the scarlet pimpernel (script).doc

7/28/2019 The scarlet Pimpernel (script).doc

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ACT I ,SCENE ONE (Onstage Comedie Francaise)

No. 1 Prologue (orchestra)

(MARGUERITE, alone in a follow spot sings)

No. 2 "Storybook" (Marguerite & Ensemble)

MARGUERITE: Listen to me I have beautiful dreams I can spin you,

Dreams to linger within you.Close your eyes and we'll ride my carousel.

I'll tell you stories of lovers whose love used to fill me,

And the lovers who will be,

For you see, love is one thing I do well.

Come let's believe love can be just as sweet as it seems.

Let's live on dreams . . .

(A stage set appears as MARGUERITE is joined by a chorus of Cupids.)

In my dreams, such beautiful lovers have found me.

Storybook lovers surround me.

Nothing is real, but I'm flying,

Sighing 'where, where, where is my storybook ending?Why does my golden pretending

Leave me with nothing to hold . . . but my dreams?'

Oh, is it only in love that we find our ideal love?

Are there lovers with real love?

If you know how to feel love, show me how.

Ah, but my prince, if you can't be as sweet as you seem,

I'd rather dream!

Come and wake me! Come be the love I can hold now.

Storybook love leaves me cold now.

Show me the way to stop dreaming!

There is only one perfect storybook ending.

That is the end of pretending.

That is the moment I say: 'love me now!'

(MARGUERITE addresses the audience.)

MARGUERITE

Mes amis - Thank you for sharing with me my last performance at The Comedie Francaise.

And thank you to Citizen Chauvelin, who has so graciously allowed our theatre to remain

open this spring. But now, I share with you my own storybook ending. Six weeks ago I met a

tall and handsome "prince", and tonight he sweeps me away to England to be married. Sir

Percival Blakeney! He is handsome, yes? Oh, I shall miss you all very much, but in my heart,

how could I ever leave Paris?MARGUERITE

Et sur mon manege, l'amour toujours est chantant. De mes reves, c'est le commencement, et

j'espere une fin heureuse. MARGUERITE AND FRENCH GIRLS Mais la fin de l'histoire ne

vient pas tres doucement, pour l'histoire il faut faire semblant. Certes je n'embrasse que mes

reves, seuls mes reves. And on my carousel, love is always singing.Of my dreams, its the

beginningand I hope for a happy end. But the end of the story doesn't come sweetly,for the

story, one must make believe.Surely I hold nothing but my dreams, only my dreams.

No. 2a "Chauvelin's Revenge" (orchestra)

(CHAUVELIN enters with his aides, MERCIER and COUPEAU. More soldiers enter as

CHAUVELIN addresses the audience.)


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CHAUVELIN:

Citizens! By order of The Revolutionary Tribunal, this theatre is now declared closed due to

exhibition of sentiments recalling The Old regime and non-compliance with Republican

ideals, closure effective as of this moment.

(The dancers exit slowly in confusion. MARGUERITE crosses to CHAUVELIN.)

SCENE TWO, Backstage Comedie Francaise

MARGUERITE: How could you do this?

CHAUVELIN: Order of Citizen Robespierre.

MARGUERITE: Before the end of a performance! And on my last night.

CHAUVELIN: Ah, well, you see, I did not know this was to be your last night,

Marguerite. You failed to inform me of your impending:nuptials.

MARGUERITE: You knew perfectly well I planned to marry.

CHAUVELIN: But this soon, my dear? And, quite frankly, I never thought you'd be

one to turn your back on your homeland. May I offer my congratulations and inquire if you

indeed have approved papers to leave France?

MARGUERITE: Stop it, Chauvelin.(MARIE enters, followed by ARMAND.)

CHAUVELIN: I believe you and I also have a piece of unfinished business?

MARGUERITE: Marie - could you tell my brother I will be with him shortly?

CHAUVELIN: Wasn't there something you were going to deliver me, lest I throw a

wrench into this sudden romance of yours?

MARGUERITE: Wait here.

(MARGUERITE exits.)

MARIE: Armand - keep an eye on your sister tonight.

(TUSSAUD enters.)

TUSSAUD: Marie - they've closed the theatre?

COUPEAU: Effective immediately. Please vacate the building.

MARIE: I will "vacate", when I am ready.

TUSSAUD: Marie!

MERCIER: Citizen. Your name and position.

MARIE: My name is Marie Grosholtz. I am an artist. I design costumes and

scenery for this theatre, which should not be closed.

(PERCY enters, overhears the following.)

TUSSAUD: Marie, please. I'll take you home:

COUPEAU: By order of the Revolutionary Tribunal:

MARIE: I spit on the Revolutionary Tribunal!

MERCIER: Under arrest!PERCY: Beg pardon? Uh - Monsieur Soldier:Citizen? Yes, I see you're about to

arrest this young woman, as well you should. Most obstreperous creature. However, I feel it is

my duty as a, uh, citizen...of the:world.. to urge you this way instead. Well, the flag burners!

You didn't see them?! Five or six ruffians out there in the alley, burning and stomping upon

the beautiful new Republican flag! You saw them, too, didn't you, Armand?

ARMAND: I did? I did. Yes, I did! 7 or 8 of them! Big huge men!

MERCIER: Citizen Chauvelin! Subversives in the alleyway!

(On a signal from CHAUVELIN, MERCIER, COUPEAU and the soldiers exit. ARMAND

follows.)

PERCY: On with you then! Save that flag! Le jour de gloire and all that!

TUSSAUD: Kind, sir- I have the misfortune to love an outspoken woman inoutlandish times.


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Now come let our lady possess you

in her breath-taking, hair-razing bed.

CHAUVELIN & MOB

She will tingle your spine as she captures your heart and your head!

(Soldiers push back a mob as the prisoners are led up to the guillotine.)

SCENE FOUR

Place de la Bastille

Sing! Swing! Savor the sting

As she severs you -- Madame Guillotine!

Slice! Come Paradise!

Our Delilah will shave you razor clean!

Swing! Savor the sting

As she severs you, Madame Guillotine,

Madame Guillotine, Madame Guillotine.

(As his hands are tied, one prisoner, ST. CYR sings.)

ST. CYR

God, when did man lose his reason?

Save us, my God, if you're there!

God, can you not feel the terror like a fire in the air?!

(ST. CYR'S head is placed in the yoke.)

Mob Flash! Slash! Glisten and gash! She will ravish you! Madame Guillotine! Split! Madame

just bit! Give her more to bite! She's a hungry queen. Sing! Savor the sting as she severs you

-- Madame Guillotine! Slice! Come Paradise! Chauvelin:(while chorus sings) Now Blow by

blow We defy you Feel the glow Hear the cry Hearts will howl Blood will flow

CHAUVELIN

Hail Her Majesty!

MOB

Madame Guillotine!

(The guillotine blade falls. Blackout. Applause, music segues.)

SCENE FIVE

England, Blakeney Estate

The Wedding of Percy & Marguerite

(PERCY and MARGUERITE enter from opposite sides of the stage, joining at center.)

No. 4 "You Are My Home" (Percy, Marguerite & ensemble)


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PERCY

From this day on I give myself to you

Here in my arms you will be free

I only want you as you are

Give me your trustGrow old with me

MARGUERITE

I promise you to cherish and to hold

Now and as long as we both live

I'll make you laugh, I'll keep you warm

There is so much I want to give

BOTH

You are my home

You make me strongAnd in this world of strangers I belong to someone

You are all I know,

You're all I have

I won't let go

PERCY

May god above shine through this love

To make us man and wife

BOTH

This is what I've wanted all my life

(The wedding guests enter.)

You are my home

You make me strong

And in this world of strangers I belong to someone

You are all I know

You're all I have

I need you so

I won't let goYou are my home

(PERCY and MARGUERITE kiss.)

No. 4 "Wedding Dance" (orchestra)

PERCY

Welcome to England, darling. Any questions?

MARGUERITE

Yes. In: -In England, Percy - when do the wedding guests leave the bride and groom:alone?

(After a beat, PERCY whirls about to the guests.)


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PERCY

Time to go! Tally-ho! Home, everyone! Bedtime for all!

OZZY

Not bloody likely, m'lad. Not before we've danced with the bride!

PERCY

And so you shall, but if you think I'll relinquish my French jewel this quickly, you're quite

mad!

(PERCY and MARGUERITE begin to dance.)

PERCY

Darling. I hope you like our English style of dancing.

MARGUERITEIt's lovely, Percy- yes, but perhaps later tonight I shall teach you how we French:dance.

PERCY

Later tonight, we shall not:be dancing.

(ELTON cuts in to dance with MARGUERITE.)

PERCY

Oh, all right then, Elton - you may borrow her for all of five minutes. But mind you don't

tread upon her feet! She's made of crystal, my wife.

(Dewhurst enters.)

PERCY

Oh, but I do love the sound of that: "my wife".

DEWHURST

Percival.

PERCY

Dewhurst!

DEWHURST

Percy, I've just returned from Paris. I must speak with you. Now.

(The men take turns dancing with MARGUERITE as PERCY and DEWHURST step aside.)

PERCY

Dewhurst, though I do always relish a chat with you, I am at the moment a bit more eager to

share my bridal night with my bride, so if this might wait --

DEWHURSTPercy, the Marquis de St. Cyr is dead.


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PERCY

What?

DEWHURST

Yes. By the guillotine. And his family killed with him.

PERCY

But - :how?!

DEWHURST

Denounced by Citizen Chauvelin, whose power grows in France by the day.

PERCY

Yes, I know, but - But my God, Dewhurst - how did Chauvelin find him? I arranged the safe

passage out.

DEWHURSTPercy, someone betrayed St. Cyr. Delivered to Citizen Chauvelin a note with the exact

whereabouts of his hideaway.

PERCY

Impossible. No one knew but you and Ozzy and myself, and I suppose Marguerite knew. I'd

trust you and Ozzy with my life, and Marguerite - :.Don't be absurd. Marguerite feels nothing

but disgust for this new French regime.

DEWHURST

Percy, how well do you know your wife? In six weeks time, how well could any man know a

woman?

PERCY

I know her as I know my own heart.

(DEWHURST takes a note from his pocket. It is the note Marguerite gave Chauvelin at the

Comedie Francaise.)

DEWHURST

Then lay your eyes upon this. A note from your wife to Chauvelin. I was able to obtain it just

before I left. I believe that is her hand.

PERCY

Yes. And her seal: Dewhurst- go into my library. Write across this note: "Thank you for your

help." Write it in French - and sign it with Chauvelin's name. Then have the butler deliver it to

my wife. Please. Dear friend. Do as I ask. You suggest my wife is a French:spy. When she

disavows this note, you'll see how wrong you are:won't you?

(DEWHURST exits as MARGUERITE begins to dance with OZZY.)

MARGUERITE

Percy, do come dance with us!

PERCY


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In a moment, m'dear.

OZZY

Oh, stuff, Lady Blakeney! Why would you want him when you've got me?

MARGUERITEI must be stricken with some disease, Sir Osbert. For I do so deeply:want him.

OZZY

Poppycock. Let's hope by tomorrow you've come to your senses.

(All the wedding guests dance. As the dance ends, DEWHURST re-enters and JESSUP, the

butler, enters and hands the note to MARGUERITE.)

MARGUERITE

Your ladyship.

OZZY

Heigh-Ho! Time to go then! This is no doubt a note from the impatient groom: "Do dispense

with these pesky guests now, my angel - the night awaits us!"

(MARGUERITE reads the note, then places it in her bodice.)

MARGUERITE

No, no. 'Tis a note from an old friend. Wishing me well on my marriage.

ARMAND

From Suzanne de Tournay?

MARGUERITE

Yes - it's:from Suzanne.

PERCY

No:

DEWHURST

Oh, Percy, dear God, I am so sorry:

OZZY

We, too, wish you well on your marriage, my dear. All the joy and blessings you both

deserve, what? Goodnight, Percy!

No. 4b "Wedding Exit" (orchestra)

GUESTS

Beautiful wedding! Welcome to England, Lady Blakeney. A lovely day! All the best, Percy.

Goodnight, Armand! etc.

MARGUERITEPercy? Are you unwell?


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PERCY

No. Simply:tired. All that:dancing, I suspect.

MARGUERITE

Oh but: - you are angry with me? I'm sorry, Percy. I thought it would please you that I dance

with your friends - but no, I should not have carried on so when they hardly know me. Whatmust they think?

PERCY

No, no, m'dear. Sink me, I think you've won all their hearts. You are:such a demned

remarkable:actress.

MARGUERITE

But I - wasn't acting, Percy. I was only happy. Oh, Percy do smile at me. Don't be the

formidable Englishman. Why - you look just as you did on the night we met.

PERCYYes. Such a:short time ago. And you pegged me as a silly ass on the spot. N'est-ce pas?

MARGUERITE

No, Percy, I- :I only tease you sometimes for being English- You know how we laugh: you

and I-: I think, we are both perhaps a bit tired and:not quite ourselves? Shall we go:inside,

then?

PERCY

Indeed- just the thing. Gad, you must be simply exhausted, twirlin' about in that costume all

day. Yes, you go to bed now.

MARGUERITE

Yes, all right, but- :You will join me soon, Percy? We have been waiting all this spring: for

tonight.

PERCY

I believe I'll take the air for awhile, m'dear. But you go on. All things in good time, what?

(Confused, MARGUERITE exits, leaving PERCY alone onstage.)

No. 5 "Prayer" (Percy)

PERCY

No -- stay. I don't care what you've said or done.

Don't go away. Not now when life has just begun.

Come back! And be the woman who I knew.

Help me to believe in you.

What on Earth am I to do?

She's gone, this vision who was not quite real.

I must move on, despite the pain. The pain will heal.

Oh Lord, how could you let me love like this?No one dies upon a kiss, and only fools believe in bliss.


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Oh yes! God knows I am a fool,

a man deluded by his wife,

a figure ripe for ridicule

who's lived a vain and useless life.

So be it then. I'll play that game!

I do not give a tinker's damn.I'll be a fool -- it's all the same!

It truly doesn't matter what I am!

God, no!

I'm broken but I'm still alive.

And slowly, I will feel my soul revive.

With time,

I'll find a way to right this wrong --

if it takes my whole life long . . .

Lord, I'll fight my battles all alone,

but make me strong.

(The scene is transformed to Percy's library.)

No. 5a "Morning Horn Call" (orchestra)

Scene Six

Blakeney Estate: The Library

{and Limbo - then, Percy's Schooner}

(PERCY sits, asleep in his chair, as JESSUP enters, followed by nine men: DEWHURST,

OZZY, ELTON, FARLEIGH, HAL, HASTINGS, NEVILLE, LEGGETT, and BEN.)

ELTON

But, Jessup - it's our tradition! The morning after, the groom must leave the bride and play

cricket with the boys!

JESSUP

Yes, but in this case the groom's been up all night.

OZZY

He's been up all night? Well- I should hope so!

(JESSUP exits.)

BEN

But - he's still in his wedding clothes. Percy - what happened?

FARLEIGH

I suspect, Gentlemen, it's more a case of what did not happen.

DEWHURST

Leave him alone.

PERCY


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No. Please. Don't leave me alone. Rather, tell me, lads, what should we do when the world

turns upside down?

OZZY

Play cricket?

ELTON

Methinks he is not amused.

PERCY

What:should we do when our dear friend, the Marquis de St. Cyr, is betrayed and butchered in

France? When hundreds are massacred every day?

DEWHURST

Percy, this may not be the time:

PERCYThen when is the time? Do you hear me? Neighbor denounces neighbor - oh, and no longer

just aristocrats, but teachers, priests, poets! Off go the heads - blood soaks the stones of the

streets! I tell you they've gone insane, and I ask you: what should we do?

BEN

Write a letter.

PERCY

Ah, good. Hal - take this down: "Dear Robespierre, we in England are simply aghast. Please

stop chopping off all those heads. And then we'll say: "Best wishes," etc., etc. - Think that

should do it, boys?

ALL OTHERS

Just the job! Capital! Here, here! (etc.)

PERCY

No more letters! No more civilized, half-hearted attempts to help a friend- This isn't just a

French war anymore- it's a war against:humanity! And I for one am no longer content to sit

back on my pampered British ass and do nothing. Now I say we fight them.

BENDid he say "fight"? As in fight the French?

FARLEIGH

Percy, you're mad. Can't just rush in. Gad, we've no training, no preparation:

ELTON

No preparation? Farleigh, we're accomplished men, all of us, with training in-

FARLEIGH

In what? In Latin?

ELTON

Well, yes - Latin! And French. Philosophy. Military history.


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FARLEIGH

Opera, Oration, and the Fine Arts. Marvelous. We'll out-think the French.

PERCY

That, Farleigh, is precisely what I had in mind. We use our heads. Think you can use yourhead, Ozzy?

OZZY

Lud, Percy, simply want to keep my head, I do.

PERCY

Ruses, boys. Tricks and games. Outwit the bastards. Use diversions - And disguise! We'll

blend right into the French, dressed as God knows what - traveling merchants, peddlers,

cripples:

HALGypsies! Cossacks!

FARLEIGH

Do stay calm.

PERCY

While at home, we would appear the least likely of heroes, la creme de la creme of fancy fops.

Gad, boys, what do people think of us now? Useless dilettantes, what? Good! For no one must

suspect us.

FARLEIGH

Well, perhaps they think of you as a fop, Percy. As for me-

PERCY

Oh, rot, Farleigh- the last thing I heard you rage about was a crimp in your collar!

FARLEIGH

It was a dreadful collar!

PERCY

Splendid - Rage on! Don't you see, boys? We take what we are and go one step further,exaggerate ourselves into that breed of ninnies for whom injustice is a tough slice of mutton!

Hal- what makes your blood boil?

HAL

Why, the French, Percy, this slaughter:

PERCY

No, no! What makes your blood boil is a cold cup of tea! Follow? Elton, when they ask you

where you've been the last two days, what shall you say?

ELTONWhy - off netting butterflies!


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PERCY

Bravo!

ELTON

I was off netting butterflies.

(Abruptly ARMAND enters, rushing forward.)

ARMAND

Percy - Let me go with you.

(PERCY and the MEN attempt to cover.)

PERCY

Armand! Gave us a fright, you did. Been:pacing the hallways, have you?

DEWHURSTCramp in the leg, mayhap? Well, it's this beastly weather.

PERCY

La, yes, brings on the gout! Makes a fella twitchy, restless.

BEN

Ghastly humid!

ELTON

Sticky, sticky, sticky!

ALL BUT ARMAND

Frightful humid! Zooks, makes the muscles ache, it do! Gad, sticky, sticky! Etc.

PERCY

Perhaps a touch of sherry:

ARMAND

Percy, I've heard everything you've said.

(A beat. PERCY drops out of fop-mode.)

PERCY

And?

ARMAND

And, dear brother-in-law, I stand beside you. It is my country that has lost its senses- I shall

fight this evil with you!

PERCY

Where is Marguerite?

ARMAND

She's out riding.


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PERCY

She must know nothing of this. Do you understand? :For her own safety. And it is against my

better judgment to involve you at all, boy.

DEWHURSTWell, he is French, Percy. Should we embark on this lunacy, Armand could be quite helpful:

HAL

Yes! He'll speak the French for us.

PERCY

Are you mad? We must all speak perfect French!

OZZY

Oh, Lud- S'il vous plait:-how does one say, "Please, may I keep my bloomin' head?"

ARMAND

Please, Percy. I will be strong and loyal.

PERCY

All right, yes, but if you ever breathe one word of this to your sister, I'll flail you within an

inch of your life.

ARMAND

I won't. I swear it.

PERCY

All of you! Not a word to anyone - not to friends or valets, wives or sisters.

DEWHURST

And the Prince?

PERCY

No. this must not become a French-English war. This is our own private war.

DEWHURST

Well then, Percy- When do we start?

PERCY

We start right now. And may God be with us.

ELTON

Now, Percy? Well, but:November is a much better time for me:

(The MEN gather around Percy's chair as he opens his ring, and stamps down into sealing

wax on paper.)

PERCYBe prepared to sail to France within the week. I shall communicate with you by sealed note

only. Each note will bear this stamp.


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HAL

What is it? A flower?

PERCY

My family crest. The Scarlet Pimpernel. Never act on any instructions unless they carry theseal of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

OZZY

Percy, demme, we're eleven men -

PERCY

All the better. Secrecy needs limits.

OZZY

Eleven against thousands!

FARLEIGH

Percy, I welcome taking some:action as much as anyone, but-

PERCY

Christ, do you think I suggest this as simply a more thrillin' alternative to cricket?! Make no

mistake: If you join me, you put your lives on the line, every one of you! We are all of us

afraid. But, my friends, if we do not do this, who will?

No.6 "Into the Fire" (Percy and Bounders)

PERCY

David walked into the valley

with a stone clutched in his hand.

He was only a boy, but he knew

someone must take a stand.

There will always be a valley,

always mountains one must scale.

There will always be perilous waters which someone must sail!

Into valleys! Into waters!

Into jungles! Into hell!Let us ride, let us ride home again with a story to tell!

Into darkness, into danger,

into storms that rip the night!

Don't give in, don't give up, but give thanks for the glorious fight!

You can tremble, you can fear it, but keep your fighting spirit alive, boys!

Let the shiver of it sting you, fling into battle! Spring to your feet, boys!

Never hold back your step for a moment!

Never doubt that your courage will grow!Hold your head even higher and into the fire we go!


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(Music continues under as the MEN throw off their waistcoats, grab props and costume

pieces, practice dueling with swords and a butterfly net. Gradually the library flies - they are

in limbo.)

Are there mountains that surround us?

Are there walls that block the way?Knock them down, strip them back, boys, and forward, and into the fray!

PERCY AND LEAGUE

Into terror, into valor,

charge ahead -- no, never turn!

Yes, its into the fire we fly and the Devil will burn!

(The scene is transformed to Percy's schooner, which the MEN now board, sail billowing

behind them.)

SCENE SEVEN

The English Channel - Aboard Percy's Schooner

PERCY AND LEAGUE

Someone has to face the valley. Rush in! We have to rally and win, boys!

When the world is saying not to, by God, you know you've got to march on, boys!

PERCY


Never doubt that your courage will grow!

PERCY AND LEAGUE:

Hold your head even higher and into the fire we go!

(Lightning flashes.)

PERCY

Let the lighting strike! Light the flash of it shock you!

(Lightning flashes.)

DEWHURST

Ready about! Heave to!

PERCY

Choke your fears away -- pull as tight as a wire.

FARLEIGH

Stand by to reef topsails!

PERCY

Let the fever spike! Let the force of it rock you!

ELTON


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I just want to net butterflies!

PERCY

We will have our day, sailing into the fire!

HALLand ho!

PERCY

This is it!

(Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles as the MEN turn to put on their disguises. When they

whirl about in unison, they have been transformed into a motley group of French

townspeople.)

PERCY AND LEAGUE

Someone has to face the valley! Rush in! We have to rally and win, boys!When the world is saying not to, by God, you know you've got to march on, boys!

PERCY


Look alive! Oh, your courage will grow!

PERCY AND LEAGUE

Yes its higher and higher and into the fire we go!

PERCY

Into fire!

LEAGUE

Onward ho!

(As the number ends, the scene is transformed from Percy's schooner to the Place de la

Bastille:.When the applause crests, the music segues.)

SCENE EIGHT

Place de la Bastille

No. 6a "The Rescue Ballet" (orchestra)

(Soldiers attempt to hold back an angry mob as MARIE and other prisoners are pulled

onstage. Through a series of choreographed vignettes, PERCY and his MEN rescue the

prisoners. During the course of the "Keystone Kops" ballet, PERCY, dressed as GRAPPIN,

pins a "Pimpernel" note on the guillotine. At close, only MERCIER and COUPEAU remain

onstage, bound together at the base of the guillotine as PERCY (GRAPPIN) stands casually to

the side.)

(CHAUVELIN enters, untying MERCIER and COUPEAU.)

CHAUVELIN


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You idiot soldiers! You utter, total, brainless, bungling, rattle-headed, halfwit-

ROBESPIERRE

Citizen Chauvelin.

CHAUVELINCitizen Robespierre.

ROBESPIERRE

Have we perhaps had another:incident? Five weeks:Five weeks now, Chauvelin, we sit like

lame idiots as this Englishman taunts us!

CHAUVELIN

My soldiers were:abducted!

ROBESPIERRE

But of course. Just as last week we had a flash fire. And the week before, Chauvelin - Whatwas that particular diversion:Hmmm?

CHAUVELIN

The geese.

ROBESPIERRE

Oh, yes. The geese. That was thrilling, wasn't it? All over the square, nipping, and pecking

and squawking- How many geese did you catch?

CHAUVELIN

123!

ROBESPIERRE

Good for you.

GRAPPIN

But no one ever caught that "blind" old goose woman, did they?

ROBESPIERRE

Did they?!

CHAUVELIN

She vanished into thin air!

ROBESPIERRE

And who vanished last month? A wet, foggy night and 30 prisoners escaped when our jailers

ran away from-:?

MERCIER

A ghost. It was the ghost:of Julius Caesar.

ROBESPIERREJulius:Caesar?


19/78

COUPEAU

It spoke Latin!

ROBESPIERRE

Ah. Chauvelin? Do be so good as to:.veni-vidi-vici your way up to the guillotine, and retrieve

that slip of paper. Couldn't be the mark of the Scarlet Pimpernel, could it?

(CHAUVELIN takes the "Pimpernel" note from the guillotine.)

GRAPPIN

But of course. A plain piece of parchment engraved with one red flower.

CHAUVELIN

Your name, Citizen?

ROBESPIERRE

I'll handle this, Chauvelin. Yes, your name?

GRAPPIN

Grappin.

ROBESPIERRE

Papers?

GRAPPIN

I am the Belgian.

ROBESPIERRE

You? You are the Belgian spy? Yes, of course - Grappin. I received a message from my

sources just last week, recommending a new Belgian operative- Yes:I hear, Grappin, that you

are a man who understands the use of terror :in defense of virtue.

CHAUVELIN

So. You know about this Pimpernel? And what do you say to all this?

GRAPPIN

Your men are fools.

ROBESPIERRE

Citizen, come to my office. Now.

(GRAPPIN exits.)

ROBESPIERRE

That, Chauvelin, is the man with whom you will henceforth work hand in hand. Is that

understood?

CHAUVELIN

I will catch this Scarlet Pimpernel!

ROBESPIERRE


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You will? Oh, good. A far better choice than living out your days in prison, wondering how

one man could outwit the entire French army.

(ROBESPIERRE exits.)

No. 7 "Falcon in the Dive" (Chauvelin)

CHAUVELIN

Hunt for the man! Comb the city! Every street! Every grate!

Set a guard at every gate! Drag him out! Shout the moment that you find him!

Damn!

(MERCIER exits.)

Knock in the doors! Lock up the city! Track him down through this town!

And be quick about it! Now!

(COUPEAU exits.)

How the devil do I ever prevail when I'm only a man?

But I'll never be duped by this scurrilous phantom again . . .

I wasn't born to walk on water.

I wasn't born to sack and slaughter.

But on my soul, I wasn't born

to stoop to scorn and knuckle under.

A man can learn to steal some thunder.

A man can learn to work some wonder.

And when the gauntlet's down, its time to rise and climb the sky!

And soon the moon will smolder and the winds will drive.

Yes, a man grows older but his soul remains alive.

All those tremulous stars still glitter and I will survive.

Let my heart grow colder and as bitter as a falcon in the dive.

(Soldiers enter marching in formation.)

There was a dream -- a dying ember.

There was a dream -- I don't remember.

But I will resurrect that dream though rivers stream and hills grow steeper.

For here in hell, where life gets cheaper --

oh, here in hell, the blood runs deeper.

And when the final dual is near, I'll lift my spear and fly.

Piercing into the sky, and higher! And the strong will thrive!

Yes, the weak will cower, while the fittest will survive!

If we wait for the darkest hour 'til we spring alive,Then with claws of fire, we devour like a falcon in the dive.


21/78

CHAUVELIN

Grappin! Where is this Belgian - I want him now or -

(GRAPPIN enters.)

GRAPPINYes?

CHAUVELIN

Get to England. We're sure this Pimpernel is British aristocracy- with connections to the

Prince of Wales. Work your way into that circle of men, but begin with a woman- a French

woman- the actress Marguerite St. Just. She is now Lady Blakeney, and undoubtedly moves

within this same circle. She may be of use to us. Follow her. Follow them all! Find out who is

the Scarlet Pimpernel!

(GRAPPIN exits.)

These are the days! Yes! Days of glory! Days of rage!

And the dream -- the dream of Paris preys on my bones --

gnawing night and day and --

clawing through my brain and --

No! Never kneel! Never bend! Rend him to bits! Bite!

Now the beauty of the fight! Go!

(The soldiers exit.)

I am not a man to hunger for blood, but the spirit can cry

to be younger and fiercer and fly -

Piercing into the sky, and higher! And the strong will thrive!

Yes, the weak will cower, while the fittest will survive!

If we wait for the darkest hour 'til we spring alive

then with claws of fire,

we devour like a falcon in the dive!

(Fade to Black - music segues on applause.)

SCENE NINE

Blakeney Estate: The Drawing Room

No. 8 "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (Percy, Marguerite, Marie & girls)

FEMALE SERVANTS

Who is the Scarlet Pimpernel?

(Each servant separately)

I'm told he swaggers on a heath

With several daggers in his teethThey say he cracks the longest whip

And has the stiffest upper lip


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I've heard he's had his skin tattooed

And dances in the nude

ALL


PERCY

Dances in the nude? But surely he wears shoes?

Now really, girls- you can't believe just anything you hear

For accuracy I look to the daily press

Today they say the fellows a Venetian gondolier

MARIE

A lusty Latin lover

PERCYYes, well, more or less

And although he's feeble minded

They report he's all the rage

When he travels with his twelve foot spear

He was seen the other day

Hacking off a Frenchie's ear

SERVANT

An ear?!

PERCY

And two kneecaps?

FEMALE SERVANTS

He's always at it tooth and nail

PERCY

There's always someone to impale

But he relaxes now and then

To take a sail upon the Seine

MARGUERITE

I wish he'd sail away with me

PERCY

Or simply come to tea?

FEMALE SERVANTS

This plucky ne'er-do-well

PERCY

This lucky bloody swell

ALL


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MARIE

Sir Percy, do resume your pose. - Ladies:

(All but two of the servants exit. PERCY resumes the pose for his portrait. JESSUP entersfollowed by ARMAND.)

JESSUP

Lady Blakeney, Monsieur Armand has returned.

(As JESSUP exits, MARGUERITE runs to embrace ARMAND.)

MARGUERITE

Armand? Armand, you're home?! Oh, I don't think I like all these trips you take of late, little

brother. Where is it you go?

PERCY

Feeling his oats, m'dear. Youth and all that rot. Armand, I believe you know our guest-

Mademoiselle Marie Grosholtz? She's just recently come. From Paris.

ARMAND

Yes, of course, Mademoiselle. You:made my sister's beautiful costumes.

PERCY

And what do you know, Armand? There she was, fresh off the boat with nowhere to go, and

what do you think? Cleverest thought came to me: a companion for the wife! La, demned

clever, I do think- puttin' two French friends together, pass the time, do whatever women do,

eh what, m'dear?

MARGUERITE

This particular woman is an artist.

(PERCY crosses to look at the portrait on Marie's easel.)

PERCY

Sink me, it's true! Mademoiselle Grosholtz is just finishin' my portrait, Armand, and I do

believe it's - (seeing the portrait) Oh, but I'm breathtaking! And presently the Mademoiselle'svowed to do a bust of me. We'll put it in the garden, shall we? My head atop a flag post. La!

We'll make a fountain out of it, water spittin' from my mouth, what? Well, for then I can

water the roses!

(MARGUERITE draws ARMAND aside as PERCY chats with the servants, and MARIE

returns to her easel.)

MARGUERITE

Armand, I do wish you wouldn't go off and leave me alone quite so often.

ARMANDWasn't Percy here?


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MARGUERITE

Percy's never here. Even when he is:he won't speak with me, he makes jokes, he walks away.

He isn't who I thought he was.

ARMAND

You're wrong, Marguerite. Percy is lighthearted, yes, but he's a good man, strong and brave-

MARGUERITE

Oh, darling, I know you're fond of Percy- but don't idealize him into some shining knight,

some- ..Scarlet Pimpernel.

ARMAND

The: Pimpernel..? But-

PERCY

The Pimpernel?! Zooks, Armand, I believe 'twas that very fellow snatched Mademoiselle

from the mouth of La Guillotine! Sink me, makes a fella shiver!

GIRL 3

Oh, Mademoiselle - The Scarlet Pimpernel saved you?!

GIRL 4

Does he really carry daggers in his teeth?!

PERCY

No doubt he's got stilettos in his toenails. Armand, do spare me any more nightmares- :by

never mentioning that jackanapes again. Girls, take him off and give him a bite to eat- The

boy's giddy with hunger.

(ARMAND exits with the two servants. MARGUERITE crosses to look at the portrait.)

PERCY

:Recognize me, Marguerite? Ah, but then I don't suppose you would - What was it you said

t'other day, m'dear?

MARGUERITE

Percy:

PERCY

Wife gave me a good look-over and said- what was it, then?

MARGUERITE

"Why have you changed? I barely recognize you."

PERCY

Yes, demme, that's it, and I said, "La, m'dear, would you have me wear the same breaches to

dinner as I wore to luncheon? A gentleman always changes!"

MARIESir Percy.


25/78

(PERCY returns to his pose as MARIE turns to MARGUERITE.)

MARIE

I think, Lady Blakeney, should you look in his eyes:you will recognize him:.

(The room darkens around Marguerite, as she sings.)

No. 9 "When I Look at You" (Marguerite)

MARGUERITE

When I look at you, what I always see

is the face of someone else who once belonged to me.

Still I can hear him laugh,

and even though that melody plays on, he's gone.

When I look at you, he is standing there,I can almost breathe him in like summer in the air.

Why do you smile his smile?

That heaven I'd forgotten eases through in you.

If you could look at me once more

with all the love you felt before --

if you and I could disappear into the past

and find that love we knew,

I'd never take my eyes away from you!

When I look at you, he is touching me.

I would reach for him, but who can hold a memory?

And love isn't everything.

That moonlight on the bed will melt away

Some day!

Oh, you were once that someone who I followed like a star.

Then suddenly you changed and now I don't know who you are.

Or could it be that I never really knew you from the start!

Did I create a dream?

Was he a fantasy?Even a memory is paradise for all the fools like me.

Because I miss him so. . .

When I look at you.

(Lights back up as JESSUP enters.)

JESSUP

Lady, Blakeney, you have a visitor in the rose garden.

MARGUERITE

In the garden?

(JESSUP exits.)


26/78

PERCY

No doubt it's a frog, m'dear. Toads and frogs do prefer meetin' a princess in the garden-

Always hopin' for that kiss, don't you know:

No. 9a "Playoff: When I Look at You" (orchestra)

(MARGUERITE exits)

PERCY

Marie, a letter's just come from Paris. We've made contact with your fiance.

(MARIE crosses to PERCY.)

MARIE

With Tussaud?

PERCY

Yes, and not only is he safe:

MARIE

Oh, thank God!

PERCY

:but we now make our headquarters in the poor bloke's cellar! Can you do your work there?

MARIE

In his cellar? Yes, of course! Tussaud will work beside me.

(ARMAND enters, crossing to PERCY and MARIE.)

PERCY

Armand - there you are. I wouldn't bother to unpack your bags, my boy. We must get Marie

back to Paris in the morning. You'll take her straight to the hideaway and tell Dewhurst- Oh,

didn't I tell you? She's working with us now.

ARMAND

You, Mademoiselle? But I had no idea-

MARIE

Nor did I. Until last evening. Your leader is very persuasive.

PERCY

We can't speak here.

MARIE

I will fetch my shawl and meet you both by the river then?

(MARIE exits.)

ARMAND


27/78

Tomorrow morning, Percy? But - what shall I tell Marguerite? I've only just returned. She

worries so for my safety, and if she finds out I go to France-

PERCY

Don't let her find out. Give another excuse. Lord only knows what new excuse I'll give her -

Perhaps I should "go fishing in Scotland" again:

ARMAND

She'll believe it. She has no idea who you really are. Lord, Percy, why don't you just tell her

the truth?

PERCY

Armand, she is to know nothing.

ARMAND

But- :why don't you trust her?

PERCY

Odd's my life, boy, who trusts anyone in this slippery world? Better to play the game, what?

Be on your guard. Zounds, when the heart goes soft, that's when the dagger plunges in. Off

with you then. I'll meet you be the river.

(ARMAND exits as the scene changes to the garden.)

Scene Ten

Blakeney Estate: The Garden

No. 9b "When I Look at You" (reprise) (Percy & Marguerite)

(PERCY and MARGUERITE, in different parts of the garden, stand alone and sing.)

PERCY

Oh, you were once that someone who I followed like a star

Then suddenly you changed and now I don't know who you are

MARGUERITE

Or could it be that I never really knew you from the start?

PERCY

Did I create a dream?

MARGUERITE

Was he a fantasy?

Both

Even a memory is paradise for all the fools like me

MARGUERITENow remembering is all that I can do


28/78

PERCY

Because I miss her so

MARGUERITE

I miss him so

BOTH

When I look at you

(As the song ends, PERCY exits. JESSUP escorts CHAUVELIN into the Garden.)

MARGUERITE

Chauvelin,: What in God's name are you doing here?

CHAUVELIN

I've just arrived in England, milady.. What could be more natural than to pay a visit on an old

friend?

MARGUERITE

You're no friend of mine, Chauvelin. You lied to me.

CHAUVELIN

Ah, yes, that poor man you denounced- St. Cyr. Robespierre made the decision to execute.

What could I do?

MARGUERITE

Do you think I ever would have given you information had I known you'd kill the man?! I'll

have that family's blood on my hands as long as I live!

CHAUVELIN

It's unfortunate, yes, but how pleasant to see you no longer suffer, having:transplanted:like a

rose:to such surroundings.

MARGUERITE

Chauvelin, if you came here to apologize-

CHAUVELIN

I am not in the habit of sailing the Channel to make apologies, Marguerite. No, I'm here onstate business. I did, however, also wish to speak with you. The Revolution seems to-

MARGUERITE

The Revolution is out of control. I have cut all ties with that murderous regime, and with you,

Chauvelin. Please go.

CHAUVELIN

Yet:surely your heart is still loyal to the Republic. Work with me again, Marguerite. You will

do your country the greatest service to help discover the identity of this Scarlet Pimpernel.

MARGUERITEWhat?! That is why you come here? You're mad!


29/78

CHAUVELIN

Not at all. I now know you travel close to the Prince of Wales, as does the Pimpernel. It

would be easy for you:

MARGUERITE

What, you- you've had me watched?

CHAUVELIN

Oh, Marguerite:shall we dispense with the indignation? You, also, are quite the clever spy,

and I suggest you return to that occupation or there may be:trouble. Perhaps in your marriage?

MARGUERITE

Blackmail, again, Chauvelin? Go ahead. Tell my husband about our "liaison." Believe me,

what he feels for me today will never change, no matter what you do!

(PERCY enters.)

PERCY

Marguerite? It seems that tomorrow Marie will be leaving us- : (Seeing CHAUVELIN) but

lovely to see that: others : join us.

MARGUERITE

Percy, you remember Citizen Chauvelin- from Paris?

PERCY

How do. Indeed- the Citizen! Oh, but that name. Citizen Sh- uh- Shew- : Forgive me- Have a

bit of trouble with the French language, I do. Spell the name for me, will you?

CHAUVELIN

C-H-A-U-

PERCY

C-H-U- yes:Chew- Ah-choo! Yes?

CHAUVELIN

No, no- Show- Show- A-U-V:

PERCYAh, Sho-sho! Like a little dog name! Got it, yes- and V- ?

CHAUVELIN

Yes, V-E- No- Only one Show- just one- Show! V-E-L-

PERCY

One-Sho-Sho- yes, then V-

CHAUVELIN

One Show! Then V! E! L!

PERCY

Ah, Vel! So: Chew-One-Sho-Sho-Vel!


30/78

CHAUVELIN

What?!

PERCY

What?!

MARGUERITE

Honestly, Percy. Chauvelin. C-H-A-U-V-E-L-I-N.

PERCY

Ah yes, Shove-Lynn! That's a stunning name! Won't you come in and have a sip of tea with

us then, Monsieur Shovelynn? Bit sticky out here, isn't it?

MARGUERITE

He was just leaving.

PERCY

Oh, blast. And me yearning to discuss a bit of Paris fashion. Tell me, is it true you're no

longer wearing lace on your jabots?

CHAUVELIN

We have little time or use for lace in Paris these days, Sir Percival.

PERCY

Sink me! Makes a man fear for the future- Oh, it do, don't it? No lace at all? Oh Good God!

CHAUVELIN

How reassuring, Marguerite, to see you've married a man of such discerning values. And now

I'll take my leave of you.

(As CHAUVELIN kisses Marguerite's hand, PERCY crosses in behind him.)

PERCY

But you'll be staying on in England, I do so hope. Small holiday for you, is it?

MARGUERITE

I'm sure Citizen Chauvelin returns to France immediately. He has no reason to remain here.

CHAUVELIN

Actually-

(CHAUVELIN turns, almost colliding with PERCY.

PERCY

Oh! Give warning before you heave about! You frightened me. It's: all that black so close up.

You wear black rather incessantly, do you? No, no, I love black. Just not on me. But you were

saying?

CHAUVELIN

I'll be in England one week, Sir Percy. Actually, I've been invited to attend a royal ball. The-


31/78

PERCY & CHAUVELIN (together)

Prince's ball.

PERCY

But how simply thrilling!

CHAUVELIN

Yes.

PERCY

Why, we, too, shall be there!

CHAUVELIN

Ah!

PERCYThe wife and I! La, but is it so soon? I must see to my attire straightaway!

(PERCY starts to leave. CHAUVELIN follows him.)

PERCY

Jessup! Summon my valet!

(PERCY turns back, again almost colliding with CHAUVELIN.)

PERCY

Oh! How you do creep up on a person! We'll have to hang a bell about your neck. But we'll

make it black. I think perhaps my ruby satin for the royal ball, Marguerite- what? Oh, yes- it

do shimmer so! (Into CHAUVELIN'S face) Mmmmmmmm:.

(PERCY exits.)

CHAUVELIN

I could:book you passage with me on the boat back to France, my dear:

MARGUERITE

This:is my home.

CHAUVELIN

I see. So. You have traded Rousseau for rose gardens, and I, apparently, am replaced by:that.

Most intriguing. Tell me, Marguerite, how do we compare? Exactly what sort of lover is your

husband? My God:you:don't know! Do you? Yes: Of course: a man like that would simply be

lost in your bed.

MARGUERITE

What do you know of it, Chauvelin? You and I never loved each other. Go now. Leave me.

CHAUVELINHow can I leave you? Marguerite. You do not belong in this cold land- with no one to

understand you, to touch you:The girl I knew could not bear this another moment:


32/78

No. 10 "Where's the Girl?" (Chauvelin)

CHAUVELIN

I remember days full of restlessness and fury.

I remember nights that were drunk on dreams.I remember someone who hungered for the glory.

I remember her, but it seems . . . she's gone . . .

Where's the girl?

Where's the girl with the blaze in her eyes?

Where's the girl with that gaze of surprise?

Now and then I still dream she's beside me . . .

Where's the girl?

Who could turn on the edge of a knife?

Where's the girl who was burning for life?I can still feel her breathing beside me

And I know she remembers how fearless it feels

to take off with the wind at your heels -- she and I took this world like a storm!

Come again!

Let the girl in your heart tumble free.

Bring your renegade heart home to me.

In the dark of them morning

I'll warm you, I'll rouse you . . .

Marguerite, don't forget I know who you are.

We were cut from the same surly star, like two jewels in the sky, sharing fire.

Where's the girl, so alive and still aching for more?

We had dreams that were worth dying for.

We were caught in the eye of a storm!

Come again!

Let the girl in your heart tumble free.

Bring your renegade heart home to me.In the dark of the morning,

I'll warm you, I'll rouse you . . .

Where's the girl?

Is she gazing at me with surprise?

Do I still see that blaze in her eyes?

Am I dreaming or is she beside me . . . now . . .?

MARGUERITE

No- :Get out- :

No. 10a "Exits and Entrances" (orchestra)


33/78

(CHAUVELIN exits, as MARIE and ARMAND enter from another part of the garden.)

ARMAND

Marguerite.

MARGUERITEMarie- what is this Percy tells me? You are leaving us?

MARIE

Yes, Marguerite. I leave tomorrow for France. But I promise you, this time, to come not quite

so close to the blade of La Guillotine.

MARGUERITE

But why go back? This is lunacy.

MARIE

Marguerite, my fiance needs me now. There is:important work we must do together.

MARGUERITE

But- to travel there alone-

MARIE

Oh, not alone, no. Armand will be with me:

MARGUERITE

Armand?! No!

ARMAND

It- It is only to: see Marie safely home. I-

MARIE

I will- :leave you both and say goodbye in the morning. Marguerite- :I shall never forget the

kindness you have shown me- you:and your husband.

(MARIE exits.

MARGUERITE

Armand- No more of this traveling about, do you hear me? And to France- Mon Dieu! Howcan you think it? You are all the family I have in this world- Dear God, what would I do if

you were- :

ARMAND

I swear to you, I won't die.

MARGUERITE

How can you swear such a stupid thing?! Of course you'll die, we all will, only I don't want

you to go and do it now. Oh, be careful, my little brother. Please: be careful:

No. 11 "You Are My Home" (reprise) (Marguerite & Armand)

MARGUERITE


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You are my only brother and my friend

What would I do if you were gone?

ARMAND

Why are your eyes so full of fear?

I will be hereWe will go on

BOTH

You are my home

You make me strong

And in this world of strangers

I belong to someone

You are all I know

You're all I have

I need you so

I won't let go

(As darkness falls around them, ARMAND and MARGUERITE slowly back away from each

other and exit.)

SCENE ELEVEN

(Blakeney Estate: The Library)

(As the lights come up, PERCY stands in his library, wearing an outrageous outfit. JESSUP

enters.)

JESSUP

Sir- The Gentlemen have been:readied.

PERCY

Send them in.

(JESSUP exits. DEWHURST, OZZY, ELTON, FARLEIGH, HASTINGS, LEGGETT,

NEVILLE, HAL and BEN enter, wearing equally outrageous outfits.)

DEWHURSTPercy, really now- there is a limit.

PERCY

Patience, lads. There's a method to my madness.

DEWHURST

But 'tis madness! Spies and cutthroats surround us and we play dress-ups?

PERCY

Precisely.

FARLEIGH


35/78

Percy! I demand to know why I'm forced into this get-up! Upon leaving my house, the

footman giggled - right in my face!

ELTON

Well, I think it's rather nice for a change. Quite:summery.

PERCY

Elton, sometimes you frighten me: But- we shall all continue to look "summery" for a while

yet, boys. Desperate times call for desperate measures, what? We've been summoned to the

palace.

BEN

The palace?

FARLEIGH

By the prince?

PERCY

Yes. He has his suspicions. If he finds us out, he'll shut us down straightaway. British-French

relations are tenuous enough these days without rabble rousers running about.

HAL

Is that what he calls us? Rabble Rousers?

PERCY

That is how he refers to "the Pimpernel and his men", whomever they might be. But he'll

never think it's us, will he? Naturally not, for the mere mention of that scoundrel makes us:

ALL

:Swoon?

PERCY

Indeed! Such ruffians besmirch the very name of manhood. Nay, 'tis our duty as males not to

rush to the battle, but to the tailor!

No. 12 "The Creation of Man" (Percy & "Bounders")

PERCYPeacocks!

ELTON

Sink me!

PERCY

Think ye, sir,

How those feathered boys

Love to flaunt their tails!

Stallions!

FARLEIGH


36/78

Zounds, sir!

PERCY

Hounds, sir! Stags!

DEWHURSTOf the goosie and the gander, sir

Which gender is the grander, sir?

PERCY

To render total candor, sir:

The splendor is the male's!

OZZY

But Percy, I simply can not hop about wearin' pink chiffon.

PERCYOzzy, whatever we must do to deflect suspicion, we shall do- which in this case is: to

shimmer!

PERCY

Be an example to your sex.

Give your boot a dapper strap.

And it's smarter if your garter has some snap.

Cravats should be flounced about our necks.

Wear a nightcap when you nap-

Be bewitching with some stitching on your cap.

Now drape your cape and puff you cuff!

Embroider those lapels!

Be the king of the beasts in pastels!

La, but someone has to strike a pose

And bear the weight of well-tailored clothes!

And that is why the Lord created men!

DEWHURST

Percy. Armand and Marie await us in Paris. Conditions are more dangerous than ever, and in

the face of all this, you expect us to-

PERCY

-to convince all of bloody England that we're nincompoops!

PERCY

Strut, sir!

DEWHURST

What, sir?

PERCYRoosters do.

Give a cock his comb and the hens will pale.


37/78


38/78

ALL

And the jungle will bow to its king!

La, but someone has to strike a pose!


PERCY

And that is why the Lord created men:

Yes!

ALL

That is why the Lord created men!

"Dance Break"

(PERCY pulls a handkerchief from his sleeve and begins to instruct the MEN in how tobehave like a fop.)

ALL

And the jungle will bow to its king!

PERCY



ALL

And that is why the Lord created men! Men!

That is why the Lord created men.

"Dance Break"

PERCY

Gentlemen, remember what we're here for,

Why we must be dressed:to kill.

ALLIf we have to look like Cleopatra,

Then we will!

If you're out to make a splash, cheri-

Do know your haberdashery!

Buttons, buckles, ruffles and lace

Represent the human race!

(The scene changes to the Royal Palace.)

SCENE TWELVEEngland, The Royal Palace


39/78

SENTRY

His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales!

(The PRINCE OF WALES enters, as PERCY and his MEN make a grand entrance, closing

out the song.)

PERCY & BOUNDERS



Each species needs a sex that's fated

To be highly decorated!

That is why the Lord created men!

PRINCE OF WALES

Is that you, Percy?

PERCYHighness! How well you're lookin'!

PRINCE OF WALES

I protest, you lie, Blakeney, smooth as a cat.

PERCY

You've caught me out.

PRINCE OF WALES

No more lies, my lad. No, called you here for a bit of candor. I have reports you fellas sail

back and forth to France at a dizzyin' pace these days- what's that all about then?

PERCY

Frou-frou!

PRINCE OF WALES

Beg pardon?

BEN

Frou-frou!

ELTON

Frills!

DEWHURST

Fabric!

PERCY

Where else can one get the finest but France?

FARLEIGH

Even in these days of butchery, the French do still turn out such rickrack!

OZZY


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Gad, but we must have their trim, tassels, taffeta!

HAL

Whatever the cost!

PERCYSo back and forth we go-

ALL (singing)

Row, row, row your boat:

PRINCE OF WALES

Yes, but- :you're sure you're not hooked up with this: Pimpernel fellow?

(The MEN'S reactions range from horror to hilarity.)

PRINCE OF WALESHmmmm. Well, I must say you are all lookin' quite:quite:

PERCY

Summery?

PRINCE OF WALES

Yes. Quite. Summery. Oh, very well. You may continue certain brief and politic trips to

France for the purposes of uh- :'frou-frou' only. Oh, and next trip, pick me up one of them

silly hats, what?

(SENTRY enters.)

SENTRY

Citizen Chauvelin, Agent of the French Republic.

(SENTRY exits as CHAUVELIN enters with his two aides, MERCIER and COUPEAU.)

PRINCE OF WALES

Oh, yes. Citizen Chauvelin, we've been expecting you.

PERCYShovelynn!

CHAUVELIN

Sir Percy.

PERCY

You here to see the Prince? Zooks, Highness- what larks! Most stimulatin' fella, Shovelynn.

PRINCE OF WALES

We have agreed to meet with the citizen in hopes of finding a common ground between our

two governments, though I must tell you, Chauvelin, as long as your regime follows itscurrent bloody course, I have little hope.


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PERCY

And speaking of "hopeless", perhaps, Highness, you might suggest to Shovelynn that he, too,

pick up a new hat. But no- then we'd have to re-do the whole thing, head to foot. Never mind.

CHAUVELIN

I believe we have more important things to discuss.

PERCY

Ye God, yes! The Royal Ball! Highness, what are you wearing?

PRINCE OF WALES

Wearing? No idea, Blakeney. What about my ruby satin?

PERCY

Oh, blast, blast, blast! No, but you simply can't. I'm in ruby satin. Isn't that right, Shovelynn?

Because it shimmers, yes?

BOUNDERS

Mmmm:

PERCY

Oh, do forgive us, but we must speed straightaway to the royal closet and help the Prince

select his garb for the ball this evening. Come, Highness- quickly! Oh, no, he doesn't mind.

Do you, Shovelynn? You wait right here 'til his Highness returns, and then he'll chat with you

all about revolutions and so forth. But, well, I mean: first things first!

PRINCE OF WALES

Very well then, uh- :.Shovelynn- I'll be with you shortly.

(The PRINCE OF WALES exits.)

PERCY

Come, boys! We've but hours to choose the right cravat!

No. 12a "Creation of Man: Exit" (orchestra)

(PERCY exits with his men.)

CHAUVELIN (to his aides)

Go. Stay in the shadows, but find what you can. Bring me papers, documents- anything that

might pertain to this Pimpernel. Now!

No. 13 "The Riddle - Part I" (Chauvelin)

(MERCIER and COUPEAU exit.)

CHAUVELIN

Stick to your purpose and don't let the fire burn outAn eye for an eye and to hell with those shadows of doubt

No one blinds me with tricks and diversion


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No one quickens my heart on the sly

I am here for one reason

And all other reasons must die

(Music segues.)

No. 13a "The Riddle - Part II" (orchestra)

(MARGUERITE enters.)

CHAUVELIN

Ah, I see you received my message, Lady Blakeney. And you came. How:cooperative.

MARGUERITE

It's not often I receive a message informing me that I hold someone's life in my hands,

Chauvelin. Would that be my life:or yours?

CHAUVELIN

Your brother's. Yes. Unfortunately, my dear, it seems your brother has been arrested in Paris.

MARGUERITE

You-:you think I'll believe this?

CHAUVELIN

I suggest that you do.

MARGUERITE

Why would they arrest him?

CHAUVELIN

For conspiracy against the French government. Your brother is a member of the league of the

Scarlet Pimpernel.

MARGUERITE

It's not true!

CHAUVELIN

Ah, but it is. And now I put it to you, Marguerite: Will you use what great influence you haveto uncover the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel? For if you do not, Armand will be

guillotined.

MARGUERITE

Chauvelin! My God! But- you can stop this: you have power in France-

CHAUVELIN

What do you care about this British rogue? Betray him!

MARGUERITE

You ask the impossible! No one knows who he is! How on earth am I to do this? Where?When?


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CHAUVELIN

Tonight. At the ball. The Pimpernel, I am certain, will be there, and nothing is impossible for

the "greatest actress in Europe".

MARGUERITE

Damn you, Chauvelin! :And:if I can do this thing, you will release Armand?

CHAUVELIN

I swear it.

MARGUERITE

Can I trust you?

CHAUVELIN

Can I trust you?

No. 13b "The Riddle - Part III" (Percy, Marguerite, Chauvelin & chorus))

CHAUVELIN

See the moon slink down in the sky, darling.

Let your fantasies fly, darling.

Life is cold and the game is old.

MARGUERITE

Just see how virtue repays you --

you turn and someone betrays you.

Betray him first and the game's reversed!

BOTH

For we all are caught in the middle

of one long treacherous riddle.

Can I trust you? Should you trust me too?

CHAUVELIN

We shamble on through this hell,

MARGUERITE

taking on more secrets to sell,

BOTH

'til there comes a day when we sell our souls away.

(PERCY enters)

PERCY

La, m'dear- I heard you'd been seen in the palace, but I said, "No, quite impossible. The wife's

at home:waiting for me." Apparently not. Is:.something wrong?

MARGUERITENo. No. Citizen Chauvelin has simply brought me:news. News from Paris.


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PERCY

I see. Well. I was:on my way home. To change for the ball, don't you know: You'll be happy

to hear, Shovelynn, I've found something lovely for the Prince to wear tonight. And now I'd

be only too happy to turn my hands to you- Ah, but no. You'll be wearing:black, won't you?

CHAUVELINI am quite:resolute, yes. And now I go to meet with the Prince.

PERCY

Are you :coming with me, Marguerite?

MARGUERITE

In a moment. I- :am not sure what:to do:

CHAUVELIN

Sometimes quick decisions are best.

PERCY

Ah yes. Bring on:the moment of truth:

PERCY

Through the mist your lover is beckoning . . .

comes that moment of reckoning,

faces change, even smiles grow strange.

ALL

And we all have so many faces

the real self often erases.

Enticing lies flicker through our eyes!

Feel the terror draw ever nearer

the more you stare in the mirror,

but hold your own, face the wind alone.

CHAUVELIN

Reel on, love! Toughen your scars!

Year by year, we're falling like stars

ALL'til there comes a day when we sell our souls away!

PERCY

Can I run to you? Are you true to me?

CHAUVELIN

I'll do unto you as you do to me!

MARGUERITE

And we slowly learn someone has to burn.

ALL

Better you than me.


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PERCY

Oh, every Judas once loved a Jesus.

MARGUERITE

But finally treason will seize us!

CHAUVELIN

And only fools follow golden rules!

ALL

We all are caught in the middle

of one long treacherous riddle

of who trusts who . . .

maybe I'll trust you . . .

but can you trust me?

Wait and see!

End of Act I

ACT II

No. 14 "Entr'acte" (orchestra)

SCENE ONE

England, The Royal Palace, The Ballroom

(The curtain rises on a masked ball in progress. Present are the PRINCE OF WALES,

CHAUVELIN, and assembled guests.)

No. 14a "Opening Act II - The Scarlet Pimpernel" (Percy, Marguerite, ensemble)

GUESTS

Who is the Scarlet Pimpernel



(PERCY and MARGUERITE enter.)

PERCY

Lud love me

Such conjecturing could drive a man insane

And I'm the one to set this gossip quite to rest

The Pimpernel is me

MARGUERITE

Indeed, and I'm the queen of Spain

PERCYShe's disguised herself but now she has at last confessed


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MARGUERITE

I confess to nothing more than admiration for a man

Who so gloriously risks his life

PERCY

Did you hear that, one and all?Why, the Pimpernel's bewitched my wife

MARGUERITE

The man's a hero

PERCY

He's a drunk

A fiddling Nero

MARGUERITE

He has spunk

PERCY

What bunk! The man's a lazy lout...

MARGUERITE

And still I long to find him out

BOTH

This secret simply will not keep

For England's losing sleep

MARGUERITE

It's time to break the spell

PERCY

Won't someone bloody tell?

ALL


(Music immediately segues.)

PRINCE OF WALES

Lovely Sir Percy, but I'm afraid that's one question we won't answer tonight. The man's not

here.

CHAUVELIN

Ah, but I suspect: he is.

PERCY

Sink me- it's the Citizen! Oh, and look how he do scan this room. Cover yourselves, men!

Methinks he seeks the Pimpernel.

No. 15 "They Seek Him Here" (Percy & ensemble)


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PERCY

They seek him here

They seek him there

Those Frenchies seek him everywhere

Is he in heaven or is he in hellThat demmed elusive Pimpernel

PRINCE OF WALES

Is that true, Citizen? You've come all the way to England to look for this Pimpernel?

PERCY

Because, Highness-

PERCY

He meddles with the Frenchie revolutionPopping in and out each week

Spoiling every lovely execution

La, what cheek!

They seek him here

They seek him there


MARGUERITE

If you should see him

Please do give a yell

BOTH

That demmed elusive Pimpernel

CHAUVELIN

The rumor is the Pimpernel is British

PERCY

A Brit who's playing peek-a-boo

Ooh, were I the Pimpy I'd feel rather skittish

CHAUVELIN

It's not you

PERCY

Oh, Thank God!

BOUNDERS

It's possible our hero flirts with danger

MARGUERITEOh, I wish he'd flirt with me!


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PRINCE OF WALES

Methinks I feel the evening growing stranger

CHAUVELIN

Ah, mais oui

PERCY

Oh, such an accent! What those Frenchies can't do! And what else do they do?

ALL

They seek him here

They seek him there


PERCY

Is he up yonder or down in the dell?

PRINCE

Where is this blasted Pimpernel?

CHAUVELIN

I believe he's here upon your own shore

PERCY

Dancing round these hallowed halls?

PRINCE

Well, after all, we Englishmen are known for splendid balls

ALL

They seek him here

They seek him there

PERCY

The ladies seek him everywhere

PERCY

Marguerite, what should you say to him?

MARGUERITE

Please tell me how I might identify you

There are many things I 'd like to ask

PERCY

Were I the Pimpy, tell me, what should I do?

BOUNDERS

Drop your mask!

PERCY

No need for vulgarity:


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ALL

They seek him here

They seek him there


Is he in heaven or is he in hell?That demmed elusive Pimpernel

No. 15a "Ouilles Gavotte" (orchestra)

(Music for the Gavotte begins under.)

PERCY

Marguerite? Will you:dance?

MARGUERITE

Oh, Percy- I don't know what to do. I-

PERCY

I see. You've promised this dance to someone else.

(PERCY turns away.)

MARGUERITE

No- Don't go. Always you leave, you put me off:

PERCY

Ah, but that gives you all the more time to spend with your other:friends.

MARGUERITE

Stop it. Percy. Oh, God, what have I done that you should hate me so?

PERCY

And what have I done that you should turn and live another life behind my back?!

MARGUERITE

Oh, I don't know what to say to you anymore!

PERCY

Then say nothing, my dear. Simply dance.

(PERCY and MARGUERITE dance. Partners change and MARGUERITE dances with

CHAUVELIN.)

CHAUVELIN

Marguerite, you know a man by the name of Farleigh? And another who goes by the name of

"Izzy" or "Ozzy"?

MARGUERITE

Why?


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CHAUVELIN

I've learned that just before your brother was arrested, he spoke these names- names perhaps

of his confederates?

(Partners change again, as the dance continues. MARGUERITE now dances with OZZY.)

MARGUERITE

Ah, Sir Osbert, what am I to do?

OZZY

Do, my dear? Why- you're not ill, are you?

MARGUERITE

Only ill with curiosity. Is it possible that: - Might you perhaps be a member of- Oh, Ozzy- do

you know the Pimpernel?!

(As the dance continues, PERCY and OZZY dance adjacent to one another.)

OZZY

Ah, there you are, Percy. Your wife asks a great many questions tonight.

PERCY

Is that so?

OZZY

She thinks perhaps I know the Pimpernel. I assume that I don't?

PERCY

Shhh!

(As the dance continues, PERCY and OZZY move away from each other. MARGUERITE

once again dances with CHAUVELIN.)

MARGUERITE

Chauvelin, if you suspect these men are in league with the Pimpernel, why not seize and

question them yourself?

CHAUVELIN

Ah, my dear, if but I could. You forget we are on English soil. What power have I here?

MARGUERITE

None:save your power over me.

CHAUVELIN

A pretty state of affairs, is it not? Go to work, Cherie. Now.

(MARGUERITE moves toward FARLEIGH as PERCY and DEWHURST pass each other.)

DEWHURST

What's Chauvelin up to?


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PERCY

Not sure.

DEWHURST

And:your wife? Percival- your wife?

(MARGUERITE is now dancing with FARLEIGH.)

FARLEIGH

Lady Blakeney-

MARGUERITE

It shall be our secret:

FARLEIGH

But I tell you, I have no idea who the Pimpernel is. Even if I did: what makes you think theman is here tonight?

MARGUERITE

Dear God, we both know he is here - I see it in your eyes! Farleigh, now I beg of you- If you

know him, pray find him, tell him I must speak to him tonight- soon. What hour is it?

FARLEIGH

Near midnight, Milady.

MARGUERITE

At one o'clock then. Tell the Pimpernel I shall wait for him outside. On the footbridge. You

must deliver this message, Farleigh. I tell you- it is a matter of life and death.

(FARLEIGH moves away. Both CHAUVELIN and PERCY hear as MARGUERITE says)

MARGUERITE

The footbridge. One o'clock.

(The scene is transformed to the Footbridge.)

SCENE TWOA footbridge in the garden near the Ballroom

(MARGUERITE paces on the Footbridge. Percy enters from behind, careful to never let her

see him.)

PERCY

Lady Blakeney? No:stay as you are:If you turn and look on me, you will endanger the lives of

those you love.

MARGUERITE

:You are the Pimpernel?

PERCY


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MARGUERITE

In France, I lived as a:free woman. You understand? I met Chauvelin the day we stormed the

Bastille. He became my lover. It was brief- it was:mad. But it happened. This spring, when

Percy and I were about to be married, Chauvelin came to me: "How would you like your

husband to know what sort of woman you are?"

PERCY

And:would your husband have left you if he knew about:your past?

MARGUERITE

I was so afraid he would. But if he knew now:I doubt he'd care one way or the other.

PERCY

Go on:

MARGUERITEChauvelin promised silence if I found out where the English had hidden away the Marquis de

St. Cyr. But Chauvelin lied. He promised not to kill St. Cyr. He's killed so often now- he

won't hesitate with Armand. Can you save my brother? If you cannot, then somehow I will.

Clearly, I'm beyond scruples.

PERCY

You would never be so foolish as to sail to France alone?

MARGUERITE

Armand is my brother-

PERCY

Do you think I would ever let harm come to that boy? (Recovering his composure.) Lady

Blakeney, I will save Armand.

MARGUERITE

Oh, if you can- yes! But leave now- Please, before Chauvelin comes- save yourself, dear sir.

Go.

PERCY

That decision is mine. But you must go now. Go- and find your husband:

(MARGUERITE turns to leave.)

PERCY

You're- :wrong, you know. I believe the poor sot loves you:

(MARGUERITE exits.)

No. 16 "She Was There" (Percy)

PERCYSo many nights I have stood in the moonlight,

watching it fade into dawn,


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wanting her back with me, warm in the moonlight,

knowing that moment was gone --

out of mind, out of sight -- 'til the moon rose . . . tonight . . .

All at once I felt a chill.

In a spill of moonlight . . . she was there.Though we both held very still,

there was something pulling in the air.

When she whispered through the dark,

I tried hard to hold my ground.

I believed I had a choice 'til the music in her voice

turned my whole world around.

I would like to understand,

but the stars and I begin to blur . . .

If she never touched my hand,then what filled me with the feel of her?

In between us stood a wall.

In a flash it fell apart!

Is it possible she heard every last unspoken word

racing out of my heart?

She never turned to me,

but suddenly we had so much to share!

I never took her in my arms,

but she was there!

Oh, she was there!

No, I never pulled her in!

Still her tenderness was everywhere!

Oh, she slipped beneath my skin,

just as if she'd always been right there!

Has she been there all along?

Was I too far gone to know?

What a fool I must have been, for how could I pull her in,when I've never let her go?

(As PERCY turns to exit, he collides with CHAUVELIN.)

CHAUVELIN

Blakeney?!

PERCY

Shovelynn! Demme, then you're the Scarlet Pimpernel!

CHAUVELINWhat's that?


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PERCY

I heard he was to be here at one o'clock. The Pimpernel! Everybody said so, you know. I

wanted to catch a glimpse of the fellow- it's you then, is it?!

CHAUVELIN

Good God, Blakeney- please move along now. I have- :business here.

PERCY

But of course you do! You're meeting your band of merry men! Demned clever of you, posing

as this ass Shovelynn over there in Paris, when all along you're a hero!

CHAUVELIN

Blakeney, I am not the Scarlet Pimpernel, and will you kindly return to the ball?

PERCY

But if you're not-:

CHAUVELIN

Now!

PERCY

Well!

(PERCY exits, then quickly returns.)

PERCY

Ah! Got it! A rendezvous! You're meetin' with the Pimpernel! But where is he? Oh,

Pimpernel! (lurching forward) Pimpy!

(Excited, CHAUVELIN leans over the bridge railing.)

PERCY

April fool! (Shouting again, into the dark) Come out, come out, wherever you are! Shovelynn

wants to talk business with you and I'm simply longing to see your costume!

CHAUVELIN

Merde! This man is a nincompoop!

(As CHAUVELIN exits.)

PERCY

And proud of it, sir! (Looking about) Boys! Boys- Where are you?

(Music starts under as Percy's MEN run on.)

DEWHURST

Percy! Word's just come from Marie in Paris- they've got Armand!

PERCYYes, I know. Hal- do we still have our contact within the prison?


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HAL

Armand's not in the prison, Percy. We don't know where they've taken him.

PERCY

Right. Then we'll just have to go find him, won't we? Oh, you ninnies- they won't kill him.

They want him alive as much as we do! Off with you then! Ready the boat! We sail to Francetonight!

(The MEN run off leaving PERCY alone.)

No. 17 "Tag: She Was There" (Percy)

PERCY

Has she been there all along?

Was I too far gone to know?

What a fool I must have been, for how could I pull her in,

when I've never let her go?

(Percy runs off.)

SCENE THREE

France, The Cafe

(Lights up on a cafe, a military hang-out where soldiers are entertained by tarts singing

rowdily from "Storybook". MARGUERITE, disguised as a tart, sits with MERCIER and

COUPEAU, all three slightly drunk.)

No. 18 "Bistro Reprise: Storybook" (Marguerite & ensemble)

TARTS

La- la- la- la- (etc.)

MARGUERITE

But you are lying to me!

COUPEAU

No! We captured the boy last week. He is a member of the band of The Scarlet Pimpernel.

MARGUERITE

And he is here?!

MERCIER

We interrogate him here secretly- so the Pimpernel can't find him.

MARGUERITE

Oh, you soldiers tell such stories. Just because I am new to Paris, you think I'll believe

anything.

COUPEAU

But it's true!


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MARGUERITE

Oh, then prove it to me- : You show me this boy- this, this-:

MERCIER

St. Just. He's a Frenchman. Armand St. Just.

MARGUERITE

Yes, yes, but if it were true, you would show him to me. If he does exist, Dieu, what fun to

tell my friends I have seen this prisoner: And later tonight: what fun we three have together,

hmmm?

COUPEAU

I'll get the keys.

(COUPEAU exits as the tarts continue "Storybook".)

FRENCH GIRLS

Listen to me I have beautiful dreams I can spin you,

Dreams to linger within you.

Close your eyes and we'll ride my carousel.

(CHAUVELIN enters, spots MARGUERITE.)

Come let's believe love can be just as sweet as it seems.

Let's live on dreams . . .

(CHAUVELIN crosses to MARGUERITE and pulls her forward.)

CHAUVELIN

Mes amis! Please welcome back to France, in her first return engagement, Mademoiselle

Marguerite St. Just! (yanking off her wig) And now perhaps she will sing the song for us as it

was meant to be sung. That is- :if she still:speaks:French!

MARGUERITE Et sur mon manege, l'amour toujours est chantant. De mes reves, c'est le

commencement, et j'espere une fin heureuse. Marguerite and French Girls: Mais la fin de

l'histoire ne vient pas tres doucement, pour l'histoire il faut faire semblant. Certes jen'embrasse que mes reves, seuls mes reves. And on my carousel, love is always singing.Of

my dreams, its the beginningand I hope for a happy end. But the end of the story doesn't come

sweetly,for the story, one must make believe.Surely I hold nothing but my dreams, only my

dreams.

CHAUVELIN

Welcome home, Marguerite.

(The scene transforms to a prison.)

No. 18a "Into the Prison" (orchestra)


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SCENE FOUR

The Prison and a Paris Street

(CHAUVELIN confronts MARGUERITE as MERCIER and COUPEAU stand guard.)

CHAUVELINYou do know, Marguerite:that I admire you- yes? Coming here to find your brother- that

shows spirit, courage: But did you truly think I could be near you and not know you? Even

you: are not that great an actress. Will you sit:milady?

MARGUERITE

Armand is here?

CHAUVELIN

Ummm.

MARGUERITEHe is:well?

(PERCY enters, disguised as GRAPPIN.)

CHAUVELIN

At the moment. Ah. Grappin. Do you recognize Mademoiselle St. Just? She has taken off her

British:costume, and dressed herself more in her:true colors. Marguerite, allow me to

introduce the man who has been tracking your every step these many weeks. The Belgian

Grappin. (MARGUERITE turns away.) Tsk-tsk, Marguerite. Such bad manners and from an

English lady.

MARGUERITE

Enough games, Chauvelin. You know why I am here. I will do anything to save my brother.

Name your:price. But release Armand.

CHAUVELIN

Grappin, you go. You question the boy. I find I have better things to do tonight.

GRAPPIN

But- there may be a better way- :to question the boy.

CHAUVELIN

My men get nothing from him! Mercier, lead Grappin down to the boy. Do whatever you

have to but-

MARGUERITE

No-

GRAPPIN

You catch a fly with honey, Citizen. A brother will confide in:a sister.

CHAUVELINUmm. Coupeau! Bring the boy! (To Marguerite:) You want your brother to live?


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(COUPEAU exits.)

MARGUERITE

You have to ask this?

CHAUVELINTwo things- Tonight: Who is the Pimpernel? Where does he hide while in Paris? Armand will

not live another day if you fail.

MARGUERITE

I will not fail.

CHAUVELIN

And:you will also be a:friend to me again, yes?

(COUPEAU reenters with ARMAND. MARGUERITE runs to her brother.)

MARGUERITE

Armand!

CHAUVELIN

Well, St. Just- your sister has come to "save" you. Perhaps you will talk:to her?

GRAPPIN

Citizen, you must leave him alone with his sister.

ARMAND

I will not talk.

MARGUERITE

No, Armand, you must! Dear God, tell them about the Pimpernel, and you and I walk away

from here!

ARMAND

No. I have not slept, I have not eaten- They have tortured me-

MARGUERITE

No-

ARMAND

-but I will never betray the Scarlet Pimpernel. Nor will you, Marguerite! Do you hear me? A

finer man never lived. I love this man- who is worth ten of you, you pig!

(ARMAND lunges at CHAUVELIN. CHAUVELIN pushes him to the floor. MARGUERITE

tries to slap CHAUVELIN, but he grabs her arm.)

CHAUVELIN

I would say, Marguerite, that you will live to regret that. Alas: You will not live. Prepare them

for execution.

GRAPPIN


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No- Let me take them, Citizen, and we have done with it now. Two quick cuts.

CHAUVELIN

No. (To MARGUERITE:) You are a stubborn fool! Think what you might have had here with

me in France, in your own country. Instead you die as a traitor, and quite alone.

MARGUERITE

No, Chauvelin. It is you who are alone.

(COUPEAU and MERCIER exit with MARGUERITE and ARMAND. PERCY, as

GRAPPIN, starts to follow them.)

CHAUVELIN

Grappin! You:stay.

GRAPPIN

You are wrong to put them in prison. The Pimpernel-

CHAUVELIN

Yes- the Pimpernel! My sources- they say he's in Paris. And what do you know about this

ring? It bears the crest of the flower?

GRAPPIN

:Yes. And the fool:never takes it off.

CHAUVELIN

And apparently he carries Swiss papers. Every soldier in Paris must know the Pimpernel bears

these papers and- this ring!

GRAPPIN

But the brother and sister- let me take them now before-

CHAUVELIN

NO! Grappin, you:do not kill your bait until your mouse:steps into the trap. Let it be widely

known that the St. Justs are to die. Spread it through Paris!

GRAPPIN

The:guillotine then?

CHAUVELIN

Yes. But:not in Paris. No, the Pimpernel's tactics work too well within the crowded streets:

Another guillotine. Elsewhere:

GRAPPIN

Why not the seacoast? Guillotines line the French coast. The Pimpernel- he must use a secret

harbor. If we could find a way:

CHAUVELIN

:for the boy to lead us to their harbor: If the boy were to:escape:

GRAPPIN


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If he were to receive a flowered note from the Pimpernel:

CHAUVELIN

Instructing him to go to their harbor- yes! If only we could do it in the Pimpernel's hand: How

are you at forgery, Grappin?

GRAPPIN

This one, I think I could manage.

CHAUVELIN

Excellent! We go to the seacoast then: where we kill all the pretty birds with one stone!

GRAPPIN

But you no longer have need of the woman- Let me take her now-

CHAUVELIN

Out of here, Grappin! Do as I've told you!

(GRAPPIN exits.)

No. 19 "Where's the Girl" (reprise) (Chauvelin)

CHAUVELIN

I remember days full of restlessness and fury . . .

I remember nights that were drunk on dreams . . .

the scarlet pimpernel (script).doc

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