Songs of Bastards (play)

Introduction

“Songs of Bastards” is an intricate and provocative play. Presented as part of a long letter to Tevis Clyde Smith circa March 1929, this work blends poetry, narrative, and dramatic dialogue, exploring themes of infidelity, lust, and societal norms. The play’s unique title, “An Idyll. One of the Greatest Operas Never Yet Produced Anywhere,” hints at its ambitious yet unorthodox nature. This work is set against a backdrop of raw and unfiltered human emotions, portraying a satirical yet darkly humorous view of relationships and social dynamics.Here is an extract:

Queen: “Good master, you bring blushes to my face; I’ll have a roof put on the squatting-place.”
Sage: “Good mistress, think the stars not to offend; if on the privies money you must spend, mend up the cracks whereby the serving men do view your queenly buttocks now and then.”
Nell: “I told you mistress! Scarce a day is passing, but through a crack some rude rough wight doth reach to pinch a lady-in-waiting on her breech. To me, fair mistress it is embarrassing.”

Detailed summary

Act I

Scene 1

The play opens with Sir Hanlo Talltoole expressing his longing for Nell, the wife of Sir Swearley Knife, through a lyrical monologue filled with vivid imagery. A Sage enters, recognizing Sir Hanlo’s desire and warning him of the consequences of pursuing a married woman. Despite the Sage’s advice, Sir Hanlo remains determined, expressing his willingness to confront Sir Swearley. The Sage agrees to help Sir Hanlo for a pound of gold, hinting at his own pragmatic and opportunistic nature.

Scene 2

The scene shifts to the palace of the queen, where the Sage is conversing with the Queen and Nell. The dialogue is laced with a mix of philosophical musings and crude humor, touching on themes of lust, power, and societal expectations. The Queen speaks candidly about the nature of men and women, advocating a resigned acceptance of male brutality. The Sage, meanwhile, makes suggestive comments and asides, adding a layer of cynicism to the proceedings. Ultimately, the Sage orchestrates a meeting between Sir Hanlo and Nell, setting the stage for further conflict.

Act II

Scene 1

In a tavern, a group of bastards sing a bawdy song and engage in crude banter, reflecting the play’s theme of unchecked male virility. They call for a serving girl to entertain them, but their revelry is interrupted by the arrival of Sir Swearley Knife. Displaying his dominance, Sir Swearley chastises the bastards and orders them to leave. Left alone with a serving girl, Sir Swearley reveals his brutish nature, rejecting any pretense of gentleness or respect in his pursuit of sexual gratification.

Scene 2

The final scene takes place in a high-class tavern where Sir Hanlo and Nell are together after a night of passion. Sir Hanlo reflects on the primal forces that drive human behavior, while Nell dismisses her husband’s potential reaction. The Sage warns them of Sir Swearley’s approach, revealing his betrayal for gold. Sir Swearley bursts in, condemning Nell and challenging Sir Hanlo. A fight ensues, with Sir Hanlo disarming Sir Swearley. However, Nell intervenes, proclaiming her enduring love for her husband despite her infidelity. Sir Swearley takes Nell away, vowing to discipline her. The play concludes with Sir Hanlo rejecting the idea of winning women through brutality and the Sage reflecting on the absurdity of life, tossing away the gold he received.

Characters

  • Sir Hanlo Talltoole: A lustful knight who pursues Nell, Sir Swearley’s wife, despite knowing the risks.
  • Sage: A cynical and opportunistic character who manipulates others for his gain.
  • Nell Knife: The wife of Sir Swearley Knife, caught between her husband’s brutality and her affair with Sir Hanlo.
  • Sir Swearley Knife: Nell’s husband, a violent and dominating man who believes in strict control over his wife.
  • Queen: A regal figure who speaks openly about the nature of men and women, advocating for acceptance of male brutality.
  • Serving Girl: A minor character who becomes a victim of Sir Swearley’s aggression.
  • 1st Bastard: One of the rowdy men in the tavern, eager for debauchery.
  • 2nd Bastard: Another member of the tavern group, participating in the crude banter.
  • 3rd Bastard: A participant in the tavern scene, reflecting the play’s theme of male dominance.
  • 4th Bastard: Yet another member of the tavern crowd, engaging in the lewd behavior.
  • Host: The owner of the tavern who reluctantly accommodates Sir Swearley’s demands.
  • A Lady-in-Waiting: A minor character in the palace scene, providing a voice to the common women’s plight.
  • A Jester: An offstage character who sings about the absurdity of life and human folly.
  • Matthew Mule: An offstage character who sings about the harsh realities of life and love.

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