Anne Boleyn
Two-hander · Tragedy
Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn · Peter Albery
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Anne Boleyn
Published by scriptsandsketches.com
In the Royal Palace at Greenwich, KATHERINE confronts ANNE about her relationship with the King, leading to a battle of wills and emotions that reveals their complex dynamics.
Duologue
Characters: KATHERINE, ANNE
(In the Royal Palace at Greenwich, KATHERINE confronts ANNE.)
KATHERINE:
(to ANNE). You wished to speak with me?
ANNE:
(A little taken aback) Er- yes - it would be as well.
KATHERINE:
(Proudly) As well?
ANNE:
It ill becomes you, Madam, to be haughty.
KATHERINE:
If you would keep your place as the King's concubine —
ANNE:
Concubine! I am not - (She checks) How dare you!
KATHERINE:
That is what all Europe calls you. If it is wrong I am sorry. But you are surely not his wife.
ANNE:
Madam, I came to spare you. To appeal to your better self to renounce this man who no longer loves you. And to retire with honour and dignity as dowager Princess of Wales. Are you determined to risk the future of your daughter Mary? I warn you the King's patience is cut to the quick. Any further resistance will only madden him.
KATHERINE:
I do not understand you. It is the future of my daughter that I protect by refusing consent to this lie.
ANNE:
There is no future, Madam, for those that are dead.
KATHERINE:
(After a pause) You say that to frighten me. The King would never permit it.
ANNE:
To live in the past is a dangerous delusion, Madam. Henry has empowered me to say that he does not wish to see you here on our return from Windsor in a month's time.
KATHERINE:
More lies. If it were true, he would tell me so himself.
ANNE:
It is true.
KATHERINE:
Then it was said by a Henry who is not my Henry.
ANNE:
Precisely, dowager Princess.
KATHERINE:
Listen, you foolish girl; some men are dual by nature. My Henry is generous and brave and trusting, But he harbours an alter ego That I have learned to seal in slumber. It is vicious, crafty and cruel. As long as I am here at the palace my love will control this spirit. But if you tamper with the seal and banish its guardian, God help you, and God help all of us.
ANNE:
You would try to retaliate; to frighten me with a witch's cauldron. I can hold the King in my arms and at my feet if I will: Can you?
KATHERINE:
I am contented to hold him in my heart.
ANNE:
You hold nothing but a phantom; you are old, unlovely and unwanted. Am I to inform the King that you disobey him?
KATHERINE:
(Suddenly weary), I do not know. I have tried to help you. Let him confirm it in his own hand.
ANNE:
You choose to doubt my word?
KATHERINE:
(Motioning her to go) If you please, I am tired after my drive.
ANNE:
(Handing her a note) Perhaps you recognise this hand, giving me authority to search your chambers?
KATHERINE:
(Reading) It is incredible.
ANNE:
Yes, the alter ego. I am afraid I removed the seal.
KATHERINE:
You fool, you blind, unhappy little fool. That is why you are here. No wonder you thirst to be Queen. Fear already pickets your bones.
ANNE:
A thirst that shall soon be assuaged. I came in kindness to give you a last warning, If the Pope will not grant dispensation we shall settle this matter in May.
KATHERINE:
You will still be Henry's concubine in Europe.
ANNE:
You shall crawl to me for that.
KATHERINE:
It is all so childish and futile. Why do you wish to search my rooms?
ANNE:
Because someone has stolen the King's love-letters to me.
KATHERINE:
You surely do not think that I -
ANNE:
You should not protest. I might doubt your word.
KATHERINE:
This is fantastic does Henry forget that I am the daughter of a King, and Aunt to the Holy Roman Emperor, that he subjects me to such treatment from a wanton without manners or degree? (Going to door) I shall complain to the King myself.
ANNE:
I should save your limbs, he is out hunting.
KATHERINE:
Then I will wait till he returns.
ANNE:
Wait, yes, you may well learn to wait. It is all you will have to do in future.
