Bower Saloon(?)

October 24, 1850

The Earl of Salisbury

(President of Star Privy Council)

Conspirators:

Sir William Radcliffe

Robert Catesby

Sir Everard Digby

Guy Fawkes

Dr. Dee, an astrologer

Jerome Heydock, Steward to Sir W. Radcliffe

Martin Heydock, his son

Humphrey Chetham-a young merchant of Manchester

Obadiah Mumps (?) A fanatic

Elizabeth Orton

Viviana Radcliffe, daughter to Sir William

Ruth, the Tower Gaoler's Daughter

Scene the First

Martin- Laugh away ye poor thoughtless inconsiderate mortals, while I - who am gifted by nature with such an overstock of good sense and discretion- laugh in return. Come along Ruth my dear.

Ruth- Aye and very wrong it is, Martin, most abominably wrong to laugh at you, the son of old master Jerome Heydock, steward to the great and powerful Sir William Radcliffe of Ordsall

Hall. I'm quite astonished at their impudence.

Martin- There you are wrong my duck, 'tis not at me they're laughing, that were clean impossible for I defy the world to see aught ridiculous either in my person, manners, or appearance.

Ruth- I should think so, one of the nicest and most sensible young men in Manchester.

Martin- One of them? not one of them my dear but decidedly the handsomest and most amiable youth in Lancashire (struts).

Ruth- In my opinion and your own you are, but probably other people may not think so, yet tell me, Martin, if not at you at whom else were they laughing?

Martin- Saw you not a wild looking woman sitting on the bridge as we passed and reading a book, which she calls prophesying! and as the people have no faith in her predictions they laugh and mock her. (laughter heard) There hark! and to confess the truth, I verily believe she is a witch, for would you believe it! She one day told my fortune, and predicted that I should fall in love, and so I have- with you, my own dear Ruth, and what was more she prophesied that if I went too often to my father's closet where he keeps his brandy my face like his would at last be ornamented with - what d'ye think?

Ruth- I can't say.

Martin- A red nose, and so it is, look here, quite spoiled my beauty, that is until I can get rid of it.

Ruth- It really is a great disfigurement, but see- here comes a soldier, by his looks a foreigner, oh what a handsome fellow, only with a frown upon his countenance that shows he's in trouble. Stand aside and let's observe him well. Dear me, I never saw a finer fellow.

Martin- Except me if you please.

Ruth- And your red nose -- Ha! Ha! Ha! this way, the stranger's here

Guy Fawkes- The war's all over in the Netherlands and the brave soldiers who have won the peace discharged and turned adrift to beg or starve. What's to be done? A fortnight since I landed from Ostend at Dover and proceeded thence to London, but England is at peace, nor needs at present the honest soldier's sword. I then resolved to visit Manchester, and now am here with prospects still more gloomy. Beggary- or absolute starvation in perspective. Like other drudges I'm not fit for labor, my trade is battle, my tool the sword.

(Martin and Ruth come forward)

Save you my friends, what news in Manchester?

Martin- Why spinning wheels are rather dearer than they were last Autumn, and as for wool-

Ruth- I verily believe thy brains are a wool gathering, why this gallant stranger heeds not the price of spinning wheels and wool. I'm sure he don't.

Guy Fawkes- (Chucking her under the chin) not a jot, my pretty damsel, thou art right.

Martin- Come, come I say, no liberties if you please, though you do wear a rapier four feet long with petronells (pistols) in your girdle.

Guy Fawkes- No offense, I love the women and they all love me, but apropos- I have read in history somewhere of the famous of York and Lancaster and in the hope of finding the folks here as fond of fighting as in the olden time I have journeyed hither to seek employment.

Martin- As a cutter of throats, truly an honorable occupation.

Ruth- Martin for shame, how can you be so uncivil!

Guy Fawkes- Thus it is ever with your plodding sons of trade and commerce. In the hours of danger you tremble for your hordes of ill gotten pelf and hire the bravest soldier to stand forth and save the mammon you are too cowardly to save yourselves, but the danger over, you send us adrift, without a word or look of gratitude, nay even with abuse and the same heroes who brave death to save you sink in your estimation into cutthroats. Such is the recompense for wounds and blood shed for you pettifogging traffickers!

Ruth- He speaks the truth, and speaks out like a man.

Martin- Does he indeed!

Ruth- Yes, and you know he does. Now for example you're not fit to fight, and if called upon you'd have to hire some brave champion to espouse your cause and fight instead of you. Such a one as this brave soldier here before you.

Martin- Mayhap I might; but it ill becomes you ma'am to tell me so, in such plain fish-staff terms.

I don't half like the way she advocates the cause of this ferocious looking fellow who I am sure would think no more of running me through the body then spitting a cock pheasant.

Come along, and let's leave him to his meditations.

Ruth- (to Guy) Adieu!

Guy Fawkes- Goodbye, by the by my dear do you know of any good quarters for a soldier with far more courage in his heart than coin in his pocket?

Ruth- Truly, that I do, and right good quarters. Our noble lord and master Sir William Radcliffe is the soldier's friend, his hall is ever open to the coming stranger. hHs hospitality is boundless as the ocean, and in his name I bid you welcome.

Guy Fawkes- What name said you? Sir William Radcliffe?

Ruth- Yes, of Ordsall Hall

Guy Fawkes- It is the very same. When I left London the rumor spread that warrants had been issued for the apprehension of Sir William Radcliffe upon a charge of treason.

Ruth- Then let us hasten at once and give him warning, this way, I'll be your guide to Ordsall Hall

(exit arm in arm with Guy Fawkes)

" This way I'll be your guide to Ordsall Hall, " exclaims madam Ruth. My Ruth, and off they walk arm in arm, leaving me here as though I were a cipher

Hello, the mob have seized the poor old woman who in despair now rushes to the parapet, she leapt into the stream poor old soul, all her prophesying is over but no, that soldier's after her he swims like any shark, he brings her out in safety He is here.

(re-enter Guy Fawkes with Elizabeth Orton. Ruth and others follow)

Guy Fawkes- Stand back and give her air, see she revives.

Martin- (aside) Yes, poor old soul, a little air after so much water will no doubt do her good.

Ruth- Do hold thy silly tongue, I'm ashamed of you, you've no more feeling than a flinty rock.

Elizabeth- (reviving slowly) Off, off, vile rabble, cowardly as ye are cruel. Dastards, to assail a poor, old, feeble, and defenseless woman, but heaven hath yet thunderbolts in store. Beware, Beware.

(To Guy)

My brave deliverer, come near and let me scan thy countenance that I again might recognize thy features when we shall meet hereafter. In that face I read determination, even in death, no matter what the cause that thou dost embark in be it good or ill thou'lt persevere even though it lead thee to a dungeon's gloom, and from that dungeon to the scaffold. Pause ere thou engage in any enterprise contrary to the law. It's hard to fight against the will of fate yes, pause in time or thou art doomed to die a traitor's death. It grieves me thus to prophesy to one who bravely snatched me from a watery grave, but truth is sacred, so beware, or fearful, horrible be thy doom.

Guy Fawkes- Woman! or prophetess or whatever thou art. Think not to frighten me with thy predictions. I am a soldier, and whoever hires my sword for him I'll fight aye to the death. The cause I leave to those who make the quarrel. Man's fait is fixed already in his cradle, and all the future actions of his life, lead him by steps to its accomplishment.

Ruth- Pray my poor woman, glare not wildly thus, but come and share the hospitality of Ordsall Hall, a mansion where the poor are ever welcome.

Elizabeth- Thanks pretty maiden for thy courtesy, and as a recompense if thou desire it I will tell thee thy fortune.

Ruth- Oh! with pleasure.

Martin- Don't Ruth, be advised, have nothing to do with her or she'll bewitch you as sure as wool grows on the backs of sheep.

Elizabeth- And on the trees as well.

Martin- What- Wool grow on trees! Now there's no doubt she's mad, whoever heard of wool growing on trees ha, ha, ha.

Elizabeth- Laugh silly fool, and ridicule the speech thy brain's too shallow for to comprehend. I do repeat, wool growing on trees shall prove one day the great prosperity of Manchester (she alludes to cotton)

Martin- There get along, I've heard quite enough to satisfy me that you're cracked, crazed in your upper story. What say you, master soldier?

Guy Fawkes- Ill usage and her narrow escape from drowning mayhap have somewhat touched the poor woman's mind, but still hath she a larger stock of wit remaining than a hundred simpletons like you can boast of. That is my opinion.

Ruth- There now, you hear what people think of you, so hold your stupid tongue and follow me. Come my poor woman and thy brave preserver thee will support.

Guy Fawkes- And if needs be, protect you.

Ruth- It's getting dark-- Martin--

Martin- I'm here my love.

Ruth- Walk on before, d'ye hear ? For your red nose will serve us as a lantern. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Obadiah- Yea verily Master Brandon, thou art right. 10,000 pounds for the apprehension of Sir William Radcliffe is a prize well worth the winning yet just heaven forbid we should be agitated by the hope of filthy lucre- No, our motive is to deliver up the tribes of the ungodly into the hands of justice, verily a holy work, a blessed occupation- oh!

Mark Brandon- Less preaching, Master Obadiah Mumps, and more action, will far better serve our cause.

You know this country well, where we are perfect strangers, and have undertaken to act as our guide.

Obadiah- Yea verily, and I will guide thee to all wisdom.

Mark Brandon- A fig for your wisdom. Can you and will you guide us to Ordsall Hall!

Obadiah- Yea, even as a child followeth its nurse so follow thou me, and I will guide thee and thy followers to the noble mansion thou art come in search of.

Mark Brandon- 'Tis well, lead on.

Obadiah- Of course, for a recompense, not that I ever dream of filthy lucre, the heavens forbid, but still thou wilt admit young ravens must be fed.

Mark Brandon- And old ravens too, that's evident. How much will content thee for thy services?

Obadiah- Two hundred pieces of gold.

Mark Brandon- If we succeed- capture Sir William, and secure the prize 10,000 pounds now set upon his head.- two hundred golden pieces shall be thine.

Obadiah- 'Tis well. Yet mark me, I must trust to thine honor to count the gold out justly, piece by piece, and place it in my pouch.

Mark Brandon- Agreed, but why not count it yourself?

Obadiah- Impossible, a holy man like me dare not receive nor even touch blood money with open eyes, which were a dreadful horrible profanation, yea verily the thought doth make me suffer.

Mark Brandon- Still thou'lt enjoy the fruits of thine iniquity, the price of blood as thou call'st it.

Obadiah- Whatever I find in my pouch, friend, that is mine nor is it at all times quite convenient to inquire how it came there, and now, since our compact is arranged, with caution follow me. I say with caution, fore our way leads by a shortcut across Chat Moss.

Mark Brandon- And what pray is Chat Moss?

Obadiah- A spacious bog, so deep in parts, that horses and even wagons missing the pathway which is very narrow have all been swallowed in a moment. Yea verily without time to say one prayer and cry "pray heaven have mercy on our souls."

Mark Brandon- The souls of wagons and horses. By my beard this is a new school of theology Ha! Ha! Ha!

Obadiah- Scoff not, I mean the drivers of the wagons.

Mark Brandon- And thou art well acquainted with the path across the bog?

Obadiah- Aye, well as I know my right hand from my left.

Mark Brandon- Enough then, on, but beware of treachery should'st thou play false, by my good sword- saint as thou art thou diest upon the spot.

Obadiah- Yea, I perceive thou art a desperate man, yet fear thee not, for my intent is just, but lo it waxeth dark, if peradventure we had a lantern to give light to our footsteps--

Martin- Here's a choice errand I'm sent upon. My Ruth declares she has lost a silver buckle out of her shoe and sends me back to seek for it; and as it will very soon be as dark as pitch, I've brought a lantern with me.

I hope this story's not a trick to get rid of me, and have the better opportunity to be in the company of that soldier chap. If I thought that, fire and (?) I'd very soon-

(coming forward) A word with you my lad.

Martin-(alarmed) Hello who's there?

Mark Brandon- We want to borrow your lantern.

Martin- You'll excuse me, I can't spare it.

Mark Brandon- If you refuse, we'll take it, and cut off your asses ears into the bargain.

Martin- You're very kind

(aside) what a set of desperate looking cutthroats, all but this one, a preacher as I take it. I'll speak to him

(to Obadiah) Reverend Sir If I might make so bold, do you belong to this party?

Obadiah- Yea verily, I am consorted with them and have undertaken as their trusty guide to lead them to Ordsall Hall.

Martin- (aside) To Ordsall Hall! as true as fate these are the fellows who come to seize my master, if I could but get away and give him warning- Good evening gentlemen I'm in a hurry, you must excuse me.

Mark Brandon- (stopping him)

Hold, another step and thou diest, march on before and light us, not a word-- forward--

Obadiah- Across Chat Moss, which is the shortest cut. Thou knowest the path?

Martin- Quite well

(aside) And if I don't lead you all into a quagmire, my name's not Martin Heydock. This way sirs, needs must they say when the old gentleman drives, so I'll e'en pass on before and light your worships. This way, this way.

Now gentlemen be careful how you come. Chat Moss is a dangerous place, like the (?) gatherer it swallows all and yet is never satisfied; so again I warn you take care, step with caution.

Mark Brandon- Lead thou the way. And beware of treachery, or thy life shall pay the forfeit.

Obadaih- Verily thy lantern is a light unto our steps therefore we can not fail.

Martin- Now follow me, but no, stop where you are, till I have found the path, for the bog is more dangerous after rainy weather. Stand where you are until I give the signal.

Success, as great a simpleton as they call me I've played my cards so well that I've won the game and as I hope preserved my master's life.

Mark Brandon- Hello there fellow, what are you about, hold up your lantern and point out to us the path we have to follow.

Martin- Tread in my footsteps and you cannot fail.

Obadiah- Hold up thy lantern, verily I feel the ground is giving way beneath my feet.

Mark Brandon- And so do I.

Martin- Never mind, you'll want no lantern, for you have plenty of candles, only look.

Mark Brandon- The fellow's right, they must be travelers crossing the bog with lanterns. Follow them.

Omnes-

Help, Help, or we are lost.

Martin- And serve you right; whoever seeks to put money in his pocket by betraying his unfortunate fellow creatures richly deserves to be smothered in a bog.

Obadiah- Yea verily, I am sunk unto my chin.

Mark Brandon- Come hither with thy lantern, dost thou hear, and help us out or tremble for thy head.

Martin- Look to your own, and say your prayers in time before the Bog-fiend swallows you.

Martin- He has put his candles out, and now prepares to cook you for his supper, so good night. If you can't see the path look at my nose. Ruth says that it is as good as a dozen candles. By the by before I go, I wish to give you a piece of information. Listen, Chat Moss is called Chat Moss because whoever happens to stick in it has lots of time for a comfortable chat with his companions. Good bye, if you want a light, look at my nose.

They exclaim- Help Help!

(Enter Jerome Heydock Martin's father)

Jerome- As sure as fate, there's mystery in the wind, a score of extra beds for as many guests and among them master Robert Catesby, Sir Everard Digby and many other cavaliers, whose fortune is the sword, ready to fight in any cause no matter right or wrong. Well well, e'en as his lordship pleases, it concerns not me.

Viviana- Good morning master steward.

Jerome- The same fair lady, and many happy morrows to you in return and mistress Ruth too, by the rood you both look most charmingly.

Ruth- You're an old flatterer, but apropos, I hear we are to have company today.

Viviana- And among the guests invited and whose names are written on your list, say father Jerome is there one included whose dear presence I'd prize above all others?

Jerome- Whom speak you of my lady? Master Catesby that fierce and fiery spirit?

Viviana- No good Jerome, I am not fond of fierce and fiery spirits, they're too dangerous.

Jerome- Sir Everard Digby

Viviana- Why he hath a wife already, and one believe me I respect too much to rob her of her husband. Go to, Jerome, thy old pate is not apt at guessing.

Ruth- Marry you're right, my lady, and I'd wager my golden ear drops against brass curtain rings I guess the name of your gallant at once. What say you to Sir Humphrey Chetham?

Viviana- Right Ruth, you've hit the mark with the first arrow. He is indeed my choice but not my father's, and if we were alone I could impart to you a secret: being assured you would never betray me.

Ruth- I'd lose my life first; but I do so love to hear secrets that I vow I'm all impatience.

Good worthy Jerome, your presence is required in the hall to make preparations for our guests. The servants lacking your controlling presence, scamper up and down, thinking more of romping with maids than looking to their work.

Jerome- Alack aday, 'tis ever thus when my old back is turned, romping with the maids, a thing I never do or tolerate, the scurvy varlets. I'll trounce 'em I warrant me.

Ruth- Now my dear lady for the secret.

Viviana- My chamber you know is next my father's, and lately, often past the midnight hour, I've heard him rise from his couch and pace the room, muttering strange incoherent words of daring plots. The names of Catesby, Sir Everard Digby with many other noble cavaliers, strangers to me, have escaped his lips. Now is it not strange that the same parties are this day invited to meet at Ordsall Hall. My life on it 'tis to concert their plans and I'm resolvede'en at the risk of my life to snatch my father from the dreadful gulf now yawning to receive him.

Ruth- A brave and noble resolution, but what can be the nature of the plot?

Viviana- Of that I am as yet in ignorance, yet will not long remain so. I will hide me in a secret closet near the banqueting hall where I can overhear the whole proceedings.

Viviana- Declare at once the cause of your alarm.

Martin- Most gentle lady, as I was going back again to look for Ruth's silver buckle I fell in with three most desperate Hussars and what do you think they wanted me to do! Show them the way to Ordsall Hall, where they expect to earn a great reward offered for the head of our noble master. On the way here I buried them in Chat Moss but somehow they scrambled out again though in a precious pickle and they are on their way here.

Viviana- Without a moment's pause let us away to warn my father of his danger.

Sir William- I do exceedingly regret Sir Humphrey that my word is pledged to Catesby, had I known you loved my daughter she should have been yours, but my honor is pledged and never will I violate it.

Sir Humphrey- But if Sir Robert Catesby willingly resigns the claim, how then?

Sir William- He never will, too well I know him.

(enter Jerome Heydock)

Jerome- My lord, I have the honor to announce Sir Robert Catesby.

Sir William- Inform Sir Robert we shall be glad to see him.

Catesby- Sir William Radcliffe I am yours. Sir Humphrey Chetham we have met before, but truce to compliments, where is your daughter? I must see and bid my love farewell, for desperate indeed is the business I go upon.

Sir Humphrey- We are in possession of your secrets yet ere it is too late I warn you to desist. The deed's too rash, too horrible, for heaven to smile approving on, it can not prosper.

Sir Robert- Indeed, then let us like vile curs lie down and fawn upon the hand that smites and lashes us to madness. You may do so, and act the coward cur. I'll be the bulldog that grapples with his foe, nor ever quits his hold till life in one or other be extinguished.

Jerome- Sir Everard Digby and other noble cavaliers have just arrived.

Sir William- Admit their lordships.

Sir William- My friends I bid you welcome, but my joy is turned to sadness when I contemplate the fearful business that you come upon.

Digby- Why how is this!

Catesby- Allow me to observe, a mighty change has come (upon) our friend Sir William. Prompted by Sir Humphrey Chetham, his lordship now fears the enterprise we have in view.

Sir Humphrey- It is false, I am prepared to answer at point sword.

Sir William- Hold I command you, you are my guests and shall not violate the sacred rights of hospitality with impunity. At once to the business sirs that brought you here.

It is proposed to place a sufficient quantity of gunpowder in the vaults beneath the Parliament House, and with one tremendous blow, to extirpate our cruel enemies. All therefore who are willing to join us, sign this deed even as I now do (signs) to set you the example

Digby- Why draws back our noble friend Sir William Radcliffe? Sir Humphrey Chetham too? Shall it be said, Sir William forsook his friends in the hour of need and at the instigation of a boy proved a recreant to the cause of honor?

Sir William- Never. Thus like you all, I'll sign the oath.

Viviana- Hold father hold, as you value your peace of mind sign not the bond of fate.

Sir William- My child thou art my guardian angel. I will not sign.

Catesby- Fair Viviana, you are now in possession of our secret, together with your father and this youth. Now though I love you, still I love the cause for which I hazard body and soul beyond all earthly ties, and here I swear not one of you shall quit this hall above till you have taken a most solemn oath never to betray us.

Sir William- Not your threat Sir Robert but honor urges us to compliance. You are our guest, and hospitality is in our eyes so sacred that our lives with joy we'd forfeit rather than betray you. So solemnly we swear.

Catesby- Enough, thus far we are safe.

Viviana- Come my dear father, for though these gentlemen have naught to fear from us, still heaven forbid we should attend their council.

Sir William- Right my child. Gentlemen, goodnight.

(They Exit)

Catesby- And now brothers, all your hands-- in weal or woe, so stand or fall together.

but when the powder's laid 'neath the Parliament House who is to fire the train?

Be that task mine!

Catesby- Another listener, and who art thou?

Guy Fawkes- A desperate man, at variance with fate.

Catesby- And thou hast overheard our conversation.

Guy Fawkes- Every syllable.

Catesby- And wilt betray us?

Guy Fawkes- Not quite such a fool, six rapiers to one are rather too great odds. Though ere now I've dared as many on the field of battle.

Catesby- Thou art a soldier then?

Guy Fawkes- Aye, at the siege of Seville the lot fell on me to fire the train that blew the citadel with its whole garrison into the air. I escaped by a miracle.

The very man for our desperate purpose. Wilt thou be one of us, and sign the bond of fate?

Guy Fawkes- Aye, with all my heart.

Catesby- Tis well. Take horses and journey on to London. You'll meet us at the Talbot Inn in Southwark. This purse will answer present urgencies.

Guy Fawkes- I act from principal not interest, and have coin enough to bear my own expenses. The purse I need not. I will meet you all in London without delay.

Catesby- Enough, fail not. Come friends to horse away.

(They Exit)

Mark- As quiet as the grave, all gone, this way.

Mark- I'll enter, while you remain as sentinels here.

If he consent to be found I'll spare his life. If he demur I'll stab him to the heart.

Officer- You have, you say, important information for the Earl of Salisbury, and here he comes.

Salisbury- Are you the man who sent to me this letter?

Mark- I am my lord.

Salisbury- You come from Lancashire?

Mark- As fast as horses can carry me.

Salisbury- Bring you any tidings of the apprehension of Sir William Radcliffe?

Mark- My errand concerns him. I do confess, lured by the hope of winning the reward, with others thusly followers I attempted to seize or assassinate him for the proclamation says "alive or dead," and thus I found and had him in my grasp. Still as ill luck would have it, he escaped, rescued by powerful partisans and has now arrived in London. I hear it is his purpose to cross the channel in disguise, and seek an asylum in France.

Salisbury- Could you point out with chance of certainty where Sir William may be found in London?

Mark- I have a clue which may direct us to the old fox's kennel. Some of Sir William's guests at Ordsall Hall are now in London or rather in Southwark, and if your lordship would command a guard to search the Talbot Inn 'tis not unlikely he may there be found.

Salisbury- Know you any of Sir William's guests by name?

Mark- Yes, two of them right well, Sir Robert Catesby and Sir Everard Digby. The rest to me were strangers.

Salisbury- 'Tis well, you may go, we shall act upon your information.

Mark- You'll employ me my lord?

Salisbury- When we require your services by all means but not at present, for your information thanks with promise of our future favor.

(to officer) Let a guard be sent at once to the Talbot Inn.

Officer- It shall be done my lord.

Mark- So much for the gratitude of men in office. Like a fool I journey all the way from Lancashire to bring him information, and when he knows all he desires, his answer is "we will employ thee when we need thy services, thanks for thy information with promise of future favor," but I will be beforehand with his lordship, and hasten with my comrades to the Talbot Inn where haply better luck this time awaits us then at Ordsall Hall.

Ruth- Well here we are at last. Sir William and his daughter will sleep here tonight and in the morning embark for France.

Martin- And shall you go with them, and leave me here?

Ruth- No, I'll stay and marry you, but I fear Sir William will again be exposed to danger so promise me you watch as sentinel when all have retired to rest.

Martin- But I must have a pair of pistols in case of need.

Ruth- Oh you shall be well armed. You are aware that my father is the Gaoler of the Tower, so as soon as my master and his daughter embark for France the Tower will be my home, but come along with me to arrange the chambers for Sir William and his daughter. Poor young lady, condemned to marry Sir Robert Catesby who I shouldn't wonder will be hanged ere the honeymoon is over. Well well it can't be helped. Come along, Martin.

Viviana- This way dear father, another night of peril and we shall land in France, and breathe the air of Liberty.

Sir Humphrey- A vessel, as I hear, has just arrived with gunpowder from Ostend, for what purpose we are too well aware.

Viviana- But our lips are sealed, we dare not speak. But come my dear father, after your long journey you are fatigued. This way, I will support you.

Catesby- No tidings yet of our new associate Guido Fawkes.

Digby- None, I hope he will not prove a traitor.

Catesby- I fear him not.

Digby- I hear the gunpowder for our daring project is already landed.

Catesby- It is, and a sufficient quantity is already concealed in the cellars 'neath the Parliament House, to shiver it in atoms; but see, here comes our new colleague Guy Fawkes.

Guy Fawkes- This is the Talbot Inn, well met my lords. Punctual to our appointment I am here.

Catesby- The powder is already placed in the fearful mine, concealed by coals, and an experienced hand to lay the train and fire it is all we now require.

Guy Fawkes- The train need not be long.

Digby- Of sufficient length to enable you to escape.

Guy Fawkes- I will not escape. I prefer a death of powder to the scaffold. When shall the mine be fired?

Catesby - Tomorrow, the Fifth of November.

Guy Fawkes- Tomorrow night then I fire the mine, but, in, in, my lords, spies are abroad, and the very walls have ears. Your hands my lords, the deed is done, and the tremendous battle lost or won.

Martin- Since the inmates have retired to rest, by order of my Ruth, I'm to stand sentinel here, and watch the chamber door of Sir William Radcliffe.

(looks off) Why as I live here come the very band of cutthroats that attacked Ordsall Hall. Oh dear oh dear, in spite of all my courage I really feel alarmed, where shall I hide? Oh this empty ale barrel will serve me for a sentry box, so I'll hide and observe the villains. They are here.

Mark Brandon- Once more for a diligent search. I have received most positive information that Sir William is somewhere here concealed. There are so many doors, 'tis a wide guess to tell which leads to his chamber.

harhye my lad, on business of the very utmost import I would see Sir William Radcliffe. So quickly tell me, which is his chamber?

Boy- Yonder, I don't think he's gone to bed yet for I see a light. Be quick, for the tavern gates will soon be closed, nor opened before morning.

(exit)

Mark- That's enough, we are now on the right scent and like good hunters will soon secure our prize, follow me.

Mark- Why who did that?

Obadiah- Yea verily, the shot came from yond barrel.

Mark- Say you so, then there's someone concealed. I'll have him out.

(Business. Sir William and his Daughter escape.)

Viviana- Behold where yonder rides the friendly vessel that shall bear us hence in safety. Come father, at once on board.

Mark Brandon- At length we have met, despite that strange attire I know you well Sir William, then surrender in the King's name, or die upon the spot.

Sir William (throwing off disguise)- Thou'rt right; it is indeed Sir William Radcliffe who dares thee to do thy worst at point of sword.

Mark- No, I'm too good a judge, instead of close quarters I prefer long shots-- traitor-- die.

Sir William- That shot's my passport for a longer journey than to France my child. This earthly scene now closes fast around me, my child. Farewell forever, Bless you, bless you.

Obadiah- Yea verily, the great Goliath's slain.

Mark- And that we may make sure of our reward we'll take the body with us.

Viviana- Miscreant back, touch not a hair of this venerable head. Even in death although he's now in the bright azure realms of endless bliss, far beyond your malice, dare but touch him and you shall feel the vengeance of a girl maddened by despair in a murdered cause.

Sir Humphrey-(Drawing sword) Cowards back, nor dare to profane the dead. Back I warn you.

Mark- What, lose the reward we have shed blood to win. Never, give up the body as a proof that we have done our task. Seize on it and bear it to the Palace.

(business)

Salisbury- This letter, couched in most ambiguous terms warning the Parliament against fearful danger, demands immediate investigation. To judge from the language, though obscurely written, there's cause to apprehend a dire explosion by gunpowder.

(to officer) You therefore with the guard will instantly examine the vaults and cellars beneath the Parliament House.

Officer- All shall be done my lord as you command.

Obadiah- Rejoice rejoice, the traitor Radcliffe is dead my lord. I slew him with this most valiant hand, and now claim the reward of ten thousand pounds.

Mark- Liar, vile hypocrite, believe him not my lord. My pistol sent a bullet right through the traitor's head and in return his daughter wounded me

Salisbury- These opposite claims shall be investigated on Monday next. Bring proofs to Whitehall Palace

and the blood money shall be yours. No more, I hold myself disgraced in parlaying with you.

Mark- Another shuffle, and still no reward.

Obadiah- After we have so bravely done our duty.

Mark- We? What have you done pray? Why, run away and hid through thick and thin, you slew him?

Go along.

Officer- Now to examine the vault, on soldiers, follow me.

Back for your lives, put out the torch for fear of an explosion.

Officer- Oh my lord, a horrible mystery has come to light. The vault is filled with powder, such a mine as would destroy half London.

Salisbury- Can it be possible, and still no clue to the authors of this diabolical plot.

Officer- Behold my lord, here comes the prophetess as she is termed. She may perhaps be in league with the conspirators.

(Enter Elizabeth Orton )

Elizabeth- Woe to the shedders of blood. The widow's and the orphan's prize ascend to heaven and call fierce lightnings down to strike the oppressors dead.

Officer- What dost thou here at this untimely hour?

Elizabeth- I come to warn a child of destiny not to rush madly on his fate.

Salisbury-(aside to officer)

There's meaning in her madness. Leave her a while but watch her every motion-- hush.

Guy Fawkes- The hour is come.

(sees her) Thou here, be gone and leave me, the work I have to do will have no witness. I saved thy life, yet I will take the life I gave thee if thou dare interfere. So be gone.

Elizabeth- Thine errand here I know not, but thine eye speaks of a desperate deed, a deed of blood which shall make thousands mourn.

Guy Fawkes- And millions free again. I say be gone or much against my will I'll sheath this dagger in thy breast.

Elizabeth- If thou wilt not be warned then take thy course. If doing ill bring thee welfare, fare thee well.

Guy Fawkes- 'Tis well, she's gone. Here is the false key, which gains me admittance unto yon Pandemonium where the fiends rejoice already in anticipation of their rich coming harvest; it is done. The pliant lock yields to the touch, now my lantern-- and now to fire the train.

Salisbury- Villain, atrocious wretch, we have thee fast. In heavy irons drag him to the Tower,

there to await the doom he justly merits.

Salisbury- Thou bold and desperate man, although the deed thou wouldst have perpetrated shuts out hope of mercy, yet give us the names of the conspirators engaged with thee, and we will use our influence to procure thy pardon from the King. Reflect upon our offer, bear in mind we have the power to extort confession, by racks and tortures.

Guy Fawkes- They are powerless, nor racks nor tortures can subdue the mind. I do admit that I have acted wrong but I will not add to guilt by treachery.

Salisbury- We'll quickly try that point. What ho there gaoler, inflict on him the rack.

Salisbury- Give him wine or he will not have strength to mount the scaffold.

(business)

Now prepare for death and follow to the scaffold.

Guy Fawkes- My fellow Christians all, I do acknowledge my guilt and humbly hope for heaven's mercy. I see my error and I die for it. The oath I took was rash and ill advised but still I kept it, even in defiance of tortures. Now lead me to the scaffold. I am ready and may Heaven have mercy on my guilty soul.

Executioner- Behold the head of a traitor.