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PHILIPPE I
____________
A Play in One Act
by
Valek Akechi
Cast of Characters
Philippe: Duke of Orleans/Duc d’Orléans; brother of Louis
Lorraine: Chevalier Philippe of Lorraine/Knight of Lorraine
Armand: Count of Guiche/Comte de Guiche
Louis XIV: Roi de France/King of France; brother of Philippe
Scene
Various locations within Versailles Chateau.
Time
Versailles, France 1665
ACT I
Scene I
SETTING: We are in a room lavishly decorated in blue and silver within the chateau of Versailles Palace. A canopied bed sits far back in the right corner. A luxurious sofa sits in the center of the room with two tables and some chairs sitting in front of an ornate fireplace. A delicate-looking mirror sits on a book that lays on the bedside table near the headboard of the bed. Everything seems clean and untouched like no one has been there since the morning hours. It’s late evening.
AT RISE: A maid finishes cleaning and hurries to place a full decanter of wine on a table before leaving. Enter PHILIPPE with LORRAINE.
LORRAINE
I do not mind privacy, Mignonette. But I would’ve preferred staying at the Madame’s salon a bit longer.
(PHILIPPE sits on the bed and sighs)
PHILIPPE
This is not something to be discussed in front of the entire court. I daresay it would further destroy our reputations
LORRAINE
And that’s bad?
(LORRAINE takes the decanter)
I’ve personally never paid any mind. What could be so terrible?
PHILIPPE
You always ask that. I’m being serious about this.
LORRAINE
And I’m serious about not worrying.
(PHILIPPE goes to stand at the fireplace)
PHILIPPE
He will arrive in court tomorrow. And I wish to revive what we had.
LORRAINE
You can’t possibly mean that. If we start a tryst amongst the three of us, we shall wake all of France. After all, your rooms are a safe place for debauchery and the entire court can hear that.
(LORRAINE takes a swig of wine and offers some to PHLIPPE who rejects)
PHILIPPE
A tryst, but not the three of us.
LORRAINE
(sad or sarcastic)
Oh. So, you wish for only him?
PHILIPPE
You know how dear he is to me. How he sees me. I only ask that you hold no ill will towards us. You are one of the few who understands me
(LORRAINE sets down the decanter)
LORRAINE
I cannot promise you this. For, I am a jealous man. I can only bargain with you on the matter. I ask for your affection for me to remain in full. Never to dwindle. Worry not about the king’s—
PHILIPPE
(sarcastic or angry)
The king. Louis, fourteenth of his name. God’s gift to France. My brother. Why would I care for his opinions? He doesn’t even know me!
(Grabs LORRAINE by his clothes)
It’s because of him that no one will ever offer me a thought. I spend my life lounging around being a disappointment to our mother. I am nothing!
(Lets LORRAINE go, sobbing)
My own family discourages me from proving myself loyal to France. I want to gain my brother’s trust, but all I can do is spend money, throw parties, and host many lovers.
LORRAINE
Mignonette, there will be a time for the Evening Star to sparkle.
(Removes PHILIPPE’s jacket and vest)
Please rest and I shall accompany you during the morrow’s festivities.
(Exit LORRAINE while PHILIPPE readies for bed)
LOUIS
(off)
Where has he gone?
(Enter LOUIS below)
I was told he took leave of the salon early. Where would he have gone?
(LORRAINE sneaks past)
LOUIS
Ah! I believe that was Lorraine. That means…
(Exits to reappear above; PHILIPPE is in bed)
Brother, wake up. Please. I’ve something important to discuss.
PHILIPPE
Leave me. Your mistress awaits and I care not for your politics.
(Rolls over in bed)
Not that I understand any of it.
LOUIS
Worry not. I only need an ear. We will be welcoming the Comte de Guiche back to court tomorrow. He left his sister with us and I worry if he will learn of all that transpired in his absence. Philippe, I wish to ask you as a brother rather than your king. I want you to take the comte’s mind away from such thoughts as these. Can you do that?
(Exit as PHILIPPE sits up; PHILIPPE picks up the hand mirror laying on his bedside table on top of a book)
PHILIPPE
You were his last gift to me before he left for my brother’s war. Tell me, how can a brother ask for such a thing? Only a king can ask for his own brother to love, yet betray, his lover for the sake of his kingdom and court.
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT I
Scene II
SETTING: The duke’s rooms at Versailles; morning
AT RISE: Enter PHILIPPE and ARMAND.
PHILIPPE
A lady has been acting suspicious. She is always talking about the king having eyes everywhere and that he’ll stop us.
ARMAND
What pray tell has poisoned him? We all know how closely we’re watched.
PHILIPPE
She wishes to hold the king’s favor and interest. Many young women wish to have it.
ARMAND
Ah, yes. The desire to be the king’s mistress lingers in many women of the court. Speaking of women, how has my sister fared?
PHILIPPE
All is well with Catherine. Have you heard any news of France’s status in the world?
ARMAND
I cannot say anything in regards to that matter. I know nothing of your brother’s affairs. But I have come across the most absurd piece of information I’ve heard in a long time.
PHILIPPE
Oh? Pray tell what makes it so.
(ARMAND places a hand on PHILIPPE’s shoulder)
ARMAND
Is it true? Do you seek to fight on France’s—
PHILIPPE
I’d rather not discuss this now.
ARMAND
So, it is?
(Tries to leave)
PHILIPPE
Please understand. I must do this. I need to.
ARMAND
You don’t. You mustn’t.
PHILIPPE
My brother—
ARMAND
Doesn’t trust you? Disrespects you? Rather you stay where you’re watched? Court is the cage we have been born into. No matter where we go or what we do, our reputations are at stake. I had thought you were one who never hid behind a mask. I fell in love with a man who refused to wear one. How wrong I was in thinking nothing much has changed when the most important one has. You have lost sight of what you truly need.
(Exits as PHILIPPE picks up the hand mirror)
PHILIPPE
My love has misunderstood my intentions. And maybe he’s right. Perhaps I am blind to what I truly need. Oh, Armand, how can I have both?
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT I
Scene III
SETTING: The duke’s rooms; midday
AT RISE: PHILIPPE lays on the sofa with a book in his hands; trying to read it. ARMAND enters.
ARMAND
Stop this nonsense. Why are you so set on power? You already have your freedom.
(Notices PHILIPPE trying to read)
What is that you are reading?
(PHILIPPE sits up and hastily closes the book)
PHILIPPE
N—Nothing of importance. What do you speak of? No one in Versailles has freedom.
ARMAND
There is one and only through him can one be freed from the king’s wretched hold
(PHILIPPE gets up)
PHILIPPE
And who would that be? I wonder.
ARMAND
You know him far better than anyone else. And I beg of him to cease his madness because he does not require power to earn my affection.
(Pulls PHILIPPE into his arms)
He’s the apple of my eye and I refuse to take him for granted.
PHILIPPE
Your honeyed words nearly tempt me to give in.
ARMAND
Won’t you listen? War is no glorious thing. Don’t taint yourself.
PHILIPPE
There’s already war here. Please, if you love me, let me make you proud to call yourself my lover. Then we may tell the court.
ARMAND
You won’t give up, will you? Then tell me something you haven’t told a single soul.
(PHILIPPE crosses to the other side of the room)
PHILIPPE
I cannot say. You know I can’t.
ARMAND
Louis is not here.
PHILIPPE
I trust you, but I can never know if you may tell him. Please give me time. I want your love.
ARMAND
Then you’ll tell me the secret or remain in Versailles.
PHILIPPE
Very well. I’ll consider it.
(ARMAND leaves)
PHILIPPE
Why must my needs and wants be so opposed? I swore I wouldn’t tell a soul. Yet, I must in order to have the glory and love I wish for. I won’t bring it up unless he asks. Surely, he’ll forget before we meet again.
(PHILIPPE calls in a maid who enters with LORRAINE and a letter; PHILIPPE takes the letter and pretends to read it.)
Please arrange for my attire this evening. I’m feeling rather bold and I shall distract him with my form of dress when he returns later this evening to retrieve what he so desires.
LORRAINE
Who has poked you? You only get this frisky when you’re planning something.
PHILIPPE
He knows about my request to go to war for France. Armand is none pleased. But I know how much he loves me and that he is testing me in his own way.
LORRAINE
I do wonder who could’ve told him. Could it have been your brother? Montespan? I doubt young Catherine said anything.
PHILIPPE
Don’t take me for granted nor a fool. Your jealousy will be your downfall.
LORRAINE
If he can fight for your love, why can’t I? Am I not your first love? You knew me before you met him. What does the Comte de Guiche have that I don’t? He may be of higher status than I, but I beg of you to listen to my words.
PHILIPPE
And so, you told him, did you? What did you think would happen? A rift? For him to toss me aside like some traitor? The course of true love never did run smooth. Not even you can shake us so much that we desire to leave the warmth of the other.
LORRAINE
Do you now hate me so? I know very well that my actions do not surprise you. We’ve known one another for many years.
PHILIPPE
And how many times must I forgive you before you cease your foolishness? The court talks ill of you. Prove to me that you are more than a mere hindrance.
LORRAINE
You and I both know that I have never been capable of more. And yet, you loved me without care. If it be as you say, my jealousy shall be my downfall. Though I believe it already is.
(Aside)
I have sent you many poems. Surely, you know of my feelings. If only court did not make me seem as a distraction for you.
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT I
Scene IV
SETTING: Ballroom; night
AT RISE: LOUIS sits on his throne in the back center of the room with Catherine at his side. Enter ARMAND who greets the king followed by LORRAINE greeting the king.
LOUIS
I am quite pleased that you have come. Where is the Duc d’Orléans? Has he not received my invitation?
ARMAND
I’m sure he has. Perhaps he’s still getting ready. I doubt he’s impaired by illiteracy as he is your very own brother.
LORRAINE
Indeed. He’s always telling me just how much he admires my poetic voice.
(LOUIS stands and joins them)
LOUIS
(Nervous)
Ye—yes, of course. While we wait, is there anything you wish to discuss? I’m sure there’s much on your minds.
ARMAND
Your Majesty, as much as I enjoy indulging in your company, I must refrain from speaking of anything unhappy. I also have no need for your distraction. You have tainted that which is mine. I dare not let you ruin anyone else.
LOUIS
Of what do you speak? Catherine has been perfectly accommodated and cared for since you left her under my watch.
ARMAND
I speak not of my sister.
(Enter PHILIPPE wearing a ballgown)
PHILIPPE
Brother, what is this? I was waiting for the Comte de Guiche in my rooms. Why have you all gathered here?
LORRAINE
Did you not receive the king’s letter?
PHILIPPE
Well—well—I have received many and cannot remember all of their contents. Is there a reason we have been asked to gather here?
LOUIS
We are here to welcome the count with proper etiquette as befits a nobleman of France.
ARMAND
I thank you, Your Majesty. But are we not all more than our stations? To France and the world, we are a king, a duke, a count, and a knight. But amongst ourselves, who are we?
LORRAINE
Aye! We are merely men who indulge in all desires of the flesh.
ARMAND
That is your own opinion, Chevalier. I simply propose that there is more.
(LORRAINE and PHILIPPE mingle intimately while LOUIS approaches ARMAND)
LOUIS
I’ve been meaning to ask if you’ve returned the book I leant you on military tactics.
ARMAND
I had Bontemps return it to your library.
LOUIS
(Confused)
I believe you, but I saw a blank where it is meant to sit.
ARMAND
Have you allowed anyone else to read it?
(PHILIPPE listens in nervously)
LOUIS
I’ve seen my dear brother in there—
ARMAND
Then perhaps he has it.
LOUIS
I doubt that. Anything revolving around politics holds his interest not.
(ARMAND rejoins LORRAINE and PHILIPPE)
ARMAND
My star, you shine brighter than the sun.
(Takes PHILIPPE’s hand and kisses it)
PHILIPPE
You flatter me.
(Kisses ARMAND and then LORRAINE)
The two of you often please me. Your lips most of all. (Aside) Lorraine treats me as one does a princess. He often poeticizes me or so I’ve been told.
(Kisses LORRAINE)
(Aside) But, oh, Armand de Gramont. You see this poor duke as your equal. You’ve even offered a compromise so that I might have all that I desire.
ARMAND
My Lord, did you require me for something?
PHILIPPE
I—yes. But we can discuss it—
LOUIS
Philippe.
(PHILIPPE steps in front of the throne)
PHILIPPE
What need must the king have of me? For, I do not believe my brother calls upon me.
LOUIS
You were in the library recently. Did you see who may have stolen the book I leant the Comte de Guiche?
PHILIPPE
I… Why would I know? I care not for things I do not understand. Perhaps it’s where you left it and you have simply forgotten that it was returned.
LOUIS
Brother, I assure you that I speak the truth.
(PHILIPPE nervously fidgets with the skirt of his dress)
PHILIPPE
I just do not find the sense in questioning someone of my… nature.
LOUIS
I’m sorry it’s just that our uncle—
PHILIPPE
Why do you see me as him? Because I have his title? Because I’m your brother? Don’t treat me like a traitor when you don’t even know me!
(PHILIPPE runs out followed by ARMAND)
LORRAINE
Your Majesty, why do you treat him so?
LOUIS
My mother did all she could to ensure I would have the throne and I must do all I can to keep it.
LORRAINE
And Philippe is a hindrance?
LOUIS
It’s those around him that may turn him against me. I do trust Guiche, but my brother’s request troubles me.
LORRAINE
Not everyone will side with you. Sometimes people prefer the stars over the sun. The stars have far more company than the sun.
LOUIS
I will allow the duke to fight, but he won’t go unwatched.
LORRAINE
The count will not approve. They’ve been fighting in their own way… I suppose you ought to thank me.
LOUIS
Your pride is as foul as your jealousy. I need him away from his lovers. Even you.
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
Scene V
SETTING: The duke’s rooms; night
AT RISE: Enter PHILIPPE still wearing a ballgown followed by ARMAND.
ARMAND
(Begging)
Please tell me. Tell me what burdens you so. Something causes your soul to ache and I wish only for it to stop.
(PHILIPPE refuses to look at ARMAND)
PHILIPPE
I cannot say it, Mignonette, no matter how hard I try. I’m sorry.
ARMAND
I hate it. I hate what court has done to you. I want to strangle those who treat you as less than you are.
(Makes PHILIPPE look at him)
I promise not to tell anyone your secrets nor turn from your love. You are my star and just as I’m sure others have said, you will sparkle. The sun may rule the day. But tis the stars who lord over the night. You are a light in the darkness while the king shines in an already lit world. The sun is harsh in its touch upon all it sees while the stars caress with gentle fingers. Mon trésor, I would never have dared love you if I could not be loyal. I only wish for your love as I feel my freest in your arms. Such is why I could not bear the thought of you leaving me in the dark, even out of a desire to bring glory to France.
(ARMAND pulls PHILIPPE in for a kiss and is allowed)
PHILIPPE
I trust you. I only worry that a spy of my brother’s has his gaze upon us.
(PHILIPPE moves into ARMAND’s embrace)
He cannot know. He cannot. I’ll lose my freedom, no matter how little I have, if he does. I’ve already lost so much to him.
ARMAND
I swear upon my family’s name and fortune that what you say on this night shall not fall from the lips that please you so.
PHILIPPE
This may or may not surprise you. But I have been teaching myself how to read.
ARMAND
But aren’t you a member of the royal family? You ought to have been taught such skills alongside others.
PHILIPPE
Alas, I am the second son. I was not raised among gold and blades. But rather silk and powder. I was my mother’s Petite Fille. Mother feared I would overthrow my brother just as my uncle had tried. I chose to teach myself out of shame and desire. I care nothing for that wretched seat nor its power. Louis can have it. Let him live the life he believes to be divine and blessed, no matter the madness that pulls him down. If he really is God’s gift, surely, he can handle all things that seek his fall. I rather have the freedom I do at the expense of my reputation of being illiterate, ridiculous, and a disappointment.
(Turns to ARMAND)
Just having you love me is enough.
(PHILIPPE kisses ARMAND again)
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
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