Class. Book. ?"}3^Zjk -£^ fojjyTightN". COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. ^p ?^illiam LtntJficp RED WINE OF ROUSSILLON. THE SEVERED MANTLE. Illustrated in color. HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY BOSTON ANU NEW YORK Red Wine of Roussillon ^m Red Wine of Roussillon ^ Play in Four Acts By William Lindsey BOSTON and NEW TORK Houghton Mifflin Company 1915 COPYRIGHT, 19:5, BY WILLIAM LINDSEY Published May iqis All rights reserved, including the rights of production, translation, and adaptation. The acting rights, both professional and am- ateur, are fully protected, and no performance may be given except by special arrangement with the author, who may be addressed in care of the publishers. ^CI.D 40748 MAY 24 1915 TO MY DAUGHTER LESLIE The "Siddons " of our family I dedicate this, my first play CHARACTERS Raimon GUILHEM Berguedan ViDAL AlMAR Barral Peire Amfos AUDIART TiMON Seremonda GUIDA Ermengarda Clara Adele Marthe Count of Roussillon Lord of Cahestaing A Spanish Troubadour A Provencal Troubadour A Priest Raimon^s Squire An Innkeeper A Juggler A Tumbler A Blind Beggar Countess of Roussillon Sister of Seremonda Raimon' s Grand-Aunt Maid of Inn A Tire-Maiden A Lame Beggar Villagers, Servants, Etc. ACT I Scene I. Village of Roussillon. Early Morning of First Day. Scene II. Great Hall of Castle. ACT II Scene I. ^he Forest. Morning of Second Day. Scene II. 'The Garden. ACT III Scene I. A Tiring-Room. Evening of Second Day. Scene II. Great Hall of Castle. ACT IV Scene I. Village of Roussillon. Morning of Third Day. Scene II. Great Hall of Castle. Evening of Third Day. Red Wine of Roussillon Act I Red Wine of Roussillon Act I. Scene I. Early morning of a May day, in the latter part of the twelfth century. The village of Roussillon. At the left is a little church. At the hack is a rude shrine to the Virgin. On the right is the Inn of the Black Ram with an arbour overgrown by a grape- vine, and opening front. In the distance is seen the tozver of the castle. From the square run two streets, one hack of the church, the other to the castle. On the steps of the church are two old beg- gars: one, a blind man fast asleep, his head on his knees; the other, a woman, with a bunch of candles in her hand. As the scene opens there is the sound of rude voices chanting the mass. In the arbour sits ViDAL at a table on which is a beaker of wine, from which he takes long draughts. He is a little 4 Red Wine of Roussillon man with a pointed heard. He is handsomely dressed and affected in speech and manner. He has a sword at his side, and his lute leans against the table. Audiart sits in front doorway of the inn, with a tankard of wine between his knees. Vidal throws back his head and drinks the last drop from the beaker, then pounds on the table. Clara emerges from a door of the inn, which opens into the arbour, and runs quickly forward. Vidal Another stoup! The same wine as the last! Clara Another stoup ! What is there wrong with this ? The same wine! Good my Lord, you've drunk it up. I'll bring its hke if that will pleasure you. Vidal Wouldst play with words while I die here with thirst? Hasten, fair Hebe, for my throat is parched. Your roads in Languedoc are white with dust. Red Wine of Roussillon 5 Clara Hebe, forsooth! I know a dog that bears the selfsame name; She is a laggard, and her like I'll be; A Hebe would not hasten for your wine. (Clara walks slowly, hut at Vidal's gesture of appeal, she laughs and runs briskly into the inn. Vidal rises to his feet and struts up and down the arbour. Sings ;) Love is the wine of life, We'll drink it, you and I. Who cares to eat, when love is sweet, And Nicolette is nigh? {Reenter Clara with brimming stoup of wine) Vidal Be careful, pretty maid! Spill not one drop! (Clara gives stoup to Vidal, who takes a long draught.) Clara And yet you spill a thousand — down your throat. 6 Red Wine of Roussillon ViDAL It is not wasted there. 'T is royal wine. Only Olympus boasts a richer grape. {Looking admiringly at Clara) Hebe herself is not more fair than thou. Clara A richer grape! There are no vines like those of Roussillon. Listen! My name is Clara. Mind it well. Where is Olympus .f* Vidal Ten leagues away and famous for its wine. They call it nectar. Clara Our good red wine is better, that I swear. Who is this Hebe.? Serves she at an inn.? Vidal Hebe might be Your sister, for her arms are round like yours. Her eyes like yours are blue; her lips are red. (Vidal tries to kiss her, but she turns her face away.) Red Wine of Roussillon 7 A handbreadth taller is she, and her waist — (ViDAL tries to embrace her, hut she easily holds him at arm^s length, laughing at his efforts:) Clara You need not measure mine! (Berguedan enters ^rom street at left. He is a tall man, handsome, of a Spanish type. He is too richly dressed, and walks with a swagger. He is followed by Amfos, who carries a lute. Amfos goes to Audiart, who smiles and offers him the tankard. Amfos drinks after looking suspiciously at it and wiping the brim on his sleeve. He is thin and pale. Berguedan crosses the square and looks through the entrance of the arbour, a smile on his face, at Vidal and Clara, who do not notice him.) Vidal I have a girdle I would give to you, And yet, how can I know 'twill fit your waist? 8 Red Wine of Roussillon Clara It must be longer than your arm. Take it To your Olympus where fair Hebe dwells. Is it the town from whence you came.'* (ViDAL passes an arm around Clara, who no longer repulses him.) ViDAL I am from fair Toulouse; — a troubadour, Who sings the praise of ladies bountiful. Clara You should be praising God within the church. They wait for your sweet voice across the way. ViDAL My God is love. We'll have a service here. ' I'll be the priest and you the acolyte. (Berguedan suddenly enters arbour) Berguedan And I the bishop, then. Go get you gone, my little priest of love. (Berguedan seizes Clara and kisses her in Red Wine of Roussillon 9 spite of her struggles. Vidal springs up furious, draws his sword and threatens Berguedan.) Vidal By Saint Sernin! I'll have your life. You took the girl out of my very arms. (Berguedan laughs mockingly.) Berguedan A sparrow hawk has little chance for game When the gerfalcon's broader wings are free. Put up your sword or you may prick yourself: I do not fight with little men like you. (Vidal is about to spring at Berguedan, who continues to laugh and does not even draw his sword. Clara throws her arms around Vidal, and holds him tight in spite of his struggles.) Clara {Pretending terror) Good Messire Vidal! Have a care! I beg, I pray you do not kill him here. Think of the good name of the inn. 10 Red Wine of Roussillon ViDAL At your entreaty will I spare his life. The little man could spit him on this blade, Cared he to quarrel in a country inn 'Gainst a strange bully with a boasting tongue! Berguedan (Feigning astonishment) You do not know me, then? My name is Berguedan. I am from Spain, A troubadour, a knight, a gay gallant, {Looking at Clara) A lover who has never been denied By village beauty or by castle dame. Clara I' faith 't is raining troubadours to-day. And liars too. From what clouds do they fall? (Clara goes to door and examines sky care- fully.) Berguedan I did but jest. Come, let's be friends. (Vidal, at first resentful, finally drops his sword and embraces Berguedan.) Red Wine of Roussillon ii ViDAL We're brother troubadours. I know your songs, And mine are carolled by a thousand throats. You've heard the name of Vidal. Who has not? Berguedan Your reputation flames through Aragon. I '11 drink to your good health. My pretty maid, Come, bring us wine. Fetch us your best. Clara There Is no bad wine made in Roussillon: There is no good. It is all best. {Exit Clara.) Berguedan Have you heard Borneil yet.? Queen Rumor says He is the master of us all. Vidal My master! No. He has no voice at all. He cannot sing. He only chants his songs. 12 Red Wine of Roussillon Berguedan Well, so do I, and think it better far Than drown the sense beneath a flood of sound. The troubadour must be a poet first. ViDAL But if he sings, his net is doubly meshed To catch all hearts. I know it passing well. I could tell tales. Berguedan I 'm sure you could, you fisherman of hearts. What is your voice, a tenor or a bass? ViDAL Do you not know? Listen to this. (ViDAL sings, ending with a high falsetto note.) It's called a "vapour tenor." 'T is unique. Berguedan I sv/ear I never heard its like before. (Berguedan takes Vidal's lute up, touches the strings, and examines it carefully.) Where got you this ? Red Wine of Roussillon 13 ViDAL 'T was from the hand of Lady Alazais, And with it came this chain around my neck, An ambhng palfrey and a well-filled purse; What else I am too gently bred to tell. {Enter Clara, who -puts wine on table. Vidal drinks) Berguedan She could deny you nothing, I am sure. (Berguedan drinks and smacks his lips.) My throat was parched. It is a royal wine. Whose are the grapes from which this juice was pressed.? Clara Far as the eye can reach, each foot of land Belongs to Raimon, Count of Roussillon^ Or did; the man is dead, God rest his soul! Berguedan Dead, say you! Dead! With ruddy wine like this! He should have lived a hundred happy years. 14 ,Red Wine of Roussillon Clara So might he, had he stayed in Roussillon. He went to Palestine across the sea. Berguedan And left untouched one butt of wine like this! Sit on my knee and tell me why. Clara A gosling with a fox! I'm safer here — Beyond your reach. (Berguedan seizes her and tries to pull her down. Clara gives a little scream.) I'll cry so loud I swear The worshippers will run to rescue me. (Clara smooths her hair and dress and looks resentfully at Berguedan.) Berguedan What if there were no rescuers near? Clara I would not fear you. See this dagger stuck Within my garter girdle ? 'T is a way We maidens have in merry Languedoc. (Clara shows dagger in garter,) Red Wine of Roussillon 15 ViDAL Is it a dagger? Let me look again. (Clara drops her skirt with assumed modesty.) Clara You look not at the blade. Berguedan A pretty plaything, truly! By the mass, My heart is turned to ice at sight of it. I understand why Raimon ran away. Clara {Very seriously) I '11 tell you why. — Our Count of Roussillon Loved Seremonda, a young demoiselle, Whose father gave her to another lord. But on the wedding day, into the church Rushed Raimon, mad with rage and jealousy. He slew his rival, bore the lady back To Roussillon, and married her by force. Berguedan She had forgot her dagger, then. (Clara raises her finger zvarningly.) 'i6 Red Wine of Roussillon Clara The very altar steps were splashed with blood, And in the mellay e'en the priest was hurt. Berguedan He was a fool to strike a priest. Clara All Languedoc was vibrant with the crime, And punishment came quickly; for the curse Of Holy Church was put on Raimon's soul. ViDAL I like your lusty Lord of Roussillon; He was a strong man after mine own heart. What was his penance? Clara They sent him on a weary pilgrimage To Christ's own river in the Holy Land. Berguedan With not a drop of his Roussillon wine! Died he of thirst? Red Wine of Roussillon 17 Clara Why mock at sacred things? He joined the army of the blessed cross, And in the battle of Tiberias, Met an untimely fate. ViDAL God rest his soul! Death gets us all at last. Clara God save and pardon him. {All the time there is the sound of voices in the church celebrating mass. This ceases and the worshippers emerge from the church door.) Marthe Alms, for the love of God. TiMON Help me, a poor blind man. {Both continue to cry until the church is emptied. The young men and maidens run i8 Red Wine of Roussillon down the street at right of church. Clara, ViDAL, and Berguedan stand looking through the vine.) Clara See how the youths and maidens hurry off. It is a feast day, and among the fields They seek the early blooming asphodel. Berguedan And If a maid is kissed behind a hedge, She'll draw the dagger from her garter hung? Clara {Looking knowingly) If she's not kissed she may. ViDAL What do they when the sun Is high."* Clara They gather then before the inn, And sing an old-world song known only here. 'T is called "The Jealous Husband," and the dance Red Wine of Roussillon 19 That goes with it, I swear you never saw In far Olympus where your Hebe dwells. ViDAL For village dances I care not. I'll to the castle; haply I may find The widowed Seremonda affable. — And is she fair.? Clara As sweet as April — and as wayward too. ViDAL I'll sing to her. Berguedan And I. 'Tis sweet to bring Soft consolation to a wife bereft, If she be young — and beautiful — and rich. Vidal I'll wager this gold chain, around my neck, 'Gainst what you will, of value like to like, 20 Red Wine of Roussillon I win the first sweet favour from her hand; Some sign of love, a kerchief or a flower. (Berguedan examines chain carefully, and then shows his finger to Vidal.) Berguedan I'll risk this ring — 'twould buy two chains like yours. I would be fair with you. 'T is only just. The ladies love not little men. Vidal I'm weary of your "little men"; I'll kill you if you use the words again. Clara Fight not for her. Little or big, she will not notice you. Vidal And why, forsooth? Others have smiled on me. Maids, wives, and widows have I taught to love. Berguedan I am a master in blind Cupid's school. I'll lesson her. Red Wine of Roussillon 21 Clara She hath a younger troubadour, His voice is honey and his face a dream. A whit too much the saint he is for me, But suits fair Seremonda passing well: — Although she is no saint she favours him. She'll never smile on you with Guilhem near. Berguedan And if I please her not, what do I care? I'll tell some story with a hidden twist To make her doubt her Guilhem's steadfastness ; I love to mock at love. Clara She would not listen. Do you joy in lies ? ; ViDAL When but a little lad my fondest game Was to entangle the bright skeins of yarn With which the tire-maids wrought the tapestry. And now I love to intertwine Life's skein, To see the puzzled fingers as they grope Amid the threads, mixed in a hopeless snarl. 22 Red Wine of Roussillon If not the lover's, then the tangler's part I play — I care not which. Clara A meddler and a mocker! which is worse! (GuiDA emerges from church) This is the Lady Guida; she is fair, And good, and kind, and walks a path discreet. Older than Seremonda by three years, She guards her sister like a little child Whose heart is wilful and whose footsteps stray. Berguedan Her hair Is like a shadow of the night. Her face is fair, her eyes are beautiful — And yet she is too cold to suit my taste. Clara She's much too good for you. (Ermengarda enters from church) The lady Ermengarda follows her; Grand-aunt to Raimon is she — and a cat. ViDAL An aged tabby. Though her eyes are dim. Her claws are curved and sharp. Red Wine of Roussillon 23 Clara Nought 'scapes her. Eyes and claws alike are keen. (Ermengarda puts hand on Guida's shoulder and they descend steps.) Ermengarda I 'd wait for Seremonda, — not so fast. GuiDA She needs us not with Guilhem by her side. Ermengarda She wants us not, you mean. GuiDA She neither needs nor wants us; let us go. They'll pass us e'er we reach the castle gate. Ermengarda I like to keep my eyes upon the pair. GUIDA They need no watching. Let them follow us: The maids are idling in the kitchen now. 24 Red Wine of Roussillon Ermengarda The lazy drabs ! I '11 beat them with this crutch. (Ermengarda brandishes crutch. Guida and Ermengarda exit down street at right.) {Enter Seremonda and Guilhem /row church) Clara That's Seremonda — Guilhem by her side. Berguedan Ah! She's no maid of ice. The very wind grows warm for love of her. Vidal Blonde Helen is she of wide Languedoc. I'd risk my head to win her smile. (Guilhem gives his hand with great devotion. Seremonda pauses at the top step and, bending over, whispers into Guilhem's ear, pointing down road at Ermengarda. Guilhem smiles up at her.) Guilhem We'll take the forest path, and fool your aunt. Red Wine of Roussillon 25 Seremonda 'T is twice as far. GUILHEM No path is long when you are by my side. Seremonda If you will gather asphodel for me, And play that we are peasant man and maid, I'll go with you — the longer way. (Berguedan shakes the dust from his shoulder, Vidal pulls down the lace at his sleeve, and both saunter out of the arbour into the street. Neither Seremonda nor GuiLHEM notices them at all. Vidal and 'Berguedai^ follow down the street. Clara turns to the table with a derisive gesture, wipes it, and takes the empty stoup into the inn. Exit Guilhem and Seremonda.) Audiart Well, brother juggler, 't is a lucky day. I hope Dame Fortune smiles on you. 26 Red Wine of Roussillon Amfos Dame Fortune is a jade, a scurvy jade. AUDIART The more fool you to rail at her. How is your master? Does he feed you well? Amfos Indifferent well. He says gaunt Famine stalks where'er I go. AUDIART I'd bleed his purse. Amfos He is too sharp for me. I cannot rob him of a copper coin But I am caught and beaten to the bone. I am a juggler, but no slight of hand Can cozen him. What is your forte? AUDIART I am a tumbler, and the little man I call my master treats me passing well. He's never angry, and he beats me not Red Wine of Roussillon 27 Unless I trim his pointed beard awry. A single hair will make him furious. {He knocks on door and Clara comes to it, AuDiART points at Amfos.) This gentleman desires a stoup of wine. Amfos I did not say I'd pay for wine. AUDIART You Ve drank the half of mine. Amfos Yours was half gone before it touched my lips. ' Clara {Scornfully) Well, is it yes or no.'' I have my work, I cannot linger here. AUDIART You did not hasten when my master held His little arm like this. {Archinghis arm.) (Clara cuffs Audiart, who rolls over and comes up on his feet with a handspring^ laughing mockingly.) 28 Red Wine of Roussillon Clara Your masters were but little to my taste, The men are not at all. Well, will you drink? Amfos We'll have a stoup of wine inside the house. That black cloud threatens rain. {The day grows darker. Clara enters inn followed by Audiart and Amfos. Enter Raimon and Barral from street, left. They are both armed and white with dust. Removing his helmet, Raimon falls on his knees before the shrine, bows his head, crosses himself, and prays. Aimar comes through the church door, followed by a little acolyte. He slowly descends the church steps, comes to Raimon's side and puts his hand on Raimon's shoulder. The latter looks up and says:) Raimon Bless me, good Father. (Aimar recognizes Raimon and staggers back pale with fear and astonishment.) Red Wine of Roussillon 29 AlMAR Raimon of Roussillon! Raimon Bless me, good Father Aimar. AlMAR Your penance is complete? Raimon To the last act. Within the Jordan's waves, I washed myself white as the spotless snow. Aimar The absolution of the Church is yours? Raimon My sin is expiate, my heart is clean. The evil from my soul is swept away. (Aimar blesses him and Raimon rises to his feet.) Aimar The Scripture tells of one whose heart was purged, But nowhere could the banished demon find 30 Red Wine of Roussillon A place to rest. So back he came, again, And with him seven evil spirits more, To dwell within the swept and garnished soul. Raimon Truly, good Father, I would keep from sin. AlMAR My son, I know how riotous is your blood: 'T is like your wine, too full of liquid fire! Cease not to pray. Raimon {With a gesture of impatience) I'm not a priest, good father, nor a monk. I Ve given two long years out of my life To pay the forfeit of a moment's sin. AlMAR You killed a man upon the altar steps; The curse of Holy Church was on your soul. A full month lived you excommunicate Before you made submission. Red Wine of Roussillon 31 Raimon {Shruggifig his shoulders) The Counts of Roussillon have stubborn backs. My knees were stiff and bent not easily, Yet they did bend with many a creak and groan. AlMAR You bowed before the mandate of the Church, And went a pilgrim to the Holy Land. Raimon Yet more — I fought, a soldier of the Cross. I was a captive, face to face with Death. This paid my reckoning with a liberal hand. Well now, good father Aimar, — mark me well, — I've drunk the dregs out of a bitter cup, I crave a few drops of the "joy of life." Aimar I do not grudge them, yet beware of sin. Upon your brow you bear the mark of Cain, And still within your breast you hold the wife ^or whom you dared the wrath of Heaven. 32 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon She was well worth the risk. Tell me of her. I'm thirsty for the wine of her red lips. Is Seremonda safe and well.'' AlMAR Well Is she. See that through your love for her You do not sin again. {Looking on Barral) Who Is this man That stands so still and silent here.f* Raimon His name Is Barral and he Is my squire. He fought with me at black Tiberias, And, taken captive, from his mouth they tore His quivering tongue, and left him dumb and mute. AlMAR {To Barral) God will reward you for all suffering. And give you perfect speech in Heaven. Red Wine of Roussillon 33 Raimon He's brave and faithful and I like him well, Almost as much as Guilhem. Has the lad Grown tall and strong? AlMAR Tall is he, strong and good, And he has won his spurs for knightly deeds. He can be trusted, and he holds himself With the strong bridle of the law of God. Pray the good saints for power to restrain Your passion that so long has run at will. Raimon 'T would be a test of prayer — and of the saints. AlMAR Trust in their power. Now must I leave you, for the pious soul Of an old peasant waits, that my poor hand May help him on the road to Paradise. I wish, my lord, I wish I were as sure Your swept and garnished soul could climb to heaven. {Exit AiMAR with acolyte down street, left. 34 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon watches Aimar until he disap- pears, then draws a long breath, stretches his arms, and looks up to the sky. His whole bearing changes.) Raimon Thank God, good Barral, I am home again. There is no air Hke that of Roussillon. No black sheep are there like its ebon flock. Its red wine is the best in all the world, As I will prove if you but follow me. {They cross over, enter arbour, and seat themselves at a table facing each other.) Long years ago a Count of Roussillon Buried his enemy within a field. And o'er his body planted a young vine. This flourished like the gourd of Araby, And bore great clusters of a ruddy grape, Which, crushed within the vat, became a wine So rich, its like was not in Languedoc. The simple peasants say there lingers still A drop of angry blood in every cup. (Barral makes sign of unbelief.) I know not whether it be true or false, But we of Roussillon are violent, Red Wine of Roussillon 35 And many lusty sinners He at rest Upon their hard beds in the little church With coverlets of stone upon their breasts. There is a drop of blood in every cup : I wonder can we taste it, you and I. (Raimon pounds on table and calls out.) Here, old Peire, you sluggard! Wake, I say, And do not stop to yawn and rub your eyes, But bring two giant flagons of red wine. {First Clara looks out, and shrinks back with a scream. Then Peire comes to door, blinking at the light, evidently just awak- ened. He is a mass of flesh. He gazes stupidly at Raimon. Raimon laughs heartily.) Raimon {To Barral) He once was called our sturdiest man at arms. {To Peire) Come, good Peire, I'll prove I am no ghost; Bring to me here a stoup of wine. Peire God bless us, master! You are safe and sound.'' 36 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon Pm safe — but, by Saint Bacchus, thirsty too. Bring us two stoups, another for yourself, Or send out Clara and I'll kiss the maid. She'll tell you if my lips are cold with death. (Peire comes slowly, his fat face wreathed in smiles. Clara follows with three flagons of wine which she places on table. Raimon takes her on his knee and kisses her. She pulls away, blushing and smiling, and runs toward the house. At the door she turns and says:) Clara 'T was not a dead man's kiss. Raimon You hear what Clara says? Now, good Peire, I'll give another proof I am no ghost. {He drinks the whole flagon without a stop. Barral drinks also. Barral makes a gesture of delight^ There's not its like this side of Paradise. Come, Clara, quick, three flagons more. (Clara brings full flagons.) Red Wine of Roussillon 37 To-day no one can pay for wine but me. It shall be free to every passer by. Peire 'T will cost you dearly, for this is the morn When all the village dances in the square. There'll be a crowd of them before this door, Each with a husky throat, thirsty for wine. Raimon They're all my guests, come they from far or near. (Berguedan and Vidal approach slowly Jrom street at right of church.) Peire My lord, we've mourned you as one dead. They said your head was cleft in twain. Raimon So was it had my skull not been too thick. (Peire examines Raimon's wound.) Peire They nearly had you. 'T was a vicious blow. 38 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon (Mockingly) 'T is like the mark of Cain upon my brow. — You, Barral, heard what Aimar said to me — The scimitar's curved edge cuts not so deep As a straight sword-blade in a heavy hand. (Raimon draws sword from belt.) I wielded this until my nerveless arm Hung by my side. I could not lift it more. Peire There is no better sword in Languedoc. Raimon A day and night I lay upon the field And only came to life when in my face A greedy vulture stabbed his eager beak. I scarce had strength to beat the foul bird off. Then I was captive till good Barral here Helped me to 'scape to Acre, where we found A ship that brought us home at last. Peire The saints be praised! Red Wine of Roussillon 39 {Enter Berguedan and Vidal) Berguedan And sinners too. Vidal And love and song and wine. Berguedan We'll drink to love and song. Peire This is Count Raimon, whom we mourned as dead. Berguedan {Greatly astonished) The Count of Roussillon! Raimon Who bids the whole world be his guest to-day. You are the first to drink with me. Vidal Right gladly will I — your good health {drinks). And if you have a lady young and fair I '11 sing her praises in your hall to-night. 40 Red Wine of Roussillon Berguedan One voice Is not enough to glorify A lovely woman. She shall hear me too. Raimon You both shall sing. I '11 bring you to my castle, where your eyes Shall see the fairest lady 'neath the sun. Sweet is she as the blooming asphodel, For which the merry peasants seek to-day. — {Rising with his hand to his ear) Listen, I think I hear them singing now. {Song, first faint, grows louder until youths and maidens enter from street at right of church, followed by villagers. The king and queen of the dancers come to the front of the stage. The king is very old and feeble with a tinsel crown on his head. The queen is young and beautiful. She also has a crown. There are eight others in the dance, four men and four maids.) Raimon That is chill Winter, he who wears the crown, Red Wine of Roussillon 41 He's called the jealous husband, and his queen Deserts him for the warm embrace of Spring. {The eight young peasants join hands and dance around the king and queen. Then they form in line and, passing between the king and queen, the men dance in a circle around the king and the maids around the queen. The king tries to break through the circle, and at last succeeds, but cannot reach his queen, as the maids will not un- clasp their hands.) SONG Now the days are bright and clear, heigho! Winter's gone, the Spring is here, heigho! And our young queen need not fear, heigho! To show her lord, with frown austere, What lusty lad she fancies. — Chorus Join our dance, pretty queen of the May: Join our dance, with us play. Go away, jealous man, go away! Youths have come from far and near, heigho! Here's a shepherd without peer, heigho! 42 Red Wine of Roussillon Take him if you find him dear, heigho! Be a gallant mutineer, Veil not your amorous glances. — Chorus. See him try to domineer, heigho! See him frown and see him sneer, heigho! He's an old man bald and blear, heigho! He's too ugly to appear With her whose grace entrances. — Chorus. Here's a youth who all the year, heigho! Tends the vines. Well made to cheer, heigho! Warm his heart, his love sincere, heigho! Call him if you wish him near; He like a feather dances. — Chorus. (At the dose of the song the dancers form two lines headed by the king and queen. The king and the four young men fall on their knees in an attitude of appeal. The queen is about to choose her lover and throw herself in the arms of the vine-dresser when Rai- MON Springs forward and seizes her. She screams, the peasants are startled, and huddle together with exclamations of fear and astonishment. Peire comes forward and says:) Red Wine of Roussillon 43 Peire It is our good lord safe and well, Who bids you all to eat and drink your fill. And he who sober seeks his bed to-night Must fear the stern displeasure of his lord. (Clara comes out of the front door of the inn and, unnoticed, runs up the street toward the castle.) Raimon Well said! My good Peire, may you, and I, And all the world young-hearted be to-day. The joy of life to all! CURTAIN Act I. Scene II. Great Hall of Raimon's castle. Fireplace, left centre. A doorway hack of fireplace. Two narrow window-slits in right wall, and between these win- dows a door. At hack of room is window with per- pendicular iron bar. This window is raised two steps from floor and has a stone seat around it. Walls are hung with armour and weapons of war and chase. There are receptacles for torches. At the back centre is a long table. The room is Rowing with light streaming through the long window. GuiDA and Ermengarda enter through right door^ dressed as at church. Ermengarda They passed us not. You are foresworn. A snail had passed us at the pace we came. GUIDA How does it matter ? What is fretting you .? Red Wine of Roussillon 45 Ermengarda They're like two mating doves upon a tower. GuiDA The tower is good. They've nothing to conceal. A year ago we heard Ralmon was dead; A week it Is since Gui of Carcassone Returned from Palestine and told us that He saw the count stretched on the fatal field, Cleft through the head. What would you more than this? Should Seremonda shut herself within a tomb.^* She is too young. The love she gave her lord Was forced from her. Ermengarda She did not love her lord. GUIDA What does it matter now the man is dead.? {Enter Seremonda and Guilhem) Ermengarda Where have you been.? 46 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda We took the forest path. Why do you ask? Why should I answer you? GUIDA Come, aunt, I'll to my tapestry 'T is time you saw the maids about their work. (Exit GuiDA and Ermengarda, the latter grumbling and looking over her shoulder. Adele enters from door, left rear^ and re- moves Seremonda's mantle^ retiring same door as entrance. Seremonda goes to a 'polished shield on wall, which she uses for a mirror. Guilhem watches her admiringly. Seremonda turns to him with a smile.) Seremonda The day is good, and scarce an hour is spent. Guilhem Only one coin gone from our bag of gold. Seremonda Gold hath no value if it be not spent. Red Wine of Roussillon 47 GUILHEM And yet, I'd like a miser treasure all the hours, And watch them glisten as they slowly slip Between my loving fingers, one by one. Seremonda I'd be a spendthrift with the day And buy full value of the "joy of life." (Seremonda goes to window and stands looking out.) GUILHEM The sunlight makes a halo of your hair. Seremonda {Laughing) I am no saint. GuiLHEM Tell me, my lady, whither flies your wish ? Seremonda Think you my heart has wings? 48 Red Wine of Roussillon GUILHEM All hearts have wings, yet some from flight are held By hateful bars they cannot hope to break. Seremonda And some are blind like hooded hawks, who cling Fast to the falconer's glove. GUILHEM The falcon hates the hood, yet he must wait Until 't is lifted from his blinded eyes. Seremonda Yet all birds are not falcons, strong of wing; Some birds there be who, like the nightingale, Are only fit for song. GUILHEM And others, like the lark, both sing and fly. Forever striving toward a distant heaven They cannot reach. Red Wine of Roussillon 49 Seremonda (Looking into Guilhem's eyes with a smile') And yet, some heavens are not too far away. (GuiLHEM steps toward her with outstretched hand J but she apparently does not notice him as she takes seat and looks out of window.) I have no wish this morning but to sit Here, in this window, and to feel the breeze, Fresh from the waves, play with my hair. GUILHEM The wind is happy; would I were the wind. (Seremonda looks at him mockingly.) Seremonda You are a faint wind, from the dreamy South, — A lark who flutters toward a distant heaven, — A hooded falcon, held in the demure, — A nightingale, his breast against a thorn. Though why he hurts himself no one can tell. (GuiLHEM starts to speak, but she lifts a warn- ing hand.) The last suits best and you may sing to me. 50 Red Wine of Roussillon GuiLHEM I hope I am at least a lark who mounts On valiant wings to heaven. What shall I sing? Seremonda I care not, just a verse or two, no more, — I love the hawk more than the simple lark, — A hawk, clear-eyed, unhooded, strong of wing. GUILHEM There Is a new song that young Arnaut sings In praise of Alazais. I am not sure I have each word, and of the melody There Is, alas, no single note I know. One line is beautiful beyond compare, And all night long it whispered in my ears. (GuiLHEM recites the lines.) SONG We three, my lady, you and I — and Love, — We only know the secret of a treasure WTiich blue-eyed Hope alone may weigh and measure. There's not its like In blissful heaven above. I'll breathe the secret that we know so well — My heart is yours — yours mine, and I confess Red Wine of Roussillon 51 I care no other treasure to possess. Heaven hath no charms while here on earth we dwell, — We three, my lady, you and I — and Love. {When GuiLHEM finishes^ Seremonda turns to him, her face aflame with love.) Seremonda Guilhem! GUILHEM My queen. (Guilhem falls on his knees and kisses Seremonda's hand.) Seremonda {Lifting Guilhem) A dog may kiss my hand. (Guilhem kisses Seremonda's cheek.) Seremonda My cheek is free to every noble guest. (Guilhem seizes her in his arms and kisses her on the lips passionately.) 52 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda You are no longer blind? GuiLHEM At last I look undazzled at the sun. Seremonda You cannot touch and taste a distant sun. (GuiLHEM kisses her again.) GUILHEM I 've longed for this sweet draught As one, dying of thirst, who sees a spring Beneath tall palm trees waving o'er the sands. Seremonda You might have drunk a weary year ago — The spring was here and free to take. GuiLHEM {Trembling) There's more than water in that draught. Seremonda It stirs your pulse ? Sometimes I 've had the fear That in your veins there was no ardent blood. Red Wine of Roussillon 53 GUILHEM I thought of my good lord, My oath of loyalty. That was the cage Through whose strong bars I could not break. (GuiLHEM leaves the window and paces up and down before the fireplace. Seremonda follows him and puts her hand on his arm.) Seremonda Your master and my wicked lord was dead, And we were free. My heart was thirsty, too; My lips were parched with longing for your kiss. GUILHEM We had sure news but one short week ago. I prayed that he might live. Seremonda I wished him dead. He stole me from the blood-besprinkled church, And robbery can give no valid right. GUILHEM Yet he was good to me. And e'en I think he loved you too. 54 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda He loved red wine as well. He loved his sword, his armour and his dog. I might have stood the equal of them all But the black charger that he rode to war. {There is the sound of a distant trumpet. GuiLHEM and Seremonda go to window, right front.) Guilhem Who think you summons us? Seremonda 'T is far away. 'T Is naught. Guilhem Only the horn of Death can frighten us. We must be fair to Raimon who has heard The fatal trumpet. May he rest in peace. Seremonda I hope he suffers rightly for his sins. Guilhem He like an elder brother was to me, And in the forest once he saved my life: Red Wine of Roussillon 55 I'd fallen and was faint and weaponless, The boar's sharp tusks a hand-breadth from my side. Seremonda Had Raimon been as close to me as you, He'd clasped me in his arms a year ago. (Seremonda returns to seat at window. GuiLHEM makes gesture of appeal, and falls on his knees before her. Seremonda re- lents and caresses his hair with her hand.) Seremonda Forgive me, Guilhem; hate me not. I love you none the less because my heart Hath little honor in it — nought but love. Kiss me again. {They embrace and kiss.) Guilhem 'T is like a fabled fountain of the East, And he who drinks must ever thirst for more. Seremonda We've come a long and weary road to reach This heaven at last. You must be good to me, 56 Red Wine of Roussillon My Guilhem. For until this blessed hour, I've had but glimpses of the joy of life. Tell me when first love blossomed in your heart? Guilhem I always loved you — as the lark the sky. When Raimon told me ere he went away Mv service was to be on you alone, I asked no more of heaven. Seremonda But when changed love to passion — Tell me that. Guilhem Do you remember that soft night In June, When we together in this window sat. And watched the moon float through the yield- ing clouds ? Seremonda Never shall I forget. Guilhem You asked me, "If a lady gave to you Glances of love, would you dare answer them ? " Red Wine of Roussillon 57 Seremonda And you said, "Yes, if I were only sure Her looks had truly shown her heart." GUILHEM And then you gazed at me until I saw The moon no more, but only your blue eyes. And when you smiled and whispered, "Tell me now, Is this glance true or false?" I answered then, "May all things be as please you best." {The trumpet sounds nearer, and Guilhem goes to window.) A moment sooner — I had seen them pass. Now they are hidden by the winding road. Seremonda What care we who they are? It matters not. (Guilhem returns and embraces Sere- monda.) Guilhem Nought matters when I hold you in my arms. 58 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda 'T is good to be alive to-day; And yet I never in this window sit But to my heart there comes the chill of death. {Looks out.) See how that blue wave breaks upon the rock, And leaves a smother of white foam behind. How soft it looks! GUILHEM 'T is soft and pitiless. But why comes to you here the chill of death? Seremonda When Raimon brought me home I was dis- traught, And tried to throw myself upon the waves. Guilhem You could not pass between the bars. Seremonda I had passed through them when he caught my arm I think I could again. (Seremonda climbs swiftly to the window. Red Wine of Roussillon 59 and, passing out, stands smiling through the bars at Guilhem. Guilhem springs up and seizes her.) Guilhem For God's sake, have a care! (Seremonda returns laughing. Guilhem holds her in his arms.) You must not play with Death. You're not your own. Seremonda If I am yours, my master, tell me this : — What will you do with me? Guilhem I '11 take you to the priest to-morrow morn. We shall be wedded ere the sun is high. We'll gallop to my castle in the fields, — My little castle with the lilied moat, — And there I think you '11 find the joy of life. Seremonda The joy of life! 6o Red Wine of Roussillon GuiLHEM And many happy years we there shall dwell. We three, my lady, you and I — and Love. (GuiDA rushes in pale and breathless.) GUIDA Count Raimon lives! (GuiLHEM and Seremonda come forward hand in hand.) GuiLHEM Good God! He is not dead? Seremonda {Fiercely) Who says he lives? GUIDA *T was Clara brought the word. He's in the village drinking at the inn. Listen! There goes the trumpet at the gate. One moment and he's here. What shall we do? Seremonda We'll kill him as he climbs the stair. Red Wine of Roussillon 6i GuiDA You are distraught; you know not what you say. GUILHEM O God! what shall we do? GuiDA Unclasp your hands. Here, Seremonda, stand Where you can greet him at his entering. I'll place myself between you. (Seremonda pushes Guida away.) Seremonda Not you, not Raimon, not a soul shall stand Between myself and Gullhem. (Guida makes an appealing gesture, and leads Seremonda aside.) Guida Are you in love with Death? {To Guilhem) You must pretend your heart is fixed on me. Fear not to swear it in necessity. 62 Red Wine of Roussillon GUILHEM And would you mock at love? GUIDA I 'd mock at heaven in a time like this. (Enter Raimon, folllowed by Barral and Ber- GUEDAN. GuiLHEM tkrozvs Mmself at Rai- mon's Jeet.) GUILHEM My lord! (Raimon touches Guilhem on the head.) Raimon 'T is good to see thee, lad. (Raimon turns to Seremonda, who screams and falls into Guida's arms. The latter smiles wanly and says:) GUIDA 'T is but a faint. She took you for a ghost. She's overjoyed at your return. (Raimon rushes to help Guida. Vidal and Red Wine of Roussillon 63 Barral look zvonderingly from one to an- other. Berguedan stands near door with cynical smile.) Raimon Some cordial, quick! How beautiful she is! CURTAIN Act II Act II. Scene I. Early morning of the second day. A thick jor est with an openings in the centre of which is a huge oak, A narrow path, left, rear. There is a spring at the left of the tree, near its roots. Into it Vidal is looking earnestly. He is on his hands and knees. After admiring himself he smiles, ogles, frowns, appears now haughty, now entreating, as he prac- tices various expressions which may he useful to him. Berguedan appears in path, and, catching sight of Vidal, watches him with great amusement. At a particularly languishing expression, Ber- guedan hursts into loud laughter, and comes forward. Berguedan Narcissus at the fountain, by the mass. Vidal I but glanced In the brook to see my beard; 'T was vilely trimmed this morning, quite awry. 68 Red Wine of Roussillon Berguedan Had I your silly beard, I'd cut it off; Had I your foolish face, I'm sure I'd break My mirror, and I would not gaze in brooks. A murrain on the day! Look at my sleeve. ViDAL 'Tis splashed with blood, and here's an awful rent. Berguedan A boar's tusk did it, and my skin 'Scaped by a hair's breadth. ViDAL I'd hunt a safer quarry than the boar. My Lady Guida in the garden sits. I'll back to her. She is my game. Berguedan What deadly peril is the fair maid In! You should have mercy on her helplessness. Watched you her face last night? Red Wine of Roussillon 69 ViDAL She did not like your songs. Berguedan Nor did she smile at you. ViDAL You did not see the glance she gave to me. Berguedan I saw her yawn behind her friendly fan When you were singing to her tenderly. ViDAL She yawned not when I climbed to higher C. Berguedan Climbed, say you, climbed? You tripped and fell, You were a half-note flat. ViDAL You lie. I was not flat. I '11 wager my gold chain — 70 Red Wine of Roussillon Berguedan It Is not yours to wager. Give it me. Good brother troubadour, the chain is mine. Here's Seremonda's kerchief. You have lost. She gave the favour as she pressed my hand. ViDAL Again you He. She did not give it you. I saw you pick it slyly from the floor Where she had dropped it when she left the room. Berguedan Your eyes are bright. No one can cozen you. Fair Seremonda! What thought you of her? ^ ViDAL She did not fancy you, my friend. Berguedan What chance had I with you so close at hand ? ViDAL When I sang my last song, beginning thus, — "Your lover, my beloved, I would be," She looked at me as she would read my face. Red Wine of Roussillon 71 Berguedan {Laughing) She's not a fool to read a vacant page. ViDAL You'll know who is the fool When on my hand I wear your precious ring. Berguedan It is a man's ring. 'T would not fit a boy. Fair Seremonda did not look at you. ViDAL She was not well; for when she sought her bed She scarce could walk, so faint was she. Berguedan She sat, a statue, carved in pulseless stone. Her soul is rent in twain, one half is full Of love for Guilhem, and the other half Is heavy with the loathing of her lord. For Guilhem only had she eyes and ears. She did not value us at our true worth. (Laughing.) 72 Red Wine of Roussillon ViDAL Speak for yourself; I'm sure to wear your ring upon my hand. Berguedan Maybe, Narcissus, but i' faith I think The lady hath too good a taste to choose The doll-like image of a man like you. I think that each of us will keep his own Unless we trip young Guilhem. ViDAL In Seremonda's ear I '11 breathe a word Will make her question Guilhem's steadfastness. Berguedan She would not listen, silly fool. I know a way to bring him to the ground. I'll drop a seed in Raimon's jealous breast Which will grow faster than his famous vine. Go back and pose for Guida, 'midst the flowers. I'll see the Count alone. He comes here now. (Exit ViDAL. Enter Raimon, followed by Barral. Raimon's costume is disorderedj Red Wine of Roussillon 73 he is hot and weary and he carries a boar spear in his hand, the point red. His hands also have blood upon them. He first drinks at the brook and then throws himself on the ground near Berguedan.) Raimon By Saint Michael, I scarce can lift my feet. I was no hotter when I crossed the sands And climbed the rocky hills of Palestine. I wish this spring gushed ruddy wine. Berguedan And so do I. Will Guilhem meet us here? Raimon Beneath this tree. Berguedan Loves he to hunt the boar as well as you? Raimon No huntsman is there in wide Languedoc Like Guilhem, and a boar spear in his hand Is like a flash of lightning from the sky. 74 Red Wine of Roussillon Berguedan I thought him but a singer of sweet songs, His only weapons glances of the eye To pierce the samite of a rounded breast. Raimon A troubadour, a huntsman, and a knight, He is a comrade stanch beyond compare. Berguedan Fair ladies would be pleased to comrade him. Raimon He little cares for wine or ladies' smiles. Saint Anthony was not more chaste than he. Berguedan You know him best — and yet two years have passed. His songs are good. Raimon I liked your first song, but the last I thought Was better suited to a soldier's camp. Red Wine of Roussillon 75 Berguedan I've sung it in a hundred noble halls. Raimon The ladies favoured Guilhem's. Tell me why? They've heard them oft enough to tire. Berguedan Who can explain a fondness or a taste? You like a rose and I a violet. Mayhap if I had warbled Guilhem's song, And he sung mine, then Seremonda's smile Had been transferred from Guilhem's face to mine. Raimon Mayhap. Berguedan The smile was more for Guilhem than his song. Raimon What! Berguedan There is no covert meaning in my words. Guilhem and Seremonda are no more 76 Red Wine of Roussillon Than children, who might kiss within a ring Of laughing youngsters, with no thought of love, No hint of passion and no taint of lust. Raimon Yet they in truth are man and woman grown. Berguedan But Guilhem is a saint, like Anthony. You said it only now. Raimon Yes, so I said. — And Seremonda is a child, you think. Berguedan A child in innocence, though in her breast There burns the quiet flame of wifely love. Remember Guilhem is a troubadour; Before his queen of song he bends the knee, Devotion, not desire, in his heart. Raimon Do they in Aragon ? Red Wine of Roussillon 'j'j Berguedan In Aragon and Languedoc as well. True, there are recreants. Alas! 't Is true. (Berguedan rises?^ Raimon Alas! say I as well; and must you go.? Berguedan Indeed, I must, for I would con a song That you shall hear to-night. I hope 't will please. Raimon I am no judge of songs. {Exit Berguedan, riglfit. For a moment they sit in silence; then Raimon looks at Bar- RAL.) What think you of him, Barral.'' (Barral makes sinuous motion with his hands.) He is a snake .f* (Barral nods.) What of his words .f* (Barral makes motion in front of his mouth with fingers.) 78 Red Wine of Roussillon His tongue Is forked? — I' faith, I think you're right. And there is deadly venom on it too. — To hear the names of those I love the best Coupled so close did violence to my ears. — In Guilhem do I trust against the world, Yet he's a creature of warm flesh and blood. And Seremonda! — 'faith she'd tempt a saint To leave the joys of Paradise. (Raimon starts up in -passion.) If I thought that their dewy lips had touched I'd send them both to hell. (Barral makes gesture of appeal. Raimon strides up and down stage.) I see the flame That cursed my bloodshot eyes two years ago. Oh ho! Sir Devil, are you back again.'* {Crosses himself.) I will remember what good Aimar said Of him whose soul was garnished and swept clean. {Crosses himself again.) Get thee behind me, Satan! May the saints Preserve my soul and keep my heart from sin. Red Wine of Roussillon 79 {To Barral) Go to the priest and bid him pray for me. (Barral nods, smiles approvingly, and exits.) There's something wrong, I know not what or why. I'm like a ship which, saiUng through a mist, Hears sounds of warning bells, but cannot tell From whence they come. (Raimon throws himself on grass again.) {Enter Guilhem, back, left) Guilhem, sit down beside me. Guilhem You had good sport? I see your point is freshly painted red. Raimon I killed three boars. Guilhem The same as I. One a swine royal. You Ve not lost your skill. 8o Red Wine of Roussillon Though two long years have passed since in your hand You held the spear. Raimon Yes, two long years have passed. We both are changed. I know not which the more. GUILHEM I'm taller by a hand-breadth, but my heart. Hath changed not, nor my love and loyalty. Raimon How did you come to be a troubadour? Two years ago your only thought was war, The tourney, and the chase. GUILHEM I cannot tell whence came the gift of song. No more than can the foolish lark who flies Up from the meadow towards the arch of blue. He, floating, sings he knows not why. Red Wine of Roussillon 8i Raimon Guilhem, so help your God and your good faith, Have you a lady whom you sing and love ? Guilhem How could I sing if love impelled me not? Raimon Who is your lady? Guilhem Alas, my lord, in God's name, ask me not. Raimon Why are you loath to answer me? Guilhem It is not right for me to name my love. Bernart of Ventadorn has truly said It is a foolish and a childish thing To bare the heart to one who cannot help. 82 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon Who cannot help! I promise I will help with all my power — If she is one you may in honor seek. GUILHEM I pray you do not question me, my lord. Raimon You trust me not? GUILHEM I trust you with my honor and my life. It is the first rule of the singer's creed To keep his lady's name hid in his breast. — (Raimon springs to his feet — catches Guil- HEM by the throat.) Raimon To hell with your sly, whining singer's rules. And you shall follow them — the name, I say. {He pushes Guiluem from him, who staggers hack and falls. Guilhem rises to his feet and tears open his bliaut at the throat.) Red Wine of Roussillon 83 GuiLHEM I'd rather die than tell the name I love. You have a boar spear ready in your hand. Here is your mark. (Raimon poises the spear as if to strike. GuiLHEM faces him without flinching. Raimon lets the point of the spear fall to the ground.) Raimon And be forever mocked by silent lips.'' I bid you by your oath of loyalty, The sacred pledge you gave me as my squire, Tell me the name. (GuiLHEM makes appealing gesture ^ but Raimon is obdurate.) GuiLHEM Only at your command I speak, my lord. 'T is gentle Guida that I love. Raimon Guida! I wish you joy with all my heart. A thousand joys I pray may bless you both. 84 Red Wine of Roussillon I'm sure she loves you. Have you kissed her yet? What can I do to aid you ? Tell me what. GuiLHEM I fear 't would startle her if I too soon Should speak of love. 'T is best to wait. Raimon I tell you try assault, not lengthened siege. Take here my hand and with it take my oath. I swear to help you all within my power. Let us go now and seek her. GUILHEM My good lord, let me go alone. Raimon I'll be your herald, I will act As messenger to warn how strong the force Encamped against the gateway of her heart. She will surrender, that I promise you. Red Wine of Roussillon 85 GUILHEM Wait till to-morrow, good my lord. Raimon I say to-day. What cowards lovers be! (Raimon takes Guilhem by the ariUj and they exit from right.) CURTAIN Act II. Scene II. The castle garden. Morning of second day. On right is the wall of the tower with postern door deep set in the masonry. On the left are shrubs with a path, front. At the hack is a low wall, and beyond, the water of the Mediterranean with sails upon it. The garden is full of roses and at the rear is a stone house, open front and back, with red-tiled roof. Here Guida is seated before a small tapestry frame and by her side is a basket of many-coloured worsteds. She faces toward the left, and at rear, and a little in front of her, is Ermengarda. Ermengarda 'T is near mid-morning, for the dew is gone, And Lady Seremonda still abed. Guida She rose an hour ago. Red Wine of Roussillon 87 Ermengarda And slept she well? GuiDA She scarcely slept at all, but by my side She lay all night tossing as if distraught. To see one, mourned a long twelvemonth as dead. Appear as if arisen from the grave, Affrighted her so greatly that I feared The shock would end in madness, or in death. Ermengarda Joy does not kill — nor e'en to madness drive. Guida It does not, she is better now. Ermengarda And filled with joy to see her lord again? Guida My sister Seremonda was not won By pretty courtesies to melt the heart. She was not wooed at all, but wed by force. 88 Red Wine of Roussillon Ermengarda Yet did she make her vow. She's Raimon's wife. GuiDA You're right. She had a choice. 'Twas Rai- mon's wife, Or to be called another name less sweet: Her joy is tempered by these memories. Ermengarda Tempered by memories! and by hopes as well, Which have been blasted by a sudden frost. My eyes are old, but not too blind to see. GuiDA My sister to her lord is leal and true. She'll give him all the love that he deserves, If he be patient with her now. Ermengarda Patience! I know a quicker cure than that, And were I Raimon I would give it her. Red Wine of Roussillon 89 {Enter Vidal, zvho struts to and fro across the garden^ front) GuiDA Raimon will do no wrong, Unless into his ear some meddler pours The subtle poison of a slanderous tongue: — What think you of the little troubadour? Ermengarda {Scornfully) He is a peacock. If he had a tail How proud he'd be to spread it in the sun. GuiDA He's harmless, quite. Ermengarda I 'm not so sure of that. Heard you how he was treated in Saint Gilles.'* GuiDA Tell me the tale. 90 Red Wine of Roussillon Ermengarda He boasted of a lady's love for him. And told of favours granted without stint; The husband heard of it and slit his tongue. GuiDA He was well served. (Ermengarda rises with difficulty.) Ermengarda Well, I must see the maids are at their work. — {Turning on Guida and shaking her finger at her.) I know not what you mean by "slanderous tongue"; But tell you this, my Lady Circumspect, That there is one whose lips cannot be sealed. One who keeps silent while she is in doubt. But will not fear to tell the proven truth. {Exit Ermengarda with a look of defiance at Guida. Vidal approaches Guida, who occupies herself with her work.) Vidal Working so patiently here in the sun! I fear you'll spoil your eyes, fair demoiselle. Red Wine of Roussillon 91 GuiDA (Coldly) The eyes are mine to mar them if I will. ViDAL Better the sun's eclipse than they grow dim. And may I see the picture that you weave With your white fingers ? GuiDA You have the fairer side. ViDAL With the loose worsteds dangling all awry? GuiDA It is the fairer side. (ViDAL looks over Guida's shoulder.) ViDAL Indeed, you wrong your skill. You weave the flight Into far Egypt of the Holy Child. 92 Red Wine of Roussillon GUIDA Because you see the flapping ears so plain? It may be Christ entering Jerusalem — Or Balaam and his ass. ViDAL {Reproachfully) You are unkind. {Enter Berguedan) Berguedan I pray you, lady, be not harsh to him. He has a poet's soul; an unkind word Will hurt him more than would a blow A man of sterner stuff. GuiDA And some there be who have such callous skins They need an oaken cudgel. Chiding words Are wasted on a donkey's hide. ViDAL Thank you, my lady. He but tells the truth. I fear your frown more than a blow from him. Red Wine of Roussillon 93 I hope to win a smile from you to-night. I have a song I've written in your praise Which I would finish carefully. I shall despair unless it please you well. (ViDAL bows with great deference again and again on taking his departure, and Ber- GUEDAN moves the basket of worsteds so that ViDAL trips over it and nearly falls.) ViDAL What have I done.'' GuiDA You Ve mixed my worsteds. It will take an hour To sort the tangled threads. Berguedan Faith! You are clumsy for a carpet knight. ViDAL Alas! what dreadful havoc have I wrought! Of all things do I hate to tangle threads. The peasants say it is a sign of woe — 94 Red Wine of Roussillon The omen holds not good to one so fair, So virtuous and discreet. (ViDAL exits through the little door at right. Berguedan helps Guida sort the tangled worsteds. Raimon and Guilhem appear in path, left, front. Raimon leaves Guil- hem and approaches Guida and Bergue- dan, who look up at sound of his feet.) Raimon {To Berguedan) Your sleeve is stained with blood. You should go wash it ere it dries. (Berguedan rises at Raimon's hint.) Berguedan Forgive me, lady. Though I 'scaped the boar I have a wound no medicine can heal. (Berguedan hows, his hand on his hearty and exits through postern door.) Guida What make you of this man of Aragon? I think he is a snake. Red Wine of Roussillon 95 Raimon Why, so says Barral too. To-morrow night The Spaniard spends with us, then takes his leave. Let us forget him, for the day is good. GuiDA No day is good when he is in our sight. Raimon He's gone. We'll talk of pleasanter things. — Sweet sister, such a pretty maid as you Must have a lover — mayhap two — or three. GUIDA One lover is enough for virtuous maids. Raimon And how far has advanced this happy youth? Has pressed your hand? Has kissed your frag- rant lips? GuiDA He's breathed no word of love to me. 96 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon 'T is only glances, then. The sails are spread, Yet you've not passed outside the harbour mouth. I' faith, you need a sturdy helping oar, Or you will never reach the port of love. Tell me his name? GuiDA I will not. Raimon I '11 throw these worsteds in the sea. GuiDA Throw them. I will not tell. Raimon If I should guess his name, will you confess ^ Guida Perhaps. Raimon 'T is Guilhem, then. Red Wine of Roussillon 97 GUIDA Perhaps. Raimon The poor lad waits Behind the hawthorn. I '11 go fetch him here. GuiDA You shall not. I should die of shame. (GuiDA covers her face with her hands.) Raimon I '11 send him to you with a gentle hint, — The faintest hint that you'll not prove unkind. (Raimon joins Guilhem behind the haw- thorn^ pats him on the hack, and Guilhem crosses the garden to Guida.) GuiDA {Whispers) What's in the air.'' Guilhem {Whispers) I think a shadow of the wing of Death. 98 Red Wine of Roussillon GuiDA {Whispers) Has Raimon grown suspicious? Tell me quick! GUILHEM (Whispers) He's driven me to such desperate straits That I was forced to say 't was you I loved. Remember, so you bade me yesterday. The lie came not too glibly from my throat. GuiDA (Whispers) There was no other way. And we must play our parts. Take here my hand. Perhaps he watches from the hawthorn hedge. Down on your knees before me. {Gvi'lhem falls on his knees. At this moment Raimon appears, left, front, with Sere- MONDA behind him, to whom he points out GuiLHEM and Guida; then exits, laugh- ing happily. Guida caresses Guilhem's bowed head, lifts him up, and draws his Red Wine of Roussillon 99 lips down to her. Seremonda crosses garden and stands before them, too angry to speak.) GUIDA Has Raimon gone? Seremonda Raimon has gone — but I am here. GuiDA He was suspicious. We were forced to act As if we loved each other. Well you know Our thought was but for you. Seremonda 'T is very pretty — as if learned by rote. Yet, good my sweet, I think the part you played Was not distasteful to you, and his kiss You drunk right thirstily. Go, get you gone. Go! ere I strike you. I would speak alone With this, the other actor in the play. {Exit Guida, silently protesting.) 100 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda I know you have no other thought but me. — I'm not so sure of her. What shall we do? GUILHEM What can we do? Seremonda I care not what if it but set me free. I cannot bear to live a long deceit. I cannot bear his kisses on my lips. I never loved him, and I loathe him now. Come, take me with you far across the sea, I care not where, if you are by my side. GUILHEM Good God, I cannot! Traitor to my lord I cannot prove. Seremonda Give him his chance. Tell the whole truth to him. Meet him in armour wheresoe'er he choose. Red Wine of Roussillon ioi GUILHEM I fear him not, Though he's a strong man, and with sword and lance There is no abler knight in Languedoc. Seremonda You 're quicker far. He's not the man he was: his sufferings In Palestine have sapped his youthful strength. You'd surely kill him, and then you and I Could gallop to your castle in the fields, Your little castle with its lilied moat. And there I know I 'd find the joy of life. GUILHEM We three together — you and I — and Love. Seremonda Yes — you and I — and Love. (GuiLHEM takes her in his arms for a moment only.) GUILHEM This morning when we hunted the wild boar, Raimon was wearied in a single hour — 102 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda I tell you he Is just as sure to die, If he cross swords with you on equal ground, As If you filled his cup with deadly drug. And yet you '11 have no sin upon your soul. GUILHEM "No sin upon my soul!" Seremonda You meet the man with weapons In his hands. GUILHEM He Is not strong. And he has spent his strength In holy war — {A long pause.) I cannot take advantage of him thus. Good God! I cannot. Seremonda And yet you say you love me more than life. Must I drag through the weary, hopeless years By Ralmon's side, whose very touch I loathe? Red Wine of Roussillon 103 Must I look on while you and Gulda play Your charming comedy before my eyes? This very moment all the castle rings With news that you and she are bound in love. The thought of it is gall; the sight was hell. GuiLHEM I pray you spare me. Seremonda {Speaking very slowly) Listen to every lightest word I speak : — To-night when we are gathered in the hall My praises shall you sing so openly That Raimon and the whole world shall know You love me only. GuiLHEM It means my death — perhaps your death as well. Seremonda My death! Your death as well! What care I? Think you life a precious thing .f" 104 I^ED Wine of Roussillon But yestermorn my cup of bliss was full — We three together — you and I — and Love. To-day 1 O God, why did you let him live ! — {Exit Seremonda.) CURTAIN Act III Act III. Scene I. The tiring-room, evening of second day. The room is small, with one narrow window on left. In the corner is a prie-dieu with small crucifix. A large chest at the hack with the lid lifted, and gar- ments of different colors scattered about. A dressing- table with a dagger and a jewel-box on it beneath window at left. Before the table is Seremonda sitting in chair. Adele, the tire-maiden, is putting ribbons in Seremonda's hair, two long braids. Water-clock at back of room. Adele What will my lady wear to-night? Seremonda I do not care. Adele This violet robe is very beautiful. 'T is of Damascus silk. io8 Red Wine of Roussillon This crimson I am sure will please your lord. He likes bright colours passing well. Seremonda It is too brilliant. Adele This white robe, then.'* Seremonda 'T is much too young for me; 't would suit a maid Who takes her first communion, or a bride, — 'T would only fit me for my burial. Adele I pray you, my sweet lady, talk not so. You're scarce eighteen, and white becomes you well. Seremonda I feel so old to-night. The garments of a dowager threescore. Would suit me best. Adele The day has wearied you. Red Wine of Roussillon 109 Seremonda The very soul of me is enervate to-night. Adele Why, then, you should to bed. Seremonda I'll not to bed. Adele Here is the blue which young Lord Guilhem said Was just the colour of your eyes. Seremonda My eyes are darker, much. Adele Sometimes, my lady. They are dark to-night. When you are merry, then I truly think They match this colour perfectly. Seremonda Choose what you will; I said I did not care. no Red Wine of Roussillon Adele The crimson, then, to please your lord. (Seremonda rises, and Adele is about to slip the robe over Seremonda's head when the latter starts back with a shudder.) Seremonda It is the hue of blood, blood freshly shed. Adele You wore it yesterweek. Seremonda Take it away. I'll wear the blue to-night. (Adele -puts on the blue robe and a jewelled girdle, after which Seremonda reseats herself in chair.) Adele Will this rose garland suit, Or will you wear a fillet in your hair.? Seremonda The circlet of red gold. (Adele adjusts the circlet.) 'T Is crooked. Put it straight. Red Wine of Roussillon hi {Enter Guida) Adele {To Guida) Is not my lady beautiful to-night? A shade too pale? (7*0 Seremonda.) Wilt have a touch of red ? Seremonda No, nothing more to-night. And you may go. Adele Art sure, my lady? Seremonda Go. {Exit Adele. Seremonda sits with clasped hands in her lap. She does not turn to look at Guida.) Guida We have a scant five minutes, barely five. When the last drop of water in the clock Has dripped away, the hour of fate will come. I pray you bid him sing no song to-night. 112 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda You cannot change me. GuiDA Nor can I move him, though I begged with tears. He says he waits your sign. Seremonda He needs no signal. He will understand, The moment that he looks upon my face, And he will sing a song of love to me. So plainly will he sing that all the world Will know I hold his heart within this hand. GuiDA I'm sure that at the moment you'll relent. So I have bade him wait until you make Some sign so plain there can be no mistake. You cannot give the signal for his death. Seremonda I cannot! Look you at this amber fan. I'll drop it on the floor. Then he shall sing. Red Wine of Roussillon 113 GUIDA But it might from your careless fingers slip. Seremonda I'll break it in my hand. GuiDA The fan is priceless. Seremonda (Laughing) And so Is Gullhem's life. We're trivial all, We women, even in the face of death. GuiDA Oh, my sweet sister, think while yet there's time. Seremonda Think, say you! By your side last night I lay; I did not sleep. I thought of many things — So many weary things — until the dawn. And only this was settled in my mind. I would not live with Raimon — I could not. The years spread out before me like the sea. 114 Red Wine of Roussillon Each day a lie, each moment a deceit, Each night a dream of hell. GuiDA But other wives have lived who had no love To give their lords. Seremonda They have, I've seen them smile. GUIDA Choose you some other way. {Wringing her hands.) Seremonda At first I thought with Guilhem I might fly. But he would not. O God, why give him both A conscience and a heart aflame with love.? Then I proposed that Guilhem boldly speak And leave the issue to the judgment sword. At first he would, but at the last said no. GUIDA Yet he may change his mind. Red Wine of Roussillon 115 Seremonda He will not change. I tell you Raimon or myself must die, And I would kill him with this slender blade ( Takes jewelled dagger from table,) Were I not sure I'd also kill the love That Guilhem bears me with the selfsame blow. — I cannot kill myself — at least not yet. GuiDA Oh, Seremonda, do not talk like that. Seremonda I think the song will cut the Gordian knot. In Guilhem's heart there is no taint of fear, And he may fight when Raimon strikes at him: I 'm sure he would if Raimon struck at me. — At best Raimon is dead; and at the worst, Guilhem and I die on the selfsame night, And take the selfsame path to heaven or hell, Together, hand in hand. GuiDA My sister, you are mad — the bride of Death. ii6 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda I'd rather I were his than Raimon's wife. GuiDA But why drag Guilhem with you? Seremonda Why? Then he cannot hold you In his arms, Nor kiss you on the lips. His will be cold. I know you love him passing well. GUIDA 'T is false. Seremonda I say you love him. Did you like his kiss? See how you blush, your cheek is like the rose. GuiDA Why should I lie to you? Seremonda We all are liars — we who love. Red Wine of Roussillon 117 GUIDA I am not. I will tell the truth to you. If you should say I'll hold me to my lord, Gullhem is free to love you if he will. Then if he kissed me once again, but once — The hot insurgent blood would seize the heart That is so loyal to you. As it is, I am your sister and his faithful friend. — I have not begged you that you give him me. Seremonda Give him to you ! I 'd rather he were dead, And you and I and all the world were cold. — I say that he shall sing the song to-night. GuiDA ( Tearfully) So thus It ends. Since you first learned to walk, your baby steps Were wayward. Wilful were you, and my task To watch in fear and guard you 'gainst a fall. You now are grown a woman, and the path You take to-night will lead you to a steep From which the fall is death. ii8 Red Wine of Roussillon Seremonda I cannot help it. Fate has driven me on. {Suddenly melting and holding out her arms.) Give me one kiss, and say you love me still. (GuiDA hursts into tears, falls on her knees, and puts her hand on Seremonda's shoulder, who holds her in her arms.) GUIDA I need not tell you what you know so well. Oh, little sister, listen to me now. Seremonda Do you remember, very long ago. When we were children, and upon the beach I raised a wondrous tower of sand? GuiDA Yes, I remember. Seremonda You warned me it was built too near the waves. But I was wilful and would have my way. GUIDA Yes, you would have your way. Red Wine of Roussillon 119 Seremonda I've built another castle, and to-night You warn me, wilful still, against a wave Which shall sweep in and wreck my tower wall. Again I heed you not. I 'm wilful still. GuiDA Be a good child to-night. Seremonda Your warm tears melt the ice around my heart, And yet, e'en now I cannot promise you. I know not which uncertain path to take. {The clangor of beaten metal is heard from the hall and Seremonda rises. When she reaches the door she pauses as if uncertain and embraces Guida.) May all good saints befriend me in my need! Kiss me again. If e'er I win to heaven By God's good grace, I'll find no saint like you. {Exit Seremonda and Guida.) CURTAIN Act III. Scene II. Hall of castle. Evening of second day. Supper is over. At the far left, near chimney side, facing front, sits Raimon on a high chair. Next to him is Seremonda on chair zvith footstool. There is a crescent of cushions on the floor, and at right of Seremonda is one placed on which no one sits. Then comes Ermengarda on chair, a vacant space, and Guida seated on cushion. Close to her on her right is Berguedan stretched full length on floor. Next is Vidal seated on cushion, and at extreme right is Aimar on a high chair by the chimney-side. Barral is pouring wine into cup on small table at left of Raimon. Guilhem is pacing to and fro on right of stage. All tables cleared but one on right, where sit Amfos and Audiart drinking wine. Raimon This is the evening hour I love the best. ' ^\ Food we must eat Hke oxen and like dogs, But wine brings us the very joy of life. Red Wine of Roussillon 121 Seremonda The joy of life from wine? Raimon Wine spurs dull wits and loosens sluggish tongues. Even good Barral here could talk again If he would drink enough Roussillon wine. (Barral makes sign of protest.) AlMAR I pray you, Raimon, drink no more to-night. Raimon May good Saint Bacchus never smile on me If I go sober to my bed to-night. AlMAR Your Bacchus is no saint. Raimon He should be, then. They're many with less right. 122 Red Wine of Roussillon Ermengarda "Wine spurs dull wits and loosens sluggish tongues"; And sometimes, too, it lets the devil loose, As well we women of Roussillon know. Your father — Raimon My father's settled for his sins ere this. To-night my page is clean: ask Aimar there. 'T will stand a few pen scratches, and a charge Of "too much wine" is not a heavy sin. Aimar All sin is heavy, my good lord. Raimon At Aix I met the Monk of Montaudon, Your brother in the Church, and with him drank Enough red wine to float a ship at sea. ViDAL I 'm sure It was the monk put you to bed. Red Wine of Roussillon 123 Raimon I know not which fell 'neath the table first. But when, next day, I woke him from his sleep, No single word of penitence he spoke. — So drunkenness must be a venial sin. To-night my heart is merry, and I beg You all to join with me in revelry. Berguedan Right gladly will we drink you cup for cup. Raimon Hear you that, Guilhem? Come and join the ring. There's a sad gap by Guida you should fill (laughing). But not a drop of wine for you to-night, Your spirits are already in the clouds. (Guilhem sits between Guida and Ermen- GARDA.) ViDAL He cannot fill himself with wine and sing. 124 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon That's why I never ope' my mouth in song. I'd rather drink. {Laughs.) Ermengarda A song to break your never-ending rank Of marching flagons would not come amiss. Raimon Another chiding word, my gracious aunt, And I will sing to you. {To Berguedan.) My voice is like The squat green bird's who warbles in the marsh. — 'T is too near supper for you troubadours. Those lusty villains in the corner there Shall cheer us with their antics for a while. — Here you, in motley clad, what can you do? (Audiart comes before the fire.) AUDIART I can do this, my lord — can you ? {Turns handspring.) Red Wine of Roussillon 125 Raimon (Laughing) I could have done its like ten years ago, But now, alas, my joints are stiff from war. I have a supple elbow, that is all. (He drinks from tankard with exaggerated twist of arm.) Well, what more can you do? AUDIART This, my good lord. (AuDiART turns repeated handsprings inside the circle.) Raimon The last was better — show me of your best. (AuDiART performs several difficult feats. Coins are thrown on the floor which AuDiART picks up, and then he bows and returns to the table and flagon.) Berguedan He is a nimble villain, by my faith. 126 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon Now, Amfos, show us of your mysteries . I swear you learned them in the devil's school. Amfos I was his aptest pupil, good my lord. I have some fire of hell now in my sleeve. (Amfos draws fire from sleeve. Exclama- tions of astonishment,) Raimon I wonder could I learn To light a camp-fire on a rainy night.? Amfos Go to my master — he will teach you how. Raimon {Pretending anger) "Go to the devil," say you to my face? I'll have you whipped. (Amfos performs with glass halls.) ViDAL IVe seen fair ladies toss men's hearts like that. Red Wine of Roussillon 127 Ermengarda An easy task — they're lighter than the balls. Seremonda And will not break. Raimon My lady, why speak you so bitterly? What know you of men's hearts.^ Seremonda What I have conned in books, no more. I found the study dull and wearisome. Ermengarda And never put your learning to good use, With gallant youths about? Seremonda I dared not. You were always watching me. Ermengarda {Furiously) I watching you ! 128 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon {Interrupting) Dear aunt, frown not, she only juggles words. Come, Amfos, one more trick. Amfos My good lord, will you loan to me a coin."* I can succeed with silver, but 't is best If done with gold. Raimon {To Barral) Give him a silver coin and watch it well. (Barral tosses Amfos a silver coin which he catches. He pretends to swallow it, and pro- duces it from his ear. He puts it in his sleeve J and takes it from his shoe. He tosses it in the air. It disappears. He calls to it, and pretends to catch it in his hand. He tosses it again, calls to it repeatedly, and turns to Raimon.) Amfos Alas, good Count, my magic is at fault. I cannot give you back your coin. It's gone. 'T is difficult with silver, as I said. Red Wine of RouIssillon 129 Ra€^on {Laughing) I've seen the trick before, and kept my gold. You are the dupe, not I. {They throw coins to Amfos, and he bows and returns to the table and flagon. All the time Raimon is drinking, and shows more and more the influence of his potations.) Ermengarda He has an impish look upon his face. I think it was no joke where he was schooled. AlMAR And hell is not a joke. AUDIART There is a man below who has a bear; He is from Italy. Raimon Which, man or bear? Ermengarda I care not. To this hall he does not come, Or I'm to bed. I'll not be food for bears. 130 Red Wine of Roussillon Raimon Fear not, my worthy aunt. He'll not touch you, Or he's no judge of meat. He hath an eye On Guida, who is tenderer by far. {To Guilhem) She is a juicy morsel, is she not? And you could eat her, though you are no bear. {Laughs.) Ermengarda It frets me not that Guida is his choice. I'm food for neither man nor bear. Raimon Well, gentle aunt, the bear shall stay below. {To Berguedan) And we will listen to the lark from Spain — Or nightingale, whichever suits him best. Then we will hear from Vidal if he please. And last from Guilhem, if he have the strength, To tear himself away from Guida's side. Berguedan My good lord, I will do my best. Although By better singers, I must meet eclipse, Red Wine of Roussillon 131 My voice is good enough to start withal; And, like the wise lord of the Cana feast, You save the best wine for the last. Raimon You all are good, I know not which is best. I am a better judge of wine than song. Berguedan I wish that you would hear from Vidal first: He did not eat as much as I. Vidal I did not; and I think no one Could rival him — unless it be the bear. My voice is not its best, yet I will sing. (Vidal rises from the cushion and takes his place in front of the fire.) Raimon At Beziers they told me of a song In which you praised your prowess in the field, And told Sir Dragoman of knightly feats You could perform with level lance in rest. — You only lacked the horse you begged of him. 132 Red Wine of Roussillon ViDAL {Haughtily) My patrons shower costly gifts on me To please themselves and for their own fair fame. — I do not beg. Raimon I beg your pardon for my shabby word. I beg you, sir, most humbly for a song. {They all applaud Raimon's assumed hu- mility.) ViDAL I sometimes use an awkward word myself: The song is good, and I will give it you; But first I'll sing a beauteous lady's praise, New writ to-day. GuiDA I'm sick of love-songs. Sing of war. Raimon "War," say you, my sweet sister, and to-night? Well, Vidal, 't is her choice, we wait for you. (ViDAL gives GuiDA a glance of mingled re- Red Wine of Roussillon 133 proach and adoration. He sings with many gestures and with great affectation.) ViDAL Sir Dragoman, had I a goodly steed, Soon should my enemies for mercy plead; For even when they hear my whispered name, They fear me more than quail the falcon's greed; So widespread my renown, so great my fame. When I have donned my glittering coat of mail, And girt my sword, Hugh's gift that cannot fail. Whither I go, the earth doth shake with fear* No foes I meet that do not 'fore me pale, And yield me place; nought doth their pride avail, So great their terror when my step they hear. Of chivalry and love I am the flower. Bravest among the brave — in lady's bower Is none more courteous and more debonnaire, Nor in the battle-field of greater power; So that my enemies in terror cower At thought of me. None to confront me dare. {All applaud heartily and Vidal hows his acknowledgment.) Raimon What man is this 1 He cleaves a helm And breaks a woman's heart with equal skill. 134 Red Wine of Roussillon What havoc he must work in poor Provence. I'd hate to pluck his beard. Ermengarda I 'd match a kitchen wench against the man. I have a maid who'd beat him with her broom. Raimon Now, Berguedan, it is your turn. (ViDAL takes his seat, and Berguedan rises. His story is accompanied by notes from the lute.) Berguedan The Lord Saint Leidier was a troubadour. Young was he, brave and strong and debonnaire. He loved the fair wife of rich Polignac, And Bellisenda was the lady's name. Raimon The same old characters; we know them well. A lady — lover — and her jealous lord. Berguedan The lady liked Saint Leidier passing well, But not too well to walk the path discreet. Red Wine of Roussillon 135 He sang to her; he gazed into her eyes; He held her hand — and kissed it — that was all. Ermengarda I like her not. I know she did not keep The proper path. AlMAR The path to heaven is narrow. Few there be Who find it, searching with an honest heart. Berguedan Patient was young Saint Leidier, but, at last, He grew insistent that the lady grant Some favour warmer than a cold white hand. He kissed her lips, she making sham defence, And shamming anger, as fair ladies do. And have, and will, until the world is dead. GUIDA And are there any ladies leal and true And loyal to their lords ? Berguedan There may be — one or two. (GuiDA makes gesture of protest.) This lady swore she would not grant her love — Unless the Count, her husband, bade her yield. 136 Red Wine of Roussillon Ermengarda She should be safe in that. Berguedan The Count was named HeracHus; and he Was strong, and dark and violent. The last to be complacent to a wife Who trod the primrose path with careless feet. But young Saint Leidier would not woo despair: He climbed the hill to Polignac one day, And, entering the castle, met its lord, And greeted him, a smile upon his face. Raimon Had I been there I 'd spoilt his smiling face. Berguedan "How now, Saint Leidier?" asked the surly Count; "Has laughter come to you at early dawn? Some fair dame has been kind to you I swear." "Ah, my good Count," said Leidier, "I win Love favours slowly and with toil and pain. My lady swears she'll none of me, unless — Her selfish husband bid her acquiesce." GuiDA A selfish husband not to share his wife ? Red Wine of Roussillon 137 Berguedan When Leidier told him this, the Count laughed long. "You're beaten. Go seek solace where you may." "Not yet," said Leidier. "I'm not beaten yet. The husband likes to sing; I make his songs: He loves to sing them to his pretty wife. I've written one which bids her pliant be. She'll think her lord has given his consent, Or, if she understand, she still will yield In hot resentment at his foolishness." Ermengarda What said HeracHus to this ? Berguedan "A good plot, by Our Lady!" cried the Count. "A merry song. I bid you teach it me." Raimon And did he teach him.? Berguedan The Count of Polignac, he learned the song, And sang it to his wife, whom Leidier loved. Listen, and I will sing it to you now: — 138 Red Wine of Roussillon Fair lady, I am sent to you, — 'T will all be plain ere I am done, — To greet you on behalf of one Whose love for you supports and cheers. And, lady, you need have no fears; False messenger between you two He ne'er will be that sings here now. Whoever else may plead and woo, All other loves I pray you shun. Each day he shines the more, and none Seems worth a thought when he appears. So when toward love your fancy veers, Love him, I beg, and warmly, too, — No lady should reject his vow. By this fair knight — I know not who — Refuse no longer to be won. For my sake be not such a nun; But gain the love that perseveres, In peace and concord through the years, What I advise 't is best you do. Fear not, I order and allow. AlMAR It was a wicked plot. GuiDA How did it end.^ Red Wine of Roussillon 139 Ermengarda It ended as such stories always end, Or Berguedan had picked some other tale To poison us withal. Berguedan Their love continued many happy years, And many perfect songs he sang to her. Until — Raimon Until the Count discovered them, one day. And, with a dagger 'twixt the lover's ribs. Cut all the music from his artist soul As one might slit a viol's sounding-board. Berguedan He was not caught, my lord. Raimon Why do they give the lover all the wits, The husband addled brains.'' Guida I wonder why.'' 140 Red Wine of Roussillon Ermengarda I grant you this, my ribald troubadour. I never heard a story better told. Raimon We're debtors all. Now, Guilhem, sing to us, and then to bed. You all are drunk. I fear the winding stairs Will play strange antics with your stumbling feet. (Guilhem rises and looks at Seremonda enquiringly, but she makes no sign.) Guilhem What shall I sing."* {Another long silence.) Raimon Sing what you will; — I think your hand is caught In Guida's girdle. — Fie upon you, man. (GuiDA looks at Seremonda entreatingly. Seremonda and Guilhem look into each other'' s eyes. Seremonda breaks Jan.) GuiDA May God preserve and save us all! Red Wine of Roussillon 141 Ermengarda Truth! You are careless. Broken straight across. The fan is priceless. For a hundred years It's wafted perfumed breezes in this hall. Raimon It's but a fan. Come, Guilhem, sing. GUILHEM What says my lady? Seremonda Sing. (Guilhem looks at Seremonda, not Guida, as he sings. Count Raimon looks wonder- ingly at Guilhem, Guida, and Sere- monda, his face growing flushed and black.) Guilhem The very day one glimpse of you I caught, When God was pleased to let me see your face. My heart took leave of every other thought, And every wish — except for you — gave place. 142 Red Wine of Roussillon At first my soul with reverence was fraught: I worshipped from afar your wondrous grace. Your hair a golden halo, heaven-wrought, Your eyes were stars, beaming in distant space. But now the joy of love to you I've taught: Your lips I kiss, your body I embrace: Your very soul is mine. The world is nought: Life cannot hide our love, nor Death efface. {When GuiLHEM finishes, Raimon's anger bursts into flame. He utters an inarticulate oath, and draws the dagger from his girdle. He strikes at Guilhem, but Barral throws himself in front of Guilhem, and the blade enters Barral's shoulder. Barral falls into Berguedan's arms. Raimon is about to spring at Guilhem again when Aimar comes between them, the crucifix held high above his head.) Aimar Beware the wrath of God! Dare not again the anger of his Church! (Raimon staggers back into his chair, the dagger clattering on the floor. All gather around Barral.) Red Wine of Roussillon 143 GUILHEM Why did you risk you life for me? GuiDA Is he much hurt? Seremonda For God's sake, say he will not die! Berguedan The blade stopped at the bone. He will not die. ViDAL God! How he bleeds. (GuiDA brings cloth from table, and with it Berguedan staunches Barral's wound. Seremonda steps back, and Guilhem goes to her.) Ermengarda The devil of Roussillon loose again! 144 I^ED Wine of Roussillon Raimon But one! They're seven devils laughing here Within this swept and garnished soul. (Raimon breaks into a fit of laughter, strikes himself fiercely on the breast, then catching sight of GuiLHEM by Seremonda's side, he becomes furious, rises to his feet, and rushing toward them, falls senseless to the floor. AiMAR and Vidal go to him and the former turns Raimon face upward.) Vidal He is not hurt. AlMAR Go, all of you, and get you to your rest. Go sleep in peace until to-morrow dawns. Then may God save us all. (Seremonda goes to Guilhem and clings to his shoulder.) CURTAIN Act IV Act IV. Scene I. Morning of third day. Village of Roussillon, Clara is washing the table in the arbour. Clara {Sings) Love is the wine of life, — Let's drink it, you and L {Enter Vidal and Berguedan by street from cas- tle. They are serious and worried) Vidal The man was mad to sing that song last night. Berguedan Naught saved him but his master's drunkenness. Vidal Lucky for Guilhem and for Barral, too. Count Raimon was too blind with wine to kill. — What will he do to-day.? 148 Red Wine of Roussillon Berguedan He will not miss his aim again. ViDAL The day is cursed. The wind is almost dead, yet every leaf Shivers with fear. Even your face is pale. I wish I had not come to Roussillon. (Clara appears at entrance to arbour.) Clara Sir Meddler and Sir Mocker, by the mass ! (ViDAL and Berguedan do not notice her.) Berguedan The Count still sleeps.? ViDAL He has not left his chamber yet. Clara What are you plotting; an affair of state? (ViDAL and Berguedan look at her, but do not answer.) Red Wine of Roussillon 149 You have forgotten Hebe, that is plain. It is a sultry day: the air is dry; My wine is wet. What say you to a drink? ViDAL No, do not trouble us. Clara You were in trouble ere I oped my mouth. No doubt tormented by your grievous sins. Guilhem is making his confession now: His soul is saintly innocence to yours. Berguedan Is Guilhem in the church? Clara He entered near an hour ago. Berguedan Bring us two stoups of wine. (ViDAL and Berguedan enter arbour and take seats at table. Clara goes into the inn.) 150 Red Wine of Roussillon ViDAL We'll wait to see his face. — Berguedan The lad is brave enough. He will not flinch. {Enter Clara with two stoups of wine which she places on table) Clara Be careful of your sleeve, the table's wet. ViDAL {To Berguedan) Where think you they will meet? Clara Who meet? The table's wet, I say. (To Vidal) I see you keep the chain about your neck. {To Berguedan) Have you your ring as well? (Clara takes Berguedan's hand in hers and looks at ring.) Red Wine of Roussillon 151 Berguedan {To Vidal) If we watch one, we're sure to see them meet. Clara What! Neither of you won her favour yet? Is Seremonda cold to both of you ? {Neither answers her.) I do not wonder if you 've lost your tongue. You're worse than Barral. Berguedan Come, Hebe, bluntly, we would be alone. Clara You do not like my pretty prattle, then? Well, call me when you want your flagons filled. {Exit Clara, singing. Raimon comes slowly down the road from the castle. His eyes are on the ground and he mutters as he walks. 'S>KKKA.'L follows close behind him. The lat- ter has a bandage on his shoulder.) Berguedan Here comes Count Raimon now. 152 Red Wine of Roussillon ViDAL Look at his face. Berguedan The fire of hell shines in his eyes. (Raimon paces up and down across square. GuiLHEM appears at church door and meets Raimon face to face, the latter standing at the foot of the steps. They look into each other's eyes with no word of greeting. GuiLHEM shows no sign of fear.) Raimon Go to the armoury and bring me here , Two boar spears, like to like. GuiLHEM I '11 hasten, my good lord. (GuiLHEM exits up road to castle. Raimon walks to and fro, his hands clenched behind his back, his eyes fixed on the ground. He pauses in front of Barral, but does not lift his eyes as he speaks.) Red Wine of Roussillon 153 Raimon So, Barral, pious Guilhem lied to me. He has no love for Guida, that is clear. His song last night told plainly whom he loves. (Raimon crosses the stage and stops in front of Barral.) This morning he shall bare his soul to me. I would not harm him, for he is a boy, And sang as Seremonda bade him sing. — She's not a child. I'll wring the heart of her, I'll wring her heart until it oozes blood. (Barral makes gesture of entreaty.) Get you to hell! Or lift your mute appealing hands to heaven. You cannot move me. {Again Raimon crosses stage and returns.) Through Guilhem only can I hurt her much. — That's bad for Guilhem, for I hate him not. — I fear the lover or the lord must die — The jealous lord. (Raimon looks into Barral's face with a sinister smile.) If Guilhem dies, he goes straightway to heaven — 154 Red Wine of Roussillon He's better far in heaven than I in hell. (Raimon laughs bitterly.) Your hands move not, your lips are mute, Yet your entreating eyes are eloquent. — If I can think of any curious plan By which I may at Seremonda strike And not harm Guilhem, I will follow it. (GuiLHEM enters and gives the boar spears to Raimon. The latter balances first one and then the other in his hand. Takes one and then the other, holds it above his head and strikes with it. He studies them carefully, then hands them back to Guilhem and asks:) Which think you is the better of the two.'* Guilhem They are twin spears, and like As I could find upon the armoury wall. Raimon And yet they differ. Look again, — Look carefully and tell me which you choose. (Guilhem tests first one and then the other spear. He gives them back to Raimon.) Red Wine of Roussillon 155 GuiLHEM That in your right hand has the straighter shaft And slightly keener blade. By a hair's breadth It is the better weapon. Raimon Take it, and I will hold to this. Meet an me hour hence beneath the oak, The great oak in the distant wood. GUILHEM I will not fail you, my good lord. {As GuiLHEM passes the shrine he pauses for a moment^ kneels, crosses himself, and then hurries away toward the castle. Raimon watches him as he kneels, a sinister smile on his face, and when he has disappeared Raimon turns to Barral and laughs mirthlessly.) Raimon {Pointing) This is the forest road. He goes the longer way. I wonder why.? 156 Red Wine of Roussillon (Raimon enters the street leading to the forest and Barral starts to follow him.) Go, get you to the castle. (Barral hesitates.) Go, I say. {Exit Raimon down street to forest; exit Bar- ral up road to castle. Vidal and Ber- GUEDAN have been watching and listening from the arbour. They now enter the square together.) Vidal His face was like a mask. Berguedan His voice was like to one who talks in sleep. Vidal What would he with the boar spears ? Were they swords I 'd think it meant a duel to the death. Berguedan With swords and armour 't is a sport for boys. With boar spears and unmailed, one man must die. Red Wine of Roussillon 157 ViDAL You think they'll fight? Berguedan I am not sure. I 'd like to follow them. I would were I not clad in glaring red. Your sombre green is like the forest leaves. ViDAL I'll spy on them. I '11 wager what you will I am not seen. Berguedan My ring against your chain. (ViDAL exits street to forest, Berguedan road leading to castle. Clara comes to door and sees them as they disappear and Clara says:) Clara They've gone, and have not paid me for the wine. How strange they were as if they feared some ill. There is an evil spell upon the day. CURTAIN Act IV. Scene II. Hall of Castle^ evening of third day. Bergue- DAN walks before the fire, his hands clasped behind him, evidently troubled and in deep thought). {Enter Vidal hurriedly) ViDAL The chain is yours. {He takes it from neck and hands it to Berguedan.) Berguedan What care I for your chain? He caught you, then? You know not what has happened in the wood? Vidal I'd almost reached the oak when a dry twig Cracked 'neath my footstep and the frenzied Count Turned on me with the boar spear in his hand. Red Wine of Roussillon 159 He swore a fearful oath he'd pierce my heart If e'er he saw my ferret face again. Berguedan A ferret! By the mass, he flattered you. You were a donkey stumbling in the path. I wish he'd kept his oath, you clumsy fool. ViDAL I 'd give three times the value of the chain If I were but an honest league away. There is a curse upon these castle walls, The smell of blood, the numbing chill of death, Is in the tainted air. Berguedan You're like a frightened child Who sees a ghost in every shadowy nook. ViDAL God knows there's reason for my fear! Berguedan What think you happened in the distant wood? i6o Red Wine of Roussillon ViDAL I think they fought beneath the giant oak, — The Count came back alone. Berguedan How looked the Count? ViDAL A little hour ago I had a glimpse as up the stairs he came. His face was pale, his eyes as red as fire. And on his left arm was his mantle hung As if beneath its folds something was hid. His glance was furtive, and he swore at me A dreadful oath. To curses I am used, But not an oath like that. Berguedan Would Guilhem raise his hand against his lord? Perhaps he took to flight and now is safe Nested in some snug castle in the North. ViDAL Guilhem took not to flight. You saw his face, you heard him when he said, "Truly I will not fail you, my good lord." Red Wine of Roussillon i6i Berguedan I wish we had not come within these walls. This is no place for meddlers. By the mass, I think so tangled are these threads of life They cannot be unsnarled. The hand of Death Will break them. ViDAL And mayhap us as well; let's go at once. Berguedan And bring suspicion swiftly on our heels f ViDAL Do what you will. I shall prepare for flight. I say there is a curse upon these walls. {Exit ViDAL. Berguedan paces the floor a little while and then follows Vidal.) (Seremonda enters with Adele) Adele The crimson would have suited you the best, And put new colour in your pallid cheeks. Seremonda Am I so pale to-night? i62 Red Wine of Roussillon Adele You're very pale, my lady, and your robe Makes you appear more wan. The garland, too; — I pray you let me change it. You are ill. Seremonda My faintness has not left me since I fell In Guida's arms. Adele I '11 run and get a cordial from your room. Seremonda No; help me to the window. (Seremonda goes to the window, leaning on Adele's shoulder.) How soft and fragrant is the wind to-night, 'T is like a lover's fingers in my hair. (There is a cry, and Seremonda starts with hand at her throat and stares into the dark- ness,) What was that cry.'' Red Wine of Roussillon 163 Adele Only a gull dropping upon the waves. You've heard its like a thousand times before. Seremonda It sounded like a man's last dying wail. Adele They say that in the gull's white breast there dwells The soul of some lost sailor drowned at sea — You should to bed, my lady. Seremonda To bed ! I could not rest. I am not well, But not so ill as to be put to bed. We should have news of Guilhem. It is late. Adele He may have lost his way. Seremonda You think he's safe? 164 Red Wine of Roussillon Adele I'm sure he's safe, only a little late. Seremonda May the good saints preserve him from all harm! I 'm better now, Adele, and you may go. Adele You feel quite well? Seremonda Quite well — Good-night. You're very good to me. Adele Good-night, my lady. {Exit Adele. Seremonda looks after her smiling, then turns to the window. An- other cry from the sea.) Seremonda The gull again! I wonder if lost souls Dwell in the bodies of the wandering birds. I '11 ask good Aimar. He will know. Red Wine of Roussillon 165 (Enter Guida. She is pale and frightened) GuiDA Count Raimon has returned — alone. Where Guilhem is, there is no one to tell. Seremonda You think him dead? Guida I know he went with Raimon to the wood. Each had a boar spear in his hand. Seremonda So went they yestermorn. To-day they had No other thought except to hunt the boar. Guida No other thought! He heard the song last night — Your song — proclaiming Guilhem's love for you. It was the quiet of the crouching wolf. You should have seen his eyes — his dreadful eyes — i66 Red Wine of Roussillon When first he left his bed and entered here. I sHpped behind the arras, faint with dread. Your lord stood brooding by the chimney-side. And Barral sat shivering before the fire. I held my breath till Raimon said at last, "I'm glad I did not kill the lad, last night." Seremonda Those were his words? I tell you, Guilhem's safe. GuiDA Safe! — and he went with Raimon to the wood! And Raimon had a boar spear in his hand! And Raimon back again alone! Seremonda But Guilhem had a boar spear, too. I say he lives. GuiDA Your saying will not bring the dead to life — If he is dead — I Ve questioned every one. Raimon could tell, but he is like a beast. When he returned — it was an hour ago — Red Wine of Roussillon 167 He would not answer me a single word, But looked at me with eyes as red as fire. My heart was still and cold at sight of him. Oh, Seremonda, I am filled with fear. When saw you Guilhem last.'' Seremonda At early dawn a moment ere he went. 'T was in the shadow of the hawthorn hedge, Where we have parted many times before. He held me in his arms and kissed my brow. He would not kiss my lips, although I begged That he would press them once. He shook his head, And smiled at me and wiped my tears away. So kind was he I did not miss the kiss, Until he'd left me and it was too late. A long time looked he in my eyes and said — "Sweetheart, we may ne'er ride across the fields, Nor reach the castle with the lilied moat: Yet somewhere we shall find the joy of life. We three together — you and I — and Love." (GuiDA bursts into tears. Seremonda tries to comfort her.) i68 Red Wine of Roussillon (Enter Aimar, zvho goes directly to Guida) GuiDA Help me, good father, I am filled with fear. Did Guilhem go to you to-day? Aimar He came to me before the sun was high. And made confession. When he left my side He was prepared to meet, with honest heart, What Life or Death might have in store for him. Guida I fear Death brought the message to his soul. Seremonda Tell us that Guilhem lives. Aimar Only the good God knows. {Enter Raimon, zvho stands looking in fire) Guida He knows — who enters like a padding wolf. Red Wine of Roussillon 169 AlMAR He, too, is in God's hand for good or ill. — So are we all. {Enter Berguedan and Vidal) Berguedan What luck, my lord ? Raimon I killed but one to-day. Vidal And where is Guilhem? Raimon I parted with him underneath the oak. We will not wait for him. (Raimon strikes with handle oj dagger on shield hanging on the wall and the servants flock in; also Ermengarda enters. They take seats at table beginning left of stage, Vidal, Guida, Berguedan, Ermen- garda, Raimon, Seremonda, and Aimar. There is a vacant place at Seremonda's right for Guilhem. The table is silent.) 170 Red Wine of Roussillon Ermengarda Guilhem is very late to-night. {To Raimon) Where did you leave him? Raimon Beneath the great oak in the distant woods. AlMAR You have not sent to search for him, .my lord? Raimon IVe made no search. AlMAR You think no harm has come to him? Raimon How can I tell ? {There is a long silence. All eat hut Sere- MONDA.) You touch no food to-night. Seremonda I am not hungry. Red Wine of Roussillon 171 Raimon {To Seremonda) I bade the cook to make a special dish. It's like you Ve never tasted, I am sure. Seremonda I have no wish for food to-night. {The servant places a platter with silver cover before Seremonda.) Raimon I hope that you will eat to please your lord, Whose heart is grieved to see you look so pale. (Seremonda rises and points at dish.) Seremonda What meat Is this ? (Raimon looks up at Seremonda, a malevo- lent smile on his face. He rises slowly and looks into Seremonda's eyes.) Raimon It Is the heart of Guilhem whom I slew This morning 'neath the great oak in the wood. 172 Red Wine of Roussillon AlMAR Gullhem Is dead! Raimon He's dead. He would not fight. I killed him with this hand. AlMAR Cain slew but one. (Seremonda, clutching at her throat, her face convulsed with horror, staggers back to the window, stumbles up the step, and turns to Raimon.) Seremonda Such sweet meat have you given me, my lord, I ne'er will eat again. Guida O, Seremonda! Little child of mine! Seremonda I take the selfsame path to heaven or hell — I care not which If I am by his side. (Seremonda glides through the window. Red Wine of Roussillon 173 There is a flutter of her white robe as she leaps into the sea. All rush toward the win- dow. Raimon is last, but he throws the ' others aside, seizes the bar, and struggles madly to push by it. He finally staggers back with a cry of agony.) Raimon And so it ends! O, cursed fiends of hell! Why did you bid me murder those I love? They both are dead, and in the selfsame path They walk together, happy, hand in hand — They shall not leave me here. (Raimon takes dagger from the table and plunges it into his breast. He staggers and falls to the floor. Aimar lifts him in his arms.) Aimar Look at this cross. Confess that you have sinned. Raimon I am a sinner. — May God pardon me. — Come, Death ! — Make haste ! — I pray you, let me pass. 174 I^ED Wine of Roussillon Open the gate! I must upon my way. O, Seremonda! Guilhem! Wait for me! I follow close behind. I am alone. (Raimon/^//j back and dies.) CURTAIN CAMBRIDGE . MASSACHUSETTS U . S . A