004 - Act III - The Black Barge

Summary

Podcast Summary: King Arthur

Host: Joseph Comyns Carr

Episode 004 – Act III: The Black Barge

Date: December 4, 2025

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Overview

This episode presents Act III, “The Black Barge,” of Joseph Comyns Carr's dramatic retelling of King Arthur. The cast—featuring Amanda Friday as the queen—brings to life the dark unraveling of courtly honor, forbidden love, and betrayal. Court intrigue escalates as murder is uncovered, secrets are revealed, and the aftermath of loss threatens to unmake the world of Camelot.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. The Aftermath of Murder and the Shadow of Betrayal (01:16–06:27)

• Setting: A vaulted chamber by the river, knights gather amidst tension.
• Discovery: News of Sir Maurice’s murder throws Camelot into uncertainty. Lancelot suspects a traitor lurks near the throne; suspicion points to Mordred.
  • Quote (Sir Lancelot, 01:52): “Some traitor lurking near the throne, in secret league with Arthur’s enemies.”
• Accusations: Lancelot directly confronts Mordred, revealing suspicion and rising tension. Mordred defiantly admits murdering the messenger and also reveals he has compromising knowledge about Lancelot and Guinevere’s relationship.
  • Quote (Mordred, 04:11): “It was I who slew this messenger. His papers here bring rich news... the king dead. His throne is mine, and thine his widowed queen.”
• Mordred’s Blackmail: Mordred threatens Lancelot, hinting he has witnessed Lancelot’s affair with the queen.
  • Quote (Mordred, 05:09): “What are her kisses? Naught. Fie, sir, for shame... Who blindfold, deems that all the world is blind?”

2. Lancelot & Guinevere’s Confrontation and Despair (06:27–09:54)

• Guinevere consoles Lancelot: She urges him to act and save the king, but Lancelot fears exposure.
  • Quote (Queen Guinevere, 07:35): “Then thou shalt prove him false and save the king.”
• Lancelot’s Agony: Confesses Mordred knows of their love and feels trapped.
  • Quote (Sir Lancelot, 08:03): "...now, to win one hour of life that’s pass’d I one short hour, so I might drag this devil to the throne and shout his villainies in every ear."
• Love vs. Duty: Guinevere implores Lancelot to choose honor, but Lancelot admits he values her love above all.
  • Quote (Sir Lancelot, 09:08): “There’s nothing in the world to win or lose can count. Beside thy love... ”

3. The Black Barge and the Death of Elaine (10:55–15:37)

• Arthur brings tragic news: Elaine is found dead, her body floating downriver on the ‘black barge.’
  • Quote (King Arthur, 11:31): “Elaine is dead.”
  • The scene is haunting, Arthur describes the procession, and Guinevere is unable to weep.
• Elaine’s Letter: A sealed letter to the Queen is found with her body, revealing her love for Lancelot and her heartbreak.
  • Quote (King Arthur, reading, 15:18): “I, that was named Elaine of Astolat, whose mortal love for Lancelot passed all measure, seeing he Loves another, choose to die.”
• Guinevere collapses: Overcome by guilt and sorrow, supported by Morgan and her women.

4. The Poison of Suspicion and the Bonds of Loyalty (15:55–21:18)

• Arthur’s Doubt: News of Lancelot and Guinevere’s affair begins to poison Arthur’s trust. Mordred manipulates the situation to further divide Arthur from his most loyal knight.
  • Quote (Mordred, 17:05): “But now. Tis best. Twere said he loves the Queen.”
• A Web of Accusations: Morgan, caught between loyalty and honesty, cannot deny Mordred’s accusation. Arthur’s faith is shaken.
  • Quote (King Arthur, 19:35): “Tell him he lies.”
  • Quote (Morgan, 19:38): “My lord. My lord, I cannot.”

5. Lancelot’s Agony and Arthur’s Tragic Restraint (21:18–26:10)

• Arthur Confronts Lancelot: Questions Lancelot but receives no confession of guilt—instead, a mutual silence falls. The scabbard of Excalibur is missing; suspicion ricochets between Lancelot and Mordred.
• The Truth Emerges: Guinevere confirms the worst.
  • Quote (Queen Guinevere, 23:36): “Nay, nay. Tis true.”
• Arthur’s Grief: Torn between vengeance and heartbreak, Arthur cannot bring himself to kill Lancelot, though betrayed.
  • Quote (King Arthur, 24:58): “I cannot kill thee. Some sudden palsy doth beat down this arm. Its strength is gone...”
  • He commands Lancelot to leave, promising that in defense of England, his hand will be steadier.

6. Collapse, Consequence, and Call to Arms (26:10–28:27)

• Guinevere’s Despair: She mourns, feeling marked by loss beyond repair.
  • Quote (Queen Guinevere, 26:17): “And must I live?”
• Arthur’s Lament: He dwells on the greater loss—the fall of a kingdom, the destruction of virtue once embodied by his queen and friend.
  • Quote (King Arthur, 27:09): “For at thy fall, a shattered kingdom bleeds.”
• Urgent News: Knights rush in with news that Caerleon, the heart of Arthur’s realm, is besieged. Gawain, Agravaine, and Mordred seek their king’s orders.
• Resolution: Arthur’s last act is to steel himself for war, leading his knights and casting aside the trappings of peace.
  • Quote (King Arthur, 28:07): “We do not roughly trample down the flower that grows upon a grave. Then use her well, for there entombed lies one who was my queen... My sword is drawn. I want no scabbard Now.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• Suspicion and Revelation:
  • Sir Lancelot: “Some traitor lurking near the throne, in secret league with Arthur’s enemies.” (01:52)
  • Mordred: “It was I who slew this messenger...” (04:11)
• Love and Despair:
  • Sir Lancelot: “There’s nothing in the world to win or lose can count. Beside thy love...” (09:08)
  • Queen Guinevere: “All that was left to do.” (23:41)
• Arthur’s Lament:
  • King Arthur: “There is no might can give back to the spring its lowliest flower dead under changing skies.” (24:16)
  • King Arthur: “For at thy fall, a shattered kingdom bleeds.” (27:09)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:16] — Act III begins
• [01:47–06:27] — Discovery of murder and the confrontation between Lancelot and Mordred
• [06:27–09:54] — Lancelot and Guinevere’s anguished exchange
• [10:55–15:37] — Announcement of Elaine’s death; delivery of the letter
• [15:55–21:18] — Arthur’s doubt, Mordred’s manipulation, Morgan’s agony
• [21:18–23:43] — Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere: confrontation and confession
• [24:53–26:10] — Arthur’s failed vengeance and Lancelot’s banishment
• [26:10–28:27] — The kingdom’s fall and Arthur’s call to arms

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Tone and Style

Faithful to the rich, dramatic language of the original, this episode is an immersive, poetic journey into betrayal, tragic love, and the cost of broken trust. The dialogue is charged with emotion, marked by tension, heartbreak, and the weight of honor.

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Closing Impression

Act III — “The Black Barge” is the turning point of Carr’s King Arthur. With murder unmasked and the secrets of the heart exposed, Arthur’s court is thrown into chaos. Betrayed by friends and lover alike, the King must lay aside his sorrow for the coming war, while Guinevere and Lancelot are left to bear the consequences of their doomed affair. The episode ends with the echo of sword blades and the waning hope that once bound Camelot together.

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Listeners are left eager to witness Act IV, as love and loyalty collide on the eve of battle.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Act three of King Arthur A Drama and 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 3 the Black Barge Scene A vaulted chamber opening on to the river. As the curtain draws up, enter Sir Lancelot, followed by Sir Kay, Sir Gawain and Sir Agravaine.

[Sir Lancelot]

Sir Maurice slain.

[King Arthur]

Ay, murder'd but by whom?

[Mordred]

That's still to find. Know you from whence he came?

[Sir Lancelot]

Straight from Caerleon. Whither as I heard, he rode with seal'd advices for the King, said I not. Well, Arthur hath been forestall'd. Why? Twas but yesterday the king did notice

[King Arthur]

long delay it was but yesternight we found him murder'd.

[Sir Lancelot]

Sirs, if this be so, there's something more than murder, more in truth. Lancelot, some traitor lurking near the throne, in secret league with Arthur's enemies.

[Mordred]

By this same villainous act now stands

[Sir Lancelot]

possess'd what the King should know what must be done.

[King Arthur]

Let Lancelot speak.

[Sir Lancelot]

I'll straightway to the king and tell him all Then should we win his leave, as at nightfall wheel to horse, nor draw the rein, until Caerleon's towers cut the sky.

[Narrator]

Exeunt K. Agravaine and Gawain. During the next speech, Mordred, whose hand is here?

[Sir Lancelot]

Of all our knights, but one in my most secret heart dare stand accused of this foul deed.

[Narrator]

Turns and sees. Mordred.

[Sir Lancelot]

Mordred. Maurice is slain.

[Mordred]

Sir Maurice slain? Nay. Tis some idle jest.

[Sir Lancelot]

That is not all. The devices that he bore are stolen.

[Mordred]

Stolen? Is it possible?

[Sir Lancelot]

Ay, sir, and true. Which news must to the king?

[Mordred]

Most surely. Yet not now. He is fatigued, and would not be disturb'd. To morrow, sir?

[Sir Lancelot]

Nay, sir, to day. An hour's delay may risk the safety of his throne, perchance his life.

[Mordred]

Well, sir, what then?

[Sir Lancelot]

What then?

[Mordred]

Nay, spare thy skill. Tis aptly feign'd. In faith, I'd say. Twas true. Did I not hold a key that locks thy heart?

[Sir Lancelot]

What dost thou mean?

[Mordred]

I mean, should Arthur pass, he leaves behind a kingdom and a queen who loves him not.

[Sir Lancelot]

Who says so? Foul else?

[Mordred]

Lancelot. Throw off this mask. It fits thee not. Be what thou art, nor fear what thou wouldst be. Let candor answer candor. It was I who slew this messenger. His papers here bring rich news, that ere a week be past Carleon's gates must yield to the assault of Ryan's siege, whose vengeance stays not there. The king himself is doomed, and the king dead. His throne is mine, and thine his widowed queen.

[Sir Lancelot]

Traitor. I knew it. Thou shalt to the king, in whose dread presence from that villain's throat I'll force those words again.

[Mordred]

I dare thy worst yet breathe one word, and I will tell. A tale shall make thee cower like a beaten hound.

[Sir Lancelot]

Thou' st not to tell.

[Mordred]

What are her kisses? Naught. Fie, sir, for shame. So then thou didst not guess I lurked so near and saw thee lip to lip, cuddling beneath the May that is love's trick. Who blindfold, deems that all the world is blind? Now to the king. See, sir, the way is clear. What, wouldst thou pause? Hast thou no heart to win that sweet reward that waits thy loyal zeal? A traitor's death.

[Sir Lancelot]

What were that?

[Mordred]

Death to me true, but the queen.

[Sir Lancelot]

Vile wretch.

[Narrator]

Movement towards Mordred.

[Mordred]

Look where she comes. Take thought with her. She will advise thee well. We men are rash. A woman's subtler wit serves better in such case truth. But she's fair, so fair. Why, Lancelot, I repent me now. I kept not this sweet morsel for mine own.

[Sir Lancelot]

Out of my sight.

[Mordred]

His tongue is safely gagged, yet he's but half corrupt. I'll trust him not.

[Narrator]

Exit. Lancelot stands in despair as Guinevere enters.

[Queen Guinevere]

Who went from thee?

[Sir Lancelot]

Twas. Mordred.

[Narrator]

Guinevere, approaching him.

[Queen Guinevere]

Lancelot. Some evil hath befallen.

[Sir Lancelot]

Tis not.

[Narrator]

He turns away.

[Queen Guinevere]

Tis much can make thee turn from me. Ah, but I'll know it. Didst thou not swear our love could cure all ill? Then tell me all.

[Sir Lancelot]

Caelion is besieged. Should succour fail, twill yield to Ryan's arms.

[Queen Guinevere]

Who brings these tidings?

[Sir Lancelot]

Mordred. And the king knows not.

[Queen Guinevere]

Knows not Lancelot? Ah, no. Ah, no. Sure thou wouldst tell the king?

[Sir Lancelot]

Indeed I would.

[Queen Guinevere]

Then wherefore pass?

[Sir Lancelot]

Oh, had I died. But then, in that sweet hour when first I learn'd thy love, I had been happy.

[Queen Guinevere]

What is in thy heart?

[Sir Lancelot]

Mordred is false.

[Queen Guinevere]

False?

[Sir Lancelot]

Ay, tis he that's hatch'd this plot against the king, whereby he thinks to seize the throne.

[Queen Guinevere]

Then thou shalt prove him false and save the king.

[Sir Lancelot]

I dare not.

[Queen Guinevere]

Dare not?

[King Arthur]

No.

[Sir Lancelot]

All. All is known.

[Queen Guinevere]

To whom?

[Sir Lancelot]

To him. He was there beside us in the May. His traitorous hand grips at my throat and makes me traitor too.

[Queen Guinevere]

No, no, that cannot be. Ah, look not so. What wouldst thou do?

[Sir Lancelot]

Nay, ask what I have done. Was there no lamp in heaven to stay our feet? Was the night starless, that we needs must wait till love's torch, setting all the world ablaze, lights up love's ruinous way? Ah, Guinevere. I'd die a hundred deaths, but now, to win one hour of life that's pass'd I one short hour, so I might drag this devil to the throne and shout his villainies in every ear.

[Queen Guinevere]

Then do it now, Hamlet.

[Sir Lancelot]

I cannot.

[Queen Guinevere]

Hamlet. Yea, thou canst. Who is there that should stay thee? Tis not I. Let love go down the wind. What? What boots it now? Look to thyself. Think not of all that's lost. That is all mine. For thee there still remains thy soldier's honour. Take it, keep it pure.

[Sir Lancelot]

What have I said?

[Queen Guinevere]

Ah, go.

[Narrator]

Throws herself on couch, Lancelot, throwing himself at her feet.

[Sir Lancelot]

My queen. My queen. There's nothing in the world to win or lose can count. Beside thy love I lied. But now, King, honour, country, all that knighthood boasts of faith and loyalty in life or death, weighs not against the memory of one kiss from thy dear lips.

[Queen Guinevere]

Then thou art mine again. To hear thee say that all the world was not against our love hath made me mad for joy yet stay not now I have a thought to think and needs must be alone yet

[Sir Lancelot]

ere I go hear this one all that is left of life is thine to keep or thine to fling away so I may have thy love.

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[Narrator]

Exit Lancelot.

[Queen Guinevere]

Thou hast indeed so. While is won again and all is lost, so do we strive that we may have the more to cast away. And now, when at my feet he lays his sword. His life, aye, and his soul. I do but long to find some better way to give him. All again. Ay, all again. It is the king. How may I find that way?

[Narrator]

Enter. Arthur.

[King Arthur]

Ah, thou art here. I bring thee such sad news as must needs wring thy heart.

[Queen Guinevere]

What news, my lord?

[King Arthur]

Elaine is dead.

[Queen Guinevere]

Dead? Who hath told thee this?

[King Arthur]

There yonder by the shore her body lies, who, while she lived, was named the fair Elaine. Canst thou not weep?

[Queen Guinevere]

Truly, my lord, I think I've lost the use of tears.

[King Arthur]

Thou wouldst have wept hadst thou been there. When down the vacant stream that black barge floated like a speck of night blown on the winds of dawn, and on its deck, fallen as a feather from a white dove's wing, lay this new prize of death, whose cunning hands had wrought in such fair mimicry of life that on her parted lips there lingered yet the memory of a smile.

[Queen Guinevere]

Why, then, perchance she's happier far than some who needs must live and smile no more.

[King Arthur]

It may Be for that brow had caught from death some secret of content it knew not here. And looking in those eyes whose tears had ceased their traffic, I dared think if aught of sin was there. Tis pardoned. Now, Hamlet.

[Queen Guinevere]

Of sin? What sin?

[King Arthur]

Ay, for it must be so. Some sin there was, though unrecorded here, some stain that smirched her seeming purity, which Lancelot, all too noble, could not urge else. Were it not in nature to refuse so sweet a gift.

[Queen Guinevere]

Hamlet, if that indeed be true, were it enough to shut the doors of love.

[King Arthur]

Enough? What wouldst thou ask?

[Queen Guinevere]

Ay, ay, enough, enough. And more. Yet in some greater heart as his or thine, methought that love might find forgiveness.

[King Arthur]

E' en for that, Nay, wrong him not, whose upward gaze set level with the stars, would lift from ear the soul he crowns with love, making her more than woman. Whence if she fall, like some lost planet, hurl'd from highest heaven, she falls to endless night.

[Narrator]

During Arthur's speech, the distant throb of a mournful march is heard, slowly approaching.

[Queen Guinevere]

Most like. Tis so. And death the only way. What sound is that?

[King Arthur]

Up from the stream. They bear her body hither, where it shall rest beneath his royal roof, till with such liberal honours as befit so fair a flower. Tis set again in earth.

[Narrator]

The procession enters, headed by Mordred and Morgan. Four knights bear Elayne and are followed by a company of maidens. Morgan aside to Mordred.

[Morgan]

Her cheek grows pale. She will betray herself.

[Narrator]

She passes across the stage and takes her place behind the queen. At a sign from Mordred, the knights move forward till they come to where Guinevere is standing rigid and motionless. Then they stop in silence, till Guinevere, without turning, cries in agony.

[Queen Guinevere]

Go on, and set it down.

[Narrator]

Mordred coming forward.

[Mordred]

Madam, by your leave. In that white hand of death a letter lies, whose seal we dared not break, for Tis inscribed to Guinevere, the queen.

[Narrator]

Arthur To Guinevere.

[King Arthur]

Then break the seal, which hides perchance some secret of her love we know not yet.

[Narrator]

Guinevere tries to approach the bier, but cannot touch the body. Then, with a despairing appeal, she turns to Arthur.

[Queen Guinevere]

I cannot. Give it to me.

[Narrator]

Arthur takes the letter which Guinevere opens and lets fall, staggering back into the arms of Morgan, whose eyes gleam in triumph.

[Morgan]

Nay, madam, nay. What is it moves thee thus?

[Narrator]

Mordred picks up the letter and gives it to the king.

[King Arthur]

Arthur reading I, that was named Elaine of Astolat, whose mortal love for Lancelot passed all measure, seeing he Loves another, choose to die. We knew not this. Go call Sir Lancelot here.

[Queen Guinevere]

My lord. My lord.

[Narrator]

She struggles forward as though to stop the king's command, and then swoons into Morgan's arms.

[King Arthur]

Look to the queen.

[Narrator]

Morgan and her women support her from the stage. And at the same time the knights lay the body of Elayne under the alcove. And then exeunt, leaving Arthur and Mordred alone. Mordred, aside.

[Mordred]

Ere Lancelot's blow can fall, I'll strike him to the heart.

[Narrator]

Arthur, holding the letter.

[King Arthur]

If this be true, Tis strange that none had known.

[Mordred]

What's that, my lord?

[King Arthur]

What's here said down of Lancelot's later love?

[Mordred]

Now would to heaven those words had ne' er been writ, or ne' er been read.

[King Arthur]

Why, so.

[Mordred]

Didst thou not note how the queen's soul was stirr'd?

[King Arthur]

She is not used to look on death, which coming in such guise might move our soldier hearts.

[Mordred]

Ay, but methought it was death's message, and not death itself. The that turn'd those red lips. White.

[King Arthur]

Modred, what's this? Think you the queen hath known of this same love?

[Mordred]

Nay, I'll not answer that.

[King Arthur]

Nay, but thou shalt. What is to fear, my lord?

[Mordred]

Thou art my king, My sword is thine, and with that sword my life. But with that life my loyal service ends. And what is left, thou wilt not ask of me.

[King Arthur]

Who is it that he loves?

[Mordred]

In sooth, I thought what all the world had known was known to thee. Were it not so, these lips had still been dumb. But now. Tis best. Twere said he loves the Queen.

[King Arthur]

Who forged this lie? Nay, Mordred, tis not thou. And yet I wonder too, to find thee duped by this poor tale, bred in some baser soul that loves not Lancelot.

[Mordred]

What thou think'?

[Morgan]

St?

[Mordred]

Tis false? Why, then, my lord. Tis false. I'll think so too. We'll speak of it no more.

[King Arthur]

Ay, but we will. And track this running poison to its source. Which else should turn all the pure springs of life to pools of festering filth?

[Narrator]

Enter, Morgan hurriedly.

[Morgan]

My lord the Queen. Why art thou pale? Nay, do not take it so. Twas but a sudden fit, and will soon pass.

[King Arthur]

Morgan, come hither. Know' st thou aught of this?

[Morgan]

Of what, my lord? Laertes?

[King Arthur]

Of Lancelot's love for her. The queen.

[Morgan]

The Queen. Now, who hath told thee this?

[Narrator]

Turning to Mordred.

[Morgan]

Shame on thee. Shame. I pray you, heed him not. I would have cut my tongue out. Ere I'd spoken such evil of our mistress.

[King Arthur]

Let him be. He doth but hint what every hawker cries.

[Morgan]

But he did wrong to speak, and thou to hear so sweet a lady, and at such an hour were I a man for all he is my child, my sword should answer him.

[Mordred]

Now, this is more than I have will to bear. Why, twas thyself didst tell how yesternight Sir Lancelot went to her bower alone.

[King Arthur]

Didst thou say so?

[Morgan]

In truth, twas so, and hath been so before. Yet did I think no wrong and now I'm sure he bore some message from the king himself.

[King Arthur]

No, he did not.

[Morgan]

Well, then, be sure. Twas not, and she shall prove it not.

[Mordred]

Nay, mother. Nay, let us be honest. Thou wouldst serve the queen, and so would I. Yet may we not be false to him, whom heaven hath made her lord and ours. How canst thou say twas not? Why, thou wast there beside me when they kissed beneath the May.

[Narrator]

Arthur turns slowly towards Morgan.

[King Arthur]

Tell him he lies.

[Morgan]

My lord. My lord, I cannot.

[King Arthur]

There'll come a time when I shall know full well this is a dream, but now I'll play it out as though twere true. Go, get thee to the queen.

[Morgan]

Think not too ill of her.

[King Arthur]

Nay, nor of thee.

[Narrator]

Exit Morgan to Mordred.

[King Arthur]

Go on, there's more to come. Think you he knows you lurk'd so near, and saw him?

[Mordred]

Ay, most sure. For now with lying tongue he goes about whispering that I have hatch'd some treacherous plot against thy throne and thee.

[King Arthur]

Why, when I think, this is some other Lancelot ye have met, and this some other king. He whom I knew was of all knights the bravest and the truest, serving a lord who could not have stood dumb to hear his name befouled.

[Narrator]

Lancelot enters and approaches the king. Who does not turn to him?

[Sir Lancelot]

My lord, I am here. Didst thou not send for me?

[King Arthur]

Ay, so I did. Lancelot. The scabbard of Excalibur is stolen.

[Sir Lancelot]

Laertes, who is the thief?

[Queen Guinevere]

Lance?

[King Arthur]

This thou shalt say. Dost think? Tis Mordred.

[Narrator]

Launcelot.

[Sir Lancelot]

Why should I think so?

[King Arthur]

Why not? I have heard there is some grosser charge that thou wouldst bring against him. Nay, my good lord, let Lancelot speak.

[Narrator]

Lancelot.

[Sir Lancelot]

After a pause, my lord, I bring no charge.

[King Arthur]

Lancelot, think well. Art sure thou know' st of naught that should disturb our peace.

[Narrator]

Lancelot. After a pause.

[Sir Lancelot]

Of naught, my lord.

[King Arthur]

Tis well. Tis well. Then both of ye are true.

[Sir Lancelot]

Was it for this that thou didst send for me.

[King Arthur]

Not so. Come hither, that thine eyes may feast on this sweet picture.

[Narrator]

Lancelot turns and starts at the sight of Elaine.

[King Arthur]

Nay, sir, noted well. Death too hath gone amain, and hath plucked life's fairest flower, Elaine. Methought she slept ay past all waking, and wouldst know the cause, the cause? Why she doth sleep. Tis written here.

[Narrator]

He gives Lancelot the letter as the king watches him, he reads it, and then falls on his knees before the bier.

[King Arthur]

Lancelot, yet squander not thy grief. She heeds thee not. The dead are dead. We give them ne' er a thought. Whose care is for the living, and of all, the most for thee. Where' er she may dwell, this new found beauty that hath lured thy heart. We shall command her love. Nay, but we shall. For thou art known the courtliest, truest knight that ever served a king. Then speak her name, my lord, in truth. Nay, sir, who is this maid?

[Sir Lancelot]

There is no maid.

[King Arthur]

Lancelot. Thou say' st well. It is the queen. No, thou know'. St. Tis so. Thou art the thief whoso hast stolen away that scabbard that was worth a

[Sir Lancelot]

hundred swords, whose tongue hath told thee this. Here. On my life, I'll answer him. Who dares accuse her honour?

[Mordred]

Then answer me.

[Sir Lancelot]

Liar. And so I will. Yet first I'd have thee known for what thou art traitor. I charge thee now.

[Mordred]

Said I not? Well.

[Narrator]

Guinevere enters unseen.

[King Arthur]

If he be traitor, Wot thou whose sword strikes at my heart, yet would defend my throne? Prove this is false, and I'll believe him false. Prove that he lies, and I'll believe thee true again.

[Sir Lancelot]

I swear. Tis false.

[Narrator]

Guinevere coming between them.

[Queen Guinevere]

Nay, nay. Tis true.

[Sir Lancelot]

What hast thou done?

[Queen Guinevere]

All that was left to do.

[King Arthur]

Ay, all. There is no more to do or say. Death's banner floats above the blackened field. The fight is ended and our day is done. If this be so, but I'll not think tis so. Take back that word and none shall know. Twas said. Ah, call it back again and lift the pole. Death spreads upon my heart, so shall I kneel and bless thee. And this sword shall strike him dumb, that dares to whisper aught against my queen.

[Narrator]

She stands immovable.

[King Arthur]

Is this so much to ask? Ay, all. Too much. There is no might can give back to the spring its lowliest flower dead under changing skies. Then how should I, with winter at my heart, plead with the ruined summer for its rose? Thou hast no word?

[Queen Guinevere]

No Word to cure what's done Arthur.

[Narrator]

To Lancelot.

[King Arthur]

Then arm my sword shall find its sheath deep in thy heart.

[Sir Lancelot]

Strike on. Strike on, I say, for death is all I crave.

[King Arthur]

Then take it now.

[Narrator]

Arthur runs on Lancelot, but the uplifted sword drops from his hand.

[King Arthur]

I cannot kill thee. Some sudden palsy doth beat down this arm. Its strength is gone. Yet think not. Tis the love I bore thee once that's clean forgotten now. Nor is it mercy, for had the same wrong chanced to the meanest hind that calls me king. My sword had leapt in vengeance and my soul had straight approved the deed. Yet here I stand that cannot strike a blow in mine own cause. Is this a curse that heaven hath set on kings who may not love nor hate like common men? Or is there some rank poison in a crown that stamps the brand of coward on the brows of him who wears it? Go, then, get thee hence. Join with some foe that dares assault our throne. With Bryons or with Mark, who hunger still for open war. Ay, league thyself with them. And in that hour, the hand that falters now in England's cause shall find its force again and strike thee to the earth. Till then, live on.

[Narrator]

Lancelot goes out as Arthur turns to Mordred.

[King Arthur]

Leave us alone. There's something left to say, Mordred, that's not for thee.

[Narrator]

Exit, Mordred.

[Queen Guinevere]

And must I live?

[King Arthur]

It is too late to die.

[Queen Guinevere]

Too late, too late.

[King Arthur]

Ay, would death's marble finger had been laid on those sweet lips when first

[Narrator]

they linked with mine, pointing to Elaine.

[King Arthur]

For locked in death's white arms, love lies secure in changeless sleep that knows no dream of change. Tis life, not death. That is love's sepulchre. Where each day tells a passionate heart's grown strange and perjured vows chime with the answering bell that tolls love's funeral. If thou wouldst boast of this new sway, a woman's wile hath won. Go tell the world thy heart hath slain a heart that once had been a king's. Yet that's not all. Thou too hast been a queen whose soul shone clear a star for all men's worship and the lamp set high in heaven whereby all frailer hearts should steer their course towards God. Then tis not I whose life lies broken here. For at thy fall, a shattered kingdom bleeds.

[Narrator]

At the end of this speech, a sound of warlike music is heard and the stage fills with knights headed by Gawain and Agravaine. My lord My lord Caerleon is besieged. Enter Mordred.

[Sir Lancelot]

And we thy knights, here arm'd and

[Mordred]

ready, do but wait to know our king's command. Then let me lead them forth. The chance is desperate, and thy greater life is England's, not thine own.

[King Arthur]

Nay, thou shalt stay. Thou art the one thing left my soul dare trust. For in this wreck of love truth stands for all.

[Narrator]

Sound out for war, Pointing to Guinevere.

[King Arthur]

Yet, pray you, use her well. We do not roughly trample down the flower that grows upon a grave. Then use her well, for there entombed lies one who was my queen. Goe' En I come. The king shall lead thee forth. My sword is drawn. I want no scabbard Now.

[Narrator]

Arthur holds up his naked sword, and all the knights raise their swords in answer as the curtain falls. End of Act 3.

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