Petition At Solway

King Edward 1st of England dies. States wishes for when his son Prince Edward becomes king.Rumour is that the Prince is gay, and his friend is banished from England. Historical correct.

Petition At Solway.     

 

 

            It is July 7th 1307. The English army, led by King Edward 1st is camped overnight on the England side of the Solway Firth, close to the border with Scotland. The army rests from it march into Scotland, with the intention of capturing Robert Bruce and Scotland, startin tomorrow.

As a fever takes hold of the King he rests on his bed, and tells his trusted confidants of his wishes to be carried out after he dies.

His son and hier Edward Prince of Wales has his own plans for when he succeeeds the throne.

A story of ambition, treachery, love, and regrets.

 

 

Characters:

Of the characters mentioned, Kitty Morris is not to be found in any history books.

 

King Edward 1st.   

(Aged 68.)

Dignified, but worn and tired from battles, and now with a fever.

The King senses he is nearing his end.

Strongly hopes that his confidants will execute his wishes after his death.

Realises that his son Edward may try to oppose him.

 

Margaret. Queen Consort.

(Aged 26.)

Wise for her years and devoted to her husband, the King.

Smart, but not overtly glamourous.

Often brokers a "peace," between the King and Prince of Wales.

 

Edward Prince of Wales.

(Aged 23)

Young and can get very excitable. Has his own plans for his Kingdom.

Hasn't forgiven his father for banishing his close friend, Piers Gaveston

to France, whom he swears will return to England.

Enjoys verbal battle of wits with Guy De Beauchamp 10th Earl of Warwick.

Has a genuine fondness and respect, for step-mother Margaret.

Enjoys the company of Alice De Lacy, of whom he's fond.

Totally respects Henry De Lacy 3rd Earl of Lincoln.

 

Henry De Lacy. 3rd Earl of Lincoln.

(Aged 56.)

A loyal and trusted friend of the King.

Understands the view of the Prince of Wales, but is loyal to the King foremost.

 

 

 

 

Guy De Beauchamp. 10th Earl of Warwick.

(Aged 35.

Knighted by Edward 1st. Loyal, with riches as a result.

De Beauchamp secretly despises the Prince of Wales,

over his friend Piers Gaveston.

Is aware of what is at stake, when Edward 1st dies.

 

Alice De Lacy

Maid to Margaret Queen Consort.

(Daughter of Henry. Aged 26.)

Shows her love for her father.

A good friend of the Prince of Wales.

 

Kitty Morris.

Local woman.  Cook / Maid. (Aged 60 ish.)

Local woman from Burgh By Sands, brought in at last minute to

cook for the Royals.

Kitty is somewhat deaf,

The phrase, "You don't do or say that, in front of the King."

is not in her dictionary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petition At Solway.                   1

 

THE SCENE THROUGHOUT IS WITHIN A LARGE PLAIN TENT.

 

 

 

The sick King reclines on his bed at far side of tent.

 

Maid Kitty, sits near King, telling him folklore tales.

 

Consort Queen Margaret is sat alongside King.

 

 Henry De Lacy sits at his table, to right of Kings bed, with papers and pen.

 

 

 

KITTY:          

......then the dragon swam wildly over to the middle of the Solway estaury,

 

leaving a trail of blood in the foaming sea, as it floundered and died.

 

From then on the Scottish dragon never troubled the village again!

 

 

 

KING:                        

That's a fine old tale Kitty, but is it true?

                       

 

 

KITTY:                      

Well sir, the dragon is true, but whether it was a Wednesday or not,

 

is in doubt.

 

 

 

KING:

Pass me some water, I feel as if I'm boiling alive.

 

I must sleep a while now.

 

 

 

MARGARET:

Yes, sleep my dear, the hour is getting late anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

HENRY:     2

Henry leans towards Kitty, saying quietly:

 

His majesty must rest now Kitty.

 

Take a seat over there.

 

 

 

Kitty moves to a seat at 'front' of tent.

 

 

 

KING:         

Henry, I think now is time for the Earls to join us.

 

Send word immediately to the Prince of Wales in London,

 

I want talks with him, as a matter of urgency.

 

The battle against the Scots must begin tomorrow as planned,

 

this fever cannot stop me fighting.

 

                                   

 

HENRY:                   

I will write a message immediately, and summon a scout to relay it.

 

Kitty, inform the Knights that the King seeks an audience.

 

Henry sits at table and writes the note.

 

                                   

 

KING: Directs question to Kitty.    

I'd also like some warm milk.

 

 

 

KITTY:          

Warm milk on it's way sir.

                       

I'll be back with it, before you see me go, sir.                               

 

Kitty leaves tent.

 

 

 

 

 

KING:          3

That woman amuses me, Henry.

 

Despite her shortcomings, I find her tales most entertaining..

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

Indeed sir.

 

it would appear that we can put our trust into the local people.

 

I'm told that Kitty is not only a good storyteller,

 

but she is also skilled in the preperation of meat and fish for the table.

 

 

 

MARGARET:

There is fine fare coming from the kitchen tent,

 

though hunger now eludes the King.

 

 

 

HENRY:

Your majesty, I have written the message, for Prince Edward.

 

Would you care to read it, or shall I read it out to you?

 

 

 

KING:

Please read it out to me Henry, my eyes are somewhat tired.

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

That is symptomatic of the fever dear.

HENRY:

 

The message to the Prince of Wales, reads as follows:

 

His Majesty King Edward 1st, summons with much ungency,

 

the presense of HRH Prince Edward.

 

His majesty is to be found within the Kings army encampment

 

at Burgh-by-Sands, some seven miles north-west of Carlisle.

 

KING:          4

That will suffice.

 

I fear though, it will be a week before the Prince reaches us.

 

 

 

HENRY:

There is a scout waiting I'll see him off with it immediately.

 

 

Henry leaves tent, with message for scout.

 

 

Guy De Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick enters.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

Approches King and bows.

 

Your Majesty, you summoned me.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Take a seat Warwick, we will await the others.

 

 

 

Henry returns to his table.

 

 

Alice enters and takes her seat near King.

 

           

 

MARGARET:                       

Alice, get more cold water and cloths.

 

How do you feel Edward?

 

 

 

Alice leaves tent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KING:          5

I am tired my dear, though the fever hasn't broken my spirit.

 

There is battle with the Scots in the morning I must regain my strength.

 

Do you think Kitty has any treatments my physician may have overlooked?

 

 

 

Alice returns with dish and cloth.

 

 

 

MARGARET:                    

Just rest my dear.

 

You are unfit to fight.

 

We must take caution with any rural potions.

 

Your physicean is the one to be relied upon.

 

Has word of your incapacity been sent to the Prince of Wales?

 

 

 

HENRY:               

I have now dispatched a scout with a letter for the Prince,

 

though I fear it will be a day, or two, before the Prince recieves it.

 

Assuming of course, that he is in London.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Are my Knights here yet Henry?

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

Not all yet sir.

 

I'm told that Aymer De Valence, 2nd Earl of Pembroke,

 

and the Baron De Clifford are abscent, as they are inspecting troops

 

for battle readiness.

 

KING:          6

That is accepted, Henry.

 

Though I do wish Edward was here.

 

I have important things to discuss with him.

 

I have to consider the probability that I may succombe to this fever.      

 

I fear he will succeed me without awareness of my wishes.                    

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

The scout has now left with thhe message, sir.

 

 

 

Prince Edward bustles in, after travelling up from York.

 

He embraces the King.       

                       

 

 

EDWARD:               

Father, how are you?

 

I am so pleased to see you.

 

Do you have the fever?

 

 

 

HENRY:                           

Your highness, I only sent the message to you, some minutes ago.

 

 

Edward displays his fondness and respect for Henry.

 

EDWARD:               

Earl Lincoln, Henry, my heart gladdens to see you also.

 

I set off yesterday, from York.

 

I heard rumours that a fever was spreading amongst

 

the Kings Court while he was lodged there.

 

In concern of my father, I left London immediately I heard that.

 

(EDWARD continued)                 7

 

I doubt my disappearance has yet been noticed.

 

In York I was told that the King and army had moved north,

 

and was encamped here, close to the border with Scotland.

 

Father, you seem in no condition to fight the enemy.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Edward my dear boy, it is such a joy to see you.

 

I'd hoped the fever would have faided by now.

 

We have lost a cook and two maids, to this damn sickness.

 

I beleive some soldiers are also in sickness.

 

Henry, arrange refreshments for the Prince of Wales.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

Yes sir.

 

Henry whispers to Kitty about refreshments, who leaves tent.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

Thank you father, I havent eaten since Penrith where I

 

also changed horses.

 

I saw no sight of the enemy as I rode in.

 

 

 

KING:                                

Edward, remember the Scots are not an enemy.

 

They are our beloved friends,

 

just like Wales, old friends in need of our guidance.

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                      8

Indeed, a perfect description of them.

 

Tell me, who is the old woman outside, milking a cow

 

as she sings a dirg?

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

That is Kitty.

 

Through the fever, we became in urgent need of helpers,

 

Kitty stepped in at the last minute.

 

Her skills in husbandry are unmatched,

 

though she is a little lacking in procedures of a Royal Court.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

I find labourers have little knowledge of our Court,

 

but they make excellent company. 

 

 

Kitty returns with jug of milk, which she hands to Margaret,

 

who offers it to the King, and bread which she hands to Henry.

 

Taking to her seat, Kitty notices Edward has arrived.

 

 

 

KITTY:                                  

Hello young man, who are you, and what are you doing here?

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

Kitty, you are addressing Edward, the Prince of Wales.

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                                

Good evening madam, I am pleased to meet you.

 

 

KITTY:        9

My goodness.           

                       

I'm sorry, I don't know who is who.

 

 A lonely widow me, I live in the village of Burgh.

 

But I do know how to cook the best beef pie!

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Beef pie?

 

That is my favourite food.

 

Madam, I would marry you for that alone!

 

 

 

KITTY:                                  

Are you flirting me, you saucy little bugger?

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

My appologies, if I have offended you madam.

 

                                   

 

HENRY:                   

You may return to your seat Kitty.

 

 

 

KITTY:                                  

Right you are sir.

 

Marry me, indeed, whatever next?

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

You could do worse than marry me dear lady!

 

 

 

KITTY:                                  

Oh I'm all of a fluster now, where's the gin bottle?

 

 

MARGARET:                                  10

The Prince jests you Kitty, take no notice of him.                        

 

                                   

 

The King sits up and looks around.

 

 

KING:                        

I have summoned you my Earls,  to witness my final wishes.

 

Though there are only two of you present,

 

I trust you will pass on what I tell you.

 

My fever I fear, has overtaken me.

 

Henry, I ask you to record in your chronical, of my wishes,

 

and inform those of the details who've been unable to attend.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

It will be done sir.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Even my own doctor suffers this afliction.

 

The Kings mind begins to wander.

 

No man lives forever as a man.

 

But, maybe I will return as a lion or an eagle,

 

whatever is God's plan for me.

 

Gentlemen, you have all served me well,

 

and I trust that when my son Edward inherits this realm,

 

you will grant him the same loyal service.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

You may be in doubt of that sir.

 

GUY:           11

Your Knights and Barons will serve you and your heir,

 

with dedication and sure footedness.

 

 

 

MARGARET:                                            

You have no need to worry of the future Edward, your realm is strong.

 

Try and rest dear.

 

 

 

KING:                        

One thing I request, is that when he is King,

 

my son recieves good guidance, in keeping this realm secure.

 

Without fear of internal strife, as like the court in France has endured.

 

                                   

 

Edward is unhappy that his father thinks he needs guidance.

 

 

EDWARD:               

Father!

 

May I remind you that I am 23 years of age.

 

I need neither a wet nurse nor guardians.

 

I am sir, my own man.

 

 

 

KING:                        

While that is true my dear son, no King can rule alone.

 

I seek guidance for you, as I myself was guided, when I became King.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

But I do not need your noblemen to guide me sir!

 

I am not a child, and do not wish to be treated as one.

 

 

MARGARET:                                  12

Edward my dear, the King is justified to seek guidance for you.

 

The road ahead of you will be a steep one.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

I understand that, but I cherish my own aspirations for this realm

 

when I am King.

 

Though father I stress, to be King, after losing you,

 

is not something I wish to happen yet.

 

 

 

 

KING:                     

Edward, I am getting too languid to argue.

 

Soon, you will comprehend my yearnings to support you.

                                   

                                   

 

HENRY:                   

Prince Edward, his majesty is right in what he says, 

 

the Realm that he guards is amongst the greatest in all the world.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

Prince Edward sir, everyone beholds you as a man of aptitude.

 

But, you must be aware, the duty of a King could become an

 

affliction upon the untutored.           

 

 

 

EDWARD:    Edward is aware that the others support the King,

 

                        and decides to bide his time.         

Yes.

 

You are all faultless in your assement of the situation.

 

Father, I am sorrowful, and I seek your pardon.

KING:          13

Henry, that matter is then established.

 

Chronicle it, as all in harmony.

 

Wine, gin and mead are on a stool near Kitty.

 

 

 

KITTY:                                  

Would anyone like some wine, mead, or gin?

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

We will all imbibe later, when these matters are resolved.

 

 

 

KITTY:                                  

As you wish, I'll just have a tiny small gin then, thank you.

 

 

Kitty ours herself a largish gin.

 

 

                    

                                 

The King begins to make his wishes clear. He is very fatigued.                 

 

KING:                        

Now another matter.

 

As soon as I have departed this life, I want my surgeon to

 

remove my heart.

 

It is then to be taken by casket with my army into the next crusade

 

with those in Jerusalem.

 

But first, my bones will be taken upon my horse, into the forthcoming

 

battle with the Scots.

 

 

           

Edward is unhappy at his fathers desire to continue battles,

 

and makes his feelings clear.

 

EDWARD:                                      14

No father, that cannot be!

 

You all take respite here tonight because you are exhaused.

 

You have marched ourselves, almost to death.

 

Yet, you speak of more battles, more crusades.

 

You send us north to fight the Scots, and south to fight the infidels.

 

You are asking for too much.

 

 

 

Margaret agrees somewhat with the Prince.

 

MARGARET:                       

Edward, I think that Prince Edward is right.

 

I am not a man,

 

but it does seem to me that your ambitions will need a greater army

 

than you have.

 

As you said when rallying your trooops,

 

the Scots are as tough as any soldiers can be,

 

doubtless the fight against them would not be bloodless.

 

 

        

Henry also feels the battles should stop,                          

 

but is unwilling to say so directly.

 

HENRY:                   

Perhaps your majesty meant that there would be a delay

 

of months between the conflicts mentioned?

 

 

 

KING:                        

No, I do not proffer dallying!

 

From my Knights I will expect fresh armies to be raised,

 

(KING Continued)                         15

 

for no other reason have I secured you your finances.

 

Now I expect them to serve me and my kingdom.

 

It is imperitive that our armies march north, and south, without delay.

 

                       

 

Edwards mood gets more fractious.

 

EDWARD:               

Father, again I say no!

 

We will have much to do in Scotland tomorrow,

 

we cannot be encumbered with our Knights returning to their shires

 

in order to raise men for an army.

 

It seems to me that the Scots have beaten us,even before we start.

 

Robert Bruce will take us for fools.

 

 

 

KING:                        

It is vital for this kingdom that we nullify it's enemies.

 

Where will we end up, if we sit and sleep?

          

With everything at stake,

 

Guy agrees with the King.

 

GUY:                         

I agree, your majesty.

 

 

EDWARD:               

Is now very cross!

 

Good God father !

 

Do you not consider that in the day that follows today, we will be fully

 

occupied in our confrontation with the Scots,

 

We cannot be encumbered with further demands on our army!

 

KING:          16

It is vital that we destroy our enemies.

 

My heart and my bones are symbolic of representing myself in battle.

 

Even in death I will not shy away from duty.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

The King is right. We cannot and must not delay.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Thank you Earl Warwick, your support assures me.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Good God!

 

Are you both crazy?

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

Edward, that is no way to talk to your father.

 

Retract what you have said.

 

 

 

KITTY:

If my son, and he is a burley blacksmith, spoke to me like that,

 

I'd smack his bottom very very hard.

 

 

 

EDWARD:            

Sir, I appologise for my outburst.

 

Father, why not send a scout to Robert Bruce, with a request that he

 

remains seated wherever he is, just while we march to Jerusalem and back?

 

But Bruce must promise to sit quietly and wait.

 

 

KITTY:        17

What did he say?

 

 

 

KING:                        

Much as I delight in my son,

 

I do admit that I abhor his incompatible streak.

 

I have to add, that streak did not originate from my side of his family!

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Am I the only one with an incompatible streak?

 

What was it that my mother once said?

 

                                   

 

The King seeks to smooth troubled waters.

 

KING:                        

You are not alone in the trait, it can only give you strength.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Why does my father hector me?

 

 

 

KING:                        

May a King not hector his scion?

 

Where is it written that I may not?

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                                             

Sir, you are thine own humorist.

 

 

 

KING:                        

I must recline soon, I have got most fatigued.

 

 

 

GUY:           18

Sir, I will augment an army for a campaign into Jerusalem

 

with great speed.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

I believe we can also count on Earl Pembroke and Baron Clfford

 

doing likewise.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

I have knowledge of men in the shires willing to fight for their King.

 

Brave and strong to a man.

 

 

 

Edward mistrusts Warwick, and enjoys trivialising him.

 

EDWARD:               

Tell me, Earl of Warwick, is the story of Robert Bruce and the

 

spider, a true story?

 

 

 

GUY:                         

I am assured that it is true sir.

 

 

 

Feigns surprise / disbelief that it could be true.

 

EDWARD:                           

My word, who would believe such a thing,

 

a mere spider with so much courage?

 

Tell me sir, how many legs does a spider have?

 

 

 

GUY:

I am not certain sir, but I believe it may be eight.

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                      19

And I, a mere mortal, has but two.

 

 

 

KING:

Cease you two.

                                

The impending engagement with the Scots will not be eternal.

 

If good health was mine, I would overcome them in days.           

           

Edward brings a new argument to the discussion.

 

It is known that France may assist Scotland.

 

EDWARD:               

Have we considered that there is a strong possibility,

 

a very strong possibility, that France may side with Scotland

 

in any fight against us?

 

At what cost to us then, is familiy loyalty?

 

Do we have cousins, waiting to raise their swords against us?

 

That would be a battle that would need the strength and guile of our men

 

multiplied by a hundred.

 

That is not a fight that I would shy from, I would fight it until my last breath.

 

England will overcome any enemy with all the strength that it can muster.

 

First, we must ask ourselves,

 

what is worth fighting for,

 

and what is not worth fighting for.

 

The Scots are admirable foes, they are not inept.

 

We must ask ourselves, do we seek more battles,

 

or should we seek peace and friendship with Scotland.

 

France is another matter,

 

that would be a challenge I would now relish.                                

The king doesn't take what Edward says as serious.      20

 

KING:                        

Edward, simply arising in the morning is a challenge for you.

 

I doubt that France will rise against us.

 

We are of a family that argues and rows, but we do not seek arms

 

against each other.

 

 

 

HENRY:                            

May I say sir, I think the Prince of Wales may have an idea worthy of

 

consideration.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

Sir, I consider your wish to immediately proceed to Jerusalem of vital

 

importance to our country.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

Would there be riches in that, for you my Earl?

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

May I suggest my dear, that you take rest,

 

I can see you struggle to keep your eyes open.

 

 

Edward shows contempt for being, as he sees it, ridiculed.

 

EDWARD:               

Yes father, do as your told.

 

Rest in the knowledge that I too sympathise with your ambitions.

 

My plan is this: when we have levelled the Scots,

 

our entire army will march south to Jerusalem.

 

When we have defeated them, on our return, we could invade Italy,

(EDWARD Continued)                21

 

Gemany and France.

 

I forgot to add the low countries to my list.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Edward, this is no time to be seditious.

 

Scotland and Jerusalem will suffice.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

If that is your wish sir, you have my total loyalty.

 

 

 

KING:                                             

All I ask is that my son Edward doesn't fail me.

 

                       

 

HENRY:                   

Your desires are chronicled sir.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Before I sleep, there is one final wish I have to ask for.

 

My son may not be agreable.

 

It is my wish, and that is for his benefit.

 

.......Piers Gaveston must never return to England.

 

 

Edward hears exactly the opposit of what he hoped for.

 

His temper is rage, as he stands.

 

EDWARD:                

No father, no!

 

You cannot demand that!

 

I willl never allow that.

(EDWARD Continued)                22

 

You cannot ask me to agree to it.

 

It is wrong and unfair, and you are being vindictive.

 

The answer is no, never.

 

I will never sanction that.

 

Even you once said that Piers was a son to you.

 

Edward sits, with his head in his hands.

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

Edward, show respect towards your father.

 

 

 

KING:                                             

Gaveston has of late, had a negative influence on my son.

 

As a result, both have been discourteous to me and my household,

 

causing much resentfulness.

 

The two together show no respect for my court, although when seperately,

 

Edward can be aggreable.

 

Gaveston must never be allowed to return to England.

 

 

 

Edward stands up.

 

EDWARD:               

No father, you cannot say that!

 

This situation is reprensible.

 

Who has bid you to say it?

 

 

 

GUY:                         

The Prince must bide his remarks, when he speaks to the King.

 

Prince Edward makes it clear to Guy who is master.      23

 

EDWARD:               

Warwick, remember this before you speak.

 

Whatever my father wishes are,

 

one day I, will be King.

 

 

 

KING:                        

The King gets weaker.

 

In April this year, I was compelled to exile Gaveston.

 

That conflict between him and Langton disturbed me.

 

Then there were the conflicts between my son and myself,

 

because of Gaveston.

                                 

It is true that I regarded Gaveston as a son. 

 

That changed though, as he got older and more wilful.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Edwards mood lightens.

 

Did you all know, my father almost pulled my head off once!

 

 

Edward sits again.

 

 

 

KING:                        

It is to my eternal shame that on one occaision,

 

I pulled hair from my sons head in frustration during a row over Gaviston.

 

That showed the situation our relationship had deteriorated to. 

 

I demand that Gaveston is never permitted to return to England.

 

 

 

EDWARD:                           

Edwards temper returns. Again he stands up.

(EDWARD Continued)                24

No father!

 

Never, never, never!

 

That must never be allowed.

 

I will never agree to it.

 

You continue to be vindictive towards me.

                                   

 

 

KING:                        

Raising up, the King shouts at Edward.

 

Edward show surprise at being shouted at.

 

Shut up Edward, damn you.

 

While I am King, you will not speak to me in such a manner.

 

Alice my dear, may I trouble you to get me some water to drink?

 

Edward sits down.

 

 

 

ALICE:                               

Yes sir.

 

 

 

Realising things are not going well,

 

Edward seeks support from Henry.

 

EDWARD:               

Henry, please explain to the King how he is wrong about Piers.

 

You have met Piers many times.

 

Is he as bad and evil as the King would have us believe?

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

Henry is aware that whether the King is right or wrong,

 

he is King, and has to be obeyed.

(HENRY Continued)                    25

 

 

Prince Edward, my opinion is niether here nor their.

 

I, and you, must obey the Kings wishes.

 

The King is the final arbitrator.

 

His wishes regarding Gaveston must be executed.

 

 

 

Guy makes a sarcastic comment.

 

(Maybe he has future events in mind.)

 

GUY:                         

Executed, that is a fine word to use my Earl, executed indeed.

 

                                   

 

Margaret is concerned at the Kings continuing weakness.

 

MARGARET:                       

Could we not continue this discussion in the morning.

 

The King is exhausted.

 

 

 

KING:                                             

No, we cannot leave this in retirement until the morning.

 

Things must be concurred before I sleep.

 

Edward is unhappy with the lack of support he is getting.

 

EDWARD:               

Edward stands again to stress his view.

 

No!

 

Damn you Knights.

 

Just wait until I am King, and you need help.

 

I will remind you of this night.

 

The Solway Firth is but yards from this tent.

(EDWARD Continued)                26

 

You may prefer to throw yourselves into it, now that the tide is high.

 

To rid yourselves of what I may do.

 

I tell you this now,

 

Piers Gaveston will return to England!

 

Edward sits.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Gaveston will not return. I forbid it.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

Your order will be maintained your majesty.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

Your majesty, you must rest.

 

Getting anxious will do you no good.

 

 

KING:                                 

Thank you Henry, you are right.

 

 

 

EDWARD:            

My dear Earl Warwick,

 

eventually you must choose where your heart lies.

 

Of course, when I am king I will have a pocket ful of estates,

 

lands, rivers and mountains, to bestow upon my friends.

 

It saddens me so, to know that I have few friends here.

Guy at last realises the danger he is in, because

 

when the King dies, Edward will becomes King.

 

GUY:           27                               

Your majesty,

 

may I speak in defence of the Prince of Wales,

 

while assuring you of my total loyalty?

 

 

 

KING:                        

Of course, Earl Warwick.

                       

 

 

GUY:                         

Prince Edward is not a wayward man,

 

he is niether a layabout nor or a fool.

 

Dare I say, that often, with his witty quips, he brings a smile to the court.

 

We may misunderstand parts of his being, which on reflection,

 

I ask myself, does all that that we dont understand,

 

mean that he is wrong?

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

It pleases me to hear of my beloved step-son,

 

described as you have Earl Warwick.

 

For all of Edwards ways, good and mischievious, he can be,

 

he does have his fathers fight and strength.

 

He is a worthy heir of the King.

 

KING:                                             

These expressions of loyalty to my son warms my heart.

 

I too am proud of him.

 

Often, as he leaves my council, making a merry quip,

 

I curtly bid him to leave, but after he has gone,

 

(KING Continued)                         28

 

I cannot suppress a smile.

 

He is indeed my son.

 

 

Edward now plays Guy at his own game.

 

EDWARD:               

I stand here an embarrased Prince,

 

hearing you all speak so well of me.

 

What am I to do?

 

Father, I appologise for my outbursts.

 

I will accept your stipulations as to the future,

 

not because it is what I want, but because I love and respect you.

           

 

For the first time, the King makes it clear that there are

 

options for the King to chose for a successor.

 

KING:                        

Edward, you must understand this,

 

it is within my remit alone, to appoint my successor.

 

While monarchy usually goes from father to eldest son,

 

I could, should I wish, appoint anyone to succeed me.

 

There is nothing in law to stop me from disinheriting you.

 

But for me, you could become a farm plough man.

 

 

 

EDWARD:            

Father, you wouldn't do that to me, not your devoted son, surely?

 

But, there is no shame in being a farm plough boy,

 

 

 

 

(EDWARD Continued)                29

 

whithout whom, what would we eat?

 

If I were a plough boy, would you father, be my farrier?

 

 

 

KING:                        

If I cannot have credance in you, why should I not look elsewhere?

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Because father, no man in the land worships you more than I.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Tell me that you will not overturn my order for Gaveston,

 

and I may reconsider.

 

 

 

Edward says what the King wants to hear.

 

EDWARD:               

Father, I will not recall Gaveston.

 

 

 

KING:                        

Your words are witnessed by all here.

 

I must sleep now.

 

Everything is ready, for whatever God has planned out for me.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Goodnight father, my love to you.

 

 

 

KING:

Where is Eleanor, where is my wife Eleanor?

 

 

 

MARGARET:                                  30       

Edward my dear, Eleanor has beeen dead some years,remember?

 

 

 

King:

Of course, sorry my dear, I forgot.

 

 

 

MARGARET:                                             

The king is resting now, we must allow him peace.

 

 

 

Edward moves to the near side of the tent to

 

continue the discussion while the King sleeps.

 

EDWARD:               

Gentlemen, let us retire away.

 

 

 

Guy attempts flattery with Edward.

 

GUY:                         

May I say Prince Edward, you have my full and loyal support.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Somehow my dear Warwick, I was expecting you to say that.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

Gentlemen, may I remind you that it would be wrong to make plans against

 

the kings wishes.

                                   

 

 

EDWARD:               

If we are upon the cusp of life and death,

 

of which man, or King, do you refer to, Henry?

 

 

GUY:           31                               

I support the prince, and his father the king.

 

 

 

HENRY:    

As do I Warwick, but my support is an honest one.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

Shall we take some wine?

 

A toast in support of Prince Edward?

 

 

 

HENRY:                            

You never fail to impress me, dear Warwick.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

Good health to the Prince of Wales, and for all he wishes.

 

 

 

EDWARD:               

Warwick, you old fox.

 

While in truth I know that you wish me dead,

 

you still praise me to the last.

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

Maybe you gentlemen should also rest.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

That is an excellent suggestion your majesty.

 

I will retire to my couch.

 

 

 

 

GUY:                                                32                   

I too will take my leave.

 

 

 

Edward and Alice have been friends since childhood.

 

Alice once believed that if Gaveston wasn't in the picture,

 

Edward would marry her. Edward may agree.

 

EDWARD:               

How has the day been for you Alice?

 

 

 

ALICE:                      

It has been a stressful one, seeing the king so ill.

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                                             

Do you think I am wrong to want Piers to return?

 

 

 

ALICE:          

I have known you since we were children,

 

We have retained few secrets of each other.

 

I know you, like I know my own hand.

           

Don't ask me a question where I am condemned by my own answer.

 

What should I say?

 

 

 

EDWARD:                

Am I to translate your reply, as that you still care for me?

 

 

 

ALICE:                      

You know I do, more than you believe.

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                      33                   

What of your husband, my erudite cousin Thomas,

 

are you happy with him?

 

 

 

ALICE:           Begins to weep.

Our marriage is all but over.

 

I know he has a lover, but who it is, I don't know.

 

It was not me that he married, it was my fathers money.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

I did hear talk amounting to that recently.

 

 

 

ALICE:

Where were you to hear that?

 

 

 

EDWARD:

It was in London. On occaision I visit an ale house

 

it's where Piers and I used to meet friends.

 

When I last went there I overheard the conversation of a group of men

 

sat in front of us.

 

They were discussing your Thomas.

 

One belived he had an illegitamate son.

 

I cannot vouch that as truth,

 

I hope it was just ale-house talk.

 

 

 

ALICE:

When was it that you heard that?

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                      34      

About six months ago.

 

Alice, if you divorce Thomas, can we meet, secretly somewhere?

 

 

 

ALICE:

Why must it be in secret?

 

 

 

EDWARD:   

My father would certainly disown me if he knew, he dislikes divorce.

 

 

 

ALICE:

I think you may be wrong.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

I hope I am.

 

 

 

ALICE:

As you have asked me of Thomas,

 

the King did also.

 

I told him as I have just told you.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

What did he say of that?

 

 

 

ALICE:

The King suggested that I attempt to rekindle my

 

friendship with you

 

 

 

EDWARD:

Is that why he has suddeny changed his attitude towards Piers?

ALICE:        35

I told the King that I was unable to compete with Piers.

 

When you are in a stony marriage, it drains your spirit,

 

it takes the glow from your cheeks.

 

While my father and my husband, both have riches,

 

These days I wear clothes that are patched together.

 

I could be happy with that were I with the right man.

 

The right man isn't Thomas.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

Whats happening?

 

...Oh no, father!

 

Alice, we must speak later.

 

 

 

Margaret gasps in shock.

 

MARGARET:                       

Oh no, please God, no........

 

Edward, please urgently summon help.

 

The king is dead.

 

Everyone stands near the Kings bed.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

It is with sadness that I record, the king has died.

 

His heir, Edward Prince of Wales, is now king.

 

God bless the king.

 

GUY:                                              

God bless the king.

 

 

With a new confidence, the new King speaks.                 36

 

EDWARD:               

Gentlemen, by tradition, following a Kings death,

 

I am now the king of this Realm of England.

 

Before his death my father insisted on setting out conditions

 

for me when I inherited the crown.

 

Reluctantly, I agreed to those conditions, for my fathers sake, in his last

 

moments on this earth.

 

Be advised, my statement accepting those conditions,

 

 is now null and void. I reject those conditions in total.

 

Word must be sent immediately to London.

 

A public proclomation must be made as soon as possible.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

But sir, you agreed....

 

 

 

Edward firmly states his position and thoughts.

 

He speaks firmly and slowly.

 

EDWARD:               

But sir, nothing!

 

I am the king, and what I say is what matters.

 

Do not fail to understand me well!

 

The conditions that I was forced to accept were wrong,

 

and against all I stand for.

 

My father had no such hindrances when his father,

 

my grandfather King Henry died.

 

My father was in France when he became king.

 

(EDWARD Continued)                37

 

Two whole years passed, before he returned to England

 

to accept his crown.

 

Is that what you call loyalty to England,

 

to the crown,

 

to duty?

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

Your majesty, with respect to the death of your grandfather

 

king Henry, it pained your father.

 

He was in shock and grief at his loss.

 

I witnessed his Coronation, and saw the grief that he was suffering.

 

Your father was a good and honest man, who loved this land.

 

 

 

Edward makes his love and respect for Henry clear.

 

EDWARD:               

My dear Henry, your loyalty to my father is pleasing to hear.

 

I will not cause you unhappiness by argueing my points with you.

 

I beg you to consider continuing your employment with me.

 

Whatever our thoughts,

 

I am aware I will never find a man more honest,

 

reliable or dependable

 

than yourself.

 

 

 

HENRY:                   

My loyalty and continued service to you sir, is without question.

 

                                   

 

EDWARD:                                      38                   

I appologise to you for my ill manered remarks,

 

directed directly or indirectly to you.

 

 

 

HENRY:                            

Those matters are now forgotten sir.

 

 

 

GUY:                          

May I offer my services to you also, your majesty?

 

 

 

Edward leaves Guy unsure of the future.

 

EDWARD:               

You may, for now.

 

 

 

MARGARET:                       

As before, my love for you sir continues.

 

 

 

Edward expresses his love and loyalty to Margaret.

 

EDWARD:               

Dear lady, my heart bleeds at your sorrow.

 

You will be cared for, as my father would have wished, for the rest of

 

your life without conditions. 

 

           

 

Henry is pleased that Edward shows compassion

 

for both himself and Margaret.

 

HENRY:                   

It pleases me, that you will care for the former Queen Consort.

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                      39                   

I could do no less for a dear lady who was and is, a mother in like to me.

 

 

 

GUY:                                  

Your majesty, of your immediate plans for Scotland?

 

Our army still await orders.

 

 

 

Edward makes his plans clear.

EDWARD:                                                             

These are the kings orders.

 

My fathers complete body will be taken to London,

 

and will be buried within Westminster Abbey.

 

The present outstanding agression with Scotland is over.

 

All men of the army will return to their depots.

 

The invasion against the infidels in Jerusalem will not happen.

 

No armies will be raised for that excursion.

 

Finally,

 

Scouts are to be sent immediately to France, to seek out

 

Piers Gaveston, and return him to London.

 

Make it known, for every hair on his head that is damaged,

 

a man will hang.

 

Is there anyone here who wishes to refute my instructions?

 

 

HENRY:                   

It would appear that we are at one with your wishes sir.

 

 

 

GUY:                         

You do have my word and loyalty sir.         

EDWARD:                                      40                   

Gentlemen, your loyalty refreshes my spirits!

 

Your honesty is another matter.

 

 

Please leave now.

 

Alice, wait.

 

Henry, Guy and Kitty move in silence to front side of tent.

 

Alice and Edward take adjoining chairs.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

When you are free, write to me.

 

 

 

ALICE:

Until a few ago I was free, or as free as I'll ever be,

 

but then I discovered I have an admirer, whom I too am attracted.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

Is that admirer you have in mind, myself?

 

 

 

ALICE:

That was the case once.

 

Lately I have had to bridle the pain,

 

and seek consolation elsewhere.

 

 

 

EDWARD;

My dear Alice, what a fool I've been.

 

 

 

ALICE:

Why did you not stop me when I told you of Thomas?

 

EDWARD:                                      41

I can't answer that. but the truth is,

 

I know that I am fickle, even foolish.

 

Do you understand this: If my father had said I must not ride horses,

 

I would have devoted my life, to riding horses.

 

Just look at the years I've wasted, trying to out-wit my father.

 

Do you understand that?

 

 

 

ALICE:

Because I know you well, I do understand it.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

With you, I could have lived my life without Piers.

 

 

 

ALICE:

It is too late to think like that.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

Are you regecting me forever, without hope?

 

 

 

ALICE:

yes.

 

 

 

KITTY:

Shall I lay the old King out?

 

Twas only a month past ,that I laid out my husband.

 

The only difference was,

 

my husband wasn't dead!

 

Mind you, he was by the time I finished with him.

 

MARGARET:                                  42

Please do what it is, in these situations, that is done.

 

Please treat my husbands body with kindness and respect.

 

 

 

KITTY:

You can trust me my dear.

 

 

 

EDWARD:

Gentlemen, we will reconvene here tomorrow,

 

though it would be more accurate to say, later this morning.

 

There is a new future for us all, when the sun arises on my reign.

 

 

 

GUY: Bows before Edward and leaves.

Your majesty.

 

 

 

Henry: Bows as he speaks, then leaves.

We may discuss in detail later what our immediate plans will be.

 

Goodnight sir.

 

 

 

MARGARET:

Goodnight Edward my dear.

 

I pray God be with you on your journey, wherever it may take you.

 

 

 

KITTY:

Well, that didn't take long did it?

 

I will go home now. Goodnight all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDWARD:                                      43

Goodnight Kitty,

 

Edward hands a bottle to Kitty.

 

Take this, please.

 

 

 

 

 

KITTY:       

Gin!

 

I don't usually drink, but thank you sir.

 

           End.

Author's Note

Play takes place inside basic army tent.