Chapter II: Act I: Scene I

_A long Perspective of the Suburbs of Orleans, terminating
with the ancient City Gates--On one Side a Convent, the Windows
of which are illuminated from within--The Stage is at first dark,
which gives Effect to the Transparency of the Windows--As the
Curtain rises slowly, the following choral Chaunt, accompanied by
the Organ, is heard from the Interior of the Monastery._

Hear, while our choral numbers flow,
Hear! and avert the awful doom,
Which human frailty fears below,
When summon'd to the insatiate tomb.

_The Monastery Gates open, and the Friars and Nuns enter in
Procession, singing the following_

_CHORUS._

Now bolder raise the hallow'd strain,
While living worth we haste to meet,
Our King, victorious comes again,
Again our foes sustain defeat.

_They cross to the opposite Side, and exeunt while
singing.----As they go off, the Stage becomes lighter
(descriptive Music) The Dawn reddens, and the Sun rises
over the City; the Gates of which are thrown open, HUGO,
with a Mob of Citizens, Soldiers, and Peasantry, come
shouting down to the Front of the Stage, the Music ceases
and HUGO speaks_.

HUGO.

Stop! stop! stop! now don't be in such a plaguy hurry. The holy brethren and sisters are just before us, and you, with your noise, would interrupt their merry solemnity.

First CITIZEN.

Merry solemnity, do you call it?

HUGO.

Ay, truly--they have just chaunted a solemn requiem in annual memory of the king's departed sister--and now, a merry occasion calls them forth to meet our good old king himself, who has been fighting for his people, conquered his foes, and deserves the thanks of all his friends.

Second CITIZEN.

Then why stand we here?

HUGO.

Why not? The king will pass through that gate, for the opening of which we have so long waited--and instead of going to the _show_, if we tarry a few moments, the _show_ will come to us.

Third CITIZEN.

They say the king's favourite, young Valentine, hath gained great honour in these wars.

HUGO.

That he hath:--and humble though I seem, I have helped him to no small part of it.

All.

You!

HUGO.

To be sure--I made the very sword with which he slew the Saracens; and I defy any man to be killed with a better tempered weapon. Oh! I'll be bound he laid about him.--He had 'em here, and he had 'em there. (_Flourishing his stick to the annoyance of the mob._)

Second CITIZEN.

But, friend Hugo, why shou'd the king lavish so much favour on a foundling?

Old WOMAN.

Aye, aye, he was found in a forest--Well, well, when great men go a-hunting, and find children in the woods, it's time for the fair sex to look about 'em.

Third CITIZEN.

And mark the end of it--In that very spot where Valentine was found, there has suddenly appeared a strange wild man, some say he is fourteen feet high.

Second CITIZEN.

No, no; thirteen feet and a half.

Third CITIZEN.

Who, to feed an old weather-beaten she-bear, bears down all before him.

First CITIZEN.

Nay, but Valentine is well-beloved among us too: the old men admire him, and his courtesy has gained him the hearts of all the young women.

Old WOMAN.

He never said a civil thing to me in all his life.

HUGO.

There it is--his honesty has made him enemies. There's Henry and Haufray, the cousins of the king, have determined to destroy him, because one is said to want to be heir to the throne, by marrying the king's daughter, the Princess Eglantine; and the other conceits himself to be the only man in the kingdom, fit for the office of captain general over all our victorious armies. Stand aside!--Here come all our noble peers to meet the king.

_GRAND MARCH._

_The Peers of France advance from the Gate to meet the king, who
enters with the following_

_ORDER OF PROCESSION._

An Officer.

Banner of France.

Men at Arms, two and two.

Officer.

Banner.

Soldiers with Spears and Shields.

Choristers, two and two.

Grand Cross.

Lady Abbess.

Choristers.

Grand Crozier.

Nuns and Friars, two and two.

Black Musicians.

Officer bearing the Oriflamme.

Peers of France, two and two.

The King.

Pages and Armour bearers.

Henry and Haufray.

Officer.

Red Banner.

Men at Arms.

Officer.

Banner.

Soldiers.

Page with Valentine's Standard.

Valentine.

Saracen General and Officers in Chains.

_The Chorus forms an Accompaniment to the March._

_CHORUS._

With the gladsome notes of victory,
Let the merry cymbals ring,
Till earth resounds a people's cry,
Whose hearts proclaim--_Long live the King!_

_During the Chorus the Characters are so arranged that the King
is in the centre, and when the Music stops, he speaks_:

KING.

This genuine welcome from my people is the most brilliant trophy I have gained:--but thank not _me_, my friends--to this young warrior's arm we owe success. (_pointing to Valentine_) The giant chieftain of yon pagan host measures his length on earth, subdued by valour and by Valentine.

VALENTINE.

My gracious liege; the child of chance, the creature of your bounty can never atchieve a thousandth part of what he owes to you, his sovereign, and his _father_.

KING.

Yet, in requital of that sense of honour, take from thy king the Earldom of Auvergne.

HENRY.

(_Apart to the King._) Auvergne! a royal title!--He'll next obtain the crown--Sure, my liege, a man unknown--

KING.

It is my best prerogative to rescue unknown merit from obscurity.

HAUFRAY.

(_Aside._) If this goes on, he will aspire to gain the princess. (_apart to the king_) Men of birth, great sir--

KING.

Will be most proud of him, whose zeal, at once, supports my crown, their honours, and the people's cause.

OFFICER.

Dread sir, your daughter, beauteous Eglantine, impatient waits you at the royal palace.

KING.

Tell her, we long to clasp her to a father's bosom. Captives, your lives were spared on the condition that you receive our faith (_the Saracens bow_). Be preparation made, and let Religion's triumph grace our feast. Auvergne, my daughter's lips, again, shall speak her father's thanks--Our citizens of Orleans ope' their gates with loyal welcome to receive their sovereign. Thus ever may the king and people of this happy land, endeared by firm affection to each other, own the dear ties of father and of children! and, woe to those, who, with a traitor's hand, would tear the bond asunder!--Lead on.

_Exeunt in procession. The King and Attendants go off thro' the
city gates--The Captives, accompanied by the Friars and
Nuns, enter the Monastery._

SCENE II.--

_Interior of the Convent._

_Enter BLANDIMAN and BELISANTA._

BELISANTA.

Have all retired? Are we observed, my friend?

BLANDIMAN.

The fathers seek their cells to offer prayers for the new converts.

BELISANTA.

Alas! 'tis now the twentieth year since I have sought the mournful consolation of recounting how much a wretched woman owes thy friendship.

BLANDIMAN.

Away with sorrow, and in this moment of rejoicing, demand an audience of the king, your brother.

BELISANTA.

He thinks his sister guilty. Was I not banished by my husband the Emperor of Greece, fatally wrought on by traiterous slander, when, you, alone, accompanied a weak, defenceless woman?

BLANDIMAN.

Never shall I forget when, wearied with anguish and fatigue, you sat beneath a blasted oak; the wind with mournful sound scattered the falling leaves--meanwhile your groans were echoed by the distant murmur of nightly prowling wolves.

BELISANTA.

When, at my request you left me, in the hope of finding human aid, two babes, the offspring of my unkind husband, first saw the light. Starting with agony, these eyes beheld one of my children in the savage gripe of a most hideous bear. One desperate effort, short as furious, impelled me to attempt pursuit. I fell, and knew no more of sense, till from a peasant's wife I learned that she had found and borne me to her humble dwelling.

BLANDIMAN.

I wandered far, till the sound of horns led me to where I met the king, who with a frown at hearing of your name, on pain of death, warned me to leave his presence.

BELISANTA.

Vainly I sought my infant left behind--reason a second time forsook her seat.--The sisters of this convent poured balm into my bosom, and religion, cloathed in the garb of patience, brought me peace.

BLANDIMAN.

Have you ne'er yet disclosed your name and rank?

BELISANTA.

Accounted dead, and masses for my soul's health yearly ordered, I vowed that as my children were for ever lost to me, my husband and my brother unconvinced of the cruel treacheries employed against me, ne'er to be known but as a sister of this order.

BLANDIMAN.

Yet may you hope that providence will watch o'er piety and innocence, and but to-day, I learned that Valentine, a favourite of the king's was found--

_Enter a Friar._

FRIAR.

The duties of our order require your presence to join the Pagan captives in preparation for the sacred change they are about to make.

BELISANTA.

We attend you, father.----(_To BLANDIMAN_) The ceremony past, I wait your leisure--and for your friendly deeds, they'll meet reward from where I hope my prayers have long since registered them.

[_Exeunt._

SCENE III.--

_The Palace._

(_Descriptive Music._)

_The KING discovered on his Throne, attended by VALENTINE, HENRY,
HAUFRAY, and the Peers of France--the Princess is announced by
her Ladies, and enters--the KING presents VALENTINE to her as
the Preserver of his Life, she receives him with a warmth of
Gratitude approaching to Love--the KING leads her to a Seat,
resumes his Throne, and speaks_:

KING.

Be it proclaimed that any of my subjects who have petitions to our throne, may now approach. The best acknowledgement we offer heaven for good received, is when we use the ample power it gives to bless our people.--The greatest monarch he, whose subjects are the happiest.----Let all enter.

_The Music plays a characteristic Symphony--a Group of
Peasantry enter, the Principal of whom unfolds a Petition,
and while he and the rest kneel, recites the following_

_CHAUNT._

With lowly respect, zeal, devotion, and duty,
To your Majesty's state, and our Princess's beauty,
We entreat that you'll graciously grant us assistance
Against a wild man, who in spite of resistance,
Whoe'er in his road he may meet with, destroys,
And your peaceable subjects and liegemen annoys,
Then let your brave knights take this wild-man away,
And your humble petitioners shall ever pray.
_Chorus_--Then let, &c.

KING.

What armed force will undertake this enterprize? When a savage strikes at the general safety, 'tis the duty of all good citizens to join against him.

HENRY.

Haply, young Valentine, in gratitude for the high favours he receives, would gladly go alone on such an errand.

HAUFRAY.

Ay, good my liege, his all-subduing valour must succeed.

VALENTINE.

For once, whate'er your motives you're my friends. It had been arrogance, had _I_, before so many gallant knights, proposed myself; but now I swear, living or dead, to bring this fell destroyer to your presence, or in the forest he inhabits, leave this form a worthless token of his victory.

(_Pantomime Music._)

_VALENTINE takes a respectful Leave of the KING, and an
affectionate one of EGLANTINE, who seems to reproach
HENRY and HAUFRAY with causing his departure--VALENTINE
goes off with the Peasants; the KING, &c. on the opposite
Side----The Scene closes._

SCENE IV.--

_An Apartment in the Palace._

_Enter HUGO, furbishing VALENTINE's Shield._

There--I have made Lord Valentine's shield so bright, that if the wild man does but see his face in it, he may haply take fright at his own ugly features. It's monstrous unlucky that though I have been armour-bearer and armour-maker to the young knight from the time of his first campaign, yet something has always happened to prevent my going with him, and now when so handsome an opportunity offers, I'm sadly afraid I shan't be able to find an excuse for staying behind. I've been ill of every thing I could think of, in turn, and have obtained more certificates of bad health, than would have paid for the cure of real sickness.--Let's see--what can I think of next?

_Enter AGATHA._

AGATHA.

So, Mr. Hugo, your poor master is going again, I fear?

HUGO.

Yes, I fear we are both going. But you see how it is with us--a willing horse, you know----

AGATHA.

The poor princess will cry her eyes out, she's so sorry----

HUGO.

And so am I.

AGATHA.

_You_ sorry!--for what?

HUGO.

Why, to think that----that----

AGATHA.

Oh, I know what you are sorry for--you've heard that Valentine has sworn to go alone, and that you will lose the honour of sharing in so hopeful an enterprize.

HUGO.

Has he? how lucky! (_aside_) Yes, I'm monstrous sorry--I didn't know it sooner. (_apart_)

AGATHA.

I knew you'd feel hurt.

HUGO.

True--to think I that carried him in arms, when a boy, should see him go _alone_ at these years.

AGATHA.

Well, but if you were to ask him.----

HUGO.

What, to break his vow? I wou'dn't have such a sin at my door, for the honour of fighting the wildest man in Christendom.

_Enter VALENTINE, with a Letter._

VALENTINE.

Agatha, present this to the princess, and tell her till Valentine can prove that gentle blood flows in his veins, her roseate cheek shall ne'er have cause to blush for him she has so honoured.

AGATHA. (_gives VALENTINE a Scarf._)

Sir, she sends this parting token, and will pray incessantly for your return.

[_Exit._

VALENTINE.

Then success is certain! Come, see my armour.

HUGO.

(_While arming him._) I humbly hope, my lord, that, now, I have no hinderance you'll graciously permit my services. I have kill'd divers wild things in my time, and might be useful.

VALENTINE.

Well, then, thou shalt go with me.

HUGO.

(_Dropping the armour._) Shall I! O dear!

VALENTINE.

How now?

HUGO.

'Twas but a sudden qualm--That was a real pain i' the back. [_Aside._

VALENTINE.

I mean to take thee but to the entrance of the forest.

HUGO.

I cou'dn't think of intruding further.

VALENTINE.

There secure my horse, and wait my return. (_Draws his sword._) Now gentle fortune aid thy knight.

And let the Fates for good or ill combine,
The star that leads me on, is, Eglantine.

[_Exeunt on opposite sides._

SCENE V.--

_The Forest of Orleans._ (Richards.)

_On one side a large Tree which can be climbed, at the back, a
Cavern nearly covered with Underwood._

_The_ Peasants _enter who presented the Petition at Court._

First PEASANT.

Well, the king hath heard our petition, and here we go joyfully on our way home.

Second PEASANT.

Troth, I am weary;--let us rest awhile; for when the wild man is once killed, this forest will be quite safe, and things will run in the right road again.

Third PEASANT.

For my part I fear nothing but the wild man--Lack-a-day! it would do you good only, an't were to hear him roar--

(_Music heard without._)

Mercy on us? What was that?

First PEASANT.

That was no honest roaring. Such sweet sounds mean no good. I have rested enough now.

[_Going._

Second PEASANT.

Don't hurry so, goodman Ambrose, the music is not so bad.

Third PEASANT.

No matter--I wou'dn't dance with old nick for a partner, to the prettiest tune that ever was composed.

[_Exeunt._

_Enter Three_ Pilgrims, _who join in the following_

_GLEE._

(_Accompanied by one of them on the lute._)

"_Pilgrims._ The sun to ocean hies away.
"The curfeu bell is ringing,
"And pilgrims thro' the twilight grey,
"Now cheer the way by singing.
"While each, tho' weary, feels delight,
"In thinking of his inn at night,
"And ev'ry footstep moves in time,
"As plays the distant village chime."

_Re-enter the Peasants running._

_Peasants._ Mercy on us!

_Pilgrims._ Strangers, say--

_Peasants._ Here he comes,

_Pilgrims._ Which is our way?

_Peasants._ Have you seen him?

_Pilgrims._ Whom?

_Peasants._ He's coming.
Hark! the wild man--

_Pilgrims._ Tell us, pray.

_Peasants._ Here you must not stand humdrumming.
Yes, 'tis he--away! away!

_All._ Away! away!

[_Exeunt hastily._

_Characteristic Music, which varies with the Incidents of the
following Scene._

_A strange kind of howling is heard--ORSON presents himself with an
animal in his grasp, which he has just slain--a faint roar is
heard of the old Bear--ORSON expresses satisfaction, intimating
he has got food for her. The Bear enters--ORSON shews her the
food, and in a playful manner, follows her into the cave._

_VALENTINE enters, followed at cautious distance by HUGO, who puts
down a basket containing some cordage, fruits, and a flask,
and seems very anxious to be dismissed--VALENTINE, in dumb
shew, charges him with a token for EGLANTINE and the KING, and
recommending himself to heaven, takes his way into the thicket._

_HUGO, being left alone, seems terrified, and as much afraid to go
back, as to follow VALENTINE--looks warily about him, hears a
noise, and runs to the cave for shelter--a roar is heard from the
cave, HUGO instantly returns running, most whimsically terrified,
and pursued by ORSON--HUGO throws his cloak at the wild man, and
while he is tearing it to pieces, HUGO runs off--ORSON throws
down the cloak, and doubly enraged by the escape of his intended
victim, follows._

_VALENTINE re-enters, cannot find the wild man--sees HUGO's cloak,
laments his supposed death, and mounts a tree to look out for his
enemy._

_ORSON re-enters, and expresses disappointment at not having
overtaken HUGO--as he approaches the tree where VALENTINE is,
VALENTINE plucks a branch, and throws it at him--ORSON looks
up with astonishment, chatters uncouthly to VALENTINE, throws
the branch back to him, and beckons him to come down--VALENTINE
hesitates--ORSON enraged, immediately ascends the tree--and while
he is climbing up one side, VALENTINE gets down on the other, and
in turn beckons his opponent.--ORSON makes but one jump from the
tree to the ground--runs to VALENTINE, who opposes his polished
shield--ORSON seeing his own figure reflected in it, suddenly
starts back--VALENTINE, with his sword drawn, keeps ORSON at bay,
and leads him round the stage, still wondering at the figure he
sees.--ORSON at length struggles for the shield, takes it from
VALENTINE, and throws it away--VALENTINE has another shield at
his back, which he immediately uses, slightly wounds ORSON with
the point of his sword, at which he, enraged, looks round for
a weapon, pulls up a young tree by the roots, and uses it as a
club._

_A fierce combat ensues--VALENTINE, by his lightness and activity,
escapes many dreadful blows, aimed at him by ORSON.--They stand
to breathe awhile, when the Bear suddenly totters from the
cave--VALENTINE, at the moment she opens her mouth, presents his
sword in the attitude of thrusting it down her throat--ORSON, as
if instinctively apprised of the danger of his foster-mother,
drops his club, and seems to implore mercy for the old and
feeble Bear--VALENTINE retires, the Bear follows--ORSON recovers
his club, and is about to attack VALENTINE, when the latter
cuts ORSON's hand--the club falls, and VALENTINE is once
more attacking the Bear, when ORSON supplicates--VALENTINE
suddenly throws a cord round ORSON's hands, and bids him follow
him--VALENTINE holding the other end of the cord.--ORSON looks
at the Bear, and then at VALENTINE, who throws him fruit--he
gives it to the Bear--VALENTINE gives him wine from a flask, he
tastes it, likes it, and gives some to the Bear, who seems half
strangled with it, and totters towards the cave._

_VALENTINE again bids ORSON follow him--ORSON suddenly snaps the
cord, and follows the Bear--the Bear unable to reach the cave,
drops with a faint roar, and dies, as if from old age._

_ORSON shakes her, puts the food and bottle by her, throws himself on
the ground, and seems to weep._

_VALENTINE ventures to caress him--ORSON turns short on him, snatches
at his sword by the blade, and again cuts his fingers--resumes
his club, but throws it down again on seeing the dead
Bear.--VALENTINE caresses ORSON again (still keeping on his
guard), ORSON seeing VALENTINE's attention to himself and the
Bear, seems pleased and overcome by it--presents VALENTINE with
one end of the cord, and holding the other, suffers himself to be
led off, looking back from time to time, at the dead Bear, and
making an uncouth and mournful kind of lamentation._