SCENE I -The Lady of Lyons

In Act V of “The Lady of Lyons; Or, Love and Pride,” the scene unfolds two and a half years after the events of Act IV, in the streets of Lyons. The scene begins with officers greeting Damas, now a General, and expressing their curiosity about the enigmatic Morier, a colonel and hero of Lodi, admired for his rapid rise in the French army. Morier, revealed to be in Lyons with Damas, is on a personal quest regarding a love interest, seeking a “constant woman.”

Amidst the officers’ departure, Damas encounters Monsieur Beauseant, who intends to marry Pauline Deschappelles by having her current marriage, implied to be with Morier (alias for Melnotte), annulled. Beauseant, unaware of Damas’s financial situation, mistakenly believes Damas to possess great wealth from the Italian campaign, which could potentially thwart his plans with Pauline. However, Damas clarifies he has not gained significant wealth from his military service.

Beauseant reveals Pauline has finally consented to marry him, prompting a shocked response from Damas, who is aware that Pauline is already married and believes in the sanctity of marriage. Damas’s reaction highlights the complexities of love, pride, and societal pressures faced by the characters.

Monsieur Deschappelles enters, eagerly moving forward with Beauseant’s plan to marry his daughter. Damas is taken aback by the willingness of the Deschappelles family to annul Pauline’s marriage, reflecting on the change in their attitudes and values over time. The play critiques societal norms, the pursuit of wealth and status over genuine love, and the fickle nature of human emotions.

As Damas reluctantly agrees to witness the signing of the new marriage contract, the scene ends with his melancholic soliloquy on the transformative and often destructive influence of love on a person’s character and wellbeing. The unexpected appearance of a pale and agitated Melnotte, who overhears the discussion, intensifies the drama, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict over love, pride, and redemption.