il

A Drama in Rhythmic Prose .

Hubert Benjamin Osborne

and

Laurence Eyr

w

THE SHAKESPEARE PLAY .

~' HE SHAKEM r.

.0" - * F

A Drama in 'rRhythnAic Prose .

Hube rt B er.

Laur(

PE ARE PLAY .

i M sbo rn e

Ey;fe .

'Some for the Giori,,0 ~a brld f and someSigh for the Prop : :4 Pmid h , to ooze

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T H 7 S H A K E S P E A R E P L A Y .

ACT 1 .

I .

I

A litay rnor~ .-,ing in the fields near Stratford-on-Avon .

ACT,II .

An inn or, the outskirts of London . Night .

Scene 2 .

The courtyard oY the inn . Dawn .

AC! I i To

Scone I .

Street,

More the Globe Theatre, London .

Sc ;. a 2 .

Interior

the globe Theatre .

ACT I

Sc' : , , a I .

At the cv ,, , t of Queen Elizabeth .Sc-,nv 2.

Shakespear :~ a otligings at Southwark*

ACT V.

An April

ist L,,t Newplacel, Stratford .

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THE SHAKESPEARE PLAY .

Characters incidents'. to ACT I . in the order of theirappearence;-

CaeaarioAG ;psyAlto bar GypsyAnother GypsyA gteWill SA e .Ia00ayA Dar:a : LaMi 84r .s entf o rdMatter Francis BaconA Wan hA S

ast er

THE S H A K R S P E A R B PLAY *

(Darkness, And from the darknessRrowe a star by whose pale morningrays is seen the slender figure ofTiie Torah Bearer, in her adoptedtoy i3h garb . She sits upon a marbles wf,p Mouohing her lute tUe while -.

(Presently she :try

Tell me where is fanny bred,J in the. heart or in tho ,-..cad?HHf w begot, how nourished?

Reply,- reply .

It is engengor'd in tho eyeio,pith gazing fed ; and fanny, (diesIn the cradle where it lien .

Let us all ring fang ; 's • knell .I Ill begin It,,- Ding, long, bell .

Ding, dons, bol" .

r.P

(tha star fad3s, and with it themusic

sing.

Act I,(The breaking dawn reveals a littledell on the outskirts or Arden forestnear Stratford .

(Aflowering apple tree utands in thefo +o-grou'ad, by whose s idc a littleip.uLioii Jrooi;let winds .It Is May Day and the ray hill thatslopes upward to .ho hi$hwsy is coveredw i ;,h bloo;ion ;aZ hawthorne busxe s .In the distance is faintly seen the:p'te of stratford church .

(:alder the vice two women and a manax' a sleeping; fir'-oy are in gypsy dressan~!. their pac ~2 lie near them on the",)as,P;^•asently U-: - risixg sun zakcna the

forest and

birds .

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Ist . Gypsy .( a scrawny hag, waking and stretching herself with a yawn)Lord -a-mercy . The sun is up afore us .(shaking the younger girl)Stir you M adge my girl .

--

2nd . Gypc°y .(a comely wench)

::hat is 't, T ib?

Ist Gypsy .Hast forgot? 'Tis merry May Day . Ere sun-up every Stratfordyokel and his slut will have foregathered down by Avons banksto help - 'em shear the sheep, Up, hussy, up .

2nd . Gypsy,Aye ; let the fools dance : and the pennies jingle into thriftypalms .

Ist, Gypsy . .(shaking the man)Rouse, Jock, rouse,

3rd, Gypsy .(a rough looking-Xellow)Merry! What's to do?

Ist Gypsy,If .> : ~o than enough . Up with t)ur packs and to the merry making .

3rd . Gypsy .~711 <. hast thou in thy bale, good Tib?

Ie.t . Gypsy,Good Tib

many a :;tratf.ord home . Look at this sacredbit . A piece of hol cross(with cackling laughwhich I did carve from yondor rotting alm . What is your tradetoday?

3rd. Gypsy .(pulling bottles from his st=.ck)Pot4ions for warts, dumb-ague and the hives . I'll do a thriv4nga:° "cure-'em-all" . Arc. you & adge?

2nd, Gypsy .I ".' tell 'em fortunes,- maidens, widows, wives . Who knows, per-I ". `'. find a swain myself?

(a voice is heard singing in the forest)

2nd ! Gypsy .What thrush is awing ?3o early?

( THE ROGUE comes fronethe wood singing)

Ist, Gypsy .My thumbs prick a ro ue's near .(calling to him)Hail comrade .

The Rogue .t

(swooping off his hat sardonically)Oh, that such youth and beauty should bloom .unseen along acountry roadside .

(the Hag makes a playful jesturo of anger)

2nd. Gypsy .What trade brings you :dither?

The :'r.ogae .A fellow trafficer in 1.onseienco . One who takes golden drossfor what's already wor`'hless . You too are for the merry makin&

Ist . Gypsie .What rascal, wilt thou set a rival booth against us?

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The L.ogue .Nay my fair, I am but E . humble snapper-up of inconsideredtrifles, I have an open; eye, a quick ear and a nimble hand .At present I am on my way as minstrel to sell the tender-heartedtheir ballads at the fair .

( SHAKESPEARE appears at the top of the hill)

2nd, Gypsy .What? Is ballad-mongering all your occupation?

The Rogue .By no means; I have(sings)

"Gloves as sweet as :'.amaak roses ;Masks for faces and for noses ;Golden quoifs and s~omaohers,For my'lads to give their dears ;Pins and poking stio ks of steel ;What maids lack fror7, head to heelsCome buy of me, come ; -come buy .n come buy---"

Shakeupeare .(coming down the hill)Hail sweet throat ; leave your son# awhile .Tell me ; do I lie in the , road to -the sheep shearing?

The Rogue,Lferry, o' the contrary .

Shakespeare .17hat's your moaning lad?

v The Rogue,A dark meaning, It went ':o bed by candle light and over-sleptthe day .

Shakespeare .Come, come, Unriddle .

The Rogue,Very circumstantially .

lis plain you lie not in the roadsince thou liest out of tr#e road . If thou wouldst lie in theroad thou must lie above ; for truly the road lies at the topof the hill .

Shakespeare,how absolute the knave is . What I would say is, whither htesthe shearing spot .

The Rogue .Merry, where the wool lies thickest ,- on sheeps backs orshepherds eyes ; for by mire.honor,-to the which I have longbeen stranger,- both sheep and shepherds shall be fleeced thisday, and my hand bath not lost the trick .

Shakespeare .Thou arb a droll .(looking at the Gypsies)Who are these? Thy companions in sophistry?

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The Ro (; .Nay, fellow travellers o the road, Just met . Folk who liveaday ahead o the world, and make time unborn sweat out theirliving for 'em .

Ist . Gypkuy,.Your fortune, pretty squir«,.for a silver six pence .

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Shakespeare,I am no squire but a school :. master, nay but an assistant atthe school, who earns a scanty living by the rod and horn-book .A s for six penses, good lack, I lack them utterly .

Ist . Gypsy .Nay, pretty master, let me See your palm .

(3hakespeare refuses)

fortunes child, and grti iges us a s x pence . Hark lad, thou

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shalt stand before kings .

Shakespeare .A king o' Bedlam where I snail desperate - die . I'll keepsix pences f-or ribands at the fair .

3rd . Gypsy'He,nature's love.-child and grudges us a sixpence . Have thouno fear death never touches thee till Arden .forest creep tothe doors of Stratford .

Shakespeare .If I must live till busy S ;ratford is a wilderness,I shalloutnumber Noah in my years„

3rd . Gyp :F:y .A sixpence pretty lad .

Ist . Gypsy,A sixpence for your fortune .

(ANNE HATHAWAY appears on the top of the hill)

Shakespeare .Foretell me this and %trou shall have your sixpence . Canst readlove i' the stars?

2nd, Gypsy .1A ~, can we, sweetheart, Show us your palm

sae takes his hand)~f h : ~.t wouldst thou know?

Shakespeare .Where shah. I find that she?

2nd, Gypsy,What she is this?

Shakespeare,The one we seek .

2nd . Gypsy,You shall have ladies' favo), ;- and more than one, and more thantwo, forsooth .

Shakespeare .E -, t She, She, She?

2nd Gypsy,Nay chuck dhe shall be there if you have wit to know her whensb.e comes

3rd, Gypsy,Beware false fires thht gleam in midnight sky .

Ist . Ilypsy .Watch for the morning starr that lights thy way .

Shakespeare .I'll follow any star that leads a-road . Venus till now hasfound a tongue more cursed than Maeate or Xantippe . My lovesongs are all interlined with jangling(tossing them a coin)There's your pay .

Anne Hathaway .(coming down the hill and breaking in upon them)

',!.`hat mummery is this? '.Thflgy$}tyeu waste coin on gypsies, Iand my bairns may starving lie atyf at home .

You here .'Shakespeare .

Anne Hathaway .And why not, good man do-nought? May not too buy ribands ata fair

,The Rogue .Peace wife, the tretty lacy would hear his . fortune .

Anne Hathaway .His fortune: Merry then, I'll read I'll read i' the stars .What hit thou told him? Is 't a tale of wenches undone by hissly tongue ; a tale of wive's left weeping by the fire ; #oj/yfy(Aof wastrels swilling i' taverns, lying drunk of the dite ; atitle of poaching thieves that after write foul verses, to hango' the doors of honest get.tlemen?

Come, answer, hast thouread him - this?

The Rogue .(with mock fear to the other roadsters)'Tis April weather . Scurry; seek shelter till the storm bepast .

3rd . Gypsy.(Who has got his pack on his#houlders)Come Tib .

Ist . GypL y,Come Madge .

(thD three Gypsies steal away)

The Roguy,(doffing his cap gallantly)Farewell, my gentle lady .(to Shakespeare)A word in your ear . A swinging white thorn twig is the rightremedy .

(he runs off laughing and singing)

Anne Hathaway .(screaming with rage)I hear thee rogue . Ruffian. that would lay hands upon a woman .(crying after him)Ha ;

I'll'unhsir thy,head if thou return .(to Shakespoare,pitiously)"Tell, beat me, beat me . Hc;ro I am defenceless . A wife whoeven the law will hot protect .

Shakespoare,(shrugging his shoulders)Why should I beat thee?

Anne Hathaway .(wringing her hands)Oh, you no longer love me!

Shakespeare,(humorously)Faith, must I woo thee with a cudgel now?

Anro Hathaway .(ignoring him)The name of wife doth stale on passion's lips . Hot wine, tooearly spilt, hath soiled thz sancture of my marraige gown .(dropping her pitious tone)What, has my beauty wasted?(following him as he turns oway)'Tis you,., not age, has . set a canker there,

Shakespeare,(irritated by her complaintii)For your own sake beware . lion that at home,a smoking chimneyfind, seek compfort at the ::nn .

Anne Hathaway .(furiously)You . threaten me' cell, what's the trollo s name? Her name - 1 ,say, her name?

Shakespeare .Her name is ---( he looks at Anne teasingly)Inspiration .(she stamps her foot impatiently . He adds quaintly with a sigh)I came at dawn to seek her Ir.n the wood .

Anne Hathaway,omewhat baffled by the tt.rn of the convoro,ation)

E heathen name for any Christian woman .hauntingly)yell, is she here?

Jhakespear') .(sadly)loannot tell, Pqrhaps at aomewhite hour, under these consecrated=?o

s, she walks serene ; ar.d' may be wooed ar won by doughty

Shakespeare,

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doers to a most fertile-bed of propogation .

Anne Hathaway .(nursing her wrath)out scoundrel out, you flout me to my face . This is the meaningof your scribbled rhymes , while I must lie a-shivering in thebed and hear you scratch tj .- 1.1 daylight .*bursting out furiously),Oh, I'll tear out my eyes cad yours and all the worlds' . .

Nay, =San, be not so waspish .

Anne " Hath away .(walking away sulkily)

_If I be waspish, best beware my sting

6hakespea re,(following her, with a twince in his eye)Hark Plan, a word in thy ear, Be not so froward ; 'tis a grovioussin in any woman, Mark my w rds full well : she that would keepa lover at her heals ; let har still run before, a will-o-tbe-wisp, Be neverolutched ; the moment that he finds you are ofearth, and not 'belest al mo'ild : pish! thshrine's empty..----any wandering god can make ,he place his home,

(she turns to him entreatin, ly)

Had you IM known enough to keep the/ pose ;

(she flushes angrily and begins to speak)

May, had younknown enough to hold your tongue, I might stilldream your name was inspiration ; not---Oturninj away)queen o the pots .

Anne Hatha:wray .(weeping)Now break my, Keart, I sum a ilted wife, the scorn of woman 'Xind .

Shakespeare .Go home, go home . You mar my morning mood .(he takes out tablets and begins to write)

Anne Hathaway .(resuming the offensive)Nay, it is this sheepskin th€Lt hath wrought my woe .(darkly)When you lay on my heart among the heather, you little . thoughtof how to spell the words that rained in furious whispers onmy neck .

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Shakespeare,Peace, woman, peace . Warmed over passion, faugh : a stinkingdish :(he turns with relief to his writings)

Anne Hechaway .(tearing the tablets from his hand and throwing them on theground)You go too far . I am no neok faced Jane to pine and sigh,nor shall you flaunt with dories on the hill while I tend bratsat home .(threatingly)Think, but a word will do your business hero in Btratford town .

Shakesp , ~are,(quickly)What do you mean?

Anne hathaway .Sound sleepcrs oft are gouusips unawares . 17ho slew the deerin Thomas Lucy's park?

Shakespeare .(with a shrug)Who knows . Every stout l';tratford lad a sheath-knifewears .

Anne Hathaway .Aye, truly said, but earth wears not an ink pot ;(pointing to the tablets)nor hath the trick to turn a saucy sdnnet to hang a' gentry'sgates . Now tell me who did that?

ahakespeare .(bursting into hearty laughter)I,_ merry, lousy Lucy .' Would I had seen his facewhen he clappedeyes upon't . Now do I cry him quits .

Anne 1I at away .Tis more than he cries . H-9 is all for vengence and has the lawat work . Come, choose my :raster, which way shall I go ; home-ward bound with you or lon-i to Stratford? Which way? Speak :

Shakespeare .(impatiently)To hell for aught I "care, 3o I be free .

Anne Hathaway .(furiously)You dare me to my worst?

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Sh :ikeepeare,Why should I cage my soul .on merry May Day?(dreamily)Who knows .- in such a :jpot, - on such a morn? --':,ho Knows--

.Anne Hathaway .(breaking in)Who knows, some trollop may inveigle Yhae? A cunning slutwith practiced arts about her ; an older womam .

3 hekespea,re .'--(thoroughly out of patience)Aye,--aye ;

Older,--elder :

Mayhap by eight years older .

Anne Hathaway .(screaming with rage)I eight years older?

In thy teeth thou liest .

I nevertrapt -thee . Now by Saint Charity I'll make thee pay . Thewrongs of. a wronged woman shall cry out till all the stonesof Stratford ring again .

High lord of liars that liest from thy wifeShalt lie in god.& and rot away thy life,

(she goes out by the highway, exclaims )

Eight years the older,- .eight indOdd, -we'll see .

Shakespeare .(stretching his arms to heaven with an infinite wearyness ofspirit)Oh for a draught of antique perfumed wine, to steal my sensesfrom this jangling world .(he throws himself down in the grass by the little brook)(presently he is aroused by the sound of merry-makers - go pa'ton the road laughing and siging)Music and happy hearts and wanton feet that find no echo-inmy cgnestioning heart . Oh ?.ife, where is my place in thy design?I, a dropt thread o' the loom, marring the weavers pattern withmy doubt, Oh, pulsing life, make me thy prentice,lad ; andteach me knowledge with what whips you will . To live ;- tolove ;- to know . Here in this forest shrine I make my prayer .To thee, unknown ; to lov,,s ---- unknown alack . See, on thyalterhere I make my offering .(tears a leaf from his tablets and writes on it)

" To love" .(heefpAtens the leaf to the trunk of the apple tree)To thee , unknown ; to lave---(the sound of nearing voices interrupts him)Peace! Sh!

(he steals away into the forest)

( a band of country lads and lassies come from the road. andcross the field, singing ---"It was a lover and his las,--",Children follow carrying blowering apple bows)

(presently A DARK LADY comes over the hill attended byLORD FRANCIS BACON and MISTRESS BRENTFORD)

The Dark Lady .Oh Jupiter, this is a weary journey .

Bacon,Nay, mistress mine, look not for court ease in the forostof Arden . Those that the Queen frowns on must eat blackbread with a fair grace,

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The Dark Lady .'Tould your philosophy were as excellent ointment to applyto `uintross B~ontford.b 'dMee joints . She ambles like a nagwith a new cast whoa . Come, cheer thee kinswoman .

Mistress Brentford .Nay, let me sit, chuck . Od's heart, why did we ever come fromLondon town . Fie, on thy bighting tongue and saucy airs t1 -Wtcould riot keep the flavorof the Queen .

The Dark Lady .Nay,'twas my saucy hairs that would not blush with henna tothe Queen's order .

Bacon .How long a so jurn in the foroat will cause then to recantthy harosy?

The Dark Lady .I am ready to recant thj'a hour, but my looks are incontinantlyheretic . They h-zve no r, ind to change .

Bacon .Then shalt thou never return to court .

The Dark Lady .Nay, marry but I shall and that shortly .

Bacon .Prttheo how :

The Dark Lady .By your good intercession .

3aco;t .Court favors come dear .

The Dark Lady .(holding out her hand)I h eve rill open hand to reward those that serve me .

Bacou .tray, my price i~ higher. ":ill you pay?

The :Dark Lady .I'll stand in no man's debt .

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Bacon .(bending over her)Come, seal the compact,.

Thc Dark Lady .(glancing at Mistress Erentford)Ssh! Nay, no seals before breakfast .

weet Francis, if youfind me not where with all to (satisfy my hunger I shallturn she wolf and fall 'k-, o on any fellows of tae pack .

Bacon .Hast thou no more precise knowledge of thy Uncle's whereabouts,than that he dwels in the forest of F.rde.n?

. The Dark Lady .Aye, in Arden, or hereabouts . :ie io a strange' fantastical gent-leman who has built a sort of retreat' and would live as hermit ;a very fitting recopticle for those . ; Yi"

who -nay no longerkeep cry with the last fashion in caps and kerchiefs .

Bacon .I would tnat • we had not dismiesedn our horses . 17e may walka dozen miles ere we find this genyleman'=3 abode .

: istress vrsn-tford .A dozen! Ch, alack the day! 7ould we had never corns fromLondon town .

The Lark Lady .'Tis-z-. sweet spot, ,"ith a f-_•flow of nimble wit and a fullstomach I could waste arb hour here fairly enough . 'Tis MayDay, and this wood seems the very heart of spring .(seeing the parchment hb.ngir.- to the' tree)":hat's that on yonder tree? Perchance a sign-post .(approaches and reads)"To Love" I' faith, Francis, we are in some woodland sanctuary,Presently we shall see Par.'s goat-head peering between the leave$

Bacon,If that be so, here comes one of his votaries,A -it melancholy

C*W# faun and fathoms deep,in thought,fa

(Shakespeare comes from i"he woods, writing in his tablets)

The Dark Lad .,,, *Ho : Shepherd, if thou bs, or gallant yeoman lat me havespeech with thee

Shak sp©ara .(approaching)A good shot, fair mistress, but somewhat wide o' the mark .I am neither shepherd no ::- yeoman but a sinp .o school masterof Stratford town .

The Dark Lady .A man of learning . The better suited to my purpose .(to Shakespeare)Wilt con thy

knowlodge geographical

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and tall me; does one Hirkdam Brentford live hereabouts in the .forest .

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:'hake pears: .He does truly, if half a Score or miles be included in here-abouts, to your way of thinking .

'is,t .r. -ss ~;ron ,f ref .Half a score! Aleck the gay ; knots., I ;s . . will ne l eroutlast th journey .

Bacon .77c must have nags fron -it .,atf. ord .

The Dr" rk Ladt .And how to ._tratCord7

Bacon,Marry,, on our feet'. .

I'ictre r;s t ror'tford,r'_l aek : P.l^ ck :

'ho Dti r=1' Lad",.And breakfast?ess? That will I not .

Bacon .Good youth, canst thou riot fi.n.t some remedy for our mostsorry pl4 ht?

:hakespeare .Thos shepherds and the .r lesce > ,irjke merry* it the fields hardby; where for some more trifle of currency you may feast ofthe best that the forest affords . There your may hire a mess-enger, will fetch you what beasts your needs require from theinn .

The Dark Lady .Gentle sir, my thanks . Yo'a have preserved three wayfarerswhom all the kindly fates ave lAely scratched from theirledger .

Shakespeare,Then must fate jbin together with love and justie to make` oneof a blind trio . tiow darn the silly stars look with disfavoron that Dian which is their mistress .

The Dark Lady .Nay, it was that same Dian, in the person of a virgin Queen,that was my downfall, ',ty tale is touching, air, it hangsupon a hare .

a

3hakesp.3are,A hair?

The Dar Lady .lye, marry ; a whole headfu .l of them . You must know sib, at

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the court,night is in sad disfavor, Her Hagesty's haira color once hold light l} in repute by those virtuouslyinclineddoth ornult .te Phoebus himself for brightness,and Her 'ra,mesty'a o'vn tongue for warr:th . In short, sir, red 'sthe color . You see it, everywhere ; that which was pale beforedoth crimson with exort ion, that which wss jet doth pale forvery shame. What should I, a dark shadow, do at the court ofthe sun ; nay, I am in c,isgraco, and : o must seek the combrestdell of Arden to hide r'.y raven looks, Sable's my wear : evenby da yli ;ht Iam still i' the shade,$bending fore*ard she catches hor reflection in the brook)See, as I stand before thi3 little . stream, the ripples blacken ;up from the deepest pods the shadows creep ; the water is nolonger gold but azure ; hush, you can hear it whisper : "Night-- - - 'tie night",

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3rai:espeare .(fascinated)*light, yea 'ti3 night, •rith soul seducing :tar-light ;- night,,orit?i r, net rj'_' per : mss .~'r the fields;- night,,- ;zith a love-song lilting from the ~~r ~igera^rs ni.ght

Bac Dn .(coldly)JCome, we must go .

Tho Dark Lady .(bursting Into laughter)L ord,;~ 5'rancIs,

a :-,oct wo have cou&ht wild in the green-wood .(toy Shakcspesr~e)Come, Sir ?'.ncy-'^anger, rlzich way lies the sheep shearing?

Mia' tress Brentford .What, dost thou mean to nix with homely rustics, Let usstay here end lot our food be brought .

The Dark Lady .Na ;T , I am fai^n to sec Cupid Y.•tth a crook ir'c hcnd. . Courtbad.] s and courtier^ 'vor., ; are stale upon my palet- -but hedge-row love--- that's a nca sport I trove . Conduct #h us, sir .

'.:~ist.resc Brertforct .Nay, 1'11 not(the" begin to ezpostul*te i_th her)Dh, how my joints ache . Nay, my knee ; I cannot rise .

The Dark Lady .Which knee is it?(kneeling beside her)There, let .-me chafe it for you,

rMist;Mistress Bre~tford .

'Tothor one! 'Tother ore . J'rould we hadnever left the court .

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The Dark Lady .There, there 'tin better. Say that you will come .(coaxing her)Look at me and say ,'yes' . I'm almost dead with hunger .Good kinswoman.-- Dear kinswoman .---- What, Hate!(Mistress -Brentford relents)Aha : I knew you would .

Mistress Brantford.Well, well! What must be, must .(rising)Oh, fie . There was a crack . Give me your arm Lord Francis .Oh, my Joints, my joints'

The Dark Lady .(motioning them to proceed her)Go on. Go on.(to Shakespeare)You, air, shall lead me . Tell me, hast ever been about thecourt?

Shakespeare .Never ten miles from Stratford in my life .

The Dark Lady .(giving - him her hand)Then I shall teach you . Hold my hand yo go .

-!e'll fancy this a wayside serabandCome sir, and learn to touch a lady's hand .

(sties goes off' .with him, laughing and ooglb tg fUp, up air; aye that 'a gallant : up, sir, up .

( A COUNTRY WENCH oomes..running down the hill . The ROGUEafter her in hot persuit)

The RoghaRalt .'thee, wench . Give over running: for I'll come up withthee .

The Wench .Whatpwouulldst, thou with me?

The Rogue .WhOre'.,4s the sixpence for the riband that you took?

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The Wench .Wha \ri -)prd?(Bu tirg into a silly laugh)Haw; Ha

Haw.

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The Rogue .Marry, come up : - '!lwas a red riband . A goodly red ribandjthat travelled the road +pith me from Nottingham town .

The 1Teneh,Riband! I know of no r,~d riband in these parts .

The Rogue .(Catching a gleam of soarlet below the girl's skirt)Nay, but it doth lie in these parts, thou thieving jade,(he catches the end of the riband and pulls some half dozenyards of it from the wenches stocking)

The :~ench .(with artful simplicity)Haw : Haw: Has

How came it there? My legs are sure be-witched .

The Rogue .(still pulling at the riband)Art lucky if thy legs bewitch thee not to Stratford goal.----Filching goods from an honest man!

The Wench,Mob! Nay master, I be an honest virgin and no filoher .(as he is stooping over, she deftly takes a piece of lace fromhis tray and tucks it up hers sieave .)

The Rogue .(Having returned the ribaad to his tray, turns and shakes hisfinger in his face)Let it be a lesson to thus, to so continue from this time forth,

The Winch,(putting up her arm to ward him off)Haw' . Haw: Haw:

. The R,:~gue .(seeing an# end of lace hanging from her sleeve)Thou arrant runMm ,I, wilt teach thee honesty .

The Wench,With that face! //Haw! Haw : Haw!

The Rogue,(pulling the lace from her $leave)Come baggage, where# learned you these tricks?

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The Vonoh .By'4ady .

From my mistress who hid her laces about her to'seats the tax officer,(she steals a stomacher aud hide it behind her back)

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The Rogue .(catching sight of her too innocent countenance)"'ell, ""hat halt thou taken this time?

The 'ertch .flaw ; Haw; Haw ;

The Ro~ -uo,Put forth thy hands .(she-does so but one at a time)Both .(she slips the stomach -ier between her kr.Qesf and holds out bothhands)

~. (he takes her by the shou..ldcrc and turns her around . The stow*achor falls to the ground)

The ^'en_ch .flaw .'

flaw . , Haw .'

The Rogue.i3y my troth, the one way to be safe with a wench like this isto marry her . Thou shalt make a fitting helpmate to a. gentle-man o' the road .

The Wench,What, will verity take me to wife?(she guffaws)

The Rogue,Fie now ; Is the marraige state a matter for derision?

Tell me,hast never been a-sweethearting ere this?

The Wench..~weethoarts : Nay, my hand be sought by many a stougbt AOM tAnand true . Robin and Cris have punched bluddy noses for mealready this day, but thou are a properer man than any of these .Why,_I could stand and laugh at thee this hour and more .(guffaws)

The Rogue,1'e11, better untimely merriment than a denying countenance .Come.' Thane's a schoolmaster abroad on the hill and he shalltie the knot .

The Wench .A schoolmaster! I'fackfins fahall he licence us by bell andcandle,

The Rogue .Nay better, he shall perform all by the rule of numbers .

The Wench,What is numbers? Is it an h.oneat thing Indeed ; is it a truethin.&?! .

The Rogue .Aye, ''tie infallable as things go in this thcklish world,Sit, and I'll expound it unto thee .(she guffaws)Hush! Seemly, seemly .'

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(sitting)Come . Tell me .

The ##&# wench .

The Rogue,(sitting beside her)Thus, By the simple rule of addition shall we be broughttogether-in the marraige state ; from which, with antique phitl-osophy, we will subtract what ease we may ; the whence, anour troubles multiply too fast upon us, we will seek reliefin the consolations of long division . Ha!(she guffaws')Fie now! Seemly ;

Th,3 ~'enoh .(jumping up)'Tis all one ; thou art a healthy fellow, and I do thank theheavens that have sent me such a man,

The Rogue,Come, let us seek the pedant who hath the eye of a merry rogue# with pratice at the game : and may the gods give us joy .

The ''~enchf,The gods give us joy : The gods give us joy :

(they trip over the hill)

(presently the Dark Lady comes stealing back alone)

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The Dark Lady .(pproaching the tree)The fruit of the tree was forbid to Eve but I will taste ,---O#tII# be it love apple or gall nut .

( :3he tears the leaf from the tree and reads)" To love" .

Now have I stolen into Eden .

Shakespeare .( Who has followed her unseen)Mg prayer is heard .

The Dark Lady .I'm trapped .

Shakespeare .(coming foreward and kneeling)Hail, Divinity :

The Dark Lady .Nay, he too hath eaten of the fruit : his eyes are open .(to Shakespeare)Youth, 99 you went fort, as Adam, upright on your feet ; butyou return in the posture of the serpentt . What heathen ritesare these .

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Shakespeare,This is indded a spot predistinate to love . Under theseleafy boughs, most fair immortal,I did leek a muse ; a sprite

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most tricksy, most untameablg,named Inspiration ; but see myvotive offering is aeceptci . Hail, goddess, .

The Dark Lady .I am no goddess ; I am the painted viot•6m crowned with flowers,chosen to personate the diety for a apace, then stain the alterwith my hearts blood .(with mock dispair)Unlucky lady, t74at hath escabed a well-groomed cupid's goldenshafts to be impaled upon a hawthorn spike .

.Shakespeare .You are no court ; or ; you. are some being celestial ; that Dianof the night, .e vrornh1p ; Psyche with a lamp ablaze in eithereye, You are afr, Venus of the brooks, new risen from the ripples .You

The Dark Lady .Fie now, a poet 'a hot breath fresh from-t cold belly. I havemet your'sort at the ; court . I see I am to be a staking-horsefor you to break your wit ,against .

Shakespeare,Madam, you do me wrong,

The Dark Lady .You deem me but a hatters block that your/ may cap with rhymes .(throwing herself upon the gras#)Od `"ell---come--- woo me, woo me . 'Tic May Day Sir Poet, andthe wind's due South . That: do you think that Ift In---- In---plagud"on your hussy's name---, Dost think thy muse - a frowardwench to be. won without the pressing .

(ardently)Will you be won, will you be won, indeed?

The Dark Lady .Not while I have my wits .(teasingly)But who knows, perhaps the love-god will prove Woo strong forme

( Checking Shakespeare)Hay, not so near, sir . Read me the prayer offered at the shrinewhich I inhabit for a space .

Shakespeare .I'throwing himsel at her feet)It is not worthy of you .

The Dark: Lady .'Tis for me to judge, To raise you with a smile , or smiteyou with my lightenings . Read!

'2iakospeare,

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(reads

Shakespeare .

" Live with me, anti be my love,And we will all t„he ;~. pleasures proveThat hills and vttlloys, dales and fields,And all the cragy mountain yields .There will we all, upon the rocks,And see the shepherds feed their flocks,By shallow riv erc,by whose fallsMelodious birds zing madrigals,And if these plea>sures may thee move,Then live with me and be my love ."

ThF Dark Lady .A fair gallop of verses Jooth, sir, you have the trick .Prythee, what's thy name]

`"ill Shakespeare .Shakespeare,

Shakespeare .And thy own name?

The Dark Lady .(evasively)Name me something that smacks o' the heavens . A goddess,no less,

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The Dark Lady .Shakespeare---- a martial name . Nay, lad, thou are too softto bear it readily : # '!'q" t thou art more like to shake a lady'sheart# strings,' than the blood iron . Stay---shalt have aname poetical----urn, urn, --- I shall call thee aanymede .

Shakespeare .

~'Thou shalt be Artemis .

The Dark Lady .Too cold, too cold, Let my feet rest o' the warm earth .Know me as Cytherea .

Shakespeare .Cytherea! A namo that would inspire inspiration, Where aremy tablets?(taking tablets' from hiE belt)Thou shall have a sonnet, would not diagrece a queen .

The Dark Lady .(pushing the pad aside)Fie, good youth ; waste not thy time on sheepskin . I'll givethee fairer parchment to write ", Y//XU a love line on.

Shakespeare .(trying to seize her hard)Oh, with my lips to write an epic there .

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The Dark Lady .(eluding him)Nay, the Soda sent me hither to inspire then,--not to givethee satisfaction .

Shakespeare,What, night bird, wilt thon take wing ere I can catch thee inmy hands .

The Dark Lads .I am a dream-nightingale, Ishall pass and leave the memoryof a song,

:~hRkespenre .dust I, poor lover wake to groan on lost delight .

The Dark Lady .(laughing)Thou art no lovera poet, a lo7e-tinker ; but no lover .

Shaken nearo .By heaven, you do no wrong, 13 ny dc's th requisite to turnyour pagan bosom to belief .

The Da-k Lady .

ofNay Ganymedo, to that religion I ar ialidel . Men have diedfrom time to time and worms have eaten then ; but not forlove,

Shakespeare .My pad, my pad ; a prose poer falling haedless from your lips .I'll set it down and on it make an, ode more famed then Pindar'sscratches,

The Dark Lady,(pulling away the pad)Nay Gan_ymede, am I frn., gor already? Love mc, love mo, and notthy pencil . "What is a page of verse to one rich sentence ina yielding eye .

;3hakaspes.re,Let me set down one word .

The Dark Lady .Not one, not one . This hour has melody more tempting sweetthan inky stains upom a parchment . Tell me thy love---all--all. These pages are the shadow of the thing .(tearing his &0 tablets to pieces and casting it leaf byleaf upon the brook)Sea, they are gone .

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hakespeare,(watching the drift down th.o stream)They are my pledge{, to eternity.

The Dark Lady .Do not gaze after them. Lcok in my eyes, look well, ThisjVYU hour_. is hours ; oternit3, who knows? Shall I call them

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back?(seductively)Speak, Ganymede .

Shakespeare.(completely fascinated)Not one, not ono ; they are all lye,- and more, here in youreyes--- my love song on your lipb .

The Dark Lady .Drink ddep, drink deep .

(he bonds foreward to kiss : her)

( the W4-LSH SCFIOOLIM5TT~?I3 domes running down the road)

The Schoolmaster .Ho, 17111"Till Shakespeare .

The Dark Lady .Plague upon the man, Be still, he will pass by .

Shakespearo .(rising)Ho has seen us .

Here, sir, what's your pleasure .

The Schoolmaster,(breathlessly)Haste,lad, to cover . I am almost, spent to come before them .

Shakespeare,Whom have I to fear?

The Schoolmaster .The sheriffs, lad, at Thomas huey's - suit . They near .

Shakespeare,The sheriffs ; Who hath set. them on .

The Schoolmaster,Wlho, who indeed ; ;:hey wife, thy devilish wife . Lad, Thismeans banishment from Stratford town .

Shakespeare,She's told, forsooth . "That . Banishment?

The Schoolmaster .Aye, wonton lack-a-wit, she hath denounced thee . Ssh! Theyare even now at the top of the hill .

The Dark Lady .Back i' the shadow . Put tie tree between .

Shakespeare,Too late ; they come this way, Heels, be my friend!

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The Dark Lady .Stir not, I oharge thee . Thy halt invol.cd a goddess to thyaid : she she- 1l not fail thee . Still, still, show not thyself--quickly--- this cloak about thee .(she throws her mantle about him)Lad, thou -shaft play my riurae,no lone .(to the Schoolmaster)Schoolmaster, further of 'L'r and doff t4-ay hat .(to Shakespeare)Bond,--bend good Ganynodt----nay a&e thy back by threo-sooro .Fear no's thou 8-t 1 1' Gytherea's mantle and conseerato fromill .

(Anne Hathaway comas in :`roia the road followed by a aheriggand two officers .)

Anne Hathaway .This way, sirs, it was hare I left," ; him loitering . Ah,Thomas JenkinEs, you have given him the cue--- You that didfirst-seduce his soul to the devil with printed pot-hooks .

The .;choolmaater.Faith ; not I ,in_dded .

The :sheriff .(to the schoolmaster)Tell air, and who be thefze?

n o Dark Lady/(answering him)Two simple gontlowomon . I am the reice of

AdamBrentfcrd, =quire .- And f1h1s his sister .

The "'hcrtff,¶e are upon the track of a ruffianly fellow did lawlesslyslay dear on the estate c--f air Thomas 1-ucy and after baselyslander him. Have either , of you seen the M

rascal?The Park Lady,

(bantering them)shat manner of man was it you speak of?

Anne Hat;iaway .He bore the marks of a tritor in his face,

The Sheriff .An ill turned-fallow .

The Dark Lady .(with3a quizical glance at Shakespeare)Aye, a stubby wretch . He comes to f mind .

The Sheriff .That's hi,,

The Dark Lady .Stubby at squat .

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Tho 6heriff .Ayo,

The Dark Lady,Of your mold to a hair.

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(the Sheriff glares angrily)

A pestering follow who would be prating of an oldish wifeteat wearied him at home .

Anna Hathaway .A plague on her, she mocks A,# us, Ask I S Zid ' t'other one?

(the Sheriff approaches Shakespeare)

Tho Dark Lady .(coming betwoen thorn)Nay, sire, my aunt is F,omewhat hard of hearing,---and habhbesides a running ##rheum of the eyes, that will not let her

`~ look upon the light .---- Besides 'tis said her eye hathproperties not wholesome to behold .

The Schoolmaster .Come, oome airs, the man you seek left'by this path but now.

Anr.e Hathaway,-Then after, after ; we will have him yet .wronged wives may laugh when #

roguish husbands sweat .(she goes out)

The Sheriff .(to the SchoolmasterCome sir, you shall go with us till we find him.

(the schoolmaster and the twofofficera go out)

The Sheriff,Madam, God gie you good day,

The Dark Lady .(lod sent you height,sit

The Sheriff,Madam, I'm three full iaohes above five feet with my boots .

(he stalks out)

The Dark Lady,(calling after him)You must e'en stretch your legs if you would cataft your rascal .(to Shakespeare)Dear Ganynede, come forth from##d sanctuary,(pulls the cloak from him)Nay, be not sad; thou art saved,

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Shakespeare .Saved! Prom what? For what? .3v: cot

eistrese you have Coughta glimp3o of tragedy 1.o3turing in the attitudes of a clown .

T1 .e Dark Lady . .Tragedy?

:; akospearo .The tragedy of dreams o' youth road*looked i'the mire, Myfirst beacon proved to be no better than a Sack-o lantern .Now, I have beheld twin atar3hintin6; o1 Aready ; but with mysoul a-shiver how shall I ewer win the highway to 't?

T io :ar-1, Lady .Arcady? The turn-pike to my heart has a toll too high forsuch as thee .(with .meaning)Canst thou not find a Thort cut:

:.hake :;p©are .Never, unless 4AV thou steal deep with me in Arden and helpblaze# the trail,

Th,, D arZ Lady .How runs thy stanza? - •- "To live with thee and be thy love" .Ah, Ganymede,,right happily could Ifor a summer moon----waste time with thee among tree bloosoning may .

Shakeapoarc .Then cast aside thin velvet andtheee laces : a cotton smock,apetticoat of kersey will serve thy turn . Along the banks ofAvon shall we wonder, gas care removed as any Mat and Moll .To lie on the grays I' the nuui; to eat ripe berries ; to lovein summertimos it is our moment, Let it not slip us ---Cytherea .

Thc Dark Lady .(half tempted)A dream--- a dream of summer-night(breaking away)No, lad, I am of the world; the world of doers, This is amasque, a muzasaers interjludc ; the li ens will soon go up, themusin Cease .(turning away)My world lies o'er the bill j i' the bay oourt .

Shakespoare .Shall we not mast again?

The Dark Lady .Mayhap .

`3hakospoaro .rihere?

The Dark Lady .(lightly)In London town,---if ao the love-god wills .

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In London town

(she nods)

Then townward ho :(with suddon thought)But children, horns

The Dark Lady .(coning to him and laying her hand on his arm),Till ;:hakespoare, in London lies the world ;The beautiful, the free, the hungry world ;To fling you golden poQnies ii you please ;To leave you starving if you miss the trick,Dark walls and chimney pots in place of sky ;but though the day be drab, with dawning nightthe -city 'giros to stir, and from afarYou'll hear the music of the A M mad'ning dance,-The wine of life tramped out by eager feet :Whore some drink free and other3 pay the #;~X ' cost .Drink deep and taste of oongtuer •at, know its lure :The fascination .

Shakespeare .Fascination!

The Dark Lady .(resuming her light manncr) .Heed me not . Farewell, my Ganymede .

(he cones bb her)

set : .

-4y friends are on the A fd hill .

Ihake ipearo .Farewell, Cytherea.

The Dark Lady .Farewell .(goes a few steps up the hil). and turns)Do not despair; sad hours arc quickly spent,Remember ; we are both in banishment .

Shakos pe uro,

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(aha Jo'ina hercompanions and disc peraover the hill

(Shakespeare stands lookiag after her)

(the voiced of the Officers are heard returning)

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Anne Hathaway,(outside)This way! This Way!

whakespeare,Banishment? Liberty :(looking after the Dark Lady)London! ----London!!!

(HO toes AMOY over the . hill.)

Curtain .101~

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$ 4.

THE 6HAKESPEARE PLAY .

ACT II .

Scenes I & II ,

Characters incidental to Act II,in the order of theirappearance :

.ill ShakespeareLord Francis BaconHenry r;x iothes ley, Earl of :3outhamptonThe Hostess

lCesarioHemmingeMarloweBurbageSlyGreeneConstable FarthingaleTwo `tatchmen(dumb)The Dark LadyMistress Brentford

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Act Ir

scene I,

A shabby gentile inn on the oui .skirts of London .There is alargs open.-f loepiace on one side,with a settle by it ;onthe opposite side of the room is a large window giving on t'"the court-yard ;-,;-4##a round table stands in the centre ofthe room ;at the back a flight of stairs leads to the upperfloors,The room is lighted only by the ruddy firelight,

(Shakespeare is writing in his tablets which lie on thesettle beside him. There comes a knocking outside ;but he,absorbed in his workdoes not hear it . Then Bacon andSoutharnpton,wrappod. ~n heavy cleaks,otamp 1n .)

BaconBrrr ; ; 1.7hat a night Ho,landlordlandlord .'

(Shakespeare,arou:.ed,s tarts iip 4-Peste ; Tis a scurvy inn ;

SouthamptonNot even a stable boy to take oun nags .

ShakespeareYour pardon that's my ddty,

SouthamptonSee to'ers now .By g-od,a nipping night .' The wind seems eagerto be at our very narrows,(He kicks the back log off the .fire-the flames spring up

and the room becomes fully lightad .5

BaconBy heaven,tis our mad may-.poet of Arden wood ;

ShakespeareCytherea's comrade .'

BaconYou must have fallen on ill times,my rhyming schoolmaster ;is not your estate sox'ething shrunken since last we met?

: hakespeareTis but clipptbng mare8s tails# in place of stuffing assesheads : ---an easier task . '"hat brings you,fair sflr,to awayside pothouse?

Eacoz)To meet a f riend,without taking all thw world into my con-fidence .

)

The Hostess(above)

'shat, will=--."rill 5hakesp aare--..Will !

ohakespeareSh ; Tie

# J#the hostess! Say nothing Let mehaste about my task,

(He goes out)

SouthamptonIn what stream,have you and this strange fish met before?

BaconMarry! in the shallows of Avon,

The Hostess(descending the stair -)-

"'hat ., "gill, I say ;

(seeing the gentlemen)

Nay,pardon me,sweet sirs,,if I be somewhat veaed;but I amcursed with a kind of overgrown loon for stable-boy :andnever know I what he will be at .He is forever covering mykitcherrwalls with barbed hearts and lover's posies,tillI fear me that the neighbors tongues will be a-wagging---and me as honest a gentlewoman as ever drew beer from aspigot . Thrn he hath a trick of miscalling all our christ-ian names ;and dubs us by strange mathehatical titles :suohasJew..Peter,and Didos,And Apollian, Doll will no longerserve to call our milk-mead :she must be Nosica ** ..faithand her nose is a good er,ough nose----what there is of it .Yet,by my modestylhe is lusty lad,with a strong arm anda well-turned leg,would make glad the heart of any honestgentlewoman:would he but leave these mummer's antics,andfollow the natural course of man .

BaconMummers antics"?vhat,has our rhymster a mind to turntragedian .

The HostessAye,sirs,He hath discovered some begarly cousin german inThe Lord Chamberlainds company of players ;and now he willbe stealing off to London to the play ;and then he willbring the rogues back with him,to gorge and swill,all hoursofnight;till Justice Parthingale swears,next rime theyrouse him with their noiFe,he'll haul them off to goal,

Southampton"rell,well Show us our rooms .

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The HostessAye,sirs ;the best in the house shall be at your##gW wor-ship's disposal,

BaconNay keep the best for a noble lady who will presently ar-rive .Show us to the second best room which will oervo ourturn till dawn,when we all start for the court,

(Shakespeare comes in from the courtyard)

The Hostess1

Then shall you sleep in the rose chamber .

Shakespeare(taking up the candlegstick,Fhich the flostoss has set downGCome airs .1 1 3.1 light you .This way,

Thetlostess(grabbing the candle-stick from him)

Give me the light,varlet ;I'll show the pretty gentlemen totheir beds . This way sweet sirs .

(tt4 Shakespeare)Hark ye,boy;drowse no more i'the ashos .Eeep a live ear forany company .

Bacon(as he passes Shakespeare)'ell,my passionate pilgrim :hast caught up with thy muse?

ShakespeareI am hot-foot on her track,sir# ; but she is ever at the jrnext turn o'tho road .

The HostessMind the third step,sirs ;tis a trifle tender .this way,thisway .

(She goes up the stairs,taking the light with her,and fol-lowed by Bacon and Southampton .The fire has died down againand the room is quite dark .)

Shakespeare(standing at the window and looking out into the night .)

Oh,winding road that reads to Stratford-town,And past the Avon on to Arden wood ;how long before she comes to light me on?That shethat she?

(IN the darkness of the doorway appears a little shininglight .It comes from a lantern carried by Cesario.She stands -timidly a the door)

CesarloHo;who's here?----If anythin that's oivil,speak .

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(she waits)Best draw my sword .

(She draws a small, rapier that shq wears,holding ittimidly out before ber)

:Shakespeare(turning from the window)

What dear lad is 't thou?

(He crosses to the fire and throws a fresh log on it . Theroom lightens again):'hat brings thee here,and with a countenance so warlike?Come,give the countersign .

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Cesario(putting up her sword)

6ueh a foe----good heavens! Dear will I am good fortunesmessenger .Thy hour is struck .Jaok Pope is ill a-bed andcannot play.The company is sudden called to p lay at oxfordtown to-mprrow;and we've no player for the leading part .The play is "Gorbudoc";Dick Burbage is fair wild to havethe role ;but he's too fat :he'll never snake a hero ."' illGreene,thy cdusin then spoke up for thee ;and thou shaltStave the trial .

Shakespeare.mat do you play?

CesarioI am not i'the bill .astay here in London .The other playerswill come to fej h thee,and sleep here the night,I camebefore to warn thee .(.1d °Beware of Burbage :for he would geVthe part from thee by hook or crook .Let not this luck-chance skip thee .

The Hostess(above)

. hat,Shakespeare:Cesario

ho's that?

ShakespeareA nursed echo,t.hat is never still about the house,crying onhhakespeare .

The Hostefis(coming down the stairs)

A warming pan,good '"i : .l ;the beds are some 'at damp .Take upa warming pan .

(Shakespeare gets it,snd fills it with glowing coals)

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Marry . "'ho's there?!) h,thou,my pretty fanny-boy .Dost stilldaub thy fate with red to play the sweet-heart 6n theboards?

- CesarioAye;atill .

The 3to:rbess.(to Shakespear6 )

Take it up quickly .

(HF goes up the. sbairs with the warming-pan)

'"ell,lady-bird;how goes the gamesorne world In busy London?

Cesariosomeone may hear `thee .

The HostessFaro no fear ; i'Yaitb.,swe-3theart,thy secret's safe withdolly Golden .I'm a good friend to thee and would be better .''hy will 't thou don this .Ally :nasquernde?

CesarfoLcndon'a no place for friendless maidc,who would keep honQest .Ch,dear Came Colden,rdne's a bitter life .'a being neither'Man nor, woman ;one,who to save her sex,Muit cast hersas: _"ay .

The fostecaCast away :^ye,marry come up ;and so it is!Ah,lassf,would'stthou put#lon a farthin1;ale and cone to my inn,thon should(atlead an honest life,--ayc and a merry life .Thou'd talkacross our bar to many a man of mettle ;---and with goodmettle jingling In his p ouohtou't come?i have' often askedthee .

C ena.rioNo,goosip ;,

have my trade . I'll sticli to't .

T1Te Aosfess(insinuatingly)

If thou't oome,there'u one will be at hand to help theeat thy work ;---n comely fellow,for whom I think you havea hankering .

C©sarioListen.If ever he discover who and what I am,I vanish.

The tiosbeesVanish?where?

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CeoarioI know not ;but from him forevor .Bethink thee,friend,thou'itno'r force me to that?He is the one friend I have ever had .Tic is so kind and tender .

The HostessIf thou't not Love the lsd,what zould'at thou with him?

Cesario~:ave ;shim from Londono*-.---and himself .

The lloste3s:el1.,lass,I'I1 Icoo}p thy soaret .aave him,if you can .

(3hakospearecomes down the stairs)

'ell .eell;hant warmed the beds?

-1-i .'re3pearo'.l? 's done,

The fontessThen I'll go up and f etch their a atiff glass of riollandsto warm their r1nrr wa,ero they Sleep .

(She goon up the tairo)

Cos urio--='{h3., ,'x? land thoe .~zy beat feathered cap to weer to+rmorrow

::thakes ;neareThy cap?--too z'iall,

O csariNI'll shape St new to fit thy head .Oh, think, whatthis maymean to you and me,'! drudge no longer at a squalid inn :shall't lord it on the boards,and play the hero to my lady-love .

ShakespeareThou dost not play to-mprrow ?

CwGariofo;but if you win ouceoas,noxt week they put "Endymion"i'the bill:shall't plky B'umeniden to my Cinthia,Doot know thelinen?

5hake3poareTo„each semicolon .Take thy cue ;

"Ilast thou forgotten thyself,Endymion,then do I not mar-vel thou remetbrest not thy friend .Behold also Cynthiaby whose virtu thou shalt continue thy natural course,"

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Cosaric'end Cy:.this aa::r~ra ; I S Il not be so stately,good Fndymion,nott to stoop to do thee good ;and nltho my Taoutb hath beenas untouched as m3; thoughts ; ;jot now to recover thy life .Iwill do that which never yet mortal mar. could boast of herehto tore,nor shall ever hope for hereafter .''

;3 .la ;c spe_-r. eAnd then she kissos hiTI) .

CesadioNo ;tie ~`ndyaiisr,iche kisses .

:~hekeapeareell,well,lad ;tiihen thou art costumed in thy woman's weeds,sell show'em hor a love scene should be played .

( ,,*it :j. a sudden thou6tft)Love----I forget.tay ,lad, I cannot go to Cxaord-town :i must not leave my poet ;sge might pass by .

esarioCan'st not forget?

L,hakespear e.:o ;not rhilo life is to .me .llave I endured all this squalidtoil for naught?

Cecario)hv-may .have passed already .

..hakespearei sleep with ono ear open$$ ./- boat of horse-hoofs on thestratford road,and I am at the door to see who passes onto London-town .

CeaarioOh .-"ill--- ill-- -''ill ;rhy waste your boing on a dream?

~2hakespearcIt is the dream which keeps my heart allvo ;without ijtbreath would slacken,brain would dull,

sCeaario

And while you dreair, thin? Passionate sweet dream,Life's great achievements pass you one by one,

`,hakospeareThat dream of passion . 1 have known in Youth,The fire of hot blood strangled with desire ;That,being burn'. ,leaves ashes of disgust :But this is not that earthly firo*s--this---

Cesan c+This is a subtle fir©,mcare fatal still :The poisoned,cankering Faaslon of the sense .

c

ipointing out the window)Look at the :upsets of London ,stretching out ;The tavern and the brothel side by side,'ith beckoning windowa,lit by stolen fire,

`.south's sacredlamp,whoao oil you'd freely waste,Bueauae the burning ma :cca a pretty light .There in that flaming hell I've livod my days,And I have aeon :ruch sights---such aightawould makern ilamortalia sperit shrivvc1 and grog old .Day after day,you .atroams into tho Lown,fresh uncorked flasks of that Same precious oil ;Largos and lass,laughing and light of heart,-And on each laughing brow,a little sparkOf something half-levine,fed by that o il .I have seen those vessels aftor,drainod and cracked,Thrown o :i the dune,-hecp,spark gone out,glad youthLike a sucked-orange,lying in the sower .')h, the town, the 'yo-4m: perdition for a man ;And what for maids- .--oh what for friendless maids?

'hakespeareehy,lad,thou art a very moralist .

(lightly)Nay,boy;thou art too young, .Love bath not yetClapp ed tnee upon the ihouldor, Now,, supposeYou had a tricksy :,prate a-stride your heart,One with a tiak'liah heel to spur you. on .'hy tia from :roman,,iaapiration comes :sitting upon the bunches at the p lay,I catch a side glance from a mask above ;T'is ohe .-»--- r at the churchOne lo-r-toned voice stands out against the chaunt ;Tis :iho .r in the uti ootis winTow opens and across the sill,A half-turned creamy cheek and dimpled hand :Tis ahe,this tirae ;tis she,I tell you----then :Bang goes the shutter ;hymns in cadence end ;a hood conceals thv mek .oo--I am alone,;lono,despairing,yuite forlorn .But wait :'hat's that beforetJust at the alley 'a turn?". twinkling foob,a crimson petticoat :4604T is she ;

(br ink; away)1 ,lad ;he game's too asreet 1'11 not forogo't .

( The players are heard shouting drunkenly outside)

- hat's tatC esaric,

The lads are come . Tilt thou not go to Oxford?

JhakespeareLdy :)oat is hero,

8

3hakesr.eare"eloom©,good friends .

H emrningeHave at thee,3reet V11tlll Shakespeare .

(dhakespoare greets the other men in turn)

Tii.m the last night thou shalt# drew wine in an inn ;thewhich thou shalt do far us,when re have got our businessout of hand .

Marlor- eHang yourself, you muddy rogue,hang youraelf ;wine first andbusiness afterwards,

"IlyIf I get not a sup o' urine to stedy me,I shall be drunkpresently,

MarloweDrun' You whorson knave, if you ever drew a sober breath,'twould choka you,

GreeneCome,let us settle first with '"i11 about to-rmovrow,

SlyN'o,no ;drink first and 3ettl.e afterwards,

Miarlow,5Drink first and let another settle after7nrd3 ;that's yourmotto .

.;ly(with drunken dignity)

You lie,villian,

MaaloweCease from your quarre1 ;let no man give another# the lietill all lie beneath the table,Ho,Mother Golden;Wine .

All the Players(beating on this table)

" ine,rine,Wine .

9

(Burbage,kinrlowe,Hemninge,Green and Sly come in .flomminge -is t,he .oldest of the -party,and evidently in eommand ;Marloweis a rather battered- :looking young .zuati,rho looks older thanhis years ; }3urbage is ,, handsome young fe&lore, but very stoutSly is a foolish-lbok ;ing man and very drink,Greene is rath-er nondescript,Te whole party is the worse for drink .)

HoiWringoHo, '•other Golden,ho,'

i

I0

The Tloctoso(enterins;)

Peaco,peaee : Silence this hue nbd cry,I say . Gd's life,IF211givo over keeping house,afore I'll be in these trileets andfrights .You'll bring Justice Farthingale about our ears#,

liarlowe"elcomo,rny blooming 'Iebs o'the cellar ., co:ne ;eerve us withambrosia from thy cr sks ;for we be dodo to-nittht and notmere :aortal: .

The Players"'ine ;bring us wine :

The HostessSilence for the love of God ;and you shall have your wine,Wilt despoil the repute of a virtuous honest gentlewoman?

!:eminingeGive us an honest buss,Moll ;nnd nit shall be roll .

"?le Houtoac(throwin(F,7 him down)

~. o't thou? take that,thou honeyasucklo vlllisn .

The Players(roaring -rith delight)

To't,To't,ffother Golden ;trounce the naughty wretch,

The Hostess(delighted with her prowess)

Nay,ladsj I'll fAtch your drink,Aye marry . Molly Golden isa stout wench yet,can fetch a rascal down .Patience,lnds,patience .

( :The goes out)

Hemmingo(picking himself up)

Come,`7ill,to business ."Alt play with us at Oxfordtown?

3hakeapeareI cannot leave this inn,

liarlowo1"hat is't thpt keops thee,lad? A wehch,I'll warrant,

Burbage(who has been cittin# sulkily by himself)

What matters it what keeps# him?Have we not good men andtrue in the coripany,can play the part?

Marlowe(bantering him)

Alack,those that are thin,have not the expressive eye ;andthose that have it are too thick in the waist-line .StarveRichard,starve ;and thou shalt play the lover,

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3

i3urbage(-ulkiiy)

Miay not a ti7e11-covercd !Tun expref;s the love-pangs too?JLarlo~ e

Nay;let him thump his brea.i3t never so expreosively,thegroundlingi will :3ee nothing but his paunch .

(The player .; all laug).)

Hernmin j c(speaking on ono side to Shakespeare)

Tilt thou not come to help us at this pass?

:3hakedpenre(very reluctantly)

I cannot .

The }io: bes, 3(entering Pith a steaming bowl)

iiere,lad: ,the ale is piping ;iot,traw round,

~1arlow7eWhat the good jeer, Corze,boys,our bellys shall sing "Te-Deun" at tasting ottlothor Colden's brew,Let's- toast her,

The PlayersTo N-nher Colden

(they drink)The Hostess

C-ho,ny hearts,you arc a s,cllant crew .

lyLet'-- have a song,`"ill greene .

The HostessNo;no songs for God's sake .

Marlow eone . One to cheer our hearts,

The 2layersYes, Yes .

The }?ootess"ell----ono ; but let it be a low one,

Greene(ru ings

Hey nonny no :Men are fools that wish to die ;Is't not fine to dance and sing'When the bells of death do ring?Is't not fine to swim in wineAnd turn upon the toe

II

And sing hoy nanny no .'hen the win : blow and the seas flow?"ley nonny no :"

The PlayersAgain ;Again ;

Marl.0rAnother glasa, Dwac

The float asaI'll drink no more than will do me good for any man's pleas4ure,

Hemminge(putting his a "in around her)

Not 'for rne,swooting?

The '•?DzttccAn' you play the saucy cattle with me,I'll Slap yonir mouldychap, ,

iarloveA song ---

song :

The iio, tE! -,ZPeace, pea.c c ;for the love of Heaven ;

----, The PlayersNo, no ; along----a song .'

Greene,sin rs=u

"7 cannot ert but little melt,?y stomach Is not good ;

The players(Jo ininL In)

But surf I thins that I can drink"'1th him that wears a hood .

Back and side go bare,go hare ;Both foot and hand go cold ;?ut,belly,'God send thee good ale enough,r'hether it be new or old ."

(The Ho teen has tried to quiet them ;but they grorw moreand more boiaterous,until ahe is carried sway b y the funand joini3 in too .Just as the riot is at its height,therecornea a loud knocking at that` doom, They allpause, )

Far thingalegoutside)

Open in the name of the Queen .

The HosteaaThe law is upon ua .I'ra undone .

12

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I

Open i.n

na;r.e of the :".ueen .

The ilosto sYes, yoW' honor ; coning ;our honor .

( :Jiie hurriez tae -abtis:~.g to thr- door and opens it .Farthingaleand t ,.-,-o very old .rc fef:ble watchmen enter)

';hat honor is it that honors us with your honor's presenceat this hour of n i.gi s :?

Farthingaj-e(shaking hi: Nn.~;cr in her face)

Ch,thou

vo{nan,who would convert the Pntire neigh-borhood . "ho jhe t," "these swaggerers?

The i o of > .

'! Ill have no :.ti;aggorf:r° horo .I am in good name

and fame hcrcrhouts .

Farthinga1 e1l?y .Thou crt a benovolont woman ;thou naughty hostess of ani .l.l- famed inn : to perturb a worthy constable from his rest ;aye a worthy and c .n honest ;and one very promiscuous amongher ma jocty'o officers .

The 4iosteasAyo,aye;good sir .

n- y an(4 slip .; ups-stairs)

:̀arlor oHave at thee,scurvy officer ;That would break In upon thesport of honest gentleman .

Farthingale:curvy: Scurvy! T? I? I that em suspected by old and oyoung! aiarry,there s,°°:gall be gosling for' this night's work ;s yemarry,ernd hanging ; -.ye and horsewhipping. Seize them;seize them .

( ;"ho rlayere all ,A and to-geather,waiting to be attacked ;the two ratchmenru.n into the extreme corner,and stand withthIer pikes held out In an attitude of_ defence .)

The PlayersCome on ;cono on,

rc.rthingale(kfter circling around Lhem,without daring to attack sees

Cesario,iho has taken no part in the previous soene ;buthas gone quietly to sleep on the settle by the #'tfire)This is the one ;look upon his face .Is not this the face of

13

4

a benefactor? Tis he hath# roused honest gentry fromtheir bedo ."1 o Coal with him ;

.?}1a'%eopuare(stepping in bctyeen)

Touch that lad., and with my naked hAndr ; I'1l give thee sucha por ieling no f thou shalt long remember .

Farthi,nrrle(rzunnin cvl;ry'to th'-, d6or)

Ponmel .'Pommel an officer of the law.' I am detected by theQueen's -4-arrant, I'll to law awgainst thee,

(To the ~F,tch )Take ,tvtye good: note of him and all he se.ys . I'll. have ananion of battery ^ .<, that him,

~ ::authammpton(who,nith Bacon, liar, descended the stairn during the pre.

ceeding scene of c,,." otion,no,i comes forward and addressesFnrthingale)-Herr,fe?lo'

a ~r,-jldcn crc-..,n for thee .C.o home to bed andlet theac; rcynt-rer .: ho 'll. stand responsible for theirbehavior .

rtI-,ih r lc:(uttcrly over--.-7cd by the noblemarn)

`^ ,3ir,I air your honor's most hunble,obctina.te servant .(to the t ::tch)

Core ;rot thane home again to bed .(the erat ch r:o out)

God bless your '*or£ hip and good-night .(turning at the door)

Yet,si», TI c=ould not have you think me scurvy . I have avery good dicputetion in the neighborhood ;and am suspectedby old and young .

OTC goes out)

:;haker:peare(to :'outhampton)

I thank you,eir„

outhanptonNo thanks ; I like your mettle . Take this ring . If everneed'st a patron for thy saribblinga ;bring it me again, IV

..'hakecpeareYour name?

SouthamptonHal T'riothealey,earl of Southampton .

(He and 3econ retire t the back of the .room and drink atone ',f the tables)

Cea :xrioOh," l1,, howw brave you are ;

z4

1

(to the others)L'id ho noy look, tic horo when his wrath was moved :

r c Inm in.gCome with ua lad ;thou can'aL not say us nay?

You have fired '.i y vۥins ; I'11 go with you to Oxford .

Thr PlayersYou'll go?

ern!nin;eI 't a bargain? Your hand apon't,

;;hake .~ncaraPty hard ind C' , cal .

ilE::nh:1 ngeT'hon b:-: in tire,!yard at five appareled for the journey, Nowlads,a bumper to our comrade o'the buskin .To sweet `"AllJhakesponre

---1

The Fla.yer,3To dhakespea.r€ ;

15

(They d_rink,The noise of horses hoofs is heard outside)

;h akespeare"'ht.t' ;1 that?

The voice of the Dark Lady(outside)

Is one Lord Bacon lodging at this inn?

hakeopeareThar voice,

Bacon(going to door)

Aye,lady,that he 4L~s,(to the Players)

Good lads,be off to •bed .A gentleroman comes cold and a.weary-who mould s 4.t by the fire,

He=inge1yo ;th'a.t we will,

(baconl "ocs out)

Marlowemother Golden,Ho .' Mother Golden: Beds,beds,beds for kingsof pasteboard land .

The kTot~tess

The Hostess(appearing above in a nightodress)hat a catterwauling is this?

MarloweBeds,my passionate appprition,beds to lay us down,

The PlayersBeds, beds, beds ;

The Hostess(descending the stairs)

For the love of God,peace,"hat ails you? Have we devilshere?

HemmingeOne good-night kisi,my over-ripe plum,

The Hostess(buffeting him)

",O l t thou? Take that ,scurvy knave .kye ;and I have beenlipped by better mean than thou .

The Players(forming a ring and dancing around her)

All dressed- In whiteFor bridal. night ;With a hey ho,hey ho-Good wine and bread baEThe board to spread,`~-ith a hey ho high,

The Hostess(beating them)

You knaves, Y ou rogues, Take that,you saucy blackguards ;

(The Players all run up stairs,laughing and yelling ;sheafter them beating them)

Cesario(coming to Shakespeare,as he stands at the table lost inthought)You promised,''fill,

Shakespeare(starting)

"'hat : ":hat ; Nay, lad, I must about my5,̀ work . .

(As .he goes out the door,the Dark Lady comes in from thecourt-yard,followed by Mistress Brentford.They stand fora moment in startled recognition ;then Shakespeare goes' out,bowing low to her)

The Dark LadyOh,welcome roof ;oh,welcome,welcome fire ;

15

1

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(She suddenly comes face to face with # Oesariq ;the twowomen stand looking at each other for a moment :then Oeariogoes silently and sorrowfully up the stairs)

The Dark LadyThat is a saucy lad there's something in his look thatmakes me ill at ease,{.***-o h pab : Come,kinswoman,toastthee byythe fire,

Mistress Brentford', ould we had stayed # in Arden,Oh .my back ;

Bacon(entering)

Dear lady,did you think I had brought you to a witch'snights

The Dark LadyIf you #ad I should have called for a broom-stick and abridal,---Oh,Francis,I have been in Arden such a weary whilrThat methinks I have grown a little mad,"'hen I saw London'slights before me in the dark,the sap gan stirring in myveins, 'watch me ;I shall commit some folly ere the nightis out,

BaconIn which folly,may I abet thee,

The Dark Lady(glancing at Mistress Brentford)

.)h .1,Then shall we start for court?

BaconAT dawn,

*calling)Hal,Hal iriothesley ;

(Southampton comes forward)My Lord Southampton,let me make you known to---

The Dark LadySh'--Name not a lady's name in such a place .

(to Southampton)Sir,I have seen your face about the court .

Southamp ton ~`(bd~wing

Madam, it must have been when I was star-gazing at a mid-night sky .

The Dark LadyNeatly turned,my lord ;but I have little patience with as-tronimers,

SouthamptinWhy so?

16

17

The Dark LadyThey have ever one eyeclosed,and t'other screwed up to atelesoope .---I'll love no man with a telescope between .

(Shakespeare comes in)Come,sirrah and loose my spurs . .

Bacon & SouthamptonLet me .

The Dark Lady,No;you shall not, soil ypur fingers with a menial's task .Ifyou would serve me,go fetch me something to warm my heart .

3outhamptor. .There is some hot mulled wine,here close at hand,

(Bacon and Southampton both hurry to get the wine from thetable where they were sitting)

Shakespeare(on his knees removing her spurs)

Hast thou fergot me?

The D:: ark LadyNo,Ganymede :nod maying time .'"hat dost thou here?

Shakespearepatching the Stratford road for the# return of one I wor-ship from afar,

The Dark Lady(seeing the men return]

Peste!sirrah,thou art clumsey.Now t'other one .My thanks,a"

(to the noblemen)My thanks,sirs ;but fitst you must give poor Kate a warm-ing sup.

(Southampton takes the tankard to Mistress Brentford)Lord Francis,go you too,and see if there be aught the poorexhausted lady neodss .

(Bacon goes ;she turns again to Shakespeare)I'll see thee in the morning,

ShakespeareIgo away at dawn,

The Dark Lady13e underneath my window in an hour:!would speak with thee,

ShakespeareAye,cytherea,with my heart ablaze .

The Dark Lady(jumping up and crossing o the others)

Tis done,'"ell,Francis,how's the court? Am I again in favor.

BaconThou art forgiven and thy place re;*ored ;but,by my faith :

twas no light task Vaccomplish,

The Dark LadyIn due time thmu shalt be recompensed :in token whereofwear this chain for me,-

SouthamptonThere is a golden key at the end,ni`hat means it?

The Dark LadySh; It unlocks a secret orchard,My lord,when you have deserved them,you may have favors too,perchanoe,

(to Mistress Brentford)Come,Kate;we'll to bed,

Mistress BrebtfordAlack,alack;My bones,;

The Dark LadyMy Lord Southampton,go you ahead and light the way .Nay,Francis,you must help my kinswoman,Come,Kate ;on,on,

(';men they have gotten well up the stairs,she turns andsays to' Shakespeare almost in pantomime,beforeshe .goes)

One hour,

Me goes up. Shakespeare puts out all the candles, in theroom,which is now only lighted by the fire ;then he gets thehour-glass and crouches on the settle watching it in thered glow from the fire .)

9

Curtain o Scene I,

Scene 2 .

--------------------

The court-yard of the inn,lying in the heavy darknessthat preceeds the c:awn,Now and them a few snow-flakesfall .The stables and out buildings are wrapped in shadow .

(Shakespeare is waiting beneath an unlighted window)

Shakespeare1

Oh,sluggish hour-glass,with sands too slow ;I have a clock i'my breast that quite outstripsYour reckoning;one with a pendulumWagging 'twixt heart and brain,a madd'ning tick :comes-not","comes-not","comes-not" .

Oh,breathless hour of love's anticipation!Parched lips,and surging pulses in my ears ;(lightedQ(Acandle appears in the window above)

My star : Here lies fulfilment and my goal .

(The light gtes out and the window opens)

The Dark Lady(appears &n dishabile,covered with a fur cloak)

(calling softly)Ho . Ganymede!

ShakespeareHere at your window's foot$Why have you kept me waiting all the night?

The Dark LadyI copld not come ti}.1 now . Tell me,I p rayWhat keeps thee loitering here,in place o'th'town?

ShakespeareA vision and a hope„ A memoryOf two dark eyes reflected in a brook .A vision o f two lips that neared to mine,Till I had almost tasted of their sweets ;A vision of two arms wherein lay heaven,So close that I had almost forced the gates .Thus thro the days the vision and the hope :Of what had been and what should someday be ;Each night,I said"To-morrow" ;and each morn"To-day" .---,And when night camw again,"To-morrow stillWas smiling round the corner .

The Dark LadyForrest lad,

'.that armourer has tipp ed thy magic tonguer

k

I

`71th such delicious poison,that my pierced earsStoop to a common well to quench P"A" At Ittheir thirst .

ShakespeareOh, had I such a tongue,

Then should you hear and see a world transformed .This is not England,noy December's chill ;'Tis night,a soft Italian night of June .This is a palace not a stable-yard ; ,That tower# might have stood when Rome was young ;No storm-clouds lower,there's an azure sky ;These# are not snow-flakes but azalea bloomsSwept downward by an Adriatic breeze,Hinting of ,# 5 cedar and of ilet woods .Among the bushes fire ..f)Cy love-lamps shineTO guide a questing suite ;r to his mate ;Far down the terrace sings the nightingaleOf love---of love ; and from the s3heping worldA rythmic pulse beats thickly,as of heartsClose-pressed to-.geather, :and of sleeping arms,Still intertwined in sweet forgetdulness,

(the voices of the players are heard outside callingfor Shakespeare)

The players, I must go .

The Dark Ladyf#~1 f

Go--where?

ShakespeareTo play in Oxford .

Fate smiles ;it is my chance,

The Dark LadyStay do not go,

t

I would not have thee go .

ShakespeareI must;the hour is ripe,

And must be harvested .

Look in my eyes .

The Dark LadyThou can'st not go .

ShakespeareI cannot see your eyes,

The Dark LadyThen hear my voice .Until to.-night I thoughtDesire lay in the eye ;but this blind hourHas taught me 'tis a something in the voice

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Like a plucked lute..thread,quivering on the ear .I think to-night I love thee ;love thou me .

ShakespeareSpeak on and like a sympathetic thread, J#-gI'l?l answer tone for tone .

Marlowe(within)

Shakespeare .

ShakespeareSee : they come, .

The Dark LadyStaid caose ;answer them not,

(the players cross the stage with lanterns in their hands)

?rarlowewhere art thou, lad?

He nmingea plague an him ;

hat will we do if he can not be found?

l3urbageHave you no fear;I'll play the part right well,

Green"?erhapa he's waiting yonder on the road,

MarloweJF~ cannot wait him if' he be not there .

H emmingeIf needs be, .3urbage,dost thou know the lines?

BurbageTo th' letter .

.H emm ingeCome then,

*The players go out bar the gate,calling on Shakespeare)

ShakespeareImust after them .

The Dar$ LadyNot,yet,noy yet .'rill,were this Avon stream---.Thou near,as we were on that summer mornCh,climb,boy climb .

ShakespeareThe window is too high .

The Daek Lady

3

The Dark LadyLook in the wall% . Is there a foot-hold?

Shakespeare(gropeing about the walls with his hands)

(The players , outs ide, call again(

The Dark LadyDo not go,iill . Fortune hath many tides ;.':hat's one chance morn or less?

Shakespears

I'd forego Heaven itself .

None .

For one short kiss,

The Dark JadyCan'st reach my hand?

(He stands on the bsnch and reaches for her hand,whichshe stretches down to him)

ShakespeareThou art too high .

The Players(far-off)

IIo,Will---we stay for thee .

The Dark LadyReach higher,higher .(she leans far down ;and catches his hand .As she does so,

her fur mantle clips from round her ;at the same moment,the moon breakes out from the clouds and shines upon hergleaming throat and shoulders)

. ShakespeareOh let me kiss that

# princess of pure white,That seal of bliss,

The Dark Lady(drawing him up to her)

U- 16111 .

Climb,climb .

(He gains the window-sill)The world's well lost,

Here in your arms .

(they kiss)

Bacon(within)

Ho ; Stable-boy : A pox upon the rogue .'-$

4

I

The Dark LadyMy friends .' ;hat, have I dona?

(she. hastily closes the window and bolts it .)(Bacon and Southhampton cress the yard)

SouthamptonA pretty inn forsooth!wrhere gentlemen must fetch theibown nags up .

BaconPerhaps he's sound asleep in one of the stalls .Let's tothe stables .

(they enter the stable)(From now on it gradually becomes daylight)

Shakespeare(leaping to the ground)

The goal is won! Sweet Adoady's at hand,And inspiration's self a step ahead to guide me on,

( Cesario followed by Green,comes in hastily at thegate)

Cesarioiill,they can stay'no longer for,thee .

ShakespeareLet then go .

Greene?il't play us such a scurvy trick?

ShakespeareI stay here .

CesarioThy future hangs i'the ballance

ShakespeareMy heart's on the other side and tips the scale .

GreeneBe hanged to thee,ere thou shall have another ohanoe,Bur-bage shall play the part,

(HE goes out)

CesarioOh,'7ill.f;what hast thou done?

Shakespeare

5

'ShakespeareFoblowed the glo w

Where burns my lucky star .

CesarloFalse fire,falso fire :

Already fading in thr growing dawn .

(The noblemen come from the stable,followed by a groomholding three horses)

SouthamptonCome,thou clumsy raocal ;bring thr nags ----since thy fel-low servant can not be found,

Shakespeare*coming forward)

Here I am, sirs .

Baconell,sirrah ;where halt thou been?

ShakespeareIn Arcady,

Bacon(angrily)

Keep thy fantastick antics till thy work be done ;if thou'd-acape a smoking Jacket .

(Shakespeare bites his lips angrily . The Dark Lady comesout of the inn,followed by Mistress Brentford)

Bacon(tothe Dark Lady)

Come,mistress mine ;wn must come to Lady Standish's bybreakfast time,whore thy final rites of condonement .shallbe performed .Canst last the journey fasting?

The Dark Lady`,'e . have had some mulled sack in the kitchen,will stay ourstomachs for the nonce . Forward!'

(She prepares to mount her horse;Shakes Bare comes eager-ly to assist her ;

6

A,

ShakespeareMay I not help thee to thy horse?

The Dark Lady'Yea,help me up .

(he helps her to mount)

Shakespeare:hither go you?

The Dark LadyTo the court .

"hakespeare"hall I ever see thee there?

The Dark LadyIf thou hast wit to fdnd a mount will carry thee so far .

ShakespeareAnd should that come to pass?

The Dark LadyThenwho knows----we'll see .

(To her party)Come,friends . On to the court ;

(They ride off)

Shakespeare$looking after her)

To find the mounthat way?The Players :(recollecting)

No----tool late : I've lost that chance,(sinking disconsolately on the bench)

'-'hat steed will carry me so far?

Cesarlo(Coming to him and laying her hand on his sho ulder)

Leave steeds for weaklings . Forward,T"ill,a-foot .

ShakespeareA-foot lad?

(Suddenly springing up with fresh enthusiasm)Aye,a-foot ;if thou wilt by my side ;

. "That if the road be steep,our limbs are stout .The day is young and as the sun ascendsThe summit of the sky,we'll climb---we'll climb'Te'11 CLIMB .

(He puts his arm around Oesario's shoulder and they godown the road to London to-geather)

Cr tain to actI!,,

1.

T IF F

:) H '

P 1H A T~~ V

P T-1 A Y .

OnAMATT to I nowl IMon-v -- _W_ _"Or

ACT I ! I .--------------------

3cenes I N II .

------------------------------------------

Characters incidental to ?V i ii . i n the order of theirappearance :

2 GentlemenLord krancia BaconRichard Burb,geChristopher Wnrlowe .The Dark LadyMistres3 Brentfordiilliax 6hakespeareThe Earl of SorthTmptonAn ApprenticeA London 7ifoCesarioA ".roman Of the TownA StudentAn Orange-girlHe mminceSlyGreen eThe RogueThe Rogue's Tife(The Wench)A CharwomanMother Golden

-r---w.-..w

NOTE: Shakeseate's make-up in thin act is that of the pie-UVA . All the characters are considerably older thnt in theprevious act .

I

(some years later )

Act III .

A street in London, :rith a view of the river .

(Enter two gentlemen meeting)i

113t - Gentleman"oll met . ',':hat news is there at the wourt?

2d Gentlemanhay,rather is it my office to cry-."'hat news ;" I have beenfrom town this long while and am just returned .How dothOthe queen?

la l, Gentleman(after glancing around)

she agog fast . ' he yoara begin to show beneath the paint .

2d GentlemanAnd do her spirits wane

Iut GentlemanD'te contrary . - ould that her temper might *wither with herYOAff beauty . !Jas : i .:.s a sad life that we lead nowadays ~tabout the court .

2d GentlemanIs Fz;Fax still in favor?

Ist Gentlemanos still ;but he id hard-pressed by his friond Southamptonin her Majesty's affections .

2d GentlemanJoutnamp ton .'

1st Gen'tleiiiinnlie, 7ould he but wisely play his cards,he might be king---behtnd the throne----in England .

2d GentlemanAnd will he nott

1st GentlemanHis spirit is too high to bend . He'll dance attendance atno woman's court ;but leads a careless life and nightly beatsthe town with rakes and prodigals in search of dport .

2d GentlemanTis said that Drake is back discomforted from his adventuredin '.he indies,that thaw war in France is far from at an ead,and that Bacon hath taken a now mistress---one with a flaxenpoll

I

2d GentlemanAnd the dark one?

Tst r-nt1oni nDissapeared from co r_rt . ' .here who can say?

2d Gentleman1..nd 3acon ; ar:: he and 'Jouthampton still inseperables?

Ist GentlornanLeas than formerly . ;3acon for long mould not suffer anotherto even' sniff the savor of his tempting plattor ;and now,byhis ve'y sucoss in 1i4' keeping his Lid-bit to himself,findshis palate' staled and appetite destroyed .

2d. (:ontlernannd the;; lady

Ist CentlemanUu:.t nook another market .

2d Gc.ntle:nanIn Booth, horo comeo the: , .giant xo speak of .

( Bacon comas in)

Bacon

rCrive you good-morroc:,ggentlenzen .

la t Gentlemanmood-rn rro~,sir .

2d Gentleman(bowing)

:hither away so fast?

Bacon;Tarry, to the Play-houu o .

d' WW3 LY Bacon"the Globe" . is the sole one that quality frequents .

IS L Gentleman7hat's the play?

BaconOne newly put upon the boards,about a cursed Shrew .

Ist Gentleman;ho wrote the piece?

BaconI know not ;---but Burrage plays ,and young Cesario :and when

2

1

they're in the

bills,, what odd's the play?

?'1 GentiemniGurba c-e' : ie mutt be new to fame ; Id.o not know hus name .

'"anonYou. may see him if' you will, f or there he passosnow,

(l3urbage crboses at tho back with a masked woman hanging tohis arm)He's on his way to perform . Look at the woman. Canst recog-nize her?

Ist Gentleman.Not : . ;she must be the wife of some rich merchant of the townHe hath great repute as a lsdy'u man .

%,aconI'll call him . ~?q~E1, iiu i3urbage ; let me have speech with the

;uroaC;c(exausdng himself to , the woman

Your pardon .(hurrying to Bacon)

Row -can I serve your Lordship?

3acon(bantering him)

Come . :;e'll bear thee company to the theatre .

i3urbage(bowing)

`,TY lord, you ov(ir -whelTa no with such conpliment ;but---(self-consciously)

I have a cornnnniom Lhit xer will not be gainsaid .

Ist GentlemanAha,Dick .

(the geritleiaenlaugh)

2d Gentleman':that do you play to-day7

aurbfat piece about the taming of a Shrew .

BaconI 've oeyen thee in the part and liked thee well .

i3urbage(beaming)

You saw me? rye,?etruchto =s well enoui;but you should seeme in a tragic part---- taomething with the true awing .One orKit Marlowe s pieces---then you should see me sway them .

3

4

2d Gentlemanhow that I loo, at thoe,it oomes to me I :yaw thee play along while since at court .

f •-

T3urt' ~!ri

(hastily)I played where orca ;but that ras in my early dtiys :I had notfound my line .I rear this-cast . t'ley used to east me ---mo,mylord,for aomedy old men .?3ut nor----have you seen me in "TheLascivious Queen"?

2d GentloatanNo .

iiurbagoAh ; Then wait ---vait till you have seen me in that master-piece of'darlowe'L,

Marlowe(who has entered with t •.vo companions)

,;ho speaks of Marlo •..e?(he joins the party,the two actors go out) .

rip-con:iOlco ,Cood Xit ; do you too play to-day?

:Jar In w eVf you may call it playing .I do my beat with the part ;butthis piece is so ill-contrived that one can soaree tell onecharacter from another .It wants breadth action . There are nolofty speoohc,e --- no heroic periods .

LurbageTis very true this ?otruchio that I play,I have built upfrom nothing---a more skeliton of a pabt ;which I fill outuntil---well you shall see me play it presently .

3accr.`To wrote the piece?

Burbageone of the smaller members of the company--Till Shakespeare

BaconBhakospearo ;that's 3outhamptons protege .Ho as a country lad

Marlowe:ill's a quick follow, if ho would listen to advice and leerThe trouble with him lies in polishing too muoh .lie carves .and whittles till thore's nothing left to a play,and ealls •iimitating nature . trature„ 'That place has nature in the themtre? Now when I fling off a line.I jot it down hot-foot justas my fancy nways,and let it stand at that .

I

_BurbageAye, ill mopon too :rich

(here the lady impatiently becthons ';urbaee )

I pray you pa-dnn -,n,sn7,aZeM- -, .nt.s wait no tint rill not beforgot .

(he bay put c on hi n. hat. and goes out with the lady)

i ..aconI see you players load ?.o^ce livers here {n the tow n .

VarloweDick's a favorite among the ].aches . hey keep him like a king13ut for this play-writing : the first thing that I do Then Ibuild a play----

(they ret4re to the background and talk in dumb-show)(1e Dark Lady and M1stress ~3rentford,(# enter,masked)

The Dark Ira lThere he ig now .

-- ""'

=4introsn t3rentford1i 70ll ;and since you have what youdve a .dver.tured so far tosagek, ,ahat would you"

The mark Led .I must speak to hits .

?_'_°Vqtre3c `3renti'ordAye,ohuok;for Coci'a s ke,plead with hia ;win him back.

The Dark LadyGo thou;aacoat him.Tell him I would speak with him. I'llstand here i'the shade .

(she w:tLks aside,drawing ho mantle about her)

mistress Jireratford(nPDroaohi.n g the nflr )

God Je good moues?:, gent1 emends.

Ist Gentleman(turn.±ng)

God Ye good den,fair geratlewonan .

!istrcao BrentfordIa it good den?

1st gentlemanAye noon is past and gone .

5

tiarloreBoon;" must to the theatre .pith all dispatch . 1 crave yourpardon, gent loners, ad ieu .

(he bars to Vistresv Brantford)

=Nfstro3s 3rentfordFaro you spell, z ir .

'iRr .o ;eFarevell s ancient lady;seek time no longer,for time shall

i

seek thee ere thou ntrt aware,

'Ustreae LrontfordNow what a man are you Eo opeaksso saucilyf E$8 to A women?

a t'.'.arlown

One, gentlewom n, that trod hatb made for himself to mar.I are-well . Gontlemem. rid1ou .

(ho hurries out)

!1st real, ' rentfordIt ic_Lord Bacon -1 ii:oul4 speak with,

38cou(coldly)

That do You want ow ne?

Mi3trewu Brentford(pointing 66 the Dark Lady)

Mly kinswoman .could ape-.lc with thee .She wits .(imploringly)~_, I It thou not 3 ; .̀ .undr to her?

I s t Gentlemant, fmitat ing)

.'iLt thou not s-ov.11c to !1r$ s~~h,Frank:

(the two gentlemen laugh)

Mistress 13rentfordNow out upon thoe !

d Lent lorienThese players are loose livers m afraid . Oh,modesty .

(they laugh again.3

BaconGo on to the play-housG .There I'll join you later .

Ist Gentlemani.at it he snnn_Frank_ no not loose

6

2d Genders ,nLot not a player l o bz..d example cause thy foot to stumble .Far evoll,good r r; ;•lelvoman .

You saucy varle:. ;

la t wilt lataa:iFarewell . Iio'7l speak to her I'll Warrant:

(tho two I ontlomen E:o out laughing)

`aGGa

(coming to tho iia.rk lady)'e11 :̂

1'ZLO Dark Ladyt'c;aovi :. her, T az;k)

IIy lordF-rtink .

aco:1(inzolsntl.y )

"hat? Roducad to :repuenting the Public throughfares?

The Dar" Lady'"rot ining her areetness of hammer)

Percharcn I seek an errant lover here .

Bacon(carolescly)

Luck to ypur searcf .Y:ou shall not come again to court tolook for him I promise you .There's nothing also?

The Dark Lady(angrily turning her back on him)No .trothing .

BaconGod ye good den .

(he goes out htu ing a tuns)

The Dark Lady(turiou ly)

:Scolr: ed,

rue by that varlet,:cow by thr hour that gave me+~irtb,he

repay me for those words :

-tiatresa - 'retitfordCome hone ;come home,,, ;

.rz.h© )ark Lad

`:at. mope at aome sahd lot the world alip unstayed from myhan40 t , that -,,sill I neier,

k

iatress I3rentfcrdthere then?,

~`hc Dark LadyAfterj7 hiss to the play-house . Ho shall not drive me home tohang my h : ; .,:d . ).no . n hsh cast me off : Well then, I'll findanothor :_ ::o11 tak .o hits plw .oe,r&nd find ate a retal.liation formy errant. :3vinin .Choor thte,good rate ., I'll see you do notsLarve .1ako heart . Lo1; in my face;Ido not frown: I laugh.11o scowl shall ere.-°e my forehead,nor tears wash out thebr±&htne3s of m,; eyea .Tho world is still mine . I've my beau&ty left---2!y beauty and my wits . To work----to work .'

(they 4o out)

8

race,---besides he's a right good poet and ray friend ae wet!

RaleighThem why doth he not who's raore pliancy to tsar can aid you .

out~~ ^i,~tonFaith, there's anotho ..- ,aoinin at the bottom

d`o't .

A woman?. outhamptcn

A dark one: . S:ou. :ono,; thT• ranch Frank Bacrori brought to court .

Ralei r~

Aye ;sha'o •:;ell

acuth^mptonHush! Breath no r-orc- of it to ""ill ;he thinks she's handmaidto Diana .He's mad for ?ove of her,has been for years ;writessonnets to her,and iff bc' hid hi_ ''a jt,would make all thevromnen in his plays as black az ':rebus,

Ralc i,,hI heard a rumor she and Fran!, hn :4 Ms.rrellmd,

..outamptonHe! -hy .1 a was ewer co joy toUS;' ,~'

be routs'• not let me

ccome within a rod of her . -oor 'ill's one object to go toourt was to come at her,,but F rank was at her elbow and she

would not 'swwcsn 1_,;o t at ,i^ 'ehich :jo disgruntled him that he's forsworn t'l:: court, forevF: e .

R :t.1 . t. -iAnd will he no -:,?

Southami.ton

i'I have not :s cede hi.m ; u i_'.' I once arrange it he cannot, wellrefuse his friend . I'11 sec k Racon ;':e shall propose finematter to tree ^u©en,and if you add your off ioes,wo'll have``__,our comedy' performed cat thr , next court revels .

Y

Ilal~.i~jl'".hy not a, the Queen ;;lours' e? 1'?

~•O •Lttflfl~lL) ~L~l'1.

Her' complexion 1 .3 too ct orclio for me-favor for favor Is hermotto .Josidco ^ss~ :t in

cvrorn friend,and I'll not enterthe liatn •gain3t him . 'arE9e~11 .I'lI nae thee later at theplay .

alei~;h

;Farewell, Luck to your quet t,

`(the ;, Co out severally)

CUI~TAI~T to ZCebe I,

J

:_cent.

T41

The interior of tae `Globm" thent~re during a performance .Afternoon . Thel hu t id tng is a curious barn-like. . enclosurewithout roof,e :e ert fnr the

sort.' of pent-houseextending over the stage and supported by pillars from thefloor .The at:age(which Is three quarters facing the audience)projects into the pit,ar1 ii cper, on three s .ides ;at the,, bacis a gallery or ,a.luony-box---the"Lord's room" ---hen©ath #fixwhich hang curtains,f'orming the traverses ;which serve tocut, off the inner stage from the audience . In the wall atone side of the platforir Ic adoor leading behind the scenez .To us only one of the side malls of the auditorium is viaibii .e ;thr bn.c k scene of our stage facing the audience .It hasalso Calleries or boxtr The floor of the pit is covered witbenched and sLoale .1' e lighting comes entirely from above ;from the sky, rh i o b i c seen above the walls of the play-house

(The '`bond's rood' is filled with gentry,soie of whom alsosit on stools at. the corners off the stage . Among the . lordsare !3acon and the C'obtl emon .. The side boxes are also filledrith gentle neli and ~.~ic: ;a ~¢r~,ost of whom are masked) . In thecentral box sits the nark Lady and MA :itross Brentford,bothmasked . The pit is filled °jrith a nolsy,boisteroua,Elizabethian audience o'' ill classes :shop-l eepern "nd their wives,ap-p: eat i.cec, student , moo'en of the to -.in, soldiers and sailors,one ,.r t -.,,,o country peopl e.)range girls hawk their Hares .:: :tong the spectr+.t ors "ve see Mother Golden And The Rogue andhis wifa (the "en rh) , both grown prosperous and portly look-ing . )(On the, ; stagoo the last act of "The Taming of the brew" is

in progress . ^n the :-- Imi.c ctnge are : Burbage as Pet(ruchio,.feramingf as H,:-xptista,Mtiarlowe as Hortenslo,others 'as LucentioTranio,Biondelloeto .)

(Loud laughter and botst6rous applAuse as the curtain rises)

3urbagc(to the actorr playing flrtLvio )"Go to your `!istreas ;sayI command her to come to me ."

(exit Grum*o behind Traverses)

!farlo'-e"I know her answer ."

'""haWBurbgo

I

MarloweAle viill not .

(from the nit)I rarrant you she 'I1 . not,

A London IfaYt aa, thcs proud trollop villX . Tell. him he lies, good Dick .

?u rbage"The fouler fortune mine ;and there an and ."

(Enter thto the travereeG,Cezarlo as atherinall ::he isgreeted by a shout of laughter and applause)

,rie4 fror'. all O"Over the theatrerae

come;Lho l a cone. There she is, !le's tamed her . Iknew it . etc,

The London " ifeI said the hussey "o?Ud .

p~' t .TCcHold up thy head, lr;s :3 , (Ave him a taste of your tongue .

Cosario""hat 3s your -mill, &ir, that you, y send for me?"

A r°oms.nt:a Voice(from t e galbroy ., 3ympathetteally)

Take hoart, cht.c k ;bo not frighted .

Burhage'''`here is your ::3i3ter and liortensio's wife?"

Cesario

i'`They sit conferring by the parlor fire .'

Burbaapo"Go,fetch them hithor ;If they deny to come,i*

tI3wingo me that soundly forth unto their husbands,Away, I say. and bring them hither straight."

The 'roman of the towerTho will not come Iitvage ,

A ,tudcr.tGo thy w*tyn, wench .

I

(Cesario curtesten to Burbage and exits thro the traverses)

Friendly Voices(from the pit)

I

rriondly voicest from the nit)

Come adain,Ce :rrrio . 13e not long gono .

arlowo'Hore iu a wondeh if you talk of a wonder,I :rondcr 7-hat it boden ."

3urbage"Marry, pkace it bndnu,and love, and quiet life .

,. ri Orange Girl(walking, taro the pit)

Oranges,f ine sweet rip" oranges :

~+ Lady.

(from a box)fiithe-r, child .

The Oranpe GirlComing,my lady,coming,

(goes up into the galery)

".urbage(gleping at the pit and raising nis voice)'? An awful rule and righ% suppremacy . "

%Vudcnttae not wrothy,r'f ,cit,to't'. again .

Burba geAnd to be short,'nat44 not that's sweet and happy ."

Ilczrrin .'Now: fair befall thce,

,'gaod Pebeuehio,

The wagor thou hvLz:t wen,"

burbane"Nay I will win my wager better yet,A:\nd show ciore6 sitgts of hFtr obeidetonee . "

(Re-enter Cosario thro the traverses,with Greene as Biancaand 31y an The ''idor .Another burst of laughter and applause)

"gee where ohs comes and brings your froward wivesAo prisoners to her wonanly perauae ion . "

The London ~ ifeGood Ratherine ;Cood girl :

Hurbage"Katherine that cap of yours becomes you not :Off with that bauble throw it under foot,"

4

(Cosa.rio execute,_- the busine3s)

T,': ' o'nr.n of the TownThou art a fool,1 1!3s, 3o t, yield to him .

'^ he .:>tudentServes the wench .ri ~1t ; leti woman band to men .

The I.ondon "=if :~Marry comeup : To make hier so11 her cap ; that's wanton.

Cries(from all over tho tAatre )Peace,peace . Let's hear r,he play . . ilonce .oto .

::1y"Lord ; Let me never have zuch a cUance to sigh,Till I be brought to such a silly pass,"

Greene"Fie what a foolloh db.t,y Call' yon this?2

?urbage"Katherine, I

you tell these headstrong women-hat duty they tto owo their lords ahd husbands,"

:' l y"Gome,come,yon're moat.in .- • we will nave no telling,"

Burba -e"Como on T

and IL iLst h gin Trith her,"

sly. ."'_:he shall not ,

Surbap e"I say she shall, . .

The prre:it_icoTo't,weneh,

Cesario"Fie,fie .' unknitti that threatening unkind browAnd dart not scornful glances from those eyesTo wound thy lord, thy kint„thy govenor 'It blots thy beauty as frosts doj bite the moad,A woman moved is like a. fountain troubled,Ltuddy,all-seeming,thick,bereft of beauty .Thy are our bodies soft,aznd weak,and smooth,Unapt to toil and trouble in the world,But that our soft conditions and our hearts,Should well agree with our oxternal parts?!

5

V

TLia 1"ark LfFcdy(e'rom t::Q galttry)

This boy grows tediouti .

c;r,e:3fron all 41~~uric )

:~31~aca .'1 1-1c -,

heed her ot,Ce .: ;irio .C on .

`1e London ' < ii'cTwau well apo`.c,cony . ,̀yore of those words .

CrieGo on,Cesario . , ,ontlnuo .

L C:, c:r :a"MY mind bath been as big as once off yours,'ay heart ac grEat,rny roasar, haply mpre,'To bandy :,orct for ::ord,anci from_ for frown ;But no I ce our laneos are but straws,Our strength a:• ~aF~s k, c~u . wteakne ~s past compare ;Then veil your etomc.chB for it is no boot,And-place your herds beneath your husbands foot ;In token of

I3uts S if h~: please;~y hang: i zf:a 3.y ; <~y it do hir flare,

VoicesBravely .ipoke,Ccsar. io . What's tree . 'Jell said, eta .

;'nrbagohers's a armch : Come on and kiss me, ;(ate .

'ell go- thy ;~t: ;t:~,o1d lsd,for thou shnlt hn't ."

tiurb€~KEa' i :yon tae wage r, t.io yon hit the white ;And being a ;vi.nnorJi)d r;l.v t y u all good-night ."(Cesario and R •a c'ha$3 •-~xount thro the traverses)

t,arlowc"I;o'i go thy r'nya ;thou hitst tamod a curst shrew .

Ifemminge"Tic a aonder,by your' leav€., :ihe will be tamed so ."

(tho pluyurc exec rt trio by two thro the traverses)

(!applause and ::hours of tpraiso for the different players .G(;neral noicc and conversation .)

I

(turning tc :ic r_ci,ghbor,during a lull in tho hubbub)"rtr one . . .'! 7 2

rpvi .̂re on the stings?

?h .̀' 'tU !F!:j.,le hath not 3'-t *ppr_arc(! .l •:e vas not east in the play,

3:3c~ l,aLt+.ea z~

;fei for-har7.' "'he 'anch)LooL,husband,1oa ; . :fs:here `a ulxwr :3hgkespeare now .

(LhsikespeEir ,~ co::ea t rc t5lr, tre:verjos and is greeted withvery mild app a.us3E>, ? ; cones to the front of the stage andbegins to speak)

;shake p :;arrGood friends, wf : the plkyer3,humbly thank you ;that you havepatlonVLly attondsd,and liberally,rawarded our labors hereto-day .You h~tve seen ho ;: a shrew--that thing more curst thanany plague thqt ever came of -Egypt$As I'll warrant many astout min here toYday ;3hall testify)---may become what allmon,would t' ey o vn it., ;ruiy :heck ; a. noble woman .

To-morrowon thio s(uae

-hall. p erform for your pleasure anentertaining i.r-, -Pragedy called : 'iFau3tus" .Inthis pli.','

1.ooking up .its eye .; suddenly encounter those of the DarkLa.dy,-rho has rc,movPd her mp.3k and is leaning over the rail-ing oi' the bo , i r-i y of light striking full upon her face .IIe ztop3 3n .akinj and remains,* transfixed looking up at her .The audience egiit t,o rnurmer and turns to follow his eye .The Dark Lady

rise^ and retires followed by MistressP. rr'ntford . )

_ :Zt : . . L p'5 re(rccovoring himaelf )

In this play, ;you ehal l behold the vanity of man who .placesall *orldl.y kraxledgo above the value of his soul .The mainpart ohall be ta.Aen by : ichard 3urbage

(loud applratt .. )rhile the .achy I-elen shall be counterfitted# by young Cesar-io .

(more cppleuse ),If you sgain give uU your countenancc,se will strive withour utraozt endeavor to rendor you due satisfaution . .

Give ua your ',vends to show your hearty will,I :' you appi'ove,tth$ play cannot be sill .

(applause . The audience filea out amid laughter,talking,andmuch boi ::tor^ua .)y-play . )

( ` x' 18 :loouo ,.krvIt hi:, viifo nudh thro the crowd and approacht?)f) ~yt,ziUo )

The -,ogee(pu1 .t1ncf off ,i . . hat)

Is not this;

7,za,,oapenre,once of :.>tratfordtown?

axen, pareYea, friona .

'"'- ,)u do .;it• nc t 11,-now le, r , ; tjjr'7

haarf!

' i)u' 11 pardon my poor brain ; l have forgot ,

he ' :ogwT%ont rome!lhor

m^y morn .Ir;, on the ilope,s of Arden? a meet-Ing with some ro~d.~ ; „,., ! -..t nr4rhe y?

.s tay, i remember nil ., t h e -J p ie and their fortune . ell has"tratford yet turn :, 9 : i't. ~rne.~9Y

The Rote'.i'11o outskirt.J of ~°Cter. :!re trv far ,)a ever from ita all

arefioince that bright may morning?

Ii1!!~ht rIcll . I !n no-'+ an honest shop-keeper in 3tratford----thanks to my :' j 'c .

Thy i rZ

Yhe Rogue's - life(c rii.n? for;:ard)

;o, +uLly,lzis ].n ^ fu ? ., sodded rife, Dost thou not know me? nowby a a int Then^ n '') 1 .7.t .̀ tt , `i 'Z 1 ~ ? t hoe ;

Mzi'±'rz-vs )

;;off i1?

;e 1Y, :r lfe iy'

J;rke ipe .-:ro"'that : Litte DIRw that used to mind the sheep? Irecognize thylaugh---_ :y narrioct ,, 3nan, ---rand you both prosperous people !l6of good standinn in :ho town:

The RogueOur t , adeaa a hriv1n oao,and a profitable- --thanks to mywife,

(she guffa-rs )

8

(The Dark Lady appears and signs to Shakespeare)

Shakespeare(starting)

I am called . Farewell,good friends . I'm glad to have seenyou once again . Farewell and prosper .

The ".TenchTrust me for that, Haw,haw,haw ;

The RogueCome,wife ;now we can tell'em back in Stratfordtown we'refriends with one of the London Player-men,

(The couple go out to-geather3

The Dark Lady(coming to Shakespeare with hands outstretched)

Dear Ganymede,(drawing back)

stay ;let me look at thee,No ;I can salll you that no longer :you are not my forest lad, I almost think I'm sorry that Icame . "?hat have you been a-doing since we met?

ShakespeareClimbing.

The Dark Lady(laughing)

Climbing?and only reached this roofless shanty in the while?You must have used an inverted ladder :for I think your play..house is sunk in the marshes of Thames something below thelevel of the street .

ShakespeareThis is no roofless shanty,

Thw Dark LadySo. Are my eyes bewitched?(pointing to the cobwebs hanging from the rafters)

Are these cob-web tapestries that hang before them? Do myfeet in truth press on Inlaid palacefloors?

ShakespeareTis neither shanty,nor palace,nor murky pllyhouse ;Nor is it sunk,as some,would say,in# slime ;Tis a some thing not tb be described to mortal eyes,Tis a nothing---a window at the top o' the world,Thso which I gaze on London's endless show,A glass which mirrors back the master-show,"thereon Life pulls the puppet strings at will .

8

'hat will you have-- ampurneful comedy,Or tragic farce,a bustling market day,A night-scene in the fog---a dreary night11th a dull river beckoning from beyond,A pagent or a funeral? Ore the boardsIn changing,ohangless order they go by.Lords with a lackey's soul,high hearted serfs,Quick-witted fishwives,foolish noble dames,Blind judges,coward heroes,honeat rogues ;Call for your mannikon:Life has him ready . dressed ;His arms shall wave,his head shall twist and scrapealmost as if he were a man indeed .The climb is stiff,but it is right good sportTo view Life's peep-show from my window here,

The Dark Lady"Life's peep-show"--aptly turned ." Thou art my poet still .I'M glad I came . Yes, 'ill tis right good sportTo be spectator there ;but why sit in the pit?Get thee a cushioned arm-chair in the galery .Look thro a window at the mummer's show,But let it be a diamond rosy paneThat opens on a court

--

ShakespeareNo .Believe me,it is best to be Jog-elbow with humanity .I've been to the court and seen court mannikind ;They are not for my stage .Life never carved those dolls ;They are a product of the corset-maker,the barber and the tai.lor,turned out by the gross .thy I can learn move from a half-hour's converse'with some keen witted keeper of a tavernThan from a year's attendance on a queen .Here I see Life at work;there only Lust .

The Dark Lady.I saw thy *lays at court and ldked them well,

ShakespeareYes ;they were .. acted there these several times .once that was all my goal .I thought,the court attained,I held the# touchstoneTo open every portal of desireAnd enterforthwith Into paradise . .In place of which I found myself o' the footingOf head-cook or court tailor .Sncess had given me licenseTo pander to th' lascivious,to tickle jaded palates ;But not t'unveil the world or mirror truth :I might paint life as men would like to have it,A langurous summer lane leading both ways to heaven;Not as a stewing city.# where each man

9

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I0

Holds but his naked aspreation in his handsTo battle up or dowry.. I might depict the mask ;But outraged decency cried #di

j#out most valiantly:Then I revealed the face .

(meaningly)I saw my star

Shining among a courtly firmament,atill out of reach,3y dreams could not contrive a golden ladderTo mount so high .Heft the place, I took my starved desireBack to my lonely garret ;there thro weary nights,There thro long dreary days,over its corse I raised a monume

mentOf toil so heavy and so high,its,spirit might hot riseAgain to pace the chambers of my soul .

The Dark LadyYour eyes reproach me .~ii11, when I saw you there at court,I would have spoken but I did not dare,Your voice has always some strange potencyThat forces me to acts against my 3udroment .I had a memory of a midnight folly

`7tt an inn windoe----oh I risked too much ;I did not dare .

ahakespeareAnd nor----?

The Dark LadyNow all's changed ..Then from the galery-I heard your voice,Again I felt that magic midnight spell,But in a blinding flash it came to me :This is the man I need---need bitterly ;-hat folly closed my years ago .

ShakespeareAnd now---?

The Dark Lady(holding out her hands)

I am here . I am sorry for those wasted years .

Shakespeare(sadly)

All the tears that sorrow ever shed since time beganrill never serve to raise the withered grainThat languished for one drop of summer dew .I look 'at thee,thy beauty is as fresh,Thy arms seductive as they were of yore ;And yet my yearning slansea are too tired

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To answer back ;this moment I have dreamed ofComes too late . Steer 'thou thy courseMid blazing constalati d of the sky ;Leave me to melancholy and the past .

The nark

yDo not reject me till you hear me out .I come not as a goddeab of the night,A queenly oourt*er scattering largess to the crowd ;I am a beggar,"lill,falaen to the very foot of fortune's staffI offer nothing and I ask for much .

':'ill you not help me?

Shak speare(amazedly)

I; You cone to me for help?

The Dark LadyTo you . I think it was the love star guidedme,

ShakespeareAnd I can ig help you, you who seemed as farAbove my reach as evenescent cloudsThat gild the westerr~rrim of heaven's bowl .

(taking her hands)Tet me what fortunate#, ill-fated chanceIiabfi brought you to my door .

The Dark LadyA man---a slanderous man .Flo,who had raised me to my high estate,Has set me rolling down the easy slope •0I5W;'ZUdJ$IJ/That leads from fortunes temple to the depths .

ShakespeareYou did not love him?

The Dark AadyNo .

DhakespeareHe slandered you?

The Dark Ladynost basely,

ShakespeareAnd falsely? .

The Dark 1,ady(with a curious glance at Shakespeare)

Cortainly ;most falsely .

(several gentleman coma from the players entrance and leavethe playhouse . Bacon appears in the"Lord--'s room2 ;he seesShakespeare and the Dark Lady below and I'istens to the foliolowing)

II

Shakespeare.ell ;what gould you?

The Dark LadyRevenge . - ?ill if you love me ,revenge me on that man .

::,kakespeareHis, name

The Park LadyLo,'d - Rrancis Bacon .

Shakespeare}3a 'Con ; I see . -tlut How

r ..I

Bacon(leaning over the galory)

~~~ e at your service . I am still in the thoateo .(he comes down)

The Dark Lady(walking away and speaking t4 herself)

Uad,mad ; I have betrayed myself ;

Bacon(appearing thro the traverses and descending to the floor

bf "the theatre)That do you mutter? Oome,miatress,apeak out openly in court .

The Dark LadyBelieve naught that man says of me,` ;'ill Shakespeare .

BaconSo! The new bully! Your wares have cheapened since I cast.You off .

The Dark LadyThat's false,that's false . Make him eat up his lies .

Shakespeare(advancing on Bacon)

Take back those words .

Sacon(drawing his sword)

Stand off,if you would keep your blood in you.

:.'hakospeareI am unarmed,throw down your sword an' you be a man;~and letour fists decide the matter .

,BaconI'll not soil my hands with a low follow. Stand off ;

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sword(A fight ensues, Bacon armed with a B*ovd, : :hakespeure sim-ply with a cloak which he picks up from a corner of thestage . Bacon lunges at ~hakecpeare,who leaps from side toside to avoid the thrustsand trien to entangle the blade inhis cloak . Finally ,by a rapid maneuvre he gets behind .,Baconand envellopcs him in the folds ;liacon continues to thrust *twildly in the air ; but ~Thakespeare wrests the# weapon fromhi!n,throws him to his knees ; t hen,pulling the ~~,' cloak fromhim, grasps him by the throat)

Shakespearefake back your lies .

(tightening his hold)Take back your lien .

Bacon(thickly)

I lied .

Shakespearerind ask forgiveness of this injured lady . .

(3aoon does not speak ; .;hakespeare tightens his hold)Speak .

BaconI ask forgiveness .

The Park Lady(exultan=tly)

Ah ::",hakespeare

(releasing him'Go . .( Bacon riseu,feebly puts his hands to his throat and triesto speak,but is unable,and then staggers out)

The Dark Lady(coming to Shakespeare and speaking for the first time withrcal,if momentary,sincerity)

Now I do love thee ;thou'rt in truth a man .'.7ith such a man as thou I could orethrow the world .Stand with me hand to hand and face the game of lifeAnd we shall conquer,spite of all the odds .That play of thine was good they gave but now ;ell win with it to court,and with my witd at work,

'his time we'll mount(putting her hand affectionately on his shoulder)

togeabher .Shakespearo

(sitting on the steps of the mimic stage and drawing herdown beside him).','e'll mount ;but no court stair .

A

Thou shalt win back all I have lost at court,

Shakespeare

Taste of hop iness .Forget these empty lonEings .

j, #I close my eyes,! feel ",hat midnight' spell ;Again I smell the fragrance of your hair,I. tasks the summer swoetness of your breath,

AI see your eyes, your throat,your marble breast,On whose cool whiteness stands one sable mole .

The Dark LadyFie .' ilt Yhou c atalogue. my beauty's stains?

ShakespeareA stain : No,tis your persomal seal,Set there by midnight on your very heart,l! note of music on a virgin. page,The dot upon the interrogation point,

The Dark Lady1 ill, if you love mg, come erith me to court ;And with thy con .juror's tongue `'Ie'll wing---togearher-high,

:3hakespeare$sitting on tie r tepy -)f the mimic stage and drawing herdown beside him)We'll mount,but no court stair .

13*continued)

Thou shalt come join me on myri upward climb,The journey from my garret window---who knows where--Perchance to the furthermost star that trims the sky .I called thee once my guiding star,my muse ;Be so indeed .

h e Dark -ad y(pleased wi ;uh the idea)

Thy muse,presiding ore an attick .To let the world go by forgot#,#--for love ;To mend and bake and scrub and mind the cradle ;y hands would grow quite red,my figure sag,

'!y face be-lined,my temples streaked with gray,In daily,hourly service at Love's shrine .And then thou'd :eary'?No,The comely habit of just loving mecould so have grown upon thoe,to thy dulling eyes1 :;y - vanish d youth perennially should bloomIn wrinkled cheeks and fading scanty hair .Tie no heroic picturc,:yet Us somehow sweet .

':hakespea.reTie home .(he bends over abd kiuses her hand ;thoy remain in silence amoment . A charwoman enters and begins to mop pp the floor)

The Dark LadySome is there .

.~hakespeareTie but the charwoman who cleans the place .

The Dark Ladyrend her away .

Shakespeare(going over to the charwoman)

Give over here a while .

The Charwomana

I have my work tp do .

ShakespeareLater will serve .Here's something for you . Go over to theU0finn and buy soma hearty food to plump those hollow cheek

The Charwoman(looking at the money in her hand)

Tie all one . ',!y cheeks will bloom no more .I'm doomed .Godbless you,sir ;I'll go get brandy and forget awhile,

(she goes out#

TheODArk LadyAnd that is still a woman .'

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ShakespeareYes alas .!hen I first came to London,she alas a gutter sov'reignA tavern toaat ;she led a merry life while#the fun lasteddI saw her once a septrod queen of may .°ell,well ;she had her spring ;And must bear winter with what grace she may .

The Lark Lady(staring before her,afrightedly)

A queen of carnaval and after-tMd -this .(suddenly)

And while we stand here talking life and youth slip by .(turning to :hhakespearc)

Ril,i must go .

Mother Golden's voice(outside)

'sarlowe ; Kit 'Marlowe! Plague upon the fellow :

i'he Dark Lady""ho comes?

ShakespeareOld Uother Golden .Stani aside till she is gone .

(the Dark Lady retires behind the stait3 :; that lead to thegalery . Mother Golden enters .)

Mother GoldenOh,Master Shakespeare . Hast thou seen,Master Marlowe?

ahakespearelie is still in the tiring room;he will be here anon .

Mother GoldenOdd's heart,but$ I am winded with fast stepping .I am not soyoung as I was Fifty years agone .----And yet I am right luststill fob all that ;Ioll Golden has sound . Blood at her heartyet,so she has . Milt thou not come to supper at my house?

TakespeareNO I must work to* night .

',other Golden%1.

1ork,always work : Thou never oome'et now to join our mer-riment . Art grown too fine,I trow,for plain Dame Golden .UorkIndeed : Why,man must have his pleaaure,must he not?--nay $hathab8s but natural .

Shakespeare;,In work there lies an opiate more profound,Than soothest poppy or mandragora ;It, drains the senses,but it brings them reetb% .

(Marlowe,flemminge,Greene, ::ly and others come from the tiringroom)

tdarloweHa,my golden pigpen .' That do you seek here?

Mothor Golden.Fie,Mastor ..arlowe .' weet Doll Tear-sheet waits thee at my hhouae .Do not make her heart ache longer waiting for thee .:upper strays .

1nrloweThou'rt right . Core,lads,ie'l off to supper . .

Hemmin eThe day's work's dono ;we've earned our bellyful .

GreeneCousin '~ill,aone go with us to supper .

ShakespeareNo;not to-night,

Marl oweThe same old anawer .Put by - thy sour looks . fe .'11 make a nighof it.-:hat odd's to-morrow with its sordid cares? To-nightroc will be king. Tbat say you?

ShakespeareAnother time .

MarloweNay,be hanged to thee,if .hat is all thy spirit . Come,lads .Before us, Golden ; prepare, prepare,

$The actors go out,~aughing and talking)

:Shakespeare(drawing the Dark Lady from her hiding place .)Come;we will go home .

Tb Dark LadyHome? To pass my days among that sordid crew?

can never do it . You must lift me up ;Must win my way back to the court again.

ShakespeareProm my poor window I will shoo theeA broader landscape than thou'lt ever catchfrom a count latice .

The Dark LadyListen,"',111 ;you shall be rich,be famed .'1o'll got thee 'pointed ;aster of he 8evels-Thy plays shall be performed to salvos of the world .

:_,hakespeare

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I

Sha.kea'pea reA braying ass-herd would as soon allure me .

The Dark LadyThen go for my sake` .Oh,iill,the times are changed twixt you and me :If I had asked you at that midnight hourThere in the snow,you had not said me nay .

ShakespeareIf I could change my mind,twould be to show the worldThat curious,unapprcbached perfection that .you own .

The Dark LadyYes,sing my praises ;vaunt them forth to menTill I shall enshrined above all womankind .

3haI:oa peare`What have my playa extolled if not that she,

The hathor of all men's admiring eyes,The unattained she,

The Dark LadyNot unattainable,tho unattained ;If thou wouldst win me . follow where I lead,~`

Southampton's Voice(outside)''ill Shakespeare

;

The Dark Lady`ho's that?

::hakes peare.outhamptin .

The Dark Lady(with surprise)

.,'.q Lord, >outhampton?

(3outhampton comes in)

3o*'thampton"ill,what have you dolae? I met Frank Bacon in the street

but now, and when I would lave pressed your suit to him,`J1heroundly cursed you and swore he'd see you hanged are yoishould come to court with his good will . Tat have you doneto rouse his enmity?

(seeing the Dark Lady)Madam,I crave yoyr paron ;rsy eyes were still bedazzled fromthe# street,I did not see you,

The Dark Lad(graciously

My lord,we have been strangers such a long while at the eour

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I had not wondered an' you knew me not .

ouhhaapt6n(gallantly)

Twas not my fault if we were not less strange .

The Dark LadyThere was one that stood betrreen,my lord ;ono who perchance--tho friends to both of us---took means to keep us parted .

Shakespearo(taking a hand of each)

A high-born friend hath failed Vou:let a humbler oneStand as a bridge to :span the gulf between .

;he Dark Lady(curtseying playfully)

I'll meet you halfway on the bridg,ny lord .

SouthamptonNay,I am already on the other side .

The DarkLadyStay ;to crosso a bridge requires a toll .

(pointing to Shaken pears ),JIow shall vtc pay it to the gatesmun hero?

Southampton(z riously)

Faith; I would have payed it by having this latest fairy,dream play of his performed at the fobtheoming revels ;but hehath now offended Bacon,who would have asked permission ofthe Queen .

The Dark LadyOf the Queen?

SouthamptonOur poet stands in no great favor there . He is too chary ofa' word of compliment to please Her Majesty .

The# Dark LadyThat shall be altered .

(to Shakespeare)Thou shalt write In some lines in the epilogue .

ShakespeareThat do you mean?

The Dark LadyA play without a compliment to good Queen Bess! Fio,fie .twill noter dot

ShakespeareTell,well ;we'll put some treacle somewhere earlier in the ,5play . The Park Lady

ShakespeareDo buts . It shall go there or oat . I'll spoil my epiloguefor no woman.

The Dark LadyFor no woman?

.;hake.;peare.;ave one .

The Dark Lady

SouthamptonTie all beside the point :for fee still lank an emissary toyhe Queen .

°The Dark Lady

An ernisaary,when :>outhampton's present ; "hat more favoredsoitor could wait upor Her Majesty?

.:otthamptcnToo favored .

The Dark LadySo?

SouthamptonI dare not ask a favor of the queen : Lord tasex is my friend~--

The Dark LadyAnd so you hesitate to come bet;reen .

(scornfully)You men! 7eee I a men,with fortune smiling ore a sovereign'sshoulder ,I'd sec the friend should stand before my future .

Southampton.(eagerly)

You think that I----?

The Dark LadyHave the full right to push your fortunes .

SouthamptonOh,if I only dared!

The Dark LadyAnd with a woman's wit to gtlide,you shall . I'lll go with theeto the oourt,and there we'll lay our plans how all shall bearranged .

~to :31iakespoare )For a little while farewell .

ShakespeareStay;do not go .

I must .The Dark Lady

I9

Shakes rr.carcA gain,whcn :appincs- is in our grasp,you fling it by . Forwhat, for what?

The Dark Lv.dyFor all the glories of the world,twistod to furnish thee a 1laurel crown .

(to Southampton)C omo,my lord .

(to S?7akezp©aro )Fear not,thy+ fobtune's made ;trust, but in me .

(she goes out with ' outhampton)

,hakecpeare(after standing for a moment lost in thought)

I do not undorstand . "'hy did she go with him?

(Cesario comacs in)

"7'hat,lad .' I thouErt you gor.c to supper .

CosarioDidst thou thin: I'd go and leave thee fasting?

'3 ha]:rspeareGive me my closk ;r7s'll go and sup togeather .

(Cesario gets the cloak)

CesarioShe's gone?

(Shakespeare nods)by do you frown" " :aster doar,forgot ;think of your work not

her .;hakespoare

She is the inspiration of my work.Toll me,lad,is't not pos-TEle to be a woman and a goddess too ;one who could love alove so passionate,s0 pure,that pleasuro,worldly ease,naylife itself should weigh as nothing in the ballance?

CesarioYou mean one who would give her heart's blood for the manshe loved?

ChakospuareAye . Know you such women?'

CesarioThere is such a one in Londontown .

"hake ipt;uroYou know her?

Ce:3arioRight well .

shake peare'hat Chanced?

CesarioNothing. she never told her love .

:hhakespearPoor lady!

(he wanders to the door and looks aftor the Dark Larly ;Cesariunseen paeoionately kiasos the cloak which ahe still holds)

.1hakospeai eI wonder.

(her continues to gaze after the nark Lady)

CUITAII to ACT III .

21

THE S H A K E S P E ARE P L A Y .

ACT IV .-----------

'oenes I & II .

Characters# incidental to Act IV .in the order of theirappearance :

Cesarioar :altar+ faleig,Queen ElizabethThe rarl of .3oubhamptonThe Boro(Polonius)The Fop(Le Beau)The •s?"ommn o f Metal(Maria)The Frenchwoman(Alice)The PPantastiok(halvolio)Lord Francis BaconThe Dark LadyThe Motlty(Feate)Mother Golden(Formerly the Hostess)

---------------------- --------------- ----

NOTE :The :~hakesperian eharaoters are to be dressed tosuggest these personages sharply to the audience .Otherapproprisie characters may be introduced aMong the ensem-ble at pleasure,

I

I

Act IV .

scene I .

At the court of Queen Elizabeth, An apartment in thepalace . The court is assemble,watohing the conclusionof a play, The Queen sits on a raised dias on one side;the gentlemen and ladies of the court fill the body ofthe stage,faoing the mimic stage which is placed at thebaok,beyond an arch and reached by several steps .Thisplatform is in realaty the floor of the dining-chamber ;but the room is at present hidden by ourtains,beforewhich the mummers are performing,*

(Cesario is speaking the epilogue to the "Dream",)

CesarioIf we shaddows have offended,Think but this and all is mended,That you have but slumbred here"!hile these visions did appear,And this weak and idle theme,No more yielding but a dream,Gentles,do not reprehend ;lf-you pardon we will mend .Else the Puck a liar call:so good-night unto you all .Give me your hands if we be friends,'And Robin shall restore amends .

(She bows and retires ;the curtains are drawn . There isno applause; Her Majesty remains lost in thought . Thereis a suppressed whispering among the nobles ;but all eyesare fixed on Elizabeth .)

RaleighHave the players pleased your Majesty?

Elizabeth'.(looking up)

Aye;tis a merry play,

(A loud murmer from the Court :"Merr ","Huaerous i •faith","A laughable oonoeit",eto, Laughter,)

ElizabethTho it is marked by flaws .

(The laughter diminishes to a polite hum, Sounds of:"Flaws" ,"Faulty workaanahip"t"Flaws,flaws,flaws",) .

NOTE : The entire groupidg of the stage picture to suggestthe "Play-soene"from "1iamlet",

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3outhaiptonwill it please your gracious Majesty to speak a word topraise the author?

ElizabethAye. Call Pe fellow in ;he well deserves our praise .

(Loud murmers : well denorvea",''Meritorious","Praiseworthy

ElizabethAnd mayhap .wo oan toaob him something in his art .

Nurmera : "Teaoh him"`'"Corrections"#"

*"Uuoh needed'"Invaluable oritioiam`= ;eta .)

aateliLet Mactor 3hakospeare be called ` .o appear before theQueen.

The BoreLet Waster 3hakespoare'be called .

Voice-~- (callina without)Master 3hscespeare!

(The curtains of tho impromptu stage are suddenly pushedaaide,and Shakespeare comes in .)

ShakespeareI am here obedient to my noverign's lightest thouht,

ElizaabothCome hither,air .

(Be oozes to the foot of the throne .)That was a quaint ooneeit you gave us sow .

JUALVIespeare(boar

Al.ass,yo'ty majesty ;Titanic and her courtiers are no more .They have lost heart and faded in the sunlight of a truequeen's sst&le .

Elizabeth(beaming delightedly)

TGallentl said,sid . ':"'here's my hand to kin$ .

H8 kisses her hand)If you will strive to lesrn,a time may come when you_ shallstand well in our royal favor.

(hesitating)There was a something that I would have said .

I

ShakespeareSomething you would have altered in the play?

ElisabethYea; but it bath alipppd my mind .

(turning to Ralelgb)sir Walter,wiiat thougct. you of the play?

RaleighIt seemod w,ll enough to ne ;albait a shade too much fan-tastical,

ElizabethThat's a point well taken .

(Loud aurmera,"A point,a point ."""oll taken",eto .)

The bareIf there's an error that I may point outwit would appearto me at court,whether it be of Theaeun or a Fairy King's,the introduotdon of a wet of clowning rogues In out of

key.The unitios of 'rhe dramatlo form must be"preserved ;and when these clowns

Elisabeth(breaking in)

Y ou are a blook. •head, .3ir;the clowning was right good .Itploa3ed us mightily .

(Loud acclaim from the oourt,Tho Sore retires disoomfoted)

The Pop(coming forward)

Oh: I liked the clowns vaatly•but that LametriusOhtie : To put auoh a fellow In the public view :

Shakespeare(patiently)

"'ell ;what'a amiss in poor Demetrius?

The Fop

useHow shall I answer your To treat a

lady so;to letoneself be loved by a poor hapless maid,and then to treather ill :--.-Oh .ate :

The woman of metalNay; out upon you air,to give us auoh a heroine . A pulingwench would have his yea or nay:she should have shown herspirit . I never hope to see thetman I'll shed a secondtear for#.

3

The FrenchwomanElls strait du lui donor u.ne giffle,ce poltron,'

(The Fantastiok approaches Shakespeare and regards himdisapprovingly thro his glass)

Shakespeare(turning and, perceiving him)

r"ell,sir;what reparation do I owe to you?

The Fantastiokair, I objected to the asses head .

zhakespeare(bowing low)

My Lord,twas introduced without intent to wound .

RaleighThis Theseus and his lady„ Dame Hypollita;methinks are somewhat scant of royalty . Could-you not introduce a speechor two in the grand manner, just to set them off?

ShakespeareMy Lord;-their function in the piece warrants no such dis-play of prowess .

Elizabeth(tartly)

And why not,pray? A queen's a queen,we judge ;whether it betin Athens or in England . '"e hope# you mean no base dis-courtesy by this omission,

(Murmer: "Disoountesy", "Omission"i"Treason",eto . )

ShakespeareMy Queen,there in my play I piloed some lines,unworthy asthey are,to show my reverence for your Majesty and fortrue womanhood .

(glancing around)To lift my voice up in these echoing halls,even to defendmy pl&y, would ill became meaty poor -lines were not writtenfor a polished oourt,nor can I sing of Hero's mighty deedsI only have the humble,arti.ess knack of sketching men andwomen as they pass,suffering the petty woes of everyday .Disprized love,life'a doubt,the smarting soul ;these accentare too crude to p

a tutored ear .Nor can I fit mylips to pi#e a wheedling tsne .I pray your leave to go .

ElizabethNay,sir,after all the play was very well ;those lines uponour vergin Majesty were not ill-p#Lced .Methinks that some-thing more in that style in the epilogue would not havegone amiss .----However,with observing you stall learn our

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ways . :pit here, air, nt our het ;rind mark our court festiv-ities .

(3hateapoRre bona:: and amts himaoi on the Steps of thedais ut one side)

Let a dance be perforKiod .

(nzsio :rlaya ;the gentlemen begin to aolect tb4ir p artners$acoLA approaches the Larir Lad ;)

/'

Eaconis this dance mine?

he Dark L dy(indifferently showing the sticks of her fan)

My dancing lists are full ;and you are not APA upon them .

(She turns her back upon trim ; ;.outhompton comes up)

outY: pton .Your hand,fair lady.

The Bark LadyAyei,sir ;Tin our dance,

(Here oucurn a darcc i during rhioh the Daric Lady coquetsopenly with Southampton)

r'lizabeth(touching Shakespeare on the arm to attract his attention

Obeerve that gentleman,(pointing to :Lout

ton)Hath he not the Bel manner?

ShakespeareMy Lord Southampton mean you!

Blizaboth(sighing)

The aye. He path a v e:11--turned leg,

3hakespear'What think you of his partner?

ElizabethA jade : A bold-faoed jade . Her brown smudged in likeblotches of black soot,

(the dance oontimies ;Shakespeare watches Southampton andthe Dark Lady uneaally .A place in the. ;dande comes whenthey separate ; but they still esahange glanoes)

Shakespeare(

Naught,your Majesty .

Shakespeare(speaking aloud unoonciously)

How his eyes follow# her :

Elisabeth'hat say you,

ElizabethYou lie ;I heard you .He love that sombre creature,'Faith nothe,

(simpering)Oh,h©'s a dreadful man among the maids,

(the dance continues)

;hakeopeareThere saw you that?

hlizabettPshaw . lie but flouts her . She's not for his market,

(the dance comes to an end)

B.lizaveth"Fell trod,my lords and ladies ;twao a Stately dance,(

(Loud apptauae from the court)

Come,what have we further for our entertainment?

RaleighJill it please you to delight your ears with some drip-pings from the lyric muse's pen?

ElisabethRight willingly. "'ho will oblige us :

The Bore( coming forward)

I have a poem here writ but this morn .

(general disgust from Elizabeth and the court)

And yet I fear me to deliver it . For, as Plato hayss"herethere is reverenoe,there is also fear; But there ii notalways reverence where there is fear;for fear is a moreextendednotion;and reverence is a part of fuer,just asthe odd is a peat of number,and number is a more extendednotion than the odd .And

6

i~1tzataeth(int o;rupt ing)

Yau, yor, sir; aor3o,, thepo 5n .

T'he 3oro1,70,ae ;tho poem . A po=or thing btt4 mane owu .He mquata on a 3a~aU foot ..c:tool)

Aurora rising from umbrageous banka''-But f izit I would poinout, t tat to the ,) itt of my perfor-manoe,as Plato sayu :'rRappiness dopends upon self-oontroll,if the batter cements of the mind which lead to orderand philo3ophy,provail;,then man puss their life in thisrorld in happinoau and ham. ony" .---F3ut to the poem:

''Aurpra rising from umbrageous banks"----But first I would make oomzxont

1,l,izabeth(in a loud voice)

Get offthat stool,You great big fool .

( .yenaatior,

;3ore twlhina off the etool,The ooubt bus-zoo softly and uncertainly)

~--

i lizaba4iz(oocaplaaently turning to :ahakospeare)

You :roc I am aozaething of a poet too .Direot,well-soanned,and tp the point,

(?dormers :"'"eil-aaanned"""~xaellc t metro" ,"Inspiration" .)

And humorous,(glaring at the court)

or is our wit too nimble, for the gemeratl ear?

(Loud lau~trtsr . crnors ,;if : "Nimble wit", "Ready humor", "Ad-mirable'`,etc .[ lizabet stiilea delightedly .)

The Motley(dancing forward)

Our huntress-queon a mistlo hurled,A barbed point it arcjThe armored round 1th Plato,It orethrsw our Blunderbore,

(Elizabeth 3milca ;tho court applauds loudly)

Elizabeth(turning to •

er4peare)You do not smile, Do you look entertainment?

(following his eye),y do you glower so on Lord Southampton? If't had notbeen for him,you would have gained no entrance here .

t

8

Shakespeare(His eyes intent on .outhampton and the Dark9 Lady)His each regard's an insult .~;ee ;ha devours her with Useyes .

ElizabethSirrau,you grog too bold ;to offer oritieism on the mannersof a noble gentleman . My Lord 3outhwpton does not wastehis admiration on a . brown-skinned hussey,

(smoothing heir ruf :!)He's a ready eye for a fine woman .

Shakespeare(to Himself)

Aye,aye ;a ready eye .

Elizabeth(calling to Southampton)

My Lord Southampton,wiil it please you to divert us for aspaoe,with o ne of your own verses?

Southampton(Excusing himself to the Park Lady and coming .forward)Your Majesty does me honor too great for my performance .what shAll I give you?

ElizabethSomething soft€tir ;in a soothing vein . Something that ona mid-night hour youn'pen has sighed----a breath so del-icate that to love's ear alone its message should be peeg-nant .

(Murmer: "Love","Poetic soul"',''Rich vein of fanoy'',ejto .) .

Soutllampton(glancing at the Dark Lady)

uid-night ; yes such ft verse I have,whicn no eye yet hath,aeen,I 11 read it for you.

(reciting)''I sing the praises of my love,''hose parts all peers desprize ;Iaing the praises of her lip s,The praises of her eyes ."

RlizabethA fair gallop of verses,siv ;I compliment you.

(Murmers of approbation from the court)

Jouthempton"I sing the praises of her cheek,here dimpled hollows rest ;The ebon mole--oh envied spot ;---That nestles on her breast' .

9

(Wsapsaro,rhho has been growing mo re and more uneasyduring the rec ii.a1, givcz a share exclamation, as he staresaghast at the Dar: Lady . Then ha tutee end disapeare be-hind the da1n .Thn hark lady shows the greatest uneasiness X

:i zabeth(surprisedly,putting her• hand to he:r bosom)

Strange : How knew he T

"o uthauapton"I p'aize her ta,o 'ring fingere,formedFor' rokankind'a despair

Elizabeth

(sighing)Ah : Cont itn.e, a ixr .

3outha ptonr3= moat X prai3e the mid-night tintsupon hor rcvcn hair" .

r=.1izabo ,h(stobtins up)

1 ,,,air,' averr had r,' : moat vile aft± le of rhymes .(re-seating; heraelf)

Mid-nibht tint ,forsooth: It betrays a low imagination,Stand aside,sir .Come= :sir 'Falter r am aweary of these self-suffiaient poet-iastc;rz . tct'sehave another dance . Mid-night .:ndced .

(glaring at, the Dark Lady)I have no liking for there i1l*eolored dames .Let them be-were .Come1 air a dance---a dance .

(The dance begin. to form)

Sbakecpeailc(who has crossed the room uneen,ippearing beside the Dark_Lady)Come away .

The Dark Lady(imploringly)

Be# silent .

. outhamr>ton(oommng up oatentntiousla,tud bowing to the M.rk Lady)Mistrese,youA arc my partner for the Seraband .

The Dark Lady(glauoing in terror at Elizabeth)I dar* not .

Southampton(in a loud voioe)

The dano :awaits, Your hand .

j

The Dark Lady(oourtseying la s°)

M Y Lorct,you honor me .

:;haknapeare(3ravlnj hin breath sharply between his teeth)

hh:(He remains staring dazedly before him)

(The Sane begins)

rlizaboth( :L-z a pain ion of anger)

Give o're the dance . Gine o're,youi clumsy clowns . I amk eary of sitting hero anreno,::hile rogues and eluteflaunt in their oposi shame .

(comin down from her scat)To supper .

(to Ilu"'olgh,'to offer .:- his hand)Let no rxa:a lead me . I can \.alk alon4e .To supper . Quick; tosupper,( The curtains are swung back,revealing the supper-roombrilliantly lighted servants standing behind the chair$Come,nty ladies .

(Iler ataiclc of honor gather round her,and she swwps tothe door ;there she turns)Find me come raw amusement . (hose filthy dances shall be£topped at court . Look to yourselves . Look to :kourselveI nay .

(She sweepag out)

RaleighOh,sho is furious . "'c must find some Tray t'appease her .

(Terror-stricken murmers from the court . He turns toShakespeare

air mummer,fetch ap some antics to divert the Queen .MakeHaste ;your broadest smiles,your merriest quip . Make hastemake haste .

(He hurries after Elizabeth)

(coming to Shakespeare and ibouohing him on the arm)Sir Falter waits for you .

Shakespeare(oomir-$ to himself and speaking coldly and deliberately)Toll him that Unator Shakespeare regrets he mast forethe pleasures of the oourt ;an he returns to London anhis work .

I0

CURTAIN T O 3GE3IE I .

Oeeax'ioI know not---somehow----somehow .

(laughter# and a draaken sounds from across the way)

Mother GoldenThere they go again, I warned them to die tat .

(She ftems the window and oalls)

Soft over there, "hat, *Ill you bring diocradit on thehouse of a virtupue,honaat gentlewoman?

(the noise subsides)

The Dark Lady(entering)

^rhy are you dallying here? I must see Master Shakespeare,

Mother Golden(podnting to door)

He's in there .

Cosario(to herself)

Too late :(She walks away to the fire-plioe)

The Dark Lady(to Mother Golden)

There's your Pay .He off .

Mother Golden(taking money)

My pay,foraooth : Marry,oome up : I have no wish to stay .Ahint's enough for Molly Ooaden ;She can smell a rat witheye closed. My pay,indeedp y pay.

(She goes out)

(Ceearia turns and confronts the Dark Lady,looking at hersteadily)

Thed Dark Ladyrnell,where is he?

(Oesario continues to regard her silently)

:hy do you look at me like that?(uneasily) ,

Turn your eyes away You saucy urchin . Torn them or Drillstrike you .

(she raises her riding-whip, but is unable to bring it down)

i

Whakesp*.;are 'b locij;ir gn at :,'outhwark,near tho "Bear-aarden'Night, The room Is almost in darknc ss ; r• candle burns onthe mmrtlo above the fire-plaao,r:here a mood-fire glovesdully. Thro the rindow the lights of London are faintlyseem ;eounda UiV drlmkc,:: rF:v'iry r-za heard from the etreeot .

(Cesarto stand : by the door of Zbakespeare's bed-rooia,listening anxiously .J'reaently other Golden eomea in throthe other door from the pftsonge . o

Mother. Golden'"here's your mastor,s.weethenrt?

;.csarioHAW Do not apsak so loud, You cannott see him now .

'•. c.the Golden`hat aile him: cane In not long s rose,

C esarioHe--ia like one poazes :,e d ; I dare not vo to him/Baokward anP'forwarci,up and dorm, t rom a3.1 to ri.aclo~ goes his step ; ameRSUred,za e1#!ning treat;, - : 7w„t ;.s it that you want?

Hother GoldenThere's one below to coo hin ;she bribed me to come up andfetch him down .

Cennric3omasona to see h1-n at this hour?

riothe- GoldenAye s I'd just Left my house to go to the"Crown" to callDoll Tear-sheet ; for .Master Marlowe waited supper for her:when up my lady comas

eoc ri.a"hat lady"

Mother GoldenThe one who dallied with him from the gallery t'other night

CesarioShe : : She must not see him,

Mother GoldenHow# will you atop it?

1

I

I

,4 plague upon you .

( ~h :vaLc~ a ,a to U ~ ~ '-t w1ndow)

Ce:3 Brioin :3 low va1c )

,lay have you aomu •'

The Dark La iThat's my concern,

Cosario".hy have yoi.l ocme agnini

The Dark 1JR(ly(without lookin;_ at hor)

Because I lov ':iim .

Love : :.ovo : :Love glvea ; it door not saa:r o pat . 7t builds not breaks .It is a flame that raris,nof o ron~ta ?.n.^ fire .O,J.91,1f you.,t love h1 :nn t~'uiy f 4o aauy ...ee ;it ia uunh aLeave :.L.. hiy dr vam ..---'lJin idol for h1a shrine .Let him not guesu tbas: you---Vhat you---A poet ' .3 soull is auali a britt Ic thing,Ua1f~

d ,~:ala ua:.yr• ;b nI~.`'tq:,.y mountine aloudwward,rnd

plung; id la na,,ae1c .-, ., depthfa ofFlell :Swayed by a woman's 97hispor up or down,Go---go ; I will not c.a: a o you , I. ;~1:U bless you ;I'll ask you benediction t my prayers ;I'11 crave to bear your stn at the hereafterAn' youd n.a11, if only non--you'll go----You3L1 go,

The Dark jdytpttt`Ung hor handE to hrar enrra )

P,3acc,peace ; your voice is hurrah rind .jrirring)-

(ahakespeare comes frogm h1 :a room)

ShakespeareCesario,I will----

(aoeing Vic :ark Lady)You :

(to Cvsario ;Go, b .

(Coua rlo goes sadly out)

",e11?The Dark Lady

(ooming t o 3-hakes ceare)Fillwill----

3

I

Shakespeare",ait ;---dogt not fiotioia, me . iho are you?--"bat are you?

The Dark Lady^ ill

ShakespeareAre you a atar,beaiconing troo Arden " ood ;or something- .something that I dare not name,

The Dark Lady'"ill----you cannot think----

ShakespeareHow knew he?

The Dark Lady(looking away)

I---I do not know. '3hy should you ask me

Shakespearerrho should know if not you?

'the Dark LadyThere are so many ways he Could have known .

Shakespeare"'hat ways?

The Dark ladyHow can I aay3---iie---he may have bribed my waiting-maid .

ShakespeareYour maidY

The Dark LadyI said,"Perohanoe" ; I cannot say for sure .

ShakespeareYou have no oluot

The Dark Lady

ShakespeareThen I will wring the truth froza himjhe shall acknowledge i%before the world .

The Dark LadyA nobleman:---You are mad, Put such a project from yourbrain .

uhakeapattre1!ad .' Did youi'J s r.cu heir look1,theirr mocrint looks? Inevery dancing e.Vc , a satyr smile,would soil the silver ofan angel's wing . "'11 you endure rush looks,suoh smilesunchecked?

The ^err_ Lc*~d ;jY ou do not understand. What is the court,and there arenary uhiaO3 rmo-s t by Gndured in u l lcnce, sail ingly .

Zhak€s ;:eare-Hut ah=a---ctf .libloror--?

The ark adyHush. Think of them no more ;think only of my love,

Your love:--Tot diamond ppano,thro :rhichFrom my dark oell .1 looked up to the heavens,soiled by his careless hr.rd ;that crystal springThat was my spa s ten~~ r_a e , f ou? ed by ct friend---my friend,' hom I did prize rrore than war hopez of heaven .~Nor by t~iU ~_ utopia *,,.e t=hrll czny dea, for 4this,

Tlie 2ark ! .c:y7 -ill----.il.a:~r, ;;~ ~src:(3cA.zinz car'

Nay,let me vue thee wuil,Look in my eye :"'ay duct thou tcy wits him thro---mzt the dance?

The ?.ark LadyI

:whakes3peare"hy didst thov ~3af cx' itr to eyr h o so,"4th looks urtol.y?

Thc3 Dark LadyYou do rent urtdorat=d .

I'haiecspearnCome,look me in the cye :cay,doat thou love him?

The :iari '.ad;'No--no--

ZhabespeareThen from your ir--out hourt :post: Out the truth----

11

Dark Lady(iut errup tins

Thou," •' ill---I love th©e dolt thou hear?

8

Shake ::pcareStop--stop .I charge you tamper with my soul no more ;Fill not my ears .with words that sear my brain ::3ay now you never loved me,Tell me I was the platthing of an

c,'A sorry joke to , wbile away an hour ;And I'j.l forgive th_eo,bra~rely say farswoll .I will not even bear one thought in malice,N ay I

Till 3haro the 06 'out---I'll laugh--I tll laugh .with deadly seriounnous)

But on"thy soul,atretoh my not armistill warm from the embraces of ano ther,Lips -lately kiosod .--Sid me to give thee upNow while I may command ha uses of my soul ;Now while I may---nova irhilo---

(1.mplkQingly )But If I Idea thee----T am lost ; I cannot give thee up .

Tho Dark Lady(stretching out her armo seductively)

Look at me ;take no in your arms .

3hakospearo(Hen itatinglyappr oaoh ing)

Art--true?(taking bar face between his hands)

Thou flower with anent so sweetMy a ebdes ache at the©----Tk :ou ro3e-- .-

(Ho kisses her)Oh,heavon of belief hero on your breast ;

(He draw$ her to aa seat?hy did you lot me ride that lonely cruol ride?

The Oark LadyBecause 13tayod to fight your battle thereIt wns for you I danced. "'hy did you doubt me?

Shakespearewhat lover# his not lcnawn thatr lover's pergatofy?.on thro the darknosa,from the court I spurred,And stretching in the darkness ;ike a read,I saw the empty,eohoing years to come ---e road from leavon to an empty Hall . .---Dull,empty eyes atared at me from the dark,'Dry,empty eare,straining to catch a voioo,3tarved,empty arms reached outward in the night .I closed my eyes;I dared not look ahead.

The Dark LadyThink no more of the darkness ;now a mid-night starshall guide thee up the golden stairs to lame .

6

I

N

To Fame?

The Court .

3hakespeare

The Dark Lady

thakespeareThat hollow,mooking oourt,whose golden carpets cover blood-stained floors . Thank Heaven! that lies behind me .

The Dark LadyNo;before .The old Queen dotes on Lord Southampton :he shallbe our stair .

ShakespeareHe's in disgrace--- .that open insult to the Queen .

The Dark LadyShall be repaired. Art ignorant of women? They only learnto prize when they are soorned;and she shall foot themeasure as we please,when,to my count Southampton pipesthe tune,'" hat must I prove a universal Eve? How often shallI proffer thee the fruit of Knowledge?

(offering her lips)Taste,Ganymede,tis gsrown upon Life's tree .

( :Shakespeare kisses her)As I teach thee,so shall I teach Southampton .

Shakespeare(starting away from her)

Southampton:

The Dark T.1ady(quickly)

To be our tool .

Shakespeare"hy must a price,# be paid of lies and flattery,for just theright to love?

The Dark LadyThe right to love---nay any country ladMay woo his sweetheart by a wayside hedgeTie something more :tis an tntoxioation,Love to the muted whisperings . of a viol,Veiled lights,the perfume of a thousand flowersCrushed to one drop of concentrated sweet,The Life-string keyed to snapping-podnt to forceAn over-tone of subtle harmony .Tie worth the cost .

ShakespeareNot for the straining heart upon whose stringsThe bow wears out this honeyed dance of deathLeave this exotic world=seek humbler joys .

I

In Arden ""ood The spring is coming in,The warming winds come leaping upthe glades,The laggard snow-banks in the hidden dells?delt under gentle kisses from the south ;Under that kiss a flush of living greenGlows on the hills ;star-like anemones,As spring's lips press them,open startled eyes .In Arden rood the spring is coming in :By every brook a flock of daffodils,Each rocky ledge is blue with violets,From every bush the swelling may-buds peep .Forget this poisoned sweetness ;oome awayTo Arden and the spring and happiness,

The Dark Ladyatill,magic on thy tongue, '"hy do I lot thee?I thought in Arden that it was thy youth ;---Mat glorious golden nectw of the soul .

(holding him so that the fire light falls on him)Yet now %your eyes have they pale, aging stareOf one who looks too long on Life's fierce flame iTwo quivering,piteous lines have drooped thy mouth ;Across thy brow the spider6web of pain .This is not% youth ;and yet thou hast a thing---That other men have not. .--a something sweet,opringing afresh,eternal in thy soul .o thing no other's given me f all my life

That I must have. It is your soul I want .

ahakespeare(yielding to her)

Come,come with me to Arden.Thou shall have my soul .Conduvt it whbre,,you will ;the forest paths,the hills ;But upward,upward if you love me .

The D k LadyTo Arden? Noto the court ;`~~ith prizes for the plunking on each tree ."'e will not waste a monent,you and IOn foolish forest patha :our road lies clearStraight up the easy slope to fortune's stair .

(snapping her fingers) .That for eternity;tis not to-day,Nor yet to-morrow :tis a long way off .Now precious youth is ours---why thinkTo-morrow we may wake and find it gone ;Come clutch it while we may .

(wildly)I cannot waste# thought on eternity,---1" ill, I have but an hour,', a blazing hour,I shall burn out.-shall die---oh,haste,make haste ;Let me enjoy that hour to the full .

(The revellerIs song from across the way is heard)

Hark

8

A

Hark! X in the town the marry dance begins ;Cast away thought ;":e"11 mingle in the crowd .

(she rushes to the window and throws it open)

See,there lies London: it shall be out* shrine ;Those twinkling lights shall be our alter-tire .

(The song bursts cut loudly)

ITark,to the worshipers---no miser crew;But noble spendthrifts----oh,the town:--the town .Come, -ill,forget to .norrow;we've toeday:To-day is ot!rs,on fire with heady wine,With jingling coins, and lights,the world's applause,They are all here---here in my beckoning arms .Come,seize them,drink my kisses,freely spend.?"ill,"ill---I love three--kiss me--come to me,

3hakespeare(who has followed her to the window,dully almost drunkenly)

In mid-night darkness hide me from myself,bile I forget---forget .

(fe^draws her to his embrace, there is a sudden knockingfrom below. The music stops)

"hat's that#?

W

:Southampton's Voice(below)

ill Shakespeare,' H o

The Dark LadySouthampton : He has seen us .

Shakespearelie here . Nay then,I have him.

The Dark Lad;".`hat would you do?

ShakespeareMake him ea+ -lr4ils- words .

The Dark LadyYou are mad :

Southampton's Voicerill Shakespeare ; Open ;

(loud knocking at the door)

The Dark Lady

9

The Dark tt..adyRemember,he'sf1 our hope .Youji must not quarrel .

:.hakespes.reBe quiet ;I know how to deal with him .

The Dark LadyI do not hear him. Hall he gone away .

ShakespeareNo;he's within doors .

The Dark LadyI hear him on the stairs . think,"'ill ;he is youm patron .

Shakespeare(pointing to inner room)

Go in there .

The# Dark LadyI dare not leave you two .

Shakespeare:`ait .

(Southampton throws open the outer door and enters . Theyall stand regarding each other silently)

SouthamptonSo.----I thought that you were here .

ShakespeareAnd by what right do you come here unasked?

aouthampton"'hen you# were begging favors,you were right glad to seeme on your sill .

.3bakespeare .I welcomed then a friend .

Southampton(aggressively)

To-night I do not come here as a friend; come•---

The Dark Lady

Ik(interrupting)

My Lord,my Lord ...(to Shakespeare)

I am faint ;some wine ---- i'mercy wine .

I0

Shakespeare(rushing into the next room)"'ine,Cesario,wine .Haste,lad,make haste,

The Dark Lady(coming to Southampton)

Go away . You must . I beg you to .

SouthamptonYes --if you come .

The Dark Ladydown and I'll rejoin you instantly, Go .

outhaniptonJo that you may play double, No,aweetheart ;trust me I knowyou well .I have no false ideals to tumble down . You comewith me or here we'll both remain .

The Dark. LadyYou do not understand. I can explain .

3outhaaeptonI want no exJklanation . Lot me but have your kisses to mysetf '

,.~ I'll ask no questions,(taking her hands)

These pretty hands I will devour with kisses,ere they writeassignations to another suitor.

The Dark LadyYes ;kiss tbem,rain down kisses on them .Only go--go now.

(He sinks on his knee,oovering her hand with kisses)Ho,do not kneel . coo now . In halt a hundred seconds you shallhold ' them olosej .One minute,Hal;AW# is all I ask . Rise nowand go .J$hakespeare comes in,followed by Cesario carrying wine)(

3hakespoaro(furiously) . .

Now,Gods and Devils! ..CUrsed be my eyesThat look upon such besting treachery.Thou# oomsaon friend,that's without ,.-faith or love ;Thou# sharer of my oouflOil;thou--thono-thou----

Southampton-(sneeringly)

Faith$ If your mistresses willing,why not I?

II

I

ShakespeareY ,;

.That 7s false,

SouthamptonFellow----

The Dark Lady(interrupting)

Heed him not,my Lord. He doth but jest. He's not aooostomedto the ways o' the court .

(to Shakespeare)Think,T"ill;the Earl's your patron . Tin he hath raised youto this eminenoe .Ho holds your future .

Shakesp eare(indignantly)

My futureSouthampton

Yes---as you shall find,

ahakeapeareMy future : : Think you, I'll pray for favors with a orinknee,while you make free with all. my soul holds dean'

The Dark ladysilence, you'll ruin all,

ShakespeareLiaten and learn what you have done to-day,This lady,whomabove# t he world I oherish,by you is brought to open,oruelshame. By you-my friondby you I thought my friend--by you----

The Dark Lady1111--

SouthamptonBy me: Dost mean to tell me that you knew notYour game at court was bought and paid in kind?

ahakespeare(A4aedly)

""as bought;----By what----By who* .

My Lord!

The Dark Lady(imploringly)

Southampton(with a sneering laugh)

You dolt . By whom if not a woman?

Shakespeare(looking at her incredulously)

Ah :

12

I

(turiiiiig to .;outhampton,furiousaly)Liar .!

The Dark Lady(throwing herself between them)

_ ..illl . .all''(in a voioe of anger and contempt)

Dost think aught goes unpaid for in this world?

ShakespeareWipaid?---unpaid?---And you---Oh God : I see .NO,no; I cannot see -- I dare not see,°"hat! Stewed in vice ; peddling thyself for gain?And I too on the market for such coin?At last the truth :'"oman,damned woman is our snare .No muse of Arden, pointtng out the way;A drag-tailed alut,presiding ore .a surer .'`ell,aince you ve filched away the best take all :Now I'll go dance with thee that dance of death,Take undo within the circle,join the satyr ring,Spill out my soul,Tis Devil's holiday ;My muse is dead:loV'c~ . celebrate the. rtes,Laugh,soroam abroad :i'm free,I'n freeTo dance to any woman's pipingOn the road to Moll

Cesario(coming forward)

Stop. Leave women from the matter .Question your wavering sont,That hangs irresolute twist Hell and #.Heaven;"'hose watchword's foreward,yet runs ever back ;

)Bartering to-morrows for a yesterday

! "1,,rk 6 lA.4 ('tShake off reality,dream mighty dreams,

wc,~ ,~,~ 4C

`The heights are for the strong,the lonely height st,`'here man erect stands face to face with God,

(tearing open her doublet)

Look at my breast--too whito for any man'sI am a woman;and I dare to cry,Leave love,leave fame,leavo slothful days of ease,"ill on your share of happiness to those to come .On, onwards, upwards---to $he heights .

hakeapeare(looking straight ahead)

That voioe,falling from peaks of everlasting calmSpeak on and guide me, utde my stumbling feet .

The Dark LadyFool: You have sacriftded the present for a dream.

Shakespeare*sadly shaking his head

No ;ycu# are not that she,(looking up)

And yet she is--..she is .

:.outhampton(drawing the hark Lady array)

Come .

(-he goes vzith his, but at the door she turns and looks forthe last time at Shakespeare)

The Vary Lady(with a strange mingling of sorrow and oontemptf, in

her voice)Fool$---Fool .,

(She goes out ftit.o Southampton)

(Shakespeare stands motionless for a moment ;fhen he sinksdespairingly in the chair . by the table)

ShakespeareCesario: The years----the empty years!

Ceuario(offering him his pen)

Your pen,master .

ShakespeareI cannot see .

C as arioI'll hold the light .

(She gets the candle from the mantle,and holds it aboveShakespeare's vork .The: fire has died out ;there is no otherli ght in the room.)

14

(a pause)

Shakespeare-Mrit ing)

` j-,, 'To be,or not to be ."'

(Only the light from Cesarlo's candle breaks the darkness .only the scratching of Shakespeare's pen breaks the silence)

CURTAIN TO ACT IV .

THE SHAKESPEARE PLAY .

r,_xxxr, .#~psq.#~F

ACT V .

Characters incidental to Act V .in the order of theirappearance : .

William ShakespeareJudith ShakespeareThomas JenkynsGecarioA Bond of Children .

K

ACT V .

New-P1aoe,Stratford .

April 23d,I6I8 .ahakespeare's bed ohamber,Tho room is darkened ;but thro thechinks of the window-shutters filter the raga of the after-noon sun,whioh enable us to make out a fire-place at oneside,a large four-post bed-stead,and a table .

(Shakespeare does not lie 6n the bed,but on .an iprovisedoouoh,not far from the window;he is sleeping, PresentlyJudith Shakespeare comes in on tip-toe,followed by ThomasJenkyns---- ..now a very old man, with white hair,)

JudithSh ; He id still asleep,

Jenkyns'"hat does the doctor say?

JudithHe's grave ;he shakes `nis 'head,

JenkynsI love just come from the town :the players are come,

JudithAll the old' company?

JadthsStrange faces for the most part ;one or two old friends,

JudithThey'll be here long?

JenkynsFive days . "The AlchemiatAs to-night,Then "Tamerlane"---"The Jew of Malta",

Judith"'hich of father's plays?

JenkynsNot one,

JudithSh; Do not let him kncaw his heart would break :His plays areall he dreams of .Oh,if there were but one put 'dp i'the billOO

SenkynsAye,if there were but one . Poor 1"111 There was somewhat inhis plays that smacked too much of common everyday.---He'lacked th'heroio paoe ;---yetfif he'd lived he might havestruck the galt .":'ho knowshe might . Fort after all playwriting's but a triok,---BBt ever at the nick it slippedhim by.

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(There a a timid knock at the door)

Judithh 3 1 Someone 'a at the dloor .

(She goes and opens the door ;Cesario Is outdide)

Tat you,Cesario?

Cesario(entering)

"e've just now come . I did not even stop to . seek for lodgOings .How is he?

Judith(shaking her head)

3h.' Sleeping,

Cesarlo(going tvord the bed)

I cannot see him :tis so dark in here,

Judith"'y keep the chamber cbosed,

Cesariooodts.pleasant sunshine can bring no one harm .Let in theday,

(She opens the window the room#is filled tith sunlight)

Shakespeare(waking)

The birds ;the sun;the spring:---I'm warm again .

CesarioDear master,

ShakespeareYou,Cesario,here?

CesarioFor a few days to play i' the town-hall, .

ShakespeareThe company back again in Stratford-town? "'hat do you playof mine,

Cesario(hesitating)

The---the bills are not yet up,I know not which ones,masterdear ----as yet,

Judith(interrupting ;+

Mother was here but now,, She brought this baked joint shehad cooked herself,Perhups twill mend you if you'll baste-

it .Shakespeare

Nay; put- it by, Let's talk o' the theatre . ".'hioh of the play'seem best to please the crowd? "hioh one a'ye think?

Cesario(hesitating)

"The. .-the Merry °riven",I think .

(his face falls disapointedly)

Nay tis almost as great a favorite as "Every Mak in hisHumor" . "•e played it not long since,and many said,theyliked' the piece right well,

ShakespeareAnd HamletLear?

CezarioiNay,they too,"_--many like them .

(turning away to wipe a tear from her face ;then pattinghis hand encouragingly)Dear master,

----%

ShakespeareAnd dolt still love thy parts?--.Ophelia. . .Desdemona?

Cesario(fervently)

Still,master,still . But I am getting old for sweetheaet'svows . .--I shall soon quit the boards .

ShakespeareAnd what then?---Tither wilt thou go? .

CesarioI know not ; somewhere far from th' town ;---somewhere withfields,and woods,and country sky,---And thou,dear master,what art thou to do?

Shakespea:z-eI ? I must soon be up and at my work,

CesarioYour work?

Shakesp earemy Play .

•_Cesario

A new one?Shakespeare

Aye;the grear one . I have the plot,the characters in mind .This one shall reach-ho goal;shakl unveil life itself.Theothers were but sketches of a prentioe hand,from which themaster-picture shall

##be drawn.Life has oonsuued me ;_but from the ashes# ## ff#,a; phoenis shall arise to

beat his pinions gainst the bars of Heaven .

Cesario

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B e calm,dear master .

jhakespeareCalm! MM-'7hen around me press a pack of scribblers"ouldabIip those golden wings to trim a cap,"oho would have mighty life a clip-tongued starling,Oaged to-pipe silly tunes,Soul-traffickers life is too strong for you ;Thro creed and oustom,life goes on---goes on ;From hungry garrets and from martyr's fires,The falcon's Flight mount,d upward to the sun .My songs shall mount,my will on falcon's wingsIn spite of you----in spiteQ---in spite

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(He has worked himself into a high pitch of excitement)

CesarioThey shall,I know they shall;--only be oalm,dear master,You but destroy yourself ,For my sake,be at peace,

1hakeapeareI cannot rests1 have my work to do .

CesarioForget it . Think o'the spring, See it is all about us,"hythe blossoms have crept right to your very window,I'11 setit more ajarf and let the sunlight and the spring-time in .

(The sound of children singing is heard ;and as they nearone jisoovers that the song is "It was a Lover and his Lass

Jhakespeare-hat is that song I hear?

CesarioThe children on the hill ;they must be coming home from thesheep-shearing,

JudithThey come here every day ;and father tells them stories fromhis play$ . They love to oume,

(the~_song grows louder)

Cesario(looking out the window)

Yee ;here they come a-troop .why,see ;they have gathered branoes from the blossoming boughs,and carry in their handa,Thehill is pink and white,a sea of bloom .In sooth it looks asArden forest were hurrying to Stratford,

Shakespeare(with a look of death crossing his face)

Dusinane '"ood :(with a cry)

Cesario Uy new pl1y . --.I have no more time,

( HE sinks back an the bed ;the others rush to him)

Master ;

Father ;

""ill ;

Cenario

Judith

Jenkyns

(The door opens and the children troop into the room,bear-.ing a mass of flowering applb-boughs into the room)

The ChildrenGood-even, gaster ",'Ill, Good-even, Master Shakespeare .

Ist Ohildhave been-'o the sheep-shearing,

Zd Child3ee,what We save brought you .

3d Child.It is because you are sick and have missed all the fun,

The Children--- See what I've brought----and Iand I,

(They pile the boughs on the bed until it is completelycovered with the flowers)

Ist ChildNow, we mu 3 t h va our story .

The, ChildrenYes ;e story---a story .

3d ChildTell us about 'Fuck,

2d ChildNo;Caliban,---Iie went like this,

(growls)

3dChSIdI likef the little Princes In the tower .

Ed ChidAnd Arthur.

Ist ChildNay,sir ;we love them all .

The ChildrenA tale----Atale,--..

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3d ChildA new one,

1st ChildNo,no; tho once you did not finish yesterday,':[hat chanced toAriel who . . had worked so well?

Shakespeare(smiling at them faintly)

His master ant him freeHe said.----

(He sinks back enable to continue)

Judith3h : My father is not well enough to-day, another time per#.haps,----Now hurry odf,

(She hurries the children out the door,Cesario continues. to look anxiously at Shakespeare as he lies wearily on hispillow)

Cesario(touching him gently)

Master dear,

ShakespeareIt is too late,Cesario ;too lato ; Yom,# light will never morVinspire my faltering pen : I am dying.

CesarioDo not die, Look up and see what I have brought you .Iwent on hearing you were ill, She told me ;"Give him this ."See,master doar:a jeweled bar of diamond and saphire,

Shakespeare( smiling a sad smile)

They fetch me tokens when it is too late .Anne sends me fun-eral meats and she a stone, Put it by,

(Cesario gives it to Budith)

Fell;-- ..Are you empty-handed;---Have you no gifts to bring?

Cesario(weep ing)

No, master;nothingnothing except my love,

ShakespeareYour love?

C erg ariaHave you not guessed it? My love,my love..--my everlastinglove,

Shakespeare"•'hy did you not let me guess Cesario ?

CesarioBee,use I would keep it ever pure and bright . Only what we -

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renonnoe,is ours forever .

ShakespeareNorw at the las t, I s eye, Youj% are that she I've souggt throtrackless Arden all my life .

CesarioNo,I am not that she :I am her messenger,

.3hakespeareThen where?

CesarioBeyond, Beyond,

ShakespeareAlways beyond,I have outlived them allyThe tripple hungry fires of human . life . `'Fire O'the passions that consumes the bodyFire O'the senses that consnimes the mind, \Fire o'the soul that eats them both awayAnd tunne upon itself .Then nothingAfter nothing,what?

(a pause)The rest is silence .

(He dies)

Ch, alas ; --,,c-' a gone .

JenkynsAnd the great play unwrit .Porhaps if he had lived .--- .Vho knows?----'° ho kncwsj

Curtain to Act V .

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Judith(Bending over him,whtle Cesario sinks on the floor besidethe bed,covering his cold hand with kisses)