Tapestry of a Conquest

8/11/2019 Tapestry of a Conquest

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Duke William watching Earl Harold swearing support for his ascension to the throne...

TAPESTRY OF A CONQUEST

by Ed Ballou Copyright Ed Ballou, 2014

Scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry may be displayed as backdrop to the action, whereappropriate.

Medieval stringed and organ music, and medieval church music, may be played attimes in appropriate scenes.

The standards, or banners, associated with some of the characters should be shown ina stiff mode to show the colors and logos.

TIME: 1065 - 1067

PLACE: Various scenes taking place in Normandy, England, and Norway

Copyright Ed Ballou, 2016


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CHARACTERS:

KING EDWARD - the old King of England

QUEEN EDITH - his Queen

BISHOP ODO - he fights under the Papal standard - Bishop of Bayeux

DUKE WILLIAM - he fights under the Norman standard - a large powerful man, with thelook of a Viking, and a sensitive, yet calculating, face with a primitive savagenessunderlying its features - a certain remote look marks the eyes.

EARL HAROLD - he fights under The Fighting Man standard - tall, blond hair, a leader

EARL TOSTIG - he fights under the House of Godwin standard - Harolds brother

KING HARALD HARDRADA - very tall, mighty Viking warrior-king - he wears a sky-bluetunic - he fights under The LandWaster standard

ORRE - a Viking chief

BISHOP STIGAND - an English bishop

TALLIFER - the Norman court jester

HOUSE CARL - an English guard

GUARD - a Norman Guard



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SCENE 1

1-1

At Rise: A darkened stage. The sonorous SOUNDS of church bells echo from above. Adim candle on an old table gradually illuminates carved stone columns holding up theroof - the soft WHISTLING of a religious song is heard from somewhere behind the

stone columns - a man dressed in a bishops habit comes out from behind one of thecolumns - the candlelight reveals him standing in the basement of a cathedral - a wall ofbars separates him from the audience - the bishop approaches the audience.

BISHOP ODOThey told me youd be coming.. did you have trouble finding me?

(Sweeping his hand around)Im in my new cathedral! Not at all like my cathedral up there..

(Gestures at the ceiling)That was my old bishopric - such a mighty house of worship! - the Bayeux Cathedral! -walls soaring to the sky, gleaming spires almost pricking the sun! It was built to.. to

glorify God!.. but some even say.. to glorify me! Ah, Bayeux, Bayeux.. why, dont yourecognize me? - Im the Bishop.. the Bishop of Bayeux! Odo! - Bishop Odo!

(Sweeping his arms around the cell)Im down here in my new cathedral! Look at it! The high vaulted ceiling - up there! - youcan barely make out the gargoyles, crouching amongst the beams.. and theyregrinning! And the doors.. look at these magnificent doors!

(Rattles the bars between him and theaudience)

Heavy wooden doors - of the finest oak! - and carved into them - Biblical scenes! - seethere! - the casting out of Job, by Almighty God himself!

(Reaches out through the bars with both arms

gesturing towards the audience)And there you sit, my friends, in your polished hardwood pews..

(Turns and goes to the table behind him).. which march up to my altar..

(Slams hand down on table).. here! - of the finest Italian marble - yes, we shall worship here! - and floating over all,like the great Holy Spirit.. (Sweeps his hand up to the small and high

barred window as he turns).. this magnificent stained glass window - composed of thousands of panes! - see themshimmering in the sunlight! - such delicate hues.. depicting a figure.. transfixed upon a

cross.. perhaps.. perhaps a bishop? How blasphemous, you say! But here in my newcathedral - here! - a new religion is being being born, these five long years - and I,Bishop Odo of Baueux - I, Odo, Earl of Kent! - am birthing it!

(Slowly turns back to audience)And you.. you shall be my new flock! - and I shall lead you down the path of, of..oh, who knows where this path leads? For when one has been abandoned by his



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1-2

ODO (Cont.)brother for so long - five years! - one is forced to create life anew.. (Goes back to cell bars, stares out)Yes, in this new - and even more magnificent! - cathedral, I am the sole power!

(Shouts out)I, Odo!

(Pauses, stares at audience)Come, let us worship together! (Turns, strides back to table, stands behind

it, thumps on it)Todays sermon is called... but no, I will tell you after I have preached it - my sermonbegins as old King Edward of England summons mighty Earl Harold of the House ofGodwin to embark on a royal mission..

(Pauses)But wait!.. how does a Norman bishop know his English history so well?

(Pauses, looks around for guards, leanstowards audience, whispers)

The Tapestry.. I have the Tapestry! - no, not here - too dangerous! - I keep it up there..

(Gestures above)..stretching along the wall of my old cathedral - I commissioned its weaving! - and in theTapestry, am I too, Odo, now woven into history! (Walks back to bars, grabs them)But, my friends, the Tapestry is here, too!

(Leans forward, taps head, looks around forguards)

Listen well then, to my sermon!

(Pauses, whispers)It begins thus..

(LIGHTS DIM on the cell - LIGHTS RISE on aroom in a castle. King Edward stands by agreat stone arched window, peering down)

KING EDWARD (Stage whisper)Godwin..

(Stares down).. the son..

(Slams hand against stone wall).. always the son!

(ENTER a HOUSE CARL)

HOUSE CARLSire! Earl Harold of the House of Godwin responds to your summons!



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KING EDWARD

1-3Bid him enter..

(HOUSE CARL EXITS - King Edward sits)

KING EDWARD

He shall never be king...

(ENTER EARL HAROLD, preceded by theHOUSE CARL - Edward dismisses him with awave of his hand - HOUSE CARL EXITS

- Harold drops on bended knee)

EARL HAROLDMy Lord..

KING EDWARDRise, Harold..

EARL HAROLD

(Rising)Why has His Majesty called me? - are you unhappy with my administering the royalgovernment?

KING EDWARDNo, no - your assistance is invaluable! - the kingdom is running smoothly, and yourassuming some of my duties enables me to, to.. attend to other pursuits!

EARL HAROLD

Drop any deer?

KING EDWARD

I brought down two magnificent buck my last outing - splendid hunt!

EARL HAROLDAnd your cathedral at Winchester.. still a-building?

KING EDWARDMounting to the sky! - my testament to Gods grace - higher and higher!

EARL HAROLDYet built in the Norman style - one day it shall crumble to Norman dust!

KING EDWARDI admire things Norman!

EARL HAROLDI see by your court!



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KING EDWARD

1-4It has English nobles, too!

EARL HAROLDThey dont have your ear!

KING EDWARDYou have my ear!

(Both turn away, a pause)

EARL HAROLDThe Queen.. she is well?

KING EDWARDShe is away! - endowing her monastery, or some such..

EARL HAROLDI hope her stay at the monastery is not so long as last time..

KING EDWARDMust you always bring that up? - it was the right thing for me to do at the time!

EARL HAROLDBanish your wife to a monastery?

KING EDWARD

I banished the House of Godwin - all of you! - your sister to the monastery from whence

she came, and the rest of you to exile abroad! - you challenged my authority andattempted a coup - your House wished the throne!

EARL HAROLDYet, we returned the next year, the House of Godwin - stronger than ever!

KING EDWARDYou showed us your strength - and as King, I have tried to accommodate you!

EARL HAROLDYou are king in name only.. my father, Earl Godwin, was the power behind the throne!

KING EDWARDFancied himself a kingmaker, your father - plotting for the throne before I was born -plotting with my own mother! - biding his time as to when he could ascend the throne -with my mother by his side, I suppose!

EARL HAROLDYou are king by default only!



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KING EDWARD

1-5Caused by the kidnapping and botched blinding of my brother Alfred, on his journey toseek the throne - he died on orders given by your father - a power grab gone wrong! -but your father never did sit on this throne!

EARL HAROLDOnly because he died at state dinner with you - poisoned, I still have no doubt!

KING EDWARDAll heard your father loudly proclaiming he had nothing to do with the death of mybrother - swearing that if he were guilty, may he choke on the very bread he was eating!

EARL HAROLDAnd he choked then, and died - but not from eating your royal bread - poisoned!

KING EDWARD

He swore an oath that was not true - and paid a price to a master greater than myself!

EARL HAROLDNo more, Edward - dont forget, I can leave my royal duties easily enough - and leaveyour court! - I have my own earldom, with wealth and power to match your own! -behind you, ranks only me! (Goes to door)

KING EDWARD

Stay, Harold, stay! - I did not summon you to argue..

EARL HAROLDYou constantly insult the House of Godwin!

KING EDWARDWe have differences, Harold - but your House is a mighty house - mightiest in England!

EARL HAROLDBut I am still only second - like my father before me!

KING EDWARDBecause I am King - by birthright!

EARL HAROLD (Turns back to door)I must return to the running of England - dont you have a hunt?

KING EDWARDI am hunting for a successor - someone to wear this crown, when I am no longer here!



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EARL HAROLD

1-6

(Turns back slowly)Yes? - and so, you have called me before you to, to..

KING EDWARD

To help me in that search!

(Harold stares at Edward, then spins on hisheel, strides to the door, pulls it open)

KING EDWARDHarold, please stay!.. you see I am old now, and, and.. I want to ensure the propersuccession to the throne of England!

EARL HAROLD

(Turning back)You should have taken care of that yourself!

KING EDWARDYou know I have no sons, no children..

EARL HAROLDTry sleeping with the Queen!

KING EDWARDThat!.. is nobodys business..

EARL HAROLD

It is Englands business! - you have failed to perform your royal duties, Edward! -I administer the kingdom, while you sport in the Royal Forest - and play at God buildingyour cathedral at Winchester! Surely you cannot expect me to produce royal heirs foryou - the queen is my sister!

KING EDWARDYou could be banished for that!

EARL HAROLDAgain? - you no longer have that power!

KING EDWARD (Confused)I, I.. still do have power.. I am King!.. but, but, you see, Harold.. I am also a man insearch of his God - fleshly pursuits do not interest me!

EARL HAROLDExcept for your royal deer - and your Norman cathedral!



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KING EDWARD

1-7Those are Gods creatures - and that is Gods work! - I commune with him in my RoyalForests - and honor him with my great spires!

EARL HAROLD

And who do you wish to honor with the throne, upon your royal demise?

KING EDWARD

(Pauses, goes to the great stone archedwindow, looks out)

Harold, Harold.. you are invaluable to the continued success of this great kingdom -and I greatly appreciate your help! - but, but..

EARL HAROLDI thought not.. (Turns to leave)

KING EDWARD

(Turning from window)The royal succession must be by bloodline!

EARL HAROLDThat drop of blood, again!

KING EDWARD

But, Harold - dont you see? - it must be the man most directly descended of the closestbloodline to me - my nearest relative must be king!

EARL HAROLDNot the Great Promise, again - I have heard too much of that!

KING EDWARDWhile you and your House of Godwin were in exile, I promised it to him! - next in line byblood right - Duke William!

EARL HAROLDOf Normandy!

KING EDWARDI myself was raised in exile in Normandy!

EARL HAROLDThus your sympathies!



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KING EDWARD

1-8Duke Williams grandfather was brother to my mother - he is cousin - the closest bloodconnection to me!

EARL HAROLD

Bloodline has not always chosen the English king! - consider what force can do!

KING EDWARD

(Pauses)What are you saying, Harold?

EARL HAROLDThe Vikings, man! - we have just thrown them out of England, after three Danish kings! -you invite them back?

KING EDWARD

William is no Viking!

EARL HAROLDHe is directly descended from Rolf the Viking, who ravaged our coast - then settledsafely in Normandy!

KING EDWARDBut the royal blood of England flows in Williams veins!

(Comes from the window)And now I command you, Earl Harold - as your King! - go Harold, to Normandy - do notdelay! - seek counsel with Duke William - reaffirm my promise with him - the Great

Promise! - that he shall ascend the throne of England upon my death - place yourself athis disposal - and render him your utmost service!

EARL HAROLD

(Pauses)And if I refuse?

KING EDWARDI shall banish you forever!

EARL HAROLD

You think you can do that? (They stare at each other)Edward.. I shall go to Duke William for one reason, only - one reason! - I go onlybecause a man.. obeys his King!

KING EDWARDYour ship crosses the Channel this very night!



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EARL HAROLD

1-9My.. ship? - so, you were sure of my loyalty.. but to the throne of England, not to you!

(Turns toward door, turns back)Do you forget Williams a bastard son?

KING EDWARDThe tide is turning - your ship sails..!

EARL HAROLDIndeed, the tide is turning.. (HAROLD EXITS)

KING EDWARD

(Looking down through the great window atHarold leaving the castle)

You.. shall never.. be king...

(LIGHTS DIM)



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SCENE 2

2-1

(LIGHTS RISE on the Great Hall of CaenCastle, Williams residence in Normandy. Amantle above a large fireplace to one side - a

small box upon it - opposite, a window lookingout onto the spires of Saint Stephens church -double wooden doors at the far end of theGreat Hall, with Norman tapestries hanging oneither side - a Norman guard sheathed in mailflanks the doors - above the doors hangs alarge portrait of Duke William of Normandy, thelord of the castle - Tallifer juggles colored balls)

TALLIFER (Sings)

I sing a song of William,We know him as our Duke,Hes our fearless leader,Norman fortune is no fluke.

Sing a song of William,Take him as your own,Such a man is William,Let no man cast a stone.

William is a Norman,

So are all of we,Being Norman is quite noble,Normandy is our duchy.

The English have no William,Edward they have instead,This does not make them happy,Wished Norman, they were bred!

(SOUND of pounding on the doors)

GUARD

Who goes?

COUNT GUY (Offstage)Count Guy of Ponthieu!

GUARDEnter, Count Guy!



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2-2

(The Guard pulls the doors open - ENTERCOUNT GUY, holding the end of a long chain -at other end of which is a blonde, long-hairedman - ENTER EARL HAROLD, a man as

magnetic and marked by destiny as the portraitof Duke William)

TALLIFERGood Count Guy!

COUNT GUYDo you jest, Tallifer?

TALLIFERJesting at nobles is not good for ones head!

(Picks up a lute, sings)Heres our good Count Guy,No need to ask him why,His roof it leaks so badly,And his cows just pass him by,

Too hungry to even know him,To his pasture they are led,But the land on which theyre grazing,Has rocks on which theyre fed.

We know that Guys a poor man,Hes poorer than a mouse,His wish to live as rich man,In a castle, not a house.

Now Guys got himself a captive,I wonder whats his name,Guy wishes quite a ransom,But Duke William knows his game!

COUNT GUY

Youd sing in my dungeon, were not Duke William your protector...

TALLIFERYou jest well, good Count Guy! - and who is the guest you bring?

GUARD

(To Count Guy)An English spy, me Lord?



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COUNT GUY

2-3A shipwrecked English mariner - found him wandering my coast at Ponthieu - the othersfrom his ship I hold at my estate - by their deference to him, I take him to be their leader!- but he will not talk..

GUARD

(Drawing his sword, raising it to Harold)You will talk here, Englishman!

EARL HAROLDSheath your sword, Norman dog - for I am Earl Harold of Wessex! - set me free at once,or suffer the consequence!

GUARDDemand? - you demand! - no one demands in the castle of Duke William, except theDuke himself!

COUNT GUYSuch a prize then, is this Earl Harold - call the Duke!

EARL HAROLDYes, call your Duke - this mistake shall be settled between men of rank!

COUNT GUYThe only mistake is yours, Englishman - landing upon Norman shores!

(To Guard)Call Duke William!

(The GUARD EXITS - Tallifer begins jugglingin a corner, a fly on the wall )

COUNT GUY

(Pulling Earl Harolds chains)Ha, ha! - you have no rank now, Harold! - the prisoner of Count Guy! - the Duke willappreciate my great prize!

EARL HAROLDWere it not for this chain, I should cut off your head!

COUNT GUY (Jerking his chain)What, what? - what brings you a-sailing to our Norman beaches, English dog?

(Jerks chain)



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EARL HAROLD

2-4

(Jerking the chain back, pulling Count Guy offhis feet)

Earl Harold, no-count - I shall discuss my visit with none but your lord and master - theDuke, himself!

COUNT GUY

(Scrambling to his feet, drawing his sword)And here, am I your lord and master! (Guy puts his sword to Harolds neck - ENTER

DUKE WILLIAM)

DUKE WILLIAMCount Guy, put up your sword! - release Earl Harold!

COUNT GUY

But, but.. Duke William! - this man is my prisoner! - he and some others shipwrecked onPonthieu! - and, and.. my estate is so small - the roof leaks, the lands arid, the livestockthin and few.. and, and this prize is so great, my liege - an English lord!

DUKE WILLIAMI know of Earl Harold - and I know you wish a ransom!

COUNT GUYOnly a modest one, my lord..

(Bows)

EARL HAROLDI object to being dickered over - like a cow at market!

DUKE WILLIAMYou are in my domain now, Harold..

(To Count Guy)How much..

COUNT GUYWhy I, I.. havent really thought about it, my lord.. but I do think a bag of gold wouldsuffice.. medium-size, really not that much..

DUKE WILLIAM

(Walks around Count Guy, looking at him as hespeaks)

Now, think you, Count Guy.. far from having brought me a mere shipwrecked prisoner..

(Stops).. you have brought me instead the great Earl Harold, of the mighty House of Godwin -at the end of a chain! - you have dishonored our guest, have dishonored Ponthieu,



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DUKE WILLIAM (Cont.)

2-5dishonored Normandy - and you have dishonored me! - what am I to think? - that youshould be hung for dishonor?

COUNT GUY

Hung? - by the neck? - Duke William.. I meant no harm! - I was merely protecting ourshores from those who might do us ill - shipwrecked mariners - but who knows? - theyare English! - I thought, if I take them, Duke William will be pleased! - now, I find theman is an earl! - but look.. youre right - I deserve no reward.. hanged! (Holding up the end of the chain)Take him, my lord - hes yours!

DUKE WILLIAM

(Pulling out some coins)Five pieces of gold, Count Guy.. (Gives them to him)

And a new roof for your manor house! - for ensuring the safe arrival of an honoredguest to our court - send the rest of his men later, with no harm or disrespect - releaseEarl Harold and take your chain, as you are dismissed, my good vassal..

COUNT GUY

(Releasing Harold)I am ever your man, Duke William!

DUKE WILLIAMAs I am ever your protector, Count Guy..

COUNT GUY (Dragging his chain off)Hanged!

(COUNT GUY EXITS)

DUKE WILLIAMAn over-zealous count is Guy - but he is ever-vigilant on our Norman shores!

EARL HAROLDVigilance is virtue in defense of ones land - England should have a thousand such men!

DUKE WILLIAMBut, come, come - who would dare invade your mighty kingdom?

EARL HAROLDOh, England has her enemies - both within and without!



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DUKE WILLIAM

2-6Those are the parasites that come with power - my own fleas bear witness! - I am everscratching to keep them in check - most importantly, Harold, our lands trade in peace!

EARL HAROLD

Indeed, William - what but the Channel could ever divide us?

(The two men pause and look at each other)

DUKE WILLIAMWhy have you come?

EARL HAROLDI come because my king commands it!

DUKE WILLIAMAnd why would Edward command you visit his Norman cousin?

EARL HAROLD

(Pauses, turns away, turns back)King Edward pledges again his support for your succession to the throne of England -he further pledges my support and that of the House of Godwin - there it is done! (Turns away)

DUKE WILLIAM

(Pauses, looks over at Harold)Wouldnt you rather be asking for my support, in your own quest for the throne? - I knowyou seek it - be honest, Harold!

EARL HAROLDNo.. no! - I have no interest in the throne - I serve England as I can - that is enough!

DUKE WILLIAMDo you freely pledge your support for my Norman ascension to your Saxon throne?

EARL HAROLDI.. of course, I.. my king commands it! - and, and.. we are great friends of Edward, myHouse and I - look, he has married my sister and she is his Queen!

DUKE WILLIAMBut he has no children by her - no successor!

EARL HAROLDEdward is only interested in hunting, and building his cathedral at Winchester - he onlyplays at being King - never fights, pays off his enemies - in truth, he is a spiritual man,and spurns things of the flesh - thus England has no heir!



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DUKE WILLIAM

2-7

(Pauses, turns away)And so he called me to him, those dozen years ago..

EARL HAROLD

I have heard this too many times!

DUKE WILLIAM.. cousin Edward asked I be heir to the throne, to preserve the future of England - withsons that I have! - he promised me the throne upon his death - the Great Promise! -that I, Duke William of Normandy, shall one day be King of England!

EARL HAROLDYes, William, we have all heard the Great Promise - yet, think you - a Norman as King! -what English would support you?

DUKE WILLIAMWhat of those three kings before Edward? - they were Vikings! - even now, they knockat your English door!

EARL HAROLDNorthern forces overcame English succession! - but even your Normandy has its rootsin Viking adventures - and you, yourself, are directly descended from Rolf the Viking -can you fancy yourself a leader of my England?

DUKE WILLIAMMy grandfather was brother to your Kings mother - that is bloodline!

EARL HAROLDBlood, blood, blood! - should a drop of blood decide who sits the throne of England?

DUKE WILLIAMI am Edwards blood cousin!

EARL HAROLDAnd I run the English government every day! - you think that weak monk of a king keepsthings running? - no, it is I - Harold of Wessex!

DUKE WILLIAMAnd one day, it shall be I running things - William of Normandy! - King of all England!

EARL HAROLDWe will not have a bastard as king!

(Duke William says nothing, but turns away)Is that what your Normans call you? - William the Bastard! - son of a tanners daughter!



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DUKE WILLIAM

2-8

(Pauses, turns and stares out the window)See there, Harold?.. the spires of Saint Stephen!.. I had that church built to honor ourmost holy Saint Stephen.. and one day I shall be buried there... (Pauses)

A tanners daughter?.. my mother, Herleve, was a most.. unusual.. and fine, woman...(Staring out)My father, the Duke, but barely a man - stood upon the ramparts of his castle, lookingdown upon a beguiling peasant girl - and being Duke, he called her to come to him,through the back gate - but she called back she was no common girl, and would enteronly through the front gate, riding upon a fine horse - my father bought the horse, andshe rode through the front gate.. later, when sleep had claimed them both, Herleve hada dream - of a great tree flowering from her womb - a tree shading all of Normandy -and yes, England, too!

(Turns and faces Earl Harold)I am that tree, Harold - William the Bastard!

EARL HAROLDNo misbegotten tree shall ever shade England!

(ENTER GUARD)

GUARDDuke William - word from rebel friends! - Conan of Brittany besieges them near ourborder - their situation is desperate - Norman assistance is requested!

DUKE WILLIAMConan, again.. he has become too strong.. Brittany must be thrown back at once! - fetch

my mail and my weapons! - bring my warhorse around - mobilize the troops! (GUARD EXITS)

TALLIFER

(Stops juggling, sings)Oh, my good Duke William,Let me go with you to the fight,You think me as small Tallifer,But big soldiers I can smite!

Im not afraid of Brittany,

I know our cause is just,Give me a shot at Conan,Ill lead the charge, if I must!

Every time you go to battle,You leave me in the dust,Everyone knows me as jokester,But Ill turn Brittanys armor to rust!



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TALLIFER (Cont.)

2-9Just give me a chance,I wont let you down,Let me show Im a man,Not just Tallifer the clown!

DUKE WILLIAM

(Pauses)Ride with us then, Tallifer, as my knight - well need the cheer of your songs! - as foryou, Harold.. you have a choice.. either sail back to your king, and tell him your ambitionhas thwarted his mission - or put pride aside, and support a Norman bastard as king!

(Harold pauses, considering)Come, man, answer! - I ride to battle!

EARL HAROLDWilliam.. you were promised the throne by my king - it is best for England!

DUKE WILLIAMSwear it, then!

EARL HAROLDHave you a bible?

DUKE WILLIAM

(Going to mantle, taking down a small box)Theres a bible locked in this box - but Ive lost the key.. come, put your hand on it andswear - its all the same...

(Goes back to Harold, presents box to him -Harold looks at box, then reluctantly puts hishand upon it)

EARL HAROLDI.. I swear allegiance to you in your succession, Duke William..

DUKE WILLIAMAnd you have sworn a sacred oath..

(Taking box back, holding it up)But not upon a bible.. on the remains of Saint Stephen, himself!

EARL HAROLDYou tricked me!

DUKE WILLIAMWould you break an oath sworn on the remains of our most holy Christian saint?

(William puts box back on mantle)I thought not.. then you support my quest for the crown!



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EARL HAROLD

2-10The.. English crown?

DUKE WILLIAMYou swore an oath - on the most holy of relics!

(Shouting to OFFSTAGE)Bring a mount for Earl Harold!(To Harold)

I declare you also my knight!

EARL HAROLDA Norman.. knight?

DUKE WILLIAM

(Putting his arm around Harolds shoulder)Ever ridden a Norman warhorse?

EARL HAROLDI can ride any steed!

DUKE WILLIAMThen, to battle, my knights! (DUKE WILLIAM, EARL HAROLD and

TALLIFER EXIT - LIGHTS DIM)



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SCENE 3

3-1

(LIGHTS RISE on King Edward in his throneroom, looking out through the great stonearched window.

KING EDWARDNow, comes my poor Tostig..

(HOUSE CARL ENTERS)

HOUSE CARLTostig begs entrance, Sire..

KING EDWARDBid him enter.. (EXIT HOUSE CARL - ENTER EARL TOSTIG)

EARL TOSTIGEdward - my great friend!

KING EDWARDAs you are mine, Tostig! - how was your trip to Rome?

EARL TOSTIGSuccessful! - I sought a pallium from the Pope for my new Bishop of York..

(Waves the pallium around his neck)And he has granted it! - I shall install the bishop when I return to Northumbria! - is this

why you have you summoned me, my KIng?

KING EDWARDI have called you because of Northumbria..

EARL TOSTIGIm on my way there!

KING EDWARDWhile you were gone, Malcolm of Scotland swooped into your Northumbria and laidwaste to some towns..

EARL TOSTIGBut, I signed a pact with Malcolm, before I left!

KING EDWARDHe betrayed you - killed men, raped women, burned crops and stole cattle -the people felt you did not protect them, hunted down your house carls - killed them all..



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EARL TOSTIG

3-2Two hundred men!

KING EDWARDAll dead.. youve been deposed by some local magnates - youre no longer Earl - they

have installed another! - this doesnt look good - makes you look bad - makes me lookbad! - we have a problem - can we fix it?

(ENTER HOUSE CARL)

HOUSE CARLSire, Earl Harold..

EARL TOSTIGHarold?

KING EDWARD

Your brother has just returned from Normandy - I have summoned him also regardingthis matter - house carl, bid him enter..

HOUSE CARLEnter, Earl Harold! (ENTER HAROLD - EXIT HOUSECARL)

EARL HAROLDMy King - I successfully completed your royal mission to Normandy!

KING EDWARD

Very noble, Harold - but, I have summoned you and Tostig instead about Northumbria..

EARL HAROLDBrother Tostig..

(Tostig says nothing)

KING EDWARDLets get to the bottom of this.. Malcolm has ravaged the north, house carls have beenkilled, and now the former lords have taken back Northumbria - my royal reputation is atstake! - how did this happen?

EARL HAROLDYes, Tostig, how? - you were given that earldom, and it was yours to keep!

EARL TOSTIGWell, well.. I did what I could, but..!



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KING EDWARD

3-3

(Interrupting)I dont want Tostigs story - I want yours, Harold - youre running the Kingdom!

EARL HAROLD

You cannot expect me to be everywhere, my King - Northumbria was Tostigs domain!

EARL TOSTIGI ruled best I could, put new policies in place, new taxes - increased security! - yet, therewas trouble from the first - you know something of that, Harold!

EARL HAROLDWhat have I with Northumbria? - it was your earldom!

EARL TOSTIGIt is Englands earldom! - and I know you secretly wish to rule England!

EARL HAROLDWe have our ruler before us - King Edward!

EARL TOSTIGYet, you are the power behind the throne - and wish more power! - you have thwartedEdwards desire - and that of his Queen, our sister! - their desire to see his favorite uponthe throne, upon his sad demise - and that favorite is me!

EARL HAROLDI do not covet the throne - and our King is well!

EARL TOSTIGYou wish him ill!

KING EDWARDTostig, do not provoke him.. Harold, my advisors told me you secretly fomentedrebellion in Northumbria, encouraging the enemies of Tostig - who are my enemies! -some say you even plot against me!

EARL HAROLD

(Drawing his sword)

Who says this?

KING EDWARDSheath thy sword, or I call my guard!

EARL HAROLD

(Sheathing his sword)Call your guard - but no man lies about me!



25/57

3-4

KING EDWARDI see well not get the truth - but we need a resolution before people lose respect for mythrone! - these northern lords cannot fly in the face of my royal will! - go there, Harold -take an army! - and you with him, Tostig - put this right! - I command you both - go!

EARL HAROLDSire.. it is winter.. that will make it a difficult campaign.. the roads muddy, the suppliesfrozen - my men will freeze! - and the cold winds will make it difficult to hold war axes -let us wait, Sire - the rebels have already seized Northumbria! - they will go no further,can do no more harm - wait until spring, Sire, to better mount our campaign!

KING EDWARDSo.. you refuse my royal command, Harold?

EARL TOSTIG

Insubordination, my King! - he should be stripped of his title and lands - exiled forever!

EARL HAROLDStripped as you were, Tostig?

EARL TOSTIGIm not stripped - Ive been usurped!

KING EDWARDBrothers.. you sons of the House of Godwin! - lets not bicker - you have been my royalvassal, Harold - have helped me run the kingdom! - I will listen to your counsel - what

action can we take?

EARL TOSTIGWar!

KING EDWARDTostig, lets not slog a muddy road - what say you, Harold?

EARL HAROLDI say we call a Great Council! - invite all the lords of the land - and the rebels!

EARL TOSTIGInvite the men who killed my house carls - and took my title and my lands?

EARL HAROLDWe must negotiate - give them concessions, but get something in return - Northumbriaback to the Kingdom, and those nobles swearing fealty to the King!



26/57

EARL TOSTIG

3-5I know them - they will not swear!

KING EDWARDTostig, wait.. Harold may be right - we cannot start a civil war - it will drain the royal

treasury and divide our people - when we wish unity! - I want these northern rebels tobecome royal subjects, again - yes, we shall call a Great Council - all parties to theconflict! - you shall appear before it, Tostig - and you, Harold - and those rebels! - theGreat Council shall hear - I shall make judgment - then issue my Royal Decree! -Harold, the Great Council - see it done!

EARL HAROLD

(Bowing)As you wish, my Sire..

(Turns to EXIT)

EARL TOSTIGHarold!

(Harold turns back)Forgot you, once we were brothers?

EARL HAROLDBrothers, still!

(HAROLD EXITS)

EARL TOSTIGHe is not true, My Lord!

KING EDWARDThe council shall hear.. and I will do as I can, Tostig - you are dismissed, my good man..

EARL TOSTIG

(Bowing)My Liege.. (TOSTIG EXITS - Edward goes to the great

stone arched window, looks down at Tostig)

KING EDWARD

Poor Tostig.. he thinks I can save him... (LIGHTS DIM)



27/57

SCENE 4

4-1

(LIGHTS RISE on King Hardrada standing on adock before a Viking ship, its fearsome serpentprow bobbing proudly over his head - ENTER

ORRE, a Viking chief)

ORREKing Hardrada - that ship we saw - we allowed it to dock at the Long Wharf - an Englishship with an English noble aboard! - he bids see you..

KING HARDRADAIt is Tostig, of the House of Godwin - he sent me an envoy, saying he wished to presenta proposal - let him disembark, we shall hear of this..

ORRE

Yes, King Hardrada..

(ORRE EXITS)

KING HARDRADA

(Speaking to the prow of the ship)Be ready, my Serpent girl - it may be soon we sail again - to ravage a coast, plunder acity, take mens lives and their spoils - perhaps take a kingdom!

(ENTER EARL TOSTIG)

EARL TOSTIGKing Hardrada of Norway! - I finally meet you - I did not know you were so large..

(Looking up at the ship).. even this boat is huge!

KING HARDRADAMy longship - Ormen, The Serpent...

EARL TOSTIGWhy name a boat a serpent, when it is of the sea?

KING HARDRADABecause it is long and it strikes! - I like things large, Earl Tostig - my ship, my life, the

things that I do!.. how goes your Kingdom of England?

EARL TOSTIGI know not - I sail from Flanders, where I was exiled..

KING HARDRADAExiled? - and you, your Kings favorite?



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EARL TOSTIG

4-2It was brother Harolds fault - once we were close! - and coordinated our fleets in attackupon Wales - yet he failed to support me in Northumbria!

KING HARDRADA

Northumbria?

EARL TOSTIGA north English earldom - I became its Earl, then had to travel to Rome - while I wasaway, local nobles deposed me! - the king convened a Great Council, inviting the rebelsto parley - but they would not, and Harold was forced to concede their claims - thus KingEdward signed my exile - I sailed across the Channel and sought refuge for awhile withCount Baldwin of Flanders..

KING HARDRADAAnd now, you have come to me..

EARL TOSTIGFirst, I went to King Swein of Denmark..

KING HARDRADAMy enemy! - then why not stay with him?

EARL TOSTIGHe would not move - I told him, once Cnut of Denmark conquered all England, andruled there as King - its time again for another Viking king to conquer England! - but hesaid no, he was not so great as Cnut ..

KING HARDRADAAnd you think me as a king greater than Cnut, who would war against England? - but,you do not know me, besides war, I excel in sports, skiing, and.. poetry - yes, poetry!

(Recites his poetry)Past Sicilys wide plains we flew,Never, I think, along this shore,A dauntless, never-wearied crew,Did Norsemen ever sail before,Our Viking steed rushed through the sea,Yet to the Russian queen, I fear,

As viking-like fast, fast sailed we,My gold adorned, I am not dear.

EARL TOSTIGAre you not the greatest Viking of your age? - I have a proposal - gather your ships andyour men, meet me and my ships at the Orkneys - we sail to harry York in Northumbria!



29/57

KING HARDRADA

4-3And to harry your brother, now King of England?

EARL TOSTIGHarold doesnt deserve to be king! - I was Edwards favorite - and that of his Queen, my

sister - they wished me king!

KING HARDRADABrother against brother, fighting for a little crown..

EARL TOSTIGFighting for a large kingdom!

KING HARDRADAWhats in it for me?

EARL TOSTIGThe taking of England!

KING HARDRADAAnd who shall be king - you or I?

EARL TOSTIGYou reign as king - Northumbrias enough for me!

KING HARDRADAHard to believe, that you dont want for yourself, what is held by your brother.. I, too, had

an older brother, who was once King of Norway - Olaf! - but killed near me, as we foughtpeasant-farmers in battle - badly wounded, I escaped..

(Recites his poetry)My wounds were bleeding as I rode;From wood to wood I crept along,And down below their peasants strode,Unnoticed by the peasant-throng;Killing our wounded with their swords,Who knows, I thought, a day may come,These be followers of their rightful lord,My name will yet be great at home.

And brother Olaf became Saint Olaf! - his remains worshipped at a shrine - and whenI became King, his saintly shadow cast long upon me..

EARL TOSTIGTake England, as Cnut took England!



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KING HARDRADA

4-4

(Pauses)I shall think upon it..

EARL TOSTIG

No time to waste! - William of Normandy outfits ships on his coast - he, too, covets thecrown - and he has gotten fair wind!

KING HARDRADAYet, still I fight Swein of Denmark - what men can I spare, what ships?

EARL TOSTIGHardrada.. the day you enter Valhalla, will men remember you as the greatestwarrior-king of Norway? - or as old Hardrada, who no longer wished to fight? - no longerThe LandWaster!

KING HARDRADA

(Pauses, turns and looks up at his ship)Ormen tugs at her ropes... she thinks shes been tied up too long, that its time for her tosail - I, too, think its time! - well meet your fleet!

(Recites his poetry)Advance, advance!Advance, advance!,No mail-coats glance,But blue swords play,But hearts are here,In our array,

That neer knew fear..

EARL TOSTIG

(Clasping Hardradas hand)To the Orkneys!

(EARL TOSTIG EXITS - light glitters from theOrmens serpent eyes)

KING HARDRADA(Calling offstage)

Orre!

(ENTER ORRE)Make ready three hundred ships - we sail! - for plunder and the taking of a kingdom!

ORREYes, my King!

(Orre goes to exit, hesitates)



31/57

KING HARDRADA

4-5What is it, man!

ORREI had a dream..

KING HARDRADAWe all have dreams, even I last night.. well, what was it?

ORREI dreamt our fleet sailing west to England - two armies on the land - Viking and English!- both sides began to fight, banners in the air - but before the army of England rode ahuge witch upon a wolf - and the wolf had a Vikings carcass in his mouth, blooddripping from his jaws, and when the wolf had eaten up one Viking, the witch threwanother in his mouth, and so one Viking after another - the wolf swallowed them all!

KING HARDRADAStrange.. what bodes it? - and yet, in my own dream, my dead brother sang to me..

(Sings)In many a fightThy death is near;My name was bright;Thy corpse, I fear,Men weep, and tellThe crow will feed,How Olaf fell.The witchs steed.

What mean these dreams? But we must sail - Orre, make longships ready!

(ORRE EXITS - LIGHTS DIM)



32/57

SCENE 5

5-1

(LIGHTS RISE center stage on the royal bedwhere King Edward lies moaning and tossing,surrounded by Queen Edith, Earl Harold, and

Bishop Stigand - dimly seen and lit only duringdialogue are: stage right, King Hardrada ofNorway with Earl Tostig of England, stage left,Duke Norman and Bishop Odo of Normandy.

EARL HAROLD

The king breathes hard...

QUEEN EDITH

He falls in and out of sleep, after having to exile his beloved Tostig...

EARL TOSTIGYes, exiled me to Flanders - but, I sailed to make a new friend, King Hardrada here, of

Norway - then on to the Orkneys - now suddenly am I called back to England!

BISHOP STIGANDSee, now he awakens!

KING EDWARD (Looking around, blinking)Such a dream I had! - of two Norman monks, whom once I knew - dead they should be,but still they spoke.. saying the people of England were servants not of God, but of theDevil! - this has angered God, who has cursed our kingdom! - a year and a day after mydeath, God will deliver England to the enemy - devils will come through our isle with fireand sword! - I pleaded! - as King I will bring my people to repent, and ask for Godsmercy! - but the monks said no, the people will not repent and God will not pardon! -and they went back into the darkness, from whence they came... what means thisdream, what does it portend?

(Lies back down, drifts back into sleep)

BISHOP ODOIt prophecies a Norman King is next in line!

DUKE WILLIAMWell come from the south with fire and sword, if the Great Promise is not kept!

KING HARDRADAIt shall be Viking fire and sword from the north! - I can promise you that!



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EARL TOSTIG

5-2Fire and sword to any man not following the Church!

KING HAROLDSurely it prophecies a strong man is needed for the saving of England!

BISHOP STIGANDOur next king - you, Harold!

QUEEN EDITHBut theres no royal heir.. Edward and I would not, could not.. did not! - produce a child..

EARL HAROLDBut I have always considered myself a son to Edward!

EARL TOSTIG

You, a son? - and yet, I was his favorite!

QUEEN EDITHIt broke the kings heart to exile you, Tostig..

EARL TOSTIGWhy exile me, then? - he is king!

EARL HAROLDBecause you could not hold on to Northumbria, which was given your ward - but youruled too harshly there - and angered the people!

EARL TOSTIGWhy didnt you support me? - you my brother, of our House of Godwin - we might havedriven out the rebels!

EARL HAROLDToo late! - you were out of country when the rebellion came - at court in Rome!

DUKE WILLIAMPassed? - has he passed, yet? - your old English king?

EARL HAROLDIf our king passes, it is I should rule England!

DUKE WILLIAMYou with not a drop of royal blood in your veins? - whereas I, I..



34/57

EARL HAROLD

5-3Yes, you, you - its always about you, William - what is owed you! - you who gaveprotection to Edward and his brother Alfred, when Danes ruled England!

DUKE WILLIAM

Which protection I had power to give! - Normandy in harmony, while England flounderedin a sea of troubles - and still is drowning! - tell me, Harold.. your uncle Alfred, whencalled to court to ensure his royal succession - but his men captured and executed byyour House of Godwin - and Alfred taken to become the victim of a botched blinding! -tell me, Harold, was it your thumbs in his eyes?

EARL HAROLD

I had no part in that affair! - nor did the House of Godwin! - right, Tostig?

EARL TOSTIGDont drag me into the mud, brother..

DUKE WILLIAMIt is suspected otherwise...

EARL TOSTIGThat it is past! - we must deal with the succession, for when the king passes..

DUKE WILLIAMIs he dead, yet? - the old man?

QUEEN EDITH

Thats my Edward, of whom you speak!

EARL TOSTIGYou seem eager for his death, William, casting eyes upon his throne - yet, I say this:I shall return to England, again, and take the throne by force, with Hardrada by my side!

KING HARDRADAWe shall unite England and Norway as one!

EARL HAROLDReturn to England with Hardrada, Tostig, and I will give you both land - to sleep within!

EARL TOSTIGDo you threaten me, brother?

KING HARDRADAWho is this little man who harries?



35/57

EARL HAROLD

5-4

(Drawing his sword, waving it at Harald)Mighty Earl Harold of the House of Godwin! - draw, Viking! - fight me in single combat!- are you a man? - or a big woman in gaudy clothes? (Hardrada draws sword, is restrained by Tostig)

EARL TOSTIG

Forget it! - I will take care of my brother - do we invade, Hardrada?

KING HARDRADAEngland will see why Im called The LandWaster!

EARL HAROLD

You will face a mighty foe - King Harold!

DUKE WILLIAM

The same Harold who swore a great oath to me, on these saintly Norman relics?

(Rattles chain on neck, with relics dangling)Promising me the throne, upon Edwards demise?

KING EDWARD (Awakening)He is calling me, now.. pray to God for my soul, and give me leave to go to him - he whoallowed himself to die, will not permit me not to die..

(Looking at Edith - to Harold)I commend this woman and all the kingdom to your protection, Harold - remember sheis still your Queen, as she is your sister - serve her faithfully and do not take away from

her any honor I have bestowed.. (To Stigand)Prepare my place of rest at Winchester Cathedral, Bishop.. I now beseech the mercy ofAlmighty God on me, a sinner...

(He lies back down, dies)

QUEEN EDITHEdward!

EARL TOSTIGSuch a great loss, oh my Queen, oh my sister!

DUKE WILLIAMHes finally dead!

QUEEN EDITHShow some respect!



36/57

BISHOP STIGAND

5-5Our king now gone.. Ill have his grave dug, then plan his royal funeral...

EARL HAROLDWe must have quick succession, for there are enemies about! - both within and without!

- eh, Tostig - eh, William? - crown me king, Stigand, soon as Edward lies in his grave!

DUKE WILLIAM

Shall you steal the throne?

EARL HAROLDEdward commended the Queen and the kingdom to my protection - it was his last willand testament on his deathbed - it trumps all previous oaths!

QUEEN EDITHBut, brother Harold - he also said, Do not take from me any honor which he has

bestowed. - I am still Queen, and should remain so!

EARL HAROLDLittle sister, how can a Queen, just a woman, rule mighty England and her men? - whowould follow? Your husband charged me with your care - and I shall take care of you, asKing of England!

DUKE WILLIAMHear me, Harold - king only for as long as I outfit my knights and build my ships - weshall sail across the Channel - I will come for the throne!

(LIGHTS DIM on William and Odo)

EARL TOSTIGAnd do you forget, Harold, your brother Tostig of our House of Godwin? Edward wishedhis favorite to be king - me! - and I shall come for the crown, with my own ships andmen - and with mighty Hardrada, himself - we are on to the Orkneys - by way of York!!

KING HARDRADAWe are coming, little Harold!

(LIGHTS DIM on Tostig and Hardrada)

QUEEN EDITH

(Looking down at Edward)Yes, my poor Edward.. we were like brother and sister..

EARL HAROLDThus no heir! - Bishop Stigand, with all speed order the funeral meats - now, Englandneeds a living king - and it shall be me - you will crown me King of England!

(LIGHTS DIM)



37/57

SCENE 6

6-1

(LIGHTS DIM on King Harold standing, back tothe audience, small gold crown on his head,gazing into the night sky at the enormous

silhouette of Westminster Cathedral, whichgleams from the fiery light cast by a greatcomet stretching across a third of the sky- ENTER Archbishop Stigand)

BISHOP STIGANDSo, you have come to Winchester to admire my cathedral - the largest in all Europe!

EARL HAROLD

(Looking up at the cathedral)This Winchester Cathedral.. is a blight.. Edwards Norman monstrosity! - I should have it

torn down - and a proper English church built from its rubble!(Pauses, gazes up)

But no, Bishop Stigand - you will not stand for it, nor will the people - they think Edwarda saint buried there, supposed miracles occurring at his tomb - and there are rebels inthe North! - I had to march there, and marry the wife of a Northern prince beheaded, toensure the peace! - then carry his head back, as proof of his demise - such a coldwedding night.. and now this, this.. thing - this mysterious stranger - this Fire Dragon! -unwelcome visitor to our skies - this flashing omen of evil! - or so people think - allEurope fears it! - saying it casts a bad light on my hasty ascension to the throne andheralds dark events - but what does it know?

(Shouts up at the comet)

This throne is mine by right - and I will keep it mine by might!

BISHOP STIGAND

(Looking up at the comet)Six days and nights, this star! - this long-haired warrior - it flames in our heavens - andin our lives! - I cant sleep while it shines! - dreams, I have strange dreams.. of cacklingravens - and a giant ogress - she wanted to eat the star - but it burned her monstrouslips! - so it will burn us, too!

EARL HAROLDIndeed, an ogress!

BISHOP STIGANDRavens portend evil!

EARL HAROLDAnd God, Archbishop - what does he portend?



38/57

BISHOP STIGAND

6-2As for God, I cannot know.. but our people are afraid of this flaming specter - uneasyrests the land!

EARL HOWARD

But easy, rests this crown - and no star of evil shall wrest it from me!

BISHOP STIGANDIts not the great star I fear, Your Majesty - surely it is one of Gods miracles! - you knowIm a holy man, deeply religious..

EARL HAROLD

(Interjecting)The last five popes speak highly of you - with five ex-communications!

BISHOP STIGAND

Well, I, well.. we had our differences..

EARL HAROLDYou were called to Rome because you were both Bishop of Winchester and Archbishopof Canterbury - two lucrative sees - against Church doctrine! - and the Papal reformersknow you were not appointed by the Pope, but by King Edward, after he deposed yourpredecessor - even now..

(Grabs the pallium around Stigands neck).. you wear the pallium left by him in Winchester Cathedral! - and then, you failed toappear in Rome.. and that just your first ex-communication!

BISHOP STIGANDBut God did not ex-communicate me! - I speak to Him daily! - its only His blessingI seek! - its not the starry newcomer I fear - rather what it portends! - perhaps evil in theform of a man, come to pluck the new crown from your hasty head - and pluck yourhead from your shoulders! - it is this man I fear!

EARL HAROLDAnd who is this man? - does the star portend his name? - not William, is it?

BISHOP STIGAND

(Pauses)

Tostig!

EARL HAROLDMy brother? - but hes gone north, to the Orkney Islands!



39/57

BISHOP STIGAND

6-3Hes been seen with many ships, off the city of York - he has made pact with KingHardrada, The LandWaster! - their fleets shall soon ravage our coasts and theyll land,to steal the crown from your very head!

EARL HAROLD(Pauses, looks back up at the great comet)

So.. the people were right - you do portend evil! But do not mock me, star - for I am EarlHoward of Essex - King Harold, now! - long and hard, have I fought for this crown - andI will fight, again! - fight The LandWaster - fight my own brother, if I must! (Turns back to Stigand)To Tostig am I willing to offer part of the kingdom - but if he refuse, he will taste steel! -as for The LandWaster, I shall offer him land he can waste - seven feet of English soil -more, if he needs it! Come, Stigand, let us gather the troops - on to York!!

BISHOP STIGAND

(Gathering his robes)You go alone - I go to my cathedral - to pray for your safety!

EARL HAROLD

(Pauses)Pray for me, then - and pray for your position! (STIGAND EXITS - Harold gazes back up at

the comet)And when I return victorious from the south - you, sky-monster, must return, also -to those fiery depths from which you strayed!

(HAROLD turns on his heel and EXITS -

LIGHTS DIM - LIGHTS RISE on Odo, armsthrough the cell bars, staring at the audience)

BISHOP ODOI told my brother the news: King Edward is dead! He gave me his usual distant look -then said suddenly, We must move quickly! - send an envoy to Earl Harold - remindhim of the Great Promise - tell him I am coming! I replied, To King Harold, you mean..- he stood still, as if shot with an arrow - then again gave the look - as if he hadexpected Harolds betrayal - I knew what William would do! - his ducal birthright, ahostile castle, this Normandy - if undelivered, he would take by force! Call a greatcouncil!, he cried, I want a thousand ships built! - promise my vassals, land and riches

- for I will wear my English crown! - and he quartered thousands of soldiers at a port onour coast - until at last ships were built - and he stood on the ramparts of a castle,looking toward England and waiting.. for the wind that would carry us across theChannel - that so-elusive south wind!

(LIGHTS DIM)



40/57

SCENE 7

7-1

(LIGHTS RISE on Duke William, dressed inmail, standing on ramparts, the sky darkening -behind him rises a church steeple, with its

weathervane pointing towards him - its centerrepresented by a horse. Duke William watchesthe wind slowly struggling to turn theweathervane away from him, as he fingers theshiny relics hanging from his neck)

DUKE WILLIAMThe wind is against me, blowing from the north!

(The weathervane swings from side to side, butresolutely stays pointed at him)

North.. where lie England and her waiting crown.. you point as an accusing finger,

weather vane - as if you know I will attack your source! - if you send fair wind - we sail!

(Watching the weathervane strugglingfrom side to side)

Cannot you, my God, turn this wind?

(Watches - no change)Oh, for a south wind! (ENTER BISHOP ODO, in chain mail)

BISHOP ODOI find you, in your impatience!

(William says nothing)

I am ready to sail - brother standing with brother! - and I bear good news!

DUKE WILLIAM

(Gesturing at weathervane)Odo.. see the bad news!

(Stares at weathervane)Have the men check the vane - its not true!

BISHOP ODOYou had them check it yesterday - and the day before!

DUKE WILLIAMTwo weeks, this wind, blowing towards me - I cant keep the troops quartered forever!

BISHOP ODOListen! - our spies have come back from England, on this north wind you so despise -they say Harold has disbanded his fleet across from us, sent his troops home - he wasunable to provision them further - even better, much of his fleet foundered in a stormbrought by this wind - his southern shore is unprotected now - we should sail at once!



41/57

DUKE WILLIAM

7-2Tell that to the wind!

(They watch the weathervane, a pause)

BISHOP ODO

Brother William.. must we go to England in such anger?

DUKE WILLIAMHarold has seized the throne, after promising he was my man in this thing! (Shakes shiny relics around his neck)Promised on the relics of Saint Stephen!

BISHOP ODOCould you not be content as Duke of all Normandy?

DUKE WILLIAM

How can you, Odo, ask I be content - with a cathedral glorifying you in Bayeux?

BISHOP ODOThat cathedral was built to honor God - a tribute to him from the people of Bayeux!

DUKE WILLIAMI made you the most powerful bishop in Normandy - with great wealth and lands - yetalways you want more!

BISHOP ODOPerhaps a familiar desire, dear brother!

(They watch the weathervane, a pause)My monks tell me Julius Caesar crossed this same channel a thousand years ago - onthe same quest, the conquest of England!

(William say nothing, only watches the vane asit slowly turns to the side)

And yet, he was turned back by events - and had to repeat his invasion! (The vane slowly turns away from them)Fancy yourself, William, strong as ancient Rome - or half the general Caesar was?

(ENTER TALLIFER)

TALLIFER

What, no sailing, Duke William?

DUKE WILLIAMThe wind is against us - shes blowing from the north!

TALLIFERWill you take me with you, Duke William - if I sing up a south wind?



42/57

DUKE WILLIAM

7-3Sing if you must, my Tallifer - but only the wind can change her own mind..

TALLIFER (Sings)

Wind, wind, oh, north wind,Turn yourself around,Help our great Duke William,To be England bound.

Come now, you north wind,Stop blowing in our face,You just be a good girl,And blow us from this place.

Now think you this, my wind,

Blowing all of Englands stench,Wouldnt you rather be a-blowing,Perfume of some Norman wench?

I sing you this, oh wind,Tallifers my name,If you dont blow us north,England stays the same!

(They watch the vane turn slowly to the side,then slowly turns away from them, completesits swing and steadily points away from them)

DUKE WILLIAMA south wind! - youve worked your minstrel magic - Tallifer, come with us!

TALLIFERIll lead the charge, again!

DUKE WILLIAM

(Shouts down off the ramparts)Gather the horses and the troops! - you there, raise the sails! - we sail to England, men!

BISHOP ODOGod has given us fair wind!

DUKE WILLIAMGod or Tallifer - tomorrow English sun shall gleam off Norman mail!

(DUKE WILLIAM, BISHOP ODO, andTALLIFER EXIT - LIGHTS DIM)



43/57

SCENE 8

8-1

(LIGHTS RISE on Stamford Bridge, a curvedwooden footbridge which arches over a smallcreek - ENTER EARL TOSTIG and KING

HARDRADA from far side, stopping at bridge)

KING HARDRADAYork surrendered quickly - I thought they would fight!

EARL TOSTIGAnd England will go quickly - a divided kingdom, poorly led by my brother!

HING HARDRADAHow many hostages will the Yorkshires bring?

EARL TOSTIGA dozen - officials and sons of officials - well load them onto the ships, and guaranteepeace in York, while were gone south to take London!

KING HARDRADA (Looks around, stretches)It is warm, your England - good we left our armor on the ships - too hot! - but I think nodanger from these Yorkshire men - we beat them so badly..

EARL TOSTIG

(Looking across the creek)

Hold! - comes someone on the far bank - could be one of their citizens..

KING HARDRADA

(Looking)No, he wears armor.. strange, they send a knight to parley.. speak to him - Ill awakenour men, in case of trouble.. (KING HARDRADA EXITS - ENTER EARL

HAROLD in armor, with his visor down)

EARL TOSTIGHold, Yorkshireman! - have you hostages? - ready to hear how York will be ruled?

EARL HAROLDI come to accept your surrender!

EARL TOSTIGSurrender? - but, weve beaten you badly! - you want more? - our men make ready -they come with mighty King Hardrada - well give you another thrashing - this timetaking no prisoners! - what say you?



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EARL HAROLD

8-2I give you York - all of Northumbria - and a third of the Kingdom! - if you surrender now- make peace with me! - and Ill be at peace with you..

EARL TOSTIG

A peace not yours to give! - stand down, knight!

EARL HAROLDIts all mine to give! (Raises his visor, so Tostig can see his face)For I am your King of England!

EARL TOSTIGHarold!

EARL HAROLD

Leave Hardrada and his Vikings, Tostig - I grant you protection! - see the dust from allmy troops past that hill? - remember, you are still English!

EARL TOSTIG

(Pauses)To Hardrada I gave my word as my bond, that we invade to take the crown - if Isurrender, what honor have I?

EARL HAROLDStand with me as Englishman, and all England honor you!

(ENTER KING HARDRADA)

KING HARDRADAHarold! - you take risk, coming alone to parley - why, I could just reach down and detachyour little head from its scrawny neck! - do you come to surrender your crown?

EARL HAROLDNo, Ive come to fulfill another promise - land for you - seven feet of English soil - moreif you need it!

KING HARDRADATostig - call our men!

EARL TOSTIG

(To Harold)Make ready to run, brother!

(EARL TOSTIG EXITS - King Hardrada andEarl Harold look at the other across the bridge)



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EARL HAROLD

8-3You wear no armor..

KING HARDRADAWe expected hostages, not you and your army..

EARL HAROLDAnd your men?

KING HARDRADAWe dont need armor to fight!

EARL HAROLDMy men have armor..

KING HARDRADA

You are still only English!

EARL HAROLD

(Pauses)You are quite big..

KING HARDRADATo me, other men are small, including you - though I hear you are strong - you pulledtwo of Duke Williams men from quicksand in Normandy! - legends get around...

EARL HAROLD

You are legend..

KING HARDRADAIn the minds of men..

EARL HAROLDMighty Hardrada, the Viking warrior-king - The LandWaster!

KING HARDRADAI have only wasted lands that needed wasting..

EARL HAROLDAnd what of England.. does she need wasting?

KING HARDRADA

(Pauses)She could be spared - just give me your crown..



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EARL HAROLD

8-4And Tostig?

KING HARDRADATostig is my friend - though an Englishman..

EARL HAROLDWhat does he get?

KING HARDRADASweet revenge against his brother..

EARL HAROLDWhy revenge?

KING HARDRADA

Because you are king and he is not... (An arrow from the English side thunks into the

bridge near Hardrada - he does not move,merely pulls the arrow out, holds it up)

English trickery?

EARL HAROLDJust my archers finding the range..

KING HARDRADAWe have no archers..

(Throws the arrow into the creek)We have only broadswords.. to cut you English in two..

(Pulls out his broadsword, waves it about ingreat mock slashes)

Two Harolds instead of one!

EARL HAROLD (Pulling out his own sword)Think I idly stand, while you wildly cut the air?

KING HADRADA

(Slashing even more wildly)Slashing little men - to make them even smaller!

EARL HAROLD

(Slashing the air with his own sword)As I shall slice your legend in half - the last of the Vikings to ravage our country!



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KING HARDRADA

8-5

(Working himself into a rage, slashing around)Half-man.. little king.. prepare to be wasted! - prepare England for her next Viking king -I, Hadrada! - say your prayers, Englishman - prepare for your small death!

(Hardrada leaps to the top of the arched

bridge, raising his great sword, towering overHarold - suddenly, the SOUND of an arrowthunking - Hardrada drops his sword into thecreek, clutches his throat, shouts out)

Brother Olaf!.. the dream.. was true...- (He collapses onto the bridge, lies still)

EARL HAROLDThey have found the range..

(ENTER EARL TOSTIG)

EARL TOSTIGHadrada, our men come behind me!

(He sees Hardrada lying upon the bridge, hisgreat arm dangling over the side)

Hadrada?

EARL HAROLDHe hears you not..

EARL TOSTIG

(Drawing his sword)

Brother.. you did this?

EARL HAROLD

(Gesturing behind himself)Remember how true a longbow can be?

EARL TOSTIGUnder your command!

(Leaps up on the bridge, sword raised)

EARL HAROLD

Someone must take command! (Leaps onto the bridge, sword at the ready)

EARL TOSTIGAlways you..

(Slashes at Harold).. first father..



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TOSTIG (Cont.)

8-6

(He slashes with his sword).. then you!

EARL HAROLD

(Parrying, thrusting)But, little brother - action must be taken!

(Thrusts)

EARL TOSTIGWell give you action - I sent for reinforcements - led by the great Orre!

(Tostig parries)

EARL HAROLD

(Thrusting)Action, action!

(They fight)

EARL TOSTIGA man cant kill his own brother!

(Harold suddenly disarms him, sword flying -presses his sword against Tostigs neck)

EARL HAROLDA man cant.. but a king can!

(Slashes Tostigs neck - Tostig gurgles andfalls, lies across Hardradas body - Harold

looks down at him)Father.. I am sorry..

(Orre appears on the Viking side of the bridge -he and Harold stare at each other in a tableau,as the LIGHTS DIM - the LIGHTS RISE onOdo, looking at the audience through the barsof his cell)

BISHOP ODOThere is a great fight! - English against Viking - both fight valiantly! - but Vikings in acorpse-ring soon surround their fallen leaders - even reinforcements from their ships -

Orres Storm! - cannot stem an English tide - by nightfall, all is over - thousands slain,their bodies lying in a field - after the buzzards feast, the bones whiten under athousand suns - the day belongs to King Harold and the English! - the Vikings run backto their ships - three hundred sailed in - only twenty-four ships sail out - back to Norwayin defeat! - and with the death of the mighty Viking, Harald Hardrada, comes also thedeath of the Age of the Vikings...

(Looks out at the audience, arms hangingthrough the bars)



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BISHOP ODO (Cont.)

8-7We Normans land on Englands coast - Friday the Thirteenth! - after we retire to sleep,two scouts ride to tell us of Harolds army arrived from the north, camped but a fewmiles away - William awakens the troops, and I lead them in prayer.. (Swings an imaginary crozier)

..swinging my crozier! - the incense creeping amongst our men like a silent mist of papalblessing - we don our coats of mail, hearing English songs in the distance, as we makeready for war! Come dawn, we march to see the English army sleeping on a hill, roundan old apple tree - as old and worn out as their Saxon dynasty! Drunkenly they awake,struggling to form their famous wall of shields! - behind which gleams their fearsomeaxes - we move up the hill, under the fluttering blessing of the Papal banner - Williamgrim and erect on his warhorse, I swinging my mace..

(Swings an imaginary mace)- as my pallium forbids me to shed blood with a sword - I smash with my mace!

(Smashes his imaginary mace)Tallifer leads us, throwing his sword in the air, then catching it, as he sings his song!

(LIGHTS DIM - LIGHTS RISE on Tallifer)

TALLIFER

(Flips his sword, catches it, SINGS)Here we go into battle,The small leading the charge,Tossing my sword so gaily,To you English, Ill seem large,

Well give it to you heathens,Our church you wont profane,

Well show your Bishop Stigand,The Pope fights with us in name,

Ill go against your shield-wall,Ill smite you quite a blow,Ill show you what a Norman is,You English all will know,

Weve come here for a victory,Your crown weve come to take,Well place it on our own Dukes head,

King William we shall make! (TALLIFER EXITS, charging offstage, waving

his sword - LIGHTS DIM - LIGHTS RISE onBishop Odo in his cell)



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BISHOP ODO

8-8The English sends their champion out, to cut little Tallifer down - but he smites the man,instead! - then Taliifer charges their shield-wall, tossing his sword and singing! - they fallback! - suddenly an English ax splits Tallifer and his song in two, uncaught swordclattering to the ground - alas, poor Tallifer! - but we catch his courage - the battle is on!

(LIGHTS DIM - LIGHTS RISE on William,standing under the Papal standard, on oneside of the old apple tree - on the other side,Harold, gold crown on his head, standing underhis Fighting Man standard)

DUKE WILLIAMHarold! - three horses have you English killed under me, axes smashing their skulls! -yet, we cannot smash your shield-wall, and you throw us back downhill! - my archersfire high up in the sky, but you hide behind your shields - our arrows clatter to theground! - the while your pikes and axes take their gruesome toll! Panic has seized my

men - the knights driving their horses in flight! - you English have broken rank, chasethem on foot, swinging your axes! - they say I have been killed - I must rally my men!

(Shouting to offstage, lifting his visor)Do not flee! - it is William! - see, I live! - rally, knights of Normandy! - swing your horsesround, cut the English down! - archers! - aim high over their shield-wall - give them arain of Norman spite! (Norman trumpets SOUND)

EARL HAROLDAnd rally, you do - cutting my men to pieces! - I see my brothers killed - should any mansee that? - I alone lead my troops - but I am a Godwin! You have broken our shield-wall

- surrounding us with horse and lance - my men circling unequally on foot with theiraxes - but we make a stand! - on an English hill, and under an English tree, we fight -its fruit shall be our victory! You have not beaten us, Norman invader - we English shallthrow you out! Out! Out!

DUKE WILLIAMYou are the oath-breaker, Harold! (Lifting the relics around his neck)An oath sworn before God, upon the remains of Saint Stephen! You swore the Englishthrone to me - and now you renege - God has seen this!

(Shakes the Papal standard)

He supports my quest to sit your throne!

EARL HAROLD

Its the House of Godwin shall keep this throne - and I, Harold Godwin, do wear itscrown! - a Norman bastard shall not claim it - how could God say that was right?

(Shouting to offstage)Form up your shields, men - they shall not pass! Vigilance! - down at their charginglances, and up at their feathered deaths



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DUKE WILLIAM

8-9

(Shouting to offstage)Charge the hill, my knights! Aim high, my archers! Remember the comet of fire, whichhung over England as ill omen!

EARL HAROLDNo evil comet shall decide the fate of England! - we shall prevail!

(The shadow of an arrow seemingly arcs intohis eye - he falls away and vainly clutches at it)

Comet - oh, comet! - have you come to strike me down? ( Harold falls to the ground, lies still)

DUKE WILLIAM

(To offstage)King Harold is struck in the eye with an arrow! - they have no leader! - after them,Normans! - the English are done!

(He reaches down)Forgive me, Harold.. (He takes the small gold crown from Harolds

head, straightens up, takes off his mail helmut,and places the golden crown on his head)

.. but this English crown belongs to me! (LIGHTS DIM on William, under the Papal

standard, gold crown glittering on his head -LIGHTS RISE on Odo in his cell, staring at theaudience, gripping the bars)

BISHOP ODOThe sun is shining off Harolds armor, his body lying under that old apple tree, as doesthe sun set for England - tomorrow, it will rise on buzzards, again gathering for theirfeast - we took the hill this day - and take all England with it! - brother William will becrowned King of England - and I will become Earl of Kent - as well as Bishop of Bayeux!- for I am my Kings brother - and no one can assail my power! - no one that is, butWilliam, himself.. (LIGHTS DIM on Odo in his cell - LIGHTS

RISE on the ramparts of Dover Castle - Odostands looking down at the view - ENTERDUKE WILLIAM)

BISHOP ODOSo, you have finally come to Kent, William - look at the view.. the white cliffs of Dover! -it was not far from here we landed, at Pevensy, thence to Hastings, and on to London,after a glorious day of battle! What did you call this mighty English castle?

DUKE WILLIAMThe lock and key of the Kingdom - I shall add to it - it will be a Norman castle!



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BISHOP ODO

8-10And I shall keep the coast locked and secure, thanks to your installing me as Earl ofKent - keep it in the family, and all shall be safe! - what brings you to my Dover Castle?

DUKE WILLIAM

I have heard you plan a campaign - a military campaign - to Rome, no less!

BISHOP ODOHenry the Fourth of Germany is threatening to replace the Pope on his throne - asbishop, I serve my Pope - a spiritual quest - my Pope gave me my pallium - when hecalls, I must go!

DUKE WILLIAMDid he call?

BISHOP ODO

I heard he was in trouble - as things are running smoothly in Kent - and we have allEngland under Norman control! - I make my quest to the south..

DUKE WILLIAMI did not authorize your campaign..

BISHOP ODOI did not trouble to ask for authorization - you are busy running the kingdom, andtraveling to Normandy to see things right!

DUKE WILLIAM

Kent is not running smoothly - your people cry against you - you tax them too heavily,take their lands through power and trickery - they wish to revolt!

BISHOP ODOWilliam, they are English, unhappy with their lot - their former king dead, their livesunder Norman control - they feel oppressed, and cry for naught!

DUKE WILLIAMThey are an oppressed people, Odo - because you have oppressed them! - cannot yoube content with what you already have - power, lands, wealth - your position as bishop?- no, it is not enough for you - you wish for more, always more - I hear you wish to be

Pope! - and that is the real reason you travel to Rome with a force of armed men..

BISHOP ODOBut they are my men! - I did not call yours to join - and who says I would be Pope? - Iam already bishop - Bishop of Bayeux - it is enough for me!



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DUKE WILLIAM

8-11Greed, youve been governed by greed - always taking advantage of men to furtheryour station in life! - I know you - it has always been thus..

BISHOP ODO

William, William - are we not brothers?

DUKE WILLIAMHalf-brothers..

BISHOP ODOBut the same mother - it is for her sake, Herleve, that I better myself - its what shewould want! - you are Duke of Normandy - and now, King of all England - I.. am merelyBishop of Bayeux..

DUKE WILLIAM

And Earl of Kent!

BISHOP ODOYou made me Earl - I appreciate it! - but, William.. a man aspires to be what he can,even if he has not the means - but I have the means! - I could be Pope! - what would itmatter? - you are devout, but do not live in the world of the Church, as I - and whatthreat am I, as Pope? - a Norman Pope! - think it not better for Normandy - for you?

DUKE WILLIAMOdo.. you speak such blasphemy - how could a man with your morals - your utmost lackof them - be the leader of our most Holy Church? - would God see this right? - through

the years, I have said nothing, as I watch greed and avarice take you over - and breedyour total lack of principles! - I have let it go, as you are my brother, and have stood byme - Odo, I say to myself, helps run the Kingdom when I am in Normandy - I trust Odo! -but as my Pope? - the link to God, to whom I pray? - this is too close to my spiritual self!- I see now that greed has blinded you to things of the spirit..

BISHOP ODOThen give me leave to campaign on the Popes behalf - as a force against his enemy!

DUKE WILLIAMOnce you had established his position, you would become his enemy, in your quest for

his high office - and then he would fight you! - and, as your brother and your protectoras Duke and King - he would fight me! - fighting my own Pope! - what would God say?

BISHOP ODO

(Pauses)

Then, then.. youre right, William..I shall stay here as Earl of Kent, and hold the coast!



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DUKE WILLIAM

8-12

(Pauses)No.. no, you will not stay, Odo - blood ties are trumped by spiritual ties! - you shall returnto Bayeux - still as Bishop - but not to sermon in the great cathedral - rather to talk to

the rats in the Bayeux dungeon, who have no greater morals than you..

(Calls Offstage)Guard!

BISHOP ODOWilliam! - cant we talk this out - man to man? - brother to brother?

(ENTER GUARD)

DUKE WILLIAMArrest my brother - no longer Earl of Kent - I shall appoint a new Earl - he is stripped ofhis powers, his monies, and his land - no longer shall Dover Castle be his abode, but a

cell in the basement of his Bayeux Cathedral - put him on a ship, see that he gets there!(Guard seizes Bishop Odo)

BISHOP ODOWilliam, my brother - what would our mother, Herleve, think? - brother against brother? -son against son?

DUKE WILLIAMShe would offer a prayer on your behalf - and then concur in my judgment - take him!

(The GUARD takes BISHOP ODO - they EXIT- Duke William turns, looks from the ramparts)

So high, so white - these Norman cliffs... LIGHTS DIM on Dover Castle - LIGHTS RISE

on Bishop Odo - SOUNDS of the clanging ofchurch bells from above)

BISHOP ODOFive years.. five long years imprisoned in the basement of my own cathedral.. (Slowly pulls a small gold crown from his habit,

holds it up).. but now, I hold the crown! - what happened, brother William, mighty Conqueror? - youwere wounded in a campaign against foes of Normandy and fell from your horse - this

golden crown clattering to the muddy ground - they took you back to your great hall atCaen, where you died after weeks - but not before ceding to pleas, to please, pleaserelease me..

(Takes hold of cell door, slowly pulls it open,steps out)

.. and then, William, you died - and all your great nobles scurried out of the room andhastened back to their fiefdoms, in fear that anarchy would rule, now that the power that



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BISHOP ODO (Cont.)

8-13was you lay dead - and after they left, your servants stripped the room of its furnishings- stripped your deathbed of its sheets! - and you, William were dumped on the floor,half-naked and still - I am sorry for your death, brother William, but now, its time for meto step into the world youve left - and you, my flock, have now heard my sermon - for

there is no more to the Tapestry! - and the title of my sermon was Who would wear acrown? - for men lust after what they believe theirs, a simple crown, a golden crown -which belongs to nobody, belongs to a kingdom - yes, a man may wear a crown, until itfalls from his head, to be picked up by another man and placed on his own head, andthen another grabs it and places it on his head, and then another - so it goes, throughthe centuries - no one owning crowns - crowns owning them - each crown taking a littlepiece of a man and making him feel worthy, valiant, omnipotent! - until one day, anotherpiece of a man grabs the crown from him - or, death grabs the crown! - and he becomes

just a little piece of a man again, soon to lie still in the earth - yes, the end of my sermon- weve come to the end of the Tapestry - I bid you all, fair wind..

(Holds up crown)

But perhaps now, a new man should wear this crown!(Places crown on his head, pauses, takes it off)

.. no, not me.. William, you were right - I am not worthy of a crown, even a Papal crown..

(Holds crown up to audience)But, perhaps.. one of you? - I say, who would wear a crown - who would wear it?

(BISHOP ODO walks up the aisle, waving thesmall gold crown right and left at the audience)

You? You? - or you? - who would wear a crown? - I say, who!

(BISHOP ODO EXITS )

CURTAIN



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Documents

Tapestry of a Conquest