JANEY
– W. MORRIS – ROSSETTI – SWINBURNE - BUTLER
Jane
is sitting for Rossetti's “Water Willow” at Kelmscott Manor,
1871. There are sandwiches on a table.
ROSSETTI
Mmmm... I'm on the last of that chromium green – I've got about a pea's worth, just enough to lighten a few of the water willow leaves. Perhaps Ned will be willing to lend me some of what he has... poor Ned draws and draws but shuns exhibiting lately. Poor Ned.
Mmmm... I'm on the last of that chromium green – I've got about a pea's worth, just enough to lighten a few of the water willow leaves. Perhaps Ned will be willing to lend me some of what he has... poor Ned draws and draws but shuns exhibiting lately. Poor Ned.
JANEY
Yes. Poor Ned.
Yes. Poor Ned.
ROSSETTI
I hope he will yield to my persuasion and present his work to an appreciative public once more.
I hope he will yield to my persuasion and present his work to an appreciative public once more.
JANEY
Let us hope.
Let us hope.
ROSSETTI
The outcries about decency that led his magnificent Phyllis and Demophoön to be withdrawn from the exhibition, were an absolute travesty. Are these critics writing these ignorant missives from the Asylum for Idiots? If so, I shall be tempted to make a liberal donation to the institution, on behalf of artists, so that the inmates are more closely guarded.
The outcries about decency that led his magnificent Phyllis and Demophoön to be withdrawn from the exhibition, were an absolute travesty. Are these critics writing these ignorant missives from the Asylum for Idiots? If so, I shall be tempted to make a liberal donation to the institution, on behalf of artists, so that the inmates are more closely guarded.
JANEY
I don't believe I have seen this work of his.
I don't believe I have seen this work of his.
ROSSETTI
Allow me to describe it with words... think soft grey-green neutrals, cool skin tones, and we have Demophoön who is not covered at all anywhere, except a thin flowing strip of pine green fabric mid-thigh, standing... like this, or, more like this, I believe (Rossetti mimics painting). On his right, so the left of the composition, we have Phyllis, who is herself quite modestly covered with that same green fabric. Can you stand for a moment?
Allow me to describe it with words... think soft grey-green neutrals, cool skin tones, and we have Demophoön who is not covered at all anywhere, except a thin flowing strip of pine green fabric mid-thigh, standing... like this, or, more like this, I believe (Rossetti mimics painting). On his right, so the left of the composition, we have Phyllis, who is herself quite modestly covered with that same green fabric. Can you stand for a moment?
JANEY
I could...
I could...
ROSSETTI
Here, let me help you.
Here, let me help you.
JANEY
Thank you.
Thank you.
ROSSETTI
Now here, think of me as Demophoön – you can stand behind me, and above me (you are naturally taller, no adjustment necessary)... now place your arms around me this way... turn your head towards mine, your chin on my shoulder, and your forehead against mine.
Now here, think of me as Demophoön – you can stand behind me, and above me (you are naturally taller, no adjustment necessary)... now place your arms around me this way... turn your head towards mine, your chin on my shoulder, and your forehead against mine.
JANEY
Like this?
Like this?
ROSSETTI
Jane, Jane... I love to feel the warmth of your breath on my neck... don't move... see this image in your mind, painted with the delicacy we know Ned to be capable of... with a bow of delicate white blooms arching above them... an almond tree according to the myth.
Jane, Jane... I love to feel the warmth of your breath on my neck... don't move... see this image in your mind, painted with the delicacy we know Ned to be capable of... with a bow of delicate white blooms arching above them... an almond tree according to the myth.
JANEY
Is there a story?
Is there a story?
ROSSETTI
If I recall... Phyllis was a Greek queen who had fallen in love with Demophoön, who left her...
If I recall... Phyllis was a Greek queen who had fallen in love with Demophoön, who left her...
JANEY
Not unlike our Ned and his Maria.
Not unlike our Ned and his Maria.
ROSSETTI
You are very perceptive as usual. Unlike Maria, Phyllis made good on her threats. Demophoön looks both bewildered and not quite as pleased with the embrace as you might expect him to be.
You are very perceptive as usual. Unlike Maria, Phyllis made good on her threats. Demophoön looks both bewildered and not quite as pleased with the embrace as you might expect him to be.
JANEY
Ah-ha. On the matter of perception, I understand how Ned's composition might be construed as quite forthright advances, coming from the female. From our live reconstruction I believe his maleness itself would be quite within her field of vision. Perhaps the critics alluded to that.
Ah-ha. On the matter of perception, I understand how Ned's composition might be construed as quite forthright advances, coming from the female. From our live reconstruction I believe his maleness itself would be quite within her field of vision. Perhaps the critics alluded to that.
ROSSETTI
Dear Janey, the critics are sending Ned a form of coded message. They cannot outright say: “we condemn and chastise a painter because of his personal indiscretions.” They would never own up to it. Instead, they grossly misinterpret this paintings and make it as if the painting itself was some sinister iconoclast of public decency.
Dear Janey, the critics are sending Ned a form of coded message. They cannot outright say: “we condemn and chastise a painter because of his personal indiscretions.” They would never own up to it. Instead, they grossly misinterpret this paintings and make it as if the painting itself was some sinister iconoclast of public decency.
JANEY
Your imagination is too vivid, as usual!
Your imagination is too vivid, as usual!
ROSSETTI
Oh, not at all. They recognized that Marie Zambaco sat for the depiction of Phyllis, and that of Demophoön. Both the male and the female have Marie's unmistakable Grecian lines. They know what the painting meant for Ned.
Oh, not at all. They recognized that Marie Zambaco sat for the depiction of Phyllis, and that of Demophoön. Both the male and the female have Marie's unmistakable Grecian lines. They know what the painting meant for Ned.
 |
| Ned leaving Georgie and the children to spend time with his Greek damsel did cause quite a public scandal. |
JANEY
Ned leaving Georgie and the children to spend time with his Greek damsel did cause quite a public scandal.
ROSSETTI
I frankly do not see what Ned sees in her; I found her rather rude and disagreeable when she sat for me, the very opposite of you.
I frankly do not see what Ned sees in her; I found her rather rude and disagreeable when she sat for me, the very opposite of you.
JANEY
I have heard she is headstrong.
I have heard she is headstrong.
ROSSETTI
Poor Georgie, she toils so diligently for the children's well-being...
Poor Georgie, she toils so diligently for the children's well-being...
JANEY
Yes, poor Georgie,
Yes, poor Georgie,
ROSSETTI
To think our Ned came so near to being spirited away to some Greek island in in arms of his Greek mistress... I can scarcely think of anything more alluring for Ned than to live in a country whose culture he has idolized since boyhood.
To think our Ned came so near to being spirited away to some Greek island in in arms of his Greek mistress... I can scarcely think of anything more alluring for Ned than to live in a country whose culture he has idolized since boyhood.
JANEY
What do you think stopped him?
What do you think stopped him?
ROSSETTI
Who knows? He might have thought the better when she showed up on Kensington High Street...
Who knows? He might have thought the better when she showed up on Kensington High Street...
JANEY
...directly in front of Browning's house no less!
...directly in front of Browning's house no less!
ROSSETTI
And with enough laudanum to carry out a lover's suicide pact! She did threaten to drown herself into the Thames after Ned declined her poisonous offer. I was a fool to think this sort of thing only happened in penny dreadfuls!
And with enough laudanum to carry out a lover's suicide pact! She did threaten to drown herself into the Thames after Ned declined her poisonous offer. I was a fool to think this sort of thing only happened in penny dreadfuls!
JANEY
This was very real.
This was very real.
ROSSETTI
With all of London was looking on the spectacle, including the metropolitan police – and Ned tackling her and rolling on the parapet to prevent her jumping... Ah! Time does have a gift to turn tragedy into comedy, does it not?
With all of London was looking on the spectacle, including the metropolitan police – and Ned tackling her and rolling on the parapet to prevent her jumping... Ah! Time does have a gift to turn tragedy into comedy, does it not?
JANEY
Ned was reasonable in the end.
Ned was reasonable in the end.
ROSSETTI
And to this day, I am told, is he burdened by regrets. He will take these regrets all to way to his grave – as unpleasant and shrill as his Greek damsel was.
And to this day, I am told, is he burdened by regrets. He will take these regrets all to way to his grave – as unpleasant and shrill as his Greek damsel was.
JANEY
My husband was to keep Ned company throughout his escape from London.
My husband was to keep Ned company throughout his escape from London.
ROSSETTI
Good friends, these two.
Good friends, these two.
JANEY
They started for Rome, got no further than Dover... Ned became ill and they returned secretly...
They started for Rome, got no further than Dover... Ned became ill and they returned secretly...
ROSSETTI
Indeed, what a farce! We had the Greek damsel beating up the quarters of all his friends in search of him and bent on cutting, howling like Cassandra, while poor Georgie stoically making as if he were indeed in Rome while he was ill in the upstairs bedroom.
Indeed, what a farce! We had the Greek damsel beating up the quarters of all his friends in search of him and bent on cutting, howling like Cassandra, while poor Georgie stoically making as if he were indeed in Rome while he was ill in the upstairs bedroom.
JANEY
Poor thing.
Poor thing.
ROSSETTI
She was quite heroic about it all.
She was quite heroic about it all.
JANEY
What happened to Maria since?
What happened to Maria since?
ROSSETTI
There are rumours that she plans to return to her husband in Paris, while writing to that Parisian sculptor Rodin for an apprenticeship in his studio so that she can violently throw herself at the man.
There are rumours that she plans to return to her husband in Paris, while writing to that Parisian sculptor Rodin for an apprenticeship in his studio so that she can violently throw herself at the man.
Rossetti
returns to his painting
ROSSETTI
This canvas will not get painted unless I hold a brush to it! Willows, willows... a colourless and oft-overlooked element of nature – one that is invariably growing on the water's edge. This is what you are to me, Janey. You are the water, the noblest and dearest thing that the world had to show me – I am the but the drab willow with the unquenchable thirst for you.
This canvas will not get painted unless I hold a brush to it! Willows, willows... a colourless and oft-overlooked element of nature – one that is invariably growing on the water's edge. This is what you are to me, Janey. You are the water, the noblest and dearest thing that the world had to show me – I am the but the drab willow with the unquenchable thirst for you.
JANEY
Does the willow not signify sorrow?
Does the willow not signify sorrow?
ROSSETTI
Yes, the sorrow too, that steady, relentless sorrow that we cannot be together. I hope you will like the painting, if not for the skill, for the meaning of it.
Yes, the sorrow too, that steady, relentless sorrow that we cannot be together. I hope you will like the painting, if not for the skill, for the meaning of it.
JANEY
Of course I will cherish it.
Of course I will cherish it.
ROSSETTI
Janey, Janey, you must know, everything I do is to prevent sinking into utter unworthiness of you and deserve your contempt.
Janey, Janey, you must know, everything I do is to prevent sinking into utter unworthiness of you and deserve your contempt.
JANEY
You need not worry about ever deserving any contempt from me, Gabriel.
You need not worry about ever deserving any contempt from me, Gabriel.
ROSSETTI
Janey, I too have regrets. I have forsaken you, my own true love, out of a mistaken sense of loyalty – and for this sacrifice I will pay for the remainder of my living years. For this mistake, I now covet another man's wife; a man who is a very dear friend of mine. One who has every right press his burly lips against yours, or against every nook and cranny of your body that I cherish and idolize. It is a vile torment, a torture that inflicts agony on my mind.
Janey, I too have regrets. I have forsaken you, my own true love, out of a mistaken sense of loyalty – and for this sacrifice I will pay for the remainder of my living years. For this mistake, I now covet another man's wife; a man who is a very dear friend of mine. One who has every right press his burly lips against yours, or against every nook and cranny of your body that I cherish and idolize. It is a vile torment, a torture that inflicts agony on my mind.
JANEY
You know there is no sense in being jealous.
You know there is no sense in being jealous.
ROSSETTI
How I wish I were imbued with your sweet nature. But in fact, I have no claim to your company, or even to lay sights on your soulful eyes... I rely upon the whim of another man, I may never spend a moment alone with you – banished, forever in the chilling numbness that surrounds me, in utter want of you.
How I wish I were imbued with your sweet nature. But in fact, I have no claim to your company, or even to lay sights on your soulful eyes... I rely upon the whim of another man, I may never spend a moment alone with you – banished, forever in the chilling numbness that surrounds me, in utter want of you.
JANEY
This won't happen.
This won't happen.
ROSSETTI
When he calls upon his return from Iceland, he surely will pry you away from me to avoid appearance of impropriety. It cannot be helped; the more Topsy loves you, the more he knows that you are too lovely and noble not to be loved: and, dear Janey, there are too few things that seem worth expressing as life goes on, for one friend to deny another the poor expression of what is most at his heart. But, he is before me in granting this and there is no need for me to say it.
When he calls upon his return from Iceland, he surely will pry you away from me to avoid appearance of impropriety. It cannot be helped; the more Topsy loves you, the more he knows that you are too lovely and noble not to be loved: and, dear Janey, there are too few things that seem worth expressing as life goes on, for one friend to deny another the poor expression of what is most at his heart. But, he is before me in granting this and there is no need for me to say it.
JANEY
He has been most accommodating. Gabriel, do not vex yourself. I trust you will find your way to reason. He did consent to lease Kelmscott Manor with you.
He has been most accommodating. Gabriel, do not vex yourself. I trust you will find your way to reason. He did consent to lease Kelmscott Manor with you.
JANEY
We can carry out as we always have.
We can carry out as we always have.
ROSSETTI
Should I worry and about your health in my letters, take it to mean that I yearn for you, and ache for your company from the deepest recesses of my soul.
Should I worry and about your health in my letters, take it to mean that I yearn for you, and ache for your company from the deepest recesses of my soul.
JANEY
Should I respond that I am unwell, you will understand that I miss you just the same; if I claim to feel better, I may have an opportunity to see you in the following days.
Should I respond that I am unwell, you will understand that I miss you just the same; if I claim to feel better, I may have an opportunity to see you in the following days.
There
is a knock at the door.
ROSSETTI
Sit still, my love.
Sit still, my love.
Algernon
Swinburne is at the door, holding some papers. The butler shows up
too late to answer the door.
ROSSETTI
Swinburne! How delighted I am to see your handsome face.
Swinburne! How delighted I am to see your handsome face.
SWINBURNE
I apologize for not giving you prior notice of my visit, but I had to come at once.
I apologize for not giving you prior notice of my visit, but I had to come at once.
ROSSETTI
My door is always open for you. Come in! Jane is here – she is sitting for a painting.
My door is always open for you. Come in! Jane is here – she is sitting for a painting.
SWINBURNE
Will you grant me the privilege of a peak?
Will you grant me the privilege of a peak?
ROSSETTI, showing the painting
It's quite subdued isn't it?
It's quite subdued isn't it?
SWINBURNE
Not the stunner at the center! Subdued? Dear friend, you have crafted the paint into skin capable of soft heat and the flush of a growing flower – all its nerves desire the divine touch of your brush. Jane, I presume you intensely pleased with the portrait.
Not the stunner at the center! Subdued? Dear friend, you have crafted the paint into skin capable of soft heat and the flush of a growing flower – all its nerves desire the divine touch of your brush. Jane, I presume you intensely pleased with the portrait.
JANEY
Mr Rossetti's talent artfully improves on the model.
Mr Rossetti's talent artfully improves on the model.
ROSSETTI
Not a single of my paintings does her justice. Not a one. If only I could paint her once and for all, and show the world how she really is. I continue to disappoint myself, and only see flashes of what I ought to have done. I will have to try again. I am of a mind to paint Mrs. Morris as the goddess Proserpine,
Not a single of my paintings does her justice. Not a one. If only I could paint her once and for all, and show the world how she really is. I continue to disappoint myself, and only see flashes of what I ought to have done. I will have to try again. I am of a mind to paint Mrs. Morris as the goddess Proserpine,
SWINBURNE
This may not be the best time to bring up this review.
This may not be the best time to bring up this review.
ROSSETTI
Review?
Review?
SWINBURNE
Review indeed, and quite scandalous, from one Thomas Maitland. He lumped dear old Morris and the both of us into a “fleshly school of poetry, ” penning no fewer than seventeen pages on you! Fleshly? What is this “fleshly?” Why, my dear Rossetti, he is positively obsessed with you, no amount of ink is too dear for the man to lay on paper for you.
Review indeed, and quite scandalous, from one Thomas Maitland. He lumped dear old Morris and the both of us into a “fleshly school of poetry, ” penning no fewer than seventeen pages on you! Fleshly? What is this “fleshly?” Why, my dear Rossetti, he is positively obsessed with you, no amount of ink is too dear for the man to lay on paper for you.
ROSSETTI
Oh, what does he say about Topsy?
Oh, what does he say about Topsy?
SWINBURNE
Merely a few cursory comments - He transformed his pen into a poisoned dart and aimed for you, mostly.
Merely a few cursory comments - He transformed his pen into a poisoned dart and aimed for you, mostly.
ROSSETTI
You have my attention.
You have my attention.
SWINBURNE
Are my sonnets not as “fleshly” as yours? I will take great pains to fix this deficiency; the exploit of writing Brittania's most objectionable and offensive prose must be mine. I shall provide critics bleeding flesh, burning flesh, flogging flesh, pulsating flesh, whipped flesh... in such super-abundance that no one but me shall ever be flattered with the “fleshly” epithet!
Are my sonnets not as “fleshly” as yours? I will take great pains to fix this deficiency; the exploit of writing Brittania's most objectionable and offensive prose must be mine. I shall provide critics bleeding flesh, burning flesh, flogging flesh, pulsating flesh, whipped flesh... in such super-abundance that no one but me shall ever be flattered with the “fleshly” epithet!
ROSSETTI
Ah, Swinburne, a wordsmith such as you, confusing “censure” with “praise?”
Ah, Swinburne, a wordsmith such as you, confusing “censure” with “praise?”
SWINBURNE
If it weren't for the tone of condemnation, all his censure could be sold for praise. Let me propose the notion that is taking pleasure in provoking us. Perhaps he is merely trying to exact revenge on Ellis, who is publishing our books, and who sued him for non-payment of debts a few years prior. I believe this quite possible. This could also be retribution for your coming to my defence from his petulant onslaughts. Two birds with one stone!
If it weren't for the tone of condemnation, all his censure could be sold for praise. Let me propose the notion that is taking pleasure in provoking us. Perhaps he is merely trying to exact revenge on Ellis, who is publishing our books, and who sued him for non-payment of debts a few years prior. I believe this quite possible. This could also be retribution for your coming to my defence from his petulant onslaughts. Two birds with one stone!
ROSSETTI
Who is this Maitland that I have never heard of?
Who is this Maitland that I have never heard of?
SWINBURNE
I did not tell you? I have it on good authority that none other than Robert Buchanan is hiding behind this “Maitland” pen name – but I cannot yet be certain.
I did not tell you? I have it on good authority that none other than Robert Buchanan is hiding behind this “Maitland” pen name – but I cannot yet be certain.
ROSSETTI
Show me!
Show me!
SWINBURNE
I have underlined the most succulent parts for you.
I have underlined the most succulent parts for you.
ROSSETTI
This is an outrage! What is this stealthy school of criticism? This imaginary character “Maitland” is accusing me of plagiarizing... Buchanan – also known as himself!
This is an outrage! What is this stealthy school of criticism? This imaginary character “Maitland” is accusing me of plagiarizing... Buchanan – also known as himself!
SWINBURNE
He is accusing you of copying him... while finding your poetry highly offensive! Is this not some grotesque form of intellectual self-flagellation? I thought you'd be amused
He is accusing you of copying him... while finding your poetry highly offensive! Is this not some grotesque form of intellectual self-flagellation? I thought you'd be amused
ROSSETTI
Some of what he says is true. I “draw ill.” I “cannot tell a pleasant story like Mr. Morris” nor can I “forge alliterative thunderbolts like Mr. Swinburne.” Now I spy a compliment or two: I'm not “glibly imitative as the one, nor so transcendently superficial as the other.”
Some of what he says is true. I “draw ill.” I “cannot tell a pleasant story like Mr. Morris” nor can I “forge alliterative thunderbolts like Mr. Swinburne.” Now I spy a compliment or two: I'm not “glibly imitative as the one, nor so transcendently superficial as the other.”
SWINBURNE
(mocking)
A dagger in my heart.
A dagger in my heart.
ROSSETTI
I should always be slighted in such company as dear Topsy, and yourself.
I should always be slighted in such company as dear Topsy, and yourself.
SWINBURNE
I didn't know you held Topsy in such high regard.
I didn't know you held Topsy in such high regard.
ROSSETTI
I was perhaps being facetious – though not with regards to you.
I was perhaps being facetious – though not with regards to you.
SWINBURNE
Please continue.
Please continue.
ROSSETTI
“One might tolerate the language of lust more readily on the lips of a lover addressing a mistress than on the lips of a husband virtually wheeling his nuptial couch out into the public streets.”
“One might tolerate the language of lust more readily on the lips of a lover addressing a mistress than on the lips of a husband virtually wheeling his nuptial couch out into the public streets.”
SWINBURNE,
grabbing the papers“...the
man who is too sensitive to exhibit his pictures, and so modest that
it takes him years to make up his mind to publish his poems, parades
his private sensations before a coarse public, and is gratified by
their idiotic applause.”
ROSSETTI
Scathing, scathing.
Scathing, scathing.
SWINBURNE
You haven't heard the worse from this coward: “A suspicion is awakened that the writer is laughing at us.” And, further, “Females who bite, scratch, scream, bubble, munch, sweat, writhe, twist, wriggle, foam, and in a general way slaver over their lovers, must surely possess some extraordinary qualities to counteract their otherwise most offensive mode of conducting themselves.” Gabriel, upon my word, I will not allow this travesty to remain unanswered.
You haven't heard the worse from this coward: “A suspicion is awakened that the writer is laughing at us.” And, further, “Females who bite, scratch, scream, bubble, munch, sweat, writhe, twist, wriggle, foam, and in a general way slaver over their lovers, must surely possess some extraordinary qualities to counteract their otherwise most offensive mode of conducting themselves.” Gabriel, upon my word, I will not allow this travesty to remain unanswered.
ROSSETTI
I have heard enough. I am no longer amused. Let me answer this gutless jelly and set him on fire.
I have heard enough. I am no longer amused. Let me answer this gutless jelly and set him on fire.
SWINBURNE
Oh, Gabriel, I cannot conceive of anything more amusing than the outlandish vexations of a man discovering a talent greater than his own, and attempting to dissect it while concealed behind a name not his own. A gentleman is bound not to take notice of an anonymous insult. Are we cranes or mice, that we should give battle to the frogs or the pigmies? However in this instance the originator of the insult is but a poorly kept secret. I shall endeavour to reward him with a great deal of ridicule for this corrupt opus and I promise to have great fun in so doing – I shall whip him in the open on the courses. My friend, you will find both relish and satisfaction upon reading my planned rebuttal. All you have to do is rest, while I do all the talking.
Oh, Gabriel, I cannot conceive of anything more amusing than the outlandish vexations of a man discovering a talent greater than his own, and attempting to dissect it while concealed behind a name not his own. A gentleman is bound not to take notice of an anonymous insult. Are we cranes or mice, that we should give battle to the frogs or the pigmies? However in this instance the originator of the insult is but a poorly kept secret. I shall endeavour to reward him with a great deal of ridicule for this corrupt opus and I promise to have great fun in so doing – I shall whip him in the open on the courses. My friend, you will find both relish and satisfaction upon reading my planned rebuttal. All you have to do is rest, while I do all the talking.
ROSSETTI
Ha, dear old Swinburne. I am blessed to count you as a friend. Your zest of the fray is legendary.
Ha, dear old Swinburne. I am blessed to count you as a friend. Your zest of the fray is legendary.
SWINBURNE
How do you like his nearly anonymous critic's vomit described as “the drivelling desperation of fangless duncery?”
How do you like his nearly anonymous critic's vomit described as “the drivelling desperation of fangless duncery?”
ROSSETTI
Brilliant!
Brilliant!
SWINBURNE
Or himself described as a “dirty and dwarfish creature of simian intellect and facetious idiocy?”
Or himself described as a “dirty and dwarfish creature of simian intellect and facetious idiocy?”
ROSSETTI
Ah! Better still!
Ah! Better still!
SWINBURNE
Shall we use superlatives, then? “The most horny-eyed and beetle-headed of pedants!”
Shall we use superlatives, then? “The most horny-eyed and beetle-headed of pedants!”
ROSSETTI
A pedantic skunk!
A pedantic skunk!
SWINBURNE
Indeed! “At each fresh emanation of his malodorous soul it becomes more clearly impossible for man to approach him even with stopped nostril and glove-guarded hand!”
Indeed! “At each fresh emanation of his malodorous soul it becomes more clearly impossible for man to approach him even with stopped nostril and glove-guarded hand!”
ROSSETTI
Ah, Swinburne – you have no equal.
Ah, Swinburne – you have no equal.
ROSSETTI
He has earned every word of rebuke. It is a scientific fact that the virtuous journalist's condemnation of the poets' addiction to “the worship of Priapus” is meant to conceal their own devotion to the garden god... hypocrites!
He has earned every word of rebuke. It is a scientific fact that the virtuous journalist's condemnation of the poets' addiction to “the worship of Priapus” is meant to conceal their own devotion to the garden god... hypocrites!
Knocking
is heard at the door
ROSSETTI
I am not expecting anyone!
I am not expecting anyone!
Rossetti
opens the door
ROSSETTI
Topsy! What a fantastic coincidence brings you here unexpectedly at the same hour that Swinburne has graced us with a surprise visit! This is a blessed day indeed. Mrs Morris is sitting for a painting presently, you must be burning to see her – she is a little unwell, I must warn.
Topsy! What a fantastic coincidence brings you here unexpectedly at the same hour that Swinburne has graced us with a surprise visit! This is a blessed day indeed. Mrs Morris is sitting for a painting presently, you must be burning to see her – she is a little unwell, I must warn.
MORRIS
Janey! I – I am – You are – I have not seen you in so long, it is a delight as always.
Janey! I – I am – You are – I have not seen you in so long, it is a delight as always.
JANEY
Thank you.
Thank you.
MORRIS
You look well.
You look well.
JANEY
(shrugs)
(shrugs)
SWINBURNE
Topsy you are as stout and as vigorous as ever!
Topsy you are as stout and as vigorous as ever!
MORRIS
I apologize my lack of announcement. I had meant to call earlier, but some unknown force paralysed me until now, when I decided that I must do this at once and take the risk that you not be home. I am most delighted that you happened to be here at that very moment, dear friend.
I apologize my lack of announcement. I had meant to call earlier, but some unknown force paralysed me until now, when I decided that I must do this at once and take the risk that you not be home. I am most delighted that you happened to be here at that very moment, dear friend.
SWINBURNE
We were carrying on a most amusing conversation about “Maitland's” most recent critique of our combined poetic talents.
We were carrying on a most amusing conversation about “Maitland's” most recent critique of our combined poetic talents.
MORRIS
Oh yes, I have heard. That Buchanan, isn't it?I found myself lacking the patience to read the entire his tiresome quarrel. I will say this, my friends. Who remembers any critic at any time in history – unless they are exceptionally obtuse or laughable? Buchanan might simply be to exerting himself to earning a place of honour in some pantheon of lunacy. No, with the wisdom of time, true art rises and augments, while its critics decay and disappear. Even this monkey Buchanan has the right to moan about our poetry; I will be first to acknowledge that my own writing may not be to every man's liking.
Oh yes, I have heard. That Buchanan, isn't it?I found myself lacking the patience to read the entire his tiresome quarrel. I will say this, my friends. Who remembers any critic at any time in history – unless they are exceptionally obtuse or laughable? Buchanan might simply be to exerting himself to earning a place of honour in some pantheon of lunacy. No, with the wisdom of time, true art rises and augments, while its critics decay and disappear. Even this monkey Buchanan has the right to moan about our poetry; I will be first to acknowledge that my own writing may not be to every man's liking.
ROSSETTI
I refuse to hear this, Tops, anyone not enchanted with your “Earthly Paradise” must have had their organ of literary appreciation violently ripped out by vicious tigers!
I refuse to hear this, Tops, anyone not enchanted with your “Earthly Paradise” must have had their organ of literary appreciation violently ripped out by vicious tigers!
MORRIS
You are too kind. Free as he may be to express his abhorrence of anyone's verses, I am just as free to ignore him and carry on as I bloody well please.
You are too kind. Free as he may be to express his abhorrence of anyone's verses, I am just as free to ignore him and carry on as I bloody well please.
SWINBURNE
Am I free to destroy him with the might of my pen?
Am I free to destroy him with the might of my pen?
MORRIS
You have been a friend for long enough; any attempt to dissuade you from this enterprise would be utterly futile.
You have been a friend for long enough; any attempt to dissuade you from this enterprise would be utterly futile.
SWINBURNE
Topsy, I wish I had your temperance in these matters.
Topsy, I wish I had your temperance in these matters.
ROSSETTI
Swinburne, not one in this present company is sufficiently deluded to believe this fiction.
Swinburne, not one in this present company is sufficiently deluded to believe this fiction.
SWINBURNE
Then I shall immediately confess to a prodigious thrill from my very want of temperance.
Then I shall immediately confess to a prodigious thrill from my very want of temperance.
MORRIS
I was convinced well before your confession!
I was convinced well before your confession!
SWINBURNE
Why, I am much aroused by Buchanan's slight. Well, look at the time, and I have yet to hear an offer of whiskey proffered by my negligent host! I must set out to make it home before dark. I shall see myself out.
Why, I am much aroused by Buchanan's slight. Well, look at the time, and I have yet to hear an offer of whiskey proffered by my negligent host! I must set out to make it home before dark. I shall see myself out.
ROSSETTI
(opens a liquor cabinet)
Swinburne, you fiend. No guest of mine sees himself out, let this fine bottle of single malt walk you to the door with me in tow.
Swinburne, you fiend. No guest of mine sees himself out, let this fine bottle of single malt walk you to the door with me in tow.
SWINBURNE,
bowing
Upon my word, I shall use every precious drop to fuel my rebuke of Buchanan. I vow to wipe off the froth of falsehood from the foaming lips of his inebriated virtue - fresh from the sexless orgies of morality.
Upon my word, I shall use every precious drop to fuel my rebuke of Buchanan. I vow to wipe off the froth of falsehood from the foaming lips of his inebriated virtue - fresh from the sexless orgies of morality.
ROSSETTI
(sighs)
(sighs)
SWINBURNE
Oh dear, I hope that bruised expression of your is a feint! Upon my word, if any poet or other literary creature could really be killed off by one comically pitiable critique, the sooner he was so despatched the better! Well, on this cheerful note - I shall be on my way – I look forward to your visits and your invitations, dear friend. Oh – I leave you with these famous Northumbrian words of wisdom: “a smarting butt makes a boy smart!”
Oh dear, I hope that bruised expression of your is a feint! Upon my word, if any poet or other literary creature could really be killed off by one comically pitiable critique, the sooner he was so despatched the better! Well, on this cheerful note - I shall be on my way – I look forward to your visits and your invitations, dear friend. Oh – I leave you with these famous Northumbrian words of wisdom: “a smarting butt makes a boy smart!”
ROSSETTI
I shall not keep that in mind at all!
I shall not keep that in mind at all!
Rossetti
closes the door.
ROSSETTI
Words cannot express how glad we are to see you return safely from your voyage to Iceland.
Words cannot express how glad we are to see you return safely from your voyage to Iceland.
MORRIS
Nor they can express the relief I feel that the horrors that my exile has, no doubt, saved me from witnessing.
Nor they can express the relief I feel that the horrors that my exile has, no doubt, saved me from witnessing.
ROSSETTI
You must have fantastical stories that we'd love to hear.
You must have fantastical stories that we'd love to hear.
MORRIS
Doubtlessly, nothing as fantastical as your stories, that I wish not to hear. Nothing more than what you'd expect from me. I scrambled, I bumbled, I fumbled. As usual, ingeniously inept. In this pot, throw in my slapdash translation of a great Norse saga, and some poems. I tried to pass some of the time recalling those pretty farewells that might have been customary at the time of my departure from England, and remembered none. In conclusion, Iceland is a place where there is scant solace to be found outside of those sagas that are quite devoid of hopefulness. Did that make you morose? Ah, it is foolish to ask a question that I can answer myself.
Doubtlessly, nothing as fantastical as your stories, that I wish not to hear. Nothing more than what you'd expect from me. I scrambled, I bumbled, I fumbled. As usual, ingeniously inept. In this pot, throw in my slapdash translation of a great Norse saga, and some poems. I tried to pass some of the time recalling those pretty farewells that might have been customary at the time of my departure from England, and remembered none. In conclusion, Iceland is a place where there is scant solace to be found outside of those sagas that are quite devoid of hopefulness. Did that make you morose? Ah, it is foolish to ask a question that I can answer myself.
ROSSETTI
You did not find pleasure in your travels?
You did not find pleasure in your travels?
MORRIS
The climate made this rather difficult – but I suppose it is no worse than London... in the summer. A foreigner like myself must enquire for hospitality to the Icelandic people directly, for they have no inns. Doctors judges and ministers were imposed upon, for they often speak the English language. Doctors too busy, judges too self-important, and ministers were all too glad to hope for a donation to the parish.
The climate made this rather difficult – but I suppose it is no worse than London... in the summer. A foreigner like myself must enquire for hospitality to the Icelandic people directly, for they have no inns. Doctors judges and ministers were imposed upon, for they often speak the English language. Doctors too busy, judges too self-important, and ministers were all too glad to hope for a donation to the parish.
ROSSETTI
You must have met interesting people.
You must have met interesting people.
MORRIS
Ah, I befriended saddlers and presidents, and generally preferred the company of the former. I found the Icelandic people is quite united in poverty and in the fight to survive. One cannot conquer the ice and brimstone alone. In this cooperation, they are richer than we are; the most grinding poverty is a trifling evil compared with the inequality of classes
Ah, I befriended saddlers and presidents, and generally preferred the company of the former. I found the Icelandic people is quite united in poverty and in the fight to survive. One cannot conquer the ice and brimstone alone. In this cooperation, they are richer than we are; the most grinding poverty is a trifling evil compared with the inequality of classes
Morris
looks at the unfinished painting
MORRIS
Willows... how interesting. Iceland had much in the way of dwarf willows, fed yet stunted by the clear, ice-cold rivers from the summer melt of the glaciers. Bright streams rushing over dull, grey, round pebbles, lazily reaching the sea on a bed of dark grey sand. Glacial water, poor and cold; supports very little growth indeed. Very unlike the willows here at home.
Willows... how interesting. Iceland had much in the way of dwarf willows, fed yet stunted by the clear, ice-cold rivers from the summer melt of the glaciers. Bright streams rushing over dull, grey, round pebbles, lazily reaching the sea on a bed of dark grey sand. Glacial water, poor and cold; supports very little growth indeed. Very unlike the willows here at home.
ROSSETTI
Tops, would you be deprived much of my company, if I made a turn in the garden?
Tops, would you be deprived much of my company, if I made a turn in the garden?
MORRIS
I'd be much obliged.
I'd be much obliged.
Rossetti
leaves the room.
JANEY
I am glad to see you well and invigorated by your voyage.
I am glad to see you well and invigorated by your voyage.
MORRIS
(coughs)
(coughs)
JANEY
Have you been in good health?
Have you been in good health?
MORRIS,
tasting a sandwich, and not liking it
What is that bitter taste? Oh yes. And you?
What is that bitter taste? Oh yes. And you?
JANEY
Somewhat better than I have been.
Somewhat better than I have been.
MORRIS
Are the girls here? I would dearly like to see the girls.
Are the girls here? I would dearly like to see the girls.
JANEY,
while Morris tosses the sandwiches out the window
They are spending the month at the Howard's. We expected you to return earlier, and it could no longer be postponed – I had hoped that they would greet you and cheer you up. Rosalind assures me that they are enjoying themselves.
They are spending the month at the Howard's. We expected you to return earlier, and it could no longer be postponed – I had hoped that they would greet you and cheer you up. Rosalind assures me that they are enjoying themselves.
MORRIS
When are they to return?
When are they to return?
JANEY
In no more than a week.
In no more than a week.
MORRIS
How is our Jenny?
How is our Jenny?
JANEY
A brilliant student, much like her papa.
A brilliant student, much like her papa.
MORRIS
Oh, no, she takes from you. And May?
Oh, no, she takes from you. And May?
JANEY
Undisciplined as always, but she is such a happy thing, I cannot bring myself to ever scold her.
Undisciplined as always, but she is such a happy thing, I cannot bring myself to ever scold her.
MORRIS
Janey...
Janey...
JANEY
Yes?
Yes?
MORRIS
How is your health? Ah, oh, I mean, Janey, how do you... do we intend to continue dealing with this matter of ours? Has it... played itself out?
How is your health? Ah, oh, I mean, Janey, how do you... do we intend to continue dealing with this matter of ours? Has it... played itself out?
JANEY
(does not answer)
(does not answer)
MORRIS
So beautiful and kind are your eyes, but most times looking out afar, waiting for something, not for me.
So beautiful and kind are your eyes, but most times looking out afar, waiting for something, not for me.
JANEY
I recall those verses.
I recall those verses.
MORRIS
Are they still true?
Are they still true?
JANEY
I never intended to inflict pain upon you, for you are a good and honest man.
I never intended to inflict pain upon you, for you are a good and honest man.
MORRIS
I take it I must satisfy myself with this answer. I, I wrote something. Will you hear it?
I take it I must satisfy myself with this answer. I, I wrote something. Will you hear it?
JANEY
Yes.
Yes.
MORRIS
(takes out folded paper from his pocket, and reads)
She wavered, stopped and turned. I thought her eyes,
The deep grey windows of her heart, were wet,
I thought they softened with a new regret
To note in mine unspoken miseries,
And even as a bitter word did rise
Up from my heart struggling with shame's strong net,
Sweet seemed the word she spake, while it might be
As wordless music—But truth fell on me,
And kiss and word I knew – a wall of stone
Before me made me bitterly alone
While at my back there beat a boundless sea.
That is all, that is all.
She wavered, stopped and turned. I thought her eyes,
The deep grey windows of her heart, were wet,
I thought they softened with a new regret
To note in mine unspoken miseries,
And even as a bitter word did rise
Up from my heart struggling with shame's strong net,
Sweet seemed the word she spake, while it might be
As wordless music—But truth fell on me,
And kiss and word I knew – a wall of stone
Before me made me bitterly alone
While at my back there beat a boundless sea.
That is all, that is all.
Morris
wipes off tears, Rossetti returns
ROSSETTI
Nothing out there but decrepit foliage and seed heads. I suppose Mother Nature gives up the good fight when it senses autumn is on its way.
Nothing out there but decrepit foliage and seed heads. I suppose Mother Nature gives up the good fight when it senses autumn is on its way.
MORRIS
I'll see myself off, no need to accompany me.
I'll see myself off, no need to accompany me.
Rossetti
stays put, Morris reaches the door on his own.
MORRIS
Your expressions of gratitude need not be so eloquent. Goodbye, Janey, I'll see you at home at Queen Square, should you be struck by some unexpected fancy to keep a broken man company.
Your expressions of gratitude need not be so eloquent. Goodbye, Janey, I'll see you at home at Queen Square, should you be struck by some unexpected fancy to keep a broken man company.
Morris
closes the door himself.
ROSSETTI
Please relieve me of anxiety. Was my strategic absence too short perhaps? What conspired?
Please relieve me of anxiety. Was my strategic absence too short perhaps? What conspired?
JANEY
Your timing was fine. You had nothing to worry about.
Your timing was fine. You had nothing to worry about.
Rossetti
approaches Janey
JANEY
My back is too sore at the moment, please, just lay your head on my knee.
My back is too sore at the moment, please, just lay your head on my knee.
Rossetti
weeps quietly, while Janey places a hand on his head.
JANEY
Oh dear, you are crestfallen. Nothing has changed. He is gone.
Oh dear, you are crestfallen. Nothing has changed. He is gone.
ROSSETTI
Never mind Topsy; I will rebut this posturing, craven monkey.
Never mind Topsy; I will rebut this posturing, craven monkey.
JANEY
Still, that Buchanan? Nothing he has written should cause you pain.
Still, that Buchanan? Nothing he has written should cause you pain.
ROSSETTI
How could it not? He is torturing me over Lizzie, over you. Poor Lizzie; she never recovered from the sorrow of our stillborn child. There she was, laying lifeless on our bed, eyes looking upwards, an empty phial of laudanum by her side... we never can speak of these things in society, but she took her own life, Janey.
How could it not? He is torturing me over Lizzie, over you. Poor Lizzie; she never recovered from the sorrow of our stillborn child. There she was, laying lifeless on our bed, eyes looking upwards, an empty phial of laudanum by her side... we never can speak of these things in society, but she took her own life, Janey.
JANEY
She did. Do not put the blame on yourself.
She did. Do not put the blame on yourself.
ROSSETTI
But it is my fault. I wed her, but I wpre a cloak concealing for my you.
But it is my fault. I wed her, but I wpre a cloak concealing for my you.
JANEY
She was so frail and sickly...
She was so frail and sickly...
ROSSETTI
Her lights were dimming, even the laudanum gave her no respite, I could not abandon her without killing her... yet I killed her just the same, Janey. I was the cause of her misery.
Her lights were dimming, even the laudanum gave her no respite, I could not abandon her without killing her... yet I killed her just the same, Janey. I was the cause of her misery.
ROSSETTI,
getting up
Janey, Janey, I envision a great canvas, with you as Proserpine, in blues and greens. I see it. Your face, in the softest light. It will be the pinnacle of my achievement, a consecration of your essence, everything I see in you, on canvass. Can it be done? Will you sit for me?
Janey, Janey, I envision a great canvas, with you as Proserpine, in blues and greens. I see it. Your face, in the softest light. It will be the pinnacle of my achievement, a consecration of your essence, everything I see in you, on canvass. Can it be done? Will you sit for me?
JANEY
I don't know, Gabriel. (Silence) Why Proserpine?
I don't know, Gabriel. (Silence) Why Proserpine?
ROSSETTI
Proserpine, abducted by Pluto, the god of the underworld... carried to his domain of death and darkness, and forced to marry the beast. That Proserpine.
Proserpine, abducted by Pluto, the god of the underworld... carried to his domain of death and darkness, and forced to marry the beast. That Proserpine.
JANEY
Remind me about the pomegranate.
Remind me about the pomegranate.
ROSSETTI
She pleaded for mercy, he gave her one pomegranate, one, the fruit of the dead, and admonished her to not eat a single seed until she reached the world of light. Poor Proserpine was starved in her long voyage, and ate just four seeds; yet she was condemned to spent 4 months of the year in Hades on account of her transgression. Is that not the story of our love?
She pleaded for mercy, he gave her one pomegranate, one, the fruit of the dead, and admonished her to not eat a single seed until she reached the world of light. Poor Proserpine was starved in her long voyage, and ate just four seeds; yet she was condemned to spent 4 months of the year in Hades on account of her transgression. Is that not the story of our love?
JANEY
You are embellishing as usual.
You are embellishing as usual.
ROSSETTI
Janey – There is no embellishment. I have never entertained deeper feelings towards any other creature my entire life.
Janey – There is no embellishment. I have never entertained deeper feelings towards any other creature my entire life.
JANEY
My dear, time must have faded your memory of earlier passions.
My dear, time must have faded your memory of earlier passions.
ROSSETTI
You have never believed me.
You have never believed me.
JANEY
Maybe the time has come that I should believe you. Yes, I will allow myself to believe a liar. When all is said and done, and the lid is closed on my coffin, having believed a liar will have made my life something extraordinary.
Maybe the time has come that I should believe you. Yes, I will allow myself to believe a liar. When all is said and done, and the lid is closed on my coffin, having believed a liar will have made my life something extraordinary.
ROSSETTI
No, Janey, hand on my heart, I have never lied to you. When the lid is closed on my coffin, you must know, my last thought will have been of you.
No, Janey, hand on my heart, I have never lied to you. When the lid is closed on my coffin, you must know, my last thought will have been of you.
JANEY
I believe you, I do.
I believe you, I do.
ROSSETTI
I have never lied to you. Places that are empty of you are bereft of all life. Everything is dark for me when you are away – from the very moment when we part, and I see you walk down the stairs, it is such a lonely thing... You have Top and the girls... I have nothing but the wait for your letters.
I have never lied to you. Places that are empty of you are bereft of all life. Everything is dark for me when you are away – from the very moment when we part, and I see you walk down the stairs, it is such a lonely thing... You have Top and the girls... I have nothing but the wait for your letters.
JANEY
Gabriel, Gabriel...I have to be kind to him, he's always been kind to me.
Gabriel, Gabriel...I have to be kind to him, he's always been kind to me.
ROSSETTI
But, Janey...
But, Janey...
JANEY
I have never loved him. You know I have never loved him.
I have never loved him. You know I have never loved him.
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