KING ARTHUR AND MORGANA LE FAY
written by Robert Sim
ACT I
ARTHUR BECOMES KING OF BRITAIN
Scene 1
Merlin comes to London
Merlin This land lies in darkness
for clouds are overhead,
The Saxon’s sword is pointed
at the Briton in his bed.
Mothers they are weeping
the farmers close their hands,
No one rests in safety
while the Saxon rules the lands.
Now to the south I must go
a King awaits me there,
His light will bring us freedom
for his heart is just and fair.
Saxon Soldier (1) Halt, old man! In the name of Vortigern our Saxon king, present yourself. Be it known that no Britain shall pass this way. He who tries will be hanged in the market-square. Now speak!
Merlin Merlin is my name and in God’s service am I here. King Uther Pendragon lies not long dead and I am called to London by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Saxon Soldier (2) He claims to be the mighty Merlin. If it is true then he will turn us into croaking frogs if we hinder him. But if it isn’t true, then it will be our heads that will hang in the market-square.
Saxon Soldier (1) Then we’ll test him. Old man – you say you are Merlin. Your magic is renowned beyond these isles. Let us see you wave your wand now!
Saxon Soldier (2) Merlin indeed! Up, you dog! Have you nothing to say for yourself?
Merlin A dog I am
Well feel my bite!
Now just don’t just stand there staring,
Why don’t you fight?
Be gone now and don’t cross my way
Or with your necks you shall pay!
Sir Ryan Look there, it is Merlin our most trusted adviser. The Archbishop awaits him, for he is the only one who can see the future of our land.
Sir Accolan I will fetch the Archbishop.
Sir Ryan Merlin, good friend, we are in dire need of your advice. The Archbishop is on his way.
Merlin Thank you, dear Sir Ryan. I see him already.
Archbishop Merlin, at last you ’re here. How was your journey?.
Merlin Troubled good Archbishop. Darkness fills the land. The Saxons are holding all the Britons who pass their way.
Sir Accolan Is there no help?
Merlin There is light ahead, for a king will come to lead the people of these islands. But we must beware, for his path will nmot be easy and we must do all we can to help him.
Archhbishop But first he must prove himself. He who is able to pull this sword from the stone – he will be the true one chosen to lead the people of this land.
Sir Ryan Then I, Sir Ryan of ales, will be the first to try my hand..
Sir Accolan Yes, Sir Ryan – you are a true knight whose strength and valour are without question. You are indeed fit to lead the land.
Sir Ryan It is as if the good Lord himself plunged it in there. Or you, Merlin, with all your magic. I swear that you alone with all your secret ways could get the sword out.
Merlin Perhaps you are right, Ryan.
Archbishop Then let our good friend Accolan try. His name is known throughout this land for its fairness of judgement and humility.
Sir Accolan Where Ryan has failed my chances are small, but I will try. –
Then shame upon me, too, for I cannot move it one inch.
Archbishop No shame, good knight. It’s not to be. The sword lies fast in its place and the future king is not among us yet. Come Merlin, we will leave now. And you knights, - you will remain in God’s name to guard the sword and to testify if someone is able to draw it.
Sir Ryan I speak for both of us. Let God’s will be done. We will stay and watch over the sword.
Archbishop To be sure, God will send us our King. Now let it be known throughout the land that upon New Year’s Day a great tournament will be held here in London. He who draws the great sword from the stone will be King of All Britain.
Scene 2
Arthur and the Sword in this Stone
Sir Kay Young Arthur, my squire. How anxious I am today. New am I to the ways of a knight and tody is my first chance to prove myself in combat.
Arthur Sir Kay, my master, I am but sixteen years of age and lack experience in knightly deeds. But tell me – how can you fight without a sword? Forgive my impudence.
Sir Kay Of course, you are right. How foolish of me. My sword is still in my lodgings. In my haste I forgot to bring it. Will you be so good as to ride back and fetch it?
Arthur I will be back with your sword before the sun is overhead.
Sir Kay Tarry no longer, Arthur, for I hear the trumpets heralding the knights. I will be shamed to arrive without my sword and no lady will glance my way. An d now I will retire behind that old oak tree to enjoy the shade and gather ma strength.
Arthur Trust in me, my master.
Our lodgings are locked for everybody has travelled to the tournament. My master will be humiliated, for he has no sword.
Perhaps this sword will do. I don’t know why it has been buried so deep in this stone.
It’s a fine sword and perfect for my master. But now I must hurry.
Scene 3
Arthur is accepted as King
Sir Ryan Sir Kay, our youngest fellow. Welcome to our midst. Today is your first combat. I remember you as a boy. Right strong you have grown. What have you to say for yourself?
Sir Kay This is indeed a fine day for me But I feel as yet not complete.
Sir Ryan What ails you? Is your stomach turning already? But don’t pay any attention to it, for soon the cheering crowds will bring the colour back to your cheeks.
Sir Kay Thank you, Sir Ryan, but is is not my stomach that troubles me. Rather is is my memory that failed me: I left my sword in my lodgings.
Sir Ryan Shame on you! You’ll not leave this town, to be without your sword is to be unclothed.
Sir Accolan I pity thee, Kay. We must be gone. For you it would be better to stay here. Come, dear friends.
Arthur You pardon, my lords – but I bring my master, Sir Kay, a sword.
Sir Accolan Well, Sir Kay, you can join us after all. It’s as handsome a sword as I’ve seen in a long time.
Archbishop One moment, Sir Kay. Do you not recognize the sword? It is the very one that was plunged deep into the stone. Such a hilt is indeed a rarity. And whosoever draws it forth will become the king of Britain. Tell us lad – where did you get this sword from?
Sir Kay I got it from the stone. With my own hands I drew it out of that coldest of sheaths.
Archbishop Then the throne of all Britain be yours – by right.
Merlin One moment your Lordship. Pray tell us good Sir – were there no knights guarding the stone?
Sir Kay No, Merlin, I was unhindered in the act of extracting the sword.
Merlin Then who bears witness to this deed? You, Sir Ryan? It was your task.
Sir Ryan No, Merlin. In my haste to join the tournament I left the sword unguarded.
Merlin Then you Sir Accolan? It was your task as well.
Sir Accolan No, Merlin. I too neglected my task.
Merlin I beg your understanding, Sir Kay, but it is written that someone must witness the deed. You must repeat it. If you refuse, then your claim to the throne is invalid. Step this way.
Sir Kay You who doubt my word will be sory for when I am King ...
Archbishop In God’s name, Sir Kay, you must repeat the deed. If what you claim is true, then you have nothing to fear.
Merlin Sir Kay – now draw the sword.
Archbishop Tell us, Sir Kay, where did the sword come from? Who drew it from the stone? Tell us the truth or you will be banned from wearing the colours of a knight and then expelled from these isles for ever.
Sir Kay Ask my squire, Arthur. He brought it to me.
Archbishop Well Arthur – speak the truth now.
Arthur I pulled it from the stone. My master had left his sword in his lodgings. The place was locked when I returned but then I found this fine sword buried deep in the stone.
Sir Accolan I don’t believe him. He’s no better than his master Kay.
Sir Ryan The little cheat. Why don’t we chase them both away now. Or perhaps we could have some good entertainment watching this lad struggle to raise the sword. What say you, Accolan?
Sir Accolan Well, I suppose he should be given the chance to prove himself.
Archbishop You are right, Accolan. He who claims to have drawn the sword must be given the chance to repeat the deed bevor witnesses. Besides, he is our only link with the drawing of the sword. If he fails then he must tell us mor eof this strange business. Here, good lad – try you hand.
Arthur I fear not the truth.
Merlin The truth is given to us by God. You are the chosen one, Arthur. Let it be known today to all the people of this land that when your father, Uther Pendragon, lay dying he gave you up to my care. I broght you up in the knowledge that one day you would be King of all Britain.
Arthur As to my past, I know very little. Vagueness is all I recall. As ro the future, I pledge myself to the service of God to do good throughout the land.
Sir Accolam Your , majesty, I pledge myself to fight for you while I am able, if you accept my sword.
Arthur I accept you as my knight, Sir Accolam.
Sir Ryan Your majesty, I, too, pledge myself to fight for your service, if you accept my sword.
Arthur I accept you as my knight, Sir Ryan.
Sir Kay I do not consider myself worthy to be in your service, your majesty. My misdeed today showed a black side to my heart. I plead forgiveness and offer my sword in your service.
Arthur Full well do I know your heart. I trust that its goodness will gain the upper hand. So saying, I accept your pledge. And now good friends, let us make haste to the tournament. Tell no one of what has happened, until we are in Camelot.
Bur who is this who pushes his way into our midst uninvited?
Lord of Orkney Up you three knights! It is I the Lord of Orkney. Why do you kneel before this lad? I am far more worthy than he. How many wars has he won for this land of ours?
Merlin Your bravery is not in question. But wait while I tell you the true coming of Arthur. He is the only son of Uther Pendragon. Because of my magic arts Uther Pendragon gave him into my care. I took him to Avalon, the land of Mystery, where the beings there gave him three gifts. First, he shall be the greatest of the knights that these Islands have ever known. Second, he shall be the greatest King that these islands have ever known. The third is that he shall live longer than any man shall ever know.
Sir Accolan And we, my Lord of Orkney, have witnessed it all. Arthur withdrew the sword from the stone. The sighn is clear – he is the King.
Lord of Orkney This I cannot dispute. Forgive me, my King. I pledge myself to your service.
Archbishop We all here witness, in the name of God, that you, Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon, King of England, become King Arthur of Britain. May you serve in God’s name.
Arthur With joy I take up my task. Tomorrow we will go to Camelot where I will hold my court. We will gather our forces to cleanse this land of all our enemies. But now – let us away to combat, for the tournament awaits us.
KING ARTHUR AND MORGANA LE FAY
ACT II
KING ARTHUR’S FIRST TEST
Scene 1
Sir Pellinore and the Lady
Morgana Le Fay Arthur, we are related by blood. My father, Uther Pendragon, was your father also. But our mothers were as different as summer and winter. The crown of this land, which you have worn well for four seasons, is yours by right. These isles prosper under your wise rule, but I grow ever coldr, for I am but the Queen of distant Monmouth.
Merlin Your Ladyship – your tongue is as sharp as ever and your eyes are cold. You bring an ill wind with you. Your half-brother is beloved by his people and serves in God’s name.
Morgana Le Fay While I am forgotten and must always acquiesce to his word.
Arthur Dear half-sister. Pray don’t be angry. You are always welcome in Camelot and I kmnow that Ryan, the bravest knight in Wales, seeks your company.
Morgana Le Fay I despiese you ll, but let it be known that I will not remain in my western shadows for ever.
Sir Ryan Dearest Queen – pray settle yourself. What Arthur says is right. My day is only complete when I catch your eye. Let us not be tangled in strife. Ah, here the Fool comes to entertain us.
Fool juggles, tells a story, sings a song or something like that¬
Lady Miles My Lord, King Arthur, in God’s name help me. Pellinore, that evil knight, lies not far behind me, for he has slain my husband and now he is chasing me. Send one of your knights to avenge my husband’s death, I beg you.
Sir Kay If it so pleases you, my Lady, I will face Pellinore when he enters Camelot.
Arthur No, Sir Kay, it shall be my task to avenge the death of this lady’s husband.
Merlin Beware my Lord, for you go unto your death. Pellinore has never accepted you as king. He is stronger than ten and will smite you before the sun rises again.
Arthur This fair lady’s honour is at stake and I must do what I can.
Sir Kay The villain is here.
Pellinore So my lady – there you are! I have fought long for you and have slain your husband in fair combat. Now you are mine.
Arthur You, Sir – are in my hall. This lady has sought my sword in protection. Stand and fight for her again!
Pellinore I do not recognize you and you are little more than a lad. Keep out of my way or I’ll cleave you in two before the cock crows.
Arthur I repeat myself, Sir Pellinore. To attain this lady’s hand you must fight me first.
Pellinore If it is your will, then let it be done.
Ryan You must kill me first, Pellinore. Don’t you know that it is Arthur
your king who lies there.
Pellinore I recognize no one of that name as my king. I am my own master and will slay whosoever stands me and my lady. And now – your last chance. Either you get out of the way or you lose your life.
Arthur Death is sweet compared with the humiliation of surrender.
Pellinore Brave words indeed, my young Lord! But now for the final blow!
Merlin Pellinore – I implore you! Do you not know that Arthur that Arthur, King of Britain, is the last who has the chance to build Logres, which is to be the Kingdom of God on earth? He is still young and green and lays much which he cannot meet with his sword. Now lie down here and forget your troubles.
Arthur Merlin, you have shamed me. And now you have killed him with your magic.
Merlin Fear not, for Pellinore lies sleeping. He will wake again and will serve you. You must beware, there are many evils in the world and you are not yet skilled enough in combat.
Arthur Then I have much to learn. Bot you, fair Lady, are free to go. Sir Kay will escort you back to your castle.
Lady Miles Thank you, good King Arthur. Never has this land had such a king as you. Of nobler heart have I never heard tell. May God bless you.
Sir Accolan Come this way, my lady.
Scene 2 The Lady of the Lake and Excalibur
Morgana Le Fay Well, dearest half-brother, a fine king you are. Saved only by the magic of the old wizard. What do you say, my sisters? Would you take this swordless fellow as your protector?
The three damsels O mistress dear, o mistress dear
This boy, he is no king,
For him we have no need at all
Without a sword he’ll quickly fall,
Much rather by your side we’ll stay,
Our queen, our queen,
Our Fairy-fay.
Sir Kay Your half-sister bears you ill with those damsels of hers, dear Arthur. Should I not lock them in the bowels of the earth – out of harm’s way?
Arthur No, my shame is already great today. It will not do to cast my half-sister and her damsels into prison. But you are right – they do not bode well for me.
Merlin Yes, Arthur, be on your guard.
Arthur Alas, I am without a sword.
Merlin Have no fear, my King, for we are waiting for the Lady of the Lake. She alone can bring your sword, which is called Excalibur.
Sir Ryan I approaches!
Lady of the Lake I bid thee well, Arthur, King of the Britons and I come from the lake where for a thousand summers I have held this sword for you. As long as you can carry it, no harm shall come to you. And when next I have Excalibur in my hands, then it is a sign that the kingdom of Logres is at en end and that you, Arthur, the guardian of this kingdom, must return to Avalon to seek our healing ways. Tell me Arthur – which appeals to you more: the sword or the scabbard that holds it?
Arthur It is the sword that catches my eye.
Lady of the Lake Your eyes mislead you, Arthur. Hearken my words now. When you wear this scabbard, then you are beyond harm. But take care of both scabbard and sword – for there lurks a wicked woman who is waiting to steal them from you.
Morgana Le Fay The key lies in our hands now. Remember sisters – the scabbard will bring us close to our goal. Arthur will not heed Merlin’s words and we will strike. But for the present we must bide our time.
Merlin Arthur – you have much to learn, but now that you have Excalibur you will be able to cleanse these Isles. But you will not be able to do it alone. You must gather your knights around you. They are already fighting to be at the head of your table. Thus your table must be round.
Merlin Thank you, Merlin. I will heed your words and will make my table round. Thirteen places there will be.
Lady of the Lake But one place must remain empty. There is only one who can fill the Siege Perilous. Whoever tries to usurp this will not live to talk of it.
Sir Ryan Then I will keep clear. But my lady, we are forgetting ourselves – won’t you join us at our table?
Lady of the Lake And I must go, too. My work is done. I take my leave from you now, Arthur. Sleep calls me and deep in the earth I will dwell.
Sir Ryan But Merlin, so oft you have guided us. Where will we find ourselves now?
Merlin Good Sir Ryan, I will not abandon you, for in my place the Lady of the Lake will watch over you.
Lady of the Lake Fear not. Although the forces of darkness are gathering, I will be near at hand when you need help.
Merlin Rule wisely, dearest Arthur – I bid you adieu.
Arthur And may God be with you, Merlin.
ACT III
ARTHUR BECOMES KING OF BRITAIN
Scene 1 Morgana waeves her terrible spell
Morgana la Fay My craft is strong,
Magic is its name.
My will is wicked,
I take no blame.
To be Queen
I’ll fight tooth and nail,
And those who oppose me
I’ll whip and flail.
The first to go is Ryan
My husband, husband dear,
He’s in the way and
With his life he’ll pay
And I’ll be Queen
Before the morrow day.
And then Arthur
My half-brother,
He must die tonight,
At the hand of Accolan
That fairest, fairest knight.
The Three Damsels
Upon our word
It will be done,
Our task will bring us joy
And death to Arthur
Death to Ryan
We’ll help you in our ploy.
And soon you will be the Queen
Of these fair islands green,
And we will hold your veils high
And we will hold you when you sigh
Oh, you shall be our Queen, our Queen,
Oh, you shall be our Queen.
Sir Ryan Long have we hunted and I am tired. How are you, dear friends?
Sir Accolan Ryan, I, too, am tired from the chase. Choice vittles we have. What say you both to a fine roast?
Sir Ryan Now that strikes a good note within me. We’ll have a drink, too. Arthur – what are your thoughts?
Arthur Fair is the day indeed and great is my hunger. Let us rest and feast ourselves on the spoils of the day.
Sir Accolan The wind brings fair tidings. Never have I heard sweeter music. Every note thrills my ears. My heart is quickened. Dear friends – it comes from yonder. Much finer is that spot. Come let us find the source of this wondrous sound.
Sir Ryan Beware ,dear Accolan, you do not know what is tempting you. But, Arthur, see there is no holding him. Now my heart is also filled. I must join him ... Accolan, see the maiden, she beckons us. Come.
Arthur Duch beauty have eyes never seen and such music has never greeted my ears before today.
Sir Ryan Friends, here we can gather our strength. See, they bring us wine and grapes, bread and meat.
Sir Accolan I feel myself near to sleep, my good friends. Perhaps one more sip of this nectar.
Sir Ryan If my dreams were as rich as this, then I would never wake. Fair maiden, just ione more sip is all I ask.
Arthur My comrades are asleep. This sword of mine has no place here monhst such gentle beings. Here, take this and I will take one more drink to satisfy my thirst.
Morgana Le Fay Good sisters
Tell me now your news,
Are all three fast asleep?
Have you worked your subtle ways?
Have you lulled the with your sways?
And do the Britons wail and weep?
The three damsels Oh mistress,
Whom we love so true,
Of darkest eyes
It’s up to you.
Our work is done
The three lie sleeping,
They await the scythe
And its reaping.
Margana Le Fay Well, my sisters,
You’ve done the deed,
And this fine sword
Will make them bleed.
And I will kill the first of them
Ryan is his name,
My husband of long-standing
He’ll die but has no blame.
Butt his I’ll bear
To free my hand
To marry Accolan,
For he’s the one to wear my ring
And he’s the one to be my king.
Scene 2 The fight between Accolan and Arthur
Sir Kay Is he alright?
Sir Pellinore Arthur, our King, wake up, wake up!
King of Orkney Give him water.
Sir Pellinore No, the water is foul.
Sir Kay He’s waking.
King of Orkney My Lord, are you alright?
Arthur Where am I? It’s so dark. Who are you?
Sir Pellinore It is I, your servant Pellinore. Sir Kay and Lord Orkney are here as well. You were thrown here last night.
Arthur Where are we? What are you doing here?
Sir Kay It is a deep and dark dungeon. There is no way out. For many years we have lain here at the mercy of the evil forces who remain nameless. And now you are here. What memories do you have of your journey?
Arthur None, for I was lulled by the wicked hand of temptation. And now I find myself here.
Sir Kay And your sword, my Lord. It hangs not at your side.
Lord Orkney There's a foul wind in the air.
Sir Pellinore Shh! Someone enters. A damsel in purest white.
Arthur Surely I know her ... Sweet maiden – do we know one another? You serve the sweetest wine. Tell me why I’ve been thrown here?
Damsel (1) You are mistaken, my King. I know you not and you know me not. My Lord bids you, King Arthur, to fight for him. If you win, then all these knights will be free. If you lose, then you will all die.
Arthur The life and freedom of my dear friends is enough to turn may mind to this deed. But won’t you tell me who your master is? Who fairest maiden, sent you on this quest?
Damsel (1) That i cannot reveal, my King. You must fight without colours and with vizor over your face. If not, then your friend will die.
Arthur Tell your master that I will fight fort he release of these three knights and that I will do so without showing my face or colours.
Damsel (1) Your word will be pased to my Lord. I bid yoiu farewell, mylords.
The Knights Goodbye.
Sir Kay Tis indeed a strange fate that lies ahead of us.
Arthur With God’s help may it soon be over, dear friends.
Sir Accolan Ah! A fine day it is. But where am I? And my Lords – King Arthur and Sir Ryan? Sweet delight was ours but I fear we were sorely tricked.
Peasant Hey – you. You’re Sir Accolan, aren’t you?
Sir Accolan That is my name. And, pray, what do you want?
Peasant We come from Queen Morgana Le Fay. Her husband Sir Ryan died at the sword of the cowardly knight who refuses to show his face. My lady has chosen you above all to avenge her. She says that you alone are fair enough to wear her scarf. When you have slain this foul wretch, then my lady will offer you her hand. Her King you will become.
Sir Accolan Tis sad news indeed for Sir Ryan was my friend. For this deed and for my lady’s honour will I offer my life. I will wear her scarf next to my heart.
Peasant You must show the fiend no mercy. My lady sends you her half-brother’s sword and scabbard. This will ensure your victory, for he who wears them cannot come to harm.
Accolan You must tell your lady that I accept the challenge and pledge myself to her service. If I win against this nameless stranger then I will take her hand in marriage.
Peasant Then come this way, for your opponent awaits you.
Damsel (1) My Lord, we are here. Your opponent will arrive soon.
Arthur But, fairest maiden, you jest, for I have no sword.
Damsel (1) have no worry. One of my sisters approaches. She brings you your sword from Morgana Le Fay, your half-sister. Here she is now.
Damsel (2) Forgive me for taking so long but here is your sword, my Lord. Your dear half-sister sends it to you with her fondest love. She weeps for you now and prays that all will be well with you.
Damsel (1) Your opponent approaches now. Keep your vizor down. You will wear no markings in your fight. Let God be with you.
Sir Accolan Oh, nameless stranger, stand your ground! For your shameless act you will die.
Arthur My ears deceive me, for I feel I know that voice. But it cannot be. Stand your ground! I fight for the freedom of others and I have vowed to kill you.
Sir Accolan Take that!
Arthur You are indeed strong, but I am on the side of truth ... My scabbard fails me.
Accolan And now – either yield or die. Admit your foul deed, you coward.
Arthur Yield I will never. I will not be shamed. My vow was made!
Accolan You are little better than a corpse. Tis your last chance. Yield or I will slay you.
Lady of the Lake Don’t you know each other? You – Arthur, I told you beware. Your sword, Excalibur, lies there. Both of you are under the spell of your half-sister, Morgana Le Fay.
Arhtur My lady, I thank you. But you – who are you?
Accolan It is me, Accolan. Deeply stricken I am. So near I came to killing you, my dearest Arthur. Your half-sister gave me your sword and I was to fight to avenge her honour. I beg your forgiveness.
Arthur I grant it, Accolan. This was no doing of yours. Bit now the spell is broken. My half-sister must be driven from my court.
Lady of the Lake To the darkest north you must drive her. She bears you ill, Arthur. Come, I will accompany you to Camelot, for you must act to cut short her evil doings.
Act 3 The cloak
Sir Pellinore It is good to have you back amongst us, Arthur. And you, Accolan, too. These bleak skies have been with us too long.
Sir Kay A cloud hangs over us. But with you here they shall soon begin to clear.
Arthur My heart is heavy, for my half-sister troubles me. But for the careful eye of our dear lady, I would have died at the hand of Accolan. Morgana’s web is spun around us and we can but wait for her to strike again.
Lady of the Lake Your words are wise, Arthur. Morgana Le Fay’s work is not complete. I vowed to Merlin to help you and that I will do.
Sir Kay Lord Orkney enters with a maiden from the north.
Sir Pellinore So far have you travelled, dearest Orkney. What brings you to us?
Lord Orkney My Lords, good Lady. This maiden has travelled far with a gift for the King. My task was to assure her a safe passage.
Arthur Speak, oh fair one. Do I not know you?
Damsel (3) You are mistaken, my Lord. Never have ou eyes met. I come from your half-sister Morgana Le Fay. She sits a-weeping at home, eating nothing. She begs forgiveness and sends her most treasured possession.
Sir Pellinore Tell us, what did she send.
Damsel (3) This cloak. For whoever wears it, will be invisible to all around them.
Sir Pellinore It is indeed a magnificent gift.
Air Kay Which, together with Excalibur, would make you invincible, my Lord.
Lord Orkney Arthur, such a gift shows that your half-sister is truly repentant. Forgive her and bring her back to court.
Arthur My heart is lighter. Pray, give me the cloak.
Damsel (3) Yes, my Lord, I will place it on your shoulders.
Lady of the Lake Arthur – beware. It is another trick.I ask you to pass the garment here. As a test I will wear it.
Damsel (3) As you will, my Lady.
Sir Pellinore She is dead!
Sir Kay Oh! Curse that woman!
Arhur You – brimger of darkness. Back now to your mistress. She mûst flee to the farthest corner of this earth. Nevet more shall she set foot in my kingdom.
With this sword will I bring God’s light to the darkest corner of this land.
ACT IV
THE PASSING OF ARTHUR
Scene 1 Introduction
Fool (Storyteller) And so Morgana Le Fay was cast out of the land. Once rid of her Arthur could rule Britain and this he did with a strong and fair hand.
He gathered many knights about him; the most famous of whom were Paricival, Launcelot and Gawain.
With the passing of time Arthur took a wife, the fairest Guinevere and he loved her with all his heart. Her heart, however, was won by Launcelot, Arthur’s most valiant knight. It was the love between Launcelot and Guinevere which finally brought the Round Table to an end. Arthur declared war on Launcelot, who was forded to flee to France. In Arthur’s absence Mordred ruled Britain and guarded Guinevere. But Mordred was hungry for Guinevere himself und now seized the Queen. Arthur returned to England and waged war on Mordred. Morderd was slain by Arthur’s lance. Before he died Mordred was able to strike a death blow to Arthur. We will finish the play with the passing of Arthur.
Scene 2 Arthur is called to Avalon
Arthur Oh God, what has become of my noble knights? All are dead – Launcelot, Gawain. Kay – all are dead! Mordred, the traitor, have i slain today, but his sword has laid me here. All are dead – the way is open for the Saxons again.
Sir Pellinore My Lord, there is nothing that you can do now. We will take you to that chapel. Come now – rest on my shoulder.
Lord Orkney And on my shoulder as well, my Lord. There is peace in the chapel.
Sir Pellinore You can rest here. Drink this water. I will go and fetch help. You will not die my lord – you will not die my lord.
Lord Orkney And I will remain here to watch over you, my Lord.
Arthur It will not be necessary, my Lord Orkney, for I am called to Avalon as the Lady of the Lake foretold so long ago. My final commandment – take my sword to the lake over the ridge. Cast it in. Return and tell me what you saw.
Lord Orkney I fear to leave you alone but I will do as you told me ...
Such a sword as this is too fine to throw to the bottom of the lake. I will hide it here.
Arthur Well, tell me, what did you see?
Lord orkney Nothing, my Lord.
Arthur then you have not done as I asked you. Do not defy me – this is the hour of my greatest need. Go again – quickly!
Lord Orkney Are you sure? To be left alone ...
Arthur Do as I say!
Lord Orkney Yes, my liege.
No stronger am I this time. To throw away this fine sword would be too great a waste. I will not do it.
Arthur Is that you Orkney?
Lord Orkney Yes, my Lord.
Arthur Well, what did you see?
Lord Orkney Nothing, my Lord.
Arthur You lie! Twice you have failed me. You are a traitor. I am too weak to go myself. I command you – for a third time. Take the sword and cast it into the lake. Tarry not. I am failing.
Lord Orkney I cannot fail my King now ...
My Lady! – but the cloak! I thought that Morgana Le Fay’s cloak had killed you.
Lady of the Lake I cannot be killed as you my Lord of Orkney.
Lord Orkney And now you come to take Arthur.
Lady of the Lake Yes, you are right. Long have I awaited the sign of Arthur’s passing. You have brought that sign – Excalibur. Arthur will now come with me to Avalon where he will be healed of his wounds. Now return to him and tell him that his sword has been received.
Lord Orkney Yes, my Lady. Bit what will become of these isles now that Arthur is gone?
Lady of the Lake He will lie in waiting ready to be called. Now hurry – Arthur awaits you.
Lord Orkney Yes, ... yes. I’m going.
My Lord, your sword is in safe hands. The Lady of the lake awaits you.
Arthur Help me, please. Too long have I tarried.
Lord Orkney They have a barge. To Avalon you will go to be healed.
Lady of the Lake You are sore wounded, Arthur. To Avalon we will go, there you will be healed. You will lie with your knights till you are called again to cleanse these isles of the darkness that will cover them.
Lord Orkney Farewell, my Lord.
Scene 3 The End
Fool (Storyteller) And so Arthur was taken to Avalon where he still lies today.
But it is said that once in Gwynedd, in the mountains of Wales, a shepherd met and strange and mysterious man. The man pointed to the shepherd’s crook and told him that beneath the tree from which the crook was cut there lay a cave with treasure beyond his wildest dreams. He warned he shepherd of a great bell that hung near the entrance to the cave. If the bell were to ring, then the sleeping guardians of the treasure would awake.
Not long after, the shepherd was searching for a lost lamb when he came across an opening at the base of the hazel from which he had cut his crook. Remembering what the stranger had said he entered the cave and found himself in a chamber. He lit a candle and saw piles of gold and silver. In the middle lay a figure, like that of a king, sleeping. Surrounding him were other sleeping figures, he thought them to be knights. The shepherd was fearful and made a step backwards, only to knock into the bell. It sounded and the figure in the middle of the room awoke. “Is it time?“ he said. The shepherd sis not know why but he said „No, it is still night – now sleep on.“ “Then quickly take what gold and silver you need and begone,“ said the figure, „for if my knights awake they will be angry“.
The shepherd did so as quickly as possible. Later he searched the hills over and over again but never did he find the cave. And to this day no one else has found King Arthur and his knights. He fell sleep until called to dispel the gathering gloom.
