The Lion and the Lamb

BB: (as if a herald) How long has it been since the True Cross was captured in the Holy Land by that heathen Saladin? How long has the devil roused Saladin's men to hold hostage our Christian inheritance? The Heavenly Father still calls us all to arms! When King Richard stepped forward, he showed the greatness of his merit! He longed for honor, success, and for new exploits to add lustre to his name!

King Philip now will join him in this noble enterprise, taking the cross as well. Philip proudly vows that he shall show worth greater than Charlemagne! United towards this common goal, our Christian kings should prove invincible!

Let's see, before they depart, the one whom Richard loved first, and loves still. Though the English King longs to leave, he grieves to say goodbye, now that he and his lady are together at last. Bow your heads in gladness, sadness, and respect, for Queen Eleanore returns!

(Richard is in the throne room. He's elegantly attired and the room is rich with treasures and tapestries. Periodically servants run in and out, taking things off the walls, the floors, putting things in bags, etc. Eleanore enters. She is also dressed exquisitely. She and Richard embrace.)

R: (with delight) Maman! Each day I see you I never failed to be astounded! Only you can emerge from years of captivity with greater beauty!

E: Nothing refreshes the complexion more than new found freedom...and to be once more beside my handsome son! (She strokes his face.) Richard, my beloved, I knew it would be you to liberate me from my horrible ordeal!

R: (he takes her hands and kisses them) It was one of my first commands as King. (sincerely) I only regret that our time together must be limited. (With pride) Soon I leave to retake Jerusalem from the infidels!

E: Have you already made your preparations?

R: I'm doing so now. I need your promise to help those who rule in my absence.

E: (shaking her head) I've heard about your appointments, and I've doubts as to whether you've made the best choices in this matter.

R: Don't worry, Maman. There shall be adequate leadership, And as a precaution, I've insisted that both John and Henry's bastard, Geoffrey, not enter England while I'm away. Why risk that one of them might take the opportunity to seize my throne?

E: John? Surely you're not worried about John.

R: Why should I put any faith in John? He's but wax waiting for the slightest seal of vice.

E: Exactly! He's so busy with his women and his foolish friends, he shouldn't be a problem. John's but a child.

R: (thoughtfully) True enough. At the least show of resistance, he does retreat.

E: Please, Richard. He's your brother. Relent and don't force promises from him. Besides, you've given him so many privileges, surely the risk of losing them serves as sufficient deterrent.

R: Alright, Maman. If you insist! But hold him in check!

E: You've my word. And what of your other concerns? Have you raised enough funds for your campaign?

R: (excited and proud of himself.) Day and night I work towards that end. I've sold and resold positions so often, I'm not even sure who holds the rights to what! I'd even sell London if I had a buyer! I've equipment to buy, expenses for bribes, payment for the loyalty of my soldiers, and of course, I need the resources to make a good appearance. If I look well and live well, it will inspire those who support me! (After this point, we see no more servants, as the conversation takes a more personal tone.)

E: Your good looks are always an inspiration. (pause)

R: Maman, you grow quiet.

E: I was thinking. (Sweetly, with admiration and underlying desire) How can any maiden see you, and not fall in love? Such long sturdy legs, and broad shoulders! God has kissed your body with radiance. (Puts her hand beneath his chin) Your face is more glorious than the heavens, your voice sweeter than a celestial song! (drops her hand in disgust) What a waste!

R: (smiles) Maman, you've ruined me for other women. I think of you, and even the most beautiful seems like Medusa in comparison.

E: (flustered) Oh, but you jest!

R: Not in the least! (he kisses her hand)

E: (laughs and then gets serious) I did spoil you, Richard. You expect to find someone who'll cherish you as much as I do. You can't, you know.

R: Maman, I could never love a lady more, nor could I be so loved by a lady.

E: (pleased, yet feigning displeasure) You have no pity for the fairer sex! You're longed for by so many, with no hope of reward. What are your admirers to do?

R: Perhaps they can write poetry?

E: Well, so much for them. I shall lament my own loss. Soon, you'll be off to spread your fame to the Holy Land.

R: As always, I follow you.

E: Ah! I remember my days of taking the cross with King Louis. What a folly that was! What I thought a great adventure, turned into a nightmare of death, disease and boredom.

R: Things will be different this time. As a military proceeding, neither women nor unarmed pilgrims shall be permitted.

E: I imagine there will be some laundresses.

R: We must make some allowances for the men's morale.

E: A wise plan, my son. But even if Louis had gone without me, he'd have failed. Louis grew queasy at the smell of burning flesh, and the sight of severed limbs turned him green. What a weakling! Louis was more the monk than the soldier. More like a monk in other ways as well. My first husband was no man for me! But then, neither was my second.

R: (with hate) Father!

E: The glorious King Henry. When we first met, he seemed made not of matter, but fury and fire! (sighs) Henry Plantagenet. Lusty as a wild animal. (enjoys the memory briefly, and then snaps out of it!) And as amorous as a forest boar! To think that I once considered that beast my ideal! All men have disappointed me, except you, my beautiful boy. You're the embodiment of chivalry.

R: I try to live up to your expectations, Maman. (once again, he kisses her hand)

E: And there's nothing more chivalrous than to make one's fame in far away places for a godly cause! If only I could have been by your side, when I took the cross, instead of Louis'!

R: I know such travel was difficult for you, Maman. (takes her hand in his.)

E: The worst of it was Louis' disregard for my Uncle Raimond. Ah, Raimond! A face that could bring tears at the sight of its perfection. And a body like...well, he looked much like you, Richard. What a fine figure of a man! It moves me just to think of him. I worshiped Raimond. (reflectively) No moments in my life were happier than those we spent together.

R: I regret that I was never able to meet your dear uncle.

E: Look into a mirror, my son. As I said, you're so like him! Not just in appearance, but in gallantry and skill. Poor Raimond!

R: I shall seek both to liberate the Holy City and take revenge on those who harmed Raimond!

E: How proud I am of you! Of course, *Louis* wouldn't support Raimond's cause in Antioch, because the "righteous" Louis claimed to be on a "holy" mission, and not an earthly one. Raimond had been so gallant, ruling his kingdom in the East. Then the Saracens threatened his lands, and he needed our help. Concerning all things, Louis took my advice, but not on this.

E: Raimond had everything a man should, including my love and loyalty, whereas Louis had nothing...except for the French army.

R: For Raimond, it seems, the army was needed most.

E: You understand how it was more than I could permit! I told Louis I wanted a divorce. Instead, he kept me a virtual prisoner, till he was convinced I'd never give him a son. Then he released me. A year later, Uncle Raimond ended up with his exquisite head in a Saracen basket.

R: How tragic, Maman!

E: Because I showed a loving regard towards my father's brother, Louis's men spread malicious rumors that I slept with Raimond! Their frigid temperaments were incapable of understanding our passionate Southern dispositions. Of course, vicious people always speculated that I copulated with every man of note. A beautiful woman is forever suspect. There were rumors about not just Raimond, but of my uncle Raoul le Fay, as well! Every minstrel who ever sang a song in my praise is claimed as my lover, and there were whispers that I once slept with a Moorish slave! I suppose in time it will be said that even Saladin has known my bed! But your father's father was the worst of the lot. He used to boast that he seduced me in my youth, putting horns on the head of his lord, King Louis. I shall always maintain that I stayed doggedly faithful to both my husbands, though neither deserved it. Louis, for his lack of carnal desire, and Henry, for his overabundance of it. (nervously) You do believe in my fidelity, don't you, Richard?

R: I could never doubt your virtue, Maman! And it angers me to hear that your reputation was tarnished! I'd skewer the entrails of anyone who slighted you today.

E: I think you've done more than enough skewering, my son. Besides, we both realize that for political purposes lies are often spread. (now is her chance) I've heard a tale that's told about you which made me wonder.

E: They say you've fathered a bastard.

R: You've heard the truth.

E: How can this happen?

R: You've had ten children, surely you know how it's done.

E: I know my son, and his avoidance of women. Was it an immaculate conception?

R: Unfortunately, no.

E: Then explain to me how this came to be.

R: I wanted to prove to myself, and to others, that I could do such a thing.

E: And your thoughts on this procedure?

R: It's not to my liking.

E: Such a shame that you should waste your noble experiment on an ignoble girl. You know you must repeat your performance with a proper wife. It's your duty as a king!

R: You mean through marriage with Alys Capet?

E: Certainly not! She hardly qualifies for this honor! She's been spoiled by her sins with your father. We've her property, you're at peace with Philip, at least for now. What need do we have of her bloodline? You must find another wife.

R: Well, we can't be rid of Alys just yet. Philip expects me to marry her, and I need his support right now. I told him I'd marry her after the crusade.

E: Well, we'll deal with her then. For now, Alys Capet is unavailable to anyone. I've left my prison, and she's been admitted to hers. Both sentences can be credited to Henry. Let her feast on solitude, as I did, with only distant memories to aid her digestion.

R: I thought you freed all prisoners as part of our plan to make the people love me.

E: I freed all prisoners of Henry's. Alys is my own.

R: She was like a daughter to you once.

E: When she slept with my husband, I disowned her. Henry had many women, and mostly I didn't mind. But she mattered more, because she was of noble blood, and once I thought highly of her. It wounded me to be betrayed by someone with whom I had fond feelings. But we're not discussing my affairs. There's your issue to discuss.

R: Issue present or future?

E: For now, let's deal with the present. I hear you named the boy, Philip.

E: Oh, my precious son! Were you not mine, I'd think you a character in an Arthurian romance! I adore you, Richard. I've raised the perfect knight! I'd be most moved, if only the object of your devotion were not our greatest enemy.

R: (defensively) The honor seemed appropriate. And King Philip and I have excellent relations. He loves me. He's no enemy of mine.

E: When he realizes that you plan to abandon Alys, he will be. He wants our lands more than he wants your favors. Princess Alys is not just his sister. To him she's the lock on our holdings, and our posterity. You're merely the key.

R: You speak some truth, but I believe there's more than just political intentions in my friendship with Philip. I see some genuine affection.

R: You've become resentful, Maman. And perhaps a little jealous?

E: (a little flustered and peeved) Do you think I'm jealous that you should favor Philip over me? I know you never could! What you see is fear, not jealousy. You're drunk on your own pretty sentiments, and a young man's smiling face and flattery.

R: Is it the possibility of my love you resent, or my choice of lover?

E: I admit, I can't understand how among all the fine men in this world you should stop at the sight of Louis' son. You used him well to gain the upper hand against your father, but what need do you have now to keep him so close beside you?

R: Philip has his virtues. His youth and station attract me. My love is of his status, and the respect he commands. And there is, of course, his army.

E: Are you sure that these things alone fuel your desires? (she shakes her head) It galls me that you associate with him on such friendly terms. Even without thought of the danger he represents, he's ill suited for your companionship. He's without proper education. He can barely read or write Latin!

R: When we're together, we use tongues other than Latin.

E: He's far from your match in matters of war. He lacks your style and taste. His hair is unruly. He has no appreciation of good music or verse.

R: He has many qualities that can not readily be seen.

E: He no doubt hides them, as he does his motives.

R: Maman, of course I realize that Philip has his own goals. You ask why I keep the man close at hand--yet how can I do otherwise? If I leave him here, while I fight on crusade, how great would be his temptation to overrun our lands? With such thoughts on my mind, it's natural that I'd be anxious that he join me on this mission.

E: (suspiciously) And you wanted him with you for no other reason?

R: (trying to convince himself, as well as Eleanore) Certainly! Do you think me naive?

E: No more than you might think me. (once again, stroking his face) Richard, I can only charge you with innocence if you suppose that Philip is simple in his wants. Just recall, that he and your brother, Geoffrey, were closest friends. I suspect their souls were wrought by the same craftsman.

R: He's nothing like Geoffrey at all.

E: And when you're on the battlefield, and counting on him, I hope you'll still find this to be true. Don't delude yourself into thinking he'll play Patroclus to your Achilles. He may prove to be a source of weakness, rather than a source of strength.

R: He's young, Maman. Youth easily falls in love with heroes. (with confidence) I can make use of this.

E: Even so, beware of your dealings with King Philip. Love's ointment may seem good medicine, but in the end you'll find it leaves a bitter taste. Take care to leave neither your heart nor your property unguarded.

Music--L'autrier m'en aloie

(In front of the curtain)

BB: To the Holy Land at last!

Soon we'll see the fields filled with fragments of helms and shields and swords and saddlebows, and spears that shoot right through the bodies of the corpses we'll see wild running and many lances piercing the sides and breasts of many men. There will be joy and weeping and grief and celebration: The loss will be great, but the winnings will be greater!

(King Philip's residence at Acre)

(King Philip and Duke Leopold of Austria are in discussion. BB looks on)

BB: Who have we here with our gentle Philip? It's Duke Leopold of Austria! He leads the small German contingent here on the Crusade. Why is he in an uproar?

L: (angrily) King Philip, something must be done! After our joint victory, Richard raises his standards, and tears mine down. No, more than this. He drags them in the mud. He hurls insults! I protest, and he kicks me!

P: My regrets, Leopold. It was a wretched incident. Most dishonorable on King Richard's part.

L: This isn't just my loss. It's the loss of all who fight alongside Richard! We're not allies trying to win back the Holy Sepulchre, we're here for Richard's greater glory! If credit goes to anyone other than the King of England, we're forced to face his fury. You may be his friend, yet you know I speak the truth.

P: (trying to be calm, yet with some annoyance) I can't deny what you've said, Leopold. I'm not happy about Richard's posturing any more than you are.

L: You're so different from him. When you landed, your entrance was quiet, and full of humility. You agreed to share the responsibilities of leadership. Then Richard came, trumpets blaring, with all his troops behind him. He was as decorous as a peasant market day!

P: (growing more perturbed) Richard lives his life as if it were a tournament. We agree on this.

L: His behavior is brazen. His arrival usurped all our prestige and power. We're all of high rank here and that rank should be respected!

P: And you wish me to do something about this? How can I? We need King Richard, just as he needs us.

L: You know, King Philip, they call him the lion and you the lamb, for he's daring, and you're cautious in your actions. Who do you think the histories will most admire?

P: (with unexpected anger that even surprises Leopold) History is a whore! Why should I be bothered by foolish words spoken by well paid panderers? I've greater concerns than that! (with forced calmness) I believe in defending the Church. I've gladly contributed my men and money towards this worthy cause, but I've important matters to attend to at home. I'm sure you feel the same. We were forced to come here for the honor of our countries. And then I had Richard, insisting that I join him. I'm here because I had to be. I'll do as I must. But I've no desire to die here, so far from my lands, with no benefit to the French.

L: We'd all prefer to be where the benefits are greatest.

P: (almost more to self, than Leopold, and on the edge of tears) Louis, my only offspring and heir, waits for me in Paris. He's four years old, and seized with illness. What's more he suffers without his mother's care. Just before I left on crusade, death took my sweet young wife, along with her promise of future sons. (soberly) If I should die, and Louis die too, our dynasty is finished, leaving only chaos to claim the throne!

L: My sympathies, King Philip.

P: (growing more agitated) There's the Flanders succession to be settled, and I've other pressing matters as well! My country needs me now. Richard seems unaware that there's more to kingship than parading around as the victorious warrior!

(A knight enters with a message.)

K: Your highness, Richard, King of England arrives.

(Philip and Leopold exchange looks. Philip regains his composure.)

L: I'd best take my leave.

(Richard enters as Leopold leaves. They exchange looks.)

R: You were plotting here with Leopold?

P: No plots. Just grievances.

R: I know he's filled with bile, but in my mind, he'd no right to the laurels he demanded. Nor the share of the booty with which flying one's banners would entitle him.

P: Richard, we suffered at Acre for months before you got here. We laid siege, and were in turn, surrounded and attacked by the enemy. Yet we never relented. The enemy appeared invincible, like a demon who would not die. We could hardly bear the stench of blood, sickness and excrement which thickened the air. At times our mission seemed so hopeless it brought me to tears. Yet in spite of this, we never stopped, and at last we succeeded. We wore them down. Then you come to give them the final blow, and declare that you, and you alone deserve the glory!

R: I agreed to share it with you, Philip. You put up your banners. And I know you've no more desire than I to give Leopold rights to plunder.

P: (backing down) True. On this matter I suppose I have no complaint. But there are others.

R: Others who complain, or more complaints on your part?

P: At the beginning of our venture, I asked you for the loan of five ships and you refused.

R: I offered to send three.

P: I needed five! You could have spared them. You did it purposely to keep my position weaker than yours so that you could outshine me!

R: How can you think such a thing!

P: Because I know you, Richard.

R: (muttering) What do you know?

P: I know that before you came to Acre, you were fighting, no, more like brawling, with fellow Christians, with Greeks and Sicilians, instead of those to whom we swore to wage war!

R: There was valid cause for each offence. And why didn't you aid me in Sicily, when the inhabitants were causing injury to my men?

P: This wasn't my affair!

R: If it filled you with such distaste, why had you no problem devouring your share of the profits?

P: Sicily was not the reason we came here!

R: We came here together, we should fight side by side!

P: As here? In Acre? We were suffering against the Saracens, and still you straggled.

R: I was waiting for my ships.

P: You were accumulating booty, of which you owe me a share, due to our agreement to share the spoils equally.

R: Equal spoils in all things related to the campaign in the Holy Land. This took place outside it.

P: I consider that this was done during the time of our pilgrimage, therefore I'm entitled.

R: In which case, I'm owed half of whatever you claimed in Flanders after the death of the Duke.

P: Alright, we'll forget about the monies from outside the Holy Land. There are still other annoyances. Everything I say I you contradict. I say it's time to attack, you say it's time for dinner.

R: I say it's time to attack, and you say you're ill!

P: You pledge that Guy Lusignan should be the king of Jerusalem, when everyone knows that Conrad Monferrat is the better man! Conrad has proven himself a warrior of distinction. He's loved by the people, and has admirers throughout Christendom. The highest praise one can grant to Guy is that he's simple.

R: Guy has a better right of inheritance.

P: No, Richard, It's not because of his strong claim to the kingship of Jerusalem that you're supporting him. It's the strength of other ties that bind you. Guy is your vassal! And his wife is your cousin.

R: And isn't Conrad your cousin as well? Conrad is also kin to Leopold, with whom I just saw you trying to curry favor. (Suspiciously) Or is it the well loved Conrad's favors that you wish to gain?

P: And are my favors the reason you've chosen to undermine me? You're constantly trying to do so! You stole my men by offering them more money. You put yourself ahead of all! You've seized leadership from every ruler on the Crusade, and set yourself up as commander!

R: Why shouldn't I? I'm clearly the most able among us, and you should be proud to be at my side!

P: Richard, I'm a king, not a camp follower! (Richard rolls his eyes to the audience at this.) And then there were little things. You stole a falcon off the street and started a riot. You had a childish fit because in a playful joust, Des Barres defeated you, and for that you turned him out of the camp.

R:(defensively) It wasn't about his unseating me. I've an older grudge against Des Barres..

P: And Leopold? There are those who claim you treated him harshly because he received better quarters than you.

R: Am I thought to be so petty?

P: Do you really want a reply? The other sovereigns resent you. The men despise you. The French write insulting songs about you. The Germans, and most of the Italians, would have killed you had the Knights Templar not intervened! Everyone of importance hates you here. Our forces, the Greeks, the Saracens. You win battles, but lose friends.

R: That's not true, Philip. My own men adore me! As for the rest, what do I care? I never sought popularity.

P: Oh, I forgot! There's one among us who is fond of you. Saladin, King of the Infidels! He sends you fruit. You send him an African slave. I suppose next you'll be bedding him!

R: No. That would be the task for you! Perhaps you can be like Judith. You could seduce him, ply him with your best wine, and then have his head. After all, you seem poorly suited for the real battlefield. Such a ploy is suited to your type of sport!

P: (hurt and angry) How cruel you are. And how ignorant. Just because I don't have the love of war in my heart doesn't mean I lack the stomach for it! If I ever again choose to go against you, you'll find that out quickly enough.

R: (realizing he went too far) Philip! My deepest apologies. I didn't mean to offend you. (approaches to touch him, but Philip backs away) It's just you struck me, and without thought, I defended my position and countered as hard as I could! It's my nature!

P: (pouting) Before you came, the men looked up to me, and my opinions mattered. I'm not the "great" King Richard, but I did well.

R: Philip, you knew who I was from the beginning. You used to find my lack of modesty charming.

P: No. I found it amazing, but never endearing.

R: I'm losing you, aren't I?

R: I don't want to end our friendship. Not now, here, like this. I...need you Philip.

P: How? As your cup bearer? As a pale reflection of your magnificence? Certainly not to take Jerusalem!

R: You too can be cruel. Philip, you know I need you...and I need your army. Did that give you satisfaction? Is that what you wanted to hear? (frustrated) Please, Philip. I take no joy in this argument. Tell me. Is there any way we grow close again?

P: (sensing his opportunity) Richard, there is one way..

P: I've been a widower too long. I think it's time I remarry.

(Richard is silent.)

P: (quickly) It needn't change our friendship. In fact, it would clasp us tighter together. I'm thinking of your sister, Joanna. William, King of Sicily no longer lives, which leaves his widow available.

R: Joanna's relinquished her claims to the kingdom, if that's your intention. Besides, the King of Sicily is now Tancred, who I thought was your friend.

P: Tancred is a bastard, and not the lawful king. But the Sicilian succession isn't my current concern. For now, I've a greater interest in Joanna's future as the Queen of the French.

R: I'm uneasy with thoughts of you and my sister.

P: Why? You've told me of your love for Joanna. You always said that despite her sex she was worthy.

R: After my mother, I think most highly of Joanna. She's as lovely and unique as the rarest pearl. Yet I'm uneasy at the thought of you both together.

P: Is there anyone I can ally myself with that would have your blessing? You don't want me with your enemies, and yet you despise the thought of me lying with your precious sister!

R: (perturbed) It's your penchant for intimacies with my family! First Geoffrey, then me, and now Joanna. If you wanted our families bound, isn't my engagement to Alys enough?

P: You've been engaged to her for 20 years! At times I wonder if she'll ever know a husband.

R: I said I'd marry her at the conclusion of the Crusade.

P: And I have faith that you'll keep your word. But Richard, it still would be in both our interests if Joanna and I were wed. Our marriage bonds would make us all the more like brothers!

R: (haltingly) I will consider this, Philip, I will.

(Philip smiles and puts his hand gently to Richard's face. Richard looks at him with apprehension, yet returns the smile.)

(In front of curtain.)

BB: Richard and Philip's friendship was known to all, and many marveled at the great love the two kings shared. That these two should argue caused bafflement! Surely this was the work of the Devil! But was Satan the architect of their disharmony, or was it the work of man?

(Curtain rises. The Residence of the Knights Templar at Acre. Richard and Tancred, King of Sicily, are seated at a table cluttered with documents, in the midst of discussion. Tancred is a small exotic man, somewhat comic in his appearance, though utterly ruthless. Several knights also mill about.)

BB: We witness a meeting between former enemies. King Richard sits with Tancred, the Bastard, the man who seized Sicily's throne, and then imprisoned the widow of the former king. This widow, Joanna, is the sister of King Richard, and the lady whom King Philip currently desires. Fortune's wheel turns. Brother and sister are reunited, and now Tancred and Richard are the best of friends!

(BB joins the milling knights)

T: (laying it on thick) My dear King Richard, I can't tell you enough how delighted I am that we were able to overcome our initial difficulties. Your skirmish with my men, and that regrettable quarrel over your sister's property. Most unfortunate, but in the past! The lovely Queen Joanna did eventually get her furnishings and plate back in good condition, did she not? And you received the valuables KingWilliam bequeathed to your late father?

R: Yes. I now have all. And I'm satisfied with the haste you made in granting my request.

T: And how did you find all the magnificent presents I sent?

R: Quite impressive, King Tancred. You were too generous. I thank you, but I'll have to send them back. All except the ring. (strokes a huge gem on his finger) I'm quite fond of it. (Both smile.)

T: And the fine ships I offered? And the galleys?

R: Those I consider not gifts, but your contributions to our cause, and they're certainly appreciated. But what of the present I sent you? Did you like it?

T: The sword of King Arthur? I'm overcome that you'd honor me with an object of such great value.

R: I believe in treating friends well, and enemies without mercy. It encourages the best relations.

T: I'm grateful that you count me among your intimates. There can be no better friend, nor better brother. Joanna is most fortunate to have you as her protector. And now that your fair sister is without a husband, do you have plans for her?

R: I'm considering many possibilities. I'm intent on finding a match for Joanna that will bring even greater benefits to my family.

T: Well, I hope the dowry you're forced to pay won't be as heavy as the price you've levied on me for the betrothal of my precious daughter to your nephew Arthur!

R: If the price pains you, just recall that Arthur is my heir and having him as your son-in-law is quite the bargain. The sum is excessively high because I have to share all I receive with King Philip. We've an arrangement as far as monies are concerned, and though Philip isn't related to young Arthur, he's the boy's Lord and guardian.

T: (with concern, and looking around so as to make sure no one hears him) I worry about King Philip's response to our agreement. I don't think he cares for me. At first we were alike in our thoughts, but then he seemed to take a greater interest in supporting those who opposed me.

R: Don't worry about Philip. I know him well, and I'm quite convinced that I can win him over to our side.

T: Do you really know him at all, King Richard? Your goodness is so great, it may blind you to the evil in others. Oh, dear King Richard! It pains me to tell you this, but I fear that you're misled by this cunning man's duplicity. Forgive my boldness, but I must speak the truth. The French King bears little love for you.

R: Why do you say such a thing?

T: I've a letter that he sent me not so long ago. It hurts my fingers even to touch it! Here. Read it. It was written when you and I were on poorer terms, and he and I on better. He encouraged me to disrupt your brave forces, and promised to supply additional aid if I required it.

R: (shocked) What? (reads the letter to himself)

T: It's black, but true. I regret that I bear the disappointing news that you should trust such an odious deceiver. I suspect he envies your abundant power, and wishes to keep you weak. If you find yourself in difficulties here in the Holy Land, think of that horrid creature's position back in France! He's a shrewd man, and such a move should be expected.

R: (stunned) Thank you, King Tancred. It's best I know these things. I think our meeting is at an end. I need to think about this change of events.

(A Knight Templar enters)

K: King Philip is here to see you, your majesty.

T: (nervously) Have you another exit?

(The Knight points to stage left. Tancred bows as he leaves)

R: (Richard holds back at first, and then in a fury begins throwing things off the table, throwing the chairs, turning over the table. Finally, there's no more damage left to do. He picks up the letter and shakes it in his clutched fist.) This worthless scrap of writing has hurled my heart from the heavens into a fiery abyss. Ah, yes! The flames! They leap at me with mocking exultation! They illuminate my vision! Only now can I see that the sweet burning from your lips was the poison of betrayal. (shakes his head) Bitter is the thought of those Judas kisses! (Reflectively) I never realized how much I needed the illusions of your love and adulation until these words revealed their total emptiness. (with nervous amusement) Did my blindness at such transparent puffery make you laugh? (with anger) By God's hands, may you choke on your cackles!

(The Knight Templar returns and quickly straightens the mess up. Then, Philip enters stage right with several of his men. Richard tries to collect himself to give the impression that nothing is wrong, yet there is still hate in his eyes.)

P: Richard! I hope you slept well, and had a fine morning! I'm hoping to hear that you gave the matter we discussed the other day further thought.

R: (suspiciously) What matter?

P: The betrothal of your sister Joanna and myself!

R: You wondered about this?

P: Why, yes? Is something wrong?

R: I'd sooner marry Joanna to the infidel than to have her wed a devil like you!

R: (waving the letter) This! This!

R: A letter you wrote Tancred. Read it if you don't recall its contents.

(Philip stares at the letter silently)

R: You had the audacity to write such a thing, and then come to me with your plans to fill my sister's empty chamber!

(Philip stands speechless.)

R: You have nothing to say in your defense?

P: How easily you believe the worst of me! This is a forgery. Tancred wrote it so that we would quarrel and then separate. He knows I oppose his kingship, and only an alliance with you would give him the support he needs.

R: (pained) I wish I could believe what you say, but I'm afraid to do so. I can't bear the role of fool.

P: It's Tancred who casts you as such, not I!

R: Tell me, have you been lying to me all along for your own benefit? Has every pleasantry we've ever exchanged been based on falsehoods? Perhaps from this time forward, all agreements should be null and void!

P: (suspicously) All agreements? As in all vows made?

R: You're not the one to speak of breaking vows.

P: Ah! It's becoming clear. Tancred didn't create this comedy alone, you played your part as well! You accuse me, and thus can deny me equal share of any accumulated wealth! You use this excuse so that I may not wed Joanna, and so you can finally break your engagement with Alys!

R: This is nonsense!

P: Haven't you been avoiding the marriage agreement with my sister for years and years?

P: You're obliged to marry her! It was a sacred oath!

R: I'll NEVER marry her! You think I'd be husband to my father's slut?

R: She slept with Henry for years! She even bore him a child who died in infancy.

P: (still in shock) Alys came to you as a virgin. And now you claim your father betrayed my family's trust by taking advantage of her innocence! Perhaps he even took her by force! Alys was your betrothed, and yet you said and did nothing?

R: Why should I? Alys is just a whore, as is her brother!

(Philip lunges at Richard and knights on both sides have to keep them apart. BB cheers them on. P and R shout at each other.)

R: Your words of affection were nothing but lies! Only now I know the truth. Your only love is the lady France!

P: At least I'm versed in the art of loving a lady! The only mistress you've known is the Mistress of Death!

R: The King of the French only couples to increase his domains. He'd bed a mule if he thought it to his advantage!

P: I've lain with the sovereign of England. The difference is not so great!

K: My lords! Restrain yourselves! You've both made stringent rules about attacking fellow pilgrims. What kind of example do you wish to set?

(The Kings are released and glare at each other.)

P: First your family discards my sister Margarite, disgraced through lies, now you plan to do the same to Alys! I swear by the lance of St. James, and on everything I hold dear, that if you ever marry any other woman, you shall feel my vengeance till the end of your days!

(Philip stalks off. Richard sits down, now expressionless. He turns to one of the knights.)

R: Get me pen and paper. I wish to compose a letter to my mother, the Queen.

(Richard and Eleanore at the Palace at Acre)

E: I bid you greetings, my son, and best wishes from your bride!

R: Maman! It's a delight to see you!

E: And Berengaria? Aren't you looking forward to seeing her?

E: Your enthusiasm isn't what I'd hoped it would be. You requested that Berengaria and I come far away to the Holy Land, just so you could be married immediately, and yet you show no interest in her at all. I thought you liked the girl. I'll admit, she's not a great beauty, but she's gentle, obedient and above scandal. A perfect wife, no doubt, because she's everything I wasn't! (laughs)

R: As women go, Berengaria excels, Maman. Her appearance doesn't matter to me. A beautiful wife draws too much attention. Berengaria is sensible, and will leave me in peace and make no complaint. Her brother, Sancho, is a worthy ally and we need his support to protect our Southern borders. What more can I ask for from a spouse?

E: An heir, Richard, an heir.

R: I shall put in an effort.

E: Please put your effort in more than once.

R: I shall try, Maman.

E: It doesn't matter that you have no feelings for the girl.

R: I like her well enough.

E: It's so sad to me, Richard. All your men sing of your love for Berengaria.

R: And before, they sang of my love for Philip. Apparently, they like to sing.

E: For what you pay them, they should all sound like nightingales!

(Richard looks distracted)

E: Richard, how goes it with you and Philip?

R: He's returned to Paris.

R: We've avoided each other as best we could after we quarreled. He sent me a letter agreeing to dissolve my engagement with Alys for a hefty sum. Later, his messengers informed me that he was returning home. The coward! I told them that if he left he'd bring shame to all of the French lands, but he could do as he pleased. Shortly before you arrived with Berengaria, he left.

E: This is a problem, Richard.

R: It is. Philip's troops remain, and though he left prisoners whose ransom might pay his men, I fear this may not be enough. Those he left in command despise me, and I care for them no better. Things won't be easy.

E: This isn't the problem of which I speak. If you're here, and Philip's in France, there's no way to prevent him from stripping you of your continental properties.

R: He vowed he wouldn't.

E: And you believed him?

R: He'd be excommunicated for attacking the lands of a man on crusade.

E: And when has that stopped anyone with a strong will?

R: Rest easily, Maman. I sent men to follow him, and to keep me informed...and be on the defensive.

E. That isn't enough! You must return to your kingdom! There will be wars to wage against Philip.

R: (insistent and agitated) I came here on a mission, and I won't leave it incomplete! The Saracens still hold the Holy City. If I must, I'll die trying to recover it. (desperately) Maman, through these deeds I build a monument to my prowess. To be known as the savior of Jerusalem would make me immortal! How can you ask me to abandon such a project?

E: You show great nobility, my son. But are there are other reasons?

R: (he turns his head, ashamed) I've done many things abominable in the sight of the Lord. My crimes have been so great, I fear no other penance will suffice.

E: So these things are what tie you? Tell me, Richard, is there yet something more? Are you afraid to face Philip? Not as a soldier, of course, but as one who once held him in high esteem?

R: No. My friendship with Philip is over. It's been replaced by utter contempt. I look forward to crushing him, and devastating all his holdings. I long to cause his suffering in the most wretched ways. But he's not my only concern. I've many enemies among the Christian forces. Jealous men who can't tolerate my greater fame. They'll make my return difficult, and take every opportunity to harm me.