The Lion and the Lamb

Richard was wrong to think that death would come to him if victory did not. He survived. Yet he proved right in this -- many enemies still wished the English king ill. Though Richard attempted disguises on his journey home, there was no way to hide his splendor. Before reaching the safety of his own domains, he was discovered by his enemies. Now he waits imprisoned, hoping that someone will pay the price on his reckless travels.

(A prison cell in Germany. Richard is alone. There is a chair, a table, a pallet, a chamber pot, and little else. The space seems cramped, dark and dirty and the bedding is threadbare. There is a door with a small barred window. Throughout the scene we see Richard going through his life as a prisoner. He writes, a guard brings him his food. He paces. Etc The song is either recorded by R and played back throughout or sung by another voice off stage.)

Ja Nus Hons Pris by Richard the Lion Hearted

No prisoner can sing nor can he speak With a strong heart sadness now turns weak This song I write to comfort me midst my fall. For I've many friends, yet their gifts are small. It will shame them all if for two winters I stay a prisoner

My men and barons know me very well. Not one of them could ever think to tell That I would oversee their freedoms lost Instead I'd help no matter what the cost. I say this not to blame, but all the same I'm still a prisoner

So many members of my family Would leave me to this horrid destiny As well as faithless friends both young and old Who abandon me for their love of gold. Such fame my people earn gives me concern-- Their King's a prisoner

It's no surprise my heart is filled with grief My Lord destroys my lands beyond relief. He forgets of a time different from now When once together we had sworn a vow I can't conceive of how he could allow Me to be prisoner.

Safe at home my wealthy countrymen sit Despite my fate they're bothered not a bit Since I'm held captive in a distant town There's no renown amidst the battleground Those glorious war cries are but silent sounds Within this prisoner.

My companions I've loved and I love still, Oh never would I likewise wish them ill. Tell them, my Song, for this they've lost my trust My once loyal nature has turned to dust. They are low if in liberty they go While I'm a prisoner.

(Philip''s palace in Paris. It's simple but elegant, with tapestries and a long table laden with food where Philip and John dine side by side. They listen as Bertran sings. An armed bodyguard stands behind Philip. Philip looks as though he's aged considerably even though the time has not been that long. Revelers surround them.)

BB: Rassa, she stands so very tall In her truth and in her merit. Rivals hate her for her beauty For she towers above them all.

Her worthy suitors cannot wait to serve her nor sound her praise. She, fairest and noblest of all Wants but one, the most fortunate!

Rassa, lady fresh as the hour, Gracious and gay, so full of youth: Her golden hair tinged with rubies, Her body white as a flower.

Her supple arms, so firm her breast! Her ass bounces like a rabbit. Her complexion, so fresh and pure. Such fame and note! Ah! She's the best!

(Philip quickly nods, to say that's enough, and hands BB a small bag of money. BB, insulted, refuses. He then changes his mind and grabs the bag. BB feels its weight and when Philip turns around, BB makes a face. Then BB departs.

An attractive serving girl pours wine in John's goblet. John flirts with her lustily, trying to grab at her, and she smiles and giggles. As John turns to grab some food, she looks at Philip. He nods to her, knowingly. She smiles back, bows her head and leaves.)

P: I hope you're enjoying the entertainment, Count John.

J: Very much! You're a fine host, King Philip.

P: We normally don't have entertainers here at court. I'd rather spend my money on alms giving than performers, but I know your family prefers this sort of thing.

J: Indeed we do, King Philip. I'm most grateful. However, this wasn't my favorite of Bertran's songs. It was written for my late brother, Geoffrey. Things which pleased my brothers are often not to my liking. Despite some superficial similarities, I'm not a bit like them.

P: I'm aware of this, John. You lack young Henry's charm, Richard's courage, and Geoffrey's persuasive tongue.

J: (laughs, as Philip caught him on that one.) Don't mistake me. The song wasn't bad. But I prefer the lyrics where the poet dreams of making love to the lady, then verbally undresses her by layer by layer, till her glorious nakedness is revealed!

P: (with some shock) Wasn't that one written about your sister, Mathilde?

J: Yes. You think this should bother me? I'm not Mathilde's husband. If he's insulted by the song, let him protect her honor! (He shakes his head) Philip, despite the proximity of our ages, I'm still in the spring of my youth, whereas you've joined the ranks of the prudish old churchmen.

P: Yet you've no problem accepting this prudish old churchman's food and wine.

J: Why should I? You always serve excellent victuals. Especially when you're trying to impress. Even so, (looks in the direction of the serving girl) a man needs more than just things which satisfy the stomach!

P: In time, John. In time. All your needs shall be satisfied. (He raises his glass.) A toast to the ill-fated King Richard, your brother and my former friend! Somewhere, he dines too, but in a German jail.

J: The irony that he should be captured upon his return to the West!

P: And by our old comrade in arms, Duke Leopold. But then his master, the German Emperor pulled rank and snatched the prisoner away from Leopold, for his highness preferred the privilege of being Richard's captor. At last, your brother has found the popularity that eluded him.

J: The ransom is high.

P: It is, John, it is.

J: Is it true that you offered his jailers twice the amount if he remains in chains? Knowing your frugal nature, I was quite impressed with such initiative.

P: (amused) You have me wrong, John. I can't afford to waste a coin because my family lacks the riches that yours takes for granted. Still, I'm quite generous when I believe it's for the benefit of my country.

J: I'm well aware of the things you'd do for the sake of your kingdom.

P: So who told you this story about my "so called" offer? Your English spies?

J: Don't mistake me, I like such a plan. That you should devise it would offer no surprise. After all, who benefits more than the Philip of France from Richard's absence?

P: His brother, John, perhaps? I've heard you've been busy collecting your brother's ransom from his subjects and pocketing it.

J: (exaggerated shock) Have I? (laughing) What a profitable occupation! Still, Philip, I know you have no regrets over Richard's predicament in Germany.

P: Richard should have stayed in Palestine. He would have found it safer.

J: Poor Richard! He lived through the terrors of the East only to lose his freedom in Christian lands.

P: He lost more than that. In his haste, he murdered all our prisoners rather than wait for the payment of their ransoms. He lost a fortune, as well as the good faith of Saladin.

J: (shaking his head) It seems like quite a folly!

P: (Philip is almost talking to himself here. John, busy eating, only half listens. John eats and drinks throughout the conversation.) I'm tortured by my memories of the Holy Land. I watched my men as they howled in agony, dismembered and diseased. I was also overwhelmed by sickness. All the hair on my head fell out, and I lost the nails on my fingers and toes. To this day, I'm not quite the same. I'd taken so ill, all were sure my life was over. I thought, why this? Why am I to die in a foreign land, when I've so much to do at home? The priest was ready to grant me last rites, when Richard appeared. He said he'd received a message that my dear and only son Louis was dead in Paris. On hearing this my heart burst with grief. I was inconsolable. My pain was without remedy or relief. Richard later said that this lie was but a joke. Such humor could easily have been my death. I suspect that Richard was aware of this.

J: Richard is known for both a gift of speech and a skill with weapons. If the things he said caused you suffering, that was his intention.

P: Even now, I fear for my life. Some think I imagine that Richard would hire assassins to kill me. Yet many are also certain that he paid for the murder of Conrad Monferrat. Is it so unlikely that he desires a similar fate for me? (Points to the bodyguard.) See the precautions I must take? I had to leave the Crusade! My life was in grave jeopardy. (ironically) And in the end our mission did prove futile.

J: He blames it on you, of course. You and Conrad and the others. He thinks if you had stayed and supported him, there could have been a victory.

P: So he remembered that myself and others were at one time fellow warriors? And he credits us with the possibility of assistance? I'm honored and astounded. I thought that Richard could do everything with the aid of nothing but a slingshot!

J: He also claims you went against your sacred vow when you invaded his lands while he was on Crusade, and broke other vows besides. He's complained to the Pope.

P: This came after he broke his oath to marry my sister! In my eyes, this act destroyed all our agreements. And I dispute the accusation that I attacked his property while he was in the Holy Land. My invasions were restricted to territories rightly mine. I delayed further military aggressions till Richard returned to Christian soil.

J: Yes. Safely imprisoned by Leopold and the Emperor. I commend you on your restraint!

P: Why should I hold my armies in check just because Richard's insouciant vanity finally reaped its just rewards? Who knows how long he'll be imprisoned? And who was to know how long the war in the East would have lasted? It's still not truly over.

J: Did you know that Richard tried to marry off our sister Joanna to Saladin's brother in hopes of obtaining peace? I'd love to have seen that! Joanna is as obstinate as Maman. Under no condition would she let an infidel charge a battering ram at her forcullis! Joanna was furious, and rightly refused.

P: Joanna, so lovely and so much spirit. What a wife she would have been!

J: A wife like hell! Though her face and form may make men salivate, I'm certain the first time she disagreed with you, the glow of her spirit would quickly lose its luster. No doubt they gave similar descriptions of Eleanore back in ancient times when she was a beauty. Two husbands for Maman, and she was a bane to both of them. Which reminds me, Philip, I forgot to congratulate you on your marriage to the Danish princess! (Philip shoots him a dirty look.)

J: As you know, I'm looking for a new wife myself. I've no use for the old one. You mentioned that Alys was still available.

P: Poor Alys. Taken by your family when she was but an untouched rosebud. Look at her now!

J: Well, it'll be difficult to look at her, before Eleanore lets her out of prison. Still, if I wed her, perhaps Maman will agree to allow her some measure of freedom.

P: I remember when Henry once offered Alys as your bride.

J: Ah! Yes! Her value was greater then, and her years fewer. I don't know, Philip. Perhaps Alys is not so good a choice after all. You don't happen to have any available daughters, do you? Very young? I like them young.

P: (uncomfortably) You are your father's son.

J: I'm glad you think this. With Eleanore, one can never be too sure! But really, Philip. Don't play the hypocrite to me. Your first wife was still playing with dolls when you married her.

P: And I was not much older than she.

J: We all like them young if we can get them. And rich. And in advantageous positions. And, despite what the priests tell us, most of us would like them as skilled as the prostitutes when in our beds. (Enraptured) Ah! Give me a girl with lips like juicy mulberries, and nipples hard as hazelnuts! Such delights make engendering our heirs a pleasanter duty! (Philip looks uncomfortable.) So tell me more about your plans for my marital bliss, Philip!

P: (trying to keep him off balance) I wonder if this is the time to discuss such things ... after all, Richard lives, and your powers are limited. And there remains the question of succession.

J: How is young Arthur?

J: I often worry about his health.

P: Worry less, John. He won't be in your way. As long as we're friends, there's no need for concern.

J: Then we'd best maintain good relations.

P: This isn't a problem as long as our enemy is shared.

J: I recall a time when Richard and you were closer than a priest and his purse.

P: There was a time when all spoke in wonder of the great love between Philip and Richard. Now their talk is of our hatred.

J: Tell me, was there really any love between you, or was it just an elaborate ruse?

P: Would you believe me, whatever I said?

J: Probably not. But it doesn't matter, as I don't really care. (John resumes eating.)

P: (John is preoccupied, and this is said more to self and audience.) Ah, John! We'd best hope that Richard stays in prison for a long while, for when he's out, he'll turn his violence against us! He can't see further than his own reflection, but he's a brilliant soldier. (With grudged admiration.) There's none like him. (With determination.) But I'll hold my ground as best I can, and stay patient. In time he'll destroy himself, as all your family has. Through arrogance and conceit!

J: I'm sorry Philip, what were you saying?

P: I asked if you wanted more to eat. Some wine?

(In front of curtain)

BB: I just intercepted a note! It's from Philip to John. It says "The devil is loose! Look to your own devices!" So Richard has found his redemption. Hoorah! Now Sir Bertran shall have his wars again!

(The dining room at the house of the archdeacon, at Lisieux. Richard sits with Eleanore at a modest, yet well stocked table, as they dine alone.)

E: Do you mind the quiet?

R: I've grown used to it.

E: When I was released from Henry's prison, you told me that I was more beautiful than ever. And now, my beloved son, I confess, you've never seemed more handsome!

R: If that's so, it's because you see the reflection of your joy in my eyes. (he lifts her hand again, and kisses it.)

E: It wasn't so long ago that you greeted me as I returned from confinement. And now, here we are, returning home, with you the teller of tales.

R: My story is a short one, its ink barely dry. Over a year of my life, wasted away in Germany. Locked up as if I hadn't any future. I was trapped and helpless, while that villainous Philip remained free to violate my lands. These tormenting thoughts kept me endless company during my captivity. How I longed to inflict the most unspeakable cruelties upon that reprobate!

E: Be wise, my son. Vengeance can be most satisfying, yet it must be tempered with prudence.

R: But the ignominy of my position, Maman! The shame of it all! I always carried myself like a standard, with silken pennants embellished in gold. My herald was my reputation, emblazoned by great deeds. Did all this mean nothing? Were my emblems to be dragged in the mud and dirt at the end of the day, broken, forgotten and alone?

E: Forgotten? Such a thing would be impossible! You are a hero! A great hero! Greater than Alexander, Charlemagne or Roland! You are my hero (with great sincerity) and I could never abandon you, my son. (touching his face)

R: (kissing her hand) I know that, Maman.

E: I never stopped thinking of you, Richard. Not even a day. I wrote the Pope over and over again, pleading for aid.

R: (his hand caresses her face) This helped immeasurably, Maman. The Pope took so long to demand my release! I suspect that it was due to your efforts alone that he finally threatened my captors with excommunication.

E: And what of the ransom we were forced to pay?

R: Well delivered, along with the promise of marriage of the sister of Arthur of Brittany to Leopold, and my vassalage to the German Emperor.

E: Humiliating, but necessary, my son.

R: Of course, once they realized that wealth still lay untapped within England, they wished they'd raised my price! The Pope insists the money be returned to me, but even if it's not, I can still build a mighty war chest to use against my enemies.

E: Enemies or enemy, my son?

R: True enough. Philip remains my greatest foe. I've made friends with many of my former jailers, the Emperor among them. The others will die someday, and I'm confident that I'll convert their successors to my point of view. (with excitement) Ah, Maman! I foresee a great alliance surrounding Philip's land and squeezing him into submission. I won't forget my entrapment by the Germans, and how he used it to his advantage.

E: And how were you treated by the Germans?

R: They moved me around. Some cells were so wretched that even the rats lacked the room to exercise. Other times I was treated and dined like a noble guest. Despite it all, I tried to keep my spirits high. Many of my guards gave me good fellowship. We joked and wrestled. Sometimes I got them drunk, and played tricks on them. I amused myself as best I could.

(The archdeacon enters.)

A: (nervously) Someone is here to see you, your majesty.

(Eleanore and Richard look at each other. She puts her hand on top of his.)

R: It's my brother, isn't it?

(The archdeacon nods his head in the affirmative.)

(John enters, nervously.)

R: Come, come, John! You have nothing to fear from your family.

E: My youngest son! Join us in the feasting! There's some fresh salmon covered in a wonderful sauce waiting for you to eat.

(John looks hesitant.)

J: I just had a memory of my dear brother, Henry.

E: Have no worry. You dine in safety.

(John flings himself at Richard's feet and starts kissing his hands.)

R: Get up, John. There's no need for that. (John rises) My brother, we realize that you lack experience in the world, and are easily led astray. That scoundrel, Philip Capet caused you to turn against us! I'm only too aware of his viperous tongue and persuasive talents. (Pauses, grasps him by the arms, and looks at him squarely in the eye.) He was using you, John. As if you were something to wipe his ass. Once done, he'd would be rid of you for good. (Richard smiles, almost too widely.) But now you are with us. Know that you are forgiven, and that we welcome you with open arms. (Embraces John.)

J: (John relaxes, sits and begins eating. Fawning.) I came to beg for your mercy. How grateful I am that you give it unasked! You're so wise, Richard. Of course, it was all Philip's fault! I otherwise would never betray my family!

E: We know how true you are, John. All the same, you're one of us.

J: I'm sure you'll be glad you've counted me among your numbers. Philip still trusts me, and has given me important military information and troops. I can lead his men to slaughter if that's your pleasure.

R: (amused) These betrayal plans please me much, little brother.

A: As I said, Richard. Better John beside us, than behind our backs!

J: (jovially) I'll share more, but in time. There's no rush. Let me eat first. And let me give you all the Paris gossip!

E: Useful gossip, I trust?

J: I saw young Arthur. Such a brat! He bears the legacy of his high flown mother's pride! Arthur's one of King Philip's family now, and so is his loyalty. He and Prince Louis are like kin, for Philip acts as if *he* were the boy's uncle!

R: Arthur is no longer my heir, John, so this story isn't needed. I'll make you my chosen successor in gratitude for future aid in my fight against Philip. (John smiles like a cat that ate the canary) What else is new with the King of France?

J: Oh! Wonderful scandal!

E: Do tell, my son! Concerning what?

J: His latest wife. Princess Ingeborg of Denmark.

E: We know of the wedding. But this took place long ago. We feared it as part of a plan to enlist the Danes in an attack on England.

J: Well, your fears are unfounded. The King of Denmark no longer bears good will towards Philip.

R: (with great interest) Why?

J: Philip met the princess, and that very day they were married. All seemed well. The next morning, at the coronation, Philip appeared full of bad humors. His face grew pale. He trembled like a little leaf in the North wind. He then insisted on the granting of an immediate annulment!

E: Perhaps he came to his senses, and realized that this marriage was not such a wise alliance after all!

J: Wait, there's more. This is the funniest part--Ingeborg wants to remain the Queen of France, and will not step lightly down! She will neither go home to Denmark, nor become e a nun. She's since enlisted the aid of the Pope, and he's refused Philip's pleas to be rid of her!

E: What? (she begins to laugh) We have a good ally in Rome, dear Richard!

J: At first it was proposed that the pair were too close as cousins, but the Pope denied such a bogus claim. So now Philip protests with a new voice. He reveals that the marriage was never consummated. He has no interest in keeping her wedding chest, and plans to keep its cover closed.

R: You mean he refuses to sleep with her?

J: Indeed! And he has since imprisoned Ingeborg.

R: Knowing how desperate Philip was to have more sons, what could have possessed him to do such a thing? Something she did or said?

J: There's not much she could have said. She speaks only Danish, and he only French.

E: Apparently, they share no common tongue! (she laughs, and glances at Richard)

R: Perhaps a lack of interest in womanly charms ensured his impotence.

J: The charms of Ingeborg, alone.

(Richard tries to hide it, but he is becoming hurt and uncomfortable with this conversation. John sees this and feeds on it, trying to stick it to Richard as much as he can.)

J: All Paris knows that Philip hunts game like a falconer in the springtime. Nor is it squirrel that the French King chases.

E: And how is his catch?

J: One need only note the bastard sons within the noble circles of Paris bearing Philip's likeness to realize that he raises more robes than a foul puddle.

E: Were any of these boys named Richard?

J: Goodness, Maman! Why on earth would he do that?

E: (she shakes her head.) Such stories you feed us! These tales of prowess stem not from Philip, but from the voracious appetite of John's imagination! (to Richard) Philip was the fruit of the chaste King Louis's loins. He may not number among the holy brothers, but he's far from a libertine. Whereas John is much like his father Henry, a glutton in all matters of the flesh!

J: I'm my father's son...and my mother's! I suffer from no sense of false modesty concerning this.

E: (with amused condescension) You're such a gosling, John.

J: (petulantly) Perhaps I'd show more maturity if I wasn't always treated as a child!

(Eleanore looks at him indulgently, chucks his chin, and he repents.)

J: Ah well! Perhaps I did flavor things a bit. Still, it's said that Philip does manage to satisfy his hunger for womanly delights outside his marriage bed.

E: As for his distaste for Ingeborg--how does he explain this?

J: Philip insists she used witchcraft against him.

(Richard and Eleanore look at each other.)

E: Was this woman in your hire?

R: I was about to ask you the same!

J: I've also heard rumors of a foreign mistress who bewitched Philip into desiring her exclusively. (with mock seriousness) Can you imagine anyone so jealous or vain? (R and E both look uncomfortable.)

E: Is this all you have to tell?

J: Oh no! Much more! This story's far from simple. Know that Philip claimed he lacked the powers to fulfill his marriage obligations. Well, Ingeborg protests that indeed on their wedding night they served each other as man and wife. Philip now replies that though their flesh was one, the seed never mingled in the vessel, therefore, the marriage wasn't truly consummated!

E: (laughing!) I misjudged Philip. I thought he had no way with words, but now I see differently!

J: Oh, it's not that Philip uses words wisely, but that he wisely uses lawyers.

E: So it seems he employs lawyers as his mercenaries! And how do these brave soldiers fare in Philip's war with Princess Ingeborg? Do you think their skills will eventually move the Pope?

J: It doesn't matter. Philip is intent on a divorce whether anyone believes him or not! If the Pope won't grant it, he plans to obtain it from his uncle, the Archbishop of Reims.

E: One day this will return to haunt him.

J: Meanwhile Ingeborg remains secluded and confused, as Philip searches for his next victim!

R: How brilliantly phrased, John! We should spread this news just as Philip spread bad tidings of me, on his return from the Holy Land. Philip longs for another legitimate son. Yet who would wish to bind a beloved daughter, sister or niece to a man who might abuse and imprison her?

E: Nor tie her to a man with an invalid divorce, who'd leave her with nothing but bastards and dishonor.

J: Indeed! The world should know of his lack of chivalry! By the way, Richard, how goes your wife?

R: Berengaria? Well, I may not know where she is nor what she's doing, but she's neither jailed nor abused.

E: (to John) Except through neglect.

J: (to Eleanore) Richard and Philip have much in common. They give their wives brooches, and never bother to unfasten them!

R: (ignoring them and filled with excitement) With no potential brides, Philip's plan for future progeny dissolves! Left with no brothers and one sickly son, his father's line will die. Such a prospect could easily kill him!

E: Your glee at Philip's marital dilemma grows too great. It isn't good for you, Richard. It worries me.

R: (ignoring her comment) Enough of Philip and his women! What about me? Tell me, John. What does he think of my new freedom?

J: When he heard of your release he sent me a message that read "The Devil is loose!"

E: This we've heard already, John. We have excellent spies.

(John looks a little nervous.)

R: Well, at least he realizes he'll have hell to pay for all his treachery!

J: He's very edgy. I was told it's the result of an illness he contracted on the Crusades.

E: An illness named Richard!

J: He keeps a bodyguard now because of you. He's as fearful as a sheep among a dozen wolves.

R: As well he should be. He's a weakling and a coward. I pray to God that I can be the agent of that vermin's death!

E: If ever you caught him, his ransom would be a better choice.

R: True. I could always use more funds, and it would serve justice. Yet, I treasure the thought of my hands pressing against his naked neck. To hear his moans beneath me as he gasps for breath and then gasps no more. Watching the life in his eyes turn to stone. I dream, too, of piercing him repeatedly with my lance, while I watch the thin red blood spurt out of his still warm body. Great pleasure consumes me as his form squirms in spasms till only stillness remains. There are other images I have, but I'd just as soon spare Maman their indelicacy.

E: (getting a little worried at Richard's obsessiveness) Richard, I think you have gone too far in enjoying his sufferings. You still hold many lands from Philip.

R: Philip is no one to me! When he invaded my lands, he broke all ties.

E: He remains a man of some influence. Now he's your enemy, but you may have use for him another day.

R: I have no use for that scum of a man! Now, nor any day hereafter. The only thought that brings me happiness is his demise. He'll be gone, and I'll be cleansed of his memory. Only then can I be free to return to the Holy Land and the great destiny that I know awaits me.

(At a castle outside of Chalut)

BB: (looks around, confused) What's going on here? What's this music, and why is Mercadier, Richard's mercenary companion, greeting the Queen?

(Fortz Chausa Es- a song by Gaucelm Faidit plays softly in the background.)

(Mercadier greets Eleanore. Mercadier has a rough manner, but he is on his best behavior because of his respect for Eleanore. BB follows her, his head bowed.)

M: My lady, I'm glad you've arrived. I fear the King is close to dying.

E: Has Queen Berengaria been informed?

M: I saw no reason to do so. She meant little to him in life, I'm sure she'll mean even less in death.

E: She's still his Queen!

M: Forgive me, Madame, but you've been his only Queen, and this is common knowledge.

E: The injury to my son. How did this happen?

M: The wars with the French King had depleted our treasury, and we were in desperate need of funds. Then, like manna from heaven, King Richard was sent some valuable antiquities found at Chalut. Your son suspected there was more to the treasure than what we were given, and that the greedy Baron sought to withhold the lion's share. A lesson needed to be taught! We stormed the Baron's fortifications. They were weak, and a joke to men like us. They were defended by pitiful townspeople, including children and women. One lad used a frying pan as a shield. He collected the arrows that we shot, and returned them our way. Your son even cheered the boy's ingenuity. Then, while King Richard was inspecting the walls of the tower, the very same lad pierced him with an arrow in the shoulder.

A: How inglorious! I suppose the people will say that a David has slain Goliath!

M: King Richard rode off as if not even bitten by a flea, but the arrow was deeply embedded. A doctor strove to remove the demonic weapon, but the head broke from the shaft. The wound grew worse. And now brave King Richard lies waiting for the Angel of Death.

(They enter the bedchamber where Richard is lying. Eleanore is overcome by the realization of her son's mortality. Milo the Abbot sits on a chair beside him.)

R: (with some weakness, lifting his hand in her direction) Maman! Praise to God for letting me see your beauty once again, before I leave my misery!

E: (She grabs his hand and tries to fight back her tears, stroking his face) Richard! Don't go! If you do, much of me goes with you!

M the A: (to Richard) You're close to death, my King. You must repent so I can grant you absolution. Confess to me your sins.

R: They're too great.

M the A: Then tell me the greatest among them.

R: I've slaughtered, maimed and mutilated. I've done so for the glory of God and country, which is honorable, but I've also committed these acts out of anger, pride and pleasure, and for this I have shame.

M the A: God forgives you, my son.

R: I was responsible for my father's death. I sought to destroy him through plotting with his enemies, and I succeeded.

M the A: God forgives you, my son.

R: I've performed frequent acts of sodomy. I'm a pederast. I often promised God that I'd change, and then I'd return to my filthy ways.

M the A: God forgives you, my son.

R: That's the worst of them, Father.

M the A: Now you must forgive your enemies.

R: Mercadier. Go. Get the youth who shot this arrow. Quickly, I need to talk to him.

E: Richard, what do you plan to do?

(Mercadier returns with the boy. He looks as if he's been badly beaten.)

M: Here's the piece of sewage.

R: Boy, why did you do this to me, your master?

L: (scared, but defiant) You're a wretched man. My father and my brother died while serving in your wars. But for you, these casualties were not enough! You must bleed their survivors dry financing more of your endless squabbles with the King of France. I don't care what horrors are done to me for my part in this. I'd do it again to rid the world of your tyranny!

R: Everything you say is true. I ruled with thought only of myself, and never of my subjects. Perhaps you did well for the people in destroying me. I offer you my forgiveness for what you've done. I promise there shall be no punishment. Now go. Enjoy the daylight as my gift!

(The prisoner is escorted out.)

M the A: And now that you're free of hatred, I'll give you final absolution.

R: I'm not free, I can never be free.

E: (horrified) Richard! What are you saying? (she clings to him)

(A recorder solo of Ja Nus Hons Pris by Richard The Lionhearted, plays softly in the background.)

R: My hatred for Philip Capet never ends. How many men have been killed, and cities destroyed, because of my malice for this man? My abhorrence of Philip tortures me. Even at my death, I'm consumed with evil thoughts of him, and he thus keeps me from the grace of God.

M the A: It's no surprise that you bear hostility towards your worldly enemies. But soon you'll be no longer of this earth. Your petty rivalry will mean nothing in the land of the eternal. As God forgives you of your sins, you must forgive others, so that you might be closer to our Lord, Christ.

R: My rancor comes not because of rivalry, nor affairs of state. This concerns affairs of the heart. I loved this man once, and he betrayed me. The depth of my bitterness cannot be fathomed!

E: But Richard! How can you say these things? Think of your immortal soul!

R: Remember, Maman, of the tale of the hero who in darkness took pleasure in his magical lover? But when the rosy fingers of dawn appeared, the spell dissolved, and his love was thus destroyed. When I was in darkness, I knew happiness. But when I saw Philip as he really was, my sorrow knew no equal.

E: Love is best at a distance.

M the A: His time grows short.

E: (desperate) Richard, I beg you! Give the man forgiveness! You must have absolution! I won't let you do otherwise!

M the A: He has few moments. Madame, do what you can!

E: (To Richard) Sovereigns haven't the luxury of personal feelings. I, too, learned this late. Had you been but ordinary men, and not giants, perhaps you could have found what you sought. It's not his fault that he is who he is. He was raised to be your enemy. What little love you had was a gift. Forgive him, Richard! Forgive him!

R: (feverishly) Did he ever love me, Maman, or was I truly the fool?

E: How can one look at you, without giving you love, Richard? (with feeling) Your handsome face, your magnificent form, your strength, your wit. Your golden hair. Your perfect manhood. How could he not hear music from each precious word that flows from your soft sweet lips? He loved you once. How could he help himself?

R: (weakly but with profound sincerity) Visions pass dimly before my eyes. I see him now, as I'd seen him then. I no longer hold him accountable. Philip, my enmity towards you is over. May you too, forgive the one who once loved you when you see death.

M the A: (mumbled the prayers in Latin)

M: He's gone, my lady. He's entered Christ's domain and will serve Him well. (He gently pries her hands off the body.)

(Milo covers the body and leaves.)

BB: King Richard is dead. What tragedy! And what will Philip say to this? No doubt the French King's love of Richard would have been greater had Richard died sooner. When Philip hears this news, I should think he'd be happier than a rat in a haystack!

(Mercadier guides Eleanore outside the bedchamber.)

E: (consumed with anguish) Oh, Mercadier! How abundant are a mother's affections! To deceive my son while he lingers on his death bed!

M: What you did was right, your Majesty. You sacrificed truth for his salvation.

E: (with a bit of hysteria) He lied too, Mercadier! I know he did, and no one knew him better than I! He never loved Philip. He loved the thrill of being loved by another man. Truely loved. Scores of men *and* women felt that way about him. My son erred in thinking that Philip was among them. (looking back in grief towards where Richard lies) It's the devil's joke that the love beyond your reach always evokes the greatest passions.

M: (He's uncomfortable hearing such things of a personal nature. He stares at her for a moment, and then remembers who he is, and who she is. He responds.) Of course, Madame.

E: (Thrashing about, not knowing what to do with her hands) Oh, Mercadier! What shall I do? What shall I do!? I've lost the staff of my old age, the light of my eyes! (with great seriousness) When I die I shall be buried beside him. I wish to be with him forever. (soberly, yet with some anger) It's wrong, Mercadier, that he should die so young and full of promise.

M: King Richard told me once that as his father neared death, King Henry put a curse on him. Perhaps that was the cause of his troubles.

E: (as if in madness) The curse was on me, Mercadier! For I loved Richard like no other, and now he's gone. I'm the one who suffers. But was the curse from Henry? I'm sure my husband cursed me more times than there are waves in the ocean. No. It was a curse from God. A curse for my pride and willfulness. Perhaps a curse for leaving the faithful Louis? Can't you see? God loved Louis best. He gave him but one son, but his son was lasting. I bore so many, and look at them now! In the end, Louis' children destroyed me, and that which I loved most in the world.

M: (consoling her) Don't blame yourself, Madame. You loved your son, and he'll be remembered. His body may turn to dust, but his fame is eternal.

E: (as if receiving a revelation). Yes, yes, of course, you're right! Richard lives on. He shall never die as long as we remember him. (wiping away her tears) You're a good man, Mercadier. Richard may have paid for your services as a soldier, but you remained with him as a friend. I'd like you to stay as one of my retainers, whatever the cost.

M: How can I refuse? I'm at your service.

E: Thank you, Mercadier.

M: And now, my lady? What will become of you, and the King's domains?

E: (gathering her wits about to get to the business at hand. She grows animated with her plans.) This takes some thought. Though John is Richard's heir by choice, Arthur has a valid claim as the son of an older brother. Philip will certainly press this point, as Arthur is his proteg�. Even if Arthur does not gain power, John will abuse whatever power he has.

M: I pity Arthur, if John ever gets his hand on him.

E: I distrust my youngest son. He has such capricious ways...yet I love him still. I know in his heart that he loves me deeply and trusts my opinions, no matter what he might say. (desperately) He's all I've left, Mercadier! By Richard's wish, John now stands as the rightful ruler of our lands, and in this I must support him. I must put away my sadness, and work to secure John's rights to Kingship. (Sighs.) I shall contact William Marshal. I'm sure we can count again on his loyalty. We need all the support we can. There's much to be done, Mercadier.

M: (smiles at her bravery) And fights to be won.

E: (With calculation) Philip never equaled my Richard's talents as a soldier, but by virtue of his experience against him, Philip gained amazing competence. He's also displayed a cleverness we never before imagined. He's annexed territory after territory through trick and political guile. John cannot fail to realize the seriousness of Philip's threats.

BB: How true, my Queen! Philip's proved not a lamb, but a wolf in sheep's clothing! Poor Bertran! All is lost! Philip despises poets, and even without this, he's not too fond of me! I'd best retire to the monastery!

M: And what if John fails through war to hold what your family has worked so hard to keep?

E: Ah! What shall I do? (thinks for a minute) I have a child, Eleanore, named after me. She has lovely daughters. Princesses of Castile. I believe Prince Louis still needs a bride. (with ironic bemusement) King Louis's grandson wedding my granddaughter! How long it took for my blood to once again mingle with that of Louis! But that was surely destiny! And such a marriage ensures that no matter what the outcome, my beloved homelands shall remain in the hands of my descendants. You see, even in the worst of times, I'm most resourceful!