Valentine and Orson: A Romantic Melo-Drame: As Performed at the Theatre-Royal Covent-GardenDibdin, Thomas
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Valentine and Orson: A Romantic Melo-Drame: As Performed at the Theatre-Royal Covent-Garden
Dibdin, Thomas
Melodrama, English -- 19th century; Pepin, King of the Franks, -768 -- Drama
(_Pantomime Music._)
_VALENTINE takes a respectful Leave of the KING, and an
affectionate one of EGLANTINE, who seems to reproach
HENRY and HAUFRAY with causing his departure--VALENTINE
goes off with the Peasants; the KING, &c. on the opposite
Side----The Scene closes._
SCENE IV.--
_An Apartment in the Palace._
_Enter HUGO, furbishing VALENTINE's Shield._
There--I have made Lord Valentine's shield so bright, that if the
wild man does but see his face in it, he may haply take fright at his
own ugly features. It's monstrous unlucky that though I have been
armour-bearer and armour-maker to the young knight from the time of his
first campaign, yet something has always happened to prevent my going
with him, and now when so handsome an opportunity offers, I'm sadly
afraid I shan't be able to find an excuse for staying behind. I've been
ill of every thing I could think of, in turn, and have obtained more
certificates of bad health, than would have paid for the cure of real
sickness.--Let's see--what can I think of next?
_Enter AGATHA._
AGATHA.
So, Mr. Hugo, your poor master is going again, I fear?
HUGO.
Yes, I fear we are both going. But you see how it is with us--a willing
horse, you know----
AGATHA.
The poor princess will cry her eyes out, she's so sorry----
HUGO.
And so am I.
AGATHA.
_You_ sorry!--for what?
HUGO.
Why, to think that----that----
AGATHA.
Oh, I know what you are sorry for--you've heard that Valentine has
sworn to go alone, and that you will lose the honour of sharing in so
hopeful an enterprize.
HUGO.
Has he? how lucky! (_aside_) Yes, I'm monstrous sorry--I didn't know it
sooner. (_apart_)
AGATHA.
I knew you'd feel hurt.
HUGO.
True--to think I that carried him in arms, when a boy, should see him
go _alone_ at these years.
AGATHA.
Well, but if you were to ask him.----
HUGO.
What, to break his vow? I wou'dn't have such a sin at my door, for the
honour of fighting the wildest man in Christendom.
_Enter VALENTINE, with a Letter._
VALENTINE.
Agatha, present this to the princess, and tell her till Valentine can
prove that gentle blood flows in his veins, her roseate cheek shall
ne'er have cause to blush for him she has so honoured.
AGATHA. (_gives VALENTINE a Scarf._)
Sir, she sends this parting token, and will pray incessantly for your
return.
[_Exit._
VALENTINE.
Then success is certain! Come, see my armour.
HUGO.
(_While arming him._) I humbly hope, my lord, that, now, I have no
hinderance you'll graciously permit my services. I have kill'd divers
wild things in my time, and might be useful.
VALENTINE.
Well, then, thou shalt go with me.
HUGO.
(_Dropping the armour._) Shall I! O dear!
VALENTINE.
How now?
HUGO.
'Twas but a sudden qualm--That was a real pain i' the back. [_Aside._
VALENTINE.
I mean to take thee but to the entrance of the forest.
HUGO.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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