Armand/Act III

by Anna Cora Mowatt

ACT III

SCENE I

An Antechamber in the Palace of Versailles.

Enter Le Sage L. and Victor R.

Vic

Monsieur Le Sage! our dear Monsieur Le Sage! We are overwhelmed by the sight of his Majesty's affliction. One moment he is like an angry child disappointed of its plaything, the next a very woman deluged in tears. But we can sympathize with him; we know the pangs which a passion for th' illusive sex too surely inflicts. We have suffered ourselves.

Le Sage

Possibly.

Vic

His Majesty's new despondency will once more shed a gloom over the whole court.

Le Sage

Inevitably!

Enter Duke D'Antin, R. 1 E.

D'Ant

Le Sage!

Le Sage

(Instantaneously) Your Highness.

D'Ant

My words are for your ear alone.

Vic

We shall withdraw, my Lord. (retires up R.

D'Ant

The young peasant is dead.

Le Sage

Definitively!

D'Ant

A death so sudden, so improbable, so unaccountable, excites mistrust. If the report be false, - I have my doubts, vague and unconfirmed, still I doubt her death. The King must be persuaded to visit old Babette's cottage,and himself behold the corse, if corse there be. This boyish page can at all times gain the ear of Louis. Often when the voices of our most powerful courtiers were unheeded, his suggestions have received attention. You comprehend me?

Le Sage

Distinctly!

D'Ant

His Majesty must cross this antechamber when he leaves his apartment. You will remain here and see that the opportunity is not lost?

Le Sage

Decidedly!

D'Ant

I shall be in the gardens an hour hence (crosses l..) You will join me there. (Exit i,. 1 E.

Le Sage

Punctually!

Vic

(comina forward, L.) We consider his Grace the Duke d'Antin the most sombre person of our acquaintance.

Le Sage

Incontestabley and indubitably!

Vic

Henceforth his Majesty may prove as sombre. Alas! unhappy King!

Le Sage

Appropriately - has his Majesty taken a last farewell of the poor little peasant?

Vic

We believe not.

Le Sage

Undeniably his Majesty listens to your voice, when he is deafly disposed to all others?

Vic

You flatter us.

Le Sage

Had I been you I should urgently have persuaded him to behold her once more.

Vic

It never occurred to us; and you think we should do so?

Le Sage

Seriously; but the Duke de Richelieu would inevitably object.

Vic

Monsieur Le Sage, learn that we can overrule the Duke.

Le Sage

Profoundly credulous as are my inclinations, I must consider that assertion incredibly dubious.

Vic

(roused) We will give you proof, Monsieur Le Sage, - incontestably - incontrovertibly - indisputably - indubitably multiplied proof. The King shall visit the Dame's cottage this very day, and Richelieu shall be kept in ignorance of his movements.

Le Sage

Unavoidably I shall believe when unexpectedly I see. But look how opportunely his Majesty approaches. I leave you experimentally to disprove or confirm your asseverations, (crosses L.

Vic

Do you mean to doubt, Monsieur Le Sage, that we shall do the latter?

Le Sage

Indubitably, and I trust inoffensively. (Exit L. H.

Vic

We deem that a malicious aspersion upon our character. (Enter King R. 1 E., and is pensively crossing the stage) Your Majesty -

King

Victor, is it you? I scarcely know a face, save yours, boy, I could to-day endure about me.

Vic

We are com - Your Majesty compliments me. Alas! Sire, your grief has fallen heavily upon our - upon my heart.

King

One by one have all life's joys been snatched away from me, and now to lose her too, - never to see her more.

Vic

Might not your Majesty find your sorrow assuaged by the sight of her still unchanged loveliness? Will your Majesty deign to listen to the humblest of your subjects? If you could but be persuaded to visit the Dame's cottage, - We have a - I have a presentiment that you will find a sad consolation in the effort.

King

What matters it whither I go? The very wind that blows upon me can urge me on or draw me back. I have lost all impulses of my own.

Vic

Your Majesty then will grant my petition?

King

I care not to refuse it.

Vic

And your Majesty will permit us - that is me, to be your sole attendant? Your sorrow would be desecrated by the presence of those that did not share it.

King

Even so. The very thought of beholding her once again - beholding her even in the frosty arms of death, reanimates me. Yes, we will go, - and instantly. (Exit R. H.

Vic

(aside) Monsieur Le Sage, we shall convict you of being philosophically and adverbially incorrect. We attend your Majesty. (Exit R. H.

SCENE II

A chamber in Dame Babette's cottage. Set doors, R. & L. 1st E. In the centre a Couch upon which Blanche is extended apparently dead. White flowers upon her brow and in her hands. A white wreath hung at the foot and at the head of the bed. At the head, a table covered with white, holding twelve candles in the form of a cross, eleven lighted and one extinguished. Around the couch, a group of Village Maidens. Jaqueline, kneeling at the foot. Armand, standing at the head.

Arm

Jaqueline, - my friends, - grant what I ask. - Leave me awhile alone with her. You loved her well, - But I - I - (bursts into tears.

Jaq

Our Blanche never denied a request of yours, Armand, nor will we who loved her so dearly do so. (Exit slowly and sorrowfully, followed by all the maidens.

Arm

(after gazing awhile on Blanche.)

Oh! Blanche! my own - though lost - still, still my own!

A little while I yet may gaze on thee,

And in the treasury of my soul may store

The memory of each stiff'ning lineament

Where beauty lingers still! It cannot be!

Shall those soft eyes no more look into mine,

Nor veil themselves when with too bold a joy

I gazed within their azure depths? shall love, "

With its aurora, tint thy cheek no more?

The low, glad music of thy voice, no more

Sunder those gentle lips, with words that fell '

Like blessings on the ears that took them in? '

My Blanche! my other and my better self! '

How weary seems the path I thought to climb '

Thy hand in mine, - thy smile to light me on, '

Thy sunny presence to make glad each step! '

Alone life's burden must be borne - alone '

The struggling heart crush underneath its weight!"

A holy smile yet hovers on thy face,

As though the angels, when they summoned thee,

One golden glimpse of Paradise revealed,

And left that happy print upon thy lip.

No, no! thou art not lost - we are not parted!

For Heavenward as my tearful eyes I turn,

A radiant vision meets them there, and bids

Me guard my soul, unsullied by a deed

That could divide us in that land of joy!

My heart hath but one wish - my life one hope -

All time one joy -that of rejoining thee! (Sinks at the head of the couch, and buries his head in his hands.

Enter Victor, ushering in the King, L. D. l E. (Exit Victor, L. u.

King

A secret awe has paralyzed my limbs - I scarcely dare - (approaching the couch, perceives Armand) Ha! what is this! a youth o'erwhelmed with grief, kneeling beside her corse? They said she had no kin. Young man, rise up: What sorrow bows thee thus?

Arm

It lies before you!

King

This maiden, surely was no kin of thine?

Arm

No kin; yet more, far more, than kin could be! Alike, we never knew those tender ties of kinship, which link man to man - yet all - a father's, mother's, sister's, brother's place, each in the other's soul had trebly filled!

King

You loved her then?

Arm

Loved her? The earliest page in memory's record held but that young love. From boyhood up to youth - from youth to manhood - Each tenderer thought - sublimer aspiration - And purer hope was woven with that love. Our very natures blended as we grew, my spirit, gentleness from her's imbibed, And her's its strength and vigor caught from mine! Our childish tears upon each other's breast were ever shed. Our childish laughter rang the changes of its mingling mirth together, and in each other's joy all childhood's blessings were mirrored - magnified - and multiplied!

King

Tell me thy name?

Arm

Armand! I have no other!

King

Thy parentage?

Arm

I know it not; a foundling by strangers reared, I am the people's child! From them I know not that I spring, yet would believe so; for I ask no name save that myself shall win. I bless the generous fate that gave no noble blood to swell my veins, for had I from the hands of accident nobility received, I could not prove my juster title to that high noblesse no revolutions level and destroy: The true noblesse of genius and of worth.

King

Would'st thou not serve thy country?

Arm

With my sword or with my life. -She gave it - should she need it, 'Tis hers!

King

Well answered. - Dost thou love thy King?

Arm

At least I love all virtues of all men! Upon the loftier height the man is placed, His virtues more resplendent shine - his vices more hideous seem - the virtues of my King above the virtues of more common men - I prize for they have wider sphere of good.

King

Thy speech is something less than frank.

Arm

I meant it frankly; I have never yet had cause to blush for my free thoughts, why should I hide them?

King

Thy boldness pleases me; Armand, to day thy King saddles for Fontenoye. - Join thou his battle line, and in the warrior ranks, where sure distinction must on valour wait, upon the beaten foeman's banner write the name thy worth shall win

Arm

My heart leaps up even at the thought. - My choice had asked no more - to die in battle for my country! - Whatis left me on this earth to live for now?

King

Nay, live, that I may cancel valour's claim with noble meed.

Arm

Who then art thou?

King

Thy King!

Arm

(kneeling) My liege!

King

Aha! thy words are free, and yet thy knee can bend, it seems.

Arm

When Duty bids my liege, it is as proud to bend, as when to all compulsion it disdains to bow. (Pause.

King

Arise, Armand; the King but seldom sees his subjects' hearts unveiled. I value thine because I trust it. Hence, without delay; At noon the Captain of my Guard will know my wishes - seek him at that hour thou; When next we meet, be it at Fontenoye!

Arm

My liege, not with my lips, but with my sword my gratitude shall thank thee! (going, returns) Must I leave thee, Blanche? But no, I will return to take one last farewell. My liege, at Fontenoye my arm shall prove my words. At Fontenoye! (Exit L l E.

King

(approaching the couch, and gazing at Blanche)

How potent is the sight of thee, O death!

In quelling ruder passions. Had she lived

I should have crushed this man, her lover, like

A worm beneath my foot! Bereft of Blanche,

His woe, is mine - and sympathy would seem

To level me half-way to him, or raise

Him to half-fellowship with me! (goes to couch.

How passing fair! The hand of death itself

Hath only robed her in new loveliness!

Enter RICHELIEU, L. 1 E. (after advancing a step in the room, he starts at beholding the King.

Rich

(aside) His Majesty! great heaven, how came he hither? The hour of her reviving must be near. Nay, at this very moment animation may to her dormant form return. - All's lost unless - Your Majesty - (approaching him.

King

Ah! Richelieu, look!

Rich

This vain indulgence of your sorrow, sire, is to yourself injurious.

King

Richelieu - no - Look - death itself hath lost its wonted terrors, touching her beauty but to borrow it! Death, did I say? It doth not seem like death!

Rich

(much agitated) Not seem like death? I pray your Majesty, permit me, sire - let me conduct you hence.

King

Not yet - not yet.

Rich

I do implore you, sire -

King

How came the scythe to mow this lily down so soon - so suddenly - so timelessly! How know I, but the same unholy means that robbed me of the beauteous Chateauroux, again have snatched away the thing I loved ? If 'twere so, my rage -

Rich

Nay, good my liege, poison had left its blackening trace.

King

True, true, It could not be. Oh, holy Powers! what's this? Her lifeless hand - is it the warmth of mine that lends it thus a heat unnatural? No death-like ice is here - 'tis scarcely cold!

Rich

Confusion! she revives! (aside} My liege, my liege, these cheating phantasies - your fevered brain - Pardon - but you must hence!

King

Surely a tinge of faintest rose is spreading o'er her cheek!

Rich

Sire, for the love of Heaven -

King

Saw you not that? Her spotless drapery stirs - her bosom heaves -

Rich

(passing between the King and Blanche so as to prevent his seeing her.

There is no warmth - no tint of red - no breath - It was the air that dallied with her robe! She's dead! Your reason, sire - pardon this force which love emboldens me to use. - I fear to see your reason by these phantasies unsettled!

King

Ay, it is, or will be soon! I cannot think her dead. - I saw her move - Look! look! she breathes!

Rich

Nay, sire, your reason wanders. (hurries him to the door

King

I cannot leave her thus. - But one last look! (turning back.

Rich

My liege, not for the universe - not one! (exit, forcing out the King, L l E.

Blan

(gradually reviving)

They part - they leave me - further, further still

They softly float, - dimmer and dimmer grow

The bright celestial forms. - Sing on, sing on.-

Close not my ears to those seraphic strains!

They cease - the angel visions fade - all's hushed!

:(gazing round her surprised.

Tis our own cottage! all the rest has vanished!

The tuneful voices - and the flitting shapes,

Where are they? Flowers upon my brow - spring flowers

Within my hand? Ah ! I remember now, '

Twas May-day - I was chosen queen - we danced,

And then - Armand - in Armand's arms I swooned!

Where is he? (rising.) I am weary - and how feeble!

Could I but see Armand! where lingers he?

enter Richhelieu, L. l E.

Monsieur Antoine- Monsieur - but no - what was't

They told me? all my thoughts are so confused -

These flowers recall - 'Tis May-day, is it not?

Rich

It was so yesterday. May-day is past!

Blan

'Tis strange! how could the hours so swiftly fly? Did they not tell me you were now a Duke?

Rich

The Duke of Richelieu, and 'tis even so!

Blan

Ah! were it any other Duke -

Rich

Enough! Your lips should be the last to breathe my name in other tone than that of reverent love! With calmness hear me - four and twenty hours, nay more, you've lain upon that couch in sleep so silent and profound that all but I and Dame Babette believe you dead!

Blan

(turning and gazing in astonishment at the couch.

Dead! dead?

Rich

Aye, dead! and dead to all but us, you must remain, for reasons that demand and justify the harmless cheat!

Blan

No cheat is harmless, and -

Rich

Of that not thou, but I am judge. All is prepared for flight - this hour you will be borne to a far-distant home.

Blan

My lord, I own I have been used to bow with reverence to your words. - I knew you then but as an humble citizen, the friend and guardian of a child, who had, alas! No guardian else but heaven! I loved you - I obeyed you - for, my lord, you never asked what in obeying I obeyed not heaven! I know you now as - Richelieu! And your first request should make me shrink from you! My lord, You bid me stoop to falsehood - I refuse!

Rich

No more - thy words as little move my will as winds the rocks. Prepare thou to obey!

Blan

Not that command which in my conscience finds no quick response. I know your power, my lord, I also know the strength of a resolve which mine own heart approves. Nay - spare your threats - they fright me not - I never learnt to fear!

Rich

Learn then my right to claim and to enforce compliance to my wish - it is the right of a determined father o'er a child!

Blan

A father?

Rich

This very day completes the weary round of twenty years, since from her friends and kin thy mother fled. - In secret we were wed. Two years she lived unknown, - and died the hour thy infant head was pillowed on her breast! My child! The sins of Richelieu are not few and every eye is quick to magnify, and every voice is loud to trumpet them. Yet one - one ray of virtue, like a beam of sunshine stealing in a lazar-house, amongst them dwells; it is his love for thee!

Blan

(throwing herself in his arms) My father!

Rich

Ah, though Richelieu claims that title, - Richelieu from whom so late you trembling shrank, my child, thou wilt not banish from thy lips that tender name.

Blan

No, father! it is not for me, even were I not thy child, to judge thee. But Armand, dear Armand, knows he not this?

Rich

Armand is henceforth nought to Richelieu's daughter.

Blan

My father, oh! my father, leave me still my poverty - leave me my humble state - take back a father's name - a father's love, for lack of which, the first warm tears that scorched my infant eyes were shed; - but rob me not Of Armand. Hark! it is his step. He comes. (as she is springing to meet him Richilieu siezes her.

Rich

Hush! not a word. This folly must end here.

Arm

(without) Babette! Babette!'tis I.

Blan

Armand! Armand!

Rich

Obey my will, - this way with me - no cry! (hurrying her to her chamber, R.

Resistance would be useless. - Girl, bethink thee, It is thy father that commands. (at the last wordshe releases her arm, Blanche bows her head and passes before him. Exeunt R. 1 E.

Enter Armand, L.

Arm

One more farewell, - the last, and all is over! Gone! - Why have they borne her hence? It was the sole sad pleasure which I craved, but once again to look upon her. - It is better thus. I would not be unmanned anew!

Blan

(in a faint voice within) Armand!

Arm

It was her voice! Oh, Heaven! the voice of Blanche!

Angelic spirit, didst thou breathe my name?

Or is it thou - vain torturer, Fancy - thou -

Her voice! henceforth each wind that sweeps the earth

Will waft it to my ear - rock, wood, and glen

Repeat the sound, and all melodious tones

Those well-known accents imitate ! Her form

Will paint itself upon the empty air,

The fleecy clouds will take no other shape,

And all things beauteous in that mould divine

Seem cast." My thoughts will madden me ! and yet

I cannot tear myself away. Each dear

Familiar object, by her touch so hallowed -

The casement where she watched till I should come -

Yon couch where last she lay in dreamless slumber -

And these - '(gathering up the flowers which Blanche has dropped.

these flowers that in unconscious sweetness

Bloomed in her death-cqjd hand, and that shall now

Wither upon my breast as she has withered,

But dwell there as she dwells in spite of death.

All, all, with blended voices, strangely real,

Would seem to bid me stay ! would chain me here,

As though with cords invisible they bound

Me still to hope and her! Away! away !

My nature grows too soft. Farewell for aye

My early dreams - farewell my ideal world,

Peopled by joy and hope - farewell for ever! (Exit L. 1 E.

(as he rushes out, the door of Blanche's chamber opens, and she breaks from Richelieu, who is endeavouring to withhold her.

Blan

Armand, come back. 'Tis Blanche. She lives!

Rich

My child! Hold, I command thee!

Blan

Call me not thy child! Oh! what to me are nature's chance-knit ties To those that with rude hand thou sunderest now? It is the spirit's purer, stronger bonds through life - through death - to all eternity unchanging, holy, indestructible, - That join my soul to Armand! Part us not! My father - Oh, my father, part us not.

(falls at the feet of Richelieu. Quick curtain.

END OF ACT III