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Cover of A Blot in the 'Scutcheon

A Blot in the 'Scutcheon

by Robert Browning (1812–1889)

  • Free to read
  • 45 min read
  • 7 chapters
  • Reading level: 5th grade

"A Blot in the 'Scutcheon" by Robert Browning is a tragedy in blank verse published and performed in 1843. When Earl Thorold Tresham learns of a secret lover climbing to his sister Mildred's chamber, his wounded family pride drives him toward vengeance. He cannot see that the mysterious intruder and Mildred's honorable suitor are the same man. This tale of passion, honor, and devastating misunderstanding moved Charles Dickens to tears and showcases Browning's power for tragedy, though its brief initial run was marred by backstage jealousy.

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  • English drama

Read the opening

Scene I. — The Interior of a Lodge in Lord Tresham's Park: Many Retainers crowded at the window, supposed to command a view of the entrance to his Mansion

GERARD, the Warrener, his back to a table on which are flagons,
etc.

FIRST RETAINER. Ay, do! push, friends, and then you'll push down me!
—What for? Does any hear a runner's foot
Or a steed's trample or a coach-wheel's cry?
Is the Earl come or his least poursuivant?
But there's no breeding in a man of you
Save Gerard yonder: here's a half-place yet,
Old Gerard!

GERARD. Save your courtesies, my friend. Here is my place.

SECOND RETAINER. Now, Gerard, out with it!
What makes you sullen, this of all the days
I' the year? To-day that young rich bountiful
Handsome Earl Mertoun, whom alone they match
With our Lord Tresham through the country-side,
Is coming here in utmost bravery
To ask our master's sister's hand?

GERARD. What then?

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Contents

  1. Front Matter
  2. Scene I. — The Interior of a Lodge in Lord Tresham's Park: Many Retainers crowded at the window, supposed to command a view of the entrance to his Mansion
  3. Scene II. — A Saloon in the Mansion: Enter Lord Tresham, Lord Mertoun, Austin, and Guendolen
  4. Scene III: — MILDRED'S Chamber. A Painted Window overlooks the Park
  5. Act II
  6. Scene I. — The end of the Yew-tree Avenue under MILDRED'S Window: A light seen through a central red pane
  7. Scene II. — MILDRED'S Chamber: MILDRED alone

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About this edition

This free edition of A Blot in the 'Scutcheon by Robert Browning comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #2880, released 2001-10-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Plays/Films/Dramas, British Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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