|
Capitaine LeGuerre
(Mars): |
A 40-ish Captain, commander of the French Foreign Legion Outpost |
|
Lieutenant Chèvre: |
A new graduate from Officer training, about 20-25. |
|
Frere Cornelius
(Capricorn): |
The post Chaplain |
|
Sergent-Chef Olafson |
A master sergeant in his late 40’s, who has been in the Legion since he enlisted at 18 |
|
Several Legionnaires |
Privates and corporals, between 18 and 30 |
|
Belle-amante: (Venus, Scorpio) |
LeGuerre’s woman. An attractive woman in her 30’s |
|
Mu’ad Dib (Sol) : |
Head of the Bedouin caravan |
|
A couple of camp followers: |
Some of those women, young to old, who hang around military outposts for a variety of employments |
|
Several Bedouin: |
Members of Mu’ad Dib’s tribe and fellow travelers. |
|
Dancing Girls: |
A troupe of professional dancers. |
Scene
A French Foreign Legion in the Moroccan desert, near an
oasis. One Legionnaire stands on guard by the flags. A troupe of dancing girls
is camped at the oasis. Belle is lounging against a stone at the back wall of
the outpost on which LeGuerre sits, reading a book.
Time of day
Late afternoon, nearly sunset.
_______________________________________________________________________
Fra. Cornelius
(From the altar, claps)
4444-1.
(Then, going to center stage, as close to the audience as possible, he faces them and, telling the beads on his rosary, reads the following in a slow and rapturous fashion.)
I adore Thee by the Twelve Affirmations and by the Unity thereof.
O Thou snow-clad volcano of scarlet fire, Thou flame crested pillar of fury! Yea, as I approach Thee, Thou departest from me like unto a wisp of smoke blown forth from the window of my house.
(While he recites these
lines, the Legionnaires come in from the audience’s left, from the back of the
house. They stack their guns in tipi fashion, drink water, clap one on the
shoulder, take out stools and sit, and generally act as though returning from
patrol.)
(At the same time, the
Bedouin caravan enters from stage left, from the ready room. The dance troupe
is already in residence at the oasis, having pitched their tents before the
play begins. They welcome one another. After setting down their camel saddles,
etc., the Bedouin all pray in the direction of Mecca (audience), finishing about
the time that Cornelius does.)
O Thou summer-land of eternal joy, Thou rapturous garden of flowers! Yea, as I gather Thee, my harvest is but as a drop of dew shimmering in the golden cup of the crocus.
O Thou throbbing music of life and death, Thou rhythmic harmony of the world! Yea, as I listen to the echo of Thy voice, my rapture is but as the whisper of the wings of a butterfly.
O Thou burning tempest of blinding sand, Thou whirlwind from the depths of darkness! Yea, as I struggle through Thee, through Thee, my strength is but as a dove's down floating forth on the purple nipples of the storm.
O Thou crowned giant among great giants, Thou crimson-sworded soldier of war! Yea, as I battle with Thee, Thou masterest me as a lion that slayeth a babe that is cradled in lilies.
O Thou shadowy vista of Darkness, Thou cryptic Book of the fir-clad hills! Yea, as I search the key of Thy house I find my hope but as a rushlight sheltered in the hands of a little child.
O Thou great labour of the Firmament, Thou tempest tossed roaring of the Aires! Yea, as I sink in the depths of Thine affliction, mine anguish is but as the smile on the lips of a sleeping babe.
O Thou depths of the Inconceivable, Thou cryptic, unutterable God! Yea, as I attempt to understand Thee, my wisdom is but as an abacus in the lap of an aged man.
O Thou transfigured dream of blinding light, Thou beatitude of wonderment! Yea, as I behold Thee, mine understanding is but as the glimpse of a rainbow through a storm of blinding snow.
O Thou steel-girdered mountain of mountains, Thou crested summit of Majesty! Yea, as I climb Thy grandeur, I find I have but surmounted one mote of dust floating in a beam of Thy Glory.
O Thou Empress of Light and of Darkness, Thou pourer-forth of the stars of night! Yea, as I gaze upon Thy Countenance, mine eyes are as the eyes of a blind man smitten by a torch of burning fire.
O Thou crimson gladness of the midnight, Thou flamingo North of brooding light! Yea, as I rise up before Thee, my joy is but as a raindrop smitten through by an arrow of the Western Sun.
O Thou golden Crown of the Universe, Thou diadem of dazzling brightness! Yea, as I burn up before Thee, my light is but as a falling star seen between the purple fingers of the Night.
O Glory be unto Thee through all Time and through all Space: Glory, and Glory upon Glory, Everlastingly. Amen, and Amen, and Amen.
(Moves to the altar and
kneels in prayer)
(There is a pause, then Sgt
Olafson lines up the 4 Legionnaires and himself, and performing the Legion
evening ritual known as the “Apel” – they line up and number off left to right.
The number starts at one end of the line and continues up to however many
Legionnaires are present. The count includes all the Legionnaires except Chèvre
and LeGuerre.)
1
(pause, then quickly) 2-3-4-5.
Sgt. Olafson
(Turns to Ltn Chèvre and
Salutes)
Le Garde is assembled, present or accounted for, SIR!
Ltn. Chèvre
(Returns his salute, then
turns to LeGuerre, salutes, says)
Le Garde is drawn up for your review, Mon Capitaine!
Belle
(Lounging next to LeGuerre,
who has been reading a book. She says, a tad sharply.)
O Great Warrior, your men await you!
Ltn. Chèvre
(Repeats his salute to LeGuerre, saying even more crisply)
Le Garde is drawn up for your review, mon Capitaine!
Fra. Cornelius
(Somewhat louder)
Great Capitaine, our leader! It is the time for evening reports!
Capt. LeGuerre
(Startles out of his book,
realizing the situation:)
Merci, Lieutenant! What is the status of the troops?
Ltn. Chèvre
Le Garde is prepared, Capitaine! We stand in Rank for the evening report
Capt. LeGuerre
(Leaps to his feet &
salutes.)
Frere
Cornelius, Lead us in
Le Code D'Honneur.
Fra. Cornelius
(Reading from a book)
(Belle moves to center front, center stage, also reading,
translating between lines for the audience. All Legionnaires, including
LeGuerre face Cornelius & repeat, softly so Belle’s translation can be
heard.)
Repeat after me: "Legionnaire, Tu ex un volontaire servant la France avec honheur et fidelite".
Legionnaire: you are a volunteer serving France faithfully and with
honor.
“Chaque Legionnaire est ton frere d'arme, quelle que soit su nationalite, sa race, sa religion. Tu luimanifestes toujours la solidarite etroite qui doit unir les membres d'une meme famille. "
Every Legionnaire is your brother at arms, irrespective of his
nationality, race or creed. You will demonstrate this by an unwavering and
straightforward solidarity, which must always bind together members of the same
family.
"Respectueux des traditions, attache a tes chefs, la discipline et la camaraderie sont ta force, le courage et la loyaute tes vertus."
Respectful of the Legion’s traditions, honoring your superiors,
discipline and comradeship are your strength, courage and loyalty your virtues.
"Fier de ton etat de legionnaire, tu le montres dans tatenue toujours elegante, ton comportement toujoursdigne mais modeste, ton casernement toujours net. "
Proud of your status as a Legionnaire, you will display this pride by
your turnout, always impeccable, your behavior, ever worthy though modest, you
living-quarters, always tidy.
"Soldat d'elite, tu t'entruines avee rigeur, tu entretiens ton arme comme ton bien le plus precieux, tu as le souci constant de ta horme physique. "
An elite soldier: you will train vigorously; you will maintain your
weapon as if it was your most precious possession, and you will keep your body
in the peak of condition, always fit.
"La mission est sacree, tu l’executes jusqu’au but, a tout prix. "
A mission once given to you becomes sacred to you; you will accomplish
it to the end and at all costs.
"Au combat, tu agis sans passion et sans haine, tu respects les ennemis vaincus, tu n’abandonnes jamais, ni tes morts, ni tes blesses, ni ter armes. "
In combat you will act without relish of your tasks, or hatred, you
will respect the vanquished enemy and will never abandon neither your wounded
nor your dead, nor will you under any circumstances surrender your arms.
(Cornelius returns to the
altar. Belle exists to the rear of the audience.)
LeGuerre
Lt. Chèvre, Retire the Colors.
Chèvre
Oui, Mon Capitaine!
(He motions to two
legionnaires who form an honor guard, go up to the flag post, and retire the
colors. They exit out the door on the upper stage. La Marseillaise [Or La
Boudin if I can get it] plays. He then taps his baton: 3-3-3.)
Ltn. Chèvre
Sergent-Chef Olafson, Light the watch fire!
Sgt. Olafson
Oui, Lieutenant!
(He and another Legionnaire
go up the stairs to the brazier that is near the front of the stage on the
second story of the outpost. They light the Brazier. Flag Patrol returns from
offstage and fall in behind Olafson. They salute; Olafson leaves the soldier on
watch near the brazier, and then returns to the ranks. LeGuerre dismisses the
troops. Chèvre sits down on the sand, pulls out a flask, and drinks. Olafson
lies down and puts a tattered magazine on his face. Belle and the camp
followers enter, laughing and chatting, through the audience. The other
legionnaires begin to play dice, cards, and consort with the camp followers.)
Bedouin
(Simultaneously as the Legionnaires stand down)
(From the other side of the
stage comes the call of a muezzin. All the Bedouins shake out their prayer rugs
face the audience and kneel to pray. They cover their faces with their hands,
rocking up and down. Should last about 30 seconds.)
LeGuerre
(Pulling Belle into his
arms and moving toward center stage.)
Ah, my dove. You are truly Mon General
Belle
(Leaning seductively into
him)
Hail, My lord, strong as the Eagle and wily as the Serpent!
LeGuerre
(Laughs) You are the smartest of all! I shall appoint you to lead the army.
Belle
Then we shall dance the dance of celebration for my appointment!
(Belle claps
her hands, moves to center stage, and the dancers come down the main stairs
from the Bedouin camp. Two Bedouins precede them and with a couple of the
Legionnaires, spread rugs for them to dance on. As a troupe, they dance through
and around the Legionnaires, who grow increasingly more rowdy. As they end the
dance, they glide away back to the Bedouin side of the stage. Leave the rugs
behind.)
(After the dancers leave,
the Legionnaires’ party continues for a while, and even the watchman wanders
over the drink and play dice. After some drinking the Legionnaires sink down in
the sand and snooze, snoring loudly. One or two take camp followers away with
them under the blankets, with some suggestive leg motions under blankets.)
LeGuerre
(Belle and LeGuerre snuggle
for a while, and then Belle falls asleep. LaGuerre looks at the sky for a
while, then at his troops, drunk and carousing, and pulls out a flask and
starts to drink.)
Bedouins
(From the other side of the
stage comes the call of a mezuzin. All the Bedouins shake out their prayer
rugs, then face the audience and kneel to pray. They cover their faces with their
hands, rocking up and down. Should last about 30 seconds.)
LeGuerre
(Hearing them, stumbles over to the stairs the dancers used. He
watches Mu’ad Dib lead the Bedouin in prayer. He then looks at his own
disorderly troop, slumps dejectedly, takes off his kepi, and hides his face in
his hands.)
Mu’ad Dib
(Uses the Astrolabe to
determine that it is Midnight, then sounds the Shofar (Ram’s horn) to signify
that it is midnight, and time to retire for the night. The Bedouins roll up in
blankets to go to sleep. Mu’ad Dib stands still watching the Legion camp.)
Chèvre
Startles awake – thinks it
is a war alert, stumbles to and shakes LeGuerre.
Mon Capitaine! Mon Capitaine! We are overrun! The enemy is upon us. Rise up and lead us, Capitaine!
LeGuerre
Stays Silent. Remains in
defeated posture.
Chèvre
Belle! You are his favorite! You have been able to shake him out of all moods, all drunken stupors, inspire him into the champion who has led us to many victories. Please, please my lady! Help us now!
Belle
Comes over to view
LeGuerre, then shrugs
Why should I wake up this drunken sot? He has abandoned his credo, his men, and his faith with you. Is he truly even a Legionnaire any more?
Chèvre
We have asked for another commander, we have been told that one is being sent from Corsica. But until he arrives, until we have a new commander, we need our Capitaine. We need LeGuerre
Belle
You have my sympathy, believe me, Lieutenant. But I can do nothing for this man unless he himself changes his heart!
LeGuerre
(Staggers to his feet and
declaims)
In the book March or Die, it says’
"In the hybrid circle into which a man enters blindfold, passport less, without recommendation or any mention of his past, there is a strange mixture of good and bad, of latent heroism and bitterness.
(The Legionnaires begin to
pay attention, poking one another, but they do not get up.)
From this amorphous whole emerges an iron will an instinctive passion for adventure an amazing fertility of invention a supreme contempt for death, in fact all of those sub line virtues which go to make up a true warrior.
And this quality of the whole is reflected in the individual Legionary, whether one sees him passing by the street, his waist tightly girt by his broad belt, or rigidly at attention on a ceremonial parade.
One notes that determined air, that insolent male pride of the man of action, virile, superior. No other soldier has his superb bearing as a Legionnaire".
But Capitaine Corelli has also said,
“My companions, it is I, my good warriors
It’s your leader who is talking to you here
Of what one does not know, or hardly knows;
My men, I salute you, and say to you: Thank you.
It would be time to be ashamed in France
To accord evil to the Old Legion,
For which, having seen it in desperate need,
I have such great love and reverence.
But listen! Deserters! Mercenaries!
Full of foreigners without honor or faith!
It’s because of you that France is ashamed: of her Legionnaires!
Be honest with yourselves and you will know why.
(He Gestures towards the
Bedouin camp.)
Look, Look there, not a stone’s throw away from us. There are warriors, mighty as we, alone in the desert as we, but they have made peace with the desert and have not deserted their honor. We should lie down and die of our shame.
(Belle and Chèvre advance
to the stair where LeGuerre has slumped again.)
Belle
Perhaps,
Chèvre, we can inspire them once more. Lead them in the Legionnaires credo one
more time.
(Belle picks up LeGuerre’s
kepi and gently places it on his head. She whispers to him, gives him a cup of
water, and slowly gets him to his feet as the men recite.)
Chèvre
(Shakes Olafson awake,
stands him up, and gets him to recites the code of honor with him. Slowly the
men stir themselves to attention, pick up their weapons, and to recite the end
with him. By the end of the code they revved for action.)
"Legionnaire, Tu ex un volontaire servant la France avec honheur et fidelite".
“Chaque Legionnaire est ton frere d'arme, quelle que soit su nationalite, sa race, sa religion. Tu luimanifestes toujours la solidarite etroite qui doit unir les membres d'une meme famille. "
"“Chaque Legionnaire est ton frere d'arme, quelle que soit su nationalite, sa race, sa religion. Tu luimanifestes toujours la solidarite etroite qui doit unir les membres d'une meme famille. "
"Respectueux des traditions, attache a tes chefs, la discipline et la camaraderie sont ta force, le courage et la loyaute tes vertus."
"Fier de ton etat de legionnaire, tu le montres dans tatenue toujours elegante, ton comportement toujoursdigne mais modeste, ton casernement toujours net. "
"Soldat d'elite, tu t'entruines avee rigeur, tu entretiens ton arme comme ton bien le plus precieux, tu as le souci constant de ta horme physique. "
"La mission est sacree, tu l’executes jusqu’au but, a tout prix. "
"Au combat, tu agis sans passion et sans haine, tu respects les ennemis vaincus, tu n’abandonnes jamais, ni tes morts, ni tes blesses, ni ter armes. ".
Chèvre
(Exhorts the men, waving
his gun.)
“Oh, my warriors! A mission once given to you becomes sacred to you; you will accomplish it to the end and at all costs.
(Rushes toward the Oasis.)
Legionnaires
(Brandish their weapons and
shout loudly.)
Lead us! Lead us! We shall conquer! We shall conquer!
Cornelius
(Has been peering through
the bushes at the peaceful Bedouin, now sleeping quietly. Rushes forward and
waves his fist at the Legionnaires, yelling:)
You idiots! Have you even looked at these enemies of ours? They are sleeping peacefully after having said their prayers and led a devout and peaceful day. They are a godly people, and we are falling away from ours.
Chèvre
(Exhorting the men again.)
Is this the end? Will we desert our code of honor, our brothers, all that the Seven Flames and Grenade that we wear on our shoulders mean? Our Motto has always been LEGIO PATRIA NOSTRA -- are we no longer family with the thousands of other legionnaires around the world?
Cornelius
(Abandons his attempts to
bring the men to reason about the Bedouin. He cries out)
There is no God!
Slumps down looking toward the
oasis.
LeGuerre
(Leaps up and goes to altar
with uplifted sword. Shouts)
Silence!
All quiet, looking at him.
He waits for silence.
There is no God -- but God!
Chèvre and Legionnaires leap and shout in celebration. Cornelius slinks away. Mu’ad Dib stands watching them from his seat on the stage above
them.
LeGuerre
We are the Legion! We are men of honor, men of valor, and we shall one day have a battle so great that it will astonish our brothers. But this is not the time. This caravan is but a small party of travelers. Wait; wait until a greater battle can be fought. Our Priest is right. I salute you, your bravery. But we stand down.
Music Plays: Au Caid, the Legion equivalent of “Hail to the Chief.”
Chèvre
Salutes Belle Gallantly
Oh, Beautiful Lady! Thank you for your efforts today. Truly, you must be a Valkyrie in your deepest heart, with the beauty of ten women and the courage of a true Legionnaire.
Belle
You make me blush, my brother.
Chèvre:
He leads Legionnaires &
Camp followers in the triumphal dance, which becomes slow and voluptuous. A pause:
Let us rejoice in the wisdom of our Captain LeGuerre!
Chèvre
(To seal his triumph, taps
with his baton: 1-4444.
Cornelius
(Nearly hidden behind the altar) thumps on the floor. 4444-1.
LeGuerre
(Takes Belle in his arms,
walking toward Center Stage)
(Attendees are given a
copy of the poem in French and English.)
Le Baiser par viloence est un Crime.
Le Baiser par surprise est un Délire.
Le Baiser sur la photo prouve un Désespoir.
Le premier Baiser n'est que la promesse du second.
La femme qui ne tréssaille pas sous un Baiser en est indigne.
L'homme qui rit après un Baiser est misérable.
Le Baiser sur les lèvres doit être doux, passioné, long et
léger.
Les écraseurs des lèvres sont vandals...
Il vaut mieux poser les pieds sur une rose.
Le Baiser sur le cou est une galanterie de chatouillement.
Tout frisson du Baiser est comme le vin qui nous monte à la tête.
Toute lettre adressée à une femme doit porter un Baiser.
Tout homme doit faire l’étude du Baiser.
Toute facette n'est qu'un nid à Baiser.
Le Baiser est un point qu'on porte sur l'œil du verbe AIMER.
Le Baiser est le clé d'or aux heures de bonheur et intimité.
Le Baiser est la pierre de touche de l'amour et ses plaisirs.
Le Baiser est le chemin conduisant à l'âme et au corps.
Le Baiser veut qu'on y revienne,
qu'on s'y grise
et qu'on en meurt
They kiss affectionately. Belle takes his Kepi off: They walk back toward his normal
“seat,” where she and LeGuerre embrace, hiding in the dim shadow behind his boulder.
Celebration:
The dancers come out again, dancing solos or duets, while the Legionnaires and
the camp followers clap and cheer. The Bedouins come down and join them. All
the officers except LeGuerre participate. This is not a seduction, but the
dances are as sensual as the art form is.
Cornelius
Wanders glumly around the
edges of the party, finds LeGuerre and Belle, weapons laid aside, in each
other's arms. Shouts loudly, attracting the attention of all the Legionnaires
and everyone else.
You wantons! All is lost! We are all doomed.
Belle Goes
to Cornelius, takes his hand and leads him to the altar where she calms him.
Mu’ad Dib
Moves to the top of the
stairs and slowlycomes down several.
LeGuerre
Moves from the back of the
stage to the middle front, gesturing toward the Bedouin camp.
My comrades, do not despise me. I have seen that our way is not the true way, but we had to travel deep into the desert, into the unknown, to find those people who could truly inspire us.
He turns toward the stairs
and falls, clasping Mu’ad Dib's feet. Everyone else prostrates himself or
herself in adoration.
Mu’ad Dib
(Comes down the stairs and
moves toward center stage. As he does, Chèvre, LeGuerre, Belle, and Cornelius
fan out behind him. )
The Sun, who scatter'd into flight
The Stars before him from the Field of Night,
Drives Night along with them from Heav'n, and strikes
The Sultan's Turret with a Shaft of Light.
Now the New Year revives our old Desires,
The thoughtful Soul to Solitude retires,
Come, fill the Cup, and in the fire of Spring
Your Winter-garment of Repentance fling:
Oh, cease! must hate and death return?
Cease! must men kill and die?
Cease! drain not to its dregs the urn
Of bitter prophecy.
The world is weary of the past.
Let it die, at rest at last!
Chèvre
(Claps 1-4444.)
The battle is indeed fought.
Mu’ad Dib
(Claps 333-333)
The victory is indeed won.
Chèvre
Brethren, the Sun is arisen. Let us depart in joy.
Belle
Let us depart in love.
LeGuerre
Let us depart in peace.
Everyone leaves the stage
by walking out through the audience. LeGuerre and Belle escorting Mu’ad Dib,
Chèvre and Cornelius following at the head of the Legionnaires, Bedouins, and
others.
Original Rite Copyright © O.T.O.
Modified Rite, Copyright © 2003, Pat McGregor