1
ARTHUR AND GUENEVERE
(MUSICAL DRAMA by ANTHONY BIRNEY)
(ARRANGEMENT by SARAH SHELDRAKE)
(SCRIPT)
(1)Short Overture
(2)Female Chorus
AMBROSIUS, AMBROSIUS.
WE HAVE LOST HIM, HE IS DEAD.
WE SEE HIM NOW, A MAN SO MODEST,
A MAN SO KINDLY, VALIANT, WISE.
HE WORE THE WHITE FLOWER OF A BLAMELESS LIFE,
HE WORE THE WHITE FLOWER OF A BLAMELESS LIFE.
Male Chorus
WE GROAN FOR THE ROMAN LEGIONS HERE AGAIN
AND CAESAR’S EAGLES AND HIS FIGHTING MEN,
BUT THEY WILL NOT COME. THEY NEVER ARRIVE,
WE OFTEN WONDER IF ROME STILL SURVIVES,
WE OFTEN WONDER IF ROME’S STILL ALIVE!
ACT 1
Scene 1
(Enter Bedivere, Arthur and Geraint. Two old courtiers are seated at a gaming board. Arthur is a
young man.) (Arthur produces bloodstained Saxon helmet- excitement)
(Enter King. Arthur kneels.)
King
(3)
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES.
GERAINT THE GREAT, THE SCOURGE OF THE SAXONS
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES!
WHEN GERAINT WAS BORN, HEAVEN’S GATE STOOD OPEN,
GERAINT IS THE MAIN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES
SWIFT AND LONG THEIR LEGS, SWOOPING DOWN LIKE EAGLES,
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES.
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HORSES FOR OUR KNIGHTS, THE SCOURGE OF THE ENGLISH,
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES.
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES.
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES.
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES.
GERAINT IS THE MAN WHO GETS GOOD WHITE HORSES.
(Enter Merlin and the Lady of the Lake.)
(4)(part recit);
Merlin
THE LADY OF THE LAKE HAS PREPARED FOR YOU A SWORD.
The Lady of the Lake
I GIVE THIS KNIGHT HIS MAGIC SWORD
WHICH ROSE ABOVE THE BOSOM OF THE LAKE,
THIS IS A FINE SWORD FOR ARTHUR TO TAKE.
CLOTHED IN WHITE SAMITE,
CLOTHED IN WHITE SAMITE,
CLOTHED IN WHITE SAMITE,
MYSTIC-WONDERFUL!
Arthur
THIS SWORD IS SO RICH WITH JEWELS ON THE HILT
AND THE BLADE IS SO BRIGHT.
THAT I AM BLINDED BY IT,
I AM BLINDED BY IT!
(Arthur gropes, and hesitates.)
Merlin
TAKE THE SWORD, ARTHUR... PUT YOUR HAND FORWARD!
(The Lady of the Lake advances and places the sword in his right hand. She exits.)
Arthur
We stopped the English in the north. There were many killed. Now
we must stop them moving west.
(5) Male Chorus of Knights
THERE WERE FOUR OF US AROUND HIS BED,
AN OLD PRIEST BY HIS SIDE;
I AND HIS MOTHER STOOD AT THE HEAD,
AND DOWN BY HIS FEET SOBBED HIS POOR BRIDE.
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HE DID NOT DIE IN THE NIGHT,
HE DID NOT DIE IN THE DAY,
HE DIED IN THE EARLY MORN,
I AND HIS MOTHER STOOD AT THE HEAD,
HIS SPIRIT JUST PASSED AWAY.
NEITHER SUN NOR MOON NOR STARS WERE BRIGHT,
AND THE ROOM WAS DARK AND GREY,
WHEN I STOOD UP AND TOOK THE SWORD
FROM THE NECK OF MY COMRADE DEAR.
Chorus
HEAP ON MORE WOOD, THE WIND IS CHILL,
WE’LL KEEP OUR CHRISTMAS MERRY STILL.
THE HEATHEN ON THE BEACH THEIR GALLEYS DRAW
AND FEAST LIKE US THE NEWBORN YEAR.
THEN IN THEIR LOW AND PINE-BUILT HALL
WHERE SHIELDS AND AXES FILL THE WALL,
PRAISES TO THEIR GODS THEY LOUDLY SING,
WHILE WE ADORE THE NEWBORN KING.
(Knights stand around a brazier rubbing their hands to keep warm.)
Chorus (cont.)
LORD, AS I MOUNT ON MY HORSE,
PLEASE WATCH OVER ME.
PLACE ME IN YOUR LOVING CARE
TILL I REACH MY DESTINY.
TAKE MY ARM AND TAKE MY HAND,
BE MY EYES AND EARS.
DON’T LET ME MAKE A CARELESS MOVE
THAT COULD BRING ME FEARS.
HELP ME THROUGH THE FOG AND RAIN,
AND THE WINTER SNOW,
IN THE BATTLE NIGHT AND MORN,
PLEASE WATCH HOW I GO.
WHEN I’M SAFELY HOME AT NIGHT
WITH PEOPLE I HOLD DEAR,
MAY WE SAY, “THANK YOU, LORD,
YOU TOOK AWAY OUR FEAR”.
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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Scene 2
(King, Arthur, Merlin.)
King
With this pause in the fighting, the English are asking for a peace
treaty. They offer you Arthur, the Saxon Princess, Guenevere.
(Enter Knights. Guenevere stands unseen by them at the side of the stage.)
(6) Narrator
GUENEVERE STANDS BY THE FORTRESS WALL,
TO SEE HIM PASS. TO SEE HIM PASS,
BUT SHE DOES NOT SEE HIM
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY,
BUT SHE DOES NOT SEE HIM
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY,
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY.
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY.
ARTHUR HAS DONE YET NO FEAT OF ARMS
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY,
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY,
SHE STOOD THERE,TO SEE HIM PASS,
BUT SHE DID NOT SEE HIM
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY,
BUT SHE DID NOT SEE HIM
A KNIGHT AMONG SO MANY.
(Arthur and Guenevere are at opposite ends of the stage. She comes to centre stage- he sees her for
the first time, and is visibly impressed, as are the other knights.)
Narrator
SHE COMES IN A ROBE OF FLAME-RED SILK
AROUND HER NECK A TORQUE OF GOLD,
WHITE IS HER SKIN AS THE FOAM OF THE WAVE,
AND HER FORM LIKE A GODDESS OF OLD,
AND HER FORM LIKE A GODDESS OF OLD.
Arthur
I WOULD BE JOINED TO THE FAIREST UNDER HEAVEN,
I WOULD BE JOINED TO THE FAIREST UNDER HEAVEN,
CAN I NOT TAKE YOU FROM THAT LAND OF YOURS
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TO MY SIDE, TO LIVE WITH ME?
HER SHAPE IS LIKE THE REED SO SLEEK,
SO TAPERED STRAIGHT, SO STRAIGHT AND FAIR.
HER DIMPLED SMILE, HER BLUSHING CHEEK,
HOW TRULY SWEET, HOW TRULY SWEET.
Guenevere (seeing Arthur)
IT’S ARTHUR FROM THE MOUNTAIN SIDE,
HE HAS WON MY TRUE GOOD WILL,
TO HIM I GIVE MY CONSTANT VOW,
AND WITH HIM I WILL CLIMB THE HILL.
Arthur
STRUCK BY HER CHARMS AND GENTLE TRUTH,
I WISH TO DRAW HER TO MYSELF.
TO HER ALONE I GIVE MY YOUTH
TO HER ALONE MY FUTURE CARE.
AND IF I EVER BREAK MY VOW.
OR WHEN I HER CHARMS FORGO,
THE STREAM THAT SEES OUR TENDER LOVE,
THAT STREAM SHALL CEASE, SHALL CEASE TO FLOW.
Guenevere
DOWN THERE ON THE MOOR I SAW A HORSEMAN RIDE.
BLACK AGAINST THE MORNING DEW.
GALLOPING TOWARDS ME, BY THE WAY HE CAME,
AND DRAWING NEAR- BEHOLD, IT WAS YOU!
UNTIL THIS INSTANT ALL IS SWEPT AWAY,
WE ARE THERE UPON AN OCEAN SHORE,
ONLY OUR TWO SELVES, AND BEING WITHOUT FEAR,
NOTHING WOULD PLEASE ME MORE,
NOTHING WOULD PLEASE ME MORE.
Arthur
I SEEM AS NOTHING IN THIS LONELY WORLD,
I CANNOT DO MY WORK, I DON’T FEEL FREE.
IF WE WERE TOGETHER MAN AND WIFE
I MIGHT HAVE THE POWER TO END BRITAIN’S STRIFE,
I MIGHT HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE BRITAIN FREE!
(Exit Guenevere and enter Britons.)
(The British warriors show their tattoos proudly, and strut around.
Britons and Saxons face each other- but the Saxons slowly retreat.)
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(7) Britons
WE ARE THE BRITTI, WE ARE THE PRITTI,
WE ARE THE BRITISH MEN OF DESIGNS.
DO YOU LIKE MY WHIRLS THEY’RE NOT MEANT FOR GIRLS,
BLUE WOAD MEN OF DESIGNS.
PICTURES ON OUR BODIES, TATTOOS ON OUR BODIES,
LOOK AT MY PRITTI! DON’T YOU THINK THEY’RE PRETTY?
WE ARE THE PRITTI, WE ARE THE BRITTI,
THE BRITONS, THE MEN OF DESIGNS
(Arthur comes forward, the Saxons leave stage.)
(8) Female Chorus
(Come onto stage, Perform a show dignified dance)
THERE WAS A LADY LIVED IN A HALL,
LARGE IN THE EYES, SO SLIM AND SO TALL.
AND EVER SHE SUNG FROM NOON TO NOON,
“TWO RED ROSES ACROSS THE MOON”.
THERE WAS A KNIGHT CAME RIDING BY
IN EARLY SPRING. WHEN THE ROADS WERE DRY.
HE HEARD THE FINE LADY SING AT NOON,
“TWO RED ROSES ACROSS THE MOON”
YET NONE THE LESS DID HE STOP AT ALL
BUT HE RODE ON QUICKLY RIGHT PAST THE HALL
AND LEFT THAT FAIR LADY SINGING AT NOON,
“TWO RED ROSES ACROSS THE MOON”.
BECAUSE INDEED THE BATTLE WAS SET
THE SAXON SPEARMEN HAD GOT TO BE MET.
HE RODE ON THE SPUR TILL THE NEXT WARM NOON,
“TWO RED ROSES ACROSS THE MOON”.
(A priest appears with crucifix at entrance of tent rear of stage. Arthur and Guenevere advance and
stand before the priest.)
(9) (Part recit);
Arthur
WE SWEAR TO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A DEATHLESS LOVE.
BEHOLD YOUR DOOM IS MINE.
LET CHANCE WHAT WILL. I LOVE YOU TO THE DEATH.
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Guenevere
MY LOVE AND MY LORD
I LOVE YOU TO THE DEATH.
MY LOVE AND MY LORD
I LOVE YOU TO THE DEATH.
Priest
REIGN YOU AND LIVE AND LOVE, AND MAKE THE WORLD,
AND MAY THE PRINCESS BE ONE WITH YOU,
AND MAY YOUR ORDER AND YOUR KNIGHTS,
FULFIL YOUR PURPOSE AND MAY GOD GO WITH YOU!
(Exit all except Arthur, Guenevere and Narrator.)
Arthur
O PRINCESS, O PRINCESS,
O DARK-HAIRED QUEEN,
O FAIREST OF WOMEN,
AT LAST WE ARE WED.
Narrator
SO THEY HALTED IN THE SUMMER FLOWERS,
THE SPEEDWELL BLUE AND THE DAISIES BRIGHT,
THEY STAYED UNTIL THE MOON TURNED PALE
AND FILLED THE WORLD WITH LOVE AND DELIGHT,
AND FILLED THE WORLD WITH LOVE AND DELIGHT.
Arthur
GUENEVERE, GUENEVERE, TENDER AND TRUE,
AS LONG AS THIS MY LIFE ENDURES,
I FEEL THAT I OWE A DEBT TO YOU,
NOW THAT I HAVE SWORN TO BURY
ALL THIS HEAVY CLOAK OF HATE,
I FEEL THAT I AM FREE AND CLEAR
AS I PASS THROUGH MY CASTLE GATE.
GUENEVERE, GUENEVERE, TENDER AND TRUE,
I OWE MY HAPPINESS
I OWE MY HAPPINESS
I OWE MY HAPPINESS
ALL TO YOU.
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(10) Arthur
Guenevere’s father has given me his best Knights. Therefore, I shall
set up a Round Table. (They gather around a circular table)
THE SPIRIT OF ST. GEORGE LIVES STILL.
IT ISN’T DEAD, IT ISN’T.
WE’RE FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT, YOU KNOW,
THE SAXON CERTAINLY ISN’T.
THERE’S A GREAT ADVENTURE OVER THERE,
AND, SO FAR, I’VE MISSED IT.
I SHALL HAVE TO GO, YOU KNOW,
YOU CAN MANAGE THE FAMILY BUSINESS!
(He points to Mordred, dressed unlike the Knights- in black with
skull painted on his tunic)
Chorus of Knights
BUT SIR, YOU KNOW, YOU’RE DOING WORK
OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE,
WE’LL NEVER LET YOU GO, NO SIR,
WE’LL NEVER LET YOU GO.
Arthur
THERE’S A GREAT ADVENTURE OVER THERE,
AND, SO FAR, I’VE MISSED IT.
I SHALL HAVE TO GO, YOU KNOW.
YOU CAN MANAGE THE FAMILY BUSINESS!
(Mordred shakes his fist and rushes off stage.)
(11) Chorus of Knights
LORD AS I MOUNT ON MY HORSE,
PLEASE WATCH OVER ME.
PLACE ME IN YOUR LOVING CARE
TILL I REACH MY DESTINY.
TAKE MY ARM AND TAKE MY HAND,
BE MY EYES AND EARS.
DON’T LET ME MAKE A CARELESS MOVE
THAT COULD BRING ME FEARS.
HELP ME THROUGH THE FOG AND RAIN,
AND THE WINTER SNOW,
IN THE BATTLE NIGHT AND MORN,
PLEASE WATCH HOW I GO.
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WHEN I’M SAFELY HOME AT NIGHT
WITH PEOPLE I HOLD DEAR,
MAY WE SAY, “THANK YOU, LORD,
YOU TOOK AWAY OUR FEAR”.
HOW SWEET TO HAVE A COMMON FAITH!
TO HOLD A COMMON SCORN OF DEATH
TO SMILE IN CALM BESIDE A GRAVE,
TO FIGHT THE SAXON TO THE DEATH!
WHO FEARS TO DIE? WHO FEARS TO DIE?
IS THERE ANYONE WHO FEARS?
SHOUT FOR JESUS, SHOUT FOR BRITAIN,
LET THERE BE NO TEARS!
THERE STANDS OUR FOE ON THE RIDGE OF THE HILL,
WE SEE HIS BANNERS RISE.
CHARGE TO THE FIGHT FOR GOD, FOR CHRIST!
JESUS YOU ARE NEAR.
MAY WE SAY, “THANK YOU, LORD,
YOU TOOK AWAY OUR FEAR”.
Merlin
Mordred demands to be one of your Knights!
(12) Arthur (turns to audience and sings; his frustration shows, he sings intensely)
I LOOK TEN YEARS OLDER THAN MY AGE!
WHY AM I WASTING MY LIFE LIKE THIS?
MAKING AN OLD MAN OF MYSELF,
CHASING HIGH IDEALS,
WAILING ABOUT INJUSTICE.
OTHER MEN ARE ENJOYING THEIR LIVES
ENJOYING THEIR MONEY, ENJOYING THEIR LIVES,
HERE I AM STUCK IN THIS ENDLESS WAR,
DEAR GOD, WHAT A FOOL I AM,
DEAR GOD, WHAT A FOOL I AM!
(Orchestra continues this dramatic theme for a while.)
(Enter ladies)
(Knights link arms with ladies and the party atmosphere resumes.)
(13) Full Chorus
A SHIP WITH SAILS BEFORE THE SUN,
SIX MAIDS AROUND THE MAST.
A RED GOLD CROWN ON EVERY ONE,
A GREEN GOWN ON THE LAST.
THE FLUTTERING GREEN BANNERS THERE
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SURROUND THE LADIES’ VEILS,
AND THERE A PORTRAIT OF GUENEVERE
THE MIDDLE OF EACH SAIL.
A SHIP WITH SAILS BEFORE THE WIND,
AND ON THE SHIP SIX KNIGHTS,
THEIR HELMETS OFF THEY ENJOY THE BREEZE
THEY LAUGH AND MAIDENS TEASE
THEY LAUGH AND MAIDENS TEASE.
(Knights and maidens dance.)
(Dance is interrupted by a messenger who runs on stage and approaches Arthur and Merlin.)
Messenger
The King is dead and the English are advancing again!
(Block of “stone” with sword sticking in it is carried onstage)
(14) Chorus
THE SPIRIT OF ST. GEORGE LIVES STILL!
Merlin
Whoever pulls this sword from the stone will be proclaimed King!
(Six knights come forward, and one by one try, without success, to draw the sword. Finally, Arthur
goes forward to the stone and with some effort manages to draw the sword. Applause. All go up to
him and congratulate him.)
Chorus
THE SPIRIT OF ST. GEORGE LIVES STILL!
Merlin
We declare you Arthur to be King of all Britain!
Full chorus (Feeling of happiness and optimism.)
THE SPIRIT OF ST. GEORGE LIVES STILL.
IT ISN’T DEAD, IT ISN’T.
WE’RE FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT, YOU KNOW,
THE SAXON CERTAINLY ISN’T.
THERE’S A GREAT ADVENTURE OVER THERE,
AND, SO FAR, I’VE MISSED IT.
I SHALL HAVE TO GO, YOU KNOW,
YOU CAN MANAGE THE FAMILY BUSINESS!
BUT SIR, YOU KNOW, YOU’RE DOING WORK
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OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE,
WE’LL NEVER LET YOU GO, NO SIR,
WE’LL NEVER LET YOU GO.
THERE’S A GREAT ADVENTURE OVER THERE,
AND, SO FAR, I’VE MISSED IT.
I SHALL HAVE TO GO, YOU KNOW.
YOU CAN MANAGE THE FAMILY BUSINESS!
(Mordred looks on from side of stage)
Scene 3 (In the open air. Wayside cross)
Merlin There’s trouble in the north, Arthur. The Picts have joined with the northern Britons, and
they’re advancing towards us.
Arthur Then I shall move my Knights and Army to the Wall. Lancelot will protect the south.
(17)Chorus
GUENEVERE WEDDED TO ARTHUR FOUND
HER MASTER COLD, HER MASTER COLD.
WHEN THE FIRST EMBRACE HAD DIED,
HE TOOK SMALL NOTICE (2)
HE TOOK SMALL NOTICE (2)
HIS MIND WAS BURIED IN AFFAIRS OF STATE,
HE WENT OUT EARLY AND ARRIVED HOME LATE (4)
Arthur
I WISHED TO BE ALONE WITH YOU,
A MOMENT QUITE ALONE.
THE MINUTES LEFT TO ME ARE FEW,
I THINK THAT I SHALL SOON BE GONE (2)
(Arthur exits)
(Enter Guenevere and Mordred at opposite sides of stage)
(18)Guenevere
HAVE I COME ALL THE WAY FOR THIS,
TO PART AT LAST WITHOUT A KISS?
YES, I HAVE BORNE THE DIRT AND RAIN,
YET HE HAS RODE AWAY AGAIN.
BESIDE THE MEADOW IN THE FLOODS,
AMONG THESE GRIM AND LEAFLESS WOODS,
MY STIRRUP TOUCHING EITHER SHOE
I RIDE THE HORSE AS SOLDIERS DO.
THE RAIN FALLS ON MY HEAD AND HAIR
AND ON MY EYELIDS WIDE AND FAIR,
WITH MY FINGERS I CAN SCARCELY HOLD,
THE REINS ARE WET AND BITTER COLD.
AND ALL FOR THIS, AND ALL FOR THIS,
TO PART AT LAST WITHOUT A KISS.
TO PART AT LAST WITHOUT A KISS.
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Mordred (aside)
LANCELOT WORSHIPS NO UNMARRIED GIRL,
BUT QUEEN GUENEVERE HERSELF!
HE SWEARS BY HER, HE SWEARS BY HER,
LANCELOT THE KNIGHT OF UNDYING FAME,
HE SWEARS BY HER AND HE LOVES HER NAME,
HE LOVES HER NAME, HE LOVES HER NAME.
(Mordred hides as Guenevere goes to kneel at the Wayside Cross. Lancelot now enters and stands at
opposite side of stage to Guenevere).
(19)Guenevere
AVE MARIA, MAIDEN MILD,
LISTEN TO A MAIDEN’S PRAYER.
YOU CAN SAVE US IN DESPAIR,
WE ARE SAFE BENEATH YOUR CARE.
MAIDEN, MAIDEN,HEAR MY PRAYER (2)
AVE MARIA, UNDEFILED;
THIS VALE OF TEARS I NOW MUST SHARE.
LISTEN TO ME, SMILE ON ME,
TAKE ME UP TO HEAVEN WITH THEE.
(20)Lancelot
(watches Guenevere from a distance)
MY LADY SEEMS OF IVORY
SO BEAUTIFUL AND KIND IS SHE,
BUT MOST TIMES LOOKING OUT AFAR,
WAITING, WAITING, NOT FOR ME.
SO PASSIONATE AND QUICK TO GIVE,
HER LIPS ARE MADE TO LOVE TO KISS.
I GROW FAINT TO STAND AND SEE,
I CAN’T ENDURE MUCH MORE OF THIS.
I CHOKE AND I GROW QUITE FAINT,
WHENEVER I COME BEFORE HER ROOM,
I SEE MY LADY MOVING THERE,
GOD PITY ME – I MEET MY DOOM.
(Guenevere sees Lancelot and approaches him)
Lancelot (cont.)
O YOU SUMMER’S HARMONY,
I HAVE LIVED AND LONGED FOR YOU.
EACH DAY I WALK ALONG THE WOOD,
AND NIGHT HAS HEARD MY SORROWS LOUD.
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Guenevere
DO YOU TRULY LONG FOR ME?
AND AM I REALLY SWEET TO YOU?
SORROW NOW IS AT AN END
O MY LOVER AND MY FRIEND!
Lancelot (slight change of tune and heightening of emotion)
SO PASSIONATE AND QUICK TO GIVE,
YOUR LIPS ARE MADE TO LOVE TO KISS.
I GROW FAINT TO STAND AND SEE.
I CAN’T ENDURE MUCH MORE OF THIS.
I CHOKE AND I GROW QUITE FAINT,
WHENEVER I COME BEFORE YOUR ROOM,
I SEE YOU ALWAYS MOVING THERE,
GOD PITY ME – I MEET MY DOOM.
A MAN WOULD GIVE ALL HIS BLISS
AND ALL HIS WORLDLY GOODS FOR THIS,
TO PLACE HIS HEART IN A SINGLE KISS,
UPON YOUR LIPS, YOUR PERFECT LIPS!
(They touch. Mordred has seen enough, and departs. The slight
noise makes the couple move apart. They look round but don’t see
Mordred.) (They exit together embracing.)
INTERVAL.
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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ACT 2.
Scene 1.
(Arthur, Merlin.)
Merlin
Mordred has just told me that Guenevere has been unfaithful to
you. He saw her with Lancelot. She was part of the peace treaty.
Send her back! Return her to the Saxons!
Arthur (to a guard)
Send for the Queen!
(24) Arthur (part recit);
GUENEVERE- WHAT A PITY WE HAD NO CHILDREN.
Guenevere
I SO WANTED A CHILD.
Arthur
I CHERISHED YOU SO DEARLY
AND, AS I THOUGHT, FOREVER,
BUT I DID NOT HAVE AN HEIR
WE NEVER HAD A CHILD,
WE NEVER HAD A CHILD.
Guenevere
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
WHATEVER WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
Arthur
TO YOUR OWN PEOPLE YOU COULD BE RETURNED
UNLESS YOU STAY HERE AND RISK BEING BURNED.
INSTEAD, YOU ARE BANISHED FROM THIS COURT,
TO BE SENT TO A CONVENT ON MY LAND,
TO THE NORTH.
THIS IS THE BEST YOU CAN HOPE FOR,
THIS IS THE BEST YOU CAN HOPE FOR.
Guenevere (turning away from Arthur)
HOW DREARY IT IS, NONE CAN TELL,
HOW DISMALLY THE DAYS GO BY!
(Contemplating her future)
I HEAR THE TINKLING OF THE BELL,
I SEE THE CROSS AGAINST THE SKY.
THE YEARS GO ROUND TO AUTUMN-TIDE
YET COMES NO REAPER TO THE CORN
THE GOLDEN LAND IS LIKE A BRIDE
WHEN FIRST SHE KNOWS HERSELF FORLORN.
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HE IS NOT DEAD, BUT GONE AWAY,
HOW MANY MONTHS AND YEARS I WAIT?
I WONDER DOES HE MISS ME NOW?
I HEAR NO SWORD AGAINST THE GATE.
YET NOW I WAIT, YOU WAIT TOO,
FOR WHAT PERCHANCE MAY NEVER COME.
PLEASE DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN YOU
PLEASE BE QUICK. AND COME BACK HOME!
Chorus
I HEAR THE TINKLING OF THE BELL,
I SEE THE CROSS AGAINST THE SKY.
THE YEARS GO ROUND TO AUTUMN-TIDE
YET COMES NO REAPER TO THE CORN
THE GOLDEN LAND IS LIKE A BRIDE
WHEN FIRST SHE KNOWS HERSELF FORLORN.
HE IS NOT DEAD, BUT GONE AWAY,
HOW MANY MONTHS AND YEARS I WAIT?
I WONDER DOES HE MISS ME NOW?
I HEAR NO SWORD AGAINST THE GATE.
YET NOW I WAIT, YOU WAIT TOO,
FOR WHAT PERCHANCE MAY NEVER COME.
PLEASE DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN YOU
PLEASE BE QUICK. AND COME BACK HOME!
Guenevere (sobs and says)
O Lancelot!
(Sound of shouting, crowd gradually approaching. A crowd of people and Knights quickly assemble
on stage.)
(25) (part recit);
Voice from crowd
BRING OUT THE ROYAL HARLOT AND HER MAN.
WHERE ARE THEY, ARTHUR?
BRING THEM OUT! BRING THEM OUT!
(angry voices, Knights divide into 2 groups, - one group protecting Guenevere. They fight.)
Guenevere
O KNIGHTS AND LORDS, IT NEEDS LITTLE SKILL
TO TALK OF WELL-KNOWN THINGS PAST AND DEAD.
I KNOW MYSLEF, WHAT I HAVE DONE,
AND PRAY YOU ALL FORGIVENESS INSTEAD.
SUPPOSE THAT YOUR TIME WERE NEAR TO DIE
AND YOU WERE QUITE ALONE AND WEAK,
SUPPOSE ALL ARTHUR’S COURT DID SIT IN JUDGMENT,
THEY CALLED YOUR NAME, AND YOU WERE CALLED TO SPEAK,
YOU WERE CALLED TO SPEAK.
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WHAT WOULD YOU DO THEN, I ASK YOU, PRAY?
WHAT WOULD YOU DO THEN, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
Voices from crowd (shouts) We accuse you of adultery
Lancelot
I SAY TO YOU, YOU’VE ALL GONE MAD,
AND YOU ACT FROM SPITE, YOU ACT FROM SPITE.
THIS IS NO TRIAL THAT THE QUEEN HAS HAD,
TO SENTENCE WITHOUT PROOF YOU HAVE NO RIGHTYOU HAVE NO RIGHT, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT.
SHE’S THE BRILLIANT JEWEL IN THIS COUNTRY’S CROWN
AND YOU CAST HER OUT, YOU CAST HER OUT,
SHE’S THE BRILLIANT JEWEL IN THIS COUNTRY’S CROWN
AND YOU THROW HER DOWN, YOU THROW HER DOWN!
Crowd
DOWN WITH LANCELOT! DOWN WITH GUENEVERE!
Voice from crowd
YOU GOLDEN HARLOT, ONCE SO PROUD
MUST BE TAMED.MUST BE TAMED!
Lancelot
I TAKE THIS ROYAL LADY FROM THE KING.
SHE IS NOW MINE. SHE IS NOW MINE.
LET HIM GIVE BATTLE. AND I WILL REPLY,
I WILL REPLY! I WILL REPLY! I WILL REPLY!
(The crowd surge forward. Lancelot and Guenevere exit rear of stage.)
A knight (to Arthur who stands watching the chaos from the opposite end of the stage)
LANCELOT HAS RESISTED ARREST.
SOME OF YOUR KNIGHTS HAVE JUST BEEN KILLED!
Narrator
HE TOLD KING ARTHUR HOW HIS KNIGHTS WERE KILLED,
HE SAW THEIR BODIES CARRIED IN THE DOOR.
HE KNEW THAT MISERY HAD BEEN BEGUN,
HE SAW HIS ENEMIES DEFY THE LAW!
(Knights loyal to Lancelot and Guenevere retreat to side of stage.)
Chorus of these Knights
KEEP SILENCE HERE, KEEP SILENCE HERE!
THE QUEEN IS GONE AND LANCELOT TOO.
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THE QUEEN IS GONE, THE QUEEN IS GONE,
SHE WON’T GIVE HERSELF UP TO THE LIKES OF YOU!
(to Arthur)WE CHOOSE THE QUEEN AND FREEDOM AND THE NORTH,
AND WE LEAVE YOU BEDIVERE, THE OTHERS, AND THE COURT!
(They exit.)
Arthur
MY DEAR GOD, MY DEAR GOD,
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ME, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ME,
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ME IN MY MISERY...
(Stage clears, voices die away, Arthur exits, stage darkens to interior of convent- Nun one side of
stage- Lancelot and Guenevere enter from other side.)
(26) Lancelot
MINE IS THE SHAME, MINE IS THE SIN,
BUT ARISE AND LET US GO TO YOUR OWN NATIVE LAND.
THERE I SHALL HAVE YOU UNTIL MY LIFE ENDS
THERE I SHALL HOLD YOU AGAINST THE WORLD.
Guenevere
MINE IS THE SHAME, FOR I AM HIS WIFE
MINE IS THE SHAME, FOR I AM HIS WIFE
AND AS FOR YOU- YOU HAVE NO HOME,
AND AS FOR YOU- YOU’RE RISKING YOUR LIFE!
Lancelot
I WILL PROTECT YOU, I WILL PROTECT YOU.
Guenevere
DON’T YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SAYING?
DON’T YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SAYING?
Lancelot
I WILL PROTECT YOU, I WILL PROTECT YOU.
Guenevere
NO. THIS IS THE END- I’M SHAMED FOR EVER,
THIS IS THE END- WE MUST MAKE OUR FAREWELL.
(She turns to the Nun who has come centre stage.)
Guenevere (cont.)
PEACEFUL SISTERHOOD,
MY ENEMIES PURSUE ME,
DON’T ASK MY NAME
BUT GIVE ME YOUR SANCTUARY!
(27) Chorus
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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I HEAR THE TINKLING OF THE BELL,
I SEE THE CROSS AGAINST THE SKY.
THE YEARS GO ROUND TO AUTUMN-TIDE
YET COMES NO REAPER TO THE CORN
THE GOLDEN LAND IS LIKE A BRIDE
WHEN FIRST SHE KNOWS HERSELF FORLORN.
HE IS NOT DEAD, BUT GONE AWAY,
HOW MANY MONTHS AND YEARS I WAIT?
I WONDER DOES HE MISS ME NOW?
I HEAR NO SWORD AGAINST THE GATE.
YET NOW I WAIT,YOU WAIT TOO,
FOR WHAT PERCHANCE MAY NEVER COME.
PLEASE DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN YOU
PLEASE BE QUICK, AND COME BACK HOME!
Scene 2
(Interior of convent/court. View of castle walls on backcloth)
(Chorus and Guenevere enter)
(28) Chorus
(Convent)
THE SPLENDOUR FALLS ON CASTLE WALLS
AND THE SNOWY SUMMITS OLD IN STORY,
THE LONG LIGHT SHINES ACROSS THE LAKES
THE DISTANT CATARACT IT LEAPS IN GLORY.
Guenevere
THE CONVENT WHERE I DWELL, IT STANDS.
A LONG WAY OFF FROM ARTHUR’S LANDS.
A LONG WAY OFF, MY LANCELOT’S ARMS,
A LONG WAY OFF THE ASPEN TREES,
A LONG WAY OFF MY LANCELOT STANDS.
BUT DOWN THE VALLEY OF THE ROSE
MY LORD HE OFTEN RIDING GOES.
HEAVY OF HEART HE TURNS BEHIND
LEANING TOWARDS THE WESTERN WIND,
BECAUSE IT BRINGS INTO HIS MIND
SAD WHISPERING OF HAPPY TIMES (2)
Chorus
(Reprise of the above sixteen lyrics lines)
(Exit) (Stage lightens for court scene)
(29) (recit.):
Merlin
Arthur
THE STATES OF BRITAIN FIGHT AMONG THEMSELVES,
AND THE REALM HAS GONE TO WRACK.
THE SAXON LIES IN WAIT
AND FORCES OUR WARRIORS BACK (2)
THE FAULT WAS MINE, THE FAULT WAS MINE,
WHY AM I SITTING SO STUNNED AND STILL?
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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THE FIRES OF HELL AND THE FIRES OF HATE
HURL INSULTS UP TO HEAVEN’S GATE.
(They gather round and look at a map spread out on a table)
Bedivere
How can you protect this land?
Arthur
I still have the Holy Grail.
Merlin
What are we going to do about this Saxon fleet near Badon?
(30):
Narrator
(Two sides mime battle)
FIVE THOUSAND SAXONS IN A HUNDRED SHIPS
PAUSED TO RAID AT EVERY RIVER MOUTH.
THEY SACKED EVERY SEAPORT AND ADVANCING STILL,
AT LAST THEY CAME IN TRIUMPH ONTO BADON HILL, (2)
THERE THEY SAW THE COWS BELOW IN HUNDREDS
THERE THEY SAW THEM STANDING DEEP IN GRASS
THERE THEY SAW THE DISTANT FARMLANDS
THEY’D LEFT WEST BRITAIN TO THE LAST.
WE’LL TAKE THIS LAND AND FARM IT
WE’LL TAKE THIS LAND, WE WILL!
FOR OUR GODS AND FOR OUR PEOPLE’S SAKE,
WE’LL CAPTURE ALL THIS HILL.
NOTHING WAS HEARD BY THEM,
AND NOTHING EVER SEEN,
ALL THEY SAW WAS SUMMER BLUE,
ALL THEY SAW WAS SUMMER GREEN.
UP THE HILL THEY STUMBLED,
AND ON THE BANKS THEY LAY.
WHILE ARTHUR REACHED THE RIVER
WHERE THEIR LONGSHIPS LAY.
THE SAXONS THOUGHT OF ALL THE WEALTH BEFORE THEM,
WHEN THEY SAW THE DISTANT FLOCKS OF SHEEP,
THEY FILLED THEMSELVES WITH ALL THE MEAT THEY’D PLUNDERED,
BEFORE THEY DICED AND DRANK THEMSELVES TO SLEEP...
ARTHUR’S MEN PUSHED FORWARD
AND SCRAMBLED UP THIS HILL
THEY SAW HIS HORSEMEN COMING,
CHARGING WITH A WILL.
THEN ARTHUR AND HIS COMPANIONS, GALAHAD AND GAWAIN,
ROUTED THE CROWD OF SAXONS,
AND DROVE THEM BACK AGAIN!
(Britons pursue Saxons across stage)
Bedivere (shouts, waving his sword)
Badon is our final victory. Peace at last!
Others (excited)
Peace at last. Peace at last. No more war.
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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The Saxons are defeated.
Bedivere
This is our final victory! Britain is saved forever!
(31)Arthur
GUENEVERE CAN RETURN TO COURT,
I HAVE DECIDED TO FORGIVE HER.
Merlin
MOST OF THE PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE YOUR WIFE,
BECAUSE SHE’S OF SAXON DESCENT.
Arthur
IT LITTLE PROFITS THAT AN IDLE KING
IN HIS SILENT FORT AMONG THESE BARREN HILLS
SHOULD TALK AND EAT AND DRINK,
AND FEAR THE COUNTRY’S ILLS.
HOW DULL IT IS TO PAUSE, TO MAKE AN END,
TO RUST UNBURNISHED, NOT TO SHINE IN USE.
WHERE IS MY SON, TO LEAVE THE SCEPTRE – AND THE ISLE?
WELL LOVED BY ME, DESIRING TO FULFIL.
OLD AGE COMES ON ME, DEATH SOON CONQUERS ALL,
BUT I MUST NOT BE WEARY, NEVER MUST FALL.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SEEK A BETTER WORLD,
TO PUSH THE SAXONS BACK TOWARDS THE SEA,
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO FOUND A BETTER BRITAIN,
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY FREE!
WHAT SHALL I BE LIKE AT SIXTY
SHOULD NATURE KEEP ME ALIVE,
IF I FIND THE WORLD SO BITTER WHEN I’M JUST FORTY – FIVE?
I WISH THAT I COULD HEAR THAT CHIVALROUS BATTLE SONG,
THE SONG WE USED TO SING THE MILITARY ROAD SO LONG.
Chorus
IT LITTLE PROFITS THAT AN IDLE KING
IN HIS SILENT FORT AMONG THESE BARREN HILLS
SHOULD TALK AND EAT AND DRINK,
AND FEAR THE COUNTRY’S ILLS.
HOW DULL IT IS TO PAUSE, TO MAKE AN END,
TO RUST UNBURNISHED, NOT TO SHINE IN USE.
WHERE IS MY SON, TO LEAVE THE SCEPTRE – AND THE ISLE?
WELL LOVED BY ME, DESIRING TO FULFIL.
OLD AGE COMES ON ME, DEATH SOON CONQUERS ALL,
BUT I MUST NOT BE WEARY, NEVER MUST FALL.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SEEK A BETTER WORLD,
TO PUSH THE SAXONS BACK TOWARDS THE SEA,
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO FOUND A BETTER BRITAIN,
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE OUR COUNTRY FREE!
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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Scene 3.
(Scene is mainly outdoors, except for a small alcove for a ruined chapel, and a lake or seascape on
backcloth.)
(A meeting of conspirators. Northern Leader, Lancelot, Mordred and other Knights.)
(32)
Mordred (Steps forward to front of stage; sings defiantly)
FREEDOM IS SO PRECIOUS IT CANNOT BE RATIONED!
FIGHTING FOR YOUR FREEDOM IS NEVER OLD-FASHIONED.
READ MY MIND AND YOU WILL SEE,
WRITTEN UPON IT- “MAKE US FREE!”
WARRIORS NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY’RE DEFEATED,
WHEN IT COMES TO JUSTICE, WE WON’T BE CHEATED.
READ MY MIND AND YOU WILL SEE,
WRITTEN UPON IT- “MAKE US FREE!”
A NORTHERN MAN IS AN ANGRY MAN,
A DOWNTRODDEN MAN IS AN ANGRY MAN,
TOO LITTLE FREEDOM IS A CRIME AND A SHAME,
BUT THERE IS NO FREEDOM WHEN ARTHUR REIGNS,
FREEDOM IS SO PRECIOUS IT CANNOT BE RATIONED!
FIGHTING FOR YOUR FREEDOM IS NEVER OLD-FASHIONED.
READ MY MIND AND YOU WILL SEE,
WRITTEN UPON IT- “MAKE US FREE!”
Conspirators
FREEDOM IS SO PRECIOUS IT CANNOT BE RATIONED!
FIGHTING FOR YOUR FREEDOM IS NEVER OLD-FASHIONED.
READ MY MIND AND YOU WILL SEE,
WRITTEN UPON IT- “MAKE US FREE!”
Northern Leader
We in the North don’t want to have a King! We don’t want a
powerful King of Britain!
Mordred
Arthur is growing old. Soon he will be fifty.
(All exit. Enter Arthur and Merlin, front of stage.)
Bedivere (running onto stage)
The Holy Grail has been stolen!
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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(Exit Merlin and Bedivere.)
(Enter Guenevere, Lancelot and Mordred.)
(33) Arthur
I WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS SAD END
IN MY EARLY MANHOOD I SOWED THE SEED.
MERLIN GAVE ME WARNING AS A FRIEND,
BUT I, LIKE A FOOL, I TOOK NO HEED.
Guenevere
GUENEVERE THE QUEEN DID DESTROY THE REALM,
FOR MY LOVE OF LANCELOT THE BRAVE.
DESTINY IS STRONG AND MORTALS WEAK.
MY LOVE FOR LANCELOT IS MY HUSBAND’S GRAVE.
Lancelot
KING ARTHUR’S KNIGHT, I DID CROSS SWORDS WITH HIM,
FOR ALL WAS PEACE UNTIL OUR QUARREL FELL
THEREAFTER RED DESTRUCTION FOLLOWED FAST,
AND I LED THIS KINGDOM TO THE GATES OF HELL.
Mordred
I WAS THE MAN WHO CHALLENGED ARTHUR’S CLAIM,
I WAS THE CAUSE OF ALL THIS CIVIL WAR.
I BEGAN IT ALL. AND ALL THE TROUBLE CAME,
AND ARTHUR’S RULE IS OVER IN THIS REALM.
(All exit except Arthur and Guenevere)
(34) Arthur (To Guenevere)
I HAVE FOUGHT THE SAXONS AND TWELVE TIMES HAVE WON,
BUT NOW A CIVIL WAR AND MANY KNIGHTS ARE SLAIN.
WHY DO I FIGHT IN THIS LAND OF CHRIST,
LANCELOT, LANCELOT, THE STRONGEST OF MY KNIGHTS?
NOT ALL MY KNIGHTS REMAIN WITH ME,
BUT OF THESE KNIGHTS I SHALL LEAVE A PART,
TO GUARD YOU IN THIS DEAR CITY,
TO GUARD YOU IN THIS DEAR CITY,
YOU SHALL BE GUARDED UNTIL MY DEATH,
I DO NOT GREATLY CARE TO LIVE!
FOR YOU HAVE SPOILT THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFETO BREAK THE HEATHEN, AND UPHOLD THE CHRIST,
I USED TO FIGHT FOR HONOUR,
I USED TO FIGHT A NOBLE CAUSE,
BUT NOW I SIT WITHIN MY LONELY HALL,
AND I SURVEY THE BREAKDOWN OF MY LAWS...
I MISS THE TALK OF NOBLE DEEDS,
I MISS YOUR PRESENCE IN MY FORT,
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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I MUST LEAVE YOU, WOMAN, TO YOUR SHAME,
BEFORE INDEED YOU POISON HALF MY COURT!
BUT ALL IS NOW PASSED, THE SIN IS SINNED.
HERE’S MY FORGIVENES, AND THE WAR IS NOT LOST.
I CAN’T TOUCH YOUR LIPS, THEY ARE NOT MINE,
INDEED THEY NEVER WERE THE KING’S, BUT LANCELOT’S.
I MUST BE GONE, THE TRUMPETS BLOW,
THEY SUMMON ME TO LEAD MY MEN,
WHERE I MUST STRIKE AGAINST THE KNIGHT
THEY HAVE THE CHEEK TO CALL MY SISTER’S SON...
(says)
(Enter Merlin.)
Mordred! The man who helps my enemies!
Arthur
My enemies have taken refuge in the old Roman fort of Camlann.
Merlin
They are led by the Northern Leader, Mordred and Lancelot. Don’t
risk your army in a civil war. Otherwise Britain will destroy itself, and
the English will be able to conquer the whole island!
(The two British armies face each other.)
(35) (part recit);
Arthur
MORDRED, YOU SURRENDER HERE.
YOUR TREACHERY’S COSTING OUR COUNTRY DEAR!
BRING THIS REBELLION TO AN END,
I’M YOUR UNCLE. AND I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND!
ALL THESE MEN ARE LOSING THEIR LIVES,
RUINING THIS COUNTRY, LOSING THEIR LIVES,
WHAT DO WE GAIN IN THIS CIVIL WAR?
DEAR GOD- WHAT FOOLS WE ARE!
MORDRED, YOU SURRENDER HERE.
YOUR TREACHERY’S COSTING OUR COUNTRY DEAR!
BRING THIS REBELLION TO AN END,
I’M YOUR UNCLE. AND I’LL BE YOUR FRIEND!
Mordred
I SHOOK THE DICE AND CAST,
AND NOW I TAKE MY CHANCE,
NOW I TAKE MY CHANCE.
YOU MY FRIEND? YOU, OLD MAN!
YOU MY FRIEND? YOU, OLD MAN!
THE ACCOUNT IS NOW DUE, AND IT MUST BE PAID.
(He attacks Arthur with his sword)
Narrator
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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THE WAR OF WORDS IS DONE,
THE WAR OF WORDS IS DONE,
THE BATTLE HAS BEGUN
THE BATTLE HAS BEGUN.
WOE TO THE POOR, THE MEEK,
THE WAR OF WORDS IS DONE,
VICTORY MUST BE WON,
VICTORY MUST BE WON.
THE WAR OF WORDS IS DONE,
SLAUGHTER HAS BEGUN
SLAUGHTER HAS BEGUN!
(In the fight, Lancelot is prominent, near centre stage.)
Arthur
Mordred!
Mordred
I never delay to draw my sword.
(He strikes Arthur. Arthur kills him with his sword. Arthur is
wounded, and staggers to side of stage.)
Narrator
SO ALL DAY LONG THE BATTLE ROLLED
AMONG THE MOUNTAINS BY THE WINTER SEA,
UNTIL KING ARTHUR’S TABLE, MAN BY MAN
HAD FALLEN ASLEEP ABOUT THEIR LORD.
THEN BECAUSE HIS WOUND WAS DEEP,
KNIGHT BEDIVERE UPLIFTED HIM.
HE BORE HIM TO A CHAPEL, NIGH THE FIELD,
A BROKEN CHANCEL WITH A BROKEN CROSS,
THAT STOOD THERE ON A STRAIT OF BARREN LAND:
ON ONE SIDE WAS THE OCEAN AND THE SEA,
AND ON THE OTHER SIDE A TORRENT FULL AND FREE.
(Knights fight. Fight moves away, stage gradually clears. Bedivere carries Arthur to the chapel, rear
of stage, where Arthur rests against a fallen column.)
(36) Arthur
I WARMED BOTH HANDS BEFORE THE FIRE OF LIFE.
IT SINKS- AND I AM READY TO GO.
FAREWELL, FAREWELL, I SAY TO YOU,
REMEMBER ME FOREVER TRUE.
THE AGE OF MIRACLES IS DEAD,
THE WORLD IS STANDING ON ITS HEAD.
LIFE IS AS TEDIOUS AS A TWICE- TOLD TALE,
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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WHY DID I FAIL? WHY DID I FAIL?
OLD AND YOUNG, WE’RE ALL ON OUR LAST RACE,
WHAT DO WE LOSE? OH. WHAT DO WE LOSE?
I BID YOU FAREWELL. I BID YOU FAREWELL,
I’M NOT GOING ALONG TOO WELL,
WHAT A PITY WE SHOULD VANISH LIKE THE ROSE,
THAT OUR BOOK OF LIFE SHOULD FINALLY CLOSE.
OH, BUT TO DIE AND GO WE KNOW NOT WHERE,
I HOPE ALL THE PEOPLE I LOVE ARE THERE!
MY ARMY LIES SHATTERED, MY LIFE’S WORK IN RUINS...
Narrator
DEAR MOTHER MARY, LISTEN BEFORE WE DIE,
HEAR ME O EARTH, HEAR ME O SKY!
SWEET MOTHER MARY, LET ME NOT ALONE
DIE ALL FORGOTTEN, AND DIE ALL FORLORN.
DO DOT JUDGE ME FOR WHAT I AM,
BUT JUDGE ME FOR WHAT I MIGHT HAVE BEEN.
Arthur
DEAR MOTHER MARY, LISTEN BEFORE WE DIE,
HEAR ME O EARTH, HEAR ME O SKY!
MY DEAREST WIFE, WHO ARE SO FAIR,
I SWORE MY LOVE FOR YOU BUT YOU WERE NOT THERE.
A SHUDDER CAME ACROSS ME,
A SHUDDER CAME ACROSS MEDON’T LET ME WALK THE STARLESS ROAD OF DEATH!...
I THINK THAT WE SHALL NEVER MORE DELIGHT OURSELVES
WALKING ABOUT CAMELOT
AS IN THE DAYS THAT WERE.
Chorus of Knights
OH, DEAR ARTHUR,
THIS IS NOT WHAT WE BARGAINED FOR!
OH, DEAR ARTHUR,
THIS IS NOT WHAT WE BARGAINED FOR!
OH, DEAR ARTHUR,
CAN IT BE TRUE YOU ARE GOING FOREVER?
THIS CIVIL WAR WAS WRONG, YOU SAID,
BUT THEY BELIEVED YOU NEVER!
I DON’T KNOW HOW WE’LL ALL DO WITHOUT YOU
OH, DEAR ARTHUR
CAN IT BE TRUE YOU ARE GOING FOREVER?
OH, DEAR ARTHUR
CAN IT BE TRUE YOU ARE GOING FOREVER?
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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(37)
HOW FAST THE YEARS ARE FLOWING!
HOW MANY OF US VANISH HERE!
TO VAULTS ETERNAL ALL ARE GOING,
FOR SOME THE TIME IS NEAR.
WHERE SHALL MY FATED END AWAIT ME?
IT ALIEN LANDS. AT SEA, IN FIGHT,
OR SHALL SOME FOREIGN VALLEY HOLD ME,
AND CLASP MY FROZEN BODY TIGHT?
FOR MANY DAYS TOGETHER,
THE WIND BLEW FROM THE EAST,
FOR MANY DAYS COLD WEATHER,
AT THE TIME OF OUR LADY’S FEAST.
MANY DAYS WE RODE TOGETHER,
BUT WE MET NEITHER FRIEND NOR FOE.
COLDER AND CLEARER GREW THE WEATHER,
STEADY DID THE EAST WIND BLOW,
OUR SPEARS STOOD TOGETHER
THE BANNERS STREAMED BEHIND,
AS WE GALLOPED THROUGH THE WEATHER,
WITH FACES TO THE WIND.
DOWN CAME OUR SPEARS TOGETHER,
AS WE SAW THE PAGANS RIDE
MY COMPANION’S FACE IN THE COLD FRESH WEATHER
WAS BRAVE THAT LAST TIME AT MY SIDE.
THERE AS WE FOUGHT AND CLASHED TOGETHER
I RAISED MY ARM O’ER MY HEAD,
AS CLOSE TO MY SIDE, IN THE WINTERY WEATHER
I SAW HIM FALL BACK DEAD,
I SAW HIM FALL BACK DEAD.
Arthur
KNOWLEDGE COMES, BUT MY LIFE LINGERS,
I LINGER ON THE SHORE,
MY STRENGTH NOW WITHERS,
AND MY DEATH IS MORE AND MORE.
KNOWLEDGE COMES, BUT MY LIFE LINGERS,
I BEAR A HEAVY BREAST.
FULL OF SAD EXPERIENCE,
AS I MOVE TOWARDS MY REST...
(Three Queens appear and stand waiting, arms outstretched, for Arthur.)
(The full cast assembles on stage.)
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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(Arthur and Lancelot sing their own song briefly in praise of Guenevere in competition with each
other. The orchestra also exploits these two themes one against the other.)
(38) Arthur
SHE COMES IN A ROBE OF FLAME- RED SILK
AROUND HER NECK A TORQUE OF GOLD,
WHITE IS HER SKIN AS THE FOAM OF THE WAVE,
WHITE IS HER SKIN AS THE FOAM OF THE WAVE,
I WOULD BE JOINED TO THE FAIREST UNDER HEAVEN,
I WOULD BE JOINED TO THE FAIREST UNDER HEAVEN.
(39) Lancelot (cuts in)
MY LADY SEEMS OF IVORY
SO BEAUTIFUL AND KIND IS SHE,
BUT MOST TIMES LOOKING OUT AFAR
WAITING, WAITING BUT NOT FOR ME...
SO PASSIONATE AND QUICK TO GIVE
HER LIPS ARE MADE TO LOVE AND KISS
A MAN WOULD GIVE ALL HIS BLISS
ALL HIS WORLDLY GOODS FOR THIS
TO PLACE HIS HEART IN A SINGLE KISS,
UPON YOUR LIPS, YOUR PERFECT LIPS!
(The orchestra takes up both themes, as if inviting the audience to say which is better.)
(40) Guenevere
O FOLD YOUR ARMS AGAINST YOUR BREAST,
NOW IS DONE YOUR LONG DAY’S WORK.
FOLD YOUR ARMS, IT’S TIME TO REST,
NOW IS DOWN YOUR LONG DAY’S WORK.
FOLD YOU PALMS ACROSS YOUR HEART,
AND LET YOUR GOOD GOD DO THE REST.
LIGHT AND SHADOW EVER WANDER
O’ER THE GREEN THAT HOLDS YOUR GRAVE,
YOU WILL NOT TURN ON YOUR BED,
YOU WILL NEVER RAISE YOUR HEAD.
REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, IN AETERNAM,
REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, IN AETERNAM.
Arthur
I LEANED MY BACK AGAINST AN OAK,
I THOUGHT IT WAS A TRUSTY TREE,
FIRST IT BENT AND THEN IT BROKE,
AND SO DID MY FALSE LOVE TO ME.
THERE IS A SHIP THAT SAILS THE SEA,
IT’S LOADED DEEP AS DEEP CAN BE,
BUT NOT AS DEEP AS THE LOVE I’M IN,
©1997 A.BIRNEY
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I CARE NOT IF I SINK OR SWIM.
Chorus (whole cast)
LOVE IS HANDSOME AND LOVE IS FINE,
LOVE IS CHARMING WHEN IT IS NEW.
AS IT GROWS OLDER, IT GROWS COLDER,
AND FADES AWAY LIKE MORNING DEW.
THERE IS A SHIP THAT SAILS THE SEA,
IT’S LOADED DEEP AS DEEP CAN BE
BUT NOT AS DEEP AS THE LOVE I’M IN,
I CARE NOT IF I SINK OR SWIM...
O FOLD YOUR ARMS AGAINST YOUR BREAST,
NOW IS DONE YOUR LONG DAY’S WORK.
FOLD YOUR ARMS, IT’S TIME TO REST,
NOW IS DONE YOUR LONG DAY’S WORK.
FOLD YOUR PALMS ACROSS YOUR HEART,
AND LET YOUR GOOD GOD DO THE REST.
LIGHT AND SHADOW EVER WANDER
O’ER THE GREEN THAT HOLDS YOUR GRAVE,
YOU WILL NOT TURN ON YOUR BED,
YOU WILL NEVER RAISE YOUR HEAD.
REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, IN AETERNAM,
REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, REQUIESCAT, IN AETERNAM.
(Arthur turns and walks away, linking the three queens.)
Orchestra maintains this confident, stirring theme to a grand finale.
(CURTAIN)
©1997 A.BIRNEY