The Crusader: A Medieval Tragedy

By Edward T. May

The Crusader centers on William, a knight whose moral outlook is comprised of basic religious precepts and chivalrous principles. Envious of William's popularity with the common folk is Robert, a local nobleman. Realizing William's unwavering rectitude can be used against him, Robert foments a plan designed to bring disgrace upon William. Key to Robert's plot is Elizabeth, William's cousin. The ensuing action is charged with a psychological tension fueled by the unexpected foibles and surprising strengths of the individual characters. William, although the epitome of the chivalrous knight, is not above stirring "...the pot of justice with a falsehood lest the contents burn..." Robert, the thoroughly dissolute nobleman, at one point sounds more like a priest as he lectures William on the evils of self-deception. Elizabeth finds she is able to transcend self-pity, guilt and thoughts of suicide by seeking reconciliation between William and Robert. After an honest self-appraisal Mary, Robert's haughty and uncompromising mother, possesses the strength of character to acknowledge the role she's played in shaping the flawed character of her son and yet buckles emotionally at a critical juncture when her influence is needed most.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jan 7, 2004
• ISBN: 9781469726847

Edward T. May

Edward T. May graduated from the University of Colorado in 1981 with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. Currently, he divides his time between teaching and writing. He has authored four previous collections of short stories. He resides in Colorado with his wife and two sons.

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All Rights Reserved © 2003 by Edward T. May

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Contents

Characters

SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO

SCENE THREE

SCENE FOUR

SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO

SCENE THREE

SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO

SCENE THREE

SCENE FOUR

SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO

SCENE THREE

Dedicated to my nephews David, Matthew and James.

Characters 

William, knight

Robert, nobleman

Elizabeth, William’s cousin

Lady Mary, Robert’s mother

Walter, William’s friend

Francis, William’s friend

John, William’s friend

Arthur, William’s friend

Thomas, servant of Mary and Robert

Harold, innkeeper in a neighboring village

Eric, peasant of neighboring village

Phillip, bandit hired by Robert

Hernan, bandit hired by Robert

ACT ONE

SCENE ONE 

Small English village, the annual May Day celebration—William anticipates the arrival of his cousin Elizabeth. William’s past is mentioned as he speaks with his friend Walter. It is revealed that William was a knight who gave up his worldly possessions and went on a crusade to the Holy Land. It is obvious William is sincere in his beliefs. The overall mood is carefree and upbeat.

William·. Walter my fine fellow, how art thou this lovely May Day?

Walter. Ah, William, ‘tis good to see you. Of a certainty I am feeling the spirit of the day, and of the season. I cannot help but join with the mother of Persephone in welcoming her daughter home from her annual sojourn.

William· What think you of the May tree? Is it not enough to inspire the most vapid of hearts? May the good Lord forgive me for not exhibiting a proper humility, but I must confess I myself had a hand in its selection.

Walter: ‘Tis indeed fair to look upon. Beribboned and bedecked as it is it puts me in mind of a tender young maid, fair of skin and bright of eye. (Walter nudges William with an elbow.) Perhaps someone like unto thy cousin?

William: Patience, my good friend, is a virtue. Soon, or so I am led to believe by my cousin’s latest letter, thou shall see both tree and maid for thyself. Then thou may judge forthwith which is fairer. But look about thee, are there not enough women to choose from as ‘tis? Do thou require a seraglio like the heathen Saracen?

Walter: I require no more than one, but is it not natural that I would fain not be deprived of the fairest one? Would thou begrudge me that my friend?

William: I cannot deny it, ‘tis human nature to desire the fairest flower in the field. Elizabeth hath sent letters regarding her arrival and she assured me I would see her on the first of May, but as thou art well aware women are always wont to treat promptness as a vice, and tardiness as a virtue.

Walter: How fares Elizabeth after her mother’s death?

William: The death was not unexpected and Elizabeth had resigned herself to the situation long ere it occurred. Elizabeth’s mother, my aunt, knew as well that she had not long to live and when it became apparent her span of life had run its course my aunt entrusted Elizabeth into my safekeeping.

Walter: And will the fair Elizabeth find refuge under your roof, the better for you to safeguard her from louts such as I?

William: Nay. I have secured for her the small cottage on the old road, as it winds its way near the ocean. In troubled times Elizabeth hath found comfort in the sound of the wind and waves. Indeed, it hath a soothing effect upon her and calms her restless spirit. ‘Tis my

hope it will revive pleasant memories of her childhood home as it too was situated by the sea.

Walter. It would please me to learn more of thy cousin. Thou hast spoken of her outward appearance only and though I am sure her loveliness is unmatched I pray thee tell me also of her inward beauty. Tell me brave knight is she half so noble, both in bearing and in character, as thou art?

William· You flatter me, sir. I am compelled to protest for no man may merit such lavish praise, certainly not I.

Walter. Did thou not forego wealth, and station, and the praise of men? And all was done of thy own volition for no man compelled thee. You made no announcement concerning it, for it is not in thy character to be stentorian in such matters modest as thou art, but ‘tis well known thou exchanged all of these things for a meager existence.

William· (Obviously growing uncomfortable with being praised.) I’ve done nothing more than what the good Lord hath bid we all do. He would have us lay down our possessions and take up the cross. I have done so and harbor no regrets o’er the matter. Indeed, I firmly believe myself to be a better man for having done so.

Walter. ‘Tis an easy thing for men of my station in life, we who possess next to nothing, to encourage others to forego their riches. We may speak boldly on the subject for we have no possessions to forfeit and therefore do not seem the hypocrite. ‘Tis another matter entirely to possess great wealth and yet give substance to thy words by renouncing such weal as thou hast done. ‘Tis indeed worthy of note.

William. I would fain believe such upright behavior is practiced more often than you realize. I doubt not that you would have acted honorably had thou been like unto me. Were you suddenly possessed of great riches you would comprehend ere long that wealth is a jealous mistress, working to twist the mind of her lover and separate him from all else save her alone.

Walter. Yet I fear suitors for such a mistress are not wanting for it is common knowledge that few of those who set out on crusade gave up their wealth. Indeed, many have returned home enriched with the spoils of the Holy Land, our own dear Robert for one.