Frankenstein vs The Hunchback of Notre-Dame Read online

  PIETRO (who doesn’t understand): What?

  JANSKIN (aloud): Leave us!

  PIETRO: Where do you want me to go?

  JANSKIN: I don’t know. Away from us.

  PIETRO (aside): Hum! This one’s got a face well-suited to this God-forsaken place. (another gesture by Janskin) I obey, I obey.

  (Pietro goes toward the back; we occasionally lose sight of him.)

  ZAMETTI (to Janskin): What do you want with me?

  JANSKIN: In the position in which I find myself, I can’t see you, except in secret, and for only a moment. Thus, I’m going to hasten to talk plainly. The first time I presented myself before you, I was only able to tell you of my past misfortunes and my hopes for the future. Yet, I was struck by your air of suffering and distress. Since then, I’ve gathered information. I’ve followed you and your labors without your suspecting it–and now, I know everything.

  ZAMETTI: What do you mean?

  JANSKIN: Listen, Zametti. You must realize: the same studies filled our youth. Like you, I was drawn to the Great Work, I sought to discover the Philosopher’s Stone, I burned more coal in my furnace than is produced in a year in the Black Forest. I studied it all: chemistry, alchemy, astrology–but after dirtying my hands and tiring my eyes, I became convinced that the best thing was to take men as they are, the weather as it comes, and money for what it’s worth. You, on the other hand, are still filled with an ambition that is inflamed further by each new success. You’ve reached the ends of science. Fatal path! Deplorable talent! That will cause your ruin, and perhaps ours as well.

  ZAMETTI: What are you talking about?

  JANSKIN: That Hellish sprit that resides here–

  ZAMETTI: O Merciful Heaven! You know–

  JANSKIN: –Everything! I know that a nefarious Genie dwells in this mysterious and dark forest. Remember: we visited this place in our youth. It is here that you formed your arcane and presumptuous design. Here that you first dared interrogate the Spirits from Beyond. Your plan is already more than half-fulfilled–but trust me, Zametti, stop your mad quest before it is too late.

  ZAMETTI: Why do you ask this from me?

  JANSKIN: For your own safety, my happiness–that of my sister and my father.

  ZAMETTI: I cannot turn away from my path.

  JANSKIN: Do you want your ruin and ours?

  ZAMETTI: I can’t stop–not after so much toilsome labor.

  JANSKIN: Content yourself with being the most knowledgeable of men, and don’t become the most sinful. My friend, on you depends my fate, that of my father–and of Cecilia!

  ZAMETTI: Cecilia!

  JANSKIN: You love her and her love is equal to yours. Tomorrow, you will lead her to the altar. Your marriage guarantees the peace of my father’s old age and puts an end to my misfortunes. In a few days, we will again be a single family–and our happiness will be your work. I know your soul to be great and generous. Never has any vile calculation directed your thoughts. Friend of all the unfortunate, your fortune is theirs. Everywhere, they bless you, they love you. Your own son, your only son, the first of a first marriage, entrusted to Cecilia’s care, repeats your name, the name of his father, with love. But all fear your ambition. Why aren’t you content with your fate? Why do you want to penetrate a mystery that Heaven has wisely hidden from the weakness of men?

  ZAMETTI: My task must be accomplished. My labors demand an unparalleled result. I won’t leave my work unfinished. The Genius of Black Stone will soon grant me a slave submissive to my will. Soon, perhaps, I will insure centuries of glory for myself–and Cecilia.

  JANSKIN: My friend, I entreat you, abandon your dire plans. There’s still time.

  ZAMETTI: Leave me alone!

  JANSKIN: At least, before executing them, wait until after you’re married to my sister.

  ZAMETTI: Why?

  JANSKIN (in an solemn voice): Her virtues will protect you from the wrath of Heaven.

  ZAMETTI: Yes–that could be.

  JANSKIN: Swear to me to return to your castle this very night.

  ZAMETTI: This very night...

  JANSKIN: It must be!

  ZAMETTI: I don’t know...

  JANSKIN: I’m begging you. In the name of our friendship and for the well-being of us all.

  (There is a noise outside. Pietro runs towards it.)

  PIETRO: A man’s coming from that direction.

  ZAMETTI: Heavens!

  (Petrusco enters, out of breath.)

  PETRUSCO (to Janskin, in a rapid voice): The Police are in pursuit of us. Our comrades sent me. You know all the secret paths of this forest. Come, Chief, lead us and guide us out of this accursed place.

  JANSKIN: What tragic luck!

  PETRUSCO: Hurry! Hurry!

  JANSKIN (to Zametti): Something dangerous that is my solemn duty has come up. My poor comrades have entrusted me with their safety. I cannot betray their trust. I’m forced to go, Zametti. But, please, swear to me that you will leave this forest instantly.

  ZAMETTI (hesitating): Well, er–

  JANSKIN: I will see you tonight. I hope I have convinced you. Goodbye.

  (Janskin presses Zametti’s hand and goes away quickly with Petrusco.)

  PIETRO (aside, following Janskin with his eyes): Despite his strange appearance, that man seems to me to have a good heart after all. I wouldn’t have been sorry to see him stay. Alas! I’m always afraid when I’m alone with my master... Afraid of seeing some horrible demon suddenly appear.

  ZAMETTI (emerging from his thoughts): Could Janskin be right? And, indeed, should I fear for Cecilia? Cecilia, adored lover, it’s to forever insure your happiness and mine that I wish to possess such a secret. Still, Janskin’s fears may have some reality. Let’s defer my latest attempt to another day... (to Pietro) Let’s go, come.

  PIETRO (placing the box back under his arm): With all my heart.

  (They take a few steps. Suddenly, Zametti stops. He seems undecided for a moment, then returns rapidly.)

  ZAMETTI (to himself): No I can’t! An imperious desire drags me. Idle terror–so close to the goal to which I aspire–am I perhaps to abandon it forever? No, I shan’t! I shan’t!

  PIETRO (aside): Ah! My God, what’s the matter with him now?

  ZAMETTI (to himself): What I plan to do here may cause my ruin. But if I keep it for myself alone–where will be the crime? What have I to worry about? Nothing. Mysterious treasure, I will acquire you and at least my labors will not remain unfulfilled. Yes, it’s decided. (rushing to Pietro and snatching the box from him) Give this to me, Pietro.

  PIETRO (terrified): Goodness of Heaven! Sir, what are you doing?

  ZAMETTI (opening the box): Get out of here!

  PIETRO: No, my dear master, no. I can’t–I can see that you have some sinister plan. Mercy, let’s leave together.

  ZAMETTI (removing several cabalistic instruments from the box): Go away!

  PIETRO: The condition in which I see you now has worried me for days. Your incessant shivering, your gloomy disposition, your pale–

  ZAMETTI (in a terrible voice): I’m ordering you to leave!

  PIETRO: My dear master, in the name of what you hold most dear–

  ZAMETTI: So be it then! Stay!

  (He projects his arms towards Pietro and makes a wizardly gesture. Immediately, the servant becomes motionless and dumb, transfixed by the Magician’s spell. Zametti then begins his conjurations. Thunder growls, lightning flashes, a subterranean noise is heard. A circle of fire surrounds him.)

  ZAMETTI (in an imposing voice): Genie of the Black Stone whom I have subdued by my power, hear my voice and obey! Show yourself!

  (More thunder and lightning. At Zametti’s voice, the subterranean uproar increases. The Black Sarcophagus shakes–and in the midst of the flames which surround it, the Genie appears. He holds a jar in his hand.)

  GENIE (in a gloomy voice, vase in hand): What do you want from me?

  ZAMETTI: That jar that you hold, which contains the reward of my efforts
.

  GENIE: Fool! Is this what you want?

  ZAMETTI: Yes. Give it to me!

  GENIE: I know your mad ambition and your insane desires. You have much to fear, wretched human!

  ZAMETTI: Don’t lecture me. Give me what I want. Now!

  GENIE (giving the jar to Zametti): Then, take this accursed vessel. I must obey you. But know that your happiness is now gone and will never return. You will not see me again. Adieu!

  (More thunder and lightning. The Genie vanishes in the midst of a burst of flames. At this moment, Pietro regains control of his senses. He sees the Black Sarcophagus, still lit by livid illuminations, utters a scream of fear and flees. Zametti, holding the mysterious jar, steps forward, seized at the same time by a strange joy and a profound horror.)

  CURTAIN

  Scene II

  We are now in a great hall in Zametti’s castle. At the back, there is a large stairway leading to Zametti’s sanctum. (Light can be seen shining through the glass windows of the sanctum upstairs.). To the right and left, there are other doors, leading to various apartments. In the foreground, there is a table and several armchairs.

  Cecilia enters from the left; young Antonio, Zametti’s son, is asleep in an armchair.

  CECILIA: I just saw my brother, my unfortunate brother. He told me he knows a way of bringing peace to Zametti’s soul. May he succeed, and may my father give him the forgiveness he craves! (casting her eyes on Antonio) My little Antonio is still asleep. Let nothing disturb his rest! If he saw me so uneasy over his father’s absence, he would want to ease my worries–dear child! Soon, you’ll be able to call me your mother–how sweet it’ll be for me to fulfill that duty!

  (Antonio’s sleep suddenly seems troubled by a powerful nightmare.)

  CECILIA: But, Great God, what’s wrong with him? (running to him) What can be causing him such anguish? Antonio! Antonio!

  ANTONIO (awakening with a start, rising abruptly and uttering a cry): Father! (looking at Cecilia who takes him in her arms) Ah! It’s you, my good friend? Oh! I was really frightened!

  CECILIA: What happened, dear boy?

  ANTONIO: I had the most frightful dream!

  CECILIA: A nightmare? What about?

  ANTONIO: It will make you as afraid if I tell you...

  CECILIA: Perhaps, but you must tell me.

  ANTONIO: Well, it seemed we were in my father’s laboratory where, as you know, neither you nor I nor anyone else, is permitted to enter. I was sitting on your knees, and you were hugging me hard, very hard, and my father was kissing me, too. Suddenly, a huge man entered. It was impossible to look at him without trembling with terror. He came towards us, took me in his arms and tried to kill me. You and my father came to my rescue, but he easily knocked you down. Then, he and my father went away. There’s my dream. It was awful, wasn’t it?

  CECILIA (upset, despite herself, by Antonio’s tale): Yes, yes–no doubt... (forcing herself to smile) But, my dear Antonio, it was only a dream.

  ANTONIO: Oh, to be sure I don’t believe it. Besides, who would want to do me harm?

  CECILIA (embracing him): Dear child!

  (Olben enters.)

  CECILIA: Ah, here’s my father.

  (She goes to him and guides his steps.)

  ANTONIO: My old friend!

  OLBEN (embracing Antonio): Hello, hello, child. (to Cecilia) Well, daughter, has Zametti returned yet?

  CECILIA (with a sigh): No, not yet.

  OLBEN: Night’s coming on. It’s time to go back to our cottage.

  CECILIA: Oh, father, let’s wait a little longer.

  ANTONIO: Yes, yet for a little while.

  OLBEN: We shall do so. But Zametti’s delay worries me. What is he doing? What can be keeping him at this hour? Alas! For some time now, his studies have changed him! He’s only rarely with us, and when you say something to him, he hardly replies–he, who used to be so cheerful, so likable!

  CECILIA: His labors are absorbing him completely; you must excuse–

  OLBEN: No question, and it’s because I love him greatly that I feel sorry for his newfound condition. His wealth which, if I believe the gossip, is spread throughout the region, had nothing to do with my agreeing to your wedding. His virtues alone have made me consent.

  CECILIA: He’ll be the best and most tender of sons for you.

  OLBEN: He will console me for the other son I lost and whose memory I ought to hate.

  CECILIA: O father, Janskin loved you so much, too.

  OLBEN: He caused my ruin.

  CECILIA: If he were to present himself before you, could your arms remain closed to him?

  OLBEN: If he presented himself–but that’s impossible. (knocking at the side door) Someone’s knocking.

  CECILIA: Perhaps it’s Zametti?

  ANTONIO: Oh! Yes, yes–it must be my father.

  (He follows Cecilia who goes to open the door. Janskin appears.)

  ANTONIO (uttering a cry of terror at the sight of Janskin): Ah!

  CECILIA (in a low voice): Janskin.

  JANSKIN (noticing Olben): Oh God! My father!

  (He wants to rush to the old man but Cecilia stops him.)

  OLBEN: Who’s there then? Antonio appears afraid.

  CECILIA (gesturing to Antonio to be quiet): Father, it’s not a stranger; it’s a person attached to the castle.

  OLBEN: Ah, fine.

  (He sits down and takes Antonio in his arms–the boy has gone to him after having understood from Cecilia that he’s not to reveal anything.)

  CECILIA (in a low excited voice to Janskin): What are you doing here?

  JANSKIN (low to Cecilia): I wanted to speak to you and calm your fears. I’ve seen Zametti. Thanks to my advice and my prayers, he won’t–or at least, I hope so–execute a plan, the nature of which I cannot reveal to you. But tomorrow, let him lead you to the altar. Another, perhaps, and it will be too late.

  CECILIA: How mysterious!

  JANSKIN: I can’t tell you more at this moment. My people are waiting for me–once again, dangers threaten them. Tomorrow, at daybreak, meet me at the Black Stone. I will see you there. Goodbye. Ah! How I would dearly love to kiss my father’s hand before leaving!

  OLBEN: Well, Cecilia, is he finally bringing reassuring news?

  CECILIA (gesturing to Janskin to approach him): Yes, father, you can relax.

  (She takes her father’s hand, which Janskin leans over and kisses tenderly.)

  OLBEN: Dear child, you still seem very emotional; I thought I felt a tear on my hand.

  (Janskin rises and makes a gesture of sorrow and tenderness. Dragged away by his sister, he’s about to leave when, suddenly, there is a great uproar. Pietro enters. Janskin rapidly passes in front of him and disappears.)

  PIETRO: The Devil! Wasn’t that the leader of–?

  CECILIA (excitedly and low to Pietro): Silence!

  PIETRO (to himself): Always the same thing! Everyone’s always telling me to shut up!

  OLBEN: Is that you, Pietro?

  PIETRO: Yes, Master Olben, it’s me.

  CECILIA: Where did you leave your master?

  PIETRO: In the forest.

  CECILIA: In the forest!

  PIETRO: Yes, and my word, were I to be mercilessly beaten, I would have to tell you the most terrible adventure ever to terrify an honest man. After having walked I don’t know how many leagues in that evil forest, which is an abode for all the magicians and sorcerers in the land, we finally arrived in a place where it was impossible to see clearly, even in broad daylight...

  (At this moment Zametti enters, enfolded in a cloak, pale, with disorderly hair. Four servants carrying torches enter with him.)

  PIETRO (continuing his tale): Suddenly I saw, just as I see you–

  ZAMETTI (in a threatening voice): Shut up!

  PIETRO (finally noticing his master): Ah, mercy! (to Zametti) I’m shutting up, sir, I’m shutting up.

  CECILIA (going to Zametti): At last, you’re here, my friend!

  ZAMETTI:
Father!

  OLBEN: Dearest Zametti, you really made us wait.

  ZAMETTI (after having kissed his son): Pardon, pardon, father–and you, my Cecilia–important business has kept me much longer than I thought. I am in despair.

  OLBEN: Well, here you are now, and all is forgotten. But mercy, take better care of your health and don’t worry your friends like this any more. (in a low voice) You know, rumors are spreading about your mysterious labors... and why I granted you my daughter’s hand... Destroy the instruments of your accursed science, Zametti, and then I will no longer worry about your future. We were all waiting for you. Is tomorrow, as we agreed, still the day when I call you my son?

  ZAMETTI (very excitedly and grasping Cecilia’s hand):

  Yes, yes, tomorrow, tomorrow.

  OLBEN: The ceremony will take place in my home; that is something that was decided earlier. You will marry my Cecilia under a thatched roof and therefore you will never forget that you loved her for herself, not any worldly wealth. Goodbye, my friend. You know how dear you are to me. Your generous kindness has supported my old age, but I’ll owe you even more still–my daughter’s happiness. Think, I beseech you, that this other matter be completely put to rest by then. My little Antonio is going to come with me now, right?

  ANTONIO: Very willingly.

  CECILIA: Father, I’ll be right behind you.

  OLBEN (pressing Zametti’s hand): Goodbye, goodbye.

  (Zametti embraces his child. Olben, Antonio, Pietro and the two servants leave.)

  CECILIA: One last word, my friend, and then I’ll leave you alone.

  ZAMETTI: What do you want, dearest Cecilia?

  CECILIA: Did you see my brother?