History Plays for the Grammar Grades

<div class="pagenum"><!-- Page 8 --><SPAN name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</SPAN></div> <h2><SPAN name="SIR_WALTER_RALEIGH" id="SIR_WALTER_RALEIGH"></SPAN>SIR WALTER RALEIGH</h2> <h3 class="h3left">INTRODUCTION:</h3> <p class="narr">Walter Raleigh was the Englishman who checked the power of the Spanish in America. He was a friend of Queen Elizabeth, and first gained her friendship, by an interesting incident. This act tells the story.</p> <h3>ACT I.</h3> <p class="stage1">(Walter Raleigh, Blount, and Tracy, walking along shore see boat of the Queen.)</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Blount</span>: See, the Queen's barge lies at the stairs. We had best put back and tell the Earl what we have seen.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: Tell the Earl what we have seen! Let us do his errand, and tell him what the Queen says in reply.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Blount</span>: Do, I pray you, my dear Walter, let us take the boat and return.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: Not till I see the Queen come forth.</p> <p class="stage1">(Queen comes, Raleigh removes his hat and stands close to Queen as she approaches with her court. She hesitates to pass miry spot. Raleigh takes coat from shoulder and lays it on the ground. Queen looks at Raleigh and passes on).</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Blount</span>: Come along, Sir Coxcomb, your gay mantle will need the brush today, I wot.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: This cloak shall never be brushed while in my possession.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Blount</span>: That will not be long, if you learn not a little more economy.</p> <p class="stage1">(Member of court comes after Raleigh. Queen and court at water's edge, waiting).</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Courtier</span>: I was sent to bring a gentleman who has no coat, you, sir, I think. Please follow me.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Blount</span>: He is in attendance on me, the noble Earl of Sussex, Master of Horse.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Courtier</span>: I have nothing to say to that. My orders are from her Majesty.</p> <p class="stage1">(Walter and man walk toward Queen).</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Blount</span>: Who in the world would have thought it!</p> <p class="stage1">(Raleigh is brought to Queen, who laughs, and talks to attendants).</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Queen</span>: You have this day spoiled a gay mantle in our service. We thank you for your service, though the manner of offering was something bold.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: In a sovereign's need, it is each man's duty to be bold.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Queen</span>: (Speaking to attendant). That is well said, my lord. (To Raleigh) Well, young man, your gallantry shall not go unrewarded. Thou shalt have a suit, and that of the newest cut.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: May it please your majesty, but if it became me to choose&mdash;</p> <div class="pagenum"><!-- Page 9 --><SPAN name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</SPAN></div> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Queen</span>: Thou wouldst have gold? Fie, young man. Yet, thou mayest be poor. It shall be gold. But thou shall answer to me for the use of it.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: I do not wish gold, your majesty.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Queen</span>: How, boy, neither gold nor garment! What then?</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: Only permission to wear the cloak which did this trifling service.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Queen</span>: Permission to wear thine own cloak, thou silly boy?</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: It is no longer mine. When your majesty's foot touched it, it became a fit mantle for a prince.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Queen</span>: Heard you ever the like, my Lords? What is thy name and birth?</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Raleigh</span>: Raleigh is my name.</p> <p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Queen</span>: Raleigh? We have heard of you. You may wear thy muddy cloak, and here, I give thee this, to wear at the collar.</p> <p class="stage1">(Gives him a jewel of gold, Raleigh kneels, and kisses hand of Queen).</p> <hr class="major" /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />