The Tragic Fall Of Wizlaw, The Count Of Rügen

Act I, Scene II

6th November. A church in Arkona, Rügen. A well lit room with the same altar and candelabra in the centre. The curtains are opened and a statue of the Madonna and stained glass windows are revealed.

Enter BISHOP & WIZLAW

WIZLAW: Well, I do indeed see thy concerns yet thou must understand that Rugard hath to be prioritised over the bishopric. Rugard is the capital of this island. If it falls, the whole island falls with't. I am of course speaking from a strategic point of view. I do understand the value of Arkona yet the Duke and King think otherwise. Besides, does Arkona not hath a levy to defend itself?

BISHOP: It doth indeed, but 'tis less than a hundred men. If we get attacked, we will not hold out for long.

WIZLAW: What about thy fortifications? How are they?

BISHOP: Hast thou not seen them upon entering this church?

WIZLAW: Th'palisade and moat? Aye, I have. But I must admit that they are rather decrep't. With one delicate touch of a sword thy palisades can be knock'd down. To add to this, thy moat is nearly completely dry and it is not even th'summer.

BISHOP: Thy sense of humour is not quite helpful during this time.

WIZLAW: I am frankly, only being honest about it. I shall send some labourers by th'end of th'week to fix this issue of thine.

BISHOP: Me not thinks that even with these fortifications repaired, this place will hold out for much longer than with them in this state.

WIZLAW: Thine excellency, please keep thy head up high and be an optimist. Thou art my right hand and I will require thine advice in times of need. Put no worry into th'defences of this sacred place for I will go and speak to th'Duke personally on this matter myself.

BISHOP: Thy words do indeed reassure me. Dost thou request my company in thy travels?

WIZLAW: Nay, for I require thou to remain here on this island in my place and oversee't.

Enter MARGARETA & LUCIA

BISHOP: [indicating towards the entrants] Here come thy wife and daughter.

WIZLAW: My beloved daughter! [they embrace] This day's happiness has been multiplied with thy presence. What brings thou hither?

LUCIA: We came to see thee papa.

MARGARETA: [to Wizlaw:] Will I get a greeting as warm as that from thee?

WIZLAW: Oh, of course. Greetings to thee too. Now, Lucia, dost thou wish to go to th'market today?

LUCIA: Yes pa!

WIZLAW: When we get there, present me with anything that thou desires and I shall purchase it regardless of th'price.

MARGARETA: And what about me? Am I not thy wife?

WIZLAW: Aye, thou art indeed. Is it a new necklace that thou wants? Or a ring perhaps?

MARGARETA: Why dost thou think that I desire material things?

WIZLAW: Then what dost thou want?

BISHOP: I shall leave and attend to other duties. Adieu.

WIZLAW: Hold thy step just for a moment thy grace. [to Margareta:] Please, dear, may thou take Lucia back home with thee? I do promise to spend more time with thee but at th'moment I am busy for I am obligated to tend to matters of th'state.

MARGARETA: Fine, farewell. Come Lucia. let's head back home.

LUCIA: Bye-bye pa.

[Exeunt MARGARETA & LUCIA

BISHOP: Is thy marriage on stable tracks?

WIZLAW: Aye, it is.

BISHOP: Art thou sure and certain of it, my liege?

WIZLAW: Why dost thou refer to me as that? I myself am in the belief that thou is above me for thou's God's man.

BISHOP: Thou and I are equals in God's Kingdom. It is stated so in the Vulgata. If thou refers to me by a superior title, I believe that I should do th'same unto thee. The Son of the Lord Himself stated to "Do unto others as thou would have them do unto thee". Besides, thy marriage?

WIZLAW: My marriage seems to have come to a jolt for I suspect three reasons. First, I am too occupied with the state. Second, my wife claims that I spend too much time with our daughter Lucia.

[there is a pause]

BISHOP: And what about th'third?

WIZLAW: Third? Oh, yes. Apparently, she has... uhm... heard of some rumours. She seems to suspect that I and... her sister are committing... adultery!

BISHOP: Is that true? Is it true that thou is committing such a heinous deed?

WIZLAW: Nay, not at all.

BISHOP: Then why doth she think't?

WIZLAW: As I have said, she overheard some rumours or someone filled her up with them. But it also may be due to the fact that I have recently been spending some more time with her sister than prior.

BISHOP: That seems to evade logic by quite a bit for I witness her sister being as close with her husband as a boat to a dock during a storm.

WIZLAW: I do notice that too. Perhaps I should cut all interaction with her sister.

BISHOP: I know not of what to advise thee on this matter, but I pray that thy marriage resolves itself. Maybe thou should listen to thy heart and hear its response.

WIZLAW: I shall see how things develop.

BISHOP: By the way, why did thou stop me earlier?

WIZLAW: Oh yes, I remember now. How about we converse on this in th'gardens?

BISHOP: That is a blissful idea. Man is himself when close to nature.

[Exeunt