Prologue
(The villagers of Artigat work on the fields at dawn. They stop to watch the sun rise, then continue with their work. A group of Protestants pass by and the villagers hurl insults at them.)
Villagers
Don’t look at them! Stay away from them!
Don’t go near them!
Damned Protestants! Heretics! Damned heretics!
They betrayed our Lord!
We don’t want you here!
Get out of Artigat!
Pierre Guerre
This is our land!
(The villagers leave the stage, except for Bertrande and Benoit. Benoit is running around the stage in confusion. Bertrande runs after him. Benoit sits down next to a tree, Bertrande comes up behind him and touches him on the arm. He lets out a startled yelp.)
Pray For The Day
Bertrande
Benoit, you must be brave now
Benoit, don’t be afraid
One day, there will be peace
Benoit
But Bertrande, how can you know?
Bertrande
Just look around and learn from what you see…
Each tiny seed we sow in the earth
Each tiny seed will grow when there is sunlight
Each tree you see has grown from a seed
And has waited for the springtime
For a time when it’s safe to grow
We need the summer sun
Benoit
We wait but the winter’s cold
Bertrande
We know that the day will come
When we’ll see all its leaves unfold
We can pray for the day
When it’s our turn to try
Benoit
Can we reach like the trees
Bertrande
(she raises her arms to the sky)
Touch the stars in the sky!
Then we’ll see…
All that we’ve done
Benoit
Is it our turn to try?
Bertrande
All we’ve begun
Benoit
Touch the stars in the sky
Bertrande
Pray for the day
The seeds that we’ve sown
All we’ve known will survive
Like the trees we are strong
Benoit
Like the trees we’ll belong
Bertrande
We can pray for our day to arrive…
(She plants a seed and jumps on it. People are approaching, and she takes Benoit out of the way)
Working on the Land
(The men are trying to convince Martin to marry Bertrande)
Pierre
Bertrande is the best you can hope for here
Martin
Uncle it’s too soon, can’t I choose next year?
Pierre
Martin we can’t wait, let me make it clear
Every man plays his part, here’s the plan
Win her heart and hand
Men
When you do, thanks to you, we will save this land.
Villager
You must save the land that we’re born to live for
Martin
Can’t you understand that I need more time?
Pierre
Marry for the land, it is all we have
Villagers & Pierre
Land to last, as it’s passed, man to son
When it’s done as planned
Then we’ll pray it will stay as good Catholic land
Martin
Uncle, I can’t lie just to make you richer
Pierre
It’s not just for me, it’s for Artigat
If she doesn’t marry, then we’ll lose the land
Her cousin is a Protestant
Villagers
The next in line’s a Protestant
Pierre
She must have an heir soon, don’t you understand?
Men
Working on the land that we’re born to live for
Loving for the land, it is where we’re blessed
(Working on the land)
Dying on the land, it is where we rest
Land to last, as it’s passed, man to son, when it’s done as planned
Then we’ll pray it will stay as good Catholic land
(Bertrande is surrounded by the women of Artigat, who are fixing her dress. Guillaume is lurking in the background.)
Bertrande
Mother, is it true that Martin’s asking for my hand?
Mme de Rols
Of course he loves you Bertrande, with your beauty and your land
Bertrande
All the girls in Artigat, and yet he chooses me
Guillaume
What do you expect when he can get her land for free?
Mme de Rols
Planning for the land that we’re born to die for
Bertrande
Loving for the land that the good Lord gave
Mme de Rols
Giving all our land to a man once more
Bertrande
It’s my turn
Three Crones
She’ll soon learn
Bertrande
Fate has smiled
Bertrande & Mme de Rols
Living for the land and a Catholic child
Villagers
Living for the land and a Catholic wedding
Loving for the land now she’s ripe for bedding
Drinking for the land and the seed he’s spreading
(The villagers begin to dance. Martin stands aside, then Pierre drags him over to Bertrande and Mme de Rols. Martin and Bertrande sit on chairs, not facing each other, Bertrande facing the women and Martin facing the men. Bertrande is giggling like a schoolgirl)
Pierre
We have come to…
Mme de Rols
Bless my soul, Martin, you’ve grown, you look so strong and supple
Bertrande (to Pierre)
Welcome, sir
Pierre
If Martin marries Bertrande it would be most beneficial
Martin
Not to me
Mme de Rols
But Martin, everybody knows you’ll make a perfect couple
Pierre
And when they’re wed we’ll do the same and make our love official
See Martin, it’s easy
Mme de Rols
He’s lovely
Pierre
And she’s such a beauty
Bertrande
He’s lovely
Martin
Uncle, I’m not ready
Pierre
Martin, it’s your duty!
Villagers
Do it now for Artigat or we’ll lose the land!
The next in line is Protestant, don’t you understand?
Mme de Rols
It’s a deal then, Martin?
Martin
Well, I…
Pierre
He agrees! It’s a deal
(Guillaume has been watching the deal. When it is official, he walks away in disgust and does not join in the dancing. Martin and Bertrande are blindfolded. Mme de Rols and Pierre place wreaths of flowers around their necks and on their heads. They are led into the church and kneel facing the audience, with the villagers kneeling behind them)
Villagers
Working on the land that we’re born to live for
Loving for the land, it is where we’re blessed
(Working on the land)
Dying for the land, it is where we rest
Land to last, as it’s passed, man to son
When it’s done as planned, then we’ll pray it will stay as good Catholic land
(The action pauses)
Guillaume
All my days, all my nights, all I dream of is you
What is this? Just a deal
I know my love is true
Please Bertrande, can’t you see how this farce makes me feel?
You’ll regret this! Don’t forget this!
There are scars that never heal!
(Father Dominic arrives, and the blindfolds are removed)
Father Dominic
Do you, Bertrande Suzanne de Rols, take Martin Antoine Guerre to be your lawfully wedded husband?
Bertrande
I do.
Father Dominic
Do you, Martin Antoine Guerre, take Bertrande Suzanne de Rols to be your lawfully wedded wife?
(silence)
Pierre
Martin…Martin!
(he smacks Martin’s arm)
Martin
I do.
(Father Dominic sings in Latin, Martin and Bertrande take hands. After the ceremony is over, Martin pulls his hand away from Bertrande. Mme de Rols and Pierre Guerre congratulate the married couple and the villagers dance in celebration. Guillaume stands apart.)
(Martin storms into his house, pulling off his wreath. Bertrande follows him. They stand at the window, while the villagers dance in their yard)
Villagers
Working on the land that we’re born to live for
Loving for the land, it is where we’re blessed
(Working on the land)
Dying for the land, it is where we rest
Land to last, as it’s passed, man to son
When it’s done then we’ll pray it will stay as good Catholic land
(the villagers begin to give advice on sex to Martin and Bertrande)
Three Crones
He’ll start to groan and start to shake
You’ll feel the rushing of the tide
The morning comes and when you wake
There’s a baby inside…
Men
First of all make sure your rod’s nice and hard
You’ll blow out the candle then quick grab your chance
If you doubt don’t despair we’re down here in the yard
If it shrinks just think of the future of France
(the villagers laugh)
(Bertrande turns to Martin, but he moves quickly away from her)
Three Crones
Winter’s past, spring at last yet she seems so pale and lean
Have you heard? Not a word
I was told their sheets are clean
Table’s spread except for bread, perhaps the dough has failed to rise
Why so long? What’s gone wrong?
Artigat demands its prize!
Madame de Rols
I know how she longs for a child to bear
How long can we wait for our Catholic heir?
Pierre Guerre
There’s no need to worry, she married a Guerre
Villagers
Where’s the child?
Just one seed he has to sow
Is there something we don’t know
André
They married so young and he wasn’t too sure
Catherine
She told me last night that he sleeps on the floor
He won’t even talk, she can’t take anymore
Villagers
Where’s the child?
Just one seed he has to sow
Is there something we don’t know?
(Martin runs into the yard, with Bertrande behind him, where he is immediately set upon by Guillaume and his gang)
Where’s the Child?
Guillaume
Will he never take his aim, ram it home, play the game
Can he never find the place where he’s meant to slide?
Gang
Does he have a spear to tilt
Is it sharp, does it wilt?
We’ve been counting twenty weeks, nothing grows inside.
Screw him!
Guillaume
Wait, we mustn’t think the worst
Gang
Screw him!
Guillaume
Well, it seems we’d be the first
Without some rain, a woman dies of thirst
Women
Will we ever see her fat
Can’t a Guerre manage that?
She’s been counting thirty weeks, nothing grows inside
(Father Dominic arrives)
Father Dominic
God has made it plain we go forth and multiply
Ernestine
If he needs some help I’ve a cure that he could try
Villagers
Still he claims to be a man
Where’s his smile, where’s his pride?
Father Dominic
We must save his soul from the spirits in his bed
Celestine
A potion for his blood that will turn his passion red
Villagers
We’ve been counting forty weeks, nothing grows inside
(Martin runs to Bertrande. She tries to take Martin into her arms.)
Bertrande
Come on Martin, don’t be afraid
Our love will grow when love is made
(Martin holds her off)
Martin
But every night I feel the same
We’re both too young for this
I’m not too blame
(She pushes her away)
(Guillaume and his gang grab Martin, put a dress on him, and lift him into the air)
Guillaume
Get her a skirt, boys, put rouge on her face
Now she can flirt, boys, but wait just in case
Get her a boyfriend to kiss and embrace
Gang
Here’s Benoit!
(They lift Benoit up)
Guillaume
Put him on top boys, she’s game for the ride
Don’t let him stop boys, she wants him inside
We know how wives like to be satisfied
Gang
Where’s the child?
(Bertrande tries to pull Guillaume away from Martin. Guillaume takes Bertrande aside and kneels in front of her)
Guillaume
Please Bertrande, if you knew the tears I’ve shed
Why love him when you could love me instead?
Bertrande
Love Guillaume?! I will never share your bed!
(she wrenches herself away from him)
(The gang starts to attack Martin. Bertrande tries to stop Guillaume, but he pushes her away, and beats up Martin.)
Villagers
Just one seed he has to sow
Where’s the child, will grow?
Is there something we don’t know?
Has he learned to ride?
Is he drinking too much beer?
Where’s the child, should be here
She’s been counting for a year
Nothing grows inside
(The gang finally leaves. Bertrande tries to comfort Martin, but he pushes her away and runs off)
Martin
Get away from me!
(Mme de Rols comes to comfort Bertrande)
Mme de Rols
There’s no need to be afraid
Come my child, you will learn
You must try to understand him.
Bertrande
Mother, I have tried so hard, tried to talk, tried to please
Yet he always turns away
Mme de Rols
Give him time!
I promise he will love you
Trust me, child
One day he’ll grow to love you
Bertrande
He never smiles or looks into my eyes
Must I always be alone?
(Mme de Rols laughs and walks away)
The Rejection
(outside Pierre Guerre’s house)
Martin
Uncle, it’s me Martin, just open the door
Uncle!
(Pierre appears at the window)
Pierre
God in heaven, it’s you Martin
What do you want?
Martin
Uncle, please protect me
Have you heard what they’re saying?
Pierre
What’s the matter with you?
Are you scared of the truth?
Mme de Rols (from inside)
Pierre, who is it?
Pierre
If you did your duty, they’ll leave you alone!
Mme de Rols
Tell him to go away! He’s useless!
Martin
I swear they’re going to kill me
It’s Guillaume!
Pierre
Martin, don’t be pathetic
Mme de Rols (mocking)
It’s Guillaume!
Martin
I can’t go on
Pierre
For God’s sake
And your wife is still waiting for a child
You were wed for one reason, do you understand?
To provide us a Catholic heir for the land
Martin
But I never loved her
Mme de Rols
It’s a breach of a deal
Pierre
This is not about love
Mme de Rols
Think how hurt she must feel
Martin, she loves you!
Pierre
We’re depending on you, now get back to your wife
Mme de Rols
You should be thankful to be married to Bertrande
Martin
It should be up to me what I do with my life!
Pierre
You’ll give us a child
Martin
And is that all I am?
Pierre
Well, I don’t give a damn!
Now get back to your wife!
(Pierre goes back inside)
Martin Guerre
Martin
All the insults and the names
The kicks, the tricks, the vicious games
To make a young man reach his prime
They say he’s weak, they say he’s snapped
A man who’s scared, a man who’s trapped
When all a young man needs is time
Let them try, with the thrill of the pack
Hold your breath till the day he gets back!
Enough, no more, I don’t give a damn
Why stay, what for?
I know who I am
A man above the lie that they live
A man who’ll love when he’s ready to give
But I’ll come back one day, after ten years away
And they’ll stop and they’ll say
Look! Look!
Look, it’s Martin Guerre
We need him here, no need to fear, never despair
Yes! It’s Martin Guerre
Back home at last, those from the past better beware
Strides through the town
Laughs, waves them away
They all think he must be the same
But by heaven they’re sure to see there’s more to Martin Guerre
Than a name
(Pierre appears)
And that bastard, Pierre
Holds my life in his hand
He’s no uncle of mine
He can have all my land
The land he sold me for
May God condemn his soul to hell
And all of Artigat as well…
(the villagers appear, along with a man with his back to the audience. Martin points at him.)
Look! It’s Martin Guerre
Standing so brave, back from the grave, who else would dare
Yes! It’s Martin Guerre
Back from the war, not like before
Of this I swear
He’s seen it all, he’s travelled the land
And look! Look what he became
And by heaven they’re sure to see there’s more to Martin Guerre
Just look, look at what he became
By heaven they’re sure to see there’s more to Martin Guerre
Than a name!
(The villagers disappear, except for the man with his back to the audience)
Here Comes The Morning
(Seven years later, on a battlefield in Flanders)
Arnaud
And so, is that the story of your life?
How you abandoned your own wife
Martin
Bertrande
But now I know my choice is made
I’ll go back home to Artigat
After seven years perhaps we can try again
But come along, my friend you must have some stories to tell me
(Arnaud laughs)
Though I’ve known you so long I don’t know you at all
We have still never talked about you, about Arnaud du Thil
Arnaud
All the stories I tell, all what used to be true
For all that I’ve learned is how little I knew
But the years that we’ve fought, I’ve learned something from you
I’ve killed so many men, it’s been my only way
To kill for a living is a high price to pay
When it’s peace that I love at the end of the day
Here comes the morning
This is your morning
For when the day is done, you’ll leave for a land that is free
And when you are gone, all I’ll see…
Still more cold nights of waiting
Days all alone
Killing and hating
Martin
But still there’s time for you to learn
Wherever there are dreams the fire of hope will burn, always waiting
Arnaud
How can I leave this?
This is my life now!
This is your morning!
Martin
Here comes the morning
Take all your chances
For when the day is done
The sun paints its last silhouette
Arnaud
With luck by the time that it sets
You’ll be home
|
Arnaud Is this my morning? And when the day is done The sun should not rise on regrets |
Martin A man should love before he dies Every day the sun will rise |
Both
With luck, by the time that it sets
(Martin throws Arnaud a pouch)
You’ll be home
(They embrace. Suddenly, Protestant soldiers appear)
Arnaud
The Protestants are attacking!
(They fight. Arnaud is about to be killed, but Martin comes to help him and is stabbed. He falls to the ground. Arnaud holds him in his arms.)
Martin
Tell Bertrande I’m…I’m sorry
(he becomes lifeless)
Arnaud
Martin? Martin! WHY?!!
(The Protestants attack again. Arnaud grabs his swords and runs off.)
(back in Artigat, Bertrande is sitting alone)
Bertrande
Martin, Martin the years that I’ve spent alone…
Where are you now?
Martin, Martin, I’ve prayed for the day
Our love will grow with the spring….
Damn you Martin, you’re to blame
They need a child to bear your name!
You left me with the shame
I need you!
The love that they gave turns to hate
Must I wait?
I cannot spend my life looking back to the past
You must make me a wife or a widow at last….
Sleeping On Our Own
(the three crones appear)
Ernestine
Faithful to the last
Celestine
Life can be unfair
Hortense
Seven years have passed
We’ve seen the last of Martin Guerre
Ernestine
Mother’s none too chuffed
Told her not to wait
Hortense
Desperate for an heir
Ernestine
They’ll find Bertrande another mate
(Guillaume sits down next to Bertrande. She leaves immediately. He sits for a moment, then gets up and leaves.)
Celestine
There’s Guillaume the farmhand, guards her like his own
Hortense
Staring like a hawk
Ernestine
Crikey, you can talk
Celestine
Poor Bertrande, she’s sleeping on our own….
(they sit down where Bertrande and Guillaume were sitting)
Just like us…
Hortense
And better for it…
Ernestine
Too true, too true…
Celestine
Jacques was a devil with his dibber
Ernestine
Oh, my Georges…he had the hugest…feet
Hortense
Claude made his own rope!
(the other two stare at her)
Celestine
Jacques always used to snore, just like a wild boar
A-snuffling and a-wheezing
Ernestine
My Georges, I guarantee
He’d get up to pee seven times a night!
Hortense
Claude always stole the sheet
Hooked it with his feet
Mine in turn were freezing
Ernestine
They went and popped their clogs
Hortense
Now we sleep like logs!
Celestine
I sleep with the dogs!
Ernestine & Hortense
No!
Celestine
Yes, but just in winter…
Nights, sleeping on our own…
Hortense
Years, sleeping on our own
Ernestine
Still, we mustn’t moan!
All Three
No
Hortense
He’d graze me with his chin
Celestine
He’d kick me in the shin
Ernestine
And mine would sweat profusely
Celestine
Jacques muttered when he dreamed
Ernestine
Muttered? My man screamed
Heard for miles around
Hortense
Claude, when he got quite bored, bound me with a cord
Celestine and Ernestine
No
Hortense
Yes, but only loosely
Celestine
We’re sleeping on our own
Hortense
One bed and a crone!
Ernestine
Dogs without a bone!
All Three
We’re sleeping on our own, without a chaperone, who’s sleeping up in heaven
Celestine
Soon we’ll be just the same
Hortense
Some forgotten name
Ernestine
Carved upon a stone
All Three
Then, we can live our lives
Lost and lonely wives
Sleeping on our own
Duty
(The church in Artigat. Father Dominic performs a service in Latin in front of the whole village.)
Father Dominic
We are here before our Lord, yet we do not serve him well!
Artigat, you must open your eyes!
There are Protestants all around, we must protect Artigat
(singing in Latin)
Every face I see
Man and child
Man and wife
Fighting for their land, for their faith, for their lives!
If we fail to fight, then we’re damned, count the cost
(He takes Bertrande by the arm)
All it takes is one to forget then we’re lost
Villagers
Bertrande you have a duty to Catholics everywhere
To save the land of Artigat you must provide an heir!
(Pierre walks by, with Guillaume chasing after him)
Guillaume
Pierre, the time has come to listen to me
We know Bertrande must give us a child
To save our land
Pierre
What more can I do?
If he comes back–
Guillaume
She must have it soon
If you choose me to marry her next
I’ll give to you a good Catholic heir
Pierre
You’ll wed Bertrande, but you must agree
Her land, her child, remain with me!
(Pierre and Guillaume leave)
Villagers
Bertrande, forget your husband
You know what you must do
We need an heir for Artigat
Bertrande, it’s up to you
(Bertrande kneels before Father Dominic)
Bertrande
Every day, I pray for Martin’s return, Father
Tell me what else can I do?
Father Dominic
I have spoken to the Bishop, Bertrande
He has found an answer to our prayers
Bertrande
If he has found Martin I promise
I will give Artigat an heir
Father Dominic
The bishop is prepared to grant an annulment of your marriage at last
So our land can be saved
You will give us a child when you marry Guillaume
(Guillaume comes to stand in front of her. Bertrande is surrounded by the women. Guillaume kneels before her and the women force her to kneel as well.)
Bertrande
Never!
Father Dominic
Marry Guillaume
Bertrande
I will never…
Father Dominic
This is your duty!
Bertrande
wed Guillaume!
Father Dominic
You have no choice!
Bertrande
Not for Catholics
Father Dominic
The bishop insists
Bertrande
Not for anyone
Father Dominic
Artigat demands
Bertrande
Not for the church
Father Dominic
I beg you Bertrande!
Bertrande (to her mother)
Not for you!
Father Dominic
You’ll do as you’re told!
Bertrande
And not for Artigat!
(The villagers cross themselves and then leave. Guillaume walks around the kneeling Bertrande.)
Villagers
Marry Guillaume, do your duty…
Marry Guillaume, do your duty…
(Guillaume kisses her on the cheek and leaves her alone)