties. Now Mary hears that Phil, who is in Nassau, is engaged ^> 
 
 to Claire Windrew, a society girl, but he is having some <s> 
 
 trouble with Mrs. Windrew. Claire really is in love with T 
 
 Spencer Grant, a Back Bay lad, who is also arriving in Nassau. <s> 
 
 So Mary and her wise-cracking collaborator, Stanley, set out & 
 
 to help Phil. With a certain witty perseverance the two of x 
 
 them manage to convince Mrs. Windrew that Phil is prob- <g> 
 
 ably the catch of the season and that Spencer is a no-good 4> 
 
 absolutely unworthy of Claire, but they no sooner succeed $ 
 
 than Mary realizes she is still in love with Phil. Now they <j> 
 
 must set about convincing Mrs. Windrew in reverse. By this & 
 
 time Claire has decided she c. n't stand such carefree people $ 
 
 and Phil has decided that he still loves Mary. It is funny, |> 
 
 witty, and a constant joy. <§> 
 
 |J (Royalty, $25.00.) Price, 75 cents. 1> 
 
 * t 
 
 !> 
 A WOMAN'S A FOOL— 
 
 Comedy. 3 acts. By Dorothy Bennett & Link Han- 4 
 
 nah. 4 males, 5 females. Exterior. Modern costumes. % 
 
 Produced in New York City. This is the story of Mrs. Foster ® 
 who managed to cleverly keep a wandering husband by letting <g 
 him have his way. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are successful play- <*> 
 wrights who spend most of their time in Bermuda. The com- " 
 bination is a happy one until their home is invaded by a young . 
 Russian girl who is interested in getting a role for herself in the 
 new play. After moving carefully the Russian has reason to be- * 
 lieve that she can havt the role in the play and Mr. Foster in the » 
 bargain. Mrs. Foster^retends not to mind, but then she gives ♦■ 
 herself away. She orders the Russian out of the house, and as is * % 
 to be suspected, Mr. Foster accompanies the girl. But time and a .. 
 bright day bring about a reconciliation and the Russian's de- 
 parture for New York. *^ 
 
 "There's enough fun for two comedies." ^> 
 
 Philadelphia Bulletin ~j> 
 
 (Royalty, $25.00.) Price, 75 cents. ,;>