002 - Act I - The Holy Grail

Summary

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King Arthur Podcast, Episode 002 - Act I: "The Holy Grail"

Host: Joseph Comyns Carr
Date: December 4, 2025
Featuring: Amanda Friday as King Arthur, Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot

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Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners into the dramatic opening act of Joseph Comyns Carr’s King Arthur, centering on the Round Table knights’ impending departure to seek the Holy Grail. Against a sunset-lit Camelot, themes of faith, loyalty, chivalric duty, and forbidden love unfold in poetic, heightened language. The act stages the rupture in Arthur's court as worldly and spiritual quests collide, secrets simmer, and the personal cost of honor and love is laid painfully bare.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Threats to Camelot & the Knights’ Quest (01:30–05:55)

• Political Threats: Reports of Ryence and Mark of Cornwall's league against Arthur lay a backdrop of instability. Spies have been caught, and Mordred’s loyalties are questioned.
• Supernatural Event: Sir Agravaine recounts a miraculous vision of the Holy Grail, revealed by a white angel:

  “There leapt the crack and cry of thunder... Then down the hall, aslant upon a bar of light... Past a white angel, bearing in her hands the sacred vision of the cup of Christ.” (04:46)

• Response to the Vision: Young Sir Percival vows to find the Grail, inspiring 100 knights to join the holy quest in a swelling chorus of devotion and idealism.

2. The Love Triangle & Human Weakness (10:54–14:52)

• Mordred and Morgan: Mordred (spurred by his mother, Morgan le Fay) discusses Arthur’s vulnerability—both external and internal. Morgan hints cryptically at Mordred’s destiny to bring Arthur’s doom:

  “Day of thy birth, and day of Arthur's doom... For in thy veins an avenging poison flows, distilled in that dark hour when Merlin's lips hailed Arthur as Pendragon's rightful heir, and left me bastard.” (11:22)

• Mordred’s Jealousy of Lancelot: He observes that as long as Lancelot remains at court, Arthur’s throne is secured; if Lancelot leaves on the quest, the kingdom is at risk.

3. Guinevere’s Merciful Intercession (13:38–14:52)

• Guinevere persuades Arthur to spare the lives of enemy spies, highlighting her compassionate—if sometimes conflicted—nature:

  “At such a season? Then it was not fit / that on their spotless banners there should rest / the smirch of hireling blood.” (13:53)

4. Excalibur, the Scabbard, and the Queen (15:01–16:12)

• Arthur muses on Excalibur’s magic—and the scabbard, symbolically linked to Guinevere—praising her as the source of peace in Camelot:

  “Thou art our scabbard. And in thy pure soul, where only peace may dwell, our sword lies sheathed.” (16:04)

5. Lancelot’s Inner Turmoil (17:28–29:50)

• Arthur Hopes Lancelot Will Stay: Arthur clings to the hope that Lancelot, “Flower of all knighthood,” will not leave.
• Love Triangles Entwine: Arthur hints Lancelot should reconcile with Elaine, but Guinevere and Lancelot both know it’s too late for that. Their dialogue is charged with unsaid longing and pain.
• Confessions at Last: Pressed by Guinevere, Lancelot confesses he does not love Elaine, but Guinevere accuses him of denying the past. The conversation spirals until Lancelot admits:

  “I leave the court because I love its queen.” (29:54)

• Guinevere’s Guilt and Vulnerability: In a remarkable confession, Guinevere reveals her love for Lancelot—a love that began when he fetched her to Camelot as Arthur’s bride.

  “But when you came, his great ambassador from Camelot, I saw love's heart indeed, and knew I loved. But not the king.” (30:34)

6. Merlin’s Prophecy and Fate (37:09–38:14)

• Merlin steps forth to utter a cryptic prophecy, suggesting fate and the nature of love will decide who succeeds in the Grail quest:

  “All shall seek the Holy Grail. All, and all save one shall fail... Fate doth not answer, yea or nay, Love shall bid him go or stay. Love the best or love the worst, Holiest love or love accurst?” (37:25–37:48)

7. The Departure: Duty Versus Love (39:01–40:20)

• Arthur and Guinevere must decide whether Lancelot will depart. Arthur insists Guinevere give the order:

  “Now, Guinevere, declare thy will.” (39:12)

• She submits:

  “My lord, I do thy bidding. Lancelot, stay.” (39:54)

• The knights chant as they depart to seek the Grail, leaving Lancelot and Guinevere’s fate hanging in the balance.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the cost of sin and striving:

  “Not all may win. Yet straining at the gold, there's none can lose the grace that comes of strife.” (07:21)

• On Guinevere’s mercy:

  “The king, who, knowing not of fear, / fears not to spare. Where weaker hearts would slay / to day at eve, our knights ride forth upon a holy quest.” (13:53)

• The agony of forbidden love:

  Lancelot: “For thou wouldst wring the secret from my lips that brands me. Traitor.” (29:28)
  Guinevere: “For in his godlike gaze I thought I saw the searching eyes of God piercing my soul where lurks the shameful secret of my love that none must know.” (21:37)

• Duty, faith and heartbreaking resolve:

  “It is their voice that calls. And thou wilt go. I thought to hold thee here. ... My trust stands all in thee.” (32:48–33:08)

• Merlin’s enigmatic warning:

  “All shall seek the Holy Grail. All, and all save one shall fail...” (37:25)

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:30 | Opening of Act I, knights discuss gathering threats | | 04:12–05:55 | Description of the Grail vision and knights’ vow | | 10:54 | Mordred and Morgan plot, discuss Arthur’s doom | | 13:38 | Guinevere secures mercy for enemy spies | | 15:01–16:12 | Arthur, Guinevere, and Excalibur: symbols of peace and power | | 17:28–19:16 | Lancelot, Guinevere, and Arthur—triangular tension | | 29:54 | Lancelot confesses: “I leave the court because I love its queen”| | 30:34 | Guinevere reciprocates: “But not the king” | | 37:25 | Merlin’s prophecy | | 39:12–39:54 | Arthur and Guinevere’s final decision—Lancelot stays | | 40:00–40:20 | The knights depart in solemn ceremony |

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Tone and Language

The dialogue is poetic, formal, and charged with both sorrow and yearning. The language balances a sense of fateful inevitability (“Fate doth not answer, yea or nay, Love shall bid him go or stay”) with intimate emotional confession (“You cannot guess my shame”). The solemn, almost liturgical chants near the act’s end accentuate the spiritual dimensions of the knights' quest and the lovers’ torment.

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Conclusion

This episode immerses listeners in the pageantry and heartbreak of Arthurian legend, entwining courtly intrigue, personal passion, and the call to spiritual adventure. The act sets up the central conflicts: mortal love versus holy quest, king and queen versus knightly loyalty, and the inescapable pull of fate.

Listeners are left with Guinevere’s fateful command, a kingdom poised on the edge of change, and hearts divided between heaven and earth.

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Transcript

[Lady Luck]

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[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Act one of King Arthur A drama in a prologue in four acts by Joseph Commons Carr. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org Act 1 the Holy Grail the Great hall at Camelot. A wide opening breast high at the back, flanked by marble columns, through which is seen a view of blue hills against a sunset sky. Sir Kay, Sir Agravaine, and Sir Bedivere. To whom enters Sir Lancelot?

[Sir Agravaine]

Sir Lancelot, this falls well of late. Our king hath ofttimes asked for thee, and thou shalt learn the noise of thy great deeds, and hath far outstripped thy good steed's swiftest course, waiting thee here to swell love's welcome home. What news from Wales?

[Narrator/Announcer]

In Wales, men speak in whispers, yet tis known that Ryence lately join'd in secret league with Mark of Cornwall, doth but wait the hour to strike at Arthur's throne.

[Sir Agravaine]

This news comes pat not three days past, deep in the belt of wood that circles round Caerleon's clustering towers, Sir Gawain's huntsman chanced upon two spies who now lie fast in chains. And at this hour the king holds council, and shall straight declare if they may live or die. Should Gawain speak and Arthur listen. They were dead ere night, that is most sure.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Which way doth Mordred tend?

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Truth that were hard to tell.

[Sir Agravaine]

His subtle tongue still weaves a web, to catch the thought of others and hide his own.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And what then? Saith the king?

[Sir Agravaine]

He waits upon the word of Guinevere. I dare be sworn this thing hath troubled him. What should he fear, Though Mark and Ryan's join'd with all the host of Cornwall and Wales knock'd at our gates?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Nay, sirs, he knows not fear. Whose warrior heart was bred, where spears have grown thick as the river reeds, yet in that heart dwells a fond nursling hope that this news will slay. For since the coming of Queen Guinevere, the sword Excalibur hath hung at rest within its jewelled scabbard. And he dreamed the loss of blood was past.

[Sir Agravaine]

Would that were all. King Arthur grieves, but Tis with graver cause.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What cause?

[Sir Agravaine]

What cause? In truth, we do forget. Sir Lancelot knows not that at vesper time a hundred knights of Arthur's fellowship take a long leave of Camelot, and the king bound.

[Narrator/Announcer]

On what quest?

[Sir Agravaine]

No earthly quest is theirs. Who have taken a vow to seek the Holy Grail.

[Narrator/Announcer]

To seek the Grail? Now, Circe, you mock at me? For who of mortal born shall hope to find, searching through all the world that holy cup charged with Christ's blood? That cup no eye hath seen since long ago 3. This wide isle twas borne by Joseph, who had filled it at a cross. What heaven hath hid, no man may dare to seek, save by a sign from heaven.

[Sir Agravaine]

Heaven's sign hath come in miracle and wonder. Three nights past, when all our company were sat and meat above the murmur of the feast, there leapt the crack and cry of thunder. In the roof was cloven as with a sword. Then down the hall, aslant upon a bar of light that gleamed as though the sun would turn to molten gold. Past a white angel, bearing in her hands the sacred vision of the cup of Christ.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What like was it to see?

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

During the following speech the hall darkens,

[Sir Agravaine]

that none may tell. For dimly veiled in a cloth of white, it went as it had come unseen of all. Yet while it passed, it left, though none knew how, the witness of its presence in men's eyes, and dumbly gazing each in other, found the stamp of some new glory. Then uprose our youngest knight, Sir Percivale, and cried, now thanks for what hath been and what shall be. For here I vow to rest not till these eyes have openly beheld the cup itself. And as one note at dawn we wake the woods. Voice after voice re echoed Percival's Till one by one a hundred of our knights had joined themselves unto this holy quest.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If this be so.

[Sir Agravaine]

Why, sir. Twas in this hall, and close upon

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

this hour, a peal of thunder is heard, followed by a lightning flash.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What cry was that?

[Sir Agravaine]

Nay, see.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Tis here again, as he speaks, a slanting ray of light falls through the hall, enfolding the form of a maiden, bearing the cup, from the centre of which a red light strikes like a star through the transparent veil that covers it. Sir Lancelot kneels as the vision passes and disappears.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah, go not yet. Tis gone. And did mine eyes not vouch? Twas here. I'd say it was a dream, for never yet hath mortal vision gazed on aught so fair. Didst thou not note how all the air was filled with sweetest odours?

[Sir Agravaine]

So it was before, say we not truth, Lancelot?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ay, and by this I know that age of marvels long ago foretold by Merlin, when he built our table round, hath come at last. And we who live to day shall witness wonders great and terrible, shaking the earth, until that happier hour, when he whom God hath chosen of us all with mortal eyes, shall pierce heaven's mystery and see the Grail itself.

[Sir Agravaine]

Twas said last night that he alone shall win this saving grace, whose heart stands clear of sin.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ay, sir. Tis so. And he alone who wills it so can pierce the secrets of our hearts. Not all may win. Yet straining at the gold, there's none can lose the grace that comes of strife.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Mordred has entered unseen during the last speech, carrying a scroll in his hand.

[Mordred]

How now, sir knights. Ye do forget the hour. Have ye not heard that they whose names are duly here enroll'd, bound by their vows to seek the Holy Grail within a breathing space, shall take their leave of Arthur and his court.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I pray you, sir, of your good grace, add my name to the roll.

[Mordred]

Hast thou consider'd well, my lord, I

[Narrator/Announcer]

have, and shall be ready when the list is called.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Exit Lancelot.

[Mordred]

So Lancelot goes.

[Sir Agravaine]

I dare be sworn he will not. Nay, though his oath were loudest of them all. Yet Arthur's love will hold him.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Mordred, turning fiercely upon Kay, who dares

[Mordred]

speak so gross a treason gainst our lord the King? In truth, Sir Kay, I thought thee worthier of Arthur's love.

[Sir Agravaine]

Nay, sir, I did but think that Lancelot, who is worthier than us all, would go or stay as that same love commands.

[Mordred]

And thou and thou. Yet think ye that the king, who loves him best and knows him worthiest, would bid him break his vow. Now hark ye sirs, ye know not him, ye worship, and your praise is but vapour that doth hide the sun. But ye shall know him. Nay sirs, tarry not, but see that all is ready for the King.

[Sir Agravaine]

Be sure, my lord, we shall not fail the King.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Exeunt Kay and other knights.

[Mordred]

Yea, Arthur's love would hold him, but it shall not. Lancelot shall go, and in that vacant seat where now his heart sits, guardian to the king envenomed hate shall keep a closer watch. Lancelot shall go what's up everybody?

[King Arthur]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Mordred]

Enter Morgan Ah Mother, thou art here what saith the queen?

[Lady Luck]

She doth attend the council, and her voice is tuned to plead for mercy.

[Mordred]

Tis well, for Arthur heeds no voice save hers. These dogs, whose tongues I fear'd will now go free.

[Lady Luck]

Then tell me, boy, what tidings did they bear?

[Mordred]

The gather'd hosts of Cornwall and of Wales wait but my sign.

[Lady Luck]

They shall not wait for long. The year grows green, and May day comes again. Day of thy birth, and day of Arthur's doom.

[Mordred]

Of Arthur's doom.

[Lady Luck]

Aye. For twas so foretold ere yet thine eyes had open'd on the world, that he whose hand should strike at Arthur's heart on May Day must be born. And thou art he. For in thy veins an avenging poison flows, distilled in that dark hour, when Merlin's lips hailed Arthur as Pendragon's rightful heir, and left me bastard.

[Mordred]

Ay, yet one thing lacks. Think you, will Lancelot join this holy quest?

[Lady Luck]

What should you fear, though, Lancelot? Go or stay, I fear.

[Mordred]

Yet know not what his loyal love twines around Arthur, like a coil of steel that turns the keenest edge. Yea, well, I know that while Sir Lancelot stays, the king is safe.

[Lady Luck]

Thou fool. The king were safer if he went.

[Mordred]

What dost thou say?

[Lady Luck]

I say what thou shouldst know. The king doth love Sir Lancelot.

[Mordred]

Ay, too well.

[Lady Luck]

Too well, in truth. For next the king stands one who loves him more than well.

[Mordred]

Not Guinevere?

[Lady Luck]

Ay, she.

[Mordred]

This is thy malice.

[Lady Luck]

Think' st thou so? Trust me. Tis true. A woman hath no wiles to hide her secret from a woman's gaze whose eyes are never blindfolded. Dost forget, when the news came of Lancelot's heavy wound, how she did weep and wail.

[Mordred]

So did the king.

[Lady Luck]

Ay, truth, so did the king. Yet that's not all. For later, when the happier tidings came, that, tended by Elayne, his wound was whole. Hadst thou but seen her? Then the king made glad. But Guinevere's white lips could shape no smile, her jealous heart was torn.

[Mordred]

If this be so, and Lancelot loves her too, then all are trapped.

[Lady Luck]

Nay, take it not from me.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Look for thyself, herald's trumpet heard without,

[Lady Luck]

but see she comes. Take heed, and guard thy tongue.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Enter Guinevere.

[Mordred]

Madam. What, saith the king?

[Guinevere]

Hast thou not heard Thy mother's prayer? For mercy hath prevail'd. The spies are pardoned.

[Mordred]

Why, then. Tis to thee they owe their right to live.

[Guinevere]

Nay, to the king, who, knowing not of fear, fears not to spare. Where weaker hearts would slay to day at eve, our knights ride forth upon a holy quest. At such a season? Then it was not fit that on their spotless banners there should rest the smirch of hireling blood.

[Lady Luck]

Madam, the king.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Enter, Arthur. With knights attending.

[King Arthur]

Our faithful knights do know the appointed hour, my lord.

[Mordred]

They wait your call.

[King Arthur]

Give me the roll, Mordred.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Hand scroll to the king.

[King Arthur]

Is old complete?

[Mordred]

Nay, truth. I had forgot One name is lacking there.

[King Arthur]

Whose name is that? Stand there. Not here. Enough of goodly knights that I must lose from our great fellowship. But ye would cry for more.

[Mordred]

Your pardon, sire. I did but learn it now. Within the hour. Sir Lancelot hath return'd.

[King Arthur]

Well, sir. What then?

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Guinevere.

[Guinevere]

Sir Lancelot.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Home, Morgan. Approaching her.

[Lady Luck]

Ay, madam, he is here.

[King Arthur]

Lancelot is welcome home yet.

[Mordred]

Tis to fear he comes but to depart.

[King Arthur]

What mean you, sir?

[Mordred]

He too, my lord, would join this holy quest.

[King Arthur]

Sir Lancelot. Nay, you jest. This shall not be. Go straight, and send him here.

[Mordred]

Morgan. My lord, I will exit.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Mordred.

[Guinevere]

Morgan, thou hast our leaven exeunt.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Morgan. Ladies of the court and knights.

[Guinevere]

Nay, good my lord, this troubles thee.

[King Arthur]

It would an it were true. For as each added name summ'd up the list. Methought, though all should go, yet one remains. Flower of all knighthood, Lancelot. Thou at least shalt stand beside thy king.

[Guinevere]

Yet should he go, thou still hast that which serves thee more than all. Thy sword, Excalibur, whose mystic blade hath carved this island empire from the sea. Thou hast thy goodly sword.

[King Arthur]

I and my queen, whose dear commands are set as heaven's high voice, lifting me nearer Heaven.

[Guinevere]

Trust thy sword. Twill serve thee better.

[King Arthur]

Far long time gone by. When this same sword by magic hands was given, Old Merlin said, take heed and guard it well. Yet guard the scabbard too, for that is more e' en than the blade it sheaths. And I knew not then if he spoke false or true. I know it now. For at thy coming. Guinevere, my queen, the havoc turned a harvest at thy feet. From out the bellowing throat of war, there came a sweeter, softer music. And the earth new christened by thy smile broke forth in flower. Thou art our scabbard. And in thy pure soul, where only peace may dwell, our sword lies sheathed. Yet that rich dower thy father gave with thee that image of the world, our table round a kingdom's heart, set in a rim of steel, forged of the spears of all the goodliest knights of all the earth. That too must count for much. And if he now should fail, that out of all hath shown himself the mightiest. Then I think our day draws to its end.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Enter, Lancelot.

[King Arthur]

Most welcome home it was, but now I learn from Mordred's lips, thou too wouldst join this quest.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tis so, my lord.

[King Arthur]

If that same word by other lips was spoken, I'd say tis false. Dost thou so lightly count our long tried love, that without word or sign thou'dst quit our side? Nay, but I wrong thee there, for we are one. And haply thou hast told thy purpose to the queen.

[Guinevere]

Not so, indeed. I heard it not till now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Nay, hear me, Arthur. I have no life, no soul that is not thine, no heart but waits some fitting hour to bleed in thy great cause. Yet couldst thou see that heart know its present sickness, thou wouldst say. Lancelot, ride forth. Thou hast our willing leave.

[King Arthur]

Thinkest thou so? We'll speak of this again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thy voice alone shall bid me go or stay.

[King Arthur]

Exit Lancelot, and thou shalt stay. For now I do divine this sickness

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

at thy heart turning to Guinevere.

[King Arthur]

Canst thou not guess?

[Guinevere]

Indeed, I cannot.

[King Arthur]

Tis some cause of love that bids him go.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Guinevere of love?

[King Arthur]

Ay, dear, of love. Didst think that our two hearts had drained love's springs? Thou hast not heard, but ere thy coming hither. Twas known that Lancelot wooed the fair Elaine.

[Guinevere]

Twas she that nursed him when his wound was sore.

[King Arthur]

Ay, true, twas she. But even then their loves had drifted wide asunder, and of late he has not breathed her name.

[Guinevere]

Why, then. Tis sure he loves her not.

[King Arthur]

In love there's nought that's sure. Yet is he framed in such a constant mould that, truly, I believe he loves her still. Some little knot hath ravell'd up the skein that links their hearts. There needs a woman's wit to set the tangle straight.

[Guinevere]

A woman's wit?

[King Arthur]

Ay, dear, and thine.

[Guinevere]

Indeed, I think not so.

[King Arthur]

Indeed. Tis so. Bid Lancelot come to thee. Thy tongue will find a charm that may unlock the guarded secret of his chafing heart.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Guinevere does not move.

[King Arthur]

Nay, thou wilt do it. If our all happy love hath known no jar, then must research the more to find the missing note. For those whose souls are not so

[Guinevere]

finely tuned, then thou art sure thou art all happy.

[King Arthur]

Nay, how canst thou ask?

[Guinevere]

A little field flower lighted by a star. Stands but a tiny speck beneath that lamp which shines o' er half the world. Yet once it dreamed that this great beacon light was all its own. Tis long since thou hast spoken of thy love. Dost know how long that is the

[King Arthur]

fate of kings whose lives are as a picture for the world, not for their own content? When we were wed, I dreamt of many an hour when we would sit thy hand in mine, Recalling that sweet day when, like a flash of sunlight through the trees, I saw thy face at Cameliard. But now the busy hours slip by, each new day brings its burden of new duty and our loves are too long silent yet full well thou knowest.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Approaching her, Guinevere interrupting him and making away.

[Guinevere]

Yes, yes, I know. Heed not my idle words. It was a foolish thought that slipp'd my tongue. I'll do thy bidding straight.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Enter Morgan.

[Lady Luck]

Your pardon, madam, but the fair Elaine is newly come from Astolat's and craves an audience with the queen.

[King Arthur]

Now this bowls well. So you shall plead for both Guinevere to Morgan.

[Guinevere]

I'll see her here. Go. Tell Sir Lancelot I would speak with him.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Exit Morgan.

[King Arthur]

And later, when Sir Lancelot's name is called Tis thou shalt bid him stay till then. Farewell, Arthur.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Guinevere is left alone.

[Guinevere]

Farewell. Am I so weak that every random word can shake my heart? When Arthur said. But now it is some cause of love bids Lancelot go. I tremble like a thief that's trapped at night. For in his godlike gaze I thought I saw the searching eyes of God piercing my soul where lurks the shameful secret of my love that none must know. Ah, me. If Lancelot knew how he would spurn me but he shall not know wherefore it were better he should go away. For while he was away, within my heart his image dwelt securely Like a star hung high above me in a stainless sky A lamp illumined with a fireless flame that wrought no ill. But now, when he is by, the light grows blinding and its fiercer rays consume my very soul.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

She stands rapt in thought, as enter Elayne.

[Elaine]

Thy pardon, madam. Morgan bade me come.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

She kneels as Guinevere turns to her.

[Guinevere]

Indeed, but she is fair. Nay, do not kneel.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Elaine rises.

[Guinevere]

What wouldst thou with me?

[Elaine]

Twas but yester eve, within thy garden by the castle wall, for the first time I saw thee with thy maids where midst them all thy prouder beauty seem'd to wear the gentlest smile' Twas then I thought, could I but see the queen, I tell my heart, and win her favour. Now methinks I erred.

[Guinevere]

Has then my face so changed?

[Elaine]

Elaine, sweet lady. No. Yet in thy presence my poor lips are dumb.

[Guinevere]

Then I must speak for thee. Sit near me.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Here Elaine sits at her feet.

[Guinevere]

So thou art she. Our great Sir Lancelot loves I do not wonder.

[Elaine]

I did think so once.

[Guinevere]

Be sure he loves thee still.

[Elaine]

Ah, would twere so?

[Guinevere]

Was then his love so sweet? Tell me how sweet.

[Elaine]

I scarce knew then, for all the uncounted joys of that brief time seem'd but an earnest paid from love's unbounded store. Now, when all's lost, remembrance feeds my grief, and, drown'd in tears, brings back each little token of his love that pass'd unheeded.

[Guinevere]

Then there's joy in that? He loved thee once. Methinks I know some hearts would take thy sorrow's burden, but to win what thou dost still possess. But tell me more. Such love, if love it were, could not so end without a Perchance the fault was thine.

[Elaine]

I think so too, and yet I know not how the end came all so swiftly. On that day when he rode forth, I do remember well. I scarce was sad our parting was so sweet. But when he came again, it was as though the night had fallen at noontide. All was changed.

[Guinevere]

What time was that?

[Elaine]

Ah, madam, thou canst date my sorrow with thy joy.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Guinevere.

[Guinevere]

What dost thou say?

[Elaine]

Nay, be not angered. So it chanced to fall in that same hour, when thou new crown'd a queen didst come from Cameliard as Arthur's bride, my love was lost. Twas Lancelot brought thee here.

[Guinevere]

Ay, was it so? In truth, I had forgot. Yes, sure. Twas he. And now thou thinkest that I can win thy love again. How shall that be?

[Elaine]

Hold, Lancelot, to thy I ask but that let him not go to day upon this quest, whence none perchance shall live to win his way back to King Arthur's court.

[Grainger Advertiser]

Ah.

[Elaine]

Bind him here, that so my love, by some sweet chance may find the path it miss'd before, and creep again back to that heart that once did seem its home. Thou dost not answer.

[Guinevere]

Hush. What sound is that?

[Sir Agravaine]

Look not to thy sword.

[Guinevere]

Fame is but a breath, that, for

[Sir Agravaine]

all reward, brings the only death. Rise, and go forth with us who seek the Grail.

[King Arthur]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Sir Agravaine]

Winning for reward Fame

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Elaine who has gone to the back.

[Elaine]

It is the chant of those who seek the Grail. See they. Make ready. Lancelot is not there.

[Guinevere]

Lantern, go. Leave me now, for I must speak with him, and think what I may do to serve thee best.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Elaine kissing her hand.

[Elaine]

Ah, would I own'd thy crown that may command, or thou, my love, that so he needs must yield?

[Guinevere]

And would I ne' er had seen thee, for thy words have set my heart on fire. Can it be so that then, when first we met, his love did change? It is not so. And his own lips shall speak and say, Tis false, Or else I shall go mad.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Enter. Lancelot.

[Guinevere]

Ah, thou art here. Why is thy mind so bent to leave the court? The king would know the cause. Thinkest thou because thy favour stands so high in fame of earthly deeds, that thou shalt win this heavenly crown?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Indeed, I think not so. His eyes alone shall see that holy cup whose soul stands clear of sin.

[Guinevere]

What boots it, then, to adventure? All upon a hopeless quest?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ay, hopeless, for I may not touch the goal. Yet once, when I lay stricken nigh to death by this same vessel of the Sangreal, my hurt was cured. Now when my heart is pierced, though by no mortal stroke of sword or spear, perchance again that same sweet miracle may heal my deeper wound.

[Guinevere]

I know thy wound.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If that were so, I should be sham'd.

[Guinevere]

Indeed, indeed. Tis so. Elaine was here but now. I did not dream that all the world could show so fair a maid, Nor marvel that thy heart is sick with love.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Madam, I love her not.

[Guinevere]

Nay, that is false. Think it no shame to own what in some angry fit thy tongue denied?

[Narrator/Announcer]

My shame lies deeper. Seeing I once vow'd a love that

[Guinevere]

now lies dead, Elaine's soft eyes will find love's tomb and charm it back to life. Go to her now, and plead thy suit again. I warrant you'll find her not too hard. Your wooing is half done.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Urge me no more, for here, by heaven, I swear I love her not.

[Guinevere]

Then wherefore wouldst thou enter on this quest?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Nay, madam, in thy pity, spare me,

[Guinevere]

that I will be answer'd. Am I not thy queen?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thou art indeed, and therefore hast thy will. I thought to pass away and leave behind the dear remembrance of thy loyal love I once deserved. But now that too has gone. For thou wouldst wring the secret from my lips that brands me. Traitor.

[Guinevere]

Traitor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ay. Tis true, and thou hast known it, else thy gracious heart were not so pitiless. Twas for this I've seen those veiled eyes cloak the hate they scorned to tell, when by some evil chance their gaze met mine. For this thy gentle smile took sudden flight When. When I passed by.

[Guinevere]

No. No. No more. No more.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Nay, madam, drink thy vengeance to the fill. I leave the court because I love

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

its queen, flings himself at her feet.

[Guinevere]

I did not hear thee speak that word again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ay, once again. I love thee. All my shame lies naked at thy feet. I do but crave that here my life may end.

[Guinevere]

Nay, do not rise. There's something I would say, yet know not how, for if thy life must end, then so must mine. You cannot guess my shame.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thou hast no shame, save that which my base love hath laid on thee.

[Guinevere]

Indeed I have. Oft. When we kneel and pray before God's image, bleeding on the cross, we cheat our souls, for our vain hearts still seek the manhood, not the God. Twas so with me that hour. When Arthur came, it seemed as though Christ's hand had beckoned. And I knelt to him, and in the midst of worship thought I saw the winged heart of love. But when you came, his great ambassador from Camelot, I saw love's heart indeed, and knew I loved. But not the king.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What sayest thou? Not the king wouldst make me mad.

[Guinevere]

Ah, me, that home coming. When we two rode in silence, side by side, and all my heart was hungry for a word, the blossoms of the springtime turned to flame. And yet you spoke not. Now it is too late.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

She moves away. Lancelot rising.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, not too late, unless those lips are false. Ah, hear me now. Thou wouldst have heard me then. My lonely love I could have borne alone, counting this mortal life, too short a term of exile for my sin. But now that's past. And through the darkness, like a sudden star, thy heart stands clear, lighting our sweeter way. Nay, thou do not turn thy face. Thou know' st tis so. Love speaks at last. And love will be obeyed.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

He moves towards her, and she turns as if to yield to his embrace. When the chant of the nights breaks forth again and the movement is arrested,

[Sir Agravaine]

look not to thy love, love that

[Guinevere]

lives in our hour.

[Sir Agravaine]

Heaven's voice above, call thee from her hour. Rise and Go forth with us who seek the Grail. Winning from above love that shall not fail.

[Guinevere]

Yea, truth. Tis love that speaks, but not our love. The love of heaven, of honour, and of him.

[Sir Agravaine]

Rise, and go forth with us who seek the Grail.

[Elaine]

Winning from above love that shall not fail.

[Guinevere]

It is their voice that calls. And thou wilt go. I thought to hold thee here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I may not now my shame is dumb. Yet in thy purer heart I may find grace to save what still remains of my wrecked soul. My trust stands all in thee.

[Guinevere]

Nay, trust thyself.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thy word must be my law.

[Guinevere]

Wait not for that. A woman is too weak to guard what's best and what she loves the best. We shall not speak again.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Exit Guinevere.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ay, once again. When from thy lips shall come the dread command that sends me hence. And like a flaming sword love bars the gate of this new paradise which love hath won. Yet through the desert night of life's long pilgrimage, one star shall stay. And when death comes at last to end our quest, my fainting heart shall quicken at the thought. Twas thou didst bid me go.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Enter a squire.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah, thou art here. Put on my sword.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

The trumpet sounds as Arthur enters, preceded by a procession of priests and choristers chanting the song of the Grail. While the hall fills with a throng of knights, Arthur and Guinevere take their places on the throne on the steps of which stands Elayne. Next, the queen.

[Sir Agravaine]

Look not to thy sword. Fame is but a breath that, for only reward, brings thee only death. Rise, and go forth with us who seek the Grail, waiting for reward. Fame that shall not fail.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

At the close of the Chaunt, Perceval comes forward from the group of the knights of the Grail and kneels before Arthur.

[Guinevere]

Here at thy feet.

[Lady Luck]

For all whose vows are sworn, I

[Guinevere]

kneel and crave thy favour ere we go.

[Lady Luck]

What strange new ways our wandering feet will press.

[Guinevere]

What dread adventures wait us, none can tell.

[Lady Luck]

Yet this we know. Our fealty to thee shall stand unbroken. And through all the world we bear

[Guinevere]

the spotless blazon of thy fame.

[King Arthur]

Rise, Percival. And ye who kneel with him take your new way. Ye have our leave to go yet, which, if that might be, we could withhold. The magic circle of our table round is broken here. Wherefore in truth, my heart is sore within me and my lips hold back the message of farewell. Yet must it be, for well I know your vows are sworn to him whose voice outbids the mandate of a king. Therefore ride forth we wait your glad return.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Perceval passes out, followed by the other knights of the Grail, who kneel as they pass the throne. At the last comes Lancelot. Arthur stops him.

[King Arthur]

Nay, Lancelot, what is this?

[Narrator/Announcer]

My lord, I too would take those vows that bind me to this quest.

[King Arthur]

Arthur, didst thou not speak with him?

[Guinevere]

I did, my lord.

[King Arthur]

Then had thy voice no power?

[Guinevere]

In truth, I think some mightier voice than mine doth bid him go.

[King Arthur]

Then I must speak. This quest is not for thee. For thy rich manhood hath a holier task here by thy king. To fight for this poor world till that last call which sheathes our swords in sleep.

[Narrator/Announcer]

My lord, thou knowest me not. I am not fit to stand by thee.

[King Arthur]

Nay, Lancelot, it is thou that dost not know thyself for what thou art. This crippled realm, how shall it find the goal? If thou the strongest, who hast been our staff, if thou the mightiest, who hast been our shield, and thou the gentlest that art now our guide, seek thine own way towards heaven, and so dost steal the sun's bright rays. Wherewith to seek the sun, Leaving this lonely world to grope its way in darkness to the end. Thou shalt not go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

My lord, did I but know myself. As strong as is the weakest of these knights whose vows were sworn. But now it would not need thy voice to bid me stay still.

[King Arthur]

Thy resolve stands firm. Then thou shalt hear a sager voice than ours, old Merlin, by whose mystic craft we read the unturned page of time. Stand forth and speak.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Merlin steps forward.

[Sir Agravaine]

All shall seek the Holy Grail. All, and all save one shall fail.

[King Arthur]

Nay, leave thy riddles. Shall he go or stay?

[Sir Agravaine]

Fate doth not answer, yea or nay, Love shall bid him go or stay. Love the best or love the worst. Holiest Love or love accurst?

[King Arthur]

What is this love that bids him go?

[Sir Agravaine]

I can but read the words that faith hath writ.

[King Arthur]

Then we have done with fate. Go, get thee hence. And nevermore shall that dark face of thine pass like a withered shadow through these halls.

[Sir Agravaine]

I go hence. Yet fate shall stay till the dawn of that dread day He, Pendragon's son shall slay that is born with the May.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

As Merlin goes out, the hall grows darker and the sunset at the back gleams more brightly.

[Guinevere]

My lord, I pray you, call him back again.

[King Arthur]

Nay, heed him not, my queen, nor Lancelot thou. For if indeed love speaks with doubled voice, one bass, one noble, then be sure my lips do bear the nobler message for the world tells of no higher, purer love than that of bright brother unto brother. Such in truth is my great love for thee that bids thee stay.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I know not how to answer for myself. Yet once before, when we were at debate, the verdict of our queen did end all strife. I crave it now. Her word shall be my law.

[King Arthur]

Then thou shalt stay. For she and I are one with but one voice, one tongue, one heart, one. One soul. Now, Guinevere, declare thy will.

[Guinevere]

Guinea. My lord, a woman is too weak to rule men's hearts.

[King Arthur]

Not so, my queen. Hath not thy purer heart sole ruler over him who rules this realm won from rude wars that sweeter crown of peace that smiles upon our land from sea to sea? And wouldst thou fail me now, when on thy word the welfare of a kingdom waits in doubt? Wouldst thou be dumb indeed?

[Guinevere]

Indeed I would.

[King Arthur]

Nay, I command thee, speak as I would speak.

[Elaine]

Ay, madam, speak. My life lies in thy word, Guinevere.

[Guinevere]

My lord, I do thy bidding. Lancelot, stay.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

The Knights of the Grail file past, singing as they go Ere those lips

[Sir Agravaine]

be dumb that would bid thee stay Ere the night be come rise and come away we who go forth to seek the Holy Grail win ere night

[Narrator/Announcer]

become light that shall not come.

[Stage Directions/Narrator]

Act 1.

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[Mordred]

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[Sir Agravaine]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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