MAVOURNEEN LOUIS N. PARKER Class. Book_ :^ii /CJ<^ Gopyiiglit>^'?_- COFXRIGHT DEPOSm MAVOURNEEN MAVOURNEEN A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS BY LOUIS N. PARKER V- NEW YORK DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 1916 4/ COPTRIGHT. 1916, By LOUIS N. PARKER ,<#.:£ OCT 3i 1316 OCI.A445417 NOTE If one had to label this play, one might call it a play of anecdotal history. Some of it comes from Pepy's Diary; some from Count Hamilton's Memoirs of Gram- mont; some from sterner authorities; and the rest is out of my own head. It was first produced in London, at His Majesty's Theatre, on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 23rd, 1915, with Miss Lily Elsie as Patricia, Mr. Malcolm Cherry as Charles II, Mr. C. V. France as Father O'RafFerty, Mr. Gerald Lawrence as Buckingham, Mr. Reginald Owen as Sidney Montagu, Mr. Edward Sass as Pepys, Miss Athene Seyler as Queen Catherine, Miss Alice Crawford as Lady Castlemaine, and Miss Dorothy Packer as Mrs. Pepys. In America it was first produced at the Powers Thea- tre in Chicago on the evening of May 28, 1916, with the following cast: — King Charlks II Pedro de Cordoba Buckingham JVarburton Gamble Arlington ,. . .Reginald Carrington Bristol Gordon Burby Ashley Vernon Denham Sir Charles Berkeley Henry Vincent Sidney Montagu Alexander Onslow Samuel Pepys John L. Shine Father O'Rafferty James 0. Barrows Chiffinch Allan Mason The Host of the Bear Tracy Barrow A Drawer John M. O'Brien Usher Francis Mack Hafiz Garrett Carroll Puppet Show Man Russell Huhley Queen's Surgeon John Alexander Queen's Secretary Maxwell Kennedy Queen's Chairman Harry Dee Queen Catherine , Saxone Morland Lady Castlemaine Belle Daube Lady Arlington Iseth Munro Mrs. Myddleton Ethel West Mrs. Roberts Eleanor Scott L'Estelle Miss Frances Brooke Helen Erskine Miss Hill Brooke Lyllian Charles Flower Girl Vera Mercer Lavender Girl Leslie McCarl Lady Shrewsbury Linden Champion Mrs. Pepys Margaret Prendergast MoYRA Mattie Keene Mercer . . . ., Carrington North A Maid Edna Waddell Patricia O'Brien Peggy O'Neil PERSONS {In the order of their appearance^ MOYRA Father O'Rafferty Patricia O'Brien The Host of the " Bear " A Drawer George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham George Digby, Earl of Bristol Anthony, Baron Ashley George, Baron Berkeley Sidney Montagu Lady Castlemaine Mrs. Myddleton Mrs. Roberts Samuel Pepys Mrs. Pepys Mercer Queen Catherine of Braganza William Chiffinch Usher Henry Bennett, Earl of Arlington King Charles II. Miss Hill Brooke Miss Frances Brooke Lady Arlington Hafiz {Persona muta) A Maid Lords and Ladies, Servants, Moh, Tradespeople, Ne- gro Pages. The action takes place in Castle O'Brien; at the Bear Inn in Drury Lane; in the Palace of Whitehall; and at Tunbridge Wells. Period: — In Good King Charles' Golden Days. ACT I ACT I Scene 1 : — Moyra's room in Castle O'Brien, the half-ruined seat of Lord Belisle. The room is high up in the angle of a tower. There is a deeply embrasured window at the back, beyond which is nothing but blue sky. In the raftered roof is a dormer window, also open to the sky. In an angle on the left is a small door opening on tur- ret stairs, both up and down. There is a large open fireplace on the right, with a peat fire; over it hangs a cauldron in which a stew is steaming. A rough lable, a dresser, one straxv~bottomed chair, and three stools are all the furniture. MoYRA, an old woman, is crouching over the stew, croon- ing a song. Father O'Rafferty, a genial old priest in a shabby gown, gently opens the door and puts his head in; then he enters, playing on a fiddle. He stands behind Moyra and accompanies her very softly. She stops in alarm and listens a moment without daring to turn round. MOYRA [To herself.] Glory be to God ! It's me voice sing- ing without me ! Ow ! Father O'RafFerty ! And me MAVOURNEEN that frightened I dursn't look. ^She rises, curtseys, and crosses herself.} o'rafferty Your conscience is unaisy, Moyra, woman. Where's Pat? [He puts his fiddle, bow and hat on the dresser.'} MOYRA [Dusting a stool.] God save you kindly, your River- ence. Be seated, and take an air of the fire. [She offers a chair.} Is it to larn her the dancing you've come.'' o'rafferty [Sitting.} Whisht! Do you know the news .^ MOYRA News is it? What news comes to Castle O'Brien, un- less you climb them stairs to bring it? o'rafferty Ay, and 'twas weary work, for 'tis bad news this time. MOYRA 'Tis a year and a day since we had good. But what is it now? Is his Lordship to send Pat away from us? o'rafferty And that's not the worst of it. [With an effort.} She's to be married. -C 4 > ACT I ' MOYRA Holy Saints — don't tell me — ! o'rafferty And that's not the worst of it! MOYRA Who's the man ? o'rafferty That's the worst of it. \^Lowering his voice and beck- , oning to her.^ Whisper here. Sir Timothy O'Reilly. MOYRA [Horrified.] Tim — ! Tim O'Reilly! o'rafferty Tim O'Reilly just! MOYRA Why, the man's fifty ; and thirty of *em he's never been sober, o'rafferty Little his lordship cares. For why? All his aim's to be rid of Pat out of the castle, and him free to begin the old life again. MOYRA Meela murder! wid the place full o' rapscallions male and female, by day and by night ! < 5 y MAVOURNEEN ORAFFERTY The ould devil's strong in his lordship and he's weary o' well-doing; so now he's for ridding the house of his good angel. MOYRA Does she know ? o'rafferty Sorrow a word. His Lordship hasn't dared tell her. He writes to me from Dublin, where he's consorting with all that's wicked and — fascinating; and, says he, " Tell her your own way. Padre." As if I had a way. MOYRA 'Twill be a bad quarter of an hour for you, for Pat's got a taste of the Master's spirit in her. o'rafferty [Miserably. 1 Don't I know it.'' [After a pause.'\ Moyra — MOYRA Your Riverence? o'rafferty [Hesitatingly and insinuatingly.'] I was thinking, Moyra, was you to break it to her your way — < 6 > ACT I MOYRA Me ! You'd be for sending the goose to the fox. I'd liefer put me hand in the fire. o'rafferty Now, Moyra woman! 'Tis a woman's task; and you've had the handling of her since her mother died. MOYRA You're her taycher. o'rafferty I've learnt her the graces of life; and I've made a lady of her; but 'tis you've learnt her her paternoster, and 'tis you she comes to for comfort. MOYRA And that's why I'll not give her such a down-blow. I'll not tell her. Tim O'Reilly, indeed ! Tim O'Reilly's no more fit — Patricia's voice [Outside from above the open dormer window."] What's Tim O'Reilly not fit for? MOYRA [FrigJitened.l Meela murder, what's that? < 7 > MAVOURNEEN o'rafferty {Looking round the room.'] She's in the room ! Patricia's voice She's not then ! [Her laughing face peers round the corner of the dormer window.] MOYRA [Pointing to it, Speechless.] Look! Look! o'rafferty Where are you, you pooka? [He sees her.] What the — what the plague are you doing up there ? How the mischief did you get there ? You'll break every bone in your body, and serve you right! Oh, whirra, whirra, come down at once, you little imp of perdition, till I talk to you. Why for don't you answer when you're spoken to? PATRICIA [Laughing.] I'm waiting till you take breath. Father aroon. o'rafferty Don't answer me ! Come down at once I PATRICIA Easier said than done. Wait till I turn on my stomach. < 8 > ACT I MOYRA ^Horrified.] Hold your whisht ! PATRICIA l^Disappearing.J I'm coming! o'rafferty [Anxiously to Moyra.] Did she hear about the mar- riage? MOYRA She wouldn't have been laughing if she had. [A long, well filled stocking comes slowly down through the dormer window.^ MOYRA [Seeing it; shocked and indignant.'\ Holy Saints, put it in! [To O'Rafferty.] Turn away, your Riverence! Patricia's voice What's the matter now ? MOYRA Your leg, you omadaun ! Yards of your leg ! Put it away) cover it up ! Have you no shame ? Patricia's voice Why for will I be ashamed o' my leg? Help me down ! [Moyra reaches for the leg and takes hold of the foot. She pulls at the leg and it comes down in her hand. < 9 > MAVOURNEEN She throws it on ground, shrieking. The stocking is stuffed with straw and the open end is tied up with a garter.^ Patricia's voice There ! Now you've pulled my leg off, and how will I come down at all? o'rafferty Sure she's a very imp o' devilry! [Shouting at the dormer window.^ Come down this instant minute ! [No answer.^ MOYRA [Crosses to O'Rafferty.] Och, my heart's in my mouth. Now we must fetch a ladder. [Enter Patricia through the turret door. She is in a short skirt, and has only one stocking on. Her hair tumbles wildly about her; her clothes are covered with the dust of the roof; she carries her shoes in her hand.'\ PATRICIA [At door.'] What will you want a ladder for? MOYRA [To Patricia; speechless.'] Oh, you! — Oh, you! [She hugs and kisses her.] You young devil! [To O'Rafferty.] Saving your presence. And look at the state you're in! [She dusts her.] And only one stock- ing! -C 10 > ACT I PATRICIA [Flinging her shoes in a corner.^ We'll soon put that right. [She sits on a stool and whips off the other stock- ing; which she throws at Moyra.] There ! MOYRA [Picking up the stockings and shoes and putting them out of sight.] Och, you contrairy critter ! o'rafferty [To Patricia, sententiously .] Now, Lady Patricia, perhaps you'll be telling us what you was doing in that unusual and precarious position. PATRICIA [Sitting; quite calmly.'] Oh, there's a nest of house- martins up there, and a fledgling had fallen out of it be- fore 'twas ready, and was lying on the grass unable to take wing, with the old birds fluttering round it, nearly mad with sorrow. So I had to put it back, of course. [Rises.] Wouldn't you have done the same? MOYRA [Laughing.] If pigs could fly? o'rafferty [Severely, to Moyra.] Speak for yourself. [To Pa- -C 11 > MAVOURNEEN TRiciA.] What's the use of all my learning you manners, if the upshot's that you climb roofs like a — like a — PATRICIA Like a fairy — ? o'rafferty \_Se'verely.'\ That was not the word I was thinking of. , PATRICIA \Tahes his arm.'l That wasn't your teaching. Father darling; that was Daddy's. Ever since I was born a girl he's been making a boy of me. o'rafferty Till you're neither fish, flesh, fowl, nor good red her- ring. PATRICIA l^With an elaborate curtsey and an entire change of manner.^ I crave pardon, Reverendissime ! I can be any one of them according to my company. [She hands him his fiddle and bow.] Oh, here's your fiddle. Father aroon. Play up ! and see whether the grace have gone out o' me. MOYRA Eh! do now! 'Tis a pure joy to be watching her and listening to you. < 12 > ACT I o'rafferty No, no ! l^Clears his throat.] Moyra is wishful to be talking to you. MOYRA [Eagerly.] Not I ! Not I ! 'Tis his Riverence would have a word with you ! PATRICIA [Forcing the fiddle on him.] Play and talk, Father; and I'll dance and listen. o'rafferty [Sits on one of the stools. He plays softly a stately dance and talks tenderly through the music, while Patricia dances.] Forget your tomboy ways, then. The wild bogs van- ish; the ruined castle's gone; Moyra's room is a stately hall. You're dressed in silver and gold, and on your neck are glittering gems. 'Tis not a poor parish priest playing a cracked fiddle, but the music floods you like the waves when you swim. Do you see the great ladies curt- seying? Do you see the Lords bowing till their plumes touch the floor.'' PATRICIA [Dancing.] I see — ! I see — ! Moyra [curtseys to Moyra], you are the Queen, and I bow to you and bend -c 13 :}- MAVOURNEEN to you! [To O'Rafferty.] Was it like that at the court in Portugal when you was there? o'rapferty Ay, was it ! Hark ! I put the sun in my tune ! Hark again ! — That's the young Princess, so sweet and stately; that's Catherine of Braganza. PATRICIA She that is now Queen of England? o'rafferty She, herself, God save her! [Alluding to his fiddle.'] Hark to her! So gracious, so timid! Hark to her; speaking to me as kindly as though I was the Holy Father himself. PATRICIA [Still dancing.] Was it lovely at court. Father? o'rafferty Ay, was it ! With the King and Queen on their golden throne — ! MOYRA [Rocking herself in ecstasy.] Glory be to God ! PATRICIA And is it as lovely at the court of King Charles? -C 14 > ACT I o'rafferty [Still playing.'] No doubt, no doubt; though King Charles is a heretic. God grant his gentle Queen may open his heart. PATRICIA [Dancing.'] I want to go to court, Father. o'rafferty [Stopping his playing abruptly.] Eh — ? I nearly dropped my fiddle. PATRICIA [Making a rhyming jingle of it.] I want to go to court; I want to see the King; I want to love the little Queen, and wear a golden ring. MOYRA Begob ! It's the pothery she's making up ! PATRICIA 'Tis the song I sing in my mind all the day long. o'rafferty [Crossing to Moyra — slyly.] "Who knows, eh, Moyra ? Perhaps when she's married? [Insisting.] Eh, Moyra? MOYRA Leave me be. < 15 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Married ? How will I be married in this wilderness ? o'rafferty [To MoYRA.] Now, woman ! MOYRA [To O'RAFFERxy.] Play up, then, to give me heart! [O'Rafferty plays an Irish jig-^ PATRICIA [Clapping her hands with delight.^ O, Father! A jig-' [She dances.'j MOYRA [Working herself up.] Eh! That makes the blood run ! Here comes an Irish lad a-wooing ! and he has your father's good will; and he'll take his Irish bride to Lon- don town, and dance with her before the King. And it's, oh ! but the Lords and the Ladies stand agape, to see the smile upon your face, the beauty of your shape! [She, herself, has fallen into the rhythm of the jig as well as her old bones 'will allow her.] Whirroo-whoo ! PATRICIA [Comes to her, laughing out loud."} Moyra ! Moyra ! Is it mad you've gone all at once? [They all three dance.^ -C 16 > ACT I MOYRA ^With increasing excitement.'] Play, Father, play! Dance acushla, dance ! Round about and up and down ! Dance into your bridal gown? For your father's said the word, and the wedding bells are heard — Soon, very soon. You shall be a wife aroon. Father here the Mass will sing ! You shall wear the wedding ring ! — At the wedding feast so gaily, I shall curtsey. Oh, my lady — oh, my lady — [with an outburst.] Tim O'Reilly! PATRICIA [Violently.'} Stop! [O'Rafferty ends abruptly on a hideous discord. He has been as excited as Moyra. Now the old couple are images of abject fear.] PATRICIA [Speaks xmih dangerous calmness.] What name was you pleased to mention ? MOYRA [Anxiously.] Play, your Riverence! [He tries to begin.] PATRICIA [To O'Rafferty, forgetting her manners.] Hold your whisht! [To Moyra.] Now, Moyra! [O'Rafferty sneaJcs to the dresser and picks up his hat.] -C 17 > MAVOURNEEN MOYRA Did I mention a name ? PATRICIA You said Tim O'Reilly — MOYRA Then why for do you ask me? [O'Rafferty is sneaking away.^ PATRICIA [Sternly.] Father! Stay where you are! [O'Rafferty stops short.'] [Looking from one to the other."] Is this a joke betune you? [Pause — they hang their heads guiltily.] It's no joke, I see. o'rafferty You're — you're coming on in years. Your father — [At a loss for words, he blows his nose.] PATRICIA [Refusing to help him out.] Yes? o'rafferty He wishes you well ; he's for setting you up — -C 18 > ACT I PATRICIA He's for clearing me out o' the place ; is that it ? o'rafferty A widowman's house is no place for a young girl. PATRICIA That depends on the widowman. But leave that. [To MoYRA.] You mentioned Tim O'Reilly. MOYRA A slip o' the tongue. PATRICIA IWalking up to O'Rafferty.] Do you mind the time I laid my horsewhip across him for trying to kiss me ? o'rafferty [Backing away — weakly.'] Did ye now ? PATRICIA Did I? I did so. What's wrong with you both? [Looks at them both.] It's serious earnest is it, and my father wants me to marry that blathermuskite .'' MOYRA So his Riverence says. o'rafferty So your father says. -C 19 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [To MoYRA.] And Daddy asked you to broach the glorious news ? MOYRA \_Hastily.J Asked his Rivererice. PATRICIA Dad's frightened and sends his Reverence; and he's frightened and puts it on my nurse; and she's so fright- ened she has to work herself into Saint Vitus's dance be- fore she can speak. You poor souls ! — Now, let's be reasonable. [She sits on a stool.l I'll ask you one question; and if you answer "Yes," I'll pleasure my father, o'rafferty It's an angel you are entirely to take it so sweetly. MOYRA [To O'Rafferty.] Whisht, your Riverence, there's a little devil in the corner of her eye. o'rafferty [To Patricia who is sunk in thought.^ Ahem! — the question ? PATRICIA [Takes Moyra's hands.'] Yes. Moyra — [MoYRA kneels at Patricia's side.] -C 20 > ACT I You nursed my mother, and you saw me born. You've spent your life loving me, and giving me a clean soul in a clean body — MOYRA Glory be to God! PATRICIA Father ! \_He comes up to her.} You've taught me all I know ; and what is it you call me, Father? o'rafferty [With deep tenderness.'] The apple of my eye and the pride of my soul. Avourneeh ! PATRICIA Now comes the question; and you are to answer as if my dead mother was listening — [All cross themselves.] which she is. Can I marry Timothy O'Reilly ? — Moyra .'' — Father ? o'rafferty [After a great struggle, explodes.] By the powers — Moyra and O'Rafferty Begorra ! No ! [Together.] No! -C 21 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [Gets up laughing.] Why, there's an end o' the mat- ter then, and let's say no more about it. c'rafferty IRuefully.'] Och, Pat ! It's the father of you will be saying things, and doing 'em, too! He'll keep you on bread and water till you consent. PATRICIA [^Facing him.'] Have you ever got anything out of me by force.'* c'rafferty [With conviction.] Divil a thing! MOYRA But what will you do, alanna .'' PATRICIA [Laughing.] I'll appeal to King Charles. o'rafferty [Goes to the dresser, picks up his fiddle, bow, and hat.] And him in London Town ! You might as well say you'll appeal to the Great Mogul, m PATRICIA [Dreamily, wrapt in the new idea.] London Town isn't at the world's end. < 22 > ACT I o'rafferty \Coming to her.'] And what, av you please, am I to say to your father ? PATRICIA Oh, Man of Eternity, temporise! o'rafferty Whirra, Whirra ! 'Twill be a bad quarter of an hour, and you may expect his Lordship here as fast as flogged horses can bring him! What he'll say to you, and do to you, I won't even hint at. [He is going, but turns back.l But you — nothing rash. Nothing headstrong! Mind! PATRICIA [Lost in thought.l No: I'll think it out: I'll think it out. o'rafferty Think of the house-martin that fell out of its nest. I cannot climb roofs to put you back. There, there ! [He puts his hands on her head.] God's blessing on you, acushla ! [Patricia crosses herself.] [He wipes his eyes.] Well, well? [Exit.] [Patricia ■waits a moment; then turns excitedly to Moyra •who is sobbing.] -C 23 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Moyra ! How much money's in the stocking? MOYRA Glory be to God, what's in the wind now ? PATRICIA [Shakes her — laughing.] Oh, you — you Irish- woman! — will you answer a question? MOYRA Sure 'tis an elegant kiahtha of goold. PATRICIA Show me the stocking, woman, show it ! MOYRA 'Tis under the flure. [She comes from the fire, ladle in hand to the centre of the room, where she kneels and begins prising the board up xvith the handle of the ladle.^ PATRICIA I know it. I want to see it! [To herself, rapt.'\ London's not at the world's end. [She kneels.] MOYRA Don't fooster me. Wait till I get the board up, bad cess to it. -C 24 > ACT I [MoYRA lifts the board up and produces a stocking foot, filled with gold and tied with a piece of twine.^ MOYRA [Holding up the stocking foot.l Here 'tis. As your sainted mother gave ut me. " For Patricia/' says she, with her dying breath; " for Patricia, when she comes to need it." PATRICIA And I need it now ! Tell me how much it is ! MOYRA A hundred and twenty goolden broadpieces. PATRICIA A hundred and twenty broadpieces? Why, that's a fortune ! But are you sure .'' MOYRA A hundred and twenty it was, when it was put there, and why for should it be less now.^ PATRICIA Count it ! Count it ! No ! Let me ! Turn it out ! [MoYRA turns out the gold on the floor; Patricia counts feverishly.'] PATRICIA Sh ! Softly ! Five — ten — fifteen — twenty — (The Scene Changes) -C 25 :^ MAVOURNEEN SCENE II [The picturesque, galleried courtyard of the Bear Inn, Drury Lane. The great gate is at the hack, and the street is visible beyond it. Entrance to the stable on the left; entrance to the house on the right. Under the galleries are rough tables, stools and bar- rels.] [^ Maid is airing a counterpane on the balcony. Mon- tagu is leaning over the balcony. The Drawer is polishing a table.'] [The Host comes out of the house doer on the right.] HOST Lively now. There's been a battle at the cockpit, and the quality will be here anon, clamouring for wine. DRAWER Ay, ay, Lord Berkeley, Lord Ashley, Lord Bristol — HOST [With emphasis.] And the Duke of Buckingham! DRAWER The tan gets in their throats. They'll have a pretty thirst on 'em — [Shouting without and a mob passes at the back.'] -C 26 > ACT I HOST There ! 'Tis out ! God send us no rabble. [Enter at the back Buckingham, Buistol, Ashley and Berkeley.] DRAWER [Up Z.] The rabble know the Bear in Drury Lane is a house for their betters. host [Seeing Buckingham.] The Duke himself! [The Host meets the gentlemen obsequiously. '\ BUCKINGHAM [To Bristol.] Fairly won, Bristol; your red dun didn't know when he was beaten. BRISTOL Ay, Gad, Buckingham ; yet your Shropshire red was a good bird. BERKELEY [Entering arm in arm with Ashley.] Oh, Ashley, how much more profitable is a good cock fight than a beastly theatre ! BRISTOL Why tell us what we all know, Berkeley ? -C 27 > MAVOURNEEN BUCKINGHAM Come, you bubbling rogues, what shall we wash the dust away with ? Rhenish ? ASHLEY Foh! Too sour on the stomach. BUCKINGHAM Hippocras then? BRISTOL Ay: claret and spice, and all things nice, in one glori- ous gurgle ! BUCKINGHAM D'ye hear, Host? HOST At once, my lord. [He runs into the Jnre.] BERKELEY Ay — ay — Your cockfights are all very well, but they lack the essential. ASHLEY Mention it. BERKELEY Woman, -C 28 :). ACT I BUCKINGHAM ^ Han't you had your fill of her, Charles ? [Host and Drawer bring wine.l ASHLEY Not he ; for like a good retriever, he don't hunt for him- self, but for his master. BERKELEY [Stiffly.] I trust you are jesting, Anthony. BRISTOL Ah ! here's the liquor ! ASHLEY [To Berkeley.] Look not so glum for a little rail- lery, Charles. And here's the twenty pieces your bird won. \^He spreads them on table.'\ BERKELEY [Pocketing the money.] At that rate you can jest all night. BUCKINGHAM [Raising his cup."] The King! [All remove their hats.] And destruction to his enemies ! [They light long clay pipes at a small lantern which the Host has brought.] -C 29 > MAVOURNEEN BRISTOL [Laughing. 1 Faith, that's drinking to him and against him in one draught, for poor Rowley is his own worst enemy. BUCKINGHAM I meant the Dutch, George. BRISTOL Well, and they'd not be his enemies, but for his folly in marrying the Portugal woman. [Enter Sidney Montagu frojii the house. He stands and listens.^ ASHLEY Ay, they fear the Papists, BRISTOL That marriage has brought him foes nearer home than the Dutch. BUCKINGHAM [Laughing.'] Ay. Every woman he has ever loved thirsts for his blood, BERKELEY And chiefest, Babs Castlemaine. MONTAGU Gentlemen — [They all turn.'] -C 30 > ACT I BUCKINGHAM Young Sidney Montagu ! Well met ! MONTAGU The Countess of Castlemaine honours me with her friendship — BRISTOL Already? MONTAGU And I hope no one here will say ought against her. BERKELEY Contrariwise ! We have reason to speak well of her. ASHLEY The very best reason, BUCKINGHAM In token whereof, we'll drink to the lady, [i/e declaims.^ Fair Castlemaine no grief shall know No peril o'er her hover ; For never a man can be her foe, Since every man's her lover ! l^All laugh. 1 MONTAGU I am now to the court, gentlemen ; but I've lived where -C 31 > MAVOURNEEN women are reverenced, and where that reverence is en- forced with the sword. BUCKINGHAM [Rises and places his hand familiarly on Montagu's shoulder.] Sit and drink, boy, and don't show so much plaguey, crop-eared virtue. 'Tis out of mode, now Charles has come into his own again. MONTAGU If I took you too gravely 'tis that I am in a grave humour, and so I wish you a good day. [There is a commotion at the great gate.] BERKELEY The Castlemaine herself, by all that's prodigious. [To Montagu.] Now you can't go ! MONTAGU [Laughing.] I will stay, to hear what you say to her face. BERKELEY No worse than we say behind her back, I warrant you, [Lady Castlemaine's chair is brought in. Ashley hur- ries to open it. Lady Roberts and Lady Myddleton follow. The ladies carry their masks in their hands and hold them to their faces as they enter the Inn- yard.] < 32 y ACT I ASHLEY [Helping Lady Castlemaine out of her chair. '\ My Lady Castlemaine — ! castlemaine Ashley ! Egad, ladies, we're in luck. BRISTOL [With a mock bow.'\ Queen of Hearts. BERKELEY Queen of Beauty ! BUCKINGHAM Astrea and her Nymphs. [The ladies curtsey.] CASTLEMAINE More fine speeches than ever I heard in a pot-house before. MYDDLETON Oh, Barbara, you'll not go into an inn! CASTLEMAINE Where else should I go when I'm thirsty? ROBERTS But there are men here. < 33 y ^ MAVOURNEEN CASTL£MAIN£ Don't we know 'em? BRISTOL [Leading Myddleton and Roberts down to one of the tables.'] Nymphs and Dryads by the universe ! Come in fearlessly. The company's good; 'the hour propitious; and the wine — er — passable. CASTLEMAINE Thou ancient iniquity! [She sees Montagu tvho had retired under the gallery.] Who is that standing mum- chance ? BUCKINGHAM Oh, happy Montagu, her Grace of Castlemaine con- descends to ask who you are ! MONTAGU [Coming forward.] I dare not recall myself to her Grace's memory. CASTLEMAINE Faith! 'Tis the pretty fellow I met at supper last night. You may kiss my hand. MONTAGU [Doing so.] That your Grace should remember ! -C 34 > ACT I CASTLEMAINB Oh ! I have a good memory for young faces. [To Bristol.] 'Tis the old ones I am apt to forget. [To Montagu.] I desire your better acquaintance. BUCKINGHAM But what shall we wet these pretty lips with? Sher- ris sack? Rhenish? What you will? CASTLEMAINE [Taking up one of the cups and smelling it.'\ Hip- pocras ? Gad ! Hippocras for us — eh, Roberts ? [Buckingham instructs the Host, who fetches it with the Drawer.] ROBERTS No, faith, I couldn't ! Indeed and truly. ASHLEY [To Roberts.] Afraid to wash away the last kiss? ROBERTS Fie ! At least 'twas not yours. CASTLEMAINE Tush ! We're out for a frolic ; let's be natural. These are all proper fellows who tell no tales. Put thy blushes with thy pulvilic — and thou, too, Myddleton. Are we country hoydens ? -C 35 > MAVOURNEEN MYDDLETON [Laughing.'] Oh, Babs, and our reputations? CASTLEMAINE Why, Gad ! If we ran after our reputations, we should be out of breath 'ere we caught 'em ! BRISTOL And then you wouldn't know 'em again. CASTLEMAINE They'd be black enough if you'd touched 'em. BUCKINGHAM [Points to a stool by a small table.] Here, my Queen, is your throne and [attempting to sit next to her] I will be your slave ! CASTLEMAINE [Waving him aside.] No, no! [Indicates Montagu.] My prince shall sit here. BUCKINGHAM [When they are all seated.] And now; what brings you all to Drury Lane ? ASHLEY I warrant 'twas Love. -C 36 > ACT I CASTLEMAINB No. Lilly. ASHLEY Love and lilies ; a fair conj unction. CASTLEMAINE Lilly, the astrologer^ jackanapes. BRISTOL Gad! Have you had your horoscope cast? Did he find me in your fair hands ? CASTLEMAINE No. I had washed 'em. BRISTOL Cruel ! [Moves to the big table and sits in front of it."] CASTLEMAINE He was but a dull dog to-day. Could speak of nought but portents from the low countries. BUCKINGHAM Aha ! The Dutch anger at the King's marriage ? CASTLEMAINE Oh, Gad! The Portugal woman! As if she could move the stars ! -C 37 > MAVOURNEEN BUCKINGHAM Well — she's put your nose out of joint, pretty Babs! MONTAGU llndignantly.l My lord — ! BUCKINGHAM Ay, I forgot. [To Castlemaine.] Here's a new champion for you. He's for slitting our livers whenever we speak of you. castlemaine Why.'' Do ye speak so ill? ASHLEY Contrariwise. He thought we spoke too well. CASTLEMAINE [To Montagu.] I thank you, sir. But you must never take Buckingham more seriously than he takes him- self. He's made a jest of life, and he'll die on the point of it. [Berkeley laughs.'] As for Berkeley — who minds a candlestick? BERKELEY [Rising.] A candlestick, madam? CASTLEMAINE Does not a candlestick hold the candle? •C 38 > ACT I BUCKINGHAM We'd best hold our tongues when Babs' is wagging; for 'tis brisk. BERKELEY And poisoned. CASTLEMAINE I fight with whatever weapons are used against me. MONTAGU In a right cause. CASTLEMAINE You are new to the court, sir? MONTAGU To the court of England, ay. Madam. I am lately from France. CASTLEMAINE You must not believe the worst my friends say of me. MONTAGU Whoever sees you, believes what he sees, and loves what he believes. BUCKINGHAM £7^0 Berkeley.] Gad! We're too many here! -C 39 > MAVOURNEEN CASTLEMAINE Very prettily put, and it were well if these barbarians had a little of your gallantry. BRISTOL Yoj do well to be kind to him, now that you have leisure from court. CASTLEMAINE Oh, venerable George, you shall see me at court again^ ere the week's out. BERKELEY If I see that I'll eat my hat. CASTLEMAINE You shall not only see it, but bring it about — Sir Pandarus. BERKELEY [Indignantly. ] Madam — ! CASTLEMAINE [Contemptuously. 1 Did I call you out of your name? [To Montagu.] You and I must grow better ac- quainted. MONTAGU I am your servant always. -C 40 > ACT I CASTLEMAINE Wait on me at supper to-night. I shall be alone. MONTAGU I would 'twere sunset! ROBERTS Egad, Babs takes the shortest cut ! MYDDLETON Surrenders ere she be summoned. ROBERTS And takes the besieger captive. BUCKINGHAM Foregad, we must toast the lovers ! \_Cup in hand.'] Here's to the fortunate twain. MONTAGU \^Laughing.1 Oh, have your jest. We'll not listen. BRISTOL [Rises.] Omnia vincit amor! Love softens the fire- eater. BUCKINGHAM An epithalamium ! Silence! Silence! -C 41 y MAVOURNEEN Chaste moon — 'tis broad daylight,, but I claim poetic licence — Chaste moon, pale sovereign of the night. Look down with favour on thy votaries, Who celebrate the nuptial rite Without a priest, or church, or notaries. [^Laughter and applause. Meanwhile Mr. and Mrs. Pepys have entered, arm in arm, at the hack, followed by Mercer.] PEPYS [To his •wife.'] Company, Elizabeth. We'll go else- where. MRS. PEPYS La, they won't eat us ! Let us see life. BUCKINGHAM [Seeing them.] What! My good friend. Master Samuel Pepys — ! PEPYS [Stiffly.] Your servant, my lord! Come, Elizabeth. BUCKINGHAM No, no, Master Secretary. If you've found a treasure, let us share your good fortune. PEPYS [Severely.] My wife. -C 42 > ACT I BUCKINGHAM Present me to virtue then ; for 'tis plaguey scarce. PEPYS [Unwillingly.^ His Grace the Duke of Buckingham. [Buckingham bows. Pepys tries to lead his wife away. Ashley stops them, and then Berkeley.] THE other men [^Except Montagu.] And me! and me! PEPYS [To Elizabeth.] I'll never take you abroad again. Sir Charles Berkeley, Lord Ashley, Lord Bristol — [Montagu has men.] MONTAGU Sidney Montagu, at your service. PEPYS Sir Sidney — MONTAGU [Laughing .'\ No, no. Plain ensign. CASTLEMAINE Are you forgetful of old friends, Mr. Pepys? -C 43 > MAVOURNEEN PEPYS [To himself.} Oh, curse it! [^Clumsily.'\ Madam, I had not dared — CASTLEMAINE Present your wife. PEPYS She is but a simple soul, your Grace. MRS. PEPYS [Taking off her mask.'] La, Samuel — CASTLEMAINE A damned pretty soul, though. [To her, very gra- ciously.} I am Babs Castlemaine, and these are my friends, Mrs. Myddleton and Mrs. Roberts. [Elaborate curtseys. The women take Mrs. Pepys apart.} PEPYS [Furious.} The devil take the woman! BUCKINGHAM [Enjoying his discomfort.} What's the matter, Mr. Pepys ? Are you proud of the honour shown your pretty wife? PEPYS Too much honour — too much honour. -C 44 > ACT I BERKELEY And where do you hail from now? PEPYS The King's theatre, Sir Charles. BERKELEY What was played? PEPYS [Contemptuously.'] Oh, Hamlet, of Shakespeare. I had hoped for Polichinello, but they changed the bill after we had paid. BRISTOL Well done? PEPY8 Too well, sir. It was all set out in scenes as if it had been an Italian opera. Lord ! the expense they go to now. Not in the spirit of Shakespeare, sir! They used not these excesses when I was a boy. BERKELEY But a fine play, what? PEPYS 'Tis the fashion to say so. But were't not for the acting of Betterton as the Danish Prince, 'twould be but a poor thing. [He imitates Betterton.] " Unhand -C 45 > MAVOURNEEN me, gentlemen. By heaven, I'll make a ghost of him who lets me. Lead on, I'll follow ! " [The men applaud. The ladies laugh.J^ Ah, Betterton's a great man ! BRISTOL Ay, but Shakespeare — PEPYS [Confidentially, to Buckingham.] And who should we see come upon the stage but my wife's late woman, Gosnell. A pretty creature; I vow. But look at the favouritism of your theatrical folk! Though she hath as tuneful a voice and as straight a leg as any of them — BUCKINGHAM Experto Credo! PEPYS [With a glance at his wife.'] Mum, sir ! — Well, not a song would they give her, nor a dance. ASHLEY Too bad ! They are afraid of her. PEPYS So I told her. For I went to her tiring room — ASHLEY Dog! -C 46 > ACT I PEPY9 [Sanctimoniously.] But, Lord! To see the paint and powder, and to hear the way the saucy wenches talk, do make a man grieve ! * CASTLEMAINE [Comes down with Mrs. Pepys.] Mr. Secretary, why have you never brought this fair creature to court? PEPYS Hum — we are plain folk, your Grace. CASTLEMAINE [To Mrs. Pepys.] Faith, you shall come under my wing. MRS. pepys La ! Samuel would never let me. CASTLEMAINE Ay ; and you shall dance a coranto before Charles him- self. PEPYS [Crossly.] She doesn't dance. CASTLEMAINE Oh, foh ! [To Mrs. Pepys.] I'll put you in the way of the best dancing-master in town. * Pepys's Diary. < 47 > MAVOURNEEN PEPYS [Takes his wife's arm.] Come, Elizabeth, 'tis high time we went home. Footpads are abroad. MRS. PEPYS La, Samuel, 'tis seldom enough I see company. BUCKINGHAM [Takes Pepys by the arm.] Nonsense, Master Sec- retary ! You have not drank yet ! PEPYS Sir! I have vowed not to touch wine till Christmas. BUCKINGHAM [Holding a cup under his nose.] A draught of Hip- pocras, though ! PEPYS Hum — a mixed compound drink, and therefore not any wine. Well, God forgive me. [Takes the cup.] The King ! [He lifts his hat.] ASHLEY [To Mrs. Pepys while Pepys is drinking.] When may one see this paragon again? [He takes her hand.] MRS. PEPYS La, sir; ask my husband. < 48 > ACT I ASHLEY [Laughing.l Egad, no! That's not the idea! [A rabble of street-boys runs on laughing and shout- ing. Enter Patricia on horseback, at the back. She is dressed as a young man, and cuts a gallant figure. She is travel-stained, and the horse is woebegone.'\ [Bristol comes forward. The landlord comes out of the Inn door."] BERKELEY Oho! More company! BRISTOL Something from the shires. PATRICIA [With a swagger. '\ House! House! What, House! [To Bristol, "who is laughing at her.^ Are you the landlord ? BRISTOL IFurious.'] I am not, sir! PATRICIA Well — fetch him. [She dismounts."] Here, your worship. HOST -C 49 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Your best room; your best supper. [To the Drawer.] And you, fellow, look well after this good beast. [The Drawer leads the horse off into the stable.'] BUCKINGHAM [To his group, who are watching amused.] The Duke of Turnitops, I warrant. HOST [Indicates the entrance to the Inn.] Will your wor- ship step this way ? PATRICIA Not I, faith. I'll sup out o' doors. 'Tis as much as I can do to breathe at all in this foul city of yours. [Points to the small table.] Lay supper here. HOST [Deprecatingly.] The quality, sir — PATRICIA Do as I bid you, or I seek another house. Presto. [She sits on the bench behind the table.] CASTLEMAINE A vastly personable boy ! MONTAGU [Jealous at once.] An impudent puppy! -C 50 > ACT I BUCKINGHAM We'll roast him. [The maid brings food for Patricia^ who at once falls to.] HOST And what will your honour please to drink? PATRICIA Clear spring water, if such a thing's to be had. HOST 'Tis to be had, but gentlemen never call for it. PATRICIA I have called for it. Get it! [The Host shrugs his shoulders contemptuously and exit.] [Buckingham comes to Patricia who is eating raven- ously.] BUCKINGHAM [With mock civility.] Young gentleman — PATRICIA [With her mouth full, not looking up.] Servant. BUCKINGHAM No doubt your worship's honour is newly from foreign parts ? -C 51 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [As before.] No doubt. BUCKINGHAM And your worship's honour, judging by your honour's worship's horse, is a person of great consequence? PATRICIA Ye're a young man of some perspicacity. I am that. As for the horse, I'm glad you like him, for I want to sell him. BRISTOL Faith ! If you throw in the saddle, I'll offer — a sliilling. PATRICIA [Eyeing him up and down.] And where will you borrow the shilling? CASTLEMAINE \With a laugh.] Take that, Bristol. ASHLEY [Coming to Patricia.] No doubt your worship has important business at court ? PATRICIA [Eating, unperturbed.] I have so. -C 52 > ACT I ASHLEY And may we know what it is ? PATRICIA My own. CASTLEMAINE Checkmate, Ashley. [To Montagu.] I vow to Gad, a pretty wit. MYDDLETON I love his rosy cheeks. ROBERTS And his bright eyes, then! MONTAGU [Furious; swaggers up to Patricia.] Do you think it is good taste to thrust yourself thus amongst gentlemen who do not desire your company? PATRICIA [Looks up for the first time; gazes straight into his face; speaks with the utmost amiability.'] Young gentle- man, let me assure you, they cannot desire mine less than I theirs. [Montagu leaves her with an angry gesture."] -C 53 > MAVOURNEEN BERKELEY [To Patricia.] Young sprig, let me give you good advice — PATRICIA ^Resuming her meal.'\ If you can spare it. BERKELEY Learn to address your betters with more respect. PATRICIA Sure an' I will, when I find 'em. BUCKINGHAM Oh, leave the dull dog. ASHLEY Ay, we're neglecting Venus. [To Mrs. Pepys.] A word — [He takes her apart.'\ PEPYS [Calls.'] Mercer! MERCER [Comes forward.] Ay, sir. PEPYS Bid your mistress make ready for home at once, good wench. -C 54 > ACT I MERCER His Lordship is talking to her. PEPYS Damn it, Mercer, that's why. [As Mercer turns to go.l Mercer. [She turns back; he looks cautiously round, then pinches her cheek.] That's all — at present. [Mercer goes up to Mrs. Pepys and Ashley.] MONTAGU [jTo Lady Castlemaine.] So then, to-night — [Lady Castlemaine is watching Patricia and trying to attract her attention.] castlemaine [Indifferently.] To-night? — O, ay; we'll speak of it again. [She crosses to Patricia, leaving Montagu furious.^ castlemaine [Leaning over Patricia's table.] I like your looks, young gentleman. PATRICIA [Eating.] I would have said the same to you, had you given me time. castlemaine Will you make room for me on your bench? < 55 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [^Continuing her meal.} Oh, as much as you like. CASTLEMAINE Nay — not too much. [She sits beside Patricia.] You must take no heed of these giddy lords. PATRICIA Are they lords } Look at that, now ! Drinking in an ale-house. CASTLEMAINE Now, you and I must be friends. PATRICIA Willingly. What is your name? CASTLEMAINE [Laughing.'] You go straight to the matter ! PATRICIA 'Tis the nearest way. CASTLEMAINE Rogue ! Do you always take that? PATRICIA Sure, if I want to get anywhere. -C 56 > ACT I CASTLEMAINE [Tapping Patricia's fingers.] Fie! You are a dan- gerous boy. PATRICIA [Honestly amazed.] Dangerous? How? CASTLEMAINE Oh, I know — and so do you. But you asked my name. PATRICIA An hour ago. CASTLEMAINE [Watching him.] I am the Countess of Castlemaine. PATRICIA [Drinking: speaks into her cup — unimpressed.] Yes? CASTLEMAINE [With a slight hesitation.] Have you never heard of me? PATRICIA Sorrow a thing. [Thinks that rather rude, and looks at her ingratiatingly.] But now I shall never forget you. CASTLEMAINE Prettily answered. And how smooth the rogue's cheek is. [She strokes it.] And what is your name? -C 57 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Patri — ICoughs.l Patrick — Patrick O'Brien — your servant. CASTLEMAINE Patrick shall be my servant, if he will. [Moves closer. 1 You would not tell those sparks your errand; will you tell me .'' PATRICIA Gladly. I am come out of Ireland to seek my fortune at court. CASTLEMAINE And I will see that you find it. PATRICIA [Not at all grateful.] Thank you; but my ambition was to serve the Queen. CASTLEMAINE Foh! The Portugal woman would only hinder your fortune. I can make you. PATRICIA [Puzzled.] How is that possible? ^ CASTLEMAINE [Laughing.] You shall see ! [She rises and turns to the others.] Buckingham, here is a young gentleman who, by his merits, should go far. -C 58 > ACT I BUCKINGHAM I doubt not that with your guidance he'll go farther than he dreams of. MONTAGU [Who has been watching Castlemaine with increasing jealousy, to Patricia.] An Irish fortune hunter, I per- ceive. [All scenting a quarrel, become attentive.'] PATRICIA Do we hunt in couples, sir ? MONTAGU Are you as ready with your sword as with your tongue ? PATRICIA [Calmly, still seated.] Oh ! much readier ! MRS. PEPYS [To Fepys — frightened.] La! Samuel! MONTAGU [Drawing his sword.] Out with it, then ! CASTLEMAINE [Protecting Fatricia.] Ruffian! Draw, in the pres- ence of ladies against a stripling ! -C 59 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU [Sulkily.'] Very well, Madam! [To Patricia.] You shall escape nothing by hiding behind a petticoat. [Drum's and shouts in the distance.] PATRICIA [Jumping to her feet.] Begorra! [Banging the table.] Hiding behind a petticoat is what I'm not doing just! And I'm ready when you are! [She drams.] MONTAGU [Speechless.] When I am! [They fight.] MIDDLETON [Near the gate.] Hark! A commotion in the street! [Trumpets sound. Halberdiers are seen running past. Stones fly.] HOST The Queen! The Queen! Stop the fight! [Cries " Down with the Papists." The fight is inter- rupted.] BERKELEY There is nothing to fear. 'Tis only the Queen with the customary rabble at her heels. PATRICIA The Queen ! In danger ? -c 60 :}. ACT I BERKELEY Faith ! I'll not risk my skin for her. PATRICIA For shame ! Mr. Montagu, since you thirst for blood, will you fight for tlie Queen? MONTAGU Foregad, yes ! [They hurry up to the gate and fight the 7no6.] [The Queen's chair appears at the gate. Portuguese gentlemen are at her side with dratvn swords, keeping off the mob who press on her. The chair is hurriedly brought into the courtyard. Portuguese Lords and Ladies enter. The Ladies sink fainting into chairs. The Lords attend them. As soon as the chair is in the ■courtyard The Queen jumps out."} THE queen [With a strong Portuguese accent.] Here! Ah! Gracas a Deus. Here are friends ! [She finds herself face to face with Castlemaine — she shrinks away.] Oh! castlemaine [With a mock curtsey; insolently.'] Your usual tri- umph, Majesty? [Patricia and Montagu have driven the mob off.] -C 61 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA l^Sivaggering.^ That's done. THE QUEEN I thank you, young gentleman. PATRICIA [^Sheathing her sword.'\ 'Twas nothing. Madam. You saw how the rogues ran ! THE QUEEN You shall come with me to the King ; he shall hear 'ow you 'ave been ver' brave, ver' generous. [iVith a look at Buckingham and the rest.'\ Ah, Senhor, you are the iirst Englishman 'oo 'as shampioned me. PATRICIA I'm not an Englishman, your Majesty, I'm an Irish- man. [5/ie takes off her hat, with a magnificent bow; her glorious hair falls all about her.^ And a faymale at that! [Stupefaction.'] [Patricia kneels and kisses The Queen's hand.] HALF THE ONLOOKERS \_To Castlemaine, laughing.'] Oh, Babs, Babs! THE OTHER HALF [To Montagu.] Oh, Montagu ! THE curtain falls -C 62 > ACT II ACT II A Hall in Whitehall. At the back an arched opening up two steps, giving access to a transverse corridor. On the right, in the centre of the wall, a beautiful carved fireplace; on the mantelshelf a monumental clock in ormolu, above it the Vandyke portrait of Charles I. Below the fireplace are two tall windows and above it two similar windows, these look out on the Thames. On the left, a small door. In a corner stands an easel, on which is an unfinished portrait of Charles II. An artist [in court dressi is at work on it. Round the walls are gilt tables, stools and chairs. The room is lighted by sconces against the xvalls and by a beautiful Venetian glass chandelier hanging in the centre. These all carry long thin candles of unbleached wax. The candles in the sconces are unlighted, the chandelier is lighted. As the curtain rises, Chiffinch^ a small man in a black suit, comes out of door L. backwards bowing low, and speaking into the inner room. < es y MAVOURNEEN CHIFFINCH His Majesty will be here anon, my Lord, {^He closes the door and crosses the hall, towards the fireplace.^ But His Majesty's not here, and 'tis seven o' the clock! AN USHER [On the step under the arch.] Mr. Samuel Pepys. [Enter Pepys down the stejys. He carries a leather folio, crammed with papers.] CHIFFINCH [Meeting him.] Ah! By appointment, I think? [He holds out his hands.] PEPYS [Putting his hands behind him; coldly.] By the King's Gracious command, Mr. Chiffinch. CHIFFINCH Ay. [Indicating the small door.] Lord Clarendon is already in attendance. PEPYS [Moving towards the door.] Then I will wait on Lord Clarendon. CHIFFINCH One moment. His lordship is to see the King alone. -C 66 > ACT II PEPYS [^Huffily.'] He is on the same business as I. CHIFFINCH My orders, Mr. Pepys. USHER Lord Arlington. [Enter Lord Arlington. He is a tall, thin man pre- ternaturally grave and solemn. He has a scar across his nose, covered by a black patch in the form of a lozenge.^ * [The artist bows to Arlington and exit C] ARLINGTON [To Pepys.] Ah, Mr. Secretary — [He bows elaborately. Pepys returns the salute."] No ill news, I trust ? pepys Of serious consequence, my Lord. ARLINGTON A pity it comes to-night, then; for his Majesty is pre- occupied with other matters. PEPYS [Hotly.] They cannot be more grave than this. * Grammont. -C 67 > MAVOURNEEN ARLINGTON [Severely. 1 That is for the King to judge, sir. USHER The King. [Enter King Charles II preceded and followed by grooms with lighted candelabra. The grooms remain in the corridor. The King comes down briskly to Arlington L. of him he looks for a moment at his picture, smiles and taps the artist approvingly on the shoidder. The artist exit.'\ [Pepys retires bowing low — the Usher moves back to his position."] CHARLES [To Arlington — confidentially.'] Well? Have you spoken with her ? ARLINGTON [Very gravely.] I have conveyed your Majesty's com- mands. She will wait on your Majesty. CHARLES A roguish eye and a tempting lip, eh? ARLINGTON Sire, you know I cannot see beyond one pair of eyes. -C 68 > ACT II CHARLES [Laughing.'] Ay! the faithful husband! Odds fish, man_, don't be so uxorious ! \_He sees Pepys.] Ah, Mr. Secretary ? PEPYS [Advancing, with low bows.] Grave news of the Dutch, sire. CHARLES Plague on 'em! I know, I know. [To Chiffinch.] Is Lord Clarendon here? CHIFFINCH [Indicating the small door.] Awaiting your pleasure, sire. CHARLES [To Arlington.] My pleasure! — [To Pepys.] Mr. Secretary, I have a few words for Clarendon in pri- vate. PEPYS Only one question, sire. CHARLES [Impatiently.'] Well? Well? But Clarendon will scold me for being late. PEPYS We shall need an emissary to Breda. Have I your gracious leave to send for Ensign Montagu? -C 69 > MAVOURNEEN CHARLES Is it a weighty matter? PEpys Very; but he hath an old head on young shoulders. CHARLES I love a young head on old shoulders — but send for him. [Pepys hows, goes up to the Usher and whispers; the Usher exit.'] CHARLES \Beclcons Arlington to him.] Harkee, when she comes, sound her; sound her; give her a little fatherly advice. ARLINGTON Your Majesty, I will warn her. CHARLES [Laughing.'] Warn her ! No, no, no ! ARLINGTON Warn her of the high fortune in store for her. CHARLES Ay, that's better. Yet cautiously. She's new and skittish. Play her, Arlington, play her — [With a sigh.] Well! Now for Clarendon. [To Pepys.] You shall -C 70 > ACT II come soon; for, to speak truly, I'm in haste to be rid of you both. [Charles exit, through the small door, Chiffinch going out backwards before him.^ [The footmen in the corridor exeunt with their can- delabra.^ [The Usher returns to his post, but is only seen inter- mittently.'\ PEPYS [To Arlington.] How is the Queen, my lord? ARLINGTON [Indifferently.'\ Oh, so, so; so, so. The climate, sir, is not in her favour. PEPYS Not gravely ill, I trust? ARLINGTON I trust not. But she would be better out of England. PEPYS Poor woman. [More confidentially.'] My lord, is it true the Countess of Castlemaine has been summoned to court again? ARLINGTON Certainly. -c 71 :> MAVOURNEEN PEPYS Then I don't wonder the Queen has took to her bed. ARLINGTON [Severely. 1 The Queen, sir, has many prudish preju- dices ; but my Lady Castlemaine's reign will be short this time. PEPYS Oh ! How do you mean ? ARLINGTON You are a man of discretion, Mr. Pepys. [Takes his arm confidentially.] There is a new beauty at court. If you wish yourself well, get into favour with her; for in a month's time — but I say no more. PEPYS I could wish the King more constancy. ARLINGTON Impossible. The Queen? A blackamoor, and in ill health. Castlemaine .'' Satiety, sir. Satiety kills love. PEPYS [Laughing.] 'Tis fortunate you do not practise as you preach. ARLINGTON I, sir ? Do you know my wife .'' -C 72 :}. ACT II PEPYS I have not that advantage. ARLINGTON When you know her you will understand. Beauty in its full perfection, sir. Such hair ! Such eyes ! Such lips, ripe for kissing ! And such a figure ! I vow to gad, sir, — but I will not be more precise. PEPYS The true artist ever leaves something to the imagina- tion; but have you no moments of anxiety in a court so full of intriguing gallants .'' ARLINGTON Every one of 'em's perishing of love for her, and I am proud of it! But she and I laugh at 'em! And I am sly, sir; confounded sly. I nurse her love for me. How? With gifts at her altar. 'Tis a profound truth that gifts foster love. Only to-day — guess what I gave her to-day? PEPYS 'Tis beyond me. A pair of stockings. Ah! ARLINGTON PEPYS < 73 > MAVOURNEEN ARLINGTON That sounds nothing. But a pair of green stockings ! A pair of green silk stockings! What do you think o' that? PEpys I think of it with — admiration. ARLINGTON And fit! My very dear friend, if you could only see how they fit ! [Enter Chiffinch.] CHIFFINCH Mr. Secretary, his Maj esty — PEPYS [To Arlington.] Faith, my lord, the green stockings had put the Dutch fleet out o' my head. [Exit followed by Chiffinch.] [The Usher enters announcing.'] usher Lady Patricia O'Brien! [Patricia appears on the steps.] ARLINGTON [With a superb bow, from where he stands.] Ah! So Venus appeared to ^neas ! -C 74 > ACT II PATRICIA Faith, a poor compliment, my lord, for she was his mother ! [She comes down.'\ ARLINGTON Ay; that's the laugh that has stirred somebody's heart. PATRICIA [Eagerly. 'I Who is " somebody," my lord? ARLINGTON Mum! For the moment he's occupied. Even Kings have their dull moments. There! I've said it! Clar- endon and Mr. Pepys are with him. Tedious stuff! Fleets; ammunition, provender; the Lord knows what! But, presently — ! Lilies, eh.? and Roses, what? PATRICIA And what can the King want with me at all? ARLINGTON Patience, patience. Chiffinch will fetch you anon. PATRICIA I don't like Chiffinch ; an oily little man. ARLINGTON Oh, tut, tut! You must like Chiffinch; Chiffinch can make you or mar you. -C 75 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Thank you for nothing; I'm made already; I'm the Queen's woman, and I love her, and I am very happy. ARLINGTON Foh ! That's all nothing to what's coming. PATRICIA What do you mean? What's coming? ARLINGTON You'll see, you'll see. Now, stand still; let me look at you ? [He walks round her, examining her critically.'] PATRICIA [Turning with him.'] What is there to look at, at all? ARLINGTON Your dress. PATRICIA [Alarmed, lest the hooks be undone.] Ow! ARLINGTON I am an authority on dress. Have you seen my wife? PATRICIA Not that I know of. -C 76 > ACT II ARLINGTON Ah, you'd know, if you had. The loveliest woman in the world ! and 'tis I dress her. PATRICIA Has she no tiring-woman? ARLINGTON I mean I choose her materials, oversee the designs, combine the colours. Result: IKissing the tips of his fingers.] perfection! — You'll do; you'll do. Now, curt- sey. PATRICIA [Bobs a countrified curtsey.] Why for will I curtsey? ARLINGTON Ah? You don't know how ? Watch me. [Curtseys.] So. 1. 2. 3. 4. [Patricia bursts out laughing.] The newest mode. Copy that. PATRICIA I'll take it on trust. ARLINGTON No, no! Try it with me. [They curtsey to each other.] [Enter Chiffinch. He hursts out laughing.] :-c 77 > MAVOURNEEN CHIFFINCH My lord ! [Patricia goes up to the King's picture and practises the curtsey.^ ARLINGTON l^Ji^ith great dignity.] Mr. Chiffinch! CHIFFINCH The King, my Lord, commands you to him. ARLINGTON With this lady? CHIFFINCH No, not yet. Lord Clarendon and Mr. Pepys are plaguing the King out of his life. Some point has arisen which you can clear up. [Patricia, practising her curtsey, ends by sitting ab- ruptly on the floor. The two men hurry to pick her up.] ARLINGTON [To Patricia.] Careful! Careful! There! Prac- tise your curtsey; and practise a smile! [Patricia smiles ruefully and sits on a stool at the back of the stage.] [Arlington exit. Chiffinch is just following him, when enter Montagu hurriedly; he comes down rapidly.] -C 78 > ACT II MONTAGU [To Chiffinch.] You, there! The King has sent for me. Mr. Sidney Montagu. CHIFFINCH [Highly offended.'} I know nothing of you, sir. Wait, wait. lEait.'] MONTAGU [Raging. 1 A plague on antechambering and impudent menials. PATRICIA [Where she is sitting.] So say I just. MONTAGU [Turning sharply.'} I crave your pardon. Madam! I had not seen you. [Patricia rises, coming down sweeps him a magnificent curtsey.} PATRICIA Was that well done, Mr. Sidney Montagu? MONTAGU You know my name, Madam.'' Faith, you have the advantage of me ! PATRICIA Sure 'tis not the first time. -C 79 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU Have we met before ? PATRICIA Have you forgot the inn-yard a sennight since? MONTAGU Oh ! Were you with the Queen then ? In the to-do I must have — PATRICIA Overlooked me? MONTAGU Why, that is the fact of it, though, indeed, I must have been blind! PATRICIA Blind with anger, belike; for so you seemed. MONTAGU [Laughing.'] Faith, I had been made a fool of by an ugly little slip of a girl. If you'll believe me she had come riding in in man's clothes, and, thinking her a man, I had challenged her ! The minx ! PATRICIA [^Laughing.'] Do you challenge every man you see? MONTAGU Ay, if I like not his looks. < 80 >^ ACT II PATRICIA [Imitating herself as a 6o?/.] Well, Mr. Montagu, when are we to fight that duel ? MONTAGU We ? — Eh ? — what ! — It wasn't — it can't have been — ! Good Gad, was it you ? PATRICIA [Bowing like a boy.] At your service. MONTAGU You, the braggadocious, knock-knee'd — PATRICIA Ow! MONTAGU I mean, you, the boy ? No, no ! He was a foot taller. PATRICIA In boy's clothes. MONTAGU Well ! May I everlastingly — ! Then there is noth- ing for me, but to withdraw. [He moves to go.] PATRICIA [Quickly.] You are to wait for the King's summons. < 81 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU But I have offended you. PATRICIA You must not offend the King. MONTAGU Well — I — I crave pardon for addressing you ! It shall not occur again. PATRICIA Very well, sir. [.4 pause — Patricia breaks into a ripple of laughter.^ Did you speak .^ No, sir. You laughed? I did. Why? IProtest] Oh ! MONTAGU PATRICIA MONTAGU PATRICIA MONTAGU PATRICIA -C 82 > ACT II MONTAGU Because you've twice made me look a fool? PATRICIA Oh, what man doesn't look a fool every other day and none the worse for it ! MONTAGU Men don't like it. PATRICIA [Insidiously.} They who can't afford it; but you can. MONTAGU How so? PATRICIA [Demurely. "l Sure, with you 'tis exceptional. MONTAGU [Conquered.'] Ah ! You've kissed the Blarney-stone. PATRICIA Sorrow a kiss. Well? Am I forgiven? MONTAGU Forgiven — ! But I was not to address you. PATRICIA Oh, the mischief's done now, and you may as well go on. < S3 y MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU Well — er, — so now you are with the Queen? PATRICIA l^Who had hoped he was going to say something more interesting, stiffly.] I have that honour. MONTAGU [^Looking at her keenly, and speaking very warmly.] I rejoice ! Ah, I rejoice ! I thank Heaven ! PATRICIA [Amazed.] 'Tis vastly civil of you, but why do you speak so gravely? MONTAGU I feared — PATRICIA What did you fear? MONTAGU I feared — [He breaks off.] Lady Castlemaine seemed much took with you. PATRICIA Indeed, she was very gracious — MONTAGU Ay ; plaguey gracious. -C 84 > ACT II PATRICIA But I have not seen her since that day. MONTAGU [Relieved.] That's well. Oh, that's very good hear- ing! PATRICIA You puzzle me, sir; for you, yourself, seemed on the best of terms with that lady. MONTAGU I ! — um — I have not seen her since that day, neither. PATRICIA How strange ! Why not ? MONTAGU [With a tinge of bitterness and a look at the King's door.] Oh — she has been better occupied — she has come back to court. PATRICIA [Seriously.] Ay; and the Queen is vexed. Mr. Mon- tagu, why is the Queen vexed.'' MONTAGU Surely, Mistress — [He breaks off.] Why, I don't even know your name. -C 85 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Patricia O'Brien, at your service. My father is Lord Belisle, MONTAGU l^With a bow.'} Lady Patricia, your very humble servant to command. [They exchange bows and curt- seys.} PATRICIA [Laughing.} Oh, that would have pleased Lord Ar- lington ! Why is the Queen vexed at Lady Castlemaine's presence ? MONTAGU How long have you been at court? PATRICIA I believe you're an Irishman, too ! You answer in questions. I've been at court a week. MONTAGU Then you know very well why the Queen's vexed. PATRICIA Sorrow a word. MONTAGU [After a looJc at her.} Well, it's not for me to tell you. -C 86 > ACT II PATRICIA I see you still bear me a grudge. I am sorry, for I need a friend. MONTAGU You! PATRICIA J. Mr. Montagu, was you ever in a nightmare ? MONTAGU Ay; for sins of gluttony and wine-bibbing. PATRICIA And in your dream did you see faces; tens and hun- dreds of faces, peering at you and leering at you; till you was chilled with horror; for, though they smiled, they were devil's faces all of 'em.'' MONTAGU Ah — ? Is that how Whitehall strikes you? PATRICIA No other way. MONTAGU Will you let me ask you one question.'' PATRICIA Well? -C 87 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU I fear 'tis impertinent. PATRICIA Sure I'll tell you if it is. MONTAGU Then, what are you doing here, alone, in the King's wing o' the palace .'' PATRICIA Kicking my heels and wondering. MONTAGU Forgive me if I insist. Wliy are you here? PATRICIA By my truly, I know no more than you. I was sent for. MONTAGU By—? PATRICIA By the King, MONTAGU Who brought the message? PATRICIA Lord Arlington. -C 88 > ACT II MONTAGU [An exclamation of anger.] Hah! [He strides to and fro excitedly.] PATRICIA Why do you say " Hah " ; and why do you take those great strides? MONTAGU Do you mean you don't know why you was sent for? PATRICIA Divil a bit. MONTAGU You can make no guess ? PATRICIA Divil a guess. MONTAGU Well, I know. PATRICIA [Eagerly.] Do you, now? — then tell me quickly. MONTAGU [After a hesitation.] I can't. PATRICIA [Astonished.] Why will you make a mystery of it? -C 89 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU [Bitterli/.'\ Oh, 'tis no mystery, save to yourself. Haven't the leerings and peerings put it into your head ? Hasn't Lord Arlington put it into your head? PATRICIA [Im'patiently.'] Put w/jaiinto my head? Speak plain English, man! MONTAGU Do you mean to say you know nothing of King Charles, nothing of Arlington, nothing of Chiffinch, nothing of the Court? PATRICIA How will I know anything of 'em? Wasn't I, all my life, at Castle O'Brien, which sounds fine, but is a cowlagh with four walls and half a roof on a rock by the sea, a world away from the world. By the same token, 'twas because I knew nothing, and wanted to know all, I put on boy's clothes, and slipt away with my stocking - — MONTAGU What! PATRICIA — The one with the money in it — and sailed across the channel and bought a horse — you remember the horse ? — and rode to London town. < 90 >■ ACT II MONTAGU Will you have my counsel? PATRICIA And thank you kindly. MONTAGU Get back into your boy's clothes again, and ride back, and sail back, or swim back, to Castle O'Brien ; and thank God when you're under the half of a roof again. PATRICIA Oh! MONTAGU That's my counsel, though 'tis given against my own advantage. PATRICIA \^Comes up to him, coaxingly, with her hand on his arm.'] How is it against your advantage? MONTAGU [Avoiding her.] Never mind that. Perhaps it isn't. PATRICIA {Breaking away.] I tell you what, Mr. Montagu; you're a vexing person. You talk like everybody else here, with a meaning at the back of your words that -C 91 > MAVOURNEEN doesn't show through. You're in a mighty hurry to be rid of me, and 'tisn't for your advantage and 'tis for your advantage, and what am I to make of you, at all, at all? MONTAGU Are you willing to take my counsel? PATRICIA Is it likely? MONTAGU You will not? PATRICIA Not I! I love the Queen. The Queen, poor soul, seems to love me, and 'tis few enough she has to love in this heretic land. MONTAGU lEagerly.l Are you of her faith? PATRICIA What else would I be? MONTAGU So am I. PATRICIA Of course you are. MONTAGU And you're going through with this mad adventure? -C 92 > ACT II PATRICIA I am, so. Why, man, don't you see what a frolic 'tis ? MONTAGU Frolic ! You have no fear ? PATRICIA Fear, is it? Oh, whirra have I sailed the stormy seas in a nutshell, have I rode unbroken Galway ponies over stone walls, have I been out o' nights on lonely moors when the spirits of the dead wailed around my ears, and will I be afraid of anything in Whitehall? MONTAGU l^With admiration.'] Hah! — well — will you let me be your friend. Lady Patricia? PATRICIA 'Tis what I ask for, and my friends call me Pat. MONTAGU Here's my hand, Pat ! PATRICIA [Grippijig his hand.] And here's mine, with my heart in it! MONTAGU [Eagerly.] Your heart — ? [He half draws her to him.] -C 93 > MAVOURNEEN [Enter Lady Castlemaine. Patricia and Montagu separate. From now onwards groups of ladies and gentlemen pass and re-pass along the corridor.] LADY CASTLEMAINE [Laugliing.l A very pretty picture, Mr. Sidney Mon- tagu! [She turns to F ATRiciA.I Ah? The boy-girl on the horse of t'other night. MONTAGU [Stiffly.'] Lady Patricia O'Brien — LADY CASTLEMAINE [JVith an exaggerated curtsey.] Your servant. But I'll not interrupt yon. I'm for tlie King. [She crosses totvards the King's door. Chiffinch ap- pears, barring her tvay.] LADY CASTLEMAINE Make way, Chiffinch. CHIFFINCH [Warding her off.] His Majesty is in council. LADY CASTLEMAINE What of it? Stand aside. CHIFFINCH You must be pleased to wait. When the council -C 94 > ACT II rises the King has commanded Lady Patricia to attend him. Forgive me. ^Exit, closing the door in Castlemaine's face.] [Castlemaine stands nonplussed a moment; then turns to Patricia.] LADY CASTLEMAINE [Insolently.] You ride fast, young mistress. PATRICIA ^Good-naturedly.'] 'Tis the way with Irish maids. LADY CASTLEMAINE Take care there be no stone in your path. PATRICIA Faith, and stone walls can't stop us ! LADY CASTLEMAINE Impertinence! [To Montagu.] I have not seen you since a week. [Patricia turns sharply to listen.] MONTAGU [Very courteously.] You forbade me your house. LADY CASTLEMAINE In a moment of pique. You shall squire me home to- night. -C 95 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU My time is the King's. [Patricia is delighted.'\ LADY CASTLEMAINE 111 tell you what, sir; neither I nor the King loves so solemn a face for our frolics. MONTAGU I am not bent on frolic, but on fighting. PATRICIA [Coming doitm eagerly.^ Fighting — ? What? Where? MONTAGU Why, the Hollanders mean business. PATRICIA War ! — Oh, how I envy you ! LADY CASTLEMAINE, [MochinglyJ] Why, don the breeches again, then, and ride to battle. PATRICIA Begob, I wish I could ! [Chiffinch appears."] < 96 > ACT II CHIFFINCH Mr. Sidney Montagu, the King calls for you. MONTAGU Lady Patricia, will you not retire? CHIFFINCH By no means. His Majesty particularly asked if she was waiting. PATRICIA [To Chiffinch.] Ay; and I take it uncivil of him to keep me waiting so long. [Castlemaine crosses to Chiffinch, Montagu goes hurriedly to Patricia.] lady castlemaine [To Chiffinch.] Did you say I was here."* MONTAGU [To Patricia.] I hate leaving you with her. CHIFFINCH [To Castlemaine.] I did. PATRICIA [To Montagu.] Why? LADY CASTLEMAINE [To Chiffinch.] Well? What did he answer? -C 97 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU [To Patricia, with a look at Castlemaine.] Oh! I cannot say why. CHIFFINCH [To Castlemaine.] He did not answer. He shrugged his shoulders. Now, Mr. Montagu. MONTAGU [To him.] Ay, ay! [He whispers to Patricia.] Be on your guard. [Ea:it with Chiffinch.] LADY castlemaine [Coming to Patricia.] And how is the blackamoor? PATRICIA Meaning .'' LADY CASTLEMAINE Oh — your Portugal queen. PATRICIA The poor soul suffers — for lack of love. LADY CASTLEMAINE Foh! How can an ugly little wretch like that expect love? < 98 > ACT II PATRICIA [Coming up to her, and speaking with earnest sim- plicity.] When I rode into the inn-yard t'other day, you was sweet and gracious. What have I done to change you? LADY CASTLEMAINE [^Carelessly, avoiding her look.] Oh, / am not changed. PATRICIA By my truly you are. I said to myself: It's the lucky girl I am, to have won the favour of so kind and lovely a lady. Why, then, do you now belie your gentle nature, and speak to me as though you was my enemy? LADY CASTLEMAINE [Looking at her closely.] Girl — are you jesting? PATRICIA [Almost frightened.] I know not what you mean. LADY CASTLEMAINE Either you are the simplest milkmaid that ever drew udder, or the slyest vixen that ever ran to earth. PATRICIA [With dignity.] Neither of these. I am but a young -C 99 > MAVOURNEEN girl who fears she may have offended, for she is new to the court. LADY CASTLEMAINE l_Bitterli/.1 God ! how soon the newness will wear off! [Relaxing; condescending. 1 I am not vexed with you, child, or, if I be, 'tis your innocence hath vexed me. PATRICIA [Puzzled.] I cannot understand that. LADY CASTLEMAINE [With a mocking laugh.'\ Can you not? Well, well; keep your innocence, or the manner of it, as long as you can. 'Tis the finest bait where you are fishing. PATRICIA Riddles. You all speak in riddles that seem to hide xuipleasing answers. LADY CASTLEMAINE Oh, you'll find 'em pleasing in time. Fish, my lady Patricia; fish wherever you will, so you fish not in my waters. PATRICIA I should thank you for your advice if I knew what language you were talking. ACT II LADY CASTLEMAINE 'Tis plain English, and 'tis not advice, but a com- mand! PATRICIA [Breaking out.] Oh, hould your whisht, now! Now you've gone too far! For I take no commands, here or anywhere in the wide world, save from the Queen. [Enter Buckingham from the back. At the same time a footman, armed with a long pole, to which a lighted taper z.< fixed, comes and lights the candles in the sconces. A blaze of light.] BUCKINGHAM Babs, by my soul — and Lady Patricia. A fair con- junction. The rising star, and — but let the simile go. [To Patricia, with a low bow.] Lady Patricia, my very dutiful obeisance. [Patricia curtseys.] LADY CASTLEMAINE [To Patricia, mockingly.] If you knew how you are honoured ! PATRICIA Or, at least, who honoured me. LADY CASTLEMAINE [To Buckingham.] Ho, George, there's a slap in -cioi:}. MAVOURNEEN the face for you ! [As if it were showing him off.^ The cynosure of all observers; the very gem and jewel of Charles's court; the ingenious, the brave, the noble — BUCKINGHAM [Protesting.'] Now Babs, Babs! LADY CASTLEMAINE George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. PATRICIA [Starting back in horror.] Oh — ! LADY CASTLEMAINE O, George, your reputation has gone before you. BUCKINGHAM [To Patricia.] Not to my disadvantage, I trust. PATRICIA [Recovering her self-possession.] Oh, my Lord, if you are content with your reputation, why should I cavil at it? [Enter Mrs. Myddleton with Lord Bristol. Serv- ants place the card tables about the room.] myddleton [In conversation with Bristol.] Fie, fie, my lord; these things should be hidden; you are too fiee. ACT II BRISTOL But witty. Say I'm witty — wit covers a multitude of shins — [He waits for her to laugh, but she does not see the joke, which, indeed, is a poor one, and unneces- sary from him.^ No sense of humour. [He sees Patricia.] Aha! Lady Patricia! Have you rode again lately? PATRICIA No, I have not; and I miss it. My Rosinante will be eating his head off; and when next we go out, we'll break each other's neck. [Enter Berkeley and Mrs. Roberts.] BERKELEY Let me perish if you're not the loveliest of women ! Let me perish else! ROBERTS That's what you say to every woman. [Enter Montagu from the King's door. He makes straight for Patricia.] MONTAGU Still here? PATRICIA Wh?r§ else, since I'm waiting for the King? MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU [With obvious joy.] Ah! the King will be too late; the Court's assembling. PATRICIA Why is it assembling? MONTAGU 'Tis the card hour, I thank heaven ! PATRICIA O, fie! Do you thank heaven for gambling? MONTAGU No. I thank heaven for my own private thoughts. PATRICIA 'Tis uncivil not to disclose them. MONTAGU IPassionately.l Will you give me leave to disclose them? Will you give me leave to include you in them? PATRICIA Why should I? MONTAGU l^Impulsiveli/.l Because I love you. ACT II PATRICIA Whirra! Will you take me by storm? MONTAGU You are in great peril. I love you. Give me leave to shield you against the peril. PATRICIA I fear no peril, and I see no peril. MONTAGU It is here; all around you. It is [pointing to the King's door} there! PATRICIA Have you so poor an opinion of me, Mr. Montagu? MONTAGU I love you! [^TaJees her hand.} PATRICIA Hush! [Buckingham comes to them. Montagu moves away •with a gesture of suppressed anger.} BUCKINGHAM Beware of ensigns, pretty charmer, and their soft nothings. MAVOURNEEN * PATRICIA His soft nothing was to tell me 'tis the gaming hour. What will that be at all? BUCKINGHAM Why, old Rowley — PATRICIA Who's old Rowley? BUCKINGHAM O, come, come! King Charles, of course. He can- not sleep o' nights, till he have won our money. PATRICIA Has he such luck? BUCKINGHAM He has such — skill. PATRICIA Shall I be seeing the whole court, then? BUCKINGHAM Have you not seen it yet? PATRICIA How would I see it, when I've been closeted with the Queen all the time? ACT II [Bristol goes to the centre opening, where he meets two lovely young women {The Misses Brooke) and brings them down.] MRS. ROBERTS You must not let yourself be dazzled by the splendour of it, child. PATRICIA I'll do my endeavours to remain composed. [Lords and Ladies enter, singly and in couples. 1 BERKELEY [To Patricia, pointing to Bristol and the two Misses Brooke.] Well, my wild Irish Beauty.'' Two more stones in your path? PATRICIA D'ye mean anything? — BERKELEY Take my meaning or leave my meaning; but Castle- maine isn't beaten yet. Myddleton and Roberts have not hauled down their colours, and here's Bristol has brought his nieces to market ! Oh, faith ! It's a rough road you've chosen, and somebody will have a bad fall — I say not who. [He turns away from her."] MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [To Montagu.] What are they all after? What's the sense of their talk ? The nightmare ! Mr. Montagu, the nightmare! MONTAGU Let me take you out of it then. PATRICIA No! I'll fight my way through. [Enter Arlington from the King's door.l ARLINGTON His Majesty will be here presently. [Looking about him.] My wife; has any one seen my wife? ASHLEY Ask Buckingham. ARLINGTON Ah! [He crosses to Buckingham.] LADY CASTLEMAINE [To Ashley.] Too bad. You'll have them cutting each other's throat. ASHLEY Listen. \ ARLINGTON [To Buckingham.] George, Ashley tells me I am to ask you whether you have seen my wife. ACT II BUCKINGHAM IStartled.] Eh ? I ? — Oh, yes ; a while ago. ARLINGTON Why is she not here ? Was she well when you left her ? BUCKINGHAM I have never seen her in better health. ARLINGTON Thank heaven. Is she not wonderful? Let me tell you something. [He whispers to Buckingham.] LADY CASTLEMAINE \_To Ashley, laughing.] There's for your throat- cutting ! MYDDLETON [To Patricia.] You must not be alarmed by the great folk you see around you, child. ROBERTS [Patronisingly.'] Though timidity would be natural, to one so new to the company of wits and beauties. PATRICIA [Innocently.'] Which are you.f" [They turn away, furious.] <109> MAVOURNEEN [Enter Lady Arlington. Buckingham meets her and leads her in.] ARLINGTON Look! Look! My wife! She comes! The swan- like grace ! The sinuous motions ! Notice her action ! Observe the way she lifts her feet ! PATRICIA Are you speaking of a horse? ARLINGTON I am speaking of my wife. PATRICIA Well — how was I to know? LADY CASTLEMAINE Your tongue is a little too nimble, child; you are not now in your Irish bogs. PATRICIA And I wish I was in so wholesome a place ! LADY CASTLEMAINE Foh ! You should thank God for the difference. PATRICIA Difference, is it? Oh, whirra, whirra, what for will you be speaking of it at all, at all ? To bring the green ACT II fields of Erin before my memory, and the blue seas that come kissing the feet of my father's castle whispering to me: "Pat allannah, come and swim, come and bathe your body in us; come and wash your soul white in us!" And the curlews screamin' round the tower; and the sun and the clouds playin' at catch-as-catch-can on the blue waters! And the wild days on horseback — over stone walls, over ditches and dykes, wid me hair flying in the winds and the salt breath o' the say ca- ressin' me and coaxin' me ! Hie, away, Accushla, my lit- tle brown pony, you an' me's alone in the world, and never a sorrow or sin to come nigh us! [To Arlington, who tries to interrupt her as he sees the King's door open.'] Och, hould your whisht! If I cannot breathe the air o' my homeland, let me dream myself back to it for the Lord's sake ! [Enter King Charles followed by Pepys and Chif- FiNCH. There is a stir among the courtiers, but Charles motions silence, and stands listening to Pa- tricia as she continues in her rhapsody.] Och, the room's heavy with amber and bergamot, and it's monstrous fine you all are, to be sure; but give me the wind on my hills; give me the innocent faces o' the sheep lookin' up at me; give me the smell o' the peat fire, wlien me and Moyra sit snug roastin' chestnuts ; and Father O'RafFerty there wid his fiddle an' all, an' Moyra croonin' her songs. [She becomes atcare of Charles MAVOURNEEN who is now close to her, staring at her admiringly; she continues in one breath.'] Bad manners to you, phwat are you staring at, you jackeen with the dark face and the bowld eyes. O, begob the King ! [She stands petri- fied.] CHARLES Pray continue — PATRICIA [Bobbing a countrified curtsey.] Faith, no! My Pegasus takes walls and ditches, but he baulks at a crown. CHARLES The greater my loss. I have no luck this evening. I fear I've kept you waiting. PATRICIA [Airily.] Oh, your Majesty, don't apologise. [The courtiers are profoundly shocked.] PATRICIA Lord Arlington kept me amused, and Mr. Montagu kept me interested. CHARLES [Drily.] That was not what I had you hither for. I wish Arlington and Montagu would amuse me. But they've plagued me with dull politics, till my brain is ACT II dancing a fandang with my poor skull. Your rhapsody was a breath of wind blowing the cobwebs away. PATRICIA lAbruptltf.] Will there be war.-* ALI, [Shocked.] Hush! CHARLES [Laughing.'] Ah, young lady, we never ask plain questions, or give plain answers. Odds fish! We're too much alarmed at the thought of hearing the truth! Yet tell her the truth, Mr. Secretary. PEPYS Sire, the Dutch will be in the Medway, unless — PATRICIA Foreigners in the Medway ! Why that's unthinkable ! CHARLES [To Lady Castlemaine.] D'ye see the flash ! I vow to Gad we'll make you High Admiral o' the fleet ! PATRICIA I would to heaven you could! CHARLES 'Tis the French Maid, Joan of Arc, upon my soul! MAVOURNEEN ARLINGTON [Rubbing his hands.l He's catching fire! ROBERTS The saucy jil-flirt! BERKELEY [To Castlemaine.] Oh, your poor nose, Babs! LADY CASTLEMAINE [To him.'] What now, Charles? BERKELEY Out of joint again ^ I heard it snap. CHARLES l^Going to his seat at the centre table.] Well — cards ! Lady Arlington — [To Buckingham.] George — [Lady Castlemaine moves forward.] No, Babs — We must honour the new coiner. [He waves a gracious summons to Patricia.] Lady Patri- cia — [Lady Castlemaine turns away in a fury.] LADY CASTLEMAINE The devil fetch her ! ACT II CHARLES Come. Sit. Sit. [All sit] \_Groups are arranged at all the tables.'\ PATRICIA Cards, is it.'' But I don't play. ARLINGTON lShocJced.1 Hush! Hush! The King commands. PATRICIA It's no use commanding what I can't do. BUCKINGHAM The King is waiting. PATRICIA By your leave, your Majesty, I know no card games. Choose some one else. PEPYS [To Ashley.] A fine, high-spirited young woman! CHARLES This is amazing! Have you never had a card in your hands ? ^ PATRICIA Oh, faith yes. But only to build castles with. MAVOURNEEN CHARLES Castles ? PATRICIA Houses of cards; ay. That's proper fun. CHARLES Why, let's see you! [He rises.^ Build one now! PATRICIA [Like a shy child; hut eager to begin.'] Shall I? CHARLES \_Handing her a pack of cards.] Go to work. PATRICIA Oh, but I must have three packs ! CHARLES Have thirty ! — [He collects packs from other tables, even where people have begun to play; general move- ment; those who had sat down rise.] BERKELEY [At Lady Castlemaine's table.] Ecod! Says she don't play cards, and plays 'em better than the oldest hand ! ACT II LADY CASTLEMAINE [Who has just had her pack seized hy the King; furi- ously.l More cards here ! [Chiffinch brings her a fresh 'pack.'\ CHARLE3 [Throwing the packs he has collected on the table; to Patricia.] There! Is that enough? PATRICIA [Clapping her hands.'] Splendid! I'll build a pal- ace! [She begins building.] * CHARLES Let me wait on you, fair architect. PATRICIA Hand me the cards then ! PEPYS The King, waiting on his wife's tiring-woman! BUCKINGHAM Master Secretary, have you never heard of the wife's maid becoming the master's mistress ! PEPYS [Conscience-stricken.'] Hum. Flesh is weak, my Lord. * Grammont. MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [To the King.] Don't come so close; and don't jog my elbow ! BRISTOL [To Lady Castlemaine.] D'ye hear her? BUCKINGHAM [Who is now the centre of a little group, consisting of Bristol, Lady Arlington, Pepys and the two Brookes.] Faith — a rhyme! [Montagu listens in the back- ground.'] An Irish maid on market day Brought all her goods to court, sir. She spread 'em out, a fine display. And that was royal sport, sir, Rowley, who chanced to wander by. Caught by the Irish brogue, sir. And kindled by a flashing eye. Fell victim to the rogue, sir — MONTAGU [Trembling with rage, but in a suppressed voice.] I think you are rhyming, my lord? BUCKINGHAM I VOW to Gad, so I am! ACT II MONTAGU That is bad for your health. BUCKINGHAM Who made you my leech? LADY ARLINGTON [^Putting her hand on Buckingham's arm.li Not here, George! \_She takes him away.'\ CHARLES [To Patricia.] Fair fingers — nimble and white. PATRICIA [Building.'] Don't touch! — I'm ashamed o' the whiteness; 'tis for lack o' the sun. At home they're a wholesome brown. CHARLES Fair, whether brown or white ! PATRICIA Oh, hould your whisht; it's getting difficult. BUCKINGHAM [To Lady Arlington.] Oh, sweetheart, those hours this afternoon were heaven ! lady Arlington Hush ! Hush ! Forget ! MAVOURNEEN BUCKINGHAM Forget! Such raptures can never be erased from my memory. LADY ARLINGTON Lud ! That were a pity, for then your memory would need no refreshing! BUCKINGHAM Tormentor ! I'll forget at once ! LADY ARLINGTON [^Coquettishly.'] Nay. Not till to-morrow ! BERKELEY [At Lady Castlemaine's table-l She's building her fortune, Babs. lady castlemaine Mind the game. [Slamming down a card.'\ I trump you, with my King. ARLINGTON [At her table.'] I thought you'd lost your King long ago. LADY CASTLEMAINK Think again. CHARLES [Alluding to Patricia's castle, which is now lofty."] It grows apace. ACT II PATRICIA [Building. '\ I rode to build my fortune; and look! This shall be an image of it! If I build to the top, it shall mean good luck ! CHARLES The owner of such charms can never have ill luck. PATRICIA You put me out. Look ! 'Tis nearing the top ! CHARLKS Marvellous, I protest. PATRICIA Sit down! [Pushes him on to a stool'\ for now comes the danger. PEPYS Ay : the nearer the summit, the greater the peril. CHARLES Silence! \To the Court in general.^ Cease playing — Stop your breath ! She's reached the coping ! [All stop playing and rise except Lady Castlemaine.] LADY castlemaine [Slamming down a card."] You should play that game in the nursery, Charles. MAVOURNEEN BUCKINGHAM lUnder his breath.'] 'Twill lead thither in time. [Montagu, who overhears this, can scarcely control himself.] CHARLES [Sternly.] I said silence ! PATRICIA [Still building.] I have built my way up! [Placing cards in position.] This is my dear Queen's love ! This is her health, I pray may be restored. Now the two last! [The King hands her these.] This is — LADY CASTLEMAINE The King's favour? PATRICIA Ay, madam ; for my love to tlie Queen ! Oh, but they need a light touch, and the utmost caution — CHARLES [Turns to Buckingham.] I vow she's crowned it! LADY CASTLEMAINE Lud, 'tis plaguey hot! [She fans herself vigorously ; down comes Patricia's castle.] ALL Oh! ACT II CHARLES ^Furious.] Wlio did that? I say, who did it? LADY CASTLEMAINE [Languidly. 1 Lud, Charles, is it the first time your favour has crumbled at a breath? CHARLES [Striding towards /ler.] You — ! LADY CASTLEMAINE [Facing him.'\ Well? PATRICIA [Behind table, interposing.] 'Tis nothing, Sire; and Lady Castlemaine has a right to fan herself, being of a stout habit, poor thing. CHARLES [Laughing.'\ Odds fish, that's true, too! [Lady Castlemaine turns back to her cards in fury. Charles goes up laughing among the courtiers. Gen- eral talk.'] MONTAGU [To Patricia.] I thank heaven it ended as it did. Take warning by it. — Pat ! PATRICIA What warning will it be, raven ? < 123 > MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU Not to build in the clouds. PATRICIA Where will I build, then? MONTAGU Here; in my heart. CHARLES \^In a group, consisting of Buckingham, Bristol and Berkeley.] No, no; I'm in no mood to settle anything but that pestilent woman. [Indicating Lady Castle- MAINE.] [Patricia sits below the card table and busies herself arranging the fallen cards in packs. ] BRISTOL But this is a question of vital consequence. BERKELEY And 'tis a question only you can resolve. CHARLES Oh, out with it, then. PEPY8 Thank Heaven they can be serious at need ! '< 124 > ACT II BUCKINGHAM We were hot in a discussion as to which of our reign- ing Beauties has the shapeliest leg. ICriesj little screams from the ladies. Laughter from the men.] MONTAGU [^Horrified.] Upon my soul — ! ARLINGTON There can be no manner of doubt on that score; my — LADY ARLINGTON [Severely.] Sit down, Henry ! BRISTOL I assure you — BERKELEY I know — ASHLEY I can convince you — ARLINGTON I tell you, in green silk stockings — CHARLES [Laughing.] Silence! [Quietly.] On this subject I speak with authority. MAVOURNEEN BUCKINGHAM Ay, Gad ! I should think so. CHARLES The shapeliest legs in this company belong to — [He looks round at the ladies, who are irrvmediately all in a flutter. '\ Belong to — [His eye falls on Lady Castle- MAINE.] LADY CASTLEMAINE Spare my blushes, Charles. CHARLES [Seriously, and with a profound how."] Belong to Lady Patricia O'Brien.* [Dead silence. '\ PATRICIA [Looking over her shoulder, says with innocent pleas- ure."] Thank you. [She turns to her cards again.] [Montagu is fuming. Pepys edges towards him. Lady Castlemaine rises.] ARLINGTON In the presence of my wife — [Lady Arlington silences him with her fan.] BERKELEY Hush, Arlington: His Majesty no doubt speaks with knowledge. * Grammont. ACT II MONTAGU [Under his hreaih.'\ God — ! CHARLES [Laughing J] Honi soit qui mal y pense ! * PEPYS [Quietly to Montagu.] Come away, my young friend. MONTAGU [Roughly. '\ Let me alone! CHARLES [Enjoying the situation.'] Ay — ay — you're a proper herd of Gadarene swine, to be sure. Smiling and smirk- ing, with evil thoughts in your minds, and an evil glitter in your eyes. I have the honour and privilege of speak- ing with knowledge, because the Queen brought the Lady Patricia to me first in the guise of a boy. [Patricia rises and curtseys.] [Montagu is enormously relieved. Those who were present in the innyard, when Patricia rode in, turn to each other as much as to say " Of course; we remem- ber."] ARLINGTON Sire, sire, even so. In the absence of means of com- parison I am loyal [indicating his wife] to Isabella. * Grammont. MAVOURNEEN ' BUCKINGHAM So am I ! None are so fair as those in green silk stock- ings ! • ARLINGTON [Amazed.] Eh — ? [He turns to his wife.] Isa- bella—? CHARLES [Laughing.] I cannot well ask Lady Patricia to con- vince you. [Montagu who was moving towards another group, turns abruptly at the sound of Patricia's voice.] PATRICIA Oh! If that's all that's troubling you! Many's the mile I've traipsed through our bogs with my coats to my knees and none the worse for it ! — [And without more ado she lifts her skirts to her knees. A murmur of admiration.] * LADY CASTLEMAINE [Indignant.] The brazen hussy ! [Patricia has let her skirts fall. She finds herself face to face with Montagu, who is white with fury.] PATRICIA [Frightened.] Sidney — ! * Grammont. < 128 > ACT II MONTAGU Farewell ! [He turns his back on her and strides out, leaving her puzzled and astonished. An orchestra strikes up. Groups form for a dance. The King comes and offers Patricia his hand. She is in deep distress, looking after Montagu. The Dance begins. THE curtain falls <129> ACT III ACT III [^The Pantiles at Tunhridge wells. On the right is a crescent of two-storied wooden houses, with a wooden colonnade along the front. Under the colonnade are tiny shops such as are found at fashionable resorts: a jeweller's; a milliner's, a pastry cook's, etc. Patricia lodges over the pastry cook's and her house is dis- tinguished by a balcony, from which steps lead down to the colonnade. A row of trees runs down the centre of the stage. On the left is a shrubbery, in which is one of the fountains at which the Quality take the waters. There a maid is in attendance. There are oil lanterns between the pillars of the colonnade, and cir- cular seats round the trees. It is late afternoon. The scene is full of life and animation. All the charac- ters in the play are promenading under the trees, or under the colonnade. Some are in the shops; some are seated under the trees. There are pedlars; a woman selling lavender; an Italian boy with a hurdy- gurdy; another with a peep-show; a girl selling flow- ers; another with oranges, etc, etc. All are moving about, chattering, laughing, singing. MAVOURNEEN [Lady Arlington is brought on in Sedan Chair ac- companied by Buckingham. Music on.} [Ashley sitting under the first tree, with Mrs. Myd- DLETON and Mrs. Roberts, Berkeley is talking with the two Misses Brooke; Buckingham is with Lady Arlington. Pepys is half out of sight in the shrub- bery, showing Mercer a sheet of MS. music; Mrs. Pepys is in the jeweller's shop; Bristol is drinking at the fountain.'} ASHLEY Let me perish, but 'tis rank tyranny to tie us by the leg in this countrified hole. MYDDLETON And all because the little Portugal woman must take the waters ! ROBERTS As if the waters of Tunbridge would heal her. ASHLEY 'Tis to be hoped she's past that. BERKELEY [Joins the group.} Come, come, Anthony; what's she done to you? ASHLEY Got me here, and keeps me here. Isn't that enough.'' ACT III BUCKINGHAM [Coming up with Lady Arlington, and speaJcing to the Brookes.] Put on a merrier face, angels; we're to have an alfresco frolic to-night. MISS HILL BROOKE As 'twere dancing on the Queen's grave. LADY ARLINGTON You give me a gooseflesh ! 'Twill be proper sport. I am coming as Diana. BRISTOL In green silk stockings.'' LADY ARLINGTON Shall I never hear the last of them? BRISTOL Never. Those stockings are now a page of history. BUCKINGHAM A footnote. But talking of stockings, has any one seen the fair Patricia? MISS HILL BROOKE No one. She's shut herself in her lodging all day. < J35 > MAVOURNEEN MISS FRANCES BROOKE Artful wretch. She's making herself peculiar. BUCKINGHAM Dangling the bait out of Rowley's reach, eh? MYDDLETON [Who has joined the group.] I vow I never saw the King so deeply in love ! Miss HILL BROOKE Oh, the wickedness of innocence! ROBERTS Poor Babs Castlemaine ! She goes out of one vapour into another, for mere fury ! BUCKINGHAM Where does the inaccessible Nymph, Patricia, dwell? LADY ARLINGTON [With jealousy.] What is that to you, George? BUCKINGHAM Nothing: I only asked. ASHLEY As a fact, she lodges there. Over the pastry cook's. < 136 > ACT III LADY ARLINGTON Let us take the air, George. BUCKINGHAM In a moment. BERKELEY [Laughing; to Buckingham.] A little clinging, George? Ivy, George? BUCKINGHAM [With a sigh. '\ Ivy} A limpet. LADY ARLINGTON [Calling.^ George! BUCKINGHAM Behold me! [He joins her."] [They go out through the shrubbery. '\ PEPYS [Bringing Mercer cautiously down from the shrub- bery.'] Take this with you, Mercer. Practise it. Learn the words. 'Tis my song. " Beauty Retire." Words by Sir George Davenant. Music by me. [He hums.] Beauty retire, thou dost my pity move ; Believe my pity, and then trust my love. MAVOURNEEN At first I thought her by a prophet sent As a reward for valour's toils. More worth than all my Father's spoils; But now she is become my punishment. [Mrs. Pepys comes out of the jeweller's shop and stands within earshot.'] MERCER Lord, 'tis properly sentimental! PEPYS [Holding her chin in his hand."] Dapper Dicky al- ways was sentimental. We'll run through it to-night, eh? When they're all at the King's frolic. You and I, eh? MERCER I am afraid of my mistress. PEPYS She'll be safe. Jigging it in Frenchified dances. Odds, bobs, we'll be merry, eh, chuck? [Chucks her under the chin-l You and Dapper Dicky, eh? [Mercer laughs."] MRS. PEPYS [^Coming down; coldly.] Mercer. ACT III MERCER IStartled.] La! [Demurely.l If you please, ma'am. MRS. PEPYS Go home. MERCER [^Bobbing a rather mocking curtsey.^ If you please, ma'am. [Mercer runs away giggling."] PEPYS [Weakly.'] Ura — shall we to supper, chuck? MRS. PEPYS [Ignoring the question.] I cannot keep a maid it seems, but you must lead her astray — PEPYS Now, woman, I brought you at heavy expense to the Wells for your health. Why will you sour your blood with these humours.'' MRS. PEPYS Why will you be so free with that jil-flirt? PEPYS Improving her mind, ma'am ; improving her mind. MAVOURNEEN MRS. PEPYS Ho ! " Dapper Dicky "— ! PEPYS \_In a rage.J Now God-a-Mercy! MRS. PEPYS " Dapper Dicky ! " PEPYS By the Lord, I'll pull your nose! * [Arlington joins them with Ashley.] ARLINGTON [^Coming between them.^ Billing and cooing, Mr. Sec- retary.? [To Mrs. Pepys.] Your servant, Madam. Upon my faith, the ideal couple. Like myself and my Isabella. Have you met Isabella.'' MRS. PEPYS [In spite of Pepys's signals.] Yes! I saw her wan- dering into the shrubbery with Lord Buckingham. [She moves away with Ashley.] ARLINGTON Precious Isabella! Her wit matches Buckingham's so well! They are great friends — great friends. She explained to me how she showed him her stockings. * Pepys's Diary. ACT III PEPYS On? ARLINGTON Oh, fie! Oh, fie! ASHLEY Fair Madam Pepys, have you seen the new hoods at the French milliner's? MRS. PEPYS [With a look at Pepys.] La ! No. ASHLEY Then give me the privilege of showing them to you. [He offers his hand, which Mrs. Pepys takes: they move off.l PEPYS [Calling after her. 1 Elizabeth — MRS. PEPYS [With bitter irony. 1 Dapper Dicky! [They go into the milliner's.^ ARLINGTON Mr. Secretary — PEPYS Pardon, my lord, but — [Pepys moves towards the milliner's shop."] MAVOURNEEN ARLINGTON Mr. Secretary ! What news out of Holland ? PEPYS I am awaiting Mr. Montagu with impatience; from Breda, whither I sent him. [He turns to go again.l [Patricia appears on her balcony.^ ARLINGTON Fie, Mr. Pepys ! You remove Uriah, that David may be unhindered. [Pepys turns.'] PEPYS [Puzzled.] David ? — Uriah } ARLINGTON Oh, come, come! In plain Engish: you send young Montagu on a dangerous errand, that Charles may dally unmolested with the wild Irish girl. PEPYS You insinuate that I, /, would lend myself to such an intrigue — ? ARLINGTON Not so hot, my friend. Charles is not ungrateful, and it shall redound to your honour ! ACT III PEPys Honour — ! [Speechless.'] My Lord, if you be such a stickler for honour, I advise you to look in the shrub- bery ! ARLINGTON [In a huff.] I think you grow impertinent, sir. [He goes towards the shrubbery but changes his mind, and exit.] [Some of the promenaders stroll off.] PATRICIA Mr. Pepys! PEPYS [Looking up, startled.] Eh? The Lady Patricia! PATRICI/- Wait till I come down to you ! [She runs to the end of the balcony, and down the stairs.] [The Town Dinner Bell rings in the distance. Bristol. exclaims " Dinner " and exit. All follow gradually.] PEPYS But — [He stands irresolute.] PATRICIA [Coming to him.] I've been shut up all day. Now MAVOURNEEN the gadflies have gone to their meal — and 'tis offal they feed on — I can take the air. Are you very hungry ? PEPYS To be plain with you, I have been put somewhat out of appetite. PATRICIA Come and sit ye down, then. PEPYS [With an anxious glance towards the milliner's shop.'\ But — my wife — PATRICIA Do I frighten you, Mr. Secretary? PEPYS Beauty never frightened me yet — PATRICIA [Indicating the seat beside her.'\ Well, then — PEPYS — and does not frighten me now. [He sits beside her with an insinuating air, and is about to put a protecting arm round Aer.] PATRICIA You're not to make love to me. -C 144 > ACT III [He takes his arm away, crushed.'] I want news. PEPYS Of what, cruel nymph? PATRICIA [^Carelessly. 1 Oh — any news. But mainly of the Dutch. PEPYS I am waiting to hear. PATRICIA From whom? PEPYS Young Montagu is to tell me. PATRICIA [Indifferently.'] Oh, indeed? Is he your spy? PEPYS No, no, no! He's gone openly, being master of their tongue. PATRICIA Not a dangerous errand then ? PEPYS Very — if he was not discreet. -C 145 > MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA You think him discreet ? PEPYS I should not have sent him else. PATRICIA And brave? PEPYS A fine young fellow. A fine, discreet, brave, young fellow. PATRICIA But hot-tempered? PEPYS No more than becomes a gentleman. PATRICIA And swift to take offence? PEPYS Not without cause. PATRICIA Oh? Do you say I gave him cause? PEPYS [Laughing.'] Ah! You've led me into a trap! ACT III PATRICIA But do you? PEpys Must I answer? PATRICIA You must, PEPYS Why, then, yes, I do. PATRICIA Because I showed my ankles? PEPYS [Ticking the points off on his -fingers.'] We are to consider where you showed 'em; whom you showed 'em to; how much of 'em you showed; and the feelings to- wards you of all the spectators — including our young friend. PATRICIA When do you expect him back ? PEPYS I am awaiting him impatiently. PATRICIA [^ larmed. ] Here ? MAVOURNEEN PEpys Of course. PATRICIA Thank you. Then / must be gone. [^She rises.'\ PEPYS Well, I'm sending Madam Pepys to London to-morrow. She'll be company for you. PATRICIA You're in a monstrous hurry to be rid of me. PEPYS I thought you were in a monstrous hurry to go. PATRICIA [Sitting.'] Mr. Pepys, I think you're a — I think you're — [She breaks down, sobbing with her head on his shoulder.^ PEPYS There, now; there now! [He puts his arm round her."] [Enter Mrs, Pepys from the milliner's with Ashley who gives her a hat box and points to Pepys and Patricia.] MRS. PEPYS [Severely.'] Samuel! ACT III PEPYS [Rises. '\ O Lord ! In the wrong again ! [He joins his wife, and they go out, leaving Ashley. Enter Father O'Rafferty, on a very small donkey, led by a boy. He dismounts. The shop people begin to put up their shutters. And having done so, they lock the shop doors and go off.'\ ASHLEY [Staring at Father O'Rafferty.] Split me! what in the world is this ? [Patricia looks up-l o'rafferty [To the donkey boy.] Don't bate the faithful baste. PATRICIA [Rushing to him.] O, Father O'Rafferty, darlin' ! [She crosses herself and curtseys.] 0*RAFF.ERTY [Dismounting and not recognising her in her grand clothes.] My humble duty. Madam. ASHLEY Now, my good fellow, make room for your betters ! MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [To Ashley, pushing him away.] Och ! stand out o' my way; and where will ye find the betters of him? [To O'Rafferty.] Father alannah! o'rafferty [Overjoyed.'] 'Tis the Lady Patricia! 'Tis Patrick! 'Tis my own Pat! PATRICIA [Seising his hand.] Come away with you. ASHLEY A pathetic meeting, stap me ! The prodigal daughter, and the swine. PATRICIA [To him, fiercely.] Ha'n't you gone, yet? ASHLEY Don't forget the King's frolic ? [Exit through the shrubbery.] PATRICIA [Dragging at O'Rafferty.] Come, come. o'rafferty [Alluding to the donhey boy.] I must discharge my debt. ACT III PATRICIA [Giving the boy a coin.] Oh, here! Run away, and take Pegasus with you. [Exeunt Boy and Donkey.] O^RAFFERTY A guinea ! Monstrous ! PATRICIA 'Tis worth a thousand to see your face again. o'rafferty Let me look at you. I haven't gathered my wits yet. PATRICIA Here I am. Father aroon. o'rafferty A fine lady ; a fine court-lady, by the powers ! PATRICIA Thanks to your teaching. Father. o'rafferty It's the proud man I should be. PATRICIA It's the proud man you are. -{:i5i> MAVOURNEEN o'rafferty IPensively.'] Ay — ay — If you are happy. PATRICIA Why for should I not be happy? ^She sits under the tree.'] c'rafferty That's what I'm asking. I'm after having a talk with the Queen's barber; him that I knew in Portugal; and he hath told me much news. PATRICIA Of me? o'rafferty Mostly. PATRICIA And what had he to say of me ? o'rafferty Many things I like, and some I mislike. PATRICIA [Coaxingly.'] Tell me the things you like. o'rafferty I've told you those often. ACT III PATRICIA The others, then. O RAFFERTY No. You shall tell me those. [Chiffinch is seen coming along the Pantiles.'] PATRICIA What's the matter with you. Father? o'rafferty Doubt. [He sits beside her.] PATRICIA [Looking at him searchingly .] Oh? I see the Queen's barber has been busy. Ask me questions boldly. Be a man. o'rafferty Ay — but you're a woman, and how will you answer ? PATRICIA Have I ever told you a lie? o'rafferty You had never been to court. PATRICIA Ask what you will and I'll answer the plain truth. MAVOURNEEN o'rafferty You are suddenly rich. [Chiffinch goes into the pastrycook's s}iop.'\ PATRICIA Why do you say so ? o'rafferty Paupers don't give guineas to donkey boys. Paupers don't come to the Wells. PATRICIA The King pays for my lodging. o'rafferty \_Pointing to her pearls.'] Paupers don't wear pearls. PATRICIA The King gave me those. O^RAFFERTY And a fine golden watch. PATRICIA And the King gave me that. o'rafferty And silks and satins like a duchess. ^154:). ACT III PATRICIA The King — O^RAFFERTY [Rises in great distress.l God forgive me, I wish you'd a' lied ! [Chiffinch comes from the pastrycook's shop towards Patricia.] patricia What's gone wrong with your conscience, Padre, that you cannot bear the truth? o'rafferty My conscience is it? 'Tis your conscience I would examine. PATRICIA [^Rises and faces him."] See it in my eyes. Padre. o'rafferty Tell me this one thing: does King Charles ask nothing in return for his gifts ? PATRICIA Ay. Service to the Queen. o'rafferty But for himself? IPause.l Ah! you are silent. MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [Proudly. 1 He may ask; and I may refuse. [Chiffinch has come close. As he speaks Patricia is startled, and O'Rafferty's worst suspicions are con- firmed.'] CHIFFINCH The King sends me. I am in luck to have found you. His Majesty bids you stay in your lodging. His Majesty will honour you with a visit. PATRICIA [Recovering herself.] His Majesty must be content with the shelter of this tree, then, for my lodging is not fit to receive him. CHIFFINCH Now, dear lady, can I take him that message? [O'Rafferty is deeply distressed.] PATRICIA Since you could bring me his, I doubt whether any message is beyond you, CHIFFINCH Well — Charles is good-natured — and — [He attempts to touch her arm.] PATRICIA [Avoiding him.] I wish you good evening. ACT III CHIFFINCH Eh? [Sees there is nothing more to be said.'\ Your very humble servant. lExit.] [A pause.] o'rafferty l^Sinks on the seat and buries his face in his hands; then he looks up.] Oh, Pat, Pat, you're fencing with me. You've told me the truth; but have you told me all the truth.'' It's no avail tossing your head, and wishing you was rid of the tiresome ould priest, who's come among your grand friends, mud-splashed, and with shiny knees. My knees are shiny because I've worn them out praying the Holy Virgin to watch over you; and I'm mud-splashed because I've rode a long way; for " Go and shield her," said my love; "Go and save her," said my heart; and here I am, and you'll not turn a deaf ear to me, who love you as if you was my own child. PATRICIA [Throwing herself on her knees to him.] Oh, 'tis better than a hundred fathers you've been to me. [She takes his hands.] Tell me what 'tis you want I should do. <157> MAVOURNEEN o'rafferty I've come, after all, to put the fledgling back into the house-martin's nest. I've come to fetch you home. PATRICIA So suddenly? I cannot come. o'rafferty [Sternly. 1 Why not? What's in the way? PATRICIA Oh, Father, we're at cross purposes; and I cannot tell you more, for, alas, there's nothing to tell. But indeed I cannot come at once; I love — [O'Rafferty starts back-l I love the Queen too well. o'rafferty [Eagerly.^ Aha! Do you love her? PATRICIA With all my heart; and sorrow for her; and pity her. [Four Halberdiers enter and stand at the hack.'\ o'rafferty [Delighted.^ Now that's good hearing! Oh, that's good hearing. < 158 > ACT III PATRICIA \_Astonished at his delight.'] How could I not love her? The sweet soul — and she belike on her death- bed. [Chiffinch enters.'] o'rafferty [Speaking more to hirU'Self than to her.] Ay: and it's to my friend the Portugal leech I'll talk no later than directly — [The King enters accompanied by a few courtiers.] PATRICIA What about? o'rafferty Eh? Was I speaking? \ PATRICIA What will you talk to the Queen's leech about? o'rafferty Why, the Queen's health, to be sure. Ay! and the Queen's happiness, too. CHIFFINCH [To Patricia.] Lady Patricia — the King. [He retires.] MAVOURNEEN o'rafferty The King? [To Patricia.] What, the black-avised gentleman ? PATRICIA Ay ; with the handsome face. o'rafferty Come, then, child. PATRICIA I must not stir now. o'rafferty Then I stay with you. CHARLES [Coming to Patricia.] At confession, child? PATRICIA [With a curtsey.'] More like refusing to confess. CHARLES [To the Courtiers.'} We thank you. [The Courtiers look back laughing, bow and exeunt, with Chiffinch.] Come and sit beside me. [He sits under the tree.] PATRICIA You have just dismissed us, Sire. ACT III CHARLES [With a looh at O'Rafferty, who is bravely holding his ground.] All but you. PATRICIA The Queen awaits me. CHARLES The Queen, as you know very well, is in her evening bath. [To O'Rafferty.] Did you not hear me, sir? o'rafferty [Horribly frightened.'] Has — has your Majesty ad- dressed me.'' CHARLES I thanked you. o'raffertv Your Majesty is most gracious. CHARLES Odds Fish, take care I become not ungracious. PATRICIA [Laughing.] No, no, Sire! You must not bark at Father O'Rafferty; he is the best friend I have in the world. -C 161 > MAVOURNEEN CHARLES [To O'Rafferty.] That's a title others covet. Father — o'rafferty O'Rafferty. A poor parish priest. CHARLES [To Patricia.] So you love your best friend.'' PATRICIA In truly and that I do. CHARLES [Laughing.] In truly and I will be his best friend, then. [To O'Rafferty, very courteously.] What I wished to convey was, that I will not keep you from bet- ter company — Mr. Dean — o'rafferty [Not grasping the situation.] No, no, a poor par- ish — CHARLES 'Tis not in my gift; but the Queen is of your faith; go to her, Mr. Dean; tell her what I say, and she'll see it done, Mr. Dean. o'rafferty [Unwilling to go.] But, Sire — ACT III CHARLES Enough ! o'rafferty Yet I would thank your Majesty. CHARLES Thank the Queen. o'rafferty Ay, the Queen ! — whom Pat loves ! — I humbly take my leave — [He goes to the King as if to shake hands, Patricia stops him; he withdraws humbly. The King gra- ciously offers him his hand.^ — to thank the Queen. [He goes up the road with Patricia.] Did ye see that, Pat.'' The King! He took me by the hand ! [Exit.] CHARLES [Laughing.] Odds bobs! A whimsical customer. [To Patricia.] Sit. Sit. PATRICIA [Standing.] 'Twere ill manners. CHARLES I command I MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Oh, Sire ! That's no manners at all. CHARLES [Rises.] The King entreats. PATRICIA [Sitting resignedly.] Oh, well! There, then. [Charles sits beside her; looks at her earnestly and heaves a tremendous sigh.] [Patricia imitates him, and then breaks into merry laughter.] CHARLES So you love that shabby old priest? Heartily. And the Queen? Devoutly. And whom else? PATRICIA CHARLES PATRICIA CHARLES PATRICIA There's Moyra, my nurse. ACT III CHARLES Whom else? PATRICIA Why, that's three; and three's enough. CHARLES But the sum of all these loves is mere affection. Come, now; whom do you love? PATRICIA [Demureli/.'] My father confessor has just left me. CHARLES Then you shall be my mother-confessor, and I'll make a clean breast of it; for I vow I love you. PATRICIA Alas, poor sinner, for that there's no absolution. CHARLES Truly; for I shall never repent on't. PATRICIA But soon forget it. CHARLES Nor that, either. MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Do you load your memory with all your loves ? CHARLES By my truly, I think you'll drive me mad. PATRICIA By my truly, I think you're mad already. CHARLES Why.'' What symptoms have I shown.'' PATRICIA Foh ! 'Tis the act of an accomplished madman to talk of love to a maid, when he has none to give, and she would not take it, if he had. CHARLES Why would she not take it, if you please? PATRICIA If you please, because 'tis common property. CHARLES Take care ! 'Tis perilously near high treason to speak so of your king. PATRICIA Only the King hears me. ACT III CHARLES Come now; no need to flash at me so. The girl who rode alone from God knows where; the girl who only t'other day set the whole court blushing — PATRICIA [Indignant.l Stop ! The court blushed for its own evil thought ; not for mine ! CHARLES Well, it blushed; and to make my court blush was an achievement. I say, the girl who did all this, is no such paragon of crop-eared virtue. PATRICIA [Rising. 1 And therefore no company for a King. CHARLES [Holding her.'] Wait! wait! You cannot go till the King dismisses you. PATRICIA I can be silent while he holds me. CHARLES Be silent, then, and listen. Why, if you be so strict, have you made me love you? [Patricia makes a move- ment of protest.] I'll answer for you. You'll say you haye done no such thing. To which I reply, you have. MAVOURNEEN You've filched my love. [Patricia starts.^ Ay! If not actively, then passively, by your mere existence. You are merry, and I love mirth; brave, and I love courage; beautiful, and I love beauty. But you have actively encouraged my love. IShe starts again indignantly. "j You are not to speak ! l^She gives a gasp of impatience.^ You have been good to the Queen, [^He takes her hand.'] and Heaven knows I vrish her well — now she's to be so short a time with me. You've been good to me too: laughed at my jests; not turned away prudishly when I gazed at you; condescended to accept my gifts. \^At this a look of horror crosses Patricia's face.] A poor King values such kindness when 'tis offered for no selfish reason. Now you may speak. PATRICIA [Breahing away from him.] If you was any other man — I'd slap your face. CHARLES Slap it, and welcome. PATRICIA For you make me angry, and you make me laugh, all in the same breath. -C 168 > ACT III CHARLES Laugh, my dear; 'tis the more wholesome. PATRICIA Have you ever spoke plain sense? CHARLES Always PATRICIA Or heard it spoke ? CHARLES Never. PATRICIA There, now! Now let's sit cosy and friendly, and you shall take off your crown. CHARLES And lay it at your feet. PATRICIA And I'll put aside my armour of maidenly reserve. CHARLES That's what I've been urging you to do. PATRICIA There! 'Tis gone. [She sits.^ Now you're plain Charles, and I plain Pat. <169> MAVOURNEEN CHARLES [Laughing.'] A Maiden did a Shepherd spy — PATRICIA With all his lambs around him — CHARLES He saw Dan Cupid in her eye — PATRICIA And left him where he found him. CHARLES [Laughing.'] No, no! It doesn't go that way. PATRICIA That's the way it goes, and we could jingle so till supper and get no further. Now, plainly, what is't you want .f* CHARLES I thought I had put it plainly. PATRICIA You want me to be your mistress? CHARLES I did not put it so plainly as that. ACT III PATRICIA Is that the sense of it ? CHARLES That's the romance of it. PATRICIA Oh, what becomes of poor romance? Think of Lady Castlemaine. CHARLES Ay ! Think of whence she started and to what heights she's risen ! Haven't I loaded her with wealth ? Haven't I made her daughter a duchess? And see what I've made of her husband ! PATRICIA [LooJeing him full in the face."] Wonderful! Won- derful ! He truly does not see the irony of it ! [As Charles is about to speak.'] Hold your whisht, now; for whenever you speak you make matters worse. CHARLES [Humbly; imitating her.] I hould my whisht. PATRICIA I'm not going to preach at you, so don't yawn yet. You say you think well of me. < 171 > MAVOURNEEN CHARLES I say I love you. PATRICIA But what would you say if I was any other man's mis- tress ? CHARLES I should say he was a damned lucky dog; and I should cut off his head, PATRICIA [^Laughing."] Deed and truth, you're almost past talk- ing to, and that's a fact. Put the case a young man came to court to seek his fortune. Would you shower honours upon him, if he had no honour of his own ? But you ask me to barter my honour for honours. CHARLES Oh! PATRICIA I won't do it, and you won't ask me to. I respect my- self, Charles, and I like you well enough to want you to respect me. CHARLES I do! by my faith I do! PATRICIA Oh, Charles, Charles, how can the King respect the King's mistress.'' ACT III CHARLES Pat, the more you fight me, the more you set me on fire. I vow 'tis a new feeling takes hold of me. I don't know myself. Od rot it, Pat, I'm a gentleman, and you're the first lady I've ever met — save the Queen; and she, poor soul, doesn't count. I love you truly, and as you should be loved. I cannot let you go. I will not let you go. IHe takes her hand.l PATRICIA Yet, I'm going. CHARLES No, no. Listen. Kings have married their subjects ere now; Kings of England. Why! I dare say you are of older ancestry than I. PATRICIA [Flashing at him.} I should hope so! Why, the O'Briens of Castle O'Brien — ! CHARLES Well, what do you think of that now? [Rises.] Queen of England, eh? it sounds well! Eh? PATRICIA [As in a dream.'] Queen of England — ! MAVOURNEEN CHARLES Queen Patricia of England ! — Ods fish ! how the Irish would love me ! * [Patricia sees The Queen approaching. 1 PATRICIA But you have forgotten — CHARLES [Eagerly.] What? What? PATRICIA [Pointing. 1 Queen Catherine of Braganza. [Enter The Queen, reclining in a chair on wheels, •which is pushed hy a footman. She is followed by two old Portuguese ladies of forbidding aspect. At her side walks her medical man, and with him Father O'Raf- FERTY, Portuguese Lords, a Priest, etc.'] CHARLES Here ? — What the plague ? — What brings her all this way round? [Patricia goes to The Queen and kisses her hand.] THE queen Ah! this good child! It is your father confessor, 'e tell me I shall find the King 'ere. * Grammont. ACT m CHARLES [Vexed, to O'Rafferty.] Oho! that's how you seek preferment, is it, my little — parish priest? THE QUEEN No, Charles; not parish priest. 'E say you want me to 'ave 'im made a Dean. CHARLES Oh, there's no such haste. THE QUEEN Oh, but there is. I am so 'appy that you ask some- thing of me, Charles ; and for this dear child, too, 'oom I love. CHARLES I don't ask it, Kate; I say there's no haste. I must know more of the man. Plague on't, I don't even know his name! PATRICIA Oh, yes, your Majesty; I told you: O'Rafferty. CHARLES O'Rafferty! 'Tis a name for a ballad. How can a man be a Dean, with such a name? Dean O'Rafferty! Foh! MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Why, make him a Bishop, then, and he'll lose his name. THE QUEEN [Laughing.'} The dear Pat! She is always ready. [To O'Rafferty.] You 'ave the Queen's word, sir; and I think it shall be Bishop. o'rafferty [Overwhelmed and speechless.} Madam — THE QUEEN [To him, motioning him to retire.} You shall wait for my sweet Patricia. [To her ladies.} Appartase um pouco se faz favor. [The attendants and O'Rafferty retire, Patricia ac- companies O'Rafferty a little way.} Charles, have I pleased you? CHARLES [Comes to her.} You never could do otherwise; but there was no such haste. the queen [With a sad smile.} There is always 'aste to do a little good. CHARLES You have done nothing else since you have been here. ACT III THE QUEEN So very little. Come close, Patricia. Are you 'appy for your confessor? PATRICIA So happy ; and so grateful. THE QUEEN Now, while Charles is in a good 'umour, we must oc- cupy ourselves with you. PATRICIA Me, Madam — ? THE QUEEN 'Ave I not 'card of a Montagu.'* [Charles becomes all ear.] PATRICIA [^Confused.J Nay, I beseech you .\ CHARLES Do you mean young Sidney Montagu, Kate? THE QUEEN I think 'is name is Sidney, eh, Patricia? CHARLES Odds fish, Miss Touch-me-not, blows the wind in that quarter ? -{:i77> MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [Recovering, hut with flaming cheeTcs.'\ 'Tis an ill wind^ then, and blows neither of us any good! for the first time we met, he nearly spitted me on his sword ; and the next I angered him so, that he left the court forever ! CHARLES Ay ! I remember. He could not stomach a j est. Oh! A crop-eared ranter. PATRICIA [Indignant.'] No such thing. Sire; but a very brave gentleman. CHARLES [Leading her on.] Aha? No faults in him? PATRICIA For that, a thousand, no doubt [with a look at the King] as in all of us. THE QUEEN But with a good 'cart under all. PATRICIA [With spirit.'] I know nought of his heart. Madam. THE QUEEN We will find out 'is 'eart. I must see you 'appy before I die. ACT III CHARLES [To The Queen.] Will you suffer me to have one word with this — with Lady Patricia? [He takes Pa- tricia by the hand a little apart.} Wretch! Thou art deep as a well. PATRICIA Nay, but as clear. CHARLES Tell me truly! Do you love this Montagu? PATRICIA Oh, leave that be. Speak to the Queen. Speak kindly to her. Don't you see she's dying for love of you? CHARLES Pat ! I vow to Gad, if you stay at court, I believe I shall turn Saint! [To The Queen.] You've hit it, Kate. Odds fish, we shall have a wedding at court. Your new Bishop shall join their hands. the queen [Holding out her hand to Patricia, who kneels and takes it and kisses it.} I am glad. PATRICIA [Holding The Queen's hand; to Charles.] Now if you condescend to give me your hand. Sire — MAVOURNEEN CHARLES Ay, willingly; [Laughing a little ruefully.'] but I'll not say I'm glad, till I see how you agree together. PATRICIA [Gently putting The Queen's hand in The King's.] We shall have your example, Sire. [Rises.^ [Charles and The Queen are momentarily thrilled each in their own way, by the touch of their hands. Patri- cia moves away a little.^ the queen [Clinging to Charles's hand; wistfully.'] I would I could be as merry as you, meu amor. But I am far from my 'ome, Charles. I 'ave been a poor, sickly thing, un- worthy to keep your love. And now, per'aps I am dying. But God knows I loved you truly; and I willingly leave all in the world but you. CHARLES [Deeply moved.] I protest, I honour you; I love you; and I will do my endeavours to be a better husband to you. [Kisses her hand.] * PATRICIA [Who is very near weeping; gaily.] And with that, in with you, sweet lady; for there is a nip of October in * Agnes Strickland. ACT III the air. Yet, Madam [shyly] will you condescend to me? THE QUEEN 'Ow, sweet child? PATRICIA [On her knees.] Will you kiss me? THE QUEEN O gladly. 'Old me up, Charles. [Charles puts his arm round her; she looks yearningly into his face.] Ah, 'usband, the comfort of your arm about me! [To Patricia with a gesture of blessing.] A santissima vir- gem vos guarda minha car a! I love you very dearly. [She takes Patricia's hand between her hands and kisses her long and tenderly on both cheeks; then, as she is taken out.] Charles, if you 'old me thus, I think I shall soon be a well woman. [The Footman wheels her out; Charles goes with her, still holding her in his arm. All follow except O'Raf- FERTY and Patricia. The latter remains on her knees.] o'rafferty [Struggling with his emotion.] Pat — PATRICIA Don't speak to me ! MAVOURNEEN o'rafferty [Humbly.] I'll wait. PATRICIA And don't stand there like a wax image. Call Hafiz. o'rafferty What's that at all? PATRICIA Oh, clap your hands and you'll see. [She is taking off her jewellery, her watch, bracelets, etc. and putting all in her pocket-handkerchief which she has spread on the ground. O'Rafferty obediently claps his hands, and at once a black page in an oriental dress runs down the stairs from Patricia's lodging, and comes to her. He stands grinning with gleaming teeth.] o'rafferty What are you doing, Pat ? PATRICIA [On her knees.] Tearing down my house of cards, Padre — Ah, you don't know. [To Hafiz.] Now, you ebony iniquity, can you understand? [Hafiz nods a de- lighted " Yes."] Take this handkerchief to the King's lodging. Say you come from Patricia O'Brien. Then they'll lead you to the King. Are you frightened? ACT III [Hafiz only grins.'\ Hand this handkerchief to the King himself. Have you understood? [Hafiz grins and moves away.'] Wait, Here's ten guineas for your- self. And Mistress Brooke is looking for just such a monkey. Go to her. [Hafiz salaam's and runs off at the hach.] o'rafferty What is this play-acting, Pat? PATRICIA [Rising and giving him a handful of gold.] And here's for your poor. o'rafferty You're stripping yourself. PATRICIA Sure: that, too, presently. Ha! Now I can breathe. It's all gone. Father: money, and jewels, and prefer- ment, and — love. o'rafferty Child, child, what are you concealing from me? PATRICIA A sorrow, but no sin; I'm not bound to confess my sorrow, and a ride will shake it out o' me. Go hire a pair of hackneys. Father. [At a movement from him.] MAVOURNEEN Oh, I've money of my own upstairs; the stocking was a long one. o'rafferty What are you going to do ? PATRICIA We're both going to ride away to-night. Away, away, till we come to the sea ; and then we're going to sail ■ — to Castle O'Brien. o'rafferty Glory be to God ! PATRICIA [Almost hysterical.^ Oh, 'twill be a fine ride and a gay sailing. I'll be the good company for you, and we'll talk of tragic Queens and merry Kings, and proud and stony-hearted lovers. And when we do come to the grey old castle, Moyra will greet us, and we'll sit by the fire, and you shall play your fiddle to us — but I shall not dance ; I shall never dance again ! o'rafferty Till you dance at your wedding, acushla. [Exit through the shrubbery. A lamplighter comes and lights the lamps in the colonnade. Enter excitedly Bristol, Berkeley, Ashley, Mrs. Myddleton, Mrs. ACT III Roberts and the two Misses Brooke. They come in from different directions.^ [Castlemaine is brought on in a sedan.~\ BERKELEY Have you heard the news? BRISTOL \^At the same time.'\ Have you heard the news? [Other courtiers come on.] MYDDLETON Poor Castlemaine ! Oh, poor Babs ! ROBERTS Where will she go? MISS HILL BROOKE Well, I, for one, was never fond of her. MYDDLETON She was a false friend, and I hate a false friend. MISS FRANCES BROOKE An upstart. [Enter Buckingham with Lady Arlington, from the shrubbery.'] BUCKINGHAM What, my sparks, not arrayed for the frolic? MAVOURNEEN ROBERTS How did she bear her disgrace? MISS HILL BROOKE [To Buckingham.] George, you know. Tell us all. ALL [^Crowding round him.'} Tell us! Tell us! BUCKINGHAM My good souls, what in the world are you talking about ? BERKELEY By the living Moses, he doesn't know I ROBERXa The Castlemaine — ! ALL Is dismissed ! BUCKINGHAM What ? One at a time ! BERKELEY The King has sent Castlemaine to Coventry^ MYDDLETON Or Jericho — ACT III BRISTOL Or Bath! MISS HILL BROOKE And the Queen's so happy, she's taken a turn for the better. ROBERTS I'd give a fortune to see the Castlemaine's face ! [Lady Castlemaine has come among them unper- ceived.'] CASTLEMAINE Here it is. [Dead pause. Everybody is nonplussed.'] BRISTOL Hum — 'tis time we were sped. [He moves to go."] ROBERTS I'm with you. CASTLEMAINE No ! You were concerned about my face. What do you say about it? BUCKINGHAM [Cheerily.'] Wliy, Babs, we say you put a good face on bad news ! But 'tis nought. Rowley has a fit o' the MAVOURNEEN spleen. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. He'll soon tire of the sick Queen again. [Enter Arlington.] CASTLEMAINE And what has the Queen to do with it? BERKELEY Why, some say her black love-locks have snared him again. ALL Arlington ! ARLINGTON You're out! You're all out! 'Tis the Lady Patricia has fished him and caught him. I know the whole story from Chiffinch. The bargain was struck on this very spot, not half an hour ago. BUCKINGHAM Unhappy Babs, your little hour is run ! The waning moon fades in the rising sun. CASTLEMAINE Do you think I'll cede to this bog-trotting upstart so easily? Come hither and watch. [She rises and goes towards Patricia's lodging; the others follow her.'\ ACT III BUCKINGHAM [To Berkeley.] This beats cockfighting ! lEnter Pepys and Sidney Montagu.] PEPYS You have done well, my young friend; and I shall report highly of you to the King. MONTAGU Oh, let be. Master Secretary. I care nothing for re- wards. CASTLEMAINE [To Buckingham.] Throw a pebble at her window. MONTAGU \_Continuing, throwing his cloak on the seat under the tree.^ If you wish to do me a service, send me on a more perilous and more distant errand. ALL lAs Buckingham throws a pebble."] Missed! MONTAGU [Continuing.] Something wherein my life may be in jeopardy. PEPYS Fie, sir, what wicked talk is this? <189> MAVOURNEEN ARLINGTON [Coming down to Montagu.] Ah, Ensign! You've come at the right moment. [Bristol comes down.l You shall foot it to-night! Sir, you shall behold my wife at her best. There is to be a bal champetre, in honour of — BRISTOL Discretion, Arlington. MONTAGU I am in no humour for prancings, my lord. [Buckingham has thrown another pebble, with more success; a maid comes out of Patricia's room on to the balcony.] castlemaine The Countess of Castlemaine will speak with your mistress. [The Maid goes in.] BRISTOL [Arresting Montagu.] Oh, foh! [Confidentially.] If you wish the King's favour, young man, you must court the rising star. MONTAGU I seek no favour, and I heed no star. ACT III MAID [^Re appearing J saucily.1 My mistress says she'll come when she's ready. lExit.l ALL Oh! [Castlemaine is furious."] BRISTOL [To Montagu.] That's new, then; for t'other day you was absorbed in its rays. MONTAGU Mr. PepySj can you throw light on this Bedlam? PEPYS Take no heed. They are jesting. MONTAGU I like not the manner of it. \^He moves to go but is arrested hy Buckingham's words. Buckingham emerges from the Castlemaine group and speaks.] myddleton \To the group.] Hush! Hush! MAVOURNEEN BUCKINGHAM I'faith! We must serenade the lady. [He impro- vises.^ Patricia from the Emerald Isle, And clad in boyish trim, sir. MONTAGU What's that? BUCKINGHAM Came riding gaily many a mile. Looking demure and prim, sir. PEPYS [Hurriedly, to Montagu.] Come away! [Montagu shakes him off.] BUCKINGHAM She saw the King, and full of guile, Set to to fish for him, sir; Her hook she baited with a smile. And with a shapely limb, sir. CRIES Oh, very good! Go on! [Montagu has come near the group.^ ACT III BUCKINGHAM What more she showed I'll not compile; 'Tis time to dout the glim, sir — [Laughter.'} BUCKINGHAM Faith ! I want another rhyme in " lie " — MONTAGU I have one for you, sir. BUCKINGHAM Oho ! The merry Montagu. Let's hear. MONTAGU Buckingham's little soul is vile; Buckingham's wit is dim, sir. BUCKINGHAM Poor ! Poor ! I'll not take it. MONTAGU IDraxvs.'] Will you take it at the point of my sword? CASTLEMAINE Run him through, George ! [The two men are face to face in the centre of the stage. The others surround them. Patricia, in her hoy's MAVOURNEEN dress, as in Act 1, comes out of her room and sees what is going on.] PEPYS [In great excitement.'] I'll to the King! [Exit.] BUCKINGHAM Gentlemen do not fight in the presence of ladies. MONTAGU I'm not to fight a gentleman, but to punish a ruffian and coward ! BUCKINGHAM By God — ! [He draws. The women scream. The men make more room for the fighters. Buckingham salutes and at- tacks Montagu; but Patricia comes quickly through the group, and with her rapier knocks up the two swords.] PATRICIA My quarrelj I think, MONTAGU [Amazed.] Patricia ! PATRICIA [Coldly.] The same, sir. [She gets in front of him, facing Buckingham.] On guard! ACT III BUCKINGHAM I do not fight with a woman. [He puts up his sword.l PATRICIA True: you stab her in the back. MONTAGU [Trying to thrust her aside.'] Get you within. I will attend to this. PATRICIA [Coldly.'] Have I asked you to help me? CASTLEMAINE [To Buckingham.] Have nought to do with the shameless hussy ! PATRICIA Oho, my Lady Castlemaine? Now, I thought the King had bidden you leave prestissimo! CASTLEMAINE I shall be here long after you are tossed aside, a broken toy ! PATRICIA Better tossed aside broken, than handed on — flawed. CASTLEMAINE [Furious.] You — you minx ! MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA l^Laughing.l Lord! Is that the foulest you can call me? I could find a hundred worse names for you, and nearer the mark. CASTLEMAINE [Advancing on her.'\ By heaven I'll teach you your station ! PATRICIA [Facing her; quite calmly.'] My station, is it? O whirra, and you'll tache me? Which are you prouder of, the title the King gave your husband, or the title the people give him? You won 'em both for him, and you're welcome to what pride you can get out of 'em! Oh, save the mark ! Are you proud of your station ? CASTLEMAINE Arlington, lead me away from this — fishfag! PATRICIA Ay, lead her away, my Lord; a fishfag's too honest company. [Arlington leads Castlemaine off.] BUCKINGHAM [To Montagu.] All this you shall answer for. ACT III PATRICIA [Turning sharply on him.'} Oh, no! Oh, no! lean answer for myself, and I do need no champion. [At Montagu.] Least of all a young gentleman who can- not see the nose before his face; who takes virtue for vice, and rushes at conclusions like a bull at a red rag. BUCKINGHAM [Sternly.} You are making enemies. PATRICIA You? I thank Saint Patrick! For to have you as my friend were to advertise myself as all you say I am. O, you — Hero ! Brave in battle, but with the dirty lampooning, backbiter's cowardly heart! [She turns away.} BUCKINGHAM [Drawing on Montagu.] Come, sir! Come! PATRICIA I forbid it! [With a turn of her rapier she sends Buckingham's flying.} Pick up your sword, my Lord. [A murmur of admiration.} BUCKINGHAM [With grave courtesy.} By heaven. Madam, that was brilliant. I salute you. [He takes off his hat with a flourish.} MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [Condescendingly. 1 Keep your head covered, Sir. You are very welcome. [Sheathes her sword, and sits under the tree."] BUCKINGHAM [To Montagu.] And you, my young sprig, shall lose nothing by waiting. MONTAGU At your leisure. [Chiffinch comes in in a great hurry.'] CHIFFINCH Oh, fie ! Oh, fie ! Ladies — gentlemen — the King awaits you ! [All the courtiers go out, talking excitedly.] BUCKINGHAM [With a grim laugh.] The King! By my faith, I'm in fine trim for a frolic ! LADY ARLINGTON [Calling after him.] George! BUCKINGHAM Oh, Lord, I forgot! Come then! [He gives her his hand.] [All hut Patricia and Montagu exeunt.] ACT III MONTAGU l^To her J sternly.] Now ! 'Tis you and I. PATRICIA ^Looking him up and down.] What have you to say to me, sir? MONTAGU You have told these people the truth, emboldened thereto by the rise in your fortunes — PATRICIA What rises that at all ? MONTAGU Nay, you shall not put me off with questions. 'Tis now my turn to show you the truth. PATRICIA There's moon enough to see it by. MONTAGU [Furious.] Nor you shall not tease me into a temper, neither. PATRICIA I never exert myself needlessly, -C199> MAVOURNEEN MONTAGU [Pulling himself together.'] You gave the Castle- maine no more than she deserved — PATRICIA [Demurely-I Thank you. MONTAGU [Tragically.'] But do you deserve less? PATRICIA [With a dangerous glitter.] Oho? MONTAGU You win my love — PATRICIA [Ironically.] So it seems. MONTAGU [Not to be put of.] I say, you win my love: the love of a simple youth; faithful and true — PATRICIA So did the Castlemaine. MONTAGU [Violently.] You shall not put me out! < 200 :}. ACT III PATRICIA [^Quietly.J I have. MONTAGU [Beginning to flounder.'] And having, as I say, won my love, you — you toss it aside — like — like — PATRICIA [Helpful.'] Never mind the simile. I toss it aside. MONTAGU And pursue your fortune with the King — PATRICIA [With the dangerous gleam again.] Aha! MONTAGU [Virtuously.] And when by actions I will not de- scribe, you had driven me from court, and sent me headlong upon a perilous adventure — PATRICIA From which you return unscathed. MONTAGU Then you pursued your fortune untrammelled, so that when I come back, 'tis to find — -C201> MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA [ Gleaming. ] Yes ? MONTAGU 'Tis to find you in the Castlemaine's shoes. PATRICIA \_Drawing her rapier. Rises.} On guard! What? On guard ! But — MONTAGU PATRICIA MONTAGU PATRICIA On guard! or by the universe^ I'll run you through. MONTAGU \Horrifled.'\ I — ? Yi^t you? PATRICIA You challenged me in tlie inn-yard, when I came betwixt you and your Castlemaine. 'Tis an old score, Master Sidney, and now you've added to it. On guard! \_A pause, Montagu gazing into her face the while and paying no attention to his fencing. 1 ACT III PATRICIA [Hitting his sword.'] Stiffen your wrist, man! This is not child's play. On guard! MONTAGU I can't. Your eyes are too beautiful. Kill me and ha' done with it. PATRICIA Then unsay what you said just now. MONTAGU What.? PATRICIA That you love me. MONTAGU I'll be damned if I do! PATRICIA [Attacking.'] On guard then! MONTAGU [Throwing his sword away.] Run me through. I'd sooner die! [He stands before her with his arms stretched apart. PATRICIA On your head be it! MAVOURNEEN l^Ske rushes at him, as if to kill him, but flings herself into his arms, sending her sword flying.'] MONTAGU [Dumbfounded.'\ What — what does this mean? PATRICIA Oh, Sidney, what does it look as if it meant? [Zn the distance the King's procession is seen dancing in, Charles leading the way. They come in single file, the whole court, a man and a woman alternately, each carrying a small paper lantern. All are in domi- noes and masks. They follow the King as he threads his way in and out among the trees. At a signal from the King they conceal their lamps under their dominoes and so become invisible. Thus they ultimately form a wide semicircle round the lovers before these are aware of their presence.'] PATRICIA [Closing Montagu's mouth with her hand.] Hould your whisht now! You don't believe a word you've heard. You do know you can love me, and I can love you. [She points to her dress.] Why, look — [Sud- denly conscious of her legs and trying ineffectually to hide them with her hands.] No!! — Sidney, where is your cloak? ACT III MONTAGU \^Picking it wp.] Here. PATRICIA {^Puts it round her legs like a skirt."] Thank you. Now — what was I saying? MONTAGU You said " Look " — PATRICIA I didn't mean that. I meant I was clad like this, because I am riding home with Father O'Rafferty, and 'tis safer to ride as a boy. I'm riding home poorer than I oamC; and humbler, and wiser, and — MONTAGU [Folding her in his arms.] Your home's here, and you'll ride no further. [The semi-circle is formed. The lamps are suddenly flashed on the lovers.] PATRICIA [With a cry.] Oh! MONTAGU [In a rage, to the King^ who, like the others, is masked.] Ha! What graceless rogue — ? MAVOURNEEN CHARLES My felicitations, young gentleman. MONTAGU IHorrified.] The King! — Pat! we're done for! [^They flop on their knees. ^ PATRICIA We are! CHARLES Mr. Secretary Pepys reports you have served us well. PEPYS [Advancing.l Indeed, your Majesty, 'tis most true. CHARLES [At a sign from him, Pepys picks up one of the dis- carded swords and hands it to him. The King takes off his glove."] I see you have disarmed before the fair. [He taps Montagu on the shoulder with the sword.] Rise, Sir Sidney Montagu — MONTAGU Sire — CHARLES That's but the beginning. [To Patricia.] This ACT III lady, now; the Queen loves her. I think her husband should be at least a Baron — PATRICIA Oh, Sire ! CHARLES IContinuing.] When she has won a husband. PATRICIA I've won him now, at the sword's point. {^She kisses the King's hand-l CHARLES You see I can reward even virtue; though, to be sure, I'm out of practice. [To the others.'\ Come! The Queen awaits us ! [The procession dances off as it came. Patricia and Montagu who had not risen from their knees, now fall sitting on their he els. ^ MONTAGU Is it a dream? PATRICIA Oh, I hope not! [Enters Father O'Rafferty playing softly on his fiddle Moyra's song; he slowly walks away, out of sight.l MONTAGU Why! [Quietly.] Who's this? MAVOURNEEN PATRICIA Sh! This is a Bishop. MONTAGU No, but truly? PATRICIA This is the Priest, all shaven and shorn — MONTAGU [Eagerly.] Who married the man all tattered and torn? PATRICIA [Demurely.'] Who kissed the maiden all forlorn — [As he still hesitates.] Well! Why don't you? [They turn their faces to each other where they sit, and kiss like two children. O'Rafferty's fiddle is heard in the distance.] [And the moon shines.] CURTAIN <208>