PALAMON SIDES x2

Sir Palamon is the most valiant and honoured knight of the realm. He is famous
throughout the world for his heroic deeds and exploits. A knight of great physical
strength and character. He lives for war and the glory that victory brings. He has hidden
depths, possessing a mysterious quality as if he truly could be a god from an ancient
myth.

Palamon is astonishingly handsome. He has a tremendous physical and sexual presence.

He is used to getting any woman he wants, and is a highly skilled and experienced lover.

ACT ONE; SCENE FOUR

PALAMON
(aside)
She is enchanting!
Truly I never saw such beauty in all my life:
Myself am moved to woo her for my wife.
Just now, Hugo hardly knew
If she were girl or goddess from above!
His is a mystical, a holy love,
And mine is love as to a human being.
The freshness of her beauty strikes me dead.
An hundred years should go to praise
Her eyes and on her forehead gaze:
Two hundred to adore each breast;
But thirty thousand to the rest.
For, truly she deserves this state,
Nor would I love at lower rate.
Unless I gain the mercy of her grace,
Unless at least I see her day by day,
I am but dead,
There is no more to say.
ACT ONE; SCENE NINE

PALAMON
(looking at HUGO)
Every man is required for war!

(KNIGHTS cheer, HUGO is silent. In the

background, GAWAIN tells those present in
tavern of the threat received.)

HUGO
I told you, Palamon, I am done with war!

PALAMON
To conquer Avalon would secure the peace of our kingdom for
many years to come, and a warrior such as you is needed, Hugo.

HUGO
And am I the whole army?

PALAMON
Brother, you and I have fought so many battles together and
survived.

HUGO
But seen so many precious friends hid in death’s
dateless night.

PALAMON
Excuses!

HUGO
Do you truly believe we are immortal?

PALAMON
We are gods!
(everyone cheers)

MUSIC begins.

HUGO
I have proved my worth as a warrior and brought honour
to the House of Rose.

PALAMON
Our greatest conquest, our greatest victory will be Avalon.
 HUGO
This is my time to marry and raise sons of
my own. Why would I leave Princess Hannah, my heaven on
earth for that hell of battle?

PALAMON
Avalon will be remembered in history when all other battles
are forgotten.

HUGO
Our kingdom is full of brave knights hungry for battle and the
chance to win honour for their name – let them go! Let others
claim the glory for the victory. My time of fighting is over!
(Turns to leave and walk away)

PALAMON sings to HUGO who, during song, is

beginning to think and ponder.