The Tragedy of Arthur_ A Novel - Arthur Phillips [158]
If victory is won, the Saxons scourged,
’Twas you who took the day, heroic queen!
For by your lady’s womb were allies found:
Your king still lives, the child is born, and you
Are Linmouth’s rescuer, bold Guenhera.
GUENHERA
I feel them both, those rival-friendly kings.
They counter-strive12 to read their fates in me,
All futures vie in this discov’ry-space.13
Wherefore he leaves me gnashing ignorant?
Is no one waiting there? Is no word come?
O! O!
NURSE
There now it starts! So kings are born!
Come walk a ways with me in th’lower hall
And by that prompting urge our prince to fall.
Exeunt
[ACT IV,] SCENE III
[Location: The field of Linmouth]
[Enter] Mordred solus
MORDRED
And now does Arthur love me, says I am
A steady friend he loves above his life,1
Belovèd heir, his brother, almost son.
When Saxon lance did fling me from my horse,
King Arthur charged, restored me to my feet,
And shouted I was “Hector2 born anew!”
He lies, I know. He cannot think me so.
He boasts more speed and brawn than I, and yet,
Today, his words did something make it so,
And I did smite the Saxon with more strength
For Arthur said I would, and so I did.
At battle’s end, whilst numbering the slain,
I ought have plunged a blade into his back,
But pleased was I to have his ear and eye,
To blush as he made me fair weather.3
He seems to wish for nothing but that he
Should breathe his last and I should warm his throne.
I know he lies, and yet I thank his love.
The Saxons vanquished, off he posts4 to court
And thence to rebel-factious Ireland’s shores,
’Gainst death and all oblivious enmity.5
His kiss upon my cheek, I watch him fly,
And then do mind6 his murder of my flesh.
Were I that king, I would send Mordred north
To wait his certain crown and wait and wait,
While queens do toil abed to thwart his rights.
By my assent he fashioneth complotment!7
But I am I. I will not wait amort.8
I will to London, there to greet my queen.
I’ll have her promise I am heir, and view
Her beauty, all renowned. Should Arthur die
In Ireland’s wars, she could become my queen.
By reputation’s whisper I have heard
That she is liberal9 with gifts of love.
By Mordred’s holy seed might not we soon
Implant a prince ourselves to hold our claim
And with her womb prove Mordred’s right to rule.
Yes. Then will I obtain from England’s lords,
And vulgar tribune sorts who must be paid,
Such love, subjection, dread that may be bought.
Success made sure, I’ll turn resistant thought
To acting as a vengeful brother ought.
Exit
[ACT IV,] SCENE IV
[Location: The Royal Court, London]
[Enter Arthur]
ARTHUR
There is, in truth, no urgency abroad
But one must find a place to practice war,
And Cumbria did touch me when quoth he,
“Your father ne’er could subjugate the kern.”1
So we shall capriole2 o’er Irish bogs,
And silence, for the now, rebellion’s plaints.
I say not “always”: I am taught at last,
Conceive no dream to peg3 e’er-lasting peace,
But slay an Irishman or two and breathe,
Fight Germans, rest, kill Picts, then infidels.
A proper king am I and love my wars.
I taste my peace in thimbles, drams, and grains,
Not by the hogshead but the pennyworth,
And count him glutton who would ask for more.
Enter Gloucester
How fares the queen?
GLOUCESTER
She waits upon you, sire.
The joyless Guenhera is grief’s poor slave,
But smiles and dries her cheeks to know you come.
ARTHUR
Anon. Is all afoot for our departure?
GLOUCESTER
We stay but for the giddy4 wind to choose.
Yet, too: there’s one would speak with you, my liege,
Rode hard from Yorkshire for your ear, he says.
He hath attended here for you these weeks,
And hath refused to publish his desire
To any but the king.
ARTHUR
Bring him to us.
Exit Gloucester
My loving lovèd queen awaits her king
And I would pass my hours of peace with her,
Empillowed5 on her breast before my ship,
Refresh all wearied ache within th’embrace,
For she and I have duties to perform,
Else we shall wake one morn and find us Picts.
Returns