It fortuned in this wise: my troth was plighted that I should be wedded to a passing fair gentleman and knight of haut renown, a true lover and deserving of a good end! As together we rode forth, planning for our marriage, we passed through a dark forest till we happed upon a grimly castle! As we gazed upon its towers wondering who might dwell therein out rushed a churlish knight, Oh, a mighty giant, one of the world’s perilous fighters, seven times the height of mortal man, and with the strength of seven men! Nathless all undaunted my knight dressed his shield and set his spear, crying, “How now, rude Saracen! An ye be a true fighter come and prove it, spear to spear, and sword to sword, and body to body!” But the miscreant laughed in mockage, and set on my poor love, belabouring him with a huge club, and dragged him down from his saddle, shivering his spear, and shattering his sword, and splitting his helm clear through to the brain-pan! Ah, little page, I see well now that ye like this tale, but I do assure you it is no matter for enjoyment!... And all this while I shrieked shrilly and kneeled in the mire before the churlish wight, with my two hands lifted, praying him for the love of Heaven to have mercy on my knight! But the murtherous monster only laughed the louder, with a great noise like thunder, spitting flames from his enormous mouth, and bound my knight hand and feet and threw him into the dungeon keep, the while I, leaping on my palfrey, made my escape, riding hither, like the wind, to merry Carlisle, to King Arthur’s court, clear into this very hall, and threw myself at the King’s feet, praying succour for my love!

The Damosel Monologue from Festival Plays: One-Act Pieces

Rehearse The Damosel's monologue