Trial of Alfred
A musical tragedy
[Serena(or Navy)] King Arthur's knights, they filled the table round. Save for one who stood before them. For once without a weapon. For once he stood in shame. The trials charge was treason, and betrayal of an oath. And should his guilt be proven, death would fall on traitors both! The knights would council Arthur's hard decision... And Alfred, his head held high said, "I'm tried for love of Seychelles. My crime was love."
(Serena looks sadly at tapestry of the Trial of Alfred.)
(Serena) The first to speak was Wang with sharpet tongue,'He is a man like any other. The word of kings command him, his heart does not obey. For all his strength and boldness, this knight's spirit is too weak. His crime has no excuses, and no favors may he seek! The laws of kings don't bend and can't be broken."
And Alfred, his head held high, said,"I stand for love of Seychelles. For pride in love."
(Serena stares at the tapestry with tears falling from her blue eyes.)
(Serena) "I know this knight right well," spoke bold young Ivan. "And he has ever stood beside me. With steel he's answered insults, defended chivalry. And oft this man contended for the honor of your wife. His actions were not proper, but dhould not cost him his life! His service past should earn of you some mercy." And Alfred, his head held high, said, "I fought for love of Seychelles. I'll fight for love."
(Serena casts her mind back to when she witnessed from her disguise as a knight to the trial and the exucution.)
(Serena) Young Peter spoke, "I love my brother's wife. For her I gladly suffer. She is my hearts delight. Ivanna, the one who tempts me. And she for whom I'm pure. My love of her confounds me, and is all of which I'm sure. I understand my brother's contradictions..."
And Alfred, his head held high, said,"I cry my love for Seychelles. I've cried for love."
(Serena runs out of museum, sobbing as song continues by instruments. She sits on park bench with head in her hands.)
(Serena)And Alfred, his head held high, said, "I lie in love with Seychelles. I've lied for love."
As Arthur wept, he called the wrath of Heaven on the lovers who'd betrayed him: on the knight he had called 'brother', thought worthy of his trust. On the queen who'd hid deception, yet could say she loved him still. For lost innocence and beauty and injustice for their guilt! King Arthur knew the only price for treason.
And Alfred, his head held high said, "I'll die in love with Seychelles. I'd die for love."
(Song ends and Serena is left crying on the bench.)
(Serena) Why does it hurt so badly still if happened many years ago?
