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• Jacoba : ACT ONE, excerpt 1 , ACT ONE, excerpt 2

Jacoba, translated by Gwynneth Dowling

ACT ONE, excerpt 1

Context:

Milord returns from abroad to see his dear friend the Count of Beutif. Beutif receives him coldly. In Milord’s absence, forged letters reported his marriage. Beutif believes, wrongly, that Milord has gone back on his promise to marry Jacoba.

Sample text

MILORD:

Here he is. My friend, thanks be to God.

BEUTIF looks at him, and goes back to his reading.

MILORD:

Four years away from England. And now I’m back, to enjoy your friendship, and my Jacoba.

BEUTIF:

Welcome back, Milord.

Stony faced, he goes back to his reading.

MILORD:

What’s this, Count? Why are you being so stern? We’ve been friends since boyhood, what’s wrong? Who’s come between us?

BEUTIF:

You. And your disgrace.

MILORD:

My disgrace? I don’t understand, Beutif. If your sternness stems from some perceived insult I’ve caused you, please note that I’ve come here even before I’ve gone to see my beloved Jacoba. That’s how much I care about our friendship.

He goes to embrace him.

BEUTIF:

Get away, Milord. I despise the thought of us being friends. And have done for some time.

MILORD:

What? What on earth have I done?

BEUTIF:

What have you done?

He gets up, furious.

BEUTIF:

Didn’t you swear, in my presence, to marry Jacoba?

MILORD:

I’ve come back to honour that promise.

BEUTIF:

What?

MILORD:

I’ll swear it again. And every hour that goes by without me fulfilling my promise is torture.

BEUTIF:

What are you talking about? Where do you think we are, London or among heathens? In our society, we only allow ourselves one wife. And you …

MILORD:

Count, I don’t understand you.

BEUTIF:

You don’t understand me? Didn’t you get married in Italy?

MILORD:

Me? Dear God, no! Who would slander me like that? Marry? Go against my word? Hell would freeze over before you’d see me treating Jacoba in such a foul way.

BEUTIF:

Is this your letter?

He shows it to MILORD.

MILORD:

The signature’s mine, at any rate.

BEUTIF:

Well read it, then, and leave your excuses for another time.

MILORD: (Reading.)

‘Dearest Count: In friendship I am writing to let you know that yesterday I married an Italian woman whose beauty and riches surpass those of Jacoba. I know you will understand my youth and my long absence and will forgive my broken promise to her. In the meantime, know that I am and always will be your friend. Milord Tomlin.’

Copyright

The above sample taken from the translation Jacoba by Gwynneth Dowling is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

ACT ONE, excerpt 2

Context:

Jacoba and Milord have had a secret meeting in which they realise that they have been deceived. Since Jacoba is now married, they nobly decide never to see one another again. Jacoba’s husband Esteren has been eavesdropping on their conversation. He has left an ominous painting for Jacoba to uncover, which depicts him standing over her with a bloodied dagger.

Sample text

JACOBA:

Go now, Milord. Since fate has separated us forever, let it be truly forever. Goodbye.

MILORD:

Goodbye.

ENRIQUETA:

Either it’s my nerves or I can hear footsteps.

JACOBA:

Who could it be?

ENRIQUETA:

I don’t know.

MILORD:

What do we do? How do we get out of this mess?

JACOBA:

Go into my chamber while I try and search the other room. Why do you hesitate? (She pulls open the curtain to reveal the painting.) But, what’s this? How strange? Who’s painted here? Dear God! It’s the Count! He’s a dagger in his right hand … blood … and if I’m not letting the fear get to me too much, I think that’s me. Yes, that’s me. Milord, run. Run far away from here, from this sorry scene. In my fearful heart I can see it. Me, half fainting, and my husband, I can see him, just as he is painted here. Who would put such a terrible thing at the door of my chamber?

ESTEREN:

I would.

He comes out of his hiding place.

JACOBA:

The Count? My heart’s giving out.

She faints into ENRIQUETA’s arms.

ESTEREN:

And who might you be?

MILORD:

Milord Tomlin.

Copyright

The above sample taken from the translation Jacoba by Gwynneth Dowling is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Entry written by Gwynneth Dowling. Last updated on 24 May 2011.

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