The Whites and the Blues
Drama in Five Acts
by Alexandre Dumas père, 1869
Translated and adapted by Frank J. Morlock
Translation is Copyright © 2001 by Frank J. Morlock. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without explicit consent of Frank J. Morlock. Please contact frankmorlock@msn.com for licensing information.
For more information on this play, click here.
Table of Contents
Characters
The Inn of the Lantern, at Strasbourg. A magnificent provincial kitchen with a large chimney, a huge table at which the masters and servants are eating. Cabinets left and right -- a large stairway at the back, leading to rooms on the second floor -- large door giving on the street seen at an angle.
MME TEUTCH
(calling as 8 o'clock strikes on the clock)
Hey! Sleepy! Hey, Sleepy!
COCLES
(coming out from under the mantle of the chimney)
First of all, my name is not Sleepy! That was fine under the tyrant when one wasn't free to choose a name for oneself -- my name is Cocles.
MME TEUTCH
Well, Cocles, take your lantern and go see at the Hotel de Poste if the coach from Besancon has arrived. The Public Accuser, Citizen Euloge Schneider has retained a room here for the son of one of his friends who is arriving tonight. You'll ask for Citizen Charles -- a little young man of 14 or 15 -- and you'll bring him here.
COCLES
He's not able to come here all alone -- ?
MME TEUTCH
Apparently not, since I am sending you to fetch him.
COCLES
Ah! Look at the weather: It's raining too bad to kick an aristocrat out in it.
MME TEUTCH
Aren't you gone yet?
COCLES
No! Without counting the fact that, if I don't feel like going, I won't go.
MME TEUTCH
You won't go?
COCLES
I know the rights of man.
MME TEUTCH
Well, as for me, I am going to teach you those of a woman.
(smacks him)
COCLES
Citizeness Teutch!
AUGEREAU
(entering)
In rebellion against your Mistress Citizen Sleepy?
COCLES
In rebellion! Who can accuse me of that?
AUGEREAU
What, wretch! You dare raise your hand against the respectable Citizeness, Teutch?
COCLES
Why no, on the contrary, as it was she who bestowed it on me.
AUGEREAU
I heard the blow.
COCLES
As for me, I really felt it.
AUGEREAU
Come on, no back talk! Go fetch Citizen Charles and good care he doesn't soak his feet on the way. He's the son of the family.
COCLES
And he's made for the purpose of walking in the stream?
AUGEREAU
(with a gesture half threatening, half comic)
Zounds!
COCLES
(leaving, running)
Have a revolution -- this is all it's good for.
MME TEUTCH
Always there, at the moment he's needed, as in fairy tales.
(she tries to put her arm around his neck)
Oh -- love of a man!
AUGEREAU
Citizeness Teutch -- respect for the uniform! Do not compromise the 72nd Line -- where I have the honor to be Sergeant-Major. These demonstrations are fine for a tete-a-tete -- doors closed and curtains down.
MME TEUTCH
Bah! Aren't we alone my handsome Sergeant?
AUGEREAU
And the folks who pass by! Ah, your inn is well named -- the Inn of the Lantern -- Citizeness Teutch! It can be seen as well from the outside to the inside as from the inside to the outside.
MME TEUTCH
Why, look, what's this going to do to you if you place such little conditions on our respective inclinations? It seems to me, at the final reckoning that they will fall back on me.
AUGEREAU
Come on, Citizeness Teutch! Folks who do not do justice to your physical attractions will say that I am being supported by the Inn of the Lantern, which damaging my reputation wpuld ruin my advancement.
MME TEUTCH
Who would say that?
AUGEREAU
Evil tongues.
MME TEUTCH
It is true that for a year you drank, ate, and slept in my hotel -- you've never asked me for your bill.
AUGEREAU
Citizeness Teutch, the Republic is poor which causes it to forget on a monthly basis to pay us our cash. When it pays us our cash I will pay you your bill.
MME TEUTCH
And I will wait till it pleases you, my little Pierre.
AUGEREAU
Citizeness Teutch.
MME TEUTCH
Well -- what's wrong now?
AUGEREAU
It's that your passion blinds you to such a degree that you don't see the patrol passing -- and you are forgetting to give me supper.
MME TEUTCH
Here, naughty boy - it's there, your supper.
(making him enter the cabinet on the left. Augereau wraps her in the curtain and kisses her face)
Finally!
AUGEREAU
(twirling his mustache)
As for me, I love mystery.
(goes in singing)
Long live wine.
Long live love --
PEDLAR
(coming down the stairs -- in a low voice)
Madame Teutch! Madame Teutch!
MME TEUTCH
What do you want from me, my brave man?
PEDLAR
I want to pay you.
MME TEUTCH
You don't owe me anything.
PEDLAR
Madame Teutch, you wouldn't believe the pleasure you're giving me by not recognizing me.
MME TEUTCH
What pleasure can that give you, my good friend?
PEDLAR
It proves I am well disguised. The traveler in #7.
MME TEUTCH
General Perrin.
PEDLAR
A good soul just warned me that I must be arrested tonight and you see -- I am taking my precautions -- how much do I owe you?
MME TEUTCH
For one day and one night that you stayed in my house? An old acquaintance like you, truly, it's not worth the trouble.
PEDLAR
Here's an assignat of 100 francs -- pay yourself -- good Madame Teutch and give the rest to your servants.
MME TEUTCH
Then you're leaving -- you're going to leave France?
PEDLAR
Plague -- I've no desire to let myself have my throat cut like Custine and Houchard -- goodbye, Madame Teutch, and don't forget me in your prayers.
MME TEUTCH
No, my brave, Mr. Perrier, no.
PEDLAR
By the way -- hide my sabre and my hat -- which might compromise you.
MME TEUTCH
Don't worry.
(he disappears through the side door)
(Cocles and Charles Nodier enter from the back.)
COCLES
Citizeness Teutch! Citizeness Teutch!
(running to the fire)
Oh -- a good fire!
Here -- that's him -- your traveler!
MME TEUTCH
Where is he?
COCLES
In the chimney.
MME TEUTCH
Oh -- poor little boy! Why's he shivering so, and why's he so pale?
COCLES
Hell! Citizeness, I think he's shivering because of the cold -- and that he's pale like that -- because it's raising hell out there in crossing the market square, he got his legs entangled in the guillotine, and that had an effect on him -- hell -- a child.
MME TEUTCH
And nothing else happened to you?
COCLES
Oh! Yes, indeed, we met Citizeness Teutch, you know, the director of post horses and his patrol; they shouted to us: Who goes? My word -- it was raining so hard that, instead of responding, we threaded our way through the alleyway of the Lycee and here we are.
MME TEUTCH
That's fine. I have no more need of you, imbecile.
COCLES
That's my tip, isn't it? Thanks Mistress.
CHARLES
No -- my friend, here's your tip.
COCLES
Plague -- white money, I haven't seen it for a year -- so it gives me pleasure to see it again.
AUGEREAU
Hey -- the house.
COCLES
Say -- boss.
MME TEUTCH
Well -- ?
COCLES
You're the house, right?
MME TEUTCH
Yes.
COCLES
Well, there's Citizen Augereau who's calling you.
MME TEUTCH
Go to your horses and leave us in peace!
(to Augereau)
What do you want, Citizen?
AUGEREAU
I see my tankard of beer, but I don't see my bottle of wine.
MME TEUTCH
The whole cellar, my handsome Sergeant, the whole cellar.
AUGEREAU
Softly, 'mlove! The whole cellar, that would be to much at one time; bottle after bottle, I don't say.
MME TEUTCH
(calling)
Catherine! Catherine!
CATHERINE
(comes up the stairs)
Here I am, Citizeness.
MME TEUTCH
A bottle of Bordeaux for Mr. Augereau.
AUGEREAU
Thanks.
MME TEUTCH
Wait so I can tell you something.
AUGEREAU
What?
MME TEUTCH
General Perrin -- who occupied number 7, you know?
AUGEREAU
Yes.
MME TEUTCH
Well, he just escaped disguised as a pedlar.
AUGEREAU
That doesn't surprise me! He was accused the time we were in garrison in Mainz of wanting to sell out Mainz to the enemy.
MME TEUTCH
That doesn't concern me; he was in the habit of lodging with me whenever he passed through Strasbourg; he stayed here yesterday, as usual, he wrote his name in the registry of travelers and he remained 24 hours, he paid, he left, God guide him!
(taking the bottle from the hands of Catherine)
Here -- here's your bottle of Bordeaux -- don't say anymore about it.
(Catherine goes into the cabinet with Augereau)
GERTRUDE
(entering)
Well, did he get here, our young gentleman?
MME TEUTCH
Yes, hold on -- there he is warming up.
(she goes into the cabinet, too)
GERTRUDE
He's sweet all the same
(to Charles)
Citizen Charles -- I've come, on behalf of Citizen Euloge Schneider, to learn if you arrived, and if you had a good trip.
CHARLES
Tell Citizen Schneider that I am really grateful for the trouble he's giving himself -- that the trip was excellent and that with his permission, I will go tomorrow to pay him a visit.
GERTRUDE
It will be lucky if you find him; but he expects you for dinner tomorrow.
CHARLES
At what time, if you please.
GERTRUDE
Two o'clock. Don't be late. I warn you that Citizen Schneider doesn't always return in a good humor. Goodbye, Citizeness Teutch.
(She leaves.)
MME TEUTCH
(leaving the cabinet)
Gallant like a Shepherd.
(coming back to Charles)
My little friend, would you allow me to give you some advice?
CHARLES
Willingly, Citizeness.
MME TEUTCH
First of all, it would be to have a good supper.
CHARLES
Oh, as to that, no thanks -- we dined at Erstein, and I am not in the least hungry -- I would much prefer to go to sleep. I feel I'll only completely warm up in my bed.
GERTRUDE
Well, they're going to make your bed -- then when you are in it, they will give you a good cup of milk or bullion.
CHARLES
Milk, if you please.
MME TEUTCH
Milk -- so be it! Indeed, poor little fellow, it's hard to be in the world and travel the great highways -- all alone, like a man -- Ah! We are living in sad times!
(going to the board in which the keys are suspended)
See this -- see this -- number 5, no, the room is too large and the door closes badly, it will be cold. Darling number 9, no it's a room with two beds -- ah! Number 7, which General Perrin just left.
CHARLES
General Perrin?
MME TEUTCH
Yes.
CHARLES
From Besancon.
MME TEUTCH
I think so, yes.
CHARLES
I know him -- he's a friend of my father's. And you say he left.
MME TEUTCH
My word, we went out that door -- while you were coming in this one.
CHARLES
I am annoyed -- I would like to have seen him.
MME TEUTCH
It's too late, my little friend --
(to herself)
This the one will suit him -- a big cabinet with a good bunk furnished with curtains to protect against drafts -- a pretty chimney which doesn't smoke when it rains -- with a Child Jesus over it. That will bring luck.
(hugs Charles)
Catherine! Catherine!
CATHERINE
(n Augereau's cabinet)
Citizeness.
MME TEUTCH
Well, you come when you are called.
CATHERINE
(appearing)
It's because Citizen Augereau was kissing me.
MME TEUTCH
Citizen Augereau!
AUGEREAU
Slander, Citizeness Teutch! Slander!
CATHERINE
(rubbing her face)
What's the matter, Mistress?
MME TEUTCH
Just this Citizeness: The first time you let yourself be kissed by travelers, you will have to deal with me.
CATHERINE
(who saw Madame Teutch kiss Charles)
And Citizen Charles -- he's not a traveler?
MME TEUTCH
He's a child, Citizeness, a child who has been recommended to me -- look, go prepare #7 for this angel and choose the nicest and driest sheets -- while I am going to make an egg nog.
CATHERINE
Number 7, isn't that occupied?
MME TEUTCH
Exactly, the one who occupied it just left.
(to Charles)
Do you know why I'm giving you #7, my child?
CHARLES
Yes, Citizeness, I understood what you were saying in your monologue.
MME TEUTCH
Monologue! Jesus God! What's that? Is it a revolutionary word?
CHARLES
No, Citizeness, it's a French word made from two Green words -- mono which means alone and logus speech.
MME TEUTCH
You know Greek at your age, Citizen?
CHARLES
Oh -- very little, Citizeness and it's to learn it much better that I am coming to Strasbourg.
MME TEUTCH
You are coming to Strasbourg to learn Greek -- and with whom, my God?
CHARLES
With Citizen Euloge Schneider who informed you of my arrival and who just sent me an invitation to dinner.
MME TEUTCH
Ah, my poor child, if you are only counting on him to teach you Greek --
CHARLES
Why won't he be able to teach me, since he was a professor at Bonn? It's that he doesn't want to; he knows Greek like Demosthenes.
MME TEUTCH
Because he doesn't have time.
CHARLES
And why's that?
MME TEUTCH
You ask me that?
CHARLES
Certainly, I'm asking you that.
MME TEUTCH
(low voice)
Well, he cuts heads off.
CHARLES
He cuts off heads.
MME TEUTCH
Don't you know he's the Public Accuser? Ah, my poor child, your father has chosen a strange professor of Greek.
CHARLES
My father didn't know that when he sent me here. Luckily, I am not recommended only to him.
(he takes a step toward the stair)
MME TEUTCH
Well, where are you going?
CHARLES
I'm going to my room.
MME TEUTCH
Good! It's number 7, which has a bed with curtains, and whose chimney only smokes on rainy dais.
CHARLES
Say, Citizeness, it must jolly well smoke today. Good evening and good night, Madame Teutch.
(he leaves)
MME TEUTCH
(following him with her eyes)
Why what a love of a child.
(Tetrel and a patrol of eight men enter.)
TETREL
Two sentinels at this door -- one at that -- don't let anyone leave!
MME TEUTCH
Ah! it's you, Citizen Tetrel -- what's wrong?
TETREL
I have to look for two fat epaulets accused of treason.
AUGEREAU
(coming from his room)
Two big epaulets -- that's not me yet.
TETREL
No Citizen Augereau; it's someone who made his way more quickly than you, although he may not have your merits.
Come on! Citizeness Teutch, your register --
MME TEUTCH
Here it is.
GERTRUDE
Citizen -- Citizen -- Citizen General Perrin, Number 7, the man we're seeking is here.
AUGEREAU
Flown the coop.
MME TEUTCH
What do you mean?
AUGEREAU
That you are coming too late. Decamped an hour ago.
TETREL
Tome on!
AUGEREAU
When I tell you -- do you by chance doubt the word of honor of Sergeant Major Augereau?
TETREL
No, but meanwhile, four men are going to go up to number 7, visit the rooms -- search the armoires, probe the mattress.
MME TEUTCH
Ah, Citizens, Citizens, I beg you -- I just now gave that room to a small, really sweet, really nice man, who has nothing to do with General Perrin.
TETREL
(to his men)
To number 7, bring down this sweet, nice, young man so I can examine him.
MME TEUTCH
Ah! My God, my God -- they are going to give him a scare that will turn his blood cold.
TETREL
Is your protege really nervous, Citizeness Teutch?
(going to the stairway)
Ah, indeed! Do I have to come up myself?
MEN OF THE PATROL
We are coming -- we are coming.
(they bring down Charles with the hat of General Perrin on his head, his sword at his side)
A PATROL MAN
(pushing Charles)
Advance as ordered, General Perrin.
TETREL
What's the meaning of this joke?
A PATROL MAN
We found this Citizen here standing on a table with this hat on his head and this sword at his side.
MME TEUTCH
(aside)
The hat and sabre of General Perrin.
CHARLES
The mirror was too high; I wanted to see how I'd look in uniform -- I put this sabre at my side -- this hat on my head and I got up on the table.
TETREL
Disarm him.
AUGEREAU
Oh -- that won't be difficult.
TETREL
Do you know General Perrin, young wolf cub?
CHARLES
First of all, I am not a wolf cub. I am the son of a man who's certainly more worthy than you.
TETREL
(raising his fist)
Huh!
AUGEREAU
No gestures, Citizen Tetrel.
(Tetrel looks askance at Augereau.)
AUGEREAU
It's like this, you see! When you have such a handsome sabre at your side, you draw it against folks who have sabres -- and you don't bludgeon kids with punches.
TETREL
Do you know the General?
CHARLES
Yes, I know him; he's from Besancon; he's a friend of my father's.
TETREL
That's fine -- that's all we need to know, handsome youth. Escort Citizen Charles to the prison of the Celestine -- tomorrow he will give more ample information.
MME TEUTCH
Oh, my poor little Charles in prison! Citizen Tetrel, allow me at least to bring him a bed.
TETREL
Come now! And the others will be sleeping on straw -- where would the equality be?
CHARLES
Don't worry Citizeness Teutch -- one night is soon over.
MME TEUTCH
But tomorrow -- tomorrow.
CHARLES
Tomorrow I will be set free -- there's a decree of the convention which forbids the pursuant of children under 16 for political crimes, and as I'm only 14, haven't killed anybody or stolen anything -- I'm not worried. Goodbye, Citizeness Teutch -- thanks Citizen Augereau.
TETREL
Citizeness Teutch, do you have any other travelers in the hotel?
MME TEUTCH
(trembling)
Yes, Citizen Tetrel, one more.
TETREL
(loudly)
Citizen Augereau, perhaps?
AUGEREAU
No, I'm not traveling -- I am permanent.
TETREL
Who then?
MME TEUTCH
He hasn't told me his name.
TETREL
He hasn't told you his name! The ordinance requires all travelers to sign the registers within 24 hours of their arrival.
AUGEREAU
That's true -- but it's only been four hours since this one arrived -- he has 20 left to make his celebration.
TETREL
There's some mystery beneath this -- I intend to know this evening what his name is.
MME TEUTCH
I don't know if he's in his room -- send to see him yourself, Citizen Tetrel -- I warn you, he doesn't have a very soft air. He makes you shiver down your back when he speaks.
TETREL
His room number.
MME TEUTCH
Number 11.
TRAVELER
(coming in by the right and slowly going up the stairs)
Who's asking for me here?
TETREL
Me?
TRAVELER
What do you want?
TETREL
To know who you are.
TRAVELER
By what right?
TETREL
By right of my will.
TRAVELER
And who are you?
TETREL
Tetrel -- the President of the Propaganda.
TRAVELER
I have no business with you; try not to have business with me.
TETREL
Come, don't make so much difficulty, your name.
TRAVELER
You insist on knowing.
(goes to him and whispers in his ear -- Tetrel shudders)
And now, on your head, make sure that name doesn't leave your mouth until afternoon.
(Tetrel gives a rapid military salute.)
TETREL
Post arms -- present arms -- post arms.
(the soldiers obey -- the Traveler goes up the stairs)
Single file, to the left -- march!
(puts himself at the head of his patrol, and leaves without saying a word)
AUGEREAU
It seems he got kicked out Citizen President of the Propaganda; that's not so bad.
(The Traveler stops on the stairway until Tetrel and his men leave. Now he returns to his room.)
MME TEUTCH
Well?
AUGEREAU
Well?
MME TEUTCH
Who can this be?
AUGEREAU
Devil take me if I suspect -- for goodness sake.
MME TEUTCH
Unless it's General Pichegru, who ought not to arrive until tomorrow.
AUGEREAU
Come on -- General Pichegru is twice the age of that one.
MME TEUTCH
In any case, it appears he's an important personage -- and I am going to direct my people so he doesn't lack anything.
AUGEREAU
Pardon, pardon, Citizeness Teutch, above all -- my coffee and my little glass of eau de vie; you know that when I haven't taken my coffee with brandy, I am not a man.
MME TEUTCH
Catherine!
CATHERINE
Here Citizeness, here --
MME TEUTCH
The coffee and the little cup for Citizen Augereau.
(she's given them. She takes them into the cabinet)
Here, Citizen Augereau.
CATHERINE
(alone for a moment)
Now there's one who's spoiled.
(The gallop of a post horse with bells can be heard. A postilion in the colors of the Republic jumps from his horse -- at the door.)
POSTILION
Hey, Sleepyhead! Go take care of my horse, come on -- you can yawn tomorrow.
COCLES
(aside)
Now there's one who isn't irritating. It's enough to make the sans culottes weep.
(aloud)
That's good, we'll go tend to him, your horse -- Milord -- Aristocrat.
POSTILION
(calling)
Hey! The house! A glass of Morelle wine.
(rapping with his whip on the table)
Is everybody dead here?
MME TEUTCH
If the house is on fire, say so right away. So it's you, handsome postilion, who are making such a row here.
POSTILION
(looking around him and raising his hat)
Silence!
MME TEUTCH
Lord Jesus! It's you, Mr. Raoul?
RAOUL
Yes, it's me -- are you still devoted to me, Madame Teutch?
MME TEUTCH
For me not to I'd have to forget all I owe to your family, Mr. Raoul. But how have you been able to come to this side of the Rhone -- you who are an emigre, you who battle against the Republic?
RAOUL
The mother of Clotilde Brumpt is dying. The Count must cross the Rhone tonight from his side to pay her his goodbyes; my presence may be necessary if only to defend him. I received a letter from Clotilde and I came.
MME TEUTCH
And in what why I can be helpful to you, Mr. Raoul?
RAOUL
I cannot get a post horse from the horses kept by that wretched Tetrel. If he recognize me, I would be lost. I can't do the six leagues that remain for me to do with the horse I have --it's already done for. I thought you would have a fresh horse to give me - and that I couldn't address myself to a creature more discreet and more devoted than you -- am I mistaken?
MME TEUTCH
No, you are not mistaken; if I didn't have one I would steal one for you. Yes, I have one my good Mr. Raoul. This will, perhaps have a hard trot, but it won't fail on the way. Sleepyhead! Saddle up Currassier, and give him a double measure of oats to eat.
COCLES
(poking his head in)
(aside)
Currassier? I"m going to give him the Dragon -- she's the nag for postilions.
(offstage)
Hey, Prancer start prancing.
(he leaves)
RAOUL
Thanks, Madame Teutch, I am going with him to hurry him. Besides, in the stable, I am better hidden and I've less change of being recognized than here.
MME TEUTCH
God keep you, Mr. Raoul! And indeed place my respects at the feet of all the saintly family.
RAOUL
Thanks, one more time, Madame Teutch! But what's that!
MME TEUTCH
Indeed!
RAOUL
Listen! It sounds like a fusillade coming from the bridge to kill.
(in the streets can be heard the shout 'Alarm! Alarm!')
Ah, on my word, now this is lucky -- it's going to help me to leave Strasbourg. Goodbye, Madame Teutch, goodbye!
(exit)
SHOUTING IN THE STREETS
To the Ramparts! To the Ramparts! The Enemy!
(Some of those who run by have torches and muskets -- messengers can be seen passing at a gallop.)
AUGEREAU
(coming out of his cabinet)
The enemy! Where is he?
MME TEUTCH
At the Kehl bridge. Lord, my God! If we are going to be taken by an assault -- don't leave me, Mr. Augereau.
AUGEREAU
My rifle --1000 bayonets!
MME TEUTCH
My God! What can this be?
AUGEREAU
(loading his musket)
It's that ruffian d'Eisemberg, who had the outposts of Kehl and who has allowed himself to be surprised.
(The drums beat the general. Shouting "To the ramparts". Augereau disappears with men who pass by in the street, the galloping of several horses can be heard.)
EISEMBERG'S VOICE
Look out, look out! Der Teufel!
(A horseman stops at the door of the hotel. He jumps down from his horse -- he has no hat, he's enveloped in a cape -- when it opens, it can be seen he has only his pants and shirt. He tosses the bridle to Cocles -- and enters -- his sabre between his teeth. In the doorway he takes the sabre and puts it in its scabbard.)
EISEMBERG
(entering)
Wind and thunder -- now there's a pursuit.
(he goes to the chimney sits astride a stool and warms up)
MME TEUTCH
Ah! God in Heaven! What! It's you, Citizen General?
EISEMBERG
(brutally)
Yes, it's me! And so what?
MME TEUTCH
What's happened?
EISEMBERG
What's happened is that I let myself be surprised at Kehl like an imbecile, and that if the gate isn't shut in time, the enemy will be in the town with us.
(Two other horsemen arrive. One is a Hussar and has only his pants and overcoat. He's wounded in the arm -- the other a dragoon, with no helmet and his uniform half buttoned.)
BOTH
Is the general here?
EISEMBERG
Ah, it's you Briffaut. It seems you caught a scratch?
BRIFFAUT
It's nothing.
EISEMBERG
And you, Fleury?
FLEURY
A sabre blow in the face -- who was captain of my watch, my General?
EISEMBERG
Captain Rossignal.
FLEURY
Well, in your place, I would simply shoot him, if he hasn't flown.
EISEMBERG
It's not worth the trouble, the Prussians are taking care of it.
(Seven or eight other riders have shown up and arranged themselves by the fire around their general.)
EISEMBERG
The others know this is the rally point, right?
BRIFFAUT
Yes, General.
EISEMBERG
Yes, Citizeness Teutch -- a supper for 18 or 20 persons.
MME TEUTCH
But Lord God -- I'll never have enough for everybody to eat.
EISEMBERG
Bah! We shan't be difficult -- we know quite well we were not expected.
(Cannon fire in the distance.)
BRIFFAUT
Do you hear the others, General?
EISEMBERG
Yes, they are fighting while we are warming up.
MME TEUTCH
Catherine! Gretchen! Cocles!
FLEURY
Wait, Madame Teutch, we are going to give you a hand.
(They set to work opening armoires, placing knives and forks -- cups and setting the table.)
EISEMBERG
(taking the head of the table)
By God, Citizeness, it's much better here than at Kehl.
FLEURY
Have you ever seen such brigands? To awake brave men in the midst of their first sleep!
BRIFFAUT
My word, as for me, who wasn't sleeping -- they disturbed me quite disagreeably.
EISEMBERG
The General in Charge told me, "Get yourself killed at the head of the Bridge of Kehl, rather than let the Prussians pass through."
BRIFFAUT
Well?
EISEMBERG
(laughing)
I thought of it too late, when I was on the other side of the bridge.
FLEURY
(laughing)
We are ready to attest, General, that it was your horse who carried you off.
(As the supper begins, the Traveler in number 7 appears on the stairway from where he listens to all that is said.)
EISEMBERG
The fact is I owe extreme gratitude to my horse; without him I'd be drinking water and eating a slice of dry bread in some nasty Prussian prisoner camp instead of eating fat geese and drinking Citizeness Teutch's wine -- but as we are, we are no less good Citizens for having fallen into a panic -- Citizens let's drink to the __________.
TRAVELER
(at the height of the stairs)
Enough blasphemies!
EISEMBERG
(turning towards him)
Huh!
TRAVELER
I've heard it said there are men wretched enough to flee before the enemy -- but I didn't know that there were those shameless enough to jest over their own flight.
EISEMBERG
(rising, all rise)
Who are you, who dare to talk to us like this?
TRAVELER
I am the one who comes to tell you: Leave this moment for the Army of the Rhone, under the joint command of Hoche and Pichegru -- not only don't flee anymore, but don't retreat before the enemy -- where ever I will be, they will go forward. And the scaffold marching in my suite will take care of rallying the fugitives. Ah! You fail in your duty, you don't keep watch, you allow yourselves to be surprised like conscripts. You flee like mercenaries! They told you to get yourself killed on the far side of the bridge and you think of that when you reach the other end -- finally -- when you stop it's in an inn -- half naked, not to face the enemy, but to drink, to eat, to add to your dishonor.
EISEMBERG
I asked you who you were. One more time, I ask you -- who are you? Answer!
TRAVELER
I am the one the Convention has charged with watching over the glory of the nation and the honor of the fatherland. I am the one that France sent to its frontier to say to the enemy, "You shall go no further." I am the one who received the right of life or death over traitors and cowards -- and who, as many as you are, is sending you all to the Revolutionary Tribunal as cowards and traitors -- I am Saint Just --
(curtain)
The Town Hall - Strasbourg. A vast hall. Door in the back, side doors and a big window with a balcony -- Saint Just before a mirror is busy putting on his cravat. A secretary writes nearby.
SAINT JUST
(finishing dictation)
"Will be condemned to death"
TITUS
(repeating)
"Condemned to death."
SAINT JUST
Put those with the others. I will sign them right away.
"Citizen representative and friend -- a petition from my little village of Blerancourt has informed me that it is threatened with an action which relates to its life. If it is a question of money down then, I give you the authority to sell my house, my garden and 30 acres of land that I possess in the commune. It's my entire fortune, better that I be ruined and that a whole village live. If I don't die for the Republic and one day you do not have bread to share with me, I will go like a day worker, to the man who shall have purchased my lands. Do it without delay, without comment and as I say -- Fraternity".
--Saint Just.
(He signs -- to his secretary.)
SAINT JUST
Put the address, "To Citizen Robespierre, rue Honore, number 334, care of Citizen Duplay, carpenter."
"To the Committee of Public Safety."
"Citizens --
I arrived yesterday evening at Strasbourg. I found the city I won't say torn in two parts, but decimated by two men: One is the Chief of Propaganda Tetrel, the other is the Public Accuser Euloge Schneider. I will watch these two men. If I believe them useful to the glory of France, I will encourage them. If on the contrary, I find them blind and injurious, striking at hazard and without discrimination, not distinguishing error from crime, I will choke them, as Hercules in his cradle, choked the two serpents."
(Noises in the street.)
VOICES OUTSIDE
Saint Just! Saint Just! Audience! Audience!
SAINT JUST
What is it? Go see, Titus.
TITUS
There's an assembly under all the windows, Citizen. They demand justice -- all the people wish to speak to you.
MME TEUTCH
(opening the door)
Me -- first of all, Citizen Saint Just.
SAINT JUST
Heavens, it's my good hostess from the Lantern.
MME TEUTCH
Citizen Saint Just they arrested at my home a poor little child of 14, who had hardly arrived an hour before and who had committed no crime expect sleeping in the room that had been occupied by general Perrin. He was entrusted to me by his parents in Besancon and my duty is to ask you to have him released or at least to question him immediately to assure yourself of his innocence.
SAINT JUST
And who had him arrested?
MME TEUTCH
Citizen Tetrel, the one who wanted to arrest you yourself.
SAINT JUST
(to his secretary)
Write the order to bring this prisoner before me -- Citizeness Teutch, you will carry this order to the prison and since you interest yourself in this child, you will watch to see that they bring him to me as soon as possible.
MME TEUTCH
Thanks, Citizen! Ah, my poor dear child! I really hope he won't sleep two nights on straw.
SAINT JUST
(to Madame Teutch)
As you go, Citizeness, tell all those who are waiting to speak to Citizen St. Just that they can come up. His audiences are public. Titus -- see to it that each comes in his turn.
(Titus follows behind Madame Teutch as she goes out. St. Just sits at the table and signs the decrees he's just rendered. Then a group of two persons enter composed of a father and mother -- another group of persons comprised of father, mother and five boys and girls from 18-20 years of age; finally a 3rd group composed of 2 fathers and 2 mothers and several children.)
SAINT JUST
What do you want? What do you request?
FIRST GROUP
Justice!
SAINT JUST
For whom?
FIRST GROUP
For our father.
SECOND GROUP
Four our grandfather.
THIRD GROUP
For our grandparent.
SAINT JUST
Justice against whom?
FIRST GROUP
Against the Public Prosecutor, Schneider who condemned an eighty year old man to death.
SAINT JUST
What did this old man do?
A MAN
He's going to tell you himself. They were conducting him to the scaffold. He was to have been executed this morning, but the people wouldn't allow such a barbaric act to be accomplished -- they forced the gendarmes to bring the tumbrel before your door -- it's below.
SAINT JUST
Titus, make the condemned man come up. Then this old man, he's the root of all of you -- and you are only branches from the same tree?
FIRST GROUP
Yes, Citizen, we are his children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren.
(An old man comes in leaning on the shoulder of one of his sons. Madame Teutch returns with Charles and a gendarme.)
(The Secretary gives them a sign to sit down and to be present silently at the scene that is about to take place. Saint Just, who has his hat on his head, salutes.)
MAN
(who has already spoken)
Father, you are before the representative of the people, Saint Just.
OLD MAN
What's a representative of the people? It's the first time I've heard that title used -- is he a bailiff? Is he the mayor? Is he the Burgermeister?
MAN
He's more than all that, Father -- he's a man who can dispose of your life -- either grant you mercy, or ratify your death.
OLD MAN
Who gave him that right?
MAN
The Revolution.
OLD MAN
The Revolution! Since I became blind -- and that's a long while already -- everything comes to me in the dark -- what's the Revolution?
SAINT JUST
I am going to tell you, old man. The Revolution is the Proclamation of the Rights of Man -- equality between Citizens, the abolition of privileges, the rule of law, justice for everyone.
OLD MAN
If law and justice existed for all, we wouldn't be here, I as condemned, and my children as suppliants. At the time I was not blind, we had ushers who seized our furniture, who sold them if we didn't pay the salt tax and bailiffs who took us to prison if the sale of our furniture didn't suffice to discharge what we owed the King but chairs and scaffold were only for crimes and they didn't condemn us to death for following the precept of the Gospel, Love your neighbor like yourself.
SAINT JUST
And you were condemned to death for having followed that precept?
OLD MAN
Yes.
SAINT JUST
What did you do?
OLD MAN
I was coming from fetching water at the river, for blind though I am, I have, thanks to my children and my grandchildren two good eyes which see in place of mine. I heard a voice which said to me, "I am dying! Water! I'm thirsty!" I approached him and extending my jug to the dying, he drank, thanked me, and died. That was my crime.
SAINT JUST
Impossible.
OLD MAN
The wounded man was an Austrian. He was speaking German and I took him for a son of Alsace. And anyway -- if I'd known he was Austrian -- I would have given him water all the same.
SAINT JUST
And that was your crime?
OLD MAN
That was my crime!
SAINT JUST
Old man, I wish I had a crown of oak leaves to offer you -- it's up to your compatriots to give it to you. You did well! A wounded man is not an enemy -- a man who is dying becomes a compatriot of all -- since we must all die you are free.
OLD MAN
Free!
SAINT JUST
(approaching the old man)
Old Man -- bless me.
OLD MAN
I bless you, young man, for from your voice I realize you cannot be thirsty years old yet - and I bless you not because you saved my life -- the little time remaining to me isn't worth the trouble of being regretted -- I believes you because you've just done an act of justice and a holy action.
(The old man leaves in the midst of all his children.)
SAINT JUST
(remaining pensive for a moment)
And when you think they were going to cut down this oak whose shadow extends over 3 generations.
MME TEUTCH
Citizen Saint Just?
SAINT JUST
Ah! Yes, that's right. This is the child you spoke to me of.
MME TEUTCH
Yes, Citizen.
SAINT JUST
Let me question him.
(he gestures for Madame Teutch to move away - to Charles)
Come here! Why are you crying? Are you afraid of me?
CHARLES
I am crying, not because I am afraid of you -- but because what I just saw made me cry. Why should I be afraid of you -- ? I am innocent and they say you are just.
SAINT JUST
Your parents are emigres?
CHARLES
My father presides over the Court of Besancon -- my uncle is the head of a battalion.
SAINT JUST
How old are you?
CHARLES
Fourteen years old.
SAINT JUST
My word, it's true -- he seems like a little girl.
(he makes Charles sit)
But still, you did something that made them arrest you?
CHARLES
I occupied the room that was occupied by General Perrin -- they found me in his room. They arrested me. By bad luck, I admitted that I knew him since he's from Besancon like me, and my father told me that, even at risk of one's life, a man must not lie.
SAINT JUST
Then you think you are a man?
CHARLES
I'm in my apprenticeship at least.
SAINT JUST
And you told those who came that you knew General Perrin?
CHARLES
Yes -- they asked me then if I knew where he was - I responded no. I didn't know -- but if I had known, I would have responded no.
SAINT JUST
And you would have lied that time?
CHARLES
There are cases where a lie is permitted.
SAINT JUST
You are still a child -- and consequently I won't discuss with you this great moral question that you've broached with all the ignorance of your age. Only, I will say this to you: General Perrin was a traitor -- and for a traitor -- that is to say for the most wretched thing there is in the world -- it's not worth the trouble to perjure yourself.
CHARLES
Citizen Saint Just, he was my compatriot.
SAINT JUST
There's a feeling more holy than compatriotism -- that's compatriotism before being a citizen of the same town, one is the child of the same country. A day will come when reason will have taken a great step when humanity will pass before even the nation, when all men will be brothers, when all nations will be sisters. You didn't know where General Perrin was, you couldn't say -- but if you had known, if you had shielded a traitor, a man who tomorrow will turn his sword against France you would have done wrong to put yourself between him and the sword of the law. I am not one of those who have the right or preaching by example, being one of the most humble servants of liberty, I will serve it to the best of my abilities, I will make it triumph to the extent of my strength or I will die for it -- that's my whole ambition -- why did you come to Strasbourg?
CHARLES
I came to study, Citizen.
SAINT JUST
What?
CHARLES
Greek.
SAINT JUST
(laughing)
And who is the savant who will give you sessions in Greek in Strasbourg?
CHARLES
He hasn't given me any yet -- I arrived yesterday and haven't had time to see him -- only I am dining with him this evening. He's Euloge Schneider.
SAINT JUST
What! Euloge Schneider knows Greek?
CHARLES
He's one of the premiere Hellenists in Germany -- he translated Anacreon.
SAINT JUST
Yes, yes, he translated Anacreon, and he sent to the Guillotine an old blind man for giving a drink to a dying man. Well, so be it -- go learn Greek from Euloge Schneider, if I thought you to learn something else I would have stuffed you with it.
MME TEUTCH
(running to the child)
Charles!
(Charles gestures for me to calm down.)
SAINT JUST
Ah, it's merchants of Greek, like him, who ruin the cause of the Revolution! It's they who condemn to death an old man of 80, who put three generations in mourning with a single blow! It is thus these wretches flatter themselves they will make the Mountain loved -- ah, I swear it! I will soon do justice to all these criminal outrages who place all of our most precious liberties in danger. An exemplary and terrible justice is urgent; I will perform it. They dare to reproach me for not having given them enough cadavers to devour. I will give 'em to them! Propaganda wants blood -- it will have it, and to begin, I will bathe it in one of its chiefs -- let an occasion furnish me a pretext let justice be on my side and they will see! Now you understand you are free -- only don't forget what you have seen and if ever anyone says before you that Saint Just was not a man of the Revolution, of liberty and justice, tell them boldly they lied. Goodbye.
(Charles takes the hand of Saint Just to kiss it.)
SAINT JUST
What's your name?
CHARLES
Charles Nodier.
SAINT JUST
Charles Nodier -- grow up -- be an honest man and be a citizen.
(He kisses him on the face.)
(blackout)
The dining room at Euloge Schneider's with a work room on the side.
(Gertrude is finishing the table settings in the dining room -- Monnet, seated, is regarding the work room -- the doorbell rings.)
GERTRUDE
You won't be bored, Citizen Monnet, heavens, here's a fellow guest coming to you.
MONNET
I am never bored when I am lone, Citizeness Gertrude.
GERTRUDE
(opening the door to Charles and introducing him.)
Enter, my little friend! Citizen Schneider is still at the Propaganda Office -- but one of our guests has arrived -- that you ought to know -- for he lives in Besancon. Allow me to finish setting my table and go into the room where you will find him.
MONNET
(noticing Charles in the doorway)
Why I'm not mistaken -- it's my little friend, Charles.
CHARLES
Ah, Citizen Monnet! What luck to see you again! You are no longer a priest?
MONNET
My child, that was not my vocation, it was the will of my parents which thrust me into orders. The Legislative Decree came annulling those vows, I profited by it -- and in place of a bad enough priest that I was offering to God, I offered a good enough soldier to the country.
CHARLES
But what's wrong with your arm? Are you wounded?
MONNET
In the skirmish of last night, a ball grazed me in the shoulder.
CHARLES
Why, what happened last night?
MONNET
My dear child, what happened is that Strasbourg was almost taken by surprise.
CHARLES
How is that?
MONNET
General Eisemberg, with a brigade was dispatched to guard Kehl; he left himself be surprised in the midst of his sleep -- and escaped with all his staff, half naked like himself. Citizen Saint Just sent them all to the Revolutionary Tribunal. There are 21 to judge.
CHARLES
Do you think they will be condemned?
(Ringing.)
MONNET
Wait -- they're ringing -- do you hear Citizeness Gertrude?
GERTRUDE
Yes, Citizen Monnet, they're going there, they are going there.
MONNET
(to Charles)
Yes, it's Young -- we are going to have news for it's certain he will have been present at the judgment; he's the newsmonger of his quarter.
GERTRUDE
Come in, Citizen Young, come in.
(Young enters, places his hat on the table, hooks his coat to a clothes peg.)
MONNET
It's you, Young -- well?
YOUNG
Condemned!
MONNET
All?
YOUNG
All!
MONNET
It's harsh, but the example will be profitable.
(pointing to Charles)
One of my former students in the College at Besancon who speaks Latin like Cicero -- do you know Citizen Young, Charles? He's a cobbler and poet at the same time. He makes shoes like his colleague in Athens who gave advice to Apelles and verse like Marie-Joseph Chenier.
CHARLES
I know the Citizen by name; my father spoke to me of him quite often, but as, unfortunately, he's a poet only in German, I can only congratulate based on hearsay.
(Eildemann enters without being announced escorted by Gertrude Eildemann goes to the right of the table and pours himself a cup of wine.)
EILDEMANN
If the people from the market are not content tomorrow, it's because they are not reasonable. Twenty-one at a strike -- what butchery!
MONNET
(to all)
You haven't seen Schneider -- ? I began to be uneasy -- he gives us a two o'clock approximately for dinner and it's almost three.
(A furious ringing.)
YOUNG
Wait -- now there's a bell ringing which knows its master a mile off.
(The door opens, Schneider appears -- face drenched in sweat, his cravat loose. He throws his hat in the middle of the chamber and mops his face with his handkerchief.)
MONNET
Why come on, Schneider! We were mortally uneasy.
SCHNEIDER
You were indeed wrong, citizen! I bring you, news, which if it doesn't rejoice you, will at least astonish you, I am going to be married in a week.
ALL
You!
SCHNEIDER
Yes, right? It will be a great event for Strasbourg when this news goes from mouth to mouth. "You don't know? Schneider, the Professor of Greek at Bonn, the Capuchin from Cologne -- is getting married". Yes -- it's like this: Young will write the Epithalium; Eildemann will put in the music -- and Monnet who is gay like a coiffeur -- will sing it. It must be announced by the first courier to your father, Charles -- come embrace me.
CHARLES
Here's the letter that he wrote to me for you, Citizen Schneider.
SCHNEIDER
Let me see.
(opening the letter)
Greek? Teach you Greek? Poor Nodier -- he still believes in our days of youth and tranquility. I have really something else to do besides teach you Greek. I've got to cut Tetrel's head off or he'll cut off mine -- your father tells me you have a second letter -- for Pichegru.
CHARLES
Yes, Citizen.
SCHNEIDER
Well -- take it to him tomorrow without wasting a moment. The place isn't safe near me -- ask Eildemann, Monnet and Young -- if, each time they leave me, they don't put their hand on their head so as to know if it's still attached to their shoulders?
MONNET
Yet after all, who are you getting married to?
SCHNEIDER
My word, I have no idea yet; and it's all the same to me. I've a good mind to marry my cook -- that will be a good example of fusion of the classes.
YOUNG
Why what's happened to you, look?
SCHNEIDER
Oh -- almost nothing -- it's just that I've been questioned, interrogated and accused -- yes, accused.
EILDEMANN
Where was this?
SCHNEIDER
At the Propaganda.
MONNET
Ah! That's a bit much. A society that you created.
SCHNEIDER
Haven't you heard tell of children who kill their father?
YOUNG
But by whom were you attacked?
SCHNEIDER
By Tetrel! Do you understand this democrat who invented the luxury of sans-culottism, who has rifles from Versailles, pistols with fleurs de lys, stud horses like a prince, and who is -- no one knows why, the idol of the populace of Strasbourg perhaps because he is gilded like a drum-major. It seems to me that I've given proofs -- well, no, the uniform of a Commissar is unable to make the cassock of a priest forgotten! Who has sacrificed to liberty more victims than I have? Don't I, in the course of a month cause at least 26 heads to drop? How many do they want if that is not enough?
MONNET
Calm down, Schneider, calm down.
SCHNEIDER
The truth is, I'm going crazy between the Propaganda which says "Not enough!" And Saint Just, who's going to tell me "Too much." Yesterday I had six dogs of aristocrats arrested -- four today. All you see in Strasbourg and its environs are my hussars of death. Two nights ago, I arrested an emigre who had the audacity to cross the Rhine in a contrebandier's boat and who came to Plobsheim to conspire with his family. That one, by Jove, is sure of his fate. Now, I understand one thing: it's that events are stronger than human wills and that some men seem like the war chariots of Scripture, tearing and crushing nations in their path, it's because they are thrust by that irresistible and fatal power which splits volcanos and dashes cataracts.
(burst of laughter)
Bah! What's left after all -- ? A waking nightmare. Is it a point which troubles us while it lasts and is regretted when it is gone? My word -- no! Let's eat!
Valeat res ludresa - right, Charles?
(They sit down.)
YOUNG
And what in all this forces you to marry in a week?
SCHNEIDER
Ah, that's right, I was forgetting the best part! Aren't they reproaching me for my orgies and debauches? Oh, my orgies, let's talk of them; in 34 years of my life, I only drank water and ate black bread; it's really the least that in my turn I eat white bread and gnaw on meat. My debauches! If they think it's to live like an anchorite that I became defrocked, they are mistaken. Well, there's a way to terminate all that -- it's for me to marry -- I will be -- as much as any other a faithful spouse and a good, pere de famille -- what the devil! At least if Citizen Tetrel leaves me time to do it.
EILDEMANN
Have you made a choice, at least, of the happy fiancee? You are admitting to the honor of sharing your couch?
SCHNEIDER
Right! From the moment I seek a wife -- the devil will send me one.
YOUNG
To the health of the future spouse of Schneider and he's taken the devil as a procurer. May the Devil send him one who is at least right and beautiful.
ALL THE GUESTS
(rising)
Hurrah for the wife of Schneider.
GERTRUDE
(opening the door)
There's a Citizeness who is asking to speak to Citizen Euloge about a pressing matter.
SCHNEIDER
Right! I don't know of any matter more pressing than to continue dinner which has begun. Let her return tomorrow.
GERTRUDE
I told her, but she answered that tomorrow would be too late.
SCHNEIDER
Why didn't she come sooner then?
VOICE
(in the antechamber)
Because it was impossible for me to do, Citizen. Let me see you, let me speak to you, I beg you.
SCHNEIDER
(signaling Gertrude to come to him)
Is she young?
GERTRUDE
Maybe 18.
SCHNEIDER
Pretty?
GERTRUDE
Oh -- she has the devil's beauty.
YOUNG
You hear, Schneider -- the devil's beauty. Now that we know where she's from, it's only a question of making sure she's rich - and behold: Your fiance has been found.
(to Gertrude)
Open Gertrude -- and without making her wait -- the pretty child must be of your acquaintance - she comes on behalf of the Devil.
CHARLES
And why not on behalf of God?
YOUNG
Because our friend Schneider is on bad terms with God, but gets on well with the Devil. I don't any other reason.
MONNET
And then because it's only the Devil who grants so quickly prayers addressed to him.
SCHNEIDER
Well -- let her come in.
CLOTILDE
(entering)
Citizens -- Which of you is the Commissar of the Republic?
SCHNEIDER
(without rising)
I am, Citizeness.
CLOTILDE
I have to ask you a favor on which my life depends.
SCHNEIDER
Don't let the presence of my friends bother you: by taste and profession, they are admirers of beauty. That's my friend, Eildemann who's a musician.
CLOTILDE
I know his music and know by heart Ariadne on Naxos.
(Eildemann bows.)
SCHNEIDER
Here's my friend Young, who is a poet.
CLOTILDE
I know his verses -- although they are less familiar to me than the music of Eildemann.
SCHNEIDER
Finally, this is my friend, Monnet, who is neither poet nor musician, but who has eyes and a heart and who is quite disposed, I see it his look -- to plead in virtue of his office -- your case.
CLOTILDE
From the bottom of my heart, I thank Citizen Monnet.
SCHNEIDER
As for my young friend, Charles, he's still as you see, only a school boy, but he already knows how to conjugate the verb "love" in three languages -- you can therefore explain yourself before them -- so long as what you have to tell me is not so intimate as to necessitate a private interview.
(Schneider rises from his chair and offers his hand to Clotilde, pointing to the work room.)
CLOTILDE
(excitedly)
No, no, sir.
(controlling herself)
Pardon, Citizen, what I have to tell you dreads neither light nor publicity.
SCHNEIDER
Then take a seat.
CLOTILDE
Thanks - it becomes supplicants to be standing.
SCHNEIDER
In that case, let's proceed formally. I've told you who we are -- tell us who you are.
CLOTILDE
My name's Clotilde Brumpt.
SCHNEIDER
De Brumpt, you mean?
CLOTILDE
It would be unjust to reproach me with a crime which preceded my birth by 3 or 4 hundred years.
SCHNEIDER
You have no need to say any more; I know what you've come to do here.
(Clotilde bends her knee, Schneider raises the veil in which she is enveloped).
SCHNEIDER
Yes, yes, you are beautiful and you have the unique beauty of cursed roses -- the grace and seduction -- but we are not Asiatics to let ourselves be seduced by Helens or Roxelanas. Your father is guilty, your father is plotting and conspiring, your father will die.
CLOTILDE
(screaming)
Oh, no, no, my father is not a conspirator.
SCHNEIDER
If he's not a conspirator -- why did he emigrate?
CLOTILDE
He emigrated because, belonging to the Prince de Conde, he thought it his duty to follow his master into exile, but pious son, as he was a faithful servant, he didn't want to fight against France, and for the two years that he's been proscribed his sword never once left its scabbard.
SCHNEIDER
What did he come to France for, and why did he cross the Rhine?
CLOTILDE
Alas, my mourning tells you, Citizen Commissioner! My mother was dying on this side of the river hardly four leagues away. The man in whose arms she had spent 20 happy hears of her life, waited with anxiety a word which would give him hope; each message said to him -- "Worse, worse -- worse still." The night passed, he couldn't stand it, he disguised himself as a peasant and crossed the river with a boatman. Without doubt the reward promised tempted this wretch. God forgive him. He denounced my father and that very night that he returned to us he was arrested. Ask your officers at what moment at the moment my mother had just died -- ah, if a break in exile is forgivable, it's for a husband to say a last goodbye to the mother of his children -- you will tell me I know quite well, that the law is positive and that any emigre who returns to France deserves the punishment of death. Yes -- if he returned with treachery in his heart or weapons in hand to conspire and fight -- but not when he returned to bend his knee at a death bed.
SCHNEIDER
Citizeness Brumpt, the law doesn't go in to all these sentimental subtleties, it says, "In this case, under these circumstances, for such a cause -- the penalty is death". The man who places himself in the situation foreseen by the law -- knowing the law -- is guilty, thus if he is guilty, he must die.
CLOTILDE
Not if he is judged by men and those men have a heart.
SCHNEIDER
A heart! Do you think one is always master to have a heart? Clearly, you didn't hear what I was accused of today at the Propaganda -- exactly of having a heart too weak, too humane to solicitations. Don't you think my role would be much easier and more agreeable, seeing a beautiful creature like you at my feet -- to raise her up, dry her tears, rather than telling her brutally "All is useless and you are wasting your time?" No: unfortunately, the law is there and the law must be as inflexible as it is. The law is not a woman. The law is a bronze statue with a sword in one hand and a scales in the other. Nothing must weigh in the plates of the scales except the accusation on one side and the truth on the other. Nothing must turn away the blade of this sword from the terrible line which it is tracing. Tomorrow, I will leave for Plobsheim: The scaffold and the executioner will follow me. If your father was not an emigre, if he didn't furtively cross the Rhine, if the accusation is unjust, then your father will be set free. But if the accusation which your mouth confirms is true, his head will fall in the public square of Plobsheim.
CLOTILDE
Then you are leaving me with no hope?
SCHNEIDER
None!
CLOTILDE
(rising)
Then a last word.
SCHNEIDER
Speak.
CLOTILDE
No, to you alone.
SCHNEIDER
(going to the office)
Then come.
(Clotilde goes first, he follows her -- and shuts the door behind her -- Gertrude serves the champagne.)
CLOTILDE
For you to pardon this last attempt I am going to make to you Citizen Schneider -- it is necessary to tell you I've attacked your heart by every honest means and that you've rejected them -- I must tell you that I am in despair -- and that not being able to succeed through my prayers and my tears -- money --
(Schneider makes a scornful gesture)
I am rich, Citizen Schneider, my mother is dead, I inherit an immense fortune which is mine and mine alone -- I can dispose of 2 millions -- I wish I had four so that I could offer them to you -- I have only two -- do you want them? Take them and save my father!
SCHNEIDER
(placing his hand on her shoulder)
Tomorrow, I will go, as I told you, to Plobsheim -- you've just made me a proposition, I will make you another.
CLOTILDE
(haughtily)
You say?
SCHNEIDER
I am saying that if you like everything can be straightened out.
CLOTILDE
If this proposition in some way tarnishes my honor -- it's useless to make it to me.
SCHNEIDER
No -- in no respect.
CLOTILDE
Then you will be welcome in Plobsheim.
(She leaves the work room curtsies excitedly to the guests and leaves.)
SCHNEIDER
(returning to the table and pouring a full glass of wine)
With this generous wine, let's drink to Citizeness Clotilde Brumpt -- fiance of Jean Georges Euloge Schneider --
(all repeat the toast)
(to Gertrude)
Do I have hussars on duty.
GERTRUDE
Two.
SCHNEIDER
Have them go fetch Master Nicolas for me.
GERTRUDE
No need to send for him -- he's awaiting your orders in the kitchen.
SCHNEIDER
Let him come in.
CHARLES
(wanting to go)
Citizen Schneider.
SCHNEIDER
Stay put, I have nothing to hide from my friends.
MONNET
(to Charles)
Take a good look at this gentleman.
(Nicolas enters.)
SCHNEIDER
Tomorrow at nine o'clock we are leaving.
NICOLAS
For what part -- ?
SCHNEIDER
For Plobsheim.
NICOLAS
Will we be staying there?
SCHNEIDER
Twenty-four hours.
NICOLAS
How many assistants?
SCHNEIDER
Two -- everything is in readiness?
NICOLAS
Need you ask! Shall I wait at the Kehl gates or shall I come get you here?
SCHNEIDER
You will come get me here at nine o'clock precisely.
NICOLAS
That's fine.
(starts to leave)
SCHNEIDER
Wait! You shan't leave until we've had a drink together.
NICOLAS
So be it -- for the honor --
(Schneider pours some red wine.)
NICOLAS
I don't drink red wine.
SCHNEIDER
That's right, because of the color -- then you're still nervous, Citizen Nicolas?
NICOLAS
Still.
SCHNEIDER
(taking a bottle of Champagne and passing it to Nicolas)
Here, decapitate this Citizeness for me.
(Schneider laughs, but alone. The others try to imitate him. Nicolas remains serious. He pulls a knife from his pocket and passes it several times around the neck of the bottle, then with a hard stroke of the knife, he pops the neck, the cork and the iron thread of the bottle. The wine gushes as from a cut throat. Nicolas pours for everybody -- but when he gets to Charles the bottle is empty --- the others click glasses with Nicolas shouting, "Long live the nation". Then, in the shock -- Schneider's glass breaks -- some drops remain in the bottle. Schneider takes it by the neck and brings it to his mouth, but rough glass cuts his lips.)
SCHNEIDER
Sonofabitch.
(he breaks the bottle at his feet)
NICOLAS
Still -- for tomorrow -- the same time?
SCHNEIDER
Yes -- and go to the Devil.
(he brings his handkerchief to his lips and puts it back full of blood -- and let's himself fall into a chair, Eildemann and Young go to help him)
CHARLES
(detaining Monnet by the flap of his gown)
Who is this Master Nicolas?
MONNET
You don't know him?
CHARLES
How do you expect me to know him? I just got here from Strasbourg yesterday.,
MONNET
That man is the best known man in the city.
(puts his hand on Charles' knee)
CHARLES
Could he be -- ?
MONNET
(in a low voice)
The executioner.
CHARLES
(pointing to Schneider)
And what's he going to do with the executioner in Plobsheim?
MONNET
He told you -- he's going to get married - that's his witness.
(curtain)
The office of Pichegru. Entry doors on the left; window with a grand view in the back.
(Pichegru is bent over a map of Germany. Several of his officers are working around him at small tables with soldiers on duty -- ready to carry their orders.)
FARAUD
(entering and giving a military salute)
Pardon, my general, but it's an envoy from the Ministry of War who's arrived from Paris at full gallop.
PICHEGRU
Show him in.
PROSPER
(entering, covered with mud like a man who has made a long trip)
Citizen General Pichegru?
PICHEGRU
That's me!
PROSPER
(giving him a paper)
On behalf of the Citizen-Minister of War.
(all the young men working around Pichegru raise their hands; each waits with anxiety)
PICHEGRU
(reading the dispatch)
Good news, gang -- we are going to march against the enemy; the army of the Moselle is joined to the Army of the Rhine. Hoche is named General in charge of the two armies.
ABATUCCI
But you, general?
PICHEGRU
As for me, I will be general of the army of the Rhine under the orders of General Hoche.
DOMERC
But Hoche is a child, general.
PICHEGRU
A child of genius! May God let him live and you will see.
(to Prosper)
General Carnot adds Citizen Lenormand that he wants me to attach you to my staff and for me to give you the opportunity to distinguish yourself in the campaign that is about to begin.
(to the young men who surround him)
Citizens -- you will please me by treating Citizen Lenormand as a good comrade.
(to Prosper)
You must be dying of hunger and fatigue, get yourself supper and a bed.
PROSPER
Thanks, General -- but is it true that Citizen Saint just is on a mission in Strasbourg?
PICHEGRU
He arrived yesterday.
PROSPER
I will be happy to see him again. He's my oldest comrade. We were born in the same village and we studied at the same college. It's he who recommended me to General Carnot and Carnot remembered the recommendation, since he sent me to you. I think I can tell you, Citizen General, that if you have something to request of representative Saint Just you couldn't choose an intermediary who will be more agreeable to him than me.
PICHEGRU
I've nothing to ask of Saint Just, one does one's duty. Saint Just is somber and inflexible as Destiny. Get yourself something to eat and -- bon appetit.
PROSPER
Thanks, general, but I will start by putting myself to bed -- I am broken by fatigue.
PICHEGRU
As you like.
(Proper leaves. During the last words, Charles has waited at the door -- Faraud pointing out Pichegru to him.)
PICHEGRU
What is it now?
FARAUD
My general -- a young citizen who asks to enter in the grenadiers.
PICHEGRU
The Devil! He'll need a good recommendation for that.
CHARLES
I have that of my father, general.
PICHEGRU
(reading the letter Charles gives him)
What's this! You are the son of my brave and dear friend?
CHARLES
(interrupting him)
Yes, Citizen General.
PICHEGRU
He tells me that he gives you to me?
CHARLES
It remains to know if you accept the gift.
PICHEGRU
(looking at Charles)
What do you want me to make of you, look?
CHARLES
Whatever you wish!
PICHEGRU
In good conscience, I can't make you into a soldier. You are too young and too weak.
CHARLES
Citizen General, I didn't think of having the luck to see you so soon; my father gave me a letter for another one of his friends who ought to keep me at least a year with him -- to teach me Greek.
PICHEGRU
(laughing)
That wouldn't be Euloge Schneider, I suppose?
CHARLES
Indeed!
PICHEGRU
Well?
CHARLES
Well -- it seems, Citizen General, that Euloge Schneider is going to get married.
PICHEGRU
Get married? Do you hear the news Citizens? Euloge Schneider is getting married -- who the devil would marry such a man?
CHARLES
A woman who was forced to probably -- ? Pardon, General, but to return to my father's letter.
PICHEGRU
Which do you prefer, to return to your father or stay with me?
CHARLES
Stay with you, General.
PICHEGRU
Well, then, I'll attach you as secretary to my staff. Do you know how to ride a horse?
CHARLES
I must say, General, that as a squire, I am not as strong as Saint George.
PICHEGRU
You will learn --
(one can hear the noise of trumpets)
What's that?
A TOWN CRIER
(on horseback in the middle of two trumpeters in the streets)
In the name of the Committee of Public Safety, Citizen Saint Just orders --
first, that all soldiers and all officers who are undressed, be it day or night, before the enemy will be punished by death --
second, that any foot soldier who retreats on the field of battle -- other than step by step and facing the enemy, will be punished by death.
third, that any cavalryman who turns his back on the enemy other than to bring an order to his chief will be punished by death.
Strasbourg on the 24th Frumaire -- year 11 of the Republic -- one and indivisible.
(The trumpets move into the distance.)
ABATUCCI
Ah, indeed -- why he must be crazy, Citizen Saint Just.
DOMERC
It's General Eisemberg who brings us that -- with his panic on the bridge of Kehl -- where they let themselves be surprised in their bedclothes.
PICHEGRU
In any case, considered yourselves worried -- Citizen Saint Just is not joking with his decrees.
ABATUCCI
It was more than a month since we were in undress, we won't have any difficulty obeying that part of the ordinance.
PICHEGRU
Nor the others, either, I hope since they are orders not to flee.
(Faraud enters, delivering to Pichegru a letter on which there are several lines without signature.)
PICHEGRU
I don't know your regiment.
FARAUD
Arrived yesterday, my General -- Parisian volunteer.
PICHEGRU
Responding to the name.
FARAUD
Faraud.
PICHEGRU
That's fine -- I like to know my men by their name.
(after having read)
What's this citizens? Someone, in excellent Latin, asks me for a quarter hour of audience.
(pulling out his watch)
We have still a half an hour before lunch. Would you please leave me alone with this character?
(The young men leave.)
PICHEGRU
Domerc, I confide Citizen Charles to you.
(to Faraud)
Show him in.
(Stephen enters. He's wearing a bonnet of fox skin, dressed in a sort of goat skin passed around his throat like a shirt and tied at the waist by a leather belt. The sleeves of a striped wool shirt go through the opening of this carcass which is laced in the back and whose hair is turned inside out. Long boots reaching his knees. Blonde hair, mustaches the color of flax. Pichegru goes to him and looks at him.)
PICHEGRU
Hungarian or Russian?
STEPHEN
Polish.
PICHEGRU
Exiled, then?
STEPHEN
Worse than that!
PICHEGRU
Poor people -- so brave, so unlucky!
(Pichegru offers his hand to Stephen)
STEPHEN
Wait -- before doing me this honor, it's a question of knowing whether I deserve it.
PICHEGRU
All Poles are brave -- all exiles have the right to the hand of a patriot.
STEPHEN
(pulling a little sack form his breaks)
Do you know Kosciuszko?
PICHEGRU
Who doesn't know the hero of Dubienka?
STEPHEN
Then read!
PICHEGRU
(taking the letter and reading)
"I commend to you all the men struggling for the independence and liberty of their country -- this brave man, son of a brave man -- brother of a brave men; he was with me at Dubienka -- Thaddeus Kosciuszko -- "
You've got a fine certificate of courage there, sir! Would you do me the honor of being my aide-de-camp?
STEPHEN
I wouldn't be able to render you sufficient services and I would avenge myself ill -- for what I need -- it's vengeance.
PICHEGRU
Who are they against whom you have to complain particularly. Are they Russians, Austrians, or Prussians?
STEPHEN
All three, since all three oppress and devour my unhappy country.
PICHEGRU
Where are you from?
STEPHEN
From Dantzig. I am the blood of the old Polish race which, after having lost it in 1308 reconquered it in 1454.
PICHEGRU
Your name.
STEPHEN
Stephen, Moinski.
PICHEGRU
And you want to be a spy?
STEPHEN
Do you call a "spy" a man lacking fear who, through his intelligence can do the most harm to the enemy?
PICHEGRU
Yes.
STEPHEN
Then I want to be a spy.
PICHEGRU
You risk, if you are caught, being shot.
STEPHEN
Like my father!
PICHEGRU
Or hanged.
STEPHEN
Like my brother!
PICHEGRU
The least that can happen to you is to be caned. Remember that I am offering you a place in the army like a lieutenant -- or near me as an interpreter/officer.
STEPHEN
And as for me, Citizen General, remember that in finding myself unworthy I refused it; by condemning me -- they made me less than a man -- well -- that's how I will strike them, from below.
PICHEGRU
So be it -- now, what do you want?
STEPHEN
Wherewithal to buy other clothes -- and your orders.
PICHEGRU
(cutting a strip of assignats with a scissors from his register -- giving them to him)
Here!
STEPHEN
Your orders now.
PICHEGRU
(placing his hand on his shoulder)
Listen carefully to this.
STEPHEN
I'm listening.
PICHEGRU
I am informed that the army of the Moselle, commanded by Hoche is making it's junction today, tomorrow at the latest -- this junction made -- we will attack Woerth, Froeschwiller, and Reichshoffen -- well, I need to know the number of men and cannons that defend these places -- so those positions can be best prepared for attack. You will be helped by the hate our peasants and Alsatians bear the Prussians.
STEPHEN
You want me to bring you this information here or in the country?
PICHEGRU
Come in 3 days wherever I may be.
STEPHEN
I will go -- but I will see you again before that.
(He leaves.)
(Pichegru opens the door for the young men of his staff. They enter. Domerc is reading a newspaper -- Falou, Charles and Abatucci enter.)
PICHEGRU
What are you reading there, Domerc?
DOMERC
The Monitor, general -- there's some good news from Toulon -- it seems we are in the way of recapturing it.
PICHEGRU
Let's see that.
(drum beats -- a lot of noise coming from the back)
What's this?
(Each officer runs to his sabre. Pichegru calls a passing horseman.)
PICHEGRU
Hey Falou.
FALOU
My General?
PICHEGRU
What's happening there? Is it the enemy attacking again?
FALOU
No, general, it's General Eisemberg that they are escorting to the guillotine with all his staff. To prove their flight yesterday was only a panic, and they are not afraid to die, they insisted on marching to the foot of the scaffold.
PICHEGRU
They are doing the right thing -- but is this the road the condemned ordinarily take?
DOMERC
No, General -- but they decided to provide you, as well as us, the honor of this instructive spectacle.
(Four drummers pass by with heavy drum rolls -- then eight cavalry men -- then the condemned on foot -- uniforms on their shoulders. Pichegru takes a stop forward then wants to retreat seeing General Eisemberg.
EISEMBERG
Stay there, Pichegru -- and hear me.
(All the young men remove their hats.)
EISEMBERG
Perhaps, I am going to die and I leave you with happiness to the glory your courage has brought you. I know that at the bottom of your heart you do justice to our courage and make allowance for a surprise at night on beings all soaked to the bone. That's why I wish to predict in leaving you an end better than mine. Houchard and Custine are dead. I am going to die. Beauharrais is going to die. You will die like us. The people to whom you have given your arms are not chary of the blood of their defenders and if the foreigner's iron spares you -- don't worry -- you won't escape that of the executioner -- and now, March -- all of you.
(Pichegru closes the window and remains leaning against it. The noise of the drums diminishes. Each expresses by his attitude that feeling that he's experiencing.)
PICHEGRU
Which of you knows Greek -- ? I'll give my most beautiful Cummer pipe to the one who tells me who is the Greek author who spoke of the prophecies of the dying.
FALOU
(aside)
What a misfortune I don't know Greek.
PICHEGRU
Well?
CHARLES
I know a little Greek, General, but I don't smoke at all.
PICHEGRU
Then I will give you something else which will please you more than a pipe.
CHARLES
Well, general -- it's Aristophanes in a passage which I believe can be translated, thus: "The Spirit of the Sybils is in those who are going to die."
PICHEGRU
Bravo! Tomorrow or the day after you will have what I promised you, meanwhile I have what you announced to me. Now, child, I have only one desire -- it's that Hoche arrive soon and we no longer have to be present at these killings in the public square.
SAINT JUST
(appearing)
You are going to be served as you wish, General Hoche is arriving right now and I am comfortable to be present at your interview.
PICHEGRU
Why's that, Citizen Representative?
SAINT JUST
Because in my opinion they did you an injustice in putting you under the orders of Hoche -- besides, I wanted to judge for myself -- of what I can expect from your good intelligence.
PICHEGRU
(the sound of trumpets is heard -- to his staff)
Citizens, don't forget that it our general in chief that we have the honor of receiving.
HOCHE
(entering and noticing Pichegru, hat in hand -- along with his staff)
General, the Convention committed an error: It named me, a soldier of 25, general-in-chief of two armies of the Rhine and Moselle forgetting that one of the greatest men of war of our epoch commanded that of the Rhine. This error, I am coming to repair, General, by putting myself under your orders and praying you to teach me the rough and difficult profession of war. I have the instinct -- you have the science. I am 25. You are 33. You are Miltiades, I am hardly Themistocles -- but watching when you are asleep will prevent me from sleeping; I ask for a place by your bed.
(turning towards his officers)
Citizens, there is your general in chief. In the name of the safety of the Republic and the glory of France, I beg you and, if necessary, I order you to obey him as I myself will obey him.
(all the staff bow and indicate consent)
I swear to obey in all matters of war, my elder brother, my master, my model -- the illustrious General Pichegru! Your hand, General?
PICHEGRU
In my arms.
(they throw their arms around each other)
SAINT JUST
May the generals of all armies maintain such an accord between them. And France will have no fear of our enemies. Long Live the Nation!
PROSPER'S VOICE
(off stage)
He's here -- I recognize his voice.
SAINT JUST
It's the voice of Prosper -- my best friend -- who I haven't seen since college.
PROSPER
(throwing himself in his arms)
My dear Saint Just.
SAINT JUST
Ah -- wretch! Wretch that you are!
DOMERC
What's wrong?
ABATUCCI
(pointing to Prosper being half dressed)
Undressed before the enemy.
PROSPER
Well, don't you recognize me? Have you forgotten our youth, our studies -- and all our childhood friendship -- at least?
SAINT JUST
On the contrary -- it's because I remember all that that I weakened for a moment.
PROSPER
What?
SAINT JUST
This morning, I published a decree by which I am punishing by death any man who, facing the enemy, is surprised without his uniform even in his sleep. You've heard this Citizens. Let them take this wretch away and let justice be done.
(Prosper looks for a moment at Saint Just, who lowers his eyes and turns his head away, then makes a sign for Prosper to be taken away. Prosper himself goes almost to the door in the midst of a profound silence.)
PICHEGRU
(coming forward)
Saint Just -- a word!
SAINT JUST
To do what?
PICHEGRU
To prevent you from committing a crime. I affirm that your friend Prosper Lenormand was unaware of the decrees which was published this morning during his sleep.
PROSPER
I swear it.
SAINT JUST
(extending his harm to his friend)
Eh! You wretch -- why didn't you say so?
PROSPER
People would have thought, that I, your friend -- was afraid.
(They rush into each other's arms)
SAINT JUST
(offering his hand to Pichegru as he embraces his friend)
Pichegru, I owe you the happiest moments of my life.
(curtain)
The interior of Clotilde de Brumpt's room. A corner of the room, a cabinet has been converted into a chapel where candles burn. Clotilde is working on a rope ladder.
CLOTILDE
(alone)
I spent the night in prayer and at work. May God permit, if those prayers rise to him that the work has a result. Etiennette has promised to bring the son of the concierge of the prison where my father is locked up. I don't know what influence she can have over that young man, but she answers for him.
(a noise)
Is it you, Etiennette?
ETIENNETTE
(appearing)
Yes, Miss. Is the ladder finished?
CLOTILDE
I finished it. Is Jacquemin here?
ETIENNETTE
He's following me.
CLOTILDE
Show him in.
ETIENNETTE
Come in, Jacquemin.
(Jacquemin enters.)
CLOTILDE
(to Jacquemin)
You've guessed in advance the object of our conversation? My father is in prison -- threatened with death for having crossed the Rhine; my mother, as you also know, is dead -- since yesterday, the whole village escorted her to the cemetery. I was in despair when this dear child --
(pointing to Etiennette)
-- approached me and said, "Madame, there's a man who can save your father, this man has a good heart and a fine wit -- he's Jacquemin the son of the jailor." What price do you place on the safety of my father?
JACQUEMIN
Citizeness, I wouldn't want to make a good action a matter of money -- but nor do I wish my father to die in misery if he loses his place on account of me. I love Etiennette and it's to that love I will sacrifice my duty, for in allowing the escape of the Count, I will be betraying the country that pays me. I will answer for getting a file to the prisoner and this rope ladder. Decide for yourself, Citizeness, what the devotion I offer you for nothing is worth.
CLOTILDE
I will give your father a pension of 2000 francs and I will give you or rather to Etiennette, since you will receive the sum from her hands -- 10,000 francs in silver.
JACQUEMIN
It's more than I would have asked, Citizeness; I am going to take this ladder. Etiennette is going to give me a file so no one will see me buying one. Once the Count is out of prison, the rest is up to you.
(Knocking at the door.)
CLOTILDE
(trembling)
Who's knocking at this hour?
(Etiennette and Clotilde look at each other.)
JACQUEMIN
It would be dangerous for me to be seen here, Miss -- and especially at such an hour. Let Etiennette lead me through some corridor where I won't meet anyone.
ETIENNETTE
(pointing to the cabinet on the left)
Go into that room. I will take you there when I've seen who is knocking.
(she runs to the street door shouting)
"Coming, coming."
(Clotilde falls in a chair, mops her face -- opens a book and pretends to read.)
ETIENNETTE
(reappearing)
Miss -- it's Mr. Raoul de Gransay.
CLOTILDE
Just Heavens! Providence has sent him. Show him in.
(Etiennette returns with Raoul.)
CLOTILDE
Raoul!
RAOUL
Clotilde.
(They throw themselves in each other's arms.)
CLOTILDE
What have you come here to do? I thought you were in safety on the other side of the Rhine.
RAOUL
I came to help you save your father.
CLOTILDE
You learned of the Count's arrest?
RAOUL
Yesterday! And in these days of terror, it's not far from the prison to the scaffold -- I rushed back.
CLOTILDE
(to Etiennette)
Etiennette, make Jacquemin leave quickly and especially don't let him suspect that Raoul has arrived.
RAOUL
(on his knees to Clotilde)
Yes, I'm here, I'm here Clotilde! Give me your face, that remains so beautiful and so pure in the midst of our fears. Now tell me, as you've already done something to aid your father, let's see what remains for us to do.
CLOTILDE
When did you learn of his arrest?
RAOUL
In Strasbourg where I returned after leaving you the other night -- and where I was hidden by that good Madame Teutch at the Hotel of the Lantern. Thanks to her, I found two devoted men and a boat -- It's only a question of getting your father out of prison -- a quarter of an hour later, he will be in safety. And first of all -- which of the three powers of fighting over Strasbourg had him arrested.
CLOTILDE
Schneider.
RAOUL
He's the worst of the three. I hope you haven't made any overture to that wretch.
CLOTILDE
On the contrary, I've seen him.
RAOUL
He came here?
CLOTILDE
It was I who went to his home.
RAOUL
You, Clotilde in the house of that infamous man? You alone with him?
CLOTILDE
I wasn't alone with him for an instant.
RAOUL
What proposals did he dare to make to you?
CLOTILDE
It was I not he who broached proposals.
RAOUL
What did you offer him?
CLOTILDE
My fortune!
RAOUL
And he refused it?
CLOTILDE
He told me he would let me know his intentions.
RAOUL
And you haven't heard from him?
CLOTILDE
No.
RAOUL
There's something sinister beneath this silence. But I am here, I will watch over you. I won't leave you again. I've suffered too much since our separation.
(Etiennette, entering excitedly; her face is a complete disorder.)
CLOTILDE
Oh! My God! What's wrong Etiennette?
ETIENNETTE
Ah, Miss, they say that Schneider and his Hussars of death slept at the Village of Eschau -- only two leagues from here.
RAOUL
He'll hold you to your word, Clotilde -- he's coming to dictate his conditions --you've attempted something for the flight of your father, right? What have you done?
CLOTILDE
I've bought the son of the jailor -- he will deliver a rope ladder to may father, which I spent the night making and also a file to saw the bars -- tomorrow night he must escape.
RAOUL
Tomorrow night? It will be too late.
CLOTILDE
What to do, my God? What to do?
RAOUL
Everything to advance, to hasten his escape.
CLOTILDE
Raoul!
RAOUL
The name of the jailor's son?
CLOTILDE
Jacquemin.
RAOUL
Jacquemin -- fine -- may God protect us all!
(he leaves)
CLOTILDE
(Etiennette)
Has there been an execution in the village of Eschau?
ETIENNETTE
No, but as the roads are in bad condition and the tumbrel which is used to take prisoners to the scaffold was stuck in the mud, Schneider blamed the trouble on the mayor and his deputy; for an hour they remained attached to the pillars of the guillotine.
CLOTILDE
What is there to hope from such a man?
ETIENNETTE
Ah! My God! Hear that noise by the prison.
(she rushes to the window)
Miss! Oh! Miss! It's not possible.
CLOTILDE
What?
ETIENNETTE
It can't be him!
CLOTILDE
But who?
ETIENNETTE
Your father -- ! Look -- !
CLOTILDE
(running to the window)
Yes, it's him! My father -- free -- free. I'm running.
(The door at the back open. Schneider appears, a bouquet in his hand. Etiennette leaves at a gesture from Schneider.)
SCHNEIDER
Citizeness -- these are the most beautiful flowers I've been able to find -- the 27th Frumaire -- that is to say the 16th of December -- for I don't believe you are very familiar with the new calendar -- the 16th of December is what I found better -- and like Tarquin -- I've been obliged to walk in several gardens and in ill-kept paths before finding roses and lilacs to knock down for this bouquet with the top of my switch.
CLOTILDE
This bouquet is a marvel, Citizen Schneider -- and these flowers -- so pleasant and perfumed are a witness to me of the intentions with which you have approached this house.
(she points out a seat to him)
SCHNEIDER
My intentions are those of a man to whom you've opened a new horizon -- during the visit you paid him yesterday. I've often asked myself, beautiful Clotilde, what supports human destiny and how the song of a bird or the flight of a butterfly can influence our existence. Being good or being bad -- all that depends on the way you enter life. It's a question -- marching quite blindfolded of choosing the right path. I entered through the gate of misery, instead of seeing and riches and happiness, and obstacles smoothing out in front of me. I had to fight them and surmount them. The fable of the seven heads of Hydra, always cut off, always growing back, has for me always been a somber and strict truth. It's nice and easy to pray when you know the prayer will have an answer; but to pray to a marble idol which remains deaf to your prayers! You give it up in the end when you can break that idol. Then, at the least resistance, the word, "I wish" comes to your mouth.
CLOTILDE
Even when you are speaking to a woman?
SCHNEIDER
Have I never had time to see whom I am speaking to? Do you think I've any illusion about the life I am leading -- or the consequences it must have? Attacked as I am, if I fail to attack -- I have to kill to live -- they say that I am cruel. I defend myself that's all -- I've never been in love, never thought of marriage or the happiness of being a father and a spouse. You can't say I foresaw this chain of circumstances. Your mother fell ill -- your father, an emigre returned to France to see her a last time. He's captured, taken to prison -- you come to ask me for mercy for him -- I see you -- an unknown feeling awakens in my heart. There is it -- the happiness I'd always wanted -- to be loved by a young, pure, noble, chaste girl -- me -- loved, when I am ugly, odious old before my age -- ? Is there any chance of my being loved? Who will make me another face like Eson? Who will teach me sweet words with whose aid one pours into another heart the overflow of one's own. When I tell her that I love her -- she will laugh -- well -- I prefer she weep; I prefer she tremble, I prefer she hate me -- why so long as she is mine -- I'm doing as I've done -- an infamous thing -- I know that quite well -- as if my life, weren't not an infamy already -- I told her. "I will go to see you". I erect the scaffold under her window.
(he opens the window; Clotilde utters a scream of terror at the sight of the scaffold).
CLOTILDE
Ah! My father!
SCHNEIDER
I am coming -- and I say to her -- "Tomorrow -- you will be my wife or there -- right now, under your eyes -- the head of your father is going to fall."
CLOTILDE
Me, your wife? My father would prefer to die.
SCHNEIDER
So -- it's you I charge with transmitting my wish to him -- your filial pity will inspire you, Clotilde. My crime counts on your virtues. Well?
CLOTILDE
(very calm)
You are right. It's the only way.
SCHNEIDER
And when do you fix the day of our union?
CLOTILDE
Luckily, the new law frees us of all delay -- and what I have to ask you is only a caprice of pride.
SCHNEIDER
Speak.
CLOTILDE
I demand from your tenderness one of those mercies that one does not refuse one's fiance. It's not a Plobsheim, that is to say in a poor Alsatian village that the first of our citizens ought to grant his name to the wife he loves and has chosen.
(she rises)
I intend that people recognize me as the wife of Schneider and that no one mistake me for his mistress. Tomorrow, at whatever hour you wish -- we will leave for Strasbourg and I will give you my hand -- before the citizens, the generals and the representatives.
SCHNEIDER
I wish it indeed, I want all that you want -- but on one condition --
CLOTILDE
Which is?
SCHNEIDER
It's that it's not tomorrow that we will leave -- but today.
CLOTILDE
Impossible. It's going to be 11:30 and the city gates close at 3:00.
SCHNEIDER
They will close at 4:00 then.
CLOTILDE
Whatever you wish must be done.
SCHNEIDER
(offering his hand to Clotilde)
Come, Clotilde.
CLOTILDE
Just give me time to take a family talisman -- without which young girls among us don't marry.
(While Schneider goes to close the window, Clotilde removes a dagger from a small box on the table -- she has it in her hand when Schneider returns to her.)
(blackout)
A landscape with snow -- as picturesque as possible.
(In a corner of the stage, a peasant dressed as a woodcutter finishes cleaning the sort of long square poles used to make a bivouac. In the midst of the most profound silence, one sees advance five or six horsemen bearing the uniform of scouts and 7 or 8 rifleman on foot. They come as scouts to probe the forest.)
STEPHEN
(disguised)
Hush!
FALOU
(on horseback)
Who goes there?
STEPHEN
Hush!
FALOU
Who goes -- ?
STEPHEN
Over here -- Citizen Falou.
FALOU
I say! Now there's someone I knew in the canton. What are you doing here?
STEPHEN
Me -- I'm preparing the general's bivouac.
FALOU
Of what general?
STEPHEN
Of General Pichegru, of course.
(The staff of General Pichegru approaches noiselessly as if scouting. All the young men on the general's staff in Strasbourg are recognizable.)
PICHEGRU
Halt, gentleman. Heavens -- it seems to me this is an excellent place to bivouac.
STEPHEN
If the General finds it good, I will be really satisfied.
PICHEGRU
And it's you who prepared this place?
STEPHEN
Yes, my general.
PICHEGRU
For me?
STEPHEN
Don't you find it will chosen -- sheltered from the wind with a view of the whole plan, a view over the village of Dawendorff.
PICHEGRU
Then you knew I had to pass through here?
STEPHEN
You see so indeed, since I was waiting for you. Now, it's not warm -- if you were to light a small file?
PICHEGRU
And if the enemy sees the fire?
STEPHEN
There's no danger -- we are in a hollow.
PICHEGRU
Then you were an engineer?
STEPHEN
Engineer! What's that?
(he leaves)
PICHEGRU
(low to one of his aides de camp)
Don't lose sight of that man -- it's a question of finding a little dry wood. You won't be any more irritated than I to warm up, right? Only in this weather, it may prove difficult to find any.
STEPHEN
(returning and bringing back an armful)
Here's some, General, and it's going to burn like wood shavings.
PICHEGRU
I bet you've got some tinder now?
STEPHEN
I don't have any, but it won't be hard to find.
PICHEGRU
(to his aides de camp)
Place sentinels on watch and under pain of death -- don't let them shoot unless forced to by the enemy.
(A dozen men go out on foot, among them, Faraud, while other choose camp sites.)
PICHEGRU
Which one of you is managing the canteen?
(The officers look at each other.)
ABATUCCI
You didn't give the order General.
PICHEGRU
You know quite well I never give the order for that. Each takes for himself, there is always some remaining for the others.
OFFICERS
(to one of the others)
Have you something, comrade?
AN OFFICER
My word, no.
FALOU
I have some tobacco.
PICHEGRU
Do you have something, Charles?
CHARLES
As for me, general, I have two apples -- would you like one?
PICHEGRU
Well, citizen, one must be content with a drop of brandy. Call the Goddess of Reason!
(Voices repeating, "Goddess of Reason -- Goddess of Reason."
ANOTHER VOICE
Where's the Goddess of Reason?
FALOU
With the Volunteers from Indre.
GODDESS
(entering)
Here I am, General: What do you wish?
PICHEGRU
Goddess -- they forget provisions so it's a question of supper with a little glass and a pipe of tobacco. Those who are hungry after this sumptuous repast will tighten the buckle on their breeches.
GODDESS
Well, my little Faraud: Where is he then?
FALOU
He's on watch.
(to Stephen)
But what the devil are you doing?
STEPHEN
I'm setting up a table.
PICHEGRU
A table? For what?
STEPHEN
Why to eat.
PICHEGRU
Eat what?
STEPHEN
Ah! Now see -- I said to myself, "The General never thinks of himself until having thought of others. He's capable of having forgotten one canteen. My word, at all costs, I'm going to order him ham and a good pate -- if he forgot his supper -- someone will have thought of it for him.
PICHEGRU
And this pate?
STEPHEN
Behold!
PICHEGRU
In default of bread, we have the crust.
STEPHEN
Not at all -- here's some bread. Oh! Oh! We think of everything.
PICHEGRU
Except some wine?
STEPHEN
Ah, indeed, I admit I didn't think it useful to make provision for any.
ABATUCCI
Wretch!
STEPHEN
Because I said to myself like this, "There's a citizen Fenouillot, a commercial traveler in wine who's going to pass this way at break of day -- with his carriage and his samples, the general will come to an understanding with him.
(noise of carriage bells)
And wait, wait, there are the bells of his horse -- tell two or three of these gentlemen to bring him here -- he will ask for nothing better than to make you a delivery.
PICHEGRU
(to some officers)
Go, citizens, go.
(to Charles)
It seems to me that I've seen that man somewhere or rather I've heard his voice. Do you remember him?
CHARLES
No, general.
PICHEGRU
Could it be? Yes -- it's Stephen.
(aloud)
My word -- Goddess of Reason -- this will be for the desert. Only if you want your share of the pie, don't go too far.
GODDESS
Agreed General.
(she leaves)
FENOUILLOT
(off)
Citizens, citizens, where are you taking me?
A VOICE
(off)
To the General!
FENOUILLOT
(off)
What General?