Valentine and Orson, a Romantic Melo-Drame, as Performed at the Theatre-Royal Covent-Garden

Thomas Frognall Dibdin

Valentine and Orson, a Romantic Melo-Drame, as Performed at the Theatre-Royal Covent-Garden

To CHARLES FARLEY

AS A FEEBLE, THOUGH SINCERE, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HIS PROFESSIONAL EXERTIONS, UNREMITTING ZEAL, ATTENTION, AND ASSIDUITY, IN THE STAGE-ARRANGEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING BAGATELLE, ITS PAGES ARE MOST CORDIALLY INSCRIBED BY

T. DIBDIN.

The Ladies and Gentlemen, who have so eminently distinguished themselves in the Performance, are also respectfully desired to accept, as they most amply merit, the Author's best Thanks.

⁂The Lines marked by inverted Commas, are omitted in Representation.

CHARACTERS

FRENCH

SARACENS

ACT I

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

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

The Monastery Gates open, and the Friars and Nuns enter in Procession, singing the following

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

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

Hugo

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

First Citizen

Merry solemnity, do you call it?

Hugo

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

Second Citizen

Then why stand we here?

Hugo

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

Third Citizen

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

Hugo

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

All

You!

Hugo

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

Second Citizen

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

Old Woman

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

Third Citizen

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

Second Citizen

No, no; thirteen feet and a half.

Third Citizen

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

First Citizen

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

Old Woman

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

Hugo

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

GRAND MARCH

The Peers of France advance from the Gate to meet the king, who enters with the following

ORDER OF PROCESSIONAn OfficerBanner of FranceMen at Arms, two and twoOfficerBannerSoldiers with Spears and ShieldsChoristers, two and twoGrand CrossLady AbbessChoristersGrand CrozierNuns and Friars, two and twoBlack MusiciansOfficer bearing the OriflammePeers of France, two and twoThe KingPages and Armour bearersHenry and HaufrayOfficerRed BannerMen at ArmsOfficerBannerSoldiersPage with Valentine's StandardValentineSaracen General and Officers in ChainsThe Chorus forms an Accompaniment to the MarchCHORUSWith the gladsome notes of victory,Let the merry cymbals ring,Till earth resounds a people's cry,Whose hearts proclaim —Long live the King!

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

King

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

Valentine

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

King

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

Henry

(Apart to the King.) Auvergne! a royal title! – He'll next obtain the crown – Sure, my liege, a man unknown —

King

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

Haufray

(Aside.) If this goes on, he will aspire to gain the princess. (apart to the king) Men of birth, great sir —

King

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

Officer

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

King

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

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

SCENE II. —Interior of the Convent

Enter Blandiman and BelisantaBelisanta

Have all retired? Are we observed, my friend?

Blandiman

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

Belisanta

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

Blandiman

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

Belisanta

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

Blandiman

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

Belisanta

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

Blandiman

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

Belisanta

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

Blandiman

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

Belisanta

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

Blandiman

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

Enter a FriarFriar

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

Belisanta

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

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.—The Palace

(Descriptive Music.)

The King discovered on his Throne, attended by Valentine, Henry, Haufray, and the Peers of France – the Princess is announced by her Ladies, and enters – the King presents Valentine to her as the Preserver of his Life, she receives him with a warmth of Gratitude approaching to Love – the King leads her to a Seat, resumes his Throne, and speaks:

King

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

The Music plays a characteristic Symphony – a Group of Peasantry enter, the Principal of whom unfolds a Petition, and while he and the rest kneel, recites the following

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

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

Henry

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

Haufray

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

Valentine

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

(Pantomime Music.)

Valentine takes a respectful Leave of the King, and an affectionate one of Eglantine, who seems to reproach Henry and Haufray with causing his departure —Valentine goes off with the Peasants; the King, &c. on the opposite Side – The Scene closes.

SCENE IV.—An Apartment in the Palace

Enter Hugo, furbishing Valentine's Shield

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

Enter AgathaAgatha

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

Hugo

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

Agatha

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

Hugo

And so am I.

Agatha

You sorry! – for what?

Hugo

Why, to think that – that —

Agatha

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

Hugo

Has he? how lucky! (aside) Yes, I'm monstrous sorry – I didn't know it sooner. (apart)

Agatha

I knew you'd feel hurt.

Hugo

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

Agatha

Well, but if you were to ask him. —

Hugo

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

Enter Valentine, with a LetterValentine

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

Agatha. (gives Valentine a Scarf.)

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

[Exit.Valentine

Then success is certain! Come, see my armour.

Hugo

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

Valentine

Well, then, thou shalt go with me.

Hugo

(Dropping the armour.) Shall I! O dear!

Valentine

How now?

Hugo

'Twas but a sudden qualm – That was a real pain i' the back.

[Aside.Valentine

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

Hugo

I cou'dn't think of intruding further.

Valentine

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

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

SCENE V.—The Forest of Orleans. (Richards.)

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

The Peasants enter who presented the Petition at CourtFirst Peasant

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

Second Peasant

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

Third Peasant

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

(Music heard without.)

Mercy on us? What was that?

First Peasant

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

[Going.Second Peasant

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

Third Peasant

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

[Exeunt. Enter Three Pilgrims, who join in the followingGLEE(Accompanied by one of them on the lute.)"Pilgrims. The sun to ocean hies away."The curfeu bell is ringing,"And pilgrims thro' the twilight grey,"Now cheer the way by singing."While each, tho' weary, feels delight,"In thinking of his inn at night,"And ev'ry footstep moves in time,"As plays the distant village chime."Re-enter the Peasants runningPeasants. Mercy on us!Pilgrims. Strangers, say —Peasants. Here he comes,Pilgrims. Which is our way?Peasants. Have you seen him?Pilgrims. Whom?Peasants. He's coming.Hark! the wild man —Pilgrims. Tell us, pray.Peasants. Here you must not stand humdrumming.Yes, 'tis he – away! away!All. Away! away![Exeunt hastily.

Characteristic Music, which varies with the Incidents of the following Scene.

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

Valentine enters, followed at cautious distance by Hugo, who puts down a basket containing some cordage, fruits, and a flask, and seems very anxious to be dismissed —Valentine, in dumb shew, charges him with a token for Eglantine and the King, and recommending himself to heaven, takes his way into the thicket.

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

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

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

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

Valentine again bids Orson follow him —Orson suddenly snaps the cord, and follows the Bear – the Bear unable to reach the cave, drops with a faint roar, and dies, as if from old age.

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

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

ACT II

SCENE I.—A Court-Yard of the Palace at Orleans– (Phillips.) – in front a pair of great Gates, with Posts before them, and a Chain across from one to the other

(Pantomime Music.)

Officers and Servants run on terrified – go in at the great gates, and make them fast —Valentine enters on horseback, leading Orson, who seems amazed at every thing around him —Valentine blows a horn at the gate, Orson is surprised at the noise, tries to blow it, but cannot, which makes him very angry – Some one looks out from above, sees Orson, shakes his head and retires —Orson imitates him —Valentine angrily tries to force the gate, but is unable; Orson assists, without effect – at length, seeing that Valentine is eager to obtain entrance, Orson pulls up a post, breaks the chain by which it is attached to the next post, and batters the gate open – attendants rush out armed, are going to attack Orson – Valentine interposes —Henry and Haufray enter, shake hands with Valentine – Henry, in turning from Valentine, half draws his sword, Orson sees him, and pushes it rudely back into the scabbard —Valentine signifies to Orson that he must shake hands with his friends – he takes a hand of each, and squeezes them violently – he then shakes hands with the others —Eglantine enters, runs into Valentine's arms —Orson is astonished, delighted at her beauty, he runs to embrace her, as Valentine has done, but is repulsed and much displeased at it —Valentine makes him kneel and kiss her hand – drums and trumpets are heard, the wild man is alarmed – the King and Courtiers enter and welcome Valentine – Orson's attention is still fixed on the Princess – he approaches her again, she, terrified, runs for protection to Valentine – Orson seems hurt, and makes a savage kind of moaning – the King admires Orson, who wants to shake hands with him, but is taught the proper mode of approaching him by Valentine– the King orders Orson a dress, and goes off with the Princess and attendants —Valentine and Orson are following, when the latter espies Hugo, and remembering the adventure of the cloak in the forest, runs furiously towards him, and reminds him of it by action —Valentine interposes in behalf of his terrified armour-bearer, whom he reconciles to Orson, and leaves them together – Attendants bring on apparel, as ordered by the King, for Orson, who makes many whimsical mistakes in putting it on, when suddenly missing Valentine, he throws the dress at the Officers, and runs into the palace in search of his friend.