The Vampire, a drama by Alexandre Dumas père

At Rise, the court offers a very animated aspect. Men, women, and children are arriving and greeted affectionately. A Bohemian sings to the accompaniment of his mandolin. They dance to the refrain with the sound of castanets. People are everywhere at windows, gates, and on the tops of walls.

BOHEMIANS AND PEASANTS

(Chorus)

In the bowers,
In the green grass
Dance girls!
Dance boys!

A BOHEMIAN

I was on the way from Huesias
My heart was heavy
My step was slow
Guitar on my back
But my lips were silent
Because everyone is quiet
By the ruins of Tormenar

(Refrain by Chorus)

A traveller passes by
"What castle is this
Gigantic, knifelike,
Mr. Mandolin man?
Is it the alcazar?
--"No, señor --
It's the ruins of Tormenar"

(Refrain by Chorus)

What living soul dwells in the castle?
By day -- the terrified
And by night, the dead.
-- Hey Mr. Mandolin man
I am late
Come sleep in the ruins
of Tormenar!

(Refrain by Chorus)

(Juan Rozo, Petra, Botaro and Lazare enter.)

ROZO

Come on, come on, enough of dances and songs like that. Get out -- all the vagabonds -- beggars and gypsies. We won't have enough room here even after you get out.

(The courtyard empties little by little.)

LAZARE

The fact is I don't know how Father Rozo will be able to lodge everyone.

ROZO

Come, children, put your mules in the stable -- give the porter your baggage and come embrace the kids.

BOTARO

Say, father-in-law -- it seems to me your house can't possibly hold our two families.

ROZO

Bah! We've lodged as many as fifty Christians here at one time -- they all ate, and slept under my roof.

LAZARE

Yes, but the next day you should have heard them. The fifty Christians swore like a hundred pagans.

BOTARO

Ah, yes -- fifty ate and slept with you? Good, then! But look here father-in-law -- there are 67 of us. After this a night is soon over, right? And sure the bride must be well brought to bed.

LAZARE

(aside)

Egoist!

BOTARO

Why, by the way, father-in-law --

ROZO

What?

BOTARO

Suppose some travellers arrive?

ROZO

Well?

BOTARO

What will you do?

ROZO

I will say that there is no more room, and they will go away.

BOTARO

Still, an innkeeper.

ROZO

The day my daughter is married there is no more inn. That day, the house is mine -- too bad about the travellers! They were free to come yesterday and they are free to come tomorrow. Those who are here already, it goes without saying I won't put them out the door. So we have a Moorish lady, well, I'll keep her although she doesn't spend much . She only eats a few grains of rice and so comically -- like this with two little ivory sticks.

LAZARE

I am sure that she gets up at night to eat olla podrida and gaspacho since it is impossible that a human creatures lives on 3 or 4 grains of rice a day.

BOTARO

Father-in-law, we are counting just now 67 people in the house.

ROZO

Yes -- everyone understands.

BOTARO

Including the scullions?

ROZO

Including the scullions.

BOTARO

Well, we were mistaken -- we are only 66.

ROZO

Ha! Ha! -- Who's leaving?

BOTARO

You forget that we agreed.

ROZO

What?

BOTARO

(pointing to Lazare)

That this comedian Lazare --

ROZO

Ah, yes, Lazare.

BOTARO

Leave the house.

ROZO

It's true.

LAZARE

(aside)

Decidedly it's about me. I believe the groom is asking Mr. Rozo to take me to his service -- that won't go with the husband, but it will go well with the wife's side.

BOTARO

(to Rozo)

In love and a piggish eater.

ROZO

Piggish eater -- I don't say -- but in love -- are you really sure?

BOTARO

Listen, father-in-law -- you know it was agreed, that he would leave the day of my wedding. I have your word -- he's got to go.

ROZO

Oh well, since you absolutely insist.

BOTARO

Absolutely!

ROZO

I am going to invite him to pack his bags. Come here, Lazare.

LAZARE

Me?

ROZO

Yes, you.

BOTARO

(to Petra)

Turn your head the other way, my wife.

ROZO

(looking for Lazare)

Hey, where'd you go?

LAZARE

(who has gone to the large gate)

Over here! Don't you see?

ROZO

Travellers. There's no more room.

(Enter a man and a woman followed by 3 children.)

LAZARE

You here -- the boss say there's no more room -- you can go away -- huh? What? -- Ah, damn it's true.

ROZO

What are they saying?

LAZARE

They say that they are man and wife and 3 little children -- that they've been a long way today and that if they have to continue their way, they will die of fatigue.

ROZO

That's possible, but there's no room.

LAZARE

They still say they'll be content with the least cover.

BOTARO

Look, father-in-law, give them the attic where this scapegrace Lazare is lodges since he is leaving.

ROZO

In fact, that's an idea -- Lazare escort them to your room -- they will sleep there tonight.

LAZARE

Well, and me?

ROZO

You?

LAZARE

Yes -- where will I bed down?

ROZO

You, Lazare, will sleep wherever you wish.

LAZARE

Well, in the stable?

ROZO

No.

LAZARE

In the kitchen then.

ROZO

No.

LAZARE

Yes, I understand, in the cellar. The devil -- I won't be hot in the cellar -- hopefully there's a certain little wine from Montello.

ROZO

No.

LAZARE

Not in the cellar either?

ROZO

Lazare, you won't lodge in this house tonight -- pack your bags and go.

LAZARE

You are kicking me out?

ROZO

It's my son-in-law who demands it.

LAZARE

And why's that?

ROZO

It appears you've been courting my daughter.

LAZARE

Me? -- oh! How can they say that?

ROZO

It's Botaro who pretends that -- and he must know.

LAZARE

What! Señor Botaro -- you pretend that I -- ?

BOTARO

That's fine -- one knows what one knows -- one sees what one has seen.

LAZARE

Oh, because of one night that I was worn out from husking, and Señora Petra was watching me, he threw straw in her face, and I socked him in the eye?

BOTARO

Good, good -- enough.

LAZARE

Why ask her, your wife, if I embraced her -- I bet she'll say no.

ROZO

Look, look, your bill is paid -- on your way.

LAZARE

And where do you want me to go?

BOTARO

What's that to me? On your way --

LAZARE

On my way without supper? But you owe me supper for today.

BOTARO

Some bread, some cheese and a fist full of olives and on your way!

LAZARE

Oh! Because today precisely because it's a wedding super -- with ragouts, roasts, pastry and sweets -- because today, for the first time, there's a supper a bit fitting the house -- they send me away -- they kick me out. Fie, master Rozo -- it's rather petty what you are doing -- I never thought this of you!

ROZO

Listen, Botaro, he's a bit -- right. It's a feast day and to make him eat his bread when the spits turn -- heavens -- that reminds me! I forgot to turn the spit. Great! The goose will be burned.

(He runs out hurriedly.)

BOTARO

It's okay -- I agree to wait until you've dined. Drink, eat, fill up like a cask, fill yourself to overflowing like a goatskin but when the gates close, you understand, try to be on the outside rather than on the inside.

LAZARE

So be it! Let them go, Señor Botaro.

BOTARO

(to travellers)

Come this way, my friends. I will escort you to your room.

(to Lazare)

Goodbye, Señor Glutton.

LAZARE

Goodbye, Señora Bride.

PETRA

(as she goes)

Poor Lazare.

(They leave.)

LAZARE

(alone)

Isn't it shameful to put a poor young man out the door at night, in a desert in the midst of mountains, when all the malefactors take their gambols on the highways and in the rocks -- when this black castle of Tormenar disgorges at midnight, from its ruins bats, vultures, owls and serpents! And all this because I caught the eye of a young girl. Oh, when I think that I will be all alone on the highways and that as I turn I will notice this same Castle Tormenar which watches travellers from on high with its large windows like staring eyes.

(Notices the Mooress who passes in the back)

Heavens the Arab girl who only eats rice.

(noise)

Now what's that?

(they call Lazare)

Yes, call Lazare! Since I no longer belong to this house, I won't reply.

(they call again)

Go to the devil. Look -- what's wrong?? A mule and muleteer? More travellers? No, a woman. She's got here at the right moment.

JUANA

(entering)

In the midst of the whole world, won't I be able to find someone to speak to?

LAZARE

To me, señora, if you like.

JUANA

I am really in an inn -- right, my friend?

LAZARE

In an inn where no one can stay, yes, señora.

JUANA

No one can stay! Why?

LAZARE

Because the innkeeper is marrying his daughter -- Señorita Petra, a charming girl -- whose eye one is forbidden to catch.

JUANA

I have a service to ask of someone, and I pay generously when people oblige me.

LAZARE

Speak Señora! You fall in luck -- I am as free as the air!

An idea! You don't have a muleteer, Señora, you must have need of a cook or a valet -- I have just such qualities, go!

JUANA

For the moment I need a guide, and that's all.

LAZARE

What luck you have, Señora -- I run the errands for the inn. There's not a step from here to Huesias, not a stone, a heath -- that I don't know.

JUANA

Good. Come.

LAZARE

Right away! For how long do you engage me, Señora?

JUANA

Why, for the time I take to get to my destination.

LAZARE

Is the Señora going far? I am not curious. That's a frightful sin -- but to guide you, I think it is necessary that I know where you are going.

JUANA

My friend, I am going to the Castle Tormenar.

LAZARE

Huh?

JUANA

Well? Didn't you hear me?

LAZARE

Did I hear you? I think so!

JUANA

Then, come.

LAZARE

Oh! No, no, Señora -- I am not going.

JUANA

Why?

LAZARE

Because no one goes to the Castle Tormenar, Señora, because honest Christians don't mention that name.

JUANA

Look, I have business at the castle.

LAZARE

At a castle which is uninhabited, in ruins and which lodges only reptiles, which lodges nothing but ghosts -- you have business there, Señora?

JUANA

My dear friend -- I wanted to give a piastre to the guide -- after what you've told me I will give ten.

LAZARE

You can give a hundred -- you can give a thousand, but I will never go to the Castle Tormenar.

(aside)

Who is this woman, -- Brrr?

JUANA

Very well. I will find servants less disinterested than you -- and much braver.

LAZARE

Try! You want me to help you try to find them? You are going to see. Hey, ladies and gentleman, hey Christians, hey, pagans, hey, everybody.

(running on all sides)

Here's a lady who needs a guide to run a little errand and she's offering ten piastres, who wants it?

ALL

Me! Me! Me!

LAZARE

Wait. The little errand leads to Castle Tormenar.

ALL

Oh!

LAZARE

Look -- don't fight like that over who will go -- it's embarrassing to the lady.

(to Juana)

Well -- what did I tell you?

JUANA

(aside)

My God! Why he's expecting me -- he'll accuse me -- he'll think I've broken my word.

LAZARE

It must be pretty impossible for me not to go, since I can't stay an hour more here in this dump!

ROZO

(entering)

What were you saying, Lazare?

LAZARE

The boss!

JUANA

You are the master of this inn, señor? You probably don't partake in all the superstitions. You will really find me a guide to go to Tormenar.

ROZO

To Tormenar! Holy Virgin!

BOTARO

To Tormenar! Jesus!

JUANA

I will go alone, then.

ROZO

Señora, don't do it! And anyway, you can't do it. The mules themselves will refuse to climb to that cursed castle.

JUANA

I will go on foot.

ROZO

You little feet will be torn to shreds before you get half way there.

JUANA

Alas! Won't there pass on this road a man who can oblige a poor woman?

LAZARE

Listen, Señora! Take me into your service and tomorrow morning I will help you find a very brave man who will lead you to Tormenar.

(aside)

It will take at least a year to find him.

VOICE

(from outside)

Hola! Hey!

BOTARO

Oh -- father-in-law, can't they leave us in peace?

ROZO

Go see, Lazare, go explain to them.

LAZARE

Master Rozo, if I were still in your service, I would hurry to obey you.

GILBERT

(outside)

Hey there! Are you going to open?

ROZO

Who are you?

GILBERT

You see well enough, by God. I suppose we don't have the air of robbers.

ROZO

My dear sir, if you were thieves, you'd see we are here in sufficient numbers to receive you.

GILBERT

Well -- since we are honest travellers and you in there are lazybones with nothing to do -- open the gate for us.

LAZARE

This gentleman expresses himself very well, doesn't he, Señora? A bit of an accent.

ROZO

Useless to open for you, Señor Traveller, there's no more room in the inn.

GILBERT

What a joke. There are about a dozen of us -- eight gentlemen and four ladies who've formed a little caravan to have more safety on the way -- 12 persons to lodge -- what a big thing for your inn which resembles a barracks!

BOTARO

Yes, Señor, 12 people are little but we are already 67 here.

LAZARE

Of which one's married.

GILBERT

Yes, ladies, they will open, don't worry, Mr. Innkeeper! Hey! Little fellow down there -- come here a bit. These ladies observed to me that the heavens are getting dark -- and a storm threatens and they have not the least intention of spending the night outside.

LAZARE

(looking at the sky)

Not even the resource to say "under the pretty stars!"

ROZO

These ladies will have to do the best they can, my dear sir -- but they won't enter here. We are choked already. And then, I'm marrying my daughter and we want to stay en famille. So, good luck and go with God, Traveller.

GILBERT

Ah! So it's like that? You don't want to open the gate for us?

ROZO

Why no -- that's my right.

GILBERT

We must then remove your signboard which hangs there at the end of the rope. Wait, I am going to unhook it for you.

(He shoots at it.)

ROZO

Señor Gentleman!

BOTARO

You outrage the property.

LAZARE

I bet he's a Frenchman, say, Señor Botaro what a nice shot, eh! If this gentleman fired at a man -- a man's much larger than a rope.

ROZO

Well, you leave, Señor? I am mayor as well as innkeeper -- do you know that?

GILBERT

Yes -- but you are an innkeeper at the same time you are mayor. Open this gate, once; twice -- thrice! No! Well, gentleman let's lay siege to the house and break down these rotten boards.

ROZO

Why this is frightful!

BOTARO

Murder!

LAZARE

(to Botaro)

Say, Señor, here's one who will catch the eye of our wife!

BOTARO

Shut up, Servant!

ROZO

Why, let's defend ourselves! Let's chase them off!

BOTARO

Without weapons? These brigands have muskets and pistols.

LAZARE

And know how to use them! I wager as there are eight of them, they'd kill 15 men with the first volley.

ROZO

Mercy!

GILBERT

You won't open? To work!

ROZO

We are lost.

LAZARE

What fun not to belong to the house!

GILBERT

(breaking down the door)

Oh, the breach is made. Ladies take the trouble to enter. Come gentlemen! Good day, dear innkeeper! Well, you see 67 plus 12 only make 79.

LAZARE

It's incredible how much I like this traveller! Oh -- one more idea!

ROZO

I swear to you, Señor, that we have not one corner, not one hole, not a niche which is free. Count us, Señor, there's my daughter and my son-in-law, whom I have the honor to present to you. Here are my brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts.

GILBERT

Your cousins, your cousins and their families.

(noticing the Moor)

There's a strange face. Is she also of your family?

ROZO

No, Señor, she's a Moorish lady who was lodged here since yesterday, who we have not disturbed as you will understand.

GILBERT

(aside)

Somber face.

MOORISH LADY

(aside, eyes fixed on Gilbert)

He's handsome.

GILBERT

No space! Now, as you speak politely, we will listen to you. No place, ladies! What to do? Look, isn't there in the neighborhood some house, another posada, a castle, even a shelter?

BOTARO

There's indeed a castle, Señor, but --

GILBERT

But what.

ROZO

Your five pistols, Señor Traveller, won't help you to leave there safe and sound, even if you change them into two big cannons.

GILBERT

Bah! What's in this castle? An ogre.

ROZO

I don't know what's there, Señor, but I know whoever goes there never returns.

GILBERT

Come on!

ROZO

It was 3 years ago, a man wanted to spend the night. They found him the next day -- on the rocks -- head crushed, heart open -- dead!

GILBERT

Ah!

ROZO

Last year, two captains from the garrison of Huesias went to Tormenar, that's the castle's name -- from bravado, señor. They slept side by side, a young man and an old man. The old man returned the next day, all pale, harmless, mad. He had, when he woke up, found his companion cold and dead in his arms with a gaping wound in the throat. Damn! It's true -- everybody here saw it.

JUANA

My God!

LAZARE

I saw him buried. Burr!

GILBERT

Well, there are robbers in that castle, by God -- like in all your beautiful Spain.

ROZO

Señor Cavalier -- the man from 3 years ago had his rings on his finger when they found his cadaver -- and in the young captain from a year ago -- they found his purse full -- and wearing a very valuable medallion.

GILBERT

Say gentlemen -- you folks who are not from the country -- does this frighten you a lot?

TRAVELLER

Why's that, Count?

GILBERT

Because if you are no more afraid than I am - we will go see Tormenar -- it's Tormenar you said? Sir, if they will crush the heads of all eight of us -- or slit our throats. Look -- what do you think of our army? We have 16 pistols, eight carbines, eight swords and enough ammunition for a hundred shots. Shell we go to Tormenar?

TRAVELLER

Let's go to Tormenar!

LAZARE

The fools!

(to Juana)

Say Señora, it seems to me you've prettily done your business and this is lucky.

JUANA

Yes.

(to Gilbert)

Señor, Cavalier. A word, I beg you.

GILBERT

Ten, if you please, Señora.

JUANA

Would you listen to me for a moment privately?

GILBERT

At the end of the Earth, if that was agreeable to you.

JUANA

Señor Cavalier -- you are French and a gentleman.

GILBERT

My name is Gilbert de Tiffauges, I am a Breton and an honest man, Madam.

JUANA

Sir, I have a service to ask of you. You are going to Castle Tormenar?

GILBERT

Yes, Madame.

JUANA

I beg you to take me with you.

GILBERT

What! You are not frightened.

JUANA

With such brave men, Señor?

GILBERT

But you heard all the innkeeper said --

JUANA

I heard, I'm not afraid.

GILBERT

You are valiant, Madam -- and we will be happy to have an associate such as you. The charm of your company will suffice, be sure of it -- What did the innkeeper say about the unlucky meeting at Tormenar? It seems that, for me, the meeting is not unlucky.

JUANA

Ah, Señor, it's the spirit of your nation which takes things this way. You were speaking before a language I understand better, and for you to continue to treat me the same, I have only a word to say to you, I am sure of it.

GILBERT

Speak, Madam.

JUANA

Count, I am Juana, the only child of the Marquis de Torillas. My father put me in the convent of the Annunciation at Huescas to prevent me from marrying Don Luis de Figuerroa who I love and to whom I am affianced before God. I received a letter from Don Luis, which gave me a rendezvous in the mountains at Tormenar which he must reach on his part through unfrequented by-ways. I wrote Don Luis that wherever he will go, I will go. Yesterday, I fled from the convent with the aid of the Superior who is my friend and I intend to rejoin my fiance at Tormenar. Then, we will go to the nearest port. It's to go in safety to find Don Luis (who will thank you, sir) that I beg you to take me with you to Tormenar. Pure before God, I wish to be respected among men -- I've spoken to a loyal and courageous Cavalier -- does he understand me? Can I hope he will fulfill my prayers?

GILBERT

Miss, I have, in Brittany, a sister that I love tenderly and who loves me with all the strength of her heart, a companion of my childhood a friend put to every test -- and I think her happy soon to be united with a brave gentleman of our country -- but if she were to run some danger -- or find herself in some embarrassment, I pray God she would meet a devotion as sincere, a protection as disinterested, a friendship as respectful as that I conjure you at this time to put to the proof. Deign to accept my arm, and it's not so much question as to merit the thanks of Don Luis as it is to be a tender brother to you and a solid support tonight, Miss. Don Luis will thank me, I give you my word! Come on, gentleman -- on the way to Tormenar!

JUANA

Be blessed, Sir! I owe you my happiness.

LAZARE

My dear, sir, you are really decided to leave for this castle?

GILBERT

Doubtless. Why this question?

LAZARE

Sir, I am looking for a master and you please me infinitely. I will willingly enter your service, but look here, if you go to Tormenar and you don't return, I shall have lost my situation before having got it. I will be the widow of my master -- I want to spare myself that shame -- and I will wait until tomorrow to see if you return from Tormenar. But from now on, regard me as your servant -- you have made a famous acquisition.

GILBERT

My friend, I have no need of a servant -- but if you absolutely wish to serve me, come! You draw back? You are a poltroon?

LAZARE

Me -- a poltroon! Come on! I'm afraid of ghosts -- that's all!

GILBERT

You are not my type -- find another situation. I want whoever loves me to follow me everywhere even to Hell.

LAZARE

You don't know what you are giving up.

(Thunder.)

GILBERT

Ah! Ah! The storm can be heard. It's invading the sky. Let's hurry gentlemen. En route to the terrible castle. But to have a solid spirit we must fortify our stomachs. Master innkeeper, Señor Mayor!

ROZO

My dear, sir?

GILBERT

You don't have enough room -- but you have lots of chickens, partridges and rabbits, and lots of veal and stuffed fish. Fill us a hamper of all these good things -- load a mule with old wine, we will pay, we who do not have the ill luck to be ghosts.

ROZO

Why, it's our supper, sir.

BOTARO

Father-in-law, let's eat less but get rid of these noisy guests.

ROZO

(to his servants)

Obey this gentleman.

GILBERT

Marquis d'Hecquerey, Chevalier Marini and you gentlemen be the advanced guard. You others in the center with the ladies. We will be the rear guard. Well, you, Señora?

JUANA

Order, sir.

LAZARE

What a shame! They are going to their death. But what a supper they'll have first.

GILBERT

You are sure, Miss, that Don Luis de Figuerroa has arrived first and that he's waiting for you?

JUANA

My letter sets the rendezvous for eight o'clock -- it's nine.

GILBERT

(to Rozo)

How long to get to the castle?

ROZO

An hour and a half or two hours if you walk behind the mules.

GILBERT

This is a promenade and we will arrive before the rain. Come on Señora, in an hour and a half I will render my account to your handsome fiance. Goodbye, Señor Mayor -- goodbye all.

ALL

Goodbye! Goodbye!

LAZARE

To think that in 2 hours, all these people will perhaps have their necks broken?

ROZO

Let's go to supper.

ALL

Let's go to supper.

MOORISH LADY

(aside, watching Juana)

You need two hours to find your handsome fiance. I will have joined in him 3 minutes.

(She disappears.)

CURTAIN

Act II

Scene II

At the castle of Tormenar -- a huge hall of columns still solid, with large ruined windows through which one perceives the storm beginning to threaten. Side doors and doors at the rear. Old portraits with worm eaten frames. Gothic furniture. An immense chimney that is surmounted by sculptured armorial bearings.

(At rise, the Moorish lady hurriedly leaves a room at the right, whose door she shuts after having taken a long look inside -- Eleven o'clock sounds on a distant clock.)

MOORISH LADY

He was young! He was beautiful! I've become young and beautiful again.

(The voice of travellers who, during the end of the storm, climb the rocks of Tormenar.)

GILBERT

(outside)

This way, Señora -- over here! There, good. Just two more steps.

MOORISH LADY

Till next year -- Gilbert.

(She flies out the window.)

GILBERT

(enters with the travellers)

Well -- why here's a magnificent dining room. Come in, Señora. Come, gentlemen, enter, ladies.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Ah, really superb.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Oh! What a beautiful chimney! Look nothing is lacking.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Except a fire.

GILBERT

Fire? We're going to have one in an instant. Wood isn't rare here and our servants must have matches. Come in, all of you! The old doors and the old furniture will serve as logs and candles. Come here, in the middle -- provisions -- Aha -- but those imbeciles said we would find nothing in the castle? On the contrary, there's everything, even some tables.

(The servants bring in the provisions. Some fix the table, light candles, others start a fire.)

GILBERT

Famous table, my word! The 12 peers may have had a longer table, but they didn't have one any more solid.

(to Juana)

Ah, pardon, Miss, I am always forgetting your sadness or rather I remember it and I would like to lessen it.

JUANA

You heard 11 o'clock strike as we entered the castle.

GILBERT

Yes.

JUANA

Well, Don Luis still hasn't got here!

GILBERT

Oh, as for that, there's no need to worry. The roads are atrocious. The storm has made the ravines into quagmires. Dozen though we were, it was all we could do to escape them. Think how much trouble a lone traveller would have.

JUANA

Oh, I was also thinking of that. Even with terror.

GILBERT

Relax. Besides, Don Luis probably won't come alone. He will be accompanied by some domestic.

JUANA

Our secret isn't one that one confides in strangers, no -- Don Luis will have told no one. Don Luis will come alone.

GILBERT

So much the better. That proves Don Luis is a resolute, strong, clever, chevalier. Besides, anyone you have chosen, Señora cannot be an ordinary man.

JUANA

Don Luis is brave and wears a valiant sword -- but there are perils which cannot be combatted with a sword.

GILBERT

What! You Miss, you, so courageous just now against the wind, against the lightning, against the thunder, against very real dangers -- now you let yourself go before chimeras?

JUANA

Señor Gilbert, pardon what I am going to say to you -- perhaps my heart no longer has the strength. Fatigue and storm have exhausted it -- perhaps I am giving in to a presentment which obsesses me, but then I was resolved, ardent, happy while we were on the road, and while I believed I would see Don Luis -- but now I am beaten, inert, saddened by the time that it now is.

GILBERT

But it was only an instant ago that you were laughing in my arms -- in the mountains when the mule that carried our provisions dragged by the current, threatened, in reverse of the miracle of Cana, to change our wine into water!

JUANA

Yes, it's true, but for several minutes actually from the minute I put my foot over the sill of this castle, I felt cold fear invade my entire being. I dare not come forward. I dare not look around me. I dare not sit down. I dare not or rather I cannot breathe -- I am like one of those wretched birds that pecking for grain, fall into the trap of a cage -- it seems to me even, as if by pronouncing a word, taking a step, risking a gesture, I am going to create some overwhelming misfortune that will fall on my head!

GILBERT

Oh, Señora, I curse these black walls, since they inspire such ideas in you. Come on, look -- some courage! Look them in the face. A little humid, it's true, hung with a great number of spider webs, I confess, but in the end, honest walls which now from the light of candles and the heat of a good fire, and the swell of a good supper, and the noise of plates and glasses -- noises to which they've long been unaccustomed, are going to brighten up, make merry, revive, and you won't see anything but gay echoes and hospitable omens. Come on, come on, sit down and get rid of these somber ideas.

JUANA

You are good, Count, and you treat me like a sister as you promised. Oh -- why isn't he already here, my dear Luis -- to help me discharge my debt to you.

(The servants place the candles on the table.)

GILBERT

There! Look -- great illuminations. These golden reflections escape through the windows and serve as guides to travellers lost in the mountains.

FIRST TRAVELLER

At least if there are ghosts here, we'll see them.

GILBERT

I have little belief in ghosts, even though a Breton, child of the manor of Tiffauges and almost the godson of the fairy Melusina -- but I fully believe in thieves, bandits, assassins of the Spanish Sierras, but more than that I believe in audacity, the trickery of these gentlemen. I suspect them capable of having murdered travellers here and not having stolen their purses to spread the rumor in this canton of the presence of supernatural creatures.

FIRST TRAVELLER

And to what purpose, Count Gilbert? Tell us that, let's hear it.

GILBERT

For heaven's sake! With the end of establishing themselves comfortably in this old castle Tormenar which reigns almost inaccessible above these gorges -- with the end of keeping off police and soldiers who might take it into their heads to interfere with their operation. But with us, these gentlemen will lose their trouble. We are going to keep our weapons about us, place a guard at the door and another at the window -- and bad luck to whoever tries to frighten us! So be reassured ladies, you've dried your cloaks over a good fire, supper is ready, take your place at the table which doesn't look bad.

JUANA

My God -- if, by some signal, we could indicate to him we are here.

GILBERT

Oh! That's very easy.

(to a servant)

Give me that trumpet.

(He plays a fanfare.)

SECOND TRAVELLER

Come -- to table ladies, to table, gentlemen.

GILBERT

Friends -- leave an empty place by the Señora. You know for whom, dear little sister.

JUANA

Thanks!

GILBERT

You are going to see something, gentlemen. It's one of the chickens of the innkeeper -- and it's going to taste better to us here than in his inn.

FIRST TRAVELLER

And the wine, too, as it has come a long way.

GILBERT

Gentlemen, we are in the land of Sancho, in the realm of proverbs and, you know, travel educates the young. Señora, I beg you two drops of wine and slice of rabbit paté.

JUANA

Impossible! My heart is torn from me. Don't concern yourself any more about my silly person, I beg you. Oh, if you knew how much you dispel sadness with your charming supper.

SECOND TRAVELLER

The Señora is sad.

JUANA

No, sir, no.

FIRST TRAVELLER

It wouldn't be surprising -- the aspect of Tormenar is not exactly joyous.

GILBERT

The fact is it is neither Versailles nor The Trianon -- but still there's shelter.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Eh -- say it's raining up there.

GILBERT

Truly the chatelaine is no good. He ought to repair the roof.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Say, Count, what's it like in your chateau of Tiffauges?

GILBERT

Larger, but a bit less somber.

SECOND TRAVELLER

It seems to me that for a Breton, for a godson of Melusina, as you said just now -- you are indeed incredulous on the subject of apparitions.

GILBERT

Ah, not so, on the contrary -- plague! I would not be from my country. Only, I say that it's a long while since I saw one.

FIRST TRAVELLER

What do you mean a long time?

SECOND TRAVELLER

How many years has it been, Count?

GILBERT

Alas, since I've been a man, since I've parted from those naive and mysterious beliefs of one's first youth with the help of that cold and sad light called REASON.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Then you believe in supernatural creatures, in ondines, leprechauns, sylphs, fairies?

GILBERT

Why yes, doubtless. Why assume the chain of being stops with man?

THIRD TRAVELLER

Damn -- I believe what I see and what I sense -- I believe in this glass of wine because I hold this glass and I drink this wine but I cannot believe what I don't sense and what I don't see.

GILBERT

And you are wrong, Marquis. There are some animals you cannot see except with the aid of a microscope -- invented last year, I think -- well -- for six thousand years, no one saw these animals for lack of a microscope -- does it follow that, for six thousand years, these animals didn't exist? If there are creatures infinitely small, invisible 'cause of their size, can't creatures exist that cannot be seen because of their transparency and whom God, whose messengers they are, allows to revert to human form to reveal a joy to us or warn us of a danger? Oh! Marquis, you are not going to laugh at such enormities? With us, we don't have a peasant who doesn't possess his leprechaun who pulls the hair of his horses or the distaff of his daughter's flax -- we don't have a miller who doesn't have his goblins dancing in the swamp and on the lakes; not a fisherman who doesn't have his lady of the water who foretells for him storms and fine weather; telling him when he can adventure on the sea or when he must return to port.

FIRST TRAVELLER

And what have you at Chateau Tiffauges leprechauns, goblins or lady of the water?

GILBERT

Me? I have the fairy tapestry.

ALL

What's that?

GILBERT

Oh, it's one of those youthful dreams which I was telling you about just now -- The chatelaines of Tiffauges have the custom of placing their first born for a day in what we call in the chateau -- the Tapestry Room. On this Tapestry is represented the fairy, Melusina and all her court. Well, is it a dream as I said just now, or is it a reality? When I was a child, sleeping my cradle and the rays of the moon came through the immense window, at midnight, I woke up, and then to my great pleasure, I saw all the personages of the tapestry descend. The player of the bagpipes made everyone dance -- to silent quadrilles with his silent instrument -- whose feet couldn't be heard to resound on the floor -- a huntsman chased a stag with his pack all around the room -- the birds flew about and came to refresh me with the sight of the beating of their wings -- then the fairy herself came to me, all white, all pale, all smiling and she rocked me softly in my cradle, murmuring a song I certainly knew in my childhood -- but whose air and words are lost long since in the noise and agitation of this world -- all materialist and realistic.

JUANA

Oh! How I believe all that.

FIRST TRAVELLER

In fact, each country has its superstition, look, for example, I took a trip to Epirus. Well legends change with the character of the inhabitants, with the look of the country. There's no benevolent fairy there, no inoffensive goblins, the joking leprechaun. No it's the terrible ghoul, evil doing, murderous, the spectral woman, wearing the appearance of beauty, the forms of youth to better conceal her snares and attacking especially young men, the handsomer, the fresher, the better -- whose blood they drink with delight.

JUANA

Horror.

GILBERT

If you were French, Miss, you would know at least in translation of our ingenious compatriot, Galland -- the history of a ghoul who married a handsome young man, who seeing her eat for nourishment only some little grains of rice with little ivory chop sticks followed her one night to his great terror -- make one of those bloody meals which the Marquis was just now describing.

JUANA

And have you seen one of those creatures?

FIRST TRAVELLER

Well, Señora, I saw a woman who passed for one.

SECOND TRAVELLER

And she was -- ?

FIRST TRAVELLER

A woman like all other women -- almost -- only, perhaps a bit taller, a bit poorer, a bit thinner than ordinary women -- with fixed eyes, that shone like an owl's.

GILBERT

Was she beautiful, at least, with all that?

FIRST TRAVELLER

Yes, more beautiful than ugly -- but a very singular beauty.

JUANA

Beautiful! Such a monster!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Oh, Señora, undeceive yourself -- these women are very coquettish. They don't take by chance the man for whom they reserve the funereal gift of infernal love. Those they find unworthy of them, they let live -- but if a man be handsome, loved by another young and beautiful woman -- they shiver with joy - for at this same time they have a man to devour and a rival to drive to despair. Then they lie in ambush in some solitary place. They watch for the passing of their prey, lull him to sleep with the movement of their vast wings and when he is asleep in a mortal bliss, they aspirate his blood and his life. They are invisible, they assist in the sorrow of the fiancee, whose tears they drink with a voluptuousness equal only to that of drinking his blood.

JUANA

Señor, Señor -- from pity, don't say that.

GILBERT

In fact, we are having a lugubrious conversation for people who came here with the intention of having a good time.

JUANA

(taking Gilbert aside)

Señor Gilbert, I beg you, let's go out to meet Don Luis -- just to the outer gate. Let's go. I am dying of uneasiness and fright. I know very well what you are going to say to me -- stories for children, chimerical dreams! I repeat -- I'm afraid for my fiance, I'm afraid.

GILBERT

Look, relax, Señora, and believe me. Get rid of the uneasiness that fills your beautiful eyes with tears. Certain expected travellers don't arrive because of the storm which has devastated the roads. We will see him arrive tomorrow at dawn, very dry and rosy, freshly breathing the morning breeze. Don't you find something nice, besides in listening to scary stories, near a reassuring fire, in company of a troop of determined friends? Outside the storm blows, branches crack, the birds of the night, frightened, bump into each other in the air; we, here, savor the wedding dinner of the innkeeper -- we drink the health of those who are dear to us -- and we hold each other by the hand, we are defying leprechauns, thieves, ghouls and vampires.

JUANA

Count, I beg you. Let's go out to look for Don Luis.

GILBERT

Let's do better -- this window gives on the ramp which circuits the castle. Let's go on the balcony with a torch, call, even, if you like. If Don Luis is in the neighborhood, he must see us and hear us.

JUANA

Yes! You are right -- come.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Are you suffering, Madam?

GILBERT

No, Marquis, but your story has made an impression on the Señora and I will escort her to this window to help her breath some fresh night air.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Devil! It seems to me there's no need to go to the window for that.

GILBERT

(calling from the window)

Don Luis! Don Luis!

JUANA

Luis! Luis!

THIRD TRAVELLER

The poor child is afraid! Say, Chevalier -- what would she have been if you'd told the story of the vampire?

FIRST TRAVELLER

What -- you've seen a vampire?

SECOND TRAVELLER

No, not precisely, but.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Oh -- don't worry -- she's at the window and cannot hear. You ladies are brave like Brandamente and Clorinda.

GILBERT

(calling again)

Don Luis! Don Luis!

FIRST TRAVELLER

You didn't see a vampire? But I really want your vampire -- I want to marry him to my ghoul.

SECOND TRAVELLER

I said I didn't see a vampire -- but I was lodging in Peru -- in a house inhabited by Jews to whom a vampire paid a visit. These Jews were bankers and very rich -- and had several daughters and among them an adorable creature of 16 or 17. I saw her portrait and really, she was marvelous.

GILBERT

Don Luis! Don Luis!

JUANA

Luis! Oh!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Nothing -- continue -- it's their torch which went out.

JUANA

Ah! My God, I am dying.

ALL

Continue -- continue!

(Gilbert shuts the window.)

SECOND TRAVELLER

That night when everyone was asleep in the house, when the lights were dying one by one, then they heard 12 struck on the clock.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Heavens, midnight just struck!

GILBERT

Have no fear, Señora, I am here.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Then, a noise like the rustle of the wind resounding on the stairway, pale and sinister flames coursed through the corridors and suddenly, at the last tick of the clock -- the door opened slowly, and pale, and livid, the vampire appeared. Ah!

(Ruthwen enters.)

ALL

Who are you?

GILBERT

What do you want?

RUTHWEN

Oh, pardon, a thousand pardons, ladies! Excuse me, gentlemen. You ask me who I am -- I am a traveller like you sent away by the innkeeper, Señor Rozo, who is marrying his daughter. They told me that a joyous company had bravely gone up to the Castle Tormenar - -and in fact from down there, I saw the windows which seemed to throw out flames. What do I want -- why since you've found a fine lodging here, I quite simply want you to admit me to your company. I bring my provisions and my arms. I am Lord Ruthwen, peer of England, your devoted servant. Put your swords back in their scabbards, gentlemen and you ladies, pardon me for not having myself announced but I found no one in the antechamber.

GILBERT

It's for us to ask you pardon, Milord -- but your arrival here in the midst of these ruins was so unexpected. Relax Juana.

RUTHWEN

Oh! But I'm acting frightfully. What Madam, does my appearance make you so pale and trembling?

JUANA

In truth, Milord, your arrival coincided so strangely with a story they were telling.

RUTHWEN

And what story were they telling?

GILBERT

Why they spoke of --

RUTHWEN

Of what?

THIRD TRAVELLER

Of a vampire, Milord.

RUTHWEN

Ah! Ah! Of a -- ?

SECOND TRAVELLER

I was saying that in Hungary it's not unusual to hear even more terrible stories told --

RUTHWEN

Yes, surely, but it's much rarer thing to meet the hero of these stories. Me, too, ladies, I've traveled in Hungary and have never seen one.

SECOND TRAVELLER

But still, were you never told -- ?

RUTHWEN

If you please, ladies, can't we talk of things more pleasant?

JUANA

Oh! As for me, I beg you.

GILBERT

Milord, permit me to introduce you to those you find yourselves with, the Marquis d'Hecquerey with his wife and 2 daughters, the Chevalier Marini and as for me, Milord, I am Count Gilbert de Tiffauges. Now, Milord -- be welcome. You said you had some weapons?

RUTHWEN

Here.

GILBERT

Provisions?

RUTHWEN

My valet's bringing it here on a mule.

GILBERT

But I don't see him?

RUTHWEN

Oh, I left him behind arguing with the mule. He's really very bull-headed a mule and this one doubtless knows the legend of Castle Tormenar so well that he resists coming with all his strength.

GILBERT

But perhaps your servant will get lost?

RUTHWEN

Oh -- there's no danger. He's a lad from these parts that I took from the Inn of Master Rozos. He was looking for a master and I engaged him. Eh! I hear him! Arrive, lad! Arrive!

LAZARE

(entering)

All the same, here I am! Well, my word of honor, I didn't know a man could be brave enough to have such fear of dying.

GILBERT

Why, it's that poltroon of a Lazare.

LAZARE

Poltroon! Do you say that to me, here?

GILBERT

What the devil decided you to climb up to Tormenar?

LAZARE

Listen! I already missed two chances, Madam and you. Who risks nothing gets nothing. I swore not to let a third escape. It was this gentleman who came -- he's not the one who pleased me the most, no, I must say it, but he was the one who came last.

(looking around him)

You are all still in good condition.

JUANA

My friend.

LAZARE

Ah! It's you, Señora?

JUANA

Yes -- you didn't see Milord at the inn?

LAZARE

I didn't see Milord at the inn, Señora. If another had come, I assure you, I would have chosen him.

THIRD TRAVELLER

But you aren't eating or drinking, Milord?

RUTHWEN

The cold has taken my appetite.

LAZARE

Why, how funny that is -- the cold has such an effect on him. It has the contrary effect on me. Good! So I don't have the same character as my master -- Oh -- whoever would have told me that I would be dining at Castle Tormenar.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Still, what's wrong with this famous Castle Tormenar?

FIRST TRAVELLER

To me, it seems it's a castle like any other.

LAZARE

Yes, like all the others -- ! He's sweet, this tourist.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Absolutely like, a little less dilapidated, perhaps -- that's all.

LAZARE

That's all! Why you don't know what happened in Castle Tormenar?

GILBERT

Here?

LAZARE

Yes, here, right in this room where we are.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Ah! Gentleman, each of you told us a story -- now this brave lad must tell us his -- I bet whatever you want that it won't be as lugubrious as ours.

LAZARE

Me, tell the story of Castle Tormenar here in Castle Tormenar even? Come on -- never!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Why's that?

LAZARE

Why because I already felt myself almost dying of fear when I told it two leagues from here. And as for telling it in this castle, I would be afraid of dying for real!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Come on, come here and drink this glass of wine.

LAZARE

Oh! As to that, I ask nothing better, for the story, no, no. I don't take a turn like that for myself. Oh! I don't say if I had two or three glasses of wine like that in my head.

SECOND TRAVELLER

A second, my friend - and to your health.

LAZARE

You do me honor! Ah! No doubt about it, new wine. Not like master Rozo's.

FIRST TRAVELLER

It is.

LAZARE

It's from Master Rozo's?

THIRD TRAVELLER

Be sure of it.

LAZARE

Then I must be mistaken the bottle.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Well -- because you've had three glasses of wine.

LAZARE

You think so?

GILBERT

You said there was a Count of Tormenar?

LAZARE

No -- Not just one -- three.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Three!

LAZARE

Yes -- there were three counts of Tormenar. You see -- there was one who was said to have passed away fifty years ago. Others who say it was a thousand years ago and then others who say he never died at all.

SECOND TRAVELLER

But still, at the present time, there exists no Count de Tormenar?

LAZARE

Why -- what does it matter to you -- I ask you?

FIRST TRAVELLER

Why -- hell, when one has been received in people's home, it's nice to know if you might meet them someday to thank them.

LAZARE

Ha! You won't meet him -- rest assured or if you meet him it's some cousin, a collateral who doesn't bear the name of the family.

SECOND TRAVELLER

Still, to get back to these counts.

LAZARE

Well, I said each of them had a castle in Catalonia -- one of them the youngest and most despicable, invited his two brothers to dine with him. He's the one who lived in this castle.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Ah! The Devil.

LAZARE

You really are determined to know the end of this story?

ALL

Why certainly. By God!

LAZARE

It's that I'd prefer not to tell it.

ALL

The end of the story. The end of the story.

LAZARE

The youngest and most despicable of the three invited his two brothers to dine -- he lit up the castle as for a feast day, he prepared everything as if they were going to come.

GILBERT

As if they were going to come?

LAZARE

Yes, but he knew they wouldn't come, the dog, since he had them murdered on the way.

RUTHWEN

Ah! Ah! Why do you know your story is charming my friend? I'm really pleased to have taken you into my service; when you have nothing to do you'll tell me these stories.

LAZARE

Milord is good. He had them murdered in the mountains and as he was naturally their heir and since he killed them and their children with them -- he inherited.

THIRD TRAVELLER

You forgot the circumstances of the children which was very important.

LAZARE

I had forgotten, that's right. But that doesn't matter since I remembered it. He inherited all three castles.

FIRST TRAVELLER

Only two, my friend, since the third was his.

LAZARE

That's right -- but then something happened to him --

THIRD TRAVELLER

Which was?

LAZARE

Oh! A bad business completely.

GILBERT

Let's see.

LAZARE

Which was that whenever he sat down to eat he found one of his brothers was already seated before him -- which was -- whenever he wanted to go to bed, he found one of his brothers sleeping in the space between the bed and the wall.

RUTHWEN

My dear Lazare, I'm doubling your wages.

LAZARE

I thank Milord much. I know many more stories like that and if he likes, I can learn others.

RUTHWEN

Ah! This suffices, since you've finished it.

FIRST TRAVELLER

But, it is finished, doubtless?

LAZARE

Ah, indeed, yes! The rogue had three children, three boys -- handsome and strong -- one a student at the University of Salamanca -- the second at the university of Valladolid, and the third to Coimbra. He made all three come and resolved to go with them to visit his brothers' castles which he did not dare visit alone.

THIRD TRAVELLER

That's conceivable.

LAZARE

During the first voyage made to one of the castles his oldest son died. After the first he went to the second and he lost his younger son. He was obstinate and returned to the first where he lost his third son.

FIRST TRAVELLER

But since he was warned what the devil was he going to do in such a place?

LAZARE

Yes -- really -- what was he going to in this castle? it appears that he also said that. So that not daring to return to the others or his own, he went to a monastery where he confessed his crime, did penance and died with the odor of sanctity. Since that time, the three chateau have been deserted and when by chance travellers stop to pass the night, the next morning one or two are found dead. That's infallible, that is!

RUTHWEN

In that case, gentleman, the bad luck will be mine.

GILBERT

What's that?

RUTHWEN

Because I am the last to arrive and customarily, it's on the last that these things fall.

LAZARE

Why no, why no -- I was the last to arrive. Wait a minute! Wait a minute! My God, have I been stupid enough to tell myself stories that put me in such fear.

GILBERT

Bravo! Bravo! Lazare! You told marvelously. Right, gentlemen? Right ladies?

ALL

(laughing)

Marvelously! Marvelously, Lazare!

LAZARE

These gentlemen are very kind, these ladies are very kind.

GILBERT

Yes, you've forgotten one thing.

LAZARE

You think so?

GILBERT

You've forgotten to tell us about the collateral -- you know -- the distant cousin.

LAZARE

Yes -- the heir.

GILBERT

Well, why doesn't he inhabit one of the three castles?

LAZARE

Right! He's careful. He knows you get your neck broken as soon as you put your foot in here -- and especially members of the family and since he's a member of the family --

FIRST TRAVELLER

He's still living?

LAZARE

Hell, they say so.

THIRD TRAVELLER

And do you know his name?

LAZARE

Wait, I know it -- he's called, he's called -- I've got it -- he's called Don Luis de Figuerroa.

JUANA

Don Luis de Figuerroa! My God! My God!

GILBERT

Wretch!

LAZARE

What's wrong? Ah -- you've frightened me -- you have.

JUANA

(to Gilbert)

Did you hear? Each time an heir of Tormenar crosses the sill of the castle, he dies.

RUTHWEN

Count, I believe it will be time to find a place where these ladies can spend the night.

(The travellers rise -- the servants clear the table.)

GILBERT

Lazare!

LAZARE

Señor Count?

GILBERT

There are candles and blankets on the mules, right?

LAZARE

Yes, Señor Count.

GILBERT

Well, make a distribution, Chevalier! Install yourself with these gentlemen in the next room.

THIRD TRAVELLER

Very well.

GILBERT

Marquis!

FIRST TRAVELLER

Oh, don't worry about me, nor these ladies -- we've found and heated a little room.

GILBERT

Marvelous! You Señora?

JUANA

Me? Sir, I'll spend the night in a chair.

GILBERT

Oh, no -- impossible. This room is open to all the winds.

(going to open a room on the left)

While in there -- you'll be as well off as in your cell in Huesias -- you will sleep until morning which will come in two hours.

JUANA

How somber this room is! One would say an abyss!

GILBERT

If you like, Dona Juana, I will remain near you.

JUANA

No, no. It's madness. I will take this room, Count.

RUTHWEN

(bowing)

Señora.

JUANA

(shivering)

Oh.

GILBERT

It's Milord who takes leave of you, Juana.

JUANA

Milord!

GILBERT

(to Ruthwen)

Why -- where will you lodge?

RUTHWEN

Sir, don't worry about me -- I'll look about, I'll find something.

GILBERT

Well, my friends -- we passed the hour of these fatal adventures -- somber midnight has struck without bringing any other catastrophe, than the arrival of a new companion -- welcome among us. The thieves seem to be resigned to leaving us in possession of the castle, the ghouls don't rise. The vampires are hiding.

RUTHWEN

Goodbye ladies! Goodnight, gentlemen!

GILBERT

Till tomorrow, my friends, till tomorrow.

ALL

Goodnight -- goodbye!

(They leave.)

GILBERT

Fine, that's that -- let's sleep with two ears -- but watch with two eyes.

LAZARE

How amusing this is.

GILBERT

Well, lad -- aren't you following your master? --

RUTHWEN

I forbid him.

(Ruthwen leaves.)

LAZARE

Good thing he forbade me! If he ordered me, I wouldn't have gone.

GILBERT

And why's that?

LAZARE

Heavens! I'm almost accustomed to this room -- it's light or almost so. Do you expect me to go hide in these dark corridors full of owls and bats?

GILBERT

Fine, do as you wish. Look, my dear Juana, look my little sister, are you going to relax a little?

JUANA

I'm better.

GILBERT

You know quite well I am here -- I'm going to sleep on this cloak by the chimney -- a sigh from you and I will hear it!

JUANA

Thanks, my loyal friend. Thanks my generous brother!

GILBERT

Pray for me tonight, and as I am sure that my other sister from Tiffauges, Helen, is doing the same -- two angels will have spoken for me tonight to the Lord. How happy I am!

JUANA

As you deserve. Goodnight, dear brother.

(She goes to the window.)

GILBERT

Where are you going?

JUANA

The weather is clearing up. The night is beautiful, the moon will soon rise.

JUANA

(looking outside)

Nothing -- no one.

GILBERT

Courage, Juana.

JUANA

Don Louis, my love.

GILBERT

Come on, sister, will you stay with me near the fire. Will that reassure you? Or do you much prefer to spend the night peacefully in this room thinking of Don Luis?

JUANA

In thinking of Don Luis? Yes, you are right, Gilbert. Goodbye, my friend!

GILBERT

Au revoir -- don't you mean?

JUANA

Goodbye! If you see Don Luis before me, tell him how much I love him, won't you?

GILBERT

Oh!

JUANA

How much I love him.

(She leaves.)

GILBERT

Poor child -- her spirit is struck. It's true this absence is strange. It seems to me she's weeping.

LAZARE

Yes, sir, I think so -- the Señora is weeping a little -- that will do her good. Ah -- it's like me -- if I could only --

GILBERT

Weep.

LAZARE

No, laugh.

GILBERT

Why nothing prevents you -- laugh as much as you wish.

LAZARE

(trying)

That's so -- it's impossible -- I think it will be much easier for me to sleep.

GILBERT

Well -- find a place then -- here, in this little room.

LAZARE

My word, yes - near you I really like it this way, for you suit me very well -- I don't know why you reassure me, whereas my master -- I don't say anything ill of him -- poor dear man-- but he doesn't inspire me with anything or -- yes -- he rather does inspire me with something -- he frightens me. Still it's stupid to judge people -- he may be the best -- you say it's time to go to bed?

GILBERT

Dawn -- I think it is the time.

LAZARE

It's true -- it's more than the time -- I must go to bed, yes, sir -- in this little room.

GILBERT

Have you something against this little room?

LAZARE

No -- anyway, I adapt to everything -- they said I was a poltroon outside, yes -- perhaps but once inside --

(singing)

Never! Never! Never!

GILBERT

Well, will you make up your mind?

LAZARE

Sir -- I wish you a good night. A good night, sir.

GILBERT

Thanks! But you will also do well not to wake me.

LAZARE

Let's go in my little room to sleep! In my pretty little room to sleep.

(He enters. He can be heard uttering a scream)

Ah!

GILBERT

Imbecile! What the devil are you doing?

LAZARE

(reappearing, very pale)

Sir! Sir!

GILBERT

What do you want now?

LAZARE

Sir, there's someone in my room.

GILBERT

Go way!

LAZARE

Sir, I assure you --

GILBERT

You were seeing yourself in some mirror, ninny!

LAZARE

In that case, sir, I should have seen myself standing -- someone who doesn't move.

GILBERT

Take this torch.

LAZARE

Sir!

GILBERT

Come on -- light me.

LAZARE

Ah, Lord God.

(Gilbert goes into the room. Lazare stays on the sill.)

GILBERT

A body!

LAZARE

Ah!

GILBERT

Will you shut up, wretch! Cold. He's really dead. Light, I tell you.

LAZARE

Never! Never!

GILBERT

(taking the torch and lighting the cadaver)

A young man -- still smiling -- a wound in his throat. How pale he is.

LAZARE

Jesus God!

GILBERT

It's necessary to know who this is - a billfold -- a letter --

(reading)

"I will be at Tormenar at the same time you are, be cautious, my fiance do it for your Juana" -- Don Luis de Figuerroa, the last of the Tormenar. He came to the rendezvous first. And this poor child who slept there -- beside this cadaver? How to tell her the fatal news -- ? I will kill her by telling her.

JUANA

(in her room)

Ah!

GILBERT

I heard a scream. It seems to be her voice.

JUANA

Ah!

GILBERT

Juana, my sister.

JUANA

(appears -- hardly able to stand)

To me, Gilbert -- help -- I am dying.

GILBERT

She's dying -- murdered.

(rushing towards the room)

Oh! Ill fortune to whoever --

(Gilbert strikes Ruthwen with his sword as Ruthwen comes out of Juana's room.)

RUTHWEN

Ah!

GILBERT

Lord Ruthwen -- in Juana's room.

RUTHWEN

Yes -- I ran toward the screams of that young girl. I saw her run out of her room -- I followed to help her, or avenge her -- you've run me through -- Count Gilbert -- I am dying.

(All the torches run in one after the other and press around Juana.)

GILBERT

But the murder.

RUTHWEN

Fled! Through this open window doubtless.

GILBERT

Oh -- Juana. Oh, Milord.

RUTHWEN

Gilbert.

GILBERT

And it's I who killed you! Oh, why no -- we will save you -- right?

RUTHWEN

All will be useless -- I feel sure.

GILBERT

My God!

RUTHWEN

Listen!

GILBERT

Here I am --! Here I am!

RUTHWEN

Keep the others away. Time is precious. I must confide to you my last wishes.

(Gilbert gestures the others away).

Count, in the religion that I profess, it is the custom for the dead to be deposed freely on the earth and not buried in tombs. Swear to me that after my death, you will carry me to a mountain peak, exposed to the rays of the new-moon -- swear this to me, Count, and I will pardon you my death, and you will have done for me al

l you can do!

GILBERT

I swear it to you! But, while waiting, some help -- help.

RUTHWEN

Useless -- death approaches -- you swear?

GILBERT

I swear to you!

RUTHWEN

Yourself -- the mountain -- goodbye!

(he dies)

GILBERT

Ah!

LAZARE

(aside)

Lost my situation again!

(Blackout)

Scene III

The slope of a hill bristling with naked rocks. Profound night. Vast somber horizon.

(Gilbert arrives slowly with the cadaver of Ruthwen on his shoulders. He places it on a projecting rock, face turned to the west -- then he kneels for a moment beside the body and goes back down the path. As soon as he disappears, the moon goes behind some clouds, a bit of its disc shines on the protective rocks and the peaks of the mountains. Light increases and invades the body of the cadaver, little by little, and ends by reaching his face. Hardly is his face bathed with the light, then the eyes of the cadaver open wide and his mouth smiles lugubriously. Lord Ruthwen first sits up -- then rises completely and after having shaken his hair to the wind, he deploys great wings and flies off.)

RUTHWEN

You kept your word -- Thanks, Gilbert.

(Curtain)

Act III

Scene IV

At Tiffauges in Brittany -- the castle yard.

HELEN

Good news, great news, Jarwick.

JARWICK

Oh, I bet miss must have received a letter from Mr. Gilbert.

HELEN

Exactly! So, you understand, Jarwick without losing a minute.

JARWICK

Yes, everyone must know it! What a feast there will be in the village, my God. And without being too curious, when will he arrive, miss?

HELEN

Today, my friend.

LAHENNEE

(entering)

Today? Mr. Gilbert is arriving today?

HELEN

Today! This morning! He tells me he will be here almost as soon as his letter. Oh -- dear brother!

JARWICK

In that case, as you say, there's not an instant to lose --

(to the wings)

Hey, boys -- Mr. Gilbert is arriving -- Mr. Gilbert is arriving!

(He leaves running.)

LAHENNEE

Well, Miss, say you are not blessed by the Good God! You've been waiting for Mr. Gilbert for six months -- you had no news of him -- tired of waiting you were going to marry tomorrow -- and look he's coming today.

HELEN

Yes, you are right, it as the only thing lacking to complete my happiness. He's returning and I am going to be completely happy.

LAHENNEE

Does Miss have orders to give me?

HELEN

What orders do you want me to give you? As soon as he arrives, I will throw myself into his arms. As for our worthy peasants. Oh, I am not concerned! From the arrival of my brother, we are going to see them pour out -- we will then run -- Eh! Heavens there they are already -- Do you hear?

LAHENNEE

Aren't you going to tell Baron de Marsden?

HELEN

I am my friend, and you foresee my wish. Send someone to tell him my brother is arriving. Let him come since tomorrow my brother will be his brother. I don't need to tell you to choose your best messenger.

(Enter peasants of both sexes, who form a group in the rear.)

LAHENNEE

Oh, don't worry, miss!

HELEN

Come, my friends.

(the peasants come forward)

Well, you know? Yes, since you have your hands full of flowers.

PEASANT GIRL

And flowers from the fields, too. We know you especially like them.

HELEN

Oh -- the charming blues -- and what a beautiful crown I'm going to make for myself of them.

PEASANT GIRL

Damn, Miss -- I don't dare offer you these marguerites and gold buttons. You have such beautiful flowers in your garden.

HELEN

Give them to me, Yes! Give me them. Flowers that grow in the gardens are the flowers of men -- those which grow in the fields are the flowers of the good God.

ALL

(giving her flowers)

Here, Miss, here.

HELEN

Oh! Keep some for my brother.

ALL

Yes -- yes -- for Milord, we'll scatter them.

HELEN

Oh! He's the true Lord. The lord of our hearts, right? And he passes above all the others, except, of course, the Lord God. You know, my friends, a day of return is a festival day-- not only don't you work but you wear your best clothes and you dance. Well, soon we'll be dancing here. Bring all the musicians from the villages -- Lahennee is in charge of refreshments.

A YOUNG GIRL

(singing)

Ah, Miss!

HELEN

Oh, I know what you want to say, my poor child -- when you return you'll find a new dress.

A YOUNG GIRL

Oh -- may our Lady of Clisson watch over you, Miss!

HELEN

(to another young girl)

You, Margo, take this gold cross and tell your fiance to put it on your neck -- you, boy, new ribbons for your bagpipe, you understand? And here's a gold medal for your hat.

ALL

What a joy! Long Live our good Countess. Long live our dear Countess. Long live the Countess of Tiffauges.

HELEN

Yes, children -- Thanks! Thanks!

(The peasants leave.)

HELEN

(along)

It's good to be loved this way. Each morning when I come down to the flowerbeds and I see God smile at me in a ray of sunlight or in the perfume of the meadows, when I notice these good creations that bow to me like these flowers -- not to render homage to me, thank God, but to tell me how much they love me, then how happy I am to think that not all my joy is in that. I say to myself, I am even richer from the joy that God promises me than what he gives me. I tell myself that my brother is going to return, that I will see him again, that a long stretch of happy days is reserved for me with this dear companion of my childhood, and that if I desired still more -- Oh, my God, you have been good enough to join to this bliss the most precious love. Oh Georges! Georges! You who divine all my thoughts, you who go before all my desires, how is it that you haven't divined that my brother will arrive, and that something will be missing from my joy if you are not there. When I embrace him --

(seeing Lahennee enter.)

Well, my friends have you sent to the Baron?

LAHENNEE

I did better: I went myself.

HELEN

Good Lahennee! Well.

LAHENNEE

Well, miss -- the Baron isn't at the Chateau.

HELEN

He isn't at the Chateau! And where is he then?

LAHENNEE

Miss, a messenger arrived last night from Nantes they believe - he demanded they wake the Baron, who, as soon as he awakened, rose, had his horse saddled and left.

HELEN

Left! What! Without saying anything to me?

LAHENNEE

In fact, Miss, he ordered that you be informed that when midday strikes something will happen -- he will be in the Chateau. I met his confidential servant who is coming to carry out his master's commission to you.

HELEN

Ah! That reassures me a bit. Did you tell them to inform the Baron, as soon as he returns, of the arrival of my brother?

LAHENNEE

I expressly said so, Miss.

HELEN

And the servant told you when he'll return from his trip?

LAHENNEE

He said he would be here on the stroke of noon.

HELEN

Well -- so be it! Some noise?

LAHENNEE

What's that? I didn't hear anything.

HELEN

Oh, I heard something.

(turning to the Chateau)

Could it be my brother? Let's run, Lahennee.

LAHENNEE

Oh! That's not necessary. I've placed buglers on the towers -- and if it was Mr. Gilbert -- you would be hearing some famous fanfares.

HELEN

What is it then?

JARWICK

(enters)

Miss! Miss! A messenger who says he just came from Spain on behalf of Mr. Gilbert.

HELEN

From Spain! On the part of Gilbert! Hasn't Gilbert come from Spain?

LAHENNEE

From Spain. But I think Mr. Gilbert left Spain some time ago.

JARWICK

He said Spain, first, and then other countries -- but I no longer remember the names he mentioned.

HELEN

Oh -- No matter! No matter! Let him come!

LAZARE

(enters at rear followed by some peasants)

Yes, my friends, from Spain, from Egypt, from Greece, from Dalmatia, we made a tour of the world! I've seen the Red Sea, children, I've been in Jerusalem. Are you Catholics in this country?

ALL

Doubtless, certainly. And good Catholics, too.

LAZARE

Well, I have some water from the Jordan in a bottle.

(noticing Helen)

Oh, the beautiful lady!

HELEN

My friend, you are come on the part of Count Gilbert de Tiffauges?

LAZARE

And you are Miss Helen, right?

HELEN

Yes, my friend -- well, where is my brother? What has happened to him?

LAZARE

Miss, the Count would be here with me if, on this side of Clisson, a little accident had not happened.

HELEN

An accident! To my brother?

LAZARE

No, reassure yourself: To his horse.

HELEN

But my brother? He's all right?

LAZARE

Oh, as for him, he's doing fine. Oh, Miss, it's quite simple, or rather it's not simple at all, sure at this time, I still don't understand how it could happen -- they must shoe horses badly in Brittany.

HELEN

But still, my friend, look, what happened?

LAZARE

Miss, as the Count was in a great hurry to see you and as he left Nantes the highways are not very passable, at Nantes we took the post, just like at Beirut, only at Beirut it was on camels.

HELEN

And my brother's horse?

LAZARE

Miss, he hadn't gone a quarter of a league from Clisson when it lost 4 shoes. Can you believe it? Not one, not two, but four! Then as the shoes on my horses had not budged, he said to me 'Run on ahead, and announce my arrival to my sister so she won't be anxious. I will return to Clisson -- and in hurrying my horse so he'll have some exercise, I'll be at Tiffauges as soon as you.

HELEN

So, he's coming?

LAZARE

Oh! My God! Yes! In a half hour -- in a quarter of an hour perhaps.

HELEN

So much the better! But you're hot, my friend?

LAZARE

Oh -- because I rode hard.

HELEN

And now you are pale.

LAZARE

Pale -- you think so?

HELEN

Why yes -- and one might even say you are trembling.

LAZARE

Ah! I am trembling? My word, yes! I hadn't even noticed it --

HELEN

What's causing it?

LAZARE

Oh! I'm going to tell you, Miss, it's that we Spaniards are very nervous and the least emotion gets on my nerves.

HELEN

What emotion?

LAZARE

A disagreeable one, miss.

HELEN

How's that?

LAZARE

Oh, my God, Miss, when you're traveling something always happens. Well, for example, on the way to Constantine, we met a lion -- emotion, you understand. On the banks of the Nile, I was throwing stones at a kind of tree trunk which was lying in the sun, the tree trunk opened large, gaping jaws. It was a crocodile -- emotion! In Caucasia we were stopped by bandits who fired on us -- emotion, always emotion!

HELEN

Oh, My God, something like that has happened to you in our Brittany, my dear friend?

LAZARE

It has! I set my horse at a trot to be here first, according to the Count's order, when arriving a league from the Chateau, maybe less -- I saw that I must absolutely pass by way of a road sunk between two hills covered with thickets and woods. This sunken road was very deep -- so deep, that I said to myself. "This cannot be a road. I'm afraid of getting lost and I'm going to stop." You'd have done as I didn't wouldn't you?

JARWICK

No -- I would have gone on.

LAZARE

Ah! You would have gone on.

JARWICK

Doubtless, since the Master had said to go on ahead.

LAZARE

Yes, I'm going to tell you, and Miss will understand that. Brittany is not a gay country. These black forests, these red heathes, these greenish lakes, these rocky gorges and then the solitude which is astonishing when you're not accustomed to it. I was a bit astonished. And then I am not unlucky, Madam -- I inherited from my master -- from my first, meaning my second. The first was Father Rozo who wouldn't allow you to puff in the eye of his daughter. The second was English -- he's dead and indeed unfortunate for him -- agreed -- but not for me since I found myself his heir -- his natural heir.

HELEN

But, my friend, it seems to me you are mixing up two stories and if this continues you will never finish.

LAZARE

Oh! If it only were two stories, Miss, I'd be out of it easily -- but really it's more than two. Returning to the sunken road. I have this devilish gold -- when I said gold I mean real gold which is in my valise. 'Jingle' 'Jingle' -- As the horse trotted I said to myself "If robbers to were to hear it". Then I noticed the branches of a bush which rustled on the hill to the right -- and in the midst of the leaves, I saw -- I saw a face covered with a mask, a frightful mask. "Go on quickly," shouted the marked man, "or you are dead". Miss no one would say I'm easily frightened. But my horse was -- I had trouble controlling him -- he brought me here, you see much more quickly than at a trot.

HELEN

It's strange what you tell me, my friend. There are no robbers in this country. But an enemy of Gilbert, perhaps? Ah, Lazare -- doesn't this frighten you -- ? This masked man in ambush of the road which my brother must follow. Quick! Quick! My friends, to horse, arm yourselves, accompany me -- let's run to meet him. You will guide us, my friend. You will show us where you saw this masked man.

LAZARE

Miss, I ask nothing better than to accompany you, but would it be possible, just to secure my valise and my luggage -- that is to say of my defunct master, the peer of England.

HELEN

Oh! How can you think of that when my brother is in danger?

(Trumpets from the towers of Tiffauges.)

LAHENNEE

He's here, Miss, he's here!

HELEN

Ah! My God!

(The trumpets redouble.)

LAHENNEE

Do you hear? Do you hear?

GILBERT

(entering at the rear)

Helen, my dear sister.

HELEN

My beloved brother -- Oh, my God, be blessed.

GILBERT

God pardon me, but it seems to me you are weeping, sis.

HELEN

From worry first of all -- and now I weep from joy.

GILBERT

You were worried? Had you heard? Why no, the distance is to great and, you cannot know.

HELEN

We received your messenger.

GILBERT

Lazare, yes -- but he cannot know either.

LAZARE

Sir, you must always expect something in the world.

HELEN

My God -- could you have met this masked man?

GILBERT

How did you know?

HELEN

The same Lazare noticed?

LAZARE

Yes -- my enemy!

GILBERT

Your enemy, my poor Lazare? I think he had it in for me more than you.

HELEN

He attacked you?

GILBERT

You are going to see. About a league from here you know, in a sunken road cut with rocks and scrub.

LAZARE

Huh? What did I tell you?

GILBERT

In spite of my impatience, I was obliged to slow my horse down. Suddenly, I noticed a woman -- one of our Bretons, poor, bent-over, seeming to ask for alms. I went toward her with some coins in my hand. I stopped my horse -- then this woman suddenly dragged me by my cape and pulled me quickly to her -- and I think, God pardon me, that she embraced me.

HELEN

That's strange.

GILBERT

Yes, but this is stranger still -- for at the moment she pulled me down, I suddenly heard a musket shot and a ball whistle past my ear. If this woman hadn't made that motion, I would be dead.

HELEN

My God!

LAZARE

That's what was waiting for me if my horse hadn't dragged me off. And no woman to kiss me, either.

GILBERT

My first action was to get up and rush towards the woods -- but the woman said one sole word, "Flee!" and she struck the croup of my horse with a branch from a bush. My horse bore me off -- crossing rocks, thickets, ditches. A second shot fired, but that one I didn't hear the ball -- it was no longer light. To follow me, lightening was needed to get me.

HELEN

And this woman who saved you? What has become of her?

GILBERT

I don't know. I turned back, but she had disappeared.

HELEN

Oh! We will find her, Gilbert, and for this involuntary benefit we will make her happy and rich until her last day.

GILBERT

Good sister!

HELEN

But I find you pale, fatigued. Have you suffered?

GILBERT

Oh, many things, happened on a year's voyage, dear sister.

HELEN

But nothing you did wrong or which displeased you, right?

GILBERT

No, dear Helen, no!

HELEN

Good! Do you want to go in? Are you hungry? Jarwick is waiting for you?

GILBERT

I'm not hungry, thanks. Let me breathe my native air for a while, look at the country sky. Before these silences the murmuring of the sweet smelling forests and the mild caress of our pale sun -- leave me, dear sister, let me forget and remember.

HELEN

Yes, my brother! Lahennee, my brother will stay here and wants to be alone for a while. This lad you sent me is in your service, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Yes and no. He's attached to me from affection.

LAZARE

Oh, yes -- from pure affection -- you can really say that.

HELEN

In fact, I believe from what he said, he's rich.

GILBERT

A master he had is dead.

HELEN

Yes, and dead through mischance, he told me.

GILBERT

Yes, by accident, dear sister.

HELEN

Oh, my God! How was that?

GILBERT

Dear sister --

LAZARE

He caught his neck in a gate and he died of it -- that's all.

HELEN

What did this man say?

GILBERT

Nothing.

LAZARE

So that his plates, his clothes, his linen and his money, right, sir, became mine by inheritance when he fell three quarters dead in the corner of this fatal gate. "Alas," he said, "I have no time to make a will, but there's my valet, Lazare, a worthy lad, a very honest lad -- the peer of servants and who served me faithfully while he served me. Well, to this faithful servant, I leave all that I possess, regretting that I don't possess more."

(Gilbert looks at Lazare.)

I didn't hear very well what he said but I am sure he must have said something like that when the Count held him in his arms.

HELEN

What! He died in your arms, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Yes, sister, yes -- but enough on this subject, Lazare.

LAZARE

Monsieur, told me that if, at the end of six months, no one claimed it, the inheritance was mine. It was six months last night. Has anyone claimed it, Count?

GILBERT

No! Take it and leave me alone.

LAZARE

Oh, sir, how right I am to love you. Now I am rich, sir -- I cease to be your servant, but I will always be your friend.

HELEN

(to peasants)

Go, children, go.

LAHENNEE

Pardon, Count, but as Miss said, the return of the Count ought to be a day of feast and if now the Count is sad --

GILBERT

No, children, no! I am, on the contrary, happy -- no one could be more happy.

LAHENNEE

Ho, indeed, then everything's going marvelously! Come, my friends, come. I'll lead you off but not for long.

(He leaves with the peasants.)

HELEN

(watching her brother who escorts the peasants out and shakes their hands)

Oh, how happy I am that George's not here now. I much prefer to announce it to Gilbert.

GILBERT

Come sit down, dear little sister -- guardian angel of Tiffauges -- you whose prayers made the meadows flower and pollinate the crops, you who love me.

HELEN

How a sister all alone can love!

GILBERT

Poor Juana! She was my second sister that entire night.

HELEN

What's that, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Ah? I didn't say anything.

HELEN

No, perhaps, but there's a tear in your eye.

GILBERT

Don't you know Helen, that people cry from joy as well as sadness -- No, don't make a mistake sister. I am the most happy of men -- don't I love everything which makes up joy? Aren't you happy yourself -- and the reflection of your happiness doesn't it shine profoundly in my heart?

HELEN

My happiness yes -- you speak the truth Gilbert -- even before your arrival, I was happy. God led you to me and my joy is now immense -- infinite like His bounty.

GILBERT

Yes, I understand -- you've decided to make this friend of our childhood, this dear Philip -- that my sweetest hopes have always destined you for.

HELEN

Brother!

GILBERT

In fact, it seems to me that this feast of which all these good people are speaking, has an odor of wedding about it.

HELEN

You are not deceived -- only --

GILBERT

Only Philip is absent on a trip. Is he going to return? You are expecting him?

HELEN

Brother, I'm not expecting Philip -- Philip isn't in Brittany.

GILBERT

And where is he then?

HELEN

I don't know.

GILBERT

Why did he leave?

HELEN

Because about three months ago, I confessed to him, as a loyal Breton, that I don't love him.

GILBERT

You don't love Philip?

HELEN

No, my brother. I mistook the feeling I called love -- it was friendship -- nothing more.

GILBERT

Well?

HELEN

Well, Philip shook my hand, bowed and passing before me, left. We have not heard anyone speak of him since that day.

GILBERT

Oh, my God! But it's you who are mistaken, perhaps? Why don't you love Philip, the most charming, the best of men -- ? Dear sister, you don't know what love is and in your ignorance you call it friendship.

HELEN

No, brother, no! Today I know the difference between friendship and love --

GILBERT

You?

HELEN

Yes -- someone made me understand by telling me that he loved me.

GILBERT

Oh, sister -- are you really sure?

HELEN

Don't irritate me, Gilbert. Oh, I really struggled, go! I even tried to withdraw from this all powerful influence which for five months has dominated and absorbed me entirely. Oh, if you knew the efforts I made to love Philip! But my heart no longer belongs to me, my will is another's, my words change their meaning in crossing my lips -- even my thoughts betray. I invoke to myself the image of Philip and another image appears -- triumphant and exclusive -- what can I say to you, Gilbert? My days and my nights are passed and consumed in a singular contemplation -- everything around me has disappeared, smashed, melted, effaced, by this devouring passion! Now, listen and judge -- ! I who cried so much over your absence -- I never cried any more in thinking of you -- I, who had spent so many days watching the road from Nantes by which you would return -- I spend my life watching turrets of the chateau where Georges lives. That's when I wrote you to return right away, without losing a minute, for I no longer understand myself -- I feel myself becoming mad -- without the power to hold myself back from the slope of dizzy madness. I wrote to you to return. I set a time for you, tomorrow! For, if you hadn't returned before tomorrow you would find me married, married, my dear brother without having had your hand to escort me to the altar -- and now, look, brother, see if ever I was able to love Philip so -- ! Tell me, if this is indeed what they call love!

GILBERT

You overwhelm me! And you are loved, at least.

HELEN

I think so!

GILBERT

And he who loves you?

HELEN

Oh -- don't worry about anything Gilbert -- worthy of me, worthy of us! He's a fine gentleman, rich and honored.

GILBERT

From this country?

HELEN

No, but for five months, he's been established here.

GILBERT

His name?

HELEN

The Baron George Marsden -- I believe he's of Scotch descent.

GILBERT

Young?

HELEN

It's difficult for me to tell his age. I think he's 30 or 35.

GILBERT

And of his person -- how is he?

HELEN

Oh -- you understand I find him handsome.

GILBERT

Baron Marsden.

HELEN

Oh, don't be biased against him -- I know you've got it in for him, down deep for having driven your childhood friend, poor Philip, out of my heart. Alas, it's not his fault nor mine. You won't reject this sweet belief in the sympathy and meeting of souls? Be generous then Gilbert, and don't look with rage at the one you should call your brother. And if you find his face a little pale, and somber, pity him, for he's sad he says and he only suffers from an excess of love for me.

GILBERT

And does Helen promise to love in her turn the one she must call her sister.

HELEN

What do you mean, brother?

GILBERT

Listen! I pardon you much more easily since I myself have need of pardon -- I've committed the same crime as you?

HELEN

You love?

GILBERT

Yes.

HELEN

Ah -- what's she like? Tell me, young -blonde, brunette, charming?

GILBERT

Seventeen, blonde, charming, yes.

HELEN

And the name?

GILBERT

Antonia.

HELEN

Is she Italian, Spanish?

GILBERT

Dalmatian. I was traveling the road from Almira to Spalatro when we were attacked by bandits. Wounded while I defended myself from them, I was taken to a neighboring villa. That's where Antonia and her mother lived. Antonia, more beautiful than you can imagine, under her mourning.

HELEN

Mourning?

GILBERT

Yes, for she had just lost her father. If not, you should have seen me with her. Dear Helen, you'd have seen me married. I would have waited until the end of her mourning with her, that is to say in a paradise that lacked only you, Helen, when I got your letter that told me to return without losing a minute.

HELEN

You returned!

GILBERT

See, if I love you! For you I left Antonia, but I promised to return. In six months her mourning will be over and Antonia can become my wife!

HELEN

Well -- we shall all go to Spalatro, I will replace Antonia's black veils with a white wedding dress. Oh, he's a great traveller, Baron Marsden! Like you, he's been to Spain, Egypt, Syria. I think, dear Gilbert, that it was one of his seductions to be able to speak to me of places where you were.

GILBERT

And when can I see him, this so-well cherished, Baron Marsden?

HELEN

At noon. Why, would you like me to send for him?

GILBERT

Oh, noon will be soon here. You know, I have no need of a watch here -- I know where the sun marks the time, at each step it takes. You see, at the moment, it is lighting the roof of the chapel. When it has reached the extremity of the bell turret it will be noon. And then look at our peasants, lads and lasses -- who come in great pomp with fiddlers in the lead. Wait here, Helen, and be satisfied with yourself, for having alone and by your side, a brother who left everything to return to you.

HELEN

Oh, conceited brother!

LAZARE

(entering) (peasants enter, too)

Mr. Gilbert.

GILBERT

Ah -- it's you, Lazare.

LAZARE

Count, tell me, I bet you, while these peasants are going to dance, can't you lend me some penman who can write me an inventory of all my inheritance and draw up a contract for an acquisition I want to make?

GILBERT

An acquisition.

LAZARE

Yes --

GILBERT

In Brittany?

HELEN

Decidedly the country please me. I am disgusted with Spain -- you know why, don't you? Here the women are pretty, the houses have doors and windows. I want to buy myself a house and a woman.

GILBERT

That's fine. Go find my intendant Lahennee -- he will do what you ask -- but if you wish, please me, Lazare don't speak to me of Spain or your inheritance.

LAZARE

Ah, yes, I understand. Wait it's that little house down there in the sun -- and that big girl who's in the shadows.

A SERVANT

(announcing)

Baron Marsden.

HELEN

Here he is! Be good to him, Gilbert!

GILBERT

Oh, don't worry, sis.

(Gilbert and Ruthwen go towards each other -- the peasants who are preventing them from seeing each other stand aside suddenly and they find themselves face-to-face.)

GILBERT

My God!

HELEN

What's the matter?

GILBERT

(aside)

It's him!

RUTHWEN

Good day, Count.

HELEN

Gilbert!

GILBERT

You are Baron Marsden?

RUTHWEN

And your most devoted servant, Count.

HELEN

What's wrong with Gilbert, George?

RUTHWEN

The memory of an adventure that passed between us, perhaps.

HELEN

You know my brother, then?

RUTHWEN

Yes.

HELEN

You knew Baron Marsden, brother?

GILBERT

Helen, Helen, get every one away from here and allow me to speak briefly with this gentleman.

HELEN

You know what you promised me, Gilbert.

GILBERT

Yes, don't worry!

(Everyone moves away from Gilbert and Ruthwen, who stand alone in the foreground.)

GILBERT

You will excuse me, Milord, for you understand my astonishment, don't you?

RUTHWEN

Yes, surely -- I am the last person you expected to see again.

GILBERT

Living! Living!

RUTHWEN

Doubtless! Do you regret it, Count?

GILBERT

You that I saw fall covered with blood -- you that I held dying in my arms -- you that I left dead on the rocks -- ! Impossible! Impossible!

RUTHWEN

What's that? Is it the first time a wound was taken for mortal that later proved not to be? And haven't you ever seen a faint simulate death? Well, I was wounded, I fainted, the fresh morning air revived me from my lethargy -- I rose, I called -- no one! At the first houses where I knocked to ask for help they told me you had left precipitously in great haste. Where to find you? To go by luck is dicey, the world is large! I commenced to get well, and as I was sure of finding you at home in Brittany, when you returned as I had to thank you for having followed my instructions, and consequently, for having saved my life -- for, without you they would brutally have buried me in the earth and as my good genius doubtless pointed the way here also, I came to Tiffauges. I bought some land in the neighborhood, and I waited. In the mean time, joy, I am much too thankful to providence to say "Chance" -- in the mean time, I say, happiness made me meet your sister -- I loved her and I succeeded in inspiring some esteem in her -- I came to say to you today: Count Gilbert are you annoyed that I live? My brother, do you refuse to extend your hand to me fraternally?

GILBERT

Milord, you were called Lord Ruthwen when I knew you in Tormenar -- why have you changed your name?

RUTHWEN

It's the name of the younger men in our family -- my older brother Lord Marsden died, and left me the heritage of his name and fortune.

GILBERT

You are right:: nothing more natural. Excuse me, Milord, I feel that all my questions are fatiguing for you -- but --

RUTHWEN

Oh -- finish -- get it over!

GILBERT

Why did you hide from Helen the fact we knew each other?

RUTHWEN

First of all, Count, our acquaintance was short, then as brief as it had been you had committed some wrongs toward me -- that of killing me, for example. I wasn't sure what you wished to tell and what you wished to keep to yourself in all this story -- and in doubt, I followed the precept of the wise and I abstained.

GILBERT

Strange! Strange!

HELEN

(coming forward)

Well, brother?

RUTHWEN

Well, Miss, the Count who first recognized me only a little, has finally recognized me, and he permits me to avail myself of the title of his friend.

GILBERT

Ah.

HELEN

Are you sick? Are you tired, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Yes.

HELEN

(to a servant)

The Count's chamber.

SERVANT

It's ready, Miss.

GILBERT

Oh! I'm choking!

MOORISH LADY

(in peasant costume, low to Gilbert)

Sleep tonight in the chamber of the tapestry.

GILBERT

(aside)

The beggar woman to whom I owe my life.

MOORISH LADY

Hush!

(She disappears.)

RUTHWEN

(aside)

A woman spoke to him.

HELEN

Are you coming brother? Au revoir, George!

RUTHWEN

Get a good sleep, Count.

GILBERT

(aside)

In the chamber of the tapestry -- Fine! I'll spend the night there.

(Exit Helen and Gilbert)

RUTHWEN

(watching the Moorish woman disappear)

Disappeared!

LAZARE

(enters) (to himself)

This is fine, this is my account. A work box all in vermillion and gold -- worth nearly 3,000 francs: 3000 pounds in money and jewels, and 30,000 pounds in money and bills on the Bank of England -- in all 36 or 37,000 pounds. Nice little sum, my word! Word of honor! I would give ten hours to see the deceased face-to-face and say to him 'I thank you, shade of lord Ruthwen.'

RUTHWEN

(turning)

Huh?

LAZARE

Ah!

RUTHWEN

Ah! Is it you, Lazare? Tonight we are sleeping in the Castle Tiffauges, my friend. Carry my box and my trunks to my room.

LAZARE

Oof!

RUTHWEN

And give me my purse, so that, tomorrow, I can pay your comrades for my welcome at Castle Tiffauges.

LAZARE

Mercy.

RUTHWEN

(aside)

I intend to know who this woman is and what she said.

LAZARE

I am ruined.

(Blackout)

Scene V

At the Castle Tiffauges, a huge room hung with a life-size tapestry of the Fairy Melusina with a bagpipe player, a huntsman, a bird on his fist, sylphs, ondines, in pleasant scenery. In the midst of one of the panels at the rear a large frame on which is painted one of the old Barons of Tiffauges leaning on two chevaliers.

(Gilbert is asleep in an armchair. The Fairy Melusina detaches from the tapestry and slowly approaches Gilbert.)

MELUSINA

He's sleeping, and like him, half the earth which lives by day and sleeps by night shuts its tired eyes while the other half wakes noiselessly.

Two powerful kings rule the world, one named day, the other darkness. Fertile darkness is the mother of dreams. Sterile day is the king of reality.

(Turns to the tapestry and addresses the persons represented.)

MELUSINA

When day is dethroned, we reign. The world of the night, my brothers, is ours. The mortals sleep. Awake, brothers, awake.
Awake shepherd, day has heard the sound of joy from your pipes. But at night, your rustic quadrille dances with silent feet.
Awake huntsman, who on your gloved hand bear the white falcon, proud child of the north.
Sylphs imprisoned in embalmed roses, ondines enveloped in the vapors of water.
Salamanders, revolving in clouds of smoke, mysterious bats sliding over reeds.
From the tapestry hasten to descend. The heather shivers and the reeds moan.
To your games, my friends, Earth, fire and water await. Go -- go -- !

(The figures escape from the tapestry and disappear. Melusina approaches Gilbert.)

MELUSINA

Gilbert, do you remember that happy time when Melusina rocked your cradle and sang to you? That song is always the same, you know it, Gilbert, but you've forgotten it. How long it's been. In this very room. How time flies way. But don't be afraid my son, I watch over you -- but you must listen.

(Melusina goes to the portraits of the Barons of Tiffauges.)

MELUSINA

Now, high Barons of this castle.

Ancestors of Gilbert, We are alone. I call you. The terrible secrets of this world whose knowledge is forbidden to men maybe discussed among ourselves. Come -- let this child, the hope of your race, learn the danger that faces him and his sister -- as in a dream.

(The scene comes to life. The Old Baron comes forward with the two Chevaliers.)

OLD MAN

We are here! We are here!

MELUSINA

Tell of this man, this Lord, with a somber face -- this cursed man who plots -- who kills -- this immortal assassin!

(Gilbert turns in his sleep feverishly.)

MELUSINA

No virgin escapes him. The hideous oppressor.

GILBERT

Sister! Helen -- my sister!

MELUSINA

His victim Juana had hardly expired -- when her ghostly ravisher had risen from the dead, returned to the hunt.

GILBERT

(moaning)

Helen! Helen!

MELUSINA

Yesterday he wanted to kill our son -- the bloody fiance wanted to deprive Helen of her protector.

GILBERT

Sister -- Helen.

MELUSINA

Let us pray for Gilbert. Ruthwen is a demon. Ruthwen is a vampire. His love is death.

Now high Barons of the castle, ancestors of Gilbert, you've heard me -- my task is over.

And now return to our accustomed place. You know when day comes -- we no longer frolic. And all will be motionless, silent.

(Curtain)

[Translator's note: This dream sequence is considerably condensed.]

Act IV

Scene VI

A terrace on the Chateau Tiffauges. Night.

LAZARE

(alone)

Huh? What? No one! What an idea he had to give me a rendezvous at three in the morning! A master who doesn't sleep -- who doesn't eat, who doesn't laugh and when he seems dead, returns and who is not ashamed to make a poor devil of servant give back all his inheritance for it would be useless for Mr. Gilbert to say that he made a will in my favor when he was whispering to him in the ruins Tormenar -- and now that he has returned what am I busy with, I ask you? Instead of saying to me, 'Lazare, my good Lazare, my dear Lazare, I see that the joy you have in seeing me again breaks your arms and legs, go to bed my good friend -- repose -- sleep!" No, he makes me run from house to house after an old woman whose name he won't tell me, whose address he wont' give me, whose description he cannot give me -- Oh, Spain, Oh, Master Rozo, Oh, Petra, when I think that I am reduced to missing all that, even the ruins of Tormenar --

(Ruthwen enters. Lazare shivers.)

Milord?

RUTHWEN

Eh-- do I frighten you?

LAZARE

Oh -- for goodness sakes! On the contrary, Milord!

RUTHWEN

I saw you shivering.

LAZARE

It's because I didn't expect you, Excellency.

RUTHWEN

Fine! I gave you a rendezvous here.

LAZARE

True, I must say it's true. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't given me a rendezvous.

RUTHWEN

Well, did you find the woman I indicated to you?

LAZARE

I visited one after another, all the houses in Tiffauges -- there are 80. In those 80 houses, there are 97 women, of which 39 are old. I talked to the 39 except for five, of which three were idiots and two are paralytics. Not one spoke yesterday to Count Gilbert.

RUTHWEN

My dear, Lazare, you are a lad full of intelligence.

LAZARE

Am I, Milord?

RUTHWEN

And who serves me faithfully.

LAZARE

Oh, as to that, yes.

RUTHWEN

Which is even more fine on your part, since I think that my return upset you at first.

LAZARE

Oh! Milord thinks that --

RUTHWEN

Damn, it's quite simple -- you thought I was dead, my poor Lazare, and in that belief, you became my universal heir.

LAZARE

Milord, it's that --

RUTHWEN

You did the right thing.

LAZARE

Ah, Milord, confess that when whispering to Mr. Gilbert?

RUTHWEN

Yes, my friend, it was to leave you my fortune.

LAZARE

I was sure of it.

RUTHWEN

Also, my dear Lazare, I intend that my return rather than injure your interests, be profitable to you.

LAZARE

Really?

RUTHWEN

Good servants are rare and one doesn't know how to do too much for them. You are a good servant, Lazare, and I intend to enrich you in my service.

LAZARE

Oh! Yes, that's a fine idea you've got there.

RUTHWEN

You find it so?

LAZARE

I find it so, yes, sir - and I will add -- the sooner the better.

RUTHWEN

Well, to that end, we are going to make a bargain, Lazare.

LAZARE

Willingly, sir, if it's good for me.

RUTHWEN

Excellent!

LAZARE

Let's see the bargain.

RUTHWEN

Each time that I put a question to you before someone and that you affirm, each time I question your memory and you are of my opinion, if it's a frivolous matter I will give you a guinea -- if it's an important matter, I will give you ten.

LAZARE

Oh, sir, you are always right and as you are a serious man, it will always be for grave motives.

RUTHWEN

So, you accept?

LAZARE

At once, sir!

RUTHWEN

Then you are of my opinion about it?

LAZARE

Yes, completely!

RUTHWEN

Well, I shall begin to put it in action, here's a guinea.

LAZARE

I think that Milord doesn't attach as much importance to our bargain as it deserves.

RUTHWEN

You are right -- and here's ten guineas.

LAZARE

(pocketing the money)

Thanks, sir.

RUTHWEN

So then - it's a treaty concluded.

LAZARE

Treaty concluded.

RUTHWEN

But also every time you are not of my opinion --

LAZARE

But since, I always will be --

RUTHWEN

Lazare, there's such as thing as conscience.

LAZARE

You think so?

RUTHWEN

Each time you are not of my opinion -- depending on the importance of the discussion -- you will give me one or 10 guineas.

LAZARE

Why, say -- sir --

RUTHWEN

You hesitate?

LAZARE

But, but, but --

RUTHWEN

Fine! You don't share my opinion, you are free, but --

(extending his hand)

You know --

LAZARE

Sir, what do you mean? I don't share your opinion? On the contrary, I am completely of your opinion -- twice as much as you are.

RUTHWEN

Then it's agreed?

LAZARE

Heavens!

RUTHWEN

Countess Helen! Leave me.

LAZARE

Instantly, Sir, instantly.

(aside)

Decidedly, I was prejudiced against Milord -- he must be good.

(He leaves.)

RUTHWEN

If this woman who spoke to Gilbert was a human being, a natural creature, I should have found her since last night.

(Helen enters)

You Helen, what unhoped for happiness.

HELEN

How long have you been here George?

RUTHWEN

Why perhaps a quarter of an hour.

HELEN

Well -- it's a strange thing -- hardly did you get here when, in the midst of my sleep, I desired your presence -- and woke up. I am tempted to think sometimes that you have something superhuman about you and that the love you've inspired in me is something magical and marvelous.

RUTHWEN

Then what shall I say, my beautiful Helen, since I awake every day at dawn, not, alas, to your approach, but to your memory.

HELEN

So that last night -- ?

RUTHWEN

Oh! Last night -- I did better than wake up -- I never slept.

HELEN

And why's that?

RUTHWEN

Do I know myself? Agitated, feverish. I haven't the courage to return home.

HELEN

How's that?

RUTHWEN

No, I spent the night in the park -- the breeze refreshed me -- I heard it come by and flee through the trees, I hurled your name at it -- and it seemed to me -- that in parting from me it repeated. Helen! Helen! Oh! Swear to me nothing can ever separate us any more.

HELEN

And what do you think can separate us?

RUTHWEN

How do I know? -- you know, Helen, the closer happiness approaches the more one doubts. Fantastic and capricious demon - - when you extend your hand to seize it, it escapes us. Helen -- comfort me -- I doubt -- Helen -- reassure me, I'm afraid.

HELEN

My brother, right? Gilbert?

RUTHWEN

Tell me again, that my fears have no foundation -- did you see the way he greeted me?

HELEN

Oh! George you mustn't be angry with him -- although he's always left me the freedom of my heart Philip was his childhood companion and he loved him tenderly. It was Philip that he wanted to put joy in my life. Give him time to know you -- George, and he will love you as he loved Philip.

RUTHWEN

(smiling)

I doubt it.

HELEN

Why doesn't he like you? Look -- didn't you have a frank explanation with him?

RUTHWEN

Oh, on the contrary, very frank.

HELEN

Well?

RUTHWEN

Love or hate doesn't always depend on us.

HELEN

Gilbert is tender and generous, it's not difficult to inspire his affection.

RUTHWEN

Yes, his character easily receives influences, vivid impressions. Wait, yesterday -- didn't you notice something? After the first astonishment caused by my presence -- he returned to me, we shook hands, well, suddenly, his tone, his language changed -- he separated from me -- he kept me at a distance, with such coldness that I didn't know what more to say to him. Someone said a word to him, one word and that word sufficed.

HELEN

What?

RUTHWEN

You didn't notice that woman?

HELEN

A woman

RUTHWEN

Yes, who seemed aged -- and wore the costume of one of your Bretons.

HELEN

No, I didn't remember -- but wait, she was the woman who saved his life before, doubtless?

RUTHWEN

Who saved his life?

HELEN

Yes, yesterday.

RUTHWEN

Yesterday?

HELEN

Oh -- right, you didn't know -- Gilbert was almost assassinated yesterday -- a man ambushed him on a sunken road and fired two rifle shots at him and but, for this woman, who grabbed him by his cloak to kiss him, he was a dead man! This woman -- he saw her here again yesterday -- and she's the one you saw. Well, George what bad influence can come from her? What advice can this old Breton woman have given Gilbert against you? You don't reply? Why that doubting smile on your lips?

RUTHWEN

They wanted to assassinate your brother, Helen?

HELEN

It's strange isn't it?

RUTHWEN

Yes, truly, so strange that --

GILBERT

You doubt it?

RUTHWEN

Wait, Helen -- don't ask me -- that would be better.

HELEN

Why no, on the contrary, speak.

RUTHWEN

In that case, dear and beautiful Helen, let's reason -- look, tell me, who in this country could have an interest in the death of your brother?

HELEN

No one.

RUTHWEN

Do you know of any enemy he has?

HELEN

None!

RUTHWEN

Well, then, if no one has any interest in his death -- if you know of no enemy -- do you seriously believe in this attempted assassination?

HELEN

Gilbert said so.

RUTHWEN

Oh!

HELEN

And then Lazare noticed the assassin.

RUTHWEN

Lazare?

HELEN

Yes -- a masked man armed with a rifle.

RUTHWEN

Oh! First of all, dear Helen, never cite Lazare to me as an authority. Lazare is a poltroon, afraid of his own shadow -- moreover he's Spanish in other words superstitious and fanciful.

HELEN

What! George you think my brother would have made this up -- ?

RUTHWEN

Made it up -- not at all. He's of good faith -- and doubtless he believes he saw it.

HELEN

What do you mean, he believes?

RUTHWEN

Dear Countess, have you carefully observed your brother since his arrival?

HELEN

Doubtless.

RUTHWEN

Have you listened with attention to all his words?

HELEN

Certainly!

RUTHWEN

Have you compared him to what he was in the past?

HELEN

Why do that?

RUTHWEN

Ah -- because it seems to me you should have noticed.

HELEN

What?

RUTHWEN

That you ought to have remarked --

HELEN

Get to the point!

RUTHWEN

Something unusual about him.

HELEN

Oh, my God!

RUTHWEN

Oh -- don't get so uneasy -- doubtless, since you, his sister, you who love him, you that he adores -- since you notice nothing, his illness is not as great as I was told. So much that I, aside from this story of assassination -- I found his conduct not only quite natural but even reasonable -- so he must be better -- much better.

HELEN

Better! Why, what do you mean?

RUTHWEN

I mean, dear Helen -- pardon me for being the messenger of such bad news. I mean your brother was mad!

HELEN

Mad! Gilbert!

RUTHWEN

Yes, but he's been cured. You see, as you didn't notice it -- although I am obliged to tell you.

HELEN

Oh! George -- to what cause do you attribute this madness?

RUTHWEN

A terrible accident.

HELEN

What?

RUTHWEN

Gilbert thought he killed one of his friends.

HELEN

Oh -- my God -- how can that be? A duel?

RUTHWEN

No -- by mistake, without intending to.

HELEN

Tell me then, George. But no, you are mistaken. It's impossible.

RUTHWEN

This friend -- it was me, Helen.

HELEN

Oh, what are you telling me!

RUTHWEN

The truth -- pure and simple. We were in Spain in an old deserted castle where the storm had driven us, him, me, some travellers to find a shelter. We were sleeping when the shouts of a young Spanish woman named Juana woke us. Some bandits had got into the castle. I wanted to help the young woman. Count Gilbert drew his sword in the shadows and ran me through the breast. I fainted. Since that time, your brother has been pursued by the idea that he assassinated a man and his mind is affected. Since that night, the world is full of ghosts, spectres, supernatural beings -- that's what caused me yesterday to fear seeing your brother. That's what made me so wretched in his presence, that's what made him so embarrassed around me.

HELEN

Oh -- my beloved brother.

RUTHWEN

Do you understand, now, Helen, this sick spirit? Your marriage with me can displease him -- and then I am lost.

HELEN

What do you mean, lost?

RUTHWEN

Doubtless, if he's going to oppose our union -- dear Helen -- will you have the courage to resist your brother?

HELEN

You know how faithfully I love, George, and that my word is sacred. Here's my hand! Well, this promise is not enough for you?

RUTHWEN

Helen, you know everything was agreed for today -- it seems to me that any delay will be deadly to my happiness.

HELEN

And why should we change something which has been decided, George?

RUTHWEN

Your brother can demand a delay.

HELEN

Why suppose that?

RUTHWEN

My God -- who can answer for a sick man?

HELEN

Listen, George -- I want to reassure you right away -- you yourself chose the hour of the day you will become my spouse

RUTHWEN

Oh, instantly, instantly, I will run to the chaplain's home -- thanks, thanks, dear Helen. See you again in a few minutes!

(aside)

Oh, let him come, let him speak now, no matter. Helen will never believe him.

(He leaves.)

HELEN

(alone)

Oh, my God, what he's said to me and what terrible secret has been revealed to me! Gilbert! Poor Gilbert! Really, yesterday, on his arrival, he was sad, pale, almost distracted and seeing George, he seemed struck down. Oh, Gilbert, be tranquil. I will be so good, so patient, so attentive that, even as George's breast cured its wound, your poor troubled spirit will cure its. But what's wrong? They are running! Lahennee, my God what is it now?

LAHENNEE

Miss! Miss! Ah! You are there.

HELEN

What do you want?

LAHENNEE

My God, what has happened to the Count?

HELEN

What's this?

LAHENNEE

Yesterday evening he ordered me to wake him in the morning, consequently 10 minute ago I went into his room.

HELEN

Well?

LAHENNEE

He hasn't slept -- his bed is not disturbed.

HELEN

My God!

LAHENNEE

I soon came away, calling him, asking everyone for him, when suddenly, I saw him leave the tapestry room -- pale, eyes haggard -- calling you -- and hold, hold, there he is.

HELEN

Gilbert! It's true, Gilbert! My Gilbert!

GILBERT

(entering wildly)

Helen! Helen! Ah -- there you are! God be praised! Leave us, Lahennee.

(He falls into a chair. Lahennee leaves.)

GILBERT

Baron George, Lord Marsden, where is he?

HELEN

You want to speak to him?

GILBERT

Yes, instantly, it's necessary I see him.

HELEN

It's necessary?

GILBERT

Yes!

HELEN

He was here just a moment ago.

GILBERT

Oh -- the wretch!

HELEN

Gilbert!

GILBERT

Where is that man?

HELEN

He must be in the chapel.

GILBERT

In the chapel? You are mistaken, it is impossible that the man would dare pray to God.

HELEN

He went to the chapel, not to pray to God, my friend, but to alert the Chaplain.

GILBERT

As to what?

HELEN

Why of our marriage, which, you know, must take place today, Gilbert.

GILBERT

Your marriage? You an angel -- you would marry this accursed! Never! Never!

HELEN

Oh, Gilbert, my beloved, Gilbert, What are you saying and of whom are you speaking?

GILBERT

I speak of Marsden, I speak of your fiance. I tell you I must see him instantly without delay.

RUTHWEN

(entering)

What do you want with him, Count? Here he is!

GILBERT

Ah, it's him finally. Leave us, sister.

HELEN

Gilbert! George!

RUTHWEN

Stay, miss!

GILBERT

Oh! You want -- before her?

RUTHWEN

I have nothing to hide, my dear Gilbert, from the one who today shall be my wife.

GILBERT

Your wife? Oh! I really hope my sister's hand will never join with yours.

RUTHWEN

Moderate yourself, count!

HELEN

Calm down a little, brother.

GILBERT

Be calm, be moderate -- so be it, but let him instantly get out of here never to reappear.

HELEN

My God!

RUTHWEN

Gilbert, my friend!

GILBERT

Oh, thank heaven, I am not your friend. Thanks to heaven I don't know you, Sir.

HELEN

But why do you want the Count to go away, Brother?

GILBERT

He doesn't ask me why -- Go!

RUTHWEN

On the contrary, I was going to put that question, Gilbert.

GILBERT

You are right, for it's necessary for my sister to know the man to whom she's become so imprudently engaged.

RUTHWEN

Oh! Oh!

HELEN

My God -- what's going to happen?

GILBERT

Assassin of Juana, who do you want to kill here?

RUTHWEN

Assassin? Me? You know, Count, someone else deserves that name more than I.

HELEN

Brother!

RUTHWEN

Which of us fell expiring at the foot of the other? Speak, Count! Oh, you know I am not angry with you about it. You know I've pardoned you for it.

GILBERT

Yes, Yes, I know that, but what I don't know, or rather what I don't understand is how you can be living after my sword pierced your heart -- how you can be walking about when I myself lay you on the ground, motionless, ice cold, dead!

HELEN

Oh!

RUTHWEN

It seems to me you had your explanation for that yesterday.

GILBERT

Did you also explain why a man was waiting for me in the thickets of Clisson and fired two musket shots at me without hitting me? Did you say who that man was?

RUTHWEN

Count, that resembles an accusation.

GILBERT

It is one. That man was you.

RUTHWEN

Me?

GILBERT

Assassin of Juana, why didn't you become the assassin if Gilbert?

RUTHWEN

Me? And what interest would I have in killing you, dear Gilbert -- speak --

HELEN

Really, brother --

GILBERT

What interest? That of separating brother from sister, when this brother arrived to defend his sister, when this brother was going to tear his sister from your hands. Don't you need two virgins every year for your baneful life and your bloody amours?

RUTHWEN

(aside)

He knows everything.

GILBERT

You don't reply, Milord.

RUTHWEN

What do you want me to say? You see him, dear Helen. Well -- what did I tell you?

HELEN

Alas! Alas! Poor Gilbert!

GILBERT

What! Helen, you hesitate despite what I just told you? You don't shun this man with horror? Oh, take care -- for rather than let you be his prey, you see, even here, in front of you -- I will kill him with my own hands.

HELEN

Brother! Brother!

GILBERT

Defend yourself, wretch -- defend yourself for when all is said and done, I don't assassinate! I am not a Lord Ruthwen.

RUTHWEN

Count -- people are coming -- they are going to hear you.

GILBERT

Oh -- let them come! Let them come! What I want is for everyone to know you -- what I want is for them to hear me -- Hola -- everybody -- everybody.

HELEN

Yes, yes, come -- Help! Help!

RUTHWEN

(aside)

Bad luck, Bad luck.

GILBERT

(running to Lazare, who, along with some peasants and servants, enters)

Ah, come here, you! Do you recognize this man?

LAZARE

Why, yes, Count, very well, very well!

GILBERT

Who is he?

LAZARE

He's my honored master.

GILBERT

Yes, but I am asking you something else. I am asking you if I didn't draw my sword against him in the ruins of Tormenar -- pierce him to the heart. He died in my arms -- the same person who had just killed the young Spanish girl, who had just killed Juana?

LAZARE

(looking at Ruthwen)

Huh?

RUTHWEN

Listen, carefully Lazare and reply to the Count. He asks you if you saw me kill Juana. Did you see me kill Juana?

LAZARE

Oh, as to that, Count, no. Señora Juana was killed but I don't know by whom.

GILBERT

(to Ruthwen)

Oh, I say that it was by you, assassin.

RUTHWEN

The Count says that it was by me. I -- I say, it was by some bandits, your opinion, Lazare?

LAZARE

My opinion's the same as yours, sir.

GILBERT

Yes, I know very well no one was there and consequently no one, except me can affirm it. But what you saw Lazare -- was this man wounded, bloody -- dead in my arms.

LAZARE

Oh -- as to that, the fact is that I saw Milord very low, very low, very low.

RUTHWEN

Doubtless he saw me faint.

GILBERT

Oh dead -- quite dead I tell you.

RUTHWEN

Take care what you say, Count, for if this man had seen me dead in Tormenar -- he wouldn't be seeing me living at Tiffauges -- at least now unless I am a ghost. Touch me my friends and you will see.

GILBERT

(to Lazare)

Look here, wretch! Didn't you tell me yourself you had seen a man waiting for me hidden in the thickets of Clisson.

LAZARE

Ah, that yes, that's true. I saw him as I see you, Count.

RUTHWEN

But was I this man, Lazare?

LAZARE

Damn, I don't know, he had a mask on his face.

GILBERT

Yes, a mask, it's true for you were afraid someone would recognize you. And see, my friends, it was a good precaution.

RUTHWEN

Well, I say you were in such fear that you saw neither man nor mask -- I say you only thought you saw it -- that's my opinion -- take care, Lazare -- for what you say in reply is very important.

LAZARE

Damn -- after all -- I could be mistaken. Perhaps I made a mistake, perhaps I didn't see anyone.

GILBERT

Oh!

HELEN

George, George -- excuse him.

RUTHWEN

You see.

GILBERT

What! You doubt what I say? Between the word of this man and mine, you hesitate? My friends, my friends, I affirm to you on my soul that what I've told you is true -- that all was revealed to me last night. I tell you a thing unheard of, incredible, terrible -- it's that this man is a demon! That this man is a vampire! That his love is death.

ALL

Ah!

HELEN

But who told you that, brother? Who told you that?

GILBERT

Melusina, the fairy of the tapestry.

HELEN

My God!

GILBERT

My ancestors who were talking with her.

HELEN

My God! My God! Have pity, my poor brother is mad.

GILBERT

Me, mad?

HELEN

Oh, a doctor, a doctor for my poor Gilbert!

RUTHWEN

(to spectators)

You hear him, you see him, my friends. This is what we were trying to hide from. This is what the Count is forcing us to reveal to you despite ourselves.

GILBERT

Me crazy! They think I'm crazy. I will become so perhaps. So be it! But first!

(He rushes on Ruthwen.)

HELEN

Help me, my friends.

(The peasants and servants run and seize Gilbert.)

RUTHWEN

My friends, in my name, in the name of Countess Helen, in the name at once of a brother and sister, take care of your master. Take him away and take care that he not attempt suicide.

GILBERT

Assassin! Assassin!

RUTHWEN

If his reason is lost, let's at least save his life.

GILBERT

Helen! Helen!

HELEN

Yes, yes, my brother -- don't worry, I won't leave you.

RUTHWEN

That's right, Countess -- accompany him -- don't leave him. The care of a sister will do more for him than that of a the best doctor. Oh, Gilbert! Gilbert. I pity you sincerely, and I forgive you.

(to Lazare, giving him a purse)

Here, for you.

LAZARE

Ah, say sir, it seems to me that I've been of your opinion three our four times and that in this purse at least.

RUTHWEN

Go -- we'll settle up later.

(They had all left except Ruthwen.)

RUTHWEN

Oh -- this time Helen is really mine -- and nothing will tear her from me -- when even her brother has not been able to succeed. And now you, infernal spirit who denounced me to Gilbert, you who I recognized despite your disguise and your trick -- in the name of the Master who commands us here and who has given equality to us and power over mankind -- spirit, my rival appear -- I order you, appear even if you are at the extremities of the world -- appear!

GHOUL

(Moorish Woman)

Here I am -- what do you want of me?

RUTHWEN

We are forbidden to betray each other to humans and you have betrayed me.

GHOUL

No.

RUTHWEN

You lie! Yesterday night, I saw you disguised as a Breton woman speaking to Gilbert.

GHOUL

Well?

RUTHWEN

The morning on the route to Clisson, you warned him and you warded off my shots.

GHOUL

And so! To ward off the shots you fired -- that's my right. To take the costume of an old woman and say -- "Sleep in the chamber of the tapestry instead of sleeping in your room" -- that's my right again.

RUTHWEN

And why did you tell him that?

GHOUL

Because I love him.

RUTHWEN

You love -- you? Do such as we love?

GHOUL

I love him, I tell you.

RUTHWEN

And you think he'll respond to your love?

GILBERT

I hope so.

RUTHWEN

You know that he loves a young girl -- you know he loves Antonia.

GHOUL

Yes, I know that! And, when we get to that love, we shall see -- meanwhile, it's a question of yours, it's a question of his sister that he loves so much that her death will kill him. Now, do you understand, vampire? I want Gilbert to live.

RUTHWEN

Take care, I will tell him who you are!

GHOUL

And you will die then -- that's our punishment if we denounce one of our order -- to be come mortal gain.

RUTHWEN

Listen --it's noon. You know that I have only a dozen hours to live without --

GHOUL

Yes -- without Helen's blood.

RUTHWEN

Well -- I want Helen. She's necessary to me!

GHOUL

And I -- Gilbert is necessary to me -- think how to keep him living for me. By killing Helen, you compromise Gilbert's life -- think of that. I am watching over him! I am there!

RUTHWEN

So -- you want war?

GHOUL

No -- I want love.

RUTHWEN

One last time -- do you leave Helen to me?

GHOUL

One last time -- will you leave me Gilbert?

RUTHWEN

No: You shall learn what I can be when I hate.

GHOUL

Fine: You shall learn what I can be when I love!

RUTHWEN

Adieu, Ghoul!

GHOUL

Au revoir -- Vampire!

(Blackout)

Scene VII

An apartment lit up for a party. Doors on each side -- in the rear a large window giving on an abyss.

VASSALS

Long live the Count! Lone live the Countess!

HELEN

Thanks, my friends, thanks.

RUTHWEN

(distributing money to them)

Here my friends, here.

PEASANT

May all the blessings of heaven accompany you.

(Eleven o'clock strikes.)

RUTHWEN

(aside)

Eleven o'clock! Not a minute to lose! Till midnight.

(aloud)

Dear Helen, have you noticed that we haven't been alone for an instant all day long?

HELEN

Alas, dear George, today has been full of so many different things.

RUTHWEN

You will allow me to give these brave people their dismissal, won't you?

HELEN

Do it.

RUTHWEN

My friends, the Countess cannot be more appreciative of your friendship -- but she is tired and she needs rest after all the emotions of this day.

JARWICK

We will retire, Milord.

ALL

Long live the Count. Long live the Countess!

(They leave.)

RUTHWEN

Ah, dear Helen! Finally, here we are alone!

HELEN

(pulling away, softly)

My friend, my dear George, you see I've fulfilled all the promises made -- all the obligations undertaken.

RUTHWEN

Oh! Yes -- and you are looking at the most happy of men!

HELEN

Are you the most happy of men, Marsden? Oh -- if that's so, so much the better.

RUTHWEN

What! You doubt it, Helen?

HELEN

No -- you say so and I believe you, but so close to this happy man, George, there is another who is very wretched.

RUTHWEN

Ah!

HELEN

You know of whom I speak -- of poor Gilbert that is kept out of view -- of poor Gilbert who is mad and who in his madness believes I am in danger of death.

RUTHWEN

Helen, do you still have some doubts of me?

HELEN

Oh-- God protect me from them! If I doubted you, Marsden -- would you be my husband? No -- but I owe my brother some consolation. Let me go see him, let me tell him that I am your wife, let me calm him by telling him I'm happy.

RUTHWEN

Do as you like, Helen -- you know best -- you are mistress, queen -- but --

HELEN

What?

RUTHWEN

Listen, I'd prefer to go to him myself, attempt one last effort, to say if necessary to Gilbert that I renounce you, that I'm going away, that I'm leaving -- thus giving him peace of mind and with peace of mind, life. It's a weakness Helen, after what you have just done for me, I know how much you love me -- but I also know how much you love your brother, and I fear that his words although imprinted with the mark of madness will prejudice me in your eyes. You say this is from a weak man? No, it's from a man who loves.

HELEN

But if you don't succeed, George?

RUTHWEN

Then you will go yourself, Helen.

HELEN

So be it! Go George.

RUTHWEN

Do you love me?

HELEN

George -- to whoever I give my hand, I have given my heart.

RUTHWEN

Oh -- dear Helen! Wait for me -- wait for me!

(Exit Ruthwen.)

HELEN

(alone)

Who is this old woman to whom I gave alms and who, as she accepted my money said very low, "Separate yourself for a moment from Lord Ruthwen -- there's a man who has a revelation to make to you -- " My God, you are witness that I don't doubt him -- but in spite of me, my brother's words trouble me -- Oh -- he saw her, poor George and that's why he wanted to go to Gilbert himself. Oh! how happy are girls who have a mother. If I still had a mother, I would go to her, I would tell her my anxiety, my anguish, and she would counsel me -- a mother's heart is never deceived. Why, is it not for me as if my mother was alive? Am I really one of those pious girls who believes the soul never dies with the body? Oh mother, so many times in that silence and solitude I've spoken to you as if you were there, oh, mother, if my pious veneration has brought me each day to your tomb with flowers, as if the tomb were only a bed and death but sleep -- mother, if as I do not doubt, your spirit watches over your daughter, mother ask God, God who can refuse nothing to you -- to you a saintly woman: ask God for a miracle and manifest yourself to me -- if not by yourself -- perhaps it is impossible, perhaps the eternal, immutable laws -- of nature prevent your visible return to this world -- at least through a human way. Mother, tell me what I ought to fear, what I ought to hope -- my God, Lazare! Lazare! -- have you forsaken me, mother?

LAZARE

(at the door making a sign for Helen to snuff the candles)

Pfoo! Pfoo!

HELEN

What -- you want me to snuff the candles?

LAZARE

Yes.

HELEN

And why do you want me to put them out?

LAZARE

Damn! Cause I much prefer not to be seen here.

HELEN

Why did you come here then?

LAZARE

Ah, damn, Miss -- because you see I have a conscience.

HELEN

A conscience! A conscience that drives you to tell me something, right?

LAZARE

Yes.

HELEN

To make a confession to me?

LAZARE

Yes.

HELEN

Come then.

LAZARE

(gesturing to snuff the candles)

Pfoo! Pfoo! Then.

HELEN

So be it.

(she blows out the candles)

Ah, my God -- what am I going to learn?

LAZARE

Where are you, Miss?

HELEN

Here.

LAZARE

Ah! What I have to say to you, you see, must be said very near and very low.

HELEN

Good God!

LAZARE

Listen -- since the scene a little while ago -- I can no longer see.

HELEN

Speak! Speak! I am listening!

LAZARE

From that moment, I've been watching.

HELEN

What?

LAZARE

That moment you would be alone.

HELEN

Well?

LAZARE

Well -- I saw Milord go down to your brother and at the risk of whatever might happen, I came up.

HELEN

Why?

LAZARE

To tell you, your brother -- ah, My God.

HELEN

Nothing -- get to the point!

LAZARE

To tell you your brother is not mad.

HELEN

Gilbert is not mad?

LAZARE

No -- listen! To say that it was Milord, my master who killed poor Juana -- I don't dare. I wouldn't dare!

HELEN

Great God!

LAZARE

But that he died, and that he survived, I don't know how -- oh, that I will swear to.

HELEN

Died?

LAZARE

Yes, died, dead I know it quite well. I who saw him carried, cold, icy on the rocks where he told them to put him -- for you see what he said very low to Count Gilbert, I heard perfectly -- he said to him, "Count, I belong to a sect that does not bury its dead."

HELEN

My God! My God!

LAZARE

"At the time, I have uttered my last sigh -- expose me in the air on a rock to the rays of the moon." And that is what we did, unfortunately, instead of stuffing him in a ditch a hundred feet deep and piling all the stones of Tormenar on him.

HELEN

Then you believe, like Gilbert?

LAZARE

Yes.

HELEN

That he was dead?

LAZARE

Yes.

HELEN

And by some hellish miracle?

HELEN

Yes.

HELEN

And that man of yesterday?

LAZARE

Yes.

HELEN

Who wanted to kill my brother?

LAZARE

Yes.

HELEN

You think also it was him?

LAZARE

Yes! Yes! Yes!

HELEN

But you told me the contrary before?

LAZARE

He had promised to make my fortune.

HELEN

Wretch!

LAZARE

He had given me this purse.

HELEN

Oh -- for money --

LAZARE

I no longer want it, his money! I throw it away, I renounce it. Oh, on my faith I love my body but I have still greater care for my soul.

HELEN

Why then, Gilbert spoke the truth. I am lost -- I must flee -- Ah! Silence!

LAZARE

It's him coming back!

HELEN

Help me, my God!

LAZARE

The door, the door!

(he cannot find the door and hides in the window)

500 feet! Oof!

RUTHWEN

(entering with a candle)

Here I am, dear Helen! Your brother is more peaceful; he's sleeping. I didn't wish to reawaken him.

(looking at her)

How pale you are!

HELEN

Less than you, Milord!

RUTHWEN

Less than me? You know Helen, that this pallor is habitual with me -- and it's quite simple -- I lost so much blood the day your brother almost killed me.

HELEN

This pallor, excuse me, George, but it's the pallor of a corpse and not of a living person.

RUTHWEN

What do you mean, Helen?

HELEN

I mean, Milord, that I come from valiant stock, I mean that I've never been afraid -- I mean that you terrify me.

RUTHWEN

You too, Helen? -- Ah! This is what comes of leaving you alone -- solitude, silence, shadows -- have agitated your imagination. The shadows -- Why -- I left lights in this room before?

HELEN

In your absence, they were extinguished.

RUTHWEN

Oh -- this is strange! All alone?

HELEN

All alone!

RUTHWEN

You are trembling, Helen.

HELEN

I told you -- I'm afraid, I'm afraid.

(He takes her hand.)

HELEN

Cold like that of a cadaver.

RUTHWEN

Yes, cold, Helen, for your suspicion freezes me -- oh, come, come, my fiance, my wife -- come against my breast -- come against my heart!

HELEN

Oh -- let me alone! It seems to me your breast is not living -- it seems to me your heart does not beat!

RUTHWEN

Helen, Helen, someone has been here in my absence -- speak -- tell me who has been here?

HELEN

No one! No one!

RUTHWEN

(looking around him)

Oh! Oh!

(stepping on Lazare's purse)

The purse I gave Lazare -- the wretch has told all? Treason! Treason!

HELEN

What do you say?

RUTHWEN

(going to the doors and closing them)

Nothing! Nothing!

HELEN

Why are you closing that door?

RUTHWEN

Helen -- aren't you my wife? Am I not your husband?

HELEN

Milord! Milord!

(Ruthwen takes her in his arms)

My brother! Gilbert!

LAZARE

(on the balcony)

Help! Help!

RUTHWEN

Ah! We are not alone here, it appears?

HELEN

Help! Help!

RUTHWEN

Oh! Call, call -- fiance de Ruthwen, but when they arrive --

HELEN

Help me!

RUTHWEN

Bad luck to you! Bad luck to your brother!

(He drags her into the room on the side.)

LAZARE

Help! Help!

GILBERT

(on the stairs)

Here I am! Her I am!

(he tries the door)

Oh, the door! The door!

LAZARE

Wait, wait, Count.

(Lazare opens the door.)

GILBERT

(in the wildest disorder)

He had me chained, the wretch. I broke my chains - he had me guarded by four men -- I got away from them and here I am! Where is my sister -- where is she?

LAZARE

There, sir, there!

(Midnight begins to strike.)

HELEN

(in the room)

Help me, Gilbert! I am dying --

GILBERT

(with a terrible yell)

Ah!

(He rushes towards the door which opens. Ruthwen appears.)

(The two men perceiving each other utter a double shout. They hurl themselves at each other in a terrible embrace. Neither is armed. They try to choke each other. Gilbert drags Ruthwen to the window.)

RUTHWEN

Together then.

GILBERT

Yes, together, since I can annihilate you with me.

(Struggle in which Gilbert lifts Ruthwen up; the two are about to fall over the balcony, when Lazare seizes a mace and slaughters Ruthwen. Gilbert hurls him through the window -- a great shout can be heard echoing through the depths of the chasm.)

RUTHWEN

Ah!

(After a moments hesitation, Gilbert returns.)

GILBERT

Sister, my sister.

(rushes to the side room -- a scream can be heard.)

Ah!

(Blackout)

Scene VIII

The precipice.

(Ruthwen's body is at the back of the precipice -- broken by the fall. Gilbert coming down the rocks, a torch in his hands.)

GILBERT

(reaching Ruthwen and examining the body with the aid of a torch)

Ah, this time the monster is indeed dead.

(he goes back up several steps then returns)

No matter.

(he pushes a large rock and rolls it on top of Ruthwen.)

Ah, my sister, my sister. Have I really be able to avenge you?

(Curtain)

Act V

Scene IX

The great hall in a palace in Circassia. In the rear, a terrace giving on immense gulf and on mountains. The stage is almost cut in half by tapestries which are closed.

(AT RISE, Lazare is standing behind Antonia, she is lying on a divan and fanned by slaves. They dance before her performing a Circassian dance to the sound of tambourines and guzlas. After the dance, Lazare, Antonia and Ziska (the ghoul) remain alone.)

LAZARE

Well, Sultana, Antonia, what do you say of the castle, the country and the people who inhabit it?

ANTONIA

I say, my dear Lazare, that, thanks to your efforts, I have been received here like a queen.

LAZARE

Say -- thanks to the efforts of Ziska.

ANTONIA

(smiling at Ziska)

Is it then you I must thank, my beautiful Circassian?

(Ziska makes a slight movement with her head.)

LAZARE

Well, I hope that you no longer regret your villa at Spalatro, your mountains of Circassia, and your Adriatic Sea? We have all this here -- and on a grand scale -- a Circassian palace -- the Caucasus mountains -- and the Black Sea.

ANTONIA

Lazare, I regret nothing if Gilbert arrives today as you promised me.

LAZARE

Listen, Sultana, he will be late a day or two, you mustn't be angry with him -- it's a long way from the Chateau of Tiffauges to the fortress of Anabela and one cannot go from Brittany to Circassia like from Nantes to Clisson.

ANTONIA

Then he knows the country, my beloved Gilbert?

LAZARE

It appears he was here in his last voyage for he gave me exact information.

ANTONIA

And you are sure, Ziska, that this castle is indeed the one designated by Gilbert?

(Ziska nods affirmatively)

Fine -- leave us.

(Ziska leaves.)

LAZARE

Huh! How erect these Circassians are!

ANTONIA

Never mind, Lazare. I find something strange about this slave.

LAZARE

The eyes, right? Like me, it seems to me I've already seen those eyes somewhere but where I don't know at all.

ANTONIA

Lazare.

LAZARE

Signora?

ANTONIA

Do you know why Gilbert has demanded that I leave Europe? Do you know why he begged me to come here?

LAZARE

No -- I know nothing about it.

ANTONIA

I understand that after the death of his sister, Brittany became odious to him, but still Europe is large and if he didn't wish to locate near me in Italy, why not choose Spain?

LAZARE

Ah, well, yes, Spain! That's where we met.

ANTONIA

Or England?

LAZARE

England! Even less! That's where he came from.

ANTONIA

Eh? Why of whom are you speaking, Lazare?

LAZARE

Of him, of course?

ANTONIA

Who is he?

LAZARE

Why, the enemy of the master.

ANTONIA

Gilbert has an enemy?

LAZARE

I think so, indeed! And who will be mine, too, if he returns a second time.

ANTONIA

What do you mean if he returns a second time?

LAZARE

The Count thinks he did a good job killing him this time -- but yes, take care!

ANTONIA

Killed him? Gilbert killed a man? For goodness sake, what kind of story are you telling me, Lazare?

LAZARE

I know I really should not have spoken to you about this. Say, Signora, if my master never spoke to you of Lord Ruthwen, don't speak of him, okay?

ANTONIA

Of Lord Ruthwen?

LAZARE

Yes -- it was the name of a person -- oh -- as to the rest, he was the last of his family, and he died intestate quite naturally. I found myself his heir -- I've already seen about a quarter of a league from here, a charming house which I incessantly count on owning and my word, if Ziska likes and you have nothing against this union --

ANTONIA

Me, my dear Lazare, on the contrary.

LAZARE

Well, then -- it shall be done -- meanwhile, if the sultana has no need of me -- ?

ANTONIA

You will reclaim your liberty a bit, my dear Lazare?

LAZARE

Oh! My God! Yes -- a little visit to some brave fishermen whose acquaintance I made three months ago who have promised to find me a very brave servant -- you see, I wouldn't be sorry to have a very brave servant to replace Mr. Gilbert, who was a very brave master. I love to have someone very brave around me. That makes me even more brave. Anyway, that's it. Should you have need of me, you can ask for me by the seashore.

ANTONIA

Yes, go my dear Lazare, go!

(Exit Lazare.)

ANTONIA

(alone)

Poor Lazare! I really think fear has slightly turned his head. Happily he brought a very positive letter from Gilbert --

(she pulls a letter from her breast which she reads)

"Dear Antonia, if you love me, leave Spalatro, leave Dalmatia, leave Europe, follow the honest lad I send you. Stop where he stops and wait for me -- Perhaps you will risk your life and mine in not fulfilling to the letter the prayer I place very humbly at your cherished feet -- All that can be told of our misfortunes Lazare will tell you. I will be with you on the 15th of March". Today is the 15th of March -- unless there's an accident or ill luck I will see him again today. Only where will he come from? Two roads are open to him -- sea and mountain. If he's coming by sea I already would have noticed on the blue horizon the sail of his ship. Oh, I much prefer that my Gilbert not come by sea -- these coasts are filled with so many reefs. And then these are the waves which seem to predict a storm -- happily the horizon is empty. Nothing but the white spot -- the wing of a sea bird no doubt or at most the sail of a fisherman fleeing the storm. Oh -- hasten to return poor bark lost in space, for now the sea is beginning to undulate under the breath of the wind, oh, my beloved Gilbert, come by way of the mountain, I beg you! Use intrepid mules and spirited horses, but don't use the waves -- the calmest waves cover an abyss - oh that little white spot is getting larger on the horizon. I was mistaken. It's not a sea bird -- I was mistaken, it's not a sail of a fishing boat -- it's a bold ship coming from Europe. How large it's getting -- how it comes on! It seems to go faster than the copper-colored wave which pursues it in the heaven. Oh, the storm will reach it, poor boat, before it gets to port. My Lord God, let Gilbert not be one of the passengers! Gilbert, my dear soul! Gilbert! My Gilbert!

(The tapestry rises and Gilbert appears.)

GILBERT

You are calling for me, Antonia?

ANTONIA

(turning)

Ah.

(She runs to throw herself in his arms.)

GILBERT

You! You! Finally, dear love! You, the only happiness in my life.

ANTONIA

Gilbert.

GILBERT

You've come then?

ANTONIA

You commanded and your creature obeyed.

GILBERT

Without resistance, without regrets?

ANTONIA

Oh -- with a thread from the Virgin your love will lead me to the end of the world.

GILBERT

Then you are ready?

ANTONIA

Didn't I say I was waiting for you?

GILBERT

Right, right -- today even, you will be mine. This very night -- you will have made me forget my shame -- you will have bound up my wounds.

ANTONIA

Gilbert, they say that wounds of the heart must not heal too quickly, or if they do, they leave nasty scars -- the blood must be stopped but must be cooled with tears. Weep, Gilbert, weep -- or rather let us weep -- our sister, Helen, is dead.

GILBERT

Oh, no, no, on the contrary, Antonia, let's speak no more of Helen -- make me forget the six months of my life that have just elapsed. Since we last met, Helen has gone to heaven to rejoin Juana -- and I have up there two angels to pray for me. Antonia. There are some souls whose heart is the only true home.

ANTONIA

Gilbert, God who gives us love, makes a heaven for us on earth where he sends me to tell you -- Helen and Juana are happy -- be happy.

GILBERT

Ah! If you could read in my heart, Antonia, you would see only love and joy. I'm an ingrate, an egoist, I forget the dead. I disdain the living. Antonia, I have only one thought: You. Only one hope: You. Only one desire: You. I efface all the somber pages of my past life. I am born again today, Antonia. Today is my first sun, my first smile, my first love.

ANTONIA

Oh, Gilbert, I am ravished to hear you talk this way. How content I am to have to obey you -- How proud I am to run where you will call me -- your desire, your approval! So, the worry whose cause you haven't told has dissipated -- right? So you no longer dread anything? Our flight to these mountains frees us from the unknown danger which threatens your life and mine and you have discovered this corner of the world where we can live unknown and happy?

GILBERT

Oh, yes, happy! Happy! Especially if we are ignored.

ANTONIA

Happy! Happy! I intend to lull with that word stamped with the language of angels. Antonia happy because of Gilbert -- Gilbert happy because of Antonia.

GILBERT

Look at the heavens, look at this little blue corner where it can still be found and which reflects itself in my eyes and my heart. Well, it is the image of felicity which has been granted me. No, Antonia never has more pure joy been given to a man than that which God grants me in this moment. But this joy is lacking only one thing -- it's that instead of calling you my fiance, I may call you my wife. Take care, Antonia! The time we are losing in desiring happiness, God himself in all his power cannot return to us. I come after six months, Antonia, and I ask why you are not yet my wife.

ANTONIA

Gilbert give your fiance a quarter of an hour to change from her mourning.

Do you want me to go to the altar to thank God in the lugubrious apparel of an orphan or widow? Oh, no, no, Gilbert, these veils will bring us bad luck -- and yet if you demand it, I will obey -- believe me, at the moment I say yes, I'll have enough joy in my heart that my black robe will shine like a feast dress. But it's a holy custom of my country that the fiance resemble the Madonna -- and if you really want it, Gilbert --

GILBERT

Go warn the priest.

ANTONIA

Yes. I will run there!

GILBERT

Make yourself beautiful and since we are happy, there's to be no more mourning; neither in our clothes or in our hearts or in heaven.

(A roll of thunder.)

ANTONIA

Listen! Listen the storm! Oh! You did well to come by the mountains. God be blessed who raises the sea, but only when I hold you safely in my arms.

GILBERT

Ah, yes, a storm, it's true.

ANTONIA

Gilbert, see the ship which is trying to reach port?

GILBERT

Are there still wretches who suffer and who tremble? I'd forgotten!

ANTONIA

Oh, let's think only of ourselves, Gilbert.

(She claps her hands.)

GILBERT

What are you doing?

ANTONIA

I'm calling my women. I don't want to leave you.

(The slaves enter silently.)

GILBERT

Oh! You won't leave me anymore, be easy.

(recognizing the ghoul in Ziska)

Ah!

ANTONIA

What is it?

GILBERT

Who is this woman?

ANTONIA

This is Ziska, the Circassian. She guided Lazare in his investigations and prepared everything here for my arrival.

GILBERT

It's strange -- it seems to me I've already seen her -- that I already know her.

ANTONIA

This is not the first time you've been here so it could be you've seen her.

GILBERT

Yes, yes, you're right -- go and return as quickly as possible.

ANTONIA

Oh -- a white dress and some roses. I will be beautiful and you will love me Gilbert for my principal beauty will be my love -- for my richest dress will be my happiness au revoir, my love!

(She leaves.)

GILBERT

(marching straight to Ziska)

You are shaking, you went pale -- you are trembling?

ZISKA

Yes.

GILBERT

Your eye threatened Antonia?

ZISKA

Yes.

GILBERT

You hate her?

ZISKA

Yes.

GILBERT

Look, I confess that I know you -- I confess that I've seen you -- but where or when, my God?

ZISKA

Ingrate.

GILBERT

Ah, you are the Breton woman from the thickets of Clisson, right? The one who saved my life -- the one who forewarned me of the danger my poor sister ran.

ZISKA

It's nice you remembered.

GILBERT

What kind of creature are you to be able to so change your costume, your abode and your appearance?

ZISKA

Alas, but I cannot change my heart!

GILBERT

Why are you everywhere I am?

ZISKA

You don't divine, Gilbert?

GILBERT

No.

ZISKA

I love you!

GILBERT

You love me! You!

ZISKA

Yes. Well, have you nothing to say to me in return, Gilbert?

GILBERT

Nothing except that you frighten me.

ZISKA

Is that your only response?

GILBERT

And what other response could you expect from me?

ZISKA

Take care, Gilbert! I've crossed mountains, rivers, kingdoms to follow you -- I have watched over each of your steps. I've done everything for you that a lover can do.

GILBERT

You didn't save my sister.

ZISKA

Oh -- I would have saved her, if it had been permitted to me. Look -- look at me, Gilbert? Do you think you cannot love me?

GILBERT

How can you ask me that, since you know my love for Antonia?

ZISKA

Gilbert, I am immortal and I don't understand loves that pass.

GILBERT

Then keep your love for a god and don't come offer it to a man.

ZISKA

Why not, if I can make that man a god? Why, if with a ray of my immortality, I can make that man the king of the world and terrestrial creatures.

GILBERT

I love Antonia.

ZISKA

Reflect! You are both young -- I know it, you are both good looking, I know that, too. But what does youth or beauty count compared to eternity? Two flowers will last a spring time; two roses, that fade in winter, shed their leaves with age. Devouring years pass like a breeze over your head, and you will find yourselves, old wrinkled, staggering, hardly strong enough to support the memory of your beautiful years. Look, Gilbert, aren't you ambitious? Speak -- do you refuse eternal youth, eternal power, eternal love? Oh, we love well too, we supernatural creatures, and all your life of mortal happiness with Antonia will last no longer than a kiss in our immortal delirium.

GILBERT

Oh! woman, you attack me exactly where I am invulnerable. You forget that I've seen all those that I loved die -- my father, my mother, my sister -- I don't wish to see Antonia die -- I want to walk with her, by equal steps to the tomb. Love to me is sweeter with a mortal because it will last a very short time. Yes, I know our love, to other men, resembles those flowers which turn to fruits which once ripe, fall into dust, but what do you expect! The flower enchants me, especially because its stem is bowing, because its perfume wends a way, because its luster fades. I am accustomed to pity and to love; to esteem, the joy in proportion to the pain -- love then, someone other than me, woman, you can see clearly I cannot love you.

ZISKA

So you mortals call being happy, not suffering completely.

GILBERT

Listen -- I don't know what I call happy -- I know I am happy -- that's all.

ZISKA

Oh -- because you take a chimera for happiness?

GILBERT

If I see her that way and if she suffices for my soul -- leave her to me, Ziska!

ZISKA

No -- for your chimera makes me pity -- poor fool that you are.

GILBERT

My heart is screaming in joy and you want to make me believe I am wretched? Fool, it's you!

ZISKA

Gilbert, you have the shadow -- I offer you the reality.

GILBERT

What do you want me to say to you? I love Antonia -- if you are as powerful as you say, make me love you.

ZISKA

Oh! Wretch, be kind to me!

GILBERT

Don't poison my happiness and I will be kind to you.

ZISKA

Your happiness.

GILBERT

Yes.

ZISKA

Alas!

GILBERT

You pity me?

ZISKA

Alas!

GILBERT

What do you mean to say?

ZISKA

I mean to tell you that an hour ago, the sky was pure. See the sky, Gilbert.

GILBERT

My God, let that attempt shatter the heavens -- the growling of thunder cannot choke the joyous voice of love which surges in my heart. Goodbye! I am going to the chapel.

(He rushes outside. Ziska sits down. The storm breaks out with fury.)

LAZARE

(entering with fishermen)

The ship is wrecked -- the wretches are going to perish -- go my friends, go! Try to save some of them. Run the risk my friends, run the risk

(the fishermen leave)

Me, I cannot. My responsibilities attach me to the shore. Ah, my God, there's yet one sloop that founders. The last hope of these poor folk. Yes, swim -- it's as if you couldn't swim! Ah - so! But, Lazare, it's you who are a rogue, you are a coward! What! You will let these unfortunates perish without trying to save even one at least? And if your master, your unfortunate master were among the shipwrecked? Ah! There's another one disappearing. Brr! Good. There's another one swimming this way. Wait, wait, I'm gong to do something good. I'm going to redeem some sins.

(pulling down a cord)

Let's see!

(he throws it over the parapet of the terrace)

Fine -- that works -- that holds well.

(pulling)

Huh? Huh? Poor man, go! All men are brothers. Eh?

(pulls)

Come my brother, come my fellow creature, come.

(he notices the head of Ruthwen, which appears facing him)

Ha!

(the vampire clings to the terrace. Lazare rushes at him and throws him into the sea. Then trembling, he staggers and babbles)

Help! Help!

GILBERT

(entering)

What's the matter?

LAZARE

Ah! Sir! Sir!

GILBERT

What?

ZISKA

We are lost?

GILBERT

Lost?

LAZARE

I saw him.

GILBERT

Who?

LAZARE

Milord! Him! Him! The vampire!

GILBERT

Ah!

LAZARE

Let's escape, Milord. Let's escape! Pardon me, I am mistaken. I call you Milord, but I'm out of my head --

GILBERT

You saw this man again?

LAZARE

There -- like I see you. I threw him back in the water -- you understand clearly that I pushed him -- he fell back in the sea -- but that accomplishes nothing, you know him -- the bastard. Oh, sir, let's escape! In the name of heaven -- let's escape!

GILBERT

Oh, my God! My God! My God!

LAZARE

Sir! Sir!

GILBERT

Go!

LAZARE

I have so much fear that I dare not escape without you. Oh, my teeth are chattering. Ta, ta, ta --

GILBERT

That's fine -- go away -- I'll stay.

LAZARE

Oh, sir, yes, stay -- stop him if you can -- retain him if you can -- that will let us gain a little time, sir. I'm escaping.

(runs off)

ZISKA

(entering)

Well, Gilbert, where is your happiness? Where is this beautiful fruit flower which must ripen?

GILBERT

Oh, you are immortal, you said so and as for some time I've seen things so incredible, so strange that I don't doubt it -- Ziska, you are everything and I am nothing. Ziska I fall at your knees -- you see, you must pardon this weak mind. This laughable weakness, this wretch, this atom, this grain of dust that in its pride, believed himself a mountain. Pardon, Ziska -- I am humbling myself -- oh, spare me -- help me!

ZISKA

Willingly.

GILBERT

You offered me your life?

ZISKA

Yes.

GILBERT

You've asked me to renounce Antonia?

ZISKA

Yes.

GILBERT

I consent to everything. Take me, I belong to you. But you understand that I must not see a third victim dying in my arms -- that I cannot bear the death rattle of a third in agony -- that this creature, so much loved, that this virgin, pure, not leave me alone, desolated, overwhelmed on the earth. Ziska, save Antonia -- save my fiance. Defend her against the Vampire. Let her live, and as for me, you shall take me and I will bless you for having taken me from Antonia. But let her live. Let her live!

ZISKA

Impossible, Gilbert.

GILBERT

Impossible? Why, you lied then. You cannot save this young girl -- you cannot tear her from her hideous enemy, for it's she -- it's she he's come looking for -- you cannot make her live -- and you came to me to speak of your power -- of your immortality. The only gift I ask of you, you refuse -- and you come to me to speak of your love! Look, think carefully, reflect well -- before answering me.

ZISKA

Impossible.

GILBERT

Fine! Another thing!

ZISKA

What?

GILBERT

Oh, something that will be in your power, this time, I hope -- Ziska, I ask you for death for her and me.

ZISKA

So, you love her to the point of dying with her?

GILBERT

Yes, I had consented to live without her -- if she was living -- if she dies, I want to die.

ZISKA

So be it! What type of death do you choose?

GILBERT

Give us a poison that strikes like lightening in a kiss.

ZISKA

Oh!

GILBERT

You hesitate?

ZISKA

(giving him a small bottle)

No, here.

GILBERT

Be blessed.

ZISKA

How happy he is! How happy she is!

(She notices Gilbert's sword dropped on an armchair -- she seizes it and leaves rapidly.)

GILBERT

(alone)

Oh, yes, yes death, repose -- after fatigue, after sadness, after the catastrophe of my cursed destiny. Really, what's there to do and what's the use of struggling? What's the good of shutting him back in a tomb that always reopens? Oh, no, no -- I don't want to see him again -- I wish to forestall his presence. And she who knows nothing who doubts nothing, she who, all this time -- Antonia, Antonia, my love.

ANTONIA

(enters dressed in white, completely happy)

Have I been long, and am I really beautiful?

GILBERT

Oh -- misfortune!

ANTONIA

My God! How pale you are!

GILBERT

Yes, I am pale, for I am a wretch. Just now I promised you love, happiness, a future. I lied. None of all that is for us. I come, I bring you death. I wanted to involve you in my destiny now, you are cursed as I am cursed. No more flowers, no more fancy dress, no more joy, no more anything. Yes, I am pale, Antonia, I am like one is when one is going to die.

ANTONIA

To die? You are going to die, my Gilbert?

GILBERT

Yes, a terrible fate has beaten me. All those I love fall victim to a monster who pursues me. It's a horrible secret -- but you must know it.

ANTONIA

My God! what was Lazare saying of this man, this Englishman, this Ruthwen?

GILBERT

Antonia, in Spain, I acted as a protector of a young girl named, Juana. Juana died in front of my eyes -- butchered. In Brittany where, you know, I was recalled by my sister, I saw my sister die in the same way. I come here, I hold you in my arms, I love you -- to the end of the world, the monster follows me -- he's here. He's going to come. He's coming.

ANTONIA

Why this man -- he's --

GILBERT

He's a vampire.

ANTONIA

Ah -- but you won't leave me, you will defend me -- you will kill him?

GILBERT

Antonia, this hand has laid him in the tomb twice.

ANTONIA

Let us flee! Flee!

GILBERT

Wherever we shall go -- he will follow us.

ANTONIA

Hide me in some unknown retreat, in some unknown subterranean place -- so long as I see you, so long as you are near me, I will be happy anywhere, anywhere!

GILBERT

Useless! His eye will discover you in the most profound abyss of this earth. Antonia! Antonia! Do you love me?

ANTONIA

Oh!

GILBERT

Could you live without me?

ANTONIA

Not an hour! Not a minute!

GILBERT

Well, a refuge remains to us, death.

ZISKA

With you? With you?

GILBERT

Yes.

ANTONIA

Ah, you've often said to me, "Antonia give me proof that you love me". Gilbert my beloved, you are going to have this proof. I am ready? Are you ready?

GILBERT

My love, my unique treasure, my only soul -- you've often asked me if your love was joy -- well, judge what your love is to me -- swear this death is still the supreme happiness.

ANTONIA

(trying to take the poison.)

GILBERT

Oh -- relax -- I won't make you wait. Your hand in mine, Antonia -- my look plunging into your heart, your lips on my lips so that I can breath your last breath while giving you my last sigh -- come, Antonia, come!

(He takes her in his arms. Ziska reappears and tears the bottle from his hands.)

ZISKA

Stop!

ANTONIA

Ziska!

GILBERT

Behind me demon -- since you cannot make us live, let us at least die.

ZISKA

Oh -- don't rush to suspect and curse, Gilbert.

ANTONIA

What's she say?

ZISKA

Young girl, I must speak to your fiance.

ANTONIA

To Gilbert?

ZISKA

Yes.

ANTONIA

Well, speak.

ZISKA

I have to speak to him alone.

ANTONIA

Oh! Gilbert, I won't leave you.

ZISKA

Gilbert -- order her to leave us together.

ANTONIA

Gilbert, I am afraid.

GILBERT

And if he, meanwhile --

ZISKA

He can do nothing to her until midnight -- until midnight I will answer for everything.

GILBERT

Oh -- by what oath can you assure me?

ZISKA

By my love, Gilbert. I swear to you here until midnight, no harm will come to Antonia.

GILBERT

Antonia, leave us.

ANTONIA

Gilbert, it's you who wish it?

ZISKA

Go, little girl and don't come back until you are called.

GILBERT

Obey, my Antonia.

ANTONIA

Gilbert.

GILBERT

Go, dear love, go. What have we to fear? Are we not sure of dying together?

(Antonia leaves)

Well, we are alone -- speak -- I am listening.

ZISKA

She consented to die? With you?

GILBERT

Is she worthy of my love, Ziska?

ZISKA

I don't find the sacrifice very great, Gilbert.

GILBERT

What's that?

ZISKA

To die in your arms, to die on your heart hearing you murmur 'I love you'. Oh, no -- why haven't you asked such a little thing of me, Gilbert? Oh, I would die in your arms with delight.

GILBERT

Why do you speak of dying since you are immortal?

ZISKA

Yes -- that's true -- anyway, this is not what I have to tell you.

GILBERT

What thing have you to tell me? -- hurry up then.

ZISKA

Well, Gilbert, being unable to die with you -- I don't wish you to die.

GILBERT

But Antonia! Antonia!

ZISKA

Antonia -- Antonia won't die either.

GILBERT

What are you saying?

ZISKA

There's a way to save her.

GILBERT

Oh -- why didn't you say that when it was a question of my sister?

ZISKA

Because I knew you would live even if your sister died -- just as I know that if Antonia dies you will die.

GILBERT

Wait! Look -- I don't quite understand.

ZISKA

I am saying that you are going to live, Gilbert, and live happily.

GILBERT

With Antonia.

ZISKA

With Antonia.

GILBERT

Oh, no, no. I don't dare believe it, no you said before it's impossible.

ZISKA

If I save her, Gilbert, if I make you so happy, at the expense of --

GILBERT

Of what? Speak.

ZISKA

No, of nothing. If I make you so happy -- will you always hate me?

GILBERT

Me, hate you? Oh, till my last day, till my last hour, to my last sigh, I will bless you.

ZISKA

Gilbert! Gilbert! Never mind -- even were you to hate me -- even were you to forget me -- which would be even worse, I will save you.

GILBERT

With her? With Antonia?

ZISKA

Yes, with her -- with Antonia, but don't deprive me of my strength by repeating that name too often.

GILBERT

Well, look -- what must be done?

ZISKA

Combat him and strike him.

GILBERT

Oh -- I've already struck him down twice.

ZISKA

Yes, but with human arms.

GILBERT

But with what arms do you want me to hit him?

ZISKA

Ruthwen is a demon -- take the Lord with you -- and you will conquer Ruthwen.

GILBERT

Explain!

ZISKA

Listen -- you left your sword on that chair. I took it and gave it to Lazare. A priest was waiting to marry you. Gilbert, go him to bless your sword. Take this holy sword, Gilbert and present the point to Ruthwen -- before it, he will recoil -- strike him with this word and the wound, be it as light as that made by a needle on the finger of a child -- that wound will kill him.

GILBERT

Oh, thanks, thanks -- but what's wrong with you, Ziska? You are staggering.

ZISKA

You don't grasp it, Gilbert?

GILBERT

No.

ZISKA

You don't grasp that as you have refused my immortality I am giving you my death?

GILBERT

Your death?

ZISKA

You don't understand that we are linked by terrible laws -- you don't grasp that I cannot betray him except at the expense of my immortality. I have betrayed him and I am dying.

GILBERT

Ziska.

ZISKA

And I am dying alone -- I am dying to make you happy with my rival. Ah, finally you understand Gilbert -- which of us loves the best -- Antonia or I?

GILBERT

Oh! Ziska.

(He takes her hand.)

ZISKA

Thanks.

(she kisses his hand)

And now, goodbye for this world, goodbye for the other, goodbye for eternity.

(She disappears in flames.)

GILBERT

(with a terrible cry)

Ah!

ANTONIA

(falling to her knees)

Ah!

(The horn sounds.)

GILBERT

The first stroke of midnight. Not an instant to lose -- the sword! the sword!

(He rushes out.)

ANTONIA

(alone)

My God! What happening? My legs fail me. It seems as if an invisible enemy was approaching.

(looking to the side with the door)

Ah!

(Ruthwen enters.)

ANTONIA

Gilbert! Help me, Gilbert!

(Enter Gilbert sword in hand).

GILBERT

Come to me Ruthwen, come to me.

RUTHWEN

You again!

GILBERT

Yes, only this time I come in the name of the Lord.

ANTONIA

(enveloping Gilbert in her arms)

Gilbert, my Gilbert.

GILBERT

Cursed creature! Do you renounce Satan?

RUTHWEN

No.

GILBERT

Demon, do you confess God?

RUTHWEN

No.

GILBERT

One more time, answer!

RUTHWEN

No.

GILBERT

Well, you are going to die forever - forever cursed and despairing.

RUTHWEN

(roaring)

Ah!

(He recoils slowly before the sword as Gilbert advances, arriving near the wall both go out through it. Lazare appears and supports Antonia who's ready to faint.)

(Blackout)

Scene X

A cemetery. Tombs, cypresses, sinister and fantastic background -- snow on the earth -- red moon in the sky.

(Enter Gilbert, backing Ruthwen into an open tomb.)

GILBERT

For the last time, adore God!

RUTHWEN

No.

GILBERT

Then despair and die.

(he buries the sword in his heart)

(Ruthwen falls in the open ditch letting out a shout, the stone cover falls back of itself and shuts him in)

In the name of the Lord, Ruthwen, I seal you in this tomb for eternity.

(He traces a cross on the stone, which becomes luminous. At that moment, the sky fills with angels. Helen and Juana detach themselves and come to find Ziska, who rises from the ground, hands extended to heaven. Antonia appears and rushes into Gilbert's arms.)

HELEN

Brother, be happy!

JUANA

(to Antonia)

Sister, be happy.

(Curtain)