Dream of a Child
Ensemble
Sympathies exist
Presentiments and signs
That baffle our
Mortal comprehension
To dream of to see
What seems not to be there
But such things exist
Things beyond this earth
Things beyond our sacred
Thoughts of heaven
These things are the things
That reason defies
But reason sometimes lies
Jane
I had a dream of a child
Hushed in my arms like a sparrow it slept
And in this dream of a child
Sometimes it ran from me, sometimes it wept
We sat on a gabled roof
I held this unknown child
The walls came crashing down around me
I watched her plunge into darkness…
I had a dream of a place
I stand in the ash of
A house torn apart
And in this dream there’s a face
A man without vision who sees with his heart
I see the man ride off
He won’t return for years
And as he rides, my feelings swim
The child screams, the light grows dim
God save the life of this child
Don’t let her lose him
The Gypsy
Rochester
I see a flame in the palm of your hand
Oh sister
You’re peevish and puny and spoiled and bland
Oh sister
You have no principles
You have no taste
Your education was truely a waste
Don’t be upset, girls, this has to be faced
Sweet sisters
I see a man in your future, my girl
Dear lady
A penniless snake you mistake for an earl
Dear lady
You marry the scoundrel, and soon after that
You bear him a child and then you get fat
Lucky for you he leaves both of you flat
Dear lady
I feel you trembling
Oh sister
Happiness calls, but cannot get in
Oh sister
There’s someone you long for, but do not declare
You sit here alone in your darkest despair
Don’t think that he is at all unaware
Dear sister
Jane
And who might he be, mother?
Rochester
I’m getting tired of this masquerade
Oh sister
Do you forgive me for this odd charade
Oh sister?
Second Self
Ensemble
In the light of the virgin evening…
I’d been gone for a month or so
But how long am I now to stay?
Where am I to go?
It is not to my house I travel
I do not have a home at all
For the master is soon to marry
And he does not think of me
Or know my grief
I might even feel relief
If he would take his wedding vow
So he could discover
He does not really love her
And he could feel the heartbreak I do now
Rochester
Jane, what a night!
Sweet summer air,
Have you grown attached to living here,
And that foolish child, Adele?
Jane
She is not so foolish
Rochester
You’ve been treated kindly here?
Jane
I would not deny it.
Rochester
Jane, what a shame
That you must move on.
Jane
Well, you said yourself
When I am wed
You will move away from here,
And I see it’s wisdom.
Jane
Then it’s true, sir,
You’re to marry?
Rochester
Yes, that’s right. Precisely.
Jane
Are you glad, sir? Are you happy?
Rochester
It will do quite nicely, Jane,
When you’re gone.
Jane
I’ll make arrangements…
Rochester
I’ll miss our walks.
Jane
…For my employment.
Rochester
No, leave that to me,
I have a place
That I think will suit you, Jane,
The five daughters of Mrs. Dionysius O’Gall. They need a governess at Bitternut Lodge, in Connaught, Ireland.
Jane
Such a distance, why so far, sir?
Rochester
Oh,does that perturb you?
Jane
It’s a long way
Rochester
Well, from what, Jane?
Why should that disturb you?
Jane, we’ve been friends…
Jane
It’s getting late, sir.
Rochester
…And we’ve grown close.
Jane
I must go in, sir.
Rochester
Jane, is that a tear in your eye?
Jane
Yes, it is, and I cry because the pain
Because the grief
Is slowly turning to rage
I’m like a bird upon the brief
Who wishes she were never born into this cage
I know you think because I’m plain
That I feel nothing inside
If I were rich, if I were beautiful…
…then I should think I would make it as hard for you to leave me as it is for me to leave you. I love Thornfield and I grieve to leave it, for here I have talked, face to face, with what I reverence, what I delight in-with a vigourous and expanded mine- but I see the necissity of departure and it is like looking on the necessity of death.
Rochester
Where do you see this necessity?
Jane
In the shape of your bride.
Rochester
Jane, there is place for you
And Jane, it is here with me
To live in this house
To stand as my wife
Jane
What do you mean?
Rochester
Jane, you are my second self
Jane, don’t you see the truth
That you are the heart of my life?
Jane
And what of Blanche Ingram?
Rochester
Janet…
I caused a rumour that my wealth
Wasn’t half of my first claim
And Blanche Ingram, bless her heart
Took the bait, and not my name
I would not…I could not marry Blance Ingram, because my equal is here, and my likeness.
Jane
Then why did you make me believe you loved her?
Rochester
To make you jealous.
Jane
Why?
Rochester
Jane, to make you as in love with me
As I am in love with you,
Be my wife.
Say my name!
Jane
Edward…
Rochester
Will you marry me, Jane Eyre?
You mean more to me than life
What’s your answer?,br>
Tell me now!
Do you consent to be my wife?
God forgive me, you are not getting away from me!
If I had a string under my ribs
Knotted to you, connecting our frames
I’d be afraid that many a mile
Would sever the tie
And I would take to bleeding inwardly
Are you my savior, are you my saint
Protecting my soul
With communion and light?
Stand as my equal, be my reward
Slay custom and code
With love as your sword
Childish, slender creature
My hope of heaven lies
Inside your eyes
I hear you cherished voice
Across the moorland skies
Your youth and spirit fly us up to heaven
Open my window, drink from my well
Shower my bliss with your apricot smell
Are you an eagle, coming to nest
Or a swift, on the wing, with no need to rest?
Childish, slender creature
My hope of heaven lies
Inside your precious eyes
The flower of your heart
It blooms and never dies
Will I not guard and cherish you
As long as I shall live?
Will I not sanction you
With all the love my heart can give?
And I wash my hands
Of every youthful crime
Defy them all
God will give me time
And you will lead me, blind
Jane
Yes, sir. I will marry you.
Rochester
Childish slender creature
My hope of heaven lies
Inside your precious eyes
I hear you cherished voice
Across the moorland skies
Your youth and spirit fly us up to heaven
Ensemble
And the wind blew wild and free
Thunder crashed and lightening gleamed
The sky came down, or so it seemed
Then the great horse-chestnut tree
Was split in two by thunder’s spear
But I felt safe, I had no fear
Jane and Rochester
I will never lose faith
I will never lose heart
For you have restored my trust
Rochester
And I know you’re afraid…
Jane
I’m as scared as you are…
Both
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love
Slip of a Girl
Mrs. Fairfax
I cannot believe it!
He means to marry her? A governess!
A slip of a girl
Who misplaces her grace
And disgraces he place
A slip of a girl
Who should settle for less
And confess a success
I’m outraged and appalled
Distressed and offended
Scandalized, mortified
Shocked and upended
Adele
Is it true, mam’selle?
Jane
Is what true, Adele?
Mrs. Fairfax
You’re a slip of a girl
It is unlikely, I fear
He’s in love with you, dear
Jane
Mrs. Fairfax!
Mrs. Fairfax
A slip of a girl!
Would you marry him when
You’ve no knowledge of men?
A slip of girl
I would beg you to purge
Your unvirginal urge
I’m fretted and anxious
Concerned and disturbed
Upset, apprehensive
Harassed and perturbed!
Oh, Jane, you must be careful…
I remember in my youth
I thought the same as you,
But men, my dear, will break your heart
While swearing to be true.
Servant
From Mr. Rochester
Jane
Oh, thank you.
Mrs. Fairfax
But these are the Rochester jewels!
To be worn by a governess?
I’m astonished, alarmed
Perplexed and dumbfounded
Bewildered, embarrassed
Amazed and astounded
Jane
I don’t know why he sent them. I told him I would not wear them.
Mrs. Fairfax
Not wear them? And who are you to say you will not wear jewels given to you by Mr. Edward Fairfax Rochester?
A slip of a girl
Whose form, I’ll be sworn
A slip of a girl
Who’d be blessed, at the best
To be fetchingly dressed!
A slip of a girl
Who’ll do as she’s told
Or be wholly cajoled,
Laughable, impudent
Brazen, audacious
Saucy, impertinent
Bold and ungracious
Adele
Ooh, voila!
Servant
From the tailor at Milcote, Miss.
Jane
Yes, thank you.
Mrs. Fairfax
So this is the dress?
Jane
Do you like it?
Mrs. Fairfax
Like it? Well…
I remember, long ago
When I wore such a dress…
He died, poor man, and broke my heart
Still broken, I confess
Jane
Oh, I’m very sorry to hear that, Mrs. Fairfax…
Mrs. Fairfax
A slip of a girl
Inspidly built
Ill-equipped, to the hilt
Jane
Mrs. Fairfax…
Mrs. Fairfax
You’re a slip of a girl
And I’ll bet he’ll not let
You be more than a pet
He’s twenty years older
Aesthetics won’t let it
Be more than a friendship
You’d better forget it
Jane
No, indeed, Mrs. Fairfax. Edward is young…
Mrs. Fairfax
Edward?
Jane
He’s young in his heart.
Mrs. Fairfax
Really?
Jane
He loves me, I’m sure.
Mrs. Fairfax
Oh, dear, I don’t know…
Jane
I solemnly swear…
Mrs. Fairfax
Love is a great thing…
Jane
Our love will endure
Mrs. Fairfax
Well, then…
I’m thrilled, I’m enchanted
Enraptured, excited
Gratified, tickled…
I trust I’m invited?
I’m charmed, I’m disarmed!
Jane Eyre, I’m delighted!
Farewell, Good Angel
Rochester
So farewell, good angel
Another day is done
I wrapped my life around you
And for a time, two fused as one
I was wrong when I decieved you
But there was no other way
Your character won’t let you
Live the lie mine must obey!
And I don’t mean to claim
THat honour has been served
But why must I have eyes
To see you’re not there?
Why must I take one more breath?
Let lightening strike
That’s not the worst
Now that you’ve shattered my soul
I die accursed!
It was not your frame I wanted
But the spirit underneath
Your virtue and your purity
Bite into me like teeth
And God should strike me down
If you are truely gone
But why must I have eyes
To see you’re not there?
Why must I take one more breath?
Let lightning strike
That’s not the worst
I’d rather burn in Hell
Damning my sould to dwell
Lost in my pain
Than to live here on earth
Without my Jane!
Morton/A Silence I Hear
St. John Rivers
In the light of the virgin evening
In the vale of a midnight blue
God has seen I’m at last rewarded
He has sent me to you
I have heard His divine commandment
I have sailed His celestial sea
In the harmony of the heaven
He’s proclaimed to me
What He intends for our destiny
Jane, you’re to be my wife
The helpmeet of my life
This is the Lord’s decree
Jane, you should be a missionary wife
Jane, you could have a visionary life
The rock of ages is yours to lean on
Jane, we were formed
For labour, not love
Jane, show your faith
In your Saviour above
As now I claim you
Now I claim you
To be my wife
In name and heart
For God and Christ
Now and forever
For the rest of your life
Jane
Marriage? St. John, we are not formed for love, how can you talk to me of marriage? I am ready to go with you to India, but I must go free.
St. John
Do you think God will be happy with half an obligation?
Jane
Oh, I will give my heart to God. It is you who do not really want it.
St. John
Surely, enough love will follow after our marriage.
Jane
There’s a love that cannot be explained
A flame so bright it cannot be contained
You and I will never share
Such rare delights together
Don’t ask me how I know this to be true
St. John
Love is not the portrait
It’s the frame
Love is not the truth
It’s just the claim
What we should aspire to
Is far beyond mere passion
Let us kneel to feel God’s guiding hand
Jane
Speak to my secret soul
I am oppresed
I scorn his idea of love
But praise his quest
If I forsake half myself
Will the whole of me be blessed
St. John
God give her strength
To know the way
And to see Your will be done
Like a soldier to fight
‘Til the battle is won
Father, fill her with light
‘Til the whole of her be blessed
Rochester
Jane…Jane
Jane
I’ll go with him as his wife
If it’s the true will of God
Rochester
Jane…Jane
Jane
Oh, God! What is it?
Edward? Edward, where are you? Edward?
Edward, where are you? Wait for me!
Ensemble
There is a silence I hear
There is a presence I feel
Almost at hand
So nearly real
There is a clear rising moon
One distant church bell has tolled
There is a frost on the moon…
Jane
But I don’t feel the cold
Brave Enough for Love
Jane:
Sir, I have come back to you…
Rochester
Great god! What delusion is this?
Jane
Content,
Ready to stand here by your side,
As you see fit…
Rochester
Is it Jane?
Jane
As your friend, or as your bride.
Rochester
My living Jane!
Jane
Sir, you are my second self
And I will be your hands
I’ll be your eyes
I am here
With my heart
Rochester
I can’t see, but I can feel…
How I’ve loved you, every day.
Jane
I’ve loved you stronger every day
How I’ve lived without your touch…
Rochester
How I’ve managed to survive…
Both
…Only God above can say.
Rochester
Am I hideous, Jane?
Jane
Very, sir. You always were you know.
Rochester
Ha, ha! I see the wickedness is still within you.
Jane
But sir, I am an independent woman now!
My uncle has died and left me a fortune!
Rochester
Janet, a rich woman.
What now can I offer you?
I am no better
Than the old chestnut
Struck down by lightning
Its life cleft in two
For why should you marry
A blind man, a cripple
Tell me, Jane, what right do I have to you?
I prayed in the name of God
Don’t let Jane suffer
Don’t let her die
For three days, in my despair
I cried to heaven
Where is Jane Eyre?
Then, from my lips
Came a voice, came a name
I cried “Jane” from the depths
I called out
I cried “Jane”
Both
And I don’t know what happened
But I thought I heard you…
Jane
Did you speak these words out loud?
Rochester
I did. If anyone was listening, they would have thought me mad…I called out with such frantic energy.
Jane
And this was last Monday evening, just after susnet?
Rochester
Yes, but what followed is the strangest point. Where the voice came from, I cannot tell, but I know whose voice it was…And the voice replied…
Jane
Edward? Where are you? Wait for me!
Rochester
Yes, yes…but how could you know that?
Jane
The secrets of your heart
Are like the secrets of the house
They have finally been revealed
Rochester
There is no more to hide
I have looked death in the face
And though a part of me has died
I will never lose faith
I will never lose heart
For you have restored my trust
Jane
And I know you’re afraid
I’m as scared as you are
Both
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love
And when I heard your voice
Beyond the sky
I knew it was a sign from God above
One I could not deny
Jane
So, gentle audience, I am now married to Mr. Rochester. No woman was ever nearer to her mate than I am, ever more absolutely bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.
Rochester
The secret of the flame
Is that there is no more to hide
It cures our blindness
And our pride
Both
And we’ll never lose faith
We will never lose heart
For you have restored my trust
And I know you’re afraid
I’m as scared as you are
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love
Jane
Mr. Rochester continued blind the first two years of our marriage, then, slowly, the sight in one eye began to return to him. And when our firstborn was placed into his arms, he coul see that the boy had inherited his own eyes, as they once were-large, brilliant and black. On this occasion, we acknowledged with full hearts, that God had tempered judgement with mercy.
Rochester
I will never lose faith
I will never lose heart
For you ahve restored my trust
Jane
And I know you’re afraid
I’m as scared as you are…
Both
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love!
Rochester, Jane and Ensemble
I will never lose faith
I will never lose heart
For you have restored my trust
And I know you’re afraid
I’m as scared as you are
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love!
I will never lose faith
I will never lose heart
For you have restored my trust
And I know you’re afraid
I’m as scared as you are
But willing to be brave
Brave enough for love
Jane
Brave enough for love!