Narrator 1: Sir Bernard le Blank, the Lord of Shalott, climbs a circular stairway to his daughter's tower. Beautiful tapestries cover the stone walls. Without their warmth, the tower would seem a dark, foreboding place. Narrator 2: Bernard pushes open a heavy wooden door and steps into Elaine's chamber. A loom rests in the center of the room, bearing a colorful web of the lady's handiwork. Bernard: You called for me? Elaine: Yes. Come in, Father. Narr 1: Bernard sits down, and Elaine kneels beside him. Elaine: I have spen my years weaving at this loom. And until now, I have had no other care. But today, I heard my brothers speak of a festival at Castle Camelot. Bernard: I know the occasion you speak of-a jousting tournament. Elaine: I long to join the fair and meet some new people! Can I go, Father? Please? Bernard: (sighing) Press me not, Elaine. You know the thought of Camelot is dangerous for you. Elaine: [i]Thinking[/i] harms me not! nor dreaming. (sadly) Indeed, fantasies and reflections are all I have to fill my days. Narr 2: A large mirror hangs above the window in the lady's bower, reflecting the outside world. Her window is so high, the young woman cannot look outside. Elaine: Father, all i know of the world are shadows in the mirror. I am half sick of shadows! I ache to join the goings-on at court. Bernard: (losing patience) Willful girl, you know the curse! Would you bring it down upon your head? Elaine: No curse could be worse than this imprisonment. Bernard: (pained) I've given you an airy courtyard for strolling and all the halls of Shalott to inhabit. I have done my best- Elaine: But [i]never[/i] to [i]go[/i] to the castle-never even to stare in that direction! Bernard: Must I tell you the story again? How on the day you were born, your mother died. How the midwife read the signs and... Elaine: (finishing what he cannot) and proclaimed that I was to bear the curse, I know. I know. Bernard: She couldn't have been more plain: "If the Lily Maid should [i]look[/i] on Camelot, she will die." We don't know what will happan or how. We don't know why. All I know is that my duty is to protect you. Elaine: You have done well, but- Bernard: (with conviction) But nothing. I will [i]not[/i] set you free until your own loyal knight carries you blindfolded far from here! Narr 1: But the Lady of Shalott has no knight of her own.
Narr 2: At Camelot, King Arthur discusses the upcoming tournament with Queen Guinevere and Lancelot, his first knight. Arthur: (to queen) Lady, the last of the nine Diamond Jousts is tomorrow. The knight who wins will earn the largest diamond from the crown I found in the woods years ago. Are you recovered enough from your illness to watch? Guinevere: (weakly) Nay, lord, I cannot attend. Arthur: Then you shall miss a sight you love to look upon- the great deeds of Lancelot. (clapping Lancelot on the back) As you know, he has won all the earlier jousts and is sure to ride with success for the last and largest diamond. Narr 1: Guinevere gazes longingly at Lancelot. The queen has been in love with the knight since she first saw him. But Arthur does not know. Narr 2: Lancelot tries to guess what Guinevere's look means. Mistaken, he thinks she wants him to stay back wih her-an opportunity he is unable to pass up. For [i]he[/i] is in love with [i]her[/i]. Lancelot: Good king, though I owe you my honor and best effort, my old war wound will not cease from paining me. I fear I cannot take part in the joust. Narr 1: Arthur looks curiously from his wife to his knight. Arthur: (disappointed) I wish you would reconsider, but I care more for both of you to recover. Guin: (to Lancelot after the king leaves) You cannot sit out the joust with me! What were you thinking? People will talk about us. Lance: You once said you didn't care a flea speck for what people say. Do you tir of me? You sound more faithful to your faultless lord. Guin: Arthur is a man without flaw. But he is all fault who has no fault at all. The man who loves me must have a touch of esrthliness. In my heart, I am yours, Lancelot. Lance: The why are w not together? Guin: The smallest gnat chaterring gossip can break our dream. Lance: What are we to do? I have lied in vain. Guin: Then fight! Everyone knows that your opponents fall at a mere touch of your lance the minute they know who is riding against them. Suppose you were to remove that advantage? Hide your idetity and still win. Wouldn't that be even more proof of your greatness? Lance: Perhaps, but I do not want to dishonor the king by disguising myself. Guin: When you have conquered all and revealed who you are, the king will forgive your disguise, for he will bask in the glory you bring him. If I know Arthur, he loves his knights more than himself.
Narr 2: Lancelot rides off on horseback to work out his plan. Narr 1: All he can think about is how to hide his identity at the joust. Soon, he is not only lost in thought but lost in his way as well. Atop a hill, he spots Shalott. Lancelot: Whose castle is in the distance? Maybe they can help me. Narr 2: As alwyas, Elaine sits weaving in her bower, gazing in her mirror at the world beyond her window. Her loom is full of the secondhand sights she sees there. Elaine: (sighing) At least the willows shift thier shape with every breeze- and keep me from dying of boredom. Narr 1: She studies the amber barley in harvested bundles, trying to match her yarn. Suddenl, into her mirror rides the most dazzling knight she has ever seen. The sun on his armor radiates gold. Elaine: (awestruck) What flames there between the barley sheaves? Narr 2: She drops her yarns and stands to stare at the mirror. Elaine: His bridle glitters like stars in a golden galaxy! Narr 1: His armor rings as he rides. Elaine: He's coming here! His bnners say he's from Camelot! Narr 2: Lancelot is brought to the castle's inner ward and greeted by Bernard and his sons. Elaine quickly changes her dress. Bernard: Welcome, guest! If I can trust the stories I've heard, I'd say you are a knight of Arthur's Round Table. What name do you go by? Lance: I cannot say. For tomorrow I compete in the Diamond Jousts, but I wish to do so unknown. I fear that my shield may give me away. Can you lend me a blank one to help hide who I am? Bernard: Take my older son Torre's. He was hurt in the first tournament and can joust no more. Torre: (sulking) I suppose you can have it, as I can't use it anymore. Bernard: (to Torre) Fie-is that any way to speak to a noble knight? (to Lancelot) Now meet my younger son, Lavaine. He is so set on bringing home the diamond, he fancies winning it within an hour and setting it in his sister's hair! Lavaine: Jest if you will, but she herslef dreamed that the diamond was put into her hand. The dream was odd, though. She said the gem was too slippery to be held and slid into a stream. I joked that if I had won it, she must keep it safer! Lance: By all means, you should ride with me to Castle Camelot and try your best to win. I could certainly use a guide and company. Lavaine: I will do my best to bring the prize to Elaine. Bernard: Here she is now. Narr 1: Elaine gathers up her skirts and glides down the stairs to greet the image she has seen in the mirror.Her heart is pounding. Torre: Such a diamond is a prize of queens, not simple maids. Narr 2: Offended, Elaine casts her eyes to the ground. Lance: This lovely maid could wear as fair a jewel as any queen. Narr 1: Elaine looks up toward the soothign voice. The handsome knight is twice as old as she and scarred from Arthur's wars. but his face is full of kindness. The Lady of Shalott falls in love with him instantly. Bernard: Come, let us feast!
Narr 2: All evening, they make merry while Lancelot tells tales of battle at King Arthur's side. Narr 1: With Elaine, he trades pleasantries. The knight is courteous with all, but Elaine believes his attentions to her are special. That night, she doesn't sleep a bit. Elaine: The sun will rise soon. I must get up and bid farewell to Lavaine. That way I can see th unnamed knight again! Narr 2: The two men ar readying to ride to Castle Camelot. Lance: Lavaine, Where is the blank shield your father promised? Lavaine: I'll fetch it. Wait here. Narr 1: Dressed in Lavaine's clothes for disguis, Lancelot is changing the banners on his horse. Narr 2: The maiden slips down to the courtyard. Thinking the knight is Lavaine, she approaches quietly from behind and kisses him. Lance: (startled) What's this-? Narr 1: He turns and sees Elaine. In the morning's dewlight, she is more beautiful than he'd dreamed. Elaine: (blushing) Forgive me! Lance: I should be asking [i]yours[/i] for tricking you. What's that you hold? Elaine: Just a... a sleeve of mine. I was wondering... would you wear my favor at the joust? Lance: It is not my custom to wear the favor of [i]any[/i] lady. Elaine: In that case, perhaps wearing my sleeve will disguise you all the more. Lance: (considering) You make a good point. I will display it. Narr 2: Elaine hands him a red sleeve stitched with pearls. Lancelot fixes it on his helmet. Lance: I have no done so much for any living maid. Narr 1: The blood springs again to Elaine's face. Her brother returns. Lavaine: Sister! What are you doing up at this hour? Elaine: I came to bid you good luck at the fields. Lavaine: I cannot go wrong with this knight for company. Here is your new shiled, sir. Lance: Thank you, friend, M'lady, will you keep my own shield safe until I return for it? Elaine: (bowing) I am honored! Lavaine: (to Elaine) Now get back to bed before you catch your death of cold. For surely the chill of dawn can take the best of us unawares.
Narr 2: As Lancelot and Lavaine ride swiftly toward Camelot, the Lady of Shalott carries the shiled to her tower. All morning, lost in fantasy, she stitches a velvet case and embroiders his crest on it. Narr 1: Nearing the jousting fields, Lancelot and Lavaine can see a crowd of spectators gathered in the gallery. The knight stops. Lance: (to Lavaine) Hear me now, but tell no one. You ride with Lancelot of the Lake. Lavaine: Lacelot the great? Next thing you'll tell me I'll see Arthur Pendragon in person. Lance: You call me great, but no greatness dwells in me, only this-that I know many a rising youth will someday overcome me. Narr 2: They ride closer to the jousting lists. Narr 1: Lancelot dons his helmet to hide his face and points ahead. Lance: There is your king. Narr 2: Arthur is draped in royal red robes embroidered with a gold dragon. On his crown, another gold dragon circles. The back of his throne is carved with still more dragons. In the drapery overhead, the great diamond is displayed. Lavaine: Now let any man strike me blind, for today I can say I have seen you both! Narr 1: With a cry of trumpets and a roar from the crowds, the first two opponents break from either end of the jousting lists and thunder toward each other. Lavaine: I lay odds on the red-plumed knight. Lance: And well you should, for that is strong sir Galahad. Narr 2: With spear well-aimed, Galahad rams the chest of his opponent. The man flies from his horse and clatters to the ground. Lance: Look lively that the same fate does not befall you! Narr 1: Lancelot sizes up the challangers. He burns to win the ninth diamond, for he wants to present all nine at once to Guinevere. Lavaine: Take the field and show your skill. I yield to you, my lord. Narr 2: Lancelot waits until the stronger men prove themselves; then he rides against them. With Elaine's favor flying in the breeze, he charges toward each man and wins every round. Arthur: (to an adviser) Who is this challenger? Tell my knights to rally. Will a stranger win the day? Nar 1: in the field, the men of the Round Table are also confounded. Knight 1: If I didn't know any better, I'd say he rides like Lancelot. Knight 2: Lancelot would never wear the favor of a lady in a joust. Knight 1: Then who can it be? Knight 2: I do not know. But his force and skill put our kinsmen to shame. Knight 1: Lut us move together down on him like a wild wave in the North Sea! Knight 2: Then we'll see who is the superior fighter! Narr 2: All the knights ride as one against the mysterious man. The hard earth shakes with pounding hoofbeats. Lavaine is horrified. Narr 1: The first spear lames Lancelot's horse. Another lance pierces the knight' armor, driving into his side, and snaps off, imbedded. Lavaine cannot stand it. He urges his horse out into the list and unseats an older knight. Swiftly, he brings the man's empty horse to Lancelot. Lavain: Mount up, my friend, and run them off! Lance: Give me your hand! Narr 2: In agony, Lancelot swings up and onto the horse. In full persuit, he manages to drive the knights back behind the barrier. Narr 1: A cheer explodes from the crowd. Bugles proclaim the disguised knight as champion. Arthur: (standing, loudly) You who wears the sleeve of scarlet, advance and claim your prize! Lance: (gasping) No. My prize is death. I go now to recieve it. Narr 2: With his last strength, Lancelot joins Lavaine. They ride far into the surrounding woods. Later, they stop. Lance: (weakly) Help me from the saddle, for I fade. Lavaine: (doing so) Rest here; then I will take you to Shalott. Lance: First pull the spearhead out of my side. Lavaine: But that will kill you! Lance: I die anyway. Do it! Narr 1: The younger man pulls with all his might, spilling the knight's blood. Lancelot utters a loud, chilling cry, then passes out. Narr 2: At the sound, an old woman, a hermit, appears. She sees the knight's grave state. Wise Woman: (to Lavaine) Take him into my cave. I have hebs to stop the blood and purge the wound. But be warned: Such an injury may be the end of him.
Narr 1: Back at Camelot, the king is baffled by the victor's fight. Arthur: where has he gone? Kniht 1: We've searched fields and woods but cannot find him. Arthur: He could not have gotten far with a spearhead in his side. Knight 1: Some men defy what would undo another. Arthur: For his sake, I pray that may be so. As for the diamond- if he will not claim his prize, then we must take it to him. Go seek again, and do not cease in your quest until you have delivered the prize! Narr 2: The knight leaves. Arthur: (to himself) What if the mystery man was Lancelot? Suppose he has ridden away to die? Guin: (entering) How did the jousts go, my lord? Arthur: M'lady, are you feeling better? Now [i]I[/i] am sick at heart Guin: What ails you? Arthur: Tell me, do you know where Lancelot is? Guin: Why, he was with you at the tournament-wasn't he? Arthur: No. There was a knight who [i]seemed[/i] like him, but- Guin: That likeness [i]was[/i] Lancelot. Arthur: How do you know? Guin: He told me he wanted to win without scaring off his opponents. By disguising himself and waging a fairer fight, he hoped to bring you greater glory. Arthur: Glory feel I none. For he was mortally wounded and fled the field. He's missing. Guin: (gasping) No! Narr 1: The queen struggles to be calm and not reveal her love. Guin: He is strong. With God's help, he will recover. (to herself) [i]He must![/i] Arthur: I do hope so. He has much to live for. You see, I believe our knight is no longer a lonely heart. Guin: What do you mean? Arthur: He wore a lady's favor at the joust-some fair maiden's gift. Narr 2: Guinevere pales but chokes back her jealousy. Guin: Then your hopes are mine. Narr 1: The queen takes to her chamber alone, tormented by the thought of Lancelot's turning his affection to another woman. Guin: (lovesick) Traitor!
Narr 2: For days, the knight entrusted with the diamond searches for Lancelot. Finally, he stumbles on Shallot. When Bernard shows him into the castle, the Lily Maid recognizes his colors as those of Camelot. Elaine: Have you news from the joust? What happand to the knight with the red sleeve? Knight 1: He won, lady. But he parted with a deathly wound. Narr 1: Elaine gasps. Knight 1: Do you know this man? I have been riding in search of him. Bernard: Search no more. We may not be sure of his name, but he left his shield here and no doubt will return for it soon. Narr 2: The knight is invited to wait at Shalott. Elaine's beauty does not escape his notice. He meets her in the courtyard garden and entertains her with songs about Camelot. Narr 1: Soon, he has fallen in love. But Elaine does not feel the same. Elaine: I thought you were curios about the mystery knight, The markings on his shield might reveal his identity. Don't you want to see it? Knight 1: Only if you want me to. Narr 2: When she shows it to the knight, he recognizes the crest. Knight 1: This is Lancelot's! Elaine: The greatest knight of all? (dreamily) I have prayed for this! Knight 1: You sound as if you are in love with him. Elaine: I have spent my whole lif with brothers, and mother have I none. I know little of true love. Yet, I do know this: If I don't love [i]him[/i], I'll surely never love another. Knight 1: Then far be it from me to come between you. Here. Take this diamond, and give it to him when he returns. For if your love is true, it will be sweet to give it to him. If [i]he[/i] loves you, it will be sweet to recieve it. And whether you love each other or not- a diamond is still a diamond! Narr 1: Kissing Elaine's hand, the knight takes his leave for home. Elaine: Farewell. Perhaps one day you shall see me at Camelot.
Narr 2: When he has gone, Elaine stares at the diamond in her hand. Elaine: Now it is up to me to find Lancelot and give him his prize! Narr 1: She seeks out Bernard. Elaine: Father, I lose my wits with worry for Lavaine and Lancelot. I beg you, let me try to find them. BernardL They will return soon. Elaine: I dreamed Lancelot was all but dead. I [i]must[/i] find him and heal him. It is a maiden's duty when she's lent a knight her token. Bernard: You don't know where they are. And even if you did, you know you can't leave here. Elaine: I will blindfold myself against the curse. And I'll take Torre as a guide. Please let me go! Bernard: I fear no good in this. But go if you must, willful girl. Narr 2: The next morning, Elaine and her brother set off, he in the saddle, she behind, blindfolded. Narr 1: After searching for half a day, they find Lavaine hunting. Lavaine: Sister, brother! Torre: Elaine insisted we find you. Elaine: How fares the knight? Narr 2: Lavaine leads them inside the hermit's cave. Unwrapping her ees, Elaine is shocked to see Lancelot lying half-conscious. Elaine: He is thin, so pale! Woman: I have given him remedies of leaf and vine. Now only matters of the heart will cure him. Elaine: (kneeling) Sweet knight, I have brought you your prize. Narr 1: She puts the diamond in his hand, In his fevered state, he believes Elaine is his beloved Queen Guinevere. Lance: (kissing her hand) You are all the prize I need. Narr 2: Overcome with joy, Elaine vows to cure him. She stays constantly at the knight's side and nurses hs wound. Finally, he comes out of his delirium. Lance: The Lady of Shalott? But where is-? Elaine: Shh. I am here, my lord. All is well. Rest yourself. Lance: (irratable) I've done nothing [i]but[/i] rest! Let me up! Narr 1: Unable to return Elaine's affection, Lancelot gorws more discourteous. For days she bears his foul mood and abrupt words but nearly goes crazy with grief. Elaine: (to herself) He doesn't love me. But I cannot [i]live[/i] without his love! The grave would be sweeter! Narr 2: Seeing her upset, the hermit speaks up. Woman: Fie, Sir Knight, unrough your tongue. This lady's fine care has pulled you though. Lance: (kindlier) Dear girl, thanks to you, I am stronger now. Take your brothers and return home. I will come soon to collect my shield. Elaine: You will find it polished. Lance: You have helped to save my life, what can I give you in return? Narr 1: Elaine hesitates. Lance: Anything. Just name it. Elaine: (bursting out) I am nearly mad with love for you! Give me your love, and I will be your wife! Lance: (troubled) Had I wanted to be wed, I would have married long ago, But now... I cannot... Elaine: Never mind. I just want to be with you, to serve you and follow you in the world. Lance: Nay, ten times nay. I am mor than twice your age. Yours is not love but the first flashes of youth. (gently) Someday you will find a man more fitting. If he is poor, I will give you land, and I will stand beside you in any quarrel. But more than that, I cannot do. Narr 2: Dizzy with heartbreak, the Lady of Shalott passes out. Her brothers bear her home.
Narr 1: For days, the maid lies in her tower and will not eat ro speak. Bernard in concerned. Bernard: (to sons) She is consumed with this idol of her fantasies. We must not let her see him again. Narr 2: But the lady worsens. She begins to sing a haunting song. Elaine: [i]Sweet is true love though given in vain, / And sweet is death with its end to pain. / I would follow love, if that could be. / But death's dark gloom doth call to me.[/i] Narr 1: The next week, Lancelot returns to Shalott to claim his shiled. In her mirror, Elaine sees him ride up. His helmet still sports a bit of her tattered sleeve. Elaine: To gaze intop his eyes one last time is all I live for. Narr 2: Quickly, she dresses and fixes her hair. Below, her father greets Lancelot. Bernard: Please I ask you, do not give the smallest encouragement to Elaine. Be rude if you must, but break her passion so she may get over this crush. Lance: I will do what I can. Let me retrieve my shiled from her- Torre: No. We will fetch it for you. Narr 1: Lavaine goes to her tower. Lavaine: Good sister, Lancelot has come for his shield. Elaine: Why does he not come get it himself? Lavaine: He will not. Elaine: (angry, frantic) Will not? Not even that small act? Then let him catch it, for all I care! Narr 2: She rips off the velvet case and heaves the shield down the stairs. It clatters on rough stone. Lavaine: Sister, you wrong him! ElaineLLeave me! Go away. Narr 1: Lavaine runs for the shield. Elaine acts possesed. Elaine: Am I never to see him again? Is this the end, then? Narr 2: shortly, Lancelot appears in her mirror again, carrying his scratched shield and ready to begin his journy back to Camelot. Elaine: Will he no offer even one last good-bye, one last glance? Narr 1: crazed, she paces round the room. Once, twice, thrice. Still he does not look to her window. Elaine: How now! no little wave, no small farwell?! Narr 2: slowly, he rides off apace. Then taking the piece off her from his helmet, he lets it fall to the ground. Narr 1: Elaine can stand it no more- her confinement, the love cut off. She circles the room, pacing like a wild woman. Elaine: I must see him! Narr 2: In desparation, she piles baskets and chests against the wall and climbs to her forbidden window. Throwing open the casement, she leans out and looks at Lancelot. In so doing, gazes directly at Camelot. Narr 1: The knight hears the window open above, but he forces himself not to turn around. Elaine: (in deseration) Lancelot!!! Narr 2: Instantly, a wild wind whips in through the window. The Lady's mirror cracks and shatters. Slivers of glass fly about the room. Her weaving unravels in chaos. Narr 1: Teetering on her pile of baskets, Elaine loses her balance. Like a brittle branch in a raging storm, she is dashed to the floor. Narr 2: Before she strikes, she utters one last terrifying shriek. Elaine: The curse has come upon me!!
Narr 1: When they hear Elaine cry out, her father and brothers rush up and find her on the tower floor. Torre: I should never have taken her to him! Lavaine: I should have stayed here until he was gone! Bernard: Plague all! The curse has found her anyway! Narr 2: But Elaine is not dead. She begins to stir. Bernard: My girl! You live! (to sons) She's fevered. Get her to bed. Elaine: (delirious) Father, I've undone it! I've survived the curse! Bernard: Praise be. Now rest. Narr 1: The men stay with her till nightfall, then leave her asleep.
Narr 2: In the middle of the night, Elaine awakens and sees the moon shining through her window. Elaine: the curse has worn itself out! Now my luck will change. Narr 1: A moonbeam rests on the velvet case she had embroidered for Lancelot's shield. Elaine: I should never have treated his shield so poorly! I must take the case to him and apologize. Narr 2: In haste, she scribbles a note and steals down the tower stairs. Running barefoot in the night, she cannot feel the cold. Narr 1: The lady finds the shred of sleeve where Lancelot dropped it and plucks the cloth off the ground Elaine: I shall put this and the letter inside the case. Narr 2: By the river, under a willow tree, she comes upon a shallow boat. Finding a piece of charcoal, she writes [i]The Lady of Shalott[/i] around the prow Narr 1: As if in a trance, the maid loosens the chain, gets inside, and pushes off. She floats with the tide toward Camelot. In the frigid hours before dawn, she sinks down in the narrow boat and clutches her velvet case, singing her song. Elaine: [i]Sweet is true love though givenin vain. / And sweet is death with its end in pain...[/i] Narr 2: Chanting lowly, she winds her way toward Castle Camelot. Elaine: [i]... I would follow love, if that could be / But death's dark gloom doth call to me.[/i] Narr 1: As she floats on, ever so slowly, the night cold freezes her blood. The Lily Maid's sad eyes darken. And on the drifting tide, the Lady of Shalott quietly dies.
Narr 2: Early the next morning at Camelot, Lancelot arranges to meet Guinevere in the garden. He has been gone for weeks. Lance: (kneeling) Dear queen, I have come back to you. Narr 1: Guinevere, silent as a statue, says nothing. Lance: Did you hear? I have won the ninth diamond. I have waited a long time for this day. (extending hand) All nine gems I give to you as tokens of my love. Guin: (bitterly) Tokens of rumors. Lance: what rumors? Guin: That you have taken a lady. Lance: I have not. Though in truth, one has been taken with me. Narr 2: For weeks the queen has nursed her hidden pain and envy. Sunddenly, she flies into a rage. Guin: Then it's a good thing our bond is not one of man and wife, for it is easier broken when sour! Lance: Lady, my heart is [i]yours[/i] alone! Take these gems please. Guin:Give them to your new fancy. Sew them to your maidens pearly red sleeve! Narr 1: The queen grabs the gems. Guin: On second thought-the maid shall not have them either. Narr 2: In fury, she flings the diamonds down the hill to the river and storms off. Narr 1: Lancelot's wide eyes follow the diamonds. As if in slow motion, the gems slip beneath the water, lost forever. Few thoughts come to his mind save these: Lance: (to himself) this is what our love has come down to?-jealousy? I'd have done better to love the Lily Maid. Narr 2: As he stands there in sad confusion, a shallow boat glides into view and comes to rest on the shores of Camelot.
Narr 1: At the dock, a curious crowd assembles. Lancelot joins thm and peers down into the narrow boat. Lying in the bottom, perfectly still, is a beautiful maiden, pale as death herself. Knight 2: (reading prow) "The Lady of Shalott." Narr 2: Lancelot is stunned. Knight 2: She's dead. Narr 1: The king is summoned Knight 2: Look, she clutches a sack of some kind. The symbols match your crest, Lancelot. And there's something inside. Narr 2: Arthur takes the note. Arthur: (reading) "Most noble lord, Sir Lancelot of the Lake-I, the Lady of Shalott, have come to take my farewell of you. I loved you true, even though my love had no return. Pray for my soul, as you are a night beyond compare." Lance: It is true, she loved me. But i did not urge the flames. Her father and brothers will tell you. Arthur: Such a beauty. One might have thought she was born for you, Lancelot. She could have cured your loneliness, knight, and brought glory to your name. Lance: My name shames me now. Arthur: See that she is buried honorably, here in Camelot. Narr 1: Lancelot lifts Elaine from the boat and carries her to the churchyard. Lance: (looking at her) You loved me with a heart more tender than my queen's. Narr 2: He set her body gently down in a crypt. Lance: You have a lovely face. Pray your soul? Aye-God in his mercy, grant your grace, dear Lady of Shalott.
Gotta admit, i love this change. to chase you instead of you chase me.
Eileen,
I like you a lot. Your all I've been thinking about all day. It's crazy. I told Joni today. I don't want to hurt her, but she said she can get over me OK, and she won't be too sad. I want to wait for you. Wait for you to Finish with Travis.
At first I was selfish. i thought if I sacrificed, you'd just want me. for a sacrifice, I got Saturday totally off. i got it totally off for you. But... It'd be wrong of me to take you from travis. You were 'courting' him. I'll escourt you guys if you still want me to. You can still come over to my house and watch a movie. But... you two can have the rest of the date.
Collide
Open up your box of sunshine Smile as confetti comes raining down on you You feel a lot like the good guy, but do you know why Everything's so blue?
Well, love is fire and the coals are barely burning Cold fills the emptiness that fills this empty place I taught you to walk but then you ran away from me and that's not how it's supposed to be
I I collide, with love as an elusive state fo mind I know there's something else it's supposed to be I, I collide with love as an elusive state fo mind Something's killing me!
Tearful confessions have watered down and broken down the chance for unrequitered love to finally reach its wall your waiting for the axe to fall can't you see it lying there on the ground?
You could be the best one at cleaning up this mess be the best one, be the best one...
yea, well, i tried to call you from work. I called at 9:45 and you were already sleeping. you almost stayed up til 12:30, huh? lol. just messing around. I was calling because i wanted to tell you so very badly about taking saturday off. now that I've thought about it all day, it isn't a big deal. I don't know.
Maybe I'm just feeling dramatic tonight. I walked home from work for the first time. it was such a great night. it was cloudy, and very very windy. perfect dramatic weather. It didn't rain, which made it even better. i took my coat off and skipped, and danced home listining to Jars of Clay. They rock totally harder than you ever knew. o- btw. i chose to walk home. i wasn't very productive at work, because my mind was on other things, so i needed an escape. i kinda ran from the store. it was great. o- well. i fit a ' + Aric ' on a hamburger tonight... lol.. ahh.. I'm sorry... I know, the deal with travis. i'm just about to explode with emotions. ahh... grr.... right. so... I really really like you. please call me or something. at least respond to me. I don't know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I~miss~ you~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aric
P.S. 8 x 7 (8 (really 8.5) hours times 7 dollers an hour) = 56 dollers, minus tax, so you owe me around 47 dollers.
