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The Cub Becomes a Lion
Characters King Henry VII – early 50s, but old before his time in mind and body alike. He has controlled his son’s life and livelihood at every point up to this one. Prince Henry (Henry VIII) – his son; a large, handsome 17-year old, in love with Catherine. An eaglet fighting to fly the nest. Catherine of Aragon – a Spanish princess, living in poverty at the English court. In love with Prince Henry; they have not seen each other alone for three years. Place and Time King Henry’s study, Richmond Palace, England, fall 1508. Lights up on King sitting in chair at Knock heard on door offstage.
KING
Enter.
You’re late. When I tell you 10 o’clock, I mean ten o’clock at my time, not at “Prince of Wales” time. PRINCE Yes, your Majesty. KING You see anyone here but us? No? Then why the formality? PRINCE Sorry, father. KING Better. Now, pay attention to what I’m about to tell you – come closer boy, I can’t talk to you when you’re halfway out the door.
Better. As I was about to say, I have very good news. News that concerns you, that will make you very happy. I have received a letter from the German Emperor – are you listening?
Good. As I was about to say, the Emperor has agreed to have you marry his granddaughter, Princess Eleanor. This marriage is a great coup for me, Harry. With one marriage, I will have secured an alliance that will protect England for years to come. With the Emperor’s support, I’ll be able to teach that bastard Ferdinand a lesson he’ll never forget. The King of Aragon will never double-cross me again! PRINCE How old is Princess Eleanor? KING I don’t recall giving you permission to speak. PRINCE May I have your permission to speak, father? KING Granted. PRINCE How old is Princess Eleanor? KING 9. PRINCE I am 17 – KING So? You can find a milkmaid if you’re eager to diddle around. PRINCE That wasn’t the reason – KING I don’t recall inviting you to argue. PRINCE Sorry, father. KING At any rate, my decision is final. The treaty –
Has already been worked out. All I need is your signature, agreeing to marry Eleanor, and it’s done.
PRINCE Permission to speak, father? KING Granted. PRINCE I am betrothed to Princess Catherine. I have been betrothed to her for 5 years, and – KING A mere formality, boy. Betrothals get broken all the time. Your sister’s had 3 men vow to marry her, and she’s only 13. PRINCE My sister hasn’t met these men. I have met Catherine. I have known her for 7 years. KING I know. That’s why you’re going to break the news to her yourself. Oh come now, boy, don’t look so glum. You should have known I wasn’t going to let you marry the King of Aragon’s daughter. He’s cheated me out of her dowry – 200,000 ducats, boy! You expect me to give you up in marriage to a pauper? PRINCE With all due respect, father – KING I did not give you permission to reply. PRINCE You have made her a pauper. KING That’s enough. I’ve sent for the Princess, she’ll be here shortly. I’m going to be listening behind the curtain. You will tell her that your betrothal is ended, that you’ve decided you will marry Princess Eleanor, and that she will be leaving England shortly. Is that understood, Harry?
Is that understood? PRINCE Yes, your Majesty. KING Father, please. PRINCE She is coming here, your Majesty? KING Do not tell her I’m here. I hope you have enough brains to manage that.
Your cue. Do as you’re told, boy.
PRINCE
Enter.
CATHERINE
Harry! My dear lord – I thought the King had sent for me. But it’s you!
You have something to tell me? PRINCE I do. Catherine, as you know we have been betrothed for 5 years. I am fond of you, it’s true, and it’s difficult for me to inform you of this. You must understand that what I am about to tell you is for the good of my country, nothing else. Do you believe me?
CATHERINE I believe you, your Highness. PRINCE I have decided that I will marry the Princess Eleanor of Austria. The treaty has already been arranged, and I intend to be betrothed to her soon. As such, our courtship is at an end. CATHERINE Oh God – HARRY The King has decided that you will return to Spain as soon as possible. I – I hope you will be kind enough to obey his request. CATHERINE
And is this also your Highness’ request? PRINCE
It is. And it is for the best, Catherine. You will be able to marry another, more suitable Prince once you return – CATHERINE I would rather die than return to Spain without you. You know that all too well. PRINCE I am sorry to hear you say that. As I said, I am…fond of you, and will miss you dearly. But I am a Prince, and Princes – they have a duty... I hope you will forgive me. CATHERINE I will obey your Highness’ command. I ask only that your father the King look after my servants, to see that they return safely to Spain. I will not go with them. PRINCE
Catherine, please don’t – CATHERINE When God took your brother from me, it became my mother’s wish to marry you instead. My mother is in Heaven now, and I hope shortly to join her – for you see, without you…
You promised – Enrique, soy soyu!
PRINCE I love you!
I love you forever and ever, and you will not go, I will not let you go, you are mine in the eyes of God, and they could break my limbs on the rack, but I won’t let you go!
KING This is not in the script.
I should have known better to trust a lovesick boy with matters of state. Princess, your stay in England is ended. My son’s betrothal to you is broken – PRINCE By whose authority, Majesty, are my vows to Catherine broken? KING Excuse us. The Prince and I have something to discuss. PRINCE She has a right to be here, it’s her future – KING Out!
PRINCE Please excuse us, my love.
KING What in God’s name were you thinking?! What will the Emperor say when he finds out his granddaughter isn’t wanted by her Prince? PRINCE She will be able to marry another, more suitable Prince. KING Don’t mock me, boy. PRINCE I am not a boy! I am a man. I am a grown man. KING I did not give you permission – PRINCE To speak. I’m afraid that you lost that prerogative when you hid behind the curtain. I spoke to her, didn’t I? I told her what you wanted me to, didn’t I? But my God, did you expect me to just stand there and watch her heart break? KING Princes do not marry for love. PRINCE An alliance with the King of Aragon is hardly for love. KING She is your brother’s widow. PRINCE The Pope says otherwise. I’m free to marry her – KING Not while I’m here!
You will sign the treaty, and you will do it right now. You’ll marry Eleanor, understood? PRINCE I understand your wishes very clearly.
KING
Sign it.
PRINCE Your wishes, father, are not mine.
KING I’ll have you whipped for this. PRINCE Find a man in this court who will whip his future King, and I’ll show you a hung traitor the moment you’re gone.
I know what I’m capable of. When I go out, the people cheer me – when did they last cheer you? When I joust, I flatten every man I face – and you hide in your room counting money. I know more Latin and Greek, more of law and religion, more of philosophy and the stars – at 17 – than you have ever, and will ever, know! So go ahead and yoke me to Eleanor. Lie to the Emperor and tell him I agreed. As God is my witness, the moment I am King is the moment that marriage is over. KING
Ingrate! Traitor! PRINCE What, will you throw me in the Tower? Who would dare lay their hands on me?
I’m all you’ve got. King lunges at Prince, who blocks strike. Prince Oh my God, that’s blood. Black blood, that’s what Arthur was coughing up…You’re dying. KING
Go away!
I don’t pray to you often. But God, if you can hear me…make my son’s reign a living Hell. Blackout |
