Marguerite Merington

“ Déliverance.
[Casting aside her mantle and throwing up her arms with a great cry of joy.] Oh, laudings and praisings to Heaven, for now is my cup of happiness brim-filled and running over!... Sir Gawayne, ye have passed the third and last test of chivalry, and so have delivered me forever from the crafts of sorcery!
Sir Gawayne.
[Overjoyed, almost in a whisper.] What! Is it true? Ye are all fair for all times, in company and for me alone?
Déliveré.
It is true! She is a full fair maid, good and gentle, and right well taught, so may each love other entirely! ”

“ Nathless all undaunted my knight dressed his shield and set his spear, crying, “How now, rude Saracen! An ye be a true fighter come and prove it, spear to spear, and sword to sword, and body to body!” But the miscreant laughed in mockage, and set on my poor love, belabouring him with a huge club, and dragged him down from his saddle, shivering his spear, and shattering his sword, and splitting his helm clear through to the brain-pan! ”

“ For did I not carry my sword Excalibur, the which is the sharpest and marvelest that was ever in any knight’s hand! It is only by miracle that we can be delivered from the subtle crafts of enchantment, and discover the true rede to the outrageous monster’s quest: What is it that all women most desire? ”

“ How wonderful to learn the world all over again! Valentinus! I would speak with Valentinus!
Quartilla.
[Enters with her empty cage.] It has flown away! [She sighs.] I’m glad someone is happy at last! Poor Pertinax is pacing up and down the lane with a face three cubits long!
Asterius.
[With contempt.] Pertinax, forsooth! Come with me, Quartilla! [Quartilla goes with him.]
Tertulla.
[Also with contempt.] Pertinax, indeed! My father informed me of his presumptuous proposal! Shall one who has been honoured by a god put on the saffron-coloured wedding veil and slippers for a gardener? ”

“ By the faith of my body, ’tis a woman!
The Voice.
Gentle Knight Seneschal, of your charity, unshut the door!
Sir Kay.
Not I! For it was a gentlewoman and no knight that led Adam into deadly sin, and well I wot it is the foul fiend himself hath sent ye hither for to shame me in my stewardship! Aroint thee! Aroint thee! [He makes the sign of a cross in the air.]
The Voice.
Alas! [The Shadow disappears.]
Sir Kay.
Ha! No fiend in the guise of a gentlewoman shall so mischieve me! [He lays himself down on a bench and sleeps.]
[Enter Sir Gawayne, musing, shield in one hand, in the other a cloth.] ”

“ The fire goes out with a disgruntled pop, as if remarking that it has no desire to remain where it is not trusted to behave itself, and the room becomes so dark you think it is all over, and that it is not much of a play after all, when, hark! You hear the jingle of sleigh-bells, and the laughter of a merry party passing by. Now the warm glow returns slowly to the hearth and the logs start talking. ”

“ There goes a man with a ring-dove in a cage! Come, Maronis! We’ll go buy it of him! [Assisted by Valentinus she scrambles down and runs out into the lane.]
Maronis.
Oh, what a runabout! I should have wings to my feet like Mercury to keep up with her! [She follows Quartilla out.]
Tertulla.
Are we alone?... How wonderful you are! All your perhapses come to pass!
Valentinus.
Perhaps I only “perhaps” when I see events well on their advancing road!
Tertulla.
But never do they turn down a side street! Never do they lose their way! Always they come, straight as a bow-shot, to the door! ”

“ Valentinus.
Oh, merely a little skill, reinforced by healing onion juice and oil of balsam!
Asterius.
We must have a feast, a regular banquet to celebrate the glorious event! Nerva, give orders that this shall be done instantly!
Tertulla.
Oh, joyful day! A banquet! But first, Maronis, come, help me improve the fashion of my hair! [Looking at herself critically in the mirror.]
Maronis.
[Laughing happily.] Hear that now! Like Narcissus she will fall in love with her own reflection! [Tertulla goes with Maronis and Quartilla, all talking happily.] ”

“ A very gentlewoman! A well-languaged lady!
Sir Kay.
An enchanter and multiplier of subtile words!
Sir Gawayne.
[Looking at the reflection in his shield.] Oh, but young and passing fair!
[239]
Sir Kay.
[In desperation.] A serpent! The divil in woman’s semblance!
Guinevere.
Now in truth, Sir Kay, you are the shamefulest knight of your tongue that now is living in the world, and an ye do not yourself unshut the door to this poor wight then will I myself!
Sir Kay.
On your own head be it, then!... [Strides to the door and throws it wide.] Who stands without, enter, by ordinance of the Queen! ”

“ Valentinus.
Again, as always!
Pertinax.
While occupying an enviable position as overseer of my master’s farm I should be happier as a public slave working in the stone-quarries or the mill! Worn to the heart with longing I am of mortals the most wretched! I cannot sleep, I cannot eat! [Absent-mindedly he helps himself to a little cake from Quartilla’s basket and nibbles it with relish.] ”

“ I beseech of you both, in the peril in which we now stand, to be friends!
Sir Kay.
[Reluctantly yielding.] I will hold you excused! [To the other Knight.]
Sir Gawayne.
[Equally reluctant.] All is pardoned on my part!
Sir Kay.
[With gruff friendliness, laughs.] The lion is of a more gentler nature than his roaring would beseem!
Sir Gawayne.
In my heart I thought not amiss against ye!
The Stranger.
[To the Queen.] Madam, I thank you of your great goodness to me! In recompensation I may do you some service! I need not meat nor drink. My errand is with the King! I crave speech with the King! ”

“ Dear nephew ... for the love of the high order of knighthood, assent to this, I beseech ye!
Sir Gawayne.
[After a pause.] I assent me!
[A sigh of relief goes up from all sides.]
Arthur.
Truly, nephew, ye have a mighty heart! [He presents the Stranger to the Knight.] Take her, and God be your speed!
Guinevere.
[To the assembled people.] Avoid! Avoid! Together will they be more at their hearts’ ease! [All go. The Queen continues, addressing the Stranger.] Lady, we will make ready in the goodliest wise that may be devised for the betrothal feast! [She and the King also go.] ”

“ There are snowdrifts by the wayside, there is writing on the pane,
Where Jack Frost has left a message about winter come again;
There’s that tingling in the blood and there are sleigh-bells in the air,
There is coasting down the hills, and slipping, sliding, ev’rywhere!
There’s a stocking by the chimney hung on Christmas eve because
There’s a chance you’ll have a visit from our old friend Santa Claus. ”

“ Valentinus, you always counsel wisely! How can I propitiate the god, assuring him of my continued loyal service?
Valentinus.
True service implies many things, Tertulla, among which not the least is gratitude! Under the favour of Heaven human hands were needed to protect the tender roots from the cruelties of winter, to water them in days of drought, and foster their growth! The miracle of the god could be wrought only by the devotion of a man!
Tertulla.
[After a slight pause.] If Pertinax is within hearing let him advance to receive my thanks! ”

“ Now by the faith of my body and on my head as anointed king will I not set me down to meat on All-Hallowmass until I shall have taken on me and brought to a good end some high quest that shall bring to me and my goodly fellowship great worship and renown!” Hardly had he so spoken when riding into the hall came this damosel who thereon alighted from her palfrey and threw herself flatling at my good lord’s feet and lay there grovelling and praying him for succour for her knight! ”

“ Work a wonder for me, good Valentinus! Bring it to pass that the god will reveal himself here, no less than in the country, to [49] his handmaiden! [Pertinax enters softly; sighs.] What! do I hear his footstep cross the threshold with a sound as of the favouring breeze of spring? Faunus! Faunus! Do you see him, Valentinus? You could not mistake him, with his youthful countenance of great beauty, his two horns, and feet like those of a goat that he may skip lightly over the hills!
Valentinus.
No such one is manifest to my sight, Tertulla! ”

“ Oh, my dear love, as if there could be but one answer to that! All women most desire what I, most fortunate of women, have: A loving husband which is also a true and faithful knight of worship and renown!
[Many of those present concur in this, saying, “In sooth the Queen speaks for all!” and, “Now, could there be two minds about that!” and, “Gramercy, so also say I!” Others, however, differ, murmuring, “I doubt that is right!” and, “What is truth for one may not be truth for other!” and the like. Guinevere notices this and exclaims, saying] How now! It seems we are not all of one opinion! ”

“ Madam, you are a woman, and may not fight, but let now some worshipful knight of our fellowship take on himself your quarrel, and call me coward, and here is my glove to prove the contrary with my hands upon his body! [Throws down his glove.]
Sir Meliogrance.
Then here am I known to all men as Sir Meliogrance, and I will take on me my lady the Queen’s quarrel, and I will joust with you, Sir Bleoberis, and you, Sir Bors, proving you recreant knights with my hands upon your bodies! [He throws down his glove.] ”

“ A damosel of an hundred years of age, would ye not do better to let make yourself a nun, and wear white clothes and black, and end your days in alms’ deeds and prayers and fastings in an abbey?
The Stranger.
I require upon covenant that ye grant my will!
Arthur.
Aye, dame; what the King hath promised on his avows shall not be gainsayed!... Ho, Sir Knights: Sir Kay, Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, Sir Gawayne and Sir Meliogrance, and all the worshipful company! [The Knights come hastening from the banqueting-hall, the Ladies also.] Which of ye will emprise an adventure of passing peril? ”

“ Now by the faith of my body should I be acquitted of answer! [This is greeted with cries of, “And wherefore, Sir Knight?” on which Sir Gawayne explains, addressing himself to the Queen.] Madam, by your own ordinance was not a quest of these ladies set upon me, for my dolorous mishap whereby I slew a lady, smiting off her head!... And by their judgment am not I upon covenant to be courteous to all ladies and to fight for their quarrels while ever I shall live? ”

“ Valentinus.
Kindly greetings, Asterius!... Oh, I could not so take advantage of the most confiding of jailors! I was with Tertulla!
Asterius.
[With anxiety.] My child is not ill again? [Valentinus signifies that this is not the case.] The gods reward you for what you have done in bringing her to health! My poor afflicted child! [Sighs heavily.]
Valentinus.
Tertulla may yet find happiness! [Asterius again sighs, thinking this impossible. Valentinus lifts a spray [61] of blossoms to inhale its fragrance.] Your overseer, Pertinax, is here; a youth of a hundred accomplishments, it seems! ”

“ What is it that all women do most desire? Now by my knighthood it would seem a simple quest, yet it hath set the whole Court by the ears, and put the kingdom in jeopard ... [237] and the Queen! [He sits near the window and polishes his shield.]
[Guinevere enters in sad meditation.]
Guinevere.
What is it all women do most desire? Fair Heaven, here am I a woman, with all I love in hazard for the answer, yet I know it not! [She sees Sir Gawayne in the shadow, and starts, exclaiming, then recognises him, reassured.] Sir Gawayne! ”

“ A window gives, first, the light of late afternoon in autumn, then moonlight, and finally a bright dawn. A fire on the great hearth affords a cheerful glow. When it is necessary to light the hall servants will set torches in their sockets against the wall. The walls are adorned with trophies of the chase, and with the arms of knight-errantry. A table, settees, a few plain chairs, and throne-chairs for the King and Queen suffice for furnishing. ”

“ Déliverance.
Traitor! Traitor!
Sir Gawayne.
[Stopping short.] Now by the Four Evangelists.... [He takes a sudden decision, and goes toward his bride.] Lady, love is free in himself, and never will be bound, but I shall be your servant and knight in right and wrong, and I shall never fail you to do as much as a knight may do, and I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life your knight! ”

“ A slave, the meaner is his task and hard,
The lowlier his spirit, so his rank
We hold exalted! [110] [This causes amusement to some, but interests all. The Slaves reach their hands toward the Friend who continues.]
By oppression crushed
His heart? With love we seek to heal it, arm
Anew with hope! His wealth who gives away
To feed God’s poor our richest citizen
We count! To dry the tears of sorrow kings
Contend! Our rod of empire is the rule—
The golden rule—Judge none, while loving all! [This produces a great effect on all, and for a moment there is silence, broken by]
The Schoolmaster. ”

“ My dear Lord High Chancellor, I am always most anxious to please the Queen, as well you know, but as you can see and hear for yourself, the nettlesome steeds are saddled, and are champing and pawing the ground, the hounds are baying, and all the wild animals in the royal forest are gnashing their teeth and growling fearsomely, impatient for the day’s sport to begin! ”

“ And this forest—this marvellous forest of moss-roses?
Mentor.
Just moss-roses! The soil in this region happens to be peculiarly favourable to their growth!
The Prince.
And the Princess herself, the heart and soul and living embodiment of a moss-rose?
Mentor.
My dear lad, all youths of the princely temperament are like you! All want to turn the cold hard facts of science into romance, with a beautiful maid at the root of a beautiful mystery! To let you into a family confidence, it originated with my great-aunt! Oh, she was not beautiful ”

“ Déliverance.
Now this gladdeth well my heart, for so have ye delivered me from the bondage of enchantment! Look, Sir Knight! Behold the visage of your bride! [Standing erect, and throwing back her hood she discloses the countenance of a young woman of great beauty.]
Sir Gawayne.
[With a cry of great joy.] Lady! The damosel I saw in my shield ... all passing young and peerless fair!... Sir Knights and Ladies! [He goes toward the banqueting-hall, calling:] Come, and witness a great marvel! ”

“ So God me help, it is all the greater shame to all you noble knights that your fellowship should suffer your king to take such an adventure upon him to his destruction! [The Knights exclaim, crying, “Gramercy, Madam! Now by my head, etc.” But much wrought up, the Queen continues.] Ah, now, I see well that all coward knights be not dead, sith you, Sir Bors, and you, Sir Bleoberis, sit playing at the chess, the while my dear Lord, your King, may be mishandled and smitten down, horse and man, or villainously wounded, or, peradventure, slain! ”

“ Almost he brings down the castle!... Hear him groan!... Ah, fellow; that wraths you finely!... Now he dies! He dies! He gives up the ghost!” They all dance about, exulting.]
Guinevere.
[Falling on Arthur’s neck.] Saved! Now am I more gladder than I ever was! Oh, my dear love! Mercifully saved!
Arthur.
[Embracing her.] Aye, saved indeed, give laudings and praisings unto God, and His messenger, La Belle Pilgrim Déliverance!
Guinevere.
Aye, soothly! And now let us put aside all sorrowful thoughts and speak of rejoicing!... Sir Kay, good Knight Seneschal, let make a great feast! ”

“ The Gardener.
Sixteen years ago, when I planted that wee slip!
The King.
Something has to be done! Nurse’s suggestion—it’s the simplest! We’ll tell her her own story as if it were a fairy-story! Remember, all must help! All must begin, Once upon a time! [Moss-Rose enters, laden with presents.] Ah, my dear child! Come here! We’re going to tell you something—a fairy-story, eh, my Lords and Ladies? ”

“ Death to the spinning-wheel!
[Brandishing whatever comes to hand as weapon All rush out in different directions, seeking the enemy. Meanwhile the buzzing sound seems to pervade the place, as if myriad spinning-wheels were at work. Moss-Rose, who alone remains, dances in ecstasy. Rising from her christening mug appear the Three Fates, known to the ancients as Atropos, Clotho and Lachesis in their traditional attitudes. They are singing as they work.] ”

“ Valentinus.
Truly it has ever been a favourite of mine since in my schoolboy days I conned my Anacreon! [Pertinax looks discomfited, Quartilla sympathetic, while Nerva, looking in at the curtains, bursts into peals of laughter.]
Nerva.
Anacreon! By Momus, but that’s funny! Anacreon, indeed, my poet!
[36]
Pertinax.
[Seizing on Nerva.] Shameless one than whom none is more contemptible! To perdition with you! May the gods give you your deserts! ”