Dramatis Personæ:
The Royal Families
┌ Alonso - The newly crowned Emperor of Italy, based in Naples at the Isla Ponza.
| Ferdinand - Son of the Emperor Alonso, betrothed to Miranda.
| Miranda - Daughter of the Archduke Prospero, betrothed to Ferdinand.
└ Prospero - The recently appointed Archduke of Milan by the Emperor Alonso.
Miranda’s friends
┌ Ariadne - Daughter of the noble family of Fiorentina.
| Auriga - Daughter of the noble family of Palermo.
└ Lyra - Miranda’s cousin, engaged to Arcturus.
The Regimental Commanders
┌ Benedict - Related to the others by marriage, commander of the Sardinian forces.
| Caligula - The commander of Prospero’s forces in Milan.
| Retaxes - The brother of Caligula, commander of the forces in Sicily.
| Perseus - The commander of Alonso’s forces in Naples
└ Sirius - The brother of Perseus, second in command only to his brother.
The Greek
Arcturus – The King of Crete.
Scene:
On the Isle of Ponza, off the coast of Naples -Housing the castle of Alonso and Ferdinand. Also, in the Italian Alps and the Vatican.
Act I
Scene I
Enter Alonso, aside to audience
Alonso
Upon these four years,
After the betrothal of the Napolian Prince Ferdinand,
My son
And Miranda,
The daughter of the Duke of Milan, Prospero,
There hast been many absences of the previous,
Being to which hath lurked the state of Italy,
All hath lived their lives
And hath since passed on for a new life.
As new acquaintances art made
And old ones gone,
The times they are happy
The new page in the Italian monarchy,
Sovereign and just
We begin anew
Enter Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda; out of St. Peter’s Basilica to catch up with the new emperor of Italy, Alonso, in the Square towards Maderno’s Fountain.
Ferdinand
Hail the king of Naples,
Hail!
Prospero
What art your plans now?
You’ve many things to ponder
Thou dost needst it to be settled quickly.
Alonso
Yes,
Thou must also retire,
To Milan, so I may do so.
When in Rome, however,
Good things shall happen
Miranda
Dearest father-in-law,
Soon those words shall be well known,
Across all nations.
Ferdinand
Yes, dear,
And the nations shall knowest of our being,
To be much talked of and cherished,
Over the countless ages of time.
And of course both our fathers,
Their past and their future.
Alonso
Yes, to our future,
Which I can appoint my own heads,
I hath decideth our fate.
Thou, my son,
Thou shall resume my post
As the King of Naples,
The honor so imposed by this very court,
Just three short years ago.
And to thou my brother-in-law,
Shall be the Archduke of Milan,
There art no one better than thou
To know Milan,
Its land,
Its people,
It only maketh sense.
Prospero
You are too kind Alonso.
Surely, it is your will
That I accept this duty.
Come, let us all flee,
To our castles
And the solace of our subjects
Whom we must prepare a celebration for
To spread our wondrous news.
Exeunt all.
Scene II
Enter Miranda, Ariadne, Auriga, and Lyra; in Miranda’s Quarters at the Grand Palace of Ponza, off the coast of Naples.
Miranda
Your sojourn home was wonderful,
I imagine, Ariadne?
Ariadne
Any return to Crete is.
Very magical,
Special indeed.
Lyra
Certainly helps
That thine family is in good health.
Auriga
And good spirits.
Ariadne
Yes,
All is peaceful
And almost always,
The weather is quite grand.
Miranda
Auriga, speak something of Venice.
Auriga
We hath celebrated a ball
For our guests from Germany.
The Chancellor and his family.
With them,
Our relations are cooperative.
Miranda
Lyra, what is it that you see in Arcturus?
I cannot for an instant understand,
His looks and nothing more,
Say I,
What hath he done for thee?
Lyra
We are soon to be wed.
I hath not been able to prepare it,
Even the invitations.
That will be the easiest of all,
I can use his carrier pigeons.
They art beautiful creatures.
I received a dove Arcturus sent,
For my birthday last spring,
Whilst I was away on holiday here.
It awaited me upon my return,
It flies in my greenhouse in Genoa.
He has a heart of gold,
That man.
Auriga
A heart of lira, alright,
Miranda,
Arcturus cometh from wealth,
More than all of our fathers.
But from my dialogues with Lyra
It appears that despite his money,
He is very humble and sincere.
Miranda
I still am not convinced,
Perhaps it is
That I am not seeking a man.
Rightfully so,
Ferdinand has the key to my heart.
Ariadne
And the key to your freedom.
Miranda
And just what art thou implying?
Ariadne
It is always us visiting you.
Only you never get to visit us.
And when thee dost so,
Ferdinand is accompanying thee.
Miranda
That thought never hath cometh across,
Not for a second.
But we do see each other
Oft enough to enjoy ourselves.
Anon,
Let us go and frolic about,
Er the time Ferdinand returns.
Lyra
At your behest, shall we go about.
Exeunt all.
Scene III
Enter Perseus and Sirius; playing chess in the Room of Technology.
Perseus
Check.
SiriusKnight to C5.
Moves knight.
Tell me, what’s it like to be the Grand Duke of Turin?
Perseus
Already challenging
Much like this game of chess, here.
I’ve met the new emperor only once,
Some years ago, I’m afraid.
I don’t even remember his name.
Rook to C5,
Moves rook.
Check.
Sirius
Prospero, isn’t it?
Perseus
No, that is the Archduke of Milan.
But his daughter,
The beautiful Miranda,
Is wed to the emperor’s son,
The King of Milan.
Sirius
I understand.
That king is of gentilesse nature.
King to a bunch of flamingos maybe.
Everyone always seem to be so lax,
Yet they are always happy.
King to C4.
Moves king.
The end is near, I fear.
Perseus
Surely,
There is no degree in a better state
Than that of the Milan.
Queen to A 8.
Moves queen.
Checkmate.
Enter Benedict, Caligula and Retaxes
Caligula
Gentlemen,
To what dost I owe this pleasure?
I deme it is because
We are the men
Of the sixty-four squares.
Benedict
Yes sixty four squares,
With four rectangles.
And a two-sided triangle.
Retaxes
I thought we should findeth someone hither.
What art we to do?
Not another go at chess I hope.
Perseus
Then let us to Milan
To visit my employer.
What is the man’s name?
Benedict
Alonso.
Retaxes
He will fare very well with his new position.
Caligula
Yes,
What fortune it was not some tyrant.
Sirius
Onward then.
To Milan!
Exeunt all.
.Act II
Scene I
Enter Alonso and Ferdinand; sitting at the table in the War Room
Alonso
Alas my reign is not to my desire,
It is indeed less than what was to be,
To all my men I shall to them inspire
To fight for all we know as just and free,
I now shall set to change that very state,
We must align with Germany to fight,
In case of invasion we must relate,
If so we must advance with all our might.
Ferdinand
But father,
Would not you rather be
In a monarchy of peace
In which nothing disturbs thy inner workings?
Alonso
Whilst that is true,
I have nothing
That people will remember our throne by,
If it is I who dost not,
It is thou
Who must carry out my will.
Enter Prospero; panting with a canteen in his hand, walking forward slightly then collapsing on the floor.
Ferdinand
Good heavens, Prospero,
What a state thou hast found thineself in.
Prospero
I – have – urgent news – from – the border.
The British – are – in – the Swiss Alps.
Takes to his canteen and has a drink.
They art – to attack our northern jurisdictions.
They plan to cross – at dawn.
Alonso aside to Ferdinand
See,
This is the chance.
To Prospero
Come, brother-in-law,
Sit down.
Prospero
I suggest that we,
That we send for Perseus.
His chess skills will come in handy.
Has he not arrived from Cagliari?
Ferdinand
I believe he has,
As well as Caligula,
Prospero
Of Sardinia?!
Alonso
No, of Florence.
He hath come with his brothers
Retaxes and Benedict.
Prospero
If Persius is hither,
So must be Sirius.
Ferdinand
Him I hath seen,
Thus also then is Perseus.
Butler, please,
Send for the guests of the palace.
Have them to the master bedroom.
Alonso
Let us send our troops immediately.
We’ll put our trust in these men.
Come, let us await for our distinguished guests!
Act III
Scene I
Enter Alonso ahead of the rest for a moment, looking out a window, followed by Prospero and Ferdinand to the master bedroom.
Alonso
I am that is, control of mine own land,
The sun also rises, it shows mine empire,
Where it glistens, it shimmers to the greatest sparkle.
Opens the window.
Thus here it is the opportunity afoot,
We cannot cease now, time is too much of the essence.
It is time to act, time to command my power,
By the authority vested in me, as a signal of strength,
To show all who I am, and to instill pride in my son.
Enter Prospero and Ferdinand, closing the door behind.
It is time.
We cannot make a fault.
Ferdinand
Me thinks there were footsteps in the corridor behind us.
Prospero
I do not doubt it.
Alonso
Perhaps it is them.
A rapping at the door.
Who goes there?
Caligula and Perseus muffled.
The ones for you hath sent for.
Ferdinand
Come.
Enter Benedict, Caligula, Perseus, Retaxes, and Sirius
Sirius
You sent for us my liege?
A carrier pigeon flies through the open window, carrying a message.
Benedict
A carrier pigeon.
Ferdinand
Yes, my cousin Arcturus,
The King of Crete hath lent them.
Prospero
A letter is attached to its feet.
Go on,
Read.
Alonso
"We hath been overtaken by the Britons.
They art marching to Naples
Within three days’ time.
Please send a regiment to help.
It will be our only hope.
The Border Patrol."
Perseus
Those Brits.
They think, they’re so powerful.
Caligula
If they were,
They wouldn’t have let those Americans establish independence.
I cannot stand those redcoats.
Alonso
What’s the name of that
One young general of ours?
Muscato, Maserati.
No. Mussolini!
I hear he hath done wonderous things,
At least for the old emperor.
We need to go back to the war room,
I must see what we can do.
I will assign you all tasks from there.
Exeunt all to the War Room.
Scene II
Enter Alonso, Benedict, Caligula, Ferdinand, Perseus, Prospero, Retaxes, and Sirius; seated at the War Room table.
Alonso
Gentlemen.
Study this map.
Me thinks that by now,
The Redcoats are just leaving our Alps.
I – what is it Perseus?
Perseus
How did you know they were near before,
That is on this map?
Ferdinand
My father-in-law over there,
He came prior to our sending for thee.
There he alerted us.
Alonso
As I was saying,
I believe that I should send –
Retaxes and Benedict to defend us
From the North and the East
Sirius, you are to send a regiment
To join with the one that Propsero has,
Together you will defend Milan.
Prospero
Before that,
That carrier pigeon must to my court.
We shall send my hussars to the front.
With Mussolini.
Alonso
Caligula and Perseus,
Together, you will follow Mussolini
– As their backup.
If you must or art asked, join them.
To Prospero.
Direct the hussars to Caligula and Perseus.
To all, except Prospero and Ferdinand.
This is your chance to prove yourselves.
Now go.
Your duty is upon you.
Exeunt all.
Act IV
Scene I
Enter Caligula, Perseus, and their regiment – mounted on horseback as hussars, in the outskirts of Florence, the halfway point between the Alps and Naples.
Caligula
How have we not found Mussolini?
Perseus
I suppose he went east.
Wherest else is he to go?
Caligula
Nowhere.
But look!
There are those wretched British troops.
Care to give the orders?
You are the strategist, after all.
Perseus To the regiment.
Present arms.
Forward – charge!
Exeunt all.
Scene II
Enter Alonso, alone in the Throne Room.
Alonso
Why hath I not heard from Perseus or Caligula?
Enter Ferdinand.
Ferdinand
Arcturus’ carrier pigeon has arrived
To tell us that Britain hath retreated back to the Alps.
Alonso
Wonderful! Send for my other orders to cease
And return here whilst we await for our bretheren in the Piedmont.
Exeunt all.
Act V
Scene I
Enter Caligula, Perseus, and their regiment – the Italian Alps, just north of Turin.
Perseus
What is that there?
It appears white,
Too hard to tell with the snow.
Caligula
Where?
Oh I see it now.
Hey, Perseus,
It is a flag of surrender.
An echo is heard in the silence.
Echo
We – surrender – and will – turn –
To – the northeast – of you.
Perseus shouting
Very well,
You have been an admirable challenge.
Caligula shouting
Our regards to the Queen,
I hear she enjoys our wine.
Perseus shouting
He doesn’t mean it.
To Caligula
Don’t get us into further trouble.
To the regiment.
Let us return to Naples!
Exeunt all.
Scene II
Enter all; in the Grand Ballroom in celebration. Alonso, Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda art seated at the head table with the remaining men standing whilst the women dance with their partners. On the ballroom floor, Lyra and Arcturus converse.
Lyra
How hath thou been told to cometh?
Arcturus
By my carrier pigeon.
Thou knowest,
The one I hath sent
To thine friend’s father-in-law.
Surely thou art the most beautiful lady present.
Lyra
Shirley?!
Who is this Shirley you dost speak of?
Arcturus
Not Shirley,
You, darling.
Lyra
Liar!
Arcturus
Suit yourself.
In another part of the room, standing about.
Retaxes
See that blank tapestry over yonder?
That will be reserved for us.
Benedict
All of us?
Sirius
Yes, all of us.
Caligula
With those Redcoats
Retreating
Back to their worthless embarrassment of an encampment.
Lobster backs indeed.
They fought like lobsters too.
Perseus
More like crabs if you ask me,
They were pretty stingy.
Caligula
Crabs maybe,
But it wouldst be because we outwitted them.
But also, perhaps,
Because they were out of water.
In another part of the room, at a table.
Auriga
Looketh at Miranda and Ferdinand.
Why can’t we findeth men like him?
Ariadne
Why can’t we findeth men
Like him and Arcturus?
Looketh at him and Lyra.
Auriga
They both dost haveth one thing in common.
Ariadne
Oh, and that wouldst be?
Auriga
They have a harp to accompany an arrow.
At the head table, Alonso preparing to toast.
Alosno
My lavish guests,
It is with great pleasure for us to celebrate
This successful evasion of invasion from Britain.
Let us now a toast,
To the good will of Italy,
To the prosperity of its people,
And to the victor are the spoils going now.
Prospero
Three cheers for the Emperor!
All
Alonso, Alonso, Alonso!
Alonso
Before the end of the festivities,
At whatever hour that may be,
One last thought for you.
This is not the end,
But rather the end of the begining,
We fought on little hurt and not slain,
We layed and briefly bled,
We got up and fought again.
Father, father in the sky,
This chat is not between you and I,
But thou wouldst be proud of my men and me,
We fight to and fro for all to see,
My men, they’re champions you’ll agree with that,
Not acting liketh some spoiled brat,
And as we celebrateth with this feast,
It is us in combat who needst prepare the least.
Applause.
Here’s to all of us,
In sickness and in health.
All
To us, in sickness and in health!
Exeunt.
The Royal Families
┌ Alonso - The newly crowned Emperor of Italy, based in Naples at the Isla Ponza.
| Ferdinand - Son of the Emperor Alonso, betrothed to Miranda.
| Miranda - Daughter of the Archduke Prospero, betrothed to Ferdinand.
└ Prospero - The recently appointed Archduke of Milan by the Emperor Alonso.
Miranda’s friends
┌ Ariadne - Daughter of the noble family of Fiorentina.
| Auriga - Daughter of the noble family of Palermo.
└ Lyra - Miranda’s cousin, engaged to Arcturus.
The Regimental Commanders
┌ Benedict - Related to the others by marriage, commander of the Sardinian forces.
| Caligula - The commander of Prospero’s forces in Milan.
| Retaxes - The brother of Caligula, commander of the forces in Sicily.
| Perseus - The commander of Alonso’s forces in Naples
└ Sirius - The brother of Perseus, second in command only to his brother.
The Greek
Arcturus – The King of Crete.
Scene:
On the Isle of Ponza, off the coast of Naples -Housing the castle of Alonso and Ferdinand. Also, in the Italian Alps and the Vatican.
Act I
Scene I
Enter Alonso, aside to audience
Alonso
Upon these four years,
After the betrothal of the Napolian Prince Ferdinand,
My son
And Miranda,
The daughter of the Duke of Milan, Prospero,
There hast been many absences of the previous,
Being to which hath lurked the state of Italy,
All hath lived their lives
And hath since passed on for a new life.
As new acquaintances art made
And old ones gone,
The times they are happy
The new page in the Italian monarchy,
Sovereign and just
We begin anew
Enter Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda; out of St. Peter’s Basilica to catch up with the new emperor of Italy, Alonso, in the Square towards Maderno’s Fountain.
Ferdinand
Hail the king of Naples,
Hail!
Prospero
What art your plans now?
You’ve many things to ponder
Thou dost needst it to be settled quickly.
Alonso
Yes,
Thou must also retire,
To Milan, so I may do so.
When in Rome, however,
Good things shall happen
Miranda
Dearest father-in-law,
Soon those words shall be well known,
Across all nations.
Ferdinand
Yes, dear,
And the nations shall knowest of our being,
To be much talked of and cherished,
Over the countless ages of time.
And of course both our fathers,
Their past and their future.
Alonso
Yes, to our future,
Which I can appoint my own heads,
I hath decideth our fate.
Thou, my son,
Thou shall resume my post
As the King of Naples,
The honor so imposed by this very court,
Just three short years ago.
And to thou my brother-in-law,
Shall be the Archduke of Milan,
There art no one better than thou
To know Milan,
Its land,
Its people,
It only maketh sense.
Prospero
You are too kind Alonso.
Surely, it is your will
That I accept this duty.
Come, let us all flee,
To our castles
And the solace of our subjects
Whom we must prepare a celebration for
To spread our wondrous news.
Exeunt all.
Scene II
Enter Miranda, Ariadne, Auriga, and Lyra; in Miranda’s Quarters at the Grand Palace of Ponza, off the coast of Naples.
Miranda
Your sojourn home was wonderful,
I imagine, Ariadne?
Ariadne
Any return to Crete is.
Very magical,
Special indeed.
Lyra
Certainly helps
That thine family is in good health.
Auriga
And good spirits.
Ariadne
Yes,
All is peaceful
And almost always,
The weather is quite grand.
Miranda
Auriga, speak something of Venice.
Auriga
We hath celebrated a ball
For our guests from Germany.
The Chancellor and his family.
With them,
Our relations are cooperative.
Miranda
Lyra, what is it that you see in Arcturus?
I cannot for an instant understand,
His looks and nothing more,
Say I,
What hath he done for thee?
Lyra
We are soon to be wed.
I hath not been able to prepare it,
Even the invitations.
That will be the easiest of all,
I can use his carrier pigeons.
They art beautiful creatures.
I received a dove Arcturus sent,
For my birthday last spring,
Whilst I was away on holiday here.
It awaited me upon my return,
It flies in my greenhouse in Genoa.
He has a heart of gold,
That man.
Auriga
A heart of lira, alright,
Miranda,
Arcturus cometh from wealth,
More than all of our fathers.
But from my dialogues with Lyra
It appears that despite his money,
He is very humble and sincere.
Miranda
I still am not convinced,
Perhaps it is
That I am not seeking a man.
Rightfully so,
Ferdinand has the key to my heart.
Ariadne
And the key to your freedom.
Miranda
And just what art thou implying?
Ariadne
It is always us visiting you.
Only you never get to visit us.
And when thee dost so,
Ferdinand is accompanying thee.
Miranda
That thought never hath cometh across,
Not for a second.
But we do see each other
Oft enough to enjoy ourselves.
Anon,
Let us go and frolic about,
Er the time Ferdinand returns.
Lyra
At your behest, shall we go about.
Exeunt all.
Scene III
Enter Perseus and Sirius; playing chess in the Room of Technology.
Perseus
Check.
SiriusKnight to C5.
Moves knight.
Tell me, what’s it like to be the Grand Duke of Turin?
Perseus
Already challenging
Much like this game of chess, here.
I’ve met the new emperor only once,
Some years ago, I’m afraid.
I don’t even remember his name.
Rook to C5,
Moves rook.
Check.
Sirius
Prospero, isn’t it?
Perseus
No, that is the Archduke of Milan.
But his daughter,
The beautiful Miranda,
Is wed to the emperor’s son,
The King of Milan.
Sirius
I understand.
That king is of gentilesse nature.
King to a bunch of flamingos maybe.
Everyone always seem to be so lax,
Yet they are always happy.
King to C4.
Moves king.
The end is near, I fear.
Perseus
Surely,
There is no degree in a better state
Than that of the Milan.
Queen to A 8.
Moves queen.
Checkmate.
Enter Benedict, Caligula and Retaxes
Caligula
Gentlemen,
To what dost I owe this pleasure?
I deme it is because
We are the men
Of the sixty-four squares.
Benedict
Yes sixty four squares,
With four rectangles.
And a two-sided triangle.
Retaxes
I thought we should findeth someone hither.
What art we to do?
Not another go at chess I hope.
Perseus
Then let us to Milan
To visit my employer.
What is the man’s name?
Benedict
Alonso.
Retaxes
He will fare very well with his new position.
Caligula
Yes,
What fortune it was not some tyrant.
Sirius
Onward then.
To Milan!
Exeunt all.
.Act II
Scene I
Enter Alonso and Ferdinand; sitting at the table in the War Room
Alonso
Alas my reign is not to my desire,
It is indeed less than what was to be,
To all my men I shall to them inspire
To fight for all we know as just and free,
I now shall set to change that very state,
We must align with Germany to fight,
In case of invasion we must relate,
If so we must advance with all our might.
Ferdinand
But father,
Would not you rather be
In a monarchy of peace
In which nothing disturbs thy inner workings?
Alonso
Whilst that is true,
I have nothing
That people will remember our throne by,
If it is I who dost not,
It is thou
Who must carry out my will.
Enter Prospero; panting with a canteen in his hand, walking forward slightly then collapsing on the floor.
Ferdinand
Good heavens, Prospero,
What a state thou hast found thineself in.
Prospero
I – have – urgent news – from – the border.
The British – are – in – the Swiss Alps.
Takes to his canteen and has a drink.
They art – to attack our northern jurisdictions.
They plan to cross – at dawn.
Alonso aside to Ferdinand
See,
This is the chance.
To Prospero
Come, brother-in-law,
Sit down.
Prospero
I suggest that we,
That we send for Perseus.
His chess skills will come in handy.
Has he not arrived from Cagliari?
Ferdinand
I believe he has,
As well as Caligula,
Prospero
Of Sardinia?!
Alonso
No, of Florence.
He hath come with his brothers
Retaxes and Benedict.
Prospero
If Persius is hither,
So must be Sirius.
Ferdinand
Him I hath seen,
Thus also then is Perseus.
Butler, please,
Send for the guests of the palace.
Have them to the master bedroom.
Alonso
Let us send our troops immediately.
We’ll put our trust in these men.
Come, let us await for our distinguished guests!
Act III
Scene I
Enter Alonso ahead of the rest for a moment, looking out a window, followed by Prospero and Ferdinand to the master bedroom.
Alonso
I am that is, control of mine own land,
The sun also rises, it shows mine empire,
Where it glistens, it shimmers to the greatest sparkle.
Opens the window.
Thus here it is the opportunity afoot,
We cannot cease now, time is too much of the essence.
It is time to act, time to command my power,
By the authority vested in me, as a signal of strength,
To show all who I am, and to instill pride in my son.
Enter Prospero and Ferdinand, closing the door behind.
It is time.
We cannot make a fault.
Ferdinand
Me thinks there were footsteps in the corridor behind us.
Prospero
I do not doubt it.
Alonso
Perhaps it is them.
A rapping at the door.
Who goes there?
Caligula and Perseus muffled.
The ones for you hath sent for.
Ferdinand
Come.
Enter Benedict, Caligula, Perseus, Retaxes, and Sirius
Sirius
You sent for us my liege?
A carrier pigeon flies through the open window, carrying a message.
Benedict
A carrier pigeon.
Ferdinand
Yes, my cousin Arcturus,
The King of Crete hath lent them.
Prospero
A letter is attached to its feet.
Go on,
Read.
Alonso
"We hath been overtaken by the Britons.
They art marching to Naples
Within three days’ time.
Please send a regiment to help.
It will be our only hope.
The Border Patrol."
Perseus
Those Brits.
They think, they’re so powerful.
Caligula
If they were,
They wouldn’t have let those Americans establish independence.
I cannot stand those redcoats.
Alonso
What’s the name of that
One young general of ours?
Muscato, Maserati.
No. Mussolini!
I hear he hath done wonderous things,
At least for the old emperor.
We need to go back to the war room,
I must see what we can do.
I will assign you all tasks from there.
Exeunt all to the War Room.
Scene II
Enter Alonso, Benedict, Caligula, Ferdinand, Perseus, Prospero, Retaxes, and Sirius; seated at the War Room table.
Alonso
Gentlemen.
Study this map.
Me thinks that by now,
The Redcoats are just leaving our Alps.
I – what is it Perseus?
Perseus
How did you know they were near before,
That is on this map?
Ferdinand
My father-in-law over there,
He came prior to our sending for thee.
There he alerted us.
Alonso
As I was saying,
I believe that I should send –
Retaxes and Benedict to defend us
From the North and the East
Sirius, you are to send a regiment
To join with the one that Propsero has,
Together you will defend Milan.
Prospero
Before that,
That carrier pigeon must to my court.
We shall send my hussars to the front.
With Mussolini.
Alonso
Caligula and Perseus,
Together, you will follow Mussolini
– As their backup.
If you must or art asked, join them.
To Prospero.
Direct the hussars to Caligula and Perseus.
To all, except Prospero and Ferdinand.
This is your chance to prove yourselves.
Now go.
Your duty is upon you.
Exeunt all.
Act IV
Scene I
Enter Caligula, Perseus, and their regiment – mounted on horseback as hussars, in the outskirts of Florence, the halfway point between the Alps and Naples.
Caligula
How have we not found Mussolini?
Perseus
I suppose he went east.
Wherest else is he to go?
Caligula
Nowhere.
But look!
There are those wretched British troops.
Care to give the orders?
You are the strategist, after all.
Perseus To the regiment.
Present arms.
Forward – charge!
Exeunt all.
Scene II
Enter Alonso, alone in the Throne Room.
Alonso
Why hath I not heard from Perseus or Caligula?
Enter Ferdinand.
Ferdinand
Arcturus’ carrier pigeon has arrived
To tell us that Britain hath retreated back to the Alps.
Alonso
Wonderful! Send for my other orders to cease
And return here whilst we await for our bretheren in the Piedmont.
Exeunt all.
Act V
Scene I
Enter Caligula, Perseus, and their regiment – the Italian Alps, just north of Turin.
Perseus
What is that there?
It appears white,
Too hard to tell with the snow.
Caligula
Where?
Oh I see it now.
Hey, Perseus,
It is a flag of surrender.
An echo is heard in the silence.
Echo
We – surrender – and will – turn –
To – the northeast – of you.
Perseus shouting
Very well,
You have been an admirable challenge.
Caligula shouting
Our regards to the Queen,
I hear she enjoys our wine.
Perseus shouting
He doesn’t mean it.
To Caligula
Don’t get us into further trouble.
To the regiment.
Let us return to Naples!
Exeunt all.
Scene II
Enter all; in the Grand Ballroom in celebration. Alonso, Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda art seated at the head table with the remaining men standing whilst the women dance with their partners. On the ballroom floor, Lyra and Arcturus converse.
Lyra
How hath thou been told to cometh?
Arcturus
By my carrier pigeon.
Thou knowest,
The one I hath sent
To thine friend’s father-in-law.
Surely thou art the most beautiful lady present.
Lyra
Shirley?!
Who is this Shirley you dost speak of?
Arcturus
Not Shirley,
You, darling.
Lyra
Liar!
Arcturus
Suit yourself.
In another part of the room, standing about.
Retaxes
See that blank tapestry over yonder?
That will be reserved for us.
Benedict
All of us?
Sirius
Yes, all of us.
Caligula
With those Redcoats
Retreating
Back to their worthless embarrassment of an encampment.
Lobster backs indeed.
They fought like lobsters too.
Perseus
More like crabs if you ask me,
They were pretty stingy.
Caligula
Crabs maybe,
But it wouldst be because we outwitted them.
But also, perhaps,
Because they were out of water.
In another part of the room, at a table.
Auriga
Looketh at Miranda and Ferdinand.
Why can’t we findeth men like him?
Ariadne
Why can’t we findeth men
Like him and Arcturus?
Looketh at him and Lyra.
Auriga
They both dost haveth one thing in common.
Ariadne
Oh, and that wouldst be?
Auriga
They have a harp to accompany an arrow.
At the head table, Alonso preparing to toast.
Alosno
My lavish guests,
It is with great pleasure for us to celebrate
This successful evasion of invasion from Britain.
Let us now a toast,
To the good will of Italy,
To the prosperity of its people,
And to the victor are the spoils going now.
Prospero
Three cheers for the Emperor!
All
Alonso, Alonso, Alonso!
Alonso
Before the end of the festivities,
At whatever hour that may be,
One last thought for you.
This is not the end,
But rather the end of the begining,
We fought on little hurt and not slain,
We layed and briefly bled,
We got up and fought again.
Father, father in the sky,
This chat is not between you and I,
But thou wouldst be proud of my men and me,
We fight to and fro for all to see,
My men, they’re champions you’ll agree with that,
Not acting liketh some spoiled brat,
And as we celebrateth with this feast,
It is us in combat who needst prepare the least.
Applause.
Here’s to all of us,
In sickness and in health.
All
To us, in sickness and in health!
Exeunt.
This is quite an endeavor, Ricky. The video, too, though it is quite blank . . . . your use of verse is in many respects quite good. What happened to Mussolini, though? Was he what caused Britain to turn back? A bold endeavor,indeed.
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