A
A Medieval Hun
A Five Act Historical Drama
By
JOHN L. CARLETON
Author of " THE CRIMSON WING," First Prize Winner
Canadian Prize Play Competition, 1918
" The fisherman of Galilee had triumphed over
the conqueror of Pharsalia. The vassal 0}
Otto had reduced Otto's successor to vassalage.
SIR JAMES STEPHEN, K. C. B.
THE CORNHILL COMPANY
BOSTON
Copyright, 1021
THE CORNHILL COMPANY
[All stage production and moving picture rights and the right
of translation into foreign languages, including
the Scandinavian, reserved.]
PR
CHARACTERS
HENKY IV, King of Germany and Emperor of Rome.
GUIBERT OF RAVENNA, antipope Clement III.
HUBERT, Archbishop of Bavaria.
OTTO, Baron of Nordheim.
RAIMOND, his son.
HAROLD, court jester.
GODFREY, Count of Sudermann.
HERMANN, Archduke of Bremen.
FELIX COSMOS, self-described.
CONRAD, Margrave of Erichstedt.
ANSELM, Abbot of Limwenlock.
ZITHER, of the King's Guard.
ANHALT, henchman of Hermann.
CARDINAL DOLMINO, a papal secretary.
CHEVALIER LEOPINE, a papal courier.
POPE GREGORY VII, the Hildebrand.
BERTHA, Queen and Empress.
MILDRED, Princess of Bavaria.
CLODEL, a courtezan.
MARY, a lady-in-waiting.
Male and female retainers, courtiers, bishops, priests,
monks, soldiers, buglers, standard bearers, pages, etc.
SYNOPSIS OF SCENES
PLACE: GERMANY AND ITALY TIME: 1075-77
ACT I
KING'S PALACE AT GOSLAB Love and Divorce
ACT II
ABBEY OF LIMWENLOCK Death to Hildebrand
ACT III
ROOM IN THE VATICAN The Hildebrand
ACT IV
EMPEROR'S PAVILION ON THE CAMPANIA
Farewell to Greatness
ACT V
CHATEAU OF CANOSSA All Is Well
A MEDIEVAL HUN
FOREWORD
jCtDL April 22, 1073, the spontaneous and universal
acclaim of a Roman populace raised the Archdeacon-
Cardinal (sometime Monk) Hildebrand to the Papal
throne. He assumed the title of Gregory VII.
On_ January 28, 1077, took place an event without
precedent and without repetition: Henry IV, the suc-
cessor of Charlemagne, King of Germany and titular
Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, in penitential
habiliment and with compunct profession, at the chateau
or castle of Conossa, made unreserved surrender of
temporal power to spiritual supremacy, was absolved from
the penalties attached to his delinquencies and permitted,
subject to good behavior, to resume his regal functions.
The intervening months, inclusive of the given dates,
witnessed a human drama of world-wide import and
lasting effect; a colossal epic of such intense power and
thrilling interest as has never been surpassed, nor per-
haps equalled, by the emanations of exuberant fancy.
It was a brilliant and glowing mass of color — extrava-
gant comedy and turgid tragedy — in a theatre of
majestic pageantry and splendor.
For this play that has been chosen as the time of
action. The main incidents of the period, having regard
to unities, have been freely used — more properly,
adopted, adapted and paraphrased. The story — plot
and development — is altogether fiction. So also are
most of the characters — puppets of the imagination —
hence, it is thought well to leave the conception and
visualizing of them largely to the whim of the readr.e
Five of them, however, are figures that have passed
iv FOREWORD
across the stage of historical activity and have left
extant records of their doings. Of such, a few prepara-
tory words — a key to their respective individualities —
would seem to commend itself.
The mental and moral make-up of King Henry was
contradictory: much that was likeable was offset by
that which was detestable. His most ardent champions
are, perforce of fact, apologetic; his most censorious
critics freely accede him gifts and distinctive qualities
that might have won for him a lasting enviable fame:
his name passed on to time as the Augustus and not, as
it has, the Nero of the Middle Ages. Despite the abuses
and irregularities of his life, he was popular with nobles
and people alike; to a great extent their idol. In person
he was handsome and his manner, when he wished it,
charming; he was a daring and skillful leader, a sagacious
adviser, a wary diplomat and fairly cultured. "A Teuton,
with large limbs, blue eyes, flaxen hair" . . . "deep in
counsel and remarkable sagacity."
In 1075 he was in his twenty-fifth year.
His treatment of his consort, making every allowance
for a marriage of royal convenience, was unjustifiable;
despicable without extenuation, as evidenced by his
attempt to have her seduced by a confidential friend
that he might prefer charges of infidelity against her.
No one has ever claimed sincerity for his avowals of
sorrow and repentance at Conossa. Some charge
downright, premeditated, flagrant hypocrisy. That he
was moved by attrition rather than contrition, is the
best that can be said of it. He was remorseful £or acts
that had lost him patrimony, crown and dignity; he
FOREWORD v
wanted them back and for their recovery was prepared
to submit to degradation and undergo any humiliation.
It is more than probable that he was incredulous of
church anathemas, still had a confused, superstitious
dread of an indefinite Superior Being who might in um-
brage thwart his effort. Such is the view here adopted.
• KM
More than one historian refers to the Empress Bertha
as amiable. The word seems aptly descriptive. The
daughter of an Italian margrave, she had youth and
beauty but not the dash that fascinates men of Henry's
temperament. She was extremely pious and it helped
further to estrange her from a husband whose inclina-
tions ran wholly in an opposite direction — a kind of
silent rebuke to conscious vice. But her attachment to
him was real and lasting. "Amidst the otherwise universal
desertion," wrote Sir James Stephen, "there remained
one faithful bosom on which to repose his own aching
keart. Bertha, his wife, who had retained her purity
unsullied amidst the license of his court, now retained
her fidelity unshaken amidst the falsehood of his ad-
herents. Her wrongs had been such as to render a deep
resentment nothing less than a duty. JHejr^Jhajgpiness_
and her home had been basely assailed by the selfish
profligate to whom the most solemn vows had in vain
united her. But to her, those vows were a bond stronger
than death, and indissoluble by all the confederate powers
of earth and hell."
K tt •
The seeker for material on which to base an estimate
of the character of Pope Gregory meets with the zenith
and nadir of opinion — an irreconcilable conflict. Per-
vi FOREWORD
sonal predilections unconsciously sway; and Gregory,
the prolific subject of partizan zeal, is too often inter-
preted by the color of the glasses through which he is
seen: favorable or unfavorable to the system he repre-
sented. Even Sir James Stephen's palpable effort at
impartiality discloses inconsistencies, attributable, no
doubt, to his own convictions being out of joint with
those of "the greatest of ecclesiastical statesmen," as
von Ranke styles Gregory. Nevertheless, Stephen's
tribute to the genius that raised itself to its high vocation,
and the debt succeeding generations owe to the triumph of
mental over physical power, of literature over ignorance,
of religion over debauchery, is not wanting — is even
prodigal — in sincere admiration.
"His was that rarest and grandest of gifts," says Sir
James ~Bryce; "an intellectual courage and power of
imaginative belief which* ...when it has convinced itself of
aught, accepts it fully with all its. ^consequences and
shrinks not from acting at once upon it."
" If I were not Napoleon I would wish to be Gregory VII,"
was the alternative preference of a self-confessed egotist.
Whether Gregory was a scheming, insolent, bigoted
churchman — "the incarnation of ecclesiastical despot-
ism" — a paltry politician creating conditions favorable
to personal advancement and power; or, whether he was
the conscientious and lion-hearted reformer of the abuses
of a corrupt age and the greatest vindicator of human
freedom the world has ever had, are questions that per-
tain to the province of the historian, not the dramatist.
As-Gregqry isjiere introduced, he would be anywhere
from 54 to 64 years of age — a doubt exists as to the
exact date of his birth. In person, he was small, slight,
gray-haired, full bearded and feeble. "The most Pe trine
FOREWORD vii
of all the popes bore a striking resemblance to St. Paul,"
is the near-epigram of a present-day writer. His piercing
eyes were his most striking physical feature: "from the
terrible glance of whose countenance the eye of every
beholder recoiled as from the lightning."
VMM
Guibert, Archbishop of Ravenna and, by Henry's
nomination, Pope (antipope) Clement III, was in every
respect the very antithesis of his great protagonist. He
was a patrician, closely allied to royalty. He
confirmation of his archiepiscopal dignity to the good
offices of the Archdeacon Hildebrand. . Jt js_questionable
whether his antagonism to the Pope was prompted by
personal animosity or opposition to drastic reforms
that did not meet his approval or coincide with his pro-
pensities. In him Henry found a ready and pliant tool.
It is fairly certain that he was the instigator of _ the~
Christmas eve outrage, when Cenci of the House of i
Tusculum invaded the church of Sta. Maria Maggiore,!
tore the pontificating Gregory from the altar, stripped/'
him of vestments, wounded and made him prisoner.
The ambitious Guibert was the product of a simple, ser-
vile and ruthless age ; when princes moved in an orbit of offi-
cial sanctity; when might was right; when the disciples of
Simon Magus held the temple and the noisy acclaim of
Diana of the Ephesians drowned low-voiced hosannas to
the Son of David.
M M M
The age presents no finer type of layman than Baron
Otto of Nordheim. Amid the surrounding sordidness
his figure stands out picturesquely, refreshingly whole-
some and aureoled in romance. Modest in victory,
viii FOREWORD
heroic in defeat, wise, daring and gifted with an eloquence
of speech which, according to an American reviewer,
"perhaps equals any effort of our own Patrick Henry."
This extract from one of his addresses may be some
index to his personality:
"Perhaps you hesitate to break the oath you have
taken to the king, because you are Christians! What!
To the king! So long as he was king for me — so long as
he showed himself such, I have scrupulously observed the
oath I had taken; since he ceased to act like a king, I
owe him fealty no longer. Courage then! We do not
march against the king. No, but against the enemy of
our liberty; against the enemy of our country!"
JOHN L. CARLETON.
"Cahirciveen"
Woodstock, N. B., Canada.
May 25, 1920
ACT I
A MEDIEVAL HUN
ACT I
WHITE MARBLE ROOM IN THE KING'S
PALACE AT GOSLAR. A rotundo interior, full stage.
At back, following curve of setting, a gallery, about two
feet high and three feet wide, surmounted by a balustrade;
steps lead up to it on both sides. Main arched entrances
R. and L. at foot of the steps. At C., back, an alcove or
bow-window backed by garden perspective. Doors R. C.,
L. C., R. and L. I.
FURNITURE: Statuary, armor, a stone table down
R. C. and a stone seat L. C.
DISCOVERED: Raimond and Mildred standing in
an affectionate attitude looking out of window at back;
Harold lying in front of stone seat.
HAROLD
(Addressing his harlequin's wand) Methinks, my
Merry- Andrew, the nose detects a change; the drought
has lasted o'er long and peace is o'er ripe.
MILDRED
(As she comes down C. arm-in-arm with Raimond) Why
the muteness — drawn blinds to keep out the sun?
RAIMOND
I am happy — so happy!
4 A MEDIEVAL HUN
MILDRED
And must cheerfulness, perforce, become a recluse?
Taciturnity is as nasty as the word.
RAIMOND
The topmost peak of ecstacy and the nethermost depth
of despair are poles at which speech congeals and silence
alone is eloquent.
MILDRED
(Buoyantly) Our happiness is a divine intoxication!
Give it utterance, for it is the hour of exhileration's
attainment.
RAIMOND
(Smilingly) And exultation's oppressiveness.
HAROLD
(As before) Bell and blossoms, cake and the cast of
cast-off sandals!
RAIMOND
I envy no living mortal. To you I owe it all. Is there
more to say?
MILDRED
I partake of it, therefore would hear of it. (Sobering)
But the court — what of it when it learns that a maid
has dared to choose for herself?
RAIMOND
There is naught to fear. My father comes today; he
A MEDIEVAL HUN 5
will be our mediator; a sufficient guarantee that all will
be well.
MILDRED
(Seriously) I wish I were more worthy. I am afraid.
This delight — half -love, half -fear! The sweet calm of a
sunny present is so often the forerunner of angry ele-
ments. If they should break upon and destroy, even
confuse, our joyous madness?
RAIMOND
A feu de joie, my dear, announcing another daughter
and potential mother in Nordheim.
MILDRED
Heaven send that I — there (laughs) I must not give
way. . . . (Soberly) Truly, I am timorous.
RAIMOND
It is but the impost the Unknown levies on Perfect
Bliss; the smiles of the future revenge it.
HAROLD
(Rising and ringing bells on wand) The Future is a
wanton wedded to the Unknown. Despite the taint of
many amours — perhaps, by reason of it — she begets;
and the progeny, prolific and poisonous, is Apprehension.
RAIMOND
A stranger!
6 A MEDIEVAL HUN
MILDRED
The jester.
HAROLD
A fool who reaps honors and emoluments from the
prodigality of fools.
MILDRED
Pretty conceit! But Harold, since you have heard,
pray tell no tales.
HAROLD
Would you have my reputation for wisdom confounded?
RAIMOND
Short memories, you know, good jester —
HAROLD
•Would leave me without an occupation.
MILDRED
(Places hand coaxingly on his shoulder) But for me —
HAROLD
Tut, tut, I am incorruptible. Even bribes as precious
as the smiles of the most beautiful eyes at Goslar —
MILDRED
Flatterer!
A3MEDIEVAL HUN 7
RAIMOND
We are at your mercy.
HAROLD
My|humor, you mean?
MILDRED
Harken, Harold —
HAROLD
HI Address your petitions to my little Andrew. He has a
heart without a body to compass it.
MILDRED
Then, we are safe in his gleeful discretion. (Links
Raimond's arm; they exit L.)
HAROLD
Youth, Andrew! Glorious youth with undefiled palate
and unimpaired stomach for the sweets of life!
Enter GUIBERT, R., followed by GODFREY, CONRAD and
COURTIERS.
GUIBERT
Another suicide?
GODFREY
You have not been misinformed.
GUIBERT
Three within a fortnight ! Scandalous !
8 A MEDIEVAL HUN
CONBAD
Felix Cosmos calls it the gate of adventure opened by
the hand of rashness.
Enter FELIX, jR. C., he is young, debonair and self-
reliant. Comes slowly down stage.
GUIBERT
Who is this Cosmos?
GODFREY
Not easy to tell. None here really know. His creden-
tials, it would appear, were unimpeachable. It is sus-
pected he is in the service of the Papal Court. It would
explain Hildebrand's certain knowledge of all we do.
GUIBERT
And the king tolerates? We must discover.
FELIX
Why let insignificance trespass on your consideration?
You know almost as much about him as he does himself.
Antecedents — mystery and desertion. If, like him of
the bulrushes, he never had the favor of the daughter of
Pharaoh, at least, like the olden prophet, he kens not
whom to blame for ushering him into this unkempt, stupid
world.
GUIBERT
(Disdainfully) Foundling!
A MEDIEVAL HUN a
FELIX
Some monks who discovered me —
GODFREY
(Superciliously) Illegitimate!
FELIX
(Shrugs his shoulders) Better a brat than a braggart*
In the first there is no choice. . . .
HAROLD
Prick your ears, Andrew!
FELIX
Who knows but that the unfortunate who begot me
wore the coronet of — well, say Sudermann? (Godfrey
grasps his sword hilt) Nay, do not draw. I retract —
GODFREY
It's well!
FELIX
There is no Sudermann blood in me —
OMNES
(Derisively) Ah!
10 A MEDIEVAL HUN
FELIX
— thank God ! (General consternation)
HAROLD
No novice plies that rapier tongue !
FELIX
Apologies for the digression. The hospitable monks
had, perforce, to give me a name. One claimed that I
possessed the dark eyes of the Iberian; another that my
complexion was as fair as the Norseman; still another —
he^was an old man — that I had the elusive charm of
Hibernian women. Though how the good saint knew so
much about Hibernian women —
GUIBERT
(Offensively) Offspring of some Bohemian crew!
FELIX
(Very sweetly) Perchance, your Grace, like the great
Doctor of Hippo, had a worldly youth? (Consternation)
HAROLD
He, he ! A young hawk soars high and twitters.
GUIBERT
And is impudent !
HAROLD
An|over confident recklessness provocative of smiles,
not anger.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 11
FELIX
In a kind of Graeco-Roman, catch-as-catch-can, they
dubbed me Felix, after the lay brother who kindly suc-
cored, and Cosmos — well, I suppose, because it covers
any country, any race, and, like charity, a multitude of
sins.
GUIBERT
(Sarcastically) A credit you are to your benefactors !
FELIX
(Innocently) I hope they share your high approval.
GODFREY
Insolent !
FELIX
I am very adaptable; the customs and vernacular of
my —
GUIBERT
You justify suicide?
FELIX
Why not? It is the logic of a Roman Senate's de-
thronement of Jove.
GUIBERT
Paganism !
FELIX
Then destroy the golden calf.
12 A MEDIEVAL HUN
GODFREY
Heed him not. His courage is all in his tongue. He is
even afraid of his purse; refuses the game, shows a white
feather —
FELIX
To gamblers? Harpies who snare with the bird-lime of
deceit, deify thievery and call it honor, knaves whose
opulence is wrung from misfortune? Yes.
GODFREY
Heavens ! Is that why you declined —
FELIX
I occasionally play for amusement and the study of
character. It may be unnecessary. The obvious does
not intrigue.
GODFREY
(Losing temper) For the aspersion you shall make
amend!
FELIX
How does dignity appraise it — what's the inter-
pretation?
GODFREY
(Passionately) I demand satisfaction!
FELIX
Declined, with thanks.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 13
CONRAD
The same flippant rejoinder you made to my —
FELIX
I had no desire, my dear Margrave, to assume the
responsibility of the support of your widow and orphans.
GUIBEBT
Coward's solace!
FELIX
Your Grace wears a cincture, not a bandoleer.
OMNES
(Jeers of derision.)
GUIBEBT
The applause for which you bid!
FELIX
Large game do not dread a noisy stalker.
GODFREY
Hares run at the bark of the beagle !
FELIX
A dog that yelps but does not fight.
14 A MEDIEVAL HUN
GODFREY
There are —
FELIX
(Smiling) Others? Of course; terriers, for instance.
OMNES
Deeds ! Enough of words !
GODFREY
Now then, satisfaction to me, or for you ignoble exile !
FELIX
(With light laughter) I nibble not the bait.
GODFREY
Craven, milksop —
FELIX
I swallov it so the barbed prongs of the hook sink
deep into my vitals. Here, gentlemen, or without, do I
condescend (draws sword. Godfrey does same) to try
the skill and test the wrist of your champion, noble God-
frey of Sudermann!
OMNES
Hear him! Tis well!
FELIX
And Count, I promise — not to kill you Come !
A MEDIEVAL HUN 15
OMNES
Hist — the King!
Enter HENRY, R., in great passion, throws a parch-
ment roll he is carrying on table.
God preserve our Liege Lord ! (Felix and Godfrey hastily
put up swords.)
HENRY
Read! Read, if it blast not the sight!
GUIBERT
(Picks up roll; others gather about him) Refuses to re-
open the question of your marriage?
OMNES
Incredible !
HENRY
Treats our person with contempt; prates of the rights
of women as if they were men's equals; reminds us of the
careful investigation of Peter Damiani and the prayerful
consideration of "our saintly predecessor"; indulges in
sanctimonious cant! We start for Rome today. Our
august person may be more potent than the reasoning of
our Cardinal-Advocate. There is conviction in glitter-
ing cohorts. Hildebrand may be pope; we are King
and Emperor ! To our closet and devise means to rebuke
pretension and remove the false monk who usurps the
throne of Peter. (Exits R. 1, followed by all except Harold
and Felix.)
16 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HAROLD
(X's to door and stops. To Felix) Our young cock-
sparrow fledgling —
FELIX
Eh?
HAROLD
Yes, you ! — seems to be in a hurry for a funeral oration.
FELIX
Have I indicated such aberration?
HAROLD
You have kissed the headsman's axe. (Returns to C.)
Whether you enjoy the nice things uttered over your
decapitated clay depends, if I understand theologians
aright, on climatic conditions.
FELIX
Let's hope they'll be temperate.
HAROLD
You mouthed like a common street-brawler.
FELIX
(Laughs) Only a mental suggestion always unnerving
to arrant cowardice.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 17
HAROLD
But of yourself?
FELIX
I can handle a sword.
HAROLD
You are an enigma who gallantly and stupidly courts
catastrophe. Is it true, as they assert, you are a Roman
spy?
FELIX
Do I look it?
HAROLD
How am I to — No, your gaze is too clear and steady.
FELIX
Then throw your cap and bells to the fools who should
sport them!
HAROLD
Still, I may be deceived.
FELIX
My absence from yonder conference, my indifference to
its proceedings . . .
HAROLD
I have considered that. . . . The King, I am afraid.
18 A MEDIEVAL HUN
will do something rash — something he'll regret. It
bodes ill for the Pope.
FELIX
Hildebrand will make his enemies his footstool!
HAROLD
He's an upstart — the son of a carpenter of Soana!
FELIX
Fitting to be the vicar of the Son of the Carpenter of
Nazareth. He may fail in his exalted mission; but if
high ideal, indomitable courage and unflinching fearless-
ness are qualities that prevail, he will leave a gigantic
imprint on the history of mankind.
HAROLD
Still, if he —
Enter MARY, L.9 carrying cut flowers.
FELIX
The Mistress Mary!
MARY
(Modestly) Greetings to the gentlemen !
HAROLD
I must lend an ear to what goes on.| (X's and exits
R. 1.)
A MEDIEVAL HUN 19
MARY
Accept a bloom. (Hands Felix a flower which he takes,
smells and lightly kisses.)
FELIX
Delicious !
MARY
(Graciously) A delicate compliment from one indifferent
to our sex.
FELIX
I am not so perjured.
MARY
Report does thee ill; it is spoken at court.
FELIX
If the court only prayed with the regularity and devo-
tion it gossips!
MARY
It was openly pronounced by the stately — but there,
I must not disclose —
FELIX
Clodel! See how accurately I finish it! I confess to
a want of appreciation of her charms that may — it was
rude, I admit — have revealed itself in a decided prefer-
ence for others. My reputation grows apace!
20 A MEDIEVAL HUN
MARY
It compares favorably with many.
FELIX
Sweet drink well dashed with wormwood! How like
you your new surroundings?
MARY
There is freedom and yet much restraint.
FELIX
Good tonics in proper season and mild doses.
MARY
The men are forward: their jests are coarse and —
FELIX
Not nursed in honesty?
MARY
The women terrify. My mother would drop of shame
heard she the stories they relate.
FELIX
Old-fashioned ideas, eh? Crimson banners of modesty
and all that sort of thing?
A MEDIEVAL HUN 21
MARY
I wish I had not come; or, in truth, been sent. I am
happier in valleys where brooks sing, in woods where
winds whisper, on the top of ancient hills where heaven
and the angels are so near.
FELIX
Arcady! Song, music and all the superlative har-
monies !
MARY
My dreams deceived. They visualized armored knights
— champions of the weak; beautiful women — inspirers
of lofty sentiment and act. The reality : jealous recrimina-
tion, stinging venom and artificial heroics for idle days.
FELIX
Not forgetting a pulchritude that owes its freshness and
fairness to the toilet jar.
MARY
Charlemagne's sword is sheathed and venerated as a
relic, Otto's deeds remembered only by students. The
past glory of Franconia lies in an attic of oblivion within
a casket of dust.
FELIX
Romance flees contagion that kills. When the glance
of a woman's eye prompts not courage, when innocence
appeals in vain to princely integrity, when chivalry turns
a deaf ear to the orphan's cry, then you must look for
valor in a china shop and seek poetry in a Turkish bazaar.
22 A MEDIEVAL HUN
MARY
I'll not believe that beauty and truth ever perish.
The scene, actors and situation may change but the
play goes on.
FELIX
In a transformed, perhaps modified, form. The Sermon
on the Mount is an eternal verity; the fortitude of poverty
has no historian, the bravery of the lowly no herald.
MART
If a chosen priesthood desert the temple, humbler and
holier hands will be found to trim the sanctuary lamp.
FELIX
All of which leads to —
MARY
The Queen.
FELLX
She has heard?
MARY
Yes, and in her perfect love for Henry pities him.
But where are the arms that should shield her from dis-
grace and foul desertion?
FELIX
Shining in their leather surtouts — weapons are now
fashionable only in pastime. His Majesty, I know,^is
delighted; so delighted that he thinks the burden,, of
office too onorous for Gregory's years.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 23
MARY
Clodel —
FELIX
Has the favorite's fear and wanton's alarm!
MARY
Curses, weeps and swears she'll die of a broken heart.
FELIX
That's a malady fatal to wives, never courtezans.
Clodel need be in no haste to order her shroud.
MARY
Her Majesty is too good for her deceitful husband.
FELIX
Beware — LESE MAJESTE!
MARY
What is that?
FELIX
The unpardonable crime of telling the truth about
MARY
Oh, I wish I were a man!
FELIX
Thank heaven, you're not. So, they called me a woman
hater? (Tenderly) Mary — what a lovely name! — there
24 A MEDIEVAL HUN
is one of the sex I could admire. (Puts arm about her)
I will tell you of her. (Leads her off R.)
Enter HENRY, GUIBERT, HAROLD, GODFREY, CONRAD
and COURTIERS, R. 1.
HENRY
Conrad, to you we assign the duty of making ready.
(Exit Conrad, R.) To you Count, the accompanying
army. (Exit Godfrey, L.) Gentlemen, to you the several
things that pertain to our comfort. (Harold and Courtiers
exit in different directions) Guibert, for you we see a
tiara.
GUIBERT
(Bowing low) I am most unworthy —
HENRY
(Playfully) Say not so. We are well acquainted with
your obvious and ill-disguised er — modesty and morality.
(Sternly) Hildebrand must be taught that the power
which makes can unmake. Such is ours by prescription
and the oath of John. . . . See that the dilatory habits of
your cloth delay us not. Among the many priceless
treasures buried at the foot of the rainbow is the priestly
virtue of punctuality.
GUIBERT
Oh, Sire —
HENRY
I have little doubt that the stupendous gravity of
Judgment Day proceedings will be irreverently inter-
rupted by many straggling, belated churchmen.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 25
GTJIBERT
Your Majesty deigns to be facetious.
HENRY
Conformity to fact is the saving grace of lampoonery;
otherwise, it is clumsy malice. Begone!
GUIBEBT
(Bowing himself off R.) You have but to command.
Enter BERTHA, L.
HENRY
My beloved is most opportune.
BERTHA
(Timidly) Heard you from the Vatican?
HENRY
By the same courier dispatched to you.
BERTHA
And you are not disappointed — angry?
HENRY
(Dissembling) On the contrary, I am pleased beyond
measure.
BERTHA
Thank God, thank God!
26 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
He finds no canonical impediments.
BERTHA
None ever really existed.
HENRY
To be sure. Ah, it removes a heavy burden from my
•ouli
BERTHA
It gives to me my husband! (Throws herself into his
arms.)
HENRY
I am yours 'till death. But, pray, be not so over-
whelmed, so demonstrative.
BERTHA
Say you love me. My ears long for the jubilant words.
HENRY
I do. Now more than ever.
BERTHA
My wounded heart heals 'neath the unguent of your
graciousiiess — it anoints with the chrism of blessedness !
HENRY
You thought me harsh. I was not. I was just — just
to you, to myself. A conflict between love and duty. My
A MEDIEVAL HUN 27
passion for you was consuming; but conscience, like
vermin in a warrior's bed, pricked and disturbed repose.
I was overscrupulous : I was wrong — I know it now.
Still, believe me, it had all the stalking terror of a ghostly
phantom.
BERTHA
It is gone, my loved one — gone ! The Great White
Father of Christendom has spoken and evil flies the
exorcist.
HENRY
To the limbo of forgetfulness I consign it.
BERTHA
Oh, if man but knew the ever-aching ecstatic bliss of
woman's love! Its depth unplummable, its height im-
measurable, its circumference the horizon. It is blind to
shortcomings, but has eyes that magnify nobleness; it
brooks no rival for it is jealous of its possession; to the
giver and receiver it is a benediction — or a curse. There
is nothing it will not do, dare and suffer for its adored;
encouraged, its feebleness ripens into omnipotence;
scorned, it has no asylum but the grave! Henry, if you
need sacrifice, my absence, my Me — speak, speak your
will!
HENRY
I would have you grace that which you adorn. To the
nation, Queen and Empress; to me, companion and con-
soler. . . . Make speed to travel. I am sending you
to Mayence, where shortly I join you. There, with
solemn Te Deum, we will renew our troth and proclaim
our unbreakable, immutable fidelity.
28 A MEDIEVAL HUN
*
BERTHA
Do not tarry. I shall count the hours.
CLODEL
(From without) H-e-n-r-y! (The affected drawl of famili-
arity) Where are you, Henry?
BERTHA
(Agitated) Oh, and in this supreme hour!
Enter CLODEL, JR.; she talks and acts with a confidence
begotten of intimacy; she is sly, vindictive and shows a
veneered coarseness.
HENRY
(Annoyed at the interruption) Ah!
CLODEL
Is it true, Henry, we leave —
HENRY
(Motioning her to retire) Withdraw a moment.
BERTHA
What does the woman mean?
HENRY
I don't know; too much wine, perhaps.
BERTHA
And a presumption liquor dare not prompt!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 29
HENRY
Hereafter, I'll explain.
BERTHA
Explain now! She calls you by a name sacred to my
lips. Why does she insult us with her presence?
CLODEL
(Ironically) A thousand pardons. I did not observe
Your Majesty.
BERTHA
(Regally) Sufficient! Retire!
CLODEL
(Vindictively satiric) Your Majesty, I trust, has quite
recovered? Choice intelligence, I hear, has come from
Rome.
BERTHA
Enough! You are dismissed.
CLODEL
(To Henry) When does the cortege start?
HENRY
I will send for you —
CLODEL
I would know, so that —
30 A MEDIEVAL HUN
BERTHA
(Dignified) Command that woman to retire!
HENRY
She is of my train —
BERTHA
But not of mine.
HENRY
— attached to our person.
BERTHA
So she seems.
CLODEL
(Sweetly) Her Majesty appears to be indisposed. Per-
chance no message came, or I was ill informed of its tenor.
BERTHA
Husband, spare me this humiliation.
HENRY
(To Clodel) Hence, for a moment.
CLODEL
(As before) I can sympathize, for I know the mortifica-
tion of disappointed anticipation.
BERTHA
I'll not submit! Insult! Ridicule! A butt — diver-
sion for the sarcasm of a harlot!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 31
HENRY
(Appealingly) For heaven's sake —
CLODEL
(Indignantly) Madam, you forget yourself !
HENRY
(Sternly) Desist! Go!
CLODEL
Queen or no queen, she shall not traduce nor question
my virtue!
BERTHA
Am I the queen?
HENRY
(Despairfully) Harrass me not with such questions.
Great heavens! What vexations!
CLODEL
(In a rage) She may be Queen — in name! A crown
may exalt the commonest clay, but it confers no license
to defame — no patent of superiority on the daughter of
an impecunious Italian margrave!
BERTHA
(Goes to L.) Guard!
CLODEL
Upstart! Mushroom!
Enter ZITHER, L.
BERTHA
(To him) Remove that woman!
32 A MEDIEVAL HUN
CLODEL
Henry, you will not suffer —
HENRY
Go, go, go-o!
CLODEL
Not until I —
BERTHA
(To Zither) Obey orders.
HENRY
(To Bertha) Madam, remember —
BERTHA
I am queen. I do. Remove at once that —
HENRY
(Links ClodeUs arm) Allow me. (Escorts her to R. and
bows her out. Exit Zither, L. To Bertha) Have you no
thought for my position?
BERTHA
Aye, and for my own. (Drops into seat weeping.)
HENRY
There, there, no tears ! State affairs give her countx
nance. Her family is large, influential —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 33
BERTHA
And has the might of empire to bow to the house of
the White-necked Wolf? Is it seemly to pander to
licentiousness?
HENRY
Be reasonable!
BERTHA
Be king! Let the throne be an example to the people
of domestic felicity; let me be its humblest devotee.
HENRY
(Raising her up) It shall be so. (Kisses her) My tribute
to your supremacy. Hence for the journey. (Leads her
to L. and bows her out.)
Enter GODFREY, R.
(Laughing) Ha, ha, ha! Count, a narrow margin!
The fox nearly left his tail in the trap. My lady has a
sweet, pretty temper distinctively and peculiarly her
own. She never heard the Eastern saying: Kings must
have secrets — even from their wives.
GODFREY
An intricate problem on which my advice is valueless.
HENRY
Listen to me. I would entrust you with a great confi-
dence. I know I can place every reliance in you.
34 A MEDIEVAL HUN
GODFREY
You require no voucher for my fidelity.
HENRY
True. The Queen starts immediately for Mayence
accompanied by an officer and twenty men.
Enter HUBERT, reading breviary, L. C.; remains on
gallery.
GODFREY
The number is small.
HENRY
Ample. When they reach the banks of the Shelva the
party must be attacked. In the dark and in the con-
fusion — well, the bridge is narrow and the waters swift.
Should the Queen make a misstep. . . .
GODFREY
Majesty — I — I —
HENRY
Heartless, you would say. And so it seems. Do not,
however, quickly condemn or blame too much. As in-
fants, Bertha and I were betrothed. As children, we
were married. Our wishes were not consulted. Our
parents, not we, were the high-contracting parties. She
loves me, I admit. It is not and never has been re-
ciprocal. Distaste has fruited into dislike — aversion,
abhorrence. I detest her superior virtues; her clinging,
cringing worship, the incense of prayer and the odor of
sanctity — oh, it frays the raw edges of the nerves !
A MEDIEVAL HUN 85
GODFREY
Are there not other, less drastic means?
HENRY
To Pope Alexander I appealed for an anullment of the
union. Grounds: We were related within the forbidden
degrees and there was no dispensation of the impediment;
the ceremony wanted in canonical requisites; the marriage
was never consummated. Alexander sent Peter Damiani,
an ascetic devoid of blood and with marrow chilled in
some Polish well-spring, to investigate. He found all
issues against us. Hildebrand, as you are aware, is not
more pliant. I must be freed from such hateful consort.
There may be other but this is the swiftest and surest
way. An accident — the will of Heaven — the inscru-
table design of Providence! My person, my throne, my
succession, must no longer suffer. Is it not sufficient
justification?
GODFREY
Sire, in all things I am your loyal and, I hope, discreet
servant.
During the foregoing Hubert's face expresses wonder,
horror, loathing. He gradually backs to door L. C.»
exits and partly closes it.
HENRY
Good!
GODFREY
Who heads the twenty?
86 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
For you to name.
GODFREY
Felix Cosmos.
HENRY
An inconsequential, amusing fellow; I would not have
him killed.
GODFREY
Your enemy.
HENRY
Out-on-you !
GODFREY
Sent by Hildebrand to spy.
HENRY
You are sure?
GODFREY
I know the secret channels by whichjfyourj|many
meritorious deeds —
HENRY
(Cynically) Eh?
GODFREY
— are ripened into rottenness on their way to Rome.
HENRY
(Savagely) Speak you the truth?
GODFREY
It is my witness !
A MEDIEVAL HUN 37
HENRY
Let us seek him. He will be honored to receive at our
hands — his death warrant.
GODFREY
Dare I mention reward?
HENRY
Has our gratitude ever needed a spur?
GODFREY
My request is so excessive as —
HENRY
Saving our crown and revenues, it is yours for the asking.
GODFREY
I would marry —
HENRY
And regret it? Fie!
GODFREY
— the Princess Mildred of Bavaria.
HENRY
(Hesitation) Oh!
GODFREY
It is not cupidity that prompts the desire, though of
late I've been necessitous. Her fortune, great as it is,
does not match her beauty.
38 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
Our rewards do not tarry or service age in expectancy.
To friend and foe alike is this true. By the plague you
shall have the plague! The wench is yours.
GODFREY
She is somewhat gracious to the suit of Raimond of
Nordheim.
HENRY
Ah, that's bad. . . . Nordheim is powerful and occa-
sionally disturbing. However, I am ignorant of her
intentions; I have not been approached on the subject;
we act in good faith. Let the lady's day dream live^in
memory; otherwise, she is yours. (Exeunt R. 1.)
Enter HUBERT, L. C., and OTTO, R.
HUBERT
Never sight more welcome to my fading eyes.
OTTO
(Takes his hand) Why this agitation? You shiver
as if von had seen a Gargantuan apparition.
HUBERT
I have listened to satanic speech. It projects the
Queen's death.
OTTO
(Kindly) My lord, pardon, you're in your dotage.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 39
HUBERT
Would that I were! Hearken to assassination by a
king contrived: Bertha leaves for Mayence to be am-
bushed at the Shelva, her retainers killed and she cast into
the waters.
OTTO
Who told this incredible tale?
HUBERT
Ears listened and were not deceived — mine own!
Godfrey of Sudermann has the warrant.
OTTO
Who leads the guard?
HUBERT
Felix Cosmos.
OTTO
To me, a stranger.
HUBERT
Overbold, and, if I do not misjudge, with circumspec-
tion not well seasoned. Here he is.
Enter FELIX, jR.
OTTO
(To him) Felix Cosmos?
FELl
Sir, the advantage is yours.
OTTO
Baron Otto of Nordheim.
40 A MEDIEVAL HUN
FELIX
The honor is mine.
OTTO
You attend her Majesty to Mayence?
FELIX
The distinction has been done me.
OTTO
A plot has been hatched to destroy the Queen. You
and your companions are to be ambushed and murdered.
FELIX
Pleasant ! Being forewarned —
HUBERT
Useless ! Your men-at-arms are not to be depended on
— likely prison scamps and rogues who think they are
purchasing liberty by donning the King's livery; instead,
they go to execution. I know, I heard the deviltry.
* «•. i *»
FELIX
Inspired by —
HUBERT
The King, and entrusted to Count Godfrey.
FELIX
A fitting instrument! It is serious.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 41
OTTO
With our wits we must circumvent.
FELIX
Oh, if I had — I know a man worth twenty — sur-
passing in prowess —
OTTO
There was one such: the captain of the guard who
with provoking ease disarmed four of us at the tourney
two decades ago. He is dead.
FELIX
The same. And he lives. I am a pupil and disciple of
his. He is now a monk — a monk who figuratively carries
a sword under a cassock: Anselm, Abbot of Limwenlock*
Enter RAIMOND, L., stands back.
OTTO
Heaven be praised! Is he far from us?
FELIX
Some leagues, but not too many if I had a trusty,
determined —
RAIMOND
(Stepping forward) Is it an adventure worthy of
Nordheim?
OTTO, FELIX and HUBERT, simultaneously:
It is.
42 A MEDIEVAL HUN
RAIMOND
Then, who more reliable than Otto's son?
FELIX
None. Come, we will enlighten you. (Exits with Rai-
mond and Otto, L. 1)
Enter BERTHA, MILDRED, MARY and MAIDS, L.
Enter HENRY, GODFREY, CONRAD and COURTIERS, jR.
BERTHA
Husband, I am ready.
HENRY
It is well. Your suite does not accompany you. I am
sorry, but the time at our disposal did not permit of
making provision for it. They remain to follow with us.
BERTHA
Your will is my pleasure.
HENRY
The inconvenience will be trifling. Farewell.
BERTHA
Good-by, loved one. Make haste. The hours will have
laggard's feet until we meet. Hurry to my impatience.
{Throws herself into his
A MEDIEVAL HUN 43
HENRY
Peace be with you! (Kisses her; they part; he turns to
Mild/red) Princess, accept the assurance of our estimation.
MILDRED
(Courtesying) Your Majesty is ever gracious.
HENRY
We would give further evidence of our interest in you.
MILDRED
You are exceedingly kind.
HENRY
We have chosen for you a husband.
MILDRED
(Surprise and perplexed apprehension) Oh, Sire!
HENRY
One of title and worth.
MILDRED
I— I—
HENRY
Hither, Godfrey Count of Sudermann, salute your
affianced.
MILDRED
Good God! No, no, I am promised to another!
44 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
Regrettable. We were not consulted. The ladies of
the court, you should have remembered, have no will but
the King's, no ambition but to please him, no pleasure
but in obedience.
BERTHA
Henry, what is it you do?
HENRY
Promote the happiness of two subjects very dear to me.
MILDRED
I cannot — cannot —
BERTHA
Can there be happiness where —
HENRY
Silence !
MILDRED
(Passionate defiance) Never ! I will not submit !
HENRY
Eh, no? Consider — well, we overlook the breach; it
is the first occasion we ever heard the words.
GODFREY
I accept this indication of your Majesty's approval
with pride.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 45
MILDRED
(Drops on knee and clutches Bertha's skirt) Gracious
Mistress, by my years of devoted service, by your own
holy love —
BERTHA
(Raises and kisses her) Child, I am powerless.
MILDRED
(Drops on both knees) God in heaven, pity and protect
me ! Mother of the Most High, look upon your daughter
and make intercession for her; all ye Holy Angels and
Saints intercede for me! (Turns to Hubert) Hubert,
Lord Bishop, guardian who has been all that a father
could be, do not desert me in my extremity !
HUBERT
(Diffidently) She is my ward. I protest — I —
HENRY
(Catches him by wrist and drags him forward) Consent \
HUBERT
I cannot — I —
HENRY
Consent!
HUBERT
I — I — consent.
46 A MEDIEVAL HUN
MILDRED
Lost! All is lost! Take me hence — my limbs are —
are powerless — I — I — I'm dying — cannot see —
(Swoons and drops on floor)
From without L. is heard a fanfare of trumpets, sound
of steel on steel, tramping horses, etc.
HENRY
(Goes L. and calls off, cynically) Summon the leech!
Our goodness has overpowered a lady.
CURTAIN
ACT II
ACT II
LIMWENLOCK ABBEY. Garden exterior, full stage.
The building is set at back; five or six stone steps lead up to
its main entrance. Table and benches R. and L. C.
CURTAIN to the ringing of a bell, like Angelus' Bell.
DISCOVERED: Anselm standing at top of steps in
meditation. Makes sign of the cross as bell stops.
Enter MILDBED, L.9 in haste, spent and distressed;
staggers to her knees at foot of steps.
MILDBED
Sanctuary! Sanctuary!
ANSELM
Surely, my child. (Comes down and raises her) It is
for all who reach Limwenlock's consecrated ground.
MILDBED
My gratitude is — is boundless.
ANSELM
From whom do you flee?
MILDBED
The King's men.
50 A MEDIEVAL HUN
ANSELM
What law have you transgressed?
MILDRED
None ordained of God.
ANSELM
But the crime?
MILDRED
Love.
ANSELM
(Shrugging shoulders) It's a wound for which, I fear,
no salve may be found here. You do not look criminal.
MILDRED
I am not criminal. Listen to me, father. I am the
Princess Mildred of Bavaria, lady-in-waiting to Our Lady,
the Queen.
ANSELM
(Thoughtfully) Surprises multiply!
MILDRED
I love Raimond of Nordheim; he loves me; we are
pledged each to the other. The King disapproves — is
incensed; forbids the troth and commands me to marry
his favorite, the hateful Count Godfrey of Sudermann.
ANSELM
So, so, — ah, yes: two and two — does it make four?
A MEDIEVAL HUN 51
MILDRED
I was a virtual prisoner under the espionage of Henry's
mis — I cannot say the distasteful word.
ANSELM
I understand.
MILDRED
— subject to her obnoxious presence and many im-
portunities. Last night, in the dark, with nothing to
guide, I fled the camp. I travelled the long hours through,
by road, by field, in woods. Hungry, weary, footsore
and heart-broken, I crave shelter.
ANSELM
You shall have it. (As he leads her up abbey steps)
Your immediate want is refreshment and rest. (She-
goes within; he remains at door)
Enter ZITHER, L. and ANHALT, who is short of stature,
R.; both stutter and each is unaware of the other's
impediment.
ZITHER and ANHALT announce simultaneously
P-p-pre-p-pare —
DITTO
W-w-whom d-d-do you m-m-mock?
ZITHER
Z-z-zounds, I-F11 make splin-n-nters of y-y-your p-p-
pate!
53 A MEDIEVAL HUN
ANHALT
D-d-dog of D-d-danube, I-F11 —
ANSELM
Peace! What roysterers' wrangle disturbs our holy
calm?
ZITHER and ANHALT, simultaneously
H-h-he r-r-rid — H-h-hear him !
ANSELM
Stay, do you stutter?
ZITHER and ANHALT, simultaneously
I-I-I do.
ANSELM
You both have the same affliction.
ZITHER and ANHALT, simultaneously
O-o-oh!
ANSELM
One at a time. (To Anhalt) What woulds't thou?
ANHALT
An-n-n-nounce the c-c-coming of m-my m-m-m-master
H-h-hermann, Ar-r-rchduke of B-b-bremen.
ZITHER
(Laughs sarcastically} Ha, ha, ha!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 53
ANSELM
(To Zither) And you?
ZITHER
T-t-to or-r-r-rder —
ANHALT
(Contemptuously) Or-r-r-rder !
ZITHER
— ev-v-v-very thing m-made r-r-ready for the re-e-e-
ception of my m-m-m-master Henry, k-k-king and emp-p-
peror !
ANHALT
(Chagrined) O-Oh!
ANSELM
Our dutiful greetings to both. Depart! (Goes up and
exits into abbey)
ZITHER
(At L.) R-r-runt! (Exits L.)
ANHALT
(At R.) Gra-a-a-aceful gir-r-r-aff e ! (Exits R.)
Enter OTTO and RAIMOND, R.
RAIMOND
The camp was so guarded I could not approach.
OTTO
I know it is easy to advise and hard to follow. But you
must exercise more patience.
54 A MEDIEVAL HUN
RAIMOND
Father, do not say so! There is the demand of duty
and the call of blood. The shepherd is not sleeping when
the wolf is abroad; the spoiler's cry is the clarion of the
warrior; must the countenance pale and the heart petrify
when treachery and concupiscence flout decency? Shall
manhood be traitor when virtue sues protection and
purity shrinks the defilement of glutton lust? No, no,
never, never!
OTTO
The danger is not imminent. All is not lost. Henry
may still be amenable to reason. Precipitancy oft thwarts
the best design.
RAIMOND
But my loved one! And you say I must be idle! It
is not natural, not human — Oh, I cannot, cannot !
Action! Virtue, honor, happiness demand it!
OTTO
That approaches of which you know little. It is silent,
but it comes nevertheless. It is justice, and it often
assumes the appalling shape of red terror.
RAIMOND
And while we await its tardiness —
OTTO
It can be long-suffering in its labor; nevertheless, it is
wiser not to force the birth.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 55
BAIMOND
I am young, human, the warmest of warm blood
courses madly in my veins ! My peace has been destroyed,
my hope crushed; my love — the very light of my exist-
ence— suffers wrongs atrocious to heaven — God, the
very thought unseats reason! (Drops into seat at table R.)
OTTO
I suffer with you; but be guided by me — do nothing
without consulting me. (Exits into abbey)
Enter GODFREY, L.
GODFREY
(Superciliously) Self -communing! Pleasant or unpleasant
retrospection?
RAIMOND
(Jumps up and draws sword) You? Heaven has sent
you. Draw!
GODFREY
Young valor waxes into extravagance.
RAIMOND
It is a moment pregnant with more than flippant jest;
soon your lips shall cease to form them. Draw!
GODFREY
If I refuse?
RAIMOND
Nonetheless, in dastard heart will virgin steel be sullied!
56 A MEDIEVAL HUN
GODFREY
Heroics! (Advances towards him) Strike!
RAIMOND
(Drops sword point to ground) A coward's ruse to
evade punishment! Poltroon, craven, whelp, I spit
upon the spawn —
GODFREY
(Draws) And with mongrel's tongue lick it up! (They
cross swords and fight fiercely. After many passes, Otto
enters from Abbey, draws sword and comes down; throws
up their weapons with his. Both contestants are breathing
hard)
OTTO
Stop!
RAIMOND
To one side, father!
OTTO
No!
GODFREY
Is this fair?
OTTO
Enough!
RAIMOND
For the honor of Nordheim?
OTTO
No!
RAIMOND
For Mildred?
A MEDIEVAL HUN 57
OTTO
A thousand times, no!
GODFREY
(Scornfully puts up sword) The paternal solicitude of
Nordheim but postpones the day.
BAIMOND
Fear not, it will come!
GODFREY
The sooner —
OTTO
Cease ! When more than a half century and the scars of
innumerable campaigns have calmed the passions of
youth, tranquilized and mellowed the outlook, experience
will quench vanity and courage be deaf to all entreaties
not evoked by patriotism or affronted equity.
GODFREY
Sententious and — hardly convincing. Adieu. (Exits L.)
OTTO
(Sheaths sword) Needless to say, I am not pleased.
RAIMOND
(Sheathing sword) What would you have me do?
OTTO
Keep your head out of the lion's mouth. Had you
killed him —
58 A MEDIEVAL HUN
RAIMOND
Mildred would have been free.
OTTO
But not for your arms. Death would have been your
bride.
RAIMOND
What of it if it had rid the earth —
OTTO
Raimond, child of my most tender concern, time
advances, soon must my lance rest and shield hang —
RAIMOND
Distant be the day !
OTTO
In no far future, your legacy — the burden and re-
sponsibility of Nordheim, will be yours. I would have
you strong yet tender, firm but merciful, a leader and
teacher in Israel.
RAIMOND
If I had your attributes —
OTTO
Our people are simple but barbaric in origin and in-
stinct; they can be easily excited to great deeds, but they
are reverential and imitative — the one for the crown;
the other for its lapses. As vice is seductive, virtue
A MEDIEVAL HUN 59
suffers . . . Sufficient to point out to you that
the people are misled and dazzled by the evils that culture
in high places.
RAIMOND
But the future — it has promise?
OTTO
Henry — God forgive me ! — whom another age will
describe as famous for all that was infamous, is em-
boldened to rashness by the false security of a powerful
army; he has it not.
RAIMOND
Surely you are mistaken?
OTTO
For the country's welfare,|l hope so. On the horizon
loom portentous omens of bitter internecine strife and
bloody external conflict. The King's arrogance, the
envy of our neighbors, this continual war with the Holy
See ...
RAIMOND
It is not a fair picture.
OTTO
No fancy sketches it. But two in all the kingdom stand
ready for emergency : Bremen and Nordheim.
RAIMOND
Bremen? You amaze me.
60 A MEDIEVAL HUN
OTTO
Hermann is no fool.
RAIMOND
His talk belies him.
OTTO
True, he acts it. In that respect, I do not understand
him. The King, fearful of all power he does not con-
trol, hearing ill-defined rumors of the Archduke's army,
sent him to France as his representative in the Septi-
mania difficulty. His motive was by personal visit to
discover —
RAIMOND
And he found?
OTTO
Nothing. Hermann had misgivings and took fore-
thought for ally. When Henry expressed a desire to see
the wonderful army of which he had heard much there
was paraded a battalion of awkward retainers as the
maximum of Bremen's noble defenders. Ha, ha, ha!
(Hearty laughter) By the saints, it was good!
RAIMOND
(Joining in laugh) Delightful! I never would have
credited the Duke with such sagacious cunning.
OTTO
Why he does the harlequin is|incomprehensible. I sus-
pect method in his madness.
RAIMOND
What of our own? It has more interest.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 61
OTTO
Of all classes of the service, we can muster 15,000,
armed, trained and ready, with still sufficient to protect
our homes against roving robber bands.
BAIMOND
That is why you devote so much time to military affairs?
OTTO
Under me, you are first in command. Hence, I enjoin
the cultivation of all the qualities fit to consort with the
fearlessness to which you are no stranger. I seek Father
Anselm. (Exits into abbey. Raimond goes off R.)
Without, loud laughter and camp noises. Enter
ANHALT, R., bowing and backing to €.; ZITHER, L.,
ditto; at C. they meet, turn and scowl at each other
and retire, respectively, up R. and L.
Enter HERMANN, R., followed by retainers.
HERMANN
Gad-a-mercy, what a noise ! (Retires up R.)
Enter L., HENRY escorting CLODEL, followed by HAROLD,
GUIBERT, HUBERT, CONRAD, MARY, MAIDS and
COURTIERS.
HENRY
(To Clodel) Good! My lady, you are always superb,
but you surpass yourself today!
A MEDIEVAL HUN
CLODEL
It is well to know one pleases; and I am grateful for
the opportunity of seeing Limwenlock.
HENRY
Behold it!
CLODEL
A repleting feast for hungry eyes. A fortress of piety
in a profusion of nature. I'll warrant it is as luxurious
within as without. Eh, my Harry?
HENRY
Come now, no more covetous eyes for monastery plate I
CLODEL
(Coaxingly) But Harry, this must be exceeding choice.
HAROLD
If 't be the lady's pleasure,
She must have the treasure.
CLODEL
I commend the fool's wisdom.
HENRY
On our head has already fallen —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 63
HAROLD
Monks may storm and chide,
Pray and fume and try to hide;
But how long can they resist
If the fair one still persist?
OMNES
Ha, ha, ha! (Loud laughter)
CLODEL
(Laughingly, as she exits with Mary and lady retainers
into abbey) It is more than wit, it is knowledge; knowledge
that the master should have mastered long ago.
HENRY
Be careful!
Enter GODFREY, hurriedly, L.
GODFREY
(Taking Henry down R.) Something on which we had
not calculated.
HENRY
Eh?
GODFREY
Betrayal or surprising coincidence !
HENRY
Yes?
64 A MEDIEVAL HUN
GODFREY
A wounded soldier, dying — one of the attacking party
— said that after they had killed or driven the Queen's
retinue — the conspirators against your person, as he
thought — into the river, they, in turn, were set upon
by masked bandits and all of the company, excepting
himself, put to the sword. He too had his thrust and
is dead.
HENRY
The Queen?
GODFREY
Those we sent out early this morning — they who
found the dying man — could discover no trace of her.
Undoubtedly she, along with the rest, met with — dire
mishap.
HENRY
Free ! At last we are free ! (Hermann comes down)
GODFREY
Hist!
HERMANN
Sire, your ambassador salutes!
HENRY
(Now in a facetious and mocking mood) By the shoe-
mender, so you do !
HERMANN
I was making all speed with the report of — '° ••?'•'$
A MEDIEVAL HUN 65
HENRY
The alert, sagacious and statesmanlike manner you
executed our trust?
HERMANN
Your graciousness overpowers.
HAROLD
Oh, innocent lamb, bleating while it goes to slaughter!
HENRY
To be unmindful of your inestimable service would not
be gracious. You displayed exceptional skill.
HAROLD
A word that rhymes with kill.
HERMANN
(Puzzled) Eh?
HAROLD
I am gathering inspiration for a new ode — an epic
in which you'll figure.
HENRY
Your prompt return indicates that the Frenchman
feared you. You handled him with rare insight.
HERMANN
E'cod, I did.
66 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
Beside your discernment he must have been the
marionette of a country fair!
HERMANN
The Gaul is a skilled diplomat.
HENRY
Paugh, pigmie to the son of Bremen!
HERMANN
Your praise overbounds.
HENRY
It is but scant justice. Your modesty becomes your
greatness.
HAROLD
Velvet paws —
HENRY
The ladies of the capital! Were they at all susceptible?
HAROLD
Hidden claws —
HENRY
Gadzooks, you're embarrassed, you blush!
HAROLD
Turn and toy —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 67
HERMANN
Well, I must admit, they're charming women —
HAROLD
And then destroy !
HERMANN
— well qualified to turn a head less wise than mine.
HENRY
True, Sir Adonis! We defer to your insinuating
address. But, as your words have honest coinage, was
that all?
HERMANN
I do not know that I follow you. I am not so very
old; I have an inherent and cultivated taste for the
beautiful —
HENRY
(To Omnes) Attention! Let ears have no tongue, lips
no words that winds might bear to the charming Duchess
of Bremen! JTis a royal command.
HERMANN
Gad-a-mercy, no!
HENRY
(Insinuatingly) The nymphs — confess — beguiled*,
enchanted, flattered, kissed —
HERMANN
Hold fast, sire; hold fast! You assume — you press
me hard.
68 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
(Accusingly) And in a vortex of mad dissipation you
forgot your mission and yourself! (Turns and winks at
Godfrey and others)
HAROLD
Obliteration! Requiescat in pace.
HERMANN
W-w-wha —
HENRY
You consented to a protectorate over Septimania and
acceded Narbona a free port.
HERMANN
Your very instructions.
HENRY
Dolt ! Do you not know that diplomacy uses language
the very opposite of what is intended? You're as wise
as an owl — and as stupid.
HERMANN
Nothing could be more explicit —
HENRY
Dare you contend with your Lord and Ruler? Out of
my sight ere I send you to the stocks!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 69
<
HERMANN
(As he goes up and exits into abbey) Gratitude! Service!
Reward !
OMNES
(Ironic laughter) Ha, ha, ha!
ANSELM, who during this has entered from abbey, comes
down stage.
ANSELM
The welcome and hospitality of Limwenlock to the
majesty that honors it.
HENRY
(Twittingly) Ah, not satisfied with your benefice — eyes
on something better?
ANSELM
There is no better, and it is too good for my
unworthiness.
HENRY
You are wise, Abbot.
ANSELM
OUT obligation will be enhanced if you partake of re-
freshment.
Enter MONKS from Abbey, pass round goblets and
wine.
HENRY
We'll empty a beaker to your prosperity. The vintage
I'll hazard is —
ANSELM
The best our poor vaults can boast.
70 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
(Sips his) By the saints, it's good! Jester, a song;j[your
occupation seeds to melancholy.
HAROLD
I'm a rhymster not a bard.
HENRY
You're spring in all its verdure. Nevertheless, your
doggerel — Lord knows it's that — is at the moment
acceptable. (Sits at table with Godfrey)
OMNES
Aye, aye, a song ! (Some sit, some stand)
HAROLD
(At C. sings)
When the gods send us favor
We praise them in wine;
'Tis meet for their honor,
This nectar divine.
Loud rings the cheer,
As passes the bowl,
To the mellow enchanter
That gladdens the soul.
OMNES, chorus
Praise to the root
That fathers the vine,
The mother of fruit | ^
That presses to^wine.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 71
Tra-la-la, tra-la-la,
Tra-la-la tra-la-lay,
Salute we the blessing,
Long may it sway!
HAROLD
Our toast to the maiden
Who never lets slip
The joy overladen
That lurks on the lip.
Orbs framed in beauty
To light with their fire
The beacon that duty,
Hope, courage inspire.
OMNES
Our pledges ascend
To the shrine of the fair;
On our knees we commend
The gods have their care.
Tra-la-la, tra-la-la,
Tra-la-la, tra-la-lay,
Hail then to beauty,
Blessed be its sway !
Enter FELIX, R.; stays up stage till close of song.
HAROLD
With reverence we name
Whom the heavens hath sent
To add by his fame
To our nation's content.
72 A MEDIEVAL HUN
In choicest of nectar,
In songs of the maid,
From serf to elector,
Let homage be paid.
OMNES
In grateful emotion
To the Lord do we raise
Hymns of devotion
That pulse with our praise;
From the hearts of the strong
Just tributes are welling,
The throats of the throng
Its accents are swelling,
Henry! Franconia! Forever! Hurrah!
FELIX
(Down C.) Bravo! Most excellent! Garlands for exalted
worth !
HENKY and GODFREY, simultaneously
(Jump to feet with surprise and consternation) Cosmos!
FELIX
(With bow. Through this scene he maintains an attitude
of ingenuous simplicity) Always, your most obedient.
HENRY
Unbounded surprise!
FELIX
And may I hope, delight?
A MEDIEVAL HUN 7S
HENRY
Have you been to Mayence?
FELIX
Not yet. When I saw you arrive —
%
GODFREY
You were not killed?
FELIX
Not to my knowing.
GODFREY
You were not attacked?
FELIX
How should you know?
Enter BERTHA, U. L., unnoticed by reason of those she
passes behind.
HENRY
Your report ! We have sent to unravel a rumor, obscure
and dubious, brought us —
FELIX
By the Count?
HENRY
Just the meaning of that?
FELIX
I understood he joined you early this morning.
74 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
Infernal! Set you a spy upon our doings?
FELIX
Sire, your anger is without fair cause. Peasants in-
hale so little of the perfume of a court, they needs must
gossip. I have but lately walked abroad.
GODFREY
Were not your attendants slaughtered?
FELIX
If so, I have not been acquainted of it.
HENRY
Why do you fence? Where are they?
FELIX
The Count would have them in — perhaps, heaven.
HENRY •
The Queen? — the Empress?
BERTHA
(Stepping forward) Here Henry, beloved,
HENKY
(Taken aback but recovers quickly) I am relieved — but
I know not the meaning.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 75
FELIX
The road was dark and treacherous. I deployed the
guards and sent them on to make sure that all was safe.
We were overtaken by a party of monks on the way
hither; they told us that the river bank was infested with
brigands, and besought us not to proceed; we were
offered the hospitality of Limwenlock. My charge —
your precious consort — was momentous. What could
I do? I chose discretion. My caution, I trust, com-
mends itself to your favor.
HENRY
It does. (Significantly) It shall be in everlasting re-
membrance.
FELIX
Let me beg of you to forget it.
HENRY
Such devotion to duty? Never!
FELIX
You are too thoughtful . . . (Retires up stage)
Enter MARY, CLODEL and RETAINERS from
abbey. Clodel comes down stage.
HENRY
(Putting Bertha in seat) My sweet looks well. The
fairest of roses bloom on the fairest of cheeks.
76 A MEDIEVAL HUN
BERTHA
Now your words enrapture! Did intuition lead your
steps this way?
HENRY
Some benevolent angel directed my feet to —
CLODEL
(Touching his shoulder) Gracious Master —
HENRY
(Annoyed) Well?
BERTHA
Again, that woman !
CLODEL
Mildred is within. Just now, at prayer, in the chapel
I saw her.
GODFREY
She is ours; we must have her.
HENRY
Hither, monkish Abbot! (Anselm advances) Is it true
you conceal a lady to our person attached?
ANSELM
The Princess Mildred claims the sanctuary of Lim-
wenlock.
HENRY
There is no sanctuary against the crown.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 77
GODFREY
(To Henry) Your promise! I rely —
HENRY
Produce her, monk, if of your benefice you give scant
thought.
ANSELM
For three hundred years the portals of Limwenlock
have been open to pursued innocence and hunted crime.
Its walls have been adamant to the demands, threats
and violence of courtiers, knights and nobles. They have
resisted the oppressor and persecutor. They are the
same, and as sacred, now as of yore. Ask not the im-
possible. They cannot, will not, dare not yield.
HENRY
When I return, they'll boast another abbot.
BERTHA
(Rises) Oh, Henry!
ANSELM
(Resignation) As God wills.
HENRY
As I will!
BERTHA
Husband, listen, would you fly —
HENRY
I command deliverance of my subject.
78 A MEDIEVAL HUN
ANSELM
(Quietly) I refuse.
HENRY
I am King!
HAROLD
And kings can do no wrong. It is so, if lawyers be not
arrant knaves.
ANSELM
(Evenly) To my feeble care has been entrusted Lim-
wenlock's holy mesne and ancient prerogatives. While
venerating your person and the throne it illuminates,
I absolutely, positively refuse to alienate the one or for-
feit the other.
HENRY
You challenge, defy —
ANSELM
In the name and in the protection of the Holy Trinity.
HENRY
Then you shall have the compulsion you court!
ANSELM
(Aroused) At your peril !
HENRY
\
Bah! (Snaps fingers) That for your maledictions!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 79
BERTHA
Henry, for the love of heaven —
HENRY
Peace! (To courtiers) Attention!
ANSELM
For God's sake, desist! From the presence of the
Blessed Sacrament you must drag her!
HENRY
The crime be on your head !
BERTHA
(Clutching his arm) Henry, husband, hear me! It is
sacrilege you contemplate.
HENRY
(Casts her into seat) Another word sunders us forever!
BERTHA
God pity and forgive you! (Weeps)
HENRY
(To attendants) Within! Produce the Princess if it
cost the raising of foundation stone! (Anselm, at steps.
80 A MEDIEVAL HUN
tries to bar the way. Godfrey and Conrad throw him aside
and, with others, rush steps)
Enter MILDRED from abbey; stands in door.
MILDRED
Stop! I would not purchase immunity at the cost of
the profanation of the Holy of Holies ! Let me pass. (Way
is made for* her; she comes down) Sire, I am here.
HENRY
Your decision is praiseworthy.
Enter OTTO and RAIMOND, U. R., stand back. Rai-
mond as if to rush down, Otto restraining him.
MILDRED
Over my body, you have manorial right — I am the
vassal. Do with it as your impulse prompts; load it
with chains, drag it at the chariot wheel, break it on
rack, confine it in dungeon — and be satisfied. My
conscience, my will, my soul are my own; over them
you have no lordship. In that domain you are as help-
less as a child tossed by turbulent wave. I tell you now;
nay, I swear, I will never marry Godfrey of Sudermann!
HENRY
Ha, ha, ha! (Incredulous laughter) To halter and
saddle we have broken more intractable colts.
RAIMOND
(Rushes down and throws himself at Henry's feet) My
liege, give ear to the petitions —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 81
HENRY
What disturber have we now?
MILDRED
Raimond !
CONRAD
Son of Otto.
GODFREY
The cub of Nordheim.
RAIMOND
Sire, for the lady, for love, life, happiness I supplicate!
HENRY
Your right?
RAIMOND
She is my affianced.
HENRY
Not so. My word has pledged her to another.
RAIMOND
Default it! There would be no crime. Otherwise,
the crime is violation and theft. She is all to me as I
am all to her. Out of the plenitude of your good-
ness and mercy undo a wrong unworthy of your exalted
station.
HENRY
Rare sentiments to be suckled from the treacherous
breasts of Nordheim !
82 A MEDIEVAL HUN
OTTO
(Who has come down; raising Raimond) Words unbe-
coming the son of the third Henry, whose life these arms
saved at Lindenham.
HENRY
And with ingratitude requites the offspring for the
favors of the sire.
MILDRED
(To Raimond) Why have you come to add to my mis-
ery? (He seats her R. and remains with her)
HENRY
(To Otto) We accord you hearing, speak!
OTTO
To these youthful prayers I add mine.
HENRY
Refused!
OTTO
If language, having spring in the deepest wells of
affection, can touch the chcrd of imperial magnanimity,
I press, urge, beseech for these tender ones who, like
stricken mourners by an open grave, await the sepulture of
hopes and happiness.
HENRY
If it be so, it is so appointed. No more of it. Have
you aught else?
A MEDIEVAL HUN 8S
OTTO
(Emphatic) Much! The priests and people of Nord-
heim memorialize that Elfred be not consecrated bishop
'till Rome has spoken.
HENRY
Obstinate serfs!
OTTO
The appointment is scandal that harbors dissension.
HENRY
Present the document that it may be forwarded to
the master of public floggings.
OTTO
If for that only, I'll retain it for use elsewhere.
HENRY
Does Elfred not satisfy the swine?
OTTO
Briars do not yield lilies. A corrupt priest cannot
bestow lustre on a mitre or authority to a crozier.
HENRY
You question our right of investiture?
OTTO
Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.
84 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
We give it memory ! Have you completed the measure
of your insolence?
OTTO
Sweesig is being devastated by minions, acting in your
name, without inquisition or warrant of intrusion.
HENRY
The overzeal of some of our adherents.
OTTO
Monasteries echo the ruthless tread of mailed despoiler,
women flee and hide the ravisher's ghoulish desire, the
right of sanctuary is violated, temples profaned, altars
defiled, tabernacles rifled for ornaments to deck the
strumpets of satraps' seraglios.
HENRY
Tiresome! What is it all to me?
OTTO
I am their overlord, you are mine. They look to me
for protection; in turn, I look to you.
HENRY
Serfs ! Dare they, dare you impeach our administration ?
Into their witless pates drive the certainty: We are King
and Emperor by right divine !
A MEDIEVAL HUN 85
OTTO
Rather, because you are the first begotten of the loins
of your father — and by the will of the people.
HENRY
Sedition ! Demagoguery !
OTTO
Custom immemorial, prescription sprung from the
womb of time, may blunt perception, but does not stifle
the voice of equity or abrogate the rights of man.
HENRY
(Disgust) Platitude!
OTTO
Only the patient searcher locates origins; only to the
dreamer is vouched visions of possibilities.
HENRY
Your mind's diseased !
OTTO
My liege, it requires no prophetic gift to ken when
age, hoary in evolution and revolution, shall hear the
brazen tongue of Liberty's loud mouth bell proclaim:
Government derives its power from the consent of the
governed.
HENRY
(Approaching and drawing gauntlet from belt) That
brain of yours shelters treason and harbors —
86 A MEDIEVAL HEN
OTTO
Nay, not so. I am untutored in dissembler's art; I have
no disguise to conceal opinions which from conviction
take on form.
HENRY
Our answer! (Strikes him in face with gauntlet. Otto
evinces great, suppressed emotion. Raimond, standing to
his R. attempts to draiv sword. Otto, without looking at
him, catches his wrist) Godfrey ! Conrad ! The rest to OUT
cortege ! (Exeunt his followers and Hermann's retainers)
Monk, lead the way. We would make an inventory of
the treasure these walls enclose. (Exit Anselm into abbey,
followed by Godfrey, Conrad and Henry)
OTTO
(Breast heaving) "Tis well for him he is King, else that
blow had been his last!
RAIMOND
Father, your grasp gives me pain.
OTTO
(Dropping his wrist) Forgive me, child. Child no longer!
The joy and hope of my house. To steed, make free use
of spur, nor cease dispatch till you have sounded the tocsin
in Nordheim!
RAIMOND
You, whither?
OTTO
Rome! Rome, to unfold the truth to the Sovereign
Pontiff; to pray absolution from the oath that binds me
A MEDIEVAL HUN 87
to allegiance. Then, then shall Henry know the might
of injured right, the overwhelming power of a people's
will ! (Exits with rapid stride L.)
BAIMOND
(At U. R. calls off) Mark, quick, I await my horse!
Haste, I tell you, for I must away to prepare the chivalry
of Nordheim to breast the tempest and avenge an insult!
(Seeing Henry, Godfrey and Conrad enter from abbey, he
stands behind a convenient buttress of the building.)
HENRY
(Laughing) Still, not sufficient to satisfy the rapacity
of my faithful Clodel . . .
Enter CHEVALIER, R.
Well, what now?
CHEVALIER
(Advances, kneels and hands a scroll to Henry) To the
liege lord, Henry, from the Vatican. (Stands)
HENRY
Ah, perhaps he relents — has had discretion for a
visitor. (Breaks seal and silently reads) Fiends of hell,
another insult! (Running his eye over the communication)
"Vetoes Elf red as bishop of Nordheim . . . deprives him
of priestly faculties . . . denounces simony, investiture
. . . penalties . . . summonses Guibert to be disci-
plined . . . complaints . . . loath to rebuke . . . solici-
tous for our salvation . . . seal of fisherman . . ,
Gregory, PP. VII." We stay not long on the shivering
88 A MEDIEVAL HUN
edge of suspense. Guibert disgraced, Nordheim itching
for rebellion, the monk of Cluny dictates — dictates to us !
Here, flunky, this to the pettifogging priest of priests!
(Throws away scroll) Tell him his parchment has gone on
winds to supply intellectual repast for jackals; that the
low cunning and black-art he employs to ensnare men
and with which he kept Pope Nicholas like an ass in a
stable is harmless against the strong winged, broad
winged eagles of Germany and Rome! Begone! (Exit
Chevalier R.) The third within a month! Insufferable!
Had ever monarch such a motley crew about him? Where's
the Macedonian courage that should rid us of besetting
tyranny?
GODFREY
(Draws sword) To it this sword is dedicated !
CONRAD
(Draws sword) And this is consecrated!
HENRY
(Draws sword and crosses theirs) Bravely spoken!
Let not promise grow stale for execution. We follow, and
on Campania's plain elect a pontiff amenable to our
paramount pleasure. (Godfrey and Conrad in unison with
him) Death to Hildebrand ! Hail Guibert of Ravenna !
CURTAIN
ACT III
ACT III
A ROOM IN THE VATICAN. Gothic interior.
Doors down R. and L. On the upper side of each door is
part of a column, sufficient to conceal a person standing
behind it. Above, on R., a door (French window) opening
to balcony, overlooking a court; a small seat temporarily
in window-opening. In rear watt a large stained-glass
window depicting three life-sized angels holding aloft
flaming swords. No light behind this window — the dead
effect of a church window at night when the interior is lighted.
Gregory is discovered standing at open window, his left
hand resting on back of seat; Dolmino, also standing, a few
feet away.
As curtain rises voices are heard from the court singing:
LaudateDominumomnes Praise the Lord, all ye
gentes; laudate eum, omnes nations; praise him, all ye
populi. people.
Quoniam confirmata est For his mercy is con-
super nos misericordia ejus : firmed upon us : and the
et veritas Domini manet in truth of the Lord remaineth
aeternum. forever.
When singing has ceased Gregory raises his right hand
and blesses the people who cheer and are supposed to dis-
perse.
GREGORY
(Turning to Dolmino) God bless them! They are good
people. If politicians — ah, me, perhaps it were well not
92 A MEDIEVAL HUN
to touch the unwholesome with uncovered hands. They
cheer ! It flatters the streak of vanity in most, if not all of
us: an outcropping in many; a deep stratum in others, but
there nevertheless. Sinful, of course, but ... A token
of affection ! It gratifies ; solace for many an anxious hour !
DOLMINO
Why not acclaim you? Would you have favor in-
sensible to gratitude? You have opened schools, emanci-
pated serfs, sheltered weaklings and given the States the
best of governments. You have healed the sick, restored
sight to the blind and even, it is said, quickened the dead.
GREGORY
Not I — the Master — Peter and John going up to the
temple ! Somehow, this generous outpouring of love and ven-
eration makes me apprehensive. Only four short days, re-
member, between the palm and the cross — from " Hosanna "
to "Crucify Him!"
DOLMINO
Banish, I beseech you, such oppressive thoughts.
GREGORY
(Sits. Slight cough) This cough annoys more fre-
quently. I have a premonition, because I love justice
and hate iniquity, I shall die in exile.
DOLMINO
In exile, Holy Father, thou canst not die, for ' 'He hath
given thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the
utmost bounds of the earth for thy possessions."
A MEDIEVAL HUN 93
GREGORY
Of late my rest has been disturbed by disquieting
dreams — realistic, compelling, abiding. I saw William
and Dietrich — to me personally unknown — sons of the
late Count Gero, with inflexible determination and the
glow of conquest writ on countenance, sweep on to victory
after victory, while multitudes flocked to their standards
and Henry, the king, precipitately fled before them. Then,
in the woods of Antwerp, Godfrey of Lorraine, spouse of our
daughter Matilda —
DOLMINO
He who vaingloriously boasted he would lead another
pope, Henry's appointee, triumphantly to Rome?
GREGORY
The same. But now, in my vision, done to death by an
enemy's dagger.
DOLMINO
The punishment of God is certain; though sometimes,
to our finite comprehension, His messengers have heavy
feet.
GREGORY
The last, most horrible of all: The cathedral church of
William of Utrecht blasted, like the accursed cities of old;
and the profane and irreverent prelate himself, afflicted
with sudden loathsome disease, in the throes of his last
agony, going to the grave and judgment with imprecations
on his lips, refusing to be shriven, reviling his Maker
and, in all the terrors of remorse, proclaiming his own
eternal damnation.
94 A MEDIEVAL HUN
DOLMINO
(Subtly) Perchance, it is the human agency employed
by the Holy Spirit to awaken to the urgent necessity of
dealing with the King and his satellites.
GREGORY
What, still harping on that subject?
DOLMINO
(Sadly) You were not slow to rebuke when you were
Hildebrand.
GREGORY
Ideals without responsibility, like the enthusiasms of
life's early morning, are wonderful; with it — ah well,
that is otherwise. Atlas to carry the earth must preserve
its equilibrium.
DOLMINO
Henry's latest is an imperative, impudent demand for
Imperial coronation.
GREGORY
For that, at least — and it is the greatest — he is
beholden to us and must petition. Methinks, holy chrism
will never confirm the crown of Charlemagne on the
brow of a profligate. He must mend his ways.
DOLMINO
"The desire of the wicked shall perish." He daily
grows in iniquity —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 95
GREGORY
(Chidingly, half playful) My dear cardinal, set a watch
around thy mouth, and a door around thy lips, that thy
heart may not incline to — er — uncharitableness.
DOLMINO
I do not wish to importune; sometimes, I fear, my
words are open to implications of which there is no in-
tention.
GREGORY
(Drily) Do not disparage yourself, beloved brother.
Believe us, our will is not weak. We judge his acts as
born of youth's impulsiveness. Then his mother — we
must not forget the sainted Agnes.
DOLMINO
I am described as calloused, but even my heart bleeds
for her.
GREGORY
Henry makes fair promises.
DOLMINO
They are stillborn.
GREGORY
I have always had admiration for the Prodigal's father.
DOLMINO
Would there have been such if the parent had not
spared the rod?
96 A MEDIEVAL HUN
GREGORY
The rod! Ah, that should be the last resort; stubborn
perversity alone justifies its use. Let us hope we may never
have to wield it.
DOLMINO
While you hesitate, what happens? Heresy in religion,
anarchy in administration, bishops named and inducted
over whom your authority at best is nominal. You order;
the King countermands. The laity are shocked, moral
apathy roots and faith is endangered.
GREGORY
(Good-naturedly) Pious zeal, I fear me, does sometimes
exaggerate!
DOLMINO
If it does — there — I have nothing more to add — I
hold my peace.
GREGORY
At least acquaint us with the remedy you would adopt.
DOLMINO
Discipline; iron, resolute chastisement! "He hath put
down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the
humble."
GREGORY
Yes, I see; but then — you are not pope.
DOLMINO
Heaven forefend!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 97
GREGORY
Is the time opportune for what you advise?
DOLMINO
The measure of God's time is an ever present day !
GREGORY
But we are mortals.
DOLMINO
"He hath showed might in his arm: he hath scattered
the proud in the conceit of their heart."
GREGORY
It causes me, I confess, sleepless nights and prayerful
hours. I am overlooking nothing and forgetting nothing.
God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.
I would be truly humble before I became his harsh, un-
relenting judge. Ah, me, we go sorrowful while the enemy
afflictethus!
DOLMINO
You are too compassionate!
GREGORY
Dolmino, I did not seek the government of the Church ;
I was called to it against my will. Of this, Our Lady,
the Mother of God, with my brother the blessed Paul
and the whole celestial hierarchy bear witness. The
August One who knows all, knows I would sooner finish
my life a wanderer than use the seat in a worldly spirit
98 A MEDIEVAL HUN
and for earthly glory. My great desire, my ambition,
is to reign in peace and unity according to the Divine
Will; but I would scorn myself if, swayed by menaces or
cowardly purchasing a temporary advantage, I com-
promised a single principle of which I am the unworthy
custodian.
DOLMINO
(Elated) You are that Hildebrand, the same Hilde-
brand who prevented the usurpation of Bruno of Toul!
GREGORY
Bruno was a saint! Henry's unseemly infatuations
blind : he does not realize that one by one his allies desert
him, the churchman gradually divorces himself from the
influence of state and his subjects' murmurs unfold into
menaces. To the most casual, all signs are portents of his
disaster. (Rising) You think me laggard —
DOLMINO
Your policy has certainly been fruitful: the foresight,
depth and breadth of wise statesmanship.
GREGORY
When the first part of my, dream becomes reality; when
Saxon martydom inspires and Saxon fires light the torch
for Freedom's way; when Henry's throne teeters, then,
unless his heart is truly contrite, I will call upon the
Lord and "He will show forth to his people the power of
his works!" (Coughing drops back into seat)
Enter CHEVALIER, L.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 99
CHEVALIER
(Kneeling before Gregory) Most Holy Father, my mission
is accomplished.
GREGORY
Arise. His answer?
CHEVALIER
(Stands) He gave none — that is, in writing.
DOLMINO
More disrespect! Had he no speech?
CHEVALIER
He called me a flunky.
GREGORY
(Grave, dry humor) That goes too far, indeed. But of
us, what did he say?
CHEVALIER
It is better buried.
GREGORY .
Nevertheless, we would hear it.
CHEVALIER
He spoke about the Monk of Cluny dictating — "dic-
tates to us," were his words.
GREGORY
Monk of Cluny! Ah, how I wish I were!
100 A MEDIEVAL HUN
CHEVALIER
He cast aside the packet with a speech about the — it
was insolent — the priest of priests.
GREGORY
Poor fellow! Pride, pride! Does he think the human
is above the divine? that the court which judges spiritual
things shall not also adjudicate the things of earth?
DOLMINO
Is that all?
CHEVALIER
He was convulsed with passion and said many things I did
not lay to memory.
DOLMINO
You are concealing something?
GREGORY
Speak, my son; it's best I know.
CHEVALIER
He said that the low cunning and black-art that en-
snared men and kept Pope Nicholas like an ass in a
stable —
GREGORY
(Amused) Ah, so he keeps in touch with current com-
ment!
CHEVALIER
— was harmless against the eagles of Germany and Rome.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 101
GREGORY
He has not yet the insignia of empire, and my pro-
phetic instinct kens he never shall. That will do.
Retire. (Exit Chevalier, L.)
I
DOLMINO
Now, are you convinced?
GREGORY
The ass in the stable — that was good ! Who would
expect it from the young reprobate?
/
DOLMINO
Pardon. It is hardly a matter for levity. It is glaring,
outrageous insult — contempt, contumacy! You might
ignore it personally, but not the defiance to your exalted
station.
GREGORY
There is no gainsaying that! 6ur fathers have not
seen or heard, and sacred historians do not record at any
time to have emanated from pagans or heretics this bold-
ness which blasphemes the Lord in the blessed Peter. In-
cline unto my aid, O God, and lend me strength, spiritual
and physical, to meet the issue. It is apparent we may no
longer patronize or resist the dictates of duty. Ah me,
the struggle will be intense unto white-heat, galling to the
Lucifer-like pride of the Franconian.
Enter CHEVALIER, L.
102 A MEDIEVAL HUN
CHEVALIER
Most Holy Father, Baron Otto of Nordheim and the
Abbot Anselm of Limwenlock crave urgent audience.
DOLMINO
At this unusual hour? Impossible. Name them two
hours after mid-day.
GREGORY
Nay, nay, they are the ambassadors of the King. Al-
ready Henry repents his acts. Ceremony is waived. Let
them enter. (Chevalier retires L.)
DOLMINO
Contrition hot on the heels of insubordination! The
wolf in the garb of the lamb!
GREGORY
No, it is Providential grace.
Enter OTTO and ANSELM, L. They kneel and kiss
Gregory's hand.
OTTO
Most Holy Father, we crave your blessing.
GREGORY
Arise, my sons. (They stand) Your presence rejoices us.
You bear the gift of Henry's sincere, if late, submission?
OTTO
Alas, no.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 103
GREGORY
No?
OTTO
Sincerely do I regret that it is not my felicity to bring
consolation to the shepherd's heart. I have come to
supplicate decree divorcing allegiance wedded to remorse-
less tyrant; to beseech a fatherly benediction on a struggle
for the liberties of my distracted country.
GREGORY
Truly the burden of the day is heavy! Joy was the
expected guest; sorrow comes in his stead.
OTTO
Would that word or act of mine could banish it.
GREGORY
(Resignedly) Ah, well ! What facts and reasons support
your unusual behest?
OTTO
The same that from creation's daylight despotism has
put into the mouth of its victim.
GREGORY
Henry is a plant of rank growth. Tending, pruning,
training avail naught.
OTTO
He claims, not alone to rule, but to enslave by right
divine. He confines the person of the Princess Mildred of
104 A MEDIEVAL HUN
Bavaria, niece and ward of the saintly Hubert, arch-
bishop of that see, under compulsion to mate with God-
frey of Sudermann.
GREGORY
Has she valid reason for objecting to the union?
OTTO
She is affianced to another — my son.
GREGORY
Personal interest! Hardly sufficient to justify your
extraordinary request or the measure you contemplate.
OTTO
Injured right has no personality; the particle denied
justice affects and menaces the whole. Were more
needed : She is to be immolated and her wealth sacrificed
to the cupidity of this suitor, because so pledged by the
king, as a reward for compassing the death of the
Empress.
GREGORY
Stop! Son, knowest what you say? The charge is
wild — mad ! Insanity alone could give it tongue or
credence.
ANSELM
I support it without reservation — l|know.
GREGORY
The depravity — the sin — oh !
A MEDIEVAL HUN 105
OTTO
I took him memorial, signed by priests and people of
Nordheim, protesting Elfred's elevation to the episco-
pacy—
GREGORY
And —
OTTO
Declined to receive it — jested it to scorn — wanted
the subscribers' names to send their persons to the flogging
post.
GREGORY
Yes, and you —
OTTO
Refused.
GREGORY
From the unjust and deceitful man, deliver us ! Go on.
OTTO
Marauders pillage our lands; lust and rapine are toler-
ated and protected as when Nero defiled a throne in this
imperial city; our convents and monasteries are not
sacred from ruthless invasion; sanctuary is violated; there
is sacrilege in the temple; virtue is mocked and without
refuge; the valuables of the Church are confiscated and
transmuted into gauds to requite lechery!
GREGORY
Crimes monstrous in their immensity!
106 A MEDIEVAL HUN
ANSELM
The statement swerves not the thickness of a grass
blade from the truth.
GREGORY
I charge you: spring these accusations from motives
disinterested?
ANSELM
On my part, born of the Church's and a nation's agony,
GREGORY
(To Otto) And you, my son?
OTTO
Rancour adds no fuel to wrath's blazing pyre. Yet, as
I am a sinful man, do I confess that personal indignity
applied the torch. With fair speech and respectful mien
I spread before Henry the grievances that sued relief.
For answer, he smote me on the face. Then broke loose,
and in wild deluge gushed up, those fountains of passion
in the human breast that lend sacramental unction to the
consecration of divine purpose — then, then I became
the avenger, not of my own, but of my country's wrongs!
GREGORY
Unheard of crimes ! (Rises) Enough ! The audience is
ended. To our council chamber repair when comes the
mid-day hour. You will then learn our decision. (Otto
and Anselm retire bowing, L.)
A MEDIEVAL HUN 107
DOLMINO
Ghastly reality has consumed hope. There is but
one orb luminous enough to penetrate the darkness; one
voice potent enough to summon the dead to life. Both
in one do centre. It cannot, dare not betray its trust
as the Keeper of the Keys !
GREGORY
True! The contempt and injury of myself I forgive;
but those against Our Lord, His Mother, His Apostles
and the communion of saints demand expiation. The
moment of action has arrived despite our patient endeavor;
terrible words, at the sound of which angels weep and
powers of darkness rejoice, must be spoken. What we
bind shall be bound — (Breaks into violent fit of cough-
ing) Assist me; I am very feeble, very —
DOLMINO
Courage, fortitude, strength! "The Lord will send
forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: rule though
in the midst of thy enemies."
GREGORY
(Recovering) You are right! It is no time for bodily
infirmity. It is the appointed moment to be about my
Father's business — for daring, drastic deed ! Let him
beware who thinks the Church the worthless bondwoman
of the kings of the earth! "The Lord at thy right hand
hath broken kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge
among nations, he shall fill ruins, he shall crush the
108 A MEDIEVAL HUN
heads in the land of many." Lead me. I am — Hildc
brand! (Exits following Dolmino, R.)
Enter GODFREY and CONRAD, with drawn swords
stealthily L.
GODFREY
Fortune favors.
CONRAD
The dolt of a guard who gave credence to our word
little recked the eminent service he loaned to vast emprise.
GODFREY
Conceal yourself yonder. (Godfrey hides behind column
R., Conrad, L.)
Enter GREGORY, R.
(Godfrey emerges from behind column, takes a step in
advance towards Gregory, stops as if attention arrested,
furtively looks over balcony, quickly retreats behind column.
Raimond, with unsheathed sword in hand, is seen climbing
over balcony railing.)
RAIMOND enters hurriedly by window.
GREGORY
(Turns, startled) What means it? This mode of entry —
this intrusion? Speak, stranger! In our presence with
bloodstained sword !
RAIMOND
Thank God, I'm in time to save you! I have out-
raced death — the messenger of your assassination !
A MEDIEVAL HUN 109
GREGORY
Incomprehensible! Is the madhouse loose?
RAIMOND
Heed me, Holy Father! Days, not many in number,
have gone since Godfrey, Count of Sudermann, and
Conrad, Margrave of Erchstedt, departed Limwenlock,
under oath to the Emperor, vowed to your death.
GREGORY
Mine?
RAIMOND
Aye, yours! I overheard and, with speed that hardly
paused for rest, gathered the clans of Nordheim. They
are not five leagues distant. Fearful, lest the foul deed
outdo me, I pressed hither.
GREGORY
You must — you surely are mistaken !
RAIMOND
Even now, on the Campania, floats the Black Eagle;
Henry raises a stately pavilion in which to elect your
successor; the unfrocked of Ravenna is destined for; the
Lateran throne.
GREGORY
Is it so? (Cryptically and measuredly) What saith the
Royal Psalmist? "The dead shall not praise
Lord; nor any of them that go down to hell."
110 A MEDIEVAL HUN
BAIMOND
My approach was seen and two minions dispatched to
intercept —
GREGORY
And, by God's goodness, failed!
RAIMOND
Pray for them, they have need of it.
GREGORY
You have acted with true nobility. Here and here-
after your fidelity will be rewarded. I go for a walk;
accompany me. I would learn more from you — of the
details. But put aside the sword. The favored Peter was
rebuked for using it.
RAIMOND
I would keep it; it may still be a faithful friend.
GREGORY
No, not here.
RAIMOND
Depravity may penetrate even —
GREGORY
(Chidingly) Our behests are usually considered —
RAIMOND
Commands. I obey. (Takes off sword and stands it
in U. L. corner) But should they come —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 111
GREGORY
Heard you not of the Christmas eve night when
Cenci, the Tusculum, invaded the church of St. Maria
Maggiore, tore us from the altar, wounded and made us
prisoner?
RAIMOND
No.
GREGORY
The same Mercy that then preserved us; the same
Power that guided the random sent dart to the throat of
the ruffian adherent about to strike off our head, will
again deliver us from evil if it be Its holy will we should
longer serve. (He is now up C.; Raimond up L.)
RAIMOND
It is — (Has turned; sees Godfrey and Conrad, who have
emerged from their respective concealments and are menac-
ingly converging on Gregory) Look, Holy Father! Look,
see, they are here!
GREGORY
(Turns quickly and draws himself up defiantly) Strike!
I am ready. Strike an old man and release him to glory.
(They hesitate) Well, I await; why do you hesitate?
(They raise swords; Gregory drops on one knee with arms
outstretched) Strike! Slay the PRINCE OF THE
APOSTLES and the WORD MADE FLESH! (Sudden
darkness — all lights out. Lights up behind Gothic window;
att parts of the window are opaque except the figures of
the angels; they now stand out as if animated and hovering
in protection over Gregory. Spot light on Gregory. Godfrey
and Conrad, with shrieks of terror, rush off respectively
-} CURTAIN
ACT IV
ACT IV
EMPEROR'S PAVILION. A large and gorgeous
marquee interior, full stage, cyclorama setting. Door C.9
hung with curtains and backed by scene representing the
Campania. Dais, with throne, up L. C. Wide aisle C.9
with seats on both sides. Rugs, banners and other evidences
of splendor.
DISCOVERED: Harold lying asleep on dais; Clodel
sitting opposite, but a little below; Bertha and Mildred
down R.; Mary and Felix down L. All in an abstracted
mood. A short silence after raise of curtain.
CLODEL
What's the office, matins or vespers? (Pause) Oh, itV
a requiem, is it? (Pause) Did anyone declaim? Possibly
my hearing has been affected by the Italian miasma.
(Pause) Dear me, what a distracting, clamorous hubbub!
(The others ignore her)
MARY
(To Felix) Your thoughts, Sir Absentmind?
FELIX
Weighty: the length of Henry's memory.
MARY
A truce to that ! Let's live and be merry while we may*
116 A MEDIEVAL HUN
FELIX
Yes, but you see, personally, I do not favor early demise.
MARY
Take courage, the King's anger is generally shortlived —
in in verse ratio to its vehemence; much of it, like Gorgon
Medusa, is fable to tame unruly children.
FELIX
Henry is no fable and a headless trunk is not pleasant
speculation.
MARY
Then dismiss it from mind until near danger of it
compels attention. . . . Poor Mildred, she is the one
who is heavily burdened — walks the via dolorosa.
FELIX
(Points off Z.) There is her haven — if there be one.
MARY
Where?
FELIX
There, where a cross marks the habitation of Peter.
(They rise and strott off L.)
BERTHA
It is oppressive, I suffocate —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 117
MILDRED
Let us go into the open. (Both rise) God's light has a
soothing effect; it is the antagonist of disquieting reflec-
tion. (They exit R.)
CLODEL
(Sarcastically) Hell!
HAROLD
(Wakes and sits up) Yes, it's hot.
CLODEL
What do you mean?
HAROLD
The place you mentioned, of course.
CLODEL
The blood of this human kettle is boiling; soon it will
boil over and someone will be badly scalded.
HAROLD
As serious as all that?
CLODEL
If the pleasure-loving Franconian thinks I will endure
the contempt of his so-called wife and the insolence of
her dependents, he will have a rude awakening.
HAROLD
Take care the shock is not yours. Henry has a
summary disposition, as perhaps you have noticed. I
118 A MEDIEVAL HUN
speak with knowledge, having been with him for years.
He lacks constancy — has a most reprehensible habit of
tiring of toys.
CLODEL
(Snappy) Do you class me a toy?
HAEOLD
A most beautiful one; animated but — but, possibly,
CLODEL
(Jumps up in anger) Fool !
HAROLD
You have the name correctly.
CLODEL
What are you hinting at?
HAROLD
Passports! Safe conduct, retirement and penitential
meditation for one who has served the state!
CLODEL
I'll have you whipped.
HAROLD
You never knew a jester to be punished. We are a
royalty — minor, to be sure — but royalty nevertheless;
ours, an inherited gift. My father, his father — all the
A MEDIEVAL HUN 119
grandfathers — have reigned in turn. To dethrone us
would leave the court without — no, with one less fool.
CLODEL
I'll to the King —
HAROLD
And invite rebuff? Have a care. In his present frame
of mind he is more than apt to be ugly. "The Emperor
is not to be disturbed." Such were the orders. To dis-
regard them, a fool would not dare; a quadruped, braving
to have pulled down the ladder it had mounted, might.
CLODEL
I concede, you understand his humors.
HAROLD
I should. I know when to anticipate — a kick. Be
seated and unravel your troubles. The kettle blows up if
there is no vent for the vapor.
CLODEL
(Somewhat mollified, reluctantly sits) Why do we stag-
nate here?
HAROLD
Royal pleasure — perhaps.
CLODEL
I asked Henry and he nearly bit off my head.
120 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HAROLD
(Sarcastic) Unimpressible?
CLODEL
(Doubtful) Eh?
HAROLD
(Airily) Nothing.
CLODEL
He was cross, irritable —
HAROLD
Snap and schnapps!
CLODEL
He has been drinking over much. We caroused last
night and retired late.
HAROLD
Muddy mouth, dirty words — expected ! What's the
concrete tribulation? There's nothing here to covet and
convert.
CLODEL
That's just it. Yesterday, he promised we would con-
tinue our march at daybreak. I'm so anxious to visit
Rome ! It is now mid-day and we have not moved, nor
is there sign of it. Moreover, I heard it said that he
was going to send all the women — me included — me !
— back home.
HAROLD
No surprise! Cause and effect! Unconsciously you
are the former. Early this morning he had a most de-
lightful letter —
A MEDIEVAL HUN 121
CLODEL
(Suspiciow) From a woman?
HAROLD
Certainly; otherwise, where the piquancy?
CLODEL
God, if I get my hands on her ! What's she like?
HAROLD
The richest, best educated and most beautiful in the
world.
CLODEL
Surpassing me?
HAROLD
Report has it so.
CLODEL
No, no, it cannot be. I've been told — have you ever
seen a face handsomer than mine?
HAROLD
(Cynically) I am not an artist.
CLODEL
Or a figure?
HAROLD
The proverbial cat has advantages.
A MEDIEVAL HUN
CLODEL
(Stands) Judge for yourself !
HAROLD
I am not a Greek . . - The letter was discovered neatly
wrapped about an arrow that had been sped from some
vantage point, by wary messenger, into the flap of Henry's
tent.
CLODEL
Who is she? What's her name?
HAROLD
Matilda, Countess of Canossa.
CLODEL
I'll seek her as we return !
HAROLD
(Rises) Too jeopardizing! Matilda is a prude and in-
clined to be drastic. She'd have you make an altogether
unnecessary display of your attractions; ornament you
with pitch and plume and have you escorted through the
highways by heralds announcing: "Behold the splendor
of a royal bawd!"
CLODEL
(Great passion) Good God! You dare, you — you —
you —
HAROLD
Calm yourself and you'll hear the contents of the
epistle: "Henry," it was quite so abrupt. "Henry, if
A MEDIEVAL HUN 123
you dare profane the Eternal City and affront the Holy
See with your own and your concubine's" — do you
recognize the allusion? — "concubine's presence, you
will never recross the Alps. Matilda." Brief and to the
point!
CLODEL
The she-devil! Ha, ha, ha! (Strained laughter) She
cannot intimidate us; Henry will punish her insolence.
HAROLD
He'll try — sometime — not immediately. He knows,
you do not, the Tuscans' terrible war cry: "St. Peter and
Matilda!"
CLODEL
When he hears me —
HAROLD
He will never hear you. He's heard too much of you.
It accounts for his mood, words and over-indulgence.
(At C. D.) And, my charmer, I had not disclosed this
much were I not aware that the fiat has gone forth for
your beatific translation to the paradise of — of discarded
merry-andrews. (Exits C. D.)
CLODEL
(In dread fear, gasps) God! (Stumbles into seat R. C.
and drops her head on her arms, which are over the back of
a seat)
Re-enter HAROLD, backing, C. D., followed by ANHALT.
ANHALT
(Announces) T-t-the Ar-r-rchduke of B-b-bremen!
124 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HAROLD
Write it down on the scullery floor,
Our feast's augmented by one more bore
ANHALT
As-s-sinine j-j-joke!
HAROLD
My, my, when you stutter,
Does your heart go aflutter?
ANHALT
B-b-beast! (Exits C. D.)
Enter HERMANN, C. D.
HERMANN
Imbecile, knowest thou the whereabouts of the gallant
Baron of Nordheim?
HAROLD
The functionary fool has not enlightenment surpassing
that of the innate fool. Seek elsewhere! (Goes off R.)
HERMANN
Of all the useless — I'll have him to the pillory ! (Fol-
lows off R.)
Enter HENRY, C. D., flushed with wine, but not drunk;
only an occasional thickness of speech discloses that he
has taken too much.
HENRY
Zither, man, hi, wine ! Be quick about it for we have
much that demands attention.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 125
CLODEL
(Rises) Henry!
HENRY
What are you doing here? Were you not notified that
the Queen and her suite return with dispatch to our
kingdom?
CLODEL
I am not of hers.
HENRY
You go, nevertheless — all women!
CLODEL
I can't part from you; it would break my heart.
HENRY
It is necessary.
CLODEL
Let me stay. I alone can comfort you — bear with
you the burdens — minister to you. I beseech —
HENRY
You go with the rest. It's final.
CLODEL
Do you no longer love me? Have you —
HENRY
Our whole attention can't be occupied with your
whims.
126 A MEDIEVAL HUN
CLODEL
(Weeping) If not my pleading, perhaps the tears
wrung —
HENRY
Stop!
CLODEL
It is true — true, as they said! (Bitterly) You have
ceased to love me. I know it, I can see it!
HENRY
Don't play the droll, it's not becoming. The present is
no time for dallying in the lap of pleasance*
CLODEL
It is that wretched letter! I know —
HENRY
(Quickly seizes her) What letter? Speak! To what
letter do you refer?
CLODEL
From the Countess —
HENRY
Who told you of it ? His name ? Quickly or, by Satan's
shadow, you and your informant shall hang together.
The name?
CLODEL
H-h-h — I — I —
HENRY
Out with it!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 127
CLODEL
I saw it lying on your couch.
HENRY
(Relieved) And read, of course?
CLODEL
I am a woman.
HENRY
See that you have no woman's tongue. I would not be
the laughing stock of nations.
CLODEL
And you'll let me stay?
HENRY
No! You have your orders.
CLODEL
(Throws arms about him) As you love me! As I love
you! By all we have been to each other, you must, you
shall -
HENRY
(Disengages her arms and throws her into seat) Cease ! I am
tired of nonsense ! (As he goes off and exits L.) Knave, did
you hear, the wine!
CLODEL
(Jumps up, furious; starts after him) No (halts), what's
the use? The clown was wise for he conferred with truth.
(Turns and faces R.) It is the end. (Walks slowly and de-
128 A MEDIEVAL HUN
jectedly to R.; straightens up, throws back shoulders with
reckless bravado, and exits R.)
Enter BAIMOND, C. D. and HUBERT, L.
RAIMOND
Salutation, your Grace. Know you aught of my sire?
HUBERT
Otto made no addition to our company.
RAIMOND
He departed and waited not for you. This much I do
know, he has this day been in Rome. I have astounding
intelligence.
HUBERT
These be strange times. Confounding happenings seem
but pebbles making ripple on the placid surf ace of serenity.
RAIMOND
But mine, in immensity, so o'ertops that it hath no
precedent since Lucifer flung defiance at Godhead. With
me, and I'll relate. (Exeunt L.)
Enter OTTO and HERMANN, R.
OTTO
It leaves me speechless.
HERMANN
I do not discredit my own senses, I heard it from the
hallway of the monastery. I feel certain your son also
heard it.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 129
OTTO
Then I do not await for dispensation. Henry's act the
blow that severs allegiance. Retribution is the dictate of
Justice.
HERMANN
In the crisis, Bremen stands by Nordheim.
OTTO
Attend to it that in reality Henry may review your
cohorts.
HERMANN
Gad, he shall, for they are close at hand.
OTTO
I'll to the Vatican to save, if possible —
Enter RAIMOND and HUBERT, L.
RAIMOND
It would be to no purpose.
OTTO
Son, you here?
RAIMOND
In exigency and confusion, with none to consult, I fol-
lowed what my judgment did dictate. The legions of
Nordheim are very near this imperial lodge. I was in
time to warn Gregory.
130 A MEDIEVAL HUN
OTTO
And save him?
RAIMOND
I did not save him.
OTTO and HERMANN, simultaneously
Dead!
RAIMOND
No; but my arm not his salvation.
OTTO
Whose the —
RAIMOND
Omnipotence ! In the richest ripeness of Satanic proj-
ect they were foiled with a breath. Father, let us seek
seclusion. I would speak with you. (Goes off R. with Otto)
HERMANN
(Going to seat back row R.) There is wrath in wind and
on water. (Bugle note heard without)
HUBERT
(Going to seat back row L.) Miracles did not cease with
the Apostles.
Enter C. D., TRUMPETERS, BANNER-BEARERS, HAROLD,
BERTHA,' MILDRED, MARY, CLODEL, FELIX, ANHALT,
COURTIERS, BISHOPS, MONKS, SOLDIERS, etc.
Enter L., GUIBERT, HENRY and ZITHER, followed by
PAGES and RETAINERS. Henry is clad in robes of
state and wears the green mantle of the Roman Emperor.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 131
He ascends the throne, Guibert on his R., Zither on L.
The latter bears a flagon of wine and goblet; from time
to time Henry sips from it.
HENRY
A reception and greeting to our beloved council. (Sits)
OMNES
Long live the King! (They take appointed places, sitting
or standing, leaving entrances clear)
HENRY
It is with feelings of sadness, but always with reverent
submission to Divine Will, we announce the imminent
demise of the Bishop of Rome.
OMNES
(Surprise) The Pope!
HENRY
It lives in memory, no doubt, that on the death of
Alexander II, Hildebrand, in defiance of custom and un-
mindful of our sacred prerogatives, secured election of
himself and assumed office without our sanction. (Assent
from some) Not wishing to disturb peace or endanger re-
ligion, we did, for the time, neither give nor withold ap-
proval. (Several voices: "'Tis so!") Jealous of the rights
that, by ordination of the Most High, we hold in trust
for you, and as against the possibility of still another ille-
gal encroachment, we, in our prudence, have you convoked
so that your wisdom may be exerted to preserve au-
132 A MEDIEVAL HUN
thority ; and further, with that object in view, to name one
among you possessing the qualities of mind and body essen-
tial to a dignified and illustrious pontificate. (One or two
voices faintly: "Guibert! Guibert!" Henry smiles in-
gratiatingly) Give volume to your words! We wait but
the sad intelligence —
HERMANN
(Rises) My liege, dare I, without reflection on your
utterance, question the accuracy of your information?
HENRY
(Snappily) If you have the temerity.
HERMANN
If, in my desire for exactness, I blunder —
HENRY
You will not be recreant to your record.
HERMANN
Whoso imparted the intelligence to your Majesty was
unreliable. He —
HENRY
Sir!
HERMANN
I have voucher beyond suspicion from one who but
recently held converse with His Holiness, who was then
In the enjoyment of his wonted health.
HENRY
Have a care!
A MEDIEVAL HUN 133
HERMANN
I have; on my soul, I have! Never cat more cautious
cros sing stream.
HENRY
A cloistered tongue —
HERMANN
I am not so bold as to correct you. I would but with-
draw from currency a falsehood circulated by deception,
HENRY
Beware ! Thy head the stake if —
HERMANN
Nay, Highness, I but speak for your advantage. My
informant is the noble Baron of Nordheim.
HENRY
Nordheim here?
HERMANN
He did forestall our coming by some hours.
HENRY
'Sdeath ! (Seizes goblet and drains it)
HERMANN
Having word so reliable, I were laggard to duty if —
HENRY
Peace, vassal!
134 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HERMANN
Ah, yes — yes — (Sits)
Enter GODFREY and CONRAD, C. D.t in haste and
disheveled. Drop on knees before throne.
GODFREY and CONRAD, simultaneously
Sire!
HENRY
(Rises) Hildebrand is dead!
Enter RAIMOND, R.
RAIMOND
Hildebrand is not dead, on my honor as a man and
soldier !
OMNES
Not dead?
RAIMOND
Whoso says he is, lies before Heaven! (To Godfrey and
Conrad) Cravens, to your feet; tell of the miscarriage of
your attempted dual crime — patricide and regicide.
OMNES
Crime, regicide!
HENRY
Up, speak!
GODFREY and CONRAD, simultaneously
We have failed.
HENRY
Eh? To your feet; tell of duty done! (They rise)
A MEDIEVAL HUN 136
GODFREY
Everything happened as planned. We gained entrance,
were secreted, then he (indicating Raimond) came to ex-
pose — Jforjjhe had heard — and to thwart.
HENRY
Byfyour side hung no steel for traitor's breast?
GODFREY
We bore upon them, intent to kill both. Suddenly the
place was as dark as hooded night. For a moment we
could discern nothing. Then — then —
HENRY
Yes, yes?
GODFREY
We — we saw — saw —
HENRY
Saw what?
CONRAD
What Attila saw when he faced the Great Leo at Mantua.
GODFREY
Angels — avenging angels with fiery swords! It was
terrible — terrible — (as he rushes out C. Z>.) terrible —
CONRAD
And about thef form of the Pontiff was a light — a
light not of this world. (Sinks wearily into a chair)
136 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
Satan's magic! Sorcery! Witchcraft! And your bow-
els turned to water!
RAIMOND
The visible act of an invisible God.
HENRY
Ho, guards, apprehend the traitor spawn of a traitor!
To the dungeon, to the rack, to the executioner with him!
(Soldiers advance and seize Raimond)
Enter OTTO, R.
OTTO
(Level emotion) Hearken unto me!
HENRY
The gods are good, they send us the brood of vipers!
OTTO
Henry of Franconia, the time has arrived for plain speech
— and judgment.
HENRY
Your audaciousness — never mind — we will spare
you — it would be an enormity to deprive the universe of
its supreme mountebank. Ha, ha, ha! (Drops into seat
laughing) By all the saints, it's good!
OTTO
Laugh while you may. The time is short. The hour
glass has but a few sands in it.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 137
HENRY
Ho, ho, Sedecias!
OTTO
The prototype is immaterial ! Account for —
HENRY
To you?
OTTO
To the subjects you have outraged.
HENRY
Go on, go on; by my soul, this will kernel many a jest I
OTTO
I doubt you will be able to relish them.
*
HENRY
Do you beard us?
OTTO
Is there trace of halting palsy in my speech? Beard
you? Oh, no, I am here to crush you.
HENRY
(Jumping up) This is majesty outraged! You and
your brat shall perish together. Guards, all of you, rend
them to pieces — food for raven and wolf-dog!
OTTO
Set curb to your speedy design, for it will never be ex-
ecuted. (Points to R. and directs) Pull down yon curtain!
(To Henry) Behold! (Turns to L. and directs) And that
also! (To Henry) Feast your eyes!
138 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
(Fearfully) Our camp surrounded by legions in martial
array!
OTTO
Discern the standards?
HENRY
Nordheim and Bremen!
HERMANN
Yes, yes, more of my stupid blundering. I understood
you were anxious to behold them.
OTTO
Henry, I countermand your orders. (To soldiers)
Fall back! (They look from him to Henry and reluctantly
retire) If there are to be shambles to proclaim this a holi-
day, I'll provide the beeves.
HENRY
f(Drops into seat) Your insolence is sublime. (Laughs
sarcastically and bitterly) It is seed, however, that will
yield rich harvest and — it will know the scythe. Suffi-
cient! Whether Hildebrand be alive or dead, we are in-
tent to elect another pope.
HERMANN
(Rises) I protest, I —
HENRY
Your seat! You are no longer of us. (Hermann sits)
A MEDIEVAL HUN 189
HUBERT
(Rises) As one anointed of God, I raise —
HENRY
Silence!
HUBERT
Too long have I been so guilty. You claim, with sceptre,
sword, ring and crozier, to confer baronial and episcopal
dignity. My liege, you cannot make gift of that which
you do not possess. They are Heaven's —
HENRY
And we Its appointed servant.
HUBERT
So be all — serf and sovereign. To but one —
HENRY
Hold your peace !
HUBERT
Be it so. I have made my profession. (Sits)
HENRY
(Rises) Let it be recorded as our official act, and let
proclamation thereof be forthwith made, that we have
named our loyal and faithful Guibert of Ravenna pope,
under name of Clement III. (Guibert rises, bows and
»its)
OMNES
Antipope ! Antipope ! We know him not !
140 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HUBERT
(Rises) There is but one pope, Gregory ! (Sits)
OMNES
Gregory! Gregory! Hildebrand is pope!
HENRY
Enough! His reign is of short duration. I, Henry, by
merciful ordination of God, King and Emperor, deprive
the betrayer Hildebrand of the office of pope, which he
seems to possess, and command him to descend from the
Apostolic See, the pontificate of which belongs to me by
the grace of God and oath of the Romans! By all the
power in me vested, I do now depose and make void —
(Deep and solemn toll of bell) Why tolls that bell?
DOLMINO
(Enters C. and stands in door. He has a black mourn-
ing scarf over his shoulders. He speaks quietly and
gravely) For your passing, Henry! Gregory has excom-
municated you! Your name is anathema!
Lights out, thunder and lightning, the bell continues
to toll at intervals to end of scene. Lights up sufficiently
to disclose that stage has been deserted by all but Henry,
some seats upset and indications of disorder.
.f, HENRY
(Kneeling on one knee down C., shivering and in great
dread) Alone, betrayed, lost — all is lost !
CURTAIN
ACT V
ACT V
SCENE 1. INNER COURT OF THE CHATEAU
OF CANOSSA. Exterior Winter scene. The chateau
painted drop hung in 3. Castellated stone wall, 8 ft. high,
extending from R. to L. 2; archway passage near C.
DISCOVERED: Henry, his head and feet bare, clad in
toga-like garment, standing, shivering and dejected, against
wall.* Snow falling and blowing in gusts on him; moaning
wind; lights low; wind gradually dies down as lights go up;
lights up full and wind and snow stop when dialogue com-
mences. A guard with battle-axe on each side of archway.
The guards do not speak, but lower their battle-axes and block
Henry's repeated attempts to enter the archway.
HENRY
(To guards) Good fellows, let me pass. Why are you
so hard-hearted? For three days and three nights — not
greater measured by time's pendulum, but infinitely longer
by the hideousness borrowed from imagination — have I
beaten path round these walls, yet they within do my
presence ignore. I am famished; I am perishing with
cold; I die if you do not take pity on me. (Tries to pass;
is repulsed) Caitiffs, dogs, what mean you? There, there,
Heaven pardon me, I do forget, I am no longer a master;
I am lower than the lowest of serfs. Once I dispensed
favors. (Laughs) Where are those who grovelled for a
smile, pensioners of my bounty, panderers to my desires,
opulent by my criminal contrivance? Where? Ask last
* See E. Swoiser's painting: HENRY IV AT CANOSSA
144 A MEDIEVAL HUN
Winter's snows and last Summer's suns. (Takes a turn
across stage; back to archway; throws himself on his knees)
Open, open to the petitions of distress and compunction.
DOLMINO
(Enters and stands in archway) What quarrelsome hind
makes discord?
HENRY
A moral leper.
DOLMINO
Seek your kind in a lazaretto.
HENRY
"I sink fast in the mire of the deep and there is no sure
standing."
DOLMINO
Slime will not support slime.
HENRY
"Save me, O God: for the waters have come even unto
my soul." I am a hunted beast; remorse, exceeding
famished wolf, gnaws my vitals.
DOLMINO
Hungry he is, indeed, if he can stomach such carrion
repast.
HENRY
"Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord
hear my voice."
A MEDIEVAL HUN 145
DOLMINO
Keep that for your destined habitation. It may be a
slight comfort there.
HENRY
" I am come unto the depths of the sea and a tempest hath
overwhelmed me."
DOLMINO
Bah! Words, words — rote — and not yours. Who
are you?
HENRY
Why do you ask? You know.
DOLMINO
Your name?
HENRY
Henry, Franconian king of Germany. (Rises)
DOLMINO
You foreswear! There is no king in Germany; for nigh
a year the office has been vacant; we have accurate in-
telligence of the world's affairs in Rome. (Turns and
exits imperiously)
HENRY
(To guards) Treated worse than a bondsman! Did
you see? Scoffed, avoided as if I were a black-plague,
denied speech by servants, food by peasants, water by
children — deserted, abandoned, forsaken by all.
BERTHA
(Who has entered R.) Not by all, my dear one, not by all.
146 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
(Embracing her) No, thank God, not by you. You had
little cause to love me —
BERTHA
Happier days are in store for us.
HENRY
Were you as perfidious as the rest, famine and fever
had long since glutted their appetites.
BERTHA
We must not forget what we owe the devotion of Felix
Mildred and Mary.
HENRY
Mary! the only one who did not owe me hatred.
BERTHA
Our debt to them can never be paid. As for me, I
am your wife. For better or worse was the promise; as
I had hoped for the better, I accept the worse.
HENRY
Through the impenetrable gloom that encompassed
me that awful day on the Campania, but one star shone to
guide me — but one pilot for my soul's blindness — the
light of your sympathy and affection.
BERTHA
I am going to the church, that you may pray by proxy.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 147
HENRY
Aye, even the doors of God's house — all doors but the
door to your heart are barred to me.
ANHALT
(Heard singing off JR.)
When Ferdinand went a wooing,
Birds suspected there'd be cooing
And a heap of trouble brewing,
When Ferdinand went a wooing.
(Enters R.) 'F-F-F I c-c-could o-o-only s-s-speak as
I sing!
HENRY
(Kneels) Let me kiss the hem of your garment. (Does so)>
ANHALT
A-a-animated sca-a-arecrow !
HENRY
(Rises) Open your heart to pity.
ANHALT
D-d^d-d* ye k-k-know him?
HENRY
(Angry) Insolent! The stuttering lackey of a witless
master !
148 A MEDIEVAL HUN
ANHALT
He-e-e knew en-n-nough — (Sees Bertha) Your
M-m-majesty !
BERTHA
Greeting, if it has aught of value.
ANHALT
M-m-my master —
BERTHA
The Archduke of Bremen?
ANHALT
— d-d-dispatched me with h-h-his r-r-respects —
BERTHA
We are very appreciative.
ANHALT
— and p-p-prays acceptance of t-t-the g-g-gifts the
be-a-a-r-rers have without.
BERTHA
Tell your kind master it is beyond us to make return.
ANHALT
S-s-some del-1-licacies for you — that's a-a-all.
BERTHA
It is more — (Affected; voice catches)
A MEDIEVAL HUN 149
ANHALT
Where s-s-shali we put 'e-e-em?
BERTHA
(Pointing off R.) In yonder tent. (He exits; she bursts
into tears)
HENRY
Weep not, my dearest! Who'd think the old —
BERTHA
(Emotionally) Speak not, Henry; revile him not! You
do not comprehend. I'll to the church and deluge heaven
with prayers that your eyes be opened — that illumination
be vouched you. (Exits L.)
Enter HAROLD, R.; his jester costume is threadbare
and torn.
HENRY
(Following Bertha a few paces) Bertha! Bertha! (Sees
Harold) Were it not for the God I have offended and the
devil I fear, I'd consign my shame to yonder river.
HAROLD
A befitting climax — anticlimax for a regal burlesque.
HENRY
How dare —
HAROLD
Dare? Confirmed habits! Hard to get rid of. You
have not put off the old man yet.
150 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HENRY
To me? From you, a buffoon?
HAROLD
Who wouldn't allow you to carry his pack — that is, if
he had one.
HENRY
Have a care, I am your sovereign !
HAROLD
Franconia, you lie!
HENRY
Dog, mongrel, canaille — Oh, restraint, restraint ! Will
I never learn to curb my unruly temper?
HAROLD
No, for you have not the right disposition. Buffoon!
Me? Be it so. And you? What chickens hatch from
the nest you sat on? Look at me. I am one. Once I
had fine feathers and aplenty to satisfy the most whimsical
taste. Abundance weighted the festive board ;«4but
drunk, mad, delirious with the intoxication of self-esteem,
the table was cast, kicked over, and the fruits laid
waste — not by the official fool!
HENRY
Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! Why do you seek to
add to my misery?
A MEDIEVAL HUN 151
HAROLD
Because it sired mine. My mirth has evaporated; I
have no wit that is not mordant, no humor that is not
dangerous.
HENRY
Calamity, calamity, all my —
HAROLD
Yestere'en, for food, I parted with my merry-andrew
— sold it to a usurious Jew.
HENRY
(Smiling weakly) Of scant amusement —
HAROLD
But of much profit! He'll dispose of it to some relic-
seeker to pass to other generations as belonging to the
jester of the fourth Henry: A monarch who inherited a
throne refulgent with the emprise of a line of kings from
Ludwig, but who bartered his birthright for a mess of
pottage. Dotard, dullard, out-on-you, your peccadil-
loes have made the bauble valuable!
HENRY
Say no more; spare me. At last, I think, I realize.
Enter FELIX and MILDRED, R.
FELIX
Ho, ho, my philosopher and sage, I'm delighted —
152 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HAROLD
To behold so much beauty?
MILDRED
Dear Harold, your appearance does bespeak begrudging
fortune.
HAROLD
The shrewish dame is not as niggardly as she seems,
for she has given me the wealth of your smile.
FELIX
When parted you from our native land?
HAROLD
Thirty times has the sun risen and set. Heigh-o, there
be many changes : Godfrey dead — killed by the
young Nordheim while battling for his own castle; Con-
rad in a mad-house with Attila and heavenly hosts for
comrades. It's a funny world, with its professional
and unprofessional harlequins!
MILDRED
How goes the kingdom?
HAROLD
Dirge and tolling bell do not invite cheerfulness.
MILDRED
And it was once so gay.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 153
HAROLD
Mourning's period draws to a close, and the dwelling is
being swept for a new tenant.
HENRY
(Interested) Eh, what's that?
FELIX
It names?
HENRY
(Apprehensively) Nordheim?
HAROLD
Months eleven have come and gone since the Lords
Spiritual and Temporal did name him ruler —
HENRY
(Vindictively) Judas!
HAROLD
— and he refused.
MILDRED
But now?
HAROLD
Otto made advocacy unto delay — twelve lunar
months. Rodolph of Suabia administers. If at the end
of the period Franconia be not reinstated, Rodolph ac-
cepts coronation.
HENRY
Twelve months! This is our last day.
154 A MEDIEVAL HUN
MILDRED
(As if with thought to plead for him) I must within.
(Exits by archway)
HAROLD
Adieu! I seek the pilgrim's palm branch. (Exits L.)
HENRY
(To Felix) Didst hear? The final day! If tomorrow
find me unshriven . . . Once more will I beseech —
Felix, recall the time I did entrust to you the care of
Her Majesty to Mayence?
FELIX
I had hoped you had forgotten it.
HENRY
Had you forewarning!
FELIX
In all but detail.
HENRY
Was Godfrey false?
FELIX
Ah, we must say nothing of the dead but what is good!
HENRY
He alone was privy.
FELIX
Conspirators, like mummers in pantomime, should have
no speech; nor is it well they be given to talk in sleep.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 155
HENRY
Did — does Bertha know?
FELIX
She is without suspicion.
HENRY
(Fervently) Thank God! In this dreadful trial of mine,
it is the one crime did accuse to the stunting of all others;
and its appalling attendant was the fear — the dread —
the persisting, reiterating question: does she know?
FELIX
I take my leave.
HENRY
Not before I speak my gratitude for what you have
done for me.
FELIX
You waste words. Recall, if you can, a single instance
when Mildred, Mary or myself ever addressed you a word
that could be avoided. To us you were outside the pale
— an outcast with no standing before God or man.
When Her Majesty resolved not to abandon, to tread
with you the wine-press of tribulation, we followed in
the train to comfort and protect her — not you. (Exits
by archway)
HENRY
(Turns to guards) Well, what think you now? Amus-
ing, eh? Courtiers, servants, clowns deride! The Queen
is loved and is worshiped with privation, not words.
Enter HAROLD, L., carrying BERTHA in his arms.
156 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HAROLD
Out of the way !
HENRY
(Frightened) The Queen! What has happened?
HAROLD
Swoon — found her in snow bank.
HENRY
What are you. going to do with her?
HAROLD
Take her where inexorable justice may, for once in its
life, behold the apotheosis of love. (Exits carrying her by
archway. Henry tries to follow but is repulsed)
HENRY
Let me — she's my wife — Oh, let me follow.
Enter OTTO, R.
OTTO
Henry !
HENRY
So you too have come with smug piety to gloat over
the fallen?
OTTO
I have come to attend the marriage of my son.
HENRY
(Bitterly) Which I postponed ! That was my greatest
blunder.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 157
OTTO
It was among the least of them.
HENRY
(Hopefully) Otto, will you intercede for me?
OTTO
Such was my intention, if I found you had taken to
heart the lesson.
HENRY
I have; indeed, I have. Beseech Gregory to be
merciful. Once I struck you on the face; now (kneels)
see, on my knees, I abjectly admit my wrong and crave
your pardon.
OTTO
To your feet ! I have long since forgiven it.
HENRY
You have influence with the Pope of surpassing efficacy.
Use it like a dear friend. I'll remember it to your ad-
vantage always. Oh, Otto, you do not know what it is
to be a blasted oak in a forest of exquisite verdure, shunned
by all, pitied by none, bending before hurricanes that
rend and tear and threaten annihilation, shrinking from
thunders that proclaim God and vengeance, hiding in
caverns with thoughts more deadly than a serpent's bite,
nights passed in listening to the jeering derision of de-
mons— Oh, God, it will kill me — kill me! (Drops his
158 A MEDIEVAL HUN
head to his knees — he is in a kneeling-sitting posture; looks
up slyly to see if he has made an impression and, finding he
hasy smiles)
OTTO
May He pity you. I'll use my best endeavors. (Exits
by archway)
HENRY
(Rises. Sneeringly) He, he! (Soberly) He is a noble
man and yet — God forgive me ! I can't help it — in my
innermost heart and soul I know — pardon me Heaven,
pardon me, I am as I was made; do not blame me too
much — but I hate him —
DOLMINO enters and stands in archway.
Hate — hate —
DOLMINO
Who?
HENRY
(Startled) Ah! (Recovers) Sin, my Lord Cardinal, sin!
DOLMINO
Death bed repentance !
HENRY
(With dignity) I must see the pontiff; I want absolution
for my sins.
DOLMINO
You'll find a priest down in the village.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 159
HENRY
I am an interdict. None but Gregory can remove the
ban.
DOLMINO
So, you have been pursuing a course in theology ? What
doctor, or doqtors, do you most favor?
HENRY
Gregory is first the priest, and from the priest I demand
the penitent's right.
DOLMINO
Oh, go — (As if to make a rude answer but thinks better of
it. Puzzled) But, I will see. Do you abdicate your throne
and surrender your sceptre into His Holiness' hands to dis-
pose of as he sees fit?
HENRY
(After momentary hesitation) Yes, I do.
DOLMINO
111 return shortly. (Exits)
BERTHA comes running out archway as Dolmino retires.
BERTHA
(Joyously) He relents, Henry, he relents! Gregory
relents !
HENRY
(Gathers her into his arms) I care not what he does.
Something higher, purer, nobler than Gregory has tri-
160 A MEDIEVAL HUN
umphed. The tempest in my heart is stilled. (Draws
her closer) The volcanic fires of passion are dead. My eyes
are opened. The gift I so long contemptuously rejected,
because I was not great enough to esteem it, the ineffable
love of a woman has won! (Passionately kissing her)
Come what may, I have you, my own, my adored wife,
Bertha!
OPEN UP TO
SCENE 2. CHATEAU OF CAN OSS A. Interior.
A room medieval in architecture and fittings. Large arch
entrance — the only entrance used — at R. C. On an angle
at the left upper corner is a large doorway — two heavy doors
which, when opened, disclose a banquet hall lighted and
with tables set. Against the left wall is an improvised throne
for Gregory.
To wedding music, enter RAIMOND and MILDRED, fol-
lowed immediately by GREGORY. After him comes
OTTO, FELIX, HERMANN, ATTENDANTS, male and female,
lay and cleric.
GREGORY
(In a friendly and fatherly manner places a hand on the
shoulders of Raimond and Mildred) I add my congratula-
tions to the Church's blessing, and my prayers will ever
remember you. You have suffered much and emerged
unscathed — indeed, you are the better for it. Great al-
titudes are reached by trial and perseverance. May your
future be always as you now behold it through tranquil
and hopeful eyes; and when your argosies are finally
helmed for the enchanted shore of immortality, may the
benediction of the Almighty be with you.
A MEDIEVAL HUN 161
RAIMOND
We can, from our hearts, but thank you.
MILDRED
In our humble orisons you will never be forgotten.
GREGORY
Otherwise, give me little thought. It might disturb
your dreams. It is said, and my critics speak sagely, that
I am cold, heartless, pitiless — (Sighs) Ah, well, compas-
sionate me as an old man, beaten but not broken — buf-
feted by mighty waves that sweep up from deep spaces —
who, with faith in Divine goodness, strives — ever — to
achieve what's best. (To Felix, who is down R.) How
fares it with you, my gay cavalier? Have you no weakness
for the gentler sex?
FELIX
Nor admiration for the celibate's cloister. "You have
not the holy indications," said Abbot Anselm. He ought
to know for he tutored me.
GREGORY
Then I'll wed you to the sword. There is much to do in
the East. You shall head a company of my crusaders.
FELIX
I have a nature responsive to the siren appeal of
adventure.
Enter DOLMINO.
162 A MEDIEVAL HUN
DOLMINO
Your Holiness, Henry surrenders his sceptre, crown and
sovereignly into your hands.
GREGORY
We have already directed that he be admitted. (He
moves about and chats with Otto and others in a very
human way)
Enter BERTHA, comes down. Dolmino retires.
BERTHA
(To Felix} Where is Mary?
FELIX
Deserted.
BERTHA
What do you mean?
FELIX
The ceremony not quite complete — without waiting to
kiss the bride — she stole out of a side entrance and
started for a convent — no easy one, I ween — in which
to inter her loveliness.
BERTHA
(Surprised) Is this true ?
FELIX
What other cot so fit for a stainless dove?
BERTHA
Had you no persuasion to stop her?
A MEDIEVAL HUN 163
FELIX
None.
BERTHA
Did you try?
FELIX
No, though she left my heart like a lonely heron
beating up against night winds.
HERMANN
Egregious blunderers! Worse, far worse than I am.
FELIX
I to the Holy Land to give battle to the Saracen.
Glorious! To plant a banner on the walls of Jerusalem,
even if the fatal shaft smite you in the act !
GREGORY
Never fear. There is a certain class in which Provi-
dence has an especial benign interest.
FELIX
But, Holiness, I have attained the age of reason and I
abominate the super-distillation of the grape.
Enter HAROLD.
HAROLD
If I missed the nuptials, perhaps I am not too late for
the epithalamium?
GREGORY
Who is this ragimuff — uninvited guest?
164 A MEDIEVAL HUN
HAROLD
A minstrel without a lyre; a troubadour without a song.
BERTHA
'Tis Harold our jester. He who carried me in his arms
into your presence.
GREGORY
I did not then carefully observe him. Because he has
loved much much shall be forgiven him. You are invited.
HAROLD
(Putting his hand on stomach) More than my heart is
grateful for that.
DOLMINO
(Standing at door) The Franconian seeks admission.
GREGORY
Let him enter. (Goes and sits on throne)
Enter HENRY.
HENRY
(Not cringing but calmly resigned, goes and kneels before
Gregory) My haughty spirit is broken — subdued. I do
not sue, do not urge; I am in your hands; I abide your
decision.
GREGORY
Peace be to you! "Blessed are they whose iniquities
are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. ' ' Arise. (Henry
A MEDIEVAL HUN 165
stands) Take back your crown and sceptre, return to your
kingdom, be a lamp unto your people, a servant to your
subjects, and your reign will be fragrant.
The banquet hall doors are thrown open and a
functionary announces in a loud voice: "The banquet
is served!" All stand and, except Henry, turn and
face the banquet hall.
HENRY
(Down C.) Banquet! Ha, ha, ha! (Laughs sardoni-
cally) Not mine; mine awaits the fulness of time and
opportunity !
FINAL CURTAIN
Carleton, John Louis
6005 A medieval Hun
A68M4
1921
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