46. HIERONIMO’S HOUSE EXT NIGHT
By the light of the moon, the house, the gardens and HIERONIMO’s bower. Lights glow on the upper floors of the modest building.
HIERIONIMO enters the garden.
HIERONIMO
I pry through every crevice of each wall,
Look on each tree, and search through every brake,
Beat at the bushes, stamp our mother earth,
Yet cannot I behold my son Horatio!
As he speaks, HORATIO’S GHOST appears, and tries to speak to him. It fails. It disappears.
HIERONIMO falls down, weeping. The garden gate creaks.
HIERONIMO
How now, who’s there? Spirits? Spirits?
ANGLE ON HIS SERVANTS, JACQUES AND PEDRO
Running up, with torches.
PEDRO
We are your servants that attend you, sir.
ANGLE ON ISABELLA
Hurrying to HIERONIMO’s side. He tries to wipe his eyes,
to hide from her that he has been crying.
ISABELLA
Dear Hieronimo, come indoors.
O, seek not means so to increase thy sorrow.
HIERONIMO
Indeed, Isabella. We do nothing here.
I do not cry, ask Pedro, and ask Jacques.
Not I indeed. We are very merry, very merry.
He hurries into the house.
ISABELLA indicates the SERVANTS should go after him.
She remains in the bower.
HORATIO’S GHOST appears.
ISABELLA
How, be merry here? Be merry here?
Is not this the place, and this the very tree
Where my Horatio hied, where he was murdered.
Again, HORATIO’S GHOST tries to attract the attention of the living. And fails. ISABELLA goes to the trellis.
ISABELLA
This was the tree. I set it of a kernel,
And when our hot Spain could not let it grow
But that the infant and humane sap
Began to wither, duly, twice a morning
Would I be sprinkling it with fountain water.
At last it grew, and grew, and bore, and bore.
She studies the tree which overgrows the trellis, from which HORATIO was hanged.
ISABELLA
Till at length it grew a gallows,
and did bear our son.
It bore thy fruit and mine;
O, wicked, wicked plant!
She breaks down.
47. HIERONIMO’S STUDY INT NIGHT
A loud pounding at the door. HIERONIMO is seated at his desk, looking at his accounting books.
The books cover many years spent in the KING’s service – every entry attentively filled out by HIERIONIMO’s scrupulous hand.
HIERONIMO
See who knocked there!
No answer from PEDRO or JACQUES. HIERONIMO gets up and goes into the big —
48. MAIN ROOM INT NIGHT
— and opens the front door.
REVENGE looms in the doorway.
HIERONIMO squints.
REVENGE disappears.
Puzzled, HIERONIMO closes the door. He turns and sees —
— the PAINTER [played by the actor who plays REVENGE] seated at his easel and canvas, on a stool in the middle of the room.
The subject of his painting is not yet seen.
HIERONIMO
A painter, sir? Cans’t paint some comfort?
PAINTER
God bless you, sir.
HIERONIMO goes to his sideboard and gets a bottle of port and some glasses.
HIERONIMO
What woulds’t thou have, good fellow?
PAINTER
Justice, sir.
HIERONIMO stops in mid-pour.
HIERONIMO
O ambitious beggar, woulds’t thou have that
That lives not in the world?
Why, all the undelved minds cannot buy
An ounce of justice, ‘tis a jewel so inestimable.
I tell thee, God hath engrossed all justice
in his hands,
And there is none, but what comes from him.
PAINTER
Oh, then I see that God must right me for
my murdered son.
HIERONIMO
(goes to him)
How? Was thy son murdered?
PAINTER
Ay, sir. No man did hold a son so dear.
HIERONIMO
What, not as thine? That’s a lie
As massie as the earth. I had a son
Whose least unvalued hair did weigh
A thousand of thy sons! And he was murdered.
PAINTER
Alas, sir, I had no more but he.
HIERONIMO
Nor I, nor I. But this same one of mine,
Was worth a legion… but all is one.
He pulls up a bench, sits down, as the PAINTER paints.
For all he knows, he’s sitting for his portrait.
HIERONIMO
Come, let’s talk wisely now.
Was thy son murdered?
PAINTER
Ay, sir.
HIERONIMO
So was mine.
How do’st take it? Art thou not sometimes mad?
Are there no tricks that come before thine eyes?
PAINTER
O, Lord, yes sir.
HIERONIMO
Art a painter? Can’st paint me a tear, or a wound?
A groan, or a sigh?
He points through the window to bower, with the TREE above the trellis.
HIERONIMO
Cans’t paint me such a tree as this?
PAINTER
Very well, sir.
HIERONIMO
Nay, I pray, mark me, sir. Then, sir, would I
have you paint me this tree, this very tree.
Cans’t paint a doleful cry?
PAINTER
Seemingly, sir.
HIERONIMO
Nay, it should cry… but all is one.
Well, sir, paint me a youth run through and
through with villains’ swords, hanging upon
this tree…
Cans’t thou draw a murderer?
PAINTER
I’ll warrant you, sir, I have the pattern of
the most notorious villains that ever lived
in all Spain.
HEIRONIMO
O let them be worse. Worse. Stretch thine art.
Bring me forth in my shirt, with a torch in my
hand, and with these words: “What noise is this?
Who calls Hieronimo?” May it be done?
PAINTER
Yes, sir.
HIERONIMO
Let the clouds scowl, make the moon dark,
the stars extinct, the winds blowing, the bells
tolling, the owl shrieking, the toads croaking,
the minutes jeering, and the clock striking twelve.
And then at last, sir, starting, behold a man
hanging.
And tottering, and tottering, as you know the
wind will weave a man, and I with a pair of shears
to cut him down…
CLOSE UP ON HIERONIMO.
HIERONIMO
… and looking upon him by the advantage of
my torch, find to be my son, Horatio.
ANGLE ON THE PAINTING
As the PAINTER turns the easel to show HIERONIMO his work.
It is a portrait of LORENZO, BALTHAZAR and their dead ACCOMPLICES, murdering HORATIO.
PAINTER
And is this the end?
HIERONIMO
O no, there is no end. The end is death
and madness.
HIERONIMO reaches for his sword, which hangs beside the door. He turns back, sword drawn, to slash the painting —
— but there is no painting, and no PAINTER.
He slashes at the air.
49. MAGISTRATES’ COURT INT DAY
HIERONIMO, heavy-eyed from lack of sleep, doggedly pursues his official duties as chief magistrate. He surveys the courtroom and a massive amount of official documents which he must read and sign.
Stretching away from him is a long line of PETITIONERS.
HIERONIMO
Come near, you men that thus importune me.
Now must I bear a face of gravity.
Come on, sirs, what’s the matter?
CITIZEN 2
Sir, an action!
CITIZEN 1
Mine, of debt!
HIERONIMO
Give place.
CITIZEN 2
No, sir! Mine is an action of the case!
CITIZEN 3
Mine an Ejection Firma by a Lease!
They thrust their papers at HIERONIMO for signature.
He notices an OLD MAN with mournful eyes and hands raised heavenward. [This OLD MAN, too, is played by REVENGE.]
HIERONIMO
Say, father, tell me what’s thy suit?
The OLD MAN hands him a paper. HIERONIMO reads it.
HIERONIMO
What’s here? The humble supplication
Of Don Bazulto for his murdered son?
The OLD MAN nods.
HIERONIMO
No, sir. It was my murdered son. My son,
O my son, o my son Horatio…
But mine or thine, Bazulto, be content.
Here, take my handkerchief, and wipe your eyes.
He pulls loose the BLOOD-SOAKED SCARF of HORATIO and ANDREA.
HIERONIMO
O, no! Not this! Horatio, this was thine!
And, when I dyed it in thy dearest blood
This was a token twixt thy soul and me
That of thy death, revengéd I should be.
Revenge on them that murderéd my son!
Then will I rent and tear them! Thus and thus!
Shivering their limbs in pieces, with my teeth!
HIERONIMO tears the papers apart with his teeth.
CONSTERNATION in the court room.
CITIZEN 1
O sir, my declaration!
CITIZEN 2
Save my bond!
HIERONIMO flees into the cloakroom. Behind him —
CITIZEN 3
Alas, my lease! It cost me ten pound!
And you, my lord, have torn the same…
50. MAGISTRATES’ CLOAKROOM INT DAY
HIERONIMO pulls off his cloak.
The occupants of the court flee as HIERONIMO overturns the statue of JUSTICE and the plinths of great JURISTS.
He turns and the silent OLD MAN is there.
HIERONIMO
Now I know thee.
Thou art the lively image of my grief,
Within thy face my sorrows I may see.
Thy eyes are gummed with tears, thy cheeks are wan,
Thy forehead troubled, and thy muttering lips
Murmur sad words, abruptly broken off.
By force of windy sighs thy spirit breathes,
And all this sorrow riseth for thy son.
(pause;heavily)
And self same sorrow feel I for my son.
HIERONIMO yanks off his CHAIN OF OFFICE. He turns to exit, throwing it aside as he goes.
51. GUEST ROOM, CASTILE’S PALACE INT DAY
BEL-IMPERIA’S MAID is draping a necklace around BEL-IMPERIA’s neck. BEL-IMPERIA stands,a determined expression on her face. She wears full finery, as if about to attend a lavish function.
The DOOR opens, to reveal LORENZO, dressed in military regalia. He hesitates, uncertain of his sister’s mood.
She gives him an ironic smile, as if to say she’ll go along with his game. Relieved, he enters, kisses her cheek.
The PAGE peers around the door, holding a GUN – clearly put there by his master in case things had gone the other way.
LORENZO motions to him to put the GUN away, and unctuously ushers BEL-IMPERIA out the door…
52. COURTYARD, CASTILE’S PALACE EXT DAY
BALTHAZAR, in military uniform, decorations and breastplate, awaits the arrival of BEL-IMPERIA. He holds a POSY.
LORENZO escorts her down the stairs to meet her suitor.
BALTHAZAR thrusts the FLOWERS upon her. BEL-IMPERIA accepts them, gritting her teeth.
They sit down facing a CATWALK – surrounded by rows of chairs and tables. SERVANTS and SECURITY GUARDS usher other distinguished GUESTS to their places.
There is a BOUNCY CASTLE and a RAFFLE in progress.
ANGLE ON THE KING AND CASTILE
Smoking cigars, standing before a huge floral display of Spain and Portugal, as the VICEROY OF PORTUGAL and his entourage enter, followed by TV NEWS CREWS.
KING
And now to meet the Portuguese!
For, as we now are, sometimes were these –
Kings and commanders of the Western Indies!
His ENTOURAGE applauds his witticism.
KING
Welcome, brave Viceroy, to the court of Spain.
CASTILE
And welcome, all his honourable train!
SERVANTS pass out mimosas. The KING hands round cigars.
VICEROY
Renownéd King, I come to solemnize
The marriage of thy belovéd niece —
ANGLE ON BEL-IMPERIA
Escorted to the scene by GUARDS. Teeth clenched in a smile. She waves to the applauding crowd, as BALTHAZAR joins her — the Golden Couple.
VICEROY
— fair Bel-Imperia with my Balthazar!
With thee, my son – since, whom I live to see,
Take this my crown: I give it her and thee.
Even more applause. BALTHAZAR drags BEL-IMPERIA over.
The VICEROY embraces them both.
VICEROY
Now, let me live a solitary life
In ceaseless prayers.
KING
Come, worthy Viceroy, and accompany thy friend.
A place more private fits this princely mood.
VICEROY
Or here, or where your Highness thinks is good.
They all sit down to watch the FASHION SHOW.
LORENZO tries to join them, but is intercepted by his father, CASTILE.
CASTILE
Nay, stay, Lorenzo. Let me talk with you.
See’st thou the entertainment of these Kings?
LORENZO
I do, my lord. And joy to see the same.
CASTILE
And knowest thou why this meeting is?
LORENZO
For her, my lord, whom Balthazar doth love.
And to confirm their promised marriage.
CASTILE
She is thy sister.
LORENZO
Who, Bel-Imperia?
(with forced casualness)
Ay, my gracious lord.
And this is the day that I have longed so
happily to see.
CASTILE
(meaningfully)
Thou wouldst be loathe that any fault of thine
Should intercept her in her happiness?
ANGLE ON BEL-IMPERIA
Gritting her teeth, watching the fashion show.
LORENZO
(sanctimoniously)
Heavens will not let Lorenzo err so much!
CASTILE
Why, then, Lorenzo: listen to my words.
It is suspected, and reported, too,
That thou, Lorenzo, wrong’st Hieronimo.
And in his suits towards his Majesty,
Still keep him back and seek to cross his suit.
LORENZO
That I… my lord?
CASTILE
I tell thee, son, myself have heard it said,
When to my sorrow I have been ashamed
To answer for thee, though thou art my son.
Lorenzo, know’st thou not the common love
And kindness that Hieronimo hath won
By his deserts within the Court of Spain?
LORENZO
Ay.
CASTILE
Seest thou not the King, my brother’s care
On his behalf, and to procure his health?
Lorenzo, should thou thwart his passions,
And he exclaim against thee to the King,
Oh what a scandal were’t among these Kings
To hear Hieronimo exclaim on thee!
LORENZO
Father, it lies not in Lorenzo’s power
To stop the vulgar liberal of their tongues –
CASTILE
Tell me! And look you tell me truly, too:
Whence grows the ground of this report in Court?
LORENZO
Dad, no man lives that long contenteth all.
CASTILE
My self have seen thee busily keep back
Him and his supplications from the King.
LORENZO
Because I pitied him in his distress.
I held him thence with kind and courteous words,
As free from malice to Hieronimo
As to my soul, my lord.
CASTILE drums his fingers nervously. Loud music pounds.
CASTILE
Hieronimo, my son, mistakes thee, then?
LORENZO
My gracious father, believe me so. He doth.
But what’s a silly man, distract in mind,
Thinking upon the murder of his son.
Alas, how easy is it for him to err.
But for his satisfaction and the world’s,
‘Twere good, my lord, that Hieronimo and I
Were reconciled, if he misconstrued me.
CASTILE beckons to SERVANTS.
CASTILE
Lorenzo, thou hast said it. It shall be so.
Go, one of you, and call Hieronimo.
ANGLE ON BEL-IMPERIA AND BALTHAZAR
He paws her as they watch the fashion show.
BALTHAZAR
Come, Bel-Imperia, Balthazar’s content.
My sorrow’s ease, and sovereign of my bliss.
Since heaven has ordained thee to be mine,
Disperse those clouds and melancholy looks!
BEL-IMPERIA
My looks, my lord, are fitting for my love,
Which, new-begun, can show no brighter yet.
(rises)
I see my lord and father!
She hurries to CASTILE. BALTHAZAR stumbles after her.
CASTILE
Welcome, Balthazar! Welcome, brave Prince!
And welcome, Bel-Imperia. How now, girl?
Why comes’t thou sadly to salute us thus?
BEL-IMPERIA does not answer, glares at LORENZO.
CASTILE
Content thyself, for I am satisfied!
It is not now as when Andrea lived:
We have forgotten and forgiven that.
Now thou art gracéd with a happier love!
ANGLE ON HIERONIMO
HIERONIMO
Where’s the Duke?
SERVANT
Yonder.
He makes his way through the crowd, towards CASTILE.
CASTILE
But, Balthazar, here comes Hieronimo.
Let’s have a word with him.
LORENZO and BALTHAZAR share a glance. BEL-IMPERIA is much encouraged.
CASTILE
Welcome, Hieronimo!
He looks at LORENZO and the Prince.
LORENZO
Welcome, Hieronimo.
BALTHAZAR
Welcome.
BEL-IMPERIA
WELCOME!!
HIERONIMO
My lords, I thank you for Horatio.
BEL-IMPERIA nods furiously.
CASTILE
Hieronimo, the reason that I sent
To speak with you, is this —
Uncomfortable, CASTILE doesn’t know what to say.
A BLAST OF MUSIC from the sound system distracts him.
HIERONIMO
What, so short?
Then I’ll be gone. I thank you for it.
CASTILE
No, stay, Hieronimo! Go, call him, son.
LORENZO hurries after the departing HIERONIMO.
LORENZO
(shouting above the music)
Hieronimo, my father craves a word with you!
HIERONIMO
(shouting back)
With me, sir? Why, my lord, I thought you
had done.
LORENZO
(to himself)
No, would he had.
CASTILE tries to take HIERONIMO aside.
CASTILE
I hear you find yourself aggrieved, saying
My son denies you access to the King.
HIERONIMO
Why, is this not a miserable thing, my lord?
CASTILE
(nervously)
Hieronimo, I hope you have no cause
And would be loathe that one of your deserts
Should once have reason to suspect my son,
Considering how I think of you myself.
HIERONIMO doesn’t know what to say. He looks at BEL-IMPERIA.
She looks pointedly at the SECURITY GUARDS, shakes her head.
HIERONIMO
These be the scandalous reports of those
That love not me, and hate my lord too much!
Should I suspect Lorenzo would prevent
Or cross my suit, that loved my son so well?
My lord, I am ashamed it should be said.
LORENZO
(relieved; eagerly)
Hieronimo, I never gave you cause…
HIERONIMO
(through gritted teeth)
My good lord, I know you did not.
CASTILE
There, then. Pause!
He beckons the PAPARAZZI over. Arranges the GROUP around his daughter and BALTHAZAR. All smile. Pictures are taken.
CASTILE
And for the satisfaction of the world
Here before Prince Balthazar and me,
Embrace each other, and be perfect friends.
CASTILE grabs HIERONIMO and LORENZO, drags them to the front,
Makes them shake hands. More photos.
HIERONIMO
I’ll be friends with you all —
(to CASTILE)
— specially with you, my lovely lord.
BALTHAZAR
Why, this is friendly done, Hieronimo!
LORENZO
And that I hope old grudges are forgot!
HIERONIMO
What else? It were a shame it should not be so.
SERVANTS pass champagne around. Toasts. Photos. Amid the general relief, no one notices HIERONIMO and BEL-IMPERIA exchange a significant look.
53. ABANDONED BUILDING INT DAY
REVENGE lies sleeping in a hammock, a smug expression on his face.
Faintly-visible GHOSTS stand around him, moaning.
ANDREA, more visible, moans loudest of all.
ANDREA
Awake, Revenge! Cerberus, awake!
(shakes him)
Revenge, awake!
REVENGE
Awake, for why?
ANDREA
Awake, Revenge, for thou art ill-advised
To sleep away what thou art warned to watch!
REVENGE
Content thyself, and do not trouble me.
ANDREA
Hieronimo with Lorenzo’s joined in league
And intercepts our passage to revenge!
REVENGE
Content thyself, Andrea. Though I sleep,
Yet is my mood soliciting their souls.
Sufficeth thee that poor Hieronimo
Cannot forget his son, Horatio.
Nor dies Revenge, although he sleeps awhile!
REVENGE bounds up, goes to the PUPPET TABLE where the PUPPET BATTLEFIELD was laid. He sweeps dead PUPPETS, carts and trees and tanks aside, and sets out the images of HIERONIMO, LORENZO, ISABELLA, BALTHAZAR, BEL-IMPERIA, CASTILE, the AMBASSADOR, the KING.
REVENGE
(imitating ANDREA)
“Awake, Revenge. Reveal this mystery!”
He turns a single light on —
CLOSE ON THE PUPPETS
We see that they are all standing next to tiny boxes of DYNAMITE sticking out of the mud – they are in a MINEFIELD.
ANGLE ON REVENGE
Backing away from the table, laying out a long FUSE.
ANDREA
Sufficeth me, thy meaning’s understood.
And thanks to thee and those infernal powers
That will not tolerate a lover’s woe.
Rest thee, for I will sit to see the rest.
REVENGE
Then argue not, for thou hast thy request.
REVENGE returns to the hammock, lights the FUSE.