When Will Someone Hear?
Bertrande
Is this the day I prayed for?
When I thought that prayers were heard
When I believed they listened and I trusted every word….
When will someone hear?
All I know is fear
And now I see the loneliness of losing all you trust
Day has turned to night
Stone has turned to dust
And now I need to find the words
When will someone hear?
Love that once was close
Faith that once was clear
Now all I’ve known and all I’ve loved is all I have to grieve
All that I’ve begun
All that I believe is just another broken dream
When will someone hear?
They seem so strong
They seem so sure
They’d take my soul
And still want more!
(She gets to her feet)
No one here will listen, it’s not me I’m fighting for!
Now, I know, don’t decide for me!
Now at last it’s clear!
And don’t think I’m that little girl they wanted me to be!
They don’t know me now, fighting to be free
There’s no on here to understand!
When will someone hear?
(André and Catherine, and other Protestants appear in the background)
I will carry on, till the fear has gone
Till the day I find there’s someone who will hear…
Catherine
What do you expect?
Protestants
We will always hear you
(Bertrande runs from her her in confusion. Catherine follows her.)
Catherine
Who do you reject?
Protestants
We are always near you
Catherine
You seem to think it’s easy just to turn within yourself
There’s another light, there’s another way
Protestants
God will always hear you
Bertrande
Is this another broken dream?
When will someone hear?
André
God’s there to hear you
Protestants
In Protestant prayer!
Come now and trust him!
We’ll lead you there
Bertrande
I will carry on
till the fear has gone
till the day I find
There’s someone who will hear!
Louison / Welcome Home
(Benoit is sitting on the ground next to his scarecrow, Louison)
Benoit
Come along, a scarecrow shouldn’t cry, Louison
Come along, I’ll dry your eyes, Louison
There’s a golden sun up in the sky, Louison
There’s a warm breezing blowing through the rye, Louison
Look, Louison
Ah, Louison
We shall sit here all day as we’ve sat here before
After we’ll sit here some more
All the world is shining in July, Louison
But it’s not as beautiful as my Louison
(Arnaud arrives, wearing a long cloak)
Arnaud
Monsieur…
(He touches Benoit on the arm, startling him)
My name is Arnaud du Thil. I’m looking for a Madame Martin Guerre. I’ve been told she lives somewhere near here. Do you know where I can find her?
Benoit
D-don’t move…d-don’t move!
Arnaud
Who are you talking to?
Benoit
Louison!
Arnaud
Do you understand me, I’m looking for a wife
Who hasn’t seen her husband for all her married life
I’m asking for your help, you must be quite a connoisseur
(he points to Louison)
If you know someone as beautiful as her
Benoit
In Artigat there’s a lonely maid
A lovely bride if he’d only stayed
She is precious, she is frankincense and myrrh
And only my Louison is as beautiful as her
Both
All the pleasures of the earth I’d give
If I could keep those treasures in her eyes
Staying here or fighting wars I know which I’d prefer
If I knew someone as beautiful as her
Arnaud
So you know Madame Martin Guerre?
(Benoit nods enthusiastically)
Will you go and find her for me?
(Benoit hesitates)
Oh, don’t worry about…Louison? I’ll look after her.
(Benoit runs off, looking for the villagers. Arnaud takes off his hat and lies on the ground.)
Benoit
There’s a man looking for Bertrande! There’s a man looking for Bertrande! Where’s Bertrande? There’s a man looking for Bertrande…where is Bertrande?
Guillaume
Who would think to come and see Bertrande?
Villagers
Who would think to come and see Bertrande?
Who would need to come and see Bertrande?
Who would want to come and see Bertrande?
Who would even know about Bertrande?
(The villagers laugh at the idea. Then, a hush falls over them)
Oh my God! Is it possible it’s him?
Oh my God! Could it me the answer to our prayers?
Guillaume
Oh my God! Is it who I’m thinking of?
Celestine
Think what it would mean
Ernestine
Is it really true?
Hortense
Please make it clear
Villagers
God has shown his love for Artigat now Martin’s here!
Surely they will have a child soon
And give us an heir
If it is…
Well, it must be, our own Martin Guerre!
God, it’s a miracle, at last a miracle
(they cross themselves and kneel in thanks to God, except for Guillaume)
Where did you leave Martin, where did you leave Martin?
Benoit
He’s with Lll…llll…lll
Villagers
Louison!!
(they run to where Arnaud is and stare at him)
Could this really be the same man?
I would hardly recognize him
It’s amazing how he’s changed!
It’s remarkable how much he’s changed!
But you’re still Martin Guerre!
(Arnaud tries to say something. His cloak is removed.)
Pierre Guerre
It’s so good to see you
(welcome home)
Promise you won’t disappear
Villagers
Dead as far we knew!
Welcome home
Thank God you’re here
It’s so good to see you
Welcome home
Promise you won’t disappear
Dead as far we knew!
Welcome home
Thank God you’re here!
Pierre
No, not a word, boy, don’t be downcast
What’s done is done, now it’s all in the past
Arnaud
But I’m not…
Pierre & Villagers
(they point at him)
No!
Pierre
I’m telling you, there’s nothing to say
What really matters is that you’re here to stay!
Guillaume
But Pierre!
Pierre & Villagers
(they point at Guillaume)
No!
Pierre
Don’t give a thought to those that you’ve spurned
We’re just overjoyed our boy has returned!
Come, the sun is sinking, welcome home
Bring the fatted calf and beer
Time we started drinking, welcome home
Thank God you’re here!
(the villagers begin to dance around Arnaud)
Villagers
Come, the sun is sinking, welcome home
Bring the fatted calf and beer
Time we started drinking, welcome home
Thank God you’re here!
(Father Dominc approaches Arnaud. Arnaud kneels before him and crosses himself.)
Father Dominic
Now the Lord, as our reward, has brought you here
Hortense
You cheeky devil
You little tinker
Father Dominic
We would pray by night and day and year by year
Celestine
You cheeky monkey, you little stinker
Mme de Rols
How Bertrande’s missed you
The tears that we’ve shed
Faithful and true, she’s the virgin you knew
As you’ll see when you take her to bed
(they blindfold Arnaud)
Villagers
Roast the meats
Bake the bread
Drown the village in wine
Press the sheets
Mend the bed
Bless the marital shrine
Pierre
Now where’s Bertrande?
Three crones
Pretty maiden found a husband
Friend or foe?
Pretty maiden couldn’t find her love
Where did he go?
Pretty maiden with her mirror
And her comb
Pretty maiden will be prettier
Now he’s come home
(Guillaume begins to dance, in challenge to Arnaud. The men join in, and Arnaud is able to join in the dance. Guillaume runs off.)
Women
God it’s a miracle
At last a miracle!
Martin’s alive again, Martin’s alive again!
(the women dance, and eventually the entire village is dancing)
Three crones
She’s ripe for plucking, and ready for…
I wish it was me!
So do we…
(they continue to dance)
(Benoit arrives with Bertrande, who is also blindfolded. Bertrande and Arnaud face each other and take hands. They dance, and Bertrande gives him a litle kiss. They take off their blindfolds and stand starting at each other. The villagers dance around them.)
Villagers
Welcome home
Our long lost son
We will forgive you whatever you’ve done!
Welcome home
Our long lost son
We will forgive you whatever you’ve done!
Welcome home!
(Arnaud and Bertrande are separated and caught up with the villagers. Ernestine takes Bertrande by the hand and draws her to Arnaud. The villagers leave them alone.)
Bertrande
You’re not Martin…are you.
Arnaud
he covers his face with his hands)
How can I tell you who I am when I’m not certain anymore?
Please let me tell you what I know, I was a soldier in the war
(Bertrande runs around the stage, stunned)
I knew Martin, he was my friend
He taught me how a life could be
He showed me how a man could see
Bertrande
If this is true, why did you lie?
And why did you call yourself Martin?
Arnaud
Your people said I was Martin even before they saw my face!
I swear it’s true! I didn’t lie!
Bertrande
But did you try to tell the truth?
Arnaud
Madame, I swear I tried, they would not let me speak
They welcomed me with open arms
And I’ve never known such love, the love they showed to their Martin
Bertrande
But they hated him! They made him leave me!
Arnaud
Bertrande, I have to tell you…
Bertrande
Do you know where he is?
Arnaud
That day we watched the morning sunrise
Their stealth, their speed took us by surprise
He stood his ground, he fought to the end
He saved my life, he died for his friend
Bertrande
Is this just one more lie?
Arnaud
No, I saw Martin die! I saw Martin die!
(Bertrande falls to her knees. Arnaud tries to touch her, but she pulls her arm away from him.)
When he spoke of Bertrande, he was full of regret for the way he behaved
For the suffering he’d caused
In that morning light he spoke with hope that he’d come back and she’d still be there
Now I’m here, and I’m too ashamed to say
(He gets on his knees next her. She turns to leave, but stops.)
That I feel the same hope he felt that day
Tell Me To Go
Arnaud
Look
Tell me to go
This can’t go on, I should be gone
Tell me to go
Please…
Tell me to leave
This is all wrong, I don’t belong
Tell me to go
Though I was given his name…
No! How could I be the same as him?
He was part of your life
Lived a life I was made for, that I prayed for all those years
Somewhere, where I hoped to find someone
Now I find myself near you, if I hear you say the words
I’ll go
Bertrande
(she turns away from him and lifts her hands in prayer)
Oh Lord, who is this man?
Can I trust what I’ve heard?
All I can hear is his pain
Has he crafted each word?
And yet there’s something more…
Has something died or is this what I’ve waited for?
No!
Arnaud
Tell me to go
Bertrande
This can’t go on!
Arnaud
I should be gone, tell me to go
Bertrande
Lord!
Arnaud
Tell me to leave
Bertrande
This must be wrong!
Arnaud
I don’t belong, tell me to go
They think Martin is my name
They all believe I’m a part of your life
All the years that I waited, was it fated from the start?
Somewhere, where I hoped to find someone
Now if I find myself near you, if I hear you say the words…
Bertrande (overlapping with above)
They all believe it’s just a name!
They believe you’re the same, that you are a part of my life
All the years that I waited, was it fated from the start?
Somewhere, where I hoped to find someone
Now I find myself near you
And I hear you say the words…
Arnaud
I’ll go…
Just one last look at you, one look and then I’ll go my way…
Bertrande
They’ll make me marry a man I hate. I was only safe when Martin was alive
Arnaud
I’m the only one who knows he died. No one else need ever know.
Bertrande
Who else knows you’re not Martin?
Arnaud
Only the fool, Benoit.
Bertrande
He will not betray me, he’s my friend. No one else need ever know…
Arnaud
Please…tell me to leave!
(The villagers return. Bertrande turns to leave, and runs into Guillaume. She pulls away from him in disgust, and embraces Arnaud. The villagers cheer. Bertrande and Arnaud are separated by the villagers, who congratulate them, but they continue to stare at each other.)
The Seasons
(the villagers begin work on the land. Guillaume is following Pierre)
Guillaume
Ah, Pierre, it’s been three months now, and still no child!
Pierre
It won’t be long now!
Guillaume
I hope everything’s all right with him
Pierre
Don’t you worry yourself. Our Martin’s a man now!
Arnaud
Come on, my friends! The land needs us to work together now! Dig! Dig!
(the men begin to dig, except Guillaume)
Pierre
Guillaume, dig!
Guillaume
Of course, Pierre! Whatever you say!
(Guillaume joins the men in digging. The women work as well. Bertrande and Arnaud are still unsure about each other)
(The villagers begin to leave the stage. Galoche the cobbler brings a pair of boots for Arnaud.)
Galoche
Your boots are only fit for musketeers
This pair I promise you will last for years
Arnaud
Galoche!
(Lubin the tailor brings a new jacket for Arnaud)
Lubin
Please have this jacket that I made for you
You’ve worked so hard all year your coat’s worn through
Arnaud
You make me feel so welcome! Thank you.
Bertrande
(she hands Arnaud a water bottle)
You work too hard
Arnaud
I love it here… (he looks to Galoche and Lubin) The land is good!
(Arnaud and the men leave Bertrande alone. Benoit and Louison arrive, dancing. Bertrande sits next to a tree and Benoit doesn’t notice at first.)
Louison (reprise)
Benoit
What’s the use trying to pretend, Louison
For Benoit’s found another friend, Louison
And his name’s Martin Guerre
Well, they think that it is
We know the name isn’t his
It’s a secret, mustn’t break the rule, Louison
They have to cheat to call me fool, Louison
(he sees Bertrande)
There’s no need to be so sad, Bertrande
You must be brave, Bertrande, don’t turn away
I know he cares!
Bertrande
Every night that he sleeps on the floor
I miss him more Benoit that I can say
Benoit
Bertrande, don’t you remember?
You must remember, the t-trees…
We have to pray for the day
When it’s our turn to try
(Arnaud arrives)
We can reach like the trees, touch the stars in the sky
And remember Bertrande, it will soon be spring
After winter we can dance and sing
What will happen we must wait and see, Louison
For a seed can grow into a tree, Louison….
(Benoit motions for Arnaud to get closer to Bertrande. Arnaud waves Benoit away. Benoit takes Louision and leaves).
All I Know
Arnaud
Bertrande…
(he kneels next to her)
All that I’ve seen
All the battles, all that I’ve done
Never seeing the truth
Until that morning and the light of the sun
And now I’m here with you
Learning how it feels to feel scared of the feelings I’ve found
In all my life this is the first time I’ve cared
These bloodied hands, their scars of war
I’ve never fought for love before
(he takes her hand and Bertrande reaches out to him)
And all I know is that all I want to say, I’ve never said before
And all I ask, is you tell me every word you have to say
Bertrande
All I need is the time to know that this is real and let it grow
And all I see is a man who finds he’s brave enough to stay
Both
And all I know is the touch of love that changes all I know
Bertrande
All the years I prayed for this day
Arnaud
Now at last, all I’ve wanted to say!
Both
And all the pain that we’ve known turns to dust
Blown by the wind
And all I know is that love like this is love that never lies!
And all I need is the time to know that this is real and let it grow..
(they take hands and embrace)
And all I see is that all I’ll ever love is in your eyes
And all I know is the touch of love that changes all I know!
(they kiss each other and leave the stage with their arms around each other)
(the Protestants enter)
Catherine
I am frightened, André, that they’ll here us tonight
Protestant 1
It’s so quiet, are we taking too much of a risk.
André
If we turn from the Lord, we lose all we believe
We must all be prepared to die for our faith
Catherine
But how long can we hide?
Protestant 2
Must be always pretend?
Catherine
Catholic by day, Protestant by night
André
But our faith will survive
And the day will arrive
When our prayers will be heard
And the bloodshed will end
(Bertrande and Arnaud enter)
Arnaud
All the years that I’ve fought, I could never feel love
Bertrande
All the tears that I’ve wept, all those years that I prayed
But between you and I, there can never be lies
Arnaud
Just the truth now I swear, on the love that we made
Bertrande
But there’s one truth to tell that you must know tonight
I’m a Protestant now, in these Catholic lands
Arnaud
I have no right to judge
You must follow your faith
And you speak to a man who has blood on his hands
And perhaps it’s too late for this soldier to pray
(they embrace)
Bertrande
Only you can decide what prayers to say
I ask nothing of you, as long as you stay
But it’s never too late for a soldier to pray….
Bethlehem
Protestants
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Look, a star shines over Bethlehem
East and west, all are blessed
(Bertrande joins the Protestants, Arnaud remains at a distance)
Love has found us as we pray before you
See the love around us, love of Bethlehem
There a stable was the altar table
For the feast, a manger
For priest, a stranger
Braying cattle for the choir
Singing praised to the new Messiah
(Bertrande goes to Arnaud and he joins in the singing)
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Look, a star shines over Bethlehem
Fierce and bright burns the light
(Guillaue enters and lurks in the background, watching what is going on)
By that banner, we shall march till morning
As we sing Hosanna into Bethlehem
(the Protestants leave, Guillaume runs looking for Pierre)
Guillaume
Pierre! Pierre Guerre!
Pierre
What do you want?
Guillaume
Please Pierre, I have some news about Martin
Pierre
Christ, Guillaume, I’ve no time for this now, don’t you know I’ve got everyone here
Guillaume
But Pierre, Martin’s not the man he seems
As I walked here tonight through the woods I heard voices in prayer
Pierre
What?
Guillaume
On my life, they were Protestants, Pierre
There was André and Catherine and then Martin Guerre
Pierre
I don’t need to hear these lies
Guillaume
You can ask Martin himself!
Pierre
If you’re lying..
Guillaume
Like the Protestant, Martin?
(they go into the house)
The Dinner
(the entire village is at Pierre and Mme de Rols’ house for a dinner. Arnaud climbs onto the table to make an annoucement)
Arnaud
To my family and friends, to my uncle our host
If you all quieten down, I must first drink a toast
For all you’ve done since my return
For all the kindness that you’ve shown
I want to say these days have been the happiest I’ve known
Now I think at last, we’ve a gift for you
(he hugs Bertrande’s stomach)
Sometime in the spring, you should have a new Martin
(the villagers cheer, Arnaud and Bertrande embrace)
Villager 1
Hey Martin, you dirty bastard, not like you to be so quick
Villager 2
What’s the secret?
Three Crones
Seven years on army rations did the trick!
Pierre
All right that’s enough! It’s late, go home! I want to talk to Martin.
Mme de Rols
What’s the matter, Pierre?
Pierre
André, take your wife home.
(the villagers leave)
Guillaume, not a word!
Guillaume
Of course not, Pierre
(he leaves)
Pierre
Is it true what I hear, you’ve turned from our faith, you’re a Protestant now?
Mme de Rols
What are you talking about??
Pierre (to Bertrande)
And have you done the same, tell me is this the truth
Mme de Rols
She would never do that!
Pierre
And the child that you bear is a Protestant heir?
Arnaud
Yes. I’m a Protestant now
Mme de Rols
Bertrande is this true??
Arnaud
This is my faith
Bertrande
I showed him how a God can love
He understood
Arnaud
At last I found another way
Mme de Rols
Is this how you repay our love?
Bertrande
Mother, please, understand!
Mme de Rols
You’re no daughter of mine!
Pierre
If one word of this gets out
They’ll hang you up and watch you break
Not one word of this gets out
I swear they’ll burn you at the stake
Mme de Rols (overlapping with Pierre)
No, not a word, do you hear me not a word
Not a single word (…)
Both
Silence, perfect silence, always silence only silence just, silence, total silence, simply silence now as silence must
(Guillaume appears)
Guillaume
And so the treachery begins
A secret deal to save their skins
A secret’s well and good except it’s only secret when it’s kept!
(he runs into the streets)
Lubin! Galoche!
Villager
What Guillaume, what?
One By One
Guillaume
(he is joined in the streets by other villagers and Father Dominic)
Friends, with the word of God as my witness, I saw Protestants, I swear
And then I saw Martin was with them, with the heretics and prayers
One by one, the devil’s heard
One by one, they mock our lord
Do we let them tear our land apart
They will destroy us one by one!
Go out and get him, bring Martin and we will see the bastard die!
(the light torches)
Father Dominic
You cannot kill a man for his beliefs, although the man has lived a lie
Just one death and hate will grow
Once begun the blood will flow
Guillaume
If we don’t stop them they will bring down every peasant man and child
Killing and raping without mercy till the whole land is defiled
Three crones
We believed them, gave them love
They betrayed the lord above
Guillaume
It’s up to you to take this chance
Will you shed his blood for France?
(the villagers light torches; Guillaume pulls out his knife)
Working on the land that we’re born to live for
Dying for the land, it’s our sacrifice
Killing for the land, we must pay the price
Land to last, as it’s passed, man to son
When it’s done as planned
For the while, we will die for the Catholic land
(two men bring Arnaud in and hold him on the ground. Bertrande is held away from Arnaud. Guillaume raises his knife and is about to kill Arnaud when Benoit comes in and grabs Guillaume’s hand)
Benoit
NO!
Please! He’s n-not Martin Guerre!
You can ask Louison on the day he came
She told me that he was called another name
(they let Arnaud up and the villagers stare at Benoit. Bertrande breaks free and runs to Arnaud.)
Guillaume
Then who’s the bastard that’s been sleeping in her bed?
(he threatens Louison)
Tell us what he told you or your friend is dead
Benoit
I can’t remember
Guillaume
You’d better remember
(he rushes toward Arnaud and has to be restrained)
I’ll kill the imposter, the bastard has lied!
Father Dominic
It’s up to the law now, we’ll see that he’s tried
Get Pierre!
(Bertrande is pulled away from Arnaud and they are held at opposite ends of the stage, while Guillaume is restrained between them)
All I Know (reprise)
Arnaud (to Bertrande)
You’ll be killed, just leave!
|
Bertrande All I know Is that I would rather die than leave you here alone Arnaud And all I know is that if they hurt you I will always blame myself Bertrande I’ve always known You’re my Martin! Arnaud I’m Martin Guerre! All I know is that we can only show the world how strong we are (Mme de Rols and Pierre enter) Bertrande And all I need is for you to always be the man you were Both And all I know is that nothing can destroy the love we know! |
Guillaume (overlapping with Bertrande and Arnaud) All I know is you’ve stolen my love and my land All I know is your life’s in the hands of the law! All I know is how you lied All I need is your death! All I need is revenge, all I know is that nothing can destroy the love we’ve known! |