The Princess of Bagdad: A Play In Three Acts

Lionnette (looking at the gold)

It is certainly grand; like all which has power. There is contained ambition, hope, dreams, honour, and dishonour; the perdition and the salvation of hundreds – of thousands – of creatures, perhaps: it has no power for me. If I had loved my husband, I should, probably, take this million to save him: that would be one of the thousand base acts that one is called upon to commit in the name of true love. But, decidedly, I love no one and nothing. (Shutting the coffer violently.) Fight each other; kill each other; live or die, I am indifferent towards you both. You have both insulted me – each in your own way, and, always, in the name of love! Ah! if you only knew how what you call love becomes more and more odious to me. But, to make me believe in love, show me the man who respects that which he loves! I love you; that is to say, you are beautiful, and your flesh tempts me. It is to that temptation that I owed the husband who outrages me; it is to that temptation that I owe the insult that you have inflicted on me. A prince was not able to resist what he, too, called his love for a pretty girl; and I owe my existence to that so-called love! I must suffer on account of that; and, perhaps, in my turn, sell myself always on account of that! And that father dared not love me openly; me, his daughter; himself, a king! But, at least, he sometimes pressed me to his heart in secret: he wept; for he, too, suffered! Holding my head between his hands, he said to me, – he is the only one who ever said it to me, – "Be a virtuous woman always; it is the foundation of all good. Do you understand me?" And I believed him, and wished to be a virtuous woman, as he asked me to be; and it leads me to what? To be treated like one of the worst of creatures by him to whom I have remained faithful. And there is that man who insults me by his offer! His father made many millions by his bank; and he, the son, would like to buy me with them while I am yet young, be it understood. Why not? But, dear Sir, I am born of desire and corruption: they gave me no heart. With what, then, do you expect me to love you? I had no esteem for my mother: you do not know what it is not to esteem one's mother! My husband is an inexperienced, an idle, an unsophisticated man, who ought to have guided me; who did not know how; and whom I will never see any more. That is what I have come to. As to my son, I needed help, I took him in my arms yesterday, and he said to me, "I like better to go and play." Ah, well! let him get on without maternal dishonour. It will be a novelty in the family, and that will be my last luxury. It matters not. Amongst all this impurity and all these errors, there came on the scene, all of a sudden, one of the first gentlemen in the world; and his coming changed everything. I have royal blood in my veins. I shall never belong to you. Adieu! (She goes towards the door at the back. Two violent and quick rings are heard at the bell of the entrance.) What can that be?

Nourvady

A visitor who has made a mistake (ringing). Wait a moment! (The Footman appears.) Who is that?

The Footman

There are several men ringing at the door, but we have not opened it.

(During this time Lionnette has covered herself with her veils.)

Nourvady

Very well! Do not open it.

(Two blows of a hammer are given on the hall door; after a little while, two more.)

A Voice (from outside)

For the third time, open.

Lionnette (who has gone to look through the curtains of the window)

My husband! With these men. Ah! this is complete.

Nourvady

Conceal yourself here. (He shoves the door at the right.)

Lionnette (beyond herself with passion)

I conceal myself! What do you mean? Who do you take me for? I have done no harm. All those people there are mad, decidedly. I want to see them quite close. (Nourvady goes to lock the door at the back. Lionnette has pulled off her veils, torn the fichu that was on her shoulders, and unrolled her hair by shaking her head.) It was when I was like this that my husband thought me most beautiful! It is well, at least, that he should see me once more as he used to like to see me. Am I really beautiful like this?

Nourvady

Ah! yes; beautiful indeed.

Lionnette

And you love me?

Nourvady

Very deeply.

Lionnette

And all your life will be devoted to me?

Nourvady

All my life.

Lionnette

You swear it to me?

Nourvady

On my word of honour.

(He approaches her quickly. At that moment she stretches out her uncovered arms, and crosses them on her face; that she turns away. Nourvady covers her arms with kisses.)

A Voice (outside the door that Nourvady has shut)

Open!

Nourvady

Who are you?

The Voice

In the name of the law.

Nourvady

I am in my own house. I refuse.

John (from outside)

Break open that door.

Lionnette

The coward!

The Voice

It is I who give orders here, and I only. For the last time, will you open the door?

Nourvady

No!

The Voice