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‘Music THEATRE INTERNATIONAL
421 West 54th Street
New York NY 10019
(212) 541-4684CHARACTERS
LEADING PLAYER
PIPPIN;
CHARLES, his father
LEWIS, his halfbrother
FASTRADA, Lewis’ mother
BERTHE, Pippin’s grandmother
CATHERINE, a widow
THEO, her son
And a BAND OF PLAYERS who play all other roles
TIME: 780 A.D. and thereabouts
PLACE: — The Holy Roman Empire and thereabouts,
- ii -Musicat NUMBERS
Act
1. Magic To Do ol
1a, Magic Underscore #1 3
1b, Magic Underscore #2.. 3
2. Corner Of The Sky..
3. Magic — Scene Change ..
4, Welcome Home
5. Fastrada Cue
5a. Welcome Home ~ Part 2...
6. Council Cue.
6a, Cake Walk.
7. War Is A Science.
8, Before Battle Prayer
9. Glory Part 1.
90. Glory ~ Part 2
9b. Glory ~ Part 3
10. Victory Underscore.
11. Corner Of The Sky — Reprise
12, Simple Joys
13, No Time Ab All
14, With You ~ Part 1
1a, With You ~ Part 2.
14b. With You ~ Part 3
15, Bad News Cues
16. Pippin The Politico
17. Spread A Little Sunshine
18, Chapel Underscore
19, Morning Glow
20. Morning Glow Underscore.
21. Charles Resurrection...
21a, Act 1 Finale.
SeAct 2
22. Right Track 53
23, There He Wa wonsmnnmnnnnnnnnnnnnninnnnnnninninnnnnnnnnnennn 56
24, Kind Of Woman. 57
25. Theo's Cue 58
26. Hearth Incidental ..unnnnnece 59
27, Extraordinary sn - 61
28. Prayer For A Duck.. 65
29. Intro To Bed... 67
30. Bed Music. 67
31. Love Song. 68
32. Corner Of The Sky — Last REpTi8e vnsnsnnes 73
33. 1 Guess I'll Miss The Man...
34, Magic Underscore — Finale... nl
35. Finale nnn 78
35a, Theo's Corner. 84
36. Bows. 85
37, Exit Music. “ oe 85SONGS BY
CHARACTER
LEADING PLAYER
1. Magic To Do.
1b, Magic Underscore #2
3. Magic Scene Change ..
9. Glory — Part 1
9b. Glory — Part 3
12. Simple Joys
14, With You ~ Part 1
22, Right Track
35. Finale ..
PIPPIN
2. Corner Of The Sky
4, Welcome Home .
5a, Welcome Home—Part 2.
7. War Is A Science .
11. Corner Of The Sky ~ Reprise
14, With You— Part 1
19. Morning Glow
22. Right Track
27. Extraordinary
28, Prayer For A Duck
31. Love Song
32. Corner Of The Sky -tast Reprise «
35. Finale. .
FASTRADA
1. Magic To Do on
17. Spread A Little Sunshine
21a. Act 1 Finale ..
35. Finale
u
18
26
33
44
53
61
68
73
78
38
51
78
BERTHE
1. Magic To Do
13. No Time At All
(CATHERINE
23. There He Was
24, Kind Of Woman
31. Love Song
33. I Guess I'll Miss The Man .
CHARLES
1. Magic To Do
4, Welcome Home .
5a. Welcome Home Part 2.
7. War Is A Science ...
LEWIS
1. Magic To Do
THEO
35a, Theo's Corner
- 30
56
57
68
84Pippin i
Act 4
Scene 1
THE OPENING
Ab rise, the stage is filled with smoke and in total darkness except for moving hands.
The hands are illuminated by a light curtain consisting of ungelled flashlights focused
directly upwards mounted on the stage floor which keeps the stage in virtual darkness,
so that the writhing hands exist in a strange macabre limbo.
An orchestral vamp is accompanied by a low, crooning vocal wail.
Then, from the center ofthe rotating hands, the face of the LEADING PLAYER appears
and is hit by a spotlight. HE crosses the light curtain and moves downstage to the
audience and sings.
As the song progresses, we can see a bare stage populated by a GROUP of ACTORS.
Their costumes are of an undetermined period, But THEY are definitely PLAYERS ...
troupe... a theatrical caravan of some kind.
One by one, THEY come through the light curtain, and are hit by spotlights; until
finally, THEY all come forward and join in the song.
ALL
woo.
woo.
woo.
woo.
LEADING PLAYER
JOIN US, LEAVE YOUR FIELD TO FLOWER
JOIN US, LEAVE YOUR CHEESE TO SOUR
JOIN US, COME AND WASTE AN HOUR OR TWO
DOO-DLE-EE-DOO
JOURNEY, JOURNEY TO A SPOT EX-
CITING, MYSTIC AND EXOTIC
JOURNEY THROUGH OUR ANECDOTIC REVUE,
WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO, JUST FOR YOU.
WE'VE GOT MIRACLE PLAYS TO PLAY
WE'VE GOT PARTS TO PERFORM, HEARTS TO WARM- Pippin
(LEADING PLAYER)
KINGS AND THINGS TO TAKE BY STORM
AS WE GO ALONG OUR WAY...
FASTRADA
INTRIGUE, PLOTS TO BRING DISASTER
BERTHE
HUMOR, HANDLED BY A MASTER
TWO GIRLS
ROMANCE, SEX PRESENTED PASTORALLY
LEADING PLAYER
DEE-DLE-BE-DEE
LEWIS
ILLUSION, FANTASY TO STUDY
CHARLES
BATTLES, BARBAROUS AND BLOODY
LEADING PLAYER
JOIN US, SIT WHERE EV’RYBODY CAN SEE
(The remaining PLAYERS step through the light curtain and THEY ALL sing)
ALL
WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO, JUST FOR YOU
WE'VE GOT MIRACLE PLAYS TO PLAY
WE'VE GOT PARTS TO PERFORM, HEARTS TO WARM
KINGS AND THINGS TO TAKE BY STORM
‘AS WE GO ALONG OUR WAY....
(The song develops into a dance of sorts. It involves all kinds of magic tricks, etc, all the
things that PLAYERS have ever done to attract and hold an audience)
WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO, JUST FOR YOU
WE'VE GOT MIRACLE PLAYS TO PLAY
WE'VE GOT PARTS TO PERFORM, HEARTS TO WARM
KINGS AND THINGS TO TAKE BY STORM
AS WE GO ALONG.
WOMEN 1, MEN 1 MEN 2 WOMEN ‘
WE'VE GOT OUR WAY MAGIC TO DO
MAGIC TO DO WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO
JUST FOR YOU MAGIC TO DO MAGIC TO PLAYPirin asco
(WOMEN 1, MEN 1) (MEN 2) (WOMEN 2)
WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO JUST FOR YOU WE'VE GOT FOIBLES
JUST FOR YOU WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO AND FABLES
WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO JUST FOR YOU TO PORTRAY
JUST FOR YOU WE'VE GOT MAGIC TO DO
ALL
‘AS WE GO ALONG OUR WAY.
HEY.
(After the song, the music continues under)
oe
LEADING PLAYER
This evening, for your entertainment pleasure, we present our most mysterious and
miraculous tale. A stunning example of
A PLAYER
Magic!
A PLAYER
And merriment!
LEADING PLAYER
You will witness acts of ~
A PLAYER
Lust!
A PLAYER
Murder!
A PLAYER
Holy war!
LEADING PLAYER
And a climax, ladies and gentleman, a climax justly famous throughout the civilized
world!
(A PLAYER jumps onstage from a hidden platform on the side of the stage. HE has a
lighted torch in his hand)
Not now... later.
(The PLAYER with the torch goes. The LEADING PLAYER continues)= Pippin
(LEADING PLAYER)
Our tale today concerns the firstborn son of Charlemagne...and is entitled..
(The PLAYERS pull out a large cloth, which has been concealed in one of their
costumes. It reads: PIPPIN: HIS LIFE AND TIMES)
PLAYERS
Pippint
OTHER PLAYERS
.His Life and Times!
LEADING PLAYER
But, before we begin, let me assure you that what you are about to see is the true life
story of Pippin. You see there have been many misconceptions about Pippin...one
that he was.
A PLAYER
Ahunchback..
LEADING PLAYER
Or that he was...
A PLAYER
Enormously tall.
LEADING PLAYER
Or that he was...
A PLAYER
Left-handed, except for bowling...
LEADING PLAYER
But I beg you, cast all previous misconceptions aside, and accept what we enact for
you today.
(Pause)
The life of Pippin begins...
(There is a slap and a cry. A WOMAN PLAYER is raised above the sign with a bundle
in her arms)
Pippin, asa child, showed tremendous thirst for knowledge...
(The WOMAN PLAYER is lowered, and the SMALLEST MALE PLAYER is held up
reading a small book)
Immersed in these pursuits, the years went by quickly.
(The PLAYER is lowered and PIPPIN is raised above the sign. HE is reading a large
book. HE looks out at the audience and smiles as HE is lowered behind the sign)Pippin 5
(LEADING PLAYER)
Charlemagne sent Pippin to the University of Padua.
CHARLEMAGNE
and the faculty of the university granted him the special title of
house.
LEADING PLAYER
Pippin replied to this offer in his own deeply moving words
(The LEADING PLAYER pulls the cloth away. PIPPIN is revealed. The TROUPE
applauds, but itis a silent applause, and only ONE of the PLAYERS actually claps.)
He may be a little nervous. This is
his first time playing this role.
PIPPIN
Could I have some more lights, please?
LEADING PLAYER
Well, he’s not that nervous.
(The LEADING PLAYER claps his hands and a spot light hits PIPPIN)
PIPPIN
‘Thank you. Gentle tutors ... respected members of the faculty ... I'm very grateful for
the knowledge that you have given me, But I'm afraid what I'm looking for can’t be
found in books.
LEADING PLAYER
And Pippin made a promise.
(Underscoring begins)
PIPPIN
1 promise not to waste my life on commonplace, ordinary pursuits. You see I know
there is something.
LEADING PLAYER
Something fulfilling? Completely fulfilling
PIPPIN
Yes. That's it. Something completely fulfilling. And I'm going to find it.
T'm not exactly sure what I want to do...or where I want to go.
EV/RYTHING HAS ITS SEASON
EV'RYTHING HAS ITS TIME,
SHOW ME A REASON AND I'LL SOON SHOW YOU A RHYMEPippin
(PIPPIN)
CATS FIT ON THE WINDOW SILL
CHILDREN FIT IN THE SNOW
WHY DO I FEEL I DON'T FIT IN ANYWHERE I GO?
RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE,
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY
Y'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE
GOTTA FIND MY CORNER OF THE SKY
EV'RY MAN HAS HIS DAYDREAMS
EV'RY MAN HAS HIS GOAL
PEOPLE LIKE THE WAY DREAMS HAVE OF STICKING TO THE SOUL
‘THUNDERCLOUDS HAVE THEIR LIGHTNING
NIGHTINGALES HAVE THEIR SONG
AND DON’T YOU SEE I WANT MY LIFE TO BE
SOMETHING MORE THAN LONG,
RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY
I'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE
GOTTA FIND MY CORNER OF THE SKY
SO MANY MEN SEEM DESTINED
TO SETTLE FOR SOMETHING SMALL.
BUT I WON'T REST UNTIL 1 KNOW I'LL HAVE IT ALL
SO DON'T ASK WHERE I'M GOING
JUST LISTEN WHEN I'M GONE
AND FAR AWAY YOU'LL HEAR ME SINGING SOFTLY TO THE DAWN:
RIVERS BELONG WHERE THEY CAN RAMBLE,
EAGLES BELONG WHERE THEY CAN FLY
I'VE GOT TO BE WHERE MY SPIRIT CAN RUN FREE
GOTTA FIND MY CORNER
OF THE SKY...Pippin i
(After the song, EVERYONE applauds. THEY go to PIPPIN and slap him on the back
and congratulate him, ad libing ‘Well said’ ..."Bravo'...’Good luck’, etc.)
LEADING PLAYER
(to PIPPIN)
Not bad for your first time! Not bad at all!
(Music begins, and the PLAYERS move off, taking PIPPIN with them)
JOURNEY — JOURNEY TO A SPOT EX-
CITING, MYSTIC AND EXOTIC
JOURNEY—THROUGH OUR ANECDOTIC REVUE
(The music continues. As it does the LEADING PLAYER performs a trick where HE
‘makes a red scarf disappear in his hand. HE then points to down to the center of the
stage; as HE does, a spot light hits the center of the stage, and the LEADING PLAYER
crosses to the light and begins to pull what seems to be the same red scarf out of the
floor. As it gets larger and larger one sees it is attached to the palace portal, which now
rises entirely out of the floor, magically and majestically.)
The royal court of Charles the Great...
(HE bows to the audience and squeezes out his own spotlight.)
Act 4
Scene 2
HOME
(PIPPIN addresses the audience)
PIPPIN
‘The first day I was home from Padua my father sent me a horse. The second day he
sent mea falcon. The third day I went hunting. And on the fourth day, my father
finally came himself
(There isa flash of fire , and CHARLEMAGNE appears)
LEADING PLAYER
Enter... Charlemagne.
CHARLES
This part is to be portrayed by an actor of enormous power.Pippin
LEADING PLAYER
A giant on the battlefield and in the bedroom,
CHARLES
Oh, thank you so much,
(LEADING PLAYER goes.
‘Moving to PIPPIN)
Good morning.
PIPPIN
Good morning, sir.
(PIPPIN goes to embrace his father, but CHARLES sticks out his hand. PIPPIN stops
and they shake hands.)
#4
CHARLES
Well, welcome home, son...well
(Father and son look at each other, unsure what to say or do next. Then CHARLES
sings)
Uh.
HELLO, SON.
PIPPIN
HELLO.
CHARLES
YOU LOOK THINNER.
PIPPIN
I KNOW.
CHARLES
80, SON
PIPPIN
So.
CHARLES
LAST NIGHT DIDN'T YOU MISS DINNER?
PIPPIN
No.Pippin
CHARLES
Oh. Well, how did things go in Padua?
PIPPIN
Very well, sit, some of my tutors.
CHARLES
(Interrupting PIPPIN)
Good...good. I'ma great believer in education.
PIPPIN
And yet you have become the most powerful man in the world without it.
CHARLES
‘The most powerful man in the world? Oh, Pippin, don’t exaggerate. What about
the Pope?
PIPPIN
Irank you ahead of the Pope, si
CHARLES
Thappen to agree with you. But the world I grew up in was simpler. The sword
solved every problem, Tomorrow is for you.
PIPPIN
But it’s still today.
CHARLES
But for how long? Pippin, sunrise and sunset are similar, but not identical.
(Action freezes on CHARLES and PIPPIN. The LEADING PLAYER appears)
LEADING PLAYER
Enter Lewis...
(LEWIS jumps up from the side, As the LEADING PLAYER introduces him, HE
strikes a series of characteristically masculine poses to show off his muscles)
Pippin’s halfbrother... and after Pippin, heir to the throne. Addicted to the physical,
Lewis loves weight lifting... Lewis loves wrestling... but most of all...Lewis loves
Lewis.
(LEWIS crosses the stage swinging his sword, as if HE were attacking something.)
LEWIS
Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!
PIPPIN
Well done, brother.= 10 — Pippin
LEWIS
Well done? That was magnificent! Did you know this arm slew twenty Frisians last
year? And it's going to slay even more Visigoths.
PIPPIN
You mean, you're going to war against the Visigoths?
LEWIS
Uh huh. That's the next one. It's going to be a glorious campaign. And oh - those
Visigoth women. I don’t mean to shock your bookish sensibilities.
PIPPIN
I'm only shocked that you're interested in women now.
(The action freezes and once more the LEADING PLAYER appears)
LEADING PLAYER
Enter ... Fastrada,
(FASTRADA is revealed)
Pippin's stepmother. Devious...crafty, cunning, untrustworthy...but a warm and
wonderful mother. Dedicated to gaining the throne for her darling son, Lewis
(Action begins. FASTRADA comes downstage to LEWIS)
FASTRADA
Lewis! Lewis! Guess what Mommy has for you...surprise!
(SHE gives LEWIS a breastplate)
LEWIS
Oh! Thank you, Mother. Look at this! Isn't it a beauty?
PIPPIN
It really is beautiful
FASTRADA
Welcome home, Pippin.
(Blowing a kiss to CHARLES)
My darling.
LEWIS
Can you imagine how I'll shine in the sun?
(FASTRADA lovingly helps LEWIS put on the breastplate)Pippin aie
FASTRADA
Darling, you look beautiful. Doesn’t he, Charles?
(LEWIS begins to strut around, showing off his new armor)
Oh, Pippin, stand up straight. Didn’t they teach you posture at Padua?
PIPPIN
| failed posture.
(HE slumps deliberately)
FASTRADA
Notice how straight Lewis stands,
PIPPIN
Oh, yes, he's a real straightstander... no question about that
LEWIS
Look how I shine.
(Crosses with swordplay)
Hah, Visigoths!
(Exits)
FASTRADA
We're so proud of Lewis, aren't we, dear? Oh, my darling, before I forget, the royal
treasurer informs me I've overdrawn my allowance account,
CHARLES
You're overdrawn again?
FASTRADA
Now, now, my Lord, don't be angry with me. You know how confused I get about
money. After all, I'm just an ordinary housewife and mother.
(To audience)
«just like all you housewives and mothers out there.
(SHE goes)
CHARLES
‘You know, sometimes I wonder if the fornicating I'm getting is worth the fornicating
I'm getting.
(Turns to PIPPIN)
Well, son, now we can have our talk. How’ve things been going with you?iene Pippin
PIPPIN
Well, not very well. Father, there are a lot of...
CHARLES
(Interrupting him, HE sings)
WELCOME HOME, SON, WELCOME HOME,
I'M SO GLAD TO HEAR THERE'S NOTHING WRONG
WELCOME HOME, SON, GLAD YOU’RE HOME
WILL YOU BE STAYING LONG?
PIPPIN
Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Father. I wanted to ask you.
CHARLES
(Going on)
WELCOME HOME, SON, GLAD YOU'RE HOME
WELL, I'VE GOT TO GO, IT’S ALMOST NOON
PIPPIN
(Trying to break through)
But Father...
CHARLES
WELCOME HOME, SON, GLAD YOU'RE HOME
WE'LL TALK AGAIN SOON.
(Speaks)
Keep busy while you're here. Why don’t you take that falcon and horse I gave you
and go hunting?
PIPPIN
Good idea, Thank you, sir.
CHARLES
(Starts off, then turns)
Oh, Pippin...
PIPPIN
Yes, sir?
CHARLES
ONE MORE THOUGHT I WOULD IMPART IS.
I MAY BLUSH BUT ILL BE FRANK.Pippin 13 —
PIPPIN
DO, SIR.
CHARLES
(A pause, then nothing but a cliché)
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS.
PIPPIN
THANK YOU, SIR,
(CHARLES goes. Mus
begins)
The preparations for the Visigoth campaign were reaching a peak. Marksmen tested
themselves against the butts.
(Arrovws fly across the stage)
‘Swordsmen tested themselves against each other.
(LEWIS and A SWORDSMAN cross dueling. LEWIS cuts off the THE
SWORDSMAN’ arm.)
LEWIS
Oops! My bad!
(Exits)
PIPPIN
‘The panoply of war was being assembled. The sights and sounds of glory were in
the air.
SOLDIERS
(Scream)
Glory!
(Exit)
PIPPIN
And what am I doing? Nothing
(LEADING PLAYER enters, wearing a helmet and carrying weapons)
LEADING PLAYER
Your sword, sir.
(Looks more closely)
‘Oh, excuse me. I thought you were a warrior.— 14 = Pippin
PIPPIN
No, no, no wait. I'll keep it.
LEADING PLAYER
But you're not one of us...
PIPPIN
T'm Prince Pippin
LEADING PLAYER
Who?
PIPPIN
Prince Pippin. One day I will be King.
(Rises on tiptoes)
LEADING PLAYER
You don’t say!
(PIPPIN reaches for the sword, but the LEADING PLAYER exits, taking the sword
with him.)
PIPPIN
(To audience)
1 think I'm going to go talk to my father.
(The set changes to Charles’ court. Lights up on CHARLES as HE enters)
FEMALE COURTIER
The royal court of Charles the Great, emperor of the Holy Roman empire...
CHARLES
And a giant in the bedroom..
COURTIER
And a giant in the bedroom...
(Indicating with a “so so” gesture of her hand that CHARLES isn’t much of a giant)
is prepared to hear petitions.
(Lights up on BARON)
BARON
Oh, great leader, blessed by God, sent to us from Heaven to protect us from the
Infidel
CHARLES
(Impatient)
Oh, what is it?Pippin
— 15 —
BARON
I beseech you to reduce my levy of footsoldiers, cattle and wheat. Due to a famine...
CHARLES
(Interrupting)
Denied. Next
BARON
But sire, my cattle are dying and my fields are barren.
CHARLES
Denied. Next.
BARON
But, sire, that is unjust and tyrannical. I object!
CHARLES
Take that man away and hang him!
(The LEADING PLAYER steps from behind the staircase and places a noose around the
BARON'S neck)
CHARLES
Next!
PETITIONER
(Stepping forward)
Oh, great leader, blessed by God, sent to us from Heaven...
CHARLES
Oh, no. Not all that bullshit again, Out! Out! Everybody out! Council is dismissed.
PIPPIN
Wait! Father...
CHARLES
Yes?
PIPPIN
I know what I want to do now.
CHARLES
Good. Good.
PIPPIN
T want to be a soldier.
CHARLES
What!= 16 = Puppin
PIPPIN
Yes, I want to join you in your campaign against the Visigoths.
CHARLES
Denied.
PIPPIN
But that’s not fair! You're taking Lewis.
CHARLES
Yes, well, your brother Lewis is an ideal soldier. He is strong and stupid. You, on
the other hand, are educated.
PIPPIN
But, I'm your oldest son. That means I'll be king one day. Fighting wars is an
important part of being king, isn’t it?
CHARLES
Fighting wars is the most important part of being king. I mean after all, the Pope
and I have dedicated ourselves to bringing Christianity to the entire world, even if
we have to kill every non-believer to do it.
PIPPIN
Well, that’s what I'm talking about. You're dedicated to something, and I just want
to be dedicated to something, too... with all my heart and soul... and whatever it is,
T want to do it as well as I possibly can, Otherwise, my life won't have any meaning
atl
CHARLES
Oh, you want your life to have meaning, do you?
PIPPIN
Yes, Ido.
CHARLES
Well, that’s very ambitious of you, Pippin.
(a beat)
Denied!
PIPPIN
(Looks at his father a moment, then starts off)
Goodbye, Father.
CHARLES
Where are you going?
PIPPIN
Tl find myself another warPippin 17
CHARLES
Pippin, stop
(PIPPIN does.)
You're determined to do this, aren't you?
PIPPIN
Absolutely.
CHARLES
(sighs)
Very well. Get yourself a decent sword and come along,
w
(CHARLES goes.
‘The LEADING PLAYER enters from the wings and hands the sword to PIPPIN.
PIPPIN looks at the LEADING PLAYER)
PIPPIN
V'ma soldier.
LEADING PLAYER
Don't cut yourself.
(HE goes)
(PIPPIN turns to audience)
PIPPIN
Me, a warrior. Finally, a chance to be part of something important, A chance to use
my sword...my arm...and maybe even my blood...
(The drum roll which has been under all this becomes intense)
A SOLDIER
Glory!
ANOTHER SOLDIER
Glory!
(The stage begins to fill with MEN in full battle regalia. There is a short dance as the
set changes from court to the tent of CHARLEMANGE,)— 18 — Pippin
Act 1
Scene 3
WAR
CHARLES
Gentlemen, be seated. Map!
(A map is lowered from the fies)
Well, gentlemen, it’s been a long, hard march, This is where we are.
(Indicating on the map)
Here. Tomorrow morning at sunrise we go against the Visigoths.
PIPPIN
(Jumping to his feet)
Hah, Visigoths!
CHARLES
Pippin, sit down.
(PIPPIN sits)
Now the main factor in tomorrow's battle is the terrain. So look at this map. Study
it. Remember it.
PIPPIN
Father, why can’t we just go out there and slaughter them?
CHARLES
You spoke, Pippin?
PIPPIN
Since we're braver and stronger and have God on our side, can’t we just go out there
and kill at will?
CHARLES
War is a science, Pippin.
PIPPIN
Well, that takes half the fun out of it right there.
CHARLES
There's plenty of fun when you win.Pippin —19—
(CHARLES)
WAR IS A SCIENCE
WITH RULES TO BE APPLIED
WHICH GOOD SOLDIERS APPRECIATE
RECALL AND RECAPITULATE
BEFORE THEY GO TO DECIMATE
‘THE OTHER SIDE
Now, gentlemen, this is the plan for tomorrow's skirmish.
‘THE ARMY OF THE ENEMY IS STATIONED ON THE HILL,
‘SO WE'VE GOT TO GET THEM DOWN HERE, AND THIS IS HOW WE WILL,
OUR MEN IN THE RAVINE (THAT'S THIS AREA IN GREEN)
WILL MOVE ACROSS THE VALLEY WHERE THEY PLAINLY CAN BE SEEN
AND THE ENEMY (IN BLUE) WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PURSUE
FOR THAT'S WHAT YOU DEPEND UPON AN ENEMY TO DO.
AND THEN, AND THEN,
AND GENTLEMEN, AND THEN.
PIPPIN
(Unable to contain his enthusiasm, marches around with his sword)
AND THEN THE MEN GO MARCHING OUT INTO THE FRAY
CONQUERING THE ENEMY AND CARRYING THE DAY
HARK! THE BLOOD IS POUNDING IN OUR EARS
JUBILATIONS! WE CAN HEAR A GRATEFUL NATION'S
CHEERS!
CHARLES
Pippin! Don't interrupt.
PIPPIN
I'm sorry, Father. 1 just got carried away.
(PIPPIN sits)
CHARLES
(Long, disapproving look at PIPPIN)
Now, where was I? Ah, yes...
WAR IS A SCIENCE
A BREEDING GROUND FOR BRAINS
FOR THOUGH I CANNOT WRITE MY NAME,
THE MEN WHOSE PENS HAVE BROUGHT THEM FAME
WRITE ENDLESS PARAGRAPHS EXPLAINING
MY CAMPAIGNS.— 20 —
Pippin
(CHARLES)
NOW WHEN THE FOE SEE OUR SOLDIERS MARCHING.
THROUGH THE LEA
‘THEY WILL MOUNT A CHARGE AND MEET US AT THE POINT
Y'VE LABELLED “B”
AND THEIR BOWMEN ON THE HILL (IN YELLOW ON THE MAP)
WILL LEAVE THEIR POSTS TO JOIN THE REST AND FALL
INTO OUR TRAP
‘THEN WE'LL CUT OFF REINFORCEMENTS AND RETREAT OF
ANY KIND
BEARING PRINCIPLES OF ENFILADE AND DEFILADE IN MIND.
AND THEN, AND THEN
AND GENTLEMEN, AND THEN.
PIPPIN
(Leaping up and marching arownd again)
Pippin.
AND THEN THE MEN GO MARCHING OUT INTO THE FRAY
CONQUERING THE ENEMY AND CARRYING THE DAY.
HARK THE BLOOD IS POUNDING IN OUR EARS.
JUBILATIONS! WE CAN HEAR A GRATEFUL NATION'S.
CHARLES
PIPPIN
Y'm sorry, Father. It won't happen again.
CHARLES
(Looks at PIPPIN and shakes his head)
In conclusion, gentlemen...
NOW LISTEN TO ME CLOSELY, I'LL ENDEAVOR TO EXPLAIN
WHAT SEPARATES A CHARLATAN FROM A CHARLEMAGNE
A RULE CONFESSED BY GENERALS ILLUSTRIOUS AND VARIOUS
THOUGH POMPOUS AS A POMPEY OR DARING AS A DARIUS.
ASIMPLE RULE THAT EVERY GREAT MAN LEARNS BY HEART:
IT'S SMARTER TO BE LUCKY THAN IT’S LUCKY TO BE SMART.
AND IF THE FATES FEEL FRIVOLOUS
AND ALL OUR PLANS THEY SMOTHER
WELL, SUPPOSE THIS WAR DOES SHRIVEL US
THERE'LL ALWAYS BE ANOTHER!Pippin —21—
(CHARLES)
AND THEN.
ALL
AND THEN
CHARLES
AND GENTLEMEN, AND THEN.
(Spoken)
Now...Pippin...now!
(The SOLDIERS rise with swords in hand, and the music changes to a soft-shoe, which
the SOLDIERS proceed to do as THEY sing. PIPPIN attempts to follow the steps.)
SOLDIERS
AND THEN THE MEN GO MARCHING OUT INTO THE TRAY
CONQUERING THE ENEMY AND CARRYING THE DAY
HARK! THE BLOOD IS POUNDING IN OUR EARS!
JUBILATIONS! WE CAN HEAR A GRATEFUL NATION'S CHEERS!
(THEY exit. CHARLES, PIPPPIN, and LEWIS are alone on stage.)
CHARLES
(Confronting Pippin)
Pippin, | find your attitude disturbing,
PIPPIN
T'm sorry, father. It was just all that talk about enfilade and defilade...
CHARLES
Pippin, the Visigoth king across the valley is talking about enfilade and defilade, too.
That's the way it's done. Now, | always like to spend the night before battle praying,
I would like my two sons to join me.
(CHARLES kneels, LEWIS and PIPPIN kneel on either side of him)
Oh God, we who fight in your name and in the name of your Son, ask for victory in
combat tomorrow. Give us the power to butcher the Infidel, that the righteous may
flourish upon the face of the earth.
PIPPIN
Father, is the Visigoth king praying for victory, too?