King Arthur

King Arthur, or The British Worthy

PHILADEL (Soprano)

GRIMBALD (Bass / Baritone)

SHEPHERD (Tenor)

CUPID (Soprano)

COLD GENIUS (Bass)

AEOLUS (Bass / Baritone)

VENUS (Soprano)

CHORUSsheperds and shepherdesses, soldiers, spirits, satyrs

etc.

SYSTEMACT ONE

SYSTEMFIRST SCENE

King Arthur has secured all of his kingdom except Kent in the course of the battles with the Saxons; they are led by Oswald, who has set out to win not only his throne but his love, the blind Emmeline, daughter of Conon, Duke of Cornwall. Arthur takes leave of her for the final, decisive battle against the heathen invader.

SYSTEMSECOND SCENE

A place of heathen worship; the three saxon gods, Woden, Thor and Freya placed on pedestals; an altar. Oswald, his magician Osmond and the earthly evil spirit Grimbald have brought victims for a sacrifice, to ensure victory in battle, and are preparing for the rites.  Grimbald goes to the door, and re-enters with six Saxons in white, with swords in their hands. They range, themselves three and three in opposition to each other. The rest of the stage is filled with priests and singers.

BASSWoden, first to thee

BASSA milk-white steed, in battle won,

BASSWe have sacrific'd.

CHORUSWe have sacrific'd.

TENOR IILet our next oblation be

TENOR IITo Thor, thy thund'ring son,

TENOR IIOf such another.

CHORUSWe have sacrific'd.

BASSA third (of Friesland breed was he)

BASSTo Woden's wife, and to Thor's mother;

BASSAnd now we have aton'd all three.

CHORUSWe have sacrific'd.

TENOR I & IIThe white horse neigh'd aloud.

TENOR I & IITo Woden thanks we render,

TENOR I & IITo Woden we have vow'd,

TENOR I & IITo Woden, our defender.

CHORUSTo Woden thanks we render,

CHORUSTo Woden we have vow'd,

CHORUSTo Woden, our defender.

SOPRANOThe lot is cast, and Tanfan pleas'd;

SOPRANOOf mortal cares you shall be eas'd.

CHORUSBrave souls, to be renown'd in story.

CHORUSHonour prizing,

CHORUSDeath despising,

CHORUSFame acquiring

CHORUSBy expiring,

CHORUSDie and reap the fruit of glory.

TENOR II call you all

TENOR ITo Woden's Hall,

TENOR IYour temples round

TENOR IWith ivy bound

TENOR IIn goblets crown'd,

TENOR IAnd plenteous bowls of burnish'd gold,

TENOR IWhere ye shall laugh

TENOR IAnd dance and quaff

TENOR IThe juice that makes the Britons bold.

CHORUSTo Woden's Hall all,

CHORUSWhere in plenteous bowls of burnish'd gold,

CHORUSWe shall laugh

CHORUSAnd dance and quaff

CHORUSThe juice that makes the Britons bold.

The six Saxons are led off by the priests, in order to be sacrificed. Exeunt omnes. A battle supposed to be given behind the scenes, with drums, trumpets, and military shouts and excursions, after which the Britons, expressing their joy for the victory, sing this song of triumph.

TENOR II"Come if you dare," our trumpets sound.

TENOR II"Come if you dare," the foes rebound.

TENOR IIWe come, we come, we come, we come,"

TENOR IISays the double, double, double beat of

TENOR IIthe thund'ring drum.

CHORUS"Come if you dare," our trumpets sound, etc.

TENOR IINow they charge on amain.

TENOR IINow they rally again.

TENOR IIThe Gods from above the mad labour behold,

TENOR IIAnd pity mankind that will perish for gold.

CHORUSNow they charge on amain,

etc.

TENOR IIThe fainting Saxons quit their ground,

TENOR IITheir trumpets languish in their sound,

TENOR IIThey fly, they fly, they fly, they fly,

TENOR II"Victoria, Victoria," the bold Britons cry.

CHORUSThe fainting Saxons quit their ground,

etc.

TENOR IINow the victory's won,

TENOR IITo the plunder we run,

TENOR IIWe return to our lasses like fortunate traders,

TENOR IITriumphant with spoils of the vanquish'd invaders.

CHORUSNow the victory's won,

etc.

SYSTEMACT TWO

Philidel, a repentant airy spirit, reports to Merlin that Grimbald is approaching and will attempt to mislead the conquering Britons to cliffs, where they will fall to their deaths, by telling them that they are pursuing the retreating Saxons. Merlin commands Philidel, assisted by his band of spirits, to protect the Britons and counter. Grimbald's forces. Exit Merlin in this chariot. Merlin's spirits stay with Philidel. Enter Grimbald in the habit of a shepherd, followed by King Arthur, Conon, Aurelius, Albanact and soldiers, who wander at a distance in the scenes.

PHILIDELHither, this way, this way bend,

PHILIDELTrust not the malicious fiend.

PHILIDELThose are false deluding lights

PHILIDELWafted far and near by sprites.

PHILIDELTrust 'em not, for they'll deceive ye,

PHILIDELAnd in bogs and marshes leave ye.

CHORUS OF PHILIDEL'S SPIRITSHither, this way, this way bend.

CHORUS OF GRIMBALD' S SPIRITSThis way, hither, this way bend.

PHILIDELIf you step no longer thinking,

PHILIDELDown you fall, a furlong sinking.

PHILIDEL'Tis a fiend who has annoy'd ye:

PHILIDELName but Heav'n, and he'll avoid ye.

PHILIDELHither, this way.

PHILIDEL' S SPIRITSHither, this way, this way bend.

GRIMBALD' S SPIRITSThis way, hither, this way bend.

PHILIDEL' S SPIRITSTrust not the malicious fiend.

PHILIDEL' S SPIRITSHither, this way,

etc.

Conon and Albanact are persuaded not to follow Grimbald any further, but Grimbald produces fresh footprints as proof that they are following the Saxons.

GRIMBALDLet not a moon-born elf mislead ye

GRIMBALDFrom your prey and from your glory;

GRIMBALDTo fear, alas, he has betray'd ye;

GRIMBALDFollow the flames that wave before ye,

GRIMBALDSometimes sev'n, and sometimes one.

GRIMBALDHurry, hurry, hurry, hurry on.

SYSTEMRitornello

GRIMBALDSee, see the footsteps plain appearing.

GRIMBALDThat way Oswald chose for flying.

GRIMBALDFirm is the turf and fit for bearing,

GRIMBALDWhere yonder pearly dews are lying.

GRIMBALDFar he cannot hence be gone.

GRIMBALDHurry, hurry, hurry, hurry on.

All are going to follow Grimbald.

SYSTEMRitornello

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITSHither, this way, this way bend.

GRIMBALD' S SPIRITSHither, this way, this way bend.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITSTrust not that malicious fiend.

PHILIDEL'S SPIRITSHither, this way,

etc.

They all incline to Philidel. Grimbald curses Philidel and sinks with a flash. Arthur gives thanks that the fiend has vanished.

PHILIDELCome, follow me.

SOLOSCome, follow me,

SOLOSAnd me, and me, and me, and me.

CHORUSCome, follow me.

PHILIDEL, SOPRANOAnd green-sward all your way shall be.

CHORUSCome, follow me.

BASSNo goblin or elf shall dare to offend ye.

CHORUSNo goblin or elf shall dare to offend ye.

SYSTEMRitornello

TWO SOPRANOS, TENORWe brethren of air

TWO SOPRANOS, TENORYou heroes will bear

TWO SOPRANOS, TENORTo the kind and the fair that attend ye.

CHORUSWe brethren of air,

etc.

Philidel and the spirits go off singing, with King Arthur and the rest in the middle of them. Enter Emmeline led by Matilda. Pavilion Scene. Emmeline and Matilda discuss King Arthur. Matilda entreats Emmeline to forget her cares and let a group of Kentish lads and lasses entertain her while she awaits Arthur's return. Enter shepherds and shepherdesses.

SHEPHERDHow blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses,

SHEPHERDWhile drums and trumpets are sounding alarms.

SHEPHERDOver our lowly sheds all the storm passes

SHEPHERDAnd when we die, 'tis in each other's arms

SHEPHERDAll the day on our herds and flocks employing,

SHEPHERDAll the night on our flutes and in enjoying.

CHORUSHow blest are shepherds, how happy their lasses,

etc.

SHEPHERDBright nymphs of Britain with graces attended,

SHEPHERDLet not your days without pleasure expire.

SHEPHERDHonour's but empty, and when youth is ended,

SHEPHERDAll men will praise you but none will desire.

SHEPHERDLet not youth fly away without contenting;

SHEPHERDAge will come time enough for your repenting.

CHORUSBright nymphs of Britain with graces attended,

etc.

Here the men offer their flutes to the women, which they refuse.

SYSTEMSymphony

TWO SHEPHERDESSESShepherd, shepherd, leave decoying:

TWO SHEPHERDESSESPipes are sweet on summer's day,

TWO SHEPHERDESSESBut a little after toying,

TWO SHEPHERDESSESWomen have the shot to pay.

TWO SHEPHERDESSESHere are marriage-vows for signing:

TWO SHEPHERDESSESSet their marks that cannot write.

TWO SHEPHERDESSESAfter that, without repining,

TWO SHEPHERDESSESPlay, and welcome, day and night.

Here the women give the men contracts, which they accept.

CHORUSCome, shepherds, lead up a lively measure

CHORUSThe cares of wedlock are cares of pleasure:

CHORUSBut whether marriage bring joy or sorrow.

CHORUSMake sure of this day and hang tomorrow

SYSTEMHornpipe

The dance after the song, and exeunt shepherds and shepherdesses.

SYSTEMSecond Act Tune: Air

Emmeline and Matilda are captured by Oswald, who has refused to release them during a parley with Arthur. The Britons prepare to rescue Emmeline from the Saxon fortress.

SYSTEMACT THREE

SYSTEMFIRST SCENE

The Britons are panicked by the magic horrors that have been put around the Saxon fortress to protect it and want to retreat. Arthur, however, is prepared to attempt to penetrate them alone. Merlin advises him to wait until after the spells have been broken, but does promise to spirit him off to the captive Emmeline, and to restore her sight.

SYSTEMSECOND SCENE

A Deep Wood

Philidel is captured by Grimbald while trying to find Emmeline, but he escapes and casts a strong spell over the evil spirit. Merlin and Arthur enter; Merlin gives Philidel a vial containing the drops that will restore Emmeline's sight and leaves to attempt to dispel the

dire enchantments in the wood. Emmeline and Matilda enter from the far end of the wood. Arthur withdraws as Philidel approaches Emmeline, sprinkling some of the water out of the vial over her eyes. Emmeline sees Arthur for the first time, and tells him that not only Oswald, but also Osmond desires her love. Airy spirits appear to congratulate her on the recovery of her sight, but then vanish when Philidel announces the approach of their foes. Emmeline and Matilda are left alone. Osmond, whom Emmeline now sees for the first time, ardently woos her and boasts how he has thrown Oswald into prison. Emmeline, frozen with terror, refuses his advances, but Osmond assures her that Love will thaw her, and demonstrates by using his magic wand to change Britain's mild clime to Iceland and farthest Thule's frost.

SYSTEMTHE FROST SCENE

SYSTEMPrelude

Osmond strikes the ground with his wand, the scene changes to a prospect of winter in frozen countries.

Cupid descends.

CUPIDWhat ho! thou genius of this isle, what ho!

CUPIDLiest thou asleep beneath those hills of snow?

CUPIDStretch out thy lazy limbs. Awake, awake!

CUPIDAnd winter from thy furry mantle shake.

SYSTEMPrelude

Genius arises

COLD GENIUSWhat power art thou, who from below

COLD GENIUSHast made me rise unwillingly and slow

COLD GENIUSFrom beds of everlasting snow?

COLD GENIUSSee'st thou not how stiff and wondrous old,

COLD GENIUSFar unfit to bear the bitter cold,

COLD GENIUSI can scarcely move or draw my breath?

COLD GENIUSLet me, let me freeze again to death.

CUPIDThou doting fool forbear, forbear!

CUPIDWhat dost thou mean by freezing here?

CUPIDAt Love's appearing, All the sky clearing,

CUPIDThe stormy winds their fury spare.

CUPIDWinter subduing,

CUPIDAnd Spring renewing,

CUPIDMy beams create a more glorious year.

CUPIDThou doting fool, forbear, forbear!

CUPIDWhat dost thou mean by freezing here?

COLD GENIUSGreat Love, I know thee now:

COLD GENIUSEldest of the gods art thou.

COLD GENIUSHeav'n and earth by thee were made.

COLD GENIUSHuman nature is thy creature,

COLD GENIUSEv'rywhere thou art obey'd.

CUPIDNo part of my dominion shall he waste:

CUPIDTo spread my sway and sing my praise

CUPIDE'en here I will a people raise

CUPIDOf kind embracing lovers, and embrac'd.

Cupid waves his wand, upon which the scene opens, discovers a prospect of ice and snow. Singers and dancers, men and women, appear.

SYSTEMPrelude

CHORUS OF COLD PEOPLESee, see, we assemble

CHORUS OF COLD PEOPLEThy revels to hold:

CHORUS OF COLD PEOPLETho' quiv'ring with cold

CHORUS OF COLD PEOPLEWe chatter and tremble.

SYSTEMDance

CUPID'Tis I, 'tis I, 'tis I that have warm'd ye.

CUPIDIn spite of cold weather

CUPIDI've brought ye together.

CUPID'Tis I, 'tis I, 'tis I that have warm'd ye,

SYSTEMRitornello

CHORUS'Tis Love, 'tis Love, 'tis Love

CHORUSthat has warm'd us.

CHORUSIn spite of the weather

CHORUSHe brought us together.

CHORUS'Tis Love, 'tis Love, 'tis Love

CHORUSthat has warm'd us.

CUPID & COLD GENIUSSound a parley, ye fair, and surrender,

CUPID & COLD GENIUSSet yourselves and your lovers at ease.

CUPID & COLD GENIUSHe's a grateful offender

CUPID & COLD GENIUSWho pleasure dare seize:

CUPID & COLD GENIUSBut the whining pretender

CUPID & COLD GENIUSIs sure to displease.

CUPID & COLD GENIUSSound a parley, ye fair, and surrender.

CUPID & COLD GENIUSSince the fruit of desire is possessing,

CUPID & COLD GENIUS'Tis unmanly to sigh and complain.

CUPID & COLD GENIUSWhen we kneel for redressing,

CUPID & COLD GENIUSWe move your disdain.

CUPID & COLD GENIUSLove was made for a blessing

CUPID & COLD GENIUSAnd not for a pain.

SYSTEMRitornello

CHORUS'Tis Love, 'tis Love, 'tis Love

CHORUSthat has warm'd us,

etc.

SYSTEMThird Act Tune: Hornpipe

A dance; after which the singers and dancers depart. Emmeline is saved from Osmond's lustful advances when the ensnared Grimbald cries out, compelling the magician to go to the rescue of his evil spirit.

SYSTEMACT FOUR

SYSTEMFIRST SCENE

Osmond learns that Merlin has broken his spells but plans to cast new spells and seduce Arthur with visions of beauty.

SYSTEMSECOND SCENE

The Wood

Arthur, having first been warned by Merlin that everything he sees is illusion, is left alone in the wood under the watchful eye of Philidel, who can reveal any evil spirits with a wave of Merlin's wand. Arthur is amazed that instead of the horrors and dangers he had expected, he hears soft music and sees a golden bridge spanning a silver stream. Though suspecting a trap, he approaches the bridge. Two sirens naked to the waist, emerge, begging him to lay aside his sword and join them.

TWO SIRENSTwo daughters of this aged stream are we,

TWO SIRENSAnd both our sea-green locks have comb'd for ye.

TWO SIRENSCome bathe with us an hour or two;

TWO SIRENSCome naked in, for we are so.

TWO SIRENSWhat danger from a naked foe?

TWO SIRENSCome bathe with us, come bathe, and share

TWO SIRENSWhat pleasures in the floods appear.

TWO SIRENSWe'll beat the waters till they bound

TWO SIRENSAnd circle round, and circle round.

Though sorely tempted, Arthur resists and presses on.As he is going forward, nymphs and sylvans come out from behind the trees. Dance with song, all with branches in their bands.

SYSTEMPassacaglia

TENOR IHow happy the lover,

TENOR IHow easy his chain!

TENOR IHow sweet to discover

TENOR IHe sighs not in vain.

CHORUSHow happy the lover,

etc.

SYSTEMRitornello

SYLVAN & NYMPHFor love ev'ry creature

SYLVAN & NYMPHIs form'd by his nature.

SYLVAN & NYMPHNo joys are above

SYLVAN & NYMPHThe pleasures of love.

CHORUSNo joys are above.

CHORUSThe pleasures of love.

THREE NYMPHSIn vain are our graces,

THREE NYMPHSIn vain are your eyes.

THREE NYMPHSIn vain are our graces

THREE NYMPHSIf love you despise.

THREE NYMPHSWhen age furrows faces,

THREE NYMPHS'Tis too late to be wise.

THREE SYLVANSThen use the sweet blessing

THREE SYLVANSWhile now in possessing.

THREE SYLVANSNo joys are above

THREE SYLVANSThe pleasures of love.

THREE NYMPHSNo joys are above

THREE NYMPHSThe pleasures of love.

CHORUSNo joys are above

CHORUSThe pleasures of love.

SYSTEMFourth Act Tune: Air

Arthur commands the sylvans, nymphs and sirens begone and they vanish. In an attempt to break the spells, he draws his sword and strikes a blow at the finest tree in the wood. A vision of Emmeline appears from its trunk, her arm wounded by the blow; it persuades him to lay down his sword and take her hand. Philidel rushes in, and with a touch of the wand reveals the vision to be Grimbald in disguise, Arthur then fells the tree, breaking the spells and opening a safe passage for the Britons to the Saxon fortress. Grimbald is bound up by Philidel and led out into daylight.

SYSTEMACT FIVE

SYSTEMFIRST SCENE

Osmond's spells have been broken and his spirit Grimbald captured. He decides to release Oswald from the prison in the hope that together they may at last defeat Arthur.

SYSTEMSECOND SCENE

The Britons march on the Saxon fortress, and are met by Oswald, who proposes the war be decided in single combat with Arthur. After a very close fight, in which the two magicians are also pitted against each other, Arthur finally succeeds in disarming Oswald, but grants him his life.

SYSTEMTrumpet Tune

A consort of trumpets within, proclaiming Arthur's victory. While they sound, Arthur and Oswald seem to confer. Arthur commands Oswald to return to Saxony with his men. Emmeline is restored to Arthur. Merlin imprisons Osmond and proclaims the triumph of British sovereignty, faith and love. Merlin waves his wand; the scene changes, and discovers the British Ocean in a storm. Aeolus in a cloud above: Four Winds hanging, etc.

AEOLUSYe blust'ring brethren of the skies,

AEOLUSWhose breath has ruffled all the wat'ry plain,

AEOLUSRetire, and let Britannia rise

AEOLUSIn triumph o'er the main.

AEOLUSSerene and calm, and void of fear,

AEOLUSThe Queen of Islands must appear.

Aeolus ascends, and the Four Winds fly off. The scene opens, and discovers a calm sea, to the end of the house. An island arises, to a soft tune; Britannia seated in the island, with fishermen at her feet, etc. The tune changes; the fisher men come ashore, and dance a while; after which, Pan and a Nereid come on the stage, and sing.

SYSTEMSymphony

NEREID, PANRound thy coast, fair nymph of Britain,

NEREID, PANFor thy guard our waters flow:

NEREID, PANProteus all his herd admitting

NEREID, PANOn thy green to graze below:

NEREID, PANForeign lands thy fish are tasting;

NEREID, PANLearn from thee luxurious fasting.

CHORUSRound thy coast, fair nymph of Britain,

etc.

ALTO, TENOR, BASSFor folded flocks, and fruitful plains,

ALTO, TENOR, BASSThe shepherd's and the farmer's gains,

ALTO, TENOR, BASSFair Britain all the world outvies;

ALTO, TENOR, BASSAnd Pan, as in Arcadia, reigns

ALTO, TENOR, BASSWhere pleasure mix'd with profit lies.

ALTO, TENOR, BASSTho' Jason's fleece was fam'd of old,

ALTO, TENOR, BASSThe British wool is growing gold;

ALTO, TENOR, BASSNo mines can more of wealth supply:

ALTO, TENOR, BASSIt keeps the peasants from the cold,

ALTO, TENOR, BASSAnd takes for kings the Tyrian dye.

Enter Comus with peasants.

COMUSYour hay, it is mow'd and your corn is reap'd,

COMUSYour barns will be full and your hovels heap'd.

COMUSCome, boys, come,

COMUSAnd merrily roar out our harvest home.

CHORUS OF PEASANTSHarvest home,

CHORUS OF PEASANTSAnd merrily roar out our harvest home.

COMUSWe've cheated the parson, we'll cheat him again,

COMUSFor why shou'd a blockhead have one in ten?

COMUSOne in ten, one in ten,

COMUSFor why shou'd a blockhead have one in ten?

PEASANTSOne in ten, one in ten,

PEASANTSFor why shou'd a blockhead have one in ten?

COMUSFor prating so long, like a book-learn'd sot,

COMUSTill pudding and dumpling are burnt to the pot:

COMUSBurnt to pot, burnt to pot,

COMUSTill pudding and dumpling are burnt to pot.

PEASANTSBurnt to pot, burnt to pot,

PEASANTSTill pudding and dumpling are burnt to the pot.

COMUSWe'll toss off our ale till we cannot stand;

COMUSAnd heigh for the honour of old England;

COMUSOld England, Old England,

COMUSAnd heigh for the honour of old England.

PEASANTSOld England, Old England,

PEASANTSAnd heigh for the honour of old England.

SYSTEMDance

The dance varied into a round country-dance.

Enter Venus.

VENUSFairest isle, all isles excelling,

VENUSSeat of pleasure and of love;

VENUSVenus here will choose her dwelling,

VENUSAnd forsake her Cyprian grove.

VENUSCupid from his fav'rite nation,

VENUSCare and envy will remove;

VENUSJealousy that poisons passion,

VENUSAnd despair that dies for love.

VENUSGentle murmurs, sweet complaining,

VENUSSighs that blow the fire of love;

VENUSSoft repulses, Kind disdaining,

VENUSShall be all the pains you prove.

VENUSEv'ry swain shall pay his duty,

VENUSGrateful ev'ry nymph shall prove;

VENUSAnd as these excel in beauty,

VENUSThose shall be renown'd for love.

SHEYou say, 'tis Love creates the pain,

SHEOf which so sadly you complain,

SHEAnd yet would fain engage my heart

SHEIn that uneasy cruel part;

SHEBut how, alas! think you that

SHEI Can bear the wounds of which you die?

HE'Tis not my passion makes my care,

HEBut your indiff'rence gives despair:

HEThe lusty sun begets no spring

HETill gentle show'rs assistance bring;

HESo Love, that scorches and destroys,

HETill kindness aids, can cause no joys.

SHELove has a thousand ways to please,

SHEBut more to rob us of our ease;

SHEFor waking nights and careful days,

SHESome hours of pleasure he repays;

SHEBut absence soon, or jealous fears,

SHEO'erflows the joy with floods of tears.

HEBut one soft moment makes amends

HEFor all the torment that attends.

BOTHLet us love, let us love and to happiness haste.

BOTHAge and wisdom come too fast.

BOTHYouth for loving was design'd.

HEI'll be constant, you be kind.

SHEYou be constant, I'll be kind.

BOTHHeav'n can give no greater blessing

BOTHThan faithful love and kind possessing.

SYSTEMTrumpet Tune

BOTH(

Warlike Consort

BOTH)

The scene opens above, and discovers the Order of the Garter. Enter Honour, attended by heroes.

HONOURSaint George, the patron of our Isle,

HONOURA soldier and a saint,

HONOUROn this auspicious order smile,

HONOURWhich love and arms will plant.

CHORUSOur natives not alone appear

CHORUSTo court the martial prize;

CHORUSBut foreign kings adopted here

CHORUSTheir crowns at home despise.

CHORUSOur Sov'reign high, 'in awful state,

CHORUSHis honours shall bestow;

CHORUSand see his sceptred subjects wait

CHORUSOn his commands below.