THE MUSKETEERS
Drama in a Prologue and Five Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1845
Translated into English and adapted by Frank Morlock, 1992
Translation is Copyright © 1992 by Frank Morlock. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without explicit consent of Frank Morlock. Please contact frankmorlock@msn.com for licensing information.
For more information on this play, click here.
Table of Contents
Characters
PROLOGUE
The Inn of Pernes near Bethune. A door at the front to the right. A stairway in the back. At the left, a window and a door to the hotel.
(An unknown seated at a table. The host, hostess.)
INNKEEPER
What would you like?
UNKNOWN
Some bread and wine first, if you please -- for I haven't had anything since morning.
INNKEEPER
We'll give you that.
(Innkeeper opens the door to the cellar. The Hostess appears at the head of the stairs.)
HOSTESS
Eh! man!
INNKEEPER
What?
HOSTESS
The monk's mule.
INNKEEPER
(going down)
Good.
HOSTESS
Right away.
INNKEEPER
(from the depth of the cellar)
Ah, yes, right away. As though they paid well your Mendicant monks.
HOSTESS
This one pays -- he pays in gold even!
(Innkeeper reappears with a bottle in his hand.)
INNKEEPER
Bah! In that case it's another matter.
(he puts the bottle on the table and opens the window of the courtyard)
He! Pataud!
VOICE
What is it?
INNKEEPER
The mule for his Reverence -- right away.
UNKNOWN
You have a monk with you?
INNKEEPER
Yes.
UNKNOWN
Of what denomination?
INNKEEPER
Is there such a thing as an order of questioners?
UNKNOWN
I don't think so.
INNKEEPER
I'm angry -- this one would be surely.
UNKNOWN
He asks you many questions?
INNKEEPER
Lord God! He's done nothing but since he arrived. "How many people are there here in Bethune? Have you ever been in an Augustine convent?" They say one of his relatives lost something there. It's been a dozen years he's been looking for what he lost.
(Someone knocks at the window giving on the high way.)
VOICE
Hey, friend!
HOSTESS
Wait -- someone's knocking over there.
INNKEEPER
Some people on horseback. If they were Spanish--
HOSTESS
Oh! No -- since they speak French.
VOICE
Friend -- friend
(outside)
INNKEEPER
(opening)
What do you want, Brigadier?
BRIGADIER
Can you give me news of the Spanish army?
(He enters by the door at the left followed by some men.)
INNKEEPER
Ah -- damn -- all the world can tell you. The plunderers. You cannot go a hundred steps without meeting them.
BRIGADIER
Some partisans, yes -- but it is the regular army we are looking for.
(Mordaunt dressed in the robe of a monk appears at the top of the stairs, stops and listens.)
INNKEEPER
Ah! the army is another matter.
BRIGADIER
Listen. We've been sent by M. Le Prune. The Spanish Army has left its cantonments and we are not sure where it is. Fifty patrols are en route at this moment -- and there's a hundred pistoles to whoever can give exact news of the enemies' whereabouts.
UNKNOWN
I can give you that.
BRIGADIER
You?
UNKNOWN
Yes, me.
BRIGADIER
You know where the Spanish Army is?
UNKNOWN
I do. It crossed the Lys River yesterday.
BRIGADIER
Where?
UNKNOWN
Between Saint Venant and Aire.
BRIGADIER
By whom is it commanded?
UNKNOWN
By the Archduke in person.
BRIGADIER
How many men is it made up of?
UNKNOWN
Eighteen-thousand men.
BRIGADIER
And it's marching on?
UNKNOWN
On Lens.
BRIGADIER
How do you know these details?
UNKNOWN
I was returning from Hazebrouch to Bethune when the Spaniards captured me and forced me to serve as their guide. Three leagues from here, thanks to the darkness, I escaped.
BRIGADIER
And can we rely on the statements you have given?
UNKNOWN
As if you had seen them yourself, I tell you.
BRIGADIER
Your name?
UNKNOWN
Why?
BRIGADIER
To send you the promised reward, if your observations are exact.
UNKNOWN
Useless.
BRIGADIER
Why useless?
UNKNOWN
One speaks the truth for nothing -- One lies for money. I've spoken the truth -- you owe me nothing.
BRIGADIER
Still, my friend, since 100 pistoles have been promised by M. Le Prune.
UNKNOWN
If I've told the truth, you will send the hundred pistoles to the Cure of Bethune who will distribute them to the poor.
BRIGADIER
But we will drink a glass of wine together -- to the health of our general and to France.
UNKNOWN
Thanks!
BRIGADIER
Why that?
UNKNOWN
Because, you don't know me, and if one day, you should chance to know me, you might repent of having touched your glass to mine. Follow your route sir, and haste to bring the news I have given you to your general.
BRIGADIER
You are right. Your hand, my friend!
UNKNOWN
(recoiling)
It would be too much honor for me.
BRIGADIER
Singular personality
(to his men)
Come on -- En route!
(he leaves)
MORDAUNT
(aside)
Yes-singular personality. Yet, he lives in Bethune, as he said. Perhaps, through him, I will have some intelligence.
(Coming down and sitting at a table.)
HOSTESS
What do you want, my reverend?
MORDAUNT
A lamp -- that's all! I already asked for my mule.
HOSTESS
He's already coming.
MORDAUNT
Thanks.
(to Unknown)
You are from around here, Sir?
UNKNOWN
I am from Bethune.
MORDAUNT
Ah -- from Bethune -- and you lived in Bethune for a long time?
UNKNOWN
I was born here.
MORDAUNT
(to the Hostess who brings a lamp)
Thanks!
(he opens a geographic map -- to the unknown)
Sir, how far are we from Bethune to Lilliers?
UNKNOWN
Three leagues.
MORDAUNT
And from Bethune to Armentiers?
UNKNOWN
Seven.
MORDAUNT
Have you sometimes taken that route?
UNKNOWN
Often.
MORDAUNT
Is it very dangerous?
UNKNOWN
In what respect?
MORDAUNT
In respect that one can be assassinated?
UNKNOWN
At least it isn't in time of war -- as today, for example, the route is very secure.
MORDAUNT
Seven!
(aside)
I have indeed thought it -- it must be some special vengance. Ah, at my return, I will pass this way again -- I've spent enough time on the business of Mr. Cromwell so I can do a bit of my own --
(aloud)
Now sir, could you tell me --
(Enter De Winter and the Innkeeper.)
DE WINTER
(to Innkeeper)
Speak then, Master!
INNKEEPER
There, your Lordship!
MORDAUNT
(raising his head)
Oh! Oh!
DE WINTER
Where am I here if you please?
INNKEEPER
At Pernes, Sir.
MORDAUNT
(aside)
It's him. I didn't think he was in France.
DE WINTER
At Pernes between Lilliers and Saint-Pol then?
INNKEEPER
Exactly.
DE WINTER
That's fine.
INNKEEPER
Your Lordship desires that someone serve him supper?
DE WINTER
No -- I only want to get some information about the way --
MORDAUNT
(aside)
More I watch him, the more I hear him -- the more this face and voice --
INNKEEPER
Some information about the way -- at your service, sir.
DE WINTER
To go to Doulens -- which is the road one must take?
INNKEEPER
That to Paris.
DE WINTER
Then one has only to follow it to the right?
INNKEEPER
But this road is infested with Spanish partisans. I don't advise you to take it, or if you take it, go by day.
DE WINTER
Impossible -- I must continue on my way.
INNKEEPER
Then take the back road.
DE WINTER
But won't I get lost?
INNKEEPER
Ah -- damn -- at night.
DE WINTER
My friend, would you serve me as a guide.
HOSTESS
(approaching)
Oh no, sir!
(to her husband)
I really hope you won't accept.
DE WINTER
Why my good woman -- I will give a reward.
HOSTESS
No, sir, for all the gold in the world I won't let him go so someone can kill him.
DE WINTER
And who would do that?
HOSTESS
Who would do it? the Spanish Brigands, of course.
DE WINTER
My friend -- here are 20 pistoles for whoever will act as my guide.
INNKEEPER
If it were 40, sir, if it were a hundred, I would refuse. You see, there are things more precious in the world and that's life -- and to chance it at this hour in this country, in the midst of all these bandits, it's too play one's life on a roll of the dice.
DE WINTER
My friend, if money doesn't tempt you -- let me speak to you in the name of humanity -- in serving as my guide -- in aiding me to get to Paris as soon as possible, you will render an immense service to someone who is in danger of death.
UNKNOWN
(rising)
If it would be such a great service as you say, sir -- and you wish to accept me as your guide -- here I am.
DE WINTER
You.
UNKNOWN
Yes, me. Do you accept, sir?
DE WINTER
Certainly -- and in your turn, here -- my friend.
(wishing to give him a purse)
UNKNOWN
Pardon, sir, I said if there was a service to perform -- and not money to be gained.
DE WINTER
Then, sir --
UNKNOWN
Each makes his conditions -- these are mine.
DE WINTER
(aside)
This is singular. It seems to me I've seen this man before.
UNKNOWN
(aside)
I am not deceived. It is indeed him.
DE WINTER
(to Innkeeper)
Now, my friend, here's a guinea. Do exactly what I tell you to do.
INNKEEPER
Speak, sir.
DE WINTER
A man is waiting for me at Doulens at the Lis Courronne; but as I am late, it is possible that this man, having tired waiting for me -- pushes on to here.
INNKEEPER
How will I recognize him?
DE WINTER
Dressed as a lacky; thirty five to forty years of age -- hair and beard -- they were black. Silent like a stone; as to the rest -- he responds to the name of Grimaud.
INNKEEPER
And he will ask?
DE WINTER
He will ask for Lord de Winter.
UNKNOWN
(aside)
Indeed, it is him.
MORDAUNT
(aside)
Ah, my dear uncle, I would have thought you'd kept a stricter incognito.
INNKEEPER
What shall I say to him?
DE WINTER
I've gotten ahead of him and he will rejoin me. If he doesn't rejoin me, he will find me at Palais at my old lodging in the Palais Royale.
(to the Unknown)
Do you wish to come my friend?
UNKNOWN
Yes, sir, and it is not the first time that I served you as guide.
DE WINTER
How's that?
UNKNOWN
Recall the night of October 22.
DE WINTER
1636?
UNKNOWN
Yes -- recall the route from Bethune to Armentiers.
DE WINTER
Silence! Yes, I recognize you -- come-come--
(They leave by the left. The Innkeeper goes off to the right.)
MORDAUNT
(rising, aside)
The night of October 22 -- the road from Bethune to Armentiers. What a strange coincidence! The 22nd of October -- the day my mother died -- the road from Bethune to Armentiers -- the place where she disappeared. It's as if Chance is doing more for me than all the other calculation and research. Come on, I must follow this man.
(aloud)
My mule! My mule!
HOSTESS
You ask?
MORDAUNT
My mule is ready?
HOSTESS
She's waiting for you at the door.
MORDAUNT
Thanks. You are paid, right?
HOSTESS
Yes -- certainly. It only remains for me to ask your blessing.
MORDAUNT
(leaving)
God protect you!
HOSTESS
Pierre!
(calling)
Pierre -- come on, he just left. He won't be still until he's assassinated
(gunshots far off)
Ah, my God -- wait -- another fuselage -- Pierre P____!
(she opens the window)
Pataud!
VOICE
What?
HOSTESS
Have you seen your master?
VOICE
He's there in the garden.
HOSTESS
Ah -- just in time!
(she turns and perceives Grimaud)
Sir.
(Grimaud bows.)
HOSTESS
From where are you come?
(Grimaud points to the door.)
HOSTESS
By the door -- then you are on foot?
(Grimaud makes an affirmative sign.)
HOSTESS
Then what do you want?
(Grimaud makes a sign that he wants to drink.)
HOSTESS
I understand. You have the misfortune to be a mute, sir?
(Grimaud makes an affirmative sign.)
HOSTESS
Oh, poor dear man.
(The Innkeeper returns.)
HOSTESS
Speak, my friend, -- here's a fellow makes no noise -- he is mute.
INNKEEPER
Mute -- maybe it's our man. He resembles the description given to me.
(going to Grimaud)
Well sir! Are you looking for someone?
(Grimaud lifts his head.)
INNKEEPER
An Englishman
(same sign)
(pause)
Who is named Lord de Winter?
GRIMAUD
Yes.
HOSTESS
Alas! The mute can speak.
INNKEEPER
And your name?
GRIMAUD
Grimaud.
INNKEEPER
Well, Mr. Grimaud, the person who was waiting for you at Doulens.
GRIMAUD
Yes.
INNKEEPER
At the Courronne.
GRIMAUD
Yes.
INNKEEPER
Just left ten minutes ago with a guide -- and said to tell you to find him at Paris at his old lodgings in the Palais Royale.
GRIMAUD
Good!
INNKEEPER
Then, since your commission is finished, you will stay?
GRIMAUD
Yes.
INNKEEPER
Have you eaten?
GRIMAUD
No.
INNKEEPER
Then you will sup and sleep here?
GRIMAUD
Yes.
INNKEEPER
And will you leave?
GRIMAUD
Tomorrow.
INNKEEPER
Well -- here's one who isn't talkative.
(Someone knocks at the side door.)
HOSTESS
Who is there?
PATAUD
Open, open -- neighbors who bring a wounded man.
INNKEEPER
A wounded man!
UNKNOWN
It's I, it's I -- open!
HOSTESS
What, this brave men--?
INNKEEPER
Who accompanied the English Lord.
HOSTESS
Well -- was I right to say not to go?
INNKEEPER
A surgeon! A surgeon!
(to Grimaud)
Sir, you have a horse -- you must ride to St. Pol and return with a surgeon.
GRIMAUD
How many leagues?
INNKEEPER
A league and a half!
GRIMAUD
I'm going.
(he leaves)
HOSTESS
Poor brave man -- we must put him in a room.
UNKNOWN
Oh no, a mattress on this table. I suffer much.
INNKEEPER
(to wife)
Get a mattress.
(to Unknown)
What happened, sir?
UNKNOWN
Two hundred feet from here we were attacked by Spaniards, but happily nothing has happened to Lord de Winter.
(The Hostess throws a mattress from the top of the stairs.)
HOSTESS
There!
INNKEEPER
Fine -- lie on that -- a pillow -- a cushion. What can one do for you to ease you, sir?
UNKNOWN
Nothing. The wound is mortal.
INNKEEPER
Do you need anything?
UNKNOWN
Water, I'm thirsty!
INNKEEPER
Wait.
UNKNOWN
Thanks -- but can you go find me a priest?
(Mordaunt reappears at the door.)
HOSTESS
Ah, my reverend, come, come, it is the Lord you followed.
MORDAUNT
Here I am.
HOSTESS
(showing Mordaunt to the wounded man)
Sir.
UNKNOWN
By grace -- come quickly.
MORDAUNT
Let everyone leave us.
INNKEEPER
That's all right -- there a strange monk.
HOSTESS
Oh! You! You are a heretic.
(they leave)
MORDAUNT
I am here, speak!
UNKNOWN
You are very young.
MORDAUNT
People who wear my robe have no age.
UNKNOWN
Alas -- speak softly -- I have need of a friend in my last moments.
MORDAUNT
You are suffering a lot?
UNKNOWN
In the soul more than the body.
MORDAUNT
Speak, I am listening.
UNKNOWN
First, you musk know who I am.
MORDAUNT
Speak.
UNKNOWN
I am -- but I fear you will abandon me if you know who I am.
MORDAUNT
Have no fear.
UNKNOWN
I am the old executioner of Bethune.
MORDAUNT
The old executioner?
UNKNOWN
Oh -- but for the last ten years I haven't worked -- having a horror of myself -- for the last ten years I quit my job.
MORDAUNT
You are horrified of your work?
UNKNOWN
For the last 10 years, yes.
MORDAUNT
And before that?
UNKNOWN
Before that, I struck only in the name of law and justice. My condition let me sleep peacefully, sheltered as I was under justice and the law -- but after this terrible night where I served as the instrument of a private vengeance -- when I lifted with hate the sword on a creature of God -- since that night --
MORDAUNT
What did he say there?
UNKNOWN
I have tried to stifle this remorse by ten years of good works -- I have stripped the natural fury from those who shed blood, on every occasion I have exposed my life to save those who were in peril, and I have preserved alive humans, in exchange for those I have killed. That is not all. The wealth acquired in the exercise of my profession I have distributed to the poor. I come assiduously to churches, people who fled me are used to seeing me -- some even love me -- but it seems to me that God hasn't pardoned me -- for the memory of this murder pursues me without ceasing.
MORDAUNT
You have committed a murder?
UNKNOWN
So it seems to me. Each night to see the ghost of that woman rise up.
MORDAUNT
It was a woman?
UNKNOWN
Oh -- it was a cursed night.
MORDAUNT
What night was it?
UNKNOWN
The night of October 22, 1636.
MORDAUNT
(aside)
The same date he mentioned to Lord de Winter -- Ah! Justice of Heaven! If I can learn all --
(he passes his hand over his face)
And who was this woman you assassinated?
UNKNOWN
Assassinated! And you too, you speak like the voice that has run in my head -- assassinated -- Did I assassinate rather than execute her? Am I a murderer and not an officer of justice?
MORDAUNT
Continue, continue! I know nothing and I can say nothing. When you have finished your story, we shall see. And now, how was it done? Speak! Tell all! Omit nothing!
UNKNOWN
(turning on his pillow)
It was evening. I lived in a house in a remote street. A man who had the air of being a great lord, although he wore the simple uniform of a Musketeer -- knocked on my door and showed me an order signed "Richlieu". This order commanded obedience to the one who bore it.
MORDAUNT
The Order was indeed signed "Richlieu".
UNKNOWN
Yes, but I dare say it was intended to serve another end than the one to which it was put.
MORDAUNT
Continue!
UNKNOWN
I followed this man, reserving the right to resist the order if it was suspect. At the town gate four other cavaliers waited for us. We traveled five or six leagues, somberly, gloomily, silently without exchanging a word. A hundred feet from Armentiers a man hidden in a ditch rose up "Here it is" said he -- pointing by hand to a small isolated house -- at the window of which shone a light. We cut across country and directed ourselves toward the house -- There, other lackeys were stationed on the road. Each of them rose in his turn and joined us. The last, guarded the door. "Is she still there?" asked the man who brought me -- "Still," he replied.
MORDAUNT
What am I going to hear, My God?
UNKNOWN
Then we dismounted and left the horses to the lackeys. He struck me on the shoulder -- the same always -- and he showed me through the window pane by the light of a lamp, a woman resting her elbows on a table, and said to me "Here's the one that must be executed."
MORDAUNT
And you obeyed?
UNKNOWN
I was going to refuse when suddenly -- in looking at her more attentively, I recognized the woman in my turn.
MORDAUNT
You recognized her?
UNKNOWN
Yes -- As a young woman she had seduced and ruined my brother. One night both had vanished with sacred vessels from a church. I found my brother on a Gibbet. She, I had not seen again.
MORDAUNT
Continue!
UNKNOWN
Oh, I knew well I ought to pardon her -- It's the law of the evangelist -- It's the law of God. The man in me stifled the Christian, it seemed that my brother's voice cried out for vergence in my ear and I said, " It's all right, I will obey."
MORDAUNT
Continue!
UNKNOWN
Then the same one, always the same one, broke the window with a blow of his fist, the three others by the door. In seeing them she understood that she was lost -- she yelled out -- then pale and mute, as if in that one cry she had exhausted all her strength. She recoiled staggering to the point she was against the wall.
MORDAUNT
This is horrible!
UNKNOWN
Horrible, isn't it? But wait! Wait! Then they set up as accusers and each passed before her in his turn and reproached her. This one the assassination of his spouse, that one the poisoning of his mistress, and the other -- The other was me --The other the dishonor and the death of his brother -- There with a single voice, the same voice, a unanimous voice they pronounced the penalty of death, and I
MORDAUNT
And you?
UNKNOWN
And I who had condemned her with the others -- I, I -- I undertook to execute her.
MORDAUNT
(rising)
Wretch! And you committed this crime?
UNKNOWN
On my salvation, I believed it to be justice.
MORDAUNT
And neither prayers nor tears for without doubt she prayed and cried -- neither beauty nor youth for she was young and beautiful wasn't she? Nothing touched you?
UNKNOWN
Nothing! I believed she was the demon himself who had taken the form of that woman.
MORDAUNT
Ah -- no more doubt now.
(He rises and goes to push the bolt in the door.)
UNKNOWN
You are leaving me? You abandon me?
MORDAUNT
No, no, be easy -- I'm right here -- Now let us see -- reply -- but without hiding anything, without being silent. Think that the frankness of your admissions alone can bring on you the mercy of Heaven. These five men, these five wretches. These five assassins. Who were they?
UNKNOWN
I didn't know their names, I have never known. They wore the uniforms of musketeers. That's all I know.
MORDAUNT
All?
UNKNOWN
No -- one alone was dressed as a gentlemen -- but he wasn't French -- he was...
MORDAUNT
He was?
UNKNOWN
He was an Englishman.
MORDAUNT
His name.
UNKNOWN
I have forgotten his name!
MORDAUNT
You lie.
UNKNOWN
My God!
MORDAUNT
His name?
UNKNOWN
No, I cannot.
MORDAUNT
I am going to tell you his name -- His name is Lord De Winter.
UNKNOWN
What do you say?
MORDAUNT
I said his name's Lord De Winter and that he was just here -- I say that it was with him you left.
UNKNOWN
How do you know that?
MORDAUNT
Now -- the name of this woman?
UNKNOWN
I never knew it. They called her "Milady" that's all.
MORDAUNT
"Milady"! But sure she had seduced your father, since she was the cause of the death of your brother -- as you pretend -- since this young woman escaped with sacred vessels from a church you ought to know the name of that young...
UNKNOWN
Yes, that one -- I know it.
MORDAUNT
Her name?
UNKNOWN
It seems to me I am going to die.
MORDAUNT
Oh -- don't die without having told me her name.
UNKNOWN
We'll you pardon me?
MORDAUNT
Her name, I tell you, her name!
UNKNOWN
Anne De Breuil.
MORDAUNT
(aside)
Ah -- my presentiments didn't deceive me!
UNKNOWN
Now, now, that you know her name -- pardon me, I am dying.
MORDAUNT
Me, pardon you? Pardon you. You know who I am?
UNKNOWN
Who are you then?
MORDAUNT
I am John Francis De Winter.
UNKNOWN
De Winter!
MORDAUNT
And this woman.
UNKNOWN
(rising)
This woman?
MORDAUNT
Well, this woman was my mother.
UNKNOWN
Your mother?
MORDAUNT
Yes, my mother, do you understand? My mother! Dead -- without my knowing either where or how.
UNKNOWN
Oh -- pardon me --! Pardon me!
MORDAUNT
Pardon you --? Pardon you? God perhaps -- I never will.
UNKNOWN
From pity.
MORDAUNT
No pity for he who had no pity. Die cursed, die desperate -- die and be damned.
(he strikes him with his poignard)
UNKNOWN
Help! Help!
VOICE
(outside)
Open! Open.
MORDAUNT
One Moment.
(he throws himself towards the window and jumps outside -- the Innkeeper and his wife and Grimaud enter the chamber precipitously)
GRIMAUD
What's wrong with him?
UNKNOWN
Help!
INNKEEPER
The Monk -- where is the monk?
UNKNOWN
He knifed me -- And it was justice -- The monk was her son.
GRIMAUD
What son?
UNKNOWN
(seeing Grimaud)
My God!
GRIMAUD
What?
UNKNOWN
You were one of the four lackeys of the four Lords that night.
GRIMAUD
Yes --
UNKNOWN
Well this monk is her son.
GRIMAUD
The son of Milady?
UNKNOWN
Take this dagger -- carry it to the four gentlemen and tell them what you know.
(he dies)
GRIMAUD
Ah. You are right -- not a moment to lose. The Comte de la Fere, The Comte de la Fere.
INNKEEPER
(stopping him)
Well -- and this man?
GRIMAUD
This man is dead.
(Curtain)
ACT I
Scene i
The chamber of D'Artagnan, at the Hotel de la Chevrette, of Mme. Turquenne, in Paris. At the right a door opening on a staircase, to the left center is an armoire closed by a curtain. Center, a large window.
MADELEINE
(alone)
(she holds a jerkin and brushes it)
Ah here's a jerkin of blue velour that I didn't know Mr. D'Artnagnan had. Without doubt it is with this that he makes his conquests, the ingrate. But what do I feel in his pockets? Some papers. Some will say that it's curiosity on my part, but after all, I have the right to be curious. Here's a love letter. I was sure of it.
(she unfolds a paper and reads it)
"Young turkey in mincemeat, stuffed carp, fried a la Mazarin, three bottles of wine from Anjou." This is already an infidelity. For the table of the Chevrette ought to suffice for a gallant man. But this infidelity I will still let pass.
(pulling out another letter)
(she reads)
"Sir, your adversary begins to enter convalescence. He has only three sword cuts which worry me, the others are healing into scars already." Ah! It's that Swiss sergeant who was installed in my hotel much against my will -- I can testify to that -- and whom. D'Artagnan found established in his chambers on his return from the Flanders campaign. He left after five sword blows -- poor dear man --
(folding a uniform)
Ah, D'Artagnan, you were amorous in those days. For you were jealous of the whole world especially the Swiss. Let's let that go.
This is the sacred doublet, the famous cassock of the musketeers, which we protect like a relic. Let's see if there isn't some relic in the pockets. Ah, ah papers tied with a favor. Ah traitor -- a blue favor. Let's begin with this little tightly folded letter; this incontestably ought to be from a woman, "My dear D'Artagnan" -- Her dear D'Artagnan" I confess that your memory pursued me even to my convent of Noisy Le See" Ah there's a letter, I hope -- It is frightful!
(hearing noise outside)
Ah, my God -- some uproar! It's him. Quickly, the uniforms, the doublets in this armoire -- Well -- Where did the Cassock go now -- Ah here it is! When he leaves I will put the letter back -- but this time although I've found the little cache I intend to know what it means.
(Enter D'Artagnan.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, ah! Dear, Madame Turquenne, you're here.
MADELEINE
Yes Monsieur D'Artagnan, yes, you see I am picking up.
D'ARTAGNAN
How useless it is to say "I am picking up" The fact is Madeleine
(looking around him)
That you pick up -- often!
MADELEINE
Well it's the duty of a good wife and I am yours
(D'Artagnan look at her sideways)
Your housekeeper I mean -- Oh! I have no pretention to aspire to the hand of a lieutenant of the Musketeers.
D'ARTAGNAN
Fine, Madame -- I thought that your ideas of marriage carried off your wits.
MADELEINE
Alas, Monsieur D'Artagnan since you had such a categorical explanation with me! --
D'ARTAGNAN
My dear Madame Turquenne -- short reckonings make long long friends, besides I am not sure that the late Monsieur Turquenne is dead. I've seen husbands return just to hang their successor -- But this is no time to debate the existence or non-existence of your first spouse, my dear Madeleine -- it's time to find--
MADELEINE
What?
D'ARTAGNAN
Some ideas, many ideas, excellent ideas.
MADELEINE
Oh when you need them, you know where to find them.
D'ARTAGNAN
From you, right, my dear Madame Turquenne?
MADELEINE
No -- but behind my fagots.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's an old proverb of Athos'. There are more ideas in bottom of a simple bottle then in the head of 40 academicians.
MADELEINE
You need many ideas?
D'ARTAGNAN
I need two -- but of superior quality, you understand Madeleine? A bold, boiling energetic red seal. The other gay ingenious, fantastic green seal.
MADELEINE
Yes, with a slice of venison pie?
D'ARTAGNAN
That I've seen deeply in passing. It's extraordinary my dear Madeleine Turquenne how you read my heart.
(he folds her in his arms)
MADELEINE
(touching the pocket of his uniform) Wait? What have you here?
Some money?
D'ARTAGNAN
Indeed!
MADELEINE
You who always complain of lacking it?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's not mine. It's a deposit given me by the government.
MADELEINE
Oh! Deceiver that you are! I am sure that if I opened this secretary here --
D'ARTAGNAN
Madeleine, don't commit such an imprudence. It's a secretary to a secret which comes from a family and which has already slain three imprudent woman who had the boldness -- But dear Madame Turquenne, you have spoken to me of fagots I believe -- one mustn't mention this in conversation.
MADELEINE
Ah, you can boast of having a manner of making women do what you wish.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's the result of 15 years of study Madame Turquenne, that's the great advantage men have over woman -- it's that wine, the more one tastes it, the better one knows it, while with woman -- to the contrary.
MADELEINE
That's good, that's good -- I'll go get you two bottles.
D'ARTAGNAN
Go then, and shut the door.
(Exit Madeleine)
D'ARTAGNAN
(alone)
Huh! how this is set up. She has only one fault and that's never having enough of her own pockets. How she felt suddenly in mine the money of his Eminence. But -- fool hardy! The money of Mazarin. Leprous green Italian pedant! go! Hundred pistoles! I believed at first it was dubloons from Spain -- That would have been worth the trouble -- A hundred pistoles! "On account, Monsieur D'Artagnan" Cursed Mazarin. "Yes, my lieutenant, begin by breaking legs and arms -- exchange great blows of the sword, get a hole in your doublet with a pistol shot -- and I will give you 100 pistoles -- on account." And when is the accounting, contemptible wretch that you are! When I ask you for it, what? The least of things -- a commission as Baron for Porthos who is dying to have a title? He takes a parchment -- he writes names -- he engraves the title and returns it to me without signing it. "But, the signature" -- "On your return Monsieur D'Artagnan" -- "And if we don't return?" "Damnation, that's your concern. You'd better return." "And the Queen with her big nose -- her Austrian lip and her beautiful insolent hands" "Monsieur D'Artagnan -- Will be very devoted to Her Majesty." I will be devoted for a hundred pistoles to the King -- and yet -- yet -- what am I saying -- for the hundred pistoles or really twenty five for Athos, twenty five for Porthos and twenty five for Aramis.
(he laughs with pity)
It is true that if I don't find them -- yes, but I must find them -- they're worthy friends I have not seen for so many years. What a strange thing! One lives 3,4,5 years together, it seems we cannot live apart -- they say it, they repeat it, they believe it -- then comes a whirlwind which sends one to the south, the other to the north -- another to the east, another to the west. One loses sight of each other and all is finished hardly even a letter. Now let's not accuse each other, I received one from Athos -- it was in 1643 six months or thereabouts after the death of Cardinal Richelieu -- let's see where was that? It, it was at the siege of Besancon I recall I was cut off. What did he say to me then? Ah, that he was living on a small estate. Yes, but where? I was reading it when a blast of wind carried Athos' letter to the other side of town. I let the wind take the letter to the Spanish who didn't need it and who ought to send it back to me today when I need it -- Then let's think no more of Athos but of Porthos and Aramis. They too, wrote to me -- Where are their letters? Ah, probably in my best cassock
(he opens the Armoire)
Ah, -- Madeliene Straightened up. I'm very glad to know in what manner she straightens up -- I will make her my compliment -- Poor cassock! Here's one that's seen many adventures, and assisted at many battles -- Also, it's kept its scars -- here's the gap from a Biscayen who scorched my skin at the Bastion of Saint Gervais when our combat of heroic memory four against a hundred -- 25 to 1 -- just like his Eminence's pistoles. Here's a glorious scar -- By whose hand was it made? I don't recall -- It's singular that of all the most solid tissues which can be sewn up again -- the most easy is the human skin. This buff cassock is not good for anything -- and Monsieur D'Artagnan still values it. But for all that, I haven't found my letters -- Is it the devil, then? Those unfortunate hundred pistoles have bewitched me; they were in this pocket here -- the letters Ah! I believe, Madeleine who straightens up so well -- Madeleine. Madeleine!
(Madeleine enters.)
MADELEINE
Here I am, here I am -- I was going to the cellar.
D'ARTAGNAN
Fine -- tell me, Madeleine --
MADELEINE
(aside)
He's been in the suitcase.
(aloud)
Red label.
(aside)
He must have discovered something.
(aloud)
Green style label, look!
D'ARTAGNAN
Dear Madame Turquenne -- you overwhelm me -- But put the bottles on the table and come here.
MADELEINE
Oh -- What's that bag?
D'ARTAGNAN
Always government money -- Don't touch it -- it burns your fingers -- Besides -- we've got to talk.
MADELEINE
Well -- let's talk.
D'ARTAGNAN
Madeleine, my child -- we have been straightening up in the chamber of this good Monsieur D'Artagnan.
MADELEINE
So here we are!
(aloud)
But, yes -- as usual -- I cannot say no -- you found me busy at it --
D'ARTAGNAN
To pick up -- That is to say in straightening up -- we turned the pockets out --
MADELEINE
Me -- No, no, never--!
D'ARTAGNAN
Madeleine, dear friend among the qualities which make you precious in my eyes, there is one which I wish you would find a way to get rid of. You are horribly jealous and you know, Madeleine, a great prophet said, or if he didn't say it, should have said, "Jealousy causes women to go into drawers, tables and pockets of breeches" you understand, Madeleine?
MADELEINE
Oh, one doesn't make that kind of reproach to me.
D'ARTAGNAN
Never mind -- the moral is never lost -- listen then -- my dear Madeleine -- if as you are always saying you want the best for me -- God's blood -- don't make me the most unhappy of men!
MADELEINE
I don't know what to say.
D'ARTAGNAN
They were in my pocket, Madeleine -- in this pocket, here -- three letters. Do you understand quite well? The pocket does not have a hole in it. They were wrapped in blue ribbon.
MADELEINE
Ah -- I see -- That was very gallant.
D'ARTAGNAN
My little Madeleine, you see that I am very calm, very charming and that I haven't been the least violent -- let's do things politely -- admit to me that in folding my old clothes, this packet of letters fell out -- right? And you put it back -- let's see -- give it to me -- damnation!
MADELEINE
You know, Mr. D'Artagnan, that I don't do my lodger's clothes washing.
D'ARTAGNAN
By God! Madeleine. I am not angry -- no, no, no -- I don't wish to be the least angry -- but if someone doesn't find the address for me of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis -- especially Porthos, and Aramis -- especially Porthos -- I will strangle everyone in the entire hotel.
MADELEINE
Don't shout so, Mr. D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
The address of Porthos, God's blood -- damnation -- Zounds!
MADELEINE
People will think we are fighting! Wait -- someone's coming.
D'ARTAGNAN
(listening)
Oh My God! That step -- three hundred pounds of weight --
(they come slowly)
I was stupid enough to believe that Providence was helping me. I thought it was the step of Porthos --
(a knock)
If I didn't know my worthy friend was on his estate, I don't know where, I would say that was Porthos' fist.
MADELEINE
Eh! But he's going to break down my door, this gentleman.
PORTHOS
(outside)
Well -- doesn't one open the door for his friend anymore?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's Porthos' voice. Here's a coincidence!
(opens the door, Porthos enters with Mousqueton)
Porthos -- in flesh and blood! Ah, dear friend!
(he jumps on his neck)
PORTHOS
With my faithful Mousqueton -- as you see -- don't you recognize me?
D'ARTAGNAN
Indeed. But I thank chance.
PORTHOS
Chance?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
PORTHOS
It isn't chance that brought me here but your letter.
D'ARTAGNAN
Huh? My letter?
PORTHOS
Without doubt.
(giving him the letter)
It is indeed to me "To Monsieur du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds."
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah - de Pierrefonds -- that's it. That's the name of the chateau. I recall it now. Never mind. It's not I who wrote you.
PORTHOS
Huh?
(reading)
Find yourself on the 20th of October 1648 at the Hotel de la Chevette, Madame Turquenne, at Paris -- where your old friend D'Artagnan lives who will be entranced to see you." That's what it says.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes -- but it wasn't written by me -- that's all I can tell you.
MADELEINE
This is a letter that fell from one of Monsieur's old clothes.
PORTHOS
It's possible!
(seeing Madeleine)
But I ask your pardon, Madam -- I didn't have the honor of seeing you.
D'ARTAGNAN
My dear Porthos, I present to you Madame Madeleine Turquenne -- the most careful hotelkeeper in France and Navarre. A woman who never lets the papers of her tenants lie about untidily -- but speak no more of that. You are here, Porthos. That's the thing. Why you came is of little importance -- it will clear itself up -- My dear, Madame Turquenne -- Monsieur Porthos is going to have dinner with me.
MADELEINE
Then two red labels and two green labels -- Let's go get them.
D'ARTAGNAN
Go ahead.
(Madeleine goes out)
D'ARTAGNAN
And now, dear friend, while waiting for the reinforcements Madeleine is going to procure for us -- let's speak a word about these two bottles.
PORTHOS
Yes, willingly.
D'ARTAGNAN
God's blood -- How well you look dear Porthos.
PORTHOS
Yes -- my health is fine.
(sighs)
D'ARTAGNAN
And still strong?
PORTHOS
More than ever. Do you know that at my chateau I have a library?
D'ARTAGNAN
Bah! You must be rich, my dear Porthos, that you allow yourself such useless expenditures?
PORTHOS
It came as part of the chateau which I bought completely furnished.
D'ARTAGNAN
Good -- but what has this library in common with your strength?
PORTHOS
Listen -- in the library, there is a book.
D'ARTAGNAN
What -- only a single book in your library?
PORTHOS
Not at all -- wait -- Mousqueton -- how many books are there in my library?
MOUSQUETON
Six thousand, sir.
PORTHOS
There are six thousand books.
(he sighs again)
D'ARTAGNAN
Wonderful!
PORTHOS
Well, amongst those six thousand books, there was a very interesting treatise on the 12 labors of Hercules. The exploits of Theseus and the feats of Milon of Croton. Well, - down there to distract me, I did all that Milon of Croton had done.
D'ARTAGNAN
You have slaughtered a bull with a single blow of your fist?
PORTHOS
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
You carried it on your shoulders 500 paces?
PORTHOS
Six hundred.
D'ARTAGNAN
And you ate it in one day.
PORTHOS
Almost -- there's only one thing I have been unable to do.
D'ARTAGNAN
What?
PORTHOS
It is stated in the book that Milon encircled his face with a rope, and that by inflating his muscles, he broke the cord.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- it's because your strength is not in your head Porthos.
PORTHOS
No, it is in my arms.
D'ARTAGNAN
Hang it! How happy you are Porthos! Rich, well dressed and good!
PORTHOS
Yes, I am happy.
(he signs for the 3rd time)
D'ARTAGNAN
Porthos, there's the third sigh that you've uttered.
PORTHOS
You think so?
D'ARTAGNAN
Wait, my friend -- they reveal that something torments you.
PORTHOS
Really?
D'ARTAGNAN
Do you have problems in your family?
PORTHOS
I don't have any family.
D'ARTAGNAN
Are you having trouble living with Madame du Vallon.
PORTHOS
She died almost 3 years ago.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- she's dead?
PORTHOS
Yes -- right Mousqueton?
MOUSQUETON
Almost two years ago, yes, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
But then, dear boy, why are you sighing?
PORTHOS
Listen, D'Artagnan -- I'm in need of something.
D'ARTAGNAN
What the devil can you lack? You have chateaux, fields, lands -- woods, mountains, you are rich, you're a widower, you're strong as Milon of Croton and you don't have to worry about being eaten one day by lions.
PORTHOS
It's true -- I have all that, but I am ambitious.
D'ARTAGNAN
You, ambitious, Porthos?
PORTHOS
Yes -- all the world has something except me. You are a chevalier so is Aramis -- Athos is a Count.
D'ARTAGNAN
And you want to be Baron?
PORTHOS
Ah.
D'ARTAGNAN
(drawing the commission)
Stretch out your arm, Porthos.
PORTHOS
To do what?
D'ARTAGNAN
To stretch -- again -- well?
PORTHOS
A commission with French seals.
D'ARTAGNAN
Read!
PORTHOS
"Royal ordnance which awards the title of Baron to M. de Vallon.
D'ARTAGNAN
Baron -- it's written.
PORTHOS
Ah, yes, but it is not signed.
D'ARTAGNAN
One cannot have everything at the same time. First, the commission. You will receive the signature later.
PORTHOS
And what must one do to get this signature?
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah - damnation! Quit your chateau -- get back in harness, run adventures -- and, as before, -- leave some of our skin on the way.
PORTHOS
The Devil! Then it's war you propose to me?
D'ARTAGNAN
Have you followed politics, dear friend?
PORTHOS
Me? To do what?
D'ARTAGNAN
Are you for the Prince or for Mazarin?
PORTHOS
Me? I'm for whoever makes me Baron.
D'ARTAGNAN
Good response, Porthos' -- and are you disposed to follow me?
PORTHOS
To the end of the world.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, while waiting, go to your hotel and put on your leather and armor.
PORTHOS
Ten minutes -- ten minutes, that's all -- I ask only ten minutes of you.
D'ARTAGNAN
Do you have a good horse?
PORTHOS
I have four -- right, Mousqueton?
MOUSQUETON
Yes sir -- Bayard, Roland, Joyeuse and LaRochelle.
D'ARTAGNAN
In that case, don't lost time. Perhaps we'll leave today.
PORTHOS
Bah!
D'ARTAGNAN
I will come get you, my boy, when you are ready.
PORTHOS
As you will find us! Where are we going to?
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't know where.
PORTHOS
But if you don't know where we are going, we will undoubtedly get lost.
D'ARTAGNAN
Take it easy! Cardinal Mazarin will send us a guide.
PORTHOS
God! And when we return, I will be a Baron.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's agreed. Go equip yourself.
PORTHOS
Are you coming, Mouseton?
MOUSQUETON
Yes, monsieur le baron.
PORTHOS
(softening)
Ah! There's a word I will never forget in my life.
D'ARTAGNAN
(astonished -- aside)
Mousqueton?
(Porthos leaves)
D'ARTAGNAN
(stopping Mousqueton)
Pardon me dear Mousqueton, but haven't you had the misfortune to lose a syllable of your name? How the devil did that accident happen to you?
MOUSQUETON
Sir -- since from a lackey, I have been raised to the position of steward to monsignor -- I have taken this last name which is more worthy -- and which serves to make me respected by my subordinates.
D'ARTAGNAN
I understand. You and your master have each your ambition. He to lengthen his name, you to shorten yours. Go, Monsieur Mousqueton.
(Mousqueton leaves)
D'ARTAGNAN
(alone)
Decidedly it isn't as difficult as some people think to lead men. Study their interests, flatter their self love, goad them firmly, and shake hands. They will go where you wish. Look, here's Porthos engaged for the account of the Cardinal -- it's always like that. Yes, but he isn't enough. We need Athos and Aramis -- Oh! How they are going to need us these poor friends! It's true that Athos is a little old -- he was always our elder -- and then he drank horribly -- he will be completely besotted. It's irritating that so noble a nature, such a powerful intellect, such a noble lord, a man who spends money like heaven makes hail, and who takes his sword in his hand with an air truly royal... Well this noble gentleman, with proud eye, -- this handsome cavalier, so brilliant under arms, that one is always astonished that he holds s simple sword and not a baton of command. Well -- he will be transformed into some old twisted old man -- red-nosed, eyes weeping -- oh! What a frightful thing is wine
(drinking)
when it is bad.
(Enter Madeleine)
MADELEINE
M. le Comte de la Fere
D'ARTAGNAN
Who is this Comte de la Fere?
MADELEINE
Hell -- I don't know -- a handsome lord.
D'ARTAGNAN
Young.
MADELEINE
Thirty-five to forty.
D'ARTAGNAN
Bold manners?
MADELEINE
The air of a King.
ATHOS
(outside)
Well -- dear D'Artagnan, are you visible?
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! My God! That was his voice. Bring him in, Madeleine.
(Enter Athos)
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos, my friend.
ATHOS
D'Artagnan, my dear son, didn't you want to see me?
(they embrace)
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, dear friend yes, -- but the name de la Fere -- which I never heard you use --
ATHOS
It's my ancestors name which I've taken back. But if I've changed my name -- I haven't changed my heart -- or you either, right?
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos, I was thinking of you this very day. This very day I asked your address of Porthos.
ATHOS
Has he come too?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes -- do you know what must happen?
ATHOS
Continue, D'Artagnan -- you say you asked my address from Porthos.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes -- I wanted to see you again.
ATHOS
In fact, poor friend, it's been a long while since we saw each other.
D'ARTAGNAN
Now I think of it, I have offered you nothing. Here's this little burgundy wine which you and Grimaud so rudely drank in the cellar of the hostler at Beauvais. Where is the Brave Grimaud? I hope he is still in your service.
ATHOS
Yes, my friend, but at the moment, he's traveling.
D'ARTAGNAN
Drink then.
ATHOS
Thanks D'Artagnan. I no longer drink -- at least I drink nothing else than water.
D'ARTAGNAN
You, Athos, become a drinker of water? Impossible! You, the most intrepid drinker of all Monsieur Trevilles musketeers.
ATHOS
Did you find I drank like everybody, my friend?
D'ARTAGNAN
No, it's true! You had at first a way of breaking the neck of a bottle which was all your own, and then you didn't drink like others. The eye of a drinker shines when he carries the cup to his mouth -- your eye said nothing -- but never was silence so eloquent. It seemed to murmur "Enter liquor and chase away cares."
ATHOS
In fact, that's the way it was, my friend.
D'ARTAGNAN
And the cause of these cares?
ATHOS
She doesn't exist any longer, my friend.
D'ARTAGNAN
So much the worse!
ATHOS
So much the worse?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, I'm going to propose a distraction to you.
ATHOS
What?
D'ARTAGNAN
It would be to take up our old life again. Let's see Athos, if real advantages wait for you -- wouldn't it be easy to start over in my company and that of our friend Porthos -- the exploits of our youth?
ATHOS
So -- you're making me a proposition?
D'ARTAGNAN
Neat and clear.
ATHOS
To enter a campaign?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
ATHOS
On whose behalf -- against whom?
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! the Devil -- you are pressing.
ATHOS
And very precise. Listen, D'Artagnan, there's only one cause in which a man like myself can be useful -- it's that of the King.
D'ARTAGNAN
Exactly.
ATHOS
Yes, but listen -- if by cause of the King, you mean to say that of Cardinal Mazarin -- we will cease to listen to each other.
D'ARTAGNAN
The Devil. That's what tangles me up.
ATHOS
Let's not play to the end D'Artagnan. Your hesitation and detours tell me enough on whose part you come -- this cause -- in effect -- one cannot admit it aloud -- and when one recruits for it, it is with lowered and embarrassed voice.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, my dear Athos.
ATHOS
Eh, my dear D'Artagnan. You know I don't speak of you for you are the pearl of brave men -- loyal and bold. I speak of that Italian miser and intriguer, of this vulgar blob who strives to coiffeur his head with a crown which he has stolen from the queen -- of this rogue who calls his role, the role of the King, and who counsels to put the princes of the blood in prison, not daring to kill them as would the Great Richeleiu, of this skinflint who weighs his gold crowns -- and who hides the parings from fear although he cheats; losing them the next day at play; of a clown now who mistreats the queen while counseling her reassuringly -- and who is going in about six weeks to bring us to a civil war -- to protect his pensions. If he's the master you propose to me -- thanks so much!
D'ARTAGNAN
You are speaking out at your ease, my dear friend -- you are happy, it appears in your golden mediocrity. Porthos has fifty or 60,000 pounds rent perhaps. Aramis must have 15 Duchesses who dispute over Aramis of Noisy le See as they fought over Aramis the Musketeer; he's still a sort of spoilt child. But me -- am I in this world? I wore my buff and armor for more than 20 years -- stuck in this insufficient grade, without advancing, without going back -- without living. In a word, I am dead. Well, when it's a question for me to succeed a little, to go from lieutenant to captain. You will see me say "It's a rogue, a skinflint, a bad master," By God, dear friend, I know him as well as you -- But find me a better or make me independently wealthy.
ATHOS
Well, that's what we thought, Aramis and I my friend -- and that's why I wrote to Porthos and Aramis to come here today.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- now I understand this coincidence.
ATHOS
You haven't seen them already?
D'ARTAGNAN
Porthos, yes -- Aramis no.
ATHOS
It's strange! Aramis is the closest of the three. Aramis has only three or four leagues from his convent at Noissy le See to Paris.
D'ARTAGNAN
What do you expect, my dear! Aramis always has some penance to perform and with a vocation like his, one doesn't leave his convent so easily.
ATHOS
Well, you deceive yourself my friend. Aramis has become a musketeer again and more musketeer than ever. He drinks, talks boisterously, compromises ladies -- fights once a month and is called only the Cavalier d'Herbaly -- still he is late -- well, my friend, I suspect that he followed some skirt who made him lose the road to the Rue Tiquetoune.
(Enter Aramis)
ARAMIS
Ah, my good friends, an adorable adventure -- Bonjour count, bonjour dear D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Dear Aramis, here you are then.
ARAMIS
In person. Conceive a charming women I just met in church.
D'ARTAGNAN
And whom you followed.
ARAMIS
Right to her carriage.
D'ARTAGNAN
And from her carriage.
ARAMIS
Right to the door of a magnificent hotel -- an adorable person who reminded me of poor Marie Michon.
D'ARTAGNAN
Bad subject!
ATHOS
You see him! Always the same!
ARAMIS
Less hypocritical. For before I admit it, my friends, I was a real hypocrite.
(Enter Porthos armed for war.)
PORTHOS
It's really true!
ARAMIS
Ah, it's you Porthos! Bonsoir.
PORTHOS
But is it a surprise?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, my dear Porthos, a surprise arranged by Athos and the most agreeable as you see.
PORTHOS
(pressing Aramis to his breast)
Ah, dear Aramis, let me press you to my heart dear friend.
ARAMIS
(choked)
Eh! say rather, it's not your heart that you're pressing me to, it's your armor.
ATHOS
(giving his hand to Porthos)
Are you leaving for the crusades my dear du Vallon?
PORTHOS
My word, I don't know -- I only know I'm leaving -- that's all.
D'ARTAGNAN
Hush! They are not with us.
PORTHOS
Bah!
ARAMIS
(low to Athos)
Have you spoken to them of the Prince and of the voyage that DeWinter has made to Paris?
ATHOS
(low)
Useless, they are for Mazarin.
ARAMIS
(low)
We can act without them.
PORTHOS
(low to D'Artagnan)
What are we doing then?
D'ARTAGNAN
(low)
We will leave without them.
MADELEINE
(who all this while has put the cover on the table)
Gentlemen, the table is ready.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then let's profit from the wealth god sends us -- it's true wisdom, is it not, Aramis? To table, Gentlemen, to table.
PORTHOS
That's much better reasoned for I am dying of hunger.
ATHOS
(sitting)
And what is this napkin?
D'ARTAGNAN
Don't you recognize it, Athos?
ARAMIS
It's from the Fort of Saint Gervais.
PORTHOS
On which the other Cardinal had embroidered the Arms of France on the sides where it was pierced by 3 balls.
ATHOS
Why this napkin to me, friend?
D'ARTAGNAN
Because you were the greatest, the most noble, and the most brave of all, always!
ATHOS
Then gentlemen, by this flag, the only one which we ought to follow in the civil discords which are certainly going to sprout, and which will perhaps separate us, let us swear to each other to be good seconds in duels to be devoted friends in grave affairs -- and joyous companions in pleasure.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- quite willingly.
ATHOS
And if ever fate makes us find ourselves in opposed camps -- each time we meet in battle at the sole word "musketeer" let us put our sword in our left hand and hold each other with our right -- right in the midst of carnage.
ARAMIS
Yes, by God, yes!
PORTHOS
Oh, that was well said, Athos, and how eloquent you always are -- I have tears in my eyes -- word of honor.
ATHOS
(with a somber air)
And cannot there be another pact between us besides one of friendship. Isn't there a pact of blood?
D'ARTAGNAN
You mean to say Milady?
ATHOS
And you -- you think of her D'Artagnan?
D'ARTAGNAN
Hold, Athos, you are terrible with your glance. Well, yes, gentlemen -- I ask you, in thinking of that terrible night in Armentiers, of this man enveloped in a red cloak --who was the executioner, of this nocturnal execution, of this river which seemed to run in waves of blood -- and of that voice which cried in the midst of the night "Let the justice of God take place." Haven't you sometimes felt moments of terror which resembled?
ATHOS
Remorse? Right? I complete your thought. D'Artagnan have you experienced remorse? You?
D'ARTAGNAN
No -- I have no remorse because if we had let her live she would, without a doubt, have continued her work of destruction. But one thing which always astonished me my friend -- do you want me to say it?
ATHOS
Speak!
D'ARTAGNAN
It was that you -- you the only one of us to whom that woman had done nothing -- the only one who had no complaint against her -- it was you, you Athos, so good, who was able to prepare for this expedition to Amentiers, who found the executioner, who conducted us to the cottage, and it was you who, as the envoy of divine justice pronounced sentence on her. And when I myself, my body shivering, my voice hesitating, my eyes in tears -- when I was ready to pardon her -- it was you who said "Strike!"
ATHOS
This has always astonished you? Right?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, I admit it. If you hadn't spoken, I would have kept silent. But you were open with me from the first. Then I told you what I thought -- Excuse me, Athos, if this can in some way wound you.
ATHOS
Friend, let me tell you an episode of my life that I have never told anyone. That will perhaps explain to you all --
ARAMIS
Speak dear friend.
ATHOS
I do not recommend your discretion when you have heard what I am going to tell you -- you will judge the thing terrible enough. I believe, if not to forget it, at least to bury it in this depths of your heart.
D'ARTAGNAN
We are listening to you, Athos.
ATHOS
Listen, I was 25 years old, I was count -- I was the first in my province over which my ancestors had reigned almost like Kings, I had a princely fortune -- all the dreams of love -- of happiness of glory which a 25 year old has. As to the rest -- free entirely in my person, in my name -- in my fortune. One day I met in one of my villages a young girl of 16 years. Beautiful as love itself and as angels once were. Despite the naivete of her age in her burned an ardent spirit -- she didn't please, she intoxicated. She lived with her brother, a young melancholy and somber man -- both had come into the country in the past six months. They came from no one knew where, but seeing them, she so pretty, he so pious, no one thought to ask them where they came from. I was lord of the country. I could have seduced her or kidnapped her at my discretion. Unfortunately, I was an honest man and I married her.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then you loved her --?
ATHOS
Listen! I brought her to my chateau. I made her the first lady in the Duchy. Oh, one must be fair to her -- she held her position perfectly.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well?
ATHOS
Well, one day we were hunting. Her horse frightened by the sight of a post, jumped. She fell unconscious. We were alone -- I hurried to help her -- and as she was suffocating in her clothes. I split them with my knife -- guess what she had on her shoulder -- D'Artagnan? A fleur de lys - she was branded!
D'ARTAGNAN
Horrible -- what did you say to her Athos?
ATHOS
The pure truth. My dear boy, the angel was a demon, the beautiful and naive young girl had stolen the sacred vessels from the church with her pretended brother, who was none other than her lover -- I learned all this later. The brother having been taken and condemned.
D'ARTAGNAN
But she -- what did you do with her?
ATHOS
Oh her -- I was, as you have said -- a great Lord, D'Artagnan, I had over my lands the right of judge -- I finished loosening the clothes from the Countess -- I took a rope and hung her from a tree.
D'ARTAGNAN
A murder.
ATHOS
Not at all, unfortunately. For while I went off at a gallop from this fatal place and cursed country, someone without doubt came and saved her. She left France then, went to England where she married a lord and she had a child -- then the Duke died and she returned to France, put her self in the service of Richelieu, cut the Queen's laces at a Ball, assassinated the Duke of Buckingham through Felton -- and pardon me, dear D'Artagnan -- to reopen this wound in your heart -- poisoned the woman you adored, the charming Constance Bonacieux at the Augustine Convent.
D'ARTAGNAN
Thus it was she?
ATHOS
Even so! All the evil that has been done to us came to us through her. Once she escaped me to commit these murders. This time, I swore she would not escape me again -- and that she had run the course of her crimes. That's why I went to find the executioner of Bethune. That's why I brought you all to the cottage where she was hidden. That's why I pronounced the sentence -- that's why, when you hesitated, Porthos, when you trembled Aramis, when you wept - D'Artagnan, that's why I said - "Strike".
D'ARTAGNAN
'Sblood, now I understand everything.
PORTHOS
And I too.
ARAMIS
Bah! She was only an infamous person. Let's think no more of her.
D'ARTAGNAN
Happily from this event there remains not a trace.
ATHOS
She had a son with this Lord de Winter, brother of the one we knew.
D'ARTAGNAN
I know that well - since at the moment of her death you cried, "She didn't even think of her son."
ARAMIS
Eh! Who knows what has become of him? Kill the serpent, kill the brood. Do you think that De Winter our companion -- who led us to the accomplishment of this act of justice would be amused to greet her son? Besides, if her son exists he was in England, and hardly knew his mother. Then all was done in silence, in the night each of us has an interest in protecting the secret. This son knows nothing and can know nothing.
(They sit down.)
PORTHOS
Bah! The child is dead or the devil take me, or he might stir up trouble in this cursed England -- let's eat.
MADELEINE
(entering)
The envoy of his Eminence.
ATHOS
What's wrong?
D'ARTAGNAN
Nothing!
ARAMIS
If it is a woman, dear friend, we will leave you.
D'ARTAGNAN
Not at all, gentlemen, it's a man.
PORTHOS
Well -- if it's a man let him enter and come to dinner.
D'ARTAGNAN
Not at all. He would doubtless be bad company for Athos and for Aramis. He's an envoy from the Cardinal -- some wretch like himself; he has only a word to say to me. Stay there -- and don't be upset if we speak low.
PORTHOS
Doubtless -- but get rid of him promptly, the devil! It is true we were eating.
The three friends move to a corner.
(Enter Mordaunt dressed as a Puritan. Madeliene alone can see and hear him.)
MORDAUNT
Monsieur le Chevalier d'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's me, sir.
MORDAUNT
Lieutenant to the musketeers of His Majesty -- company of M. de Treville?
D'ARTAGNAN
That's me.
MADELEINE
Aren't you expecting something, sir?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes -- a message from His Eminence -- which must be sent to me by a trusted man.
MORDAUNT
(giving him a letter)
Here is the message, sir. It is I who am the messenger.
D'ARTAGNAN
(reading)
"Do what the bearer tells you and as for the dispatch which he brings you. Don't open it until you are out to sea.
MADELEINE
(aside)
Damn! Out to sea! Here I am a widow again.
MORDAUNT
You have read it?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
MORDAUNT
You are ready to obey the orders His Eminence transmits to you by my voice?
D'ARTAGNAN
Without doubt -- Am I not in his service?
MORDAUNT
Then equip yourself for war -- and be with the friends you have promised the Cardinal to attach to his service next Tuesday at 8:00 o'clock in the evening in the Dyke at Boulogne.
MADELEINE
(aside)
At the Dyke at Boulogne -- it seems it is to England that they're going.
D'ARTAGNAN
Tuesday, you say, sir? And today is Saturday. Five days. Marvelous, I'll be there.
MORDAUNT
On Tuesday, eight o'clock in the evening at Boulogne, and remember, if you are not there at the day and time mentioned, I don't have the authority to wait for you a minute longer.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's needless to recommend timeliness to a soldier.
MORDAUNT
Good day, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
Till we meet again.
(Mordaunt leaves making a slight bow to the three friends.)
MADELEINE
To us too, now.
D'ARTAGNAN
You were listening to us?
MADELEINE
Me? Oh for heaven's sake -- it appears that you are going to leave France?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's probable, Madame Turquenne.
MADELEINE
And that you are going to England?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's possible, dear friend.
MADELEINE
Well, I am going to profit from that to give you a recommendation.
D'ARTAGNAN
A recommendation.
MADELEINE
Yes, my sister runs the hostel "Home of the Stags" on the place of the Parliament -- if you go there --
D'ARTAGNAN
She'll have my business.
MADELEINE
It's agreed.
D'ARTAGNAN
Certainly.
MADELEINE
Thanks.
(She leaves.)
PORTHOS
Now we can eat --
ATHOS
Didn't I tell you that Mazarin was a villainous man?
D'ARTAGNAN
Well--
ATHOS
Even his envoys are villainous men. What! Three gentlemen in the corner and he gave us a bow that hardly sufficed for one.
D'ARTAGNAN
Gentlemen, you must pardon him. I believe he's a Puritan.
ATHOS
He's come from England?
D'ARTAGNAN
I suspect so.
ATHOS
Then he might be an envoy from Cromwell?
D'ARTAGNAN
Perhaps.
ATHOS
In that case, he'll never see me again, your envoy.
PORTHOS
Nor me.
ARAMIS
Nor me.
ATHOS
And what's his name, this gentleman?
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't know.
PORTHOS
Gentlemen, let's eat.
GRIMAUD
(outside)
Number fifteen -- door on the left?
MADELEINE
Yes.
GRIMAUD
(outside)
Fine!
D'ARTAGNAN
No 15, door on the left -- that's here.
ATHOS
It's Grimaud's voice.
D'ARTAGNAN
Does he speak now?
ARAMIS
Oh yes, on great occasions.
(Grimaud enters hurriedly.)
ATHOS
Oh! Gentlemen -- something has happened. Grimaud -- why this pallor -- why this agitation?
GRIMAUD
Gentlemen -- Milady de Winter had a child. The child is grown to a man. The tigress had a baby -- the tiger is started -- he's coming towards you -- take care!
D'ARTAGNAN
What do you mean to say?
ATHOS
What are you saying?
GRIMAUD
I say, Monsieur Le Comte -- that the son of Milady has left England -- that he is in France, that he's coming to Paris if he's not already here.
ARAMIS
The Devil, are you sure?
PORTHOS
Well -- after all, when he comes to Paris, we have seen many others -- there. Let him come!
D'ARTAGNAN
And besides, he's a child.
GRIMAUD
A child gentlemen! You know what this child did? Disguised as a monk, he learned from the executioner of Bethune the complete story of his mother which he was unaware of -- then after confessing him, for absolution he planted dagger in his heart -- it's still red and wet!
ARAMIS
Have you seen him?
GRIMAUD
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
Do you know his name?
GRIMAUD
I don't know it.
ATHOS
(rising)
I know it. His name is the Avenger.
(Curtain)
Scene ii
A salon at de Winter's in the place Royale.
DE WINTER
You were saying, Count.
ATHOS
I say that Grimaud arrived as he expired; that he brought us the still smoking dagger.
DE WINTER
Then he knows everything.
ATHOS
Everything except our names.
DE WINTER
But how? Why did he leave England?
ATHOS
He was still in England?
DE WINTER
Eh, yes.
ATHOS
What was he doing there?
DE WINTER
He was one of the most ardent followers of Oliver Cromwell.
ATHOS
Why did he rally to that cause? His father and his mother were Catholic, I believe.
DE WINTER
The King, on my request, declared him a bastard, despoiled him of his rights and forbade him to use the name DeWinter -- His hate for Charles I has pushed him to Cromwell.
ATHOS
And what's he call himself now?
DE WINTER
Mordaunt.
ATHOS
Fine, I'll remember it. Providence has warned us, we will be on our guard. But, let's return to the affair which brought you to Paris, my Lord.
DE WINTER
Two words first. You still have as friends Messieurs Porthos and Aramis?
ATHOS
And D'Artagnan, milord. We are still as before, four friends devoted to each other. Only, when it's a question of being partisans we are only two; Aramis and me.
DE WINTER
I recognize you well in that. You have adopted the side of the Princes -- the great cause -- it was the only one agreeable with your noble and generous character. I won't hide from you that I came to France in this hope.
ATHOS
Are we then of some concern in your voyage?
DE WINTER
Yes, Count, I have need of you both -- you have forewarned Monsieur Aramis?
ATHOS
Wait, he's here.
(Enter Aramis.)
DE WINTER
Goodday, Chevalier -- you came just at the right time. I was going to ask the Count's permission to present you both to the Queen of England.
ATHOS
To the Queen of England?
ATHOS
To Madame Henriette de France. Pardon, milord, I don't know Her Majesty except from her misfortunes there and her exile here.
DE WINTER
But I know you and I have promised her this very morning to bring you to her.
ATHOS
At this house?
DE WINTER
No, at the Carmelites -- are you ready gentlemen?
ATHOS
At your orders, milord.
(Enter Tomy.)
DE WINTER
What do you want Tomy?
TOMY
Her Majesty's Valet de chambre asks to deliver a letter from his august mistress to your Lordship.
DE WINTER
Enter, Parry, enter -- what news from Her Majesty?
(Enter Parry.)
PARRY
Sound of body, but very sad of heart, milord.
DE WINTER
You are charged with something for me?
PARRY
This letter, milord.
DE WINTER
(breaks the seal -- opens the letter and reads)
"Milord, I fear, if you come to find me at the Louvre or the Carmelites, you will be followed or that we will be overheard. I think it better to come to you. Since the step I am taking is against royal custom, the less likely we will be spied on. Wait for me there rather than coming to me. I will be there almost as soon as my messenger -- Yours affectionately, Henriette". Fine, Parry, I will wait for your mistress.
TOMY
Milord permits me a single word?
DE WINTER
Speak.
TOMY
I've questioned Mr. Parry -- and this man who -- this morning followed him here.
DE WINTER
Well?
TOMY
He is still at the corner of the street. Mr. Parry saw him and recognized him at the signal I gave him.
DE WINTER
And you know who this man is perhaps?
TOMY
He's turned from my sight.
DE WINTER
Well, I will be careful -- go -- thanks Parry!
Exit Parry.
ATHOS
This letter upsets your plans, milord?
DE WINTER
No, Count.
ATHOS
It seems to annoy you.
DE WINTER
She astonishes me, that's all -- because of the great honor she is doing me.
PARRY
(opening to door)
Milord.
DE WINTER
Is it the person who did me the honor of writing to me?
PARRY
Exactly -- her coach is stopped at the door.
DE WINTER
Go receive her, Parry, go.
ARAMIS
A woman?
DE WINTER
No, a queen.
ATHOS
Her Majesty; Madame Henriette.
DE WINTER
Yes, gentlemen.
ATHOS
Then we will retire, milord.
DE WINTER
(raising a tapestry)
Not at all -- on the contrary, stay here and listen to what is said between Her Majesty and me -- you will be free to show yourselves or remain hidden -- if you show yourselves it means you accept. If you remain hidden, it means you refuse.
ARAMIS
But milord, we don't understand.
DE WINTER
You will understand later -- go in -- go in.
(They step behind the tapestry which De Winter causes to fall.)
Enter the Queen dressed in black.
DE WINTER
Open both doors, Tomy --
(Tomy opens and bows.)
QUEEN
(lifting her veil)
Ah -- milord -- it is really you! I feared I had misread. I feared that this letter bearing your name had deceived me -- you come on the King's behalf, milord? Speak quickly -- what have you to tell me?
DE WINTER
I have to give this message to Your Majesty.
(falling to his knees and presenting the queen with a gold box)
QUEEN
(opening the box and extracting a letter)
Milord, you have brought me things I haven't seen for a long time -- gold, a letter, and a devoted friend.
DE WINTER
Your Majesty overwhelms me.
QUEEN
And now let's see what is in this precious letter -- Ah it's in the handwriting and even bears the signature of my Charles.
(reading)
"Madam -- and dear spouse -- here everything is on the edge. All of my resources are concentrated in the camp at Newcastle, from which I've written you. I await the army of my rebel subjects with the aid of my brave Scotch. I am going to struggle one last time against them. If I win, I prolong the struggle. If I lose, I lose everything. In this last case, I have only to reach the coast of France. But would you want to receive an unfortunate King bringing such a funereal example to a country already disturbed by civil discords? The bearer of these presents whom you know as one of my oldest and most faithful friends"
(she interrupts and offers her hand to the Lord DeWinter)
Oh yes, milord
(continuing)
"The bearer of these presents will tell you Madam what I cannot confide to the risks of an accident. He will explain to you what step I expect of you and I charge him also with my blessing for my dear children who are in France and of all the sentiments of my heart for you, madam, my dear spouse. Charles -- still King." God permit that our two children -- the Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Glocester who are in London are well -- Ah my God! Let him not be King, let him be vanquished, exiled, proscribed, but let him live! Let my children renounce the throne of their father -- but let them live. Oh, tell me, milord is the position of the King indeed hopeless?
DE WINTER
More hopeless than he himself believes, Madam.
QUEEN
And what does he expect of me in this extremity? Let's see -- speak quickly.
DE WINTER
That Your Majesty ask help from Mazarin -- or at least a refuge in France.
QUEEN
Alas, Milord, do you think that I waited for this letter to do what I could over here?
DE WINTER
Well?
QUEEN
Well -- aid -- asylum -- money -- Mazarin has refused me everything.
DE WINTER
What! He has refused asylum to King Charles? The brother in law of King Louis XIII and the uncle of King Louis XIV?
QUEEN
Alas, I disturb and tire him very much. My presence and that of my daughter -- a much stronger reason than that of the King -- Milord, listen -- it's sad and very shameful to tell, but we spent winter at the Louvre -- Henriette and I -- without money, without linen, almost without bread -- staying often hidden in bed much of the day because there was no heat -- so that we were almost dead -- both of us from hunger and misery without the charity that the parliament wished to provides us.
DE WINTER
Horror! The daughter of Henry the IV dying of hunger in this country where her father saw to it that the least peasant had more than was necessary. Why, didn't you address yourself first to us, Madam? He had split his fortune with you madam -- he had put all that he possessed at the foot of his queen.
QUEEN
You see, indeed, DeWinter that I can do only one thing -- that's return to England with you.
DE WINTER
To do what, madam?
QUEEN
To die with the King since I cannot save him.
DE WINTER
Ah, madame, that is especially what the King fears -- and he begs you, and if need be, orders you not to do that.
QUEEN
Milord -- the King speaks from a heart that is kind, from a heart that loves. Is he unaware that the worst sorrow is uncertainty? One can get used to a misfortune one can see face to face. Once it is known, one can find resources to resist it. But a vague misfortune, distant, indefinite, untouchable, unknown -- there's no other remedy but prayer. And I have prayed so much, milord without anything having changed in the King's fate or in mine that I begin to despair. Milord, if the King in the extremity which he finds himself wishes to distance himself from me -- then it is because the King does not love me.
DE WINTER
Oh, madame, you know yourself that such an accusation is unjust. No, the King fears danger no more than hard work.
QUEEN
Dangers -- hard work -- am I not used to them? Didn't I alone, under the pretext of taking my daughter to Holland -- solicit arms, money, and aid from William of Orange? On my return wasn't I caught in a terrible storm, as if, against our unfortunate cause, not only the wrath of men but of God was unleashed? In the midst of this tempest did I leave the bridge of the boat? To all the representations of the captain and the crew that I encouraged by my presence -- did I reply to anything except by saying there was no example in history of a queen being drowned -- then after having lost two vessels and one to whom I gave aid being pushed back to the shores of Holland -- did I hesitate at the first favorable wind to put to sea again? This time, God willing -- I was allowed to persevere. But, hardly landed, the house in which I was taking refuge was surrounded, attacked. You know it, my Lord because it was you who came to rescue me. Where did you find me milord? Speak! At the breach: the cannon had just made this house crumble -- in the midst of fire, wounded, dead, all bloody with the blood of my defenders and my own -- for a splinter of wood had wounded me. In seeing you, milord -- did I think of myself? For when it became necessary for me to dress like a man to get to him, did I hesitate? Three days and three nights you saw me at your side. Did I sigh even once? Did I make a complaint? Did I ask for more for myself than the least of your officers? No, hard work, privations, dangers -- all are forgotten when I saw my husband and king again. A full year I passed with him -- in the mountains, in the camp, almost always under a tent, very rarely in a house. Of a palace -- alas! It's been a long time since a palace was for us! Who forced me to leave him? Only the will of God and love for my child. I left to be a mother. I don't fear death, I was afraid of killing my poor Henriette. I spoke to you of misery milord. But at this moment am I not the most miserable of women? Here at least I have the Louvre destitute as it is, offered to me. What did I have at Exeter? A simple cottage! The Convent of the Carmelites even more somber. My poor child spends the day on a pallet, without a mattress or blanket. It was then I received a messenger from the Queen, my sister -- this messenger brought me two hundred thousand pounds. Did I keep a pistole for myself? No, to the last shilling, I sent it all to Charles because he's everything to me -- you see. Then when he made me leave him to return to France -- oh! Milord! You were there! You saw my sorrow -- my tears, my despair! And when you come to me to say that his position is yet more desperate, that he no longer believes in himself, that his liberty is menaced -- his life perhaps! You speak to me of dangers and difficulties -- to me whose reign has been a long difficulty and whose life has been a long danger? Ah, milord! If the King tells you to say that, he lacks memory; and if you oppose what I say, you, milord -- you lack pity!
DE WINTER
It is exactly because he recalls all you have suffered that the King wishes you to stay in France -- it is exactly, pardon me the word because I have pity for my queen, that I cannot wish her to go to England.
QUEEN
Well let's not speak of it anymore, milord. I don't wish to place you between the respect you owe your Queen and the obedience you owe your King. Speak of yourself -- speak of him -- have you no other end, in coming to France than what you have discussed with me?
DE WINTER
Indeed, Madam.
QUEEN
Well -- speak -- we'll see.
DE WINTER
Once in France, I knew four gentlemen.
QUEEN
(very sad)
Four gentlemen! And that's the aid that you count on to bring to a King on the point of losing his throne?
DE WINTER
Ah, if I had had only these four, I would answer for many things, Madam. Haven't you heard tell of four gentlemen who once sustained Anne of Austria against Cardinal Richelieu.
QUEEN
Yes, it's a tradition in the court.
DE WINTER
Of four gentlemen who crisscrossed France, despite all ambushes shedding their blood during the route they followed to go to England to find the famous string of diamonds which almost cost Anne of Austria her throne?
QUEEN
Yes.
DE WINTER
These four gentlemen, if I told you all they had done, Madame, you would think I was recounting a chapter from Ariosto or that I was reading you a Canto from Tasso. But alas, of these four valiant men, I learned this morning, there remain only two.
QUEEN
The two others are dead?
DE WINTER
Much worse than that! The two others are with Cardinal Mazarin!
QUEEN
And the two who remain?
DE WINTER
The two who remain, madame, I don't yet know if they are able to leave Paris or even if -- being free, they wouldn't be frightened of the dangers which threaten such an enterprise, and if they will consent to follow me to England.
(Athos and Aramis come from behind the drapery.)
ATHOS
Milord, tell Her Majesty that for such a worthy cause, we would go to the very ends of the earth.
QUEEN
Oh! My God! These gentlemen overhead us.
DE WINTER
And you see, madam, that you can say anything before them.
QUEEN
Thanks, gentlemen. Thanks! Milord, the names of these brave gentlemen that I may hold them religiously in my memory.
DE WINTER
Monsieur le Comte de la Fere and Monsieur le Chevalier d'Herblay.
QUEEN
Gentlemen in the past I had surrounding me, counts, armies, treasuries. At a sign of my hand, all this was employed in my service. Today, look around me -- to accomplish a design on which depends the health of a realm and the life of a King -- I have only Lord de Winter, a friend of twenty years and you gentlemen -- whom I have known only for twenty seconds.
ATHOS
It is enough, madame, if the lives of three men repurchase that of your Royal spouse. Now -- tell us what we must do?
QUEEN
(to Aramis)
But you sir, have you as the Comte de la Fere, compassion for so much misfortune?
ARAMIS
I, madam, from custom, always go where the Count goes. I do it, without asking him where he's going -- but when it's a question of serving Your Majesty, I am not with him, Madame, I precede him.
QUEEN
Well, gentlemen, then you intend to devote yourself to the service of a poor princess that the entire world has abandoned? That's what it's a question of doing. The King is alone in the midst of the Scotch whom he defies, although he is Scotch himself. I ask much, I ask too much, perhaps, although I have not the right to ask -- but still if you agree to serve this great cause of royalty in the person of King Charles -- be his friends, be his protectors, march to his side in prison, stand in front and behind him in his house -- where ambushes press on him more perilous than all the risks of war. And in exchange for all this sacrifice you make for me, I promise you not to reward you, this word would injure you, I am sure of it. -- Besides, it sits poorly for an exile who begs to speak of reward, but -- to love you as a sister would love you -- and to prefer you above all others except my children and my spouse.
ATHOS
Madam, when must we leave?
QUEEN
Then you agree? Ah, gentlemen, here is the first moment of hope I have known in the last five years. You understand it is not his throne, it is not his crown I commend to you it is the life of my Charles, of my spouse, of my King that I put between your hands.
ATHOS
Madame, all that two men who never retreat from danger can do -- expect it of us.
(The Queen gives her hand to the gentlemen who fall to their knees.)
QUEEN
Yet once more, oh! with all my soul thanks gentlemen.
DE WINTER
Does Your Majesty want me to accompany her back?
QUEEN
No -- you might be recognized.
ATHOS
But we, madame, do not run the same risk.
QUEEN
I have my carriage, gentlemen.
ATHOS
(bowing)
Then we will follow humbly, and from a distance, Your Majesty's carriage.
QUEEN
Goodbye Count, tell the King that my days are nothing but long miseries and my nights long insomnia -- that all my life is but an eternal prayer -- but when God reunites us, be it on Earth or in heaven -- all will be forgotten.
(She leaves, followed an instant later by Athos and Aramis.)
DE WINTER
(looking through the window)
Poor Queen.
(Mordaunt appears and stays on the sill of the door. De Winter leaves the window and perceives Mordaunt)
Who is there? What do you wish, sir?
MORDAUNT
Oh! Oh! Don't you by chance recognize me?
DE WINTER
Indeed, sir. And the proof is that I repeat to you in Paris what I told you in London -- your persecution tires me -- withdraw sir, or I will call my servants.
MORDAUNT
Ah -- my uncle!
DE WINTER
I am not your uncle. I don't know you.
MORDAUNT
Call your people, if you wish. You won't chase me out of Paris like you did out of London. As for denying that I am your nephew, think twice -- now I have learned certain things of which I was unaware a year ago.
DE WINTER
Eh! An what does it matter to me what you have learned?
MORDAUNT
Oh -- it matters a whole lot to you; I am sure of it, and you are going to be of my opinion soon. When I came to you the first time in London, it was to ask you what became of my inheritance. When I came to you the second time, it was to ask who had besmirched my name. And both times, I remember you drove me away. But this time, I came to ask you a question much more terrible than all those questions. I came to you, as God came to the first murderers -- and said, "Cain what have you don't to your brother?" Milord what have you done to your sister?
DE WINTER
To your mother?
MORDAUNT
Yes -- to my mother, milord.
DE WINTER
Find her where she's gone, unfortunate one, and ask Hell -- perhaps Hell will reply to you?
MORDAUNT
(advancing on De Winter).
I asked the Executioner of Bethune and the Executioner of Bethune told me -- Ah! You understand me now. With this word all is explained, with this key, the abyss opens. My mother inherited from her husband, you assassinated my mother. My name assured me paternal wealth -- you have taken my name from me -- I am no longer astonished that you don't know me. It is unseemly to recall one's nephew when one is his despoiler -- the man who impoverishes him -- when one is a murderer -- the man who made him an orphan.
DE WINTER
You wish to penetrate this horrible secret, sir? Well -- so be it -- know then who it was. This woman -- of whom you today ask me for an accounting -- this woman poisoned my brother -- and to inherit from me she tried to assassinate me in my turn. What do you say to that?
MORDAUNT
I say that she was my mother.
DE WINTER
She stabbed the unfortunate Duke of Buckingham through means of a man otherwise just and good -- what do you say to this crime of which I have proof?
MORDAUNT
She was my mother!
DE WINTER
Returned to France after the assassination, she poisoned a woman who loved one of her enemies in the convent at Bethune. This crime will persuade you of the justice of her chastisement. This crime I can prove.
MORDAUNT
She was my mother!
DE WINTER
Then, charged with murders, with debauchery odious to all, menacing still like a panther thirsty for blood, she fell under the blows of men she had made desperate, and who never caused her the least harm. She found, in default of natural judges, judges her hideous murders had evoked. And this executioner who told you everything, ought to tell you he thrilled with joy in avenging on her the suicide of his brother. Perverted daughter, adulterous spouse, unnatural sister, murderess, poisoner, execrable to all. To those who knew her, to all nations that had received her in their bosoms, she died cursed by heaven and earth. There you have this woman.
MORDAUNT
Silence sir! She was my mother! Her disorders I do not know. Her vices I do not know. Her crimes I do not know. She was my mother! So, I warn you, listen carefully to the words I am about to speak, and engrave them in your memory so that you will never forget them. This murder which has ravished me of everything, which was impoverished me, this murder which has corrupted me -- infuriated me -- made me implacable -- I will ask an accounting from your accomplices when I learn who they are -- of all my enemies in fact, without excepting even King Charles the First.
DE WINTER
Do you intend to assassinate me, sir? In that case, I truly recognize you as my nephew for you will truly be your mother's son.
MORDAUNT
No -- I won't kill you, at this time at least -- for without you, I cannot discover the others. But when I know the names of the four men from Armentiers, tremble sir, tremble for yourself and your accomplices! I have already stabbed without pity, without mercy one -- and he was the least culpable of you all.
(He leaves.)
DE WINTER
My God -- I thank you that he only knows me!
(Curtain)
Scene iii
The Dyke at Boulogne -- One sees at the right the house of a fisherman -- in the rear. The Brig "The Parliament". Also at anchor the Corvette "L'Eclair". To the left a stairway which leads to a lighthouse.
MORDAUNT
(walking on the Dyke and with him is Andre, the captain of the Brig)
Well -- Captain Andre?
ANDRE
No one yet, sir.
MORDAUNT
You have been to the hotel "The English Arms"?
ANDRE
Yes, sir.
MORDAUNT
And you asked if two gentlemen named Monsieur D'Artagnan and Du Valon had arrived from Paris?
ANDRE
No one has seen them yet.
MORDAUNT
Nor anyone who resembles them?
ANDRE
Three gentlemen arrived just as I was speaking to the hotel manager. I had a moment of hope but I was deceived. They went to the lodge at the Sword of Henry IV yet one of the three came in. The two others threw the bridles of their horses into the hands of their lackeys and asked the way to the port.
MORDAUNT
Let them remember well that I gave them just until 8 o'clock. I won't wait a minute more. At 8 o'clock, exactly, Captain Andre, you will sail.
ANDRE
Well, sir, I am at your orders.
(Enter Parry, approaching Andre.)
PARRY
Sir, aren't you the skipper of this ship?
ANDRE
Yes, sir.
PARRY
You are leaving this evening?
ANDRE
At 8 o'clock.
PARRY
Can you give passage to me and my sister?
ANDRE
(low to Mordaunt)
You hear?
MORDAUNT
(low)
Make sure she is his sister.
ANDRE
(to Parry)
But do you know our destination?
PARRY
Yes, you go to Newcastle and as Newcastle is the frontier of Scotland, we will have only the Tyne to cross to be in our country.
ANDRE
(to Mordaunt)
What's to be done?
MORDAUNT
See the woman, try to learn who she is what she wants and if necessary, I will see her myself.
ANDRE
Where is your sister?
PARRY
(pointing)
In this house. Shall I call her?
ANDRE
No -- don't disturb her. I am going to speak to her myself.
MORDAUNT
Go! Ah! Ah! I believe here are our men.
ANDRE
(looking)
No these are the two travelers who asked the way to the port at the hotel 'Sword of Henry the IV.
MORDAUNT
They came by the Paris route?
ANDRE
Yes.
MORDAUNT
I will perhaps get some news out of them. Go then! -- But you understand -- promise nothing until I've seen her myself.
ANDRE
Oh! Be easy!
(to Parry)
Come, sir.
(Parry & Andre go out.)
MORDAUNT
(alone)
No -- it's not them. But in truth, if I don't deceive myself, it's their two friends -- the same who were with them in the Chambers of Monsieur D'Artagnan when I went there. We won't meet them at first.
(Mordaunt in the foreground -- Athos and Aramis crossing on a sluice and stopping in the middle.)
ARAMIS
What do you think of this ship, Athos?
ATHOS
That it is sailing, too. But that it cannot be ours -- this is a brig and ours is a corvette; this one is in harbor and ours is waiting at sea. This one is called "The Parliament" and ours, De Winter, told us, is called L'Eclair.
MORDAUNT
De Winter! Did they pronounce the name De Winter?
ARAMIS
Hush! There's a man who seems to hear us.
ATHOS
He's wasting his time -- for we have said nothing, it seems to me -- which cannot be heard.
ARAMIS
Never mind -- speak of something else -- for now -- for that man is approaching us.
MORDAUNT
(waiting for Athos and Aramis to arrive)
Pardon, gentlemen, I am not deceived. I'm sure, I've had the honor of seeing you in Paris, I believe.
ATHOS
You sir? I don't recall on my count having had that honor.
ARAMIS
Nor I, sir.
MORDAUNT
At M. D'Artagnan's, about four days ago.
ATHOS
Ah -- it's true, sir. I recall perfectly. I pray you excuse this fault of memory.
ARAMIS
Very fine.
MORDAUNT
Could you tell me if M. D'Artagnan is still in Paris?
ATHOS
We left him three days ago at the Hotel de la Chevette.
MORDAUNT
And did he tell you nothing of preparing for a voyage?
ATHOS
No, sir.
MORDAUNT
Excuse me, gentlemen for disturbing you -- and receive my thanks for your compliance.
(He bows and leaves.)
ARAMIS
What do you say of that questioner?
ATHOS
A boring provincial.
ARAMIS
Or a spy who informs.
ATHOS
It's possible.
ARAMIS
And you have replied to him thus?
ATHOS
Nothing would authorize me to reply otherwise, he was polite towards us, and I was polite to him.
ARAMIS
No matter, in our position -- we must defy the whole world.
ATHOS
It's a little too soon for you to make this recommendation. You spoke the name "de Winter".
ARAMIS
Well?
ATHOS
Well -- it was at that name the young man stopped.
ARAMIS
You noticed that?
ATHOS
Perfectly.
ARAMIS
Reason the more then, when he spoke to us to invite him to pass on his way.
ATHOS
A quarrel?
ARAMIS
And since when does a quarrel frighten you?
ATHOS
A quarrel always frightens me when I wait some role and that this quarrel could prevent me from playing it. Besides, do you want me to admit something to you?
ARAMIS
What?
ATHOS
I perfectly recognized this young man as the messenger of Mazarin.
ARAMIS
Ah, really!
ATHOS
But I wanted to see him close up.
ARAMIS
For what?
ATHOS
Aramis, you're going to mock me. You're going to say that I always repeat the same thing. You're going to take me for the most fearful of visionaries.
ARAMIS
Why?
ATHOS
To whom does this young man resemble -- as much as a man can resemble a woman?
ARAMIS
Oh -- by God! I believe you are right, Athos -- that mouth fine and open, the nose cut like the beak of a bird of prey -- the eyes that seem always at the order of the mind and never of the heart -- If he was the monk!
ATHOS
In spite of me, I thought it.
ARAMIS
And you didn't destroy the serpent?
ATHOS
Are you mad? without being sure? Besides, were we certain, this young man has done nothing to us.
ARAMIS
Ah, there's where I recognized my Athos -- childish from greatness -- imprudent from loyalty. Well, if I knew it was he, I would break his head against the first stone I can find.
ATHOS
Hush -- De Winter.
ARAMIS
We were just speaking of him! He must know his nephew!
ATHOS
We would have the air of frightened children.
ARAMIS
It's true. Let us let things go -- and defy the young man if we find him again -- but is it really De Winter?
ATHOS
Yes, you see, there are our lackeys who follow him twenty paces in the rear -- at the corner of the fort. I recognize Grimaud, by his big stiff head and his long legs and my little Blauois by his provincial bearing. It's he who is carrying our carbines.
ARAMIS
It's true. But where is our friend? He resembles one of the damned in Dante whose necks Satan has dislocated and who look at their talons. What's he looking behind him for?
(Enter DeWinter.)
(The night comes and the lighthouse is illuminated.)
DE WINTER
Ah, you here, Gentlemen! I am quite easy to have rejoined you -- we are going to leave instantly, aren't we?
ARAMIS
We do not delay you, milord, although I don't care for the sea much by day and still less by night. But what have you there, that puts you so out of breath?
DE WINTER
(looking behind him)
Nothing, nothing -- still in passing behind the fortification it seemed to me -- but let's leave. Hold -- see down there the boat by the lighthouse. That's our Corvette -- which is at anchor -- I wish we were already embarked.
ARAMIS
Ah, That! You forgot something, milord?
DE WINTER
No, it's a preoccupation.
ATHOS
(to Aramis)
He's seen him.
DE WINTER
Let's go down, gentlemen -- Hola ! Captain!
(A man hidden in a boat rises)
You are the boatman who must conduct us to the Corvette -- L'Eclair, right?
BOATMAN
Yes, sir.
DE WINTER
Help our lackeys then.
BOATMAN
Come this way.
(Mordaunt reappears on the other side of the jetee and mounts the stair leading to the lighthouse. The three gentlemen embark.)
ARAMIS
(to Athos)
Oh! Oh! there's our young man again -- does he intend to stop our embarking?
ATHOS
Why do you think he has that intention? He is alone and we are seven if you count the boatman.
ARAMIS
Never mind -- assuredly he has it in for us --
DE WINTER
Who's that?
ARAMIS
The young man.
DE WINTER
What young man?
ARAMIS
Wait -- the one who is down there -- at the lighthouse.
DE WINTER
It's him. I thought I recognized him.
ATHOS
Who is he?
DE WINTER
The son of milady.
GRIMAUD
The Monk.
MORDAUNT
Yes, it's me, my uncle! Me, the son of milady! Me the monk! Me the secretary and friend of Cromwell -- and I recognize you and your companions.
ARAMIS
Ah! Ah! He is your nephew! He is the monk -- and he is the son of milady.
DE WINTER
Alas, yes.
ARAMIS
Wait a while.
(he takes a rifle and aims it at Mordaunt)
GRIMAUD
Fire!
ATHOS
(pushing the rifle aside)
What are you doing, friend?
ARAMIS
The devil take you! I had him right in my sights. I'd have put my ball right through his breast.
ATHOS
It's enough to have killed the mother.
(The Bark begins to move out.)
MORDAUNT
Ah -- it's really you! It's really you, gentlemen! I recognize you now and we will meet again in England.
(The Bark disappears -- he follows it a moment with his eyes.)
MORDAUNT
Oh, it's Providence that has made me recognize them -- it's Providence that has brought them there where I am all powerful -- two of the four -- will always be there -- we won't despair of finding the other two.
(Porthos and D'Artagnan enter.)
PORTHOS
Decidedly, I believe we are late.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's your fault, my dear boy, with your boundless appetite -- we will never finish.
PORTHOS
It's not me, it's that clown of a Mouston who's always hungry -- Mouston -- have you the provisions?
MOUSQUETON
Yes, Baron.
MORDAUNT
Ah! Ah! It seems to me that our two gentlemen are here.
D'ARTAGNAN
Where the devil are we going to find our Mordaunt now?
PORTHOS
On the jettee. Didn't he give us a rendezvous there?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes, but at exactly at eight o'clock.
PORTHOS
Eh -- well eight o'clock is just striking.
MORDAUNT
Yes, gentlemen, I am very reassured to see you are punctual.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's a military custom that dates back twenty years, sir.
MORDAUNT
I congratulate you on it. Nothing stops us from leaving does it?
D'ARTAGNAN
When you wish, we are ready.
PORTHOS
A moment, sir. Is the ship sufficiently provided?
MORDAUNT
Yes, sir, besides we have only a three day crossing.
PORTHOS
In 3 days one can get very hungry.
MORDAUNT
Be easy, gentlemen -- and if you have no other objection to make...
D'ARTAGNAN
None at all.
MORDAUNT
Then go on board.
D'ARTAGNAN
Come Porthos.
(Porthos and D'Artagnan cross the plank.)
MOUSQUETON
What sir, must I go up there?
PORTHOS
Without doubt.
D'ARTAGNAN
We are indeed ready.
MOUSQUETON
Ah, you are something else too -- you are very brave.
D'ARTAGNAN
Come on, come on.
PORTHOS
Give me you hand, my poor Mouston -- ah -- you're getting old.
(Mousqueton goes on board.)
(Mordaunt in the foreground.)
MORDAUNT
Well Captain Andre, this lady ...
ANDRE
She's already there, sir.
MORDAUNT
Bring her here.
ANDRE
Right away.
(at the door of the little house)
Come, madam.
MORDAUNT
Put all in readiness for departure. We've got to be out of port before 9 o'clock.
QUEEN
(dressed as a Scotswoman)
Sir, they tell me you are the captain of this boat.
MORDAUNT
Not exactly, Madame, but I've rented it.
QUEEN
Then you're the master. And that's whom I wish to speak to.
MORDAUNT
A little closer. What do you wish, madam?
QUEEN
You would render me a great service by giving passage to me and my brother.
MORDAUNT
You're going to England?
QUEEN
To Scotland.
MORDAUNT
But we are going to Newcastle.
QUEEN
I know it, Sir, but from Newcastle, I hope to easily go to County of Perth.
MORDAUNT
It's with great pleasure, Madam but we have only one place free.
QUEEN
Ah, my God, what do you tell me, sir!
MORDAUNT
The truth.
QUEEN
My brother has the greatest wish to accompany me, sir, and he will stay -- never mind what place -- with the sailors -- with the servants.
MORDAUNT
Impossible.
QUEEN
Sir -- neither prayers nor money?
MORDAUNT
Nothing.
QUEEN
Then, I must be resigned. I will go alone, sir.
MORDAUNT
In that case, madam, don't lose any time.
QUEEN
(to Parry)
Goodbye, my poor Parry. We must separate. I am going to Newcastle -- and from there I will reach the camp of the King where he must be. Get to England by your first opportunity and we will rejoin each other.
PARRY
Oh, madam, to leave Your Majesty.
QUEEN
It must be, my friend.
PARRY
Ah -- Your Majesty has called me.
QUEEN
Her friend, some servants like you Parry -- worth much more as friends. Those we know.
PARRY
(almost at her knees and kissing her robe)
Ah! Madame!
MORDAUNT
She is the Queen just as I thought. Come on, come on, heaven is delivering them all to me.
(to the Queen)
Will you take my arm madame? They're only waiting for us.
(Noise of all the commands for setting sail. The curtain falls the moment the Queen crosses the plank leading to the boat.)
(Curtain)
ACT II
Scene iv
The largest room in a house in Newcastle occupied by Cromwell
CROMWELL
And you were saying, Colonel?
GROSLOW
I say, Mr. Cromwell that if you wish it, today or tomorrow, at the latest -- King Charles is ours.
CROMWELL
And how's that -- let's see, Colonel?
GROSLOW
Because the aid which he's expecting from France is failing him -- because in place of an army and treasure which his friend de Winter is to bring him, his friend de Winter brings him nothing but diamonds, the last resources of Madame Henriette, and brings two gentlemen -- the last aid, I will not say that the kingdom of France sends him to help him keep his crown, but that the nobility sends to see him die.
CROMWELL
It's good, Colonel. I will think of what you've told me and in my first dispatch, I will advise Parliament of your zeal.
GROSLOW
But general, it seems to me that in your place --
CROMWELL
Sir, I expect news from France, also. I have sent someone to Cardinal Mazarin.
GROSLOW
Your envoy may be too late, general. The waves and the winds take orders from no one -- and the time is lacking.
CROMWELL
You deceive yourself, sir -- the waves and winds are at the order of the Eternal One. It's for this they call him the God of Tempests -- and the Eternal one is for us.
GROSLOW
General --
CROMWELL
(sitting down)
Look out that window.
GROSLOW
Yes, sir.
CROMWELL
It gives on the harbor doesn't it?
GROSLOW
Yes.
CROMWELL
Well -- do you see anything new in the port?
GROSLOW
A ship has just come to anchor.
CROMWELL
And on the road from the harbor, can you anyone be seen?
GROSLOW
Two men wrapped in capes -- and who appear to be strangers.
CROMWELL
Now listen -- what do you hear?
GROSLOW
Someone's coming up.
CROMWELL
The ship that's in the port is the Brig -- the Parliament -- these two men are en route -- they are the envoys of Mazarin. This man coming up
(there's a knocking on the door)
and who is knocking --- is my secretary Mr. Mordaunt. If you doubt it Colonel -- go open and you will see.
GROSLOW
(going to open)
You are truly inspired, sir.
(Enter Mordaunt.)
CROMWELL
Be welcome, Mordaunt! something told me last night you wold be here this morning.
MORDAUNT
It was the voice of the Lord -- the Lord speaks to those who are charged to speak in his name.
CROMWELL
What did you bring from France, my son?
MORDAUNT
Some rich news, sir.
CROMWELL
Be twice welcome then! Have you seen the cardinal?
MORDAUNT
I have seen him.
CROMWELL
And he gave you a reply?
MORDAUNT
Yes.
CROMWELL
Verbal?
MORDAUNT
Written.
CROMWELL
He sent it with you?
MORDAUNT
So that it would carry more weight with you he sent it by a Lieutenant of the King's Musketeers and by a Lord of the Court.
CROMWELL
Are they named?
MORDAUNT
The Lieutenant -- Monsieur le Chevalier d'Artagnan, the Lord Monsieur du Vallon.
CROMWELL
Two spies that he accredits to me.
MORDAUNT
The Genius of the Eternal One is with you sir. They cannot spy on God.
CROMWELL
And those two men are below?
MORDAUNT
They await your orders.
CROMWELL
You hear Colonel Groslow? I believe that the moment you wish for has come.
GROSLOW
What are your commands, general?
CROMWELL
Put the ironsides under arms -- order your regiment to be ready at the first sound of a trumpet, and let it be thus with the entire Army.
GROSLOW
I obey.
CROMWELL
In passing, tell those two gentlemen to come up.
(Groslow leaves.)
CROMWELL
You have still something else to tell me, my son?
MORDAUNT
Yes, sir -- I have to tell you that on the same boat with us a woman is crossing to England.
CROMWELL
A woman! Who is this woman?
MORDAUNT
The General Cromwell will see her. A chief ought always to see for himself.
CROMWELL
And where will I see her?
MORDAUNT
I've ordered her to be watched and at the moment when -- she attempts to leave the city, they will bring her to your Honor.
CROMWELL
You believe then this women is of some importance?
MORDAUNT
You will judge.
CROMWELL
Silence! They're coming.
(Enter D'Artagnan and Porthos.)
MORDAUNT
Come in Gentlemen, you are before General Cromwell.
CROMWELL
Mr. Mordaunt, if you are not too fatigued by your voyage--?
MORDAUNT
I am never fatigued, sir, you know it.
CROMWELL
In that case, take this letter, prepared for you -- read it, execute it, at the moment the conditions obtain -- after reading it, burn it.
MORDAUNT
Whatever may be the order contained in this letter, it will be carried out, milord.
CROMWELL
Silence my son! We are not alone.
D'ARTAGNAN
(while Cromwell follows Mordaunt's eyes)
Well, what do you say of that, Porthos?
PORTHOS
Of whom?
D'ARTAGNAN
Of General Cromwell?
PORTHOS
I say he has the manners of the butcher he is.
D'ARTAGNAN
You are mistaken, it is Colonel Harrison who is a butcher.
PORTHOS
Ah, yes, him -- he is --
D'ARTAGNAN
(seeing that Cromwell returns)
He is -- he is the General Oliver Cromwell. Let me do the talking.
(Mordaunt leaves.)
CROMWELL
Welcome, General. I cannot believe what Mordaunt told me.
D'ARTAGNAN
He only told you the truth, sir, if he told you we came to you as envoys of the illustrious Cardinal.
CROMWELL
You will pardon me, but I cannot believe such an honor. The name of the poor Brewer of Huntington is known at the other side of the strait.
PORTHOS
(to himself)
Ah! It's true -- he was a brewer.
D'ARTAGNAN
Hush!
(aloud)
It's not the name of the Brewer of Huntington that is known on the other side of the channel sir -- it's the name of the conqueror of Marston-Moor and of Newberry.
PORTHOS
Bravo! This devil of a D'Artagnan where does he learn all he says?
CROMWELL
One sees sir, that you come form the most courteous court in Europe. How was the Queen on your departure?
D'ARTAGNAN
The Queen Anne of Austria?
CROMWELL
No -- our queen, Her Majesty Henriette of France, wife of King Charles, whom the faithful children of England regret having to combat at the moment.
D'ARTAGNAN
But I believe Her Majesty is well -- it's a long time since I've had the honor of seeing her.
CROMWELL
She no longer comes to the Palace Royal?
D'ARTAGNAN
I don't know if she comes there but it's more than a year since I have seen her.
CROMWELL
Then Cardinal Mazarin goes to pay her his court?
D'ARTAGNAN
Cardinal Mazarin has not the time -- he must write and that reminds me that I am bearer of a letter.
CROMWELL
For me, it is true?
D'ARTAGNAN
For you, sir.
CROMWELL
Give it here.
(aside)
Come on, Monsieur de Mazarin chooses his men well. This Chevalier D'Artagnan is a man of wit.
PORTHOS
(low to D'Artagnan)
Say, D'Artagnan
D'ARTAGNAN
What?
PORTHOS
He doesn't appear very strong to me and can you see how he is dressed?
D'ARTAGNAN
He was even worse dressed when he presented himself to the house of Commons and the famous Hampden said, seeing him -- "You see this peasant so poorly dressed. He will be, if I don't deceive myself, one of the greatest men of our times."
PORTHOS
And who is he -- the famous Hampden?
D'ARTAGNAN
He was the first man in England before Cromwell made him the second.
CROMWELL
(after having read)
Thanks gentlemen. I have found Monsieur de Mazarin just as I expected him. Mazarin is a grand politician.
PORTHOS
Really, that's funny. No one says so of him in France.
D'ARTAGNAN
And will you do us the honor of entrusting us with a reply, sir?
CROMWELL
You must be fatigued, gentlemen, take some rest first -- and tomorrow.
D'ARTAGNAN
You will give us a letter, general?
CROMWELL
No -- tomorrow you will leave and you will say -- you will say simply what you have seen.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, what do you say, Porthos?
PORTHOS
I say he did well to give us our leave. I am very hungry.
CROMWELL
My house is yours, gentlemen and while you stay in England short or long term you can freely enter and by doing so you do me honor and pleasure.
(Exit Porthos and D'Artagnan)
CROMWELL
(alone)
Come, everything's going my way -- all points to success -- Mazarin abandons him -- and the Scotch sell him. A single man stands between me and the throne -- this man is going to disappear -- yes -- but to take his place -- a ghost -- let's see -- considering everything -- is it in my interest that Charles Stuart fall into the abyss and die falling -- Once delivered of its King, will England need its General? Isn't it Stuart who makes Cromwell necessary -- and Stuart in falling -- won't he pull Cromwell down with him? Yes that might be if there were someone in England who could get rid of Cromwell as Cromwell got rid of Stuart. But could Harrison do it? Could Pride, could Fairfax? These instruments, these machines to which I have given the impetus, these automatons on whom I have impressed movement -- the Parliament -- yes I know it well -- there is opposition. It's a blow to strike -- that's all -- I will smash Parliament. The monarchy is three centuries older than the Parliament and I have already broken the Monarchy -- but what have the English left of monarchy? -- is it the monarchy or the King they have left? It's the King. Is it even the King? -- it's the name. One must find a name which has never been used before. Consul -- one must have the virtues of a Brutus. -- Dictator? -- one mustn't have the vices of a Sulla. -- I want a title which permits me to obtain all the honors without imposing any -- it must seem to protect England although England has no need of a protector -- Well but, "Protector". There's a name -- there's a title -- there's an unheard of name -- new -- simple -- but haughty at the same time. Which one could indifferently be called -- Sir -- Milord -- Highness. -- Divided in parts to come in passing to the Bourgeois, among the commoners, in the Army. I've made my route a triple station long enough to know the bourgeois, the parliamentarians, and the soldiers -- there remains only the nobility for me to study. Bah! The nobility they will be at my feet when I am Protector. What does it ask? Not to be conquered but to make it seem that it is not I or it that has killed its King. Well, I've played this role right up to the present and have only to continue. Charles Stuart himself doesn't regard me as his enemy -- and often takes me as intermediary between him and the Parliament. Intermediary
(with a smile)
as the hatchet is an intermediary between the executioner and the condemned. Ah! someone -- Protector is decidedly an excellent title. Whom comes there?
(Enter two soldiers with the Queen disguised as at Boulogne.)
SOLDIER
General, there is a woman --
CROMWELL
Ah, yes, I had forgotten. Who is this woman?
SOLDIER
A woman arrived on the ship "The Parliament" and whom we stopped as she attempted to pass into the royalist camp -- and we brought her to you.
CROMWELL
Fine, my friends, bring her in.
SOLDIER
(to the wings)
Do you hear? the General calls you.
QUEEN
(entering)
The General -- what General gentlemen?
SOLDIER
There's only one general in all England -- not all who bear the title -- but the only one who merits the title. It is General Cromwell.
QUEEN
It is then from General Cromwell that I must ask justice for the violence that has been done me?
CROMWELL
Yes, madam, it is General Cromwell who will accord you justice -- be certain of it.
QUEEN
There was violence sir. If English law still guarantees liberty to all.
CROMWELL
The English law guarantees liberty to all good Englishmen.
QUEEN
But, where are the good Englishmen? Are they in the camp of General Oliver Cromwell? -- are they in the camp of King Charles?
CROMWELL
There are good Englishmen everywhere, madam.
QUEEN
Even among those who make war on their sovereign?
CROMWELL
We don't make war against our sovereign, we make war against his ministers. We make war on Strafford, on Laud, on Windebank -- We respect the monarchy in the King, the King in the man -- Now -- who are you?
QUEEN
I am Catherine Parry.
CROMWELL
Where are you going?
QUEEN
To Scotland.
CROMWELL
To what end?
QUEEN
To preserve, in the name of my brother and myself, the inheritance of my father who has just died.
CROMWELL
You are then of County Perth?
QUEEN
Yes.
CROMWELL
You are then the daughter of William Parry?
QUEEN
Yes.
CROMWELL
You are then the sister of John Parry?
QUEEN
Yes. How do you know that?
CROMWELL
I know it, as you can see. Why didn't you say all this to those who arrested you?
QUEEN
I did say it.
CROMWELL
And they did not believe you?
QUEEN
No!
CROMWELL
What do you expect? They have been so often deceived that they have become suspicious?
SOLDIER
This woman spoke the truth then general?
CROMWELL
Yes.
SOLDIER
Then we did wrong to arrest her and bring her to you?
CROMWELL
No it's for me to weed the good from the bad. It's for this that the Eternal One has made me as I am.
SOLDIER
Then she can pass freely?
CROMWELL
Freely -- Go.
(they Leave)
QUEEN
Then I can follow them?
CROMWELL
(rising and revealing himself)
A minute more, if Your Majesty will permit it.
QUEEN
Good heavens! What did you just say, sir?
CROMWELL
I say that it is very imprudent for the daughter of Henry IV and the sister of Louis XIII and the wife of Charles Stuart to come to England at this time and disembark in a city held by General Oliver Cromwell.
QUEEN
You are deceived, sir. I am neither daughter, nor sister, nor wife of a King. I am only the daughter of a poor highlander.
CROMWELL
William Parry has only one son and one daughter.
QUEEN
Well -- this daughter.
CROMWELL
This daughter, whose name you have taken died six months ago -- and your father whose inheritance you seek is alive.
QUEEN
But you know everyone in England or Scotland.
CROMWELL
Yes -- all those whom it is my interest or my duty to know madam -- even when Your Majesty wishes that I did not know it.
QUEEN
Very well, I won't deny it any longer. I am not a Queen who intends to reign in her Kingdom, for in reality Charles is no longer King -- but only a wife who comes to partake the fate of her spouse. Now do with me what you wish.
CROMWELL
It's for me to await the orders of my sovereign.
QUEEN
What are you saying?
CROMWELL
I say that, for my colleague, for the Parliament, for the nation -- Charles the First is perhaps no more than Charles Stuart -- but for me -- Charles Stuart is always King. Yes, madam, and you will tell him what you are going to hear form my mouth and what you have not heard from anybody -- the truth! You will tell him that if he gives battle, he is lost.
QUEEN
But that Parliament.
CROMWELL
You will tell him that if he treats with the Parliament he is lost.
QUEEN
My God!
CROMWELL
You will tell him that in all England perhaps, at this time, there's only one man who sincerely desires the health of King Charles -- and that this man is General Oliver Cromwell.
QUEEN
Do you speak frankly, Sir?
CROMWELL
Yes, but let him be careful -- behind my will there is Destiny. Behind Providence there is a fatality -- and I, madame, I am the man of destiny the man of fatality. Let him leave!
QUEEN
But that would be to renounce all hope.
CROMWELL
Madam, at the age of fifteen a woman appeared to me -- she held in her hand a crowned head -- and she took the crown from that head and put it on mine. Let him leave!
QUEEN
But you admit then -- that?
CROMWELL
Madame, my nurse had a spot of blood which ran from her shoulder to her breast, of the type that when giving me suck I had the air of drinking not milk but blood -- Let him depart! Let him leave!
QUEEN
He will leave sir. But how can I get to the King?
CROMWELL
I will give you a safe conduct.
QUEEN
But if I get lost -- night is coming on.
CROMWELL
I will give you a guide.
QUEEN
When?
CROMWELL
Right away. Wait --
QUEEN
Ah, sir.
CROMWELL
Take care -- if when they enter they think I am doing grace rather than justice --
(writing a few lines)
Here's a pass for a woman going to the Royal Army.
QUEEN
Thanks! Thanks!
CROMWELL
This is not all!
(he strikes his hands).
Findley.
(a servant enters)
Findley -- you will accompany madame, under whatever costume it pleases you to take to the outskirts of the royalist camp.
FINDLEY
Yes, general.
CROMWELL
Something that she may wish to offer you, you will not accept.
FINDLEY
No, general.
CROMWELL
It will take you two hours to get to camp.
(Findley makes a movement)
You hear -- two hours -- not more, not less.
FINDLEY
Right, general.
CROMWELL
(to Queen)
Now I hope you will no longer say to those whom I am sending you, I am your enemy.
QUEEN
God watch that -- you speak the truth, sir, while waiting, thanks.
(The Queen leaves with Findley.)
CROMWELL
In two hours, it will be too late for Charles to profit from this advice -- but the advice will have been given at least.
(Blackout)
Scene v
The Camp of King Charles -- at night, the royal tent decorated by a large tapestry with the arms of England and Scotland. At the left, a house whose first floor is shut by a window decorated with bars of iron and a door to which one gets by three steps. The window is up at left. In the center -- countryside with plains and mountains.
(De Winter is sitting on his cloak before the entrance to the King's tent.)
ARAMIS
(to a Sentinel)
And you say, my friend, that for two years you haven't been paid?
SENTINEL
No sir -- and it's hard with a war such as we are waging.
ARAMIS
Yes, I know it well -- but then, when King Charles regains his throne he will reward his faithful. Scots.
SENTINEL
Yes -- if he regains it.
ARAMIS
We hope that God will give the advantage to the just cause.
ATHOS
(coming rapidly from behind the house)
Aramis!
ARAMIS
Well?
ATHOS
Not an instant to lose. We must warn the King.
ARAMIS
What's happening then?
ATHOS
It would take too long to tell you -- Where is deWinter?
ARAMIS
Come!
(giving a half pistole to the sentinel).
Here my friend. Here's a half pistole to drink the King's health.
SENTINEL
How welcome it is -- It's a long time since I have seen the like -- the last that passed through my hands.
ATHOS
(touching De Winter on the shoulder)
De Winter! De Winter!
DE WINTER
(awakening)
Ah, it's you, Count. It's you, Chevalier. Have you remarked how red the sun is setting this evening?
ATHOS
Milord in a position as precarious as ours -- it's the earth we must look to not the heavens -- have you studied our Scotch?
DE WINTER
Which Scotch?
ATHOS
Eh! By God -- ours -- the Scots of Count de Loeven.
DE WINTER
No.
ATHOS
Do you believe in their fidelity?
DE WINTER
Without doubt.
(one hears the march of a patrol)
See with what regularity the service is performed
(one hears the hour strike in the distance).
Seven o'clock and the hour sounds -- that's the relief of the sentinels.
ATHOS
Right.
(The sentinels are relieved successively -- then a patrol approaches from King Charles tent)
SENTINEL
Who goes --
MORDAUNT
(at the head of the Patrol)
Charles and loyalty. The countersign?
SENTINEL
Not to let any approach the tent of the King except those who have the password.
MORDAUNT
(giving a purse to the Sentinel)
Here -- there's what was promised.
ATHOS
(who has heard)
Money!
DE WINTER
(to Aramis while Athos takes a few steps to be sure the patrol has gone off).
Tell me, Chevalier, isn't it a tradition in France that the watch saw spots of blood on the board the day Henry IV was assassinated playing checkers with M. de Bassompierre?
ARAMIS
Yes, milord -- and the Marshall many times told me the story himself in my youth.
DE WINTER
That's it -- and the next day Henry IV was killed.
ARAMIS
What brings this vision to your memory, count?
DE WINTER
Nothing -- only you know chevalier that the strongest of men are not masters of themselves in hours of sadness -- but let's speak no more of that. Count, you had something to tell me.
ATHOS
I wanted to speak to the King.
DE WINTER
After having worked all day the King is sleeping.
ATHOS
Milord, I have to reveal to him things of the greatest importance.
DE WINTER
These things cannot be put off until tomorrow?
ATHOS
It's necessary for him to know instantly -- perhaps it is already too late.
DE WINTER
(raising the curtain of the King's tent)
Then enter, count.
(By the light of a lamp one sees a table covered with papers. The King to sleeping, resting on the table.)
ATHOS
(sighing)
Sire!
KING
(awakening)
Is it you, Count?
ATHOS
Yes, sire.
KING
You wake me. While I was sleeping -- and you bring me some news --
ATHOS
Alas, yes, Your Majesty has divined correctly.
KING
Then the news is bad.
ATHOS
Yes, sire.
KING
No matter! The messenger is welcome -- and you cannot come to me without giving me pleasure -- you whose devotion knows no country and resists misfortune. You who were sent to me by my good Henriette, may God make her more happy there than I am here! Speak then with confidence, Sir.
ATHOS
Sire, Cromwell came to Newcastle yesterday.
KING
I know it.
ATHOS
Your Majesty knows why he has come?
KING
To fight me.
ATHOS
To purchase you.
KING
Who told you that, count?
ATHOS
I say, sire, that the Scotch Army is owed 400,000 pounds sterling.
KING
For pay arrears, yes -- for the least two years my brave and faithful Scots fought for honor alone.
ATHOS
Well sire, while honor may be a beautiful thing, they are tired of battling for it -- and this evening ...
KING
And this evening?
ATHOS
This evening they sold Your Majesty for 200,000 pounds sterling -- that is to say for half their pay.
DE WINTER
What's he saying!
ARAMIS
I doubt it.
KING
The Scotch have sold me -- impossible! The Scotch sell their King for 200,000 pounds?
ATHOS
The Jews sold their God for 30 pieces of silver.
KING
And who is the Judas that has taken this step?
ATHOS
The Count de Loeven.
KING
And to whom has he done it?
ATHOS
With the Secretary of M. Cromwell.
DE WINTER
With Mordaunt?
ATHOS
Yes, Milord.
KING
Isn't he the young man who pursued me with such bitterness, de Winter?
DE WINTER
Alas, yes.
KING
What have I done to him? I don't recall.
DE WINTER
At my request, Your Majesty declared him a bastard -- and forbade him to pretend to the wealth or the name of his father.
KING
Ah -- that's true. But it was justice and I don't repent of it.
(to Athos)
You were saying then, Count?
ATHOS
I say that sleeping near the tent of de Loueven I heard all -- saw all.
KING
And when will this odious step be consummated?
ATHOS
This very night! As Your Majesty can see, there's no time to lose.
KING
No time to lose! To do what since you say I've been sold.
ATHOS
To profit by the night, sire, to cross the Tyne, to rejoin Lord Montrose -- who will not sell you.
KING
And what can I do in Scotland? A guerilla war! Count, such a war is unworthy of a King.
ATHOS
The example of Robert the Bruce is there to absolve you, Sir.
KING
No, Count, no. I've struggled too long. I am at the end of my strength. They have sold me -- let them deliver me, and let the shame of their treason fall on them.
ATHOS
Sire, perhaps it is thus a King ought to speak but this is not the way a husband and a father should act -- Sire we have crossed the sea -- Sire, we came in the name of your wife and children, I say to you, "Come Sire -- God wishes it!"
KING
You've convinced me, Count -- what do you advise me to do?
ATHOS
Sir -- does Your Majesty have in the entire army a single regiment on which you can count?
KING
De Winter -- do you believe in the fidelity of yours?
DE WINTER
Sire -- they are only men -- and these men have become weak and bad -- I believe in their fidelity -- but I cannot answer for it -- I would trust them with my life, but I hesitate to trust Your Majesty's to them.
ATHOS
Eh! Count only on us -- then -- we are three men, devoted, and resolute -- we will suffer. Let Your Majesty take hope in the midst of us and we will cross the Tyne, gain Scotland and we are saved.
KING
Is that your advice, De Winter?
DE WINTER
Yes, sire.
KING
Is it yours, M. d'Herblay?
ARAMIS
Yes, sire.
KING
Then let it be as you desire. Let's go.
ATHOS
Wait Sire.
KING
What then?
ATHOS
The sentinels who watch at Your Majesty's door -- can give the alarm seeing you leave -- they must be removed.
KING
The sentinels?
ATHOS
Sire, I saw the officer who placed them where they are count them out money.
KING
Oh! My God!
DE WINTER
And how to relieve them?
ATHOS
Have you but four men on whom you can count, Milord?
DE WINTER
Yes, but they are my own servants.
ATHOS
Go take them and do it.
DE WINTER
I am going.
(he leaves the tent)
ARAMIS
And the rest of us, Count. What shall we do in the mean time?
KING
Come Gentlemen, I will find something for you to do.
(King goes to an armoire = he pulls out two plaques of the Order of the Garter)
ATHOS
What are you doing, Sire?
KING
On your knees Count.
ATHOS
Sire, these orders cannot be for us.
KING
And why is that?
ATHOS
They are almost royal.
KING
Pass in review all the Kings of the World, my brothers -- who in this crisis abandon me and find me greater hearts than yours -- ! No, no, Gentlemen -- you don't do yourselves justice -- but that's my concern -- to your knees Count.
ATHOS
You command it Sire.
KING
(drawing sword)
I want to say to you "I am going to make you a Knight, be brave, faithful and loyal" I say to you "you are brave, faithful and loyal -- I am going to make you a Knight. In your turn M. D'Herblay.
(Aramis falls to his knees at the same moment De Winter appears center with his four men.)
SENTINEL
Who goes there?
DE WINTER
Charles and loyalty.
SENTINEL
Advance.
ARAMIS
(rising)
Thanks sire.
ATHOS
(extending his hands toward the Sentinels)
Listen!
(During this time, deWinter and his men are disarming one of the sentinels but the other one who has heard the noise puts his pike on guard).
2ND SENTINEL
Who goes there?
ARAMIS
(who has left the tent from the rear -- putting his dagger on his breast)
If you say a word you are dead.
ATHOS
(to De Winter's men)
Take the two sentinels and hide them from sight.
ARAMIS
And -- at the first word, the first gesture, the first sign they make of giving the alarm -- kill them!
DE WINTER
Now, Sir, we are ready.
(They take the two Sentinels away)
KING
We must flee then!
ATHOS
To flee across an army, Sire in all countries of the world -- it's known as charging.
KING
Let's go then, gentlemen.
DE WINTER
(to Aramis)
Is one of us wounded? I see drops of blood on the ground.
ATHOS
(who has already taken several steps outside)
Listen, sire, listen.
KING
What's wrong?
ATHOS
I hear the tramping of a large troupe and the neighing of horses.
ARAMIS
It's too late, we are surrounded.
(DeWinter takes two steps forward, while the two companions and the King listen; then he returns.)
DE WINTER
It's the enemy.
KING
Then, all is lost!
ATHOS
There is still a way, sire.
KING
What?
ATHOS
That Your Majesty instead of keeping his well-known costume, take one from one of us and give us his while they pursue the one who takes the King's -- perhaps the King will be able to escape.
ARAMIS
The advice is good, sire -- and if Your Majesty will indeed do one of us this hour.
KING
What do you think of this advice, De Winter?
DE WINTER
I think that if there is a way in the world of saving you, the Count de la Fere has just proposed it.
KING
But it is certain death or at least prison for whoever takes my place.
DE WINTER
It is an honor to have saved his King -- choose, sire.
KING
Come, de Winter.
DE WINTER
Oh! Thank you, my King!
ATHOS
It is just -- he has served him much longer than we have.
ARAMIS
Hurry, sire -- We will protect the entrance to your tent.
(While these two place themselves as sentinels -- sword in hand, the King gives de Winter his Cordon of Saint Esprit, his hat and his doublet -- in exchange de Winter gives the King the same objects plus his armor. At the moment the exchange terminates and the King leaves by the rear of the tent -- a patrol composed of ten men appears.)
ARAMIS
Who goes there?
ATHOS
Who goes there?
D'ARTAGNAN
(to Mordaunt)
Singular country of yours sir, where one always draws one's purse and never one's sword.
PORTHOS
It appears to be the custom in England.
MORDAUNT
By sword or by gold -- what's the difference, gentlemen?-- you see the camp is ours.
D'ARTAGNAN
It is equal. What a strange war.
ARAMIS & ATHOS
Who goes there then?
MORDAUNT
Charles and Loyalty.
ARAMIS & ATHOS
You cannot pass.
MORDAUNT
What -- why cannot we pass?
D'ARTAGNAN
Finally! This goes wrong in the end -- and I begin to believe we will draw swords.
MORDAUNT
Who has changed the password then?
ARAMIS
The king.
MORDAUNT
Why? For what reason?
ATHOS
Because you are traitors.
DE WINTER
Traitors.
PORTHOS
He said traitors, I believe.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's a hard word, gentlemen and we are going, I fear, to ram it down your throat.
ARAMIS
Come here!
MORDAUNT
Fine. Crack heads gentlemen -- we are going to the King's tent.
(to his men)
Come!
(Athos fights D'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos -- the four are of equal strength. Suddenly Mordaunt appears in the center of the tent. The men who follow Mordaunt take de Winter and cry "The King, the King! Take him alive!" thinking de Winter is King.)
MORDAUNT
No -- it's not the King -- no! You deceive yourselves. Right Milord deWinter -- you are not the King -- in fact Milord de Winter you are my uncle?
D'ARTAGNAN
(recoiling before Mordaunt)
The Avenger!
MORDAUNT
Remember my mother.
(killing de Winter with a pistol shot)
(From the light of the torches the 4 recognize each other.)
(Aramis, Porthos, D'Artagnan, and Athos take their swords from their left hands to their right)
Musketeers.
D'ARTAGNAN
Surrender Athos -- you surrender to me but it's not a surrender.
PORTHOS
Aramis, you understand.
ARAMIS
I surrender.
MORDAUNT
(kneeling near the body of de Winter)
Two --
ATHOS
(pointing to Mordaunt)
Do you see this young man?
D'ARTAGNAN
The son of milady, right?
PORTHOS
The Monk.
ARAMIS
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
Don't breathe a word, don't make a gesture -- don't risk a look to me or Porthos -- for milady is not dead, and her soul lives in the body of this demon.
(During this time, the King has been surrounded and pushed on stage.)
KING
Which of you will be the first to dare to put a hand on his King?
GROSLOW
(entering)
Charles Stuart give me your sword.
KING
Colonel Groslow the King does not surrender -- the man cedes to force -- that is all --
(breaking his sword)
GROSLOW
Victory gentlemen! The King is prisoner -- we hold the King.
MORDAUNT
(turning)
The King - the King is taken?
SEVERAL VOICES
Yes! Yes!
MORDAUNT
Fine -- only that was lacking.
(Mordaunt sees the 4 men.)
ATHOS
He has seen us.
ARAMIS
Let me kill him.
D'ARTAGNAN
(looking at his friends)
Hang it!
(to Mordaunt)
Fine prize, friend Mordaunt -- well taken -- and we took each of us -- M. du Vallon and I -- Knights of the Garter and none other.
MORDAUNT
But these are French it seems to me.
D'ARTAGNAN
French.
ATHOS
I am.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well -- they are prisoners of compatriots.
KING
(to Athos and Aramis)
Your health, gentlemen. The night was unfortunate -- but it's not your fault, God be thanked -- where is my old De Winter?
MORDAUNT
Look for him with Strafford!
KING
(seeing the corpse)
Then -- like Strafford, he has paid the price of his fidelity.
(kneeling before De Winter raising his head and embracing his face)
Adieu faithful heart gone above to find the reward for devotion -- and to prepare my call of martyrdom. Adieu.
D'ARTAGNAN
De Winter is dead?
ATHOS
Yes -- by his nephew.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's the first of us to go. May he sleep in peace. He was a brave man.
KING
Now, gentlemen, take me where you wish.
GROSLOW
The order of General Cromwell is to take you to London.
KING
When must I leave?
GROSLOW
Instantly.
KING
Let's get on with it then.
ATHOS
(to the King who is leaving)
Health to fallen Majesty.
D'ARTAGNAN
'Sdeath! Athos you will get us all strangled.
(The King leaves with Groslow.)
MORDAUNT
(to D'Artangnan)
Will you come to the General's home, gentlemen -- he has some compliments to pay you.
D'ARTAGNAN
With great pleasure, sire. But it's necessary for us first to put our prisoners in some secure place. Do you know, sir, that each of these gentlemen is worth two thousand pistoles?
MORDAUNT
Oh, be easy -- my soldiers will guard them -- and guard them well. I will answer for them.
D'ARTAGNAN
I wouldn't wish to give them the trouble and I will guard them better myself -- Besides, what does it matter? A good room secured with bars as here for example or their simple word that they will not flee. For in our country the oath is worth the game -- says a proverb. I am going to put order to this, sir -- after that I will have the honor of presenting myself to the general and asking from him his orders to return to France.
MORDAUNT
You plan then on leaving soon?
D'ARTAGNAN
Our mission is finished and nothing further keeps us in England except the pleasure of the great man to whom we have been sent.
MORDAUNT
Fine, Gentlemen..
(to a sergeant)
Sergeant Harry take ten men with you and guard this door and under no pretext let these two prisoners leave.
SERGEANT
And the other two?
MORDAUNT
They are free -- now, do you know this house?
SERGEANT
I've commanded a post here.
MORDAUNT
Is there another way out of here?
SERGEANT
No.
MORDAUNT
They cannot flee?
SERGEANT
Impossible.
MORDAUNT
Good -- do you know where General Cromwell is?
(leaving)
My horse! My horse!
(During this time, D'Artagnan has made the two friends enter the house. He's closed the door and put the key in his pocket. Porthos watches him.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Friend Porthos, while I am religiously guarding the sill of this door, you are going to do me the pleasure -- Come close so these two comedians here don't hear what we are saying -- You are going to do me the pleasure of reuniting Grimaud, Mousqueton and Blaisois.
PORTHOS
That's easy. I have indicated to them a place where they must occupy themselves preparing supper for us.
D'ARTAGNAN
Good! We will eat tomorrow afternoon. Go find them, Porthos -- let them hold our horses ready for any eventuality behind this house.
PORTHOS
Why not sleep here?
D'ARTAGNAN
Because the air is unhealthy.
PORTHOS
Bah!
D'ARTAGNAN
It's as I have the honor of telling you.
PORTHOS
Then -- that's another matter.
(He goes off. D'Artagnan is alone on the highest step)
D'ARTAGNAN
Now, let's see what these clowns are doing.
(he descends a step then addresses himself to Sergeant Harry and his men who are established before the house).
My friends, would you like something?
SERGEANT
No, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
There, why are you staying there, if you please?
SERGEANT
Because we have orders to help you guard the prisoners.
D'ARTAGNAN
Truly -- and who has given you that order?
SERGEANT
Mr. Mordaunt.
D'ARTAGNAN
I recognize his delicate attention -- here my friend.
SERGEANT
What's that.
D'ARTAGNAN
A half-crown, my friend to drink the health of Mr. Mordaunt.
SERGEANT
Puritans don't drink.
(he puts the coin in his pocket)
PORTHOS
(reappearing)
It's done.
D'ARTAGNAN
Silence!
PORTHOS
I haven't said anything as to what was done.
D'ARTAGNAN
It would be better -- wait Porthos, go in and don't leave until you hear me drum on the door -- the March of the Musketeers.
PORTHOS
Fine -- I'll go in -- but you -- what are you doing here?
D'ARTAGNAN
Me? Nothing -- I watch the moon.
(Exit Porthos)
(Cromwell slowly enters the tent in the distance.)
CROMWELL
This tent has two doors. An exit which leads to the scaffold -- and an entrance by which I came in and which leads me to a throne -- Here I am where he was -- Perhaps I will go where he's going? Proud Charles Stuart -- who would have said -- ten years ago, a month ago -- an hour ago -- that ____ on this table with this paper prepared for you -- with this pen that you have dipped in ink -- that I would write to all the Kings of Europe "Charles Stuart is no longer your brother". Let's write.
(Mordaunt appears at the door to the right. With a slight movement of impatience)
I told you I wished to be alone.
MORDAUNT
I didn't think that this applied to one you called your son, yet if you order it, I am ready to leave.
CROMWELL
Ah, it's you, Mordaunt. Since you're here, that's fine -- remain.
MORDAUNT
I bring you my congratulations, sir.
CROMWELL
Your congratulations -- about what?
MORDAUNT
On the taking of Charles Stuart -- you are now master of England.
CROMWELL
I was much better off two hours ago.
MORDAUNT
How so, general?
CROMWELL
Two hours ago, England needed me to capture the tyrant. Now the tyrant is captured. They tell me the Colonel of the Regiment of the Guards of Charles Stuart -- who was wearing the king's clothes was killed.
MORDAUNT
Yes, sir.
CROMWELL
By whom?
MORDAUNT
By me.
CROMWELL
What was his name?
MORDAUNT
Lord de Winter
CROMWELL
He was your uncle.
MORDAUNT
The traitors to England are not of my family.
CROMWELL
(with melancholy)
Mordaunt, you are a terrible servant.
MORDAUNT
When heaven orders -- one can only march with its orders.
CROMWELL
(bowing)
You are the strongest of the strong, Mordaunt. -- Go.
MORDAUNT
Before my leaving, sir -- I have some questions to address to you and a demand to make of you, my master.
CROMWELL
To me?
MORDAUNT
To you!
(bowing)
I come to you, my hero, my protector, my father -- and I ask you -- Master -- are you satisfied with me?
CROMWELL
(looking at him with astonishment)
Without doubt, for since I have known you, you have done not only your duty but more than your duty. You have been a faithful friend, adroit negotiator -- good soldier -- but what are you leading up to?
MORDAUNT
To tell you Milord, that the moment is come where you can, by a single word, reward me for all my services.
CROMWELL
Ah! It's true, sir -- I forgot that all your services deserve its reward. That you have served me and not yet been rewarded.
MORDAUNT
Sir, I am being so, at this instant, even in the midst of my wishes.
CROMWELL
How's that?
MORDAUNT
Sir, will you grant my request?
CROMWELL
Let's see first if it is possible.
MORDAUNT
When you have had a desire and you have charged me with its accomplishment have I ever replied -- "What you wish is impossible, sir?"
CROMWELL
Well then, Mordaunt, I promise you to do justice to your demand.
MORDAUNT
Sir, with the King there were two other prisoners. I ask them of you.
CROMWELL
English?
MORDAUNT
French.
CROMWELL
They are then offering a considerable ransom.
MORDAUNT
I'm not concerned if they have offered a ransom.
CROMWELL
But they are friends to you?
MORDAUNT
Yes, sir -- you have said the word -- they are friends to me, and very dear friends -- so dear that I will give my life to have theirs.
CROMWELL
Well, Mordaunt, I give them to you, do with them as you wish.
MORDAUNT
Thanks, sir, thanks
(throwing himself to his knees)
My life is henceforth yours and in losing it, I would still be in debt it to you. Thanks, you have paid me magnificently for my services.
CROMWELL
What! No rewards! No titles! No grade promotions!
MORDAUNT
You have given me all that you could give me, milord -- and from this day, I absolve you of the rest.
(He rushes toward the tent. To Sergeant)
The prisoners are still there?
SERGEANT
Yes, sir.
MORDAUNT
Take them and conduct them instantly to my lodging.
D'ARTAGNAN
If you please sir.
MORDAUNT
Ah -- you are here.
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes.
MORDAUNT
You have heard then?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes -- but I don't understand.
MORDAUNT
Sir, I've ordered this man to conduct these prisoners to my lodging.
D'ARTAGNAN
To your lodging? Why did you say that, if you please? Pardon the curiosity, but I would like to know why the prisoners taken by M. du Vallon and M. D'Artagnan ought to be taken to Mr. Mordaunt's residence.
MORDAUNT
Because the prisoners are mine and I can dispose of them to my fantasy.
D'ARTAGNAN
Permit me -- you are committing an error -- the prisoners belong to those who captured them. You can take your uncle, you have killed him -- you were the master -- we could kill M. de la Fere and D'Harbaly -- we have taken them -- each to his own taste.
PORTHOS
(hearing from inside)
Oh! Oh!
MORDAUNT
Sir, you are making a useless resistance: these prisoners have been given to me by General Oliver Cromwell.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, Mr. Mordaunt -- why didn't you begin by telling me that? In truth, you come on the part of Mr. Oliver Cromwell, the illustrious captain?
MORDAUNT
Yes, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
In that case, I bow -- take them.
PORTHOS
Oh! But what has he said then?
MORDAUNT
Thanks.
D'ARTAGNAN
But if General Cromwell, in reality, made a gift to you of our prisoners -- he undoubtedly gave a written act of donation -- he gave you this little letter for me -- a scrap of paper in his name. Kindly show me this letter -- and confide scrap of paper to me.
MORDAUNT
When I tell you a thing, sir, do you injure me by doubting it?
D'ARTAGNAN
Me --- doubt what you say to me dear Monsieur Mordaunt! God prevent me from it! But you know if I abandon my compatriots, I must have an excuse -- after returning to France they can reproach me for having sold them by God! And I must reply to such an accusation by showing the order of Monsieur Cromwell.
MORDAUNT
You're right, sir -- you shall have this order.
PORTHOS
What's he saying?
D'ARTAGNAN
But while waiting, let me keep the prisoners.
MORDAUNT
Oh! sir -- General Cromwell is there in King Charles' tent. It's a delay of hardly five minutes -- that's all.
(He drums on the door of the house with a little stick.)
MORDAUNT
Do you know, sir that I command here?
(Porthos comes out and places himself in the door way)
D'ARTAGNAN
No -- I don't know it.
MORDAUNT
And that -- if I wish, with ten men--
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, sir -- one sees quite well that you don't know us although we have had the honor of traveling in your company. We are French -- we are gentlemen -- we are capable, Mr. du Vallon and I of killing you -- you and your soldiers. Right, Monsieur du Vallon?
PORTHOS
Yes!
D'ARTAGNAN
By God! Don't be bull headed Mr. Mordaunt -- for when one is bull headed, I get bull headed, too -- then I become ferociously head strong, and then M. du Vallon, who in such a case is still more pig headed and more ferocious than I -- right, M. du Vallon?
PORTHOS
More pig headed, and more ferocious, yes that's the word.
MORDAUNT
Well, then sir -- follow me to him.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh -- I wouldn't dare disturb him. Such familiarities are fine for you who are his secretary, his friend -- it's all right for you who he calls his son.
MORDAUNT
Very well. Wait for me there, sir. I am going to him.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well then!
MORDAUNT
Don't lose sight of these two men.
SERGEANT
Be easy.
(Mordaunt goes into the tent.)
MORDAUNT
(to Cromwell)
Sir --
CROMWELL
(writing)
A moment, Mordaunt! I have finished.
D'ARTAGNAN
Friend Porthos do you still have that pretty little fist which makes you equal to Milo of Croton?
PORTHOS
Always.
D'ARTAGNAN
Can you make, as before, a circle with a bar of iron -- and a corkscrew with a handle from fire tongs?
PORTHOS
Certainly.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then go back in -- take one of the bars from the window just as it is understand -- just as it is.
PORTHOS
It will come out.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then pass through the bars first Athos -- then Aramis and finally yourself.
PORTHOS
Fine. But you.
D'ARTAGNAN
Don't worry about me.
PORTHOS
Fine.
(He goes into the house)
CROMWELL
What do you want, Mordaunt?
MORDAUNT
A written order, sir -- the order to take the two prisoners -- they refuse to give them to me unless I bring them an order written by your hand.
CROMWELL
But--?
MORDAUNT
Ah! You have promised me these two men, sir -- Do you refuse them to me now?
CROMWELL
You are right.
(taking a paper and writing)
MORDAUNT
(from the tent to the Sergeant)
Are they still there?
SERGEANT
Yes.
MORDAUNT
No one budges?
(At this moment, Athos descends from the window.)
SERGEANT
No one.
MORDAUNT
Good.
(Aramis comes out in his turn.)
D'ARTAGNAN
(opening the door partially)
Well?
PORTHOS
It's done.
D'ARTAGNAN
Bravo Porthos.
CROMWELL
(to Mordaunt)
D'ARTAGNAN
Are you there?
PORTHOS
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
My turn now.
(He goes in and shuts the door and locks it)
MORDAUNT
(leaving the tent)
Monsieur D'Artagnan, Monsieur D'Artagnan! Here I am.
(he mounts the steps)
The door is locked.
FINDLEY
(entering the tent)
General -- this woman has just arrived in the camp -- what shall be done with her?
CROMWELL
She is free to go where she wishes -- we don't make war on women.
D'ARTAGNAN
(who has passed by the window)
Servant, M. Mordaunt.
MORDAUNT
Monsieur d'Artagnan! To me Sergeant. help me force this door.
(They force it. Mordaunt rushes in and sees the bars pulled out)
Ah! To arms! To arms!
CROMWELL
(rising)
What is it?
MORDAUNT
These men -- these prisoners -- these demons! Escaped! Ah! To arms! To arms!
(He leaves running followed by a crowd of soldiers)
CROMWELL
(to himself)
It was to kill these two men that he asked me for them? What kind of servants have I got?
(Curtain)
ACT III
Scene vi
The Parliament Square -- to the left the facade of the Hotel Staghorn - to the right the entrance to Parliament.
(The People cross the stage.)
PEOPLE
To Parliament! To Parliament.
FINDLEY
(on watch at the door of the Parliament)
No one can enter.
TOM LOWE
Why can't we enter? They refuse to let the people enter Parliament. Comrades! -- Let's break down the doors.
PEOPLE
Let's break down the doors.
(They force the entrance and pass despite the Guards.)
ATHOS
(leaving the Staghorn with Aramis)
Chevalier -- I can's stand by any longer -- the people have just entered Parliament -- we must see for ourselves.
ARAMIS
D'Artagnan who never returns?
D'ARTAGNAN
(coming up in the dress of a worker)
Here I am! Here I am! Well, are we ready?
ATHOS
(dressed like one of the people)
Yes, dear friend.
ARAMIS
(dressed like a bourgeois)
No one except Porthos is looking for a mirror. Come on, Porthos!
D'ARTAGNAN
Well -- what do you say to the new costumes I have found?
ATHOS
I say we are frightful!
ARAMIS
We must fear the puritans to shiver so!
D'ARTAGNAN
Me, I have a strong with to preach.
PORTHOS
Brr! I'm cold in the head and this cursed fog has penetrated me to the bone, in despite of this ugly cassock which hides our dress of musketeers.
ATHOS
(to d'Artagnan)
You've come from the sitting?
D'ARTAGNAN
I have.
ATHOS
What did you learn?
D'ARTAGNAN
That the verdict will be given today and that it will be given perhaps any moment.
ATHOS
Who by?
D'ARTAGNAN
The purified Parliament.
ARAMIS
What do you mean, the Purified Parliament? Are there two Parliaments?
D'ARTAGNAN
By the purified Parliament, dear friend, one means the Parliament that Colonel Pride has purified.
ARAMIS
Ah, truly, these people are the most supremely ingenious -- d'Artagnan, you must when you return to France, teach these ways to Cardinal Mazarin. -- as a result of this purification there will be no Parliament at all.
PORTHOS
Who's this Colonel Pride, after all?
D'ARTAGNAN
Colonel Pride, my dear Porthos, is an old carriage driver, a man of great wit who noticed once in driving his cart that when he found a stone on his way, that it was easier to pick up the stone than to pass around it. Of 251 members who compose the Parliament 191 irritate him, and have been thrown from the political carriage. He took them as he used to take his stone and threw them out of the Chamber.
PORTHOS
Pretty!
D'ARTAGNAN
Do you begin to believe that it is a lost cause, Athos?
ATHOS
I fear it; but that won't change my resolve any.
D'ARTAGNAN
And consequently mine -- you know what is agreed between us Athos -- Everywhere you go I am with you -- and what you do, I do -- between us as in the past -- so in the future and as we have the same heart we will have the same fate. But, you know Athos to all this there is a condition.
ATHOS
What is it?
D'ARTAGNAN
It's that if ever Monsieur Mordaunt falls between our hands -- you are not to oppose what we will please to do with him.
ATHOS
d'Artagnan, why do you pursue this young man?
D'ARTAGNAN
On my honor, you are charming. Why pursue this serpent? An enraged tiger -- without doubt you haven't seen him looking at King Charles in a certain way. If you had surprised that look as I have, Athos, I tell you that you would remove Mordaunt without pity or mercy. For this look says "King Charles, I will kill you as I killed the Executioner of Bethune and as I killed my uncle." When he killed deWinter we heard him count two. Take care he doesn't count three, Athos.
PORTHOS
What's the good of bringing that up since it's a thing already decided?
ATHOS
Rumors of people. Let's see, I beg you -- news of the King.
PEOPLE
Long live Parliament.
TOM LOWE
(leaving Parliament)
Condemned! Condemned!
PEOPLE
Long live Parliament -- Long live Cromwell!
D'ARTAGNAN
Come, Athos, come -- all is not lost -- by the devil! A Gascon always has a trick in his bag. Well -- we are going to see.
ATHOS
Friend, all is finished for the King.
D'ARTAGNAN
And I tell you, it's not.
GUARDS
Move on -- Move on! Stand back!
(Enter Parry)
PARRY
Sire, the name of heaven -- Sire don't look to your right as you leave.
(He tries to deflect the attention of the King who is descending the stairs from Parliament.)
KING
And why is that, my good Parry?
PARRY
Don't look I beg you -- my King.
KING
But what's wrong with him then?
PARRY
Ah! What does it matter to you?
KING
Haven't you heard them reproach me with not having seen anything with my eyes. Parry, I have only thirty-six hours to live. I intend to see.
(looking past Parry)
Ah! Ah! The block -- an ingenious bugbear and quite worthy of those who don't know what a gentleman is. Well, axe of the executioner, you don't frighten me --
(he strikes the block with his cane)
and I strike you -- while waiting patiently and as a Christian to surrender myself to you! Come on!
(he starts walking)
So many people and not one friend.
ATHOS
Health to fallen Majesty!
PEOPLE
(in a tumult)
Ah! Ah! Death to royalists.
KING
What have I seen?
(D'Artagnan and Porthos hurl themselves to Athos' sides.)
Get back!
ARAMIS
(gliding near the King)
All is not lost yet, Sire -- we are watching!
TOM LOWE
Health! Who is it said that? Wait, Majesty -- here's how Tom Lowe wishes your health.
(He picks up a stone which he throws at the King -- they restrain him.)
KING
The wretch -- for a half crown. He'd have done it to his father.
ATHOS
Oh - the dog.
(ready to hurl himself at him)
D'ARTAGNAN
Not a word, Athos. I will deal with that man.
KING
My God! give me resignation -- sustain me in the midst of my martyrdom.
(Enter the Queen)
QUEEN
No, no -- let me -- I want to see him -- I want to speak to him.
ATHOS
The Queen! The Queen in London!
ARAMIS
Count, a little patience!
QUEEN
Charles, my King.
(she rushes into the crowd and comes before Charles)
KING
Henriette -- you here -- my beloved angel -- Ah, I can die now since I have seen you.
TOM LOWE
A woman. Some mistress, some courtesan. Place for Stuart's mistress.
KING
Don't deceive yourself -- it's -- she is neither a courtesan nor my mistress.
(He tears off her veil)
Everyone salute her, she is your Queen. You have not condemned her.
(Profound silence)
(to Queen)
Thanks, faithful and devoted heart for whom my misfortune doesn't exist, for whom sin is not an obstacle -- and who like the envoys of the Lord walks over the abyss as you please, Thanks.
QUEEN
My Charles! Bless me.
KING
Oh, yes, yes! receive the triple blessing of one who is going to die. Queen, I bless you -- spouse, I bless you -- mother, I bless you. Your martyrdom is sadder than mine because you will live.
QUEEN
My God! My God! Protect him!
KING
(kissing her)
Insult her now if you dare -- come gentlemen, I am with you.
(The Queen follows Charles. Athos and Aramis enter into the tavern the Staghorn. Charles goes off -- all follow him except the four friends and Tom Lowe -- who remains with his companions)
ONE OF THE PEOPLE
You did wrong to insult her, Tom Lowe. It hurt me.
TOM LOWE
Ah! Because you have the heart of a coward. But it will be done again, and I will do it again.
MAN
Is it like that? Well, goodbye.
(He leaves)
TOM LOWE
(trying to pass but keeps bumping into someone)
What do you want of me?
D'ARTAGNAN
I am going to tell you.
TOM LOWE
(recoiling from d'Artagnan)
Huh?
D'ARTAGNAN
(putting his finger on Lowe's breast)
You were a coward. You insulted a defenseless man. You are going to die.
(Aramis pulls back his cape and draws his sword)
No - not with steel. Steel is for gentlemen. Porthos kill this wretch with a punch.
(Tom Lowe recoils. Porthos follows him into an alleyway. One hears a cry and the noise of a body falling.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Thus die all those who forget that a helpless man must not be touched.
ATHOS
And that a captive King is twice representative of the Lord.
PORTHOS
(coming back).
If he revives, I'll be very much surprised.
D'ARTAGNAN
Now, let each of you get ready.
ALL
For what?
D'ARTAGNAN
I have a plan.
(Blackout)
Scene vii
A room in Whitehall Palace -- At the right -- a window -- at the left a bed -- center -- large door.
(Parry sleeping in an armchair.)
KING
(stopping before Parry)
He's sleeping. His devotion has given way to fatigue. Poor old servant, who has slept by my cradle and who will sleep by my tomb. Sleep, good Parry! It seems that I am dreaming. And that what has happened to me these last fifteen days is a dream of my delirium.
(going to the window)
But no, all is quite real. I see the muskets of the sentinels shining, I see the man working near the window. I was condemned yesterday by Parliament. I am a prisoner in Whitehall and here the portraits of my ancestors seem to keep a lively watch to see me die. Be tranquil, my noble elders -- be tranquil -- you will be satisfied with me.
(he sits before a table)
If I had at least one of those luminaries of the church to assist me in this supreme moment -- on whose soul has sounded all the mysteries of life, all the pettiness of grandeur -- perhaps his voice would stifle the voice of father and spouse that lament so in my soul. But I will have some priest of vulgar spirit who will speak to me of God and death as he would speak to other dying men -- without understanding, understanding that a dying king has more things than others do to regret in this world from which he is violently torn.
(the clock strikes)
PARRY
(awakening)
Ah, My God! Pardon, pardon, sire! I slept. But in the midst of my sleep I heard the clock strike. What time is it, sir?
KING
Six o'clock. Rest assured we have still some moments to live together. It is not yet eight o'clock.
PARRY
Oh, my King, it seems to me they will not dare to commit such a sacrilege.
KING
What have they replied about my children?
PARRY
Your Majesty can see them.
KING
And for my Confessor?
PARRY
Well, since Your Majesty has chosen Mr. Juxon, Mr. Juxon receives authority to come here. Only their Puritanism was outraged to see a priest come to Your Majesty in his dress as an ecclesiastic -- they demand that M. Juxon be dressed as a layman.
KING
And did Juxon consent?
PARRY
To accomplish the last wishes of Your Majesty, he said that he was ready for anything.
KING
Then, they are better than I hoped. Parry, I haven't slept all night and I am very fatigued.
PARRY
Sire, throw yourself on your bed. I will watch for you and I hope they will respect your sleep.
KING
Yes, an instant only to get some strength.
(He goes to bed. One hears clapping near the window.)
PARRY
Ah! My God -- that was all he lacked.
KING
Parry is there a way to get the workers to make less noise?
(The noise redoubles)
PARRY
(opening the window).
Yes, sire, I am going to ask them.
SENTINEL
One cannot pass.
PARRY
Pardon -- it's only to tell the workers that the King begs them to make less noise.
SENTINEL
Ah, if it's for that, speak to them.
PARRY
My friends -- would you make less noise? The King is sleeping. He has need of rest.
(One sees Athos appear. Who puts his finger on his mouth)
PARRY
M. Le Comte de la Fere.
VOICE OF D'ARTAGNAN
That's fine, that's fine -- tell your master that if he sleeps badly tonight he'll sleep better the next.
PARRY
(recoiling)
Great God! Am I dreaming!
(closes the window)
KING
Well?
PARRY
Sire, do you know who this worker is who made so much noise?
KING
How do you expect me to know him? Do I know this man?
PARRY
Sire, it's the Comte de la Fere.
KING
Among the workers? Are you mad, Parry?
PARRY
Yes, among the workers and who is doubtless planning to punch a hole in the wall.
KING
Huh! You've seen him?
PARRY
And Your Majesty had seen him if you had looked from the side of the window.
KING
(getting out of bed)
In fact, wasn't it he who saluted me at the moment I left Parliament?
PARRY
Yes, sire, it was he, himself.
KING
It's silly for them to say that I am a tyrant -- a man who has such devoted followers. We'll be avenged by posterity.
PARRY
Sire.
KING
What?
PARRY
I hear a noise in the corridor.
KING
Who can come?
VOICE
M. Juxon!
(Aramis enters enveloped a black cloak and a wide brimmed hat.)
KING
Juxon -- be welcome, Juxon. Come, Parry, don't cry any more; here God comes to us. Enter father -- come, my last friend -- I didn't expect they would permit me to see you.
ARAMIS
Who is this man, sire?
KING
Parry, my old servant -- a devoted man and I recommended him to you after my death.
ARAMIS
Then, if it's Parry, I have nothing to fear -- permit me then, sire to salute Your Majesty and to tell him on what cause I have come.
(He discovers himself)
KING
The Chevalier d'Herblay -- ah how did you get here? My God -- if you are recognized you will be lost.
ARAMIS
Don't think of me, think only of yourself. Your friends are watching -- you see.
KING
I know it, but I cannot believe it.
ARAMIS
How do you know it?
KING
Among the workers, Parry recognized the Comte de la Fere.
ARAMIS
Fine!
KING
But how has he done it? Explain to me -- is he alone.
ARAMIS
No, sire, he is with two of our friends who have joined us and are devoted to your cause.
KING
But what's done? You count on doing it?
ARAMIS
Sire, yesterday evening, at the moment when, before Your Majesty's window there stopped a carriage of carpenters, you must have heard a scream.
KING
Yes, I remember it.
ARAMIS
This scream was from the chief carpenter, a beam had fallen from the carriage and broke his leg.
KING
Well?
ARAMIS
Because of the need to proceed swiftly, he must bring four workers to the master carpenter, but because of his injury he sent one of the men with a letter of recommendation. We had purchased this letter with which we presented ourselves to the master carpenter who received us.
KING
But what is your hope?
ARAMIS
Your Majesty has said he has seen the Comte de la Fere.
KING
Yes.
ARAMIS
Well -- the Comte de la Fere is piercing the wall. Under Your Majesty's window is a seeming drum with a mezzanine. The Count has penetrated this drum -- lifting a plank from the parquet. As Your Majesty passes over this opening. They will reshut the plank. You will reach one of the compartments of the scaffold. A worker's clothes are prepared for you. You will descend with us -- in the time that --
KING
But it will take your an enormous time to get there.
ARAMIS
The time won't fail us, sire.
KING
You forget that it is for eight o'clock.
ARAMIS
Yes, for eight o'clock. But the executioner won't be here.
KING
Where is he then?
ARAMIS
In a cell under the hotel Staghorn guarded by our 3 lackeys.
KING
In truth, you are marvelous men and if people had told me such things of you, I wouldn't have believed it. But once outside the prison, have we a way to flee?
ARAMIS
A Ship that we have chartered waits for us -- straight as an arrow, light as a swallow.
KING
Where is it?
ARAMIS
At Greenwich. Three nights from now, the Captain and the crew are at our disposition -- We will profit by the tide, descend the Thames and in two hours we will be at sea.
KING
And who made this plan?
ARAMIS
The most adroit, the most brave, and I will say the most devoted of us four -- the Chevalier D'Artagnan.
KING
A man I don't even know! Oh, My God! You don't want me to die since you make such miracles in my favor.
ARAMIS
Now, Sire, don't forget that we are watching over your health. The least sign, the least gesture, the least sign of those who approach Your Majesty -- watch all, hear all, think all.
KING
Chevalier -- what can I tell you? No word -- comes more profoundly from my heart, nothing will ever express my recognition. If you succeed, I won't say that you saved a King. No, seen from my point of view, the crown, I swear to you is a small thing -- but you will preserve a husband for his wife, a father for his children -- Chevalier, touch my hand.
ARAMIS
Oh! Sire!
KING
And the Queen -- what has become of her, my poor wife in the midst of this misfortune?
ARAMIS
At the moment when Your Majesty left the Parliament Square we tore the Queen away from the funeral spectacle and conducted her to our hotel. Hardly had she learned our plans than she left us precipitously and from that moment we haven't seen her.
KING
Poor Henriette -- what has become of her?
GROSLOW
(entering)
Well -- it is finished gentlemen.
KING
Why, Colonel Groslow?
GROSLOW
Because of a woman -- with a pass from General Cromwell -- asks to speak to you.
KING
A woman! Who could it be? Let her enter, sir.
GROSLOW
Remember you have not more than an hour.
KING
That's fine, Colonel.
GROSLOW
Enter, Madam.
(He introduces the Queen, then leaves reshutting the door.)
QUEEN
My Charles!
KING
Henriette! You, here! It's impossible, My God! Or my eyes deceive me or I am so unfortunate that I've gone mad.
QUEEN
No, my King -- your eyes do not deceive you. No, Charles, you are not mad.
KING
But who let you get in to see me?
QUEEN
General Cromwell.
KING
Cromwell!
ARAMIS
Cromwell!
QUEEN
Oh, he already gave me a safe conduct to join you at the Camp but my guide got lost and we arrived too late.
KING
Cromwell! And you weren't afraid to ask a favor of this man?
QUEEN
I fear only one thing, my Charles. That's not seeing you again. Instructed in the plans of our faithful friends, I had to come to you and to get here I had only one hope: Cromwell. Be persuaded this man is not as you believe him -- or at lest he has impenetrable masks -- ___ immediately when you're near him your eyes are fixed on his. -- Your Henriette, questioned him, begged, conjured. Well, believe me, Charles, believe me Chevalier, far from applauding this terrible public infamous death -- he abhors it. And hand on the Bible, he swore to me that he wished you health and liberty which, on account of his ambition would be more useful to him than your death. Charles, My Charles, have confidence in God, and believe that he will reunite us and that we'll never separated again and that I will accompany you in your flight, for we will find ourselves far from this bloody land, free, happy on beautiful French soil which is my country and which will become yours.
KING
What did he say to you?
QUEEN
He told me to repeat to you what he has already told you twenty times -- that he was if not the most faithful servant of Your Majesty, at least he was your loyalest enemy -- and the proof is he was not one of your judges.
ARAMIS
But, madam, he signed the sentence.
QUEEN
He signed it?
ARAMIS
Yes.
QUEEN
Eh! My God! Could he do otherwise in the post that he occupies and under the eyes of those who surround him?
KING
This man is an abyss. But never mind; while waiting for the smoke to clear from this abyss -- you are here, Henriette -- here's a friend with me -- soon another.
(A knocking on the boards.)
ARAMIS
Sire, do you hear the Comte de Fere?
KING
Is it he who knocks at my feet?
ARAMIS
It is he and you can reply to him.
(The King knocks with his cane.)
KING
What's he going to do?
ARAMIS
He's going to spend the day, thus. This evening he will open a plate of the parquet. Parry on this side will help him.
PARRY
But I have no instrument.
ARAMIS
Here's a dagger -- but take care of blunting it, you may have need to dig into something besides stone.
QUEEN
Oh, the clock has struck.
KING
(listening)
Eight o'clock.
ARAMIS
You see, sire, that all is put off until tomorrow since eight o'clock is the appointed hour.
KING
Oh dear Henriette, remember well what I am going to tell you.
QUEEN
Speak, my King.
KING
Pray all your life for this gentleman you see and for the other who you hear under our feet -- all your life for the other two wherever they may be who watch my safety.
ARAMIS
Now sire, permit me to retire, our friends may have need of me -- if you ask again for M. Juxon, I will return.
KING
Thanks Chevalier -- receive all expression of my recognition.
QUEEN
Chevalier, never will I forget for a single moment that I owe the life of my spouse to you and your friends.
ARAMIS
Ah! Madame -- but here's the day. I could be recognized -- it's not for me that I fear but for Your Majesty. If my presence were confirmed, it would expose the plot.
QUEEN
Yes -- yes Go!
KING
Till we meet again, Chevalier.
ARAMIS
God watch over you, sire.
QUEEN
One more word, Chevalier -- pardon but you understand the anguish of a spouse and a mother. This man --- the executioner is he quite seduced, bribed in our power -- prisoner -- he cannot flee, escape, reappear?
ARAMIS
I answer for all that Lady.
(he goes center -- one hears a step in the corridor)
QUEEN
What is that noise?
KING
One would say that it is a company of men at arms.
QUEEN
They are coming -- they are getting closer.
KING
The door's opening.
(a man masked appears on the sill).
Ah, my God.
(One see the antechamber full of guards. A commissioner clerk of the Parliament enters with Groslow. He deploys on entering, his parchment.)
ARAMIS
What does this signify?
CLERK
Act of Parliament.
KING
Enough sir -- I hold the judgment read.
QUEEN
But is it really for today?
CLERK
Wasn't the King warned that it was for this morning at 8 o'clock?
ARAMIS
On my soul, have they let the headsman escape?
QUEEN
(to herself)
It was only a respite of some hours, I know indeed, but a few hours would save him -- I heard say -- but am I then deceived? Who is this man who just appeared in the door -- terrible under his black mask.
GROSLOW
The Executioner of London has vanished -- but in his place a man volunteered. There won't be any delay then in the time asked by Charles Stuart to put his temporal affairs in order -- for the others will be finished.
ARAMIS
Ah, My God!
KING
(embracing him)
Courage!
(to Colonel)
Sir, I am ready -- I desire only one thing -- to embrace my children who for 3 years I have not seen and whom I will not see again except in heaven.
GROSLOW
They've been waiting for a quarter of an hour.
QUEEN
(falling on her knees)
Oh, My God!
ARAMIS
Where is God, sire -- what is God doing?
KING
Don't desolate yourself thus, my child! You ask where is God? You don't see him because earthly possessions hide him. You ask me what he's doing? He's watching your devotion and my martyrdom and believe me, both will have their reward -- take then what comes to you as men from and not from God -- these are the men who make me die -- these are the men who make you cry!
QUEEN
(swaying)
Have pity! Have pity! Have pity!
KING
Henriette, don't break my strength with your tears which tear my heart -- you are not the wife of Charles Stuart -- you are the Queen of England.
(They bring in the King's children.)
QUEEN
My Children!
KING
My son, you've seen many people in the streets and halls of this palace -- you will see those who surround you again. These people are going to kill your father. Don't tell me that you will never forget it. For they perhaps will call on you one day to wear the crown which at this moment they tear from my head. Don't accept it my son if you must return to this palace escorted by hatred and rage -- be then good, clement, forgetful and avert your eyes when you believe you see my shadow pass under these arches -- for if you have a reign of vengeance and reprisal, you won't be able, even in your bed, to die without fear and remorse -- as I am going to die -- on a scaffold! And now your hand in mine -- swear my child --
(the child bursts into tears hiding his head in his father's breast)
And you my daughter
(he takes the young Henriette in his arms)
You, my child -- never forget me!
(the young princess embraces her father who takes her hand and places it on the arm of the Queen)
Now Henriette, our children have no one except their mother. Goodbye.
QUEEN
Oh, live, and live here, in my arms, here in my heart -- and in a moment -- no, no gentlemen, it is impossible -- for now, this man is your king who is all powerful --- he who holds the life of a people in his hand -- one cannot kill him -- his life is inviolable, sacred. My God, he is your image on earth -- My God, I call to you! It is my Charles, my spouse -- he is the father of my children -- my children, pray my children -- on your knees.
(the children kneel)
(The Queen wants to go to her knees but lacks the strength)
Oh, help -- I am dying)
(she falls to her knees, arms extended and faints letting out a scream)
KING
Parry, I confide the Queen to you
(to Aramis)
Chevalier, a last service -- your arm -- Gentlemen, I am with you -- let's march!
(The Cortege reforms -- one hears the cheers -- the Great Clock of Westminster -- the King leaves by the left)
(Blackout)
Scene viii
The window of Whitehall. The scaffold draped in black leans against the window. At the rise of the Curtain, Athos is seated under the scaffold drapes which hide him from the people -- digs a tunnel under the window.
ATHOS
(striking the wall)
In a few minutes the secret passage will be completely open -- D'Artagnan and Porthos ought to be at their posts on the square -- as for Aramis, he can penetrate even to the King and instruct him in our plans. But how comes it that I don't hear the agreed signal? Once only they struck on the flagstone of the chimney and I responded -- but for a quarter of an hour, no noise, no warnings are coming to me. This silence if frightening. The immobility freezes my heart. These bloody spectators are waiting. Yes, keep your eyes on the window -- in a few moments, and the signal is going to come to my ear and I will run off with your prey -- but there's a noise of arms it seems to me.
(he opens the tapestry with his dagger)
What did I see? Cavaliers, halberds and below the first ranks of the people who look like a somber ocean -- foaming and roaring. My God, what has happened? Among the spectators who all have their eyes fixed on the window -- I don't perceive D'Artagnan, who's he looking at? Ah -- what is that noise? Who is tramping on this funereal road?
(The Halbediers appear on the scaffold.)
PEOPLE
(outside)
The Executioner! The Executioner!
ATHOS
The Executioner -- is it true in the end?
(The King advances, followed by Aramis)
KING
(to Groslow)
A moment, I pray you.
ATHOS
That voice! It's the King.
(wiping his face)
But why has he left the palace?
KING
(looking around him)
No one! All is then finished for me!
(to the people who cannot be seen)
You English -- and all you who are the authors and accomplices of my murder -- I pardon you. Without doubt during the course of my life, short as it has been, I have committed some injustices. Kings cannot be exempt from error -- and those who have suffered come to see me die. So let them pardon me in their turn.
(the colonel approaches)
Wait -- I haven't finished.
ATHOS
Oh! nothing, nothing can save him!
KING
(continuing)
People -- one day you will understand my conduct, one day you will do justice to my memory. While waiting, satisfy like the sea your fury and your blind resentment. That is just since heaven permits it.
ATHOS
Mon dieu! Mon dieu!
(King, taking from his breast a cross of diamonds and giving it to Aramis)
KING
Sir, I will keep this cross just to the last moment -- you will take it when I am dead.
ARAMIS
Yes, sire, you will be obeyed.
ATHOS
The voice of Aramis! At least he has a friend with him.
KING
(to the Executioner)
Now, you, listen, I don't want death to surprise me. I will kneel to pray -- let them wait till I open my arms saying "Remember" then
(to Assistants)
Here's the moment to leave the world gentlemen; I leave you in the midst of the storm and proceed you to that unknown country. Goodbye.
(he looks at Aramis and nods to him)
Now separate yourself and let me make my prayer freely.
(he kneels as if he wished to kiss the platform)
Comte de la Fere, are you there, and can I speak?
ATHOS
(trembling)
Yes, Majesty.
KING
Faithful friend, generous heart, I cannot be saved by you. I ought not to be. Now, even though I commit a sacrilege, I will speak to you. -- yes, I have spoken to men. I have spoken to God. You will be the last I speak to. To sustain a cause I believed sacred, I have lost the throne of my fathers and divested the inheritance of my children -- you love them, right -- Comte de la Fere?
ATHOS
Oh Majesty!
KING
I confide to you, my last friend, I confide to you the care of bringing my last farewell to my Queen -- Let her hope! Let her live for our children. Count, here's my last wish -- you hear me?
ATHOS
Yes, Majesty.
KING
You will speak often of me to my son -- You will tell him I bless him and I love him. You also, I love you, and I bless you -- thank your noble friends and for what you have done for me on earth, I am going to pray God to render you in heaven -- where we will meet -- Now, Comte de la Fere bid me adieu.
ATHOS
(babbling, freezing with terror)
Adieu, Majesty -- saint and martyr.
(The King rises and leaves, supported by Aramis.)
ATHOS
They walk. They separate. Oh, My God! My God! You won't speak to me again, Sire!
(He listens at the left and leaves for a moment.)
KING
Remember!
A VOICE
Three.
(Athos returns to the scene tottering.)
ATHOS
Dead! The King Dead! Oh!
(He falls in a faint.)
(Curtain)
ACT IV
Scene ix
An isolated house at the Port of London. At right an avenue of trees bordering on the house. At left -- the wall of the screened cloister. At center -- city gate -- Westminster in the horizon -- It is snowing.
(A man wrapped in a black cloak, with a large hat pulled down over a mask -- leaves the city gate and advances cautiously towards the door of the isolated house. One distinguishes under his mask a greying beard. He looks with care around him and decides to open the door of the house then he looks around, and enters swiftly. Hardly has the door shut then D'artagnan appears at the angle of the City Gate and advances rapidly on the track of the unknown who he has seen enter.)
D'ARTAGNAN
(looking at the house)
He is there.
(he makes a sign to Grimaud, Mousqueton and Blaisois who follow in his footsteps)
Blaisois -- you remember the route we've just taken. Run to the hotel, bring the Gentlemen here -- and not a word of explanation -- only that I expect them. Run quickly.
(he goes toward the house)
A door at the rear -- are there any other exits?
(he makes a turn around the house)
GRIMAUD
(regarding the sky)
Black!
MOUSQUETON
Brr! How cold!
D'ARTAGNAN
(returning)
Another door giving on this empty quay. Grimaud -- near that door you will find a pillar. Hide you behind it.
(speaking into his ear)
GRIMAUD
(opens his cloak and shows a large cutlass)
Yes.
(Mousqueton leaves)
D'ARTAGNAN
Mousqueton from this corner you can see everything, hear everything. Let anyone go in but if someone leaves -- call, I am going to glance at the surroundings of the place -- Apropos
(he speaks in his ear. Mousqueton opens his cloak and displays two pistols)
Fine!
(Mousequton places himself at the corner of the house, head projecting, in a way to watch the door. D'Artagnan goes out right.)
ATHOS
(entering)
But what way are we going to take?
BLAISOIS
The best way gentlemen.
ARAMIS
Beaten by fate!
ATHOS
Noble and unfortunate King! God has abandoned us.
PORTHOS
Don't be desolated Count, we are all mortal -- But why the devil didn't D'Artagnan return. Why did he send us Blaisois? Why didn't Blaisois say anything when he came? Has something happened to D'Artagnan?
ARAMIS
We are going to learn since he sent for us.
PORTHOS
I lost him in the alley.
ATHOS
Oh, I've seen him. He was the first row off the crowd admirably placed so as to lose nothing, and all in all, the spectacle was curious. He would have wished to see it out.
D'ARTAGNAN
(who on the last words of Athos enters from the right)
Ah, Comte de le Fere -- it is you who are slandering those who are not present.
ALL
D'Artagnan.
PORTHOS
Now, there he is!
I don't slander you, my friend, we are uneasy about you and I was telling where I had seen you -- you didn't know King Charles. He was only a stranger to you -- you weren't forced to love him.
(in saying these words, he holds his hand to D'Artagnan. D'Artagnan pretends not to see the gesture and keeps his hand under his cloak.)
PORTHOS
Come on, since we are reunited, let's leave.
ATHOS
Yes, let's leave this abominable country. The Boat is waiting for us. You know it. Let's leave this evening. We have nothing more to do in England.
D'ARTAGNAN
You are indeed rushed, Count.
ATHOS
This bloody soil burns my feet.
D'ARTAGNAN
Snow doesn't do that to me.
ATHOS
But what do you want us to do here now the King is dead?
D'ARTAGNAN
(negligently)
You don't see there remains something for you to do in England.
ATHOS
Nothing -- nothing except to doubt divine goodness and to scorn my own strength.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, weak, bloody idler that I am, who placed myself 30 feet from the scaffold to better see fall the head of a King, I didn't know and who -- at least he so appears -- was indifferent to me -- I think differently than the Count! I am staying.
PORTHOS
Ah, you're staying in London?
D'ARTAGNAN
Yes -- And you?
PORTHOS
(embarrassed)
Damnation! If you stay -- as I came with you. I cannot go without you. I cannot leave you alone in this frightful country.
D'ARTAGNAN
Thanks, my excellent friend. Then I have a little business to propose to you and which we will put into execution if Monsieur le Comte will play a role. The idea of came to me while I was watching the spectacle you know about.
PORTHOS
Which is?
D'ARTAGNAN
To know who this masked man is who volunteered so obligingly to cut off the head of the King.
ATHOS
A masked man -- you didn't let the Executioner escape?
D'ARTAGNAN
The Executioner, he 's still locked in the hall below our hotel.
ATHOS
Who is the wretch who laid a hand on our King?
ARAMIS
An amateur Executioner who not withstanding wields an axe with facility -- for it only took one blow.
PORTHOS
I am angry not to have followed him.
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, my dear Porthos, that was exactly the idea which came to me.
ATHOS
Pardon me, D'Artagnan. I doubted God -- I could even doubt you -- pardon me.
D'ARTAGNAN
We will see all this in an hour.
ARAMIS
Well--
D'ARTAGNAN
While I watched, not the King as the Count thought -- for I knew he was a man who was going to die, and although I've become accustomed to this sort of thing, it always makes me ill. But rather the masked Executioner. The idea came to me, thus as I told you, to know who he was. Since, we aid each other and calling each other's help like a second hand to the aid of the first, I looked around me to see if Porthos was there -- for I had seen you near the King, Aramis. And you Count, I knew you were under the scaffold -- which made me pardon you, for I knew you were suffering. I saw in the crowd Grimaud, Mousequton and Blaisois. I signalled them not to go. Everything over, -- you know in what lugubrious fashion -- the people left, little by little. Evening came, I had retired to a corner of the square with my men and I looked for the Executioner who went into the Royal Chamber, enveloped in his cloak and disappeared. I divined he was going to leave and ran to the door. In fact, five minutes later we saw him descend the stair.
ATHOS
You followed him?
D'ARTAGNAN
By God! But not without trouble. Now after a half hour's march across the most torturous streets in the city, he came to a little isolated house where not a noise, not a light announced the presence of anyone -- without doubt the one we pursue believes himself alone -- for I heard the grating of a key, a door opened and he disappeared.
ATHOS
But this house?
ALL
This house.
D'ARTAGNAN
(pointing)
Right here.
ALL
Oh!
(They want to rush in.)
D'ARTAGNAN
(stopping them)
Wait.
(he strikes his hands -- Mousqueton rises)
Nobody left the house, I hope?
MOUSQUETON
No, sire.
D'ARTAGNAN
Someone has come in?
MOUSQUETON
No, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
And by the other door --
MOUSQUETON
I don't know -- it's Grimaud who's watching the door.
D'ARTAGNAN
Go relieve him and have him come here.
(Mousqueton leaves; Grimaud enters after a moment.)
GRIMAUD
(entering)
Here I am.
D'ARTAGNAN
Nobody entered by the door you guarded?
GRIMAUD
No.
D'ARTAGNAN
No one left?
GRIMAUD
No.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then all is as when I left you?
GRIMAUD
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
He is in this room.
PORTHOS
Effectively -- one sees the light.
ARAMIS
You must be able to see from the balcony.
D'ARTAGNAN
Porthos, my friend, place yourself there -- and if it doesn't humiliate you to serve as a step to Grimaud.
PORTHOS
What then?
(Grimaud mounts on his shoulders to reach the balcony)
D'ARTAGNAN
Well?
ATHOS
Can you see?
GRIMAUD
I see.
D'ARTAGNAN
What?
GRIMAUD
Two men.
D'ARTAGNAN
Do you know them?
GRIMAUD
Wait.
D'ARTAGNAN
Who are they?
GRIMAUD
One is writing.
ATHOS
Who is it?
GRIMAUD
I believe it's...
D'ARTAGNAN
Well?
GRIMAUD
Wait.
D'ARTAGNAN
Let's see.
GRIMAUD
General Oliver Cromwell.
ATHOS, PORTHOS & ARAMIS
What does he say?
D'ARTAGNAN
I suspected it! But the other one we followed.
GRIMAUD
He is in the shadow -- he's approaching the general.
(He utters a cry and jumps from Porthos' shoulders.)
PORTHOS
Well, what then?
D'ARTAGNAN
You have seen him. Speak quickly.
GRIMAUD
Mordaunt.
(The three friends utter a cry of joy.)
ATHOS
(aside)
Fatality.
D'ARTAGNAN
A moment, gentlemen, this is becoming interesting. Go my brave Grimaud. Remount your observatory, the least gesture will betray us to these men. You at the door, Aramis -- you with me, Porthos; you Athos: Watch!
(Blackout)
Scene x
The interior of the house of Cromwell -- chamber shut by a door on the right. One sees the window which gives on the balcony from the same side.
MORDAUNT
Your Honor gave me these two Frenchmen when they were only guilty of taking arms in favor of Charles. Now they are guilty of plotting against England. Your honor intends to give me all four of them?
CROMWELL
Take them.
(Mordaunt bows with a smile of triumphant ferocity).
But let's return if you please to this unfortunate Charles. Did they cry among the people?
MORDAUNT
Very little -- but only "Long Live Cromwell".
CROMWELL
Where were you placed?
MORDAUNT
I was where I could see and hear everything.
CROMWELL
It appears that the masked man fulfilled his office well.
MORDAUNT
(in a calm voice).
In fact, a single blow of the axe.
CROMWELL
Perhaps he was a man of that trade.
MORDAUNT
Do you think so, sir?
CROMWELL
Why not?
MORDAUNT
The man didn't have the manner of an executioner.
CROMWELL
And who but an executioner would do this frightful job?
MORDAUNT
Perhaps some personal enemy of King Charles who had made a vow of vengeance and who accomplished this vow; perhaps some gentleman who had grave reasons for hating the fallen King and who knowing he was going to flee and escape him, placed himself in his way, face masked, and hatchet in hand -- not as a replacement for the Executioner but as a proxy of fate.
CROMWELL
It's possible.
MORDAUNT
And if he was so, Your Honor would condemn his action?
CROMWELL
It's not for me to judge -- it's an affair between him and God.
MORDAUNT
But if your Honor knew this gentleman?
CROMWELL
I don't know him, sir, and I don't wish to know him. What does it matter to me that it was this one or another one? From the moment Charles was condemned it wasn't a man that cut off his head but an axe.
MORDAUNT
And yet, without the man the King was saved. You said it yourself. They would have run off with him.
CROMWELL
Only to Greenwich. There they would have embarked on a boat rented yesterday by his saviours. But on this boat, in place of Captain Crabbe whom they expected are four men of mine and four tons of the nation's powder. At sea the four men would escape in a small boat which followed the boat, abandoning the King and his saviours in the boat. You are too well instructed for me to have to explain the rest.
MORDAUNT
Yes, they'd all jump in the sea.
CROMWELL
Exactly. The explosion would do what the axe had not. King Charles would disappear annihilated. They would say that he escaped human justice, he was still pursued and killed by celestial vengeance -- we weren't his judges it was heaven which struck him.
MORDAUNT
Sir, as always I bow and humble myself before you -- you are a profound thinker and your idea of mining the boat is sublime.
CROMWELL
Absurd since it has become useless. There is no sublime idea except one which bears fruits. All ideas that abort are foolish and arid. You will go then to Greenwich this evening, Mordaunt, you will ask the Captain of the Ship Eclair to show you a white handkerchief knotted at 4 ends. It was the sign agreed between the Frenchmen and Captain Crabbe -- you will tell my men to come ashore and you will deliver the powder to the arsenal.
MORDAUNT
At least this ship, such as it is, cannot serve projects useful to the nation.
CROMWELL
I understand.
MORDAUNT
Ah milord! Milord! God in making you, his Elect has given you his look which none can escape.
CROMWELL
I know you call me, 'milord,' that's fine when we are alone -- but we must pay attention that such a word not escape you before the Puritans.
MORDAUNT
Isn't your honor going to be called so soon?
CROMWELL
(rising and taking his cloak)
I hope to be, at least, but it is not yet time.
MORDAUNT
You are going, sir.
CROMWELL
Yes, I slept here yesterday and the day before, and you know it is not my custom to sleep three nights in the same bed.
MORDAUNT
Then, Your Honor, gives me liberty for the night?
CROMWELL
And even for the entire day tomorrow if need be -- Will you come with me, Mordaunt?
MORDAUNT
Thanks sir -- the detours you are obliged to take in passing through the underworld waste my time. And after all, you have told me I have perhaps lost too much. I will go by the other door.
CROMWELL
(pushing on a button hidden by the tapestry, leaves by a secret door.
In that case, adieu.
(At the moment that Cromwell disappears by a secret door -- Grimaud appears on the balcony. Mordaunt has put on his cape. He takes the lamp on the table and leaves. The window is open. Porthos and Aramis come into the room. Soon after, Mordaunt returns pale, appalling, recoiling lamp in hand before D'Artagnan who, hat low, walks towards him with an exquisite politeness. Behind D'Artagnan, Athos.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Monsieur Mordaunt, since after so many days lost in running after each other -- chance brings us together -- let's chat a little, if you please.
MORDAUNT
I hear you, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
It seems to me, sir, that you change costume as rapidly as I have seen Italian mimes do that Cardinal Mazarin brings from Bergamo and who without doubt you saw during your stay in France.
ARAMIS
Before you were disguised, I mean to say dressed, as an assassin -- and now --
MORDAUNT
And now, to the contrary, I seem to be in the dress of one who is going to be assassinated, right?
PORTHOS
Ah, sir, how can you say such things when you are in the company of gentlemen and when you have such a good sword at your side?
MORDAUNT
It isn't such a good sword, sir, which faces four swords without counting the swords and daggers of your acolytes who wait you at the door.
ARAMIS
Pardon, sir. You are in error. Those who wait at the door are not acolytes, they are our lackeys. I intend to establish things in their most scrupulous verity.
D'ARTAGNAN
But that is not the question. And I return to my question. I gave myself the honor of asking you, sir, why you change your exterior? The mask was good enough for you, it seemed to me -- the grey beard became your marvelously and the axe of which you furnished us so illustrious a blow -- Couldn't go better with you at this time. Why then have you changed?
MORDAUNT
Because in recalling the scene in Armentiers, I thought I would find four axes for one since I was looking for four executioners.
D'ARTAGNAN
(calmly)
Sir, although profoundly vicious and corrupt, you are young -- which makes me halt this frivolous discussion with you -- yes, frivolous, for what you have just said of Armentiers has not the least to do with the situation presented here. In fact, we couldn't offer a sword to madame, your mother -- and pray her to fence against us. But you, sir, as a young Cavalier who plays with dagger, pistol and axe as we have seen you do, and who has at his side, a sword of such a cut as this has the right to ask the favor of a meeting.
MORDAUNT
Ah! Ah! Then it's a duel that you wish?
D'ARTAGNAN
(with cold blood)
Pardon, pardon, but we are in a rush -- for each of us must prefer that things happen according to the rules -- sit down again, dear Porthos, and you Monsieur Mordaunt, try to remain calm. We are going to regulate this affair as best we can, and I am going to be frank with you. Admit, Monsieur Mordaunt that you very much desire to kill us all.
MORDAUNT
All.
D'ARTAGNAN
(turning to Aramis)
It's a great joy, you will agree, Aramis, that M. Mordaunt understands us so well. At least there will be no misunderstanding between us.
(turning back to Mordaunt)
Dear Mr. Mordaunt, I say to you that these gentlemen, in their turn, return your kind sentiments and will be delighted to kill you, too. I will say more -- it is they who will kill you in all probability. Together they are loyal gentlemen and the best proof I can furnish is here.
(In saying these words he throws his hat to the floor, pushes his chair against the wall and makes sign to his friends to do the same, then bowing to Mordaunt graciously.)
At your orders, sir -- for if you have nothing to say against the honor I claim it is I who will begin, if you please.
PORTHOS
Stop -- I will begin -- and without rhetoric.
ARAMIS
Permit me, Porthos.
D'ARTAGNAN
Gentlemen, gentlemen, be easy. You will have your turn. Stay in your place, like Athos to whose calm I recommend you and leave to me the initiative I have taken.
(Drawing his sword with a terrible gesture)
Besides, I have a particular affair with monsieur and I will begin, I want it. I intend to have it.
(to Mordaunt)
Sir, I am waiting for you.
MORDAUNT
And I, gentlemen, I admire you! You dispute who will begin to fight against me and you don't consult me about it. And this business concerns me too -- it seems to me -- I hate you all true -- but to different degrees. I hope to kill you all -- but I have the best chance of killing the first more than second, the second more than the third and the third more than the last. I claim the right to choose my adversary -- if you deny me this right -- kill me -- I will not fight.
PORTHOS & ARAMIS
It is just he is right.
MORDAUNT
Well, I choose for my first adversary whichever of you -- not being worthy of the name the Count de la Fere is called Athos.
ATHOS
(shaking his head)
Mr. Mordaunt, any duel between us is impossible -- give someone else the honor you destine to me.
MORDAUNT
Ah -- there's already one of you who's afraid.
D'ARTAGNAN
Double Damnation!
(jumping)
Who said that Athos was afraid?
ATHOS
(with a smile of sadness and scorn)
Let me speak, D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
This is your decision, Athos?
ATHOS
Irrevocable.
D'ARTAGNAN
Fine, let's not speak any more about it.
(to Mordaunt)
You have heard sir. The Comte de la Fere doesn't wish to have the honor of fighting with you. Choose among us which one will replace him.
MORDAUNT
Since I cannot fight with him, it doesn't matter to me with whom I fight. Put your names in a hat and I will draw by chance.
D'ARTAGNAN
There's an idea.
ARAMIS
In fact, this way's agreeable to all.
PORTHOS
I haven't thought of -- now it's very simple.
D'ARTAGNAN
Let's see Aramis, write with the pretty little script you wrote to Marie Michon to warn her that the mother of this gentlemen wished to assassinate milord Buckingham.
(Aramis goes to Cromwell's bureau, tears three sheets off equal size, writes a name on each, then presents them to Mordaunt -- who without reading them signals that he is in perfect agreement. Aramis roles the papers, puts them in a hat and presents them to Mordaunt who draws one and lets the others fall with disdain.)
Ah, young serpent, I will sacrifice all my chance of promotion to Captain for that paper to carry my name.
ARAMIS
(reading the paper in a loud voice)
D'Artagnan.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, there's still justice in heaven.
(returning toward Mordaunt)
I hope, sire, that you have no objection to doing it?
MORDAUNT
(drawing his sword and leaning on the point)
None, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
Are you ready, sir?
MORDAUNT
I am waiting for you, sir.
D'ARTAGNAN
Then take care of yourself, sir, I draw my sword often enough.
MORDAUNT
And I, too.
D'ARTAGNAN
So much the better! That puts my conscience at ease. En Garde!
MORDAUNT
One moment. Give your word gentlemen, that you won't charge me all at once.
PORTHOS
Is it to have the pleasure of insulting us that you ask us this, sir?
MORDAUNT
No -- it's to have, as the gentleman just said, an easy conscience.
D'ARTAGNAN
(looking around him)
It must be for something else.
PORTHOS & ARAMIS
Word of a gentleman.
MORDAUNT
In that case, gentlemen, place yourselves in some corner as the Comte de la Fere has done who doesn't wish to fight me but appears at least to know the rules of combat. And leave us space, we are going to need it.
ARAMIS
So be it.
PORTHOS
There's a lot of fuss.
D'ARTAGNAN
Arrange yourselves, gentlemen, there's no need to give the gentleman the least pretext for bad conduct. Come on, are you ready, sir?
MORDAUNT
I am.
(They cross swords.)
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah, you break away, you turn! As you like it -- I will gain something -- I won't see your nasty face -- here I am now in the shadows. So much the better. You don't have any idea what a false look you have sir, when you are afraid. Look at my eyes and you will see a thing your mirror never shows you ever -- that is to say a loyal and frank face.
(Mordaunt jumping back finds himself near wall on which he leans with his left hand).
Ah -- now this time, don't break away anymore my fine friend. Gentlemen, have you ever seen a scorpion cling to a wall?
(At the moment when more relentless than ever, after a rapid and close feint, he hurls himself like lightening on Mordaunt, the wall seems to split. Mordaunt disappears through the gaping opening and the sword pressed between two panels breaks. D'Artagnan takes a step back. The wall shuts.)
Help, Gentlemen! Let's break this door.
ARAMIS
(running towards D'Artagnan.)
He's the demon incarnate.
PORTHOS
(pressing his shoulder against the secret door)
He's escaping us, by God, he's escaping us!
ATHOS
(sourly)
So much the better!
D'ARTAGNAN
I thought as much, by God! I thought as much -- when the wretch turned around the room I foresaw some infamous maneuver. I knew that he contrived something but who could suspect this?
ARAMIS
It's a frightful misfortune that the devil, his friend, sends us.
ATHOS
It's a great good fortune, God sends us.
D'ARTAGNAN
In truth, you surrender Athos! How can you say such things to people like us! God's blood! You don't understand the situation? The wretch is going to send us a hundred ironsides. Who will grind us like grain in the mortar of Mr. Cromwell -- Come on, come on, en route! If we remain even five minutes here, it's all over with us.
ATHOS & ARAMIS
Yes, you are right. En route.
PORTHOS
And where are we going?
D'ARTAGNAN
To the hotel, take our clothes and our horses. Then from there, if it please, God, to France where at least I know the architecture of the houses. Our ship is waiting for us -- my word it's still lucky -- En route.
ALL
En route! En route!
(Blackout)
ACT V
Scene xi
The Lightening at anchor. One can see the bridge of the poop deck chamber with a large window cut away -- giving on the sea. Outside the poop deck chamber, a compartment filled with gross tonnage on top of each other -- the foremost real, the background painted. A little stairway leads from this compartment to the bridge. On the left, on the bridge another compartment with two doors, the one at the right opening on the magazine -- the other to the left, hammocks, a suspended table - Night.
SENTINEL
(on the bridge)
Hey! From the bank -- halt there! Who goes there?
(Groslow on the bridge. He is enveloped in a fisherman's cloak -- beard cut)
VOICE
Officer - from General Cromwell.
GROSLOW
Advance slowly! Mr. Mordaunt! What is it? Is anything amiss?
MORDAUNT
(on the bridge -- looking at him attentively)
You colonel? Ah, very good. Everything's ship-shape on the contrary. But is there nothing new on the Lightening? Has nothing changed recently?
GROSLOW
Nothing -- but while you are here-- what has happened down there?
MORDAUNT
All has happened as it must be expected.
GROSLOW
Then...
MORDAUNT
(showing the knotted handkerchief)
Then you see I know everything.
GROSLOW
That's true.
MORDAUNT
Let's not lose time for they'll soon be here.
GROSLOW
Who?
MORDAUNT
The four conspirators who wanted to rescue the King and did not succeed.
GROSLOW
Ah -- it's them that Mr. Cromwell desires--? Fine -- I understand. They are coming, you say?
MORDAUNT
Yes -- so rapidly, so furiously, that on my way I always heard a galloping of their horses behind me -- they are coming, I tell you! But -- they know you -- they will defy you.
GROSLOW
Impossible. Under this cloak in the night -- and then you see -- in accordance with the general's order, I have cut my beard and I will disguise my voice.
MORDAUNT
Yes, it's true! I myself hardly recognized you. You will lodge them.
GROSLOW
In the cabin on the poop deck just under the cargo of wine.
MORDAUNT
Yes, but their servants?
GROSLOW
Their servants in the bridge hold -- with door quite bolted.
MORDAUNT
And I -- for if they see me, all will be lost.
GROSLOW
In my cabin, behind a false closet which seems to be the wall of a ship -- there's an impenetrable hiding place even for customs agents looking for contraband. I will answer for you. Besides you will see.
MORDAUNT
(eyes fixed on the sea)
There's a bark approaching -- Oh -- now.
GROSLOW
What sight you have.
MORDAUNT
(always watching)
I have the sight of a man whose life depends on his vision. I tell you, it is a bark directing itself toward the ship.
GROSLOW
In fact, I see it now -- Sentinel, on guard and remember the password.
SENTINEL
Yes, commander.
MORDAUNT
They are here -- all! Quite all of them!
GROSLOW
Come on -- hide -- then when they are installed ... Come.
SENTINEL
Hey -- from the bark -- Ho there! Who goes there?
D'ARTAGNAN'S VOICE
Louis and France
GROSLOW
(returning)
Let them come on board. Come on board, gentlemen, I've been waiting for you.
D'ARTAGNAN
(stopping Athos)
That's not the voice of Captain Crabbe. It's not his shape -- it's not him. A moment, Athos.
ATHOS
Who are you friend? And why do you say you were waiting for us? No one knows you.
GROSLOW
I know, milord. You were looking for Captain Crabbe -- but you cannot see him.
D'ARTAGNAN
Excuse me! Why can't we see him?
GROSLOW
Alas, milord, my poor brother-in-law, Captain Crabbe, fell from the top mast this morning and has already broken his leg.
D'ARTAGNAN
(suspicious)
That's an unlucky accident. Stay on your guard. Athos.
GROSLOW
But Milord, this white handkerchief knotted at the four ends that your companion holds in his hand -- and one which similarly knotted is in my pocket will prove to you.
D'ARTAGNAN
That's all right
(to Groslow)
but there's something else.
GROSLOW
Yes, milord -- you promised to Captain Crabbe, my brother-in-law -- 75 pounds if you arrive safe and sound in Boulogne or at some other port on the coast of France of your choice.
ATHOS
(to D'Artagnan)
Well, what do you say to that?
D'ARTAGNAN
I say that
(he clicks his tongue as a sign of scorn)
ATHOS
We haven't the time to be suspicious.
D'ARTAGNAN
At least, we can be on our guard even in entering this ship we will watch this man -- and if he doesn't behave properly, he'd better watch out!
ATHOS
I am going to call our rear guard -- Grimaud, tell these gentlemen to go aboard and send back the bark on which we came.
GROSLOW
Your lordships will stay on board?
ATHOS
Yes.
D'ARTAGNAN
A moment! How many men have you here?
GROSLOW
Ten, milord, without counting myself.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ten. Oh! I'm relieved -- but tell me where will you put us?
GROSLOW
Here milord -- in the cabin on the poop.
ATHOS
And our servants?
GROSLOW
In the hold, milord -- Andre -- install them.
ANDRE
Come, gentlemen.
D'ARTAGNAN
Very good! What's your name?
GROSLOW
Rogers, milord -- this way!
(he points the lackeys to the stairs to the hold. Mousqueton goes down, then Blaisois, Grimaud the last)
D'ARTAGNAN
You, my friends, try to get a good as possible lodging -- while I am going to make a tour of the ship.
ATHOS
Take Grimaud with you.
D'ARTAGNAN
To do what?
ATHOS
One doesn't know what may happen -- take Grimaud.
PORTHOS
And find out, by the way, if there's something for supper.
D'ARTAGNAN
Grimaud -- take this lantern -- follow me, Captain Rogers. Ten minutes, my friend, and I return.
(they go down)
MOUSQUETON
(in the hold)
How low it is here. How cold we will be tonight! How hard it will be for us to sleep -- if, by chance a storm at sea -- right Blaisois?
BLAISOIS
I am familiar with the inconveniences of this element.
D'ARTAGNAN
(descending under the powder kegs, a pistol behind his back)
Where are we here?
GROSLOW
(on the ladder)
You see, milord -- it's a magazine.
D'ARTAGNAN
How many kegs! You could call this the Cavern of Ali Baba -- What's down here then?
(taking the lantern from the hands of Grimaud and looking about)
GROSLOW
(quickly turning)
Port wine, milord.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! Port wine. That's always a luxury -- then our Porthos will be sure at least of not dying of thirst. And these kegs are full.
(he brings his lantern closer)
GROSLOW
(nervous)
Some others are empty.
(D'Artagnan taps his fingers on the kegs and inserts his lantern into the intervals of the casks)
D'ARTAGNAN
Everything's fine. I'll answer for this compartment. Let's go on, Mr. Rogers.
(They go into the cabin.)
ARAMIS
(in the cabin on the poop)
Well, Porthos -- what do you say of England?
PORTHOS
It's nice to go there -- but it's wonderful to leave.
ATHOS
Alas, we are returning alone.
ARAMIS
Let's sleep.
PORTHOS
Ah, so -- but you're not hungry?
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah -- here's where our men are lodged.
(he looks over the whole compartment).
You must sleep, my brave ones. Grimaud, I don't need you anymore. Thanks.
(aside)
Nothing here either
(to Groslow)
Captain, where does this door go?
GROSLOW
Pardon milord, I have the key -- it's my cabin.
D'ARTAGNAN
Let's see -- and thus show me the main hold.
GROSLOW
Enter -- milord, you go up to your room by the stair from my cabin which leads to the bridge.
MOUSQUETON
(watching D'Artagnan leave)
There's an officer who knows how to make his rounds!
BLAISOIS
With masters like these, one can enjoy the softness of sleep.
ATHOS
D'Artagnan is not yet back.
ARAMIS
In fact, I hear his voice -- he's making a tour of the ship and here he is leaving the hatch down there.
D'ARTAGNAN
(reappearing on the bridge with his lantern)
The main hold is empty -- nothing suspect in the Captain's quarters, if there was any army abroad it could only be an army of rats. Well Captain Rogers, here I am in the cabin on the poop -- begin, watch all maneuvers and try to get us there quickly.
GROSLOW
(from a distance)
Yes, milord.
PORTHOS
What news?
D'ARTAGNAN
Excellent, we can sleep with the same peace of mind as when we are lodged in the Chevette rue Tiquetonne.
(Drawing his sword from its scabbard, checking his pistol and sitting down behind the door)
ATHOS
Well, that are you doing then? You call this peace of mind? You still fear something then?
D'ARTAGNAN
The best way to be truly secure is to always be fearful of not being so -- come on, my friends, take strength -- I see quite well what afflicts you Athos but you have often said it -- we can blame fate. Aramis, you are going to see your duchesses again -- have beautiful dreams -- you dear Porthos, I know well what you lack -- but I promise tomorrow at Boulogne, some oysters, spanish wine and an Amiens pate' -- for tomorrow noon we will be in France.
ATHOS
The country of loyal hearts.
ARAMIS
And living women.
PORTHOS
Burgundy wine.
ALL
Till tomorrow, in France -- Goodnight, friends!
(They shake hands and sleep)
GRIMAUD
(making a calculation in the depth of the cabin)
Twenty-three Louis.
BLAISOIS
What's he say.
MOUSQUETON
In his quality of treasurer, he keeps the daily accounts of the society, but don't make me talk Blaisois.
BLAISOIS
You must eat and drink, that will restore you.
GRIMAUD
(still calculating)
41, 42
MOUSQUETON
Eat barley bread, drink black beer? Fie then! I much prefer a glass of wine to all their beer.
GRIMAUD
(still counting)
That's easy.
MOUSQUETON
If you please. You say it's easy?
GRIMAUD
(extending his hand towards the boat)
Port.
BLAISOIS
It is Port there in the barrels which we saw when Monsieur D'Artagnan opened the door?
GRIMAUD
Yes.
MOUSQUETON
Fine! But the door is closed. Ah -- what a misfortune. Port is so fine.
GRIMAUD
The case!
MOUSQUETON
What, the case? Ah -- yes the instrument case.
GRIMAUD
The screwdriver.
MOUSQUETON
Here
(giving it to him. Grimaud puts it under the planks which form the closet)
What a man! What a man!
GRIMAUD
The drill!
BLAISOIS
Here it is.
GRIMAUD
The crowbar.
(Mousqueton passes him the crowbar)
Watch out.
(He raises the plank and enters into the compartment with the casks. Mousqueton and Blaisois stand watch)
On the bridge.
GROSLOW
I believe they are sleeping.
MORDAUNT
Do you still see their light?
GROSLOW
Yes, the little lantern in the cabin -- but they're sleeping.
MORDAUNT
Then we must hasten. Your boat is ready -- right?
GROSLOW
It is there. Do you see?
MORDAUNT
Where are we then?
GROSLOW
On the Thames mouth.
MORDAUNT
Are there supplies in the boat and arms.
GROSLOW
Everything necessary.
MORDAUNT
You will stand ready with a cutlass for your men to cut the cord when we are embarked.
GROSLOW
I have my boarding axe.
MORDAUNT
There are still the servants of those wretches in the hold. Are they sleeping, too?
GROSLOW
We will see while passing their chamber to go into the boat.
MORDAUNT
Come on then -- I'm in haste to finish.
(They descend.)
MOUSQUETON
(to Grimaud)
Well?
GRIMAUD
(with a cask)
Here goes.
MOUSQUETON
The cask is pierced.
GRIMAUD
It's up to the mark.
MOUSQUETON
What good luck.
BLAISOIS
Alarm! Someone's on his way down stairs -- return.
MOUSQUETON
Ah my God! What will happen? There isn't time.
GRIMAUD
It's all right.
MOUSQUETON
This plank, quickly!
(The put the plank back where it was before. Grimaud hides behind the casks -- the door opens.)
(Groslow and Mordaunt enveloped by their cloaks. Mordaunt holds a lantern.)
GROSLOW
What, not sleeping yet? It's contrary to the regulations.
MOUSQUETON
We were supping, gentlemen.
GROSLOW
Well, in ten minutes, the light will be extinguished and in a quarter of an hour be snoring!
MORDAUNT
(to Groslow)
Open the door, I beg you.
MOUSQUETON
Ah Lord Jesus! They're going to discover it.
BLAISOIS
Shall we warn our master?
(Groslow and Mordaunt go into the cabinet of casks and shut the door.)
MORDAUNT
(listening)
Yes, they sleep profoundly and God delivers them to me.
(Grimaud peeps from behind a cask)
Where are the full casks?
GROSLOW
This one here -- and the two at the back. But here's where you can attach the wick. It has a tap.
MORDAUNT
(drawing a wick from his cape)
You say the wick lasts about eight minutes?
GROSLOW
Eight minutes.
MOUSQUETON
Can you hear what they are saying?
BLAISOIS
Not at all -- Only as they haven't yelled -- they haven't found Grimaud.
MORDAUNT
And through this hole, which leads to the hold, I can light the wick without coming back in here.
GROSLOW
Perfectly! But don't rush. Wait till we are all embarked. The work is perilous -- leave it to my second in command.
(Mordaunt attaches the wick to the cask.)
MORDAUNT
I do not entrust anyone with the execution of my vengeance. Don't worry yourself -- when the clock strikes the quarter after -- I will redecend into the hold -- you put your men in the boat, and at the moment warn me by a whistle.
GROSLOW
It will soon be done.
MORDAUNT
It will take me a minute to rejoin you -- in one second, the cable is cut -- we will row the oars vigorously -- and soon -- oh very soon -- the frightening explosion -- it will be a magnificent spectacle won't it, mother?
(takes off his hat and looks towards the sky)
GROSLOW
(recognizing Mordaunt)
Ah.
GROSLOW
I will run give the word to my men.
MORDAUNT
No -- not a word, not a gesture -- not the least noise. Don't awaken our enemies. You have a quarter of an hour -- think of all that can happen in a quarter of an hour.
GROSLOW
No matter -- don't waste time.
(they go to the door)
MOUSQUETON
I don't hear anything -- did they kill him?
BLAISOIS
He would have cried. But they're opening the door -- here they come.
GROSLOW
(after having locked the door)
Ah -- my orders are followed. Go quick -- quick
(to Mordaunt)
Go into the hold -- I will go to the bridge.
MORDAUNT
A whistle -- I set the fire.
(Hardly have they reshut the door when Grimaud, pale and trembling rises. He holds the crowbar in his hands and goes to hit the plank. The vessel commences to move.)
MOUSQUETON
(raising the plank)
Come, they're not here any more -- well have you seen enough?
(He recommends silence to the lackeys and goes up to the Chamber of the Musketeers.)
MOUSQUETON
Well, he's taking them wine?
(Grimaud is almost past the bridge. D'Artagnan makes a movement and awakens.)
GRIMAUD
Hush!
D'ARTAGNAN
What is it?
GRIMAUD
Powder!
(whispering in his ear)
D'ARTAGNAN
Is it possible? My God!
(same action by Grimaud)
Horror!
(to Aramis - whispering in his ear)
Chevalier! Chevalier!
(he puts his hand on his shoulder)
Silence! Awaken, Athos
(Aramis awakens Athos in the same way)
ATHOS
What's going on?
ARAMIS
Silence!
D'ARTAGNAN
(awakens Porthos who stands quickly and is about to speak when D'Artagnan closes his mouth)
Friends, friends -- do you know who the Captain of this ship is -- Colonel Groslow! -- Hush! Do you know what's in the casks of wine -- Wait --
(he tears the cask from the hands of Grimaud and shows the powder)
Do you know who the man is who is going to fire that powder in a quarter of an hour? It's Mordaunt.
ATHOS
Mordaunt! We are lost!
ARAMIS
Protect us!
ATHOS
By God! Let's strangle them all!
D'ARTAGNAN
Silence -- keep quiet. If Mordaunt sees he is discovered, he's capable of going down with us. Don't despair, we are not defenseless, we won't die. With enemies like Mr. Mordaunt, no mistakes -- be sure of it -- S'blood -- Grimaud go bring your comrades up the little stairway -- let's see
(looking)
Have you confidence in me?
ALL
Oh! Speak! Speak!
D'ARTAGNAN
Well, there's only one role to take -- no swords -- no grand manners here. Let's leave.
PORTHOS
Leave -- and which way?
D'ARTAGNAN
(opening the port-hole from which one sees the sea)
Underneath this window is their long boat moored by a cable.
(looking)
Athos, Aramis, let's seize the cable, we will reach the long boat, we will cut the cord with your dagger and once isolated -- on a sure terrain. Let them attack us if they dare. To the sea -- to the sea.
(He attaches a cord ladder which descends to the sea.)
PORTHOS
It's going to be very cold.
D'ARTAGNAN
S'blood. It will be much too hot here rather soon. Our people are they here?
GRIMAUD, MOUSQUETON, BLAISOIS
Here we are!
BLAISOIS
I only know how to swim on my back.
PORTHOS
I'll take care of both of you.
(he grabs them by the waist)
D'ARTAGNAN
Let's go. Let's go.
(Athos descends the ladder -- then Aramis. Then the others -- the boat continues to move.)
GROSLOW
It is time -- to the ladders quickly.
MEN'S VOICES
Here we are.
GROSLOW
Good! Are you holding the cable? Embark.
(he gives a whistle -- the long boat disappears in the fog)
The cable is cut.
(One hears a great cry of despair from the wings -- and one sees little by little the fire spread down the wick which Mordaunt has let from the hold.)
(Blackout)
Scene xii
Full sea. The ship has disappeared entirely. The theater represents the full sea lit by the moon. In the middle of the scene, the bark filled with 7 men. Athos finishes cutting the cable with his dagger.
D'ARTAGNAN
Now my friends, I believe that we are going to see something curious.
(One sees in the distance the little boat reappear with men on the bridge. The explosion follows -- a bright light illuminates the sea.)
ARAMIS
It's superb!
PORTHOS
That's what it is!
D'ARTAGNAN
By this blow, we are relieved of that serpent. What do you think of it?
ATHOS
It's horrible! Horrible!
D'ARTAGNAN
Horrible if you like -- but it's very consoling. Use our oars, my friends.
MORDAUNT
(In the sea)
Help me! Help.
D'ARTAGNAN
It's the voice of Mordaunt. Still with us, the demon!
MORDAUNT
(swimming)
Pity, gentlemen, pity in the name of heaven. I sense my strength fading.
ATHOS
The wretch. Stop, my friends.
D'ARTAGNAN
Athos, I tell you that if he gets within ten strokes of this ship I will split his head with an oar.
MORDAUNT
Grace, don't flee me, gentlemen. Grace -- have pity for me.
ATHOS
Oh, this tears me apart! D'Artagnan - D'Artagnan -- my son -- he must live.
D'ARTAGNAN
S'blood, why not deliver yourself right away trussed up hands and feet to this wretch? That will soon be done.
MORDAUNT
Monsieur Comte de la Fere it is you that I address. It is you that I beg. Have pity on me. Where are you, Monsieur Comte de la Fere -- I don't see any more. I am dying. To me! To me!
ATHOS
(bending and extending his arms towards Mordaunt)
Here I am. Take my hand and enter our boat.
D'ARTAGNAN
I'd prefer not to see this. This weakness repulses me.
ATHOS
Well, put your other hand here.
(offering him his shoulder as a second point to lean on)
Now you are saved, be easy.
MORDAUNT
(with rage)
Ah -- mother I can offer you only one victim -- but this will at least be the one you had chosen.
(D'Artagnan screams -- Porthos raises an oar -- Aramis looks for a place to strike. A push given the boat lands Athos in the water.)
PORTHOS
Oh Athos! Athos! Misfortune on us who let you die.
ARAMIS
Misfortune.
D'ARTAGNAN
Oh, yes, misfortune -- Ah, see this body which rises slowly -- it's Mordaunt.
(One sees appear on the surface of the waves the cadaver of Mordaunt with the dagger in his heart.)
ARAMIS
He has a dagger in his heart.
PORTHOS
There he is, floating on the back of the waves.
D'ARTAGNAN
Ah! God's Blood! It's Mordaunt!
PORTHOS
Beautiful blow.
D'ARTAGNAN
But Athos, Athos -- where is he?
(Athos reappearing and getting into the bark)
(Explosion of joy amongst the friends who lift Athos in.)
ARAMIS
Finally, God has spoken.
D'ARTAGNAN
Dead by the hand of Athos.
ATHOS
It wasn't I who killed him, it was destiny.
D'ARTAGNAN
What matter, provided he's dead and now friends -- to France.
ALL
To France! To France!
(Curtain)