The Red and the Black. Стендаль
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BORGO PRESS BOOKS BY FRANK J. MORLOCK
Chuzzlewit: A Play in Two Acts
Falstaff: A Play in Four Acts (with William Shakespeare, John Dennis, and William Kendrick)
Outrageous Women: Lady Macbeth and Other French Plays (editor and translator)
The Red and the Black: A Play in Three Acts (adapted from the novel by Stendhal)
The Stendhal Hamlet Scenarios and Other Shakespearean Shorts from the French (editor and translator)
THE RED AND THE BLACK
A PLAY IN THREE ACTS
FRANK J. MORLOCK
Adapted from the Novel by Stendhal
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Copyright © 2012 by Frank J. Morlock
Published by Wildside Press LLC
www.wildsidebooks.com
DEDICATION
For Robert Haas,
for many years of friendship
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Young Julien
The Bishop
Julien
Sorel
A Servant
Monsieur Reynal
Madame Reynal (Louise)
Alphonse
Fouqué
Father Pirard
Marquis de la Mole
Mathilde
Count Norbert
First Gent
Second Gent
Several Masks
Monsieur de Croisenois (not a speaking part)
Count Altamira
Prince Araceli (not a speaking part)
Reactionary Gentleman
Jailer
Priest
ACT I
SCENE 1
The apartment of the Bishop.
A young man in priestly attire is practicing benedictions before a mirror.
The Young Julien enters, trembling, carrying a miter.
Julien (to himself)
It is my duty to speak. (he advances, the Bishop turns)
Bishop
Well, Monsieur, is it ready yet?
Julien
Yes, Excellency.
Bishop
I need it immediately. (he places it on) There, it will stay. (he adjusts it, steps aside a little, practices several more benedictions) What do you think, Monsieur Julien? Does it look right?
Julien
Perfect, Excellency.
Bishop
Too far back, perhaps? That would look silly. But, it mustn’t fall over the eyes like a visor either.
Julien
I think it’s very good.
Bishop
The King is used to venerable clergymen. I mustn’t look frivolous because of my age.
Julien
To be a Bishop, and so young. How clever you must be.
Bishop
It isn’t age that makes a servant of God. (pause) The King is here to pay his respects to a relic. But make no mistake, he is here to pay his respects to us...the clergy. Never forget, Julien, that you are about to see one of the greatest kings on earth on his knees before the servants of God. These servants are weak, persecuted, martyred in this world, but triumphant in Heaven—and, if we are careful, here on Earth as well.
Julien
On Earth as it is in Heaven.
(Julien crosses himself, awestruck, as the curtain descends.)
CURTAIN
ACT I
SCENE 2
Some years later.
Monsieur Reynal’s garden.
Julien and his father, Sorel, enter.
Sorel (to a servant)
We are here to see the mayor. (the servant hesitates) On his invitation...on business.
Servant
Please wait. I’ll inform Monsieur Reynal.
(The servant enters the house.)
Sorel (collaring his son)
Answer me without lying, if you can, Bookworm. How did you get to know his wife? When did you speak to her?
Julien
I don’t know her. I’ve only seen her at Church.
Sorel
Ah, but you must have stared at her, didn’t you? Scum.
Julien
Never. I only see God when I’m in Church. (there is just a shade, only a shade of insincerity in this protest)
Sorel
Does God wear petticoats? (pause) There’s something behind this. Why should the mayor choose you as a tutor for his children? But, I’ll never find out from you, you crafty little sneak.
Julien
I’d still like to know what I’m going to get for it.
Sorel
Board, lodging, clothing, plus three hundred a year. Isn’t that enough for you, my fine gentleman?
Julien
I won’t be a servant.
Sorel
Who said that, you idiot? You think I’d let my son be a servant?
Julien
I won’t eat with the servants.
Sorel
Shut up and leave this to me, you greedy little bastard.
Julien
I’ll die before I’ll eat with the servants.
(Madame and Monsieur Reynal enter from the house. Reynal is much older than his pretty wife.)
Reynal (to his wife)
Let him boast about his carriage. He doesn’t have a tutor for his children.
Madame Reynal
Perhaps he’ll steal this one from us.
Reynal
Then you approve of my plans? All right, then, it’s settled.
Madame Reynal (slyly)
Good Heavens, dear, how quickly you make up your mind.
Reynal
Strength of character. It’s going to cost us, but we must maintain our position. (approaching Sorel) Welcome to my house, Monsieur Sorel. This is your son Julien? Charmed I’m sure. (Julien makes an awkward bow, but stands mute) Your father has told you of the arrangements made for you? (Julien tries to speak but words fail him, he contents himself with a murderous look) Monsieur Sorel, this is Madame de Reynal, my wife.
Sorel