Les Huguenots - 1971

History

Characters

Marguerite de Valois, Queen of Navarre and sister of King Charles IX of France

Valentine, daughter of Count de Saint-Bris and maid of honor to Marguerite

Urbain, page to Marguerite

Catholic noblemen
Count de Saint-Bris
Count de Nevers
Maurevert

Raoul de Nangis, Huguenot nobleman

Marcel, Huguenot soldier and servant to Raoul

Bois-Rosé, Huguenot soldier

Catholic and Huguenot noblemen, ladies of the court, servants, townspeople, Catholic and Huguenot soldiers, students, gypsies, archers, magistrates, monks.

Synopsis

The action takes place in August 1572, the first act in Touraine, the second and third acts in Paris. Approximately one week elapses between acts.

At the time of the action, France witnesses an uneasy truce between the Catholic faction, headed by Queen-Mother Catherine de Medicis, and the Huguenot faction, led by Admiral Gaspard de Coligny.

Act I, Scene I

A hall in the castle of the Count de Nevers in Touraine. The count, a dashing cavalier, is surrounded by his friends whom he leads in a praise of youth and its pleasures. One guest is still to join them, Raoul de Nangis, a young nobleman who has just obtained an officer’s commission through the influence of Coligny, the Protestant leader. As the others show consternation at the prospect of meeting a Huguenot, Nevers, a moderate Catholic, begs them to treat the expected guest as a friend. King Charles himself has set the example of reconciliation, and the leaders of the two religious factions have sworn eternal peace. The guests receive these comments with ironic expressions of doubt. Raoul arrives, and his serious manner elicits some critical remarks. Greeting his host courteously, Raoul acknowledges the honor that he, a simple, little-known soldier, has been admitted into this brilliant circle. His sincere though rather naïve words make a favorable impression upon those present, with the exception of one who scoffs at Raoul’s provincial style. Meanwhile a table has been set, and everyone joins in a lively drinking song.

As the feast is progressing, Nevers calls on his companions to toast their mistresses. When he intimates that Raoul’s attitude seems to be that of a man in love, the latter responds in some confusion. As for himself, Nevers remarks, he expects to marry soon and can then no longer satisfy the many ladies of the court who pursue him with hteir amorous demands. The guests propose that all present recount their latest adventures, and Nevers asks Raoul as the newcomer to lead off. Raoul accedes, declaring that his recital cannot compromise his beloved since he does not even know he saved the young beauty from a mob of rowdy students, how she responded with a smile of heavenly promise, and how he, too shy to express his feelings in words, vowed to himself that his love for her would never cease.

Amused, Nevers and his friends acknowledge the charm of Raoul’s candor, but their attention is diverted by the arrival of Marcel, an old soldier who is both servant and mentor to Raoul. Marcel, a fanatic Protestant, reprimands Raoul for his impious company, and Raoul, much more moderately inclined, asserts with some embarrassment that the old soldier, brought up in mortal fear of sin, the pope, and hell, is courageous and faithful, though inflexible. Prevented by Raoul from making further comments, Marcel commences to serve at the table, but is interrupted by one of the noblemen who recognizes Marcel as a soldier he met in combat at La Rochelle. With great pride, Marcel acknowledges that he was responsible for wounding the nobleman. The latter asks Marcel to join him in drinking to the good fight, but the old soldier refuses. However, when prompted by the guests, he agrees to sing for them and intones a fiery Huguenot air directed against mons and seductive women. While Raoul listens in helpless embarrassment, the young Catholics remain unruffed and even applaud Marcel with good-humored irony.

A valet enters and, at a sign from Nevers, approaches him and speaks a few words into this ear. Nevers exclaims with contempt that the visitor, a lady from the court, can wait. Again the valet speaks guardedly to his master, who reacts this time with great surprise. Hearing that the visitor is waiting in the chapel, Nevers excuses himself from his guests and leaves the room followed by the valet. Their curiosity aroused, the noblemen find they can spy upon Nevers and his visitor through a small window through the window normally covered by a curtain. One after another, they glance through the window, exclaiming over the youth and beauty of the unknown. With a tinge of envy, they acknowledge Nevers’ luck of having won so lovely a mistress. Finally Raoul, yielding to some taunting reference to his Protestant rectitude, approaches the window. Viewing the scene in the chapel, he utters a startled cry. To his dismay, he has recognized the young lady whom he had saved. Unable to contain himself in front of the others, he exclaims that love has betrayed him by letting him give his heart to a mistress of Nevers. Enraged, he wants to leave at once, but is prevented from doing so by the others who comment on his lot with mock regret.

Nevers returns lost in thought. Oblivious of his guests, he muses about the visitor. It was his fiancée, a maid of honor at the court of the King’s sister. Advised by the latter to call on him, his fiancée has begged to be released from a marriage engagement entered upon at her father’s command. Nevers has acceded to this request, although he is hurt very deeply since he had developed a strong attachment to his fiancée. Not aware of Nevers’ experience, his friends have observed his preoccupation. One of them finally interrupts the reverie, and Nevers, too proud to reveal his feelings, quickly calls on the guests to resume the feast.

At the moment, the page Urbain enters, and Nevers hastens to divert everyone’s attention to the new arrival. In a letter from Queen Marguerite of Navarre, Raoul is asked to the royal court to partake in an important project. Raoul is so overcome by this summons that his grievous disappointment is temporarily driven from his mind. He hands the letter to Marcel, who throws it on the table in dismay and warns his master not to collaborate with the Catholics. The letter is picked up by one of the guests and passed along to exclamations of surprise. Only Nevers, prey to a recurrent preoccupation, does not share in the general excitement. While Raoul reads the letter again and again in mute bewilderment, the noblemen crowd around him and toast to his good fortune. Finally, the page leads Raoul away against Marcel’s entreaties, and the latter follows reluctantly.

Act I, Scene II

An open space in the gardens of Chenonceaux Castle in Touraine. Queen Marguerite is engaged in her morning toilette, assisted by her maids of honor and the page Urbain, who kneels before her holding a mirror and looking at her with adoring eyes. Marguerite pays a glowing tribute to the charms of nature and the miracles of love. While her entourage echoes her words, Urbain rises and flits amorously among the ladies, trying to steal a kiss here and there. At last, Marguerite’s toilette is finished and Urbain comments on her beauty, complaining that he is nothing but a page – faithful, reserved and submissive. Smiling, the Queen retorts that her ladies do not quite share this opinion.

At this moment, Valentine de Saint-Bris, another maid of honor, approaches. While the page praises Valentine’s beauty, the Queen observes that the girl appears deeply troubled. Dismissing her ladies, she welcomes Valentine, who advances timidly. Valentine reports on her visit to Nevers, and the Queen, satisfied with the expected result, sends Urbain away. She then reveals to Valentine her hope to arrange another marriage engagement for her presently. Noticing Valentine’s confusion, Marguerite inquires smilingly about her feelings for Raoul. With a reaction close to terror, the girl replies that she dare not love Raoul because of her father’s hatred for the Huguenots. Marguerite counters that she has spoken to Saint-Bris to explain his daughter’s visit to Nevers and her own plans. Eager to conform to the Queen’s wishes, he has promised to moderate his religious fanaticism. Hearing that Raoul is expected soon, Valentine anxiously begs permission to withdraw. Her request is granted by the Queen who desires to meet the visitor at first alone.

Left to herself, Marguerite invokes the aid of a higher power in behalf of her mission for peace and happiness. The page returns with Raoul, who greets the Queen with courteous deference. Leaving reluctantly at Marguerite’s command, Urbain expresses his envy at the visitor’s good fortune. Marguerite now calls on Raoul’s loyalty, and the latter, in fervent words, pledges unquestioning obedience to the Queen. Momentarily diverted from her purpose by Raoul’s youthful fervor, Marguerite muses that he would be an easy conquest; however, she quickly reaffirms her devotion to the trusting Valentine. Turning back to Raoul, the Queen tells him of her mission in behalf of religious tolerance and her marriage plans for him. Hearing that Saint-Bris, a lont-time religious opponent, is glad to accept him the Queen’s wishes after a moment of hesitation. Elated by this response, Marguerite declares that, in return, she will attach Raoul to her person. Raoul kisses her hand in gratitude. Urbain who has appeared unseen by the others, sighs that the Queen shows her kindness to everyone but himself. He then announces the arrival of the court.

Noblemen of both faiths, ladies of the court, and the Queen’s entourage make their entrance. Among the nobles is the Count de Saint-Bris accompanied by his friend Maurevert. Declaring that she wishes the court to be witness to a marriage engagement, the Queen introduces Raoul to Saint-Bris. While Marcel enters unobtrusively, a messenger approaches Marguerite with a note from her brother, Charles IX, asking Saint-Bris to see him in Paris and to report to him on political matters. Saint-Bris expresses his obedience to the King’s wishes. At Marguerite’s request, the nobles of both faiths join in a pledge of peace and brotherhood. Only Marcel, standing by himself, insists on continuing the religious struggle.

Marguerite now announces the entrance of the bride, and Maurevert, who had left shortly before, returns with the veiled Valentine. Saint-Bris presents his daughter to Raoul. As she raises her veil, Raoul cries out in startled recognition. He violently refuses to marry Valentine, declaring that his honor has been offended by having her presented to him as his future wife. The assembled court reacts with stunned surprise. Saint-Bris and Maurevert vent their fury and vow revenge. The Queen voices consternation and anger. Valentine asks brokenly what she has done to deserve such a shameful fate. Only Marcel is satisfied with the turn of events and praises Raoul’s courage. When Marguerite asks Raoul to explain himself, he declines to give a reason for his action but reiterates his refusal, blaming Saint-Bris for attempting to compromise his honor. The excitement grows until swords are drawn. Enraged, the Queen orders an officer to disarm Raoul, telling Saint-Bris, at the same time, to leave on his errand for the King. Raoul starts to follow Saint-Bris, but Marguerite commands him to remain by her side. As the opposing parties resume their threats, the Queen orders the assembled court to withdraw. Amid the general confusion, Saint-Bris and Maurevert prepare to leave with the disconsolate Valentine, who laments that, having lost Raoul’s love as well as her honor, she faces a life without happiness and hope.

Act II

A public park in Paris bordering on the Seine. In the middle ground two small taverns flanked by benches. In the background a Catholic church. Huguenot soldiers with their female drinking companions sit on one side of the stage, while Catholic students and their girls sit on the other. Townspeople promenade about, enjoying the afternoon and extolling the pleasures of Sunday, the day of carefree rest. Maurevert enters in conversation with another nobleman. In answer to the latter’s question, he relates that Nevers, hearing of Valentine’s rejection, has asked again for her hand. Continuing their conversation, the two noblemen lose themselves in the crowd.

At this moment, the Huguenot soldiers intone a vigorous refrain, imitating with their hands the roll of drums. In a chorus led by Bois-Rosé, they sing of the fortunes of war and of its spoils. With great enthusiasm, they voice their affection for their leader, the “father” Coligny. The mood changes as a group of chanting Catholic girls appears forming part of a solemn procession. Accompanied by their relatives and friends, Nevers and Valentine approach the church. A soldier, with glass in hand and slightly inebriated, rises and advances toward the procession. The crowd reacts with indignation and the soldier returns to his seat. However, his comrades take up the taunt by harassing the Catholics, who in turn menace the Huguenots. As tempers flare and a serious altercation threatens, a band of gypsies appears and diverts the crowd by offering their fortuning-telling art. A lively dance follows, lightening the mood still further.

Meanwhile the marriage ceremony has been concluded. Saint-Bris leaves the church together with Nevers, who tells his father-in-law that Valentine has asked to be left at the alter in prayer. He departs but will return to lead his cherished wife home in pomp. Maurevert joins Saint-Bris, who exults over this marriage which Queen Marguerite approved and which has restored his honor. However, he still thirsts for revenge. At this moment, Marcel appears with a note from his master. Both have just arrived from Touraine with the Queen. With glowing satisfaction, Saint-Bris reveals to Maurevert that Raoul has challenged him to a duel to be fought in the park later that night. Marcel, hearing this, is appaulled. He leaves to report to Raoul that his challenge has been accepted. When Saint-Bris warns Maurevert not to alert his son-in-law to the impending duel, his friend counters that Saint-Bris himself need not be exposed to any danger. He has a plan which he will divulge in the privacy of the church. Both leave as an archer appears to call out the hour of curfew. The people disperse, some entering the taverns. Night has fallen and the park is deserted.

With an air of secrecy, Saint-Bris and Maurevert leave the church. Having agreed that Maurevert will return with reinforcements, they depart. A moment later, Valentine appears in the church door. Hidden from everyone, she has overheard the plot to ambush Raoul. Horrified at this treachery, she realizes that she alone can help Raoul., but despairs at not knowing how he can be warned. Hearing footsteps, she slips away quietly. Marcel has returned to be by the side of his master. Assailed by forebodings, he vows to follow Raoul in death should the latter fall. A noise alerts him as a veiled woman emerges from the darkness. Valentine has come forth to reveal her knowledge of the impending duel and to warn that Raoul should come to the encounter only if accompanied in strength. Marcel hastens away, and Valentine pours out her passion for the man who alone lives in her heart in spite of the cruel injustice which he has inflicted upon her.

Soon Marcel returns in great agitation. He has recalled that his master is no longer at this quarters. If Raoul arrived at the appointed place during Marcel’s absence, he would be exposed to the threatening danger without defense and might perish calling in vain for support. Deciding to wait, the old soldier is troubled by doubts over his ability to help Raoul single-handedly and calls on God for assistance. As Valentine turns to leave, Marcel demands to know who she is. In ringing tones, she answers that she is a woman filled with an abiding love for Raoul whose life she values more than her own. She confesses that her sould is tormented by violently conflicting emotions and that, to save Raoul, she has betrayed both her honor and her father. Marcel is profoundly moved. Embracing the girl, he consoles and blesses her. To him, who has been taught that women are inclined to tempt men’s souls, Valentine’s action and words seem heaven-inspired. Again he tries to question her, but she escapes into the church.

As he starts to follow her, Saint-Bris and Raoul approach with their seconds. Marcel tries to warn Raoul of an impending threat, but the latter motions him away. Calling on the seconds to lay down the rules of the fight, Raoul voices his trust in destiny, a sentiment echoed by Saint-Bris and the seconds. As the latter proclaim that the duel is to be fought to the finish, Marcel implores God’s help for Raoul. Preparations for the duel progress, and some insulting remarks are made by one of the parties and countered by the other. Gloatingly, Saint-Bris expresses his confidence that Raoul will be slain. Just as the duel is to begin, Marcel cries out a warning. He has noticed the approach of Maurevert and his band of assassins. Hearing the Huguenot soldiers carousing in one of the taverns, Marcel calls on them with a thunderous voice. Soldiers and students pour forth, followed by their female companions, and a great brawl ensues in which the two factions menace each other with increasing fury.

At this moment, Queen Marguerite appears with her entourage. Dismayed that the fight between the religious parties greets her even in Paris, she demands to know the cause of the uproat. When Saint-Bris and Raoul accuse each other, Marcel steps forward and reveals the attempted ambush. He calls on Valentine who has just appeared from the church and is trying to lose herself in the crowd. Furiously, Saint-Bris steps into her path and tears the veil from her face. Aghast, he recognizes his daughter. Marguerite calls out in great surprise, and Valentine hastens to her with a cry of anguish. Raoul is thunderstruck to find that the woman, whom he had seen in a rendezvous with Nevers, has saved him from her father’s treachery. As Marguerite reveals the reason for Valentine’s visit to Nevers, Raoul curses his blind jealousy and begs abjectly for forgiveness. Wildly elated, Saint-Bris informs him of his daughter’s marriage concluded that very day. He then points to a magnificent barge which approaches on the Seine.

Nevers has come with the nuptial party to carry his wife to her new home. In tender words, he expresses his deep affection for her, and the crowd, unaware of Valentine’s tragic fate, greets the pair with wishes for a happy future. While Raoul rages against himself in helpless fury, Saint-Bris, Maurevert and his followers rejoice over the despair of their foe. At last, the nuptial party embarks and Queen Marguerite leaves with her entourage. The spectators disperse and only a few members of the opposing factions remain to continue their threats. Marcel tries to vain to console Raoul, whose eyes follow the barge with an expression of utter dejection.

Act III, Scene I

A gallery in the mansion of the Count de Nevers in Paris. A large door at the back, a smaller door at each side. A window faces the street. Valentine is alone. Filled with despair, she prays that God erase from her memory the image of Raoul which follows her everywhere. Suddenly, Raoul appears in the room. He has come to see her for the last time. Valentine begs him to flee before her father and her husband, his implacable enemies, find him. Raoul refuses to leave in the face of this danger. However, when voices are heard, Valentine implores him to hide for the sake of her honor and he slips behind a tapestry. Valentine goes into an adjoining room, keeping the door partially open. Saint-Bris, Nevers, and several other Catholic noblemen enter. In solemn tones, Saint-Bris declares that he has called them together at the King’s behest to reveal a sacred plan which was conceived by Queen-Mother Catherine de Medicis but hwihch had not been decided upon until this very day. Asked by Saint-Bris whether they will join him in delivering the country from the scourge of recurring wars and in destroying their religious enemies, the noblemen pledge their support. Saint-Bris then proclaims that the time has come to eradicate the Huguenots forever. Those assembled are to take part in the execution of the heretics whom God has condemned.

While Nevers expresses his horror at the planned massacre, the other noblemen vow to serve in the sacred cause. Still hidden, Valentine prays that Raoul may be saved from the impending bloodbath. As the others pledge their loyalty to the King, Nevers declares that he is ready to meet the enemy in open combat but is not willing to stoop to murder. With great dignity, he points to the portraits of his ancestors, which include many soldiers but no assassins. Breaking his sword in front of Saint-Bris, he asks God to judge between them. Saint-Bris opens the door at the back and admits a group of magistrates and civic leaders who are commanded by Maurevert. As he orders his son-in-law to be seized and kept under guard until the following day, Valentine, aware of the growing peril to the hidden Raoul, invokes God’s mercy again.

Domniating the assembled crowd, Saint-Bris issues his commands for the massacre. As the first victim, Coligny is to be slain in his home. A ball given by the Huguenots in honor of the King and Queen of Navarre is to be invaded by the killers. The tolling of a bell will be the alert for the general slaughter, which is to commence at the sound of a second bell. Motioning the others to wait for him, Saint-Bris leaves the room. An ominous silence ensues, and Valentine, sensing her complete helplessness in the face of Raoul’s peril of discovery, commends him to God’s graces. Withdrawing into her room, she closes the door almost completely.

Saint-Bris returns accompanied by three monks carrying a number of white scarves. In solemn accents, the monks bless the swords of the assembled. Pointing to the white scarf which he wears, Saint-Bris declares that it is the symbol of the chosen. Together with the monks, he proclaims extinctin upon every heretic, be it a defeated soldier, an old man, a woman, or a child. Responding with growing fervor, the men brandish their swords and daggers. As the excitement reaches a fever pitch, Saint-Bris and the monks caution the others lest the clamor betray their plan and alert the intended victims. One after another they leave slowly to prepare for the massacre which is to begin at midnight.

For a brief moment, the gallery is deserted. Then Raoul lifts the tapestry cautiously. Convinced that he is alone, he rushes to the window, but is stopped by Valentine who appears hurriedly from her room. As he cries that he must alert his Huguenot brothers to the plot of their treacherous enemies, Valentine implores him to stay since leaving would mean certain death. With each trying to persuade the other, their passions grow more and more intense. Finally, in despair, Valentine openly declares her love for Raoul, claiming that his death would also be her own. Raoul is overwhelmed by this confession and, for the moment, everything else is forgotten. Again and again he repeats Valentine’s avowal of love. Almost beside himself, he begs her to join him in flight, but Valentine, aware of the mortal danger, refuses to leave. As he implores her again to flee, the tolling of a bell is heard.

Suddenly brought back to the present, Raoul recalls the sinister meaning of this sound. Once more, he insists on joining his friends in their plights, this time turning a deaf ear to Valentine’s most impassioned pleas. As their emotions soar, the bell sounds again. Urged to the window by Raoul, Valentine faints at the sight of the massacre. The bell continues to toll, and Raoul, entrusting Valentine to God’s care, tears open the window and leaps from view. While the bell is heard again, Valentine revives and raises herself with a cry of despair. (During a brief change of scenery, the music continues without interruption, contrasting the fury of aggression with the steadfastness of resistance.)

Act III, Scene II

A Paris street. In the background a Protestant church with a large rear window facing the street. A wall with a small door adjoins the church. Clouds obscure the moon from time to time. Marcel, who is severely wounded, directs some women and children through the small door toward the church. Raoul enters. He is pale and his clothes are covered in blood. On seeing that the old soldier is wounded, Raoul clamors for revenge, but is restrained by Marcel who has lost all hope and is resigned to die together with the refugees in the church. As Raoul, unwilling to heed Marcel’s words, prepares to join the fight again, Valentine hurries onto the scene. She has come to bring Raoul the white scarf which would proclaim him a Catholic and would assure his safe conduct to the palace of Queen Marguerite. Raoul firmly refuses to yield. Even if he were to renounce his faith, there would still be an insurmountable gap between Valentine and himself. In response, Valentine reveals that Nevers has died a hero’s death. After escaping from his guards, he was slain by the assassins while defending a Huguenot. When Valentine pleads again with Raoul to follow her to safety, he begins to waiver. A gentle reminder from Marcel, however, restores his determination to remain true to his faith. He will stay with the old soldier at their place of worship and await death in his company.

Valentine, aware of the finality of Raoul’s decision, breaks forth in a passionate outburst. In words of ever increasing ecstasy, she declares that nothing shall separate them again and that, to be with him, she is willing to assume his faith even if it means risking her salvation. Joined in death and eternity, they will be united forever. Raoul embraces her passionately, repeating her avowal. Overjoyed with Valentine’s conversion, Marcel accedes to the lovers’ plea to serve as their minister and to bless the union of their hearts. At this moment, the muted strains of a chorale are heard, sung by the women who have sought refuge in the church. In a humble response to Marcel’s solemn words, Valentine and Raoul now to leave all earthly thoughts behind, looking forward to their union in death.

Marcel, progressively weakened by his wounds, concludes the service on a note of increasing urgency. As he blesses the two lovers, the chorale is heard again, only to be interrupted by threatening shouts and the din of arms. The assassins have broken into the sanctuary and clamor that the refugees recant or face death. With firm resolve the women refuse to yield. Valentine, who has hurried to the window, peers into the church praying fervently. Marcel has started to follow her but is forced to lean exhausted against a wall. Raoul, torn by conflicting emotions, has been unable to move. Again, the chorale is intoned, and Raoul, in a sudden burst of decision, draws his sword and rushes unnoticed through the small door. At this moment, a tremendous noise of arms is heard from the church, followed by the silence of death. Valentine buries her head in her hands. Marcel, who has sunk to the ground, expires with a sigh.

For a few seconds all is quiet. Then the silence is broken by a single shot from behind the wall. Valentine raises her head. Noticing that Raoul has left, she runs to Marcel and finds that he has died. She then searches frantically for Raoul. Meanwhile a chorus of assassins, heard from backstage, proclaims that God wants the blood of the heretics. Just as Valentine reaches the small door, left open by Raoul, the latter reappears, mortally wounded. He falls to the ground, and Valentine throws herself on her knees beside him, trying to come to his aid. The scene darkens as a cloud covers the moon.

Suddenly, Saint-Bris appears at the head of a small troop of soldiers. In response to his call, Raoul raises himself with a supreme effort. Crying out “Huguenot” he succumbs, unnoticed by Valentine who has thrown herself between him and the enemy. A moment later, there is a discharge as the soldiers fire at Saint-Bris’ command. Valentine is killed and falls over Raoul’s body. A soldier carrying a torch approaches the victims and Saint-Bris recognizes his daughter. With a cry, he rushes to her side. Then, raising his eyes, he gazes into the distance as if seeing a vision of unspeakable horror. While the soldiers stand frozen, the voices backstage again proclaim that God wants the blood of the heretics.