Frankenstein - Justine lines
William! Do come out if you're hiding. It's time to come in!
*come on stage*
Oh, do come out! William! William Frankenstein! Victor and Henry are here! They so wish to see you!
*other side of stage*
I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm just looking for William. He's vanished again, I'm afraid, and in his health -
Adopted cousins, Elizabeth. But something more, I believe. And you believe it too! *ENTER*
"I eagerly await a springtime welcome - blue skies, flowers and your sweet smile."
Of course he hasn't!
F...f...fr...frieeeend...
You are better than I wished. Sweet friend.
Monsters... monsters...
You are responsible!
Is the object beautiful?
Beginning of act 2
Elizabeth? Elizabeth? Are you all right?
Beginning of scene 2
No, I did not...I could not have done this! It is not in my heart to do such a thing. And yet, I cannot account for William's body or the necklace or anything! I cannot...
But surely you could not have done this terrible thing! Tell us - tell them that!
Change is sometimes good.
Coming...coming!
I shall count to two! One, two!
Count to 20!
William - I will play with you. But you must do the hiding, and I will do the finding.
Dear brother, I am still quite dead, I fear.
Ffrriendd...
Friend! And more than friend! Wife. Companion.
I do not.
Have you any words for this court or for any of these spectators that would shed light on the heart accused of so dark a deed as the murder of such an innocent?
He will return to you.
He is promised to me, and I live in hope and faith in that promise. But it is difficult...
Please pardon my interruption.
Here, Justine. In the courtyard. *ENTER*
Yes, a beautiful wedding!
How lovely! Justine, let us in. We have much to prepare in three months!
If the calendar had stood still whilst you left! He is 11!
I expect him to have far exceeded me in height by now. How old is he? Nine?
Victor, Henry - welcome home. I hope you will find your quarters as comfortable as when you left.
I perpetually follow Victor with a great broom. I am used to it by now.
Fine then - if it will wear you down, I shall let you hid, and when I've regained my strength, I will come and find you.
I'm bored! And I can't sit still. I'm so excited to see Victor and Henry again.
William? Where are you? William - this isn't funny! It's growing dark and cold, and your brother and Henry are back! Come home to supper. Elizabeth will be very cross with you! William
I'm here! Justine, I -
Seems like too nice a day to be stuck up inside. Friends all about, a handsome gentleman wanting to talk to you. Ans you: hiding! If I was being courted, I'd play easier to get!
I'm here. I'm just taking a moment.
Rejoice then I have news for you that may melt your heart and this hillside both. From Victor!
It is welcome, Justine. Good Uncle Alphonse was trying to chip away at an obstinate, frozen heart.
Mon-sters...
It was not a license for the multiplication of sin. I shall not, in my own selfishness, trade my happiness for a scourge of murderers. Of monsters!
Nothing, mam. God sees, knows all. I do not fear to die.
Miss Moritz, have you nothing to add to your friend and protector's witness to your character?
I remembered all your favorites!
Justine has prepared quail.
I...I don't know! I was looking for William and grew tired. I lay down in the barn, thinking I would rest - but fell asleep instead. I was awakened by these men. That necklace was in my hand. I am terribly confused.
Justine! Help us - what has happened?
Of course!
Justine, would you find William? I know he'll not want to roam the countryside with Victor home.
Judge, with every respect, a world in which a pure and guiltless soul as William might be so untimely murdered, and in which I am accused of so vile an act - that is a world without hope, and I wish not to live in it.
Miss Moritz, the charges against you are grave. If you have any hope whatsoever for -
No, father. Words, till now, have failed me. Please say a prayer for me, so that my journey may be tread more softly.
Miss Moritz - have you any last thoughts that you wish to impart in your final moments?
Mooothher...
Mother to what?
Moth...er...
Mother...?
Friends...
My promise was a penance for my own sin - creating you. And a protection against further harm to my friends.
I did not need to guess - I saw you go ask her for it when we began.
No fair! How did you guess?
God have mercy on me!
O glorious Trinity, for the bitter passion of our sweet savior Christ. Amen.
He will return! In three months, he says. Henry has been injured, but it is recovering, and as soon as he is well and their affairs concluded at Ingolstadt, they will be back!
Oh! What is it? Justine! (Cries) I'm sorry, I...I just...What is it?
Lo...ove...
Our love shall take the course it will. You shall not impede us.
Is it Elizabeth's necklace?
Parts, yes.
Elizabeth! Elizabeth!
Patience, dear *OFFSTAGE*
Wii-ii-ii-fe.
Say it, most beautiful creation. "Wife." Do you know the word? Say "wife."
F...f...riend...
She speaks! Already!
Such long months they've been.
Six months.
How long since you've heard from him?
Splendid! *ENTER*
Victor?
Stop! She is innocent!
There you are, little one. Time for bed.
Tell him...to write soon. *ENTER*
Why perhaps he does! *PULL OUT LETTER* "And to my someday wife, Elizabeth ..."
What shall he look like, two years older and no sight since? Does he mention me? I mean - does he make any particular not of -
Comp...an...ion...
Yes! Now- "Companion." "Com-pan-ion."
Sweet child, I shall count no less than one thousand. Go!
Yes! Wonderful! But give me a proper head start. Count at least to a hundred.
Mother...
Yes! Wonderful! Yes!
Is it gold?
Yes.
Yes, I did. I confess. Now, please - I must stop. I've rooms to prepare. We can play tomorrow. The day will hopefully be nicer. Would you not rather to gambol about in the sun?
You cheated! You peeked!
Yes, sir.
You'll spoil that boy if you indulge this imagined frailty, Justine. Let him play! He's a boy! Boys play!
William! William, where are you?
You're not hiding from me, are you?