Gore, Catherine. King O'Neil. Ed. with an Introduction by John Franceschina. British Women Playwrights around 1800. 15 October 2000.
King O'Neil
by Catherine Gore
(1835)
Dramatis Personae
Louis XV (Blue
silk coat with large crimson satin cuffs, crimson satin waistcoat, trimmed
with silver, blue silk breeches, black slouched hat with feather trimming,
high black shoes and ties, and yellow silk domino)
Duke de Richelieu (Pink
silk full-skirted coat trimmed with silver, pink silk breeches, silver embroidered
waistcoat, three-cornered hat trimmed with feather, domino, and dress sword)
Sir Henry Arundel (Puce-colored
embroidered silk coat, satin embroidered waistcoat, white silk breeches,
and hat trimmed with feather)
General Count Dillon (Scarlet
broad-skirted coat with large yellow cuffs, trimmed with gold ribbon knots
on each shoulder, white breeches, silk stockings, and shoes)
Major de Burgh (Scarlet
broad-skirted coat trimmed with gold lace, large yellow cuffs, white breeches,
high black boots, hat trimmed with feather, and sword)
Major Macnamara (Dressed
as Major de Burgh)
Cornet O'Callaghan (Dressed
as Major de Burgh)
Captain O'Neil (Dressed
as Major de Burgh)
Rafe (Light drab poplin
coat, embroidered waistcoat, white silk breeches, three-cornered hat trimmed
with white feather)
Countess Dillon (Pink
and silver brocade open dress, white satin petticoat flounced, and lace
ruffles)
Marchioness de Clermont
(White satin open dress, petticoat with flounce, and ruffles)
Duchess de Mailly (Blue
and silver brocade dress, ruffles and gauze veil)
[Males and females all wear powder.]
Act I
Scene 1
[Apartment at an inn at Versailles. Enter Waiter shewing in Major de Burgh, L.]
Wai.
This way, Major. This way, sir!
De B.
A strange gentleman—a fellow-countryman,
enquiring for me, you say? Have you no conjecture of his name?
Wai.
None, Major; never set eyes on
him before! he arrived only this morning at Versailles, after traveling in
double quick time—with deference to your honourable cloth—from Vienna.
De B.
From Vienna? [Enter Arundel,
R.]
Aru.
De Burgh! my dear fellow! [Shakes
hands.]
De B.
Ha! Arundel!
Aru.
[Stopping his mouth.]
Hush! [He signs to the Waiter to quit the room. Waiter exits L.]
De B.
A thousand welcomes. [Shakes
his hand.] No mysteries; but honestly tell me what brings you to Versailles—a
woman, or a place?
Aru.
Both! you may remember that, while
still at college, I was contracted in marriage to my cousin, Helena Dillon.
De B.
Daughter to the staunch old General,
who commands our Irish Brigade?
Aru.
Exactly. We had never met! Helena
was sewing a sampler at a convent in Paris, while you and I ran riot at the
Military College of Vienna.
De B.
Whence the rumour of your wild
exploits excited the vehement indignation of the General.
Aru.
Ah! at that unlucky moment he married
again; and the new Countess Dillon soon persuaded him to break off his engagements
with me.
De B.
Persuaded!
Aru.
For the advancement of her family
interests, she united her step-daughter to the Marquis de Clermont, an infirm
libertine, who, on the occasion of his marriage, was sent ambassador to the
Court of Vienna.
De B.
[Significantly.] In order
that his pretty bride might become acquainted with her wild cousin! Eh, my
dear Arundel?
Aru.
[Embarrassed.] Why, considering
the relationship between us, it was but natural I should form a sort of humdrum-cousinly
acquaintance with De Clermont's wife.
De B.
Or that you should travel post
to Versailles to improve it with his widow! Never deny it, man! 'Tis no sin
to love a young and handsome widow, though she be one's cousin! Since
his Excellency's death, Madame De Clermont has thrown aside her weeds, and
appeared again at Court. The whole world is at her feet!
Aru.
The devil it is.
De B.
From His Majesty down to the smallest
page in waiting; all bow the knee to the lovely Marchioness!
Aru.
[Agitated.] No doubt! 'tis
mighty well! The King, too! [Walks about.]
De B.
Louis himself—nay, even the
all-conquering Richelieu is her slave.
Aru.
The profligate Richelieu! Oh, woman!
woman!
De B.
Further, 'tis whispered that, aided
by the intrigues of Countess Dillon, she is about to obtain an appointment
in the Queen's household!
Aru.
A place at Court? Never! Of the
designs of the King, rumours had already reached me; I had hoped to have found
them groundless, but they are too palpable! I will not hear of this place
for her; I will die rather than consent to her accepting it.
De B.
Your humdrum-cousinly acquaintance,
appears to endow you with great authority? hem!
Aru.
Paha! absurd! [Walks again.]
She at Court!
De B.
You take the matter deucedly to
heart.
Aru.
[Stopping short.] To be
frank, then, I do! I am pledged, heart and hand, to my lovely cousin;
but that Machiavel in petticoats, Countess Dillon, has already plotted another
marriage for her! And my uncle, who so peremptorily broke off our early betrothment,
is not likely to favor my pretensions now, as, unhappily, I am still a stranger
to him.
De B.
And he is still so irritated against
you, that were you to present yourself as a suitor to his daughter, he would
dismiss you the house with as little ceremony as one of his own orderlies.
Aru.
For which reason, my dear fellow,
I depend on you to introduce me as a candidate for the first vacant commission
in his regiment. Call me Fitzgerald. Say I'm a fellow-Conaught man. Tell him—
De B.
The imposture would still be useless;
you are known to an officer who has lately joined our regiment. Do you remember,
at the Military College, a little fellow named Phaidrig O'Neil?
Aru.
A right-hearted, wrong-headed Irishman!
as brave as his sword—who insists that he is linearly descended from the kings
of Ulster—who never got a glass over his usual stint but he became every inch
a king, and exercised his prerogative right royally.
De B.
The same! A sabre cut on his head
at the siege of Phillipsburg has not cooled either his courage or his pride.
And now, whenever an extra glass of Burgundy inflames his blood, our friend
actually proclaims himself king. Ha! ha!
Aru.
Ha! ha! ha! Poor O'Neil! Does he
never get into mischief, when in these royal moods?
De B.
Why, his companions and brother-officers,
who love him for his gaiety and his gallantry, in moments of frolic and wine
usually keep a sharp eye upon him, whilst they humour his absurdity by doing
all due homage to "King O'Neil"—till the fumes of the debauch leave his brain,
when he lets his royal mantle slip quietly from his shoulders, and gracefully
falls back on his troop in the Brigade.
Aru.
So cracked-brained an accomplice,
I admit, would be the ruin of my plot.
De B.
But he will certainly recognize
you!
Aru.
In that case I must trust to my
own impudence, and protest I never beheld him in all my life:—unless campaigning
has changed his character, he's simple as a child.
De B.
He conserves his native simplicity
unimpaired, but when sober is too sagacious to be duped easily. [Enter
Waiter, L.]
Wai.
Captain O'Neil is below, sir.
O'N.
[Heard without, L.]What's
the Major's billet?
De B.
By Jove, here he is! I could swear
to his brogue at half a league's distance. Show the Captain in. [Exit Servant,
L.]
Aru.
Now to forswear my college chum,
and half-cracked countryman, with the coolest possible countenance. [Enter
O'Neil, with letters, L.]
O'N.
Beg pardon, my dear fellow, your
ba'tman at the barracks told me he didn't know which way you were gone, so
I followed ye, till I met ye en face. Orders! [Gives papers.]
De B.
Thank you, O'Neil, thank you! Orders
from the general? [Reads, retiring up C.]
O'N.
[Aside, eyeing Arundel.]
Why the devil didn't he introduce me to his friend I wonder? Sir! your most
obedient! [Crosses from I. to R, when Arundel turns and bows stiffly, R.]
Aru.
Sir, your humble servant.
O'N.
[Startled.] Eh! blessed
St. Patrick! It is; but yet it can't be though—but it is! I—sir—Arundle,
my dear fellow! [Tries to take his hand.]
Aru.
Sir! I have not exactly the honour
of—
O'N.
[Interrupting.] Och! then—I
ask yer pardon, sir; the fact is, I took you for a scapegrace of a countryman
of mine, and a schoolfellow, one Sir Henry Arundel; but, of course, you know
best, whether or no you're yourself or somebody else; but, by my honour, you're
as like my friend ould Harry, as Arundel is himself; but he was always up
to his ears in waggery and wickedness, so I christened him ould Harry. Eh,
don't you remember? You're not ould Harry, are you?
Aru.
Sir, I—
De B.
[Ceremoniously, C.] This,
my dear O'Neil, is my friend, Mr. Fitzgerald—Fitzgerald, my friend, Captain
O'Neil.
O'N.
At your service, my honey! Fitzgerald!
De B.
A candidate for the first commission
vacant in the regiment, O'Neil, and a fine fellow!
O'N.
[Crosses to center.] He
does us honour. [Shakes hands.] I trust we shall be better acquainted.
But you must know our Roster's full just now, so that if you think to get
easily in, you'll be plaguily out, Mr. Fitzgibbon.
Aru. and De B.
[Together.] Fitzpatrick,
sir! Fitzgerald, O'Neil.
De B.
You perceive there's a difference.
O'N.
I do, and a distinction! Only settle
what I am to call your friend, Major. Is it to be Fitzgerald or Fitzpatrick?
Aru.
I am called Sir Fitzpatrick Fitzgerald.
You've no objection to the names I hope?
O'N.
None in life; only a couple of
Fitz at a time might bother any man—no offense I hope to Mr. Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick.
Aru.
No offense if none be intended,
Captain O'Neil.
O'N.
Harry Arundel's voice all the world
over! Major, only look at the man's voice! Am I in my right senses? [To
De B.] Are you in yours? [Pointing to Arundel.] Is he in his? Or
maybe this is one of ould Ovid's metamorphoses.
De B.
[Aside.] If you persist,
he will grow angry.
O'N.
Do you think there's a chance of
that; I'd like to see how he looks when angry.
De B.
Hush! these orders, my dear O'Neil,
acquaint me that we are to escort the King tomorrow to Court.
O'N.
The devil we are! Then I shall
see the French King! This is the first chance I've had of beholding his Majesty's
gracious features since I joined the Brigade. [To Arundel.] You, I
suppose, have seen the face of King Louis, Mr. Fitz—Fitz—excuse the observation.
Aru.
Oh yes; I have seen his face very
often! That is, upon a louis d'or.
O'N.
Often upon a louis d'or—you're
a lucky lad!
Aru.
Why, Captain, you receive his pay,
and ought to look gratefully on his golden portraits.
O'N.
That's true; but I'm sorry to say
my familiarity with the golden pictures of the King would not enable me to
recognize the royal original. Our pay's not regular enough—eh, Major?
De B.
Prudence, Major! remember, we are
now in the limits of the royal Court, and must be delicate on the subject
of our claims here.
O'N.
Oh, manners! I know it would be
the height of indelicacy to ask for your own at Court; but if I had a hold
of the royal ear, I'd—
De B.
Pray be silent, Captain, and have
patience.
O'N.
Oh, mum! I'll be as patient as
a pig under a grate, and as silent, if that's manners!
De B.
I must now lose no time in presenting
Fitzgerald to the General. Let us leave him to dress.
O'N.
[Slaps Arundel on shoulder.]
To be sure. Full fig. Mr. Fitz—
De B.
[Endeavours to walk him to the
door.] Good bye, then, for the present; remember that Fitzgerald dines
with us at our barrack to-night.
O'N.
Bravo! We'll give him the "Cead
Mille faltha," for the honour of the corps.
De B.
Go and give orders then.
O'N.
I'll do that thing with all the
veins of my heart! And, I say, Major, we'll make a Christian of this lad.
I'll be his godmother! Och, won't we make a night of it—and, maybe, a next
day on it. [Exit L.]
Aru.
Success! De Burgh! Success! O'Neil
is all abroad! Ha! ha! ha!
De B.
Success beyond my hopes; and now
to your toilet: the hour of the King's levee approaches, we must lose no time
with the General.
Aru.
Allons! you shall equip
me with the last sword-know, á la Richelieu! and my first bold
stroke shall be to rival myself, as our friend O'Neil would say, in
the smiles of my sweet cousin Helena. [Exeunt R.]
Scene 2
[A saloon richly furnished. Count Dillon discovered writing, Orderly Officer waiting. In front, Countess Dillon knitting.]
Dil.
[To Orderly.] This to Captain
Jerningham. This, to Quarter-master O'Grady. [Exit Orderly C.]
Cou.
Are you at leisure now to listen
to me?
Dil.
Not on the old chapter, madam;
I must decline all further interference with the destinies of my daughter.
'Twas at your suggestion I broke off her match with my nephew Harry, and united
her to one who lived to make her wretched, and who died to leave her penniless.
Cou.
You talk, my dear General, as if
the widow of one of our first nobles, were likely to be reduced to a workhouse.
Dil.
And so she might, had not her father's
home and heart been open to receive her!
Cou.
A word from you to the King would
secure her a pension, and a place at Court.
Dil.
How often must I repeat to you,
that 'tis not in my nature to go cringing and begging to his Majesty. It is
not for an Irish gentleman, madam, to become a hanger-on in the antechambers
of courts, hungering after ribbons and pensions, and soliciting for this grace,
and for that favor.
Cou.
Yet, your daughter's interests!
Consider your daughter's interests.
Dil.
Never fear! young and handsome
as she is, Helena will marry again.
Cou.
She never will!
Dil.
And why not?
Cou.
She wants the better half of widowhood—a
jointure. My kinsman, the Duke of Richelieu, indeed, is a disinterested suitor;
but the Marchioness has made up her mind to a second marriage.
Dil.
Who says so?
Cou.
Herself! Ask her! Apropos—here
comes your daughter. [Enter Marchioness, L.]
Mar.
Good morning, Countess. [Crosses
to C.] Good morning, my dear father!
Dil.
[Kisses her forehead.] The
Countess tells me, Helena, that you have decided against marrying again.
Mar.
Yes, papa!
Dil.Your first marriage has prejudiced you against matrimony.
Mar.
[C.] Yes, papa!
Dil.
Should, then, any noble of the
Court tender proposals, I may, in short, decline his overtures.
Mar.
Without a moment's hesitation.
Dil.
Reflect—as a widow, you must remain
obscure, neglected, poor—
Mar.
[Caressing him.] Dare you
to say so—when you have once more received me into your arms; once more installed
me as your daughter.
Dil.
These grey hairs, Helena, should
remind you that your father is mortal.
Mar.
Why remind me of that which it
is my happiness to forget?
Cou.
[Aside.] A little crocodile!
Dil.
The sword of my ancestors constitutes
my fortune. When I am gone, my child, you will be friendless. The Countess
Dillon informs me that the Duke de Richelieu aspires to your hand.
Mar.
Richelieu! who made his first wife
miserable, whose hotel is besieged by creditors, and whose dissipation and
profligacy have made his name a proverb. Suffer me, my dear father, to remain
in retirement! to live under your protection! I have here a thousand avocations
that will render me useful—to read to you—to write for you—to ride—to walk
with you when you are well and cheerful. And when the gout comes to render
your winter evenings tedious, I will then nurse you, like a petted child,
into your wonted good humour. Let me remain with you, my dear father, if you
love your Helena.
Dil.
[Affected.] A gypsy! Bless
her! [Goes up R.]
Cou.
[Aside.] Artful little hypocrite!
[Aloud.] Are you quite sure, my dear Marchioness, that this passion
for domestic life is not twin-brother to a tenderer passion? [Servant enters
C., whispers to Dillon, and then goes off C.]
Mar.
You have no grounds, Madam, for
the supposition.
Cou.
Nor you, perhaps, a favored lover
at Vienna.
Mar.
Heavens!
Dil.
Ladies, I have a visitor coming
up, who will amuse you. Captain O'Neil, just arrived here from Phillipsburg,
where he led the "Forlorn Hope," and greatly distinguished himself. [Servant
enters, ushering O'Neil, C.]
Ser.
Captain Patrick O'Neil!
O'N.
Phadrig, my dear. Phadrig is the
true classical pronunciation! General, your humble servant!
Dil.
Captain—"Caed Mille faltha!"—I'm
glad to take you by the hand: Helena, child, let me present you to a countryman,
a most loyal subject of King James, and one of the bravest soldiers in the
pay of King Louis.
O'N.
My modesty, General! consider my
modesty!
Dil.
Captain Phadrig O'Neil, Countess—a
lineal descendant of the old Kings of Ulster—eh, Captain?
O'N.
The poorest soldier in King James's
guards, and your servant always to the death.
Cou.
Are you, too, an Irishman, Captain?
O'N.
I am, madam, every inch of me,
though by accident a native of France; owing to my mother being away from
home at the time of my birth.
Mar.
But how came you by so pure an
accent, Captain?
O'N.
By inheritance, my lady! His brogue
and his sword were all my father brought with him from Ireland; these he bequeathed
to me, and I hope to carry to the grave my sword and my brogue, as pure and
untarnished as I received them, both the one and the other!
Dil.
Well said, Captain; and that you
will do so, I will be your guarantee. [Servant enters L.]
Ser.
Major De Burgh and Mr. Fitzgerald.
Dil.
I'll wait on them; but who is Mr.
Fitzgerald? Do you know the gentleman, Captain?
O'N.
Why, I thought I did; that is,
I mistook him for somebody else, but he insists upon it he's himself, and
I presume he knows best.
Cou.
Ha! ha! ha! what an amusing creature.
O'N.
Mighty diverting, isn't it, madam?
I can tell you 'tis himself, General: he comes to take service, and is as
hopeful looking a recruit as ever shouldered a half-pike.
Cou.
Shall we retire, Count?
Dil.
Oh, by no means; I desire to present
De Burgh, who commands the regiment just arrived here. No time like the present.
I regard my officers as a part of my family, since I feel they regard me as
a father. [Exit L.]
O'N.
That I'll answer for, ladies! and
I only wish, madam, you could see the whole of your family under arms, horse
and foot—by my soul you might feel proud of your children—for you'd see ten
thousand of the tightest boys ever manufactured in Ireland, and that's saying
a good deal for them.
Mar.
Pity such faithful services should
be lost to our country, Captain O'Neil.
O'N.
Not exactly lost, madam, since
we will bequeath to our country the example of loyalty and fidelity to her
sovereign, an example which I trust our latest posterity will ever be proud
to recollect, and always be prompt to imitate. [Enter O'Dillon, De Burgh,
and Arundel, L.]
Dil.
Ladies, I have the honour to present
to your favour, my gallant friend Major de Burgh, and Mr. Fitzgerald.
Mar.
Harry here! Heavens! What audacity!
What imprudence!
Dil.
[To Arundel.] You have lately
arrived from England?
Aru.
[L.] I—I reached Versailles
only this morning.
Dil.
[L. C., to De Burgh.] Has
he been educated for the service?
De B.
He has, General.
Dil.
And where, pray?
Aru.
At the Military College of Vienna.
O'N.
The devil you were!
Dil.
You must be about the same standing,
Captain O'Neil.
O'N.
Within half an inch, General.
Dil.
Pooh! pooh! I mean at college,
Captain.
O'N.
As near as buds of the same sprig,
General!
Dil.
You were acquainted, I presume,
sir, with my wild, graceless nephew, Sir Harry Arundel!
O'N.
I knew him well, General. I was
on excellent terms with him, and the fun of the thing was, that when I met
Mr. Fitzgerald here this morning, I thought—
De B.
You thought you discovered an old
school-fellow, O'Neil! Be silent! [Aside.]
O'N.
Why, this is no treason! [Turns
up L.]
Dil.
[Takes De Burgh up the
stage.] But allow me, Major, to ask you a question. [Retires up L.
Arundel and the Marchioness gradually approach each other, the Countess watching
them.]
Mar.
[Aside to him.] Harry! What
madness has brought you hither?
Aru.
Let your own heart suggest the
answer: once more to look upon your face.
Mar.
[Aside to him.] And be once
more rejected by my father!
Aru.
No! Give me but time to—
Mar.
Hush! the Countess is observant.
[They approach the rest.]
De B.
[Conversing with Dillon.]
I fancy, General, these rumours belie poor Arundel! They tell me that he has
formed an honourable attachment—the best proof of amendment.
Dil.
On the contrary! I learn from the
Countess that my nephew still frequents the most dissipated society.
O'N.
He was a little loose in his company,
now and then, I remember.
Aru.
How, sir?
Dil.
What, he was wild, eh, Captain?
O'N.
As a three-year old colt! and is
yet, I'll answer for him!
Dil.
Aye—wilful and headstrong!
O'N.
Wilful as a woman, and headstrong
as a buffalo!
Aru.
[Aside.] Devil take this
fellow!
De B.
Ha! ha! ha! Be quiet. But a true
fellow in the main, eh, O'Neil?
O'N.
Oh, true as steel from poin to
hilt, with the kindest spirit and the softest heart of any boy in the college,
or out of it!
Mar.
Your picture is, I fear, a flattering
one, Captain; but thank you, for my cousin. [Servant enters, and announces,
"The Duke de Richelieu," and exits, C.]
Aru.
[Aside.] Ha! Richelieu here!
Dil.
Attend the Duke! Gentlemen, you
will excuse me. I have to attend the levee of the King.
De B.
General, we'll take our leave.
Come away, man: don't you see we are dismissed. Ladies, your most obedient.
Dil.
Rely on my good services, Mr. Fitzgerald.
Your desire shall be laid before King James this day. [They exit, C.]
Captain O'Neil, I am glad to welcome you once more to Versailles.
O'N.
I desire no better, General! Ladies,
yours devotedly to the death, and a day further if I can serve you! [Exeunt
O'Neil, De Burgh, and Arundel, C.]
Cou.
Ha! ha! ha! what a strange creature!
Dil.
Poor O'Neil! with the simplicity
of a child, and the heart of a Bayard! What say you to our King of Ulster,
Helena, eh?
Mar.
Oh! his Irish Majesty has quite
won my heart!
Cou.
[Aside.] What, by his eulogy
on Arundel, child? [Enter Servant, ushering the Duke de Richelieu. The
Duke enters, C.]
Ric.
[Bows and crosses to Marchioness.]
You deigned not, madam, last night, to grace the circle of the Queen.
Mar.
Among so many attractions, was
my absence noticed?
Ric.
'Twas attested by their very number;
on moonless nights, a thousand stars are visible in the sky; but when the
Queen of Heaven herself appears—
Cou.
[Sneering.] The world is
struck with wonder at her charms! Very gallant, my dear Duke! bravo!
Ric.
I have news for you, ladies! the
Queen's jealousy is appeased; the Cardinal silenced; and the favorite Duchess
de Mailly is dismissed for ever!
Cou.
'Tis said that the entertainment
given this evening at Court, is intended to celebrate the departure of Madame
de Mailly.
Ric.
[To Marchioness.] At the
ball of to-night, may I solicit, madam, the honour of your hand?
Dil.
You must go to this ball, Helena!
Mar.
At my father's request, Duke, I
shall attend the ball.
Ric.
Ever, madam, at your commands.
[Crosses to her, and bows.]
Dil.
We are forgetting the hour of his
Majesty's levee, my dear Richelieu! [Looks at his watch.]
Ric.
[Looking at the Marchioness.]
Who could remember it, amid the attractions that surround us! [Bows the
ladies off, R.] General, you are happy in possessing such a daughter:
I hope you will not find my selfishness unpardonable, if I seek to rob you
of her.
Dil.
I should not merit her love, if
I only consulted my own wishes—however, you will find me no mean rival, my
Lord Duke. We shall be late at the levee.
Ric.
His Majesty would excuse me, General,
having so fair an excuse to plead for my delay. [Exeunt, C.]
Scene 3
[Terrace in the Royal Gardens at Versailles. Two Centinels discovered R. and L. Steps in C. Enter the Duke and Rafe, down steps of Terrace, U.E.L.]
Ric.
Did I not request you, sir, to
secure this terrace from intrusion? [Soldiers present arms to the Duke.]
Who were the ill-looking dogs with whom you were in conference?
Rafe.
[Bowing.] A select few of
your excellent creditors! I had not so much as a purse to fling at the beasts'
heads.
Ric.
[Throws a purse, which Rafe
catches.] This for your next occasion! Be careful that it arrive not over
soon.
Rafe.
[Pockets it.] Long live
my noble lord! to be in debt, in favor, and in love!
Ric.
She has made her appearance then!
Rafe.
[Affecting surprise.] She!
Ric.
The fair divinity at whose mysterious
summons I am here.
Rafe.
Fair divinity! I conceived it was
a dark one your excellency came here to worship! I thought the Cardinal—
Ric.
[Interrupting.] The Cardinal!
when did you know me so assiduous in waiting on an old woman? 'tis with the
young ones, sirrah, my interest lies—the young ones, for whose dear sake—[sighs]
I am about to rush upon destruction!
Rafe.
My lord—
Ric.
And commit matrimony! Yes, Rafe.
I am about to drive one fair creature into ingratitude, and a thousand to
despair! This very morning, on my way from the King, I tendered proposals
to General Dillon for the hand of his daughter.
Rafe.
The Marchioness de Clermont. [Aside.]
A woman without a single moral quality—
Ric.
How, sirrah!
Rafe.
That is, my lord, without a single
louis d'or in the world—
Ric.
The old soldier referred me to
his daughter, who, heaven reward her charity, appears no way backward in encouragement;
for, as I quitted the house, a page whispered an assignation for this terrace
at this hour.
Rafe.
The page of Madame de Clermont!
Ric.
He was too well taught to hazard
the utterance of his lady's name: but the place of our meeting, and my heart,
assures me 'twas from no other. [Crosses R.]
Rafe.
Apropos—a lady, masked and attended,
is bending her steps this way.
Ric.
'Tis herself! Tis the fair Helena,
doubtless! Richelieu, thou art a happy man! Leave me, Rafe. Vanish! [Exit
Rafe at the top. As he goes out, enter the Duchess de Mailly, masked, attended
by two servants, L. They remain at the back. Richelieu meets her, and leads
her obsequiously forward.]
Ric.
You behold, madam, the most impatient
of mankind.
Duc.
[Hurriedly.] I have been
intercepted by hundreds of importunate people. Are we safe here from intrusion?
Ric.
My people are in waiting yonder.
Rely on their vigilance! [The Duchess unmasks.] The Duchess de Mailly!!
Duc.
My page surely apprised you!
Ric.
Your page, was it! Diable! That
is, madame, I scarcely esteemed myself so fortunate.
Duc.
You, at least, my dear Duke, do
not desert me in my adversity; you have not plotted with my enemies. You
do not revel at the fête with which the Queen has resolved to celebrate
my exile from Court.
Ric.
[Embarrassed.] But are you
wise, madam, to enhance the victory of your enemies, by thus remaining at
Versailles in opposition to the mandate of the King?
Duc.
What more have I to lose? The Queen,
the Cardinal, are triumphant! I am disgraced by him for whom I gave up all!
Ric.
Yet, surely the King will deign—
Duc.
Not a word of consolation! pity
would, indeed, deride me! The King has deceived, betrayed, deserted! a newer
face attracts him, and I am banished! No matter—I deserve it!
Ric.
A newer face—yet you have ventured.
Duc.
All! all! to secure a parting interview
with him I love! to your gallantry, Duke, I appeal, to procure me a secret
audience!
Ric.
But how can my poor services be
rendered available against the King's commands?
Duc.
I have foreseen all! To-night,
during the ball, I shall present myself, masked, at the western door; a word
from you to the usher in waiting will secure me admittance. I implore it in
the name of our former friendship. I demand it in the name of all you love!
Ric.
You shall be obeyed, madame. I
accept the risk! the door will open at your bidding; your own influence must
effect the rest. [Enter Rafe, running from U.E.L.]
Rafe.
My lord! my lord! the King is seeking
you, accompanied by my Lord Cardinal!
Duc.
The Cardinal here! [To Richelieu.]
Whither shall I turn? I am lost!
Ric.
Compose yourself. Resume your mask.
Leave the rest to me. [She resumes her mask. Enter Usher, announcing "the
King." Enter the King, four Pages, Courtiers, Ushers. They range themselves
in the background. Richelieu bows.]
King.
You are not easily to be met with,
my dear Duke! I have been in pursuit of you through half the avenues of the
gardens. [Sees the Duchess.] Aha! a lady! your retirement is at once
explained. Pardon my intrusion. [Going.]
Ric.
[Respectfully detaining him.]
Your Majesty's gracious presence at this moment—
King.
[Lowering his voice.]
Might, I fancy, at this moment, be very well dispensed with—[Crosses
R.] eh, Richelieu?
Ric.
You are in the mood, sire, for
pleasantry.
King.
[With spirit.] Have I not
motive to be gay? Just emancipated from a chain long grown too heavy for my
patience! In dismissing the de Mailly, I have consulted only my inclinations,
whilst I gain the credit of having sacrificed her to the prayers of Fleury,
and the tears of the Queen! Yes, Richelieu, the Cardinal is appeased, the
peevish Duchess de Mailly gone, [She starts.] and I am free as air—free
to form lighter and happier ties.
Ric.
Yet, the Duchess de Mailly, sire—
King.
Name her not! She has quitted Versailles
forever.
Duc.
[Aside.] Oh! Heavens!
Ric.
[Aside, approaching her.]
Command yourself, madam.
King.
[R.] Ever complaining—her
presence was like the ocean, a perpetual murmur—a frequent storm. [The
Duchess raises her hands. The King's attention is attracted.] But I interfere
with your engagement, Richelieu; your fair friend here seems to reproach my
stay!
Ric.
[Aside.] Permit the lady,
sire, to retire unnoticed.
King.
Heaven forbid that I should play
the spy upon the gallantries of my friends! [Crosses and leads the Duchess
to the side.] Go, madam, and rely upon it none here will either follow
or observe you. [To Courtiers.] Let no one stir from hence. [Bows
gallantly on her hand and turns up the stage. Duchess and servants exeunt.
L.]
Ric.
[Aside.] What a hazard for
her, and what an escape for me!
King.
[Returning, aside.] And
now, my dear Duke, a word for your private ear. A mysterious billet was given
me this very hour as I left the chapel, bidding me expect a visitor, this
evening, in my private apartments.
Ric.
How, sire! assign a rendezvous
to your Majesty?
King.
[With affection.] To say
the truth, I have some slight suspicions who the lady is.
Ric.
Indeed! [Aside.] Does he
suspect the Duchess?
King.
There is one, my dear duke, to
whom my homage has long been silently devoted, one who has hitherto accorded
me no grounds for hope. One who, should she ever smile upon me, will, I feel,
obtain a paramount influence over my heart.
Ric.
[Cautiously.] May I presume
to ask her name?
King.
Can you not guess it? There is
but one so fair—so bright—so lovely—so all commanding!
Ric.
[Advancing anxiously.] And
that is—
King.
The Marchioness de Clermont! [Crosses
to R.]
Ric.
Dillon's daughter! [Aside.]
Confusion!
King.
Prepare all, therefore, for this
expected happiness. Let Lebel be in waiting in the corridor, to escort a lady
to my private closet of audience, who will present herself at the western
door, as from the ball. That corridor is obscure enough to enable me to hear
her suit, and yet conceal her conscious blushes.
Ric.
Your Majesty commands it!
King.
I command it! [Turning to his
suite.] And now, gentlemen, to the tennis court! Richelieu! [As he
goes out.] I commend my desires to your vigilance! [Exeunt R., Gentlemen,
Usher, King, two Pages, and four Courtiers, two and two.]
Ric.
[Solus.] If my good fortune
waited on my diligence I should owe it a little I fear. Umph! The Duchess
de Mailly's influence is gone, that's clear! What sottise was it prompted
me to promise to introduce her tonight. However, I did not promise to keep
her design a secret, so the King shall be informed of her neighborhood, in
due time to meet or avoid her. If she yet lives in his errant fancy, he will
see her, her tears will prevail over his irresolution, and her gratitude be
mine. If not, my information will save him from a scene, and give me a new
claim on his Majesty, which I'll take care shall not grow stale in his recollection.
[Exit.]
End of Act I
