Youth of the Musketeers

Annotation

A play from "The Romance of Violetta-2".
This play is a sub-work, ostensibly co-written by the novel's heroine and Alexandre Dumas (her father). In fact, this play is based on, but in contrast to, Alexandre Dumas's play of the same name. Therefore, while telling almost the same story, it offers a completely different description of the events, a different interpretation, and some different details, leaving out what the author didn't find interesting.
I ignored the rules of unity of place. Because, if anyone cares, quick set changes are not a problem these days, like in popular shows, films, or television plays.

THE YOUTH OF THE MUSKETERS

ACT I

Interior of the Vitry presbytery house in Berry. Lower room, door at the rear, door on the left; window on the right; large fireplace; staircase leading to the second floor.

SCENE ONE

(Jacques stands and waits; Charlotte descending the back stairs; then Claudette.)

CHARLOTTE

Claudette, get your clothes and linens ready so the valet can pick them up in one trip. You were warned we need to leave today, weren't you? Hurry up and make sure your clothes aren't wrinkled, and pack everything neatly.

Claudette

(from the door of his bedroom).

Yes, miss.

CHARLOTTE

(Notice Jacques).

Ah! It's you, Monsieur Jacques! Glad to see you. News from the Viscount?

JACQUES

Yes, mademoiselle, I brought you a letter from the Vicomte. Please, the door was open, I didn't want to ring the bell for fear of disturbing mademoiselle. I went in and simply waited.

CHARLOTTE

A letter? Why didn't he come himself? Isn't he going hunting today? When he goes hunting, he usually passes by this house, but today I didn't have the honor of seeing him. Is he ill?

JACQUES

Lately, when the Viscount went hunting, he did not go further than this house, mademoiselle, and one can understand him.

CHARLOTTE

(Coquettishly)

What can one say? After all, the Viscount's family owns everything in the area! The forests, the meadows, and this house! The Viscount is the absolute master here! Why doesn't he change his mind and give up hunting, opting instead for a simple stroll through the forest and a chat with a kind girl? I'm not so ugly that the Viscount would shun me, am I?

JACQUES

Mademoiselle, you are as beautiful as an angel, and the Viscount has noticed it, believe me! But perhaps he declined the hunting trip, or rather, the visit to you, but not out of free will or illness, but out of prudence.

CHARLOTTE

What prudence are you talking about, Jacques? Do I pose a danger to the Viscount?!

JACQUES

Oh no! What are you saying, mademoiselle! Besides, the Viscount never avoids danger. I believe he abandoned the trip only to avoid upsetting his father, the old Comte de la F;re. Their relationship is already very strained. If the Countess were alive, she would have smoothed over these differences, but, alas! The Count is too proud to make peace with his son, and the Viscount is so much like him in this regard! Two proud men, and neither of whom is willing to be the first to propose peace. From the outside, you wouldn't even guess that they are at odds; they are emphatically polite. If they were receiving guests, those guests would think that the Count and the Viscount have the warmest of relations. But the Count is unwilling to grant the Viscount the freedom he needs like air. Would a man of free will pretend to go hunting just to call on you? If he hasn't come yet, he probably won't come now.

CHARLOTTE

You said, Jacques, that the Viscount didn't come so as not to upset his father. Is the Count displeased with his son's visits to me? What happened that made the Viscount decide to cancel his visit today?

JACQUES

The Count wouldn't have objected to these visits if he hadn't noticed that the Viscount took them very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he'd recently begun avoiding any conversations about meeting the noble ladies of marriageable age the Count was so anxious to see. They'd had a bad conversation yesterday. At first, the conversation had been quiet and calm, but then the Count had grown heated. The Viscount responded calmly, but he was adamant. Then the Count asked point-blank why the Viscount contradicted him on everything and said he thought he knew the reason.

CHARLOTTE

So the Viscount ended up falling out with his father? How unlike a Viscount! I thought he was such a dutiful son! In his conversations, the Viscount speaks of his father with the utmost respect.

JACQUES

The Viscount knows how to control himself, especially when talking to his father. But I noticed his lips trembling and his eyes narrowing.

CHARLOTTE

What was the reason for the argument? You hinted that it might have been his visits to me? What could have displeased his father so much about his visits that it caused a fight?

JACQUES

Perhaps this is connected with the Count's plans. The Count intended to introduce the Viscount to Mademoiselle de la Luss;e.

CHARLOTTE

(Scared)

Oh, really?! Introduce the Viscount to Mademoiselle? We're talking about this orphan who's reputed to be the richest heiress in the country? And therefore considered the most eligible bachelorette in all of France?

(Having calmed down a little)

Hmm! The Viscount doesn't know her, but he's already certain he won't like her? They say she's a beauty! And the Viscount avoids even casual contact with her so much that he even quarreled with his father! Interesting.

JACQUES

It's exactly as you say, mademoiselle. The Count would very much like to meet them, but the Viscount resisted it with all his might.

CHARLOTTE

The Count certainly had this acquaintance in mind for the long term! Why didn't the Viscount give in to his father? Did he object so resolutely?

JACQUES

Horrible, how decisive! The Viscount flatly refused to meet Mademoiselle, citing ill health and the fact that he wasn't ready to meet new young women, lest he raise false hopes. Then the Count told him frankly that these hopes could and should be anything but false. The Viscount thanked the Count for his frank explanation of his parental plans for himself, but even more decisively rejected the meeting. He declared that he wasn't yet ready for a marital relationship, that he didn't want to commit himself to marriage. He declined the Count's proposed trip to Lussey to prevent him from coming to you.

CHARLOTTE

But in the end, he didn't come here either! So he doesn't want to get married? I see. Well, that could be a good thing, or it could be a very bad thing. It depends on what exactly is turning the Viscount away from marriage. He doesn't want to marry Mademoiselle de la Luss;e, or he doesn't want to get married at all. However, this is just thinking out loud; don't pay attention to my question, Jacques. We'll see what the Viscount says when... Thank you for your story. But I completely forgot! You mentioned the letter! Give it here quickly, good Jacques!

(Jacques gives the letter to Charlotte and steps back. Charlotte reads it "to the side," so that the viewer hears it, but Jacques seems not to hear it.)

"Mademoiselle Charlotte, a new priest arrives today to replace your brother, who, due to his long absence, has been considered to have abandoned his service in Vitry." Today!

(Continue reading out loud)

Is a new priest coming today? Is that true?

JACQUES

Yes, mademoiselle! Six months have passed since your brother left, and there is no other priest here. For the local parishioners, as you can imagine, that is too long. Six months without Mass.

CHARLOTTE

(Continues reading "to the side")

"I know how much you cherish this house where you lived with your brother. From today on, this house is yours. I recommend offering the new priest quarters in another presbytery. I have ordered everything necessary for this to be prepared in the pavilion of the castle. So stay at home, do not worry or fret. Trust me. With sincere devotion and affection to you, mademoiselle,
Your devoted servant, Viscount de B."

CHARLOTTE

Why did he sign it like that?

JACQUES

The County of La F;re adjoins the Viscounty of Bragelonne. Together, these properties constitute the property of the Comte de La F;re. His father bequeathed this viscountcy to his son, so he bears the name and title of the estate he already owns. Upon the death of the old count, the viscount will also inherit the County of La F;re and will be known as the Comte de La F;re, Viscount de Bragelonne. However, as a rule, nobles retain only the most basic title in their name.

CHARLOTTE

Not always! I heard that the Duke de La Rochefoucauld could have been called Prince Marsillac, but he preferred to be called Duke.

JACQUES

The rich and noble have their quirks. Will Mademoiselle have an answer, written or verbal?

CHARLOTTE

This is unnecessary, Jacques. I hope to see the Viscount today. Reading my letter will only delay the meeting, while not having a letter will hasten it.

JACQUES

As you say, mademoiselle.

CHARLOTTE

Yes, I will wait and thank him personally.

(Jacques bows and leaves)


SCENE TWO

(Charlotte is alone)

CHARLOTTE

The time has come! If I had to leave this house, pay new rent, increase my expenses, my resources would be exhausted within a month. So, this house is mine. Not a very rich estate! It will do for a start. All this is only a prelude to my future possession. The real value is there. The castle. Wealth. Nobility and all that follows. Luxury. Servants and footmen. Yes, but for now these are just dreams, a dream. The count's castle is there. The castle of the count and soon the countess! A county with a three-hundred-year pedigree. Noble like Montmorency, Poitiers, Grammont. It was not very tactful to settle me in this poor house near this magnificent castle. If this is the sum of my life, all I can hope for is humiliating! Especially for a proud girl like me. But perhaps this was done deliberately? To further inflame my desire to move there? Seeing the castle towers from your window every day is a temptation! But the proverb is a lie: "To be able to see whenever you want is to possess." A lie! To see is to desire. And to possess... Oh!.. That's something entirely different!

(Claudette enters.)

Claudette, don't pack your things. Put them back where they belong.

Claudette

(on the landing with clothes).

Yes, mademoiselle. Shall we stay here longer?

CHARLOTTE

As much as we wish! This house is now mine.

Claudette

Congratulations, mademoiselle!

CHARLOTTE

Thank you. But that's nothing. I need something completely different. Although my chances have increased. Now I have more time, which means more opportunities. Claudette, would you like to be the Viscountess's maid?

Claudette

Is Mademoiselle firing me?

CHARLOTTE

Quite the opposite! I intend to become a viscountess, and then, perhaps, a countess. Help me. Perhaps the viscount will go hunting after all! If only so that, on his way back, he can pass by my new house once more and see how I am. Hear my gratitude. And he will be pleased to refresh himself with a sip of wine. Put wine and fruit on the table. Draw the curtains.

(Claudette complies and places the fruit and pitcher on the table.)

Ah! There, in the gaps between the trees, I think I see a horseman galloping towards us! My God, what a fast gallop! He doesn't spare his horse at all. It's him! He's coming this way. Excellent! Claudette, I don't need you anymore. Go away. No, not that way, through the other exit.

(Claudette leaves)

SCENE THREE

(The Viscount enters)

VISCOUNT

I saw you from afar at your window, Charlotte. Why did you move away from the window when I drove up?

CHARLOTTE

You see, Viscount! To come out of the house to meet you!

VISCOUNT

Is this true? Thank you! That's so nice! And encouraging.

(Kisses her hand)

CHARLOTTE

You're very late today! What kept you? Is everything alright? Is the Count well?

VISCOUNT,

Thank you, Count, thank God, I'm well. There's no reason to worry. But I wrote to you. Did you read it? Did Jacques give you my letter?

CHARLOTTE

Oh, yes! You are infinitely kind to me, Viscount! Why are you giving me, a poor girl without means, a creature of no importance, such sumptuous gifts? An entire house! Of course, by right of my birth I could have much more than this, but now I am in a situation where I don’t even know how I will live tomorrow! And you, Viscount, you are so kind to me! Believe me, I am very grateful to you! I hope that someday I will be able to repay you so as not to burden you with these expenses.

VISCOUNT

Charlotte, don't say that! You don't owe me anything. This house is yours, no strings attached.

CHARLOTTE

You are so noble, Viscount! There are so many men in the world who would expect such gratitude, which in the eyes of some women is a trifle, but for me is an exorbitant price for anything! I'm afraid I shouldn't accept this gift either. Perhaps it would be better if I refused it. I would have done so immediately and more decisively if I weren't afraid of offending you with my refusal! Therefore, I needed to explain. Tell Viscount that you will not be angry at my refusal of this gift, that we will remain friends, and I will refuse your gift with a light heart. Claudette and I will leave tomorrow.

VISCOUNT.

Don't say that, Charlotte! Your refusal to accept this humble hut breaks my heart. You don't owe me any thanks for it. In fact, I should thank you for condescending to accept it from me. Let's just say I need a place to stop by on my way back from hunting! I'd be delighted to stop here for a moment, drink a glass of water, and hear a kind word from you.

CHARLOTTE

Viscount, you're frightening me! So you're hiring me to be the guardian of this hovel? And in return, to wait on you whenever you'd like to stop by? But you're mistaken! I'm no lorette! My God, how cruel fate has been that I could have been reduced to such a state that such a noble man as you, Viscount, could even think for a second that I could be hired as a servant, or worse! I'm leaving immediately!

VISCOUNT

Forgive me, you misinterpreted my words! Charlotte, you don't owe me anything, you don't have to meet me. You'll be doing me a favor if you simply agree to settle here and live in this house for as long as you find convenient. You don't have to stay here. But if you decide to linger in this house until such time as I can offer you something better... Something more... In short, something you deserve... It will happen very soon! I beg you to agree to accept this house, at least for a while!

CHARLOTTE

I could, of course, live here for a while. Just for a short while, until my departure, which will be very soon. That issue is settled.

VISCOUNT

Why are you so determined to leave? Do you want to leave Vitry? Leave Blois? I will follow you! Do you intend to leave France? Impossible! What is driving you to flee from here? I hope you are not fleeing from me? I hope I have not offended you with a single word or thought and have not deserved such treatment. Disdain. If I am repulsive to you, at least be indulgent of my feelings for you. Charlotte! I am going mad! What is stopping you from being by my side? What is driving you away from me?

CHARLOTTE

Viscount, you are a very kind, noble man. But so much the worse for me. We can't continue these meetings. When a nobleman visits a poor, unknown girl too often, the girl will become a source of ill repute. First, your servants will think God knows what of me...

VISCOUNT

My servants would never dare even think of insulting you, Charlotte! All those who are permitted to lay eyes on you treat you with the utmost respect. It could not be otherwise!

CHARLOTTE

This area isn't just populated by your servants. You can't stop people from saying whatever they want about me, and even if you could shut their mouths, you can't control their thoughts. I can't bear to think that any of them might consider me your concubine!

VISCOUNT

What are you saying, Charlotte? It's unthinkable! Just one look at you, and it will be clear to anyone that you are a heavenly angel, descended to earth simply to ennoble with your presence any place you deign to dwell in!

CHARLOTTE

If people find out that you gave me this house, everyone will draw their own conclusions from it.

VISCOUNT

Should we worry about the opinions of those who judge everyone by themselves?

CHARLOTTE

A man with a sword, a nobleman of high rank, needn't worry about what the commoners say about him. But a girl from a good family, an orphan left without means of support due to unfortunate circumstances, cannot accept a house as a gift without it casting an indelible shadow on her reputation. A girl supported by a man who is not her husband is rightly called a kept woman. Is that really how you want people to think of me? I'd rather drown myself!

VISCOUNT

What a terrible thought! Charlotte! What should I do? I only wanted to give you a small gift! If your brother were here with you now, I would give him this house! And then no one would think you were my kept woman! First, I would take him hunting with me, and everyone would see that we were friends. After that, my gift wouldn't arouse any suspicion!

CHARLOTTE

My brother is a priest, and priests don't hunt.

VISCOUNT

I missed that. But it would still be easier! I would give this house to the church, and you and he would live in it.

CHARLOTTE

All this doesn’t work because my brother is no longer here, he left.

VISCOUNT

It's a pity!

CHARLOTTE

Why should you attach yourself to me? A different destiny awaits you! Your father, the venerable Count, wishes you to marry Mademoiselle de la Luss;e, who is young, beautiful, noble, and whose fortune will double your income! You will be perfectly happy with her! I will know that you have found happiness, and this will be a great consolation to me, perhaps the last joy accessible to me, a poor orphan! Do this for me! Be happy, give me a reason to rejoice for you! And I... I will retire to some monastery, and spend my whole life praying to God to send upon your dear family all the joys in the world that are possible. What bliss that is! To think of you, to pray for you, to love you... God! I think I said too much! I didn't mean to say that at all!

VISCOUNT

No, no, speak up! I love you too, Charlotte! Don't you know that I refused not only marriage, but even the mere acquaintance of Mademoiselle de la Luss;e? My father thinks I've insulted this ancient family by doing so! So be it! I can decide for myself who I want to meet and who I want to avoid.

CHARLOTTE

Oh my God! The last thing I need is for you to quarrel with your father because of me! He'll disinherit you!

VISCOUNT

So be it! I'll renounce my inheritance just to see you! Don't leave, I beg you!

CHARLOTTE

No, this cannot be allowed! I cannot be the cause of your misfortune, your poverty. If I must live in poverty, let it be my fate, but not yours, Viscount! Ah, why weren't you born into a family less rich, less noble?! I might have hoped that our love could have been crowned... But, God, I'm saying the wrong thing again! Forget my words, Viscount! Be happy with the one your worthy father has chosen for you! I do not wish to be the cause of your disobedience to your father, do you hear me? I will not survive the remorse for having destroyed your happiness.

VISCOUNT

Listen to me, mademoiselle! You will destroy my happiness if you leave here forever! I cannot bear it!

CHARLOTTE

Viscount...

VISCOUNT

(Approaching Charlotte)

Please listen to me, Charlotte. You've been living here in Vitry for fourteen months now. You arrived here with your brother. Not only are you young and beautiful, you also possess every virtue a girl could have. Your brother, the priest Georges Backson, was always gloomy and loved solitude. But you were always so kind to him! Your touching care for him amazed me; I began to take a closer look at you and discovered true treasures in your soul! You are an angel; no matter how much I praise you, it will not be enough to describe your best qualities. I firmly believe that there is no better girl in the world than you. If not for my father, I would have asked for your hand in marriage long ago!

CHARLOTTE

But your father is against you marrying me!

VISCOUNT

I didn’t ask him, but I’m afraid he will be against it, and it will be simply impossible to talk about this topic a second time.

CHARLOTTE

You see, Viscount! Our happiness, alas, is impossible!

VISCOUNT

I will ignore his objections.

CHARLOTTE

I will never marry you against your father's wishes. Without his blessing, you won't be happy, and therefore, neither will I!

VISCOUNT

Are you so concerned about my inheritance and title?

CHARLOTTE

I've already told you that I care about you, Viscount! As for me, I would prefer you to be a simple chevalier!

VISCOUNT

But, Charlotte! What should I do ? I love you!

CHARLOTTE

Viscount! Don't say that! My heart will burst with happiness and grief at the same time!

VISCOUNT

Mine too! Let's die together!

CHARLOTTE

There's time for that. Wait, Viscount, I've got an idea.

VISCOUNT

Go ahead, Charlotte, I agree to everything!

CHARLOTTE

Your father. After all, he's already old! We could have kept him from telling him about our engagement. We could have resolved this matter without his consent, but also without his curse. After all, he's old. And, it seems, seriously ill.

VISCOUNT

I understand. Postpone the wedding until the count's death?

CHARLOTTE

Well, why bother? We could marry secretly. In that case, I'd be your legal wife, and then... Perhaps we won't have to wait that long for the time when you can freely announce our marriage.

VISCOUNT

Well, I'm ready to go for it. Tell me, Charlotte, can at least your brother be present at our wedding?

CHARLOTTE

What do you need it for?

VISCOUNT

You don't seem to want this? Why? After all, I noticed that you love him! Did he offend you in some way? There's some secret here! You lived so harmoniously with him here, in this house. But one night he disappeared. It looks like an escape.

CHARLOTTE

Oh! My Lord Viscount, believe me, he had his reasons, and it had nothing to do with me.

VISCOUNT

I believe you, Charlotte, and if this isn't your secret, let's forget about it forever. If you don't want him at our wedding, or if he can't, let's forget about that too.

CHARLOTTE

Listen, Viscount, if you have decided to take me as your wife, you must know whom you are going to marry.

(Charlotte goes to the closet and takes out parchments from it, hands them to the Viscount)

Read this, Viscount. These documents will prove to you that Charlotte Buckson is of sufficiently noble blood not to disgrace the line of the Viscount, the sole heir of the Comte de La F;re!

VISCOUNT

I don't want to know this, Charlotte! I love you just the way you are! No papers can add anything to my love!

CHARLOTTE

Viscount, I insist! Read this now so you will never doubt me again.

VISCOUNT

Ah, what's the point of all this? Well, if you demand it...

(reads)

"William Buckson, gentleman of Wales..."

CHARLOTTE

My father.

VISCOUNT

(reads)

"Anna de Bray..."

CHARLOTTE

My mother. My elder brother, from his first marriage, was supposed to inherit our entire fortune. By right of entail. My second brother, the one you knew, Georges, was ordained a priest. Georges and I inherited nothing. He took me with him because it was better for two to live on the priest's modest income than for one to live without a livelihood. I had long since lost my father and mother. My elder brother could have given Georges and me some share of our parents' inheritance, but he disliked our mother, and his stepmother. And he transferred this dislike to Georges and me. He left us without a livelihood. And although by right of entail he inherited our father's entire fortune, he could and should have given us an inheritance from our mother, who, after all, was far from poor either! But he persuaded my father, while he was still alive, to formalize this part of our family's property as an indivisible share, so that he inherited not only the entire inheritance from his father and his mother, but also from Georges and my mother, without leaving us a penny.

VISCOUNT

What baseness!

(Continues reading the papers)

Your father in 1612... Forgive me! Your mother in 1615... My condolences! Poor child!

(Gives her the papers)

CHARLOTTE

So, you all know everything about me. At least, I don’t know much more myself!

VISCOUNT

So, you're an orphan, Charlotte? You have no one to ask for a blessing for this marriage, and your brother's whereabouts are unknown?

CHARLOTTE

Alone in the whole wide world! And defenseless! All I have left is my good name. That's why I value it so much!

VISCOUNT

Nobody has any rights over you?

CHARLOTTE

Nobody!

VISCOUNT.

Do you love me, Charlotte? Will you consent to become my wife, first in secret, and then… In short, are you not afraid that I will disregard my old father's blessing?

CHARLOTTE

Viscount, I've already told you that I love you! And if I hadn't, wouldn't you have seen it in my eyes?

VISCOUNT.

Will you repeat this confession at the altar?

CHARLOTTE

If necessary, a thousand times! Monsieur Viscount, I love you and agree to become your wife.

VISCOUNT

Charlotte Buckson, I invite you to become my wife!

CHARLOTTE

From now on and forever – I agree!

VISCOUNT

In half an hour, Jacques will bring you your fianc;'s gifts, Charlotte. These are diamonds from my mother, who will send us her blessing from heaven. The box will also contain a sapphire ring. I know it's a stone of sorrow, but for me, it's a memory of my mother, who removed it from her finger, bidding me farewell forever, a minute before her death. In this box, everything that now belongs to you, my future wife!

CHARLOTTE

Your wife will accept your gift and thank you, Olivier! These jewels will not leave the family. But I will be pleased to look at them and think about our soon-to-be wedding!

VISCOUNT

In an hour, I'll be waiting for you in the chapel; the bell will give you the signal. Come there alone. Wear jewelry or not, do as your heart tells you. I love you just the way you are. But jewelry will make you a little more my wife. Today has already been the happiest day of my life! I hope it's yours too! And the end of this day promises so much more! Until then, Charlotte, my love!

CHARLOTTE

See you in the chapel, my husband!

(The Viscount kisses Charlotte's hand and leaves)

CHARLOTTE

Viscountess! It came true! And the documents came in handy! Georges is a master at this! He drew them so well you can't tell them apart from the real thing! Soon I'll be a viscountess, and then, maybe, the Countess de la F;re! Countess! Yes, sir!


SCENE FOUR

(Charlotte is alone)

CHARLOTTE

In an hour I'll be a viscountess! And then, not long after, I'll be the Countess de la F;re! Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined this!

(Jacques enters)

JACQUES

Madam, the Viscount ordered this box to be brought to you.

CHARLOTTE

Madam? But you called me simply Mademoiselle! What happened?

JACQUES

The Viscount told me to call you that.

CHARLOTTE

Oh, yes! Give me the box!

(Takes the box)

Thank you, Jacques, you are free.

JACQUES

The Viscount also asked me to convey his deepest apologies for not being able to...

CHARLOTTE

He can't?! Oh my God! What happened?!

JACQUES

He won't be able to arrange everything by the appointed time. He asked you to be in the chapel at six o'clock. The new vicar hasn't arrived yet, so the wedding will have to be postponed a bit.

CHARLOTTE

(Having calmed down)

Ah, just a delay. God, how you scared me, Jacques! Well, by six o'clock, I understood. Okay, you can go.

(Jacques bows and leaves)

CHARLOTTE

(Sits down and opens the box, sorting through the jewelry)

This is mine now!

(Goes through the jewelry and tries it on).

Is it possible? I've never seen such magnificent diamonds! And what have I ever seen? Almost nothing! What occasionally passes through my hands doesn't even compare to this magnificence! And this sapphire isn't bad either! The stone of sorrow! What superstitions!

(Puts a sapphire ring on her finger and goes to the mirror)

Looks good! Suits my eyes.

(A man appears in the doorway.)

Who are you? What do you want? Claudette! Where are you? Over here, quickly!

SCENE FIVE

(Charlotte and the Stranger)

STRANGER

Claudette left, I let her go.

CHARLOTTE

Who are you? I warn you, I am under the Viscount's protection!

UNKNOWN

Are you Miss Charlotte Buckson?

CHARLOTTE

It's me. What's next?

UNKNOWN

Don't rush, it's not in your best interests. You'll find out everything soon enough.

(He walks into the room and sits down in the chair opposite Charlotte)

CHARLOTTE

I demand an answer: who are you and what do you want from me?

UNKNOWN

I am Georges' brother.

CHARLOTTE

Georges' brother? Did he have a brother?

UNKNOWN

It's very accurately said: was. Because now everything is in the past for him. Including me. And you, mademoiselle.

CHARLOTTE

Are you saying that Georges died?

UNKNOWN

Not quite, madam. He didn't die. He was murdered.

CHARLOTTE

(Calmed down, but feigning fear)

What a horror!

UNKNOWN

I don't believe, madam, that you are truly saddened by this. I think you are quite satisfied with this outcome.

CHARLOTTE

This is slander, but I understand your situation and do not judge you. Who killed him?

UNKNOWN

You, mademoiselle.

CHARLOTTE

What are you saying! Are you out of your mind? How could I? I don't need this, and I physically couldn't do such a thing!

UNKNOWN

You certainly didn't kill him with your own hands, but you killed him with your actions.

CHARLOTTE

I thought you were out of your mind. What are you saying?

UNKNOWN

I repeat, mademoiselle, you killed my brother. He was a simple monk. You were sent to a monastery for your past sins. I have learned that you were not sent there because of the death of your parents. You were sent for re-education! Special care was established for you. You are a juvenile delinquent, and the servants of God hoped to rehabilitate you, to bring you closer to God. Many criminals in the past have changed their lives after entering a monastery. Some even became saints. But not you, mademoiselle!

CHARLOTTE

You have false information, you are slandering me, you are overexcited in connection with the death of your brother. I ask you to leave me alone.

UNKNOWN

You are mistaken, madam. I am not agitated, I am completely calm. My information about you is reliable; I have double-checked it several times. Different people have confirmed the same thing to me. You have many sins on your conscience. But that is of no concern to me. If you were sent to a monastery, it means those who ordered it believed you could still reform. But they were mistaken. You seduced my brother, on your advice he stole the sacraments, you escaped from the monastery together and sold these sacraments, turning them into money! You lived with him in sin, convincing everyone that you were brother and sister. But those you robbed turned to justice, and justice caught up with him. He was the primary suspect, as the main culprit! He was considered the organizer of all your crimes. I don’t know for what reason, but no one was looking for you. Apparently, no one expected to find you, knowing your knack for disguises. I warned Georges it was dangerous for him to stay here, and he fled during the night.

CHARLOTTE

You see for yourself that he fled from here, and we never saw each other again! How can I be guilty of his death?

UNKNOWN

Don't rush, madam. I'll tell you everything in order. Georges, as you know, loved you very much. He hoped that as soon as they stopped looking for him, he would return for you and you would leave for Canada together. But this didn't happen. He learned that you were being courted by a viscount whose castle was nearby. So he wrote you a letter in which he begged you to leave this place and come to him.

CHARLOTTE

I didn't receive it.

UNKNOWN

That's a lie, madam. You not only received this letter, you responded to it.

CHARLOTTE

How do you know?

UNKNOWN

I know because Georges showed me this letter. I have it. You told him that you no longer loved him, that everything was over between you, and that he should never write to you again, never seek to meet you, and that he should disappear from your life forever.

CHARLOTTE

A girl can fall out of love with the man who dumped her. It happens. What am I to blame for?

UNKNOWN

It's your fault that you first made my brother a criminal and then broke his heart!

CHARLOTTE

Every person is responsible for himself!

UNKNOWN

My brother is two years younger than you! He's practically still a child! You seduced him! You never loved him, you simply used him to escape the monastery! To you, he wasn't a person, just a means to an end!

CHARLOTTE

These are your speculations.

UNKNOWN

This might have been the case if I hadn't learned your story! But I know who you are!

CHARLOTTE

Why should I listen to this?

UNKNOWN

You will listen to me, because my dead brother speaks through me, blaming you for his death! When he learned that you had fallen out of love with him, he returned to the monastery and voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.

CHARLOTTE

It's his choice!

UNKNOWN

He was sentenced to five years in prison, but first the executioner had to brand his shoulder with a royal lily.

CHARLOTTE

What cruel laws! You yourself said he's essentially still a child! Why weren't the authorities lenient towards him?

UNKNOWN

The weight of your crimes fell upon him! The prosecutor read out the story of your crimes, and he was named as your accomplice. If you had seen the look on Georges' face as he listened to the prosecutor's speech! He turned pale, his face was completely lost! But when he was given the floor, he admitted to being the mastermind behind the crimes and even took responsibility for the crimes you committed before you even met him. He was trying to shield you, the primary and most important culprit!

CHARLOTTE

This is not slander! I am innocent!

UNKNOWN

I'm not slandering; what I'm telling you is the pure truth. After his speech, Georges was beside himself. Even when they branded him, when the red-hot metal in the furnace seared his shoulder, he didn't scream. It was as if he felt nothing. Because his soul ached more than his body!

CHARLOTTE

How can you know this?

UNKNOWN

This is the most interesting thing for you, madam. The fact is, I know this because my profession is executioner. I am the executioner of the city of Lille. That's why I had to brand my own brother.

CHARLOTTE

It's horrible!

UNKNOWN

The terrible thing is that Georges was horrified by your crimes, but he continued to love you, taking your sin upon his soul. A triple grief befell him: spurned love, public disgrace, and enormous disappointment in you, madam. He couldn't bear it. The next morning, he was found dead in his cell. He had torn his clothes, made a rope out of them, and hanged himself from the prison window.

CHARLOTTE

It's all terrible, but it's unbearable to listen to. If you're his brother, why are you retelling it to me in such gruesome detail? Do you enjoy it? Wouldn't it be better to forget it all, like a bad dream?

UNKNOWN

I would like to forget it, but every night I see my brother in my dreams, asking me to visit you and tell you of his terrible fate.

CHARLOTTE

Well, you have fulfilled his request, and now go away.

UNKNOWN

I suggest you return to the monastery immediately, confess your sin, and then devote your entire life to atoning for your and Georges's sin. If you pray for his soul, I will forgive you.

CHARLOTTE

What nonsense! You're out of your mind! Leave me alone! I'm not going to any monastery! I'm getting married!

UNKNOWN

Take my advice and go to a monastery. It will be better that way, madam, believe me. Better for his soul, and for you. Turn to the Lord. He is merciful, He will forgive you.

CHARLOTTE

Get out of here.

UNKNOWN

Is this your final decision?

CHARLOTTE

Get out of here, I tell you, and don't even think about coming back here. Forget about me, forget this whole story!

UNKNOWN

Forget Georges? Forget your crimes? Are you serious?

CHARLOTTE

Get out of here and don't you dare bother me again, otherwise I'll complain to the Viscount and he'll deal with you!

UNKNOWN

If you have decided so, I will leave, madam, but first I will do one little thing.

(He goes to the fireplace, throws some wood into it, then takes an iron rod with a brand on the end out of his travel bag and places it into the fire)

CHARLOTTE

What are you doing? By what right?

UNKNOWN

Look at this fire, madam, do you see how it burns?

(Charlotte looks at the fire, the unknown person suddenly grabs Charlotte by the hands and deftly ties them behind her back)

CHARLOTTE

What's wrong? Help!

UNKNOWN

Don't worry, madam, I know my business, I'll do everything quickly.

CHARLOTTE

What are you planning?

UNKNOWN

I will simply leave you with a reminder of your sin and of Georges that will be with you throughout your life.

CHARLOTTE

What is this? What do you want to do to me?

UNKNOWN

I will simply brand you, exactly the same as I was forced to brand my brother Georges because of you.

CHARLOTTE

This is lynching! You have no right!

UNKNOWN

Of course, madam, I have no right to take this lynching. Just as you had no right to do what you did in your short life. Need I remind you? Look at this ring! Does it look familiar? And also at this necklace. Does it remind you of anything?

(Shows Charlotte the ring and necklace)

CHARLOTTE

Ah! My God! Where did you get this? You are the devil!

UNKNOWN

No, I am the finger of God, and the devil is here, madam! But from now on, his seal will be on you forever!

(He approaches the fireplace and takes the branding iron, the horse's brand being heated to red hot)

If you're in such a hurry to get to your wedding, you'll still make it. It'll only take three minutes, no more.

(The Unknown Man approaches Charlotte with a brand, blocking her from the audience with his back. Charlotte screams, after which the Unknown Man picks up his travel bag and leaves.)

CHARLOTTE

God! It hurts so much!

Claudette's Voice

Madam! Look at this wonderful dress the Viscount sent you!

(Blackout)


SCENE SIX

(Morning, the same room, but luxuriously decorated, Charlotte is asleep in bed, there is a luxurious bouquet of flowers on the table, the table is set for breakfast with elegant dishes, on the right near the wall there is an open wardrobe in which luxurious dresses hang. Claudette enters)

Claudette

Madam, it's time to get up , the Viscount will be arriving soon!

CHARLOTTE

Oh, Claudette, I slept so soundly! I had the most wonderful dream! It was as if the old count had finally died, and we were having our wedding again , but instead of a secret one, we were having a real one, with guests, a feast, and dancing! Not like it really was! Hand me my robe!

(Claudette hands over a robe, Charlotte puts it on and goes to the closet)

What should I wear?

Claudette

Madam, you are beautiful in any dress!

CHARLOTTE

The Viscount thinks so too, but I don't want to be boring. If I always look the same, the Viscount will fall out of love with me and annul our secret marriage!

Claudette

It's impossible, madam! The Viscount loves you so much!

CHARLOTTE

How can you know? It's impossible to look into a person's heart! And what a person says is of no consequence! If the Viscount wants our marriage to be public, since I only agreed to become his true wife after that, he'll easily talk about love! Just like me, who wants not just to be married to him secretly in a chapel, but to become his real wife, to live in a castle, have many servants, and manage his property! But in a real marriage, everything can be different. The charm of novelty will wear off, everyone will get what they want, and then...

Claudette

And yet, I'm convinced the Viscount truly loves you, after all, he refused such a bride! I can only imagine her disappointment!

CHARLOTTE

(Laughs)

Yes, I'd love to see her sour face! But the Viscount doesn't keep company with them, so I won't get to enjoy that spectacle! However, when I'm a Viscountess in every sense of the word—that is, when I'm a Countess—I'll persuade Olivier to make their acquaintance, so that I can triumph over her not in absentia, but face to face, so to speak! But not until the old Count has passed away, and I become the Countess de La F;re!

Claudette

You've already mentioned the Count's death twice. Be careful, madam, lest you invite disaster!

CHARLOTTE

You dare tell me what to do?

Claudette

Sorry, madam, I got carried away.

CHARLOTTE

I'm not angry, but be more respectful from now on, because I am practically a viscountess! Although this hasn't been made public yet, and I'm forced to huddle here in this miserable hovel. Well, I'll confess to you. I won't be too upset if the old count passes away. It's high time. I wouldn't want to become a countess in my declining years. I want to start living as soon as possible.

Claudette

I hear the sound of hooves! The Viscount is coming!

CHARLOTTE

He'll walk in here without knocking! I won't have time to change. It would be nice to go back to bed and pretend to be asleep. But God knows where that might lead! And if Olivier gets what he wants, he might think my move to the castle unnecessary! I don't relish the prospect of remaining a secret wife and living in this hovel. Get dressed, now!

(Charlotte pointed to one of the dresses and went into the next room. Claudette took off the dress and followed Charlotte with it. As soon as they left, there was a knock at the door.)

THE VOICE OF THE VISCOUNT

Charlotte, may I come in? It's me, Olivier! Charlotte, are you home? May I come in?

(The Viscount enters the room)

She's not here? Where is she?

CHARLOTTE'S VOICE

Olivier! I'm right there, I'm getting dressed!

VISCOUNT

Don't rush, Charlotte, I'll wait.

(Charlotte comes out luxuriously dressed, followed by Claudette)

CHARLOTTE

Olivier! You're early today! I'm so glad to see you!

VISCOUNT

Charlotte, I came to inform you of a misfortune.

CHARLOTTE

(Scared)

What's happened?!

VISCOUNT

Count, my father... He died this morning.

CHARLOTTE

(With feigned horror)

Oh my God! What a disaster! Olivier, my dear, this is terrible!

(He embraces the Viscount and presses him to his chest)

I would like to attend the funeral. But it's impossible, because no one knows I'm your wife! Your society won't understand my presence!

VISCOUNT

Charlotte, you're not a nobody, you're my wife! It wouldn't be appropriate to have a wedding right after my father's death, but it's perfectly polite to announce the fact. I'll let everyone know you've been my legal wife for two weeks now! So your presence at my father's funeral won't embarrass anyone.

CHARLOTTE

As you say, my dear! I will be where you command me, and I will fulfill the duties you impose upon me. Go then, my dear, to the castle. Your presence is needed there. And send Jacques for me with a carriage. In the meantime, I'll pack my things so I can come to you.

VISCOUNT

The Countess de la F;re will not travel to her castle in any carriage. I have given the orders. The carriage is already on its way and will be here for you. For us. We will travel in it together. Don't bother with your things; Claudette will pack your things, and she and Jacques will bring them to our house by evening. Take only the essentials.

(Charlotte rushes to the Count and hugs him around the neck, but then quickly moves away from him)

Olivier! I would say I'm happy, but I can't lie to you. I'm not happy because you're not happy. You're saddened by the Count's death, and I'm saddened too. Although we never met, I fell in love with him with all my heart, as far as I know him from your stories. I can't ride with you in the carriage without a mourning cape.

VISCOUNT

I know. I brought a mourning cape and a dress. I'm embarrassed to offer you a dress from my mother's wardrobe, but we won't have time to sew a new one. Besides, you and she are the same height, and she was as slender as you.

CHARLOTTE

Then let's go! Don't worry, Olivier, I can wear dresses from your late mother's wardrobe for a while—but not for long! After all, I'm wearing her diamonds.

(The Viscount and Charlotte exit)

Claudette

(Teases)

"I would say that I am happy, but I am very saddened by the Count's death!" Just think! I would believe her words if I didn't know she was triumphant! She is truly happy that the Count is dead! However... Perhaps she really is sad? For a week now, she has suddenly become very solicitous. Every day she sent the Count cherries from our garden. Simply biblical solicitude! After all, she asked Jacques not to tell the Count where these fruits were from! She said that if the Count found out that she sent them, he would have them given to the pigs. And she, poor thing, is so worried about his health! Well, today these cherries will remain here. Jacques will not come for them. He will come for the lady's things, and the cherries... They are no longer needed. I can freely eat them myself!

(He approaches the basket of cherries and extends his hand, but then hesitates)

No, I don't think I'm going to eat this cherry! I'll throw it out the window!

(Resolutely throws the basket out the window)

Knowing our mistress, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that... Perhaps I should find another mistress? But the mistress will now be a countess! She'll give me an excellent salary! She promised! And the cherries... What am I afraid of? Besides, it's not proven! And besides, the count was so old and so ill!

(Curtain)

SCENE SEVEN

(A bedroom in the castle of the Count de La F;re, Charlotte lies on the bed, covered with a light blanket, the Count de La F;re stands next to her with his back to her)

GRAPH

This fainting spell has been going on for too long . She needs to be brought back to her senses with something with a rare scent . What is this remedy?

( He takes the bottle, opens it, sniffs it carefully and quickly moves his face away from the bottle)

That's what we need. Let's try it.

(Brings the bottle to Charlotte's face)

CHARLOTTE

And what?!

GRAPH

So you've come to your senses!

CHARLOTTE

How did I end up here, Olivier?

(Looks at himself under the blanket)

Why am I wearing no clothes at all?

GRAPH

Madam, please address me by my title, I beg you, call me Count.

CHARLOTTE

What strange fantasies are these, Olivier? Since when do you not like it when I call you by your first name?

GRAPH

This is necessary, madam, and I ask you to leave the familiar tone, we need to talk and very seriously.

CHARLOTTE

What are you talking about? ... Okay, what are you talking about, Count?

GRAPH

Yes, that's right. And I will be asking the questions, and you, madam, will deign to answer them with all the frankness befitting a married woman answering questions from her lawful husband.

CHARLOTTE

I don't understand anything, but I obey, my Count.

GRAPH

Do you recall, madam, that we were hunting together today? We cornered a boar on a sandy beach, leaving it with nowhere to retreat. I was about to shoot it, but unfortunately my gun misfired, and then the boar, defending itself, suddenly attacked your horse.

CHARLOTTE

Oh, yes, I remember! I was so scared! I think the horse reared and I fell out of the saddle! I don't remember anything after that!

GRAPH

It is quite true that you hit your head, but perhaps fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, the sand and soft grass softened your fall, so that, as far as I can judge, you did not receive any injuries.

CHARLOTTE

Thank God! This is great luck!

GRAPH

Perhaps so, but who knows, madam? Perhaps if there had been rocky ground beneath our horses' feet, it would have been a blessing from God?

CHARLOTTE

But then I could have killed myself!

GRAPH

Then I would bury you with all the honors that the representatives of the Count de La F;re family deserve.

CHARLOTTE

What a horror! What are you talking about, Olivier?

GRAPH

Please do not forget my request, madam, call me as I asked you.

CHARLOTTE

You must have fallen off your horse and hit your head too. Why are you taking such a tone with me?

GRAPH

Madam, you fell on the sand and lost consciousness. I dismounted to render aid. Your Amazonian hunting attire seemed to be constricting your chest unnecessarily, and I needed to restore your breathing. The first thing I did was cut your jacket and blouse with my dagger. And then I saw something I had never expected to see on your left shoulder.

CHARLOTTE

Ah! Olivier... Count!.. I understand your surprise!.. But let me explain to you...

GRAPH

So, madam, explain how you ended up with the stigma of a state criminal on your shoulder? I pray to God that your explanation is convincing.

CHARLOTTE

I'll explain, Count. I'll explain everything. But before I answer your question, please remember that we are married before God, and therefore, no matter what sin I may have committed against you, I remain her...

GRAPH

Please don't digress from the heart of my question. Yes, we are married, and therefore your shame is my shame too. Perhaps we will both have to go to monasteries—different ones, of course—you to a convent, I to a monastery, to atone for your sin. But first, I want to know what it is, and why you concealed this important fact from me and didn't reveal it before we were married.

CHARLOTTE

Count, this is a misunderstanding! This brand on my shoulder was placed by a scoundrel who had no right to do so! I received this brand illegally! I was violated!

GRAPH

Who is this person who dared to encroach on your body without having any right to do so?

CHARLOTTE

The Lille Executioner.

GRAPH

The Lille executioner? But an executioner acts in accordance with a court order, and nothing else!

CHARLOTTE

He acted on his own. He harassed me, I refused him. Then he tricked his way into my house, attacked me, tied me up, and branded me.

GRAPH

So, you claim that the Lille executioner branded you, and that he had no reason for it other than his criminal lust? And this brand is his revenge for your intransigence?

CHARLOTTE

Yes, Olivier! That's right!

GRAPH

Madam, for the third time I ask you... Count, not Olivier.

CHARLOTTE

Count. I'm telling the truth. Trust your Countess and let's forget about this.

GRAPH

I believe you, madam, but do you really think such a crime can go unavenged? I ask you to remain in this room and not leave it until I return.

CHARLOTTE

You will leave me alone, Count? And what about me?

GRAPH

Your Claudette will serve you, you will want for nothing, but you will not leave this room until I return. And to ensure that my orders are not violated, Jacques will keep an eye on you both. You have nothing to fear. I will return soon, and if you have told me the truth, we will both forget this unpleasant episode from your past lives. You have told me the truth, haven't you, madam?

CHARLOTTE

Count, I told you the pure truth.

GRAPH

Perhaps you've added something or hidden something from me? Think carefully. You'd better tell me everything, absolutely everything, that you've hidden from me. If I find out something important you've hidden from me, I won't be able to trust you anymore. Our marriage will be ruined. A monastery awaits us both. So, I ask you again, madam. Have you told me the whole truth about this event, without a trace, without hiding anything?

CHARLOTTE

Yes, my Count!

GRAPH

Well, all you have to do is await my return. I hope I return with proof of your words and proof that the Lille executioner will never again be able to do to anyone what he did to you, madam.

CHARLOTTE

But the Count! …

(The Count took the robe from the back of the bed, threw it on Charlotte's bed, and then quickly left the room. Fade out)


SCENE EIGHT

(The bedroom in the castle of the Comte de La F;re. The Countess sits at the table in a dressing gown, powdering her face. The door opens and the Count enters. In his hands are thin leather reins, which he casually throws on the table.)

GRAPH

Madam, you have cruelly betrayed my trust and forever disgraced me, casting an indelible stain of dishonor on my entire family. I can only thank fate that our brief union did not yield a joint heir to my family.

CHARLOTTE

Someone has misled you, Olivier!

GRAPH

I found the executioner. He branded you for the death of his brother. But that's not all. He told me that Father Benedict brought you to the monastery two years ago.

CHARLOTTE

Father Benedict!

COUNTESS

I also looked him up, Madame. Father Benedict told me the story of a girl named Charlotte Munier, starting from her childhood. You're probably familiar with that name?

CHARLOTTE

This girl's name is the same as mine. So what? I don't know Charlotte Munier.

GRAPH

Perhaps you don't know her, just as any person can say that he doesn't know himself completely.

CHARLOTTE

Whatever Father Benedict told you about me, he cruelly deceived you! Hear me out! Everything was as I've already told you! I am the victim of a treacherous scoundrel who kidnapped me and tried to take me by force! And when he realized I wouldn't give myself to him, but would rather die, he bound me and branded me with this vile mark, taking revenge on me for my honesty and inaccessibility. Believe me, Count! I'm not lying!

GRAPH

A most interesting story, madam. I would believe you if it weren't for the numerous testimonies that prove you are a miserable liar, in addition to being a thief and a murderer, an accomplice to monstrous crimes and the perpetrator of no less monstrous atrocities.

CHARLOTTE

Would you really believe the slander? I am beautiful, Count. That is my only fault, and nothing else! Many men dreamed of possessing me, they pursued me, and when I refused them, they became my enemies.

GRAPH

Very interesting.

CHARLOTTE

I'm not lying! I have so many enemies among the men I refused! Are you really going to hold that against me? Are you going to hold it against my honesty and modesty, which has led to so many men hating me? They have turned my life into hell, and I hoped it was all over because I met you! After all, I love you, Count!

GRAPH

In that case, tell me, Charlotte, where did you get this medallion that you sold to throw dust in my eyes, pretending to be a noblewoman?

(The Count takes a medallion out of his pocket, shows it to Charlotte and places it on the table)

It depicts the Virgin Mary! But to you, it's just an image, a picture! You were seduced by the fact that it's adorned with diamonds. Even if Satan himself were depicted here, its value to you would be the same!

CHARLOTTE

This is a gift from my late mother, Anne de Bray, Countess of Backson!

GRAPH

There never was a countess by that name. And this medallion is a family heirloom of the Marquise de Beltham. I knew the family, and I was acquainted with the Marquise de Beltham herself. There's a pair to this medallion, which I bought from them. It's exactly the same, depicting the Savior, and similarly adorned with diamonds. Here, take a look.

(The Count shows another almost exactly identical medallion and places it on the table next to the first one)

So you continue to insist that your locket was a gift from your mother, Countess Buxton? Or do you admit that this piece is from the collection of the Marquise de Beltham? When your mother died, both of these lockets were in the de Beltham family. She couldn't have given you this locket.

CHARLOTTE

Okay, I confess! I bought this locket with money my parents left me, and I really liked it, but later I was forced to sell it. So, essentially, it was a gift from my mother. I wanted to think of it that way! I had to have at least something to remember my mother by! Is a daughter's sentimentality a crime? Are you really going to blame me for buying something I liked with my own money and then deciding to consider it a gift from my mother?

GRAPH

Another lie. Elizabeth de Beltham was so young when you poisoned her to get that medallion. I remember her as a very young girl. A very sweet and lovely girl, kind and intelligent. She would have been eighteen now. But she died before she was ten. You killed her.

CHARLOTTE

No! This is slander! Libel! I am not guilty of anything!

GRAPH

Look at this mirror, madam! Who do you see in it?

CHARLOTTE

What nonsense! Everyone knows that they see themselves in the mirror!

GRAPH

And I thought you would have seen poor Annabelle de Lernu in that mirror. After all, she looked so often in that mirror her mother gave her. She was a very beautiful girl, and could have become an equally beautiful woman, but, unfortunately for her, she met you, and so she died at the age of thirteen, five years ago.

CHARLOTTE

This is slander, libel, it's not true! The men I rejected have slandered me in your eyes, Olivier!

GRAPH

Look at this monstrance. It contains the finger of Saint Augustine. It's all gold and adorned with sapphires, emeralds, pearls, and beryls. You convinced poor Jean to steal it and other jewels worth fifty-two thousand pistoles.

CHARLOTTE

Fifty-two thousand! I've never seen this thing, or any of the other things you're talking about, and I don't know any Jean!

GRAPH

Don't know any Jean? Remember, madam! He is the man you introduced to me as your brother. But he is not your brother. He was your lover! You committed adultery with him even after we met. You continued to flirt with him before my very eyes. Submitting to you, he played the role of your brother. That is why he was always gloomy and silent!

CHARLOTTE

I have been slandered.

GRAPH

It's all a lie, madam, nothing but a lie. Tell me at least one word of truth!

CHARLOTTE

I love you, Count, and it's true! Forgive me. I don't want to lose you!

GRAPH

Do you love me? And would you love me even if I were not a count and did not possess the riches that tempted you?

CHARLOTTE

Olivier! I love you not for your riches!

GRAPH

If this is true, and if you love me, then confess your crimes, tell me the truth about it all. Together, we will bear the weight of your sins on our shoulders.

CHARLOTTE

I told you the whole truth, Count. I was slandered, I don't know anything about what you just told me, I didn't see these things, my conscience is clear, I didn't commit the terrible crimes you speak of.

GRAPH

So, you continue to lie. For your theft, you should have gotten twelve years in prison, of which you only served two weeks. For your murders, you should have been hanged.

CHARLOTTE

No, no! It's not my fault!

GRAPH

Be silent, madam, I haven't finished yet. So that you might possess this lovely ring, your parents murdered a very kind old man. For this ring, a young man with green eyes and black curls, who had treated you to a sugar cockerel, was killed. This ring was snatched from the finger of a forty-year-old woman who called you a "lovely child" and gave you a tortoiseshell comb. This ring cost the lives of a young girl and her companion, who compared you to an angel. Shall I continue?

CHARLOTTE

No, no, no! It's a lie, it didn't happen!

GRAPH

Don't worry, Charlotte Munier. Your parents, Michel and Jeanne Munier, have already been punished for these crimes, and you, due to your youth, were not charged with these murders, although, indeed, you knowingly assisted them by mixing sleeping herbs into the horses' feed and finding out where the doomed travelers hid their valuables, right?

CHARLOTTE

He knows! He knows everything!

GRAPH

Don't worry, madam, you won't be hanged.

CHARLOTTE

Yes, Count! You won't betray me, will you? You won't tell anyone? I'll do anything for you, anything you want, just don't betray me!

GRAPH

You don't face the gallows, because you deserved to be broken on the wheel. I know for a fact that if it weren't for your stubbornness, your parents wouldn't have dared to kill the priest. So the punishment your father suffered for you should have been applied to you.

CHARLOTTE

No! No! No! I don't want to! It's not my fault!

GRAPH

Well, let's leave aside your childhood crimes. Your father took the blame. You were still so young, although, in the eyes of the law, that age is already old enough to charge you with such a serious crime as participating in the murder of a priest. But let's assume that this is forgotten. Then the only punishment you deserve is the gallows. Do you agree with me, madam?

CHARLOTTE

I know nothing, I understand nothing, I can’t speak, leave me, sir!

GRAPH

This night, madam, you will spend in prayer, as I have. All night long, remaining here, you will beseech the Almighty to grant you forgiveness for your sins. In the morning, a priest will come to you so that you can repent of all your crimes, after which you will receive unction, and I will give you a drink similar to the one you prepared for your best friends, Elizabeth de Beltham and Annabelle de Lernu. However, the drink I give you will be more gentle. Your friends died in agony, fading away for several days, but you will simply fall into a peaceful sleep and appear before the Creator, unless He deems it necessary to send you straight to Hell. You will do so voluntarily, I hope, or I will force you to drink it.

CHARLOTTE

(In horror)

Do you want to poison me?

GRAPH

You will drink the drink yourself, voluntarily. Perhaps we will drink it together. After all, we are a married couple, and your shame is my shame too.

CHARLOTTE

(Pretending)

Okay, I agree.

(The Count goes out and locks the doors. Eclipse)


SCENE NINE


(The same room as in the first scene. Charlotte pulls the mirror away from the wall; there's a door on the wall. Charlotte takes off the chain with the key from around her neck, unlocks the door in the wall, and takes out a box. The door opens and the Count enters.)

GRAPH

So, you escaped!

CHARLOTTE

Count! I will explain everything!

GRAPH

I left you in the bedroom, ordering Jacques not to let you out, and spent the night praying for your soul. In the morning, I went into the bedroom where I left you. You killed Jacques! He still lies with a fractured skull in a pool of blood, next to the heavy crucifix you killed him with! I guessed you'd decide to look here because you had some connection to this place. Of course, you had a secret hiding place here with treasures I wasn't supposed to know about!

CHARLOTTE

Jacques harassed me, I defended myself.

GRAPH

Enough! Enough of these lies. I know Jacques. He is not capable of such vileness. And I already know you well enough, madam. You have proven to me that there is no crime so heinous that you are not capable. Enough of these fabrications. I do not believe a single word you say. You refused to atone for your sins, preferring to take upon your soul the new sin of murder. I will not say to you: "Die in peace," madam. I will say to you: "Go to Hell." I will not give you the last word. Everything you could say in this world, you have already said. Save your eloquence for your meeting with Satan.

CHARLOTTE

Count! Olivier!

GRAPH

Everything will end here and now.

(The Count takes the leather reins in his hands and throws a noose around Charlotte's neck)

(Blackout)


SCENE TEN


(The shore of a deep lake, a country road nearby. A count with a rope looks around. Seeing a large stone, he approaches it and begins tying the rope around it. He makes a loop at the other end of the rope and tries it on himself, sticking his head through it. The clatter of several horses' hooves can be heard in the distance. The count throws aside the rope and stands up to see who is riding.)

GRAPH

Curiosity is a suicide's last refuge before death. Well, I'll watch, wait for them to pass, and then finish the job.

(Sergeant's voice from behind the stage)

SERGEANT

Halt! We can refill our water bottles and then water the horses. Rest. I'll take a stroll and see what this place is like. This young man looks like a nobleman.

(The sergeant comes onto the stage)

SERGEANT

Young man! How far is it to the settlement?

GRAPH

Not far at all, you are on your way to it.

SERGEANT

And you, it seems, have decided to go swimming?

GRAPH

Don't mind me, Sergeant, go on your way.

SERGEANT

I see this is your last swim, isn't it? Don't mind me, I won't disturb you! Just a few words.

GRAPH

If you don't try to dissuade me.

SERGEANT

That's up to you to decide. But I'll tell you honestly, you're incredibly lucky! I can see things aren't so great if you're bathing in your clothes in the morning. Lost your money at cards? Did your mistress cheat on you with your best friend? Did your uncle leave his inheritance not to you, but to your cousin? No problem! Enlist in the royal army. The army will take care of you! You'll have everything but problems. You'll forget about your mistress, your gambling debts, your inheritance, and all your other troubles.

GRAPH

Why drag it out?

SERGEANT

Suicide is a grave sin. Better to die for the King! I will give you a thousand opportunities to do so!

GRAPH

How soon can I be killed if I follow your advice?

SERGEANT

At any time from the moment you enlist in the army.

GRAPH

But now there is no war.

SERGEANT

War is always waged, only by different means. But what does that matter to you? An army is an army. The King's soldiers do not seek death, but death often finds them. And then there are duels! They're forbidden, but they happen from time to time. Any duel could be the last for one of the combatants. And a duel for a piece of uniform, or a lady's honor... There are so many reasons!

GRAPH

A duel for a lady's honor? You're making me laugh, by God! What a reason!

SERGEANT

Wait, young man, don't be so quick to refuse! I forgot to mention that one of the essential joys of the army is the thrill of playing with death, which is so nerve-wracking that it constitutes the unforgettable charm of military service.

GRAPH

Which troops have the highest mortality rate?

SERGEANT

In wartime, everyone does, and in peacetime, like now, the King's Musketeers. But to join the Musketeers, you must be a nobleman and be skilled in fencing, pistol and musket shooting, and horsemanship.

GRAPH

All this is here. Where do I sign?

SERGEANT

Here and here. When can you arrive at the assembly point?

GRAPH

Immediately. I'll write my name. But may I ask you not to disclose it to anyone?

SERGEANT

No one, except Captain de Treville. But it won't go beyond the captain. We have several musketeers who serve under assumed names. Each has their own reason for doing so. It's allowed. What name will you choose for yourself?

GRAPH

Perhaps... Athos. Yes, Athos. Will that do?

SERGEANT

Congratulations on joining the company of musketeers, Monsieur Athos!

(Curtain)


ACT II

SCENE ONE

(A courtyard in Paris, the musketeer Aramis is walking down the street, on the other side of the street stands a noble lady, the Duchess)

DUCHESS

Mr. Musketeer! Could the lady ask you for a small favor? Could you lend me your cloak?

ARAMIS

What do you need my musketeer's cloak for, madam?

DUCHESS

When a beautiful lady asks you for a small favor, do you always ask her why she needs it?

ARAMIS

Excuse me, madam, are you asking for it for yourself or for your man?

DUCHESS

Is this important to you? Okay, I'll tell you. I'm asking for it for myself.

ARAMIS

You see, madam, this kind of clothing is not proper for ladies, and it is not proper for me to violate the dress code, so I will lose what is necessary, and give you what is superfluous, if I agree to give you my cloak.

DUCHESS

The Lord commanded us, His lambs, to love our neighbors. And this means helping them in need. If helping consisted only of giving away what is superfluous, there would be nothing noble about it. And as for your cloak being superfluous for me, you are mistaken. How can you know I don't need it if you don't know why I'm asking for it?

ARAMIS

Excuse me, madam, but I don't have another coat, so if you don't return it to me, tomorrow I will be forced to violate the dress code.

DUCHESS

I asked to borrow it, which means I'll return it to you. Okay, I'll tell you. I need your cloak to get rid of this annoying stalker, but hurry up, please, it'll be right there. And you don't need it right now, since you're already returning from duty. Make up your mind! If you help me escape this annoying stalker, I'll not only return your cloak, but I'll also thank you.

ARAMIS

So you're asking for protection! Why didn't you say so right away?

DUCHESS

Yes, I ask for protection.

ARAMIS

Madam! It's not becoming for a musketeer to undress in the street, nor for a noblewoman like you to don a man's cloak in full view. Besides, the person you're trying to escape from has apparently already noticed that we're having such a pleasant conversation, so such disguises won't help you any more. Let me simply stab your pursuer; it'll be safer that way, and I won't have to part with my cloak.

DUCHESS

Are you ready to kill a person like this in the middle of the street?

ARAMIS

Exclusively for you, madam. Besides, this won't be a banal murder, but a duel.

DUCHESS

But duels are forbidden! Aren't you afraid of being executed for violating the royal edict?

ARAMIS

I'm ready to give my life for a price far less than your sweet smile, madam. Sometimes we get into a duel just because someone we don't care about said something about us we couldn't care less about!

DUCHESS

But you can be executed just for standing up for a girl you don’t know!

ARAMIS

However, if I don’t stand up for such a sweet girl like you, then I will punish myself for the rest of my life, and after death the devils will roast me in hell!

DUCHESS

There's that man standing there. He's chasing me. If you can just distract him long enough for me to escape, you won't regret helping me.

ARAMIS

Should I kill him? Or should we give him life for the occasion, and will it be enough for him that I deprive him of the ability to spy on you?

DUCHESS

What holiday is it today?

ARAMIS

It's a holiday that I met you.

DUCHESS

You're a funny guy! Well, let him live!

(The Duchess goes to the right)

SCENE TWO

(A nobleman with a sword comes out from the left)

ARAMIS

Sir, don't you find today a particularly sunny day?

NOBLEMAN

Go, sir, about your business, and don’t interfere with me doing mine.

ARAMIS

Everything about today is harmonious, except for one thing.

NOBLEMAN

I don't care about your views on what is harmonious and what is not.

ARAMIS

But the problem is, the harmony of today is ruined by your sour expression. If it weren't for it, today could be called the best day not only of this year, but of the past two!

NOBLEMAN

Sir, if you can't wait to go to the next world, then go ahead, tomorrow we'll cross swords, but now get the hell out of here!

ARAMIS

I, sir, am eager to make some corrections today, and therefore I intend to make sure that you go to hell and take your sour face with you.

(The nobleman draws his sword, Aramis draws his sword, both assume the pose of duelists before the start of a duel. The nobleman attacks furiously, he is hasty and swings his arms excessively, Aramis calmly parries several blows, after which he wounds his opponent in the right hand, so that the sword falls from his hand.)


ARAMIS

Forgive me, sir! I had absolutely no intention of wounding you in the arm! I intended to wound you in the leg so that you and your face would remain as long as possible where I met you both!

NOBLEMAN

I'll kill you, puppy! I'll show you how to duel His Eminence's musketeer!

ARAMIS

I have done you the honor of fighting a musketeer of His Majesty's, as you might recognize by my cloak. Where did you leave your red guardsman's cloak?

(Aramis kicks the nobleman's sword to his feet, he grabs it with his left hand and begins the duel again)

NOBLEMAN

It's none of your business, puppy! Defend yourself!

ARAMIS

Let's even the odds

(He shifts the sword to his left hand, both continue to fight, Aramis parries two more blows and strikes the nobleman in the leg)

NOBLEMAN

Damn it! I'm not giving up, I'll keep on dueling!

ARAMIS

Don't fuss. I've already forgiven you for your sour expression and consider the matter closed. However, if you insist on me killing you, come to Monsieur de Treville's regiment when your leg is healed and ask for Aramis. It's me. I'm ready to continue the fight, but not with a cripple.

(Aramis bowed dramatically and left the stranger)

NOBLEMAN

Scoundrel! You'll pay dearly for wounding me twice. Chevalier de Bedo doesn't tolerate such tricks!

SCENE THREE

(The setting of the Duchess's luxurious rooms. The Duchess sits in a beautiful dress with a daring neckline, playing solitaire, a page enters.)

PAGE

Duchess, Jeanette has brought a musketeer to you.

DUCHESS

Let him enter alone.

(Aramis enters)

ARAMIS

Good evening, madam.

DUCHESS

So, you have come, Mr. Aramis.

ARAMIS

I don't know how you learned my name, but I am indeed Aramis. Last night, my servant, Bazin, told me that a lady, her face hidden under a thick black veil, had delivered a note for me. The note read: "Monsieur Aramis, you have rendered me a most important service, and I wish to thank you. Be at the entrance to your barracks tomorrow at eight o'clock this evening, and my page will come for you. Follow him. The lady to whom you did not give your cloak." That is why I am here. The one who called himself your page has come for me, although I believe it was a lady disguised as a man.

DUCHESS

You are insightful, Aramis.

ARAMIS

Not at all, because I, unlike you, do not know with whom I have the honor of talking.

DUCHESS

You will find out, and very soon. First, answer me, my glorious musketeer: have you come for your reward?

ARAMIS

Not in the slightest! I came at your call. You invited me, and I showed up. I have no reward to ask for; I did what I thought best, and I don't expect to take anything from anyone for it.

DUCHESS

Ah, noble knight! I had no idea that such selflessness and valor could still be found in France!

ARAMIS

Perhaps we move in different circles. Among the Musketeers, of which I have the honor of being a member, such a view of things is not uncommon.

DUCHESS

And among courtiers, of which I am a member, such a look is rare! I still intend to thank you for your intercession for a weak woman.

ARAMIS

I don't take money or gifts from women, madam.

DUCHESS

And I don’t intend to offer you anything material!

ARAMIS

Oh, madam, if you want to offer me something intangible, then I feel embarrassed.

DUCHESS

Sir! You've obviously misunderstood me. You think I'm offering you my love? But I'm not! I'm offering you my friendship, which is far more valuable, believe me. You don't know who I am, I'll tell you that.

ARAMIS

Madam, do you really think so? Are you convinced there's nothing to love about me? You refuse me without knowing me? Not even taking into account that I never asked for anything. How can you refuse a request that never happened? You think I misinterpreted your words, but don't you admit that you, too, misinterpreted mine?

DUCHESS

Explain yourself, sir.

ARAMIS

I do not reject your friendship, but friendship presupposes many mutual obligations, so I must first learn who you are and what kind of friendly services you might require from me. I must remind you that I am in the service of the King, and any actions or inactions that conflict with my duties as a musketeer are unacceptable to me, and requests for such are insignificant; I refuse in advance to accept any obligations of this kind.

DUCHESS

My friendship will in no way interfere with your service to the King, my knight! On the contrary, these duties overlap in almost every way.

ARAMIS

This “almost” of yours makes me wary.

DUCHESS

Who do you think rules France?

ARAMIS

His Majesty the King, of course.

DUCHESS

How naive you are! France is currently ruled by three men and three women. The three men are King Louis XIII , the Constable, the Duke of Luynes, and the Bishop of Lu;on, Monsieur de Richelieu. The three women are the Queen Mother, Marie de Medici, Queen Anne, and her closest friend, de Luynes' wife, Marie de Luynes.

ARAMIS

Let's assume that's the case, madam. I'm far from the court, so I agree in advance that you know best. So what?

DUCHESS

And the fact is that soon one man and one woman will be excluded from this list. The Queen Mother is rapidly losing power, and with her, that vile Richelieu will lose it too. Only four will remain.

ARAMIS

So be it. What does it matter to me?

DUCHESS

If you agree with what I've said, then you'll also agree that the King, raised from childhood to detest government, relies entirely on his best friend and confidant, his most important adviser, the Duc de Luynes. The Queen, meanwhile, consults her best friend, the Duchess de Luynes. Thus, France is effectively governed not by six or four people, but by two. Moreover, the Duc de Luynes would never do anything to harm his wife, Marie de Luynes.

ARAMIS

Everything you said is probably very interesting, but I still don't understand why you are telling me this.

DUCHESS

You are currently in the house of the Duke de Luynes and talking to the mistress of this house, Marie Aim;e de Luynes.

ARAMIS

Chevalier d'Aramitz, Abb; d'Herblay, madam.

DUCHESS

Abbot, is that so? I was told your name was simply Aramis. Was my information inaccurate?

ARAMIS

Quite correct, madam, since among the musketeers that is precisely what they call me, Aramis.

DUCHESS

But you haven't told me your name, Monsieur Aramis. What should I call you if you really are my friend? Jean? Ren;? Charles?

ARAMIS

Relatives who address me by my given name call me by the name my parents christened me, Henri. But I don't think such an address is appropriate for a duchess who, by her own admission, rules France.

DUCHESS

(With laughter)

You don't believe me, Aramis. But how can you call me Maria if you won't let me call you Henri?

ARAMIS

I didn't mean to call you Maria, madam.

DUCHESS

It doesn't matter. What you were going to do, or weren't going to do, is no longer important. What matters is what you will do. And you will be my friend, and so I will call you Henri, and you will call me Maria.

ARAMIS

What a woman wants, even God will not resist.

DUCHESS

Everything would be so provided that God knew what she really wanted.

ARAMIS

Knowing what God wants is my second profession, madam.

DUCHESS

(With laughter)

If only a woman herself knew what she wants! However, there are men who, when they're with a woman, know her desires even better than she does!

ARAMIS

In that case, I will try to become such a man for you, madam.

DUCHESS

(Again with laughter)

At this moment I would like to slap you on the cheeks for all the insolence you have said to me, Monsieur Aramis, but instead I will simply kiss you, Henri!

(The Duchess approaches Aramis and kisses her briefly, but Aramis holds her back and prolongs the kiss)

DUCHESS

By what right did you dare to kiss me yourself? I didn't allow you to do that!

ARAMIS

Since you, madam, intended to borrow the musketeer's cloak from me only on loan, I decided that this kiss of yours was also only a loan, so I hastened to repay you.

DUCHESS

Okay, but in future, limit yourself to just kissing my hand. At least until you have reason to believe I want something more.

(He extends his hand for a kiss, Aramis kisses it)

ARAMIS

The time has come.

DUCHESS

What are you talking about?

ARAMIS

The time has come when I have reason to believe that you desire something more.

DUCHESS

How quick and agile you are! Even though you're an abbot! Tell me, are all your abbots like this?

ARAMIS

Only those who are more musketeers than abbots!

DUCHESS

And how many of these do you have?

ARAMIS

So far there is only one, and I hope there will be no others.

DUCHESS

You remind me of Fran;ois La Rochefoucauld.

ARAMIS

In that case, I will challenge him to a duel so that I no longer remind you of anyone but myself.

DUCHESS

Calm down, Henri, he's not my lover. Just a friend! And if you challenge him to a duel, I'll deny you my friendship, and more.

ARAMIS

In that case, I won't call him, but I don't promise you that I'll be friends with him.

DUCHESS

That's not necessary. Go then. I'll call you later. Not today. Another time.

ARAMIS

I hope so, madam.

DUCHESS

Go, Henri. My page... Very well, Jeanette, my maid. She will show you the way. And Henri! I beg you, get rid of that Gascon accent of yours and don't tell anyone you're Gascon. Even King Henry IV, your namesake, did so. Follow his example.

ARAMIS

Certainly, madam.

(Aramis kissed the Duchess's hand again, and then resolutely kissed her lips as well. The Duchess lightly tapped Aramis on the shoulder twice, as if to make him move away, after which her hand paused in the air for a second, then she resolutely pressed Aramis to herself and stroked his shoulder with her hand, and finally pushed him away.)

DUCHESS

(Whispering)

Go now... Go, go, Henri. Later. Later. Not now.

(Aramis leaves)

SCENE FOUR

(A Parisian street, a fence with a gate, Aramis passes by. Four of the cardinal's guards, including Bedaux, are walking towards him.)

BEDO

What a meeting! Could this really be the same Mr. King's Musketeer who so loves to meddle in other people's affairs?!

ARAMIS

This can hardly be called a meeting, Monsieur de Bedo. However, I would be happy to meet with you at any time you deign to appoint, with an equal number of seconds on both sides.

BEDO

Why put it off, Monsieur Aramis? That's your name, if I'm not mistaken? My time is extremely valuable, and I may never have the chance to speak with you again. Right now, I'm free to talk with you and settle all differences, and with you, too.

(The guards formed a semicircle around Aramis, expressing their readiness to support Bedo with their appearance)

ARAMIS

Well, gentlemen! I see that, apparently, you all have some questions for me?

BEDO

Yes! And we will converse in the language of swords!

ARAMIS

All four with me alone? If you, Monsieur de Bedaux, consider the present moment most opportune for such a conversation, then, although I have no seconds on my side, I am prepared to engage in a conversation in the language of the sword. I hope that you yourself will draw lots or otherwise decide the order of our conversations.

BEDO
(With laughter)

Order?! You mean whose sword will be the first to plunge into your chest? That will be decided by chance!

ARAMIS

So you intend to fight me, all four of you, at once? Very well! In that case, I'll no longer consider you nobles and will use every trick I know!

(The battle begins, Aramis, with a sword in his right hand and a dagger in his left hand, successfully repels the blows of the attackers, but gradually retreats)

GUARDIAN

He wounded me, so I wounded him too!

(A tall nobleman with a sword, Porthos, appears from behind Aramis on the left)

PORTOS

What the hell is going on here?! Three against one! I'll get you, you devils!

(Porthos draws his sword and joins the fight on Aramis's side. He quickly inflicts a serious wound on one of the guards, and his opponent falls.)

BEDO

The devil brought him here on our heads!

(Aramis also lunges and one of his opponents also falls)

GUARDIAN

We can't stand against them!

PORTOS

What an amazing gift of foresight!

(Porthos lunges, the third guard also falls seriously wounded)

PORTOS

Sir, your chances are even, I'm withdrawing from the fight. Unfortunately, you're wounded, but I see you're holding up well.

(Porthos sheathed his sword and stepped back to calmly watch the progress of the fight)

BEDO

Great, one on one – that suits me!

ARAMIS

(Continuing to fight)

After being attacked by four men, and receiving two wounds! What incredible nobility!

PORTOS

Sir, if you don't finish him off in the next three minutes, your chances of winning are slim, you're losing a lot of blood.

ARAMIS

Thanks for the advice!

(Makes a sharp lunge, piercing Bedo, who falls)

PORTOS

Sir, by right of the victor, you can take their swords and even their purses, but I recommend that you get out of here as quickly as possible.

ARAMIS

You are right, sir, let's cross to another street.

(They move to another part of the stage)

PORTOS

You're fighting well, but you need to stop the bleeding quickly. Let me help you. Do you have a handkerchief?

(Aramis gives Porthos a handkerchief, with which Porthos bandages Aramis's arm)

PORTOS

Well, in this form you will get to the doctor or to the place where you will receive help.

ARAMIS

Sir, I am eternally grateful to you for coming to my rescue! And a special thank you for helping me stop the bleeding. Besides, your remark about stopping the fight couldn't have been more opportune. Allow me to introduce myself, Abb; d'Herblay, or Aramis, as my comrades in arms call me. I am thrice in your debt.

PORTOS

Aramis? I think I've heard that name before. And I'm Isaac de Porto. I only arrived in Paris yesterday and plan to join the Musketeers. I just haven't decided where yet. I've heard that in Paris there are the King's Musketeers and the Richelieu Musketeers, whom we call the Guards. The Richelieu Musketeers are paid more.

ARAMIS

But the King's Musketeers are four times more noble than the Guards, as you saw today. After all, those men who attacked me were Richelieu's Guards, while I am the King's Musketeer!

PORTOS

Well, then, fate itself has made its choice for me! If I managed to quarrel fatally with Richelieu's guards on my second day in Paris, then my path lies with the King's Musketeers.

ARAMIS

Tomorrow I will speak with the captain of the king's musketeers, Monsieur de Treville. You know, we have short nicknames for quick reference in battle. Perhaps the name Porthos would suit you better?

PORTOS

Tell me, how long have you served in the King's Musketeers?

ARAMIS

A year and a half.

PORTOS

If a musketeer of such venerable stature tells me that I should be called Porthos, then from this moment on that is exactly what I shall be called! Your hand!

ARAMIS

I am your debtor and your friend forever!

(Porthos shakes Aramis's hand, Aramis cries out in pain)

PORTOS

Sorry, I misjudged the strength of my handshake a bit. I'm used to, you know, bending horseshoes for fun.

ARAMIS

Judging by the strength of your handshake, it looks like you're tying horseshoes into a knot!

PORTOS

I haven't tried it, but it's a great idea!

ARAMIS

Tomorrow we're going to see de Treville, and today I'll introduce you to Athos. We'll dine together, all three of us.

PORTOS

What a great way to start a new acquaintance with dinner! The only thing better than that is meeting someone over lunch.

ARAMIS

I see you're hungry after the walk and the battle. In that case, our dinner will be no more modest than our usual lunch. Let's call it a dinner-dinner and combine the menu of both. My treat, of course!

PORTOS

Now I understand what a huge mistake I would have made if I had chosen the Cardinal's Musketeers instead of the King's Musketeers! They certainly start off their acquaintances cold!

ARAMIS

Worse, they get to know each other during breaks between prayers. And although I'm half an abbot myself, these ostentatious sanctimonious figures, swarming around His Eminence awaiting his blessing and his handouts, are as repulsive to me as cockroaches waiting under a tavern table for their share of crumbs from the patrons' tables.

PORTOS

Well said! So which pub shall we go to?

ARAMIS

Trust me, the food there is good, you'll like it. On the way there, we'll pick up Athos; he lives on Ferou Street.

(Aramis and Porthos laugh merrily and go back into the stage)


SCENE FIVE


(In the left corner of the stage is the tavern where Aramis and Porthos are having dinner; the large right part of the stage is darkened)

ARAMIS

By the way, Porthos, before you meet Athos, I hadn't yet decided which I preferred—being a musketeer or remaining an abbot. I became an abbot out of family considerations. A small abbey entitled our family to a modest income, but only if a member of our family was abbot. A musketeer's salary initially seemed a more reliable source of income, but it was paid irregularly and turned out to be much less than I expected. So on days off from duty, I confessed the parishioners, and on days free from this important duty, I devoted myself entirely to serving in de Tr;ville's regiment. Athos and I knew each other by sight, but hadn't yet gotten around to introducing ourselves, and had only managed to exchange a few meaningless words. As I was leaving the abbey, I met him. It seems he was commissioning a service for a relative of his, and paid a considerable sum for it. I think he spent his entire monthly salary on it. Perhaps it was the anniversary of the death of a close relative.

SCENE SIX

(The right corner of the stage gradually fades into darkness, the left side of the stage lights up, and the viewer sees that this is the entrance to a temple, with the Holy Fool sitting at the entrance. Athos emerges from the temple.)

Holy Fool

Give two sous to a poor beggar!

ATOS

I will give you a louis d'or if you promise to pray for the absolution of Anne-Charlotte de Beyle's sins.

Holy Fool

If these are two different women, give me two louis d'or! Don't be stingy; our Savior's ears are always open to the prayers of the poor and the foolish, while His ears are closed to the requests of the rich and noble, and His soul is unapproachable.

ATOS

This is the same woman, her name is Anna-Charlotte, but here is a second louis d'or for you and pray as if this woman is dearer to you than your mother, dearer than your sister, and dearer than your daughter.

Holy Fool

I have no mother, no sister, no daughter, but I will pray for her as for the purest soul, on whom the sins of the inhabitants of all circles of Hell have fallen, so that she needs the intercession of all the holy fools of Paris and all the holy fathers of all France.

ATOS

(Athos takes the ring from his finger and places it in the hand of the Holy Fool in addition to the two louis d'or previously given to him)

So pray sincerely and fervently.

ARAMIS

(He comes out of the temple doors, notices Athos, nods his head to him and makes a musketeer's salute, then comes to his senses and blesses him)
 
ATOS

What a miracle! First, the abbot greeted me like a musketeer, and then a musketeer, whom I think I've already met in our regiment, blesses me like the abbot!

ARAMIS

The ways and destinies of men are inscrutable, and sometimes they deviate greatly from their hopes and intentions.

ATOS

So, you're both a musketeer and an abbot, if I'm not mistaken? Your name, I believe, is Aramis?

ARAMIS

It is as true as your name is Athos, and you are, so far as I have been told, one of the bravest and most skillful swordsmen of de Treville.

ATOS

I spent some time learning fencing at my father's insistence, and I have no reason to regret it. As for courage, it's natural for someone who doesn't value their life too much.

ARAMIS

The Lord has gifted each of His children with life, and it is not fitting for us mortals to value it less than He values our lives. We simply need to follow His instructions, which are sometimes unambiguous; we just need to be able to recognize and read them in simple, seemingly insignificant events. For those who fail to recognize the Lord's signs, the Church is given to help.

ATOS

You speak well, Monsieur abbot. May I ask, which of your two professions is your primary one?

ARAMIS

I wish I could find the answer to this question myself!

ATOS

This is the first time I've seen you in an abbot's garb, but I've seen you among the musketeers several times before. It seems to me that you would make a magnificent musketeer, judging by your skill with a sword and a musket. Shouldn't you leave the cassock behind forever?

ARAMIS

The Lord has not yet been able to guide me on the true path, but I console myself with the hope that he will soon number me among his servants, so that I will forever leave behind this absurd passion for military affairs.

ATOS

Did I understand you correctly that you prefer to be a full-time abbot rather than a military man?

ARAMIS

I think a cassock would suit me better than a musketeer's uniform.

ATOS

In that case, Holy Father, please forgive me for daring to suggest that you might need my advice.

ARAMIS

You have nothing to apologize for. On the contrary, I would be delighted if you would do me the honor of crossing rapiers with me in the fencing hall. I would be happy to take a few fencing lessons from you. For my part, I think I could show you a few techniques, as I, too, have taken lessons from some very good masters in my time.

ATOS

Forgive me, sir, but I cannot cross swords with the abbot.

ARAMIS

I'll just pop home for a couple of minutes to change my clothes, and the abbot will disappear until next Tuesday, and the musketeer Aramis will be at your service.

(Athos and Aramis go back into the stage)

Holy Fool

Well, well! It turns out our abbot knows this generous musketeer! I wonder how much they'll give for this ring? These naive nobles seem to really believe that the prayers of the poor can guarantee a direct path to Heaven for their deceased wives! Of course he was asking for his wife! After all, if it had been his late mother or his prematurely deceased infant, he wouldn't have shuddered so when I mentioned the circles of Hell. This Anne-Charlotte must have sinned greatly. Well, I'll say a few prayers for the repose of her soul, really. Not that I believe it will help her, but I'm ashamed to deceive such a generous nobleman.

SCENE SEVEN

(The left side of the stage darkens, and the right corner of the stage lights up, where Porthos and Aramis are still sitting at the table in the tavern)

ARAMIS

We actually fenced a lot with Athos. On the first evening, Athos took three of my thrusts, while I took four from him. Then he suggested I try fencing left-handed.

PORTOS

Well, I never trained to fight with my left hand!

ARAMIS

I said the same thing to Athos, but he convinced me that it could be useful in a fight or a duel. I expressed concern that fencing with the left hand could be significantly worse than with the right. But he convinced me otherwise. He said: “Firstly, your opponent may be left-handed, in which case fighting him with the right hand will be extremely difficult for you, whereas he has trained his entire life to fight right-handed people. If you know how to fence with the left, then your skill will be a novelty for him; he will most likely be unprepared for it, which gives you a significant advantage. Secondly, you may be wounded in the right hand, since any duelist primarily aims for the right hand, not the left, believing that your left hand is less dangerous for him. Then your only choice is to continue the fight with the wounded hand, or grab the sword with your left, but healthy hand. Judge for yourself what will be best for you."

PORTOS

Very convincing! I like this Athos, I already want to meet him!

ARAMIS

He gave me a few more arguments. He said, "Thirdly, you might be confronted by two or more opponents. In that case, your left hand will be very useful. Fourthly, mastering the left hand gives you the ability to fight with both hands simultaneously if necessary."

PORTOS

Tomorrow I will start training in fencing and with my left hand too!

ARAMIS

And you'll do the right thing! Now I suggest we finish our wine and finally go meet Athos.

(Athos and Porthos finish their wine, Aramis throws money on the table and they both leave)

SCENE EIGHT

(Cardinal Richelieu's office. The Cardinal is seated at his desk, takes papers from the stack on his left, looks them over, makes notes on them, and places them on the corner of the desk on the right. The secretary enters.)

SECRETARY

Your Eminence, at your direction, Charles-C;sar de Rochefort has been brought to you.

RICHELIEU

(Without looking up from the papers and without stopping taking notes)

Let him come in.

(Rochefort enters, a very young man dressed as a guardsman. Richelieu ignores him and continues working with the paperwork. Rochefort notices a chess set on the chess table, with a few pieces on the board. He examines it for a moment, calculating, twirling his finger over the pieces without touching them.)

ROCHEFORT

Your Eminence, excuse me, whose move is it in this position?

RICHELIEU

(He raises his head and looks at Rochefort in surprise)

Who are you? Who allowed you to enter without announcing yourself?

ROCHEFORT

Allow me to introduce myself, Charles-C;sar de Rochefort. I thought I had been announced.

RICHELIEU

Are you Rochefort? That same Rochefort? I thought you were much older!

ROCHEFORT

I am young, Your Eminence, but this shortcoming quickly passes.

RICHELIEU

No, why not! It's not a drawback at all! On the contrary! I'm surprised! You're so young and you captured two enemy officers? How did you manage that?

ROCHEFORT

If Your Eminence orders, I will continue to fight for the honor of France no worse!

RICHELIEU

Stop with these pompous assurances; I've heard enough of them in my time. You haven't answered my question.

ROCHEFORT

I believed that I answered because loyalty to Your Eminence and God's help enabled me to do so.

RICHELIEU

Tell everyone that, but tell me the truth. Only the truth. Keep in mind, even though I'm a priest, and for that very reason, I know for certain that relying on the Lord's help is always worthwhile, and always beneficial, but it's equally beneficial to do everything possible to ensure that such help isn't needed, or that the help you need is only minimal, down to luck, chance, or pure chance. The less help you expect from the Lord, the more effective your endeavor will be.

ROCHEFORT

I dare not disagree with Your Eminence. I will tell you everything in all honesty.

RICHELIEU

This is the only way to talk to a person of clergy.

ROCHEFORT

I really wanted to distinguish myself so that Your Eminence would notice me.

RICHELIEU

Understandable and commendable. Continue.

ROCHEFORT

Since I was involved in military operations in Salsa, against the Catalans, I thought that I should somehow take advantage of the fact that in appearance I quite resemble a Spaniard, and also that I am a little familiar with the Spanish language, which Monsieur de Marillac taught me.

RICHELIEU

Your ancestral castle of Olainville is located between Paris and Etampes, and Monsieur de Marillac is your neighbor and a good friend of your father?

ROCHEFORT

He was a much greater friend to me than to my father, Your Eminence! Besides, I can't call my father my friend—not since he married a second time… My half-brothers from that marriage and my stepmother—that's all he thinks about. He prefers not to think about me, since I look so much like my mother, and my father believes I'm responsible for her death, since she died in childbirth.

RICHELIEU

You managed to tell the story of your entire life, something I didn't ask you to, and barely say a word about what I asked you about. You'd make a good spy! If you fall into enemy hands, he'll tire of interrogating you.

ROCHEFORT

Please forgive me, Your Eminence. I said I knew Spanish and looked Spanish. That's why I decided to infiltrate the enemy camp.

RICHELIEU

On your own initiative? Without informing your commander? That sounds like you're planning to defect, and that's worse than desertion!

ROCHEFORT

My stunt looks crazy, but its result proves my intentions and my rightness.

RICHELIEU

Let those who are older and more experienced than you evaluate your behavior, but I want to hear the details of your foray as soon as possible.

ROCHEFORT

In that case, I'll be brief. I must say that our lieutenant allowed me to do a little reconnaissance of the area. He probably didn't take me seriously, but he only warned me that if I didn't return by morning, he would consider me a deserter. Even if I was killed. But I decided to take the risk anyway. First, I managed to sneak up on the enemy camp and overhear two officers talking about their plans to visit some ladies.

RICHELIEU

Well, well, this is interesting!

ROCHEFORT

I guessed they were planning to violate military discipline and therefore wouldn't bring any guards. I decided to ambush at least one of them and catch them off guard. You see, when a man is in close contact with a woman, he usually doesn't carry a weapon. Or, so to speak, he's occupied with a completely different kind of weapon.

RICHELIEU

And at this very moment he can be captured?! Funny!

ROCHEFORT

Absolutely correct, Your Eminence! It's ironic that the ladies don't live somewhere deep in the rear, but in their own homes, which are as close to our location as they are to the Spaniards'!

RICHELIEU

Can we say that they live in a so-called grey zone, where there are neither us nor the Spaniards, being confident that neither one nor the other will touch them?

ROCHEFORT

Exactly, Your Eminence! So, I decided to wait until the officers went to the ladies. Immediately after sunset, they set off for their share of affection.

RICHELIEU

But how were you going to deal with two officers alone?

ROCHEFORT

The thing is that I was not alone, but with a friend.

RICHELIEU

This is getting even more interesting! Keep going!

ROCHEFORT

The ladies lived in a small hut. The officers locked the door behind them, but we managed to force it open by slipping a knife blade through the crack. We watched through the window, and although the light was out, the white sheets were visible in the moonlight. So, we waited for the moment when both officers were well away not only from their weapons but even from their trousers. We burst into the house and, threatening them with our pistols, ordered them to stand up and raise their hands.

RICHELIEU

Fabulous!

ROCHEFORT

Everything would have been even better if my friend hadn't decided to do one more thing. He wanted to have some fun with one of the ladies he'd spotted in the moonlight.

RICHELIEU

How careless!

ROCHEFORT

I told him about it too. But he ordered me to tie up the captured officers and share the fun with him. I objected that our goal was entirely different, and his plans were completely inappropriate. Then he replied: "Just try to stop me!" With these words, he pointed his pistol at me.

RICHELIEU

What a scoundrel! He should be hanged!

ROCHEFORT

I agree with you, Your Eminence, but I'm afraid it won't work. I told him he wouldn't dare shoot me, after which he looked at the lady again, then at me, and replied that he would. An argument ensued. I was afraid the officers would flee and told him I'd shoot him myself if he didn't comply. Then he fired at me, but fortunately missed, because at that very moment I bent down to pick up one of the officers' belts to tie up its owner. As soon as the traitor realized his pistol was unloaded and mine was still loaded, he decided to flee. He ran out the door and I never saw him again.

RICHELIEU

Never mind, we'll catch him and punish him. So what happened next?

ROCHEFORT

I ordered the ladies to tie the officers tightly, and I took their weapons. I also ordered them to bundle all the officers' clothing into a single bundle. Taking the bundle in my left hand, and holding a pistol in my right hand aimed at the enemy officers, I ordered them to step out and march ahead of me wherever I indicated.

RICHELIEU

And the ladies? Weren't you afraid they'd make a fuss and that they might catch up with you?

ROCHEFORT

Before setting off, I ordered them to drink all the wine on the table, threatening to shoot them otherwise. They complied without further ado.

RICHELIEU

So you brought them into our camp, half naked, pointing one pistol at them?

ROCHEFORT

I also had two of their loaded pistols, and I kept at the best distance from them—five paces. I could have hit any of them at ten paces, and they couldn't have suddenly attacked me before I had time to shoot them.

RICHELIEU

If your story is the absolute truth, you deserve not only praise but also a more substantial reward. However, due to your youth, I cannot promote you to an active-duty officer. To be an officer, you must have experience commanding military units in wartime conditions. Promoting you to an active-duty officer would be dangerous for your subordinates, so such a promotion is premature. After all, your military experience is limited to this sortie, isn't it?

ROCHEFORT

Exactly so, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

I have an idea, Monsieur de Rochefort. By the way, your father is a count, I believe?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, Your Eminence, he is a count, but he has too many children from his second marriage for me to count on the title of count.

RICHELIEU

But you are the eldest son. Okay, we'll discuss that later. First of all, tell me, why did you ask whose move it was in that chess game on my table?

ROCHEFORT

Because the position is very interesting. Whoever moves loses this game.

RICHELIEU

You noticed, huh? Well, you're quite a clever fellow! So my idea for you, as I thought, might work. So, I'm taking you out of the army. You'll be my page, to begin with. You'll carry out all sorts of assignments for me. These will be quite delicate ones. If you handle them well, you'll be eligible for more, and quite soon. You could become my personal orderly for special assignments.

ROCHEFORT

Your Eminence! Thank you! You make me the happiest of mortals!

RICHELIEU

Take it easy, young man. First of all, learn to control your emotions. Even if you intended to express your profound gratitude, a simple bow and kiss on my hand would be enough, since I am a member of the clergy. Learn to speak calmly, dispassionately, so that no one can understand your true feelings. That's the first thing. And one more thing. Admit it, did you ever want to take advantage of the availability of these two women?

ROCHEFORT

As I already said, I had other plans, more important ones!

RICHELIEU

You have explained to me the reason why you did not do this, but I ask you, did you have the desire?

ROCHEFORT

I am a man, Your Eminence, I have not given a celibate dinner, I have completely natural desires in the appropriate situation.

RICHELIEU

Thank you for your frankness. This is exactly what I wanted to hear. So, unlike your accomplice—I hesitate to call him your comrade—you had the same desires, but you found the strength to control yourself and your desires. This is commendable! Well, this quality of yours, the ability to renounce what you desire in the name of a higher purpose, will come in handy. In our affairs, you will need a woman. Remember, young man, that in a secret and most effective war, a woman can prove a more powerful weapon than muskets, pistols, and cannons. You must master this method of fighting your enemies—using the strength and attractiveness of a woman. For this, we need beautiful women, as attractive as possible and young, but their convictions must be sufficiently flexible in all but one thing—serving their master. The women you find to carry out my assignments will need to possess all the necessary qualities, both external and internal. They must be wily, clever, able to disguise themselves and pass themselves off as something they're not. My people recently reported to me about one such person. Remember her name.

ROCHEFORT

May I write it down with your permission?

RICHELIEU

Learn to remember without writing. Forget about taking notes. All my orders will be given orally, and you will report them to me personally, orally, without witnesses. So, remember. Anne-Charlotte de Beyle, Countess de La F;re. These are the names by which she is known. They must be forgotten. From now on, she will have to bear another name. Let's say, hmm... Lady Anne Claric. Yes, that's right! We will find her a groom from among the Frenchified English. This is my long-term plan. This Englishman will only need to know her new name, Lady Claric. She already knows English, but she will need to master it much more deeply. Do you understand me?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

The secretary will give you the address where she currently resides. You will visit her and tell her that you have come from a man named Fran;ois Leclerc du Tremblay. He is a friend of mine, and you will meet him in due course. So, tell her that you are a friend of du Tremblay. Give her twenty pistoles. The secretary will give you forty—twenty for her and twenty for you. Begin working with her.

ROCHEFORT

What will my job consist of?

RICHELIEU

To begin with, you'll explain to her who, in fact, is her boss from now on. You'll also explain to her the nature of the services she'll be performing. She'll have to be as bold as you, as dedicated, and as resourceful. She'll receive her assignments from me through you. At least until I'm convinced of her loyalty enough to allow her to meet with me in person.

ROCHEFORT

I understand everything, Your Eminence!

RICHELIEU

That's not all yet. Remember, young man! You must not fall under the spell of this woman. I will keep an eye on you through my men. If I learn that anything has developed between you, beyond purely business relations, you both will be excluded from the list of my friends. Do you understand what this means? In this case, no one will find you, and it will be as if you had never existed on this earth. For I do not tolerate traitors. Your dalliances, should they arise, I will regard as treason. A sword must not be blunted in its scabbard! A woman whose charm I intend to use against enemies must not waste it on friends. And friends must not fall under the spell of such a woman. Remember this! Even an unloaded pistol should never be pointed at friends, because even an unloaded pistol can go off! The same applies in this case. This lady is my weapon. Beware of falling under her spell!

ROCHEFORT

Your Eminence, I understand everything.

RICHELIEU

Repeat the name of this woman - the one she has borne until now, and which she must forget, and also the one she will bear from now on.

ROCHEFORT

Anne-Charlotte de Beyle, Countess de La F;re. From now on, she is Lady Anne Claric.

RICHELIEU

Okay, go ahead, Rochefort.

SCENE NINE

(The courtyard in front of the barracks of the king's musketeers, Aramis and Athos greet each other)

ATOS

Aramis, de Treville is looking for you.

ARAMIS

Do you know what the occasion is?

ATOS

I suppose the occasion was not a pleasant one, since he said: “As soon as this…”

ARAMIS

This one? Is he talking about me?

ATOS

Allow me not to reproduce the exact words he used; they denote an abbot, but such words are not customary in noble society. His vocabulary was approximately that usually employed by Marshal de Br;z;.

ARAMIS

Wow, really?

(Captain de Treville approaches, Athos greets Treville, then steps aside and leaves the stage)

TREVILLE

Listen, Aramis! What happened there on the Quai Henri IV?

ARAMIS

I don't quite understand what you're talking about, Captain.

TREVILLE

Don't try to fool me. I was there. While you could fool Richelieu's guards, you can't fool me. I saw their wounds. At least two of them were killed by you. In any case, it was a sword blow from below to the throat... Not one of the guards would have dealt such a blow. Granted, the bodies lay as if they had been in a two-on-two duel. But the catch is, those four were four crows from the same nest, and I'm of the opinion that one crow won't peck out another crow's eye. So what really happened there, you tell me!?

ARAMIS

I don't know what to say, Captain.

TREVILLE

Tell the truth or silently admit I'm right. Better to remain silent than to continue lying. Luckily, Richelieu's idiots decided that things were exactly as you wanted them to think. But I understand perfectly well how it happened. Four guards attacked you. You probably did something to upset them, and they, I admit, intended to kill you.

ARAMIS

In that case, am I responsible for not approving of their plan? I disliked it from the start. Keep in mind, Captain, I will always object to being killed by one of His Eminence's guardsmen. Dying at the hands of a guardsman is bad form.

TREVILLE

I share your views in general, and even admit that you disagree with these four.

ARAMIS

You know, opinions about the weather don't always agree. Some people like it, while others are simply annoyed.

TREVILLE

Don't prevaricate, Aramis! I'm outraged myself. How dare they attack four of the King's musketeers? I don't believe they would have dared such a thing! Four against four—that's reckless of them.

ARAMIS

In that case, the forces would really be on the side of the musketeers.

TREVILLE

And who were those three who helped you deal with the rest? And besides, if there were as many of you as there were of them, why kill them? Wouldn't it have been easier to simply wound them, take their swords, and send them away in disgrace?

ARAMIS

Mr. Captain, I didn't have four friends with me.

TREVILLE

I don't believe you, Aramis. I'd be convinced Athos was with you if I didn't know for a fact that he wasn't, since he was with me all evening yesterday, carrying out my instructions. So, who are these three?

ARAMIS
 
I assure you, there was not a single musketeer with me, so none of the King's musketeers are responsible for the fact that I am still alive.

TREVILLE

So, you had three guardsmen from Deszesar's company with you? Or three new recruits? Or simply three sword-wielding townspeople? Well, that explains why Richelieu's guardsmen dared to attack you.

ARAMIS

There was not a single soldier with me, not a musketeer, not a guard, not a recruit.

TREVILLE

Are you telling me that you were alone?

ARAMIS


At first, yes, but after I dealt one of them that very blow that gave me away, …

TREVILLE

Do you mean to say that, while fighting against four, you killed one of them with the first blow?

ARAMIS

Athos taught me to use both hands, which allowed me to hit the first one who attacked me and at least temporarily neutralize the second one.

TREVILLE

What are you saying? In that case, it would truly be a shame if, after such a glorious start, they still killed you.

ARAMIS

I decided so too, Captain. This consideration compelled me to fight on.

TREVILLE

You said that only at first were you alone. When did these three, or perhaps two, come to your rescue?

ARAMIS

Almost at the same moment, but there were not two of them, but one.

TREVILLE

One?!

ARAMIS
One. A random passerby.

TREVILLE

A random passerby?

ARAMIS

That's right, just a passerby. But a nobleman, of course. He had a sword.

TREVILLE

Are you saying that there was someone who wasn't a career military man, just a random passerby, who sided with you despite the fact that even in this case there were only two of you left against three?

ARAMIS

That's exactly how it was, Captain.

TREVILLE

It happens that good citizens, when there are many of them, stand up for the musketeers, for which I am deeply grateful, but one random passerby? Against three of your opponents? Judging by the two blows he landed on two of your three opponents, he must be a very strong and tall man!

ARAMIS

You have very accurately determined the texture and strength of this savior of mine from the wounds.

TREVILLE

Well, two against four. And neither of you received any injuries?

ARAMIS

None, Mr. Captain!


TREVILLE

(He looks closely at Aramis, who stands at attention under his gaze.)

Or perhaps just trivial injuries?

ARAMIS

(Again it says "at ease")

Perhaps completely trivial.

TREVILLE

Which, hopefully, will heal in three weeks? Or five?

ARAMIS

In three, Mr. Captain.

TREVILLE

But there is a decree prohibiting duels.

ARAMIS

But there's no decree prohibiting defense against an attack by four men against one. It can't even be called a skirmish, because I was simply caught. Two were walking behind me, and two were coming towards me, and they all approached me at the same time, after which they drew their swords.

TREVILLE

It's a disgrace, yes... But you... How?.. Well... What do you want from me? For what purpose did you come to me this morning? To boast of your exploits? Why were you looking for me?

ARAMIS

I was told that you were looking for me.

TREVILLE

I was looking for you? Oh, yes! Yes, I was looking for you… I was looking for you, but you were looking for me too, weren't you? Let me guess. You've come to ask me to accept your savior as one of the King's Musketeers?

ARAMIS

No.

TREVILLE

No?

ARAMIS
 
Yes.

TREVILLE

So yes or no?

ARAMIS

Yes. In the sense that no. But I thought that…

(He makes several gestures as if he were striking his opponent with a sword from below upwards. Treville repeats this gesture, then looks closely at his hand. Then he repeats the gesture slowly and thoughtfully.)

TREVILLE

Did you know that the King is not accepted into the Musketeers without a sufficiently strong recommendation?

ARAMIS

Mr. Captain, touch me.

TREVILLE

For what?

ARAMIS

Touch it.

TREVILLE

(Touches Aramis on the shoulder)

And what?

ARAMIS

I am not a ghost. I am me, Aramis.

TREVILLE

I have no doubt about it.

ARAMIS

You see, I'm alive, Mr. Captain!

TREVILLE

You can't argue with that.

ARAMIS

Isn't this a recommendation?

TREVILLE

I told you that I cannot accept a nobleman unknown to me, even though he has remarkable strength and is a good fencer, into the musketeers today.

ARAMIS

It turns out that this way, Mr. Captain, right today is absolutely impossible!

TREVILLE

Impossible!

ARAMIS

But that’s why tomorrow exists: to do tomorrow what is absolutely impossible to do today.

TREVILLE

And although you know, Aramis, that I don’t like to put off until tomorrow things that can be done today, today is absolutely impossible.

ARAMIS

Absolutely impossible, Captain. But tomorrow is no longer today, is it?

TREVILLE

But on the other hand, what do you think I should offer this nobleman? Offer him a temporary place in my son-in-law Deszesar's guard?

ARAMIS
This will probably be the only possible solution.

TREVILLE

And to allow, therefore, that such a strong and dexterous swordsman should be in the possession of someone other than me, is this what you are proposing to me, Mr. Aramis?

ARAMIS

That would be unfortunate.

TREVILLE

Is he Gascon?

ARAMIS

Yes.

TREVILLE

Is it noticeable?

ARAMIS

No.

TREVILLE

What a pity! As luck would have it – two such additional advantages!

ARAMIS

Yes, it would be a shame to miss such an opportunity.

TREVILLE

Can I at least take a look at this giant?

ARAMIS

He should arrive at the entrance to the barracks at this very moment.

TREVILLE

Bring him here.

ARAMIS
One minute

(He approaches the edge of the stage, waves his hand, Porthos comes onto the stage, and they approach de Treville. Porthos gallantly salutes and bows to Captain de Treville)


TREVILLE

Your name …

PORTOS

Chevalier Isaac de Porthos du Valon. Or simply Porthos for short!

TREVILLE

Chevalier du Valon, I thank you for the assistance you have given to one of my finest musketeers.

(Aramis straightens up proudly)

PORTOS

I did what anyone would have done in my place.

TREVILLE

Wonderful! Commendable! It's commendable that you acted that way, commendable that you think anyone would have acted the same way in your place, but you're mistaken. People, for the most part, aren't the type to stand up for someone without a significant chance of preserving their own life and health, and, especially, without a personal stake in the outcome. I'm grateful to you. But I ask you not to dwell on this episode. Believe me, it's in your own best interests. You know, the edict on duels...


PORTOS

Our chances of winning were quite good. Luckily, they weren't trying to run away, so we managed to defeat them. If they had run away, you know, I'm not a very fast runner. I'm afraid I wouldn't have caught them. But since they didn't run away, our chances of winning were certain! But you're right, I would have intervened even if there had been two or three times as many attackers. In that case, our chances would have been slightly worse.

PORTOS

Are you saying that you were confident that you could defeat three of them together?

PORTOS

I could have defeated three men alone. At home, I often amused myself this way, using a rapier with blunted ends instead of a sword, fighting against four or even six. But I soon had to put an end to these amusements, as I had broken too many bones, although, God knows, I didn't mean to.

TREVILLE

Really? Well, you're probably hoping to become the King's musketeer?

PORTOS

I already became one, yesterday evening, from the moment I made this decision.

TREVILLE

Well, it doesn't happen that quickly. I haven't yet decided whether to enroll you, and even after I make that decision—if I do—it still needs to be approved by the King.

PORTOS

The King will approve any decision you make regarding joining the Musketeers, because he trusts you. So it's up to you.

TREVILLE

Why do you think that the King trusts me so blindly in everything?

PORTOS

But is a man who is not trusted appointed captain of the king's musketeers?

TREVILLE

You're damn right! Of course, His Majesty will approve my decision, but I haven't made it yet!

PORTOS

So accept it. Why put off such a good deed for later?


TREVILLE

But you don't have any recommendations.

PORTOS

It will be there in five minutes.

TREVILLE

Who will write it?

PORTOS

Aramis!

TREVILLE

Two recommendations are needed.

PORTOS

Then you write the second recommendation.

TREVILLE

On what basis?

PORTOS

Let's take a stroll today near Rue Bic;tre or Rue du Ch;telet. You can hang your wallet on your belt in full view even while strolling through these areas, as long as I'm nearby. You'll see me in action.

TREVILLE

Damn it, he really is Gascon! You've completely outdone me! And it had to happen just when I had a vacancy. Just promise to stop bragging about Gascony. This isn't Auch, Bordeaux, Lourdes, or Bayonne. This is Paris, remember that.

PORTOS

Hooray for Captain de Treville!

ARAMIS

Please accept my congratulations, Musketeer Porthos.

TREVILLE

Not today! I said – tomorrow! That means – tomorrow.

SCENE TEN

(The room of a poor aristocrat, Charlotte is sitting at the dressing table, there is a knock on the door)

CHARLOTTE

Come in, I'm not locked.

ROCHEFORT

(Enters, bows)

Madame Countess de La Fere?

CHARLOTTE

(Shudders and looks at Rochefort with fear)

Who are you? How do you know my name? Only two people know that I…

ROCHEFORT

Only one, because the other one thinks you're dead.

CHARLOTTE

So, you come from the Cardinal? Did he read my letter?

ROCHEFORT

Not quite so, my lady, but every letter addressed to His Eminence is sure to be read by someone. In this case, I have come on behalf of His Eminence's closest friend, Fran;ois Leclerc du Tremblay.

CHARLOTTE

From Father Joseph? That's almost the same as from the cardinal himself!

ROCHEFORT

Perhaps so, but still I was sent to you by Monsieur du Tremblay.

CHARLOTTE

Why did you call me my lady?

ROCHEFORT

Because you have been ordered to forget all your previous names, from now on you are Lady Anna Claric.

CHARLOTTE

(To myself)

He speaks with such confidence as if he were sent from the cardinal himself! Well, I'll accept his game!

(Aloud)

I obey Father Joseph's orders. What else did he tell me?

ROCHEFORT

Monsieur du Tremblay has strongly recommended that you show certain qualities if you really wish to enter the service of His Eminence.

CHARLOTTE

You can't even imagine how much I desire to enter the Cardinal's service! The fact is, my greatest enemy has entered the service of Captain de Treville. Therefore, my only chance of revenge is to enter a special service with the Cardinal. I want to be his eyes, his ears, and his punishing hand!

ROCHEFORT

But His Eminence is a spiritual figure. He has no need of a punishing hand.

CHARLOTTE

How long have you been in the Cardinal's service? Don't answer, I see it's only recently. And don't deny it, you serve the Cardinal, not Father Joseph! But that doesn't matter, it's the same thing. Listen! Richelieu is not only a priest, not only a cardinal, but also the first minister, the secretary of state, and the head of the king's troops. In fact, he is everything! He is omnipotent! Or almost omnipotent in all of France. You are interested in a career, it's clear! You are young, like me, and you are ambitious. I don't know which of two passions is stronger—the thirst for money and power, or the thirst for revenge. But I think the second is stronger. I am familiar with both, but since the desire for revenge has gnawed at me, everything else has faded into the background.

ROCHEFORT

Why are you telling me this, my lady?

CHARLOTTE

So you understand the situation. You've come to declare yourself my superior, or at least a liaison between the cardinal and you. Well, I don't mind, as long as the cardinal trusts me. But know this: you're no match for the power of my unquenchable passion for revenge on my hated ex... Revenge on the scoundrel.

ROCHEFORT

I presume to your husband, the Count de La Fere.

CHARLOTTE

Young man, not everything you've guessed should be spoken aloud immediately. This is my advice to you for the future. So, I tell you of my passions and my intentions for one purpose only. Do not doubt me. And I, in turn, promise not to doubt you. Help me gain the Cardinal's favor as quickly as possible, and then I will help you.

ROCHEFORT

How can you help me?

CHARLOTTE

Do you think I can't provide you with any kind of protection? You're mistaken! You underestimate the potential of a woman with the kind of looks that attract any man, unless he's blind. Very well, I'll prove it to you easily. I'll give you a gift. I'll give you advice that will help you quickly climb the career ladder and win the Cardinal's trust once and for all. Would you like it? Just promise that in return, you'll help me in any way you can.

ROCHEFORT

We still know each other so little, and you demand so much.

CHARLOTTE

On the contrary. I only needed one look at you to understand who you are and what you need. That's enough. Okay, I'm not asking you for any promises. Just remember that I'm about to give you some very important advice, and if this advice proves decisive in your career, don't forget that you'll be able to repay me—not for the sake of justice, which I've long since stopped believing in, but so that I can remain your friend. Because if you take my advice, you'll understand that being my friend is much better than being considered my enemy.

ROCHEFORT

My lady, this conversation with you goes far beyond the scope of the assignment I was given.

CHARLOTTE

So much the better! It's always helpful to demonstrate to the sovereign that you're not just carrying out his orders, but doing much more for him.

ROCHEFORT

So what do you suggest I do?

CHARLOTTE

Go to Brussels and try to gain the trust of the Marquis of Lecoux.

ROCHEFORT

Gaining trust? What does that mean? And who is he? Why is he so important?

CHARLOTTE

To get wine to leak from a barrel, you don't have to break the entire bottom. Even mosquitoes know: just a small hole is enough.

ROCHEFORT

You speak in riddles.

CHARLOTTE

And you will learn to understand the hints. The Marquis is the lover of the Duchess de Chevreuse, a friend of the Queen.

ROCHEFORT

Further?

CHARLOTTE

You haven't guessed. Very well, I'll explain. The Duchess is a walking conspiracy. If one plot fails or is abandoned, she immediately hatches a new one. Note that her weapon is the same one the Cardinal wants in me. Don't argue, he wants it. I wrote him a letter offering my services. I also wrote him that I had shown great interest in the Duchess de Chevreuse and told him the proverb: "Fight fire with fire." To overcome a beautiful and cunning woman, it takes another beautiful and cunning woman. If you have come in the name of Father Joseph, this means that the Cardinal has heeded my letter and has decided to send you unofficially, as if not in his own name, but in the name of another person who is essentially the same as the Cardinal himself. Why did he do this? The conclusion is clear! He was interested in my proposal, but he wants to remain in the shadows. Therefore, he has big plans for me. This means the cardinal understands perfectly well the power of a young, beautiful, and yet intelligent woman who is willing to go far in her relationship with a man without losing her head. And who is determined enough to bring down another beautiful woman and ignore false pleas and promises to mend her ways. In a confrontation with a beauty, a man loses his head, and this beauty, especially if she appears innocent, can convince him of anything and do any foolish thing for her. Even put this lost head in a noose. Not literally, but figuratively. A beauty can involve a man in love with her in a conspiracy against the King, which is even worse than hanging himself. After all, the inheritance of a man who hangs himself goes to his heirs, while the property of a man executed goes to the treasury.

ROCHEFORT

Continue.

CHARLOTTE

To tame the Duchess or completely remove her from the political chessboard, the Cardinal needs someone like me. He sent you to ensure that I am truly beautiful, intelligent, and sufficiently motivated to serve him faithfully. I'm sure he didn't give you any specific instructions regarding me. And I will be the antidote. I assure you that the Cardinal is more interested not in what you've told me or will tell me, but in how I look, what impression I made on you, and how I answered your questions. Yes, he needs me now, and urgently, since you're here, the Cardinal's enemies also need the Duchess de Chevreuse. She is the soul of all conspiracies!

ROCHEFORT

Who, in your opinion, are the cardinal’s enemies?

CHARLOTTE

First of all, all the nobles who would like to stand on the same level as the King, or at least just a small step below him, they would like to breathe the same air as him, that is, to be little Kings in their duchies, marquisates, and counties. All these nobles do not desire the greatness of the current King and therefore place their bets on the Dauphin. That is, they hope, as always in history, completely in vain, that the heir to the current King will be a better ruler for them than the one who rules them now. A sweet and foolish hope! But how many conspiracies it has set in motion! Most of them were rejected at the conception stage. Many crumbled before they could crystallize into something serious and truly dangerous. But many conspiracies have succeeded! History is full of examples of this!

ROCHEFORT

So you believe that the Duchess de Chevreuse, urged on by the grandees, is plotting, and that the best place to uncover it is in circles close to the Marquis of Lecoux?

CHARLOTTE

Yes, you're quite smart, but next time you don't have to repeat everything you've been told to prove you were smart enough to understand what was going on. Don't be offended, I didn't mean to offend you. On the contrary, I'm giving you lessons in politics, which always contains elements of intrigue and acting. And we need acting to hide our true thoughts. You express surprise when you're not surprised at all, and hide it when you are. You display an outward interest in things that don't interest you, and appear indifferent to things that greatly interest you. You don't appear to be what you are, but you appear to everyone to be something you are not. Take an example from insects. A beetle pretends to be a leaf or stick, a harmless fly pretends to be a wasp, a dangerous predator pretends to be a flower or a piece of bark, poison pretends to be food, and food pretends to be poison.

ROCHEFORT

How can I gain the trust of Marquis Leku?

CHARLOTTE

I've learned something. Don't ask me how I did it, just trust me. Order a cambric scarf from a seamstress, with two intersecting "M"s embroidered in the corner. Like these.

(Charlotte takes out a piece of paper and gives it to Rochefort)

ROCHEFORT

Does this symbolize Marie de Medici?

CHARLOTTE

Rochefort, you're not taking my advice seriously! You've figured it out, so keep quiet! Yes, it symbolizes Marie de Medici, the Queen Mother. Such a scarf serves as a sign of membership in the conspiratorial community.

ROCHEFORT

I understand.

CHARLOTTE

White cambric, red and gold thread for the letters. Don't waste time, Rochefort.

ROCHEFORT

But how can I explain my absence to His Grace… Father du Tremblay?

CHARLOTTE

Don't delude yourself, Rochefort. Until you've rendered the Cardinal the service you still have time to render, he won't remember you, and after you've rendered it, he'll never forget you. However, while the handkerchief is being sewn, you will come to the Cardinal and tell him everything about me, except my advice to go to the Marquis de Lecoux.

ROCHEFORT

Perhaps it would be better to tell the cardinal about the marquis?

CHARLOTTE

If you tell him about this, he'll send one of his men, who's been in his service for a long time, to the Marquis. Simply because he trusts them more than he does you, for now.

ROCHEFORT

But it will be safe and will contribute to his even greater trust in me and in you.

CHARLOTTE

All the cardinal's men are known to the marquis. This idea will come to nothing. This magnificent plan will fail. Is that what you want? And why should the cardinal feel any gratitude to you and me in that case? And if my plan fails, then it might be that the duchess's plot will not. And then the one we hope to gain his trust will lose his power. Our careers will be cut short before they even begin.

ROCHEFORT

You are very persuasive, my lady. I believe you, but I will believe you even more if you explain why you are so actively helping my career.

CHARLOTTE

It's simple. I see who you are. You are very young, but you try not to look at me. You are not one of those who prefer men. You are normal. And you like me. It's noticeable. But all normal men keep their eyes on me. I have never met any exceptions, even among priests. Even one executioner looked at me with such eyes that I could have controlled him if my head had not been occupied with completely different thoughts at that moment. I will not make such a mistake again, I swear! But you are not like that. You are afraid to look me in the face. But it is not embarrassment or disgust. I see that you are afraid of my charms. And why should you be afraid of me, why would this suddenly happen? I understand that you were ordered not to succumb to my influence. You, therefore, are carrying out the Cardinal's orders, trying to carry them out as precisely as possible. You are a man of duty. Or a very calculating man, for whom a career is more important than love. That is even better. My advice in no way conflicts with the Cardinal's orders. You will spend your free time on the trip—a couple of days, no more. But it's worth it. You will appreciate my advice. So what? Do you agree? Shall we be friends, Count Rochefort?

ROCHEFORT

I'm not a count.

CHARLOTTE

You'll be a count, and very soon. Maybe even a marquis. Just listen to my advice and don't forget to thank me when the opportunity arises. Deal, Count?

ROCHEFORT

Shake it, but since you are not a man, I will not shake your hand, but rather kiss it.

CHARLOTTE

(Offers his hand for a kiss)

Sealed with the seal of friendship. Oh, by the way... Do you know a certain Lord Winter?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, I know him, but not closely. He's in Paris incognito under the name of the Marquis de Brinvilliers.

CHARLOTTE

When you return from your trip and receive a reward from the cardinal, introduce me to him.

ROCHEFORT

Certainly, my lady.

(Rochefort leaves)

CHARLOTTE

Another one has fallen into my net. It's enough to praise a man for being more resilient than all the others, and he's already starting to melt like wax. Why do I need power over him? Who knows! Maybe he'll come in handy. He's a handsome boy. And Lord Winter is rich! Rochefort said he's in Paris incognito. So much the better. If I can please him, the wedding can be held secretly. I don't need any unexpected guests at the wedding.

SCENE ELEVEN

(Cardinal Richelieu's office, the cardinal is sitting at the table, Rochefort enters)

RICHELIEU

Come in, come in, Rochefort. I must say, you surprise me! Tell me the details.

ROCHEFORT

I have laid everything out in my letter to Your Eminence, but I will try to remember the details.

RICHELIEU

First of all, how did you come up with the idea to dress up as a Capuchin?

ROCHEFORT

My most kind benefactors, Monsieur de Marillac and Madame d'Abrouville, wished me to become a priest. The same was the wish of Monsieur the Cur; de L'Isle d'Ecurel.

RICHELIEU

But you are your father's eldest son?

ROCHEFORT

It happens that an eldest son is so unloved that his father is determined to make him a priest. This is especially true if he loves his second wife, who wants to bypass this son from his first marriage in favor of her own children.

RICHELIEU

I understand. As far as I understand, you weren't particularly vocal in your protest against this choice, and even tried on the cassock and studied theology. So, what happened next?

ROCHEFORT

I showed Marquis Lecu a cambric handkerchief with a double letter "M".

RICHELIEU

I've seen scarves like these on the Queen Mother. Don't ask when or why. But who suggested you use such a thing as a password? Wasn't it our Lady Clarik?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, she is.

RICHELIEU

But you didn't tell me about this when you asked for my approval for this trip.

ROCHEFORT

Only because I wasn't completely confident of success. I was embarrassed to promise something I wasn't completely sure I could fulfill.

RICHELIEU

It is commendable how you extricated yourself, but admit that you kept silent about this detail at Lady Claric's request, and now you realize that this argument sounds unconvincing and not in your favor.

ROCHEFORT

Nothing can escape your insight, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

Exactly so, Rochefort, exactly so. Well, the Marquis has taken a liking to you and sent several letters to Paris through you. But the letters were encrypted. I don't think the Marquis's trust in you was less than complete. More likely, it was simply a simple precaution. You weren't able to decipher the letters, but fortunately, I have a talented mathematician, Antoine Rossignol, who was able to crack the cipher quite quickly. Imagine, it only took him two hours! These letters have been resealed. You will deliver them to the addressees you were given. This, as far as I understand, is the lawyer Lapierre, on the Rue Lubert or somewhere nearby.

ROCHEFORT

Exactly so, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

Don't try to follow Lapierre. Other people will do that, but you leave immediately, as soon as you deliver the letter.

ROCHEFORT

The recipient may want to send a reply.

RICHELIEU

Refuse categorically. Say that you agreed to deliver the letters because you were on your way to Paris, and you have no intention of returning. Besides, I don't think Lampi;re is the real addressee. It's merely a transit point. The true addressee is someone else, and I've already guessed who he is. So a reply won't be forthcoming, and let the conspirators find ways to send the return letters themselves. At worst, we'll help them by sending another messenger. Go then, Rochefort, don't waste time. Or rather, wait. Tell me, Rochefort, you seem to have very good feelings for Monsieur Marillac, don't you?

ROCHEFORT

As I said, he and Madame d'Abrouville were very kind to me. The Marillacs are related to us.

RICHELIEU

Will you still consider him your family if it turns out that he is one of the main conspirators?

ROCHEFORT

May I ask what the conspiracy is?

RICHELIEU

First of all, the overthrow of the first minister.

ROCHEFORT

You, Your Eminence? This is terrible!

RICHELIEU

And since the first minister is not the kind of person who will compromise with the conspirators, the consequence is the murder of the first minister.

ROCHEFORT

I no longer have a relative named Mariyak!

RICHELIEU
 
Calm down, young man, this hasn't been established or proven yet, so you're still related to Marshal de Marillac. However, your zeal is commendable. But let's return to the conspiracy. It involved, among other things, of course, the vile assassination of His Majesty.

ROCHEFORT

I can't stand this! What treachery!

RICHELIEU

The Duchess de Chevreuse has conceived a marriage between the King's younger brother, Gaston d'Orl;ans, who, due to the absence of a son from His Majesty, is, as you know, the Dauphin, and will inherit the throne in the event of His Majesty's death, and - who do you think?

ROCHEFORT

I have no idea, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

Well, of course, and the future Dowager Queen, Anne of Austria.

ROCHEFORT

Could such baseness really be conceived and carried out at the court of the most just King Louis XIII and under such a wise and magnanimous prime minister as Your Eminence?

RICHELIEU
 
Don't get too carried away by the torrent of flattery, Rochefort, although essentially you're right. It's precisely baseness. And precisely under a most just King, and everything else you said. So, what about Marillac?

ROCHEFORT

Even if this is just a suspicion, I solemnly declare to Your Eminence that from now on I no longer have such a relative. Once this is officially established and proclaimed—and I dare not doubt the veracity of Your Eminence's words—no one in this family will dare call me their kin!

RICHELIEU

You haven't disappointed me, Rochefort. But I repeat, I have nothing against him. I only know his views, and I admit that in the future these views could lead him down a dangerous path. For now, you should treat him with caution, nothing more. And don't let him draw you into such a dangerous undertaking.

ROCHEFORT

I will be extremely vigilant, Your Eminence!

RICHELIEU

Very well, my friend. That's all I wanted to tell you. Go and deliver the letters to the addressee. On your way back, visit Lady Claric. What favor did she ask for in exchange for the idea of going to the Marquis with a cambric handkerchief with two "M"s?

ROCHEFORT
 
She didn't ask for anything specific, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

Am I mistaken? If she didn't name a price right away, her demands might be prohibitive. Do you recall if she mentioned any estates or names?

ROCHEFORT

She asked me if I knew Lord Winter.

RICHELIEU

Oh, wonderful! She wants to get married. Well, tell her she'll be Lord Winter's wife very soon. I'll introduce her to him myself at the next reception. And until then, I highly recommend her to him. This marriage will be a very good political investment for us. It will open the way for her to England, to the Duke of Buckingham's entourage! Wonderful! Go then, Rochefort!

(Rochefort bows and leaves with the letters)

SCENE TWELVE

(The boudoir of the Duchess de Chevreuse. The Duchess is sitting at a table writing a letter. The doors open silently and an unknown person in monastic habit, with a hood on his head, enters.)

MONK

Good evening, Duchess.

CHEVR;UZ

(Without turning around, he calmly folds the letter and hides it behind his bodice, then stands up, approaches the monk and kisses his hand)

Your Eminence, you have the wrong door. Her Majesty is in other rooms.

(The monk throws back his hood; it is Cardinal Richelieu)

RICHELIEU

You have excellent self-control, Duchess. You weren't even surprised or turned around at the sound of my voice.

CHEVR;UZ

I recognized your voice perfectly, Cardinal. And having recognized your voice, I realized that, as the Queen's confessor, you had simply entered the wrong door. So what should I fear? Does a priest pose any danger to the pious and honest Duchess de Chevreuse?

RICHELIEU

Firstly, I have not mistaken the door, as you could judge by the fact that I addressed you, so I understand perfectly well whose room I have entered. Secondly, all the doors, like all the rooms of the Louvre, like all the other palaces honored to be the property and residence of His Majesty, are familiar enough to me that I would never confuse the Queen's doors with those of her lady-in-waiting, the Superintendent of Finances and the keeper of her jewels, the Duchess de Chevreuse. So I have come to see you and have a quick chat.

CHEVR;UZ

If you weren't a spiritual person, a man's visit at such a late hour might compromise me. But the doors of my modest chambers are always open to the Queen's confessor. Except, of course, when I'm changing.

RICHELIEU

And probably except when you write secret letters or read correspondence you receive.

SCHVER;Z

What are you talking about, Cardinal?

RICHELIEU

That's about it.

(He takes a stack of letters tied with string out of his pocket and throws it on the table)

CHEVR;UZ

I don't understand anything! This makes no sense! This isn't French, or Spanish, or Italian. It's not Latin either. If it's some other language, I don't know it.

RICHELIEU
 
It's a code, Duchess.

CHEVR;UZ

All the more reason! Take this away, I don't understand anything about it.

RICHELIEU

It's not nice to deceive a cleric, Duchess. You understand this code perfectly well.

CHEVR;UZ

I'm telling you, I don't understand what's written here!

RICHELIEU

In that case, please read the translation of these letters.

(He takes out another stack of papers and throws it on the table)

My codebreaker is no match for your naive cipher clerks, Duchess! He spent no more than two hours deciphering these papers.

CHEVR;UZ

(At first he looks at the letters with horror, then he pulls himself together and speaks calmly)

I don't know the handwriting in which these papers were written. This applies not only to the translation but also to the originals. I'm not familiar with it.

RICHELIEU
 
Of course, Duchess, these are merely copies of the original and their translation. But the original has also been in my hands. And I know not only the addressee, but also the author of these letters. The addressee is the Marquis de Chalais. Henri de Talleyrand-P;rigord de Chalais. Courtier of Gaston d'Orl;ans. And the author and sender is the Marquis de Lecu. Your gallant friend. By the way, is the Duke de Chevreuse aware of how far your friendship with the Marquis has gone? What are you saying, Duchess! There are so many dukes and princes at court, and you, n;e de Rohan, Duchess de Luynes by her first marriage, Duchess de Chevreuse, and therefore a close relative of the Guises, the Dukes of Lorraine, and suddenly some marquis? What a misalliance!

CHEVR;UZ

Have mercy, cardinal.

RICHELIEU

And you spared me? Your joke, when you sent me a letter in Queen Anne's name, saying that she showed me the highest favor, but would like to see how they danced the saraband in my homeland. And, knowing that in my youth I was quite a good dancer, she asks me to dance for her! She promised me that she would watch me from behind a screen, hidden only by the musicians, who would play blindfolded. And what came of it? I, like a jester, dressed in a dance costume, performed the dance of my homeland solely for her, and suddenly I hear laughter from behind the screen? And whose laughter? It turns out that it wasn't just the Queen who was spying on me, but also you and Gaston d'Orl;ans! Do you think I enjoyed this prank of yours?

CHEVR;UZ
 
Forgive me, for God's sake, Your Eminence! I had no intention of presenting you... in such a bad light. And what's wrong with a person privately performing the dances of their homeland? Besides, it wasn't my idea at all!

RICHELIEU

Duchess, a little lie breeds great mistrust. Don't lie. I know it was your idea.

CHEVR;UZ

Very well, Cardinal! I confess. I was wrong, I was stupid! Are you really going to take revenge on me? Is revenge proper for a clergyman?

RICHELIEU

Vengeance is not proper for a cleric, but it is proper for a prime minister to be concerned about the security of the state and the King. These letters expose a conspiracy against…

CHEVR;UZ

But I had no intention of harming you, Your Eminence! I know nothing about these letters! I bear no responsibility for the actions of people with whom I may be a little more friendly than I should be.

RICHELIEU

It's all a lie from beginning to end. You masterminded this whole affair, you influenced the Queen, convincing her of the conspiracy's success and profitability. You captivated young de Chalais. And you drew the Marquis into the plot, as well as other nobles, including the King's brother and many others.

CHEVR;UZ

I have nothing to do with it at all, I assure you!

RICHELIEU

Besides, the conspiracy wasn't aimed solely at me. If you had all turned against me, I wouldn't have resisted. I would have quietly asked His Majesty for my resignation. And retired to my estate, where I would have lived out my years in peace. But the conspiracy is directed against His Majesty! That's unthinkable.

CHEVR;UZ

My God! Did they really want to arrest the King?!

RICHELIEU

No, we didn't want to.

CHEVR;UZ

God bless!

RICHELIEU

As with all plots against royalty, the conspirators intended to kill him under the pretext that he had refused to allow himself to be arrested. And you are well aware of this. After all, it was your idea—the marriage of Anne of Austria to Gaston d'Orl;ans?

CHEVR;UZ

What a horror! How could you even think that!?

RICHELIEU

Well, Duchess, I've heard enough of your denials. They don't impress me, because I know the truth. I don't need your confession, because I have proof of your guilt. Irrefutable proof, mind you. So why did I come to you?

CHEVR;UZ

(Straightens her neckline and makes eyes at the cardinal)

For what purpose, Cardinal?

RICHELIEU

I came to consult with you, Duchess.

CHEVR;UZ

(Continuing to flirt)

Excellent, Cardinal! What advice do you need? About what?

RICHELIEU

I wanted to ask you this, Duchess. What would be more beneficial for the kingdom? Dealing with the ringleader of the conspiracy as law and justice demand, or perhaps she might still be of use to me?

CHEVR;UZ

With the head of the conspiracy?

RICHELIEU

With you, Duchess.

CHEVR;UZ

God! Deal with it! What a terrible word!

RICHELIEU

Let's put it more gently. Send them to Grevskaya Square.

CHEVR;UZ

This sounds even more terrible! Even more terrible than the Bastille!

RICHELIEU

Those who are still capable of reform are sent to the Bastille. Those who are incorrigible are sent to the Place de Gr;ve. But don't worry, Duchess. You won't be hanged, of course! A lady of your rank deserves to be beheaded. You can be proud to share the fate of your distant relative by second marriage, Mary Stuart. Another Mary of the Dukes of Lorraine. To share the fate of a royal courtesan—isn't it an honor?

CHEVR;UZ

Stop it! Cardinal, I beg you! We were such friends in our time!

RICHELIEU

Of course, because every betrayal comes from a previous friendship.

CHEVR;UZ

You asked for advice, I believe? Well, I give you this advice. No need for the Place de Gr;ve, no need for the Bastille, your old friend Marie de Chevreuse will be an even greater friend in the future. Whatever you want! Demand it!

RICHELIEU

But how can the head of what is already far from the first conspiracy be useful to me?

CHEVR;UZ

Oh, I don't know! Everyone! Tell me, dear Armand! I promise not to take part in any more conspiracy!

RICHELIEU
 
Don't promise what you can't deliver, because it's beyond your power. Besides, I need something completely different.

CHEVR;UZ

Anything you like, Your Eminence!

RICHELIEU

My conditions are these. You will be punished, of course, but not severely. You will be exiled to your estate for a short time, then the Queen will intercede for you, and you will return. All your positions and privileges will be restored to you.

CHEVR;UZ

How long will my disgrace last?

RICHELIEU

Not for long, just until all the remaining conspirators are neutralized, brought to justice, and, according to its verdict, each receives their due. Naturally, the King will forgive his wife and his brother, the Dauphin.

CHEVR;UZ

Sounds tempting.

RICHELIEU

As you understand, until the Lord sends His Majesty a son, Gaston remains the Dauphin, that is, the one for whom the death of His Majesty will open the direct path to the throne.

CHEVR;UZ

I pray day and night for the Lord to send the Queen an heir!

RICHELIEU
 
Me too. And yet. As long as things remain as they are, Gaston will never rest. Cliques of friends will form around him and the Queen, inciting them to new plots.

CHEVR;UZ

I will not participate in this!

RICHELIEU
 
You will participate in this, Duchess, in order to inform me of all the conspirators' plans. You will also tell me their names. Every conspiracy must be known to me. And before it is carried out, I must receive proof from you that it is directed not only against me, but also and above all against His Majesty. I must receive written evidence that will help me expose the conspirators. Do not fear, this will not harm your beloved Queen. On the contrary, it will protect her from harm. After all, the King is just and merciful. And the Queen is a representative of two ruling families, Spanish and Austrian. Such a Queen cannot be tried in an ordinary court. Even for the most insidious crimes. I will speak with His Majesty and prove to him that the Queen is merely engaged in friendly correspondence with her Spanish relatives, nothing more. I assure you, I will be able to protect the Queen in the eyes of His Majesty.

CHEVR;UZ

And Gaston?

RICHELIEU

The Dauphin? Of course! At least as long as he remains the Dauphin. But then, what business is it of yours? Or of mine?

CHEVR;UZ

If the King does not forgive the Dauphin, he will not forgive me.

RICHELIEU

That's fair. Well, it would be better if His Majesty's clemency extended to both the Dauphin and you. But remember, Duchess, the King's clemency rests on my advice—the advice of the confessor and the cardinal, the first minister and the secretary of state.

CHEVR;UZ

I see how merciful the Lord is, who sent our King such a brilliant first minister!

RICHELIEU

I will not make any treaties with you, Duchess.

(He takes the letters he put on the table and hides them in his pocket)

Remember, I already have enough documents and other evidence to send you to the Place de Gr;ve. Moreover, I will soon have in my hands the originals of those letters, which I deliberately let slip in order to catch all the fish with this bait. And my advice to you: don't try to warn de Chalais, de Lecu, or your other accomplices. They are doomed. And you... Well, you'll easily find new friends to chat with in your charming boudoir.

CHEVR;UZ

But I…

RICHELIEU

We've already agreed on everything, Duchess, good night.

(The Cardinal comes out)

CHEVR;UZ

Poor Marquis! Poor Count! What will become of them?

(Sighs)

Clearly. Grevskaya Square. Woe to them, woe to me. Well, against this backdrop, a brief exile to my estate isn't so bad. I'll go to Tours. Hopefully, not for long.


SCENE THIRTEEN
 
(Fleury, residence of Cardinal Richelieu, park in front of the palace. Chalet enters, accompanied by eight like-minded noblemen)

CHALET

Gentlemen, now it's all over. Remember this day! The cardinal will come to us, we will arrest him, and then consider our task successfully completed.

FIRST NOBLEMAN

If he has servants with him, we may have to kill them.

THE SECOND NOBLEMAN

So what if I killed a couple of the tyrant's servants? There's nothing sinful about that.

THE THIRD NOBLEMAN

What if they resist?

CHALET

Don't worry, gentlemen! I've been to the cardinal's house many times. His servants are mere pages; they've never even held a weapon! If we risk finding anyone here, it'll be his niece and a dozen cats, along with a couple of secretaries with quill pens and a treasurer with the keys to his private treasury and a ledger of income and expenditure. The cardinal is a recluse; his servants rarely show themselves to him. We could easily arrest him in his own home.

(A young page comes out of the door)

CHALET

Listen, my dear sir. I know you, you are Anatole, I believe?

PAGE

Anselm, Your Grace.

CHALET

Yes, exactly! Anselm! Dear Anselm, inform His Eminence that the Count of Chalais has arrived with news of the imminent arrival of His Highness the Dauphin, Duke Gaston of Orleans. My friends and I will be happy to report to His Eminence all the details of the Dauphin's arrival and discuss plans for the gala reception.

PAGE

One moment, Your Excellency.

(The page goes out the door. At that very moment, from all sides of the stage and from the depths of the stage, up to thirty armed soldiers and two officers appear, all well armed)

CHALET

What is this?

FIRST NOBLEMAN

Looks like security?

CHALET
 
Perhaps an honor guard. In that case, we'll postpone our plan for half an hour, until they leave.

(Cardinal Richelieu comes out of the door)

RICHELIEU

Your Excellency, Monsieur le Comte de Chalais! I cannot say that your arrival came as a surprise to me, but I am nevertheless glad to meet you.

CHALET

I brought you news.

RICHELIEU

I also have news for you. Let's hear it from you first.

CHALET

I have the honor to inform you of the imminent arrival of His Highness the Dauphin, Duke Gaston of Orleans.

RICHELIEU

many courtiers be arriving with him, of course ?

CHALET

Undoubtedly.

RICHELIEU

Will we also have the good fortune to see Madame de Chevreuse? And, of course, the Marquis de Lecu?

CHALET

This is not excluded.

RICHELIEU

In that case, it seems we can also expect Monsieur Lapierre?

CHALET

Who, excuse me?

RICHELIEU

What? That same Lapierre, the lawyer who lives near Rue Lubert! You don't know him? Well, perhaps I was mistaken. So, gentlemen, I thank you for the good news you bring me. Come in, make yourself comfortable, and be guests in my humble abode.

CHALET

On behalf of all my friends, I thank you, Your Eminence, but we still have urgent matters to attend to here in Fleury. Perhaps later, if you please, we could visit you? Later in the evening?

(He moves to the edge of the stage with the rest of the nobles and speaks to them quietly)

Let's go! The time and place are bad. He's on the alert!

(The nobles and Chalet bow and leave)

RICHELIEU

(to the officer standing nearby)

The carriage immediately! We are leaving for Paris immediately. You, Hercule, and Gerard will ride with me in the carriage, the soldiers on horseback, sixteen in front of the carriage, fourteen behind. Keep your pistols loaded.

(Everyone leaves)


SCENE FOURTEEN
 
(Gaston d'Orl;ans's bedroom, Gaston lying in bed. Cardinal Richelieu enters without knocking)

GASTON

Cardinal? How are you here?

RICHELIEU

Forgive me for disturbing you, Your Highness. Your envoy, the Count de Chalais, accompanied by two nobles of your court, arrived in Fleury to solemnly inform me of your expected arrival. I assumed Your Highness needed me and hastened to meet you. Apparently, I was too hasty, as I found you in bed. I most humbly beg your forgiveness.

GASTON

Do you mind if I get dressed? I feel awkward talking to the cardinal while lying in bed. But it's even more awkward talking to you standing next to me in my pajamas.

RICHELIEU

Don't be embarrassed, Your Grace! You have nothing to hide from the Holy Catholic Church, do you? Incidentally, you'll need to invite servants to help you dress. But the news I'm about to share with you isn't intended for their ears. So, if you'd like, put on a robe while I tell you the most interesting things I've learned.

GASTON

This is very urgent, I suppose?

RICHELIEU

You yourself are probably eager to know that the Spanish King Philip IV really liked your proposal and sent you his positive response.

GASTON

To King Philip IV?

RICHELIEU

Yes, to the royal brother of our Queen Anne.

GASTON

But why would I write to him?

RICHELIEU

This is precisely the question that has also greatly preoccupied me. But perhaps we will learn this from King Philip IV's reply letter? After all, in it he answers the questions posed to him by Your Highness! So, if you have forgotten what you asked him about, this reply letter will easily remind you of all the topics you discussed with him. By the way! I remembered! How could you have forgotten? After all, you offered the King of Spain a peace treaty, and he agreed to sign it! What commendable pacifism on your part and on the part of His Majesty the King of Spain! Wonderful, simply wonderful! But allow me... Hm... It bothers me that you are still only the Dauphin, and not the King at all, aren't you? But in that case, why are you proposing this peace? It seems to me that His Majesty did not appoint you as his ambassador to Spain and did not give you the authority to make such proposals. How is this possible, Your Highness? It's not going well, don't you think?

GASTON

My God, I just... I was forced... I was deceived... I only agreed to negotiate for peace...

RICHELIEU

Of course! Exactly. Just a little effort! And that's why you personally signed the draft treaty between France and Spain, consisting of... Let me recall... Twenty points? Or twenty-two? Well, what difference does it make! Yes, exactly, twenty-two! How could I have forgotten so much? However, I shouldn't complain about my memory. I can, after all, list the contents of all twenty-two points. Would you like to listen? Or perhaps it would be easier if I read you the letter from the King of Spain?

GASTON

I don’t know anything, I’m lost…

RICHELIEU

Your Highness, your royal brother, the King, is kind. And just. He will forgive you, of course. But you understand that he has much to forgive. High treason is no joke. Your Highness, be a good boy. Take a piece of paper and write down the names of all the conspirators. All of them. All of them. After all, if you forget to mention someone, His Majesty might think you're covering for someone! And then I can't promise you that I can convince him to be merciful and lenient. Believe me, Your Highness, pardoning state criminals is in itself a state crime. Only the King is permitted such weakness, or rather, such sublime mercy. Anyone else simply has no right to it! After all, leniency towards a state criminal is a crime against the King! You must, you simply must, write down the names of all the conspirators.

GASTON

My God, I can name them all!

RICHELIEU

I understand you're ready to name them, but I suggest you write their names in your own handwriting and sign your name below. Just think about it! What if you name someone, and God forbid, I forget one of them? That would make me an accomplice to the conspiracy, and, what's worse, it would cast a shadow on the sincerity of Your Highness's repentance! No, it would be far better if you compiled this list with your own handwriting. And don't delay.

GASTON

I'll write down all the names immediately! All of them! I won't forget anyone!

RICHELIEU

Of course, Your Highness. And feel free to include our Queen's name. I'll tell you a secret: His Majesty knows all about the role of our poor Queen, who, like you, was, of course, deceived and misled. Our gracious King is ready to forgive his wife and his beloved brother, but only on the condition of complete repentance. And complete repentance presupposes a full admission of guilt by all involved. So don't forget to include Her Majesty's name. You can begin with her. You can end with her. It's as you wish. Well, I'll leave you for a few minutes. But don't delay. I hope ten minutes will be enough. But I'm giving you half an hour. So, in half an hour, I'll come to you for the list. Don't forget to sign it. All the best to you.

(Richelieu resolutely left Gaston's bedroom)

GASTON

My God! Everything is lost! What a horror! No, nothing terrible, I'm not dead, the cardinal promised me forgiveness, my brother won't raise a hand against his dearly beloved younger brother! Or will he? "Cain, what have you done to your brother Abel?" Lord, but I was going to!.. What a horror! Am I really Cain? Lord, forgive and protect me! Where is the paper, the pen? Quick! Don't be late! Before it's too late!

He hurriedly pulls on his robe, gets tangled in the sleeves for a long time, then runs up to the elegant table, takes paper and a pen and quickly writes down the names of the conspirators.

(Curtain)

SCENE FIFTEEN
 
(One of King Louis XIII's rooms in the Louvre. The King is looking at a painting. Richelieu enters, followed by his secretary, who brings in two large, heavy briefcases, places them on the table, and leaves.)

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, I ask you to accept my resignation.

KING

Cardinal, what's wrong? Are you unwell?

RICHELIEU

I still have some strength and health left, sufficient for the ordinary life of a prelate preparing to soon appear before God's judgment. But it seems time for me to withdraw from public affairs.

KING

(Happily)

Are you asking to be relieved of your post as First Minister? But you will, of course, remain at our court and assist me with your wise advice!

RICHELIEU

Just long enough to hand over all the affairs to my successor.

KING

Your successor? But nothing's been decided yet! It's not easy to find a worthy successor to you, after all, you held so many important government positions!

RICHELIEU

And I have faithfully performed even more positions without being appointed to them.

KING

Which ones are these?

RICHELIEU

In fact, as First Minister, I am responsible for the work of all of Your Majesty's ministries. But, unfortunately, some ministries that should be created have not yet been created, so these matters also remain under my jurisdiction. Along with managing finances, the army, the navy, and the guard, I am also responsible for construction, shipbuilding, the procurement of weapons and forage. I am also responsible for judicial matters, and for this reason, I have to organize the work of investigative commissions and ensure law and order. I have to manage the maintenance of order not only in the capital, but throughout the entire state. And this is an extremely difficult task, since many of the highest officials in the provinces are not appointed by Your Majesty, as they should be, but are elected by local lords and grandees. In fact, France has not yet become a unified whole; it consists of separate provinces, where the rightful owners are their governors—princes, dukes, marquises, peers, counts, viscounts, and barons. They all act as absolute masters of their domains. Each has not only their own men to carry out all sorts of tasks, but also their own army. If they all conspire to stage a coup d';tat, it will be simply impossible to resist them. Your Majesty does not have an army capable of subduing all the rebellious lords of your provinces.

KING

(With a mixed feeling of fear and despondency)

Is it really that bad?

RICHELIEU

No, Your Majesty, it's far worse than I've described. I keep them in line only by preventing them from conceiving and executing a unified plan that includes the overthrow of the legitimate ruler.

KING

But why might they need this?

RICHELIEU

When a pack of predators, not the strongest but the most organized, manages to bring down a large prey, everyone gets their share. And even those who didn't take part in the hunt have good reason to hope to snag a piece. Power always demands obedience, and obedience is a burden to everyone. Everyone wants to be their own master. But if this were allowed, France as a state would cease to exist. During the reign of your royal father, Henry IV , he was constantly forced to suppress nascent rebellions. And his predecessors from the Valois dynasty found it even more difficult to keep France in line. France was, in fact, not a unified state. And even now, the Duchy of Lorraine lives as if it were not part of France, but merely its ally. Your father was King of Navarre, and this is a great blessing, since as a result of his accession, Navarre became part of France without any conflict. But Navarre is full of Huguenots. And where there are Huguenots, there is rebellion. All this is so complex that my successor will have a great deal of work to do to grasp everything and not miss anything. And besides, Your Majesty, I would not place much trust in this successor. After all, concentrating such great responsibility in one person also means concentrating enormous power. And from there, it's not far to treason. Therefore, I would be happy if Your Majesty did not appoint a successor to me, but took over all my affairs, managing everything independently, fairly and wisely.

KING

(Doubtfully)

I'm certainly ready to embrace all your features, but not so quickly! It will also take me a lot of time and effort to figure everything out.

RICHELIEU

I have no doubt of your talents, Your Majesty. Start with foreign policy…

KING

(In horror)

And foreign policy too?

RICHELIEU

Of course, this is one of the most important problems. However, in governing a state, there are no unimportant matters. To begin with, I have brought you only the most urgent matters that require immediate attention.

(Points to two briefcases)

Here are only those matters that need to be resolved in the next two days.

KING

All this in two days?

RICHELIEU

Not only that, but here are only the most urgent matters. For example,

(Opens the first briefcase, pulls out a small stack of papers and intends to give them to the King)

KING

Listen, Cardinal, even if you just asked me to sign all these sheets, it would take up all my time! When will I ever find the time to read all this, understand it all, and make the right decisions?

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, leading a country is a lot of work and a lot of responsibility, but I believe in your strength and talents!

KING

Listen, Cardinal, could your resignation be postponed for a couple of months? I mean a couple of years? Work for another three or four, five or six years, and then, God willing, maybe I'll start to understand some of what you've told me and find a successor.

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, it is not only a matter of Your Will and my consent.

KING

What else could it be? Who else could prevent me from leaving you in your post for as long as I deem necessary?

RICHELIEU

I don't want to tell you. It's very important, but it's so delicate. Should I, Your Majesty's mere First Minister, come between you and your family?

KING

My family? Are you talking about the Queen Mother?

RICHELIEU

I have already had the misfortune of failing in my attempt to reconcile you with your mother.

KING

(Sharp)

It's her own fault! You have nothing to do with it! You did everything you could and more! At first, I distrusted you precisely because it was she who promoted you. Everything connected with her still makes me distrust you! But you are the most loyal person I have ever known! I changed my mind about you after you tried so diligently, yet so unsuccessfully, to reconcile us. This is a settled matter, the Queen Mother will never interfere in politics again, she will have no power beyond that which she has in her small court. In all honesty, she should not have been left with even that, but filial piety does not allow me to treat her as she deserves. So, did you mean her when you spoke of my family? Don't take it to heart, these are all completely insignificant details, they will not affect your powers and, I hope, will not hinder your work.

RICHELIEU

To my great regret, it's not about the Queen Mother at all. The conspiracy I've uncovered is… No, I don't dare tell you!

KING

Speak, Cardinal, I demand it.

RICHELIEU

Truly, I'd rather resign than utter words that would so upset Your Majesty. In these briefcases...

KING

Keep your briefcases to yourself and tell us everything you know about the conspiracy!

RICHELIEU

Believe me, Your Majesty, as long as I believed that the conspirators intended only to physically eliminate me, I did not want to interfere with them...

KING

Eliminate you? Attack the spiritual person, the cardinal? It's unthinkable!

RICHELIEU

Let me remind you that your royal father was murdered by the treacherous Ravaillac before the eyes of the good Parisians. And before that, his predecessor, Henry III de Valois, was assassinated by Jacques Cl;ment.

KING

But they were not priests.

RICHELIEU

The person of the King, the anointed of God, is even more sacred than the person of a mere cardinal!

KING

You're right, but don't say that! Those who plot against the Cardinal will be able to plot against the King as well!

RICHELIEU

This is the most terrible thing I must reveal to you, Your Majesty. As I said, I would not have prevented a plot against me personally. But when I learned that the conspirators were also targeting your sacred person…

KING

They're trying to assassinate me? You said they're trying to assassinate me? Members of my family?! Princes?

RICHELIEU

If it were only about the princes, I would have already prepared an order for their arrest and brought it to Your Majesty for signature.

KING

So is this my brother? Or maybe my wife?

RICHELIEU

Worse. Both. His Highness and Her Majesty.

KING

Gaston and Anna? Conspired to kill me? But they wouldn't have dared to act alone! It must have been a whole network of conspirators?

RICHELIEU

That's right. Here's the list.

KING

This seems to be Gaston's hand?

RICHELIEU

I told him that I knew everything and convinced him to make this list and sign it with his own hand to prove his complete repentance, obedience and readiness to accept any punishment.

KING

How did you convince him? Intimidate him? Yes, I know, he's a coward.

RICHELIEU

I appealed to his better nature. I reminded him of the story of Cain and Abel. I promised him I would plead with you on his behalf. I promised him that if you did not forgive him, I would resign.

KING

You're setting me unacceptable conditions, Cardinal! I can't forgive him, and I can't dismiss you. What nonsense! You should resign! Now, when I need you more than ever! When you've uncovered the conspiracy! It's impossible!

RICHELIEU

I beg Your Majesty to pardon not only your brother, but also your wife, our Queen, and also the Duchess de Chevreuse.

KING

Listen, Richelieu, this is too much. I can pardon my brother, since he is the sole heir to the throne, the official Dauphin, but why should I forgive the Queen? And why should I forgive that schemer Chevreuse?

RICHELIEU

I wasn't talking about complete forgiveness. Just a quick reference.

KING

For the Queen? Okay, fine. But for the Duchess – the Bastille, that's the best I can offer her!

RICHELIEU

However, I beg Your Majesty to send the Duchess to Poitou and to provide the Queen with one of your palaces to live in separately, so that she can reflect on her behavior and understand that only the birth of an heir and complete obedience to Your Majesty is all that should concern her, this is her highest duty to you and to France, her second and last homeland.

KING

Send him to another palace. That's good. You're right, Richelieu, escalating tensions with the Queen now is inopportune.

RICHELIEU

This is highly inopportune, Your Majesty! This will give Philip IV grounds to enlist the support of other countries and attack France from all sides!

KING

Yes, this marriage with the Spanish princess, planned and carried out by my mother, brought me no good! And she couldn't even bear an heir! And that vile Duchess de Chevreuse is to blame for it all! If not for her frolicking in the palace, the Queen would not have miscarried, I would have had a son, my heir, Gaston would have had no chance of claiming the throne, and he would not have plotted against me! This is what that vile and disgusting Duchess has brought me to! And you ask me to forgive her just because she... Actually, what is she?

RICHELIEU

She's a member of the Rohan family, and now she's also linked by a second marriage to the House of Lorraine. Do we really need trouble with the Guises? Now, when the Habsburgs threaten us from all sides!

KING

Hmm... You're absolutely right. See, Cardinal, what a bright mind you have? And you're still talking to me about resigning! How could I possibly agree to accept it? You see for yourself – you're irreplaceable!

RICHELIEU

I am only describing the situation, and the decision is yours, Your Majesty.

KING

That's all true, Cardinal. And it's not for nothing that I'm called Louis the Just. I will make the only right decision. Gaston—reprimand and forgive, the Queen—sternly reprimand and banish to one of the remote palaces, Chevreuse—exile to Poitou. But what about the others? You showed me a whole list! Besides the three people you named, who was at the head of the conspiracy?

RICHELIEU

Henri de Talleyrand-P;rigord, Comte de Chalet.

KING

The grandson of Marshal de Montluc! Listen, he seems to be in love with the Duchess de Chevreuse, even though he's married to Charlotte de Courtille, who is every bit as attractive as the Duchess?

RICHELIEU

The boy got so carried away playing that he completely lost his head under the duchess’s charms.

KING

You're right, Cardinal. He lost his head because of the Duchess. Not figuratively, but literally. I think the executioner at the Place de Gr;ve will explain it to him in action.

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, my duty as a good Catholic commands me to intercede for every lost soul, but my duty as your subject and Prime Minister of France seals my lips. I dare not intercede for him.

KING

So that's how we'll decide. Chalet's head will be gone. You see, Richelieu, I can handle all matters of state administration on my own, without your help. I can, but I still don't want to. And I ask you not to even think about resigning! Promise me, Cardinal, not to even hint at resignation for at least the next ten years.

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, I promise to obey you in everything, as I have done before, but my resignation may be decided against my will, and even against your will.

KING

What's wrong? Who dares decide this issue besides me?

RICHELIEU

The dagger of the new Ravaillac or the new Jacques Clement, Your Majesty.

KING

Nonsense! Starting today, I'm increasing your personal bodyguard to... hmm... You seem to have twenty guards? Increase that number to thirty, and I'm assigning you, from this moment on, fifty mounted arquebusiers, who will accompany you fully armed everywhere except the Louvre. Remember, Cardinal, I need your life! Take care! And prepare orders for the punishment of all the remaining conspirators. Everyone must receive their just deserts. Only then will we protect ourselves from future conspiracies.

RICHELIEU

Thank you, Your Majesty, everything will be done exactly.

(To myself)

The best way to protect against conspiracies is to infiltrate the ranks of potential conspirators. Now I will learn about plots being hatched from the Duchess de Chevreuse and Gaston d'Orl;ans. I should probably work with the Queen. It's imperative that she also inform me of any danger threatening me, for fear that these two might get there first.

(Leaves)

SCENE SIXTEEN
 
(The courtyard of the castle of Castelmore, the estate of the d'Artagnan family. Old Bertrand d'Artagnan, the father, his wife Fran;oise de Montesquiou, as well as Charles d'Artagnan, his younger brothers Jean and Arnaud, and his sisters Claude, Henriette, and Jeanne)


BERTRAN

Charles, my dear, the time has come for you to go to Paris to follow in your older brother Paul's footsteps in the military.

CHARLES

Father, I've been waiting for this moment with impatience!

FRANCOISE

Don't talk like that, son! You're breaking my heart! Bertrand, is it really necessary to send all our boys to Paris? Just think, you're predicting a military career for them, completely oblivious to the fact that a military career could end at any moment!

BERTRAN

Fran;oise, don't be silly. Any person's life can end at any moment. Everything happens by God's will, but a person shouldn't simply expect happiness to fall upon them out of nowhere. Fortune must be helped, remember that, my son!

CHARLES

I will remember, father!

FRANCOISE

You just want to get all our boys out of the house and marry off all our sweet girls as quickly as possible. Maybe you'll kick me out of the house too? What am I supposed to do in this Castelmore castle when we're left alone?

BERTRAN

Don't worry, Fran;oise, you'll live to see grandchildren, and you'll still be able to complain about their disobedience and lament that you're tired of them.

FRANCOISE

Where will your grandchildren come from if you force your eldest sons into the army and send your youngest to become a monk?

BERTRAN

If you so desire grandchildren, why then do you reproach me for wanting to marry off my daughters? Everyone does it, and so will we. As for my sons, I cannot provide all four with a worthy inheritance. Should they all four live in the old castle? You know yourself, our fortune is not great. And in the royal service these days, people quickly rise and make a fortune. Look how our relative, Henri de Talleyrand-P;rigord, Count of Chalais, has risen!

FRANCOISE

What a comparison! He's the grandson of Marshal de Montluc.

BERTRAN

The Marshal is no stranger to us. But none of that matters. My old comrade-in-arms, Captain-Lieutenant Jean-Jacques Armand du Peyret de Tr;ville, currently commands the King's Musketeers! Charles, I've written him a letter of recommendation. He'll see how skillfully you handle all types of bladed weapons—the sword, the sabre, the dagger. The finest swordsmen in Gascony have taught you everything you need to know.

FRANCOISE

These lessons didn't come cheap for us.

BERTRAN

Moreover, the time has come to receive dividends from this deposit.

CHARLES

Mother, you will not regret these expenses!

BERTRAN

Don't get distracted, Charles. I wrote to him about how skillfully you ride a horse, how any horse senses a calf, how brilliantly you shoot a musket and even those new contraptions they call pistols. That you can even hit a cherry pit at arm's length from thirty paces.

CHARLES

From fifty, father!

BERTRAN

Don't exaggerate your merits too much, Charles. De Treville is also a Gascon; he will be able to distinguish bragging from truth.

CHARLES

I'm not lying, father! Just yesterday I was shooting at targets! Jean, Arno, confirm!

JEAN

Yes, that's true!

ARNO

Father, he speaks the truth!

BERTRAN

They love you so much that they'll confirm any boast you make without blinking an eye, even with their hand on the Bible.

FRANCOISE

Enough chatter, Bertrand. Charles, listen to me. I put three clay pots of balsam in your bags. And I'm giving you the recipe for making it. Be careful not to lose it. It's best to read it through thirty times while you're traveling so you can memorize it perfectly. You'll lose it in Paris anyway. My God, Paris! They'll rob you on your first night! Don't stay at a hotel. Choose a building with a room for rent right away. Don't neglect a room on the second floor; you can save money that way. I don't know if there are any three-story buildings in Paris, but if there are, you can settle for the third floor. And be sure to check out the landlady of the building where you'll be renting an apartment. She should be kind and honest. Don't look at your husband; they're all scoundrels and tightwads, everyone trying to cheat the poor guest. But if the mistress likes you and agrees with her on a small fee, the husband won’t even peep.

BERTRAN

Fran;oise, your advice is useless, but you, my son, remember it too, just in case. Now listen to me. De Treville loves brave, enterprising, loyal men...

CHARLES

Father!..

BERTRAN

Don't interrupt! I know that's who you are. But don't forget that you won't get a second chance to make a first impression on your captain and your comrades. Always be who you are, that's enough. Don't be shy, don't be embarrassed, don't be overly modest. The modest remain poor, single, and childless.

FRANCOISE

But immodest men probably have children not only from their wives?

BERTRAN

Be quiet, wife. That's not what I'm talking about. Charles, Paris is not Gascony. Be that as it may, I know that de Chalais became a count not for his military merits, but through the patronage of ladies of influence at court. I don't forbid you from taking advantage of such patronage, but be careful. Rumor has it that Chalais is overly in love with the Duchess de Chevreuse. Perhaps this is good for his career, but he is married. In Paris, they don't pay much attention to this, but you are a native of Gascony. Have an affair if you want, but make sure only the two of you know about it.

CHARLES

Father, I'm going to fight for the King, not to make grandchildren for you!

BERTRAN

One doesn't exclude the other, and besides, no matter what I tell you, and no matter what promises you make, love doesn't listen to parental advice. Even in cases when it should. So I won't give you advice about love, but I'm saying only this: don't make a woman your second captain. Don't follow my example.

FRANCOISE

Bertrand!

BERTRAN

I'm being honest, don't argue. I don't know what de Chalais achieved thanks to the Duchess's patronage, but one must always know when to stop. Believe me, the best lady who will protect you is your sword. Give my regards to Paul. Tell him we've heard of his successes and wish him to continue serving in a way that makes us proud. And you do the same.

CHARLES

Father, Mother, I will become a musketeer, and you won't have to blush for me! I will make such a career that our name will go down in history.

BERTRAN

What can you say? These Gascon speeches again! In all of us Gascons, this boasting is our alter ego. It's ineradicable.

CHARLES

No worries, father, de Treville is also a Gascon, and our glorious King is half Gascon, because his father, Henry IV , was the King of Navarre, that is, a Gascon to the core!

BERTRAN

Okay, okay. Enough. Everything we're telling you now, you've probably heard about thirty times already.

CHARLES

More, father. I remember everything, don't worry!

BERTRAN

Well then, hug your brothers, kiss your sisters and mother, and then you and I will hug, and on our way.

CHARLES

Just one word, father. I think I won't take our Armand with me.

BERTRAN

Why is that?

CHARLES

I'll hire a Parisian servant. There are many advantages to this solution. First, you'll need Armand here at the castle. Second, I'll only need one horse for the journey. I'll also save half my travel expenses on food and forage. Third, in Paris I'll need a servant who's more familiar with the city and its customs and traditions than I am.

BERTRAN

This sounds logical, but it is not very convincing yet.

CHARLES

Besides, in Paris I cannot have a servant named Armand.


BERTRAN

Why is that?

CHARLES

There are already two great Armands in Paris: Cardinal de Richelieu and Count de Treville. I can't call him by name or scold him wholeheartedly, because people might think I'm scolding my commander or my prime minister. That would be unwise and even, I think, dangerous.

BERTRAN

Charles, you've convinced me. As bitter as it is for me to let you go to Paris alone, your reasoning is very sound. Well then, bon voyage!

CHARLES

(Shouts offstage)

Armand! Lead my horse. And you can unsaddle Jauni. I'll ride Raven, and you stay behind.

BERTRAN

Since you're talking about saving money and you're traveling alone, maybe you could take Jauni with you?

CHARLES

Father, I'd like to ride Voronoy. Your only riding horses will be Gnedoy and Zhawny.

BERTRAN

Charles, the boys love skating together. Which one of them will get Jauni?

CHARLES

The devil take me! I just need to get to Paris, and then, with my sword and courage, I'll get myself the best horse Paris can offer! So I'll have to sell my horse anyway. Well, of course, it makes more sense for me to set out for Jauni. A mere two hundred and fifty leagues! What difference does it make what horse I ride? Besides, it's not the horse that makes the rider, but the rider that makes the horse.

BERTRAN

You're right, Charles.

(It's quiet for him alone)

Forgive me, my son, I would like to equip you as best as possible and give you the finest horse in Gascony. But we cannot afford it. Besides, a richly dressed rider on a thoroughbred should not ride the roads of France alone.

CHARLES

(Only the father is quiet)

Father, I understand the main argument. As for the bandits, I'm not afraid of them. My muskets are loaded, and besides, you gave me your sword.

(Loudly to everyone)

Jean! Arnaud! See you in Paris! Claudette, Henriette, Jeanette, don't be sad, my dear sisters! God willing, I'll visit my native castle, and we'll see each other again! Mother, I'll write. Father, I won't dishonor the honor of the de Batzes, de Castelmores, d'Artagnans, and de Montesquiou! Our entire family will be proud of their kinship with me! Mother, don't be upset that, unlike de Chalais, I'm not the grandson of Marshal de Montluc. In that case, I'll become a marshal myself! For a man who considers his ancestors insufficiently distinguished and noble, the path is always open to becoming his own distinguished and noble ancestor! You'll hear from me again!


(Charles says goodbye to his brothers, sisters, mother and father and leaves the stage. Curtain)


SCENE SEVENTEEN
 
(The house of the Count de Chalais. The Count is sitting at the table, writing a letter. A servant enters)

SERVANT

Count, your godfather, Monsieur de Valence, is here to see you.

CHALET

Ask!

(The servant leaves, de Valen;ay enters)

VALANCE

Chalet, my friend! What saddens you?

CHALET

And there's reason to despair! Imagine! We almost arrested Richelieu. But it all fell through! The Cardinal, who didn't bother with security at home, by pure chance surrounded himself with armed soldiers and officers. We would have defeated them all if there hadn't been so many of them. Twenty of them, against nine of us.

VALANCE

You said you were going to arrest the cardinal?!

CHALET

Of course! After all, everyone dreams of this, but no one can bring themselves to do it. Anyone who did would be a hero!

VALANCE

And then, by what right did you intend to do this?

CHALET

By right of the strongest. He wouldn't have escaped us if he'd been alone, as usual, and there were nine of us. And why did he suddenly decide to invite such a guard to his home? Of course, it was an accident, but such bad luck! No matter, we'll have another chance to finish the job!

VALANCE

What next? Have you considered that the King might order the Cardinal's release and arrest you all?

CHALET

Everyone knows that the King dreams of nothing but getting rid of the Cardinal and his guardianship over him!

VALANCE

How do you know this?

CHALET

Everyone is talking about it.

VALANCE

Everyone is a nobody. Someone had to start this rumor! If the King really wanted to get rid of the cardinal, he would have done it. Who could stop him?

CHALET

You don't understand. The King is indecisive. He doesn't do everything he wants.

VALANCE

I wouldn't call a man indecisive who ordered the assassination of the all-powerful Marshal d'Ancre, his mother's lover—the reigning Queen, by the way—and then sent his mother into exile. Such actions require a certain amount of decisiveness.

CHALET

Believe me, he didn't decide anything himself; others decided for him. I know that!

VALANCE

How do you know so much? Let me guess. From the Duchess de Chevreuse, of course! Ha-ha!

CHALET

You're laughing in vain! The Duchess knows the workings of the royal family firsthand. She's part of the family herself, if you ask me. She's the Queen's closest friend.

VALANCE

First of all, she's a schemer. Everything you learned from her is a bunch of fairy tales, designed to confuse you and lure you into plotting.

CHALET

Even if half of what you say is true, the game is still worth the candle.

VALANCE

I see that the Duchess has worked on you quite a bit.

CHALET

Don't speak badly about her!

VALANCE

I won't. I know you're head over heels in love with her, poor boy! But she's no match for you. You have a young wife. What's wrong with her?

CHALET

She is boring, whereas the Duchess...

VALANCE

Tells you gossip about the royal family and flatters your vanity with unrealistic hopes.

CHALET

Why unrealistic?

VALANCE

Well, tell me, how did she manage to persuade you to do this?

CHALET

She didn't push me. I volunteered.

VALANCE

Tell me stories! I'm sure I believed you!

CHALET

Well, fine, even if you're right. It doesn't change anything. She once said to me: "You say you love me, Count, but you've never once thought of giving me any pleasure."

VALANCE

Provocation.

CHALET

I replied, "Ask me whatever you wish." Then the Duchess told me about the plan to overthrow the cardinal. I said I would lead the charge and even arrest the cardinal myself, and if necessary, kill him.

VALANCE

Madman! Don't you think this is only part of the plan? Don't you think the plan also includes eliminating the King? After all, it's in the Duchess's interests to have the Dauphin on the throne!

CHALET

I won't argue with you. You might have guessed right. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. If Gaston takes the throne, the Duchess certainly won't be offended by him. And in that case, it will only be better for me.

VALANCE

So, you were going to arrest the cardinal at his summer residence in Fleury-en-Bi;re, just four kilometers from Fontainebleau.

CHALET

Yes, Monsieur, Duke Gaston of Orleans, intended to pay a visit there.

VALANCE

But after the cardinal had been arrested?

CHALET

Yes, of course. Gaston himself wouldn't have dared to arrest the cardinal.

VALANCE

To risk your neck to replace one indecisive King with another, even more indecisive! You're crazy, Chalet!

CHALET

No more mad than those who obey the cardinal, not realizing that he will soon deprive the grandees of all their privileges, and even throw some of them into the Bastille!

VALANCE

So what are you going to do now that your plan has failed?

CHALET

I'll wait for another more suitable opportunity and implement it.

VALANCE

Listen, godson. I think it would be best if you abandoned your plan. I advise you to go far away. Go to Beynac Castle or Castelnau Castle. Sit there until the noise dies down. In a month or two, you'll return as if nothing had happened.

CHALET

Should I leave? Why?

VALANCE

For the simple reason that, it seems to me, it was no accident that the cardinal found himself surrounded by soldiers and officers, a total of twenty people.

CHALET

This is simply ridiculous! Am I supposed to behave like a young horse, frightened by its own shadow? Never! I'll see this through to the end. Otherwise, the Duchess will laugh at me.

VALANCE

What do you need with this duchess? You've completely lost your mind.

CHALET

Well, I'm not offended, because in true love there is always something of madness.

VALENCE

That's certainly true, but not every madness is true love. I'm afraid it's just ambition in this case. You want to be the lover of the Queen's best friend.

CHALET

Ah, I myself don’t know whether you’re right or not.

VALENCE

So, are you going to Beynac Castle or Castelnau? I recommend Castelnau. It has a belt of fortifications.

CHALET

I won't go anywhere, everything is decided.

VALANCE

Well, whatever you say. By the way, I almost forgot! I came to you for the Muscat de Rivesaltes that helps you sleep so well. Everyone knows that in your P;rigord region, this wine is the best if you want to sleep.

CHALET

Yes, of course, let Anatole give you six bottles.

VALANCE

Thank you, Chalet, thank you! But still, think about your trip to Castelnau. Stay healthy!

(Walks to the edge of the stage, says to himself)

The Cardinal clearly knows everything! This boy will send us all to the Place de Gr;ve! The Cardinal will deal with everyone – friends, relatives, even his godfather. Chalet has completely lost his mind, damn him. There's only one way to salvation! I must forestall the Cardinal's revenge. Write him a letter and expose the conspiracy. I'll write that as soon as I accidentally learned of this plot, I immediately reported it. Damn it, the letter will take a long time to arrive, I might not make it! I'll bring it to the Cardinal personally!

(Leaves)

SCENE EIGHTEEN
 
(There, a servant enters)

SERVANT

Count, Count de Louvigny has arrived to see you.

CHALET

Call.

(The servant leaves, de Louvigny enters)


LOUVIGNY

Hello, Chalet. Where is your godfather going in such a hurry?

CHALET

To his home, to sleep. You see, he can't sleep, so he came to me for a few bottles of Muscat de Rivesaltes.

LOUVIGNY

You know, I haven't been able to sleep lately either! These are the times! The war and everything else...

CHALET

When has France ever not waged war? At least, a foreign war is better than a civil one.

LOUVIGNY

That's true. I just can't get used to it.

CHALET

If you want to change something, join me.

LOUVIGNY

Aren't we already friends? Where else should I join?

CHALET

Let's get down to business.

LOUVIGNY

What are you saying, my dear! What other business? Don't you know there's nothing sweeter than idleness? Was it worth being a count to be busy with business?

CHALET

I'm talking about a business that will bear fruit for the rest of your life!

LOUVIGNY

Piracy? Treasure hunts? Crusades? No, my friend, no more! I have enough money of my own to avoid such ventures.

CHALET

What do you think about hunting?

LOUVIGNY

Well, hunting is fun. I don't turn down fun. What are we going to hunt? Deer? Boar? Fox? Wolf?

CHALET

A special kind of game. This game is as strong as a boar, as cunning as a fox, as proud as a deer, and as courageous as a wolf.

LOUVIGNY

I am weak in zoology, but it seems to me that we do not have such game in the forests of France.

CHALET

There is one. Red, like a boiled lobster.

LOUVIGNY

Cardinal! Are you planning to bring down Richelieu?

CHALET

How do you like this plan?

LOUVIGNY

You're crazy!

CHALET

Listen, it's all already decided! It's going to happen, no matter how you feel about it. It didn't work out once, but it will work out twice. We'll ambush him at the bedroom door!

LOUVIGNY

Be careful not to be waylaid at the exit from anywhere. But the end result will be that you'll only leave the Bastille after this, and only to go to the Place de Gr;ve.

CHALET

You're saying the same thing!

LOUVIGNY

Who else?

CHALET

Nobody, forget it. So, are you with me?

LOUVIGNY

Of course, I'm with you!

CHALET

This is a true friend!

LOUVIGNY

Yes, I am your true friend, and I am with you, and therefore, as your friend, I insist that you immediately write a letter of repentance to the Cardinal, lay out your plan to him, and write that you yourself, of your own free will, after sober reflection, have abandoned it. And write down the names of all the conspirators. After that, rush to the Cardinal as quickly as possible, to get ahead of any other conspirators who might come up with this idea before me.

CHALET

No way.

LOUVIGNY

Please listen to me. Do as I advise you.

CHALET

Firstly, never, secondly, it’s too late.

LOUVIGNY

It's never too late to abandon a suicidal plan, but it may be too late to repent. Once you're caught, you'll be heard, of course, but that won't make your sad fate any easier.

CHALET

Friend Louvigny, I have already made up my mind, and this conversation is burdensome to me.

LOUVIGNY

Well, as you wish. Then I think I'll leave you.

CHALET

Yes, Louvigny. Tell Anatole to give you six bottles of Muscat de Rivesaltes.

LOUVIGNY

Thank you, Chalet. It's a friendly gesture! But you should still think about my offer. And don't take too long! It might be too late!

CHALET

All the best, be healthy.

(Luvigny nods and walks to the edge of the stage. Then he speaks to himself)

The devil take him and this whole conspiracy! If he doesn't want to reveal everything to the Cardinal and repent, that's his business. But if they start investigating, and his servants testify that I visited him the day before, I won't be able to get away with it! They'll nab me too. Chalet is certainly a pleasant man, but his company isn't so enjoyable that I'd rush to share his latest performance on the Place de Gr;ve with him. I must go to the Cardinal and tell him everything. And in case he already knows everything and I'm seized right there in his waiting room, I must first write it all down in a letter. I'll write that as soon as I learned of this conspiracy, I began to dissuade Chalet, and since that didn't work, I decided to warn His Eminence of the danger threatening him. No time to waste! Hurry! But I must definitely take wine. If they ask me why I came to Chalet, I'll have a ready answer: I came for the best soporific wine in P;rigord. And Chalet won't be able to deny it. The last phrase sticks in my mind. It works to my advantage.

(Leaves)

SCENE NINETEEN
 
(The Cabinet of Cardinal Richelieu, the Cardinal and Rochefort)

RICHELIEU

Rochefort, I am pleased with you, and very pleased with Lady Claric.

ROCHEFORT

That is very nice to hear, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

Now I have a very important task for you and for her.

ROCHEFORT

I will be happy to serve Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

Drop those titles, Rochefort. To my people, I am above all a minister of social affairs. Let's at least, in private, dispense with these pretentious words, necessary in public but utterly superfluous among our own. Let's not waste time on such phrases. Simply hear me out. So, you will go to Meung-sur-Loire and meet Lady Claric there, who will arrive there from Vend;me. She is currently carrying out an important task for me, and you will help her fulfill my next one. For this, you will take her a letter and money. Keep in mind, and also warn her of this, although the letter also states it, the amount I transfer must be exactly what I transfer. If even one louis d'or is lost, or even if even one louis d'or is added to this amount, it will not be accepted by its intended recipient. The amount itself is a kind of password, a distinguishing mark. And the coins must not be replaced.

ROCHEFORT

Maybe it would be better to sew up the wallet in this case?

RICHELIEU

Not a bad idea – sew it up and seal it. But I've thought about it. If the wallet is sewn up, it might arouse the suspicion in the recipient of this money that I don't trust my messengers enough. And that absolutely mustn't happen. This man, in providing me with an important service, is taking a considerable risk himself. If his accomplices learn of his contacts with me, he'll be in trouble. Therefore, I don't want him to have any reason to doubt.

ROCHEFORT

I understand, Your... Mr. Minister.

RICHELIEU

Very well. You, of course, like Lady Claric, will need funds for the trip. Here, take these two purses of silver. There's more than enough here for expenses, even unexpected ones, including, perhaps, a suitable wardrobe for the lady... By the way, let's not say her name often. It will be enough to simply call her Milady. That's enough for you and for me. And tell her that from now on she's simply Milady to us. So, this blue purse is for you, this pink one is for Milady, and for my addressee, the burgundy one with gold edging. You won't get confused, I hope?

ROCHEFORT

The recipient's wallet is much larger, naturally.

RICHELIEU

Naturally! There's also gold and five large diamonds in a separate pouch. The letter will give Milady instructions on who the recipient is and how to meet them. That's what I was thinking. Let me put both the purse and the letter for Milady in a chest, lock it, and hang the key on a chain around your neck. That way, you'll be sure no one reads the letter and no one touches the purse, even while you're sleeping.

ROCHEFORT

I won't allow this to happen even if the letter and wallet are without the chest.

RICHELIEU

I believe you, but a locked chest would be safer. And one more thing. You look too young. And I was told the Marquis mistook you for his own age. How did you manage that?

ROCHEFORT

I was into theater and sometimes played mature people and even old men. I can skillfully apply makeup and imitate a wide variety of postures. I can even change my voice a little. Should I demonstrate for you?

RICHELIEU

Later. But it will be very useful for your mission. Pretend to be older than you are. Don't ask why, just trust my experience and obey.

ROCHEFORT

Yes sir, Your… Your Highness.

(Rochefort bows and leaves)

RICHELIEU

(One)

So, Milady will follow Buckingham and bribe Count Holland. The Count is one of the Duke's closest confidants. He will introduce Milady to Buckingham's circle of acquaintances and also arrange this marriage with Lord Winter, Charles's closest friend. I am forming a whole circle of confidants to the King and the Duke, people dependent on me and obedient to me. This is wonderful; everything is proceeding entirely according to the intended goal. Then Chevreuse, now obedient to me, will extol the Duke's virtues to the Queen, and Milady will extol the Queen's virtues to the Duke and show him a miniature of her portrait. The miniature, of course, greatly flatters the Queen, but that is unimportant. The Duke, an extremely ambitious man, will be inflamed with love for the Queen and will find an excuse to come to France and see for himself what the Queen is really like. His Majesty then becomes convinced that the Queen is unfaithful to him, and her removal becomes permanent rather than temporary. After this, a savior appears to her in my person, who will reconcile Her Majesty with His Majesty. This role is nothing new to me. Reconciling and quarreling the King and Queen seems to be becoming my fourth profession. Now, after distancing the Queen Mother, the King will also distance himself from his wife, Queen Anne. Then I appear and lay out the terms of reconciliation. The Queen is happy and grateful to me, the King... Well, the King doesn't necessarily have to be happy. Besides, if his reconciliation with his wife doesn't make him happy, he'll find ways to console himself. Any woman would be happy. But first, for everything to go as planned, the Duchess de Chevreuse must be returned from Poitou to Paris. We'll get to that, two or three months after the Chalais affair is concluded. By the way, it's time to send him to the Place de Gr;ve, why drag it out?
 
(Curtain)



SCENE TWENTY
 
(Athos, Porthos and Aramis are at the table in the tavern)

ARAMIS

Let us remember poor de Chalais, so young, only twenty-seven years old. May he rest in peace.

PORTOS

Let's remember.

(Athos nods, the musketeers silently drink the wine)

PORTOS

It's a pity, of course, for this good guy.

ARAMIS

The poor fellow suffered so much in his last hour that he will go straight to heaven, since already here on earth he atoned for his crime.

PORTOS

Or a miss.

ARAMIS

No, Porthos, a mistake is more difficult to atone for than a crime.

PORTOS

Speaking of mistakes, de Chalais's friends made an even bigger mistake. Just think! With friends like that, you don't need enemies!

ATOS

What happened?

ARAMIS

How come you don't know?

ATOS

I didn't want to know anything about this matter, since I couldn't do anything, so I spent the whole day... Reading.

ARAMIS

Athos, you sometimes drink too much wine.

ATOS

It brightens my life a little and probably brings my death closer. I welcome both.

ARAMIS

Don't rush to part with life; enjoy its gifts, especially since a musketeer's encounter with death can come much sooner than he expects. In fact, at any moment.

ATOS

What a wonderful profession, let's drink to that!

(Aramis and Porthos look at Athos in surprise, then he drinks alone)

So what did you dislike about de Chalais's friends?

ARAMIS

Let me tell you. The King graciously commuted his quartering to beheading, and poor Count de Chalais's death could have been easy. De Chalais's friends, determined to save him, kidnapped the executioner, hoping to prevent the execution. But Richelieu offered a condemned hangman his life in exchange for beheading the Count de Chalais. The criminal agreed. It turns out he'd never held a sword in his life, and was a coward, too; his hands trembled, and the blade wobbled. In short, unable to finish the job with a single blow, he was only able to complete the task on the twenty-ninth attempt. Poor Chalais lived until the last blow.

PORTOS

May these well-wishers burn in hell! If it weren't for them, he wouldn't have suffered so much.

ATOS

Sometimes, Porthos, people's actions should be judged not by their results, but by their motivations.

ARAMIS

A dangerous point of view, Athos. After all, they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

ATOS
 
This is because Hell itself is paved with evil intentions, as is the steep, chute-like slope down which sinners don't trudge, but rather plunge headlong into the vast cauldron for boiling the most notorious villains. On the way to Hell, one can at least reflect on one's deeds, which is already half the journey to salvation.

PORTOS

(Quietly to Aramis)

Athos is talkative today!

ATOS

Kidnapping the executioner was a brilliant idea, and I regret not being the one to carry it out. But if I had, I would have shot the one who wanted to carry out his duties.

ARAMIS

Another, a third, a fourth would have been found. And you, Athos, would have been captured and executed next to de Chalais.

ATOS

Not the worst ending.

ARAMIS

If you're so eager to die, hatch another plot against the cardinal and take the chopping block. But without me.

ATOS

Raising a hand against a cleric is a bad idea. If Richelieu had only been prime minister, that would have been a different matter.

ARAMIS

But we've been sitting here too long, friends. Isn't it time for us to go home?

ATOS

Aramis, if you have a date, you can go, we won't be offended.

ARAMIS

I promised to confess a certain countess... A very respectable lady, by the way... Yes, I promised to confess her at home. The countess is old and cannot walk. She is bedridden.

PORTOS

Bedridden—that's for sure, Aramis! I have no doubt the confession will take place in bed! Tell me honestly, is she even eighteen years old, this sick old countess? Is she pretty?

ARAMIS

Porthos, I truly don't pay attention to my parishioners' appearance or age. To me, they're all just parishioners.

ATOS

We believe you, Aramis.

(Drinks some more)

PORTOS

We trust you so much that we're letting you go. And I won't leave until I finish this perfectly roasted pig.

(Three more musketeers enter)

ATOS

De Fierval! De Lorme! De Chantin! Come to our table! Let's remember poor old de Chalais!

(Blackout)

SCENE TWENTY-ONE
 
(Six musketeers come out of the tavern and walk sideways along the stage in two rows, in the first row Aramis, Porthos and de Fierval, in the second row de Lorme, de Chantin and Athos)

PORTOS

The piglet was delicious and the wine was excellent! I love this tavern. Inexpensive and delicious.

ARAMIS

It's just sometimes a bit crowded. It seems the cardinal's guards were eavesdropping on our conversation. They looked at us with great hostility.

PORTOS

Why didn't you tell me? We could have had a friendly talk with them.

ATOS

It seems they were not inclined to fight and left quietly and peacefully.

ARAMIS

This is what is alarming.

(Six of the Cardinal's guards appear behind the musketeers, drawing their swords and rushing at the musketeers from behind without warning. De Lorme, de Chantin, and Athos fall, struck in the back by blows, managing to cry out. Aramis, Porthos, and de Fierval draw their swords and resist, and the battle begins. Athos tries to rise twice, but collapses, exhausted.)

PORTOS

Scoundrels! Attack from behind! Take that! Take that!

(The guards surround the musketeers from all sides. Curtain)


ACT III

SCENE ONE

(Place Joachim-du-Bellay with the Fountain of the Innocents. On the left, not far from the fountain, stands a two-wheeled cart, leaning on a brick pillar on the right. The square is quite crowded. Because of the high jets of water, it is impossible to see what is happening behind the fountain. Six guards from the previous scene appear from the left, swords in hand, leading the captives Porthos, Aramis, and the wounded de Fierval, swordless and with his hands bound in front. Porthos supports de Fierval. They move to the right side of the stage.)

ARAMIS

Now!

PORTOS

There are the King's musketeers behind the fountain!

ARAMIS

Musketeers, come to me! This way!

PORTOS

Friends, come to us! We are here!

FIRST GUARDSMAN

Are there still musketeers around here somewhere?

SECOND GUARDSMAN

It seems to be from the other side of the fountain. I see hats with feathers.

ARAMIS

(Porthos is quiet)

They believed. We'll finish them off.

(Loud)

Jacques! Jean-Paul! Pierre! Camille!

PORTOS

Bemo! Dupont! Chardonnay! Here we come! Swords at the ready!

ARAMIS

(To Porthos)

Chardonnay? What a wonderful name for a musketeer!

(Loud)

Pinot! Chablis! Sancerre! Gamay!

THIRD GUARDSMAN

So many names! There's a whole company of them!

ARAMIS

Pouilly-Fum;! Savignon! Semillon!

FOURTH GUARDSMAN

How many of them are there?

FIRST GUARDSMAN

You two look behind the fountain, how many of them there are.

(The second and third guards separate from the group to walk around the fountain from different sides)

DE FIETTVAL

(Points with tied hands towards the stage)

Our friends are there too! Beaujolais! Sauternes! Chanin! Viognier! Chambertin! Montrachet!

PORTOS

Ratatouille! Escargot! Broth! Cognac! Truffle!

(On the right side of the stage, d'Artagnan comes out from behind the musketeers and guards)

D'ARTAGNAN

What's going on here? A fair?

PORTOS

Musketeers of the King! What are you standing there for? Come quickly and help the Musketeers!

(Passers-by are perplexed, look at each other, but do not dare to intervene)

ARAMIS

In the name of the King and the glorious Captain de Treville, I call upon you for help!

D'ARTAGNAN

Looks like this is no joke!

(He kicks the brick pillar holding the end of the cart. The cart tilts, empty barrels roll toward the guards and run over two of them. D'Artagnan grabs a barrel bottom from the cart and hits the third and fourth guardsmen on the head with it, causing them to fall.)

D'ARTAGNAN

(Gently nudges Aramis and Porthos in the back)

You two run, I'll take care of the wounded man!

(He picks up the wounded de Fierval and quickly drags him along with him, turning his back to the other musketeers)

PORTOS

It worked!

(He strikes the fifth guardsman with his tied hands, who is carrying the captured swords, and grabs the sword with his tied hands)

ARAMIS

Great!

(Aramis pushes the sixth guard in the chest and also takes one of the swords)

Porthos, those two will be back soon, these ones are getting up, our hands are tied, retreat!

PORTOS

I really hate backing down! Okay. We'll be back! Je reviendrai ! I ' ll be back !

(Aramis and Porthos disappear offstage to the right)


SIXTH GUARDSMAN

Get up, Hercule!


FIFTH GUARDSMAN

(He rises with difficulty, staggers, and holds his head with both hands)

This musketeer has a fist like a sledgehammer...

FIRST GUARDSMAN

The damn barrels almost broke both my legs!

(The second and third guards return from different sides)

SECOND GUARDSMAN

There were no musketeers there.

FOURTH GUARDSMAN

But our captives escaped.

FIRST GUARDSMAN

We must report everything to His Eminence!


SCENE TWO

(Captain de Treville's reception room. The Musketeers are chatting among themselves in groups. Some are awaiting an audience, others are awaiting orders. Among those waiting are Porthos and Aramis, and on the opposite side of the reception room is d'Artagnan. The Secretary emerges from the reception room.)

SECRETARY

Monsieur d'Artagnan! Monsieur de Treville is waiting for you.

(D'Artagnan runs quickly through the door)

ARAMIS

(To Porthos)

A most amusing fellow. He's probably also asking to join the Musketeers, and he probably has at least three letters of recommendation from old ladies from the time of Charles IX, scented with lavender and geranium, all of them distant relatives of our glorious de Treville. A real savior.

PORTOS

Now de Treville will throw him out.

(Enter La Chesnaye, the King's secretary, and enters de Treville's office without knocking or asking permission.)

DE TREVILLE

(His voice comes from behind the door)

What?! It can't be?! What are you talking about! I'll deal with this immediately!

(The door opens, La Chesnaye leaves, followed by de Treville, who looks out of the door, glances at those waiting, notices Aramis and Porthos)

DE TREVILLE

Aramis, Porthos and Athos, come in immediately!


(Aramis and Porthos enter de Treville's office)


SCENE THREE

(Captain de Treville's office. Porthos and Aramis are standing in front of de Treville, d'Artagnan is standing by the window, everyone present has forgotten about him)

DE TREVILLE

Well, well, well, gentlemen Musketeers! What do I learn about you? Did I know I'd ever live to see such shame?! My glorious Musketeers, it turns out, allow themselves to be rowdy? They get drunk to the point of unconsciousness, belt out obscene songs, and then get arrested by a patrol of the Cardinal's Guards! They're great, no doubt about it! Okay, I understand that sometimes you can afford to spend an evening in a seedy tavern! Perhaps I could forgive your drunkenness too. Obscene songs, gentlemen, are only half the trouble. But to allow yourself to be arrested by some Cardinal's Guards!? How many were there? Don't answer, I know there were as many of them as you, namely, six. Six of the Cardinal's guards calmly arrest six of the King's musketeers, like little children, for singin' something indecent! How much wine did you have to drink for six pathetic guards to arrest you like some street drunks? Perhaps I haven't disciplined you enough? I've spoiled you, spoiled you too much! Musketeers rent apartments, sleep on lacy sheets and soft mattresses, drink fruit juice and cakes in the morning, and have turned into pampered young women? How else can you explain six musketeers allowing themselves to be arrested by mere six of the Cardinal's guards? Why are you silent? And here I thought my best musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—would never make me blush. And now, look at them! They allow themselves to be arrested and taken away from the tavern like some overly naughty boys!

ARAMIS

But if we were arrested, then why are we free?

PORTOS

And where then are those fine fellows who arrested us?

ARAMIS

Our swords are still with us.

PORTOS

Our muskets are loaded and ready for battle.

DE TREVILLE

Wait a minute! Those are your swords, really! So you weren't arrested? But where's Athos then?

ARAMIS

I'm feeling unwell.

PORTOS

This happens.

DE TREVILLE

When? How? How much?

PORTOS

It's nothing, I have a slight cold.

DE TREVILLE

In the middle of summer?

ARAMIS

There was a draft near the river.

DE TREVILLE

Nonsense! A cold wouldn't have put him to bed! Tell the truth!

ARAMIS

We didn't mean to upset you. He has smallpox.

PORTOS

Such a nuisance.

DE TREVILLE

Of course, he's dead! Smallpox! What nonsense! Of course he was killed, how come I didn't realize it right away! How did he let himself be killed? And how did you, gentlemen, allow it to happen?

ARAMIS

We were six against six, that's true. But we were attacked from behind, without warning, and we realized it was an attack when Athos, de Lorme, and de Chantin were mortally wounded, struck down by treacherous and sudden blows to the back.

DE TREVILLE

Stabbed in the back, you say? You say Athos, de Lorme, and de Chantin were mortally wounded? Killed?! Impossible!

PORTOS

It's possible Athos isn't dead. I'd like to think so. But de Lorme and de Chantin are dead, that's certain. Only Aramis, myself, and du Fierval, who, wounded, couldn't resist the two guardsmen attacking him from both sides, survived.

ARAMIS

That's exactly how it happened. Porthos and I fought off two of them each, until those who had attacked du Fierval earlier came to their aid. Forgive me, Captain, but we couldn't handle six with just two of us.

PORTOS

It's a shame, of course. We could have handled four. But six! I don't have three hands. Aramis, as I've noticed, doesn't either.

DE TREVILLE

Two against six? They attacked without warning, from behind, you say? What scoundrels! If it was as you say, that changes everything!

ARAMIS

We never lie to our captain.

PORTOS

That's exactly how it was. I'm willing to swear on the Bible.

DE TREVILLE

You never lie? And will you swear on the Bible about Athos's smallpox too?

ARAMIS

This is just a slight mitigation of the situation. Figurative speech.

DE TREVILLE

What started it all, gentlemen? I now know the details of the battle, but I must also know its cause in order to justify myself to His Majesty.

ARAMIS

We dined peacefully on wine, crayfish, and a few other treats. Porthos picked up one of the crayfish and began playing with it, pretending it was dancing a saraband.

DE TREVILLE

Sarabande, you say? Boiled crayfish? All red? It reminds me of something!

ARAMIS

It also reminded us of a cheerful song, about a certain clergyman, who was expected to wear red from head to toe, who dressed up in a Venetian jester's costume and performed a saraband. And Porthos began to sing a song very quietly. You know, with such a simple tune.

(Sings)

There are garlands hanging on the walls,
And the passions are about to heat up:
Here dances the sarabande
Our sedate cardinal!

(D'Artagnan perked up and began to cheerfully tap out the beat)


PORTOS

He is wearing a superb suit.
Italian jester.
All in a noble impulse,
I forgot my summers.

ARAMIS AND PORTHOS

In a cap and with a pompom,
Bells on the belly in a row!
You should probably go to Verona too
You can't find an outfit like this.

DE TREVILLE

He dances very dexterously,
Before his mistress.
You can't find such skill
And in Venice itself!


ARAMIS AND PORTHOS

One step to the right, two to the left
The back is arched,
And the Queen laughs,
But she's not the only one laughing.

ARAMIS

Along with her, hidden behind the screen
Two girlfriends and a brother-in-law.
Enough, enough! Stop it!
You just can't calm down.

PORTOS

Dancing is not becoming for a prelate
You can't avoid bad rumors.
After all, the Spaniards are at the fairs
They don't make faces like you.

DE TREVILLE

Shoes off! Put on your slippers.
Monsignor, you are wrong!
I hope the red cap doesn't fly off
From the cardinal's head!

ARAMIS AND PORTHOS

If the Pope saw,
How the cardinal dances,
He would have this satrap
"He expelled him from the prelates!"

DE TREVILLE

A dancing crab! What a great idea! What's next?

ARAMIS

Our song was probably too loud. The sounds of it brought the six of them here.

PORTOS

Sometimes my voice is too loud.

DE TREVILLE

I know. What next? Did they ask you to stop singing?

ARAMIS

On the contrary, they demanded that we sing the entire song again from beginning to end.

DE TREVILLE

What a strange request!

ARAMIS

We thought so too. Athos replied that the King's Musketeers don't sing to order, but only when it strikes their fancy, and now we're both out of sorts and out of voice.

DE TREVILLE

What a wonderful answer! Well done! Did they really attack you after that? Right in the pub?

PORTOS

They refused to drink to the King's health.

DE TREVILLE

But they were probably on duty?

PORTOS

What kind of work can one do in a tavern? Do such tasks even exist? Why don't we get anything similar?

ARAMIS

When a good, loyal citizen is offered a toast to the King's health, but is unwilling or unable to drink, he should at least raise his goblet and then wet his lips. Otherwise, it is disrespectful to His Majesty.

PORTOS

A terrible crime!

ARAMIS

Moreover, they offered us to drink to the health of the cardinal.

DE TREVILLE

What impudence! To refuse to drink to the King and then immediately offer to drink to the Cardinal! Why, that's rebellion!

ARAMIS

Yes, Captain! Now you see what those scoundrels deserved. But Athos said that while we're having dinner now, we can settle our dispute over toasts tomorrow morning. With these words, the guards left the tavern.

DE TREVILLE

So Athos scheduled a duel?

ARAMIS

We parted peacefully. That is, they left, and we stayed.

PORTOS

Retaining the position he occupied.

DE TREVILLE

I don't understand anything! How did this duel start then?

ARAMIS

It was not a duel, but a treacherous attack from around the corner, about an hour after this conversation, when we left the tavern and were heading towards Porthos’s house, suspecting nothing and not expecting such a meanness.

PORTOS

The sword that had pierced poor de Lorme's chest came out the other side and grazed me! By the time we realized it was an attack and we had to defend ourselves, there were no longer six of us, but only three.

DE TREVILLE

Enough, gentlemen! I've heard this before! I can't listen to any more tales of such base treachery, such vileness! I will report everything to the King immediately! But where is Athos? Was he also killed? Perhaps he's alive? He must be found! A doctor must be sent to him immediately!


SCENE FOUR
 
(There, the doors open and Athos enters)

DE TREVILLE

Athos! Are you alive?

ATOS

I apologize for being late, Captain. I am ready to carry out any of your orders.

DE TREVILLE

And you said he was wounded and little different from the dead man! Your hand, our glorious Athos!

(De Treville tried to embrace Athos, who turned pale and would have fallen to the floor if Porthos had not caught him)

DE TREVILLE

What's wrong with him?! Damn it! I forgot he was wounded! Get a doctor! Get a doctor right now! Move him to my bed.

(De Treville runs out for the doctor).

ARAMIS

(Quietly to Porthos)

Just look at this young Gascon! He's been listening to our conversation this whole time.

PORTOS

(Quiet)

If this is the cardinal's spy, I will strangle him with one hand!

ARAMIS

It would be a good idea to find out everything first. We'll test it, and then we'll see what kind of bird it is. In the meantime, just be careful with it, and if possible, don't talk about anything.

(The doctor enters, accompanied by de Treville)

DOCTOR

(To Athos, unbuttoning his coat)

Give me your hand. Where are you wounded? Actually, I see.

ATOS

(Drinks the mixture)

Thank you, doctor, I feel better already.

(To Aramis)

Give me your hand. Let's get out of here. The captain has more important things to do than listen to stories about our evening strolls.


DE TREVILLE

Do you need help?

ATOS
 
Nothing but a friend's shoulder.

DE TREVILLE

I'm giving you leave, Athos. The doctor will visit you daily, and until he clears you to return to duty, I'm ordering you to bed. Don't even think of objecting! I'll check. And you, Aramis and Porthos, please stay nearby, as I may need you to confirm your story to the King. Do you know what happened to du Fierval? I don't see him anywhere. Perhaps the scoundrels killed him?

ARAMIS

I haven't heard anything about him either. Let's try to find out his fate.

(Everyone except de Treville and d'Artagnan exits)



SCENE FIVE
 
(There are also de Treville and d'Artagnan. De Treville accidentally notices d'Artagnan, shudders, but pulls himself together and speaks to him as if nothing had happened)

DE TREVILLE

My young compatriot! I'd completely forgotten about you! Forgive me. You understand what was going on here. So what is your purpose? You are, of course, a relative of my old friend Bertrand d'Artagnan? And his son Paul?

D'ARTAGNAN

I have the honor of being the son of my father Bertrand d'Artagnan and the brother of his eldest son Paul, Mr. Captain!

DE TREVILLE

(Cordially)

Well, you made the right choice! I don't mean choosing your parents and brother, but choosing a career as a musketeer. It's a shame you missed Paul. He's currently serving in Lorraine. You brought a letter of recommendation from your father, of course? Give it to me quickly!

D'ARTAGNAN

Sir, this letter probably exaggerates my accomplishments somewhat. But I swear on my honor, in a year—no, in six months!—it will be far too modest compared to what you can rightly say about me!

DE TREVILLE

I recognize Gascon bragging! But you know, my friend, Paris is not Gascony. Here, it is customary for a man's actions to speak louder than he can say about himself. So, give me the letter, my time is precious.

D'ARTAGNAN

It was stolen from me in the most vile way! When I was in Menge.

DE TREVILLE

(More dryly, suspiciously)

You should have kept hold of him, young man. Hmm... You're probably in need of money?

D'ARTAGNAN

Captain! I didn't come here to beg! I didn't choose the career of a musketeer for the money! I'm ready to take on the most responsible job for the smallest salary!

DE TREVILLE

He's willing, you see, to do it for free! The most responsible work pays the best, so don't even hope for it as quickly as you'd like. Many have to work their whole lives to reach a high position! But you misunderstand me. I often lend to my fellow countrymen who serve with me or my son-in-law, since service in the musketeers requires certain expenses. Anyone accepted into the regiment must equip themselves at their own expense.

D'ARTAGNAN

My father taught me to serve the King and the Cardinal and never to borrow!

DE TREVILLE

But I'm neither a King nor a Cardinal! How could you come to serve me if you intend to obey only His Majesty and His Eminence? And would they even condescend to give you their orders personally?

D'ARTAGNAN

In my eyes, you exercise the power of these two high-ranking persons.

DE TREVILLE

You don't know Paris at all, that's obvious.

(Quiet to yourself)

Or is he skillfully pretending to be a fool? Could he be a spy? The Cardinal would do anything! Especially now, after the Chalais affair!

(Aloud)

So, you don't need money? Well, even if you weren't a carbon copy of your father, and if your Gascon accent didn't give you away, I'd recognize you as a Gascon by that proud assertion. But didn't you say you were robbed?

D'ARTAGNAN

Although I ran up a bit of expense on the road, my money was not stolen from me.

DE TREVILLE

(With even more suspicion)

Someone stole your letter of recommendation, but didn't steal your money, you say? And you still have enough money left to equip yourself for service in the Musketeer Regiment?

D'ARTAGNAN

My father owns Castelmore Castle, as you know, and I…

DE TREVILLE

Come now, young man, don't get so worked up. When I arrived in Paris, I had four ;cus, but I would have challenged to a duel anyone who dared doubt that I could buy the Louvre.

D'ARTAGNAN

I have eight ecus!

DE TREVILLE

(He burst out laughing)

Ha-ha! So you're rich! Eight ;cus! And he tells me this! Eight ;cus! Excellent! Where are we going to find two Louvres for you? But the only Louvre isn't for sale, so you'll have to spend your eight ;cus on something else. But listen, my friend, don't challenge anyone to a duel. Duels, you know, are forbidden! You could pay for it with your life! So how did it happen that your letter was stolen, but your eight ;cus weren't?

D'ARTAGNAN

I proposed to a nobleman, unworthy of this title, to discuss the question of what is permissible to laugh at, and what and who is not permissible to laugh at under any circumstances,

DE TREVILLE

Why did you decide that he was unworthy of a noble title?

D'ARTAGNAN

He refused to cross swords with me!

DE TREVILLE

He refused to violate the royal edict? Is that a reason to consider him unworthy of the title of nobleman?

D'ARTAGNAN

At his command, his servants and the innkeeper's servants attacked me.

DE TREVILLE

They attacked you because you challenged him to a duel, I understand that. But why were they searching you? Wait a minute, you didn't say you were coming to join my service? You didn't mention my name?

D'ARTAGNAN

How could I?! I would never!.. Although, forgive me... Yes, I said that you... That you are my friend.

DE TREVILLE

How bold, young man, how very bold! I didn't even know you until today! How very Gascon! So, you were tied up and allowed yourself to be searched?

D'ARTAGNAN

No, I was attacked, apparently hit on the head, that's what the innkeeper told me. I don't remember anything, I lost consciousness. But when I came to, the letter was gone. The innkeeper told me that this man took the letter.

DE TREVILLE

First, the innkeeper's men beat you up along with this man's men, and then the innkeeper takes care of you and tells you about what this man did to you?

D'ARTAGNAN

The innkeeper expected a generous fee, but this man paid half as much as he should have.

DE TREVILLE

Well, that's understandable...

(To myself)

This sounds quite plausible. But that doesn't make the story any less suspicious. If he's the cardinal's spy, he's certainly got a convincing story for me.

(Aloud)

Write to your father to send another letter of recommendation, but in the meantime...

D'ARTAGNAN

You don't believe me?! Then I'll find this scoundrel and make him give me my letter!

DE TREVILLE

France is vast, my friend, and the man you met was in Menge. He may never return to Paris. What did he look like?

D'ARTAGNAN

A tall, distinguished man with black hair, wearing a black suit…

DE TREVILLE

It could have been anyone. There are thousands of such people in France.

D'ARTAGNAN

But I remembered him and won’t confuse him with anyone else!

DE TREVILLE

Do you remember his gait?

D'ARTAGNAN

A very ordinary gait, like anyone else's. Take, for example, any nobleman...

(Approaches the window with a distracted look)

Here, for example, comes a man... Almost the same... Excuse me! But it's him! What a scoundrel! Now you won't escape me! And you'll have to cross swords with me!

(Jumps onto the window)

DE TREVILLE

Are you crazy? Where are you going? Stop!

(D'Artagnan disappears through the window)

Duels are forbidden! And this is Paris!

(Closes the window)

If this is a spy, then he's cleverly avoided explaining. But he looks so much like Bertrand! And Paul! The same face! I recognize him as a Gascon. And there are no traitors among Gascons!


SCENE SIX
 
(The square in front of de Treville's house, several musketeers are chatting in groups. In the foreground are Athos, Porthos and Aramis)

ARAMIS

Did you notice that upstart we noticed before the reception? While we were in de Treville's office, he lurked by the window, listening intently to our conversation.

ATOS

De Treville's guest is above suspicion.

ARAMIS

After the execution of de Chalais, everyone is suspicious to me except you, my friends.

PORTOS

And besides a few parishioners, Aramis, right?

ARAMIS

The ladies with whom I have conversations on spiritual topics cannot be spies, because I do not discuss politics with them.

ATOS

(Quietly only to yourself)

I would like to believe it.

PORTOS

And Madame Bois-Tracy? I believe you're going to see her this evening.

ARAMIS

Firstly, I don't know her. Secondly, she's ill and hasn't seen anyone for a whole week. And thirdly, I don't confess to the same woman two days in a row, and I already visited her yesterday. And finally, fourthly, Porthos, you shouldn't read not only other people's letters, but also signatures or the sender's name on the envelope. Thank God we're friends, otherwise I'd challenge you to a duel.

PORTOS
 
There are only two kinds of duels possible between us, Aramis: who can outdrink whom, and who can outshine whom in the finest uniform. In the first case, I would undoubtedly win; in the second, you have a chance, but not today, when I'm wearing such an elegant gold sword belt! Pure gold plating! All along this magnificent leather belt!

ARAMIS

I agree in advance to concede victory to you, because it is not proper for a clergyman to stand out with the splendor of his clothes and his cost.

PORTOS

Tell that to the bishops, the cardinals, and... everyone else. I didn't notice any modesty in their attire. Except for the Franciscans.

ARAMIS

Getting back to the topic of this kid, I'd give him a good once-over.

ATOS

As you wish, Aramis. I'm going home. I really need to rest, the wound hurts like hell.

PORTOS

We will take you there!

ATOS

Absolutely not! Go about your business. I'll walk slowly. I can't keep up with you, and if all three of us goose-step like old men, we'll be a pitiful sight. Damn guardsman, I wish he'd just killed me right away!

PORTOS

Forget about it! We need you, Athos! Take care of your health!

ATOS

Don't worry, I'll recover soon. The wound isn't serious, I just lost a lot of blood. Good food and rest will get me back on my feet in no time.

(Porthos and Aramis wave goodbye and move to the far end of the stage. D'Artagnan jumps out of the window of de Treville's office and runs past Athos.)

D'ARTAGNAN

Stop! Scoundrel!

(He touches Athos's shoulder, Athos screams and grabs his sleeve)

ATOS

Are you talking to me? Well, I'm standing here, and you seem to be trying to run away?

D'ARTAGNAN

Sorry, I wasn't talking to you.

ATOS

You pushed me while shouting insults. Listen to me, young man. I won't shout insults, but I will strike back. However, I prefer to push not with my shoulder, but with my sword. Or sabre. It's up to you. Although, as the offended party, I could choose the weapon, I'll grant you some leniency, considering your youth...

D'ARTAGNAN

I had no intention of offending the King's musketeer, and I am in a great hurry, so I ask you to forgive me again...

ATOS

Excuse me? Ugh! You, sir, are also a coward, as it seems to me?

D'ARTAGNAN

Am I a coward?! As you wish! I'm at your service anytime, provided you let me finish something more important now! I'm chasing someone.

ATOS
 
Well, Mr. Hurry, you'll find me without chasing me. Tomorrow, behind the Luxembourg Palace. I hope I won't have to chase you either.

D'ARTAGNAN

What time?

ATOS

At twelve. Don't be late.

D'ARTAGNAN

I'll be there in five minutes to twelve, but now let me hurry on about my business.

ATOS

Hurry to finish all the things you've planned. After tomorrow's meeting with me, you may not have the opportunity to complete them.

D'ARTAGNAN

(Running in the same direction and looking back at Athos)

Certainly, sir! Nice to meet you!

(Athos waves his hand in disappointment and turns away, at which point d'Artagnan bumps into Porthos's cloak, which has risen in the wind)


SCENE SEVEN
 
(Porthos, d'Artagnan and two more musketeers)

PORTOS

Devil!

(Grabs d'Artagnan and turns him to face him)

No, just a little devil! Should I strangle you for disrespecting the King's musketeer?

D'ARTAGNAN

A musketeer, and yet he threatens like a butcher! Sir, if you're angry, my sword will answer all your questions.

PORTOS

(Grabs the sword)

Excellent! Right now!

D'ARTAGNAN

I prefer to kill you not in anger, but with a cool head. Tomorrow.

PORTOS

Impudent! Puppy! Okay, tomorrow behind the Luxembourg Palace! At twelve!

D'ARTAGNAN

At one o'clock!

PORTOS

Excellent, at one o'clock! Don't you dare not come! I've got you in my mind; if you don't come, I'll search all of Paris!

D'ARTAGNAN

I'll be there at ten to one! See you tomorrow! It was a pleasure meeting you.

(He looks carefully in the direction he was running)

The devil take me! He's disappeared! While I was dealing with these two, my evil genius has disappeared in an unknown direction! Instead of making friends with the Musketeers, I've made two enemies among them! What a disaster! Where am I supposed to find a second? I need to at least meet someone. I think the first was Athos, and the second, Porthos. Funny names. And the third, I think, was Aramis. It would be nice to meet him. Perhaps he'd agree to be my second? Here he is!


SCENE EIGHT
 
(Aramis is talking with two musketeers - de Juardo and de Besmo, d'Artagnan looks at him, Aramis drops his handkerchief, d'Artagnan approaches Aramis)

D'ARTAGNAN

(Quietly, pointing to the handkerchief, but the interlocutors notice his gesture and hear his words)

Sir, you dropped your handkerchief!

ARAMIS

You are mistaken, sir. I have my handkerchief with me, so go your way.

DE JUARDO

Wait a minute! But he's right! It really is a handkerchief! And if it's not yours, then whose is it? Why, there's a coat of arms here, a crown and the letters "K.B."! I think I know whose it is! After all, it's the coat of arms of Camille de Bois-Tracy!

ARAMIS

In that case, he fell out of the carriage in which she apparently passed here.

DE JUARDO

Well, I'll pass it on to her husband, with whom we are friends.

ARAMIS

No need. I can hand it over to Madame de Bois-Tracy's husband myself, since I am also on friendly terms with him.

DE JUARDO

But why you and not me?

ARAMIS

But why not me, but you?

D'ARTAGNAN

Monsieur Aramis is right! He has the right to return the handkerchief, since it was he who dropped it.

DE JUARDO and DE BEZMO

(They laugh)

DE BEZMO

He's a joker!

DE JUARDO

This is a real fake!


ARAMIS

(Quietly through clenched teeth)

Young man, go your way and don't interfere in the musketeers' conversations. And especially refrain from asserting anything you don't know for sure.

D'ARTAGNAN

(With fervor)

Do you think I'm lying?! How can you say you didn't drop the handkerchief when I saw you drop it myself?

ARAMIS

(Quietly, to myself)

Well, that's great! Now we've discovered who you really are! The cardinal's spy!

(Out loud)

Sir! Go your own way and see that it doesn't cross mine! Or else...

DE BEZMO

I completely forgot, we're in a hurry!

(De Bezmo and de Juardo leave the stage)


SCENE NINE
 
(Aramis and d'Artagnan)


ARAMIS

So, sir, do you consider it permissible for yourself to poke your nose into other people's affairs so deeply as to inquire into the contents of a stranger's pockets?

D'ARTAGNAN

I only wanted to suggest to you that you must have accidentally dropped the handkerchief, the loss of which you would probably have greatly regretted later.

ARAMIS

(Quietly, to myself)

Avoiding a fight! That's not how Gascons behave! He's definitely a spy for the cardinal!

(Out loud)

Do you know, sir, that if a musketeer considers it necessary to drop his handkerchief and step on it with his foot, then no one in the whole world can forbid him to do so?

D'ARTAGNAN

If your plans for this handkerchief were exactly as you say, I regret having interrupted them. You are free to drop this handkerchief again and step on it. Rest assured, I will not interfere.

ARAMIS

Are you kidding me? If you're not smart enough to realize that Paris isn't paved with cambric handkerchiefs, and that if one of them happens to be lying under the foot of the king's musketeer, it's no accident, and therefore destined to remain there until the opportune moment arrives to pick it up, then you shouldn't have come to Paris at all.

D'ARTAGNAN

I may leave Paris, but not until we've finished with you. You're probably in a hurry to return the handkerchief to its owner, but I hope that tomorrow at two o'clock behind the Luxembourg Palace we can discuss all the finer points of your views on what a Gascon should and shouldn't do in Paris.

ARAMIS

Why behind the Luxembourg Palace? Does this place look familiar?

D'ARTAGNAN

Not at all! I just know that the kind of conversations we're about to have are best conducted there.

(Turns on his heel and walks away)

ARAMIS

No, he doesn't look like the cardinal's spy. But still, a duel is inevitable. It would be a shame to kill such a handsome young man. If my parishioners find out, they'll never forgive me! I'll order a service for him.

SCENE TEN
 
(The Cardinal's office, Richelieu at the table, Count Rochefort standing opposite)


RICHELIEU

Take a seat, Rochefort. Tell me, how was your trip? Was it safe?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, Your Eminence, I have done everything.

RICHELIEU

Were you followed? Did you meet anyone during your trip?

ROCHEFORT

Well, nothing special. Practically no adventures.

RICHELIEU

If you say so, then something did happen?

ROCHEFORT

An insignificant event, not worth talking about.

RICHELIEU

Remember, Rochefort. Nothing trivial happens in my service to my men. You must tell me everything, down to the last detail, and leave it to me to decide whether it's trivial or not.

ROCHEFORT

In that case, I'll explain. It was at the hotel where the meeting with Milady was scheduled, that we were standing by the window and talking. I handed her the box and your instructions.

RICHELIEU

Well, well!

ROCHEFORT

One awkward young man, a country bumpkin, apparently from a ruined noble family, a Gascon, made us smile with the sight of his horse, which was, imagine, yellow! Milady asked me if horses were that color. I replied that perhaps this horse had once been white but had rolled around in something indecent. Milady said, "Count, don't tell me what it was; I've already guessed!" We laughed at the joke. And then the Gascon shouted, "He laughs at the horse who dares not laugh at its rider!"

RICHELIEU

And from his accent you guessed that he was Gascon, I understand.

ROCHEFORT

Yes, and not only for that reason. I pretended not to hear his insolent words. But he was persistent. In short, he tried to challenge me to a duel, but I motioned to my servant, and three of the innkeeper's servants helped him beat the insolent fellow and teach him how to speak to the prime minister's aide.

RICHELIEU

Firstly, you don’t have any credentials that say you are my messenger, and this is also because your mission was secret and you were traveling incognito.

ROCHEFORT

Yes, I admit my mistake.

RICHELIEU

Secondly, where did all that old intelligence go? The Gascon probably went to Paris to join the Musketeers! De Treville is gathering his fellow countrymen into his regiment.

ROCHEFORT

That's right. He had a letter with him, and my servant searched him just in case and took it while he was unconscious.

RICHELIEU

Beating a nobleman with servants? Rochefort, that's bad form! And searching him, too. What was in the letter?

ROCHEFORT

It was a letter of recommendation to de Treville from his father. Here it is, read it for yourself!

RICHELIEU

Are you saying you took it? How much longer can I lecture you, Rochefort? You should have made a copy of it and returned the letter. After all, de Treville's musketeers pose a certain danger to us. It's very useful to know the enemy's plans, but it's four times more useful if the enemy doesn't suspect you know them!

ROCHEFORT

But he is not a musketeer, but only intends to become one!

RICHELIEU

Give me the letter.

(He takes the letter, runs his eyes over it, folds it and returns it to Rochefort)

D'Artagnan. His name is Charles d'Artagnan, son of Bertrand d'Artagnan, brother of Paul. His father was friends with de Tr;ville. If he had had this letter, you can be sure he would have joined de Tr;ville's inner circle and soon become a musketeer.

ROCHEFORT

Well, without a letter it will be more difficult for him.

RICHELIEU

Can you imagine the chance you missed? If you'd read the letter, made a copy of it, and then returned it, you could have passed it off as a misunderstanding! Apologize, after all. Compensate him financially. Gascons are poor, and I know for a fact that this one is practically ruined. He'd gladly take the money and be grateful to you. After all, that's precisely why he's going to Paris—to risk his life and receive wounds for money. What's the harm if he started making money from it back in Menge?

ROCHEFORT

But why do you need it?

RICHELIEU

Do you know, Rochefort, who de Treville is? When I asked the King why he kept de Treville in his service when he had marshals and troops, he answered: “I need the Musketeers not only to protect me from the likes of Ravaillac and Clement, but also to give me the splendor I deserve . Besides, if I need to arrest anyone, I can always have them at my disposal.” I replied that a single order from His Majesty would suffice, and his guards or my Musketeers would arrest anyone, even a Prince of the Blood. And do you know what he replied? “That’s true, Cardinal. You can arrest anyone for me. But if I need to arrest you, only de Treville can do it. That’s why I keep him.”

ROCHEFORT

Your Eminence, did His Majesty really say that about you?

RICHELIEU

Word for word. And I'm glad he said so. It means he's not afraid of my betrayal; he trusts me completely, because to say such a thing to an unreliable man would be to push him to rebellion. The King loves me. But he's also a little afraid. That's why de Treville is like a sedative for him, and I shouldn't try to get rid of him, but I must keep him under observation. Can you imagine what a wonderful chance you've missed? After all, he doesn't know anyone in Paris! Instead of laughing at his yellow horse, you could have helped him acquire a nicer one, and you would have been his friend forever. Gascons remember those who have done them a favor, and this favor would have been very important. After all, he won't have a second chance to make his first impression on Paris, on de Treville, and on the royal court.

ROCHEFORT

I didn't think about it.

RICHELIEU

You must always think about the possibility of acquiring new informants for me. Therefore, try not to conflict with those you know and those you don’t. In case of war, I will find other people. I have many of them. But when it comes to making friends, I have very, very few people. It would be good to return this letter to this d’Artagnan. But I don’t see any option. That would be too suspicious. We should take a closer look at him, find a way to approach him. If you became friends with him, it would be useful to accelerate his career in de Treville’s regiment. If he makes friends among the musketeers, everything will be much more complicated. It may even be useless. Do you know what that old mushroom Bertrand d’Artagnan told his eldest son when he sent him to Paris? He said: “Trust no one except the King and the Cardinal. And obey only them, and serve them unquestioningly.” Exactly! I’m convinced he said the same thing to this son. So we could easily get him, make him our man. Did you find out if he's a good swordsman or a good shot?

ROCHEFORT

There was no case because I did not want to become a target for this experiment.

RICHELIEU

Yes, of course. But is he at least smart?

ROCHEFORT

I don't think so! If he were smart, would he have picked a fight with the first unknown nobleman he met? So what if he smiled at the sight of his horse? I bet you would have laughed too.

RICHELIEU

I rarely laugh. I only smile when I see another enemy or rival defeated.

SCENE ELEVEN


(The parade ground near the musketeers’ barracks, musketeers are walking, among them Athos, Porthos, Aramis)

ATOS

Aramis, do me a favor. I need a second. Tomorrow at noon.

ARAMIS

Athos! You're wounded, and the wound is far from healed!

ATOS

Yes, my friend, that is true, but the duel was inevitable, and my opponent is not one who would require much effort.

PORTOS

Just yesterday you were indistinguishable from a dead person.

ATOS

Look how quickly I'm healing! At this rate, I'll be completely healthy tomorrow! Besides, I don't plan to kill him. I just want to inflict the exact same wound I received yesterday, so he'll learn not to push a man with a wound like that on his injured shoulder.

ARAMIS

Exactly like this? But you were attacked from behind!

ATOS

It would be a shame if he showed me his back, really. But if I did see it, I wouldn't mind stabbing him. However, from what I could tell, the boy isn't the cowardly type, so I'll content myself with inflicting a similar wound on his front. I'll be careful not to hit any vital organs. So, do you agree?

ARAMIS

Of course, Athos! I agree in any case, but I regret that you will have to fight without having properly recovered from yesterday's wound.

ATOS

It's nothing. I can handle it. Porthos, I'm not asking you if you agree, because I know you do.

PORTOS

Of course!

ATOS

In this case, you will be the second second.

PORTOS

Shake on it.

ATOS

Tomorrow at noon behind the Luxembourg Palace.

PORTOS

You're fighting at noon? That means five minutes to negotiate the terms, five minutes for the duel itself. No, you'll kill your enemy in two minutes. I recommend you don't delay, as you're still wounded.

ATOS

Thank you for the advice, Porthos, I think so too, two minutes is enough.

PORTOS

Damn! Where am I supposed to spend a whole fifty minutes? There's a pub nearby, isn't there? We'll commemorate your rival's soul there.

ATOS

Fifty minutes?

PORTOS

Yes, I have business at one o'clock. So let's sit in the pub. And we'll tell de Treville that we visited the sick Athos.

ARAMIS

This is without me, I have other plans for these two hours. More precisely, for an hour and fifty minutes.

PORTOS

Do you even hear confessions from your parishioners during the day?

ARAMIS

Some parishioners have sins that require immediate repentance.

PORTOS

I have no doubt about it! For example, Madame Koknard also has much to repent of. And young priests are far more suited to listen to the penitential speeches of such ladies than their elderly husbands.

ARAMIS

Exactly so, Porthos.

SCENE TWELVE

(The square behind the Luxembourg Palace. D'Artagnan is pacing in circles, tapping his sword against his boot. Porthos approaches.)

PORTOS

Well, well! Looks like you arrived an hour early?

D'ARTAGNAN

I have other business here. I will appear for the duel with you at the appointed time.

(Athos approaches)

ATOS

You're here already? Excellent. Where is your second?

D'ARTAGNAN

I don't know anyone here.

ATOS

What does this mean? Is this a ploy to cancel the duel?

D'ARTAGNAN

Not at all! However, I only know four people in Paris.

ATOS

Why did they all refuse you?

D'ARTAGNAN

I haven't had time to ask them for this favor yet. But one of them would definitely refuse. That's Captain de Treville.

(Aramis approaches)

ARAMIS

Are you talking about de Treville? In what connection?

D'ARTAGNAN

I only said that he would not agree to be my second, since he told me that duels were prohibited.

ARAMIS

And you report this as the reason for your refusal to duel?

D'ARTAGNAN

I am informing you of this as the reason for my second's absence.

ATOS

But you said you had three more friends in Paris. You could have asked one of them!

D'ARTAGNAN

That's a good option. And fortunately, they're all here. These three are you, gentlemen; I know no one else in Paris. Would one of you, Monsieur Porthos or Monsieur Aramis, be so kind as to act as my second in my duel with Monsieur Athos?

ARAMIS

What a story! And you, young man, haven't wasted any time! It seems you've managed to quarrel not only with me, but with Athos as well?

PORTOS

And it happens to me too.

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, but with you, Monsieur Porthos, we fight only at one o'clock, and with you, Monsieur Aramis, at two o'clock, so the present time belongs entirely to Monsieur Athos.

ARAMIS

We all know the reasons for the duel with Athos, but what did you do to displease the good-natured Porthos?

PORTOS

It would take a long time to explain.

D'ARTAGNAN

We didn't agree on clothes.

PORTOS

Absolutely right. And you, Aramis, why are you fighting with him?

ARAMIS

We had a disagreement regarding the interpretation of one text from the scripture.

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, yes, we argued about one passage from Saint Augustine.

ATOS and PORTOS

Ha-ha-ha!

PORTOS

And he really messed it up!

D'ARTAGNAN

Gentlemen Porthos and Aramis, I beg your pardon most humbly...

PORTOS

Ugh! What a wimp!

ARAMIS

Well, it was worth coming here to hear something like that!

D'ARTAGNAN

Gentlemen, please do not interrupt me! I have not finished yet! I ask your forgiveness only for the fact that should Monsieur Athos have the good fortune to kill me, my obligations to you regarding my duty of honor will be unfulfilled. In this case, your chances of receiving satisfaction from me, Monsieur Aramis, will be reduced to almost nothing. I have asked your forgiveness only for this. And now that all is said, let us begin!

PORTOS

Athos, leave me a piece of this braggart! I, in turn, promise to try to leave something of him for Aramis.

ATOS

So, gentlemen, are we going to take turns killing this brat, practically a child? Porthos, are you really going to fight a wounded man?

PORTOS

I was joking. I'm sure my chances of a duel are zero, since I'll be fighting what's left of him after Athos gives him a good beating.

ARAMIS

Should we draw lots? Any one of us could kill him, no doubt about it, so why line up in a line where only one will win the prize?

ATOS

No, gentlemen, we will not break the dueling rules. I challenged him first; our meeting was scheduled for twelve, and it's now ten past twelve. To the fight!

(Athos draws his sword, at which moment five of the cardinal's guards appear on the right)

SCENE THIRTEEN

(There, the same five guardsmen: de Jussac, de Lenoy, de Zidi, de Bicarat and de Cahuzac)

ARAMIS

Alarm! Guards!

JUSSAC

Sheath your swords, gentlemen!

PORTOS

Cardinal's guards!

JUSSAC

Gentlemen Musketeers, you are under arrest for violating the royal edict! Please hand over your swords to us!

ARAMIS

(Quietly to Porthos, while the guards gradually approach closer with caution)

That damned Gascon! That sly fellow warned the Cardinal's guards to come and stop this duel! Now I understand why he started this conversation with his apologies for the fact that Porthos and I wouldn't get to fight him. He was simply stalling for time, since the Cardinal's guards were a bit late! He tricked us!

ATOS

(In a low voice to Aramis and Porthos, but d'Artagnan also hears)

There are five of them, and only three of us. We will be defeated, but we have no other choice. I would rather be killed than be seen by de Treville after allowing myself to be arrested.

JUSSAC

What are you planning, gentlemen? You seem to be conferring? Are you really planning to resist and disobey our legitimate demands?

D'ARTAGNAN

You are mistaken, gentlemen! There are four of us!

PORTOS

What? You? A boy! Are you comparing yourself to seasoned musketeers?

JUSSAC

Young man, you may leave. You're no musketeer, and these three men have probably provoked you into coming here with a sword for a duel. It's clear you didn't do this willingly, so be glad you weren't killed this time, get out of here, and don't interfere in the affairs of experienced soldiers.

ARAMIS

(Quiet, to Porthos)

Now everything is clear. The provocateur has done his job, the provocateur can go, and we, like stupid mice, have fallen into a treacherous mousetrap!

D'ARTAGNAN

Gentlemen, I am with you!

ATOS

Young man, your feeble help will only make our situation worse.

ARAMIS

There are only three of us, one of whom is seriously wounded, and a young man, almost a boy, but they will say that there were four of us.

PORTOS

But retreat? No, it’s impossible!

JUSSAC

Surrender your weapons, gentlemen! Don't compound your guilt by disobedience.

D'ARTAGNAN

You insolent lord! How dare you speak to His Majesty's musketeers in such a tone?! I have the honor to attack you immediately!

(He draws his sword and runs up to de Jussac)

JUSSAC

(Drawing his sword and pointing it at d'Artagnan)

Puppy! Just you wait! I'll teach you a lesson! Grab these three, and I'll deal with this brat!

(Jussac and d'Artagnan begin the battle. Everyone else begins to fight as well. Aramis is against de Lenois and de Zidi, Porthos against de Bicarat, and Athos against de Cahuzac. Aramis wounds Lenois, Bicarat manages to wound Porthos, and Athos fights back with difficulty, since his wound has not yet healed. Suddenly, d'Artagnan seriously wounds de Jussac, who collapses as if mown down. d'Artagnan comes to Athos's aid. Athos gathers his strength, gestures for d'Artagnan to step aside, and kills Cahuzac with a deft blow. Aramis knocks the sword from Zidi.)

ARAMIS

Surrender, Zidi!

PORTOS

Bikara, surrender!

BICARA

Better than death!

(Makes unsuccessful attacks, which Porthos easily parries)

JUSSAC

(With difficulty, wheezing, with shortness of breath)

Surrender, Bikara, I command.

(De Jussac loses consciousness, Bicarat gives up his sword)

PORTOS

Victory!

(The Musketeers take the swords of the vanquished and go to the front of the stage, while the surviving Bikara and Zidi take care of the wounded)

ARAMIS

What is your name, young man? I think I heard your name in de Treville's reception room, but I don't remember it.

D'ARTAGNAN

My name is Charles d'Artagnan. If you forget it again, don't hesitate to ask, I'll remind you.

ARAMIS

No way, now I'll remember him.

ATOS

Why didn't you want to save yourself, Charles d'Artagnan?

D'ARTAGNAN

Such an act never even occurred to me! How could I abandon the King's musketeers in trouble?

PORTOS

So, for you, musketeers are far from an empty phrase?

D'ARTAGNAN

For me, that's everything! My father was a musketeer, and I'll definitely be one myself! In my heart, if you must know, I've been a musketeer for a long time!

ATOS

Well then! Good luck! Today you saved at least one musketeer from death, and I am in your debt. Your hand, Charles d'Artagnan!

ARAMIS

Your hand!

PORTOS

Your hand!

(extends his palm)

ARAMIS

Be careful, Porthos! Remember, it's only a human hand, not a bear's paw! Don't hurt our new friend!

D'ARTAGNAN

You called me your friend?! Gentlemen, this is the best day of my life! I propose we celebrate our victory at the nearest pub. I have four ;cus left after renting an apartment! I swear on my honor, we'll squander every last penny! And after that, perhaps tomorrow, we'll continue our duel.

ATOS

Duel? What duel?

PORTOS

(With laughter)

The young man is joking!

ARAMIS

(With a smile)

He probably got hit on the head after all.

ATOS

He who fought shoulder to shoulder with the musketeers will never cross swords with him!

PORTOS

And anyone who invites the Musketeers to dine for four ecus will always find support and friendly participation in them!

(The Musketeers and d'Artagnan laugh merrily and leave the stage. Curtain)


SCENE FOURTEEN

(Richelieu's office, the Cardinal and the Duchess de Chevreuse are talking, sitting on a sofa, a cat between them, a coffee table with chess nearby)

RICHELIEU

Duchess, it was difficult for me to persuade the King to bring you back from Poitou, but I did it.

CHEVR;UZ

Your Eminence, I am so grateful to you!

RICHELIEU

We are alone, no need for titles. We are, strictly speaking, birds of a feather. You are a duchess, I am a duke. I am not saying that I would like to call you Marie and that you would call me Armand, but let us agree: for me, you are a duchess, for you, I am a cardinal.

CHEVR;UZ

Yes, Cardinal.

RICHELIEU

Excellent. So, you understand that you must behave appropriately? After all, I vouched for you to the King.

CHEVR;UZ

I promise. Teach me, Cardinal.

RICHELIEU

You seem to know Buckingham. This isn't a question, but a reminder; no need to answer. So, he'll be arriving in Paris soon. Secretly. To meet the Queen.

CHEVR;UZ

I won't allow this! I will interfere with this meeting!

RICHELIEU

On the contrary, you will facilitate this meeting so that it takes place secretly.

CHEVR;UZ

But...

RICHELIEU

No "buts," Duchess. It would be far better for this meeting to take place under supervision than for it to fall through. You know the feminine soul; you yourself are the first woman France has ever known! What is desired but not obtained becomes even more desirable, while obtaining what is desired makes it less desirable.

CHEVR;UZ

You don't know the Queen! If she falls in love, her love will only grow with time.

RICHELIEU

Duchess, you've forgotten who I am. I know the Queen. She's already fallen in love with Buckingham. In absentia. But even if the worst happens…

CHEVR;UZ

What a horror!

RICHELIEU

If this happens, I say, perhaps His Majesty will have an heir. Anything better than Gaston d'Orl;ans.

CHEVR;UZ

If you mean…

RICHELIEU

I mean nothing! The duty of every loyal subject is to promote His Majesty's interests. Nevertheless, we all walk under the Lord. If the Lord so desires... Don't you think it's beyond human strength to resist?

CHEVR;UZ

If the Lord himself wants it, then, of course...

RICHELIEU

Well, if we add to this our proverb: “What a woman wants, God wants,” then everything falls into place.

CHEVR;UZ

Is there such a proverb?

RICHELIEU

Absolutely. If it doesn't exist, we'll have to invent it. I'll give the orders. So, if the meeting does take place, you'll have to make sure we have proof that it took place.

CHEVR;UZ

What evidence could there be? The maid's testimony? Or mine? I dare not testify against the Queen!

RICHELIEU

It's much simpler. After all, if a meeting is arranged, it will probably be through you. Therefore, you will see Buckingham first. Convince him that he should exchange some unique items with the Queen as proof of their union, even if only platonic. Let him give her some of his jewels, and she will give him something in return. Something very personal, something very difficult to counterfeit.

CHEVR;UZ

How can I convince him of this?

RICHELIEU

Tell him it's a secret family tradition the Queen shared with you. Tell him she once confided in you that for her, the exchange of jewels between lovers is a kind of betrothal, like a vow of eternal love. Find the right words. I don't need to tell you!

CHEVR;UZ

I understand, Cardinal.

RICHELIEU

It must be something the King knows well. Preferably, it would be one of his gifts to her.

CHEVR;UZ

I understood.

RICHELIEU

And you tell me what this thing is.

CHEVR;UZ

Of course I will know, as I still hold the position of Keeper of Her Majesty's Jewels.

RICHELIEU

I know that.

CHEVR;UZ

But if the thing disappears, then suspicion will fall on me! Do you want to destroy me, Cardinal?

RICHELIEU

Tell me, after the Chalais conspiracy, could I have sent you to the Bastille for life?

CHEVR;UZ

Undoubtedly.

RICHELIEU

Could I have gotten you executed?

CHEVR;UZ

I have no doubt about it!

RICHELIEU

Do you think it was easy for me to get my sentence of imprisonment or execution replaced by exile to Poitou?

CHEVR;UZ

I don't think it's easy.

RICHELIEU

And what about your return to Paris and the return of all your positions?

CHEVR;UZ

I think it was incredibly difficult!

RICHELIEU

So, you've answered your own question! I hold your freedom and your life in my hands even without all this sleight of hand. But why should I deal with someone who's loyal to me? So long as you're loyal to me, you're in no danger. Besides, you didn't consider that you could be accused of careless handling of the Queen's jewels, which is a far lesser offense than participating in a conspiracy against the King. But if those jewels were suddenly discovered in London with the Duke of Buckingham...

CHEVR;UZ

Will they be found there?

RICHELLE!

Of course! That's what this whole thing is all about.

CHEVR;UZ

Cardinal, you!.. I admire you.

RICHELIEU

You meant to say, Duchess, that I'm a terrible person? Well, that doesn't bother me. I'm not afraid to seem terrible. I don't want to seem ridiculous. Or weak. Or stupid. But terrible – no. Well, the Savior is also terrible to his enemies in anger. Who commanded them to be his enemies? They themselves are to blame.

CHEVR;UZ

I understand everything, Cardinal. I will do everything.

RICHELIEU

But be careful with La Porte. You can expect anything from him. And don't reveal our agreement to anyone. I hope that's clear.

CHEVR;UZ

Of course!

RICHELIEU

Keeping this secret is in your best interests. Even in confession, even before the Lord, even to none of my closest friends or servants. God forbid you should let it slip.

CHEVR;UZ

Don't worry about that, Cardinal.

RICHELIEU

It is my duty to be concerned with everything that happens or may happen in France. It is another matter entirely, however, that I must prevent evil and sow good. Go, Duchess. Through the same door and down the same corridor as you came here. My men will ensure that no one sees you leaving my palace.

(The Duchess leaves)


SCENE FIFTEEN

(Richelieu's office, the cardinal approaches the closet and opens it, it turns out it's not a closet, but a door, Rochefort comes out)

RICHELIEU

Did you hear everything, Rochefort?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, Cardinal.

RICHELIEU

Are you judging me?

ROCHEFORT

I don't dare and I don't want to.

RICHELIEU

And rightly so. Big politics is a big game. There's no time for ethics here. Ethics are like a pair of beautiful trousers with sewn legs . You can show them off while standing still, but you won't be able to move forward . When you're planning great deeds on a national scale, ethics and humanity are only a hindrance, like a convict's shackles. Someday, perhaps in my old age, I'll retire and write memoirs or other notes. I have no doubt that I'll have to lie in them, as all memoirists do. No one has ever described their own dishonorable deeds in a memoir. Take any memoir you choose, and you'll see that in the times described, no one was more noble, more courageous, or more devoted to their cause and their King than the author of these memoirs. And all the others are either fools or scoundrels, and more often than not, both. In de Sully's memoirs, he appears as an angel incarnate, while Tal;ment des R;aux describes him as the most scumbag and embezzler . The authors of such opuses invented concepts of morality, ethics, humanism, and other such nonsense. They weren't guided by these principles in life, otherwise, God would have taken them straight to heaven, like Saint Elijah. But the question is, why neglect humanism? If it's for personal gain, then these people will end up in hell, and that's where they belong. But if a politician like me neglects ethics and humanism for the sake of his country's greatness, will God condemn him? After all, the power of France will facilitate the spread of the true faith throughout the world, and that is precisely what our duty calls us to do! The Holy Scriptures single out those who worked to spread Christianity throughout the world as apostles, or at least as equal-to-the-apostles saints. So, morality shouldn't hold you back if you carry out my instructions. Learn this as soon as possible.

ROCHEFORT

Your Eminence, your words are holy, and your thoughts are pure as a mountain stream.

RICHELIEU

And just as cold, for politics cannot be done with a hot heart. It must be done with a cool head. Both are combined only in the legends of the times of Siegfried and King Arthur.

ROCHEFORT

Fair.

RICHELIEU

Rochefort, I do not need your approval, I need your understanding of my approach, for this must become your approach too.

ROCHEFORT

Yes, Cardinal.

RICHELIEU

Take La Rochelle, for example. The late King Henry IV , himself a former Huguenot, issued an edict allowing Huguenots to practice their religion and live in our kingdom on equal terms with good Catholics.

ROCHEFORT

This is unfortunate, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

If we want to put an end to this, the edict must be repealed.

ROCHEFORT

Undoubtedly!

RICHELIEU

And for the King to abolish it, it is necessary that both he and the majority of the grandees and even the majority of all the nobles as a whole wish this.

ROCHEFORT

Don't they want this?

RICHELIEU

The Huguenots multiplied too much after the signing of the Edict. They were even given several cities where they constituted the overwhelming majority. The most unpleasant is La Rochelle. After all, it is the sea gate to France. And a common religion with the damned English might induce the La Rochelleites to open these gates to them.

ROCHEFORT

Terrible!

RICHELIEU

So, there's no doubt that the Huguenots' liberties must end. And that there needs to be a compelling reason for this. So what shall we do?

ROCHEFORT

Let's go to La Rochelle to wage war!

RICHELIEU

We will definitely go, Rochefort, but what will we do first?

ROCHEFORT

Let's arm ourselves.

RICHELIEU

Remember, Rochefort: you must always arm, even if there's no reason to do so. However, that's not always the case; there are always reasons. I ask you, what shall we do before we march on La Rochelle?

ROCHEFORT

Let's create alliances against them?

RICHELIEU

Not so, Rochefort! Alliances should be formed when potential allies see it's more advantageous for them to join you than your enemies. But I ask, what shall we do before we send an army to La Rochelle?

ROCHEFORT

I find it difficult to answer, Your Eminence.

RICHELIEU

Listen and learn, Rochefort. First, we must compromise La Rochelle. First, our agents, posing as Huguenots, will incite rebellion against the King. In small circles, talk will rage about the city's impending suppression. Pamphlets and appeals will be written. The Huguenots will be aroused. Then, a few good Catholics will speak out against them, calling for them to come to their senses. It would be preferable if these good Catholics had some connection to La Rochelle. Perhaps some of them were born there, some once lived there, and some still live there today, despite the fact that the fortress city has become entirely Huguenot.

ROCHEFORT

This is quite logical.

RICHELIEU

And then those damned Huguenots will deal cruelly with the good Catholics. They will deal so cruelly that all of France will tremble.

ROCHEFORT

If we know about this, it is our duty to warn and save them!

RICHELIEU

in pretty trousers with tailored legs again , Rochefort! You haven't learned your lesson. Our duty is not to prevent a single crime, but to eliminate every possibility of similar crimes in the future. Therefore, not only will we not prevent the La Rochelle Huguenots from massacring good Catholics, but I would even say we will facilitate the more rapid development of political processes in this city.

ROCHEFORT

Understand.

RICHELIEU

I hope so. Even if you haven't fully grasped my meaning, you'll learn the rest as we go. But first, we must strengthen the King's power. And to do that, we must prevent the Dauphin and the Queen from plotting against His Majesty. And to prevent that, we must know in advance everything that's happening in their midst, and compromise the most dangerous of the potential conspirators. Do you understand?

ROCHEFORT

Quite.

RICHELIEU

For this reason, step by step, we will make France great. Do you hear me?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, you will make France great, Your Eminence!

RICHELIEU

Okay, yes, Rochefort. Now the question. Why am I telling you this? Why do I need you, Milady, and my other agents?

ROCHEFORT

To carry out your plans.

RICHELIEU

That's right. But remember, if you make a mistake, I will disown you. As you well know, my reputation is beyond question. It's not just high, it grows stronger every day. Because my reputation is my weapon. After all, I'm not the King. If someone ever turns the King against me, I'm finished. If he decides to get rid of me, I'm finished. So, from time to time, I make sure the King feels how difficult it will be for him to do without me. And to do that, I must occasionally expose some conspiracy. And even if the rank-and-file conspirators believe that this conspiracy is directed against me personally, I must always have proof that the conspiracy was directed not only and not so much against me, but against His Majesty.

ROCHEFORT

Brilliant!

RICHELIEU

The prime minister of a kingdom as great as France has no right not to be a genius. So, Rochefort, find someone to keep an eye on the Duchess of Chevreuse. She has lovers, no doubt. But most of them are people from her own circle. They can be intimidated, they can be eliminated, but they don't make good spies. Find out if she has a lover among the common nobility. Some handsome young musketeer. Or a guard from Deszesart's company.

ROCHEFORT

Or from among your guards?

RICHELIEU

Are you crazy? How could the Duchess de Chevreuse contact any of my guards? She'd lose the Queen's trust if she did! No, look among the Musketeers. We'll make him our spy. If we can. And if he refuses, we'll have to kill him. By the way, how's your friend, this Charles d'Artagnan, doing?

ROCHEFORT

I haven't heard anything about him yet.

RICHELIEU

You'll hear more, Rochefort, I have no doubt about it. That's all, go. And find out everything you can about d'Artagnan. Perhaps he'll be suitable for the role of the Duchess's lover. It's a pity you're not suited for that role, Rochefort.

ROCHEFORT

Why?

RICHELIEU

She already knows you're my man. She has her own informants, Rochefort. These are the times. We can't do without them. Before you go, take a look at this chess position. What move do you think White should make?

ROCHEFORT

(Looks carefully at the board)

I think we need to take the Queen out of the fight.

RICHELIEU

This leads to loss. Look here.

(Makes moves on the chessboard)

ROCHEFORT

What would be the right move?

RICHELIEU

(Restores the pieces to their original place and shows the moves again)

We must hand over the Queen and remove the officer.

ROCHEFORT

But doesn't this lead to loss?

RICHELIEU

With the next two moves, we promote this pawn to queen. We have a new Queen! Do you understand me? A new Queen, no worse than the old one. If the Queen can't be saved, we need to think about how to make a new Queen. Chess is a cruel game. You can sacrifice anyone except the King. And if the King still has at least one more pawn, or if that pawn is in a better position, the win is in your pocket. These simple examples give you a lot to think about, Rochefort. Go.

(Rochefort bows and leaves)

RICHELIEU

Yes. Decisively suppress dissent. Only then will we make France great. Destroy all fortresses except the border ones. Remove all elected commandants, replacing them with those appointed personally by the King. And then, perhaps, we'll clip the wings of the Lorraine family. Here, too, the Duchess de Chevreuse could be very useful. And now, if she has a lover among the common nobility, we'll cultivate him with Milady's help. She's charming, there's no denying it! He won't resist, whoever he is.


SCENE SIXTEEN

(House Bonacieux. Madame Constance Bonacieux in a haberdashery shop. Aramis enters)

ARAMIS

Madam?

CONSTANCE

Mister Musketeer?

ARAMIS

After all, you not only have groceries, but also some haberdashery, right?

CONSTANCE

I don't do any trading, that's my husband's business, I just look after the house while he's away.

ARAMIS

But maybe you could help me with some advice?

CONSTANCE

What are you interested in?

ARAMIS

Could you tell me if you have cambric for a scarf? I'd like to order a dozen scarves, and I need the best cambric. Just like this one.

(He takes out a handkerchief and shows it to Constance, who sees the handkerchief and recognizes it)

CONSTANCE

So you came from the Duchess of She...

ARAMIS

Shh! No need for names. Even walls have ears.

CONSTANCE

In the shop of my husband, Monsieur Bonacieux, you can speak quite freely.

ARAMIS

And your spouse?

CONSTANCE

He is interested in nothing but groceries, haberdashery and the charms of his sweet wife.

ARAMIS

Regarding the last point, I understand him perfectly.

CONSTANCE

You don't understand, I'm like a museum curator's exhibit to him. To admire and be proud of, to be envied by everyone, but to be left alone.

ARAMIS

Now I don't understand that. But let's get to the point. Yes, I've come on behalf of someone whose name we won't mention. If you don't mind, we'll use other names. Let's just say I've come on behalf of a certain Marie Michon.

CONSTANCE

Yes, yes, I understand. So Marie Michon said you could be relied upon. Your help is needed.

ARAMIS

Yes. That's right. Let's get to the point.

CONSTANCE

The thing is that Marie's friend, well-known to many, let's call her Aglaya, is in a very difficult situation.

ARAMIS

Even so? In that case, all of France will soon rejoice.

CONSTANCE

Unfortunately, things aren't as you've understood. It's about something entirely different. The fact is, Aglaya had several encounters with the same person. Which...

ARAMIS

I understand. Let's call him Adonis.

CONSTANCE

Yes. This Adonis informed her in a letter that he would be secretly arriving in Paris very soon. To fall on his knees before Aglaia.

ARAMIS

This is madness. He should stay in his Adonis!

CONSTANCE

I would have advised him the same, but people of such stature don't listen to good advice. You understand, of course, that he's determined to see Aglaya secretly, and if he's refused, he'll be capable of any folly.

ARAMIS

What is proposed?

CONSTANCE

After much deliberation, Aglaya decided that under the circumstances, it would be quite reasonable to at least partially satisfy his passionate desire, since otherwise he would be simply unstoppable. Just one brief meeting, and only so long as she scolded him and made him promise to return home immediately and never act like that again. Otherwise, I dread to think what impudent acts he might commit upon hearing her refusal.

ARAMIS

So this is how, it turns out, we men find it easiest to get what we desire most from the daughters of Eve! Feign insanity! So insane that it's easier to give them what they want than to explain that it's completely out of the question!

CONSTANCE

Don't judge everyone by one and one by all, Monsieur Musketeer!

ARAMIS

You're right, I apologize. So what exactly is required of me?

CONSTANCE

You, as Marie Michon said, are a reliable person. Will you be able to handle this whole thing so that no one finds out?

ARAMIS

I think I have an idea. Let Adonis come, at least here. I'll wait for him here. I'll give him a musketeer's uniform, and in the twilight, with his hat pulled down over his eyes, knowing the password, accompanied by me, he'll easily make his way to Lu... to Aglaya. After she gives him a dressing down, he'll return the same way here, and from there, the same way he came, to his Adonisia.

CONSTANCE

Sounds good.

ARAMIS

I'll think over the details and let you know later. How much time do I have?

CONSTANCE

No more than two days, but he could arrive today. I'll let you know, I'll find you. In any case, stop by here this evening, and we'll find out everything.

ARAMIS

Fine.

CONSTANCE

Could you help me with a personal matter?

ARAMIS

With pleasure? But not today.

CONSTANCE

I'm afraid you've misinterpreted my words again. The fact is, my husband is often absent, and I only come here at night, when the servants who work in our grocery store go home. I'm afraid to spend the night alone. Besides, I've noticed that the Cardinal's guards are paying increased attention to my house.

ARAMIS

This is bad. But how can I help?

CONSTANCE

I wanted to ask you to recommend a lodger to me from among Monsieur de Treville's musketeers. We have a spare room with a separate entrance. It's up the stairs. It connects to our quarters through that door over there, which locks on both sides. So he could live there undisturbed, coming and going through the separate entrance as he pleased, but in case of need I could count on his protection. We would accommodate him for the most modest rent, which would include breakfast and dinner.

ARAMIS

Let me think! By the way! A good idea. I can recommend you a young man, he recently arrived from Gascony. He's not a Musketeer of de Treville, but that's okay, he passionately wants to be one, and judging by the way he's started, he certainly will be one soon. At the moment, he's staying with my friend Athos, but that's inconvenient. So I'll bring him this evening, if you don't mind. I can vouch for him.

CONSTANCE

That would be wonderful!

ARAMIS

Well, that's agreed. So, see you in the evening, madam.

CONSTANCE

Chevalier Aramis... You said he's young? A Gascon? And he... What is he like?

ARAMIS

A completely decent and courageous young man. And honest.

CONSTANCE

Yes, yes, thank you, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

ARAMIS
 
(Quietly, to myself)

I'm an idiot! She's interested in something completely different!

(Aloud)

I must say, he's quite a handsome man. His face is no worse than... mine or... Adonis's. And he's three inches taller than me.

CONSTANCE

(Joyfully)

Handsome?!

(happy)

High!?

(then he speaks somewhat falsely and not at all convincingly)

What does it matter to me? After all, I wanted...

(Determinedly)

If only he were a friend of Captain de Treville!

ARAMIS

That's right!

(Quietly, to myself)

Well, d'Artagnan, you'll buy me a nice drink for such a place and for the landlady! I've done a good job of putting in an effort for you!

(Aloud)

That's all I meant. Yes, he's a friend of Captain de Treville. He's his fellow countryman, and our glorious captain fought alongside his father under the banner of King Henry IV .

CONSTANCE

(Joyfully)

What wine do Chevalier Aramis and his Gascon friend prefer for dinner tonight?

ARAMIS

(Gallantly)

Wine that will be served by the hands of Madame Bonacieux.

(Quietly to myself)

Women! Why doesn't she put her husband's grocery servants in this room? After all, if, as she says, the room doesn't rent for much…

(Aloud)

See you in the evening, madam.

(He bows ostentatiously, kisses Constance's hand and leaves)

CONSTANCE

Insufferable Monsieur Bonacieux! Take this! You'll have cause to be jealous of your wife! I'll remain pure, but I'll make you worry a lot! Serves you right! You've completely neglected me! I'm like a miser's golden pistol to you! You enjoy possessing me, but you won't get the best out of it!


SCENE SEVENTEEN

(There, a grocery store maid enters, minding her own business, then Aramis and D'Artagnan enter)

ARAMIS

Mademoiselle, good evening, is the lady of the house?

MAID

Good evening, gentlemen. Madame will be here soon; she asked you to wait. Are you the musketeer and the new tenant with you?

ARAMIS

Yes, mademoiselle.

MAID

You can take a look around your apartment for now.

D'ARTAGNAN

Thank you, mademoiselle, I prefer to wait for the mistress. We will wait for her here.

MAID

I'll make you some coffee.

(Leaves)

ARAMIS

Have you seen, D'Artagnan, the yellow horse tethered by someone not far from our barracks? I'd like to know whose it is.

D'ARTAGNAN

(Slightly embarrassed)

Yes, I really wonder who its owner is!

ARAMIS

You don't know either?

D'ARTAGNAN

I have no idea! What's the matter?

ARAMIS

If I'd known who this poor fellow was, I'd have advised him to get rid of it as soon as possible. Not only is it completely unnatural, but it's also a highly inappropriate color for a horse to ride in Paris.

D'ARTAGNAN

What's wrong with this color?

ARAMIS

In Paris, traitors are marked with yellow. When the Guises rebelled against the King, the gates of their house in Paris were painted yellow as a warning to others. It's a fairly old tradition.

D'ARTAGNAN

The betrayal of the Dukes against their King?

ARAMIS

And that's an old tradition, too. But I meant the yellow paint on the traitors' gates. Besides, the musketeers' horses are of a very specific color. The first company rides gray horses, and that's why we're called the Gray Musketeers. The second company rides black horses, and that's why they're called the Black Musketeers.

D'ARTAGNAN

I really need to get myself a grey horse!

(Quietly to myself)

Now I understand why the stranger from Meng laughed so loudly! I'll have to kill him in the first duel before he tells me who owned that yellow mare! Oh, Father, you did a great job equipping me with a horse and advising me to obey the Cardinal's orders!

(Aloud)

So, the rider on the yellow horse is sort of admitting that he is a traitor?

ARAMIS

It's not exactly like that, but that's the association I have. More likely, he just looks stupid.

D'ARTAGNAN

(With a forced chuckle)

Yeah, I can just imagine!

 (quiet)

What a nightmare!

(Aloud)

You said all the musketeers in your company ride grey horses? I thought I saw Athos's white horse?

ARAMIS

He has two horses. He only rides the white one informally and never mounts it in his musketeer uniform.

D'ARTAGNAN

Two horses? He's a rich man!

ARAMIS

I sometimes think so too. Have you seen his cufflinks, his buckles? His spurs?

D'ARTAGNAN

Cufflinks? What are those?

ARAMIS

Something like buttons that are not sewn onto the shirt.

D'ARTAGNAN

Not sewn on? What's holding them on? What a sweet thing!

ARAMIS

(Quietly to myself)

Our friend has a strange sense of observation! He noticed the horse, but didn't notice the cufflinks and buckles!

(Aloud)

However, as I've noticed over the course of our friendship, he doesn't have much money. He has no more than the rest of us. These cufflinks, buckle, and boots with spurs must be remnants of the luxury he grew up in before his family went broke.

D'ARTAGNAN

It happens.

(Quiet)

Shouldn't I know?

(A maid comes in with a tray and cups of coffee on it)

MAID

And here is your coffee.

(The door opens and Constance enters)

MAID

And here is your hostess.

(Puts the tray on the table and leaves)


SCENE EIGHTEEN

(There, Aramis and D'Artagnan and Constance)

ARAMIS

Good evening, Madame Bonacieux. Allow me to introduce you to Charles d'Artagnan.

D'ARTAGNAN

(He bows deliberately, taking off his hat and making various movements with it)

Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan at your service, madam!

CONSTANCE

Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan?

(With a smile)

But I only wanted one tenant. Will the other two be arriving soon?

(Aramis smiles and takes his coffee, sniffs it, nods approvingly and drinks it)

D'ARTAGNAN

(With a sweet smile)

All three are before you, madam. I am Charles de Batz, aka de Castelmore and aka d'Artagnan!

CONSTANCE

(Slyly)

With which of you three should I sign a room rental agreement? Which of you will be staying with me?

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Only with Charles d'Artagnan, lovely madam! I promise you the other two won't disturb you.

CONSTANCE

(Quietly to myself)

And he really is good. Besides, he understands and appreciates a joke!

(Aloud)

But you haven't looked at your room yet!

D'ARTAGNAN
 
But I saw the most important thing – the hostess! No matter what the room looks like, and no matter what the rent is – I agree!

ARAMIS

Madam, what news for me?

CONSTANCE

Adonis will be here tomorrow.

ARAMIS

Well, please convey my detailed rendezvous plan to Ms. Aglaya. I think I'll be going. All the best.
 
(He gives Constance a note, puts the cup on the tray, says goodbye and leaves)

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(Embarrassed)

You will probably need an advance payment.

CONSTANCE

It is not necessary, I take the word of Mr. Aramis's friend.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(Disappointed)

Have you known him for a long time? You're obviously one of his... parishioners?

CONSTANCE

(Laughs)

The Musketeer has female parishioners? That's something new!

D'ARTAGNAN
 
He's also an abbot. Slightly. Just slightly.

CONSTANCE

Funny! I didn't know. No, we only met today, but he was recommended to me by someone… a person worthy of every trust. I have only a purely business interest in him, and only for one matter, which will be concluded tomorrow. It concerns a relative of mine. He arrives in Paris tomorrow, and the day after, I hope, he will leave forever.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(Happily)

So you're not Aramis's girlfriend?

CONSTANCE

(Strictly)

Monsieur Charles d'Artagnan! What do you think you're doing? I'm married!

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Well, yes, of course, I understand. But that's a completely different matter.

CONSTANCE

What a different matter! How nimble you are!

(Quietly to myself)

In general he's right, of course! But how dare he say such a thing to me? To me?!

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Madam, could you answer me one question? One… very important question for me.

CONSTANCE

(In a half-whisper, looking into d'Artagnan's eyes with an almost loving gaze)

Very important?

(Extends her hand towards him)

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(In a half-whisper, looking into Constance's eyes and taking her hand in his)

And very secret...

CONSTANCE

(Closes his eyes and lifts his chin slightly, turning his face slightly upward, almost in a whisper)

I promise not to reveal your secret...

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(In a half-whisper, embarrassed)

Could you tell me who here in Paris I can sell a horse to?.. A horse... Of an unusual color... Not the most noble... Inexpensive?

CONSTANCE

(He looks at d'Artagnan in surprise, his eyes wide open.)

Horse?

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(Embarrassed, out loud)

It so happened that... in the very near future... well... my entire capital is in it... For now... Not counting the two ecus that remain after... after the most necessary expenses for the initial period. I will be paid my salary soon, but for the initial period... I would like...

CONSTANCE

(Without a shadow of romanticism)

We'll think of something. So, are you coming to see your room?

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(Enthusiastic)

I'm coming! With you, madam, anywhere! Even to the ends of the earth!

CONSTANCE

(With an ironic grimace)

"Madame"! Are you really going to call me that for as long as you live here in my house? My name is Constance.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(Sweet and dreamy)

Constance! What a wonderful name! And it suits you so well! You must be so constant! Oh, that's so sweet! Constance! Constance! What a lovely name! What a lovely Constance!

CONSTANCE

(With approval, pleased)

This is much better...

(Extending his hand for a kiss)

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(Kisses Constance's hand with pleasure)

Constance!

CONSTANCE

(After a pause, he suddenly quickly pulls his hand back)

But please, not in front of my husband. In front of him, it would be better if you called me "madam" or "madam." That would be better.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Oh, of course!

(Quietly to myself)

We already have little secrets from my husband! You're a lucky man, d'Artagnan! Long live Paris!

CONSTANCE

Well, what are you standing there for? Come on! Let's look! … The room… Yours.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
(With enthusiasm)

Oh, yes! Let's go!

(They go towards the stairs leading up)

SCENE NINETEEN

(Richelieu's office, the Cardinal and the Duchess de Chevreuse are talking, sitting on a sofa, next to a chess table with pieces)

RICHELIEU

Duchess, now that you have sat down and calmed down, tell me everything that you intended to tell me on the threshold of my office.

CHEVR;UZ

Oh, I'm trembling all over with fear!

RICHELIEU

You? Are you trembling? Such a brave lady! Why, with your courage you would put the Princess of Montpensier to shame! You are so active and decisive!

CHEVR;UZ

Monsignor, I am pleased to receive compliments from the Duke and from the first minister in your person, but since for me you are, first and foremost, a cardinal, I am not accustomed to accepting compliments from a clergyman.

RICHELIEU

Get used to it, Duchess. Besides, you're mistaken. To you, I'm a friend first and foremost. Then a Duke, so we're equals: I'm the Duke, you're the Duchess. And as for the First Minister... Look who's talking! After all, you're the friend of the First Lady of the Kingdom, Her Majesty Queen Anne.

CHEVR;UZ

Ah, how nice to hear that! As if there had never been any misunderstandings between us.

RICHELIEU

(Strictly)

They were, but they've all been resolved. They remained only for show, for others. But in my office, fear nothing and no one. You're safe. At least for now...

CHEVR;UZ

(Scared)

Bye?.. Bye – what?

RICHELIEU

(Laughs kindly)

Don't worry, then! For now? Hm. Until you decide to break our agreement. But you wouldn't, would you?

CHEVR;UZ

Ah, Arman!..

RICHELIEU

Armand? You want me to call you Maria? Come on, Duchess. Monseigneur is the best choice.

CHEVR;UZ

Yes, of course, forgive me, Monsignor, I forgot myself.

RICHELIEU

So?

CHEVR;UZ

So, he arrives in Paris and they will meet.

RICHELIEU

I know this.

CHEVR;UZ

So, it was in vain that I rushed to you with this message?

RICHELIEU

Not at all. After all, if you haven't told me anything about him or her, you've told me a lot about yourself.

CHEVR;UZ

I don't understand.

RICHELIEU

You've shown me I can trust you. You've told me what I needed to know in a timely manner. That's enough. For today. But not for tomorrow.

CHEVR;UZ

Of course! I must work off my return from Poitou.

RICHELIEU

Don't use such vulgar terminology, Duchess! It's the members of the third estate who do the work. The first two just rule and enjoy life, right? You belong to the first, I to the second.

CHEVR;UZ

You lead the first estate brilliantly, Monsignor!

RICHELIEU

So be it. It doesn't matter. I wouldn't want you to treat our friendship like work. We are friends, aren't we? Friendship is always based on some interest. You and I could have an excellent and quite close friendship, since our interests correspond very well to the concept of "mutual need for each other." This is a great motivator.

CHEVR;UZ

Remind me, Monsignor, what will be required of me tomorrow?

RICHELIEU

I can't believe you've forgotten, Duchess!

CHEVR;UZ

Okay, you win, I haven't forgotten anything. I remember. So, I convinced him that for the Queen, exchanging gifts is an important ritual, a guarantee of great feelings, and that he should under no circumstances let her know he knows this. Everything must appear as a pure outburst of love. The Duke will give the Queen his portrait, adorned with emeralds and diamonds. Only then will he have sufficient grounds to ask for something in return, even if less valuable formally, but much more meaningful to him personally. Under such circumstances, the Queen will simply be forced to give something in return that matches the value of his gift.

RICHELIEU

What will it be?

CHEVR;UZ

I was thinking about it. Something from her dowry. For example, earrings or beads.

RICHELIEU

You absolutely don't understand the point of this matter, Duchess. Or, what seems more plausible to me, you're pretending not to. The Queen must give him something the King gave her! That will offend him.

CHEVR;UZ

But this is mean to the Queen!

RICHELIEU

From the very moment, Duchess, when you realize that I am merely saving the Queen from herself , you will understand that my methods cannot be base, for they pursue the highest goals. So, do not rack your brains in vain. The Queen must give the Duke her diamond pendants. All twelve of them.

CHEVR;UZ

(With horror)

Pendants!? But the King will notice their absence!

RICHELIEU

That's exactly what's needed. Pendants are the perfect choice. They can be worn by especially dandy men. Buckingham is just that. He's a show-off. He'll certainly don them at his first ball in London, not realizing that such trinkets are no more fitting for a real man than a saddle for a poodle. It will be noticed, it will cause a scandal.

CHEVR;UZ

Poor Queen!

RICHELIEU

She will become poor in every sense of the word if the King, due to her childlessness and her growing political ties with Spain and Austria, not only divorces her but also assigns her a place of residence in some backwater like Monaco. Or worse, sends her to Cannes. There she will sink into oblivion. She will vegetate in some Saint-Tropez.

CHEVR;UZ

Horror!

RICHELIEU

Yes, it's terrible. I'm making sure she comes to her senses and understands her situation. She should finally understand that she's in France, and that here she is not the heir to the Austrian and Spanish thrones, but merely one of the loyal subjects of her royal spouse, the King! For this reason, she must obey him both as spouse and as a loyal subject. Therefore, her first priority is to produce an heir. Preferably two. Look at Catherine de Medici! Ten years of childless marriage didn't break this Queen! She finally gave birth to an heir, Francis. Then she gave birth to a girl, Victoria, who lived only six weeks. Doctors forbade her married life, and her husband, Henry II, stopped visiting her, focusing all his attention on Diane de Poitiers. If the Queen had given up, where would she be after all this? But this courageous woman gathered her will into a fist. She managed to get her unfaithful husband to visit her regularly, and she gave birth to Charles, Henry, and Fran;ois, as well as Margot. Her three sons ruled France one after the other! And her daughter became the consort of the next dynasty! And if fate ultimately ended the Valois dynasty on the French throne, it was certainly not her fault; she did more to continue the line than any other French queen of all time. And look at how Anne behaves? One miscarriage led her to focus on entirely different things. And this, despite the fact that God sent her a faithful husband, the likes of which had not occupied the throne of France since the first Merovingians! He only takes favorites, never female favorites! Just one night a month—or what's more, once a year—would be enough for her! – to arouse His Majesty's interest in her person sufficiently, and her efforts would have been justified. All of France would have rejoiced. I understand, yes, it's not easy for her. Louis avoids the conjugal embrace. But your first husband, the Duke de Luynes – may he be blessed, my good genius! – how nobly and selflessly he acted! He simply scooped up his King in his arms and carried him to the bed in the Queen's bedroom! And an heir would have been born, if not for your untimely boisterous games! As a result, the Queen took a nasty fall, and here's the result! A miscarriage!

CHEVR;UZ

Oh, I will never forgive myself for this carelessness! I will punish myself for it for the rest of my days!

RICHELIEU

(Quietly but very insistently)

Don't forget, Duchess, that the King was quite angry with you then. He wanted to exile you to... I won't name the place, but you must understand that your fate would have been disastrous if you hadn't found an intercessor.

CHEVR;UZ

My gratitude, Monsignor, knows no bounds.

RICHELIEU

(Cold)

Please, Duchess, as part of this boundless gratitude, perform a far from boundless act of difficulty. Buckingham must take away from the Queen the diamond pendants she gave him. This will lead to certain consequences, of course. But these consequences will finally force the Queen to become prudent and obedient. They will warn her against rash affairs. Not even platonic thoughts should enter her head! Every beat of her heart must be dedicated to the monarch and the monarchy. The King's wife and the mother of the future King of France—that is what should occupy all her thoughts! And not some foreign, overdressed peacocks.

CHEVR;UZ

Your wisdom and indulgence, Monsignor, are boundless.

RICHELIEU

(Turns to the chess table and points at it with his hand)

Look at this position, madam. The queen is under attack. She's trapped. Wherever she goes, on any square accessible to her, she'll be cut down on the next move.

(He moves the queen, demonstrating the truth of his words)

All the free squares, both diagonally and vertically and horizontally, are captured by other enemy pieces. Just like the square she stands on. And the pieces she could have captured are protected! The queen will inevitably be removed from the board on the opponent's next move, right?

CHEVR;UZ

I don't know much about this game, but I believe you, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

Don't underestimate your intelligence, Duchess. The rules of this game are no more complicated than those of many card games, at which you have excelled. I have no doubt you know them. So watch this. If the Queen takes this pawn, even though the opponent could cut it down on the next move, he won't, because with her move she checkmates her opponent! In doing so, she saves her King and, of course, herself. No one removes the Queen from the board after she has checkmated her opponent.

CHEVR;UZ

Who is the enemy of our King?

RICHELIEU

Can't guess? Of course, the younger brother, the Dauphin, Gaston d'Orl;ans, Monsieur, who will become King if Louis XIII dies childless.

CHEVR;UZ

My God, what a passage!

RICHELIEU

Do not pretend, Duchess, that you have not thought about this prospect. But remember, my dear. France will never have a Gaston I. There will only be a Louis XIII . And after him, his son must ascend the throne. I believe he will be called Louis XIV . Perhaps a second son, if there is one, will be called Henry, or Charles, or perhaps even Philippe. The Queen will be free to name her son after her husband, or his father, or after her father or brother. But she must not name him after her brother-in-law. No. She must not even look in his direction. She must be cured of this attachment. And for this, you and I will prepare a bitter medicine mixed with her great misfortune with a peacock named George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.

(He picks up the white queen from the chessboard and delivers his fiery speech to it)

I will teach you, Your Disobedient Majesty, to never take your gaze off your husband. Never turn it on anyone else. Because this is more than morality, more than marital duty! The interests of France are at stake here!

(He firmly places the queen back on the board)

Here, by your King, is your place! Here you must always be! Only this way! Until at least two male descendants are born! At least one, for that matter.

(Quietly, turning to Chevreuse)

Even if the King were incapable of conceiving a child, the Queen would still be obliged to do everything in her power to make France happy with the birth of a boy, and to ensure that the King had no reason to doubt his paternity, wouldn't she?

CHEVR;UZ

(Stunned)

But...

RICHELIEU

Be silent. I know you agree with me. And this means that meetings with other men are possible, but secretly. So that not a soul in the whole wide world knows about it. And meetings with His Majesty must not cease during this time, right? But this, fortunately, is not necessary, for His Majesty has already proven that they can be the cause of a child's birth. Just look how foolishly Anne is behaving! Having failed to achieve the King's attention, she seeks such undisguised—I emphasize!—undisguised attention from a flamboyant English peacock! Well, we will make her wise up. Go, Duchess. And remember your mission.


(Chevreuse nods thoughtfully and leaves)

SCENE TWENTY


(Richelieu's office, the cardinal himself is there, Rochefort enters)

RICHELIEU

Rochefort, did you hear everything?

ROCHEFORT

Yes, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

But you don't know everything. I have it on good authority that Buckingham doesn't love the Queen enough to commit such foolish acts for her. He's simply a nobleman, gathering espionage information in the interests of his state! I should have guessed that straight away. In England, the highest-ranking officials are used for intelligence gathering. So he is your colleague, Rochefort, and I congratulate you on that.

ROCHEFORT

So, Monsignor, it turns out that we lured the spy to us ourselves, and even let him get close to one of our most important sources of information?

RICHELIEU

Nonsense! The Queen is not a source of information. Buckingham saw her as an opportunity to influence the King, and therefore, French policy, its political and military alliances. The infatuation is merely a semblance. If Anne of Austria had not been the King's wife, he would not have even glanced at her! This George Villiers, the favorite of James I, and also the favorite of the current King, Charles I, who has so recently ascended the throne of England, is apparently very gallant, attractive, and cunning. In other words, let's say he is obliging in the broadest sense of the word. Charles I inherited this favorite from his royal father. Well, well! History repeats itself! Only here in France have we had cases of a young King inheriting a favorite from his father, as happened with Diane de Poitiers, but inheriting a favorite—that's a purely English invention! I recall a joke about a courtier of King Henry III marveling at how quickly one of his favorites was rising, to which the jester Chicot replied, "What did you expect? It's easy for him to advance with such determined pressure from behind!" Our Buckingham is a similar kind of careerist. Just think, he's feigning love! And yet he has a wife, a host of his own favorites, younger and more beautiful than our Queen! And he's feigning love, like a young admirer. And the Queen is pretty too! She's gone!

ROCHEFORT

Women are all the same, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

Are you talking to me? Ah, Rochefort, you are so young and inexperienced. There are exceptions. You don't know the Marquise Marie-Madeleine de Combalet, n;e de Vignerot, my niece. It's impossible to be a misogynist, knowing such a pure, beautiful soul. But to the point! Buckingham, of course, would gladly seize upon such a conspicuous gift from the Queen as the diamond pendants. After all, he can twist the Queen around his finger! She's on his hook now! As long as she believes in his love and loves him, she will do whatever he demands, but if that love ends, then he will still have the opportunity to influence her through blackmail. After all, he could not have obtained these pendants otherwise than from her hands! Therefore, this is proof of their secret meeting!

ROCHEFORT

But in return he will give her his portrait.

RICHELIEU

The fact that she accepted this gift also incriminates her, not him. Just think about what he's risking? Is the scandal of the Queen of France stooping to the level of a relationship with the English ambassador comparable to his risk?! If she's risking everything, it doesn't humiliate the ambassador in the least. But her reputation, in this case, is in tatters. After all, she showed him such intimate attentions that she even exchanged expensive gifts with him! In this case, it's completely irrelevant whether anything more than a private conversation took place between them. Her guilt is present and proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. This fish is firmly hooked on Buckingham's hook!

ROCHEFORT

Perhaps it is not too late to stop this, to prevent the Queen’s meeting with Buckingham?

RICHELIEU

Why? If we know the Queen is under Buckingham's influence, we can use her to mislead England about our political plans. That's an opportunity. Or do you feel sorry for Anne of Austria? Enough! Why pity her? She held and still holds her fate in her own hands. If she bears an heir, she need fear nothing until he grows up. And do you know why? Simply because the King will never trust the protection of this Dauphin to anyone! No one but her. After all, everyone else—except me, of course, and my friends—is only thinking about how to put Gaston on the throne! Therefore, the young Dauphin will be in danger. Any accident can be fatal, and when too many people are interested in this accident, then this accident is sure to happen. I even think that the Queen's miscarriage was far from accidental. Chevreuse is guilty of this, it has been established, but the matter is presented as if it were just a woman's game, the Queen stumbled carelessly, and this is the result. But I always wonder if perhaps the Duchess was already planning this union with Gaston, and the birth of the Dauphin was undesirable for her then? If that is indeed so... No, it is better not to think about it! I would not like to consider the Duchess de Chevreuse so perfidious. But let us return to the Queen. If she bore an heir, she would acquire great importance. But if she remains barren, what is the point of saving her? We are using her as a conduit for disinformation in France. So let Buckingham give her his portrait, and she will thank him by presenting him with diamond pendants. If the fish swims into the nets set for it, then such is its destiny.

ROCHEFORT

In that case, what will be my assignment, Monsignor?

RICHELIEU

The idea of exposing the Queen to the King is still on the table. I was thinking of having Buckingham attacked by brigands, but we don't need an international scandal. Even if he really is attacked by brigands, no one will believe there isn't malice at the highest level. So instead of detaining him, you should ensure he sails safely to England. And now...

ROCHEFORT

On the ship?

RICHELIEU

Perhaps, but that's a last resort. It would be far better if the pendants were stolen from him back in London. And even better if not all of them were lost, but only one or two. In that case, the theft might not be immediately discovered, and it would be a great surprise for the Duke if two pendants were presented to the Queen by her august husband, who would ask, "Could you please explain to me how I came to have these two pendants, and where are the other ten at this moment?"

ROCHEFORT

The queen will be destroyed.

RICHELIEU

Yes! And only one person in all of France can save her from His Majesty's wrath. And that person will be me. And then she will become docile and obedient to my will as a great politician, who has conceived the idea of making France the leading power in Europe and will not rest until he achieves this goal.

ROCHEFORT

But what if His Majesty does not forgive the Queen?

RICHELIEU

It doesn't matter whether he forgives her or not. What matters is how it will look to everyone else. And I will be able to convince His Majesty that an international scandal is inappropriate. She will be removed to one of the distant palaces forever. In time, His Majesty will receive the Pope's consent to divorce her on the grounds of childlessness, as his august father, Henry IV , did . After that, he will marry the princess we select for him. And Anne of Austria will be tonsured and given the opportunity to atone for her indiscretion in some distant convent. Incidentally, the Duchess de Chevreuse will be sent to another convent. And then the intrigues against the King will cease once and for all.

ROCHEFORT

Excellent plan, monsignor.

RICHELIEU

Lady Claric is in London now. As Lord Winter's wife, she has access to Buckingham. He won't pass by such a young and charming beauty. She will find a way to get hold of the two pendants, no doubt about it. I will compose a dispatch for her with detailed instructions. As soon as Buckingham returns to London, no later than a week later, two of the twelve pendants will be in her hands, and she will then forward them to me. It would be better if she delivered them personally.

(Looks at the chessboard, addresses the queen chess piece)

Look! If you don't wish to stand by the King's side and remember your duty, we will sacrifice you and put a new Queen on the board!


ACT IV

SCENE ONE

(House of the Duchess de Chevreuse. The Duchess de Chevreuse and the Duke of Buckingham)


CHEVR;UZ

Monsignor, I have something to tell you.

BUCKINGHAM

When will you finally take me to the divine and august Queen Anne?

CHEVR;UZ

Soon. Right after you listen to me.

BUCKINGHAM

I'm listening to you.

CHEVR;UZ

I advised you to give the Queen a framed portrait of yourself with diamonds and emeralds...

BUCKINGHAM

This will certainly be done, and I am grateful to you for this wonderful advice.

CHEVR;UZ

Don't interrupt me, please. It will be quicker. So, such an expensive gift would put the Queen in an awkward position. She might accept it, provided you accepted a gift no less expensive in return. But all her diamond jewelry, comparable in value to this portrait, is known by heart not only to me, as the custodian of her jewels, but to many others as well. Including His Majesty.

BUCKINGHAM

Oh, I understand! You must help me convince her that for me, anything she touched will be of far greater value, far greater than just this handful of diamonds and emeralds set in a gold frame!

CHEVR;UZ

I asked you to hear me out without interrupting, dear Duke. The Queen would never agree. She's Spanish. She's the Queen! Her pride wouldn't allow her to refuse you a fitting gift in return. And the worst part of this situation is that she'll give you her diamond pendants, twelve of them.

BUCKINGHAM

I will refuse!

CHEVR;UZ

And then you'll offend her, your refusal will be interpreted as arrogance, perhaps contempt. You'll find her your enemy. Despite all her love for you... Forgive me, despite all her budding love, perhaps...

BUCKINGHAM

So, it's true then!?

CHEVR;UZ

I didn't say that. You'll have to ask her yourself. I shouldn't have told you anything like that. But even if—I'm telling you!—even if she loved you more than life itself, if you give her gifts but refuse to accept them in return, she'll close herself off. She'll suffer, she'll probably curse herself a thousand times over for it, but she'll be lost to you forever. You can't refuse to accept her gift in return.

BUCKINGHAM

So, I won't refuse.

CHEVR;UZ

And destroy her completely.

BUCKINGHAM

Duchess, I don't understand you.

SCHVER;Z

You will understand me, Duke, if I tell you... However, I must tell you. Let me ruin myself in your eyes... In other words, Duke! Richelieu knows that you have come for a secret meeting with the Queen. And he knows that you intend to give her your portrait, and that you will receive from her a reciprocal gift in the form, alas, of the diamond pendants given to her by the King himself.

BUCKINGHAM

What does this mean, Duchess? Who could have told him about this?

CHEVR;UZ

I.

BUCKINGHAM

You?! You, Duchess? So you're Cardinal Richelieu's spy?!

CHEVR;UZ

If I were the cardinal's spy, would I tell you about this?

BUCKINGHAM

In that case, I don't understand anything.

CHEVR;UZ

The Cardinal forced me to agree to tell him some of what I knew. Don't be so quick to judge me. I didn't make this deal just for myself. For the Queen's sake, too! If I hadn't agreed, he would have destroyed us both. He would have sent the Queen to a convent, and me to the Bastille, or worse.

BUCKINGHAM

What a horror!

CHEVR;UZ

There is no horror here – it is a normal situation for an ordinary enlightened European state, at the head of which is nominally the King, but in reality the first minister.

BUCKINGHAM

But surely you could not tell him everything you know?

CHEVR;UZ

I couldn't, because he knows a lot without me. Incidentally, I had the opportunity to verify this. When I told him you had arrived in Paris, he said he was already aware of it. And I believe him. So you only benefit from the fact that I am counted among his secret friends. We at least have the advantage that although he knows of your arrival, you know that he knows it. And that is very useful and important.

BUCKINGHAM

Well then, I will give the Queen my portrait, taking it out of the diamond frame.

CHEVR;UZ

Impossible. The Queen will think you're a miser. And Richelieu will figure out who betrayed his plans to you.

BUCKINGHAM

Therefore, I must convince the Queen not to give me the pendants. I must explain to her that this would be a disaster for her, madness.

CHEVR;UZ

Doing crazy things is normal behavior for a woman in love.

BUCKINGHAM

But not for the Queen!

CHEVR;UZ

For the Queen, even more so. No one taught her to deny herself her desires. Not even for political reasons.

BUCKINGHAM

I'll think of something.

CHEVR;UZ

My friend, a musketeer named Aramis, will come for you now. You will ride with him to a certain place, where you will disguise yourself as a musketeer, and then you will be escorted to the Queen. Wait for me here; I will go and fetch him and bring him here.

(Leaves)

BUCKINGHAM

(To myself)

What an interesting story this is! So, the Queen is in love with me? The Duchess has let it slip! If I had taken the pledge of her love, these diamond pendants, she would have fallen into my hands. But the Cardinal has intervened! He thinks he has upset all my plans. Well, no! I will reveal this entire intrigue to the Queen. I will find a way out of this situation. She will appreciate my resourcefulness and nobility. And the Cardinal will be disgraced. After this, my influence over the Queen will be complete. And then England will dictate its policy to France. And then – the Cardinal’s resignation, concessions for the Huguenots, strengthening trade ties between our countries, and everything else. I am young, ambitious, I have time to achieve much! England is already entirely mine. So will France be mine too!


SCENE TWO


(A secluded room in the Louvre, Queen Anne stands in front of a mirror, nervously adjusting her hair and clothes, Constance enters)

ANNA

Oh God, where is he? What's taking so long? Where did he disappear to? I'm tired of waiting!

(Constance enters)

CONSTANCE

Your Majesty, he has come.

ANNA

Oh my God! Already? So soon? So unexpected! I'm not ready! Tell him to wait!

CONSTANCE

Yes, Your Majesty.

ANNA

No! Wait. Let him come in. Or no, let him wait…

CONSTANCE

Let him wait.

ANNA

What the hell is this! Why are you deciding for me? I told him to come in.

(Constance disappears without a word)

ANNA

(Following)

But first, let him wait a little!

(The door opens and Buckingham enters)

BUCKINGHAM

Should I wait, Your Majesty?

ANNA

What nonsense! Come in, Duke.

BUCKINGHAM

I am happy to see you, Queen of my heart, mistress of my soul.

ANNA

How did you get here, Duke? Without incident?

BUCKINGHAM

Well, overall, no complications, everything's fine, as you can see, thank you. There was one incident, though...

ANNA

(Scared)

What episode?

BUCKINGHAM

Oh, that's not worth your attention. I was almost run through with a sword by a nimble Frenchman.

ANNA

What a horror! I hope you killed him? Was he the cardinal's spy?

BUCKINGHAM

No, what are you saying! I didn't kill him.

ANNA

Did he attack you treacherously?

BUCKINGHAM

He called me by some strange name. "Aramis," I think. He mistook me for someone else. It turns out he's your maid's volunteer bodyguard, and apparently her secret admirer. He was jealous of my relationship with her, thinking I was stealing her away from him. We sorted it out. We're friends now. He promised to protect me from the cardinal's spies, and judging by his determined expression, he'll keep his word even at the cost of his own life.

ANNA

But perhaps this is still the cardinal’s spy?

BUCKINGHAM

No, your maid, Madame Bonacieux, vouched for him.

ANNA

Well then, I suppose I should be calm. But I'm still worried about you! Duke! How careless you are! To come to Paris incognito! Just think, what would have happened to you if he hadn't called out to you, but had stabbed you right away?

BUCKINGHAM

Oh, he's not one of those guys who attack from behind and without warning. Nothing would have happened to me, I assure you.

ANNA

You are frivolous, Duke! No, what would have happened to you if it had been someone else in his place? And what would have happened to me in that case?

BUCKINGHAM

Oh, my Queen! You're worried about me! That tells me I haven't made this journey in vain! I've already received a reward for it – that look in your eyes! That excitement! For the joy of seeing you, I would give my life without a second thought!

ANNA

Ah, Duke, I am not accustomed to such displays of affection.

BUCKINGHAM

It's because no one close to you has ever felt the same way about you as I do.

ANNA

Maybe, I don't know. You're embarrassing me. Is this why you came?

BUCKINGHAM

I have come for what is mine by right of my pure love.

ANNA

My God, you're scaring me!

BUCKINGHAM

Don't be afraid. I only ask for the right to kiss your hand and hear your confession...

ANNA

Confession?!

BUCKINGHAM

An admission that I am not repulsive to you, and that you will not be angry with me for this impudent request.

ANNA

Ah, Duke, if only I didn’t already belong to another…

BUCKINGHAM

The king is not eternal.

ANNA

Don't say that! It's terrible!

BUCKINGHAM

But if some new Jacques Clement or Ravaillac... Or, de Chalais...

ANNA

(Covers ears)

Duke, do not continue, or I will leave.

BUCKINGHAM

If fate would give us the opportunity...

ANNA

Fate is cruel, my friend. Let us pray that the Lord forgives us our weaknesses. But I expect nothing good from Fate.

BUCKINGHAM

You called me your friend! So let me call you Anna?

ANNA

I shouldn't have done this, I shouldn't have spoken to you, I shouldn't have allowed this meeting. But... I'm giving in to your demands because I like that you demand it of me. Here's my hand. Here are both my hands. Kiss them and leave for London, immediately, do you hear? Your Anna is asking you, begging you for it!

BUCKINGHAM

Oh! Oh…

(He kisses the Queen's hands, and also kisses higher, closer to the elbow... Anna makes a half-hearted attempt to avoid it. Finally, Buckingham kisses her shoulder, after which Anna nevertheless avoids further action.)

My goddess, my Queen, my Anna! One more moment of bliss. Just a moment!

ANNA

Enough, Duke. I've already allowed you more than I should have. Now we must part. You must return to London, and I need time to dry my tears.

BUCKINGHAM

(He takes a miniature with his portrait out of his pocket)

My goddess! I beg you, I implore you, accept this portrait. Perhaps you will be pleased to sometimes gaze upon me, an unfortunate knight in love, doomed to an eternal, unhappy love!

ANNA

God! I would so like to accept it, but I cannot, Duke. Have mercy! I cannot accept this gift.

BUCKINGHAM

So, you don’t enjoy the memory of me…

ANNA

No, that's not it. It's dangerous! What if they find it on me?

BUCKINGHAM

Would anyone really have the nerve to search the personal belongings of the Queen of France?

ANNA

The king may wish it, and then no one will be able to stop him.

BUCKINGHAM

It's horrible.

ANNA

Yes, in Spain no one would have dared to treat me so rudely. But here I am in a foreign land...

BUCKINGHAM

In that case…

ANNA

I've made up my mind. I'll accept your gift, but only on the condition that you accept some little trinket from me as a keepsake.

BUCKINGHAM

Your portrait?! With the greatest gratitude!

ANNA

I can't give you a miniature of myself, simply because I don't have one. But perhaps you'll take something else that will remind you of me? What should I give you? Wait a minute! Yes! I've decided. I'll give you my pendants.

BUCKINGHAM

You will destroy yourself, my Queen, if you give them to me.

ANNA

Why?

BUCKINGHAM

If the King wants to see them on you...

ANNA

I'll come up with some explanation.

BUCKINGHAM

There is no excuse for the absence of such a noticeable thing.

ANNA

I have the Duchess of Chevreuse, who is responsible for the safety of my jewels. Let her explain this to the King.

BUCKINGHAM

You yourself know that no explanation of hers will satisfy the King.

ANNA

Why?

BUCKINGHAM

Because your answer will be commented on by Cardinal Richelieu, your confessor, alas, and the first minister of France.

ANNA

What should I do? But I want to give them to you!

BUCKINGHAM

We'll do it this way. I'll take them, but only temporarily. More precisely, I'll return them to you exactly the same. As soon as I arrive in London, I'll have an exact copy made, and no later than a month... No, in three weeks, an exact copy will be in your possession. I hope the King won't demand that you produce them to him during those three weeks.

ANNA

He doesn't remember me. How could he remember my jewelry?

BUCKINGHAM

Perhaps he will arrange a ball?

ANNA

I've already forgotten what balls are.

BUCKINGHAM

This means that the solution I propose will keep you completely safe.

ANNA

Do you intend to return my gift to me?

BUCKINGHAM

I'll return an exact replica to you. But for me, the pendants you were wearing are worth more than the entire universe, while the ones my jeweler makes are just diamonds. There's a big difference.

ANNA

Duke, you are such a romantic! I always thought all men were very rude...

BUCKINGHAM

If only we could be together! My Queen, you would not be disappointed in me!

ANNA

Not another word! You have no idea how hard it is for me to maintain this distance between us. I've already let you get too close. Don't complete my downfall! Please, go away, Duke!

BUCKINGHAM

One innocent kiss as a guarantee that you are not angry with me?

ANNA

(Satisfied)

What can you do with you, Duke? Here, kiss me.

(He extends his hand to him for a kiss, the Duke boldly kisses Anna on the lips, she recoils, but still gives in and does not resist him. Finally, she gently pushes him away)

Know this, insolent Duke: You have encroached upon the property of the French crown! If you had conquered the French coast from Lille to Nantes, you would have committed a lesser audacity than what you have just committed.

BUCKINGHAM

If I were to conquer these territories, it would only be to lay them at your feet again for repeating this insolence!

ANNA

(Gently)

Our meeting must end... Don't make me regret that I allowed myself to be so frivolous as to almost surrender all my fortresses to you. I'm leaving, farewell. And the pendants... My maid will bring them to you now.

(She blows him a kiss and leaves with a portrait of Buckingham in her hands)

BUCKINGHAM

(To myself, quietly)

Good move! If a woman loves you so much, you don't need any pendants to hold her in your arms. Well, I'll order an exact replica of these pendants. But whether I'll send them to her—that'll be something to think about. Think about it carefully.

(Constance enters)

CONSTANTIA

Monsignor, Her Majesty told me to give you this.

(He hands the Duke a box with pendants, Buckingham opens it)

BUCKINGHAM

What beauty!

CONSTANCE

Are you talking about the Queen or the pendants?

BUCKINGHAM

About everything together. And about you, my baby!

(He deftly kisses Constance on the cheek so that she doesn’t even have time to pull away)

Just don't tell your musketeer about this little prank, otherwise he'll really pierce me with his sword, like a cook with a capon!

CONSTANCE

(Quietly to myself)

And you deserve it! But I feel sorry for the Queen, she won't be able to bear it.

(They leave)


SCENE THREE

(Richelieu's Cabinet. The Cardinal and Rochefort)

RICHELIEU

Read, Rochefort.

(Gives him a paper)

ROCHEFORT

(Reads)

"A spoon carries cherries to a plate." What is this?

RICHELIEU

The plate is an island, therefore England. The cherries are pendants. The spoon is what scoops from the plate, Buckingham, of course. It's all as clear as daylight. Buckingham departed for England with the Queen's diamond pendants.

ROCHEFORT

Your plan worked!

RICHELIEU

What a surprise! My plan always works because I take everything into account that needs to be taken into account. Only divine intervention in the form of a fatal accident could prevent my plan from being carried out. But who knows, perhaps my plan was to prevent it from being carried out? We will see that very soon. As I have already said, it would be equally good for us if the King banished his foolish Queen from sight, or if the Queen proved smart enough to avoid this fate. In the first case, she would prove herself intractable; in the second, we will work with her by other methods. Milady has been informed of her duties. Now I will play my part with His Majesty. I intend to convince him that it would be very useful to try to win the Queen's favor by arranging a ball. I will also hint to him that it would be extremely appropriate if the Queen were the most dazzling lady at this ball, as she should be. Of course, she is already the most attractive woman in France, no one disputes that, but it would be a good idea to emphasize this with diamond pendants, a gift from the King. His Majesty will certainly heed this good advice, and the Queen will be informed of the good news. I hope His Majesty will refrain from immediately demanding that Her Majesty wear the pendants he gave her. I will ask him to remind her of this no earlier than the day before the ball itself. After all, you understand that a ball cannot be prepared in two days! The ladies must have new dresses made, including the Queen herself, of course. And we need this time so that Milady can bring the two pendants she has cut off. I would, of course, prefer the ball to be held tomorrow or the day after, but in such delicate matters, preparation is essential, and therefore patience and perseverance are necessary. In this regard, what do you intend to do, Rochefort?

ROCHEFORT

Apparently, I will go out to meet Milady, meet her and escort her to you, Monsignor, as part of a personal escort, in order to avoid surprises.

RICHELIEU

That may be so, but that's not the point. If anything happens, Milady will take excellent care of herself . I've already made some study of this lady. She needs your protection no more than a snake among frogs. She's perfectly capable of looking after herself. You, however, have other responsibilities. I certainly don't think the Queen will suddenly wake up and send someone for the pendants. At least not unless the King tells her about the pendants ahead of time. And he won't, because I'll refrain from reminding him of them prematurely. However, if for some reason she connects these two facts—the scheduled ball and her lack of pendants—or if the Duchess de Chevreuse lets slip my plans...

ROCHEFORT

The Duchess will spill the beans? Unthinkable! She wouldn't risk going against you, would she? She's tied hand and foot.

RICHELIEU

You don't know women well, young man. For my page, perhaps, this isn't so bad, but for my personal spy, it's unacceptable. What does agreeing to inform me of the Queen's most important intentions mean to her? Nothing less than treason. I don't intend to condemn treason when I use it for my own ends. But treason is always treason. And he who betrays once will betray a second, and a third time. Moreover, only a few women know how to keep secrets. They keep their own secrets superbly, but for strangers, they will always find someone to whom they will confide them—secretly, of course, with mutual vows never to share them with anyone else. A woman believes that if, when revealing a secret, she adds, "I am telling this in confidence only to you, so you must tell it to no one else," this will prevent the secret from spreading to more and more privy parties. They have no idea that her friend or confidante will share this with the same reservations, and most likely not just one friend, but several. I don't blame them for that. You can't blame water for being liquid, or fire for being hot. You just have to know the nature of those you work with.

ROCHEFORT

Do you think the Queen might try to get the diamond pendants back?

RICHELIEU

I'm so sure it will happen that I'm almost certain. I already told you that I suspect the Duchess de Chevreuse has a Musketeer in addition to her noble lovers. My men informed me that the Duke was accompanied by a certain chevalier with a sword. He looked like a Musketeer, but wasn't dressed like one. He's probably a Musketeer, but he gave his cloak to the Duke. Find out who he is. I need to try to make him my man. If that doesn't work, then... Well... We'll keep him under surveillance. This will be an additional trump card against the Duchess. Perhaps she'll try to use him in a new plot against the King.

ROCHEFORT

Yes, monsignor. How many men will I be given for this mission?

RICHELIEU

As you know, I currently have only fifty musketeers, and I maintain another thirty guards at my own expense. The King gave me the musketeers, only for my personal protection. I cannot entrust them with such duties. Take the guards. If necessary, all thirty men will be under your command for the duration of this operation. Determine exactly whom the Duchess will send to England, prepare mousetraps along their route, and catch everyone who travels that way. Please, take care of my people, and do not kill the King's musketeers needlessly. I do not need corpses! I need traitors caught red-handed. And to make corpses out of them, the King has a court and an executioner. However, I would be quite satisfied with imprisoning them in the Bastille. And even better, I would turn enemies into friends. You understand that I do not particularly trust traitors, either from our side or from abroad. Therefore, defectors should be used only to the extent that they can be useful, even if they are planning to deceive us. But they can perfectly well fulfill their clearly defined functions, after which they can be neutralized and, I would say, cleaned out. Do you understand me?

ROCHEFORT

I think I understood you perfectly.

RICHELIEU

If you don't understand, ask again. I wouldn't want there to be any misunderstandings between us.

ROCHEFORT

Determine who will be sent to England to retrieve the pendants and intercept them, if possible without killing them. Use your thirty guardsmen for this. If possible, avoid exposing them to risk and try to spare the lives of those they capture.

RICHELIEU

That's right. The Queen won't be able to send more than two or three Musketeers to London. Any more absences will be noticeable, and de Treville can grant two or three leave. It seems one Musketeer is currently on leave for health reasons. His name is Athos. Keep an eye on him. If, while on leave for health reasons, he prefers to go to London instead of the rest so necessary for a full recovery, then he is the Duchess's lover, or one of that lover's friends. In that case, you will have no trouble dealing with him, since, as I'm told, he is seriously wounded and cannot fence or shoot with his right hand. And you can't fight much with your left hand, unless you're left-handed. So, Rochefort, the task before you is not such a difficult one.

ROCHEFORT

I won't let you down, monsignor.

RICHELIEU

Of course! By the way, did you find that upstart Gascon who had the letter to de Treville? What do you know about him?

ROCHEFORT

He still hadn't given up hope of finding me and fighting me to regain his letter of recommendation to de Treville. However, he had already visited de Treville, and the outcome of the meeting was unknown. It seems he's been promised a position in Deszessar's company.

RICHELIEU

he couldn't bring himself to enlist him in the musketeers without complete trust and a combat test . So de Treville decided to test the young man in his son-in-law's company. Where did he settle?

ROCHEFORT

He rents a room from a grocer.

RICHELIEU

Grocer's name? Address?

ROCHEFORT

Bonacieux. I'll confirm the address.

RICHELIEU

Bonacieux? I've heard that name somewhere! Wait a minute! A certain Bonacieux, La Porte's goddaughter, serves as a lady's maid to the Queen! Surely this is where we should look for the Queen's envoy to London? You see, Rochefort! You have all the necessary information, but you haven't bothered to connect the dots! So, if the Queen decides to send a messenger to London, it will most likely be that very same... Yes, I remember, Paul's brother, Charles d'Artagnan! That's his name. But he couldn't have managed to become the Duchess's lover. Besides, he's not a Musketeer. If de Treville dismisses two or three Musketeers, and this d'Artagnan joins them, then there will be four messengers. If they are so cunning as to take four different routes, your mission becomes more difficult. Can you cope with thirty Guardsmen?

ROCHEFORT

I can handle it, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

You know what? Just in case one of them does slip through your net, I will draw up an order prohibiting the departure of our ships without my express permission. Most likely, the couriers will try to sail from Calais. Therefore, I will close the port of Calais. We could also close the ports of Bruges and Le Havre, but I believe that is unnecessary. It is unlikely they will try to sail from there; they will prefer the shortest route by sea. I will also issue an order prohibiting the departure of any vessels, including fishing schooners, from the entire coast from Dunkirk to Boulogne. These documents will say that the entire coast is closed, but in fact, the documents will be sent only to this small stretch of coast. I do not intend to cause a collapse of our trade with the colonies. Wait in the reception room; my secretary will bring you all the necessary documents with your powers and orders to the ports. You can use my two couriers to deliver orders to the ports. I will also issue you a pass and permission to take any vessel you deem necessary for your own purposes.

ROCHEFORT

Better two passes, Monsignor.

 
RICHELIEU

To increase the chances of this pass falling into the wrong hands? No, one is enough. And it will have your name on it, Rochefort. And one more thing. As soon as this musketeer sets out for the port of Calais, arrest Madame Bonacieux. But not before. If he doesn't go anywhere... Then simply place this house, him, and her under surveillance. Then, of course, there's no need to arrest anyone.

(Rochefort bows and leaves)


SCENE FOUR

(House Bonacieux, Constance and d'Artagnan)

D'ARTAGNAN

I can't believe you are the maid of honor of the Queen of France herself!

CONSTANCE

Am I not pretty enough for this?

D'ARTAGNAN

My God! You are so beautiful that you could be the Queen of France yourself! I hope the King won't execute me for saying these words?

CONSTANCE

It is very sweet what you have deigned to say, d'Artagnan, but believe me, the Queen is very beautiful.

D'ARTAGNAN

I have no doubt about it, but I merely said that I cannot imagine anyone more beautiful than you! You must be descended from Venus herself, and nature created you to be exactly like her, for if you are not the Goddess of Love, then you are Love itself!

CONSTANCE

I've heard that Gascons like to exaggerate, but I didn't know it was that much!

D'ARTAGNAN

Really? And I thought I was understating it. If Venus were standing here next to you, I think she'd turn pale with envy looking at you!

CONSTANCE

Enough, enough, Monsieur d'Artagnan. You've completely worn me out with your jokes. Meanwhile, I came on business. Do you agree...

D'ARTAGNAN

Of course I agree!

CONSTANCE

Wait, you haven't even heard yet what I wanted to ask you.

D'ARTAGNAN

I agree to fulfill any of your wishes, unless you order me to disappear from your sight and never show myself to you again. I promise not to obey such an order.

CONSTANCE

It's a pity…

D'ARTAGNAN

Did you really plan to send me away? Am I really that unpleasant to you?

CONSTANCE

Oh! What are you saying! On the contrary, I find you very pleasing, and I'm ready to prove my point...

D'ARTAGNAN

Let's not delay!..

CONSTANCE

Don't interrupt me and don't rush things, otherwise I will really drive you away forever!

D'ARTAGNAN

I remain silent and listen to your orders, dear Constance!

CONSTANCE

Could you, for my sake? ... For our sake... For the sake of what could arise between us... In a word, I ask you to take a short journey for me, from which a reward awaits you upon your return.

D'ARTAGNAN

If we've agreed on a reward, if this is what I'm thinking, then I'm ready to go anywhere! Even to Dreux, even to Ch;tres. And even to Rouen!

CONSTANCE

Is that all? I wanted to offer you a trip much further.

D'ARTAGNAN

But I only recently entered Deszesar's service! I'm not entitled to leave yet! Besides, I don't even have a horse. Or rather, I'm using Athos's. He lent me his white horse. True, he said it was mine from now on, and there was no need to return it, but I can't accept such gifts, simply because I won't be able to give them myself for a long time!

CONSTANCE

If you agree to go to... Wherever I tell you, I promise you that Master Dezesar will grant you leave. And upon your return, you will be able to purchase not only your own horse, but also a full set of ammunition—saddle, pistols, and everything else.

D'ARTAGNAN

You want to buy me off! I, fool that I am, thought you loved me and wanted to test my love, and you're simply offering me a business trip? Know then, madam, that I am not a merchant, a trader, or a businessman. I have no business in... Wherever you wanted to send me, whatever that may be!

CONSTANCE

I'm very sorry, Monsieur d'Artagnan, you have disappointed me. And you have ruined the Queen.

D'ARTAGNAN

I don't even know which of these two accusations is more terrible! Perhaps the first. Have I disappointed you? But remember, I rescued you from those three guards who were about to kidnap you in broad daylight!

CONSTANCE

Oh, come on! I remember it perfectly. I'm shocked that you weren't afraid to stand up for me, even though there were three of them and only one of you!

D'ARTAGNAN

Even if there were five, ten, a hundred of them! I would still pounce on them and lay them all at your feet, or die before your eyes to prove my love and devotion to you! But you want to make me a businessman, while I desire to perform a heroic deed in your honor!

CONSTANCE

But I am sending you to a feat!

D'ARTAGNAN

Well, the conversation is getting interesting. But keep in mind, madam, heroic deeds are not performed to buy a horse, a saddle, or boots. Heroic deeds are performed for the sake of winning the favor of the lady you adore!

CONSTANCE

Would the favor of that lady, of whom you just said that she would eclipse Venus, be a sufficient reward for this feat?

D'ARTAGNAN

(Lively)

More than that, dear Constance! More than that! How many dragons will I have to slay, what fleece will I have to bring? The golden one?

CONSTANCE

A diamond. But you won't have to fight for it. I'll give you a letter that will give you the very thing the Queen desperately needs, and as soon as possible. You see, it's not just me who needs you, but the Queen of France herself!

D'ARTAGNAN

Give me the letter, give me the address and I'll be leaving in five minutes.

(Loud)

Hey, Planchet! Where are you? Sleeping again? Saddle my horse! I'm leaving in two minutes!

(Constance)

So where is the letter, where should I go?

CONSTANCE

You'll need a horse for your servant too, because, as I said, this will be a dangerous journey. They'll try to kill you to prevent you from reaching your destination.

D'ARTAGNAN

With my sword and two pistols, I will try to persuade them to abandon this plan, or at least to kill me only after I return and receive my reward from you, madam. I believe I can find arguments without even using words. I have no objection to dying in honorable combat, but when you set out to do something for love, such unpleasant things as death can greatly complicate the receipt of a well-deserved reward. So I will do everything in my power to resist their entreaties to part with my life. As for Planchet, do not think he is a great warrior. He is only a servant. If we are going to take warriors on a journey, then, believe me, it is better to invite my friends. You know one of them: Aramis.

CONSTANCE

Aramis? He may be a fine warrior, but he's involved with a lady the Queen doesn't entirely trust.

D'ARTAGNAN

Believe me, no matter what woman Aramis is involved with, or how many he has, I vouch for him as I would for myself! And for the other two, too. I hope the Queen will be able to arrange for these three friends of mine—musketeers, by the way—to be granted leave as well?

CONSTANCE
 
Captain de Treville will do anything for the Queen except two things.

D'ARTAGNAN

Even so? What are these things?

CONSTANCE
 
Participate in a conspiracy against the Cardinal and the King , or befriend the Duchess de Chevreuse. He would do anything else for her with pleasure.

D'ARTAGNAN

I thought of asking the Queen through you for de Treville to accept me as a Musketeer, but I abandoned the idea. The reward we agreed upon, Constance, seems more fitting for a feat I don't even yet know what it is. As for the Musketeer's cloak—I will earn it with my sword and my courage!

CONSTANCE
 
Swear by what is most sacred to you that you will not reveal to anyone the secret of where you are going and why!

D'ARTAGNAN

I swear by my love and your reward for this feat! But what about my friends? After all, for them to agree to come with me, I 'll have to tell them the purpose of our journey!

CONSTANCE
 
Okay, I believe you and I have to believe in the integrity of your friends.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Oh, you won't be disappointed!

CONSTANCE
 
Know then that the Queen gave the Duke of Buckingham twelve diamond pendants given to her by the King.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Giving your husband's gifts to your admirer isn't a very good idea. However, I don't blame her, Constance. If, for example, you...

CONSTANCE
 
Be silent and listen to the end! Today the King said he was planning a ball, and very soon. He would announce the date very soon. And then the Queen realized the ball was just an excuse to make sure the Queen no longer had those pendants. The day before, the day before the ball, the King would say he would very much like to see the Queen wearing those pendants. Or it would happen just before the ball. And then the Queen would be unable to fulfill his request, and the King would realize the pendants were missing. If Richelieu's spies were able to obtain proof that the Duke had the pendants, the Queen would be lost!

D'ARTAGNAN
 
For the heart's mischief, they'll give you a hard time! What I meant to say was, "What a horror!"

CONSTANCE
 
Are you ready to leave for London as soon as possible with a letter to Buckingham to bring the pendants back?

D'ARTAGNAN
 
What kind of language should a letter use to get the Duke to give up twelve diamond pendants? What promises and confessions does it contain? I'd love to see it!

CONSTANCE
 
Judge for yourself. Here is the letter. It's sealed, but I know what it says. It says: "Save the one who loves you. Return the pledge of my love to the bearer of this letter and receive in exchange my eternal love and my endless gratitude."

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Oh, yes! These words are written in the true language of love, and I'll be damned if I don't deliver this letter to its intended recipient and return the Queen's pendants as fast as horses can gallop and ships can sail! I will gallop day and night.

CONSTANCE
 
And then your horse will fall in a few hours, and where will you get another one?

D'ARTAGNAN
 
You're right. It's better to change horses. Can you get a travel document through Her Majesty so we can take post horses?

CONSTANCE
 
Out of the question. Firstly, such a document would betray you and the purpose of your trip. Secondly, it would expose the Queen for sending couriers to London. And besides, the Cardinal has probably already ordered that no travel documents be issued for horses to those traveling from Paris to the coast.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Well then we need money for the trip.

CONSTANCE

(Gives a ring)

Here, take this. This is a ring from the Queen's dowry; she is free to use it as she pleases. Convert it into cash, but not in Paris. And for now, take this purse.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Is this gold? Louis d'or?

CONSTANCE

Silver, but I told you it's only for now. Outside Paris, you can sell this ring. The proceeds will be enough to cover the journey for the four of you and your servants to London and back.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
I don't understand diamond prices.

CONSTANCE

But I know my stuff. Believe me, it will be enough for you, even if you sell it for half the price.

D'ARTAGNAN
 
In that case, I'm going! But... I'll need something else for the road.

CONSTANCE

(Worried)

What exactly?

D'ARTAGNAN
 
Constance! Don't you understand? Your kiss!

CONSTANCE

(Coquettishly)

But you haven't earned it yet...

D'ARTAGNAN

Believe me, I deserve much more than one kiss!

(They kiss a little longer than you might expect)

CONSTANCE

(Still gently pushes him away)
 
You've received your advance, now let's get going!

D'ARTAGNAN

Let's go, damn it! The devil himself couldn't stop me! I'm just stopping by for my friends and a vacation for the three of us.

CONSTANCE

But the Queen had not yet spoken with Captain de Treville and Lieutenant Deszesart.

D'ARTAGNAN

I'll say we're going on the Queen's business; de Treville will understand that such things are not to be trifled with. He'll grant us leave, and the Queen will then confirm her wish; there won't be any rush. Farewell, Constance. Don't forget the reward! I'll return for it, without fail!

(Leaves)

CONSTANCE

A nimble young man, but overly timid. After all, he could have gotten what he was after back when he rescued me from those terrifying three Cardinal's guards! Incidentally, it was nice to learn that beauty and youth not only increase the danger a girl faces during a stroll, but can sometimes also serve as protection from those dangers! D'Artagnan... I could have called him Charles by now, but d'Artagnan sounds so much more romantic!


SCENE FIVE

(Athos's apartment, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, d'Artagnan enters)

D'ARTAGNAN

What luck that I found you all here in Athos's apartment!

PORTOS

We were planning to have lunch, but it turned out that neither of us had anything at home. So I suggest we go to a tavern.

ATOS

Great idea!

ARAMIS

Well, if any of us still have money left, this is a really great idea!

PORTOS

I hope some of you have them because I won't live up to your expectations.

(Athos and Aramis exchange glances, empty their pockets and laugh, Porthos joins in)

ATOS

Well, for dinner we have a walk and a nap.

D'ARTAGNAN

No way! We'll definitely have dinner here in Paris, because we'll be having breakfast in Vernon and lunch in Louviers.

PORTOS

Well, if only they serve free breakfasts in Vernon, and free lunch in Louviers, and if de Treville immediately sends us in that direction with some kind of task.

ARAMIS

And even then we would have to ride all night.

ATOS

I'm not so much of a breakfast person that I'd trade a good night's sleep in my own bed for one, at least not until my wound has healed properly.

D'ARTAGNAN

Consider that de Treville has already given you, Porthos, and you, Aramis, leave. As for Athos, you're already on leave.

ARAMIS

To think that you have received a vacation and to receive it, dear d'Artagnan, are, unfortunately, far from the same thing.

D'ARTAGNAN

I'm telling you, you'll get your leave! You've already got it, because we're going on the mission the Queen has assigned us!

ARAMIS

And you too, d'Artagnan, have access to the Queen? That's news!

PORTOS

Why "also"? Who else?

ATOS

At least the King.

ARAMIS

I meant one English nobleman.

D'ARTAGNAN

That's who we'll go to!

ATOS

Did the Queen herself really give you such a commission, d'Artagnan? In that case, you're rapidly advancing in your career at His Majesty's court. Or rather, at Her Majesty's court.

D'ARTAGNAN

Not myself and not in person, but through my maid, from whom I rent a room. Through Mademoiselle... (coughs sheepishly) excuse me, through Madame (coughs sheepishly) Constance Bonacieux.

ARAMIS

Ah, through her? Yes, that's possible! But why me?.. Nothing about it... I mean, yes, she probably didn't have any other couriers besides you, d'Artagnan.

D'ARTAGNAN

I assure you, Aramis, the Queen has asked me to tell you that she insists that I travel with you, and that I also take with me two other equally brave, noble, and daring Musketeers, should I find two more like you. I have asked you to tell me that I have already found them. It is, of course, you, Athos, and you, Porthos!

ARAMIS

Keep in mind, d'Artagnan, that the story you just concocted doesn't seem credible at all. The Queen? And suddenly such epithets are being used against a man she doesn't even know? Believe me, it's unconvincing. Besides, Her Majesty's thoughts have been preoccupied with another knight lately.

D'ARTAGNAN

If I exaggerated, it was only slightly. In any case, our mission is considered a feat, because we will encounter numerous enemies along the way who will do everything in their power to delay us, and most likely, kill us.

ATOS

What incredible thing shall we take to England, or what so especially valuable shall we have to bring back from there, that whole handfuls of enemies and murderers will rain down on us?

D'ARTAGNAN

We will carry the Queen's trust and tears there, and from there we must bring salvation to her honor. Is that enough?

ATOS

Believe me, my dear d'Artagnan, a woman's honor is in her own hands alone. She either has it, or she doesn't. A man can take it from her by force, but no one can give it back. Besides, a loss taken by force is not such a shameful one. Shame can be washed away in the blood of a scoundrel. But far more often, a woman is capable of losing it, of her own free will, with the first... However, it is not for me to judge the Queen. But it is also not for me to save her. If Her Majesty chose to give her honor to a visiting Englishman, what does that have to do with us?

PORTOS

D'Artagnan, you told us such interesting stories about breakfast and lunch, but it turns out we're being offered a walk in the fresh air and bullets in the back! It's certainly better than nothing, but adventures like these only increase my appetite, and I'm already quite hungry. And I wouldn't recommend anyone teasing my appetite. Once it gets going, even I can't control it.

D'ARTAGNAN

My friends, I promise you that before we're killed, we'll have a wonderful dinner, and even, God willing, breakfast, and whether we have lunch will be entirely up to us. At least we have money for travel expenses!

(He takes out his wallet and proudly shows it)

PORTOS

Come on, strum! I love that sound!

(D'Artagnan jingles the coins in his purse)

Great sound!

ARAMIS

It sounds like it's silver, not gold, ringing like that. Then it might not be enough to cover the trip to London and back!

D'ARTAGNAN

This is just for now. We've been given an advance in the form of this ring, with the condition that we don't sell it in Paris.

(He shows the ring, Athos takes it, examines it and returns it to d'Artagnan)

ATOS

You haven't been deceived; this ring will fetch us enough money for a round-trip trip. And your appetite, dear Porthos, will not be offended.

PORTOS

So what the hell is going on? So we're off! And may forty devils led by Beelzebub stand in our way! When I'm not hungry, I'm dangerous when I'm angry. (Aramis coughs.) Yes, Aramis, when I'm hungry, I'm doubly dangerous! (Porthos and Aramis laugh.)

ATOS

D'Artagnan, I hope you will allow us to consult for a moment before we make a decision?

(Slightly disappointed, but pulls himself together)

D'ARTAGNAN

Oh, of course, I understand!

(He goes to the window and pretends not to listen to his friends’ conversation; Athos, Porthos and Aramis speak somewhat more quietly)

ARAMIS

Athos, how will you go, since your wound has not yet healed?

ATOS

Yes, we haven’t made peace yet, but the matter is simple: either she will overcome me, or I will overcome her.

ARAMIS

As for me, I have my own interest in this matter. I would like this trip to be successful.

PORTOS

Well, I am ready to give my life for you, Aramis, because you already saved me once, and for you, Athos, simply because you are you!

ATOS

Well, at least we're not all leaving out of desperation. Let me tell him myself.

(He turns to d'Artagnan, and everyone is already speaking at full volume)

Tell me, d'Artagnan, this whole trip... Does the Queen need it or do you need it?

D'ARTAGNAN

I need her.

ATOS

Well, why didn't you say so right away?!

PORTOS

Let's go!

ARAMIS

Yes, we are going.

ATOS

I don't want to be a burden to you. A good messenger must be able to deftly evade pursuers. Keep that in mind, d'Artagnan! And I'm ready to go as guard. If we're attacked, trust me. I'd rather fight to allow you to move faster than flee from the enemy. The thought of the cold steel of an enemy sword isn't as repulsive to me right now as the thought of a hot trot for days. By the way, I don't mind if I'm killed. And by the way, d'Artagnan, that balm you gave me, according to your mother's recipe, works wonders! I'm almost completely cured.

(Quietly, to myself)

It's a horrible, disgusting stuff, it smells disgusting, but it really seems to speed up healing.

ARAMIS

D'Artagnan, that's truly not a bad idea! Whatever the purpose of our trip to England... What am I saying! I understand you're going for the Queen's pendants. So, I believe it's quite sufficient if you get there alone. You can consider us an honor guard, designed to prevent your enemies from stopping you. So, whatever happens to us, head to Calais, board a ship, and sail for England. I trust you won't encounter any of the Cardinal's guards there who will try to hinder your mission. Besides, you're quite skilled with a sword yourself. And as for the road to Calais here in France, you can rely entirely on us.

PORTOS

For my part, I will try to accompany you as long as possible, d'Artagnan, and help you overcome your enemies and your dinners.

D'ARTAGNAN

My friends! If Gascons knew how to cry, I would weep! I had no doubt of your friendship and mutual support! Know this, in case I am killed. In my breast pocket I have a letter for Buckingham. With this letter he will hand over the pendants, as Aramis correctly guessed. They are to be delivered to the Queen as soon as possible. Or to Madame Bonacieux, who will deliver them herself.

ARAMIS

Don't worry, d'Artagnan, we'll find a way to convey to the Queen what she expects, but I assure you we'd rather be killed than allow Her Majesty's chief envoy to be killed. But why despair? We've been through worse than this! Everything will be fine. One for all!

ALL

All for one!

PORTOS

Do we take our servants on the road?

D'ARTAGNAN

The budget allows, and prudence dictates that Richelieu's guardsmen will have a harder time dealing with eight horsemen than with four. Although, I suspect, they're not the most daring warriors.

ARAMIS

I'll vouch for Bazin! Where strength fails, he'll make up for it with dexterity.

PORTOS

And my Musketoon, although not as strong as me, shoots quite accurately, which is why I nicknamed him that.

ATOS

I won't praise Grimaud, but you won't be disappointed in him.

D'ARTAGNAN

So it turns out that I'm the only one whose servant doesn't look like a seasoned fighter?

ARAMIS

Don't jump to conclusions, d'Artagnan! Just because you haven't seen your servant in battle doesn't mean you won't have something to look forward to. Still waters run deep. It seems to me this Planchet is no slouch.

PORTOS

Listen, this is all great, but let's go have dinner anyway!

ARAMIS

Porthos, you, as always, say very sensible things. Let's go!

ATOS

Grimaud! Come here, you good-for-nothing!

(Grimaud appears almost instantly)

D'Artagnan, leave Grimaud forty livres. Grimaud, the four of you, along with Planchet, Bazin, and Mousqueton, must buy horses immediately. In two hours, you
We're going far and for a long time. Buy some food for the road and finally get some strength for yourself. No, d'Artagnan, give me fifty livres. In a race like the one we're about to have, the servants' horses must be no worse than their masters', otherwise they'll turn from helpers into a burden. Did you hear that, Grimaud? Buy four good horses. If even one horse is bad, or poorly shod, or has a saddle... Oh, yes, saddles. D'Artagnan, give me another ten livres for the saddles. Grimaud, if you're not equipped for the campaign, I'll tear off both your ears.

(Grimaud nods, takes the money, the musketeers and d'Artagnan leave)


SCENE SIX

(Bonacieux's grocery store, blinds on the windows, the servant Lisette is adjusting the goods on the shelves, Madame Constance Bonacieux enters)

CONSTANCE

Lisette! Enemies are spying on me! I've spotted two of them. Tell me where I can hide?

LIZETTA

It's impossible to hide in the house; if the guards break in, they'll turn everything upside down and find you.

CONSTANCE

What should we do, Lisette?

LIZETTA

I've got an idea. I just need to act quickly.

CONSTANCE

What do you propose?

LIZETTA

We need to exchange our cloaks. I'll put on your cloak and mask, and put on my hood. After that, I'll go outside and head straight for the Place Dauphine. All the neighbors will mistake me for you, and the Cardinal's spies will too. They'll follow me. The Place Dauphine is always crowded. If I manage to get there, if I'm not stopped along the way, I'll disappear into the crowd, then take off your cloak, turn it inside out, hide it in my bag, remove my mask, and quietly leave. If I'm stopped, I won't resist.

CONSTANCE

But it’s dangerous for you, Lisette!

LIZETTA

The worst thing that threatens me is temporary arrest. That doesn't frighten me. Once they see they've made a mistake, they'll let me go. But you, madam, are truly in danger! Well, don't worry, I'll do everything I can, and it won't be hard for me. I'd do anything for you! You've always been so kind to me.

CONSTANCE

Thank you, dear Lisette! I accept your sacrifice not for myself, but for the one I serve. My heart is heavy, I worry about you, but I must warn her urgently. If I fail, something irreparable could happen. You are performing this heroic deed for me, but let it inspire you to know that I, too, am saving myself not for myself, but for hers.

LIZETTA

Yes, of course! We must all sacrifice anything for her. Let's not delay, I'm going, and you, don my cloak and mask, leave the shop only after you've checked through the crack in the blinds to see that both spies have followed me. If one of them stays behind to watch the house, I don't know how I can help you.

CONSTANCE

Lisette, you're saving me and her! Thank you! I knew I could rely on you. To lure both spies away from the house, you can do the following. Approach the first person you meet and start a conversation. Ask them anything, but quietly, so no one can hear. Just ask them in the direction of the Place Dauphine, for example. Then one of the spies will follow you, the other will be forced to follow, and there will be no one to watch the shop. At least I'll have about ten minutes while they figure things out, so I can slip out unnoticed and disappear.

LIZETTA

That's right, madam. Give me your cape and take mine, it's hanging on the coat rack by the entrance.

CONSTANCE

Dear Lisette! God bless you!

(Lisette puts on Constance's cape, puts on her mask, pulls up her hood and resolutely leaves the shop, Constance watches her through a crack in the blinds on the window)

CONSTANCE

Gone! Both gone! Excellent! Thank you, Lisette!

(Constance puts on Lisette's cape and leaves the shop)

SCENE SEVEN

(A room with barred windows in the Bastille. Bonacieux sits with his hands bound in front of a table. On the other side of the table, on which lie sheets of clean paper and a pen and inkwell, sits a lieutenant, writing something down from time to time.)

LIEUTENANT

So, Jean-Jacques Bonacieux, you are under arrest on suspicion of treason. You had better confess frankly and sincerely.

BONASSIEUX

My God! What terrible words! High treason! That's not me, Lieutenant! I'm completely removed from politics! How could I betray my King? I know nothing, I decide nothing, I do nothing! Believe me, I'm a loyal subject! I'm just a businessman, I run a grocery and haberdashery shop, that's all! If I sold books, your suspicions might be well founded. But I only sell groceries! Believe me, you won't find a single book in my house! I only use paper to record my expenses.

LIEUTENANT

It's in vain that you deny your identity and refuse to cooperate with the investigation, Bonacieux. A voluntary confession would greatly ease your fate. But if you refuse to testify, so much the worse for you.

BONASSIEUX

I don't want to testify? What are you saying! I'm simply dying to testify to you! Any kind, and the most sincere one! Just hint at what you want to hear from me, and I'll tell you whatever you want. Just let me go home, to my cozy home, to my grocery and haberdashery store, to my sweet wife!

LIEUTENANT

So you've given yourself away, Bonacieux! You've admitted to being in cahoots with your wife!

BONASSIEUX

The matchmakers arranged for me to marry her, and I did. That's the only arrangement I'm in with her. As for what she does outside the home, ask her, not me! I don't meddle in those matters!

LIEUTENANT

You're wasting your time denying it, Bonacieux. Well, let's see how you'll talk when I tell you your wife has confessed to everything! She's given her testimony, telling us she acted on your instructions. It's in your best interests to confess everything. If I'm asking you to tell us everything, it's not to discover the truth—we already know it—but only to ease your fate, to mitigate your punishment. So, it's you, Bonacieux, who needs your confession more than I do!

BONASSIEUX

What should I confess to? If she admitted to any illegal actions, then I resolutely condemn her and will demand a divorce as soon as I am released. I am ready to punish her myself! If she accuses me, then she is lying, by God, she is lying! I knew nothing, I was nowhere, I said nothing, I took nothing, I gave nothing, I wrote nothing, I signed nothing! I was not charged and I was not a member! I gave her instructions? What fabrications! What kind of instructions can a husband give his wife, whom he does not even see at night! I would gladly give her instructions, at least regarding the trading affairs in our shop. But she does not listen to me! I am not her master! She does not help me at all. I am forced to make ends meet on my own. I hired two workers, and this costs me dearly, but if she were a good wife, she would also be a good mistress of the shop. Then this would not have fallen on me alone! I gave her instructions! Lord forgive me. After all, it's she who gives me orders about how I should dress, what I should eat and what I shouldn't, who I should associate with and who I shouldn't, where I can go and where I shouldn't. It's a good thing I only pretend to obey her. She can't control me anyway, so I'm glad she's almost never home. After all, she often spends the night at the palace, with the Queen.

LIEUTENANT

Well, I see you've wisely decided to give your testimony. Tell me everything you know about your wife's affairs. Did she bring anyone? Did she pass on any objects or letters? What assignments did she receive and carry out? Perhaps from the Duchess de Chevreuse? Or even from the Queen? Remember, the Queen is also His Majesty's subject!

BONASSIEUX

How terrible it all is! Lord, save me from all this! I will tell you everything, Lieutenant! But I know very little. I only know that, at the request of her godfather, de la Porte, she took a job as Her Majesty's maid, and from then on she began to treat me as if I were her pathetic, insignificant servant. I, Bonacieux, am a pathetic, insignificant person? Just think! I understand that a simple grocer may not be a match for the Queen's maid, but we have joined our destinies at the altar! Surely I too must receive something from the royal favors she must receive in the Queen's service! And what do I see? Nothing good.

LIEUTENANT

Bonacieux! Stop spouting nonsense! Tell me everything you know about your wife's high treason!

BONASSIEUX

(With horror)

Could she have really cheated on the King? What a scoundrel! I will never forgive her for this! My God! If she's capable of cheating on the King, then it's probably terrifying to think that she's cheating on me too? Does that mean I'm a cuckold! What a shame! Divorce, divorce immediately! I've heard of the infidelities of court ladies... Who cuckold their husbands with the most noble people. I'm afraid to say how noble! But in that case, at least their husbands receive titles, positions, and awards! And I'm still a grocer, just as I was before! Woe is me, woe is me!

LIEUTENANT

Shut up, Bonacieux!

BONASSIEUX

I'm silent, I'm silent!

LIEUTENANT

But don't keep silent completely, tell me everything you know, but only on the merits! I only said "shut up" in reference to your absurd chatter about cuckolds and the profits they make from it. I'm only interested in treason. That's what you should talk about!

BONASSIEUX

What's there to tell? I told you she doesn't share secrets with me, let alone even the most trivial gossip! I know absolutely nothing about her dealings at the Louvre, or her service there!

LIEUTENANT

Now we'll arrange a confrontation with you.

(Looks out the door and speaks there)

Enter Madame Bonacieux!


SCENE EIGHT

(There, the same ones, and the Gendarme, then Lisette. The door opens, the Gendarme brings Lisette in, Bonacieux is sitting with his back to the door, so he doesn’t see Lisette)

LIEUTENANT

Madame Bonacieux, do you still refuse to testify?

LIZETTA

I am very flattered, Mr. Military Man, that you call me Madame Bonacieux, but I do not have the honor of being her.

BONASSIEUX

(Hearing a voice, he turns around and recognizes Lisette)


Lisette! It's Lisette! Lieutenant, that's not my wife, that's the maid at my haberdashery and grocery store!

LIZETTA

What did I tell you?

LIEUTENANT

(To the gendarme)

Who did you bring?

GENDARME

She was taken as she was leaving that very house.

LIEUTENANT

(Strictly Lisette)

What were you doing in this house?

LIZETTA

I've been doing the same thing there for five years now. I work in a haberdashery and grocery store.

LIEUTENANT

(Addressing Bonacieux)

Do you confirm this?

BONASSIEUX

I confirm! This is not my wife! It's the employee at the store!

LIZETTA

And before Mr. Bonacieux deigned to marry, I was still doing...

BONASSIEUX

Shut up! This is irrelevant.

LIEUTENANT

(To the gendarme)

Draw up a report and release her, but not today. Tomorrow.

GENDARME

Yes sir!

LIEUTENANT

Let her spend the night in the Bastille. We'll hold onto her, just in case. She's not made of sugar, she won't melt. Maybe something will come out. Unless otherwise ordered by morning, release her at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, after getting a non-disclosure agreement.

GENDARME

Non-disclosure of what?

LIEUTENANT

Total.

GENDARME

Understood!

LIZETTA

I don't know how to sign my name.

LIEUTENANT

Read the receipt to her and have her put her finger on it.

LIZETTA

Well, I can read! And I can write. And I can write my name, too, of course. But this thing you said – signing my name – I don’t know how to do that.

LIEUTENANT

Let him write his name. And make a cross. And put his finger on it.

GENDARME

Where?

LIEUTENANT

To the receipt, of course! Take it away.

(The gendarme takes Lisette away)

There are nothing but idiots around!

BONASSIEUX

It is the very truth, Lieutenant.


SCENE NINE

(There, the same ones, Cardinal Richelieu enters, Bonacieux does not see him, Richelieu makes a sign for the lieutenant to continue the interrogation)

LIEUTENANT

And yet some of them still agree with everything.

BONASSIEUX

This is true, and this is especially unpleasant.

LIEUTENANT

(Looks closely at Bonacieux)

Complete idiots, and with such stupid faces!

BONASSIEUX

(Looks closely at the lieutenant)

That is true, Mr. Lieutenant.

RICHELIEU

(He approaches the table and reads the notes the lieutenant made)

What do I see? Sir... hm... (looks at the notes) Well, well, well! Sir Jean-Jacques Bonacieux! Such a respected man! How did you get here? To the Bastille! My God! Is this where you belong?

BONASSIEUX

Honestly, sir, I don't know what to say to you. I don't belong here at all! Tell them to let me go!

LIEUTENANT

Monsignor, this is the chambermaid's husband...

RICHELIEU

I understand, yes, of course. So what happened to him? Why did you detain him?

BONASSIEUX

Monsignor? Of course! It's... Your Eminence! What a joy to see you! May I kiss your hand? (He tries awkwardly to get up, but with his hands tied, he does so awkwardly and falls.) No, kiss the slipper!

RICHELIEU

Sit down, sit down, Bonacieux. And calm down. There are no enemies here. Lieutenant, lift him up, sit him on the chair. And untie his hands.

(The lieutenant carries out orders)

I cannot believe that such a worthy man as you, Monsieur Bonacieux, could be guilty of treason! This is some kind of misunderstanding, isn't it?

BONASSIEUX

The biggest misunderstanding. The stupidest mistake!

RICHELIEU

(Strictly)

Did you just call the Royal Treason Investigation Service the stupidest?

BONASSIEUX

(With horror)

Who named? Who named? Me? What are you saying! Absolutely not! The wisest service made such a tiny mistake, such a tiny error. In relation to me. But I understand them! I don’t blame them, not for anything in the world. They’re great! They were right to arrest me. Because of my wife! After all, she’s a scoundrel! And I have nothing to do with it! But if I were in their place, I would have arrested me! And rightly so! Don’t marry just anyone! But now everything is cleared up, and I think I can be released. Isn’t that right, Your Eminence? After all, justice was served? Right? Right?

RICHELIEU

Of course, I can let you go. But here's the catch. You stumbled once.

BONASSIEUX

"Stumbled!" That's the word! I didn't even know who I was marrying!

RICHELIEU

But if you've stumbled once, what guarantee do you have that you won't stumble again? And one more such misstep, and, you know...

BONASSIEUX

Never! No way! I will not stumble. I will watch my step carefully.

RICHELIEU

When I said "stumbled," I meant it figuratively.

BONASSIEUX

And figuratively speaking, I will certainly not stumble for anything in the world.

RICHELIEU

(Quietly to myself)

An impenetrable blockhead. A fabulous… dumbass.

(Aloud)

So, so that you do not stumble in the future, you should in any case consult with knowledgeable people.

BONASSIEUX

It must! It absolutely must! And I swear to always henceforth do as Your Eminence commands!

RICHELIEU

So, the lieutenant will introduce you to people to whom you will be required to tell everything you know, about everything in the world. And they will give you instructions on how you should act. But to give the right instructions, they must know everything. And you must hide nothing. Do you understand, Monsieur Bonacieux?

BONASSIEUX

How can it not be clear? Everything is clear. It couldn't be clearer. I will inform the people the lieutenant introduces me to, and they will give me the appropriate advice, and I will follow it strictly and wholeheartedly. I meant to say, I will follow their recommendations as if they were my orders.

RICHELIEU

Well, I think you understand everything, Monsieur Bonacieux. I would have you released immediately, but...

BONASSIEUX

What's stopping you from performing such a merciful act? It will be honored, Your Eminence! Mercy was bequeathed to us by the Savior!

RICHELIEU

But I wanted to say that our settlements with you are not finished.

BONASSIEUX

My God! The calculations! Just let me go and tell me how much of a fine I have to pay, and I'll... I'll try... To the best of my ability... And strength, so to speak.

RICHELIEU

You misunderstood me. I wanted to say that it was extremely unfortunate that such an honest man spent an entire day in the dungeons of the Bastille. I owe you an apology.

BONASSIEUX

Your Eminence! Come on! What apologies! I'm so glad I met such a great man! I'll remember him for the rest of my life!

RICHELIEU

Please accept ten louis d'or as a token of my apology, Monsieur Bonacieux.

(He takes a small purse from his pocket and places it on Bonacieux's lap)

BONASSIEUX

Ten louis! Why, that's a fortune! Thank you, Your Eminence! If you ever want to put me in the Bastille for another day for that price, I'll agree! And if you lock me up for ten days, I'll take no more than nine louis a day!

RICHELIEU

(Quietly to myself)

Not only a fool, but also a worthless person and a scoundrel

(Aloud)

Well, let's consider the misunderstandings between us resolved. Don't forget to inform the people the Lieutenant introduces you to about all the happenings. Remember, you'll never be able to distinguish between what's important and what's unimportant without their help. They need to know everything. So that a mouse doesn't crawl into your shop without them finding out from you.

BONASSIEUX

Your Eminence!

(Richelieu winces, waves his hand and leaves)

SCENE TEN

(Le Havre, one of the piers on the embankment, a fast schooner is visible, the captain is walking along the shore, d'Artagnan appears)

D'ARTAGNAN

Tell me, where can I find the captain of that wonderful schooner "Vonrapid"?

CAPTAIN

You don’t even need to look for him, he’s standing right in front of you, sir.

D'ARTAGNAN

Wonderful! We're heading to Dover immediately! I'll pay double!

CAPTAIN

Even if you offer ten times the price, we're not going anywhere. The cardinal has forbidden it. No ship without a permit personally signed by the prime minister will leave the ports until this order is rescinded.

D'ARTAGNAN

Catastrophe!

CAPTAIN

Don't even mention it, sir! We're suffering such losses!

D'ARTAGNAN

What if, say, I had a pass? Would we sail?

CAPTAIN

If you'd sail right now, I wouldn't charge you double, because sailing is always better than being moored for who knows how long. But first, you should get that pass stamped by the harbormaster. Over there in that building.

D'ARTAGNAN

Well then, wait for me and don’t sail anywhere without me!

CAPTAIN

Ships don't sail, they cruise, sir. Where am I supposed to go if I don't have a pass? But you seem to be planning to get a stamp? So you do have one?

D'ARTAGNAN

Don't doubt it!

(He patted his pocket)

I have it here. I completely forgot about it. Good thing you reminded me! So I'm going to the harbormaster to get the mark.

CAPTAIN

Then I'll go and give orders for the team to prepare to go to sea.

(The captain leaves)

SCENE ELEVEN

(In another part of the scene, Rochefort appears, about to enter the doors of the building to which the captain pointed)

D'ARTAGNAN

Hey! Who do I see? Why, it's that same thief from Meng who so vilely stole my letter!

(Loud)

Hey you, sir! Stop if you don't want to get stabbed in the back with my sword!

ROCHEFORT

Are you crazy, sir?

D'ARTAGNAN

It is you, sir, who have gone mad if you dared to steal my letter, taking advantage of the fact that I was unconscious!

ROCHEFORT

So it's you? I remember! Chevalier d'Artagnan, I think? The one who wasn't accepted into the Musketeers without a letter from his venerable father?

D'ARTAGNAN

(Pulls the sword from its sheath)

You will pay me for this insult too! But first, you will answer for your actions in Menge!

ROCHEFORT

Are you planning to break the edict against dueling again? You'll be hanged for it!

D'ARTAGNAN

Let them hang me a thousand times! Let them quarter me, but first I will rip out your guts, you scoundrel, you thief, you coward, you worthless wretch!

ROCHEFORT

Another time, Chevalier Zadira. Now I'm hurrying to the ship.

D'ARTAGNAN

There's no need to rush, you won't be allowed out without a pass anyway! So you have no reason to avoid a duel here and now!

ROCHEFORT

But I'm in a hurry and I have a pass.

(Patting his chest pocket).

So we'll put your business on hold until I complete mine.

D'ARTAGNAN

You have a pass? So much the better! That's another reason to kill you here and now. Defend yourself!

ROCHEFORT

What if I don't draw my sword? Will you attack an unarmed man?

D'ARTAGNAN

In that case, I'll treat you no worse than you treated me. I'll start by cutting off your nose! Defend yourself, or I'll brand you a coward throughout Paris! Throughout France!

(He makes such passes with his sword that Rochefort has no choice but to draw his sword and accept the challenge.)

ROCHEFORT

This is becoming unbearable, it must be stopped once and for all!

(He crosses his sword and the fight begins. Soon d'Artagnan knocks the sword out of Rochefort's hands.)

D'ARTAGNAN

Pick up your sword, I don’t fight with the unarmed!

(He pushes the sword towards Rochefort with his foot, the battle continues, d'Artagnan wounds Rochefort in the shoulder)

Ask for forgiveness, give me your pass in exchange for the letter you stole from me, and we will consider the incident closed.

ROCHEFORT

No way. We'll fight until one of us kills the other!

D'ARTAGNAN

Well! You leave me no choice!

(He makes several attacks, Rochefort manages to inflict a slight wound on d'Artagnan, after which d'Artagnan fiercely makes a false challenge, and then inflicts a dangerous wound on Rochefort, Rochefort falls)

ROCHEFORT

I don't think I'll ever recover...

D'ARTAGNAN

I'm sorry, sir, you should have accepted my terms right away. And thank God I need your pass. I tried not to aim for the chest. Otherwise, I would have stabbed you in the heart, after which I wouldn't give a damn for your chances of survival.

(He approaches Rochefort, kicks his sword aside, and takes the document from his pocket)

A search for a search, sir. Don't be offended. Your men searched me and stole everything I have. I'm not searching you. I'm only taking what I rightfully demanded. I'm not making an attempt on your wallet or your life. And yet your men left me almost penniless! Wait a minute!

(Looks closely at the face, runs a finger across the cheek)

But your wrinkles are painted on! How old are you?

ROCHEFORT

The same as you. Well, what are you waiting for? If you wanted to kill me, then go ahead and kill me, damn it!

D'ARTAGNAN

Well, no, I'm not ready for this. I wasn't planning on doing this anyway, and now that I see how young you are, it's even more so. You, as I can see, are much younger than you appear from afar. I never expected that! Mummer! Why are you pretending to be older than you really are?

ROCHEFORT

None of your business!

D'ARTAGNAN

Indeed, it's none of my business. Unlike you, I don't meddle in other people's affairs. Here, take this balm. My mother's prescription. It will help you recover, if you don't die immediately. It seems I haven't damaged anything important about you except your skin and muscles. Get well soon. If you desire a rematch, I am at your service; you won't have to run all over Paris looking for me. You'll find me in Deszessar's company. And if a rematch doesn't interest you, don't cross me again. I will send someone to assist you. And I leave you your sword.

(Enters the building where the pass is being checked)

ROCHEFORT

So noble, it's disgusting! I even feel a little sorry for him. After all, when I report this duel to the cardinal, they'll hang him.

(D'Artagnan leaves the building)

D'ARTAGNAN

Well, the mark has been placed, now let's go.

(Loud)

Captain! I've stamped the pass! We can set sail!

(Two girls appear)

Ladies! Could you help my friend? He was looking at the seagulls, stumbled, and hit his own sword. Twice. Help him stop the bleeding, call a doctor. Here's a reward for your efforts.

(Gives each of them a silver coin)

FIRST GIRL

Certainly, sir!

SECOND GIRL

Thank you, sir!

D'ARTAGNAN

Nice girls! And pretty! What are your names?

FIRST GIRL

Katie, sir.

SECOND GIRL

Claudette, sir.

D'ARTAGNAN

Katie! Claudette! May God send you rich and nimble suitors!

(The girls laugh, d'Artagnan goes to the ship)

SCENE TWELVE

(The Duke of Buckingham's Palace. The Duke of Buckingham. Secretary Patrick enters.)

PATRICK

My lord, some sweaty Frenchman is barging in on you, and he reeks of horse.

BUCKINGHAM

This smell in France is the best recommendation. King Henry IV smelled of garlic, horse sweat, and gunpowder. What does he want? Who did he say he was?

PATRICK

He said: "The young man who started a quarrel with him on the New Bridge, against the Samaritan woman"

BUCKINGHAM

It's d'Artagnan! Call him quickly, before I run out to meet him myself!

(Patrick hurries out)

He certainly has a message from her!

(Enter d'Artagnan).

BUCKINGHAM

Do you bring good news or bad? I'm glad to see you anyway, Monsieur d'Artagnan. I hope, however, that the news is good.

D'ARTAGNAN

Both, my lord .

BUCKINGHAM

Well, let's start with the bad then.

D'ARTAGNAN

The Queen is in danger.

BUCKINGHAM

The Queen is in danger?! Then what good news could there possibly be in this case?

D'ARTAGNAN

's up to you, my lord , to see that she's saved. And such things are not forgotten.

BUCKINGHAM

It depends on me? Does that mean disaster can be avoided? What's the matter?

D'ARTAGNAN

This letter itself will tell you everything, but I only know one thing...

BUCKINGHAM

(Impatiently opening the envelope)

Speak up and tell me what you know!

D'ARTAGNAN

I swear I haven't read it, but as far as I know, as I was told, it says: "Save the one who loves you. Return the pledge of my love to the bearer of this letter and receive in exchange my eternal love and my endless gratitude."

BUCKINGHAM

Really?! Oh my God! I understand!

(Opens the letter, reads)

There's something else here, but it's deeply personal. Although the words you've spoken are quite enough for me to understand what's required of me. Tell me, have you memorized this letter in case you lose it?


D'ARTAGNAN

All four of us learned these words, in case three of us were killed along the way, but at least one of the four reached you, my lord .

BUCKINGHAM

There were four of you? And you were the only ones who made it? Did three brave men really die to deliver this letter?

D'ARTAGNAN

I hope, my lord , that they are all alive. I firmly believe so. However, they had to fall back to take on all those who were trying at all costs to prevent this message from reaching you on time.

BUCKINGHAM

This is a true feat, Monsieur d'Artagnan, accomplished by four brave men in the name of their Queen! I must know the names of your comrades so I can thank God for what they have done. As for you, I remember your name from that meeting on the Pont Neuf.

D'ARTAGNAN

The names can wait, it is necessary to return what the Queen so desperately needs as soon as possible.

BUCKINGHAM

You're right, we'll do it immediately. I'll get the pendants and have the best horse prepared for you. I'll also provide you with the fastest ship.

(He heads to his safe)

Oh, how happy you are to see her! I wish I were in your place!

D'ARTAGNAN

My lord , I may be fortunate enough to see her, but that's not certain. It's quite possible I'll convey your message to her through her maid, whom you know. You, after all, are fortunate enough to be loved by her. So don't envy me.

BUCKINGHAM

And you are right again, Monsieur d'Artagnan!

D'ARTAGNAN

My lord , I am not a gentleman at all, call me chevalier.

BUCKINGHAM

You are doing me and Her Majesty such a valuable service that, if I had my way, you should be called Count d'Artagnan, and even then only temporarily. If I had my way, I would make you a Duke, so that everyone would address you as "Your Highness."

D'ARTAGNAN

My lord , this is not part of my plans at all!

BUCKINGHAM

But you are young and ambitious! Don't you really want a carter at court?

D'ARTAGNAN

My lord , I hope to build a career as a musketeer, not a courtier. So I have no ambition to become a duke.

BUCKINGHAM

So you want to become a lieutenant, captain, and so on?

D'ARTAGNAN

And so on, it sounds quite good! Since constables have been abolished in France, I will be quite content with the title of Marshal of France. But that, I suppose, is still a long way off.

BUCKINGHAM

Definitely, d'Artagnan, I like you more and more, with every word you say and every action you take! But let's get down to business.

(Opens the safe, takes out a box with pendants)

Take a last look at the jewelry that had the good fortune to touch Queen Anne!

(Opens the box and screams in horror)

Horror! There are only ten of them! Two pendants have been stolen! How could this have happened?

D'ARTAGNAN

It was probably done by those who have the second key to the safe.

BUCKINGHAM

Impossible! There's only one key to this safe, and it was always with me, as you can see, on a ribbon around my neck.

D'ARTAGNAN

What can you do? In this case, you should assume that a skilled locksmith was at work, or that someone has recently been close enough to steal your key and then return it.

BUCKINGHAM

But I wear it under my clothes!

D'ARTAGNAN

There are times when not only dukes, but also kings take off their clothes.

BUCKINGHAM

(He grabs the key that hangs around his neck and thinks, as if remembering something)

No, no, this is impossible!

D'ARTAGNAN

If you're suspicious of your wife, you're probably looking in the wrong place. After all, no man drinks wine before sleeping with his wife. Meanwhile, assuming you did drink wine, and that it was laced with a sleeping potion...

BUCKINGHAM

Oh my God! Oh my God! I think I know! Lady Winter!

D'ARTAGNAN

Lady Winter?

BUCKINGHAM

Just for heaven's sake, don't tell the Queen about this momentary weakness of mine.

D'ARTAGNAN

How can we explain the lack of pendants? After all, ten is not twelve, monsignor, believe me. Even people who have never learned to count will always distinguish ten pendants from twelve.

BUCKINGHAM

We won't explain anything! Luckily, I had commissioned my jeweler to make a replica of these pendants. After all, I wanted to return the copy to the Queen no later than three weeks after she gave them to me. I assumed the King might want to see them on her.

D'ARTAGNAN

In that case, where is this copy?

BUCKINGHAM

I'm afraid it's not ready yet, but it's enough for us to have at least two pendants ready.

D'ARTAGNAN

Your jeweler is a great man if he makes a copy without having the sample in front of him.

BUCKINGHAM

He measured, memorized, and recorded for three whole hours! I stood nearby the whole time, afraid to let them out of my sight for even ten seconds! I hope at least two of the pendants are ready. We'll find out soon!

(Rings the bell, Patrick comes in)

Patrick, call my jeweler to me immediately, and let him take with him everything that he has already managed to complete for my special urgent order.

(Patrick bows and leaves)

Now let's talk about how to get to Paris faster.

D'ARTAGNAN

Tell me, my lord , when do you think these two pendants were stolen from you?

BUCKINGHAM

Does it really matter now?

D'ARTAGNAN

I think so. I believe you can no longer hold Lady Winter accountable. She likely acted on the Cardinal's orders. In that case, she has either already left England for good, or will do so very soon.

BUCKINGHAM

If it's so important for you to know, then know this. She could only have done this this morning.

D'ARTAGNAN

Can you direct that no ship is allowed to leave the ports of Folkestone and Dover for the next two days without your permission?

BUCKINGHAM

Brilliant! I'll write such an order right now and issue such a permit in your name.

(Writes three documents, signs them, puts his seal on them, and gives one paper to d'Artagnan)

This pass is for you, and I will give two copies of the order to close the ports to Patrick so that he can immediately dispatch couriers to Folkestone and Dover.

(Rings the bell, Patrick enters)

Patrick, immediately send these orders to the port masters of Folkestone and Dover by couriers!

(Patrick takes the documents, nods and leaves)

So, my dear d'Artagnan, you will ride to the port of Dover on a horse from my stable. There, find a small, fast ship called the "Sound." Show this document to the captain. His name is James Valentine Smith. He will take you to Le Havre faster than anyone else.

D'ARTAGNAN

Thank you, my lord .

BUCKINGHAM

I'm so grateful to you that I don't know how or with what I could ever repay you! Let me offer you...

D'ARTAGNAN

I beg you, my lord , not another word. Our countries are so bitterly at odds that I fear we are on the brink of war. I will accept nothing from you. Therefore, I ask you not to offer me anything.

BUCKINGHAM

I understand! Proud as a Scotsman. But you can't stop me from helping you complete your mission as quickly and efficiently as possible.

D'ARTAGNAN

I cannot, because in this case your gift is not intended for me, but for the one to whom, I believe, you have the right to give whatever you wish.

BUCKINGHAM

Wonderful! Listen now. Four replacement horses will be waiting for you along your route. Here is a map with marked points and addresses. In all cases, use the password "Forward to love." This is the password by which you will receive every possible assistance at these points and will not be charged a penny; everything is already paid for. This is precisely the route I took to Paris and back. These people are my clients. I beg you to leave your Parisian address at each station. In that case, all four horses will be sent after you. This, I hope, will not burden your conscience as a French citizen? These four horses are equipped for the campaign. They have good saddles and two saddlebags, each containing a loaded pistol and extra ammunition. This will help you fend off ambushers and pursuers. I will not take these horses back from you; if you do not agree to accept them as a gift of respect and admiration, we will quarrel.

D'ARTAGNAN

Since horses and weapons are equipment for battle, allow me to consider them my trophies. In that case, my conscience will probably agree not to torment me too much at night.

BUCKINGHAM

What a brilliant wit! Yes, these are certainly your spoils of war, have no doubt about it, after all, you had to endure several battles before you reached London, and who knows how many more lie ahead.

D'ARTAGNAN

My lord, you are an infinitely pleasant companion, but since I have a return journey to make, will you allow me to take my leave for a short nap while we await the arrival of your jeweler?

BUCKINGHAM

Here is the door of my bedroom, from this moment it is yours!

(Points to the door)

I will make sure that no one makes any noise until the jeweler arrives.


D'ARTAGNAN

Thank you, my lord.

(D'Artagnan goes into the bedroom)

SCENE THIRTEEN

(Louvre, Queen's Room. Queen Anne and the Duchess de Chevreuse)

ANNA

Ah, Marie! Time is running out! Will Constance's messenger fail to deliver the pendants in time?

CHEVR;UZ

The Lord is merciful, he will protect you. Wait, my Queen, and have hope.

ANNA

The only hope left is for a miracle. But, you know, the Holy Church tells us all to believe in miracles, but they don't happen. Especially when they're most needed!

CHEVR;UZ

The Lord does not send His children trials greater than they can bear. So if you are to suffer humiliation on earth, you will be exalted in heaven for it.

ANNA

Chevrette! Stop this nonsense! Do you seriously think God will reward me for my shame? No, I cannot bear double shame! I will be humiliated both as a wife and as a Queen! And it serves me right! If I betrayed my husband and the King even in my thoughts, then I am a traitor! The only path left for me is the one Cleopatra took after learning of Antony's death.

CHEVR;UZ

My Queen! Forget these thoughts! Perhaps your messenger is on his way! Perhaps he is already a couple of leagues from the palace! Perhaps we will soon hear the clatter of his horse's hooves.

ANNA

Tell me, Maria. Are you willing to accept the blame for your Queen, for your friend? Can you tell the King that it was you who lost these pendants? After all, you are my keeper of the jewels; it is one of your official positions at court.

CHEVR;UZ

I'm afraid, my Queen, this won't help. His Majesty won't believe me. Especially since the Cardinal will comment on this matter.

ANNA

I'm not talking about whether they will believe it or not, I'm asking you, are you ready for such a sacrifice?

CHEVR;UZ

Whatever you wish, whatever you deign to command me, my Queen, demand it of me, and I will fulfill it!

(Quietly to myself)

Neither the King nor the Cardinal will believe these excuses anyway. Especially since the Cardinal already knows everything for certain. After all, he himself allowed me to pretend I was ready to take the blame. Anna, you're like a stupid bird caught in the fowler's glue! You're finished.

ANNA

Thank you, my Maria, my friend, for these words! I knew I could rely on you.

CHEVR;UZ

I'll go and find out if your messenger has arrived?

ANNA

No, no, you better go into the hall and try to distract the King from thinking about me.

CHEVR;UZ

Yes, my Queen.

(Bows and leaves)

SCENE FOURTEEN

(The Festive Hall in the Louvre. The King, Queen, Cardinal, Grandees and Princes, and other nobles – in separate groups)

KING

Anna, may I ask why you didn’t wear the pendants I gave you?

ANNA

Oh, my King, but my dress is purple, and the pendants on the blue ribbon don't suit it at all. Wouldn't these pearls be a better shade for this dress? All my ladies-in-waiting think the pendants on the blue ribbon look much worse against this dress.

KING

Forget the opinions of your maids of honor, madam. In France, I decide what is beautiful and what is not. If I said that the pendants I gave you would perfectly complement your look, no matter what dress you're wearing, then that's it. It doesn't matter if you're wearing a green dress, an orange one, or a yellow one!

ANNA

What a horror! What are you saying, sir!

KING

Even if you were completely naked, if I say the only clothing worthy of you is twelve diamond pendants, then it's true, and no one—do you hear me?—no one will dare dispute it. If you so desire to dress in blue, I won't force you; go ahead and change. But in a quarter of an hour, the Marlezon Ballet will begin, and you will be present, and you will be wearing the pendants. Otherwise…

ANNA

Otherwise?

KING

You will see what awaits you differently.

ANNA

Well then, if Your Majesty deigns to drive me away...

KING

Yes, yes, go and change your clothes.

ANNA

Very well then... I'll be there... In a quarter of an hour... In those pendants of yours! I thought that if you were giving me a gift, it was only so that I could dispose of it, and not so that it could dispose of me! From now on, I will be very careful when accepting your gifts.

KING

It may well be that you will no longer need your caution, for I very much doubt that I will give you such gifts in the future.

ANNA

Oh, so that's it?..

(He looks angrily into the King's eyes, turns sharply and leaves)

SCENE FIFTEEN

(There, the same ones. Cardinal Richelieu approaches the King)

RICHELIEU

Her Majesty seems a little distracted today. I noticed she absentmindedly forgot to put on her pendants, which, as I heard, you kindly asked her to do beforehand.

KING

Cardinal, I don't know what the intrigue is here, but I'm beginning to wonder myself about the reason for this persistent disobedience. It would seem, what could be simpler? Order these pendants to be brought to you and pinned to your dress? This deliberate stubbornness—it's a real rebellion! Admit it, Cardinal, perhaps in Spain such pendants have some hidden meaning? What is the secret reason she refuses to wear them? Has she joined some sect? Is she a secret Huguenot?

RICHELIEU

Oh, what are you saying, Your Majesty! No, I don't think so. Perhaps the Queen forgot where she put them?

KING

She doesn't need to remember it. She has a specially appointed lady who is responsible for looking after her jewelry. Chevreuse! Do you suspect the Duchess deliberately hid the pendants?

RICHELIEU

The Duchess is rich enough not to meddle with other people's jewels. Besides, she is a Duchess, after all. No, she is above suspicion. Her honesty and integrity in this regard are beyond praise.

KING

In that regard, perhaps, yes, but in all other respects, I wouldn't trust her in anything. She's an intriguer! Two-thirds of our foreign policy problems are linked to her activities! I would have fired her long ago, but in memory of her first husband, Constable Charles de Luynes, and in memory of the friendship we shared in our youth, I forgive her.

RICHELIEU

Besides, she is so friendly with Her Majesty.

KING

That's more of a flaw than a virtue, Cardinal! I'm no longer friends with the Queen myself, so all her friends are even less my friends.

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty is already not on the best of terms with the Queen Mother. It would be a shame if your relationship with your wife became even less radiant over such a trifle as pendants.

KING

Cardinal, pendants may be a trifle, but my desire, expressed so clearly and forcefully, is no trifle at all! If I can't command the obedience of a mere spouse, how can I govern a state?

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, you are the greatest monarch in the world, and the best, most just monarch of France of all time. I risk your wrath, but I will allow myself to disagree with your opinion when you deign to slander yourself. I dare contradict you, but I continue to insist: you have nothing to reproach yourself with, for you are beyond reproach.

KING

You know, Cardinal, that it's not for nothing that I'm called Louis the Just, so I'm not angry with you when you contradict me, provided you're right. You can continue to speak such truths to my face, without regard for appearances, so to speak.

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, I thank you for your indulgence. I would like to offer you a little advice.

KING

Advice? Interesting.

RICHELIEU

When Her Majesty comes out to the Marlezon Ballet without pendants...

KING

Without pendants? How dare she so blatantly disobey my order?

RICHELIEU

She will have to do it, simply because she doesn’t have them.

KING

She doesn't have them? It's getting worse! Where are they?

RICHELIEU

I think it would be better to ask her. And if she has trouble remembering, then we can help her.

KING

Help?

RICHELIEU

Absolutely right. I'd recommend telling her that it might be easier for her to remember what happened to those pendants if she thinks carefully about where you might have gotten those two pendants from.

(The Cardinal hands the King two diamond pendants)

KING

Why, these are the very same two pendants from the dozen that I gave her!

RICHELIEU

Exactly so, Your Majesty.

KING

And where did you get them, Cardinal?

RICHELIEU

Maybe someone kidnapped them?

KING

Kidnapped? From the Queen?

RICHELIEU

Oh, no, absolutely not! Who would dare rob the Queen of France? Surely such a thing would cost their lives! I think these two pendants were stolen from someone less important. At least less important in France. Although perhaps in another country…

KING

In another country?!

RICHELIEU

In any case, if these pendants were stolen from another country and returned to France, then the person who carried it out hardly deserves blame. Perhaps only for facilitating the return of just two pendants, not all twelve?

KING

Enough hints! I understand everything! Are you talking about Buckingham? How could he have obtained these pendants? Could it have been from her? Oh, how angry I am! Well, my will shall be spoken and carried out without fail!

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, I beg you, remain calm. An order given in anger may be questioned, as anger often passes quickly, and such an order may be reconsidered. But your will, expressed calmly, can teach a disobedient spouse much.

KING

Don't worry about me, Cardinal! The angrier I get, the calmer I'll be. Loudness betrays a desire to influence others to reform. A just judgment is incompatible with anger. I will deliver it in a cool tone, leaving no doubt that it is final and irrevocable.


SCENE SIXTEEN

(Queen Anne's Boudoir, Queen Alone, then Constance)

ANNA

Should I go out and face shame? Better right away... I would ask myself: "Poison or a dagger?", but I don't have poison. I'm not a Medici. I'm not Italian, but Spanish. So a dagger. But I don't even have a dagger. My God! How defenseless I am before the horrors of life! I don't even have a path to the other world. Besides, suicide is a great sin! If someone came and killed me, that would solve all my problems.

(Constance enters)

CONSTANCE

Your Majesty, I came without knocking to solve your problems.

ANNA

Constance! You are God's gift! I hesitate to end my life to save my honor, but you...

CONSTANCE

I intend to save your honor and preserve your life, my Queen! Look at this!

(Hands the Queen a box with pendants)

ANNA

Oh my God! Constance! My dear! You saved me! How can I thank you?

(Hugs and kisses Constance)

CONSTANCE

Your Majesty, I will never forget this moment! This impulse is better than any gratitude! Just command me, and I will give my life for you!

ANNA

Oh, my God, my God! I was afraid I wasn't ready for death, but it seems I'm not ready for life either! My hands are shaking! I'm almost dead! Dear Constance, fasten these pendants quickly. I'm afraid I'm already late.

CONSTANCE

(Helps pin the pendants to the Queen's dress)

If you allow me to express my opinion, Your Majesty... You shouldn't rush to appear at the ballet at the appointed time. Be at least five minutes late. Let the King be nervous, and the Cardinal feel triumphant. All the greater will be the King's surprise and the Cardinal's disappointment!

ANNA

You're right, darling, but I'm shaking all over. I don't have the courage to stay... But you're right.

CONSTANCE

Let me rub your neck and wrists with Cologne water. It will take a couple of minutes and will help you recover.

ANNA

Oh yes, Constance. You're right. Go for it.

CONSTANCE

Your Majesty, take the fan. When you enter the hall, cover the pendants with the fan. Don't let the King and the Cardinal immediately see that they're there.

ANNA

I will do so!

(Takes a fan)


SCENE SEVENTEEN

(The Festive Hall in the Louvre. The King, the Cardinal, the Grandees and Princes, and other nobles are in separate groups; the King and the Cardinal stand side by side.)

KING

Time has already passed, and the Queen is not there.

RICHELIEU

She'll come. I assume she'll explain her lateness by saying she spent a long time looking for the pendants but never found them.

KING

It is very difficult to remain calm.

(The Queen appears, covering her chest with a fan)

Aha, here she is!

RICHELIEU

Your Majesty, please show one last act of gallantry and offer your hand to Her Majesty.

KING

(He approaches the Queen with an arrogant air)

You're late, Anna.

ANNA

It seems I'll have to reprimand some of my ladies-in-waiting. Some of them, it seems to me, are neglecting their duties to serve me, believing themselves more obligated to serve the cardinal.

KING

What are you saying?

ANNA

I'm telling you what I see. You recently assigned the cardinal fifty musketeers for his personal guard. Consider whether it might make sense to give him another ten ladies-in-waiting? He must really need them, if he's so keenly eyeing my ladies-in-waiting.

KING

I would laugh at this joke, madam, if I were not upset that you treat my requests so dismissively.

ANNA

What are you talking about, sir?

KING

I think I made it quite clear that I would like to see the pendants I gave you on you! Where are they? I don't see them!

ANNA

(Moves the fan aside)

Forgive me, sir. It's a bit hot here, or perhaps I was in too much of a hurry to see you, so I needed my fan. I didn't realize it was preventing you from seeing what you seem to be much more pleased to see than me, which, you must admit, is rather odd, and even offensive for a young Queen who is not without certain virtues.

(He lets go of the fan, it hangs on a cord fastened to his belt, and its pendants point directly towards the King’s face)

Is this better?

KING

Pendants?!

ANNA

Of course, the pendants. I had to remove the pearls, as diamonds are not worn with pearls. Since you, sir, informed me that pendants suit this dress better than pearls, I hastened to follow your advice. For no one in all of France knows what is beautiful and what is not beautiful better than you, my King.

KING

(Puzzled)

Yes, yes, you are right, my Queen...

( Counts pendants )

Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit...

ANNA

New, diez, once y doce. Forgive me, Your Majesty, I prefer to count in my native Spanish.

KING

Twelve! Really twelve!

ANNA

What did you expect, Your Majesty? Diamonds aren't chickens. They don't reproduce and they don't die. If there were twelve of them, then there will be twelve of them.

KING

Strange, strange. In that case... Do you know where I could have gotten these two pendants from?

(Shows the Queen two diamond pendants)

ANNA

So that's why you were so eager for me to wear them today! Your Majesty, you're so romantic! And I can see you still love me! Just think! You decided to add two more pendants to my set, and of course, it was most effective to do so now that I'm already wearing the twelve you gave me! How romantic! Divine! I'd be delighted if you pinned them on me yourself!

KING

God, I don't know how. I can't cope. Ask one of your ladies-in-waiting to help you.

(Gives two pendants to the Queen's hand and intends to step aside)

ANNA

Where are you going, sir? Didn't you come to ask me to dance? Look! No one's dancing, everyone's waiting for the first couple, and that's you and me, sir!

KING

Well, yes, of course.

ANNA

Just a minute. I'll just attach these two pendants.

(He sees Constance at the door and waves to her)

Constance, my dear. Pin these two on me too. Imagine, His Majesty has given me two more pendants!

CONSTANCE

Your Majesty, they are as wonderful as the other twelve! His Majesty has once again demonstrated to everyone that his taste in fashion is impeccable. If every time you wear these pendants to a ball, His Majesty will give you two more…

ANNA

I think that would be a wonderful tradition! What do you think, sir?

KING

(Embarrassed)

Yes, yes, of course.

(He approaches the cardinal and speaks to him quietly)

Cardinal, if your plan was to drag me into further expense, well, I'll give the Queen two pendants every time she wears them to the ball, but you'll have to make sure I have them! You're the one who got me into this game!

RICHELIEU

Of course, Your Majesty, that was my plan. The Queen of France must be the most brilliant of all the queens of Europe, and no diamonds are spared for that.

KING

And what did you tell me about Buckingham?

RICHELIEU

About Buckingham? Me? I didn't mention him, Your Majesty. I merely meant that in order to make these two pendants, I had to send for diamonds of the appropriate size to another country. I meant Italy.

KING

Really?

RICHELIEU

Yes, Your Majesty.

ANNA

Your Majesty, why aren't you taking me to the Marlezon Ballet? I'm ready!

KING

Musicians! An appearance called "Flemings"!

(Music plays)

ANNA

Your Majesty, I know your secret!

KING

(In fear)

Which one?

ANNA

The music for the Marlezon Ballet was written by you personally!

KING

(With relief)

Oh, you mean that! How do you know? Who told you?

ANNA

My ears. Only a true genius could have composed such wonderful music. And there is only one true genius at court. It is you, sir.

KING

(Pleased)

Is that so? Well... I must admit that your musical taste is quite in keeping with your position as my wife.

(He leads the Queen in a dance very proudly, after a few steps everyone else joins in the dance)

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

(Fits the Duchess of Chevreuse)

Duchess, may I invite you to dance?

CHEVR;UZ

With pleasure! The Duke de La Rochefoucauld can always count on dancing with me!

(They start dancing)

By the way, Fran;ois, remind me later to tell you a funny joke.

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

When should I remind you?

CHEVR;UZ

Oh, for now it’s a top secret, but sometime later, in five years, maybe…

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

But in five years you might not remember this joke.

CHEVR;UZ

I remember, Fran;ois. Tell me the word "pendants." And I I'll remember . "Pendentifs en diamant".

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

The same ones that Her Majesty is wearing now?

CHEVR;UZ

Shh, Duke. Later.


SCENE EIGHTEEN

(Queen Anne's Boudoir, Queen Alone, then Constance)

ANNA

Constance, I want to thank your messenger! Bring him.

CONSTANCE

He expects gratitude from me, but does not dare to claim yours.

ANNA

No, I want to see this hero.

CONSTANCE

It's not difficult, it's nearby.

ANNA

Lead him.

(Constance leaves)

I can't trust my ladies-in-waiting! I can't command anything! How can I thank my envoy? All my treasures are listed and known. I can't pay for my exploits with paltry money! Here's this diamond ring, a gift from my brother. I must give no account of it to anyone!

(Constance enters)

CONSTANCE

Your Majesty, will you allow him to enter?

ANNA

Yes, let him come in.

(Constance takes d'Artagnan by the hand)

D'ARTAGNAN

Oh, Your Majesty!

(Kneels)

ANNA

Stand up, my hero!

D'ARTAGNAN

In front of you? Oh, no!

ANNA

(Satisfied)

I want you to have a memento of the service you rendered me. If I were the King, I would give you a medal. But I am only a woman. In France, a woman is forced to remain in the shadow of her husband. Accept this ring and remember that this is not payment for your service, but only a symbol of my gratitude. As for payment... I will do everything in my power for you. What do you want?

D'ARTAGNAN

Your Majesty! Your generosity exceeds my expectations! I need nothing.

ANNA

Tell me, how is he?

D'ARTAGNAN

He asked me about you, but I had nothing to tell him.

ANNA

And that's all?

D'ARTAGNAN

He envied the pendants he gave me, because they would see you, whereas he… He was very sad. This man owns all of England, but it seemed to me he would agree to part with all his riches for one smile from you.

ANNA

Thank you. You speak so romantically about it. You seem to be in love yourself?

D'ARTAGNAN

Oh yes, Your Majesty.

ANNA

And do you have the opportunity to see this lady?

D'ARTAGNAN

This is all I have, Your Majesty.

ANNA

Well, that's already quite a lot. A whole lot. I wish you luck. It was a pleasure meeting you, Chevalier d'Artagnan. I won't forget you, rest assured.

(He extends his hand for a kiss, d'Artagnan kisses it and retreats, leaves)



SCENE NINETEEN

(The corridor next to the Queen's boudoir, Constance and d'Artagnan)


CONSTANCE

Was he really willing to become a beggar for the sake of one smile from the Queen?

D'ARTAGNAN

I told her what she wanted to hear. This woman has suffered a lot. Is it so difficult for me to make her happy, even for a few hours, if all it takes is the right words?

CONSTANCE

You sly one! Perhaps you lie to me as easily about your love as you lied to the Queen about the Duke's love?

D'ARTAGNAN

How could you even think that? Constance! I never lie! To anyone. And especially not to you!

(Quietly to himself)

I would be a good person if I told the whole truth to women!

CONSTANCE

Who taught you to tell a woman what she wants to hear?

D'ARTAGNAN

Nobody.

(Quietly to himself)

Aramis, of course, who else?


SCENE TWENTY

(The Cardinal's Office. Cardinal Richelieu and Milady)

RICHELIEU

I can't understand how the Queen could have had all twelve pendants!

MILADY

Someone delivered them to her, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

But you stole two of them! If there had been ten, your explanation would have satisfied me.

MILADY

It is obvious that the other two were newly made.

RICHELIEU

But not so soon! It's simply impossible!

MILADY

Are the diamonds real?

RICHELIEU

Certainly, this has been verified.

MILADY

Perhaps Buckingham had ordered a copy to be made in advance?

RICHELIEU

Are you saying that someone gave him my plans?

MILADY

Perhaps he himself realized the hidden danger of accepting such a gift from the Queen for her?

RICHELIEU

It's possible. In that case, we have a very clever opponent. This is quite dangerous, since we are facing the siege of La Rochelle. If Buckingham intervenes and helps the besieged, it will lead to serious complications.

MILADY

So Buckingham must be eliminated.

RICHELIEU

Eliminate him? Are you kidding? He has pretty good security!

MILADY

So, we need to find a weak spot in this security. Find someone who, instead of hindering our mission, will help it. Or even carry it out himself.

RICHELIEU

You think strategically. That's commendable. But who will take on this task?

MILADY

Such a person will be found if the reward is sufficient.

RICHELIEU

As for the reward, there's no room for saving. I'll pay whatever it takes to implement this plan.

MILADY

In that case, this man has already been found, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

Where is he? Who is he?

(Milady bows dramatically)

You?! Well, that's an idea!

(The secretary enters)

SECRETARY

Monseigneur, some madman is trying to see you. He calls himself your friend. He says he's Bonacieux the grocer.

RICHELIEU

My friend Bonacieux? I have friends like him in half of France. Well, let me go. My lady, go behind the curtain so he can't see you.

(Milady hides behind the curtain, Bonacieux enters)


SCENE TWENTY-ONE

(The Cardinal's Cabinet. Cardinal Richelieu and Bonacieux)


BONASSIEUX

Cardinal! Your Eminence! Treason! I have uncovered treason!

RICHELIEU

Don't get so worked up, Mr. Bonacieux. I have to expose betrayal every hour, but I don't shout about it. What's up with you, what's the news?

BONASSIEUX

Treason! My wife is a cheater!

RICHELIEU

It doesn't concern me.

BONASSIEUX

But she also cheats on everyone!

RICHELIEU

I didn't know that she had such a wide network of acquaintances, but polygamy is prohibited.

BONASSIEUX

I mean, she's betraying the King! She's betraying France. She's betraying the Cardinal! Everyone!

RICHELIEU

(Contemptuously and condescendingly, without much interest)

Very curious. What made you think so?

BONASSIEUX

Here's the note! Look! I found this note on the bed of my lodger, the Chevalier d'Artagnan!

RICHELIEU

D'Artagnan! Give it here!

(Takes the note and reads it aloud)

"They wish to thank you warmly on their own behalf, as well as on behalf of another person. Be at Saint-Cloud this evening at ten o'clock, opposite the pavilion adjoining Mr. d'Estr;es's house. K.B." Hm. What led you to conclude that this is treason?

BONASSIEUX

I feel in my gut that there's a new conspiracy against you, Your Eminence. And where you are, His Majesty is there. It's a conspiracy against France. After all, my wife is the Queen's maid of honor! Any secrets coming from her, kept secret from His Majesty, are conspiracies! Everything is at stake: you, the King, and me! Our honor is at stake!

RICHELIEU

(With undisguised irony)

This is a compelling argument for my intervention. But what do you want from me?

BONASSIEUX

I demand... That is, I want d'Artagnan and his friends to be arrested immediately.

RICHELIEU

Your wife is plotting adultery, and I should arrest your tenant?

BONASSIEUX

But this letter is addressed to him! I found it on his bed!

RICHELIEU

That means he didn't even have time to read it. What am I going to charge him with? That your wife invited him on a date? Forget it, Monsieur Bonacieux! As a clergyman, I can tell you that the Church stands for the inviolability of marriage, but if the Prime Minister were to interfere in every case of unproven adultery, I would need twenty times the staff and would have to abandon all my other work. But all of them, rest assured, are far more important than yours.

BONASSIEUX

(Disappointed)

Is there really nothing that can be done?

RICHELIEU

If you please, we could arrest your wife if you could prove she was plotting against His Majesty. But in that case, we would protect you from the dubious happiness of becoming a cuckold, but your family nest would be destroyed once and for all. After all, if the suspicions proved well-founded, she would end up in the Bastille, and for a long time, if not forever. Is that what you want?

BONASSIEUX

Oh no! I want my tenant to end up in the Bastille.

RICHELIEU

We can't throw everyone who casts a covetous glance at a beautiful married woman in the Bastille. Marriage is not held together by someone from the outside barring anyone from this two-person circle, but by the couple themselves not looking elsewhere.

BONASSIEUX

But treason against the King!

RICHELIEU

Very well, I warned you. But you acted hastily and foolishly, Monsieur Bonacieux. You should not have taken this letter. Take it back and put it back where you found it. That way, you'll be able to catch your wife's lover red-handed. I understand you rightly believe that if a quarrel breaks out between you and your lodger, you have no chance of emerging victorious. Is that what brought you to me, confess? Well, I'm interested in this matter, since your wife is indeed involved in an affair that has harmed our state plans. I'll provide you with men. But you must not hinder their actions.

BONASSIEUX

(With hesitation and obvious fear)

But if your people then release my guest, he will deal with me.

RICHELIEU

It's no big deal, because then we'll have a reason to hang him. So you, dear Bonacieux, will be completely avenged. I hope that will console you.

BONASSIEUX

Avenged? After he deals with me? No, I'm not satisfied. Isn't it possible to arrest him somehow without me? And so that he has no reason to suspect my involvement.

RICHELIEU

Let's do it this way. Go, return the letter, and don't interfere in anything else. It would be better if you left for a couple of days on business.

BONASSIEUX

I will do so, Your Eminence! May I kiss your hand?

RICHELIEU

(Disgustedly)

This is unnecessary, go ahead.

(Bonacieux leaves)

SCENE TWENTY-TWO

(The Cardinal's office. Cardinal Richelieu and Milady emerge from behind the curtain)

RICHELIEU

What do you think of this idiot? Sometimes it seems to me that all of Paris, and even all of France, is simply paved with scoundrels and scum. My difficult work of maintaining peace and order in the state often forces me to deal with such rabble. And this greatly undermines my faith in people.

MILADY

I think I heard d'Artagnan's name?

RICHELIEU

Has Rochefort already managed to tell you about him? How is he, by the way?

MILADY

Wounded. But he'll recover. Yes, he reported that this d'Artagnan was the one who wounded him and took his pass to leave for England. I think he's the Queen's messenger.

RICHELIEU

And Bonacieux's wife sent him there. It all fits together.

MILADY

So, it is to him that I owe the failure of my mission!

RICHELIEU

Well, not exactly a failure. You did your job superbly.

MILADY

And yet I would like to teach him a lesson.

RICHELIEU

Well, get to work on this. Here's your chance to catch both d'Artagnan himself and his girlfriend Bonacieux. I'll give you four people.

MILADY

Give me six.

RICHELIEU

Such numerical superiority is not required for a surprise attack to be successful.

MILADY

And it is simply necessary for the safety of personnel.

RICHELIEU

You are right, my lady. Take six men. You know the time and place. But here's the thing... With six men, you can arrest this d'Artagnan. But he didn't act alone. I would like to get my hands on these three as well. If you had kidnapped only Madame Bonacieux, and then informed this d'Artagnan of her hiding place, he would have gone to her rescue along with these three friends. Then we would have captured all four.

MILADY

But to arrest the four, I will need more men and your order, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

That won't be a problem. First, take this Bonacieux and make sure d'Artagnan knows where to find her. And I'll give you the paper.

(Sits down and writes)

Here, please take a look.

(gives the document to Milady)

MILADY

(Reads)

"The bearer of this document acted for the good of France and on my personal orders. The First Minister of France, Cardinal Armand Richelieu."

RICHELIEU

Are you satisfied?

MILADY

Quite.

RICHELIEU

And then go to London to finish my business.


ACT V

SCENE ONE

(The house where Constance made an appointment with d'Artagnan. D'Artagnan enters)

D'ARTAGNAN

Constance, my dear, it's me!

(Looks around, doesn't see anyone)

Am I too early? Well, I'll wait. Women tend to be late, according to Aramis.

MILADY'S VOICE

You're mistaken, d'Artagnan. Sometimes women tend to arrive early to prepare for a date. And sometimes that's their undoing!

D'ARTAGNAN

Who's there?

MILADY'S VOICE

Place your sword on the table and move five steps away from the table, otherwise you will never see your Constance again.

D'ARTAGNAN

The devil take you! Okay then.

(Puts the sword on the table, moves away from the table)

What's next? Will you let her go?

MILADY'S VOICE

No, but I'll tell you where you can find it.

D'ARTAGNAN

Damn it, where is that voice coming from?

(Opens the closet door, but there's no one there)

MILADY'S VOICE

Go to the corner by the window and stand facing the wall, otherwise you will never know where to look for her and you will never see her alive.

D'ARTAGNAN

(Quietly to myself)

One more order like that, and I'll turn this house upside down! I'll tear it apart, stone by stone, but I'll find the one who said this! But for now, I'll pretend to obey.

(Follows orders)

So, I'm standing in the corner? Are you happy?! What's next?

Four of the cardinal's guards enter the room from different sides of the sons, pointing pistols at d'Artagnan. Then Milady appears.

MILADY

So this is what you're like? I've seen you before! That impudent fellow who rode through Meng on a yellow mare! Rochefort should have killed you right there! By God, it would have been a lot less trouble.

D'ARTAGNAN

(Looks around, notices the guards)

So, you kidnapped a defenseless woman, and now there are four of you armed against me, the unarmed one? The woman doesn't count.

MILADY

It's no use. I can stand up for myself too.

D'ARTAGNAN

I don't fight with ladies.

MILADY

Really? And I fight men! So what, will you let me stab you?

D'ARTAGNAN

Oh, no, you kidnapped Constance, so I'm willing to make an exception for you. But you promised to tell me where she is.

MILADY

Of course. She's in the Bethune Monastery. You can't reach her. But you'll have to try. Because if you don't get her out of there in two days, she'll die on the third. Time is running out.

D'ARTAGNAN

Why do you need this?

MILADY

You'll bring three friends with you, of course! I've heard a lot about them. I'm dreaming of meeting them. And presenting some bills.

D'ARTAGNAN

Have you said everything?

MILADY

Yes.

D'ARTAGNAN

I understood everything except one thing. Why is the entire floor covered in olive oil? Be careful not to slip!

MILADY

Where is the butter?

(Milady and the guards look at the floor, d'Artagnan grabs a sword from the table, kicks the table in the direction of two guards, then runs up to the third guard, points his hand at the fourth, a shot rings out, the fourth guard falls dead, d'Artagnan stabs the third guard, picks up the fourth guard's pistol and shoots the first. The second guard, the only one left on his feet, shoots at d'Artagnan, but he dodges, remains unharmed, and attacks the first guard, who disappears behind the door)

D'ARTAGNAN

Three are missing, one has escaped!

(Points a sword at her)

Stand still and don't move. (Shouts out the window) Hey, you coward! Tell your superiors that if Constance isn't brought here safe and sound, I'll kill that lady!

(Silence)

He doesn't seem to hear. He's probably run away. Speak up, madam, is there anyone else outside?

MILADY

Yes, there are, now there are three of them. You are doomed, d'Artagnan.

D'ARTAGNAN

You won't see my defeat. Before any of them even get here, you'll be dead. Now get to the window so they can see you!

MILADY

This won't help you.

D'ARTAGNAN

We'll see about that. I think you're lying. You probably had six people, but two of them took Constance. Everyone else was here in the room. So he's alone there.

MILADY

He will bring others.

D'ARTAGNAN

He won't have time.

MILADY

I hate it!

D'ARTAGNAN

Madam, our feelings are mutual. What did Monsieur Rochefort call you? Milady?

(Approaches Milady from behind)

Now then, Milady, give me your hands, or I will pierce you without the slightest mercy.

(Milady reluctantly obeys)

Okay, great. What do you have there? Paper? Some kind of patent, I think? I'm confiscating it.

(He takes the patent and hides it in his bosom)

I'll read it later. What should I tie you up with? I've come up with something! With your sleeves!

MILADY

Don't you dare!

D'ARTAGNAN

Don't be afraid, if you're a good boy, nothing terrible will happen to you.

(He rips Milady's sleeve sharply on her left shoulder, Milady screams)

D'ARTAGNAN

(With surprise and horror)

What is this? A brand?

MILADY

(He turns sharply and swings a dagger at d'Artagnan)

Yes, you scoundrel, now you will die!

(D'Artagnan parries the blow with the guard of his sword, Milady pushes him away with her hands and runs out of the house)

D'ARTAGNAN

A brand! Well, well! A criminal, a thief! And the Cardinal's guards were under her command! What terrible people serve His Eminence! What if there really are three more guardsmen there? We'll have to fight our way out. By the way, what's written here?

(Reads)

Wow! An open patent from Cardinal Richelieu! Well, if they attack, I'll show them this document. But it's best to keep it safe. I hope it will help me free Constance! Well, time to go.

(Leaves)


SCENE TWO

(Entrance to the Bethune Monastery, d'Artagnan knocks on the door, no one opens)

D'ARTAGNAN

Open in the name of Cardinal Richelieu!

(The door opens and the mother superior comes out)

ABBESS

What do you want?

D'ARTAGNAN

I've come for Constance Bonacieux!

ABBESS

There's no such thing here. And even if there were, we don't hand over novices to the men who come looking for them.

D'ARTAGNAN

In the name of Cardinal Richelieu!

(He gives an open patent, the abbess reads it and returns it)

I am ready to carry out your orders, sir, but there is no lady here named Constance Bonacieux.

D'ARTAGNAN

Perhaps she was placed in your monastery under a different name? I wish to see everyone who has arrived today.

ABBESS

Two women arrived today. One three hours ago, the other two hours ago. The last one to arrive has already left. And the one who arrived first…

D'ARTAGNAN

What's wrong with her?

ABBESS

The Lord took her away half an hour ago.

D'ARTAGNAN

What are you saying? How? When? I have to see her!

ABBESS

Look.

(D'Artagnan enters and sees Constance lying on the bed)

It's her! Constance!

(He runs up, shakes her and calls her)

Constance! Wake up! It's me – your d'Artagnan!

ABBESS

It's no use, sir. She's dead. We think the other one poisoned her. We found a half-empty goblet on the table, the one they drank from. In our monastery, we only drink water. But there was something else in the goblet. We decided that this lady drank from it. It was poison.

D'ARTAGNAN

Poison? What do you mean poison?

ABBESS

A crow drank from this cup while it stood here on the street. There it lies. It died instantly.

D'ARTAGNAN

Poisoned! Constance! How could this happen? My love! You... Abandoned me! So young! God, why do you allow this?

ABBESS

Within the walls of the monastery it is not customary to complain about the Lord.

D'ARTAGNAN

Is it customary to kill an innocent woman within the walls of your monastery? Constance! My dear Constance! My soul, my life!

ABBESS

Calm down. Should I bring you some water?

D'ARTAGNAN

Not a sip within the walls of your monastery!

ABBESS

Calm down. We're not guilty. Find this woman and hold her accountable.

D'ARTAGNAN

Why did you let her in?

ABBESS

How could we not let her in if she was the one who brought this woman to us earlier and showed exactly the same document that you showed?

D'ARTAGNAN

Tell me, was it a young, beautiful blonde with fair skin, with a small birthmark here on her neck and here by her temple?

ABBESS

Yes, it was her.

D'ARTAGNAN

My lady! Devil! Satan! Murderer! I will find you! I will kill you even if I burn in hellfire for it!

SCENE THREE

(De Treville's office. De Treville, d'Artagnan enters)

TREVILLE

Come in, d'Artagnan! I don't know what you've done or where you've gone, but the Queen has deigned to thank me for the glorious musketeer d'Artagnan. What an honor! And yet you are not my musketeer at all.

D'ARTAGNAN

At heart, I've always been a musketeer, and I don't hide it. And it's up to you to make me truly one.

TREVILLE

(Looks anxiously at d'Artagnan, asks himself)

Where did all his pathos go?

(Aloud)

You didn't add that all your friends are musketeers. And I'm not surprised. After all, your friends have disappeared! And, by the way, as far as I can tell, comparing the facts about how two of them got leave from me under the highest protection, and how Athos, who had leave for convalescence, went on an arbitrarily trip with you, I foresee the worst.

D'ARTAGNAN

Each of them accomplished their own feat.

TREVILLE

Protecting you?

D'ARTAGNAN

Not only that. Protecting someone far above me. While they were merely protecting me from death, one person was threatened with something far more terrible than death.

TREVILLE

The only thing worse than death is the loss of honor.

D'ARTAGNAN

I have said enough, you understood much more than I said.

TREVILLE

So, three of my best musketeers were sacrificed for the honor of the said person? It's sad that such a price must be paid for the extravagant whims of important people.

D'ARTAGNAN

I am convinced that these three musketeers are not as easy to write off as our enemies, who were waiting for us in treacherous ambushes, tried to do.

TREVILLE

I would be happy if your belief were to be tangibly confirmed. What do you intend to do? Wait for their return?

D'ARTAGNAN

I would like to travel to the places where I was forced to leave them to learn of their fate. If they need help, I will provide it; if, unfortunately, I am left with only one last duty to pay, I will bring them to Paris, where all His Majesty's Musketeers will salute them for the last time.

TREVILLE

I understand. You want me to petition Deszesar for an extension of your leave? Why don't you ask him about it yourself?

D'ARTAGNAN

I cannot express my opinion about the death of the musketeers to anyone but you, Captain.

TREVILLE

You've already started your fifth sentence with the word "I," haven't you noticed? I wish you'd say "we" instead!

D'ARTAGNAN

This is exactly why I need an extension of my vacation.

TREVILLE

You don't need an extension; your vacation isn't over yet. You were granted a vacation that lasted much longer than the time it took you to complete your assigned task, whatever it was.

D'ARTAGNAN

And yet, I was almost late. If I had been even another half hour late, things might have ended much worse.

TREVILLE

I don't know and don't want to know the nature of your journey, but out of friendship, you simply owe it to yourself to do what you must immediately, rather than discuss the matter with me. I would provide you with guides, but I can't; I don't have any spare musketeers. I've already lost three swords thanks to you. I hope not forever. Before you depart, listen to one piece of advice and answer me one question.

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, Mister Captain.

TREVILLE

My advice is to be careful. Beware of traps. Don't walk under the windows of houses from which something heavy might fall on you, or in front of houses from which a shot might be fired. Give groups of the Cardinal's guards a wide berth.

D'ARTAGNAN

Are you asking me to turn into a coward?!

TREVILLE

Not at all, but I'd like you to become a cautious, brave man. If necessary, go straight ahead, but do it with your eyes open. If a bullet might fly out of the bushes, look closely for the glint of a musket barrel among the leaves. If you encounter a treacherous bullet, aim for the chest, not the back. That's all I wanted to advise you.

D'ARTAGNAN

Thank you, Captain. And what is your question?

TREVILLE

The question is this: What's happened to you? I don't see the Gascon you used to be! Where's that confidence and bravado, sometimes excessive, but an essential trait of every southerner? I feel like I'm talking not to a fellow countryman, but to some Alsatian!

D'ARTAGNAN

I have a personal loss, Captain.

TREVILLE

That's what I thought. Well, may God give you the strength to get through this and may God protect you on your journey to finding friends.

(De Treville extends his hand to shake, but then suddenly, in some kind of impulse, embraces d'Artagnan)

God knows I've come to love you like my own son, even though I've only known you for a short time. Return safe and sound, and may God grant you the opportunity to find all our friends in good health.

D'ARTAGNAN

In case I don't return, know that I lost Porthos at Chantilly, Aramis at Crevecoeur-sur-l'Escaut, and Athos at Amiens.

TREVILLE

And after all this, you want anyone to believe the story that you went to see Athos off at the spa in Forges? Tell everyone you went to Fort-Mahon.


SCENE FOUR

(An inn in Chantilly. The owner, a couple of customers who subsequently leave. D'Artagnan enters)

D'ARTAGNAN

Master, wine!

MASTER

And the very best. Just for you, Monsignor!

D'ARTAGNAN

Why do you call me Monsignor?

MASTER

If the monsignor wishes, he may travel incognito. I will address you as the monsignor directs.

D'ARTAGNAN

(Looking around, addressing only the owner, quietly)

Let's say you guessed right. What made you think so?

MASTER

I'm not blind! I saw through the window what horses you arrived on! And two equally magnificent horses on the reins! And what saddles! All four of them! Who could afford such a thing? Only a duke!

D'ARTAGNAN

Okay, you've figured me out. Then answer honestly to the Duke and don't even think about leading me on. A few days ago, a wounded musketeer was brought to you, a tall man of incredible strength.

MASTER

You are talking about Monsieur Porthos!

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, that's exactly it! Did he leave? Where, when?

MASTER

If only he would leave! He lives with me and doesn't pay a penny!

D'ARTAGNAN

But he had money!

MASTER

Perhaps there were! But the day after he stopped by, two men were staying here, seemingly noblemen, but such rogues! They were playing landsknecht with Monsieur Porthos. The next day they left, even taking Monsieur Porthos's horse. He saw this and didn't object.

D'ARTAGNAN

Lost! What about you?

MASTER

The next day I asked Mr. Porthos about paying the bills.

D'ARTAGNAN

And you survived, for which I congratulate you. It's dangerous to ask Mr. Porthos such questions when he's so broke!

MASTER

I run very quickly and deftly avoid plates and pans, otherwise I wouldn’t be alive.

D'ARTAGNAN

Well, I will pay his debts and take him away from you.

MASTER

May God reward you for your kindness, monsignor!


SCENE FIVE

(There, the same ones, d'Artagnan knocks on the door of Porthos's room)

D'ARTAGNAN

Porthos, open up!

(A strong blow to the door from the inside)

MASTER

Threw a clay pot at the door.

(Meanwhile, outside visitors pay and leave)

D'ARTAGNAN

It's me - d'Artagnan!

THE VOICE OF PORTHOS

D'Artagnan? Indeed, it's his voice. Musketon, look, is it true?

(The door opens and Musketon looks out)

BLUNDERBUSS

Yes, this is Monsieur d'Artagnan.

THE VOICE OF PORTHOS

Why didn't you say right away that it was d'Artagnan, you idiot!

(Porthos comes out)

D'Artagnan! I'm damn glad to see you! Come in. Just be warned, the owner here has lousy wine and disgusting food!

D'ARTAGNAN

He's playing a trick on you. Now he'll bring you some excellent wine and roast suckling pig with horseradish, cheesecakes, honey, and nuts.

(He makes signs to the owner, the owner nods and immediately runs off to bring the order)

PORTOS

And let him bring foie gras pate with truffles.

D'ARTAGNAN

Come on out! It's stuffy in there. Let's eat here. It's quiet here, the customers have gone away.

(Porthos comes out and is about to hug d'Artagnan, d'Artagnan politely declines and Porthos gently pats him on the back)

PORTOS

I constantly forget to measure the strength of my hugs when I'm so happy.

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, I remember. Well, how is your wound, Porthos?

PORTOS

A wound? Oh, yes, a wound. I simply hit my head on the window frame. Damn tavern! Such low windows! I think I broke a couple of the scoundrels' jaws with my fist, sent one to sleep under the table with a blow from my palm, the rest ran away. I meant to throw the last one out the window, but I didn't notice how low the window beam was. I hit myself, and I still have a bump, I think.

D'ARTAGNAN

You seem to have left quite a dent in the window, too. Honestly, if a bull had crashed head-on into it, the dent wouldn't have been any bigger.

PORTOS

Why, I've knocked down bulls with a blow of my fist. (Looks out the window). No, just look at these horses! These are simply wonderful, what horses! I'll never buy one like that. I'd like to see the young man who owns them!

D'ARTAGNAN

One of them is in front of you, the other one you can see in the mirror, and we will have to ride to Amiens to get the other two owners of these horses.

PORTOS

A thousand devils! Are these really your horses?

D'ARTAGNAN

Ours, Porthos, ours. After all, one of them is yours.

PORTOS

And the saddles that are hanging on the fence nearby - are they an accessory to them?

D'ARTAGNAN

Saddles, saddlebags, and pistols come with the horses, and one of them is yours too.

PORTOS

Yes, they cost as much as this whole damn tavern!

D'ARTAGNAN

A little more.

PORTOS

And now we're going to see them in Amiens?

D'ARTAGNAN

First, we'll eat and drink the best the host has to offer, and then we'll head to Amiens. But on the way, we'll stop in Crevecoeur-sur-l'Escaut.

PORTOS

Do you have money?

D'ARTAGNAN

If I'm not mistaken, you had enough money with you for the trip to London and back.

PORTOS

Money doesn't stay with me, that's true. I'll probably never be rich.

D'ARTAGNAN

If you don't stop playing, your prophecy will certainly come true.

PORTOS

Damn it, I'm so scared. How was I supposed to know those two were professional crooks?

D'ARTAGNAN

And you don't sit down at a gambling table with strangers.

PORTOS

What a joy it is to beat a friend! It's just disappointing. And it's shameful to fleece a kindred spirit. And if you lose, you'll put him in exactly the same position!

D'ARTAGNAN

That's why I say, quit the game.

PORTOS

What other way can you have fun? Like, if it were a military campaign…

D'ARTAGNAN

It's just around the corner.

PORTOS

Why is the master so slow? Master! Bring food and wine quickly! And don't forget to feed my servant and my friend's servant!

MASTER

I'm running, I'm bringing it! Who knew that your friend was the Duke?

PORTOS

(Quietly to d'Artagnan)

Does he think you're a duke?

D'ARTAGNAN

He looked at the horses.

PORTOS

The horses, by God, are beautiful! Where did you buy them?

D'ARTAGNAN

They fell on us from the sky.

PORTOS

From the sky? Where are their wings?

D'ARTAGNAN

When you ride your horse, you will realize that with legs like those, they don't need wings at all.

SCENE SIX

(Inn in Crevecoeur-sur-l'Escaut. Aramis and two Jesuits: Jacques de Porcu and Father Benedict)

JACQUES DE PORCUS

Gentlemen, I am so happy to have a theological conversation with you! It is so refreshing!

ARAMIS

I can say the same.

FATHER BENEDICT

The Lord should never be forgotten, and it's never a bad idea to remember Him. But God and theology are far from the same thing. So those who don't think anything about theology would be better off refraining from commenting on the matter.

ARAMIS

(Quietly, to Father Benedict)

Jacques de Porcu is delighted with Latin, of which he does not understand a word!

(Loudly, addressing de Porcu)

Didn't you just recently use this wonderful saying? Wait a minute, I think it sounds like this: "Noli te nitidior videri quam tu videri, sed timere aliis doctior videri."

JACQUES DE PORCUS

How wisely said!

(Writes something down)

ARAMIS

Isn't it? Very wise! After all, it seems to come from Seneca?

FATHER BENEDICT

If you have trouble translating, I'll translate for you. A friend of ours said, "Don't be afraid to appear more professional than you appear, but be afraid to appear more educated than others."

JACQUES DE PORCUS

Thank you, Father Benedict. You know, I used to study Latin. But your translation is amazingly accurate! And so succinct! Superb!

ARAMIS

And how significant it is that you liked this particular phrase!

JACQUES DE PORCUS

You know, I'm crazy about Latin.

ARAMIS

Stulti linguam Latinam magis amant quam asini daucos.

JACQUES DE PORCUS

Excellent! And how accurate! Who said that?

(Writes something down again)

ARAMIS

One philosopher. Named Erbleus.

JACQUES DE PORCUS

Erbleus? Of course, of course! I've read several of his books!

(He wrote something down in a notebook)

ARAMIS

What are you saying!

(Quietly to Father Benedict)

I didn't even know that I had written several books in Latin!

FATHER BENEDICT

And how would you, dear Jacques de Porcu, translate this expression?

JACQUES DE PORCUS

Who am I to translate the famous Herbleus's lofty style into French? You do it!
 
ARAMIS

I also find it difficult to translate this literally. It's saying that a certain kind of person has a particular love for Latin.

FATHER BENEDICT

Let me try. He said, "Idiots love Latin more than donkeys love carrots."

JACQUES DE PORCUS

How accurate!

FATHER BENEDICT

But I would add the following to this. "Potius quam stultos ludibrio habere, melius est eos tamquam oboedientes executores voluntatis Domini uti."

ARAMIS

"Rather than ridicule fools, it's better to use them as obedient executors of God's will." You are exceedingly wise, Father Benedict. Forgive my foolishness.

FATHER BENEDICT

(To Aramis)

I have read your notes on the hierarchy of the Order and the ranking of goals and priorities on the path of ascetic activity. You are still ignorant in many ways, and in some you are deeply mistaken, but your notes contain more useful ideas than errors and inaccuracies. Come join us in the bosom of the Jesuit Order. You know how to find me. I see great potential in you. The Order needs you, and the Order needs you.

ARAMIS

Thank you, Father Benedict. I will certainly accept your invitation. But at the moment, I'm more of a musketeer than an abbot.

FATHER BENEDICT

Our Order is made up of people from a wide variety of professions. Military service does not interfere with service to the Order. Remember that the spiritual mentors of the King, Queen, Dauphin, and Princes are all Jesuits, members of our Order. The Grand Cardinal himself is one, too. But our Order has a different hierarchy, distinct from the secular one. Among us, the high can become low, and the low can become high. We value people not by birth or position, but by their deeds and abilities, as well as by their zeal in serving the Lord.

ARAMIS

(To myself)

Very interesting!

(Aloud)

In that case we'll see each other very soon.

FATHER BENEDICT

See you later, gentlemen.

(Leaves)


SCENE SEVEN

(Ibid., Aramis and Jacques de Porcu)

JACQUES DE PORCUS

How much wisdom I heard today! So much absolutely true and accurate knowledge! It was as if I had heard the voice of the Lord!

(D'Artagnan enters through the doors at the back of the stage, unnoticed by those present)

ARAMIS

Inter caecos luscus rex.

JACQUES DE PORCUS

And this is also very true! Keep going, keep going!

D'ARTAGNAN

He said, "Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king." Even I know that.

ARAMIS

D'Artagnan! How glad I am to see you! Do you know Latin?

D'ARTAGNAN

At the level of proverbs that can be heard from any priest – yes.

JACQUES DE PORCUS

Another Latin scholar! What a lucky day!

(Enter Porthos)

D'ARTAGNAN

Et ecce gigas noster!

PORTOS

Yes, that's right, here's your giant!

ARAMIS

And you, Porthos, know Latin?

PORTOS

Latin? What the hell do I need Latin for? I don't even think about knowing it. But I know Italian.

ARAMIS

It really is much more useful! I'm so glad to see you, friends!

D'ARTAGNAN

So why didn't you go back to Paris and look for us?

ARAMIS

By God, I was going to as soon as my wound healed.

D'ARTAGNAN

Has it dragged on?

ARAMIS

It's dragged on! Everything's dragged on! My injury, my stay in this hellhole! And our parting too! Let's celebrate our reunion!

D'ARTAGNAN

We'll definitely celebrate, and then immediately set off for Athos. I pray to God that all will be well with him, as with you! If we lost him, I'll never forgive myself.

ARAMIS

Athos is under a spell. You've probably noticed that he seems to be deliberately striving for death, while death seems to be deliberately eluding him.

D'ARTAGNAN

If he doesn't give up this desire, then we are bad friends.

ARAMIS

You're right, we need to restore his will to live. We'll do that immediately.

PORTOS

Did you mean right after lunch? We haven't stopped since Chantilly! I'm so hungry I could eat a saddle!

ARAMIS

In that case, let's order a saddle!

PORTOS

Are you kidding?

ARAMIS

Not at all. Master!

(The owner appears)

Saddle of lamb! And Angevin.

PORTOS

Well, that's a different matter.

(The owner nods and leaves)

JACQUES DE PORCUS

Forgive me, gentlemen, for not joining you for your meal. I have to go to the sermon.

(They say goodbye, Jacques de Porcu leaves)

ARAMIS

I bet he'll throw in a few more brand new Latin words into his sermon today that he doesn't understand but has written down and memorized.

D'ARTAGNAN

Well, there won't be much harm in that, because his listeners won't understand a thing from his nonsense!

ARAMIS

You're right, d'Artagnan. That's the only way a sermon should be! The preacher should speak confidently, incomprehensibly, but convincingly. After all, the word of the Lord doesn't require understanding. It should only be revered. As the preacher, Jacques de Porcus, demonstrates in his own person. So let the one-eyed preach to the blind and lead them along a path unknown to himself. Religion is good in that it occupies citizens' time and distracts them from civil war.

D'ARTAGNAN

But here in France, this is precisely what leads to civil wars!

ARAMIS

You're mistaken, d'Artagnan! Wars aren't caused by religious differences, but by the struggle for power and territory. Or at least for large properties. And religious differences are the dice thrown into the crowd by those who drag it into these wars for their own ends. See for yourself how easily those who lead this or that group of religious fanatics change their religious views. The glorious King Henry IV converted from one religion to another and back again no less than four times.

PORTOS

To hell with Catholics and Huguenots! Aramis, look at the horses we arrived on!

ARAMIS

Have you changed horses?

(Looking out the window)

Yes, these are some fine horses! And the saddles are great! Let me take a look.

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, one of the four, along with the saddle, is now yours.

ARAMIS

Really? Did the Queen really give them to you? It's not very careful of her. It's dangerous for her!

D'ARTAGNAN

The Queen had nothing to do with this. It was a gift from Buckingham!

ARAMIS

In that case it is dangerous for us.

PORTOS

We will sell them in Amiens.

D'ARTAGNAN

Sell? Such horses? Are you crazy, gentlemen?

ARAMIS

Listen, d'Artagnan. A horse must be a match for its master. Porthos, you haven't told him?

PORTOS

I put this off until last. I really wanted to ride on these horses.

D'ARTAGNAN

Just explain to me what the hell is going on here!

ARAMIS

It seems to me that only Athos could ride such horses, but not in Paris.

PORTOS

Why Athos?

ARAMIS

Because he's not who he claims to be. It's clear he's from a noble family. Haven't you noticed?

PORTOS

Ah, so that's what it is? That's what I was seeing...

D'ARTAGNAN

How the hell could you know about this?

ARAMIS

There are many small signs.

D'ARTAGNAN

Then let's ask him! Won't he tell us the truth?

ARAMIS

If a noble person decided to hide his origins and pretend to be a simple musketeer, then he has his reasons for doing so.

PORTOS

Yes, damn it! And I'd much rather see him as a simple comrade-in-arms than suspect some prince or duke! Let everything remain as is until he himself decides the time has come to reveal the truth.

D'ARTAGNAN

Fine, so be it, Athos—a duke, a peer, a prince, a secret king, or something of the sort! Haroun al-Rashid, disguised as a commoner! But why can't we ride such horses, while he can?

ARAMIS

If you, d'Artagnan, had donned the costume of a general or a marshal, do you think you could have gotten away with it?

D'ARTAGNAN

But they are just horses!

ARAMIS

These are our horses—just horses. But these are purebred pacers! Each one of them costs as much as twenty ordinary horses. If not more. He gallops so fast that if you placed a cradle with a sleeping baby on his saddle, the baby wouldn't wake up or squeak.

D'ARTAGNAN

What's wrong with that?

PORTOS

D'Artagnan, only Kings, Princes and other grandees – dukes and peers – ride horses like these.

ARAMIS

Or at least the marshals of France.

PORTOS

When one of Henry IV's pageboys took it into his head to ride a pacer, the good King, in his mercy, merely ordered him to be flogged. Everyone decided the King was quite fond of the page, as he deserved something even worse.

ARAMIS

How would you answer, for example, the question of where you got these horses?

D'ARTAGNAN

I'll tell you the truth!

ARAMIS

So you admit that you went to London for the Queen's pendants and received horses as a gift from the Duke of Buckingham?

PORTOS

From the second man in power in a state that is about to declare war on France!

ARAMIS

It is tantamount to admitting that you are a bribed English spy.

PORTOS

And also that you went to London as the Queen's personal secret ambassador.

D'ARTAGNAN

Porthos, did this immediately occur to you as soon as you saw these horses?

PORTOS

Not right away. But in five minutes.

D'ARTAGNAN

Why didn't you tell me anything about this?

PORTOS

Here, far from Paris, no one will question us about these horses. We're just passing through; to all the locals, we're high-ranking servants of the King, passing through on business. They won't bother us. But how could I deny myself the pleasure of riding such wonderful horses? Besides, the journey to Amiens isn't short.

ARAMIS

Porthos is right. We can afford to ride these horses to Amiens, after which we'll dispose of them. If we can't sell them, Porthos will gamble them away. Preferably to foreigners.

PORTOS

I can handle this.

ARAMIS

But it would be better to turn them into money. After all, we'll need horses for the return trip. Only ordinary horses. Preferably gray ones. The kind the musketeers of the first company ride.

PORTOS

D'Artagnan, I promise you, we will choose the finest horses, the ones that won't attract attention. They will be the envy of everyone, but they won't send us to the Bastille for accepting gifts from France's enemies.

D'ARTAGNAN

Friends, forgive me for almost letting us all down! I'm a fool!

ARAMIS

You're simply a little younger than us and have very little knowledge of Parisian customs or the Louvre courtyard. That fades with age.

PORTOS

I bet that with time you will understand these issues better than all of us!

D'ARTAGNAN

So what? Shall we take a final ride on Buckingham's gifts?

ARAMIS

Don’t even hope… Don’t even hope that I will deny myself this pleasure!

PORTOS

Ah, glorious horses!

D'ARTAGNAN

What about saddles?

ARAMIS

Don't worry about that! The saddles will stay with us.

PORTOS

There are no restrictions regarding saddles.

D'ARTAGNAN

And the pistols! Gentlemen, what pistols! A miracle, simply a miracle!

ARAMIS

A good weapon is never too much for a musketeer.

SCENE EIGHT

(An inn in Amiens. The innkeeper and his servant enter. D'Artagnan, Porthos, and Aramis enter. Porthos and Aramis sit down at the table. D'Artagnan approaches the innkeeper's counter.)

D'ARTAGNAN

Master, do you recognize me?

innkeeper

(Without looking at d'Artagnan)

I'm bad at remembering faces. And I don't need to be.

D'ARTAGNAN

Ah, is that so? And you haven't complained about your memory, you scoundrel? So tell me, what did you do to the nobleman whom you, scoundrel, dared to accuse of paying you with counterfeit money?

innkeeper

(Scared)

By God, it's not my fault! I was forced! How could I resist four armed Cardinal Guards?

D'ARTAGNAN

You're lying, you scoundrel! There were no guards!

innkeeper

They changed into ordinary traveling clothes, but they were guards. They came and forced me to raise a fuss, to accuse you of paying with counterfeit money. Otherwise, they would have stolen all my wine! They would have ruined me!

D'ARTAGNAN

And you deserve it for accusing honest people of cheating, when you're a crook yourself, and there's no room for reproach! Well, we won't break any wine bottles. We'll just set your inn on fire. How do you like that?

innkeeper

Don't destroy me, my lord! It's not my fault! Think about how I'll live if you burn all my property?

D'ARTAGNAN

You will join the infantry and atone for your crime with blood, or you will go to a monastery to atone for your sins.

innkeeper

What crime? I only detained your comrade for a few minutes, while he...

D'ARTAGNAN

You did this so that those four could attack the two of us!

innkeeper

But you were saved, and he...

D'ARTAGNAN

What about him? Tell me, what happened to him?

innkeeper

What could happen to him? You wounded two of them, and after he shouted at you to leave without waiting for him, he fought like a lion, and if his sword hadn't broken, he would have killed them all.

D'ARTAGNAN

So, scoundrel, your memory has returned! You say his sword broke? What next?

innkeeper

Do you see this door? It leads to my cellar. Such a wonderful cellar! Full of wine and smoked meats! All my supplies! They kept my business going! And now!

D'ARTAGNAN

What now?

innkeeper

Now your friend's sitting there, locked in! He won't let anyone in! He demanded that his servant be allowed in. He threatened to spill all my wine on the floor otherwise! And now the two of them are holed up there, destroying my wine and sausage supplies!

D'ARTAGNAN

Serves you right, you scoundrel! You won't slander honest and decent people again. His Majesty the King's musketeers, by the way!

innkeeper

For God's sake, get rid of these uninvited guests! Another week of this hell, and I'm completely ruined!

D'ARTAGNAN

If everything you said is true, I will pay your losses, but if even one hair falls from Athos's head, we will set fire to your inn from four sides.

(Turns to Aramis and Porthos)

Looks like we're in luck! Athos is here and, I hope, safe!

(To the innkeeper)

Open the cellar, you scoundrel!

innkeeper

If only I could! It's locked not from the outside, but from the inside.

D'ARTAGNAN

Idiot! Who makes the bolts on the inner cellar doors?

innkeeper

There's no bolt. The door opens inward, and he's propped it open with something. Probably first with a wine ladle, and then with a barrel or two! So your friend barricaded himself in there!

D'ARTAGNAN

Let's check!

(He goes to the door and shouts there)

Athos! It's d'Artagnan! Open up, your friends are here!

THE VOICE OF ATHOS

Really d'Artagnan? How glad I am to see you, d'Artagnan! I mean, how glad I am to hear from you!

D'ARTAGNAN

Open up!

THE VOICE OF ATHOS

Perhaps we should open it! It's you, d'Artagnan, isn't it? Okay, right now. Hey, Grimaud! Move it. Move those three barrels.

(There is some kind of fuss, the sound of a body falling)

THE VOICE OF ATHOS

It's not working, d'Artagnan. That scoundrel Grimaud is drunk and can't stand up straight! How can he move three thirty-bucket barrels? Even with my help, he can't do it. And I'm not going to help him.

D'ARTAGNAN

Why?

innkeeper

My God! My best wine!

ATOS

Helping a servant do his job just because he can't do it himself due to drunkenness is encouraging him to drink. But I care about my servant's upbringing. I'll make a man out of him, and I won't let him turn into a pig. Besides, Grimaud, I think, isn't even standing on his own two feet.

D'ARTAGNAN

And how long are you planning to stay there?

ATOS

Until we drink all three of these barrels. Then things will get going. You know, d'Artagnan, I've noticed that empty barrels are much easier to move than full ones.

innkeeper

My best wine! All three barrels! If he drinks them, I'm ruined!

PORTOS

Athos, why don't you try moving the barrels yourself? You're not drunk, are you?

THE VOICE OF ATHOS

What makes you think that? There are no other entertainments here except wine, hams, lard, and sausages!

ARAMIS

Or maybe it makes sense to knock out the corks and pour the wine on the floor?

TAVERNER

For God's sake, have mercy! Don't ruin me!

PORTOS

Pouring wine on the floor! You're kidding!

(Loud)

Athos! Is the wine at least good?

THE VOICE OF ATHOS

Excellent Burgundy! I recommend it!

PORTOS

Well, we'll try to open the doors now. Step aside.

(He runs up and pushes the cellar doors, the doors fly off their hinges, and the rumble of barrels rolling away can be heard)

That's all there is to it! Come in!

MASTER

Saved! Thank God!

PORTOS

(From the cellar)

Master! Bring a bigger ladle. I'll try.

D'ARTAGNAN

Better get out, Porthos, and take Athos out. There's no point in you dining in the dark and alone. Let's eat and drink here, in the light.

PORTOS

Indeed!

(Coming out of the cellar and almost carrying Athos, whose arm he threw over his shoulder)

He's completely unsteady. It must be strong wine. You're right, d'Artagnan, it's better to drink it here, outside. There, you know, it smells of more than just wine. A very strange aroma.

ATOS

D'Artagnan, tell Planchet and Mousqueton to drag poor Grimaud out into the open air. He's completely exhausted from the tasting. The poor fellow tried so hard to put together a wine list for me that he sampled the entire range of local spirits. I think he even tried vinegar and cognac.

D'ARTAGNAN

Master, food and wine for us and our servants. And for Master Athos and his servant, prepare a room with two bunks, take their clothes to the wash, and when they wake up, I think in about ten hours, give them warm water to wash and something light to eat. Rusks, plenty of salted cabbage, pickled cucumbers, pickled saffron milk caps, and strong tea.

ATOS

All this later, but now - out into the fresh air.

(Walks towards the door and falls to the floor)

D'ARTAGNAN

Master, do as I say. Fresh air won't escape him. Starting tomorrow, I'll provide him with enough fresh air, from here to Paris, to last him a week. Prepare rooms for us and our servants, too. I'll pay in advance.

(Throws wallet on the bar counter)

innkeeper

I will do everything in the best possible way, Monsignor!

D'ARTAGNAN

(Quietly to Aramis)

Why does this one also call me Monsignor?

ARAMIS

(Quietly in response)

Now do you see that it is high time we got rid of Buckingham's horses?

PORTOS

Master, I noticed you have some smoked eels there. Bring them here too!


SCENE NINE

(There, the next morning, Athos and d'Artagnan)

ATOS

I understand your disappointment, d'Artagnan, but believe me, Aramis and Porthos are absolutely right. Your wonderful horses must be disposed of. Trust Aramis and Porthos. Aramis will sell them for an excellent price, and Porthos will select the finest horses available in France. And Buckingham's horses are fit for annual competitions. They would have won prizes at Chester and even Newmarket. I, too, was once a keen racer. But that's all in the past.

D'ARTAGNAN

You haven't even tried to ride any of them.

ATOS

There's no point in returning to something that can't be returned to. But you seem deeply upset about something, and I don't think it's the loss of prestigious horses.

D'ARTAGNAN

I won't hide it from you, Athos. I have a great misfortune. I have lost her. My Constance.

ATOS

Have you lost at love? Lucky you! Always lose at this dangerous game, that's my advice. It's far better to not get what you want than to get it and be bitterly disappointed.

D'ARTAGNAN

You misunderstood me, Athos. She didn't leave for another, she died. She was murdered.

ATOS

Well, that's sad. Please accept my deepest condolences. But on the other hand, your love for her will remain with you—bright, pure, untainted. If the loss didn't kill you, then the unfulfilled dream will keep you alive. Whereas bitter disappointment sometimes kills.

D'ARTAGNAN

Her poisoner is alive. I must settle accounts with her.

ATOS

Leave it alone, dear d'Artagnan. It's not fitting for a man to interfere in women's squabbles. We'll never understand them. Women eliminate their rivals in their own way, not with duels, but with poison. What can you do? They're not meant to wield bladed weapons! You must admit that when men fight with swords for a woman, there's something noble about it, for they're trusting in fate, that is, entrusting the decision to God. But poison, treacherously poured into a goblet... And perhaps even offered to a rival with words of comfort and hope... It's so vile. But what can you do if a woman and a blade are incompatible.

D'ARTAGNAN

The woman who poisoned her was quite skilled with a dagger. She nearly killed me myself.

ATOS

Did you fight with the lady?


D'ARTAGNAN

I defended my life and my love.

ATOS

That's a different matter. But were you really so careless that you almost got yourself killed?


D'ARTAGNAN

I tell you, she was very cunning. I had no idea she had a dagger! Not every lady hides a dagger or a stiletto in the folds of her dress!

ATOS

What else can you find under another beauty's dress? D'Artagnan, I assure you that a dagger is neither the most surprising nor the most terrible thing.


D'ARTAGNAN

I agree with you. Because under this lady's dress... On her shoulder...

ATOS

On her shoulder?

D'ARTAGNAN

You know, she looked like a true noblewoman, a noble lady! And yet, there was a brand in the shape of a lily on her shoulder.

ATOS

(He jumped up abruptly, knocking over the goblet of wine with his hand)

A lily brand? On the shoulder? On the left shoulder?

D'ARTAGNAN

How do you know?

ATOS

Speak up! Is there a lily-shaped mark on the left shoulder? Like this?

(Draws a sign on the table with a dagger)


D'ARTAGNAN

Exactly like this. You drew it so accurately, as if you'd seen it many times!

ATOS

That's how it was, d'Artagnan, that's how it was. And I couldn't even count how many times I drew him afterward... I saw him in my dreams at night, I drew him and erased him, then drew him again. I would like to forget him, but... It's impossible.

D'ARTAGNAN

So, you've met someone?.. The same brand? On whom?

ATOS

On whom, you say? So you're asking, on whom did I see such a brand? I would tell you that the one I saw it on is already dead, but... I thought I was crazy! Or that I was drunk! You know, d'Artagnan, I saw her just recently! And where? Here! In this very inn! After all, in this cellar there are small vents, half a brick thick. I went to one of them for a breath of fresh air. And then I saw her... I recognized her. I would have recognized her among a million other women!

D'ARTAGNAN

But how could you see her mark?

ATOS

A brand, you say? I didn't need to look at her brand. I had seen it long before. I recognized her gait, her figure, her voice, and finally, her face. I saw her, and it was undoubtedly she!

D'ARTAGNAN

Who the hell is she?

ATOS

She? Forgive me, you know nothing. She... When I say "She," it means... She... The Countess de la F;re...

D'ARTAGNAN

Countess de la Fere? There is such a countess?

ATOS

Yes, d'Artagnan, yes. Alas, there is such a countess. My wife...

D'ARTAGNAN

Your wife?

ATOS

You didn't think Athos was my family name, did you? Yes, my friend, I am the Comte de La F;re, and this woman is Anne-Charlotte de La F;re, n;e Anne-Charlotte de Beyle. But not only that. She had many names.

D'ARTAGNAN

But the one who poisoned Constance seems to have been English. The guards called her "Milady." And Count Rochefort called her exactly the same.

ATOS

Englishwoman! Another clue that it's her. Tell me, does she have moles here and here?

(Shows at the temple and on the neck)


D'ARTAGNAN

Hell yeah!

ATOS

So, Hell didn't accept her. Hell resurrected her for new crimes...

D'ARTAGNAN

I can't believe it! Your wife!..

ATOS

This woman is very dangerous, my friend. It seems you have angered her greatly. She took revenge on you by killing your beloved, but it will not end there.

D'ARTAGNAN

So, does that mean she'll try to kill me? That's fine with me, because then I have a better chance of finding her.

ATOS

Do you want to look at her from the coffin?

D'ARTAGNAN

I want to see her in a coffin!

ATOS

Commendable zeal, my friend. I wish I could do the same. But it seems Satan himself is on her side. After all, I already killed her once.

D'ARTAGNAN

Did you kill your wife?

ATOS

I executed the monster. And I don't understand how she escaped. But it was definitely her. All the signs match.

D'ARTAGNAN

Did you know that she is in Cardinal Richelieu's secret service, just like the Count de Rochefort? And the Cardinal's guards obey her orders. At least when she carries out his instructions.

ATOS

So you think,

that she dealt with Madame Bonacieux and tried to kill you on the Cardinal's orders?

D'ARTAGNAN

She let it slip that she had kidnapped Constance to lure all four of us into a trap.

ATOS

So the cardinal wants to punish us for the way our trip to London messed up his plans? And even though not all of us made it, he's well aware that we were working together. I suspect the cardinal's agents are already looking for us.

D'ARTAGNAN

I don't care about the agents! If they try to arrest us, I'll show them this!

(Pulls out a patent with the cardinal's signature)

ATOS

What is this?

(Reads)

Where did you get this?

D'ARTAGNAN

Your wife! After she ordered four guards to kill me, but I managed to get out of that situation, I took the liberty of searching her and relieved her of that document.

ATOS

If the cardinal gave her such an open document, I can only imagine the trust he places in her! Our situation is getting more and more interesting!

D'ARTAGNAN

We will get out of this situation!

ATOS

Of course, d'Artagnan! Now I have a purpose, so I won't give up my life so easily! And especially not yours! We must find her before she finds us.

D'ARTAGNAN

Where are we going to look for her?

ATOS

You said she's working with Count Rochefort. And on the Cardinal's orders. Therefore, sooner or later she'll show up where they hang out. We'll keep an eye on Rochefort and the Cardinal.

D'ARTAGNAN

It won't be hard to keep an eye on Rochefort. He won't recover anytime soon after his duel with me.

ATOS

Did you have a duel with him?

D'ARTAGNAN

And we've almost made peace. He stole one document from me, and I took another in return, the one I needed to sail to England. So we're practically even. And I'm glad I didn't kill him. After all, it gives us a chance to track down my lady.



SCENE TEN

(There, Athos and d'Artagnan, the door opens and Lord Winter enters)

WINTER

Master, oats for my horse and beer and brisket for me.

D'ARTAGNAN

Bah! Why, it's Lord Winter!

WINTER

Ah, is that you? The same Frenchman who came to see the Duke of Buckingham?

D'ARTAGNAN

I see you recognize me too! Nice to meet you! And this is Athos, my comrade, His Majesty's musketeer.

WINTER

Very nice.

ATOS

Me too, Lord Winter.

D'ARTAGNAN

What brought you to this remote place in France?

WINTER

I'm stalking my sister-in-law.

ATOS

A more than strange occupation for an English lord.

WINTER

I am stalking her in order to kill her.

ATOS

Ah, well that's a different matter. I wish you success.

WINTER

Don't laugh! She's a terrible woman. She destroyed the Duke of Buckingham!


D'ARTAGNAN

Buckingham killed?!

WINTER

Unfortunately, yes! Lieutenant Felton stabbed him, but she's the one to blame. She tricked him into committing this atrocity. She's a very dangerous woman, Lady Anne-Charlotte Winter.

ATOS

Anna-Charlotte? Did you say Anna-Charlotte?

WINTER

Do you know her?

ATOS

I know a lady with that name, and she's quite dangerous.

D'ARTAGNAN

Tell me, she is a blonde, isn't she?

WINTER

(With surprise)

Yes.

ATOS

And she has moles here and here?

(Points to the neck and temple)

WINTER

So you know her!

ATOS

And you're following her trail, you say?

WINTER

Exactly. I'm carrying the dagger that killed the Duke of Buckingham, so I can plunge it into her heart.

ATOS

Well, that means we're going the same way...

WINTER

Do you want to find her too?

ATOS

Yes, and for exactly the same purposes. If the noose didn't take her, then perhaps the dagger will finally send her to Hell.


SCENE ELEVEN

(There, the same ones. The doors open, Porthos and Aramis enter)

ARAMIS

Horses sold at a great price!

PORTOS

And our horses have been bought, excellent horses! The servants will have horses no worse than the masters'. This is the best way to travel quickly.

ATOS

Meet Lord Winter, Aramis, and Porthos. Porthos, Aramis—Lord Winter.

WINTER

Nice to meet you. But I don't understand anything. Are you in the horse resale business?

ATOS

Forced exchange to optimize a long transition.

PORTOS

Yes, we got rid of the bad horses and replaced them with better ones.

ARAMIS

Exactly so, my lord.

ATOS

We will go further together, because we have one common goal.

ARAMIS

Excuse me, Athos, but what is our goal?

D'ARTAGNAN

Justice.

ARAMIS

Ah, d'Artagnan! I could understand if you were chasing the unattainable! But you seem intent on finding something that doesn't exist!

ATOS

D'Artagnan didn't express himself quite clearly. Our goal is retribution.

ARAMIS

Now that's a very clear goal. I'm with you!

PORTOS

You didn't even have to ask me. One for all!

ATOS, ARAMIS, D'ARTAGNAN

All for one!

SCENE TWELVE

(The forester's hut, Milady is sitting at the table, writing something, the door opens, Athos enters)
MILADY

Who are you!? What do you want?!

ATOS

I need Charlotte Munier, Charlotte Buckson, Anne de Beyle, Countess de La Fere, Lady Winter, Baroness Sheffield.

MILADY

Is that you?! Count de la Fere!

ATOS

Alas, madam, it is I.

MILADY

I died...

ATOS

This happened much earlier.

(Milady rushes to the window, but it is locked with shutters)

ATOS

All the windows are shuttered from the outside, as you can see.

MILADY

What do you need?

ATOS

The time has come to answer for all your crimes.

MILADY

Have you come to kill me again?

ATOS

I am not the lord of this land. A trial will be held here according to all the rules. Come in, friends.

(The door opens, and d'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos, Lord Winter, a judge in a judge's robe and wig, a man in civilian clothes, and a masked executioner enter.)

MILADY

Executioner? Why did you bring the executioner?

ATOS

Just in case, madam. Your Honor, proceed.

JUDGE

But I don't understand why you brought me here. You said you'd explain it on the spot.

ATOS

You read the paper I showed you, right?

JUDGE

Yes, of course. It stated that the bearer of this document had done what he did for the good of France and at the behest of Cardinal Richelieu. It bore his signature and seal.

ATOS

Absolutely right. You can review this document again.

JUDGE

This is unnecessary. I'm just asking what I should do?

ATOS

Mr. de Chardin, you are the judge of this district. You must hear the charges and also hear the lawyer we have hired to defend this woman, Mr. de B;rully.

JUDGE

In that case, I would like to sit at the table.

ATOS

Please, your honor.

(The judge sits down)

MILADY

This is ridiculous. This is some kind of circus! I'm dreaming all of this! God, I want to wake up.

ATOS

Calm down, madam, you can justify yourself if you have something to say in your defense.

JUDGE

Gentlemen, since you have invited me to conduct the trial, allow me to conduct the case myself. So, who is the prosecutor?

ATOS

Before God and people I accuse this woman of...

MILADY

Shut up! You've already punished me for this once!

JUDGE

You say he punished you? How?

MILADY

Imagine, he hanged me!

JUDGE

This is true?

ATOS

The very truth, Mr. Judge.

JUDGE

Why is she alive?

ATOS

I would like to know this myself.

MILADY

The rope broke.

JUDGE

Well, that happens. It means she got her punishment. Punishing someone twice for the same thing is illegal.

ATOS

But you don't know what crimes these were.

JUDGE

It doesn't matter. Repeat punishment is excluded.

(He takes a wooden board out of his pocket and knocks it on the table)

Will there be any more prosecution witnesses? Did this lady commit any other crimes?

EXECUTIONER

Before God and people, I accuse this woman of being guilty of my brother's death.

MILADY

He's lying! Besides, I've already been punished for it!

JUDGE

(Sternly, he asks the executioner)

Is she telling the truth? Has she already been punished?

EXECUTIONER

Branded, your honor.

JUDGE

As I have already said, a repeat offence for which the perpetrator has been punished cannot be tried.

(Hits the hammer on the table)

Is that all?

WINTER

Before God and man I accuse this woman of being guilty of the death of the Duke of Buckingham.

JUDGE

Defender, what do you say?

DEFENDER

Your Honor, it is common knowledge that the Duke of Buckingham was killed by a certain Lieutenant Felton.

WINTER

It was she who seduced Felton and placed the dagger in his hands. She is guilty of this death.

DEFENDER

Your Honor, I emphasize that this woman did not kill the named man, and besides, he is English.

JUDGE

Madam, can you add anything to this?

MILADY

Buckingham is the head of the enemy army. I acted in the interests of France and on the instructions of the Prime Minister.

JUDGE

Not subject to punishment.

(Hits the hammer on the table)

What else?

ATOS

Before God and man I accuse this woman of having twice attempted to kill the Chevalier d'Artagnan, who is present here, and of having once tried to kill the three of us by sending us poisoned wine.

JUDGE

Why are you alive then?

ATOS

Her assassination attempts failed. But another innocent man died from poisoned wine.

JUDGE

Mr. Defender, the floor is yours.

DEFENDER

Your Honor, under French law, a charge of premeditated murder requires three facts: malicious intent, proof of murder, and the death of the victim. In this case, this lady's intended victims are alive and standing before us. The accidental victim, the man mentioned by this gentleman who drank the poisoned wine, died accidentally. Clearly, this lady had no intention of killing him. There was no malicious intent against this man. Therefore, under French law, she cannot be charged.

JUDGE

It's true, gentlemen. The charges are dropped.

(Hits the hammer on the table)

Is that all?

D'ARTAGNAN

Wait! Before God and man, I accuse this woman of poisoning Madame Constance Bonacieux.

JUDGE

Who are the witnesses?

D'ARTAGNAN

I am a witness, your honor.

JUDGE

One witness is not enough.

D'ARTAGNAN

I took the trouble to obtain testimony from the abbess of the B;thune monastery. The fact of poisoning has been established; the goblet was proven to be poisoned. Two nuns testified that they saw the woman pour water into the goblet herself, then drop something into it and give it to Madame Bonacieux to drink from. The goblet had been thoroughly washed beforehand. The water in the decanter from which she filled the goblet has been tested; it is pure and harmless.

JUDGE

Give me this document here.

(D'Artagnan gives the document, the judge reads it)

This is about a certain Lady Claric.

WINTER

I confirm that Lady Claric, aka Lady Anne-Charlotte Winter, is the lady who sits before you, your honor.

ATOS

I also testify to this.

JUDGE

Defense attorney, are you familiar with this document?

DEFENDER

May I have a look, your honor?

(Takes the document and reads it)
How was it established that this was the same lady?

ATOS

I showed the nuns her portrait. This one.

(He takes a portrait out of his pocket and places it in front of the judge.)

All the nuns recognized her.

JUDGE

Where did you get this portrait?

ATOS

It's my business.

JUDGE

I ask you to answer the court's question.

ATOS

This woman, Countess de La Fere, is my wife.

JUDGE

Can you prove it?

ATOS

Here is an extract from the church registration book in Blois, certified by the vicar.

(Puts the extract on the table)

WINTER

You say this woman is your wife? But she was married to my brother!

JUDGE

Bigamy? Can you prove it?

WINTER

I swear I can, but I don't have those documents with me. However, I can swear on the Bible that I'm telling the truth.

JUDGE

Madam, do you admit that you have been the wife of two husbands?

MILADY

One of them killed me, the other is already dead.

WINTER

Because she poisoned him!

JUDGE

Can you prove it?

WINTER

I have no proof, but I know

JUDGE

I don't consider accusations without evidence. So, let's sum it up. This lady poisoned Constance Bonacieux, a bourgeois woman, the wife of the owner of a grocery and haberdashery shop, as follows from this document. This has been established. Well then... Madam, are you a noblewoman?

MILADY

Yes!

JUDGE

Defender, what do you say?

DEFENDER

Your Honor, this noblewoman gave a townswoman water to drink at the monastery. The water, by accident, turned out to be poisoned. This is death caused by negligence. I ask that my client be acquitted.

JUDGE

Prosecutor, Monsieur d'Artagnan, what can you say in response to this?

D'ARTAGNAN

Your Honor, this was no accident. Madame Bonacieux was abducted by force with the help of no less than four men, and taken to the B;thune Convent by force, where she was poisoned by this woman.

JUDGE

Can you prove it?

D'ARTAGNAN

I am ready to swear on the Bible to this.

JUDGE

Madam, do you confirm the fact of the kidnapping?

MILADY

I acted in the interests of France!

JUDGE

How can you prove this?

MILADY

Good Lord, nothing! But how else would the cardinal's six guards obey me?

JUDGE

Well, the picture is clear. The court is retiring to deliberate. Is there another room here so I can think?

ATOS

Sorry, Your Honor, no.

JUDGE

Okay. The court is returning from its deliberations. So, madam... Defender of Rights, you cannot be convicted of past crimes if you have already been punished for them...

MILADY

I am acquitted!

JUDGE

Wait a minute. I haven't finished. But the crimes you committed in the past are very serious. Therefore, your new crime should be considered not an accident, but a relapse. If your conscience were burdened only by the murder of this Madame... (reads) Constance Bonacieux. Then the court would have given you a relatively light sentence. But considering the relapse... Well... And then there's bigamy... I must act according to the law. Madam, you are giving yourself away to death. As a noblewoman—by beheading.

(Hits)

(with a hammer on the table)

Executioner, take her. She's yours.

EXECUTIONER

Before execution, it is customary to give the criminal the opportunity to confess to a priest.

ARAMIS

I am a priest, an abbot, I have the right to hear confession.

MILADY

No. I refuse confession. Damn you all.

JUDGE

Well, in that case, it's done. Let me go.

(The judge takes off his wig and glasses)

MILADY

It's him! It's him! I recognized him! It's him!

ATOS

Who is he, madam?

JUDGE

Yes, madam. It is I. De Chardin is just another name for me. You, madam, are not the only one with several names.

MIDEDI

(Whispering)

Marquis of Beltham…

JUDGE

Yes, madam, the Marquis of Beltham. And also the judge of this district. Didn't you know, gentlemen?

ATOS

I'm shocked...

JUDGE

If I were not a judge... I would have strangled her with my own hands... But believe me, my trial was completely impartial.

SCENE THIRTEEN

(The Louvre, one of Queen Anne's rooms, the Queen alone, a new maid enters)

CAMERAMAID

Your Majesty, Chevalier d'Artagnan is here to see you.

ANNA

Ask.

(The chambermaid leaves, d'Artagnan enters)

D'ARTAGNAN

Your Majesty, in ancient times, those who brought bad news were executed. So order me executed. I bear very bad news.

ANNA

I know, Chevalier d'Artagnan. Terrible news travels fast. Do you wish to inform me of the death of the Duke of Buckingham?

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, Your Majesty. If you know this, I can only pass it on to you. Perhaps you shouldn't reveal this. I must warn you.

(Hands over the chest)

ANNA

What's here?

D'ARTAGNAN

A sad relic. This is the dagger with which the Duke was killed. His last wish was that it be given to you.

ANNA

Was that his wish? I believe it. He wanted me to always remember him, his reverent love…

D'ARTAGNAN

Obviously, you are right.

ANNA

Thank you, Chevalier. This item is important to me, as are his last words. But how do you know about this?

D'ARTAGNAN

I received this item from the Duke's closest friend and ally, Lord Winter. He also relayed to me the Duke's last words, which he personally heard.

ANNA

Did he really come personally to give me this relic and these words?

D'ARTAGNAN

He arrived to punish the one who caused his death.

ANNA

But it seems that he was killed by some fanatic named Felton, who was unhappy that he was not being given the next rank of captain for a long time?

D'ARTAGNAN

This is a legend for everyone. The real culprit of his death is a certain Anne de Beyle , Lady Claric. She has several other names, all of which she is unworthy. It was she who placed the dagger in Felton's hands and persuaded him to commit this treacherous murder, slandering the Duke, accusing him of crimes of which he is innocent and which never occurred. So the Duke is the victim of a conspiracy orchestrated here in France.

ANNA

You said Lord Winter came to punish the criminal. Tell me, for God's sake, did he succeed?

D'ARTAGNAN

The criminal has been punished, the case is closed, Your Majesty.

ANNA

Good. This means I shouldn't be embittered and pray for vengeance. I will pray only for the repose of the restless soul of the unfortunate duke, a victim of political intrigue.

D'ARTAGNAN

Your Majesty, if you need the help of four loyal soldiers, the musketeers, you can always count on us.

ANNA

Have you become the King's Musketeer yet?

D'ARTAGNAN

I will become one, Your Majesty. All my friends are musketeers. And I don't have a single friend in His Eminence's camp. Therefore, my choice is made.

ANNA

Thank you for all you have done for me, Chevalier d'Artagnan. Know that I will always remember your devotion and your heroic deed.

(D'Artagnan bows and leaves)

SCENE FOURTEEN

(Cardinal Richelieu's office. The Cardinal is in a chair at the table, the secretary enters)

RICHELIEU

Have you arrived?

SECRETARY

Delivered, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

Why were they brought in? I simply asked to invite them in. Let them come in.

(The secretary bows and leaves. Enter d'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis)

RICHELIEU

I have heard of your exploits. I strongly condemn many of your actions, gentlemen.

ATOS

We will accept any punishment, Your Eminence, without complaint, but if we are allowed to justify ourselves...

RICHELIEU

A master of making excuses is rarely a master of anything else! Didn't you know that?

(Athos nods silently)

Look, I understand everything. I know about your trip to London. My men were supposed to detain you, but they weren't up to the task. In any case, I told them to spare your lives if possible...

PORTOS

But...

RICHELIEU

(Hard)

As much as possible, I said. You gentlemen, have gotten yourself into a game where you're not even pawns, but... specks of dust on a chessboard!

(Silently looks at everyone)

What are you smiling at, Chevalier d'Artagnan?

D'ARTAGNAN

Compared to the Sun... Compared to God, we are all specks of dust, Your Eminence. But, as far as I remember, without God's permission, not a blade of grass can break, nor a bug crawl.

RICHELIEU

You interpret Scripture in a most original way. But you, specks of dust, dare to become not just pawns, but pieces in this game that is not yours at all. It's impudent. But it deserves respect. However, gentlemen, you have crossed all boundaries! You have dealt with my man. My agent.

ATOS

I punished my wife for bigamy, Monsignor, and we didn't execute her. She was tried in a proper court, and the court's sentence was carried out by an executioner.

RICHELIEU

Bigamy? Hmm... You seem to...

ATOS

Count de La Fere.

RICHELIEU

Comte de La F;re? In simple musketeers?

ATOS

As you can see, Monseigneur, the King's Musketeers may in fact be anything but simple.

RICHELIEU

Yes, this is very interesting, very. But still. What court are you talking about?

ATOS

We brought in a judge from that district.

RICHELIEU

And he went with you on this matter?

ATOS

As you wish, Monsignor.

RICHELIEU

At my direction?

ATOS

Here is this document, Your Eminence.

(Gives the cardinal an open sheet of paper signed by the cardinal)

RICHELIEU

(Reads)

Yes, I wrote this document, I remember. But I didn't write it for you.

ATOS

How would we know, Monsignor? There's no name on it.

RICHELIEU

This is a lesson to me - do not write any open documents.

(Tears the document into several pieces)

ARAMIS

(quiet)

We are finished.

RICHELIEU

But here's how we'll proceed. I've taken one open document from you, and in exchange, I'll give you another open document. But one that means nothing without a name written in it. Here it is.

(He comes to the table and takes the patent)

This is a commission for the rank of lieutenant in the King's Musketeers. It's signed by me, as you can see. But there's only one of him, and there are four of you. Whose name should I enter? Decide for yourself.

D'ARTAGNAN

The eldest and most experienced of us is Athos. He is worthier than all of us.

ATOS

Forgive me, d'Artagnan, but I disagree. This is too much for Athos, and too little for the Comte de la F;re. I have decided to leave the service and return to my county. I will lead a modest life as a widower. I have lost my appetite for combat. Monseigneur, enter the name of the Chevalier d'Herblay here. Our Aramis is well versed in the art of war. A better lieutenant could not be found.

ARAMIS

You are mistaken, Athos. I am not the Chevalier d'Herblay, I am the Abb; d'Herblay. I have also decided to leave my career as a musketeer and devote myself entirely to the service of God. Father Benedict has interested me in certain theological ideas.

ATOS

Do you know Father Benedict?

ARAMIS

And you?

ATOS

Oh, yes.

ARAMIS

I believe Porthos, or Chevalier du Valon, will make an excellent lieutenant of the Musketeers. Write his name there.

PORTOS

I must say that it just so happened that I also decided to leave service in the musketeers.

RICHELIEU

Have you received an inheritance?

PORTOS

You could say that. More precisely, I inherited a very pretty lady, and her late husband left her a sizable inheritance. This lady was kind enough to wish us to cement our mutual affection—which was purely friendly, I assure you—with a legal marriage. Write d'Artagnan's name there. He's long dreamed of becoming a musketeer!

RICHELIEU

He hasn't become a real musketeer yet, and you're suggesting that I make him a lieutenant of the musketeers right away?

ATOS

Believe us, Monseigneur, Chevalier d'Artagnan has long since become a real musketeer.

RICHELIEU

Well, I don't know. However, in France, anything is possible. Sometimes a groom of the stables becomes the Constable of France. And if that's the case, why shouldn't a member of the Guards of Deszesart become a lieutenant of the Musketeers? Monsieur d'Artagnan, take this patent and sign your name to it, unless you have a reason to refuse this honor.

D'ARTAGNAN

Your Eminence! Friends! Athos! Porthos! Aramis! I don't know what to do. Perhaps I too must find some reason to refuse. Help me, then. Nothing comes to mind!

ATOS

Take out a patent, d'Artagnan. There are no reasons, nor can there be any.

ARAMIS

Take the patent, d'Artagnan.

PORTOS

Take it, I tell you!

(D'Artagnan takes out a patent)

I swear I won't let you down! I'll be the best lieutenant I can be. Or rather, I mean I'll do everything I can to become one.

RICHELIEU

Well, that's great, gentlemen. I won't keep you any longer.


SCENE FIFTEEN

(Athos's room. D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis)

ATOS

Well, d'Artagnan, have you still not decided to add your name to the lieutenant's open patent?

D'ARTAGNAN

I'm afraid to make a blot. My hands are shaking.

PORTOS

It's from happiness. But think how much work it is to be responsible for so many people, for their lives, for their actions. Your euphoria will pass. Your hands will stop shaking. And maybe you'll even change your mind.

D'ARTAGNAN

I won't change my mind, but have you thought it through, friends? I'll cede this right to any of you at your first word.

ATOS

I have already said everything on this topic, and I have nothing to add.

ARAMIS

Take a sip of wine for courage and write.

D'ARTAGNAN

Maybe it would be better to contact a professional scribe? They will write it beautifully and without errors!

ATOS

Why are you messing around with some patent? Give it to me, I'll do it.

(Takes the patent and puts it on the table)

This matter needs to be washed down first, doesn't it?

(He takes out four cups and places them next to the patent. He takes a bottle of wine.)

D'ARTAGNAN

Be careful, Athos, don't spill wine on the paper!

ATOS

Who do you take me for? Am I really that clumsy that I can't handle paperwork? Or maybe you think I can't pour wine? Why, I can pour it with my eyes closed and not spill a drop! Just look!

(Closes his eyes and pours wine into the glasses, after which he spills wine all over the patent).

D'ARTAGNAN

What have you done, Athos! You've ruined the document!

ATOS

Did he really spill it? Well, I must say! He really did spill it! This has never happened to me before!

D'ARTAGNAN

I need to blot it with something and dry it quickly! No, it won't work! The letters are falling apart! What should I do?

ATOS

Don't worry, d'Artagnan. I'll show this patent to Captain de Treville and explain to him that it's all my fault. He'll issue you a new one, exactly the same! I'll do it right now.

(Takes the patent and leaves)

D'ARTAGNAN

(In despair)

Athos has started drinking too much! His hands are shaking. Imagine that! Such carelessness!

ARAMIS

D'Artagnan...

PORTOS

Sit down and calm down, d'Artagnan.

D'ARTAGNAN

Yes, I'm completely calm! But only!.. It would be so embarrassing to admit to de Treville that I handled the patent so carelessly. To pour wine on it, just imagine!

PORTOS

It's Athos, not you, who will be speaking with de Treville. De Treville won't refuse the Comte de la F;re. He'll immediately obtain a new patent and sign it...

ARAMIS

…And His Majesty will sign it, do you understand?

D'ARTAGNAN

Do you think so?

PORTOS

Absolutely.

ARAMIS

You can be sure of it.

PORTOS

Did you really intend to serve as a lieutenant of musketeers in de Treville's company with a patent signed by Cardinal Richelieu?

ARAMIS

Why, with such a patent, your place is right among the cardinal’s musketeers!

PORTOS

Did you really want to be there?

D'ARTAGNAN

(In horror)

So this was another of the cardinal's tricks? A trap?!

ARAMIS

Did you think a fox could stop hunting chickens? That a wolf could become a vegetarian? That a cardinal could stop fighting de Treville?

PORTOS

De Treville would have been deeply offended if the personnel issues in his company of musketeers had been decided not by him, not by the King, but by Cardinal Richelieu.

ARAMIS

Pour wine over it! This is how the King's Musketeers treat the Cardinal's handouts!

D'ARTAGNAN

My friends! You saved me again. How I love you! One for all!

ARAMIS and PORTHOS

All for one!