1
“JANE EYRE”
(MUSICAL DRAMA by ANTHONY BIRNEY)
(SCRIPT)
(1) SHORT OVERTURE.
ACT 1.
Scene 1.
(2) Narrator or Chorus
(enters with a flourish and sings)
GATESHEAD HALL, GATESHEAD HALL,
A BLEAK NOVEMBER DAY IN THE EIGHTEEN-TWENTIES,
A COLD WINTER WIND, A SOMBRE DAY,
WHEN LITTLE JANE EYRE CAME IN FROM PLAY.
(exit)
(Breakfast room, Gateshead Hall. Jane, twelve years old, sitting
alone. Enter John Reed, her fourteen year old cousin.)
(3) John Reed
LIZZY, GEORGY, JANE’S NOT HERE!
Lizzy
YOU’LL FIND HER IN THE WINDOW SEAT, TO BE SURE.
Jane (reading a book)
WHAT DO YOU WANT? WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH ME?
John Reed
SAY: WHAT DO YOU WANT MASTER REED…
Jane (repeats)
WHAT DO YOU WANT MASTER REED?
John Reed
I WANT YOU TO COME HERE IMMEDIATELY! (He strikes Jane)
THAT’S FOR SNEAKING BEHIND THE CURTAINS
(He strikes her again)
AND FOR THE LOOK YOU HAD IN YOUR EYE.
WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEHIND THE CURTAINS?
I THINK YOU WENT THERE TO SPY.
YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS TO TAKE OUR BOOKS.
WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO READ?
YOU ARE A DEPENDANT IN THIS HOUSE.
YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO EAT OUR BREAD.
YOU HAVE NO MONEY, YOUR FATHER LEFT YOU NONE,
YOU OUGHT TO BEG – WHY AREN’T YOU GONE?
YOU SHOULDN’T BE EATING THE SAME MEALS AS US.
I’LL TEACH YOU TO TAKE OUR BOOKS!
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GO OVER THERE, STAND BY THE DOOR
(He runs and strikes her on the head with a heavy book)
I HOPE THAT MAKES YOUR HEAD ALL SORE!
Jane (shouts)
Wicked and cruel boy – You’re like a murderer.
Slave driver! Roman emperor!
(He fights Jane. She fights back, and is getting the upper hand,
when Mrs Reed enters)
Mrs Reed
Dear, dear, what a fury – flying at Master John!
TAKE HER AWAY TO THE RED ROOM –
THAT WILL TEACH HER A LESSON!
(Bessie the maid leads Jane off-stage. Bessie returns. The Reed
family begin to settle down, all is quiet, when there is a scream and
suddenly Jane rushes on stage again and collapses)
(4) Jane
I SAW A GHOST IN THERE
IT GAVE ME A SCARE!
I HAD A BAD DREAM,
IT CAUSED ME TO SCREAM.
A LIGHT ON THE WALL
IN THE DIM GLEAMING MIRROR
I THOUGHT I SAW MY UNCLE’S GHOST,
I SCREAMED WITH TERROR!
Mrs Reed
WE CAN’T HAVE THIS SCREAMING,
YOU’RE ONLY DREAMING.
(Jane faints)
BESSIE, BESSIE,
RUN OVER THE ROAD.
BRING THE PHYSICIAN, MISTER LLOYD!
(exit Bessie)
(Jane lying on sofa. Mister Lloyd feels her pulse)
Mr Lloyd
WELL, MY CHILD, I SEE YOU HAVE BEEN ILL,
YOU HAVE NO PAIN, BUT YOU’RE UNHAPPY STILL.
SURELY YOU DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE GATESHEAD HALL,
INTO POVERTY YOU WOULD SURELY FALL.
CAN IT BE YOUR WISH TO LEAVE?
AND SEEK YOUR FATHER’S RELATIONS, WHEREVER THEY BE.
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(5) Jane
I THINK THAT I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO SCHOOL,
ANYWHERE BUT HERE, WHERE I’M THE FAMILY FOOL.
I WOULD LIKE TO GO FAR AWAY FROM THE REEDS,
A COMPLETE SEPARATION,
A NEW LIFE, A NEW LIFE, A DIFFERENT SITUATION.
YOUNG LADIES DO BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS OF LANDSCAPES
AND FLOWERS,
THEY CAN SING, AND ACT, AND FRENCH BOOKS TRANSLATE.
ALL THIS I WOULD LOVE TO EMULATE.
(Same room. Supervisor of Lowood Institution for Orphan Girls,
arrives. He bows to Mrs Reed and sings.)
(6) Mr Brocklehurst
AT LOWOOD INSTITUTION, MA’AM,
GIRLS ARE CLOTHED,
FURNISHED AND PROVIDED WITH ALL THE NECESSITIES,
INSTRUCTED IN ALL LANGUAGES LIVING AND DEAD,
MATHEMATICS, ORTHOGRAPHY, GEOMETRY, ASTRONOMY,
TRIGONOMETRY, ALGEBRA, WRITING AND BREAD.
TERMS FIFTEEN POUNDS AND ALL IS FOUND.
NO EXTRAS, NO VACATIONS, AND THE DIET IS SOUND.
(He turns to Jane and says to Mrs Reed)
What is her age? Her size is small.
Mrs Reed
Twelve years.
Mr Brocklehurst
So much? – What’s your name, little girl?
Jane
Jane Eyre, Sir.
Mr Brocklehurst
Well, Jane Eyre, and are you good?
Mrs Reed
I would say, no. Most certainly.
Mr Brocklehurst
Do you know where the wicked go after death?
Jane
Sir, I think they go to Hell.
Mr Brocklehurst
What must you do to avoid it?
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Jane
I must keep well, I must no die.
Mrs Reed
Oh, this little girl has not the character I would wish. I should be glad
if the teachers are with her extremely strict!
Mr Brocklehurst
SHE WILL BE BROUGHT UP IN A MANNER WHICH SUITS HER
PROSPECTS,
SHE WILL BE KEPT HUMBLE, SHE WILL BE MADE USEFUL.
SHE WILL SPEND ALL HER VACATIONS AT SCHOOL.
PLAIN FARE, SIMPLE ATTIRE, HARDY AND ACTIVE HABITS.
SUCH IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY IN MY HOUSE AND ITS
INHABITANTS.
Mrs Reed
THEN I SHALL SEND HER AS FAST AS I CAN.
Mr Brocklehurst
AND NOW I WISH YOU GOOD MORNING, MA’AM.
(He bows and exits)
Mrs Reed
Go out of the room. Return to the nursery. (Pause)
Jane
I am not deceitful. I do not love you –
I dislike you more than anybody in the world.
Mrs Reed
Well what more have you to say?
Jane
What would Uncle Reed say to you if he were alive? I am glad you
are no relation of mine. I will never call you Aunt again as long as I
live!
(Jane runs from room – Mrs Reed paces up and down angrily.)
Scene 2
(Lowood Institution. The refectory and schoolroom.)
(7) Miss Temple
WELCOME TO LOWOOD!
THIS CHILD IS VERY YOUNG TO BE SENT AHEAD.
LET HER HAVE BREAKFAST BEFORE GOING TO BED.
SHE HAS BEEN TRAVELLING, TRAVELLING A DAY!
MONITORS, FETCH IN THE BREAKFAST TRAYS.
Girls
YACH, THE PORRIDGE IS BURNT,
THE PORRIDGE IS BURNT,
THE PORRIDGE IS BURNT AGAIN.
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DISGUSTING, SHAMEFUL, ABOMINABLE.
THIS PORRIDGE WE NEED,
WITHOUT IT NO FEED.
WHAT CAN WE POSSIBLY DO?
WHAT CAN WE POSSIBLY DO?
Miss Temple (says loudly)
Silence girls, to your seats! I have a word to address to the pupils.
The breakfast this morning was appalling – so I’ve ordered a lunch to
be served to you all.
(The girls express surprise and delight.)
(The following day. Same room transformed into a schoolroom.)
Teacher
Burns, I insist upon you holding your head up…
You dirty, disagreeable girl! You have not cleaned your nails this
morning! I see I shall have to teach you to be clean. (She points to a
cupboard. Burns brings a strap and the teacher slaps her on each
hand.)
Hardened girl! Nothing can correct you – Put the strap away!
Miss Temple
Jane
Monitors, put away the class-books.
(Jane approaches Helen Burns.)
What is your name besides Burns?
Helen
Helen.
Jane
Do you come a long way from here?
Helen
Northumberland
Jane
Do you think you’ll ever go back?
Helen
I hope so – but nobody can be sure of that.
Jane
Don’t you wish to see your relations?
Helen
No. They sent me here to improve my education.
Jane
But that teacher is so cruel to you.
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Helen
Cruel? Not at all; she is severe, she dislikes my faults. I wish her no
harm.
Jane
You say you have faults, Helen – what are they?
Helen
I am careless. I forget to obey the rules. I even forget to pray. But I
live in calm, looking towards the end.
(She coughs.)
(Classes and teachers rise as Mr Brocklehurst, accompanied by his
Wife and two Daughters, enter the schoolroom. He addresses Miss
Temple.)
(8) Mr Brocklehurst
©1986 A.BIRNEY
(leading Miss Temple to one side)
I FOUND A THING WHICH SURPRISES ME
IN SETTLING THESE ACCOUNTS.
A LUNCH CONSISTING OF BREAD AND CHEESE
HAS TWICE BEEN SERVED TO THESE GIRLS.
HOW IS THIS? WHY THIS INNOVATION?
IT DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE REGULATIONS.
(He turns to the girls.)
SUBDUE YOUR APPETITES, MY DEARS,
AND LET THERE BE NO FEAR –
THERE MUST BE NO LUNCH,
THERE MUST BE NO LUNCH,
YOU MAY OF COURSE HAVE DINNER
IF YOU FEEL YOU’RE GETTING THINNER.
BUT DON’T OVERDO IT,
YOU MAY WELL RUE IT.
THERE MUST BE NO LUNCH TODAY,
THERE MUST BE NO LUNCH TODAY
(Turning to the teachers)
THESE GIRLS MUST NOT ACQUIRE BAD HABITS;
LUXURY AND INDULGENCE, GREED AND IMPATIENCE.
WE KNOW THE AIM OF THIS INSTITUTION –
ENCOURAGE RESISTANCE TO EVERY PRIVATION.
(suddenly pointing down the hall)
MISS TEMPLE, WHO IS THAT GIRL WITH THE CURLY HAIR?
SHE MUST HAVE IT SHAVED, SHE MUST HAVE IT BARE.
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STAND UP THE GIRLS OF ROW NUMBER THREE –
I SHALL SEND A BARBER ROUND PRESENTLY.
(At this point, his Wife and Daughters take off their bonnets,
showing their splendidly curled hair. Everyone sits down in silence.
Suddenly Jane’s slate falls to the floor making a loud noise.)
Mr Brocklehurst
A careless girl! Ah, the new pupil, I do perceive, I have a word or two
to say about this child.
Miss Temple
Don’t be afraid, Jane. You will not be punished, you will not be
punished.
Mr Brocklehurst
Fetch that stool – place the child upon it…
Ladies, Miss Temple, teachers and pupils: I wish you all to observe
this girl. Avoid her company, exclude her from your sports. Teachers
you must watch her… Punish her body to save her soul – if indeed,
salvation may still be possible!
His Wife
How shocking, how atrocious!
Mr Brocklehurst
This I learnt from her benefactress, who adopted her as an orphan and received in return nothing but hate. Let her stand on that stool
and let no one speak to her for the rest of the day!
(All exit, leaving Jane alone standing on the stool. She weeps.
Helen Burns creeps in and hands her some bread.)
Helen
Hello, Jane. I’m sorry I’m late. I wasn’t feeling well.
Jane
What’s the matter? You don’t look very well!
Helen
(9) Jane
You see, I may have to go away.
MUST YOU GO…CAN’T YOU STAY?
Helen
JANE, I MUST LEAVE THIS SCHOOL.
YOU AND MISS TEMPLE WILL BE HURT BY THIS.
NOT THAT I WISH TO LEAVE MY FRIEND –
I HOPE YOU’LL UNDERSTAND – AT THE END.
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Jane
BUT THE SCHOOL WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN,
IF YOU GO AWAY AND LEAVE YOUR FRIENDS.
OH. IT’S ALRIGHT HELEN,
I’M NOT MINDING SO MUCH,
WHATEVER YOU DO IS ALRIGHT BY ME,
WHATEVER YOU DO IS ALRIGHT BY ME.
IT’S ALRIGHT, HELEN,
IT’S ALRIGHT, HELEN,
IT’S ALRIGHT HELEN, BY ME.
(The stage darkens and lightens again.
The school “hospital”. Helen is lying ill with consumption.
Miss Temple enters.)
(10) Miss Temple
AS I WENT TO HOSPITAL THE OTHER DAY,
HELEN BURNS WAS IN A POOR WAY.
I THOUGHT TO MYSELF – CAN THIS BE TRUE?
COULD JUST AS WELL BE ME, OR IT COULD BE YOU.
THERE MUST BE A REASON FOR IT ALL –
SICKNESS TELLS US WHAT WE ARE.
WHAT CAN’T BE CURED, MUST BE ENDURED,
THE SICKNESS OF THE BODY MAY PROVE THE HEALTH OF THE SOUL.
TIME AND TIDE WAIT FOR NO MAN,
THE LONGEST DAY MUST HAVE AN END.
THE SAME GOES FOR EVERY WOMAN –
TAKE THE GOOD THAT LIFE MAY SEND.
IF WE ACCEPT LIFE AND GROWTH,
WE MUST ACCEPT DECAY AND DEATH.
BOTH ARE PART OF EACH OTHER –
CAN’T HAVE ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER.
ALL HUMAN LIFE ENDS IN DECAY,
EVERY MAN MUST HAVE HIS DAY.
(exit Miss Temple)
(11) Jane
YOU’RE GOING AWAY
YOU’RE LEAVING TODAY
I HOPE YOU COME BACK
BUT I’M NOT SURE, MY DEAR HELEN.
YOU’RE GOING AWAY
YOU’RE LEAVING TODAY
I HOPE YOU COME BACK – BUT I’M NOT SURE.
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WHATEVER YOU DO IS ALRIGHT BY ME
YOU KNOW I’LL ALWAYS BE HERE
WAITING FOR YOU.
YOU’RE GOING AWAY
YOU’RE LEAVING TODAY
I HOPE YOU COME BACK
BUT I’M NOT SURE, MY DEAR HELEN.
YOU’RE GOING AWAY
YOU’RE LEAVING TODAY,
I HOPE YOU COME BACK
AND I’LL PRAY YOU WILL…
(Jane creeps into the alcove, and lies down on the bed beside Helen,
who coughs occasionally.)
(12) Jane
Helen, are you wake?
Helen
Can that be you, my beloved Jane?
(Jane kisses her.)
Jane
I CAME TO SEE YOU HELEN.
I HEARD THAT YOU WERE ILL;
AND I FOUND I COULD NOT SLEEP,
UNTIL TO YOUR ROOM I DECIDED TO CREEP.
Helen
YOU CAME TO SAY GOODBYE –
YOU ARE JUST IN TIME, PROBABLY.
Jane
ARE YOU GOING SOMEWHERE, HELEN?
ARE YOU GOING HOME?
(Helen falls asleep. Jane rubs her eyes and also falls asleep.)
(Stage darkens and lightens again.)
(Same ward the next day. Helen lies dead. Jane is dressed. She
sings.)
(13) Jane)
©1986 A.BIRNEY
IS THIS A DREAM, OR CAN IT REALLY BE TRUE?
SHALL I AWAKE, AND FIND IT NOT TO BE.
SILLY THOUGHTS THAT OFTEN CLOUD THE BRAIN,
DREAMING SHE’S HERE ARE ALL IN VAIN.
SHE LEFT US ON A COLD WINTER DAY,
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SHE BORE HER SUFFERING IN A QUIET WAY.
SHE WAS MY DEAREST FRIEND TOO LATE,
JUST LENT TO ME UNTIL THAT CERTAIN DATE.
IT’S JUST AS WELL WE KNOW NOT WHAT’S TO COME,
THE THINGS THAT WE WOULD DO, AND NOT HAVE DONE.
HER BEAUTY LIKE A ROSE IN FULL BLOOM,
WITHERED AWAY, AND FADED ALL TOO SOON.
(Jane is joined on stage by full cast. Jane mimes the actions. Young
Jane is replaced by the grown up Jane – eighteen years of age, as
this song progresses.)
(14) Chorus
EIGHT MORE YEARS AT LOWOOD INSTITUTION,
CONDITIONS IMPROVED AND SO DID JANE’S TUITION.
BUT MISS TEMPLE GOT WED
AND THIS SURELY LED
TO JANE’S WANTING TO PART
AND MAKE A FRESH START.
SHE SAT DOWN AGAIN
AND TOOK UP HER PEN
WITH A WRY SMILE, SHE WROTE OUT AN ADVERT,
SHE WROTE OUT AN ADVERT IN THE FOLLOWING STYLE:“A YOUNG LADY ACCUSTOMED TO TUITION
(Older Jane mimes this)
DESIRES TO OBTAIN A SITUATION,
IN A PRIVATE FAMILY WHERE THE CHILDREN
ARE UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
QUALIFIED TO TEACH AT ANY STAGE
CHILDREN UNDER FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE”.
(Jane leaves with her luggage)
(Short musical interlude as she leaves, using melodies from Act1, eg.
“I think that I would like to go to school”, “I found a thing which
surprises me”, “Is this a dream?” )
Scene 3.
©1986 A.BIRNEY
(Thornfield House indoors. Night time. Drawing room, with piano,
which doubles for Jane’s bedroom (bed in alcove) lit by candles. Mrs
Fairfax. Enter Jane.)
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(15) Jane
Mrs Fairfax
THIS IS A BIG HOUSE, THIS IS A BIG HOUSE,
HOW IT REMINDS ME OF GATESHEAD HALL!
I PRAY GOD ITS OWNER DOES NOT TURN OUT INDEED,
TO BE A SECOND, A SECOND, MISSUS REED.
(Jane curtsies.)
HOW DO YOU DO, HOW DO YOU DO MY DEAR,
YOU MUST BE VERY COLD, PLEASE COME TO THE FIRE.
I AM MISSUS FAIRFAX, AND YOU WILL TEACH
A LITTLE GIRL, ADЀLE VARENS,
A LITTLE FRENCH GIRL WHO HAS NO PARENTS.
I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU COULD COME
SO NICE TO HAVE A LADY COMPANION.
THORNFIELD IS A FINE OLD HALL
A RESPECTABLE MANSION.
YET YOU KNOW IN WINTERTIME
IT BECOMES QUITE LONESOME.
IT IS PARTLY NEGLECTED BY MISTER ROCHESTER,
IT IS NOT VERY CHEERY UNLESS THE OWNER IS HERE.
Jane
BUT I THOUGHT THAT YOU WERE THE OWNER!
Mrs Fairfax
ME? BLESS YOU CHILD! WHAT AN IDEA!
I AM ONLY THE MANAGER, I AM ONLY THE HOUSEKEEPER –
BUT I’LL NOT KEEP YOU SITTING UP LATE BY THE FIRE.
IT’S ON THE STROKE OF TWELVE NOW,
AND IT’S TIME TO RETIRE.
(Exit)
(Same room. Daylight.)
Servant
(Announces to Jane)
Mr Rochester’s back! Mr Rochester’s back! His horse slipped on the
road,
And he’s hurt his ankle!
(Mr Rochester limps in, followed by Mrs Fairfax and Adѐle)
Mrs Fairfax
This is Miss Eyre, Sir.
Mr Rochester
Let Miss Eyre be seated…
(He sits down.)
©1986 A.BIRNEY
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Madam, I should like some tea. But I’ve sprained my ankle…
Please bring the cup over here to me.
(Jane takes him a cup of tea.)
Adѐle
(Receiving her parcel.)
Monsieur, isn’t there a present for Miss Eyre?
Mr Rochester
Jane
Did you expect a present?
Well no, Sir, not exactly. I desire no reward.
Mr Rochester
Come come, Miss Eyre, don’t be too modest. I’ve examined Adѐle
and found she has made progress.
Jane
Thank you, Sir, that’s the best present that you could ever give me.
Mr Rochester
Well then, now let me see…Can you sing? Stand by me and sing me
a song, which I hope, will not be excessively lengthy!
(16) Jane
(Goes over to the piano and sings – in the style of a pop singer.)
TIGER, TIGER,
TIGER, TIGER, BURNING BRIGHT,
IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT.
WHAT IMMORTAL HAND OR EYE
COULD FRAME YOUR FEARFUL SYMMETRY?
TIGER, TIGER,
IN WHAT DISTANT DEEPS OR SKIES
BURNT THE FIRE OF YOUR EYES?
ON WHAT WINGS DARE HE ASPIRE
WHAT THE HAND DARE SEIZE THE FIRE?
WHAT THE HAMMER? WHAT THE CHAIN?
IN WHAT FURNACE WAS YOUR BRAIN?
WHAT THE ANVIL? WHAT DREAD GRASP
DARE ITS DEADLY TERRORS CLASP? TIGER, TIGER!
TIGER, TIGER, BURNING BRIGHT
IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT
WHAT IMMORTAL HAND OR EYE
COULD FRAME YOUR FEARFUL SYMMETRY?
Mr Rochester
Enough! You sing a little. They must have taught you at Lowood.
Now Adѐle, off to bed! Miss Eyre will take you… Good night! Good
©1986 A.BIRNEY
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night, Miss Eyre.
(Jane curtsies with Adѐle. She exits.)
(Stage darkens and lightens again.)
(The following day. Jane is alone.)
Jane
I liked this day. I liked that sky of steel. I liked its sternness and its
stillness, I like Thornfield. I do like Thornfield, its antiquity, its
retirement, its grey façade and its high battlements. When I walked
with Mr Rochester he regarded the Hall with horror. I wonder why?
– I wonder why? His friendly frankness draws me to him. I find his
presence to be most…endearing. He has faults – he is proud and
sardonic, hard and teasing – though he is never so with me.
(17)
HOW SWEET I ROAMED FROM FIELD TO FIELD,
AND TASTED ALL THE SUMMER’S PRIDE
TILL I THE PRINCE OF LOVE BEHELD
WHO IN THE SUNNY BEAMS DID GLIDE.
HE SHOWED ME LILIES FOR MY HAIR
AND BLUSHING ROSES FOR MY BROW
HE LED ME THROUGH HIS GARDEN FAIR
WHERE ALL HIS GOLDEN PLEASURES GROW.
WITH SWEET MAY DEWS MY WINGS ARE WET
AND PHOEBUS FIRED MY VOCAL RAGE
HE CAUGHT ME IN HIS SILKEN NET
AND SHUT ME IN HIS GOLDEN CAGE.
HE LOVES TO SIT AND HEAR ME SING
THEN LAUGHING, SPORTS AND PLAYS WITH ME
THEN STRETCHES OUT MY GOLDEN WING,
AND MOCKS MY LOSS OF LIBERTY.
(Mrs Fairfax enters.)
Jane
Mrs Fairfax, where is Mr Rochester?
Has he gone away?
Mrs Fairfax
(Looking at a note in her hand)
Indeed he has. He departed this morning at the break of day. He
says he is going over to “The Leas”, where they’re having a party and
a ball for the local gentry. And then, in a few days, they’ll be coming
©1986 A.BIRNEY
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back here, to this House.
(Exit Mrs Fairfax.)
(18) Jane
THERE MUST BE A WAY
TO CAPTURE MISTER ROCHESTER’S AFFECTIONS.
HE’LL NEVER LOVE ME.
AM I TOO YOUNG?
AM I TOO PLAIN?
SOME HAVE WON A WILD DELIGHT,
BY DARING WILDER SORROWS;
COULD I GAIN YOUR LOVE TONIGHT,
I’D HAZARD DEATH TOMORROW!
COULD THE BATTLE STRUGGLE EARN
ONE KIND GLANCE FROM YOUR EYE,
HOW THIS WITHERING HEART WOULD BURN,
THE HEADY FIGHT TO TRY!
(A mysterious servant, Grace Poole, enters, sees Jane and exits
quickly.)
THERE IS A MYSTERY ABOUT THIS HOUSE,
THERE IS A MYSTERY HERE.
AND THERE’S SOMETHING I FEAR.
WHAT DOES GRACE POOLE DO ALL DAY?
WHERE DOES SHE ALWAYS GLIDE AWAY?
WHAT DOES SHE DO IN THE TURRETS AND TOWERS?
IS SHE POSSESSED OF DARK MAGICAL POWERS?
THEN THERE’S THAT TERRIBLE LAUGHTER
WHICH I HEAR THROUGH THE RAFTERS.
THEY SAY THERE’S NO GHOST IN THE HALL,
BUT I’M NOT SURE AT ALL.
THERE IS A MYSTERY HERE, AND IT’S NOT VERY CLEAR.
(Sound of distant peal of laughter.)
SLIDE THE BOLT IN THE DOOR
SLIDE THE BOLT IN THE DOOR
SLIDE THE BOLT IN THE DOOR
AND YOU’VE NOTHING TO FEAR!
(Jane slides the bolt in the door, and stands listening to the distant
laughter.)
Scene 4.
(The Drawing Room – which is changed from Jane’s room.
Music is playing – left to producer’s discretion to choose a tape of an
old-time waltz of the period. Guests are arriving.)
©1986 A.BIRNEY
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(19) Narrator or Chorus
JANE EYRE, YOU WERE THOUGHTLESS ONCE
OF BEAUTY OR OF GRACE,
SIMPLE AND HOMELY IN ATTIRE,
CARELESS OF FORM AND FACE.
THEN WHENCE THIS CHANGE? AND WHEREFORE NOW
SO OFTEN SMOOTH YOUR HAIR?
AND WHEREFORE DECK YOUR YOUTHFUL FORM
WITH SUCH UNWEARIED CARE?
TELL US – AND CEASE TO TIRE OUR EARS
WITH THAT FAMILIAR STRAIN –
WHY WILL YOU PLAY THOSE SIMPLE TUNES
SO OFTEN, O’ER AGAIN?
INDEED DEAR FRIENDS, I CAN BUT SAY
THAT CHILDHOOD’S THOUGHTS ARE GONE,
EACH YEAR ITS OWN NEW FEELING BRINGS
AND YEARS MOVE SWIFTLY ON.
(Jane is joined by Adѐle. She hastens to a far corner of the room.
The local gentry assemble centre stage, ladies and gentlemen. Mr
Rochester enters last of all.)
Adѐle
Bonjour, Mesdames.
Ladies
It is Mr Rochester’s ward, the little French girl. What a love of a
child!
(Mr Rochester leads Blanche Ingram to opposite side of stage from
Jane. The couple sit down.)
(20) Jane
BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, I KNOW.
I HAD NOT INTENDED TO LOVE HIM SO.
HIS UNHANDSOME FACE QUITE MASTERS ME
AND WHEN HE SMILES HIS EYES ARE GENTLE AND SWEET.
HE IS OF MY KIND
TO HIM I FEEL AKIN
DESPITE DIFFERENCE OF RANK
I’VE MUCH IN COMMON WITH HIM.
Blanche Ingram
WHERE DID YOU PICK UP ADЀLE?
YOU SHOULD HAVE SENT HER TO SCHOOL.
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Mr Rochester (humorously)
I COULDN’T AFFORD IT – SCHOOLS ARE SO DEAR.
Blanche
WHY, I SEE YOU HAVE A GOVERNESS HERE (pause)
MY SISTER AND I HAD A DOZEN AT LEAST,
WE DETESTED THEM ALL – AND WE DID AS WE PLEASED (pause)
PLEASE SING US A SONG NOW, EDWARD, MY DEAR.
Rest of Company
Here here! Here here! Here here! Here here!
Mr Rochester goes over to the piano and sings.)
(21) Mr Rochester
OH, FOR A DRAUGHT OF VINTAGE FROM THE DEEP SOUTH,
FULL OF THE BLUSHFUL HIPPOCRENE,
TASTING OF FLORA AND THE COUNTRY GREEN
DANCE AND PROVENÇAL SONG AND SUNBURNT MIRTH,
WITH BEADED BUBBLES WINKING AT THE BRIM
AND PURPLE STAINÉD MOUTH.
I CANNOT SEE WHAT FLOWERS ARE AT MY FEET
NOR WHAT SOFT INCENSE HANGS UPON THE BOUGH.
THE GRASS, THE THICKET AND THE FRUIT-TREE WILD,
WHITE HAWTHORN AND THE PASTORAL EGLANTINE,
FAST-FADING VIOLETS COVERED UP IN LEAVES,
AND THE MUSK-ROSE, FULL OFF DEWY WINE,
THE MURMUROUS HAUNT OF FLIES ON SUMMER EVES.
(Polite applause.)
(22) Jane (aside)
I’M ALWAYS HAPPY WHEN I HEAR SWEET MUSIC,
RARELY DO YOU VISIT ME, SPIRIT OF DELIGHT,
THAT’S WHY I WE;COME THE COMING OF THE NIGHT.
THE HARP THAT ONCE THROUGH TARA’S HALLS
THE SOUL OF MUSIC SHED,
THANK HEAV’N I’VE DWELT IN MARBLE HALLS
BEFORE I WAS TOO OLD AND DEAD.
(23) Mr Rochester
I’M GOING THE WAY OF ALL THE EARTH,
MAN THAT IS BORN, THAT IS BORN, OF WOMAN;
GETTING AND SPENDING I LAY WASTE MY POWERS,
I HOPE I DON’T END PUSHING UP THE FLOWERS!
REMEMBER ME WHEN I’M SET FREE,
WHEN I’M DEAD, SING NO SONGS FOR ME,
FREELY I RECEIVED, AND FREELY GAVE –
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I JUST WANT TO LIVE AND LET LIVE.
I’M ALWAYS HAPPY WHEN I HEAR SWEET MUSIC
RARELY DO YOU VISIT ME SPIRIT OF DELIGHT…
I’M ALWAYS HAPPY WHEN I HEAR SWEET MUSIC
RARELY DO YOU VISIT ME SPIRIT OF DELIGHT,
SPIRIT OF DELIGHT, SPIRIT OF DELIGHT.
Jane, why are you leaving so early?
(Jane departs quickly without replying.)
(24) Jane or Chorus
©1986 A.BIRNEY
WE’VE A LOT OF CLASS DISCRIMINATION,
MISS INGRAM PUTS ME IN MY PLACE.
I THINK IT’S A TERRIBLE SITUATION –
THOUGH I DARE NOT SAY SO TO HER FACE.
MISSUS REED WOULDN’T STRIKE A MATCH OR LIGHT A FIRE,
MISSUS FAIRFAX WOULDN’T COOK, NOR DO I,
THE SERVANTS UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION –
THEY NEVER RISE ABOVE THEIR STATION.
WE’VE A LOT OF CLASS DISCRIMINATION,
MISS INGRAM PUTS ME IN MY PLACE.
IT’S A COMMON THING WITHIN OUR NATION
WE ALL HAVE OUR LINES OF DEMARCATION.
MISTER ROCHESTER, IS HE AWARE OF THIS?
DOES HE WISH TO BESTOW A FRIENDLY KISS?
DOES HE WISH TO HAVE A PASSIONATE RELATION
WITH SOMEONE BELOW HIS RANK AND STATION?
(pause)
(Pensively) I THINK MISTER ROCHESTER MUST INTEND
TO MARRY MISS INGRAM IN THE END.
I CANNOT SEE WHY HE BOTHERS WITH ME,
I CANNOT SEE WHY HE BOTHERS WITH ME.
(pause)
IS HE GOING TO MARRY HER FOR FAMILY REASONS
BECAUSE HER RANK AND CONNECTIONS SUIT HIM?
IF MISS INGRAM HAD BEEN GOOD AS WELL AS FAIR,
I SHOULD BY NOW BE IN DARK DESPAIR…
BUT THERE IS A DOUBT, SHE FAILS TO CHARM,
AND THAT IS WHY I WISH HER NO HARM.
(After this, in a better humour, Jane goes to bed.)
18
Jane
I wonder why Mister Mason came today, to see Mister Rochester.
All the way from the Port of Spain, and the Master was surprised to
see him. I wonder why. I wonder why?
(She yawns, and soon drops off to sleep – but is soon awakened by
mad laughter.)
(She sits up and exclaims.)
Jane
Good God – What’s that?
(After a pause there is a knock on her door – she reluctantly opens.
Mister Rochester quickly enters.)
Mr Rochester
Jane. Mister Mason has been stabbed in the arm! Please will you
help me! – I must get him out of the house before the guests come
down!
(They exit, and soon return. Jane is exhausted.)
(25) Jane
SIR, I HEARD SOME TERRIBLE LAUGHTER
I THINK IT WAS YOUR SERVANT, GRACE POOLE.
Mr Rochester
PLEASE SAY NOTHING OF THIS MATTER,
I THINK SHE’S ONLY PLAYING THE FOOL.
SLIDE THE BOLT IN YOUR DOOR
AND YOU’VE NOTHING TO FEAR.
SLIDE THE BOLT IN YOUR DOOR
AND YOU’VE NOTHING TO FEAR.
I THANK YOU FOR ENTERING MY LIFE
MY CHERISHED PRESERVER – I WISH YOU GOODNIGHT…
(He holds her hand. She withdraws it, opens the door for him to
leave, and firmly bolts the door. She sinks down on the bed.)
Short orchestral finale to end first part, using theme from final aria,
“You know I love you”.
INTERVAL
©1986 A.BIRNEY
19
ACT 11.
Scene 1.
(26) Chorus
(In the fields near Thornfield. ) (Jane)
MY SOUL IS AWAKENED, MY SPIRIT IS SOARING
AND CARRIED ALOFT ON THE WINGS OF THE BREEZE,
FOR ABOVE AND AROUND ME THE WILD WIND IS ROARING,
AROUSING TO RAPTURE THE EARTH AND THE SEAS.
THE LONG WITHERED GRASS IN THE SUNSHINE IS GLANCING,
THE BARE TREES ARE TOSSING THEIR BRANCHES ON HIGH,
THE DEAD LEAVES, BENEATH THEM, ARE MERRILY DANCING,
THE WHITE CLOUDS ARE SCUDDING ACROSS THE BLUE SKY.
(Mr Rochester joins her.)
(27) Mr Rochester
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH MISTER MASON,
I HEAR HE IS NOW VERY WELL.
(pause)
I THINK YOU ARE ATTACHED, ATTACHED TO THIS HOUSE.
Jane
YES SIR, I AM ATTACHED TO IT, THERE IS NO DOUBT.
Mr Rochester
THAT’S A GREAT PITY, A GREAT PITY, JANE,
LIFE IS ALWAYS, IS ALWAYS THE SAME…
NO SOONER DO YOU SETTLE DOWN
THAN YOU HAVE TO MOVE ON, YOU HAVE TO MOVE ON.
Jane
THEN YOUR MATCH WITH MISS INGRAM AT LAST DESIRED,
SO MY LEASE AT THORNFIELD IS TRULY EXPIRED?
Mr Rochester
I COULD FIND FOR YOU A SITUATION,
ANYWHERE YOU LIKE WITHIN THIS NATION.
BUT THEN I WOULD SURELY DIE
AND YOU WOULD FORGET ABOUT ME…
Jane
I WOULD GRIEVE TO LEAVE THORNFIELD,
I LOVE IT HERE,
I WOULD GRIEVE TO LEAVE THORNFILED,
YOU ARE SO NEAR.
IT WOULD STRIKE ME WITH TERROR
TO LOSE YOU FOREVER.
©1986 A.BIRNEY
20
(28) Mr Rochester
I’VE SOMETHING STUPID AND RIDICULOUS TO TELL YOU.
YOU’LL LAUGH IN MY FACE IF I COME AND TELL YOU,
YOU’LL SHOW ME THE DOOR
YOU’LL THINK THAT I AM LYING, (x2)
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT I’VE FALLEN FOR YOU?
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT I’VE FALLEN FOR YOU?
CAN I NOT SPEAK OF YOU BEAUTY?
CAN I NOT SPEAK OF YOUR LOVE?
YOU ARE TO ME AS THE HONEY,
YOU ARE TO ME LIKE A DOVE.
I’VE SOMETHING STUPID AND RIDICULOUS TO TELL YOU.
YOU’LL LAUGH IN MY FACE IF I COME AND TELL YOU,
YOU’LL SHOW ME THE DOOR
YOU’LL THINK THAT I’M LYING,
YOU’LL SHOW ME THE DOOR
YOU’LL THINK THAT I’M LYING,
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT I’VE FALLEN FOR YOU?
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT I’VE FALLEN FOR YOU?
(29) Jane
BUT YOUR MATCH WITH MISS INGRAM,
IS IT TRULY BROKEN?
Mr Rochester
JANE, JANE, I OFFER YOU MY HEART,
MY HAND AND MY HEART,
MAY WE NEVER PART.
I SUMMON YOU AS MY WIFE
YOU ARE THE LOVE, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!
Jane
BUT I AM POOR AND OBSCURE
AND SMALL AND PLAIN.
I’VE HAD NO LOVE ON THE EARTH,
SAVE YOU, SINCE MY BIRTH.
Mr Rochester
WILL YOU ACCEPT?
WILL YOU SAY YES?
Jane
O DEAR EDWARD, I LOVE YOU SO TRUE,
I CANNOT REALLY SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU!
(They embrace.)
©1986 A.BIRNEY
21
Scene 2
(Jane’s room. Her wedding dress and veil are hung against a
cupboard. She enters, but forgets to bolt or close the door.)
(30) Jane or Chorus
EDWARD GAVE ME THESE RINGS, AND MANY MORE THINGS,
SATIN AND LACE, AND A VEIL FOR MY FACE.
WE ARE GOING ABROAD, TO PARIS AND ROME
AFTER A WEDDING IN CHURCH NOT FAR FROM THIS HOME.
I CANNOT GET USED TO THIS NOTION,
OF ALL THIS WEDDING COMMOTION,
ALL MY BAGS ARE PACKED, MY TRUNKS ARE HERE,
TOMORROW AFTERNOON, WE’LL BE WELL ON OUR WAY.
EVERYTHING IN LIFE SEEMS UNREAL,
I CANNOT EXPLAIN JUST HOW I FEEL!
(She goes to bed and falls asleep. Her door slowly opens wider and a
mad woman with long wild hair enters, carrying a candle. She
examines the wedding dress.)
(Jane awakes, and at first thinks the woman is the Maid.)
Jane
Sophie!
ATMOSPHERE MUSIC:
(The mad woman violently tears the wedding veil, and approaches
the bed. Jane faints. The woman looks at the daylight coming
through the window, and decides to leave. Jane revives, sees the
torn veil, and rushes in panic from the room.)
Scene 3.
(The chapel. The couple stand before the alter facing the Clergyman.
There are several friends and two strangers in attendance.)
(31) Mr Rochester
YOU ARE AS FAIR AS A LILY,
THE PRIDE OF MY LIFE,
DO YOU LOVE ME JANE?
MY OWN SWEET WIFE?
Jane
WITH MY WHOLE HEART, AND WE’LL NEVER MORE PART.
Clergyman
I REQUIRE AND CHARGE ANYONE,
WHO’S AGAINST THIS MARRIAGE BOND,
TO SAY WHY THIS COUPLE MAY NOT BE WED,
©1986 A.BIRNEY
22
OR WHY THIS CEREMONY SHOULD NOT GO ON.
Will you have this woman for your wedded wife?
1st Stranger
This marriage is not valid.
Mr Rochester
(to Clergyman) Proceed Mr Wood.
2nd Stranger/Mr Mason
(Waving a paper) This document proves that in 1824 Edward
Rochester married my Sister, at the Church of All Saints, in Jamaica!
(Mr Rochester threatens to strike him – Mr Mason retreats.)
Mr Rochester
Very well… Your Sister is still alive at Thornfield Hall…
This wedding can’t take place!
Bertha Mason is my legal wife. Of course she’s completely insane!
Go in and see for yourselves – they’ll show you around. Go in and
see the creature they call my Wife!
(Mad laughter off-stage. All exit.)
(Interior of chapel. Jane and Mr Rochester enter alone and face each
other.)
(32) Jane
WELL SOME MAY HATE, AND SOME MAY SCORN,
AND SOME MAY QUITE FORGET YOUR NAME.
BUT MY SAD HEART MUST EVER MOURN
YOUR RUINED HOPES, YOUR BLIGHTED FAME!
‘TWAS THUS I THOUGHT, AN HOUR AGO,
WEEPING O’ER MY POOR LOVE’S WOE.
Mr Rochester
You’ve neither relations nor friends, no one to offend, if you were
living with me, if you were living with me…
(33) Jane
BUT I MUST HOLD ON TO MY PRINCIPLES…
PRINCIPLES ARE NOT FOR THE TIMES
WHEN THERE ARE NO TEMPTATIONS,
THEY ARE MEANT FOR SUCH TIMES AS THIS
SUCH IMPOSSIBLE AND TERRIBLE SITUATIONS.
(He tries to embrace her – but she turns away.)
©1986 A.BIRNEY
23
Mr Rochester
Jane
As a married man you will keep out of my way.
WHAT AM I TO DO? LEAVE THORNFIELD TODAY?
TO LEAVE THORNFIELD IS THE LEAST OF MY WOE.
LEAVING EDWARD I CANNOT POSSIBLY DO.
BUT LEAVE YOU I MUST,
YOU’LL UNDERSTAND ME I TRUST,
I CANNOT BE YOURS
TO BE KEPT BY YOU
I KNOW IF I DO
YOU’LL LOSE RESPECT FOR ME.
I HAVE TO PROTECT MYSELF
EVEN THOUGH I THINK I’LL BE PUT ON THE SHELF.
BUT I MUST HOLD ONTO MY PRINCIPLES.
PRINCIPLES ARE NOT FOR THE TIMES
WHEN THERE ARE NO TEMPTATIONS,
THEY ARE MEANT FOR SUCH TIMES AS THIS,
SUCH IMPOSSIBLE AND TERRIBLE SITUATIONS.
(Again he tries to embrace her, but she turns away and exits slowly.)
(Short pause with musical interlude, using themes of, eg. “I must
hold on to my principles”, “Prince of Love”, “I’ve something stupid”.)
Scene 4.
(Attic bedroom in a strange house. Jane is exhausted and white and
sits up in bed.)
Jane
NOW I AM A YOUNG GIRL IN MY PRIME,
AN EMPTY HOUSE AT CHRISTMAS TIME.
WHEN I’M STILL YOUNG AND ALL IS GONE,
I SING THIS SAD REFRAIN:-
(34) Chorus – Ladies only
(and Jane)
LONELINESS, LONELINESS,
THERE’S NOTHING WORSE THAN LONELINESS.
AN EMPTY ROOM, AN EMPTY HEART,
TILL I MET YOU.
LONELINESS, LONELINESS,
I WANT A LIFE WITH NO REGRETS.
MY DUTY’S DONE
BUT THERE’S NOT MUCH FUN –
I’VE MUCH REGRET!
©1986 A.BIRNEY
24
(Enter two Sisters, a little older than Jane. They straighten the bed clothes and smooth Jane’s hair.)
(35) 1st Sister
HOW ARE YOU FEELING?
ARE YOU RECOVERED?
OUR BROTHER BROUGHT YOU IN,
OUT OF THE RAIN.
2nd Sister
WHERE DO YOU COME FROM?
WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
1st Sister
WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
AND WHERE IS YOUR HOME?
Jane
MY NAME IS JANE EYRE
I WAS TRAVELLING NORTH
BUT I LEFT MY LUGGAGE BEHIND IN THE COACH.
I SLEPT TWO NIGHTS IN THE OPEN AIR,
AS YOU CAN SEE FROM MY DISHEVELLED HAIR!
I THOUGHT THAT I HAD MET MY FATE
WHEN YOUR BROTHER FOUND ME AT YOUR GATE.
I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KINDNESS TO ME
I SHALL REPAY YOU SOON FROM MY SALARY.
I AM SEEKING WORK AS A GOVERNESS
OR POSSIBLY AS A SCHOOL MISTRESS.
1ST Sister
YOU MUST STAY WITH US FOR A WHILE,
WE LIKE YOUR FACE AND WE LIKE YOUR SMILE.
Jane
I THANK YOU AGAIN, AGAIN AND AGAIN
I DO NOT THINK MY CONSTITUTION
COULD STAND THE HORROR OF DESTITUTION!
(36) Chorus
(This extended Chorus can be omitted)
HOW SWEET I ROAMED FROM FILED TO FIELD,
AND TASTED ALL THE SUMMER’S PRIDE
TILL I THE PRINCE OF LOVE BEHELD
WHO IN THE SUNNY BEAMS DID GLIDE.
HE SHOWED ME LILIES FOR MY HAIR
AND BLUSHING ROSES FOR MY BROW
HE LED ME THROUGH HIS GARDENS FAIR
WHERE ALL HIS GOLDEN PLEASURES GROW.
WITH SWEET MAY DEWS MY WINGS ARE WET
AND PHOEBUS FIRED MY VOCAL RAGE
HE CAUGHT ME IN HIS SILKEN NET
©1986 A.BIRNEY
25
AND SHUT ME IN HIS GOLDEN CAGE.
HE LOVES TO SIT AND HEAR ME SING
THEN LAUGHING, SPORTS AND PLAYS WITH ME.
THEN STRETCHES OUT MY GOLDEN WING,
AND MOCKS MY LOSS OF LIBERTY.
THERE MUST BE A WAY
TO CAPTURE MISTER ROCHESTER’S AFFECTIONS.
HE’LL NEVER LOVE ME.
AM I TOO YOUNG?
AM I TOO PLAIN?
SOME HAVE WON A WILD DELIGHT,
BY DARING WILDER SORROW,
COULD I GAIN YOUR LOVE TONIGHT,
I’D HAZARD DEATH TOMORROW!
COULD THE BATTLE STRUGGLE EARN
ONE KIND GLANCE FROM YOUR EYE,
HOW THIS WITHERING HEART WOULD BURN,
THE HEADY FIGHT TO TRY!
WELL, SOME MAY HATE, AND SOME MAY SCORN,
AND SOME MAY QUITE FORGET YOUR NAME.
BUT MY SAD HEART MUST EVER MOURN
YOUR RUINED HOPES, YOUR BLIGHTED FAME!
‘TWAS THUS I THOUGHT, AN HOUR AGO,
WEEPING O’ER MY POOR LOVE’S WOE.
BUT I MUST HOLD ON TO MY PRINCIPLES…
PRINCIPLES ARE NOT FOR THE TIMES
WHEN THERE ARE NO TEMPTATIONS,
THEY ARE MEANT FOR SUCH TIMES AS THIS
SUCH IMPOSSIBLE AND TERRIBLE SITUATIONS.
(Jane walks over to the window.)
(37) Jane
©1986 A.BIRNEY
JUST LOOK AT THE STARS TONIGHT!
THOSE NORTHERN LIGHTS.
I LOVE THIS PLACE, MY HOME, WITH ITS NORTHERN AIR.
OF MY ROOTS IN THE PAST I AM ALWAYS AWARE,
I LOVE THIS PLACE WITH ITS RED EVENING SKIES.
THOSE STORMY, WILD, RED EVENING SKIES.
26
(Jane is joined by the two Sisters.)
(38) Jane
THE MOON IS FULL THIS WINTER NIGHT,
THE STARS ARE CLEAR, THOUGH FEW,
AND EVERY WINDOW GLISTENS BRIGHT,
WITH LEAVES OF FROZEN DEW,
THE SWEET MOON THROUGH YOUR WINDOW GLEAMS,
AND LIGHTS YOUR ROOM LIKE DAY,
AND THERE YOU PASS IN HAPPY DREAMS
THE PEACEFUL HOURS AWAY.
WHILE I, WITH EFFORT HARDLY QUELLING
THE ANGUISH IN MY BREAST,
WANDER ABOUT THIS SILENT DWELLING,
AND CANNOT THINK OF REST.
(39) 2ND Sister
(Turns to Jane)
THERE’S NO USE IN WEEPING.
THOUGH YOU ARE CONDEMNED TO PART,
THERE’S SUCH A THING AS KEEPING
A REMEMBRANCE IN YOUR HEART.
THERE’S SUCH A THING AS DWELLING
ON THE THOUGHT THAT YOU HAVE NURSED,
AND WITH SCORN AND COURAGE TELLING
THE WORLD TO DO ITS WORST.
WE’LL NOT LET ITS FOLLIES GRIEVE US
WE’LL JUST TAKE THEM AS THEY COME,
AND THEN EVERY DAY WILL LEAVE US
A HAPPY THOUGHT FOR HOME,
WHEN WE’VE LEFT EACH FRIEND AND LOVER,
WHEN WE’VE PARTED NEAR AND FAR,
WE STILL THINK OF ONE ANOTHER
AS EVEN BETTER THAN WE ARE.
EVERY GLORIOUS SIGHT ABOVE US,
EVERY PLEASANT SIGHT BENEATH
WE’LL CONNECT WITH THOSE WHO LOVE US
WHOM WE TRULY LOVE TILL DEATH.
(Exit the two Sisters)
(40) Jane
©1986 A.BIRNEY
JUST LOOK AT THE STARS TONIGHT!
THOSE NORTHERN LIGHTS,
27
I LOVE THIS PLACE, MY HOME, WITH ITS NORTHERN AIR.
OF MY ROOTS IN THE PAST I AM ALWAYS AWARE
I LOVE THIS PLACE WITH ITS RED EVENING SKIES
THOSE STORMY, WILD, RED EVENING SKIES.
I CAN’T GET EDWARD OUT OF MY MIND,
I MUST SEE HIM AGAIN,
I MUST RETURN TO THORNFIELD
TO SEE HIM THERE.
OF OUR LIFE IN THE PAST I AM ALWAYS AWARE
I LOVE HIS FACE WITH HIS KINDLY EYES,
THOSE STORMY, WILD, KINDLY EYES.
(Jane exits)
Scene 5.
Exterior view of Thornfield Hall. Late at night. No sound. A mad
woman appears on the battlements, carrying a torch. She sets fire to
the upper storey of the Hall. The fire spreads. The servants, and
eventually Mr Rochester, emerge and gather outside the Hall. They
look upwards at the mad Mrs Rochester who has reappeared on the
battlements. Chaos reigns – no intelligible conversation. Mr
Rochester suddenly runs back into the Hall, a servant tries to hold
him back. After a short time he stumbles out of the entrance to the
burning building, and collapses. Servants bring a stretcher, they lift
him onto it – he seems to be dead. The maidservants begin to weep,
and the stretcher is carried off-stage.
(41)
From his exit from the burning Mansion and collapse to his exit from
the stage on the stretcher, the music is a slow tragic parody of the
final aria :
(Mr Rochester’s theme) – “You know I love you”.
The addition of this scene will heighten the tension in the final Act,
making the audience think (even for a short time) that Mr Rochester
may in fact be dead.
Scene 6
(42) Mr Rivers
©1986 A.BIRNEY
(He is cold and formal)
COLDER, IT’S GETTING COLDER.
ICY SHIVERS RUN DOWN MY SPINE,
I THINK I SHALL DRINK A GLASS OF WINE.
28
COLDER, IT’S GETTING COLDER.
WHY DO I MOAN, WHY DO I WHINE?
I’LL HAVE A GLASS OF THAT WARM RED WINE.
BEER AND STOUT KEEP THE COLD FOGS OUT.
SO WHY DO I MOAN, WHY DO I SHOUT?
SUMMER, WE’VE HAD OUR SUMMER,
COLD AND GREY WITH OCCASIONAL RAIN,
I ONCE SAW THE SUN SHINE THROUGH THE WINDOW-PANE.
AUTUMN IS NEAR, AUTUMN IS NEAR,
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT AUTUMN CHEER!
Jane – I may call you Jane, may I not? – Will you not have a glass of
wine? Or would you care to stroll with me?
Jane
Yes, if you wish. I shall call Diana and Mary.
Mr Rivers
No; I want only one companion, and that is you.
Jane
I shall get my coat.
(She moves towards the door.)
Mr Rivers
Jane, did you say that you have never been married – that you are
completely without connection?
Jane
Yes, I did. Not a tie links me with any living thing.
Mr Rivers
A most singular position at your age.
Jane
Well… I am an orphan. My parents died before I could know them. I
obtained a good situation at Thornfield, and was happy. My
departure from there was not of my own doing. I was entirely
blameless.
Mr Rivers
Jane, I leave for India in six weeks. There I intend to be a missionary,
as my Sisters have already informed you… Jane, come with me to
India! – as my assistant.
Jane
Oh Mr Rivers; I have no vocation.
Mr Rivers
God will protect you!... You are intended for a missionary’s Wife! I
ask you to be my Wife!
©1986 A.BIRNEY
29
Jane
I am not fit for it. I have no vocation.
Mr Rivers
But Jane. You are diligent, faithful and courageous. You will be able
to run my school in India. – You must seek another interest in life to
replace the one you have lost.
Jane
I will go with you to India – but not as your Wife.
Mr Rivers
No. You must come as my Wife – We can’t go there as an unmarried
couple.
Jane
I feel that you will approve of me, but you will never love me. I
cannot marry you. I do not feel that we are fitted for each other.
Mr Rivers
Well then, I must bid you goodnight, Jane.
Jane
Good night, Mr Rivers. Let us shake hands.
Mr Rivers
I know where your head turns and to what it clings. Long since you
ought to have put it out of your mind. But you think only of Mr
Rochester. – Are you going to seek him?
I must find out what has become of him.
Jane
(Mr Rivers bows coldly, and turns, going towards the door ignoring
Jane’s outstretched hand.)
(She returns with the two Sisters. Jane is dressed for a journey. Her
bag is packed. She is saying farewell to the two Sisters.)
(43) Jane
I’VE TRIED TO BE A SCHOOL MARM FOR ALMOST A YEAR,
BUT I CAN’T DO WITHOUT MY MASTER,
MY MASTER SO DEAR.
(The two Sisters show her newspapers)
NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS BEAR WITNESS TO HIS CARE –
I HEAR HE’S BEEN SEEKING ME FAR AND NEAR!
I WROTE TWO LETTERS TO THORNFIELD HALL,
TO ENQUIRE OF HIM BUT I HEARD NOTHING AT ALL.
I MAY BE AWAY FOR SEVERAL DAYS,
OR I MAY BE AWAY FOR LONGER,
IN ANY CASE I HAVE LEFT MY ROOM
©1986 A.BIRNEY
30
IN A TIDY STATE, TO AWAIT MY RETURN.
I HAD A DREAM, I HEARD A VOICE,
A VOICE FULL OF FEAR,
SOUNDING CLOSE TO MY EAR.
IT WAS A VISITATION, AN INSPIRATION,
A MOST PECULIAR SENSATION.
I feel some danger is near which I can’t explain.
I must find out about Mr Rochester.
(44) Jane and the two Sisters
THE HEART HAS ITS REASONS,
OF WHICH REASON KNOWS NOTHING.
WOMEN HAVE THEIR REASONS,
THEIR REASONS FOR LIVING.
WOMEN MUST ALWAYS TRY TO BE
THE CENTRE OF LOVE AND LIBERTY.
OH LOOK, LOOK, LOOK TO THE STARS,
LOVE, OF MAN’S LIFE IS BUT A PART.
BUT OF WOMEN IT MUST INDEED BE SAID,
IF THEY CANNOT HAVE LOVE
THEN THEY’D SOONER BE DEAD.
LOVE IS MY WHOLE EXISTENCE
LOVE IS MY WHOLE EXISTENCE.
MY TRUE LOVE HAS MY HEART
AND I HAVE HIS
I THANK MY TRUE GOD
FOR THIS HEAVENLY PRIZE.
I THANK MY TRUE GOD
FOR THIS HEAVENLY PRIZE!
(She kisses the two Sisters and she goes out quickly, clutching her
travelling bag.)
Scene 7.
(Jane arrives outside the gates of Thornfield House on foot. At first
she does not see the ruins of Thornfield in the distance beyond the
gates.)
(45) Jane
MY MASTER MAY NOT BE HERE
FOR AUGHT I KNOW.
©1986 A.BIRNEY
31
I’M SO FILLED WITH DESPAIR,
I’M AFRAID TO GO.
BUT MY LOVE DRAWS ME ON
AND I’M UP WITH THE SUN.
SHOULD I RUN TO HIM?
AND IF I DID – WHAT THEN?
(pause)
GOD GRANT HE DIDN’T GO ABROAD
AS HE ONCE SAID HE PROBABLY WOULD…
(She looks around the wall of the gate and sees the ruins)
NO WONDER TO MY LETTERS THERE WAS NO REPLY!
JUST AN EMPTY SHELL WIDE OPEN TO THE SKY!
(She walks towards the ruins)
THERE HAS OBVIOUSLY BEEN A CONFLAGRATION,
BUT HOW, BY WHOM, AND IN WHAT SITUATION?
AND WHERE IS THE OWNER?
WHERE IS MY MASTER?
I MUST KNOW THE ANSWER
AS SOON AS I CAN
TO THAT AWFUL QUESTION.
(Jane sees a farmhand passing along the road close to the gates.)
Jane
Do you know what happened to Thornfield Hall?
Farmhand
Yes, ma’am. I certainly do. It was burned down about harvest time.
There was a lunatic in the tower. She got loose and set one of the
rooms on fire. The room, so people say, had belonged to a
governess. The mad woman was killed. She threw herself down
from the roof, and the house was burned down.
Jane
Did anyone else die?
Farmhand
No. But the owner, Mr Rochester, was burnt as he tried to escape.
He was hit by a beam, and he lost his sight.
Jane
Where is he now? Where does he live?
Farmhand
He lives over at Ferndean, about ten miles away.
©1986 A.BIRNEY
32
Jane
I’ll give you some money if you drive me there!
(He agrees. Exit Jane and the farmhand.)
(Stage darkens and lightens again.)
(Same scene as Thornfield – minus backcloth and wall.)
(Ferndean Manor House. Mr Rochester is alone, holding a white
stick. The maid is bringing him a tray. He hears her coming and taps
his way forward with the stick to a table. Jane enters, takes the tray
from the maid, and goes towards him slowly. Exit maid. Jane puts
down the tray on the table.)
Mr Rochester
(touching Jane’s face and hair)
Who is this? This is her shape, this is her size – Great God, it can’t
be! Is it Jane? Is it really you?
Jane
My dear Master. At last, at last I have come back to you!
Mr Rochester
YOU ARE COME BACK TO ME THEN?
Jane
I SHALL BE YOUR MOST LOVING COMPANION.
I SHALL READ TO YOU, TALK WITH YOU,
SIT WITH YOU, WAIT ON YOU,
BE YOUR EYES AND EARS AND HANDS TO YOU!
Mr Rochester
AH JANE, BUT I WANT A WIFE,
I WANT A WIFE, A WIFE TO ADORE.
Jane
DO YOU SIR?
Mr Rochester
IS IT NEWS TO YOU?
Jane
YOU SAID NOTHING ABOUT IT BEFORE.
Mr Rochester
IS IT UNWELCOME NEWS?
Jane
THAT DEPENDS, SIR, ON WHOM YOU CHOOSE.
Mr Rochester
JANE. JANE. WILL YOU MARRY ME?
(46) Jane
I WILL. I WILL. MOST DEFINITELY.
FOR ME TO BE YOUR WIFE IS TO BE
©1986 A.BIRNEY
33
AS HAPPY AS A WOMAN CAN EVER BE!
YOU ARE MY LIFE, MY LOVE, MY ALL,
WITHOUT YOU I WOULD SURELY FALL,
I CAN’T HELP IT, I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU.
CAN’T I BE NEAR YOU? YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND.
I CAN’T BEAR THE PAIN WITHOUT YOU,
WON’T YOU HOLD MY HAND?
OH, I CAN’T BEAR THE PAIN
TO BE WITHOUT YOU AGAIN,
I CAN’T HELP IT
I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU!
(47) Chorus
YOU AND I BOTH NEED EACH OTHER,
SAYING IS ONE THING AND DOING’S ANOTHER
A BARGAIN IS A BARGAIN. LET’S BE TRUE,
YOU NEED ME, AND I NEED YOU.
LOVE IS POWER, LOVE IS POWER,
YOU AND I BOTH NEED EACH OTHER,
ALL THINGS ARE HARD BEFORE THEY START,
ALL THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT.
Jane
(sings verse 1 again)
Mr Rochester
(sings verse 2)
HEART, MY HEART, WHAT WILL YOU DO?
YOU WEAR THE ROSE OF YOUTH UPON YOU.
TIME FLIES AWAY, WITHOUT DELAY.
SO DO PLEASE COME WITH ME TODAY.
WOMEN MAY BE MILD AND MEEK
SLOW TO COME FORWARD AND SLOW TO SPEAK.
EVERYTHING’S BEGINNING.
IT’S TOO LATE TO GRIEVE WHEN THE CHANCE IS LOST.
Chorus
(verse 1 “You and I” etc. repeated by Chorus)
(48) Mr Rochester
(Tenderly sings)
YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU
I PRESS MY LIPS TO YOUR GENTLE FACE.
MY SOUL DEMANDS YOU,
I’M TAKEN O’ER BY YOUR ELFLIKE GRACE.
©1986 A.BIRNEY
34
Jane and Mr Rochester
THE LINEAMENTS OF YOUR FACE
THE WARMTH OF YOUR EMBRACE
I KNOW THAT WE
WE WILL BE TRUE,
WE WILL BE TRUE,
WE WILL BE TRUE!
(They walk to the house arm in arm, while the orchestra play this
theme.)
©1986 A.BIRNEY