The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mortal Gods, and Other Plays This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook. Title: The Mortal Gods, and Other Plays Author: Olive Tilford Dargan Release date: May 16, 2012 [eBook #39708] Language: English Credits: Produced by David Garcia and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) *** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORTAL GODS, AND OTHER PLAYS *** Produced by David Garcia and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Kentuckiana Digital Library) BOOKS BY OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN PUBLISHED BY CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS THE MORTAL GODS and Other Plays. 12mo, _net._ $1.50 LORDS AND LOVERS and Other Dramas. 12mo, _net._ 1.50 SEMIRAMIS and Other Plays. 12mo, _net._ 1.00 THE MORTAL GODS AND OTHER PLAYS THE MORTAL GODS AND OTHER PLAYS BY OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SON'S 1912 _Copyright, 1912, by Charles Scribner's Sons_ _All rights reserved_ _Published November, 1912_ CONTENTS THE MORTAL GODS 1 A SON OF HERMES 107 KIDMIR 221 * * * * * THE MORTAL GODS A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS _CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY_ HUDIBRAND, _King of Assaria_ HERNDA, _his daughter_ CHARTRIEN, _a Prince of Assaria_ BORDUC, _Prime Minister_ COUNT DORKINSKI, _Court Chamberlain_ CORDIAZ, _King of Goldusan_ MEGARIO, _Governor of Peonia, a province of Goldusan_ REJAN LEVAL, _a revolutionist_ SEÑORA ZIRALAY, _his sister_ ZIRALAY } RUBIREZ } GOLIFET } _nobles of Goldusan_ MAZARAN } GUILDAMOUR } MASIO } GARZA } GONZALO } YSOBEL } _of Megario's hacienda_ GRIJA } COQURIEZ } IPARRO } _Guests, officers, musicians, peons, &c._ Time: _Begins February, 1911_ Place: _Assaria; Goldusan_ ACT I SCENE: _A vast room in the palace of Hudibrand. As the curtain rises the place is in darkness save for a circlet of gold apparently suspended in mid-air near the centre of the room. As the light increases, the outline of a man's figure becomes distinguishable, and the circlet is seen to be resting on his head. Gradually the rim of gold fades to invisibility, while the figure of the man and the contents of the room become clear to the eye. The man might be mistaken for an American citizen in customary evening dress. He is Hudibrand._ _At the left are two entrances, upper and lower. Rear, left, large windows. The wall rear makes a right angle about centre, the apex of which is cut off by a window. Right of centre the room seems to extend endlessly rearward, and is arranged to suggest an upland grove in the delicate, venturing days of spring. The ground, rising a little toward right, is covered with winter moss and tufts of short silvered grass. The trees are young birch, slight maples in coral leaf, cornel in flower, and an occasional dark foil of cedar. A brooklet ripples down the slope and off rear. Birds chirp and flit, and now and then a breeze stirs the grove as if it were one tender body. The lights are arranged to give the effect of night or day as one wishes._ _It is winter without, the climate of Assaria's capital city being similar to that of New York._ _Double doors lower right, through which Count Dorkinski enters to Hudibrand._ _Dor._ Your majesty, Sir Borduc has arrived. _Hudi._ Hot-shod. We'll let him cool. _Dor._ Where shall he wait, My lord? _Hud._ His usual corner. Keep him off My Delhi rug. [_Exit Dorkinski_] Poor Bordy's fuming ripe. [_Re-enter the Count_] _Dor._ His Excellency calls, your majesty. _Hud._ Which Excellency? They are thick as hops. _Dor._ The Governor of Peonia. _Hud._ In time and tune. We'll see him here. [_Exit Dorkinski_] A pawn of mine who'd push Beyond his square, and I must humor him 'Neath meditative thumb. [_Enter Megario_] _Hud._ Welcome, Megario. _Meg._ I've travelled far To press your hand. _Hud._ We made appointment here, Knowing your visit to Assaria touched Nothing of state or office. _Meg._ [_Accepting his cue_] Nothing, sir. [_Looks about him_] I thought I left the springtide in my rear, Three thousand miles or so, but here it greets me. _Hud._ A gimcrack of my daughter's. She would freak With sun and time. My toyshop has no walls. I juggle too with seasons, climates, zones, But in the open where there's warrior room, And startled Fate may spring against my will, Giving an edge to mastery when I wrest The whip from Nature, turn it on herself, And set her elemental slaves to filch Her gold for me. That, friend, is play. _Meg._ For gods And not as thief, but as divinity, You take from crouching Nature. _Hud._ Men have said I pile up gold because its glitter soothes A fever in my eyes. The clacking fools! I am no Cheops making warts on earth. No mummy brain! God built my pyramids, Slaving through dark and chaos till there rose My iron-hearted hills, and mountains locked On ago-unyielded treasure waiting me. There slept my gems till longing became fire And broke the grip of stone,--there lay my gold, Re-purged each thousand years till baited Time Gave up the master's hour. [_Hernda has come from the grove and moves up to his side_] _Her._ [_Adoringly_] And you the master! _Hud._ Daughter, you owe my lord Megario Some pretty thanks. _Her._ I give them, sir. _Meg._ No, no! I pray your Highness, no! My thanks to earth That bears the flower of you, and to the light That makes my eyes your beauty's treasurer. But thanks from you to me, as jewels hung Upon a beggar's neck, would set my rags Unkindly in the sun. _Her._ Then I am not Your debtor? _Meg._ Mine the debt, that mounts too fast For feeble payment from thin purse of words. Ah, every moment adds a suitor hope To th' bankrupts in my heart. _Her._ I fear, my lord, Your coiner's name is Fancy, and I like Truth's mintage best. [_To her father_] What is this debt of mine, So languished that a word of thanks may be Its slender cover? _Meg._ A word, if beauty speak it, May mantle a bare world. _Hud._ His Excellency Is Governor of Peonia---- _Her._ In Goldusan! _Hud._ And smoothed my road there---- _Meg._ Nay, your majesty, My aid was but a garnish on the might That moves with your own name. _Hud._ Between us then, We saved my holdings through a bluster there. And what they brought me I've tossed here to make This smile on winter. _Meg._ What? You gave her all? _Her._ How, sir? One word of mine would robe a world. And my whole self not worth a little spot Twitched from Spring's garment? _Meg._ Oh, I'd grind the stars To imperial dust that you might trample them,-- But this--this was a _fortune_! [_To Hudibrand_] Sir, 'tis true You care not for the gold. _Hud._ I care for it As men of hero times held dear the sword That made them lords of battle. _Her._ You are lord Of Peace! _Meg._ Write that upon the clouds, that eyes Of men and angels may contending claim The truth for earth and heaven! _Hud._ Tush, sir, tush! _Meg._ Can I forget how at your kingly touch My fair Peonia, paling in treason's grip, Thrilled from her deathward droop, renewed her heart Through safe, ease-lidded nights, and woke once more The rose of fortune? _Hud._ There's no rumble now Of riot? _Meg._ Not a sound comes to our ears But from the toiling strokes that steadily Uproll Peonia's wealth. _Hud._ Yet those who led The last revolt are free. _Meg._ Not all, your Highness. A few crossed to Assaria, but expedition Warms on their trail. Rejan LeVal is tracked To your own capital. _Hud._ Nay, mend that, sir. We're safe here from such ruck. _Meg._ The startled eel Will make for muddy waters,--and 'tis sure LeVal found murky welcome here. _Hud._ My city! What mutinous bolt turns here for him? _Meg._ His friends Are friends of power. How else could he elude The thousand eyes in search? _Hud._ [_Musing_] Treason at court?... _Meg._ We'll mouse LeVal to 's cranny, do not doubt. Then we shall ask Assaria's great seal For his delivery to Goldusan. _Hud._ That is assured you. _Meg._ But your minister, Sir Borduc, warns---- _Hud._ Ha! Warns? _Meg._ He urges that The extraditing power is at pause, Blocked by the people's will. _Hud._ I've given my word,-- A word that mobbish din ne'er added to, Nor yet stripped of one letter that I chose Should spell authority. You ask for more? _Meg._ Pardon, your majesty! It is enough, Beyond all stretch of need. _Hud._ I call to mind That Borduc waits,--and primed for tongue-work too. The princess will content your Excellency? _Meg._ [_With obeisance to Hernda_] 'Tis Heaven's honor! I have left the earth! _Hud._ You waste your art. She's in the milk-maid humor. Would marry Hob. [_Exit, lower right_] _Meg._ The Señor Hob? He says You'll marry him? [_Hernda laughs_] You care not if I die! _Her._ You'll live, my lord. _Meg._ You'll marry Hob. I die! _Her._ He is not Hob. That is my father's mock Because he's poor. _Meg._ [_In hope_] Ah, poor? _Her._ A beggarly Ten millions,--not a penny more. _Meg._ Ten millions! _Her._ But that's my joy. I would not wed for gold. _Meg._ O, pity me! I love you, señorita! _Her._ No, no! I must not hear that. _Meg._ Then I'll pray Silence to be my friend and speak my dumb Unuttered heart. _Her._ You must not love me, sir. But you may love--my father. When you praised him, You too seemed fair to me. _Meg._ I'll sing him till The stars lie at our feet, if you will listen! _Her._ He gave your country peace? _Meg._ His royal name Is dear as Cordiaz' in the grateful heart Of Goldusan. That proud land lay unkept. Her ores intombed, her vales without a plough, Her rivers wasting down to shipless seas, Her people starving, while her nobles strove For shreds of power,--the clouted thing we called A government. Then on our factions fell, Strong as a god's, the hand of Hudibrand; And now, compact, we stand by Cordiaz, While every mountain groans with golden birth. And every river turns its thousand wheels, And every valley buried is in bloom. _Her._ My dearest father! But I knew 'twas so! And they who starved are fed and happy now? They reap the bloom and share the golden flood? _Meg._ All will be well when once we've scourged the land Of rebels that drip poison from their tongues, Stirring the meek and unambitious poor,-- Who sought no life but saintly, noble toil,-- With strangest rage, till maddened they would bite The fostering hand of God. _Her._ We've prisons where We put such troublers. Has your land no jails? _Meg._'Tis full of them! I mean--ah, we have jails, But foes like these are wary, slip all watch,-- Flee and dart back, our weariness their charter To tread with havoc's hoof. If I could find Rejan LeVal, then might I rest from guard, But not while he--unlassoed warrigal!-- May canter from his thicket and paw up Peonia's fields! _Her._ I'll lend an adjutant. Ask Chartrien, who knows each foggy nook And smirchèd corner of the capital,-- Having once made his pastime serve a quest For such drab knowledge,--ask him help you find This traitor. _Meg._ Chartrien! Nay, the fox is safe When th' hound too wears a brush. _Her._ You mean the prince? Speak, sir! Who hints me calumny, Shall make the drum his chorus. I'll hear all. _Meg._ A rumor drifts through Goldusan.... _Her._ Is that An oddity? Here rumors are too thick For ears to gather them. _Meg._ But this--O, princess.... Fairest of earth, forgive me that I speak! _Her._ You do not speak. And that I'll not forgive. _Meg._ Ah, then,--but first,--is Chartrien near the king? _Her._ No nearer than his heart. _Meg._ I do offend. _Her._ Offence now lies in silence. Speak, my lord. _Meg._ When I left Goldusan, 'twas said--and with No muffled hesitance--Prince Chartrien aids The rebels there, and lays a train to rend The State apart, that Cordiaz may drop Into the gap,--then he with plausive cleat Will make the fissure stanch, and seat himself In unoppugnèd power. _Her._ Why _he is Hob_! [_Silence. They both rise_] A mad and sorry tale, you see. _Meg._ I see. He's in the capital? _Her._ Beneath this roof. The palace is his home. My father holds His meagre millions guarded, nursing them To a prince's portion. _Meg._ We shall meet? _Her._ To-night. He's with a friend--a Spanish gentleman,-- But _not_ from Goldusan. _Meg._ I made no guess. _Her._ Deny that with your eyes. Your tongue's exempt. _Meg._ And may I meet the Spanish gentleman? _Her._ That's as he chooses. I may not command him. [_Re-enter Count Dorkinski_] _Dor._ His Highness, sir, is pleased to bid you join him. _Meg._ His pleasure is his marshal. [_To Hernda, softly_] I've your leave To love your father. That I go from you To him, is Heaven's proof I do. [_Exit Megario and the Count_] _Her._ The proof I seek, and would not find, is locked in Hell, Not Heaven. Megario lied. Oh, Chartrien! [_Retreats slowly into grove and pauses out of sight, rear. Enter, upper left, Chartrien and LeVal_] _LeV._ No,---- _Cha._ Prudence, dear LeVal! _LeV._ I shall go mad Shut in this gilded den,--this stifling hold Of banditry. _Cha._ Peace, friend! _LeV._ I'd rather crouch With brats of grime upon an unswept hearth And claw my bread from cinders, than draw breath In this gold-raftered house of blood! _Cha._ Come, come! Your wits fly naked, stripped of every caution, And beat suspicion up that else might keep Untroubled bed. Whist! We must move rose-shod Through these next hours, not clack in passion's clogs. _LeV._ I'll out of this! There's surge in me no fear Can put in bonds. _Cha._ Nay, here and here alone Your life is safe. The hounds of Goldusan Sniff through the cellars. They'll not scent you in The royal shadow. That's more brilliancy Than ever lit a rush in houndom. This My home, I share with you, for mine it is Till I've secured my gold from Hudibrand. _LeV._ Ay, but Megario! While he's here these walls Pen me in fire. _Cha._ His visit is too brief To be a danger. _LeV._ Danger! To me, or him? If we should meet, his fate as mine would be In that encounter. These are hands would see to 't! _Cha._ LeVal, forget---- _LeV._ Forget Céleste? My wife? Forget she died of blows while he stood by And smiled, because _she was my wife_! Oh, God! Breathe air with him while this arm hangs A limp discretion! _Cha._ Peace! This mood unpent Will wreck us. Keep your room if it must swell. The princess gazes yonder, and your face Is badged exposal. Go. I'll meet her question. 'Twill not fash honor if a lie or two Must be our guard. [_Exit LeVal upper left. Hernda emerges from grove. Chartrien waits for her as she comes circuitously, lightly hovering and hesitating_] _Her._ [_At his side_] What lover's this?--dreams still When love is by. Were he an olden knight He'd ride to tourney and forget his spurs! _Cha._ He would forget the world and fame and God To see your eyes like this! _Her._ You tremble, Chartrien. Love so much?--yet stood here just--a stump-- _Cha._ That felt you coming, coming like a bird, And watched and waited, envying every bough Where you paused doubting, till you fluttering lit, Down in the old stump's heart-- _Her._ There, I've forgot! This is my lover ere that lure crept up From Goldusan. Since you came back, I've felt The shadow of a difference, and I've heard The maids of Goldusan can draw men's souls Out of their bodies for a dance in hell. _Cha._ My love! _Her._ O, Chartrien, are you mine? I feel A question in your worship. When your eyes Are warmest, love lies on them like The shallow moon-gleam on a deep, dark sea That is not kin with it. A sea that once Was mine, and I could go, with circling arms, Love-lanterned to its depth. But now the dark Is round me fathomless---- _Cha._ My own! _Her._ I try to rise, To find my wings--and feel the air again Without your drowning touch upon me---- _Cha._ Hernda! Have I so nearly lost you? Come, beloved, Sit here, and let me vow me yours again Till in each word you feel my beating heart. _Her._ My stars shall hear these vows. [_Changes the light to pale, evening glow. Rear, right, are glimpses of sky with frail, moving clouds, faint stars and a new moon_] And see, my moon. Intent and virginal. [_She sits, and Chartrien lies on the ground, his breast covering her feet_] Now, now my heart Holds not another thing but love and you! _Cha._ No thought of those dread wings? _Her._ None, none! And you? [_Bends over him_] All mine. I hold you now, fast in my world. Sometimes you enter, come within my door. And then I can not shut it for a wind That clings about you from a farther sky. _Cha._ [_Rises and takes her face between his hands_] There's but one sky! _Her._ A shuddering breath, As from a planet strange, where you have walked And I shall never go. _Cha._ O, shut me in, Rose of a heart! I'll not go out though Life Beat at the door, and call her giant storms To knock upon 't. _Her._ Is this not life? And this The only world? _Cha._ The only world. My habitat One perfect hour. _Her._ One hour? Forever, love. _Cha._ O, vow it for me, sweet,--again, again! Till I believe once more in Arcadies Born of a silken purse. In sunsets caught In tinted tapestries, with jacinth heart Gold-bleeding through the woven breath of dream. In soft moon-hours that drop from painted skies, In fairy woodlands aye unwintering, In love's elf-ring no boding star may cross, And you, my Hernda, sceptred in joy's name, Tossing the apple planets in your hands-- These little, sovereign hands--as God might do, Had he, poor God, your power. _Her._ Love, you hurt. _Cha._ Ah, tears in Arcady? _Her._ Oh, what is this Has come between us? _Cha._ What? The universe. I can not reach you even when my lips Are on your heart. _Her._ May I not come to you? _Cha._ From this moon-world? No hope of that. _Her._ See then, The day! [_Changes the light to sunrise_] Now may I come? _Cha._ Forever playing! The way lies here. [_Steps to window and opens it. A snowy blast rushes in_] _Her._ Stop, Chartrien! Shut it! Oh, You've killed my Spring! _Cha._ You will not come? _Her._ You're mad. [_Struggles with the window until she closes it, Chartrien watching her_] _Cha._ You do not like that road. But it is mine. And children walk it. I have met them there. _Her._ Oh, I am frozen! See! _Cha._ [_With sudden contrition, pressing her to his breast_] No, you are fire. A fire that I will clasp, though it should burn My holiest temple and betray my soul To ashes! _Her._ O, my love, what secret curbs Your nature to this chafe? It rubs even through Your ardor.--stabs me on your breast. May I not know it? Is not confidence Dear blood and life of love? Without it, ours Must pale, ghost-cold, a chill between locked arms. _Cha._ Is trust not love's prerogative More royal sweet than any burdened share Of secrecy? _Her._ Not to the strong! _Cha._ [_Smiling_] You strong? By what brave test dost know it? _Her._ And by what Dost know me weak? _Cha._ The proof awaits. But now,-- Emilio needs me,-- _Her._ Go! _Cha._ Sweet, friendship too Has bonds. Not all are love's. _Her._ He's ill,--your friend? _Cha._ As plague-bit life,--no worse. _Her._ You'll wait upon My father? Bid him but good-night? _Cha._ No, Hernda. _Her._ You shun him, Chartrien. I have watched you keep A curious distance,--ay, as though your heart Removed itself while your unwarmèd eyes Made invoice of its treasure. Once you rushed Unto his counsel as security Hived in his word, and you, denied, were lost. Are those hours gone? If you have grown too large For his shrunk wisdom, bind you to his need. Age unsuspected crowns him, and you take Your young arm out of his. _Cha._ He wants no staff. _Her._ You'll go no more to Goldusan? _Cha._ I must. _Her._ And soon? _Cha._ When Hudibrand is pleased to free My fortune from his ward. _Her._ You want it all? _Cha._ Yes, all. _Her._ For Goldusan? _Cha._ My greatest need Is there. _Her._ What is that need? _Cha._ You question me? _Her._ May love not ask? _Cha._ If love could understand. _Her._ Have I grown dull? I do not know you, Chartrien. You're so unfeatured by that Spanish cloud, You're lowering friend. _He_ is the universe Between our hearts. Ill? No. I saw him here,-- A tropic threat. 'Twas rage broke his suave guard, Not illness. _Cha._ Hernda! _Her._ The Lord Megario Has asked to compliment a brother guest. May he be seen? Does his unmannered storm Spare one amenity? _Cha._ Megario knows? _Her._ Knows what? _Cha._ Oh!--nothing. _Her._ So much more than naught Your cheek is pale with it. _Cha._ No matter, Hernda. _Her._ An ashen matter truly, yet not light As nothing. But your answer. May our guests Exchange the roof-tree greeting? _Cha._ No. _Her._ Why not? That "no" trails consequence. It can not be Your period. _Cha._ They are enemies. _Her._ I knew! _Cha._ Megario dealt my friend a bitter wrong,-- The foulest wrong that man may put on man. _Her._ He's loyal to my father. I know that Of him,--and of Emilio--nothing. _Cha._ Sweet, I beg one day! _Her._ One day? What's hatching here That's one day short its time? [_Enter, lower right, Hudibrand, Megario, and Borduc_] _Cha._ [_Drawing Hernda aside_] To-morrow, love! _Her._ To-night! _Hud._ You've won your suit, Megario. If by our presence in your Goldusan We can advance that sister country's peace. The journey's naught. We'll count it done. _Meg._ My lord, All revolution will dispel as air Before your eye. Our Cordiaz is great, But his familiar subjects are too near To take his height, while you they know to be Of giant measure; and when once they see Your majesties are brothered, Cordiaz Will grow your twin in stature. _Hud._ You've our word. _Meg._ I treasure it,--and lest repeated thanks Stale their sincerity. I beg to say Good-night. _Hud._ You have our leave. Good-night, my lord. [_Megario bows impressively to Hudibrand, slightly to Borduc, and is passing out when Hernda, who has crossed right, intercepts him_] _Her._ You leave us early, Lord Megario. _Meg._ I do not leave, your Highness. I am driven. I go to drudgery with my secretaries, Foregoing even the sleep that might have brought Your dreamèd face to me. _Her._ Is 't still your wish To meet our Spanish guest? _Meg._ He grants me that? _Her._ He has refused a meeting. _Meg._ Ah!... Refused. _Her._ But there's a way, my lord. When you have passed The second door without, turn to the left. You'll find a vaulted passage,--at the end An entrance to my wood. Come in, and wait. _Meg._ You grace me so? _Her._ It is not grace that breaks The covenant of salt. But who keeps faith With traitors? He is one, by every sign. An evil thing blown to our royal hearth Through Chartrien's open love that lets all winds Pour in. And I'll have proof of it! _Meg._ [_Over her hand_] You shall. [_Exit, lower right_] _Cha._ [_Crossing to Hernda_] A long-spun courtesy, and with one merit,-- It ended in good-night. _Her._ [_Gayly_] Unruly yet? A truce until to-morrow! _Cha._ You believe me? _Her._ I would not doubt you for a world compact Of virtues only, but it's no unreason To fear you are deceived. _Cha._ Dear Hernda---- _Her._ Come! I love you, Chartrien. Let us have an hour As light as joy, as sweet as peace, and call Your friend to share it. He shall smile for me. I vow it, by his most ungentle frown! _Cha._ 'Twill take your deepest magic, for his heart Holds naught that smiles are made of. _Her._ Bring him here. I'll make that heart my wizard bowl and mix Such sweet and merry potions in 't, his griefs Must doff their gray for motley. You shall see! _Cha._ Art such a witch? [_Exit, upper left_] _Her._ What's this I do? My soul Leans shameward, but I'll trounce it up. The man, If innocent, keeps so, untouched and clear. If he aims darkly, creeps a weaponed hate Upon my noble father, do I worse Than cancel so the unwrought half of 's crime, And make him less a villain? _Bor._ May I speak Against this southward jaunt? _Hud._ Loud as you please, My Bordy, but I go. _Bor._ Your Highness makes Assaria bow too low. _Hud._ The State shall have No name in this. I go as Cordiaz' friend, Not as Assaria's king. I've interests there That sort with quiet venture. Give it out This move in part concerns my health. _Bor._ That much I welcome. You should rest, my lord. _Hud._ Ha? Rest? The twin of death! I'll rest when I am dust. Nay, then I hope that storm and hurricane Will keep me whirling. No,--I'll not go lame Even in report. Say that this move concerns My pleasure solely,--solely, Borduc. _Her._ Father, I have a suit. May I not go with you? I long to make that land where you are loved, More vivid than the dream that now it is. _Hud._ And find what lodestar there draws Chartrien From constancy? Well, you shall go. _Bor._ Tut, tut! _Her._ Dear father! _Hud._ This will give domestic screen And color to our tack. _Bor._ A gadding throne-- _Hud._ Good Borduc, we will leave the throne at home. Do not _you_ stay? _Bor._ I've some authority, You'll not dispute, my lord. Much as may go With broad election. My investiture Lies in the people's choice. _Hud._ Ay, you're their bark Of freedom, where their pride may hoist full sail, But who wots better, Bordy, that 'tis puffed With winds that know my port? _Bor._ They think their choice Is free. Sincere in that, they give my post A dignity not even your majesty May mock me out of. _Hud._ Fools are noted most For their sincerity,--a virtue that Must stand a cipher if uncertified By wit or wisdom. _Bor._ Sir, Assarians Are not the fools you think them. They are men Who have the patriot's heart, and on their flag Where you write "power" their love reads "liberty." _Hud._ It does, praise be! And they may keep their flag To wear around their eyes long as they will. For then I dance my measure, while they bump In hither-whither hoodman blind and pay My fiddler too! _Bor._ And what's my part in this? _Hud._ The fiddler's, Borduc. _Bor._ Sir? _Hud._ And your next tune Is Goldusan. Come, let's rehearse. _Bor._ My lord,---- [_Exeunt, lower right, as Chartrien and LeVal enter left_] _Her._ You've come, dear Señor! Was it savagery To wrest the hour from you? _LeV._ Too kindly done For such a name,--though I was deep in bond To sober thoughts, your Highness. _Her._ Be so still. We would not force our humor on your heart, But share your own. _LeV._ [_Smiling_] Can you be sad? _Her._ As rains That drench October. As the gray That fringes twilight on the dark of moons. As seas that sob above a swallowed ship, Repenting storm. [_Leads to seat, right_] Come, sir,--and I'll be sad In what degree you choose, though I could wish it Nearer a smile than rheum, and not so heavy But that its sigh may float upon a song, A gentle song that might be sorrow's garland When moan wears down. Wilt hear one now, my lord? I have a music-maker yon whose lute Was nectared in a poet's tears the hour He lost his dream. Say you will hear him! Nay, That courtier "yes" can not o'ertake the "no" Sped from your eyes. We'll have no music. Yet The soul must love it ere one can be sad To th' very sweet of sadness. O, I know! _LeV._ I love it, but not here. _Her._ What here forbids? My bower! The eye translates its tenderness To fairy sound, nor need of pipe or strings. _LeV._ I can not hear the bells of fairydom When life is making thunder's music 'gainst This bauble house of play---- _Her._ [_Rising_] Sir, you forget---- _LeV._ Nay, I remember! _Her._ What do you remember? _LeV._ Ah!... Pardon, princess! _Cha._ May I mend this peace? _Her._ [_Sitting again by LeVal_] It is not broken yet. _LeV._ Your gentleness Has saved it, not my manners. _Her._ Oh, my lord, Would I had grace to cover sorrow's breach As smoothly as a gap in courtesy! Then you should smile! _LeV._ I have a happiness That makes it thievery in me to take Your pity. You've a sadder need. _Her._ I'll yield No jocund vantage to that brow of yours. You hear this sombre braggart, Chartrien? Speaks as I were Despair's own fosterling! _LeV._ You are. As I am Hope's. Do you not gaze On earth's foul spots and cry "A sad world this!" "We must endure!" "The dear God wills it so!" And such and such like seed of misery Till hopelessness sprouts chronic?--building then Your house of life amid its smelling weeds, Where you may dance--or pray--till you forget Your creed keeps earth in tears? _Her._ And yours, my lord? _LeV._ Gives her a singing and forefeeling heart Whose courage cleaves renunciation's cloud That swathes her splendor and would sighing keep Her livid 'mong the stars! _Her._ You would divide Omnipotence with God, and arrogant, Assume the bigger half. But there are woes That even your hope, though it go winged and armored, Must fall before. _LeV._ Not one that I'll not face Until its features mould me destiny. The shape of radiance it shall wear for man 'Neath an unslandered Heaven! I could not live If in the life about me I saw not The world within this world, and sped my hope The way that it shall take. _Her._ Is not that way Called Peace, Emilio? _LeV._ Not the peace that spills More blood than war, builds bigger jails, and leaves More waifs to suck the stunting, poisonous breast Of Charity! Peace as white ashes spread Upon injustice' fly-blown wrack---- _Her._ [_Leaving him_] You are A revolutionist! _LeV._ And black to you, For revolution leads into the horizon, And must be figured dark to rearward eyes Though God beyond gives welcome. _Her._ [_Coming gently back_] May we not Be patient even as Christ, who found this world The home of poverty and left it so? Did he not say the poor are ever with us? _LeV._ You too must tap that last and golden nail In th' pauper's coffin! _Her._ It is the nail of truth, If Christ spoke true. _LeV._ Words uttered to his day, Not to all time. Not as a deathless brand Burning his own millennium. Not meant To take from man his goal, condemning him To hug an ulcer to the sick world's end, Which even your bosom must take to whitest bed Although your festrous partner be not guessed Nor visible. But if he did mean that---- That vicious thing--then he is false as hell, Denying man's bright destiny,--and I, Who vouch the triumph of an angel race, Am more a god than he! _Her._ You dare blaspheme---- _LeV._ Because it once was said to men, whom worms Made dust of twice ten hundred years ago, "The poor are always with you," such as you Shall not forever pick your way to ease O'er broken bodies, lifting up white brows And hiding crimson feet! Daring to make The Christ your sheltering sanction while you feed On others' lives, and keep injustice sleek Even as you cosset that dim thing, your soul, And preen the wings you think bear you aloft The puddled world! _Her._ You lie! You do not know Our gentle hearts, our---- _LeV._ Gentle? O, you're nice, You later cannibals, and will not eat Of babes at table, but you'll pipe their blood From unoffending distance, while you pray Your conscience numb and swear the source is clean. Some dare to name that fount the Love of God, And kneel him thanks! _Her._ Oh, mad and impious! Who is this, Chartrien, you've dared call your friend? [_Megario steps from the grove_] _Meg._ He's dumb as prudence, but my tongue is free. This is Rejan LeVal, the man who hates Your father,--and my country's enemy. _LeV._ [_Plunging toward Megario_] Murderer! _Cha._ [_Grasping LeVal_] Come! At once! _Meg._ Your pardon, prince. I must delay you. I feared your sympathy Would gird itself 'gainst justice, and took care To balk escape. [_To officer who appears behind him_] Be off with him. You know Your road. No stop this side Peonia's border. _Cha._ Outlawry this! Stop, sir! You will not dare Kidnap him on this soil! _Meg._ [_Laughs_] Where Hudibrand Is king? [_Exit officer with LeVal, lower right_] _Her._ This strains your privilege, my lord. _Cha._ His privilege? My God! Did you.... _Her._ I did. _Meg._ No third voice here is cordant. I will leave you. My thousand times most gracious lady, thanks! Again I bid you happiest good-night! [_Exit_] _Her._ I am no adder, though your bitter eyes Give me that name. _Cha._ Not bitter. In my heart, That wrapped you as the South its dearest bud, There's nothing left to warm the thought of you Even with my hate. You are the crown, the peak, The unmeaning top of all to which I'm most Indifferent. [_Turns away_] _Her._ Look at me! _Cha._ I look, and know My eyes till now were cankered, look and see The whole fair lie you are. _Her._ Nay, Chartrien! _Cha._ The book is open. There the brow yet shines As God o'erlilied it,--an altar urn Stuffed with profane decay. Those are the eyes Like springs within a wood where no road leads With murking pilgrim dust, yet Innocence There paused looks up no more. That is the hand That as a comrade angel's took my friend's,-- Reached out as though it parted Heaven's veil To draw his grief within, then clapped him down To Hell. _Her._ The place for traitors. Let him go. This moment is for us. 'Tis true your eyes Were cankered, and I thought by surgeon means To give them health, but deeper than the eyes This trouble's seat. Deep as your changèd soul, That forfeits its divinity to link With an infection. Here you stood and heard Those poured-out profanations with no move Or sound of protest. That was left for me. _Cha._ What truth may pierce such ignorance, fatuous, thick! That man,--Megario,--with whom you've struck Alliant palm, twisted a lawless law To his deformed desire, and took the lands-- The priceless valley lands of Cana Ru-- From gentle dwellers there, whose titles bore The rooted claim of dear ancestral graves Nine generations deep,--and when they stood The guardians of their doors, faced them with guns, Dragged them to his bribed courts, weighed them with fines, And sent them to his burning maguey fields To slave and rot. _Her._ No--don't---- _Cha._ The lands were sold To Hudibrand---- _Her._ It can not be! _Cha._ Not be? That cry is stale as ignorance, as old As wrong. I've heard it till my ears refuse To register its emptiness. LeVal, It was, rose first against Megario,-- Stood up and urged men to be Man,--and this, That makes archangels in the ranks of Heaven, Was treason upon earth. He lived--escaped-- But not his wife. Anointed woman, such As centuries with conjoined virtues breed Once and no more! She was condemned, enslaved, And toiling in the steaming fields, fell down, Was flogged, and died. _Her._ No! no! no! no! _Cha._ So she Is free. But now LeVal goes back. My friend! O, giant heart! I see you stagger, drop, As feverous as the smitten earth---- _Her._ Who could Believe such things? You're wrong! You must--you shall Be wrong! He was a traitor, bitter-souled. Undoing my father's work! _Cha._ Farewell! _Her._ Oh, Chartrien, I did it for the best! _Cha._ The woman's cry. She'd wreck a world, and from that earthquake piled Look up to say she did it for the best. _Her._ You will not go? You loved me one hour past. I am not changed. I'm Hernda still. _Cha._ The same. And yet I loved you. But no blush need burn The soul escaped enchantment. 'Twas a charm Enringed me with its bale till helpless there, And feeble as a babe in bassinet, I cooed away my manhood,--emptied time With infant fingering toward your protean hair! _Her._ You _loved_ me! _Cha._ More than ever could be laid To madness' charge, or god that passion whelms With mortal longing till his skies become His prison, and dark earth Elysian ground Beneath the feet he loves! _Her._ [_With arms beseeching_] Here, Chartrien, here! _Cha._ Even when my eyes--so late--were wide to wrong That binds the race to pain's dread Caucasus, My mad imagination laid the gift Of seership on you, dreamed that you would go To meet the gleam of the delivering days,---- _Her._ With you! _Cha._ Sail any sea of venture, beat Through any storm to make the prophet's port,-- White priestess vassal to the truth that leads The planet into light! _Her._ Together, Chartrien! _Cha._ That was my dream. Then coming to your side. There was no life but yours,--no world that bled And felt the vulture feeding. Groans of men Grew still, or like the unavailing hum Of far-off, aimless bees, scarce reached my ears That heard, more near, as music from new earth, Your children call me father. Ay, 'twas but The storming undersea of passioning sex That breaking to the sky o'erlaid my stars And wore the mask of Heaven! That ebbless power, That spawning tide of Nature, by whose might She took primordial forts and made Life hers! Still does it tear belated, unassuaged, In wreck about the Mind's aspiring fanes. And shakes the nesting Spirit from her towers, Her heavenly brood unfledged! _Her._ Oh! Oh! _Cha._ Here--now-- I beat it back, and go my way unmated Till beauty fair as yours has bred a soul And signals me! [_Exit_] _Her._ Stay, Chartrien! Oh, my love! [_Falls. Curtain_] ACT II SCENE: _A grove in the outskirts of a town in Goldusan. Semi-tropical verdure. Rocks, shrubbery, trees, at convenience. A hidden cascade mumbles upper right, not loud enough to disturb conversation. At upper left, the pillared and vine-wreathed entrance to a mansion. A wall, rear, partly hidden by foliage. Paths lead off, right and left, lower, under trees. It is evening, and the grove is lit for revel. Gay flocks of people pass, then Hernda and Megario enter lower right._ _Meg._ Unsoft as winter! Thou hast brought thy north, With thee, a frigid shade, here where the hours Are poppy-fingered, and their dreaming breasts Unshuttered as the summer! _Her._ Is it true, This joy, that smiles as though its fountained heart Could not be emptied? _Meg._ True as that I love you. _Her._ But if it is no mask, why should revolt O'ercloud your borders? _Meg._ There's no just revolt. _Her._ But Chartrien said---- _Meg._ Are you yet poison-tinct With that old rebel tale his credulous heart Dressed new in his while honor till both grew One sooty treason? _Her._ Where is Chartrien now? _Meg._ Wherever he may hatch a discontent And cluck us trouble. But of late he spurs His heart of venture, and dartles to our towns To stir the scum there. _Her._ Scum? You've such a thing In Cordiaz' happy land? I'll see that scum. It breathes, does 't not? Has eyes, and tongue? Can answer if one speaks? _Meg._ You're merry, princess. _Her._ As graves at night. All is not open here. I shall go farther,--knock at doors where Truth Keeps honest house, not gowned for holiday. _Meg._ One want we have,--that you will stay with us And be the fairy soul of Goldusan. Then must our land, so measureless endeared, Be cherished as the darling care of Heaven, Where storm may breathe but as a twittering bird That fears to shake its nest. _Her._ You've only words! Words like these thousand-thousand smiles that seem Half real and half painted,--teasing, strange,-- All feeding one illusion round my way Till even the ground unqualifies beneath me And makes each step a question. _Meg._ 'Tis the doubt You look through that transforms our face Of truth and paints us vaguely hued. O, for our many smiles, wilt not give one? _Her._ Nay, there's a darkness fringing on this grove. It creeps above the walls, it touches me, And makes me shudder winding at my feet! _Meg._ You've sipped of fancy at a witch's knee! [_Plucks a flower_] But see,--your serpent shadows nurture this. Confess to its perfection, and be shriven Of any thought less fair. _Her._ Oh, if I might! No, keep it. Let us find our friends. _Meg._ [_Drops the flower_] My hand Defiles it for you. _Her._ Nay---- _Meg._ Where is the fan I carried yester-night? _Her._ 'Tis--lost. _Meg._ 'Tis burnt! _Her._ What wind's your gossip? _Meg._ Truth paused at my ear. But, princess, if there's any charm will draw Your eyes to me unburdened of their hate, I'll find it though it lie beneath the ruin Of every other hope! _Her._ I'll leave you, sir. _Meg._ Forgive me! Love will speak,--ay, storm its need. Though each vain word pile up the barricade That fends the heart desired. _Her._ My lord, no hate Is in that barrier. I'm free of that. _Meg._ Thanks for that little much. Your highness speaks Of journeying. What can I say to gild My own Peonia till it distant gleams The gem of pilgrimage? There you will see How earth is dressed when the devoted sun Is pledged to her adorning. Trees that mass Their bloom in forest heavens, giving her A nearer sky. Unthwarted vines that scarf Her mountain shoulders with their pendent clouds. Lakes where a dreamer's bark may drift unoared And chance no port save beauty. Everywhere The dart and wave of color that would beckon A neighbor planet looking once this way. Come, be my guest. One day! I'll ask no more. _Her._ I do not know. Señora Ziralay Will be my guide. I go with her. _Meg._ With her? _Her._ What is 't? I touch the shadow. You are not Her friend? _Meg._ She hates in secret, while her smile Levies the world for love. _Her._ I'll hate where she does, And know my soul is safe. _Meg._ Her husband holds By love and purse to Cordiaz, but she Is a LeVal. _Her._ LeVal? And kin to--_him_? _Meg._ Rejan? His sister. And I know her nature Is tinted as her blood, whatever hue It wears at court. _Her._ A sister to the man That I gave up to death. And I have dared To love her--take her kiss---- _Meg._ [_Cautioning_] She's here. [_Enter, lower right, Señora Ziralay and Guildamour_] _Her._ Señora! We spoke of you. _Señ._ And with such gloom? _Meg._ No, no! _Señ._ It lingers yet, my lord. Do I in absence cast Such knitted shadows? _Meg._ Safely asked of us, Who know your bright philosophy. How fares That magic broom with which you'd sweep the earth Of every ill? Is 't still invincible? _Señ._ Much worn of late, my lord, as you should know, Who give it work. _Meg._ You'd leave us not one grief To keep us praying and rebuilding Heaven? Abolish Death perhaps? _Señ._ True mock! I would Except the death that's like a waiting bed When not another turn may mend the day; When sleep is sweeter than the thumbèd book, And hearth-near voices drowse like waves that lap Shores unconcerned. Now we are murdered, all. _Meg._ No, no. Señora! _Gui._ Ay! Do we not vaunt, And set it rarely down, a thing to note, If age unmoor the life-disusèd raft, For th' chartless cruise? _Señ._ Now we go hurried out, With half our dreams unpacked, and earth made poor With a few grains of dust where should have risen Our wisest years in flower. _Meg._ Fate, fate, Señora! _Señ._ What's fate but ignorance? And not always that Comes hobbling with excuse. Sometimes a man, Whose eyes fling lances at the foes of Life, Is knouted from the world---- _Meg._ No more, I pray! This is a festal night. Reserve your sermon For our next fast. [_A musical group plays softly under trees left. Enter lower right, Hudibrand, Cordiaz, Rubirez, Vardas, Ziralay and others_] _Hud._ Here, daughter? You've been sought. _Cor._ The search was mine, your highness. I would beg A grace of you. _Her._ You grant one as you beg, Your majesty. I'll not do less than give Your own again. But pray you name it, sir. _Cor._ This garden where our amity has borne Its fairest blossom shall be called henceforth The Grove of Peace, and we would beg your highness To queen our christening. _Her._ A queenly part, And royally I thank you, but I'll play it With humblest prayer that Heaven may keep unbroken These new-sworn bonds between my land and yours. _Cor._ So pray we all. _Her._ Is this our scene? _Cor._ Not here. Come you this way, my friends. We'll cast the wine To yon cascade, and let the waters bear it Down to my capital. [_All go off upper right, except two officers, who remain centre, and a guard who walks to and fro by wall rear, sometimes visible, sometimes hidden by the wood and rocks_] _First Off._ This peace will prove As stout as any spider's thread that swings In a blowing rain. Fah! _Second Off._ Climb what hill you please, You see the rebels' smoke. _First Off._ But where in name Of magic does Bolderez get his gold? The rebels we pick up have lost no meals. _Second Off._ Enough he gets it. Goldusan sleeps well. Bolderez is so near that if his men Were eagles they could pick out Cordiaz' eyes And he'd not wake to miss 'em. _First Off._ Cordiaz Is not asleep, but so bedimmed and fooled By a thievish Cabinet that what he sees Takes any name they give it. _Second Off._ He is old. _First Off._ Ah, there you hit it. Warriors should die young. When age unsoldiers them their field-worn hearts Have no defence against a crafty peace, And falling power will seize on any prop Be 't foul or fair, to keep on legs. _Second Off._ My faith! His crutches are so villanous, a fall Were better than his gait. [_Enter Ziralay, lower right_] _First Off._ Well, Ziralay, What news? _Zir._ Where's Cordiaz? _Second Off._ He comes. [_Re-enter group from the cascade_] _Zir._ [_To Cordiaz_] My lord, The Assarian prince is captured, and is held Within the town. _Cor._ What? Chartrien? _Zir._ Yes, my lord. _Cor._ Fit period to this dedicated day! Our gentle bonds are now forged whole. The man Who was Bolderez' hope, most luminous Of all who drew rebellion to him, now Is darkly fallen. _Rub._ This golden aid cut off, Bolderez stands so bare his nakedness Will sprint to nearest cover. _Cor._ I'll see his face. Bring here the prisoner. _Off._ I'll speed the order, Your majesty. [_Exit_] _Rub._ Shall he be shot, my lord? _Cor._ Shot? No. But kept close prisoned. _Rub._ That is mercy You have denied the blood of Goldusan. Why grant it to Assaria? _Var._ In him swells A strength was never in LeVal. I urge His instant death. _Cor._ No, friends. He is a son Of our great neighbor, and his death would wound The courtesy of nations that is kept By lenience unabraded. _Var._ Breath so bold Will from a prison fan the treachery Whose flame would die without it. _Her._ Father, speak! _Cor._ We'll hear our friend, Assaria's majesty, If he have word for us. _Hud._ I pray your highness To let no ghostly and unfounded fear Of my Assaria---- _Cor._ Fear, my lord? _Hud._ I mean No more than ask you to be just, nor let My presence here enforce your chivalry To do your country wrong. Think of your people, Not the approval of a gazing land Whose distant nod is given in ignorance Of your stern cause. _Her._ Here's not my father! So The clock runs backward, and time ends. _Meg._ [_To Cordiaz_] Your highness, My voice is not so loud as others here, But could I send it far as sound may go, It should take mercy's part in this debate. _Var._ You need no trump, my lord. A limpet's whistle Would tell us where you stand. _Meg._ I stand with Cordiaz, His majesty of Goldusan! _Cor._ This matter Is not for open market. Come, my friends, Let us go in. Please you to walk before. [_Rubirez, Ziralay, Vardas, and Megario enter the house, upper left. Their majesties linger at entrance. Guildamour retreats on path, upper right. Officers go off, lower left. Hernda and Señora Ziralay wait unnoticed, right_] _Cor._ Is 't kindly done, my lord, to pose your station In public against mine? _Hud._ My neutral words You've packed with import all your own. I strive To bend not right or left, but keep my way As even as Justice. _Her._ [_To Señora_] Justice! There's a stone That was my father. _Cor._ Yet, my lord, this prince Is of your house. _Hud._ Is it for Cordiaz To teach me mercy? _Cor._ By my soul! _Hud._ I know Whence starts this softness. Mercy has no fane Where you leave offering. _Cor._ I know you too! By holy Heaven, your head was never bared In Justice' temple! You now seek my fall, Because I've turned at last to check the hand That rifles Goldusan. Is 't not enough That I've unjewelled all her treasured hills To alien avarice--that her forests bleed The priceless sap of all primeval Springs Into your golden stream? But I must lay My people under bond,--sell them as slaves To buy your stolen railways! _Hud._ Stolen, sir? I've paid---- _Cor._ I know what you have paid! You've sent Your henchmen creeping in the night, to buy At beggar's price our toil-built roads, and where You could not buy, you bribed and thieved, till all Was yours! _Hud._ What of _my_ toil, that built the lines Through half your provinces? _Cor._ You paid yourself! Took from my governors, half gulls, half thieves Of your own breed, a hundred times the worth Of every graded foot, in lands and mines And water-power that holds the prisoned light Of robbed futurity! Now we must buy Once more those tracks, long over-bought,--pay you A value centuple for every mile,-- Pay you in bonds--bonds in hell's verity-- Whose interest will outrun each reckoned year The summed returns from our fool's purchase! No! That is my word while I am Goldusan! _Hud._ You wake too late. I'll tell you so, my lord, Since this imprudent burst thrusts courtesy From court. Your ministers have given assent---- _Cor._ Have _given_! You'll over-steal enough To quit their boldest price! _Hud._ I'll not defend Your chosen servants, sir. _Cor._ _My_ servants! Oh, What State is free from scuttling greed that bores For treasure through the stanchest hold? _Hud._ This moral chant comes late from you, my lord, Who've fingered heavily in many a pie Spiced in the devil's kitchen. _Cor._ But to sell My people! Pay you this devouring price For stock that hardy yields the groaning third Of interest on your bonds! What shall we do To pay it? Rob our treasury, and ask Our worn-out slaves to fill it up again? Not ask, but goad and lash,--for you must have Your own--you honest mortgagees of babes Unborn---- _Hud._ Is all the scarlet on our hands? What of that mountain province, sold entire To foreign pockets, and the dwellers there Torn up like shrieking roots and cast abroad To fasten where they could? _Cor._ And where was that But in your hell-mouthed mines? You wanted slaves And got them. _Her._ I shall die, Señora! _Señ._ Listen! _Hud._ The tyrant Cordiaz grown pitiful? Then stones are butter, alabaster is Uncrumpled down. You should have wept before The Pueblo strike, then fewer corpses had Gone out to sea. _Cor._ Don't name that thing to me! Don't speak of it! I will not bear that curse! _Hud._ Mine aged convert, lies it in your will, Or juster Heaven's? _Cor._ 'Twas your property My troops defended--and Rubirez lied. Swore that the men foamed mad as tuskèd beasts, And must be trashed to place,--men who had asked No more than bread when you shut up your doors---- _Hud._ Not I, my friend. _Cor._ Your tool then. One of all Your million hookèd hands fast in the heart Of my poor country, shut your doors, thereby To starve the wretches till they crawled to you And begged their chains again. But they--their veins Were not all tapped--they'd blood left, and arose From their dumb prayers to _fight_ for life--and then.... _Hud._ You sent the troops. _Cor._ Because Rubirez lied! _Hud._ Because you knew there'd be no after-sale For your high favors, once let titles drift Unguaranteed. And when your work was done-- _Your_ work, my tear-washed saint, why weary patience Could not take further time to count the dead, Or dig so many graves. They were piled up And carted to the sea---- _Cor._ Oh, every tide Brings back their faces--staring, staring up! Will God not answer them? I dare not shut My eyes.... _Hud._ And this is why you weep so late? Come, Cordiaz, you're broken. Leave a throne Your own fears shake. You know that I must win. Own you are mastered---- _Cor._ Mastered! While I've breath I am a king. If I win peace of God, And his white angel let my dark soul out, 'Twill be for this--the last throe of my strength Was spent against you! _Hud._ Madly you've uncased Your madness, and I know my weapons. _Cor._ So! I too, my lord, know how to sleep and wake With hand on steel. _Hud._ Then is there more to say? _Cor._ All's said. We're waited for. Assaria, Will 't please you enter? _Hud._ I thank you, Goldusan. [_They go in_] _Her._ Don't comfort me, Señora. Not a breath. I'll not disfigure shame with comfort's patch, But droop as low as leprous dust, and take Some pride in that. 'Tis dark here, dark. Pray God I am asleep! _Señ._ Dear princess! _Her._ Men do well To keep the women blind. If once they knew, They'd breed no more, but let a bairnless world Escheat to God. Yet you, Señora, knew, And you have children. By your motherhood You've bound you Life's accomplice,--given it heart And veins and an accepting soul! _Señ._ I have! Deny our hearts these babes, and we deny The future that we fight for. Ah, defeat May be endured by those who hold in lap The victors of to-morrow! _Her._ Oh, my father! _Señ._ This truth was edged and swift. You should have had Love's lips to teach you---- _Her._ I've been taught, my friend, But would not learn. [_Rising_] Señora, it was I Betrayed your brother! _Señ._ Yes.... I know. _Her._ To death! You do not understand. I killed him! _Señ._ No. There, love,--forget a little. I've a hope He is not dead. _Her._ Not dead? What gives you hope? _Señ._ Perhaps the nameless mentor in the heart That tells us when our loved shrines are lit And when they're out forever. But there's more. Whenever Lord Megario's eye meets mine There's something couched there speaks me living wrong, Not wrong that's ended--locked within a grave No prayer may open. He is burning yet With uncompleted vengeance--and its shame. _Her._ Señora, you've a plan! _Señ._ 'Twill take much gold. _Her._ Ah, I have that. _Señ._ And courage. _Her._ Well! _Señ._ Such as, We're told, no woman has. _Her._ Here is my life, And any Fate may have it that will make Your brother live. Will you forgive me then? _Señ._ [_Kissing her_] Ah, dear, you could not know.... _Her._ How did you hear? _Señ._ From Chartrien. _Her._ You are friends? _Señ._ So true he seems Not friend but friendship to my soul. And I Talk here, while yonder he---- _Her._ They dare not! No! My father would.... My father? Oh, Señora! [_Sobs hopelessly_] _Señ._ We'll find a door to this. _Her._ Would Ziralay Not help? _Señ._ Had he the wit, he would not dare. While I'm his wife he must keep double guard Against suspicion. _Her._ Oh! _Señ._ If there's one true, 'Tis Guildamour. I'll go to him. _Her._ At once! He took that path. _Señ._ I know what shade he seeks When he would brood. [_Exit Señora, upper right. Hernda waits drooping, as if too weary for thought. A group of ladies and gentlemen enter, lower right, among them Guildamour_] _Her._ [_Starting up_] Oh!--Guildamour! _Gui._ Your highness! [_Leaves his party chattering lower left, and crosses to Hernda_] _Her._ Señora seeks you. _Gui._ Ah, about the prince? _Her._ We have a hope, my lord, your hand may turn Some stone of rescue. _Gui._ Mine are powerless hands, Pinned to inaction's cross. My eyes may turn No way that is not watched. To lift my lids May raise a cry of "Treason!" _Her._ There's no help? In all this land no help? _Gui._ Megario, Could he be softened to it, is the man Who might with safety slip a secret bolt For Chartrien. _Her._ He! _Gui._ His name is set above The nick of treason by his stern dispatch Of poor LeVal,--and, that struck off, he yet Is chronicled so dark that none would lay A fair deed at his door. _Her._ Megario! _Gui._ I would not name him, but I know he loves you, And there's no soul that love may not endue With tinge of Heaven. [_Re-enter Señora_] _Her._ Señora! _Señ._ [_Panting_] I have seen him! _Gui._ The prince? _Her._ Not Chartrien? _Señ._ Yes! _Gui._ Escaped? _Señ._ The guards Were of our heart--they let him make the wood-- I've hidden him---- _Her._ Oh, where? _Señ._ Within the cave Veiled by the waterfall. But safety there Is minute-frail. _Gui._ What way? He'll climb the wall? _Señ._ And drop into the river. _Gui._ Yes. What guard Walks there? I see. 'Tis Miguel. And I know Somewhat of him,--more than he'd tell the winds. _Señ._ Thank Heaven for a sinner! When he's next Behind the rocks, then to him, Guildamour, And be his palsying conscience. Peg his feet To the earth! _Gui._ Trust me, Señora! _Señ._ I'll lead off Those babblers. Princess, you're the watch,--you'll give The signal. _Her._ Ah! What is 't? _Señ._ Two pebbles dashed Into the water is our sign. _Her._ The guard! He's gone! _Gui._ It is our time. [_Exit into wood, rear_] _Her._ [_As the talkative group move up_] Take them away, Señora! It would kill me now to meet A painted smile. _Señ._ I'll go. And you--be swift. Don't stop--don't think. [_Joins group_] I know where lordings three Wait for as many maids. _A young lady._ You saw them pass? _Señ._ Disconsolate. _Young Lady._ O, to the river! _Another._ Come! [_They go off with Señora, lower left_] _Her._ Now! [_Takes up two stones. Ziralay and Megario come out of the house_] Oh! [_She drops the stones. They cross to her_] _Meg._ You wait? _Her._ I read the sentence. _Zir._ Death. _Her._ And when? _Zir._ To-night. They've given Vardas charge Of 't. He's an eager butcher,--does not know Delay. _Her._ You wished his death. _Zir._ I voted no. Megario laid my doubts. _Her._ Did he do that? _Zir._ He countered to their teeth. _Her._ [_To Megario_] So merciful Is hate? _Meg._ The prince's death would mean the fall Of Cordiaz, and our houses rock with his. _Her._ Be clearer, pray you. _Meg._ Vardas wants the throne, And we've a sour and guilty faction here Who'd see him on it, but they dare not move Against a king yet rich in arms and friends. And Hudibrand is not so absolute That he may turn the army of Assaria On the sole pivot of his word. For that, Even he must knock the sleeping nation up And ask good leave. _Her._ You'd say, sir, Hudibrand Would favor Vardas? _Zir._ Short and plain, he does. _Her._ What then? _Meg._ The Assarians are proud, and where They think their honor's pricked, their pride out-tops Their judgment. Chartrien's death, whose ugly weight Must lie with Cordiaz, will inflame their hearts Till Hudibrand may send an army on us, His people clapping to 't. In open day They'll choose the road his cunning cut by night, And pray him take it. _Zir._ Ay, and where are we, With Vardas crowned in Goldusan? _Her._ I see. _Meg._ He'd like my million acres in Peonia Sliced for his foreign hounds! [_Enter an officer_] _Zir._ What trouble now? _Off._ Prince Chartrien has escaped. _Meg._ And you in charge? _Off._ I sent him with good men, or so I thought, Being pressed to another way---- _Meg._ His guards,--what name? _Off._ Vinaldo, and a sergeant, who---- _Meg._ Vinaldo! He's on the blue list, turning fast to black. Did you not know it? _Off._ I held him, sir, the pick Of loyalty. _Meg._ Well,--on. What else? _Off._ They reached The grove, passed in, and after prudent time, The guards came out, smug as all right, and now They're gone,--clear foot,--will doff you from the hills. _Meg._ A tale for Vardas! You may save your beard, But not your neck. _Off._ I'll not shake yet. The prince Is in the grove. We'll soon uncover him. _Zir._ The walls are picketed? _Off._ A double watch Is on. _Zir._ That's well enough. _Off._ On chance he makes The wall, I've reinforced the river guard. _Meg._ Both sides? _Off._ A close patrol, both east and west. Though he had fishes' gills and dived the stream, He'd not get by. That way is fast against him As Belam's iron door. _Meg._ [_To Hernda_] You're ill? _Her._ No, no! I'm well--quite well. _Meg._ The lily in your cheek Lies not so bravely. _Off._ [_To Ziralay_] If he gets out of this, He'll steer around the moon. We'll find him, sir. But he's most darkly hid. Has made a coat Of leaves and plays the grouse trick on us. _Zir._ Come! His majesty must know. [_Ziralay and officer go into house_] _Meg._ How may I help you? Let the service be Of such poor nature as your dog might give, And pride will whistle to it. _Her._ O, my lord, I half believe you. When our angels fall, Then devils are not black. And I have lost My father. _Meg._ Devils! You've a tongue. _Her._ Forgive A heart unmantled, and too wild to choose What word may veil it. I would say, my lord, In this discolored world I now begin To find you fair,---- _Meg._ O, heavenly retraction! _Her._ And if I ask a service it will be No paltry one, but such as makes the king Bow to the knight. _Meg._ I'll prove this grace Is native in me, and not solely lent Of your new bounty! _Her._ Would you save the life Of Chartrien? _Meg._ I would. Though a treasonous tool Of rebelry, he should be held by me A prisoner of knightliest war. _Her._ A prisoner! _Meg._ You can not ask his freedom! That would give My foes clear argument to pluck me bare, And set me outlawed on the rebel side Of this deplored division. _Her._ Oh, not free! And in your power! _Meg._ To hold him prisoner,--that I'd undertake, and make the action good Even to this bloody council. _Her._ You'd dare that? _Meg._ My policy is open, and I'd dare To put it into deed that must commend me To their unwilling justice. To do more Would disarray all sense,--be fullest like The idiot's gesture that disrobes the wretch Of his last sanity. _Her._ Megario.... _Meg._ What secret is so dear these costly sighs, Like gentle pickets ever reinforced, Let it not pass? _Her._ A secret? No! _Meg._ But yes. I push me by its fragile guardians, And hear it beating in its citadel. _Her._ What says it then? _Meg._ You've seen the prince. _Her._ My lord! _Meg._ You know what shadow hides him. _Her._ No, no, no! My oath, sir, I've not seen him! _Meg._ I would trust One negative, not three. Give him to me, And you will know he lives. Let him be found By Vardas' men, and when you wake to-morrow The earth will be without him. _Her._ No, not you! I'll go to Cordiaz. He'll save the prince As he would save his throne. You've taught me that. _Meg._ He'd lose it so. Should Cordiaz to-night Set Chartrien free, he'd rise without a lord To bid him one good-morrow. _Her._ Ziralay.... _Meg._ Ask him? An ass whose ears if visible Would signal Mars! Say he had courage for you, He'd blunder with the prince to Vardas' arms. _Her._ Ah, _you_ could do it,--set him free! _Meg._ Nay--don't-- Don't ask it, if you've mercy! Your highness knows I could not grant so much though lips I love Above my soul should beg that treason of me. Though they should take again those dearest words That knighted me, and now lie in my heart Like swelling seed of fortune! Let me shield His life. In saintliest trust---- [_She shudders from him_] You fear me so? _Her._ I do! I do! You took away LeVal, And he no longer lives. _Meg._ He does! My oath, He does! _Her._ You spared him? _Meg._ By my soul, he lives! But let the word sleep in your vestal ear, Until these smouldering troubles die to dust And feed the grass above them. For the State Believes LeVal is dead, nor taints me with Such treacherous clemency. See how I lay My safety and my honor in your hands? I give them, hostages for Chartrien! Ah, you should know how I will guard your trust, For when I say to you he does not live, Your eyes will slay the single, nurturing hope Of my own life! _Her._ [_Battling_] I can not! I'm not Fate To do her awesome work. _Meg._ We aid her most With passive hand, as Chartrien's ghost will come On mourning nights to tell you. _Her._ Oh, I'll speak!... No, no! Ah, never, never! _Meg._ [_Resolute, giving up his suit_] I must join The hunt. There's but one place--the cave---- _Her._ The cave! _Meg._ Those guards are fools--or shy of water. _Her._ Sir, What cave? _Meg._ He's there. Your cold, uncandid calm Has babbled it. The frost is crafty that Puts out such anxious fire. _Her._ My lord, if I Should tell you.... _Meg._ Quickly then! How canst debate So fatally, knowing delay but robs him Of venture's favor? Every moment steals A bud of chance. _Her._ How will you take him out? _Meg._ I'll pass the gates unchallenged. Close without, My car stands by,--a racer never spent, And begs no pause. Know he is safe, and sleep. Night will be secret, and we'll greet the sun In my Peonia---- _Her._ Ah, Peonia's far! _Meg._ And Vardas near. _Her._ Take these two stones, my lord. Cast them into the falls---- _Meg._ So! I was right! But you must summon him. _Her._ So soon a tyrant? _Meg._ I'll take him from your hands,--no other way. Your trust to me! And with my life I'll guard it! For that you love him is my means to you. Once in your heart, I'll win the throned place Though all his saints defend it! _Her._ True, my friend, We shall be nearer, for anxiety Will draw me to you with a longing like The aching letch for morning in the eyes Pain keeps astare. You then will be the goal Of fondest question,--and from that--who knows? Out of unbroken faith, and kindly shafts 'Tween hearts disponent, bridges have been built For love's plenipotence to cross. _Meg._ You bid Me hope? _Her._ I do not say despair. Sometimes A presto-worker sits within the soul Of gratitude, and love that must give thanks In name of one beloved, has then been known To pass from the liege object to the heart Whose compass held them both in selfless bounds Of chivalry. And yet--I promise nothing! _Meg._ I ask no promise but the one I find In words that so deny it. Now the thought Is born, I'll make the naked infant grow Heir of my princely opportunity. Go now. An instant may defeat us. Haste! My purse must buy a guard. [_Hernda goes off, upper right. Megario walks left and calls_] Benito! Ho! You and your fellow! [_Enter two guards_] I have work for you. You've seen my gold before. Here's more of it. Stand for my word. [_Hernda returns with Chartrien_] _Cha._ Gods give me time for one Wild kiss! O, Heaven! To find and lose you in One whirling breath! _Meg._ [_His pistol at aim_] You are my prisoner. [_Señora rushes on left_] _Señ._ Oh, princess! Oh! _Meg._ [_To guards_] Move on with him. _Her._ Wait--wait---- _Meg._ No time. _Her._ But I must tell---- _Cha._ Let fiends be dumb. You damned and double traitress, this my hand Could lay you dead! _Meg._ [_To Hernda, who seems dazed_] My goddess, I'll be true! [_Kisses her, and goes off, lower right, with Chartrien and guards_] _Señ._ You let him kiss you! _Her._ Who? _Señ._ Megario. _Her._ I did not know it. I am dead, I think. [_Curtain_] ACT III SCENE: _A yard, walled and spiked, of Megario's hacienda. A long, low hut, the men's sleeping-quarters, at right. In upper centre, a smaller hut which serves for kitchen and also as sleeping-room for several women. On left, the yard continues, showing other huts used by families. The entrance gate is off stage, left. An unused gate, locked and barred in wall, right._ _Hernda, in the guise of a young Maya woman known as Famette, stirs a pan of food which is heating on some coals in front of kitchen. Lissa stands in door of hut watching her._ _Lis._ [_Stepping out_] You mend, Famette. But when you came--all thumbs. A woman grown and couldn't spoon up fish! _Fam._ It was the smell. How can they eat it, Lissa? _Lis._ You'll eat it too. _Fam._ That? Never! _Lis._ Another week Will starve you to it. [_Ysobel comes out of kitchen bearing apron full of cups and spoons which she places on ground_] _Yso._ [_Looking left_] Here's Masio in. [_Enters hut_] _Lis._ He's always first. [_Masio comes up left_] How did my boy get on? _Mas._ I wasn't near him in the field. _Lis._ He did His stint? _Mas._ I never heard. _Lis._ No eyes, no ears,-- All belly, you! _Mas._ [_Taking up spoon and cup from the pile_] Fish! fish! _Lis._ Beans first. You know The rules. _Mas._ I've teeth can break 'em. Fish, Famette! [_Famette puts fish into his cup_] There'll be a blessed cleaning-up to-night. _Lis._ More beating? Has the master come? _Mas._ [_Nods_] And on The rounds. He'll clear the yards. News from the north Has turned him red and black. _Fam._ A flogging? Oh, If you were men you'd fight with your bare hands Till you were free! _Mas._ Free as the dead. Our blood Would soak the earth and make more hennequin,-- That's all. _Fam._ Then run away. _Mas._ How far? The swamps? To sleep with snakes--a week or less? _Fam._ Across The ridges. _Mas._ Where the sun would lap you dry As crackling cat-guts? Thirst would draw you in To th' next hacienda well. The masters own The water, and in this land, that's life. _Fam._ No chance? They never get away? _Mas._ Sometimes a man Makes Quito, but he soon comes back. _Fam._ Comes back? _Mas._ What else? In Quito there's no work. He starves. And here--there's beans. So he gives up, and then They send him back. _Fam._ And he is flogged? _Mas._ Ay, till His bones crack. _Fam._ Oh! He bears it? _Mas._ Like a man, My dear. _Fam._ The coward! _Mas._ So--back to the field, Mute as a snail, and poorer too, for then The dream is gone of any life but this. _Fam._ They have no spirit--none! _Mas._ Much as you'll have This time next year. _Fam._ Next year? I shall be gone. My debt was just ten pesos. _Mas._ [_Incredulous_] You were sold For that? _Fam._ I'll work it out. _Mas._ Be 't ten or hundreds, Who comes here stays. You'll soon know that, my bird, And limber your fine neck. [_As they talk, men and women enter in groups of scores and dozens until there are several hundred in the yard. They are mostly of mixed blood, their color ranging from the full brown of the Maya to the pale olive of the Peonian aristocrat. At a spout, upper left, they wash their hands, then drop about wearily. One man sits near Famette, his head sunk on his chest. She lays her hand on his shoulder_] _Fam._ What, Garza, you? Who were so blithe this morning, on your way To freedom? _Garza._ [_Rocking_] Mother of God! Oh, Mother of God! _Fam._ What is it, Garza? _Mas._ There you have it! You see Who comes here stays. _Fam._ But he was free! His friend Brought twenty pesos to pay off his debt. _Gonzalo._ And when he went to pay it, on the books There stood two hundred pesos against Garza. _Mas._ Two hundred--twenty,--you see, Famette, How much a little "o" can do. _Fam._ They dare Do that? I'll see the magistrate! [_The men stare at her_] _Mas._ [_Patting her shoulder_] Poor girl! _Fam._ I will! Why not? What is he for? _Gon._ What for? To see we are well beaten when we ask For justice. He must serve who pays him,--that's The master. _Fam._ Oh, you worse than slaves! _Mas._ No names, My proudling. Wait a year, then what you please. [_The men have been eating. Ysobel stands in door of hut holding a great bowl of beans from which the peons fill their cups. Lissa gives out the fish. Her boy, Iduso, crouches by her skirts_] _Lis._ [_To boy_] Not eat? Now you're a man? Twelve years to-day! _Fam._ [_Bending over Iduso_] Is 't fever, Lissa? _Lis._ [_With sullen jealousy_] Let him be, Famette. What do you know? You've got no children. _Fam._ I've A little brother. _Lis._ Brother! Nothing that. _Fam._ He's just Iduso's age. _Lis._ [_Softened_] And has to take A man's work on him? _Fam._ N-o---- _Lis._ I said it now. What do you know? Look at your hands--not stumps Like mine. _Mas._ Who hugs the post to-night? _Gon._ I heard Of seven warned. _Yso._ My man! He hasn't come! _Mas._ God's mercy, give us peace! It was his turn To put away the knives. [_Ysobel leans against hut. Famette takes bowl from her_] _Lis._ There's seven, you say? _Ben._ None from this yard. Famette, you haven't seen A flogging yet? _Fam._ And never will, you beast! _Ben._ Your never's short,--less than an hour. _Fam._ What do you mean? _Ben._ The whip draws blood to-night, And we must all look on, for our soul's good. It is the master's order. _Fam._ I'll not go! _Mas._ Why, God looks on, Famette, and so may we. All Heaven sees it, and I'll pledge my--fish-- That not an angel blanches. _Gon._ You should see The master! _Fam._ _He_ is there? Does _he_ look on? _Mas._ O, not quite that. To eye the work Would show too grossly, but you'll see him there,-- Somewhat aside, leaning against a yew, Most carefully at ease. Then he will light A delicate cigar that fills the grove With a fantastic odor, like, we'll say, Faint musk that creeps on burning pine. You will approve the quality, Famette. That is his signal. _Fam._ Oh! _Mas._ Long as he puffs, And soft, white rings twirl upward to the leaves, The lashes fall. And when, grown gently weary, As 'twere half accident, from his high thoughts Remote, he clears the cindered tip--like this-- The whip is still. _Fam._ Where, where am I? _Mas._ In hell, Sweetheart. _Fam._ Who are you, Masio? You are not As these that suffer speechless. _Mas._ Pinch the difference! A little learning, and a few opinions That brought me here. _Fam._ [_Moving aside with him_] What did you do? _Mas._ I spoke The truth too near the ear of Cordiaz, And there's no greater crime. _Fam._ You are a prisoner? But you're not guarded. _Mas._ No, they leave me free, In hope I'll run. Then they will shoot me down. And you--what brought you here? Ten pesos Could never buy you--nor a hundred either. _Fam._ I mean to lead these men to join Bolderez: _Mas._ What! Lead them out? _Fam._ And you will help me do it. _Mas._ Well, when I want to die. You're mad. We're all Sprats in a net. _You'll_ not get out, once let The master see you. Better hide those eyes---- _Yso._ [_Running and catching Masio by the shoulder_] You lied to me! You lied! They've got my Grija! Down in the lower yard! _Grija._ [_Entering and making his way to her_] No! Here I am. Safe in, old tear-box. _Yso._ Holy Mary! [_Tells her beads rapidly as he leads her aside_] _Fam._ [_Aroused_] Men! If Osa looked from yonder mountain scarp, Would she descend to lead such currish hearts To liberty? _Gon._ We are not dogs. _Fam._ Then shame To bear the life of dogs! _Ben._ What do you know Of Osa? _Fam._ Know? Does she not guard the shrine Cherished ten centuries in your secret hills? Priestess and princess, daughter of your kings,-- The ancient poet kings who ruled and sang In palaces where now your huddled huts Give you a slave's foul shelter! _A Voice._ Will she come? _Fam._ To such as you? With heads hung down, and backs Bared for the whip? The moment that you hold Your manhood dearer than your life, she'll stand Before you. Then you'll see---- _Mas._ For God's sake, hush! The master! _Ben._ [_As all look left_] No, it's Coquriez. _Gon._ With his Gringo. [_Coquriez enters with Chartrien. They cross right_] _Cha._ Leave me alone. _Coq._ My soul, am I not sick Of your dumb lordship? Now the master's here, I hope, by Jesu, that our ways will part. [_Turns and joins the men, leaving Chartrien seated on the stone step of one of the doors to the long hut, right. Megario enters unseen and stands watching, left. They gradually become aware of his presence, and all are silent_] _Meg._ Coquriez! _Coq._ [_Crossing left_] Here, sir! [_The tension relaxes slightly. Lissa and Ysobel quietly distribute food and the men eat in silence. Famette keeps in shadow, a shawl over her head, and vainly tries to hear what Megario and Coquriez are saying. They talk in low tones at left, then more centre, front_] _Coq._ Shoot the Gringo, sir? I thought he was to live. _Meg._ It must be done To-morrow. _Coq._ I'll do it. _Meg._ Take him on the road, And don't come back with him. _Coq._ To-morrow, sir? _Meg._ At day-break. Drop him cold. I was a fool To let him live a day! [_Famette has advanced too far and Megario sees her_] Who's that? _Coq._ There? Oh! I bought her in last week. _Meg._ The day I left? _Coq._ I think 'twas then. _Meg._ An old one,--so you said. _Coq._ About the Gringo, sir,---- _Meg._ What is her name? _Coq._ Famette. [_Famette goes back to the women_] _Meg._ A figure too. _Coq._ It's not so easy To drop a white-skin---- _Meg._ Come, Famette! Come here. [_She turns and comes slowly_] Old? By the gods! Why did you lie to me? _Coq._ My lord ... you like none past fourteen. She's that Half over. _Meg._ Brazen devil! Come, Famette. I like your name. I like your face too, girl. Don't be afraid. Show me your eyes. You won't? Where have I seen you? _Fam._ I'm a stranger, sir. My home was in the north. _Meg._ That fester-spot! A stranger? Then we must be good to you. Where do you sleep? _Fam._ There, in the hut. _Meg._ You'll have A better soon. Next time I'll see your eyes. [_Going_] Mind, Coquriez, to-morrow! Do that well, I'll pardon this. [_Exit_] _Fam._ What is 't you do to-morrow? And why do you need pardon? You who serve So well? _Coq._ My pretty bird, I've been too slow. _Fam._ Too slow? _Coq._ I've limped, and lost. _Fam._ Ah, Coquriez! _Coq._ You're not afraid of _me_. You look at me, And turned from him. That's honey on his curse! _Fam._ He curses you? And you do all for him! All that he asks you,--things he dares not do With his own hand. _Coq._ You care for that? _Fam._ You risk Your soul, perhaps,---- _Coq._ 'Tis certain. Pray for me, Chiquita. _Fam._ When? _Coq._ To-morrow I must leave The Gringo in the marshes. _Fam._ Oh, 'twas that! And paid with curses---- _Lis._ [_Calls, as a new batch of men come in_] Come, Famette! Here's work! _Fam._ We'll talk again. [_Hurries to Lissa_] _A man._ The beans are cold. _Another._ Soured too! Gray Moses, here's a life! _Mas._ Do you complain, O, comrades? Now your hour is come? The pearl O' the long ungarnished day? The holy hour Of--beans? Why, think! What do we live for, men? For sweaty moments battling 'gainst the sun To strip the thorny hennequin? For nights Of bitten sleep in unwashed pens? Not so. Lift up your cups! Here is the crown of toil! Each day we reach our life's supremest dome, And know we're there! Can man ask more? Even kings, Though the gold frontal of munificence Is bowed before them, yet must fretting guess The morrow's store. But we, my friends, we know! Then let each separate and distinct legume, Dear as the Egyptian treasure lost in wine, Delay as preciously---- _Coq._ [_Cutting him across shoulders_] Come down from that! There's more for you, my friend, i' the lower yard. I'll tie you up. _Fam._ O, Coquriez, let him go. _You_ should not care. His tongue was born with him, And God may mend it. Let the fool alone. _Coq._ Hmm, if you ask me---- _Fam._ Thank you, Coquriez. I'll stand for him he'll not offend again. _Mas._ My tongue is glue. 'Twill stick to its place. _A man._ Fish! fish! _Another._ He's had his share. _The man._ Not half a cup! O, Jesu, I am starved. I did my stint, And helped the boy, Famette. Can I do that On half a cup? _Fam._ No, Berto, here is more. _Yso._ The Gringo does not eat. _Fam._ I'll take him this. [_Fills cup from bowl of beans and goes to Chartrien, who is still seated on the step, listless and observing nothing_] _Fam._ Señor? _Cha._ Who spoke? O, you, Famette? No, thanks. I can not eat. [_Turns from her_] That's twice I've heard the voice Of Hernda. Madness creeps, but surely comes. _Fam._ [_Over his shoulder_] You must escape to-night. _Cha._ [_Facing her_] Escape? To-night? _Fam._ Here, hold the cup, and eat. Do, sir! We're watched. To-morrow Coquriez leads you to the woods, Comes back alone---- _Cha._ At last I know my hour. _Fam._ But you shall live. Last night I worked till day At that locked gate. 'Tis open. None suspects. Outside there's water in a flask, and bread,-- Beneath the cactus at the left---- _Cha._ But how Get out? I am locked in at night, and watched At other hours. _Fam._ Eat, eat, and listen, Señor! To-night a flogging in the lower yard Will empty this. You'll go with Coquriez. Urge him to bring you back. Say you are ill,-- For that you are,--and come. Here I shall hide, And as you pass, will suddenly step out And speak to Coquriez. You fall behind, In shadow of my hut, move round it, wait This side, then see what's next to do. _A man._ [_Calling_] Famette? Where is Famette? She doesn't count the beans. [_Famette goes back to the men_] _Cha._ It is a lure. If I attempt escape, Then Coquriez shoots me dead, his soul just clear Of murder. _Coq._ [_To Famette_] Our Gringo's learned to eat, I see. _Cha._ Now do they change confederate nods, and gaze Their mated thoughts. Down, down to dust, my heart! The struggle's off. I'll fight no more. Yon stars Have rest for me. Is 't so? Vain footing there. What rest have they, that share with man the surge From life to life? There Jupiters unfound Whirl cooling till their straining sides may bear Ocean and land and clinging bride of green; And Saturns, nameless yet, cast travailing Their ringed refulgence. Not the frozen moons May fix in stillness, but sweep captive back To flaming centres when their planets call. There old, dead suns, that think their work is done, Meet crashing, ground to cloudy fire whose worlds, Far driven, traverse time and know men's days. Ay, one may go beyond the ether's breath, Farthest of all, to be another First, Undreaming this our God. And I must shift Eternal and unresting as those suns. Then let Death hasten. He shall be as one Who timely strips a wrestler of his cloak, And, kindly freed, I shall uncumbered leap To other battle, finding armor where I find my cause. _A man._ [_To Famette_] My turn. Here, give me that. _Fam._ The Gringo's had no fish. _The man._ Then give me his. He doesn't care. Has run already from The smell. _Fam._ I'll give you half. The rest I'll take to him. _Coq._ He'll come for what he wants. _Fam._ No, he is sick, poor devil! [_Goes to Chartrien_] _Coq._ Humph! _Fam._ [_To Chartrien_] You'll take The chance? There is no other. _Cha._ It's a trap. You risk your life for me, a Gringo? No. _Fam._ You must believe me! Oh, what can I say! _Cha._ Say nothing. Go. _Fam._ I love you, love you, Señor! _Cha._ You would persuade me. _Fam._ Sir, the wine you found Behind your prison door,--and good, clean bread,-- I put them there! _Cha._ 'Twas you, Famette? I thought That Coquriez did it,--feared I'd die before The master came. _Fam._ Not his brute heart! And then That night, of fever---- _Cha._ Yes! What then? _Fam._ I lay Outside your jail, my head against the wall, That I might hear if once you groaned, or know If sleep had come. _Cha._ Can such love be for me? _Fam._ You must--you _must_ believe me! _Cha._ God, your eyes! [_She lowers her head_] ... 'Tis madness, bred of these sun-poisoned days, And nights without a hope.... Look up, Famette. I do believe you. _Fam._ [_Kissing her rosary_] Mother, adored and blessed! _Cha._ Wilt be a beggar soldier's bride, Famette? _Fam._ You do not love me, Señor. _Cha._ But I love Your gentle heart that warms mine empty,--love Your eyes, like memories burning,--and your voice That's linked to an old wound in me,--but most I love your soul that is as great as truth And strong as sacrifice. You'll come to me In Quito, if I make escape? I'll find A way to bring you out---- _Fam._ You're mine? _Cha._ Till death. _Fam._ And after that? _Cha._ I'll give you truth for truth. Beyond this world I hope to meet a soul Who did not walk in this, but ought to have, For here her body dwelt. This side of death, My life--a bitter one, that only you Have sweetened--is your own, if you will have So mean a gift. [_Ipparro has entered the yard and becomes a centre of altercation. He starts out taking Lissa's boy, Iduso. There is a shriek from Lissa, and Famette hurries to her_] _Lis._ My boy! My little one! God strike you dead, Ipparro! _Fam._ You'll not flog The boy? _Ipp._ He didn't do his stint by half. You know the master's rules. He's twelve years old. Must cut three thousand leaves. _Fam._ A man's full work. And he's so small. _Lis._ And sick he is. Two days He couldn't eat. _Ipp._ You women! _Fam._ Let him go. A little child, Ipparro. _Ipp._ Let him go? Am I the master of the hacienda? He'll tie _me_ up to-morrow! _Fam._ It will kill Iduso. _Lis._ Such a little one, he is! A baby yesterday,--to-day a man,-- How can that be? [_An overseer enters left_] _Overseer._ What's up? Come on with you! The master waits,--burns like perdition! Come! Come, all of you! The women too! Clear out! [_Drives them out. Famette slips into her hut. Chartrien joins the men and follows last with Coquriez. They stop left_] _Coq._ Won't see the show? _Cha._ I'll not go on. _Coq._ Come then. I'll lock you up. [_They turn back_] We'll have an early march To-morrow, mate. Must hit the brush by dawn. There's little sleep for me. _Cha._ Shall I have more In that hot pen? _Coq._ [_Laughs_] You'll make it up, I guess. _Cha._ I understand. You'll murder me. _Coq._ My soul! Let's keep our manners, though we sit in hell, My occupation's decent, nothing said. The silent deed is clean, but mouth it once, The hands will smell. Pah! [_Famette steps out of hut_] Here's my kitten! A kiss, my honey-pot! _Fam._ I've better for you. [_Gives him a bottle of wine_] _Coq._ My ducky! From the master's cellar! ... How---- _Fam._ No matter. It is good. _Coq._ Thief of my soul, A kiss! [_As he attempts to embrace her she springs back, pointing left_] _Fam._ Look, look! He's gone! The Gringo flies! O, Coquriez, you'll be shot! _Coq._ [_Stunned for a moment, springs off shouting_] Help! Stop him! Help! [_Exit left, firing his pistol_] The Gringo! Stop him! [_Famette runs to gate right, where Chartrien is removing bar_] _Cha._ Come! Fly with me! Now! I can not leave you here! _Fam._ Go! Do not stop, However weary, till you're safe in Quito. The wounded hare, remember, takes no nap. _Cha._ Come, come! _Fam._ No, I am safe. And there's more work For me. They'll come back here to search. Nay, go! Another moment and we both shall die! _Cha._ [_Kissing her_] I'll wait in Quito,--then a husband's kiss! [_Goes. Famette puts up bar, then returns to her hut and sinks at door_] _Fam._ If I could pray! If I could pray! How far Seems that old God I knew! A playhouse God Who never saw the world! [_Leaps up_] They're coming back! [_Sits again, abjectly, her shawl over her head. Megario, Coquriez, and peons, enter_] _Meg._ Where is the woman? _Coq._ There she sits,--the witch! _Meg._ Stand up! Take off that shawl! [_Famette stands up. A man snatches the shawl from her head_] _Meg._ Famette! Not you? _Fam._ [_Cowering_] I, master. _Meg._ [_To men_] Search the yard. Turn every leaf And stone. [_The men scatter_] _Mas._ I'll give that gate a look. [_Crosses to gate right_] _Meg._ This was Your drooping modesty! [_Turns on Coquriez_] You fool!--to let The man escape! By Heaven, you might have burnt The hacienda down and not have made My blood so hot! _Coq._ It was the woman, sir. She jumped before me, smiling like a devil, And when I tried to pass she caught my knees And held this thing up, saying 'twas for me. I kicked her off---- _Meg._ No doubt! _Coq._ And when I turned The prisoner was gone. _Meg._ [_To Famette_] You saw him go? _Fam._ Yes, master. Through the gate, like wings. And then I gave the warning. Coquriez knows I did. _Meg._ What did she say? _Coq._ She cried "The Gringo flies!" And pointed there. _Mas._ [_Returning_] The upper gate is fast. He went that way. [_Nods left_] Beneath the cypresses Into the maguey fields. _A man._ He'll not get far. He has no water. _Meg._ He will die in th' brush, And I shall never know it. Alive or dead, He must be found. I'll flog a man a day, Until I see his bones. _Gon._ [_Coming up_] He is not here. We've looked in all the huts. _Meg._ Ipparro? _Ipp._ Sir! _Meg._ Send men abroad, for fifty miles about, To put the haciendas on the watch. He must come in for water. Choose good men, Who _ride_, and see no wenches by the way. _Coq._ My lord, I've served you long---- _Meg._ Too long, you hound! Where is your lady's token? _Coq._ This, my lord. She thrust it in my hand. _Meg._ And left it too! _Coq._ I knew 'twas yours. _Meg._ [_To Famette_] A thief too, are you? [_Famette crouches, drawing shawl over her head_] _Meg._ True, Coquriez, you have served me long. I'll add You've served me well until to-night. _Coq._ O, pardon! _Meg._ I trusted you. And held your hand as mine, To make my wishes deeds. _Coq._ 'Tis sworn your own! _Meg._ Then prove it. Take this whip. Come, take it, man! Now flog that witch. _Coq._ Famette! A woman, sir? _Meg._ The devil's second name is woman. Do it! _Coq._ A heavy hand I've laid on men, my lord, But never yet---- _Meg._ Her smile struck deep to make Such putty of your heart. [_Coquriez drops whip_] Pick up that whip! _You_ want its kisses, do you? Pick it up, Or you shall feel them to your traitor bones! I'll have you flogged together! [_Coquriez slowly picks up whip. Famette rises, throwing off her shawl_] _Fam._ Hear me, men! For men you are,--not beasts. Your hands are strong In ceaseless toil. Day after day you pile Your master's wealth more high. Day after day You sweat your way a little nearer death, That he may kick your bodies from his path And set your graves in hennequin. But know Who toils may fight! The hand that lifts a spade May bear a sword. The strength you give to him, Use for yourselves. Your master is one man, You are five hundred---- _Meg._ Gods! I'll stop your mouth! You men there--go--you dozen at the gate-- Go to the dry-yard--load your backs with fibre-- And bring it here! [_Men go out_] I'll teach you now, you slaves! You are five hundred--yes--and I am one, But in me is the might of Goldusan! The power of Cordiaz is in my whip, And back of that is iron Hudibrand! Kill me to-night, to-morrow you shall die, Each dog of you,--you know it! [_Men come in with fibre_] Throw the stuff Against the hut. There, pile it up. More, more! Now, Coquriez, the gentle, you've refused To ruffle your fond dove,--here's sweeter work, And for no hand but yours. Put her within, Then fire the hut. [_Utter silence_] What terror's on you, beasts? _Coq._ In God's name, sir, you dare not! _Meg._ In the name Of all who know how power is kept, I dare! Move there, you dog! [_Coquriez stands motionless_] Do you refuse again? Then ... in your heart. [_Shoots. Coquriez falls dead_] Who'll be the next to stand on feet of lead When I say "Do?" Gonzalo! Garza! Out! [_The men do not move. Megario lifts his pistol_] _Fam._ Spare them, Megario. I'll go in. [_Enters hut, closing door_] _Meg._ [_Trembling_] That voice! Who is this woman? Speak! Who knows? I've heard.... Bah! I'm a fool!... Take up that lantern there, Gonzalo. Break it on the fibre. Move! [_He stands with his weapon drawn. The door of the hut in thrown open and Famette appears. She wears a rich robe, gleaming white, with blue and gold cabalistic broidery. In her hand is a sceptre, on her head a crown with a single star. The men, with cries of "Osa! Osa!" fall upon their knees, foreheads to ground, then leap up, changed, and glaring. They seem ready to spring upon Megario_] _Fam._ Shoot now, Megario! [_Silence_] You dare not do it! Kill me,--kill one of them,--shoot till your weapon Pants its last murder, and a hundred hands Will tear you limb from limb and bone from bone, Till every separate shred of you be cast To its own devil! Shoot, Megario! [_His hand falls. Famette steps into the yard_] Where are the masters who can help you now? The mighty ones who know how power is kept? Look on these men. Their blood sings as it sang Through centuries gone,--with courage that was theirs Ere ships came up like night on this doomed coast Unloading hell! _Meg._ Who are you, woman? Who? _Fam._ The spirit of these people, absent long, But come at last to be their hearts' old fire. Four hundred years you've trampled on their bodies, But see--look in their eyes--you have not slain Their God. _Meg._ Your name! Who are you? _Fam._ Riven hills May hide the shrine of long unsceptred kings, And keep their royal secret year by year. _Voices._ Hail, Osa! Osa, queen! _Meg._ What do you want? _Fam._ Three things, Megario. _Meg._ What are they? _Fam._ First,-- That I may pass from here, free as I came, With every soul that will go out with me. _Meg._ The way is open. Go. _Fam._ And you with us. Far as the coast, where willing transport waits To bear us northward. Then you may go free. [_Turns to the people_] There brothers wait you, men,--there freedom's tongue Is beacon fire. The whole of northland sings, A canticle of flame. You'll go with me? _Mas._ [_Loudly_] We'll follow Osa! _Voices._ Osa! Osa! On! _Fam._ Gonzalo, choose you men, a thrifty score, To fill the water-jars and get us food From the hacienda stores. [_Gonzales passes out, men following at his signal_] The third demand, Megario, is this. That key you belt So close-- [_Megario claps hand on key_] Yes, that,--it must be mine, to unlock A dungeon here and free a prisoner Whom you for love of torture keep alive. _Meg._ No, that's a lie. _Fam._ Deny it to the stars That saw you yesternight steal up like crime To a dark grating, saw you gloat, and fling The crumbs that will not let your victim die, Though scarce they give him life. _Meg._ [_Gasping_] A lie! _Fam._ The key, Megario. _Meg._ I will not---- _Fam._ In my hand! [_Megario takes key from his belt and hands it to her_] I thank thee, God, my hand may turn the key That frees Rejan LeVal! Now forward, men! O, glorious to be men! Ipparro, walk Beside our prisoner. Garza, be his aid. Two days of marching, then the friendly sea. And if you toil again amid these fields, You'll take the fruit. On! _Men._ Osa! To the sea! [_Curtain_] ACT IV SCENE: _The Grove of Peace, as in second act. Late afternoon. Two officers meet as curtain rises._ _First Off._ So Cordiaz is fallen. _Second Off._ Joggled down At last, poor man! _First Off._ When all the ghosts he made Come back to weep his fall, I'll swell the flood With half a tear, no more. _Second Off._ Then you're for Vardas? _First Off._ By glory, no! He'll open Goldusan To every thief that knocks. _Second Off._ Trust Hudibrand To guard the door. Till he has plucked the goose,-- Then they may shave it for their part. _First Off._ So, friend? _Second Off._ Phut! Goldusan's his box of snuff--held so-- And as he pleases, tchew!--'tis empty. _First Off._ Come, I'll walk your way. [_They move, right_] What of this truce? Goes 't deep? _Second Off._ As flattery may plough. It is our croon Of compliment to our new-seated king. _First Off._ Nay, president. We're a republic now. _Second Off._ Spell 't king or president, it means the same. _First Off._ But with Bolderez ours, the truce should last. _Second Off._ Why, 't may, till night. Bolderez, friend, Is not the revolution. _First Off._ He's the heft of 't, And's made a full surrender. _Second Off._ Made his terms! His officers are guardians of the State, And he--he's stallion of the court, submits To curb and comb that he may prouder prance And keep the herd at stare. Surrender? Lord! I think it! [_Enter Third Officer, from left_] _Third Off._ What's stirring, friends? _Second Off._ Sleep-walkers. _Third Off._ Ay, This amnesty makes idlers. _Second Off._ So to-day, But work brews for to-morrow. _Third Off._ You've a secret, And I've a guess that picks the lock to 't. _Second Off._ Come! These leaves are listeners. [_They go off, lower right. Enter by path upper right, Señora Ziralay and Guildamour_] _Gui._ To find you here Makes my best hope a sluggard, far outgone By th' dear event. _Señ._ I came five days ago, The princess with me, here to wait return Of Hudibrand. That you have come with him, Makes sober welcome blithe. _Gui._ He's slack in health. _Señ._ That's written plain. _Gui._ What iron's in the man That he yet lives? _Señ._ He's been in conclave? _Gui._ Yes. Five nights he routed sleep from th' drowsy synod, And hung upon us turning every flank, Till Protest paled and Patience bled at heart. _Señ._ And at the end? _Gui._ He held our sealèd bonds, And Vardas sat secure. _Señ._ The bonds? We own Our railways now? _Gui._ We do. And Hudibrand Owns us,--that is, the bonds. A good, stout noose For a nation's neck. _Señ._ And all these days he's been In th' capital? _Gui._ In closest session, though A stage-fed rumor held that he was gone From Goldusan. The harried people fear Assarian power, and on the jealous watch, Keep Hudibrand in burrow. _Señ._ He's gay-blown With confidence. I hear from Ziralay He made a careless peace with all the friends Of tottering Cordiaz. _Gui._ That carelessness Was sea-deep cunning. Favors will go high, They'll find. Megario gave full half his lands For place in th' Cabinet. _Señ._ Megario moved In blaze of censure, and did well to escape Singed of but half his goods. Two prisoners lost---- _Gui._ Ah, Chartrien and.... _Señ._ Rejan! _Gui._ Be guarded here. Fate rustles at that name. _Señ._ O, Guildamour, Fear is the silent warder that divides Our secret hearts. Give it the tongue of daring, And like a blest interpreter 'twill bring Our hopes together. _Gui._ There is stir within. Come from these walls, Señora. And if your hope Is on the road with mine, I've news will make The wayside sing. Winds gather here and yon That may out-swagger even Hudibrand. [_They go back along cascade path, as Hudibrand, Diraz, Mazaran, and Golifet come out of house_] _Gol._ [_Holding up letter_] Nay, fearless majesty might take more note Of this despatch. _Hud._ That beggar's mewl? _Gol._ There's power In every word. LeVal must harbor strength We do not know of. _Hud._ Tush! That is the vaunt Of weakness, not of power. _Maz._ What is 't he says? _Gol._ Avers him free of this imposèd truce, And gives a fair foe's warning he'll attack Whene'er and how he can. _Maz._ Well bragged. _Dir._ His guns, No doubt, are cooler than his pen. _Maz._ What more? _Gol._ Repudiates Bolderez, and declares Himself the head of the Insurrectionists, Sole authorized to speak and treat for them. My lord, what shall I answer? _Hud._ Answer? Humph! Treat with a rag-pole? We'll not sag to that. [_Re-enter, right, Señora and Guildamour_] _Hud._ My dear Señora, is our freakish daughter In hiding from us? We've not had her greeting. _Señ._ She knew you close engaged, my lord, and left The hour to you. I'll tell her of your pleasure. _Hud._ My steps are yours. [_To his companions_] Each where he would, my friends. [_Goes in with Señora_] _Dir._ I'm for a swim. _Gol._ And I. _Maz._ The river? With you! _Gol._ [_Leading left_] Bolderez' men are gathering opposite, Behind the river woods. _Maz._ The pick of camps. _Gol._ They know it too. There's water, and the trees Are cool and friendly. _Dir._ Was it not resolved Bolderez' men should join the Federal Guards? _Gol._ They do, in th' main. This is a straggling wing Left in the hills, that we have given leave To station here. _Dir._ That's prudence too. _Maz._ Why so? _Dir._ I'm windward of a whisper. _Gol._ About LeVal? _Dir._ He's circling in. Let Hudibrand laugh low Or the enemy will hear him. _Gol._ This LeVal Was dead and buried,--three months out of life,-- Shook from remembrance as the stalest clutter,-- Now, save our eyes, he's jumped alive and rides Our foremost thought! Enough to send a man Back to his marrows. I shall pray to-night. _Maz._ A plunge for resolution! That will cool it. [_Exeunt lower left. Señora comes out of house and crosses to seat, right_] _Señ._ 'Tis five o'clock. No sign! But he will come. He comes! [_Enter Chartrien, lower right. They meet silently and clasp hands_] _Cha._ My friend! I thought you far from here. Safe in the capital. But nothing's strange To those who've moved mid miracles. You've seen LeVal? _Señ._ I have. _Cha._ I long to greet him. O, Such walking of the dead renews the earth And makes it habitable! I have heard It was Famette who saved him,--added that To array of deeds that must unlaurel all The heroines of time. _Señ._ There'll be an hour To talk of that. Now you must see the princess. _Cha._ Hernda is with you? _Here!_ _Señ._ And Hudibrand. No danger there. He wants you now, and says You'll find good grass if you will leap the stile. _Cha._ [_Answering her smile_] So blind as that? Poor mole, he's been in th' ground Too long. Will never get his eyes. _Señ._ Ay, he'll Deny the sun till 't bakes him in his burrow. But Hernda,--O, what welcome waits you, friend! The ivory-crusted temple, shut and sealed To eternal airs, is now a fane of rose, Whose cloistral stairs, that wound so futilely, Will now through fragrant twilight lead you up To windowed Heaven. Come! Come, take your own! _Cha._ No! Wait.... _Señ._ A lover speaks that word? _Cha._ Señora,---- _Señ._ That wound she gave you here is open yet? But you were wrong, and with your wretched doubts Assailed her in the hour she lay on rack To save you. _Cha._ On rack for me? She gave me up. Gave me to him,--Megario,--knowing that Meant death. _Señ._ And yet you live. _Cha._ I--? _Señ._ Live. Do you not know You were to die that night? _Cha._ I've heard. _Señ._ Those hours She gained for you meant life. _Cha._ She gained for me? I saw his lips on hers. _Señ._ You did. And I-- I saw her face. The dead are warmer. She Could bear that touch for your sake, and on that Bore too your curse. _Cha._ For me? I'll hear no more, Señora. _Señ._ You will see her now? _Cha._ Not now, Nor ever. I am here by pledge, to meet-- A friend. [_Masio enters lower right_] _Señ._ Is this--the man? _Cha._ No, but I know him. He's seeking me, I think. _Señ._ I'll leave you then. _Cha._ [_Seizing her hands_] Nothing to Hernda! _Señ._ Nothing. You and she For what may come. [_Goes in_] _Cha._ You, Masio? From Famette? _Mas._ No, from the camp. _Cha._ The camp! But she is there? _Mas._ That's guessing, sir. There's fernseed on her wings. She flits invisible, then bat your eyes You see her. _Cha._ I've her word she'd meet me here. _Mas._ Queer place. You come from Quito? _Cha._ Yes. 'Twas there I had her letter making this strange tryst. I've travelled from that hour. Famette has left Her name upon the air, and all the way I heard it. _Mas._ She's the bird of courage, dares Go far as our LeVal himself. But here's What brought me, sir. [_Gives Chartrien a letter_] 'Tis from LeVal. _Cha._ His hand! His living hand! [_Reads, pales, and stands silent_] _Mas._ Bad, sir? _Cha._ No, good. 'Tis good. _Mas._ Then I'll be off. My head's no show variety, But I'd not trust it long in th' grove of Peace. We'll see you soon in camp? _Cha._ To-night, I hope. Famette holds key to that. _Mas._ The first star bring you! [_Exit_] _Cha._ [_Reads letter_] _When you see the princess Hernda, kiss for me the hand that gave me freedom. It was she unlocked my dungeon and nursed my bones to life. What I am is hers, and therefore yours._ _Le Val._ Hast grown so spent, O Fortune, that one stroke Must deal both death and life?--with hand that parts The night, show too my rainbow loss?.... All, all My future sold to the gray usurer Grief, Who gathers up as sapped and withered leaves Time's unimagined buds! No eve, no dawn With Hernda! No brief night that makes The sun unwelcome as he golds desire, The warm mist-flower where we lie its heart! Unbrace thee here, my courage! Valiancy, First god and last in man, unbuckle here! ... How meet Famette? Smile on her smiles? Deceive Her love? She'll lay her head upon my heart And hear it crying "Hernda!".... Hernda lost! I must not dream here open to the risk Of her unanswered eyes. Their lure would make Dishonor, that on wreck feeds rampant, spring Unshamed in me. I would forsake Famette. [_Goes right, upper path. Hernda comes from house and crosses rapidly to him_] _Her._ Chartrien! Come! [_He turns slowly and meets her_] You take my hand, here where You wished me dead? _Cha._ That you have offered it Proves me forgiven. _Her._ _You_ forgiven? Ah, Has my atonement swollen above my fault Till I may nod a pardon where I thought To kneel for one? _Cha._ LeVal has written me. [_Kisses her hand_] This kiss is his salute, and that 'tis his, Not mine, makes my lips bold to leave it here. _Her._ Forgiven! Dawn is on my sky, that hung Unutterably black! Yes, it is true I saved LeVal. From Fate's own arms I snatched My treachery's sequence, though his meantime pain Is ever writ against me. Yet I too Knew misery that might be mate of his. And for that other wrong--here where we stand---- _Cha._ My wrong to you! Nay, don't forgive me that. Leave me a wound to keep me ever paying The debt of pain that solely eases guilt. _Her._ I had to choose,--Oh, agony of choice!-- Between your death as certain as the night And your surrender to Megario, That seemed but death postponed, yet held a hope Worth any hazard. That you live is proof My choice was God's. My reasonless despair Held Heaven's sanity. Ah, that you live Is substance of reward, joy's permanent Sweet soil, but there's a flower to spring from that, A nodding ecstasy that I may pluck For my own bosom,--is there not? _Cha._ Don't--don't---- _Her._ You turn away? You've still a doubt of me? Then modesty may save her frigid self. I'll speak for love, the one best thing this side Of Heaven. You've taken my hand, and now my heart, And all myself would follow it. My heart, My body, and my risen soul. Yes, risen! My past of clay is quickened with a breath That waits not death to know itself immortal, And this is all my pride, that by that breath I'm rich enough to give myself to you. [_She waits for him to speak. He makes no answer_] I am rejected, having but my shame To cover naked love. Yet vanity Finds me this scanted shroud. Seeing you here, My hunger guessed at yours. I felt you came To seek me, else my heart, timid with fault, Had kept its silence, though my tongue had given As now a friend's good welcome. _Cha._ I have come, But not to you. _Her._ For why then? I've an ear Of caution. Let my veins, at too swift flood, Grow slow as prudence in what work you will. Now that our aims are near as once our hearts, You'll let me help? I swear by both our souls, And yours the dearer one, that our desires Are one bent bow, and if our arrows speed They'll kiss at the same mark. _Cha._ I'm fathoms deep, But in a sea as sweet as ever closed O'er drowned felicity! _Her._ Why are you here? _Cha._ To keep an oath!--that kept is our division, Yet forfeited would so untreasure me That being's god would blush dishallowed way Quite out such husk of man! _Her._ An oath? _Cha._ Oh, first In made self-curses I'll unload some part Of this stuffed loathing for the wretch I am! _Her._ Nay, I'll not listen. _Cha._ Star that was a maiden, Do not believe I loved you when my days Ran tribute at your feet,---- _Her._ Say anything But that. Those days were mine, and true. _Cha._ False, false! For love is generous as the heart of bounty, Giving defect perfection. Narrowed hours, Beseamed and flawed, take from its seer-lit eyes The unstinted, dear proportion secret yet In Time's full dream. _Her._ 'Twas I who failed---- _Cha._ Not you! That midnight moment held the dawn of this, All this that now you are, and love had seen The folded glory of yourself had love Been there to see. But I cast dust upon Your sleeping wings, and did not know your heart Till wounds had laid it bare. _Her._ How could you know More than its native bosom where it dwelt Strange and unguessed? _Cha._ If I had loved, Such soul of fragrance had not hid from me This unbound blossoming. _Her._ We must forget Love's morning miracles forever missed. His fair, warm day is left us,--sunset's gold, And evening with the stars. That is enough For me and you---- _Cha._ My pledge! I'm here to meet Famette! _Her._ Famette! I know her. _Cha._ Know her! You? _Her._ And know she loves. Then it is you she waits? _Cha._ She saved my life. But that unvalued thing Is debt's mere rubble. 'Tis her love makes up The sum unpaid and out of reckoning. And I--how can I tell you? _Her._ If you loved, Look up. No shame can be where love has been. _Cha._ I've no defence,--yet say that you were lost In midmost desert sands, and suddenly A flower at your feet breathed of the woods And darkling velvet shade where rest might be.... _Her._ But that's a miracle. _Cha._ So was her love To me. Or say that flam and falsity Ensnarled your every way till no true thing Seemed left on earth, and then in lifted flash Truth's priestess eyes looked from a human face And you were loved,--what startled warmth would say Your heart yet lived? Would you keep back your life In barren hug? Deny its sunless gray To gentle eyes that asked but leave to lay Their radiance there? _Her._ I understand. She gave, And I demanded. So the gods decree Her boughs shall bloom and mine go bare. _Cha._ Oh, Heaven! _Her._ You love her, Chartrien? _Cha._ Silence be on that. _Her._ I'll know it,--hear you say it. Is your heart Mine, or Famette's? _Cha._ My life is hers. _Her._ Your heart! _Cha._ Is yours. _Her._ Ah! Then--I give you to Famette. [_He kneels to kiss her hand. Hudibrand appears in door of house, left. Smiles, and crosses to them_] _Hud._ Up to her lip, you rogue! A humble suitor Gets humble favors. _Cha._ [_Rising_] You, my lord? _Hud._ Your hand, My boy. _Cha._ It was my head you wanted, sir, When last we met. _Hud._ Not so. I meant to save you, But Hernda spiked my train. To have you die Quite safely in a rumor was the sum Of my intent against you. _Cha._ You're not well, My lord? _Hud._ Most well! _Her._ He's lost some sleep. _Hud._ Tut, tut! _Cha._ You stay full long in Goldusan. I thought You nearer home. _Hud._ I'm cruising in the gulf, By th' morning papers,--the _reliable_ ones. The gutter rags have guessed me,--but no matter. I've seen the play through, and I go to-morrow. Pouf! It has been a game! _Cha._ You speak as 'twere At end. _Hud._ It ends to-day. [_Looks at watch_] 'Tis just the hour. Now Vardas is proclaimed the president Of a liberated people. _Cha._ What of that? _Hud._ He's bowing now. "I thank you, gracious friends, Most loyal citizens----" _Cha._ What's that to do With freedom's war? _Hud._ It merely ends it. _Cha._ What? You think we fought for that? A change of caps Upon two brigands' heads? _Hud._ Tut, you've won more. You with some justice warred on Cordiaz, But Vardas is of heart so liberal His people shall be rich in privileges As many and as fair as in Assaria. Myself will vouch it. _Cha._ I will vouch it too. As many pits fed with the souls of men, As many images of God deformed In lawless fray to hold the peaks of greed And at the top sit on their goblin gold Content with bestial purr, who might have touched The heavens with song. _Hud._ Is that for me, my boy? _Cha._ As many lives tramped out in hunger's scramble, As many factories where driven wives Forget the altar dream of babes and home. As many sweating traps where flames may feed On flesh of maidens, leaving still, charred bones Whose only fortune is to ache no more. As many brazen mills that noise their thrift Above the ceaseless shuttle of small feet, While you, the great arch-master, think none hears That drownèd pattering. As many marts Where, in law's shadow, girl-eyed slaves are sold To blows and lust. As many cripples thrown Upon the dump-heap of a soulless Peace, Each season piled to moaning wreck more high Than ever War made in its darkest year. As many holes where life must lie with death For privilege of sleep. Oh, I could give Black instances till yonder sun be set Nor end your loathsome list! _Hud._ A rare, hot sermon, But I'm not Providence, that from my hand Must pour unfailing bounty. _Cha._ Humble, sir? I thought you claimed a power that gave the world The shape you chose. _Hud._ But I must use the stuff I find here. That I can't remake or change. So must my world show flaws and ugly spots Due to its substance, not to my good pattern. _Cha._ That stuff, sir, is the same that lifted us From four feet up to two! The elements That played like death upon it but aroused Their conqueror. In the embrace of winds It made us ships and gave us wings. From dust, The very dust that choked it, grew the dream That lifts it deathless, an eternized God. And surely as your grip makes it a slave, You teach it freedom. In your clutch 'twill find Once more the need creative, and upswell With power that shall leave you by the way As heaving seas leave straws upon the sand. You shall be _nothing_. As a dream that dies With waking--lost so utterly The sleeper knows not that it was--so you Shall be a vanished thing that man born free Can not reclothe in guess! _Hud._ Peonia's sun Has touched your wits. You still think of revolt? _Cha._ I think of victory. _Hud._ Your comedy Is past its hour. Come, Chartrien, give it up. Confess the war is done. _Cha._ Bolderez' guns Will make confession of another sort. _Hud._ O, ho! I see a light. You have not heard The morning news. Bolderez has come in. _Cha._ Come in? Your couriers flatter you. He holds The heights of Gila with five thousand men. _Hud._ That's yesterday. To-day those brave five thousand Are soldiers of united Goldusan. Bolderez is adviser to the State, A tinker in high place, who solders fast The civic split---- _Cha._ You dream! This is not true! _Her._ Yes, Chartrien, it is true. We've lost Bolderez. _Cha._ He--has--deserted? _Hud._ No, he proves him loyal To me, his master. _Cha._ You? _Hud._ He served me always. You fool, this was _my_ revolution. _Cha._ Yours? _Hud._ Bolderez led my troops. It was for me You fed his bony beggars. Ha! For me You stuffed their hungry pockets with your gold! I loosed your fortune when I know 'twould save My own a gouge. But I've not dodged the score. Those guns and horses for the Gazza scare Cost me some paper---- _Cha._ You? My God! _Your_ war? _Hud._ I knew the storm would sweep out Cordiaz, So strode its back that I might hold the bit When came my hour. My boy, you fought for _me_. I made you do it--I, whom you have said Shall be as nothing. Where's the mighty sea Shall toss me as a straw---- _Her._ O, father, peace! You see he dies! _Hud._ Don't waste your tears. He'll live. I've made good oxen out of wilder bulls. _Her._ He cannot live! The pain of it, the pain! When aspirations have returned as wounds, Then even the soul must die! _Hud._ They all get up. Stout workers too,--quiet, serviceable, Pestered no more with dreams. Here, give him this. [_Offers a flask_] _Cha._ [_Rousing, pushing flask aside_] Ay, no more dreams. [_Springs up_] But action! Keep Bolderez. We have LeVal, whose undiscouraged heart Bears on its tide the conquering desire Of twenty thousand men! _Hud._ Humph! Where are these Invisible veterans? _Cha._ Some gather now About his banner,--some wait in the hills Till they are sure it is his voice that calls,-- Some in your favor wrapped go to and fro In your own camp, feeding a fire your gold Can never light,--some dream till we have oped Their prison doors,--in every part and corner Of Goldusan, there's courage on the leap To reach his side. _Hud._ What dribble! _Cha._ Rein this storm? No human hand, nor Heaven's now, may leash it. It is the throe when travailing Life is shaken In absolute birth that makes undreamèd news Even in the ear of God. _Hud._ Fanatic! Fool! Have I not tried to teach you---- _Cha._ Teach yourself! _Hud._ Come, come! _Cha._ I mean the words. The race has learned Its lesson while you've played with sand. At last The dumb, trod way has spoken 'neath man's feet, And by that word uncovered he has learned What he shall _not_ be,--knows what heights of sun Are his, and seeing takes his road,--no more Battering in wild and bruisèd ignorance A destiny of stone. Ay, consciousness Has wakened in itself the unknown god That gives the race its eyes. You, you a king? Who do not know that every man is heir To kingship that must leave such thrones as yours Outcoursed and little recked as the strewn toys Of childhood! _Hud._ Mud-sill dynasties. You know That I am master. _Cha._ Master? You believe That man, at top of conquest, who has made Nature his weariless serf, and set the yoke From his own neck on her divinities, Will seal to you--weak, myriadth part of him-- Those wizard captives bending to the dream Of his new world? Gird you with fortune that He wrenched from stony ages?--let you gorge The magic fruit snatched by his perilled being In starward battle up the abysmal steep? _Hud._ I am a fact,--not words. _Cha._ You can believe it? At last on dawn-browed heights, with victor foot On mysteries bound the genii of his wish, He'll trail his hopes to kennel? Let you pluck His universe unflowered, and shrink life To growling brevity 'tween lash and bone? A slave to _you_? Obstructive clod, Who could not stir with one life-budding dream Though holy imagination tipped with fire Should score her script upon you! [_A physical pain overcomes Hudibrand. Hernda runs to his side. He regains composure, his manner forbidding solicitude_] _Hud._ I am patient. One word of mine would send you manacled To prison. If you are here to lay down arms---- _Cha._ I'm not. _Her._ O, father! The amnesty! _Hud._ That shelter Is not for him! _Cha._ Then speak your word, and learn You fight not men but man. Wide as the world His spirit blows against you, and little part You'll cage in this one shackled body. _Hud._ One? We'll drag the earth, or net the pack of you! LeVal, marauding ghost, we'll prick his blood Beneath his spectral mask. And that mad trull, Famette, your holy maid---- _Cha._ She's safe from you! God is about her as she walks among Your hope-lorn slaves and touches their dead hearts To life. _Hud._ To folly they are sick of! Ah, Once more I've news. Your swarthy Joan has fled, And all her magic warriors of a day Again are beggars. _Cha._ Fled? _Hud._ To her cactus lair. But she'll trapse back between two bayonets, Stripped of her phantom wings. _Cha._ She is not gone. That heart of truth! When she deserts LeVal There'll be a breach in Heaven, and fiends may claim The day for hell and you. _Hud._ 'Tis mine without Such warm avouch. Your chaparral cock and hen Have parted company. Her followers now, Cursing and naked, straggle to our camps---- _Her._ Your pardon, sir! You are deceived. _Hud._ Ho, ho! _Her._ They're with LeVal. Not one stout heart is lost. Famette but lends her captaincy to his In needful absence---- _Hud._ You are much too wise. _Her._ I know Famette. _Hud._ You--what? Know _her_? _Her._ I do. _Hud._ This is the fruit of that mad jaunt, Through Goldusan! Where have you seen her? _Her._ Here. _Hud._ Not here? That woman? Are you mad, my girl? _Her._ I love Famette. If we were one, I'd be But cinders in her saintly fire. _Hud._ Here, miss? You've had her with you? Sniffed and cheeped together, And drowned my kingdom in a gossip cup? _Her._ If men, the bravest, are but flies upon Your monarch ermine, that with careless shake You scatter, can you fear a woman? _Hud._ What? Mocked by a chit? I fear? You mannerless filly, I've let you plunge and ramp o'er all my fields, But I'll not have you whinnying at the fence Till roadside jades break through! She has been _here_? _Her._ She has. Dined at my board, slept in my bed, And so shall do again. _Hud._ I'll welcome her! And send you trucking home! You shall not wait For any whimsy this or that! _Her._ But, sir,---- _Hud._ No trumpery packing,--no unready whine! This hour! That you should moil your royalty Touching such scum! _Her._ Nay, I was scum until she gave me substance. I had no soul until she made hers mine, No cleanliness of heart till I knew hers, No knowledge till I looked through her clear eyes, No riches till I wrapped me in her rags---- _Hud._ You're raving! _Her._ No. Ah, father, father, I'm Famette,--your daughter! I've not been in Cana, But in the pits your greed has dug,--down, down Where misery is so vile its own abyss Shudders to hold it. Chartrien, now you know My tale untold. I see your mind runs back To light a way it travelled in the dark. O, you were blind! I'd know you near though masked In utter change. _Cha._ I'm folded now in sun That makes me blind again. Are you Famette? _Her._ [_Showing her bared arm_] See this brown circlet left that you might find A trace of her? I've crossed the universe---- Through hell--and reached you, have I not? _Cha._ [_Embracing her_] All sweet Forfending stars now heap their fortunes one And drop it on my heart that borrows heaven To hold the imponderable gift! _Her._ Ah, poor Famette! _Cha._'Twas you--in that foul hacienda pen? And would not speak? _Her._ I meant to save you, sir. And had I told you then, would you have set So blithely off to Quito? _Cha._ And left you there! How can you think it? _Her._ Do I, sir? Nay, love, Nor ever did. I knew you'd ruin all With your big "won'ts" and "don'ts." _Cha._ O, sagest heart! But here you kept my joy-gates shut so long. Why such slow mercy, golden one? _Her._ You'll hear it? There is a teasing devil in me, Chartrien, That must have play. _Cha._ Ah, no! _Her._ Ay, and an ounce Or so of cruelty, that would not let Your frailty go unpinched. _Cha._ Nay, 'tis not so! _Her._ You'd rather think I put to royal test Your godship? Wooed with lips so near your own, And found you stanch to honor? That may be, But I've a shameless reason dearer still. I wanted all your love for Hernda,--all. And had I said too soon that we were one, Then on your breast my heart had never known Which maid you clasped. _Cha._ You ever, sweet! _Her._ Yet she Is dear. My joy could never be content Within your heart beside unfaith to her. She must have room there, not in name of love, But truth. So you shall hold us both. _Cha._ Like this? Grow to my heart, O garland of myself! Be breath of me, till, like a double tree, Root, sap, and bloom are one, And in our noble fruiting Time forgets To mourn Hesperides! _Her._ Heaven hold thy wish The prayer thou meanest it! _Cha._ One bliss is man's The perfect angels know not. In the arms, Warm, rhythmic, round his battling soul, to feel Spur of his noblest blood, and know his dreams Are mated,--find in lightest winds that stir Love's tremulous hair, the brave wing of his hope That needs go farthest,--and when seasons fail, And weary spirit turns from waste to waste, Know lips that he may touch and touching kiss The fallow world to harvest. Thus, and thus! [_Hudibrand, forgotten by the lovers, has fought through another moment of agony, and advances, taking hold of Hernda_] _Hud._ Are you my daughter? _Her._ I am, but I've known hours When shame, a cleansing fire, searched through my blood For any drop that owned you father. _Hud._ In! Go in! [_To Chartrien_] And you--I'll rid the earth of you, And take its thanks! [_Staggers with a return of pain_] _Her._ [_Her arms about him_] O, father, let us help! What is it, father? _Hud._ Nothing. Keep away! Away! [_Throws her off. Enter, lower right, an officer attended_] _Off._ Your majesty, there's sure report LeVal makes ready to oppose his guns To our weak garrison. _Hud._ [_Ironic_] The spectre's near? _Off._ Across the stream,--the east and wooded bank. A hundred times our force could not dislodge His guns from such a vantage. _Hud._ Guns? LeVal? He has no guns! _Off._ You'll hear them soon. I beg Your highness' pardon, but your dignity Would not be touched if you should hasten out. [_Enter, lower left, Golifet, Diraz, Mazaran_] _Gol._ My lord! _Hud._ What is this tale? You, Golifet? You are in charge! _Gol._ 'Tis treachery, sir! I warned Your majesty---- _Hud._ Come, what's the story? _Gol._ This. Bolderez' officers whom we gave leave To station near us, thus to put more guard Between the town and rebels that might creep Down from the hostile hills---- _Hud._ This egg's all shell. Come, sir, the meat! _Gol._ They were in secret yoked Most traitorously with LeVal, and all their men Were coupled to his cause. They gave him cover To lead his army up---- _Hud._ His army, sir? _Gol._ His followers---- _Hud._ There may be treachery Uncapped among us. _Gol._ 'Twas by your advice We gave them leave to camp---- _Hud._ I trusted fools! Or traitors! You've a choice of names. _Off._ I beg Your majesty to come with us. They'll fire At any moment. _Hud._ Fire? Then we shall know At last where we may find LeVal. You've wired To Vardas, Golifet? He must despatch The Federal Guards---- _Gol._ It is too late. _Hud._ Too late? _Maz._ We can not save the town. _Off._ The citizens Are fleeing. Do not delay, your majesty! [_Fire of guns is heard_] _Hud._ Cowards! Before you fly, arrest that man. Look to it, Golifet. You'll answer for him. Let him be trebly guarded. _Gol._ Is not this The missing lord, Prince Chartrien? _Hud._ Ay, that traitor! _Gol._ At this hot juncture, prudence must forbid A needless insult to the enemy That may too soon be master. _Hud._ Insult! _Gol._ Come, My lord. _Hud._ By every god that was or is---- [_Guns again heard_] _Gol._ Please you, retire, your majesty! [_Men gather excitedly from different parts of the grove. Guests and servants desert the house_] _Maz._ Come, come! [_A shell breaches the wall, rear. Stones fly among the trees. The house is battered and portico torn away_] _Hud._ Grant me this favor. Let me be the last To leave the Grove of Peace. Ha, ha! The last! _Her._ Come, father! _Hud._ Go! I've asked a favor, friends. [_They turn from him and pass slowly out. Hernda and Chartrien remain_] _Her._ Now you will come? _Hud._ When _you_ have gone! Go, go! [_More shells. Chartrien carries Hernda away, lower left_] _Hud._ [_Alone, racked with pain_] My foe is nearer than those feeble guns. Bah! I could crush them! Here I am fordone. No, no! I'll not surrender. I will live! I'll keep my world. I fought for it, and won. 'Tis mine! I will not leave it to these mice To scramble over. [_The agony seizes him_] A coward foe, that gives No even chance. Strikes from the dark, with blade Tempered secure in undiscovered fire. ... Shall then the world go on and I not here? I shall be here,--a pile of dust, no more,---- That is the hell of hells,--while other dead, Who made them souls here out of faith and clay, Race on unflagging,--on and leave me still,-- The everlasting mute!... Souls? That's a lie. A ranting, tom-tom lie, to ease us on The wheel. I'll none of that. The sick mind's pap! Imagination's vent, lest misery O'er-rack the world! Protective fume Enclouding man's last grapple till none see If he or Death be victor, and on the doubt He rides to Heaven!... ... Was 't truth that Chartrien spoke? The race has found its eyes? Man is no more A blind and hopeless struggler cornered fast By ills unconquerable?--his lusting wars, Diseases, hungers, Hudibrands? Then what A chance was there, my heart? If I had fought Upon his side!... _That_ battle would have made Red Fate throw down her bludgeon,--won us place To vanward of the gods!... If I had fought With him.... Obstructive clod!... My God! _My_ God? [_He dies. Sunset has passed, and the darkness grows rapidly until nothing is seen but the gleam of a fallen crown. Curtain_] * * * * * A SON OF HERMES A COMEDY IN FIVE ACTS _CHARACTERS_ BIADES, _a young Athenian_ PELAGON, _his uncle_ SACHINESSA, _wife of Pelagon_ PHANIA, _their daughter_ SYBARIS, _a neighbor's daughter_ CREON, _friend of Biades_ AMENTOR, _a senator_ MENAS, _friend of Pelagon_ CLEARCHUS, _an Athenian youth disguised as a dancer_ PHILON, _a priest_ STESILAUS, _a lord of Sparta_ PYRRHA, _his daughter_ ARCHIPPE, _his wife_ ALCANOR, _his son_ LYSANDER, _friend of Stesilaus_ HIERON, _a young Spartan_ AGIS, LENON, GIRARDAS, _his friends_ DIANESSA, MYRTA, THEONIS, NACIA, ARTANTE, _Spartan maidens_ THE EPHORS _Senators, citizens, soldiers, dancers, etc._ ACT I SCENE: _Pelagon's garden, Athens. Wall, rear, shutting off street. Upper right, path to street gate. Upper and middle left, entrances to Pelagon's house. Lower left, path to a neighbor's dwelling. Lower right, path leading deeper into garden._ [_Enter, upper left, Pelagon, Stesilaus and Lysander_] _Lys._ A gracious senate! If such welcome keys The tune to come, then our ambassadry Is concord's instrument, and we may bear Fair music back to Sparta. _Ste._ Tut, the smiles Of Athens are as flying leaves, divorced From the tree's heart, as apt to light On vagrancy as merit. _Pel._ Stesilaus Bears hard as truth. Yet I was warmed to note The council's greeting. _Ste._ Ever Sparta's friend! _Pel._ And friend of peace. The age no more can bear The locked alarum of our rivalling States. We must the groaning tussle bring to end, Or ends the world. _Lys._ 'Twas wisdom's cue you gave us,-- To say we had our Sparta's sovereign word For Athens' terms. _Pel._ Ay, hold your embassage Unstrictured, friends. In that lies flattery Each lord will take to himself and thereon feed A grace which will, in sort, come back to you. What hour was fixed for answer? I lost that. _Lys._ The last hour of the sun. _Pel._ The crier stood Wrong side of my good ear, and I'll not twist To set the gossips nudging me to th' grave, Robbed in a shrug of twenty grizzled years. [_Looks about the garden_] Where's Biades? He's always trailing here, Save in the tick of need. I'd have him bid The ambassadors lie at my house. Lysander, You'll be my suitor to your comrades? Say We've heart and room for all. _Lys._ For all, my lord? _Pel._ And more! [_Exit Lysander_] _Ste._ My Sparta thanks you, Pelagon. _Pel._ Nay, such an honor shall not pass me, sir. Now where is Biades? _Ste._ Your nephew, friend? _Pel._ Ay, Stesilaus. Bar my blood in him, He'll fasten on your heart. _Ste._ Report has been Too dear his friend. What buzz about a youth Of twenty-five! Sir, Attica is mad To give him captainship. In Sparta now, The spurring callant would be kept in ranks, And yoked with Prudence till he learned her jog. _Pel._ In ranks! I see him! Well, just in your ear, He sweeps a pretty curvet. With my wife His slave, and Phania neck-deep in love, He rides the very comb of my poor house. If you would say to him, hold here or there, I'd take it not amiss. But I do love him. And now a bout with th' cook. The pest sends word A double score of sudden guests are all He'll have at table. Mine own table, sir! Ha, there is Biades! He'll wait upon you. Pray touch him as I've hinted. But no word About our daughters, friend. We'll let that lie. [_Exit upper left. Enter Biades upper right_] _Bia._ Most noble Stesilaus, my heart greets you! _Ste._ Greeting to Biades, whom Athens makes Her general! _Bia._ Would, my lord, this dignity Were laid on senior years. Your Sparta's way Is best,--to keep the cool, meridian bays From youth-flushed brows. My moist and charmèd eyes Spoke inward to my soul when they beheld The ambassadors before the council, each With staff unneeded, and gray locks that seemed As wisdom's holy place. _Ste._ You sat with us? I did not mark you there. _Bia._ I kept in modest shadow, Which is youth's fairest mantle,--though my rank Moves back for none. But, sir, the Spartan elders! Ah, might I see more men in Athens who Thus honor age, and age that honors men! _Ste._ Breathe that into your shrines. _Bia._ The gods who smile On folly young, must weep when reverend years And wisdom part. Mayhap you've noticed, sir, In my good uncle here ... a falling off. I would not speak but that I know your eyes Can not keep curtain when the blabbing sun Makes it no secret. _Ste._ Somewhat I have seen. _Bia._ Somewhat will grow to much ere you take leave. _Ste._ I fear it, Biades. _Bia._ And yet, my lord, Time has not carried him ahead of you More years than half a score. _Ste._ Tis t'other way. I'm elder by that much. _Bia._ Not you, my lord? [_Muses flatteringly_] The Spartan way is best. Was 't Pelagon Led you to say you had full power to treat With Athens? _Ste._ It was he. _Bia._ I thought it. [_Sighs_] Sir, In the Athenian mind there dwells a child No length of days can age. We do not grow As Spartans. But our vanity's no dwarf. Tops with the highest, you've some cause to know. _Ste._ What of 't? Unlatch! unlatch! _Bia._ The people, sir, Always our rearward urge, knowing you've power To assent to all they ask, will ask for more Than all. _Ste._ Think'st that? _Bia._ In your brave time you've met Athenians of the best. Didst ever know One modest?--slow to ask for what he thought His own?--or what he might by mere demand Make his? _Ste._ They are well stomached,--true. No doubt They'll press us far. _Bia._ They will. And if refused,-- Well, they are children,--and must bite and scratch. With strutting rage, may pelt you out of Athens. But why not say you are in part empowered. And must return to Sparta with the terms Before a vowed conclusion? _Ste._ Late for that, Young sir. The tongue we used to the Council Must serve in the Assembly. We have said We have full power. _Bia._ To treat, not to assent. That was your word. _Ste._ Hmm! Now the cloud is off The dunce's script, and I read clear why you At twenty-five have Athens' voice to sail 'Gainst Syracuse. [_Re-enter Pelagon_] _Bia._ No word unto my uncle! _Ste._ My brain will serve. _Pel._ They've come,--your comrades,--all! If honor now were substance, my poor walls Would groaningly unroof and beg the sky For room to embrace it! Go you, Biades. Repeat my welcome, with increase of grace Your tongue is rich in. [_Exit Biades, upper left_] Now the full time comes. We'll speak of that that's centre of our hearts,-- Our daughters, friend. This is the hour that ends A watch of twenty years. _Ste._ A patient score. So long your daughter has been mine, so long Has mine been yours. _Pel._ Like flower upon a stalk Long nursed and tended, comes the end upon This day of budding peace. You've had no whiff, No hint untoward, that what we did had best Been left undone? _Ste._ Sir, what I do, I do! When we changed babes not past their cradle sleep, My mind then glossed the act with comment fair As our unfructured hope. So does it still. By Nestor, though I'm thitherward of prime, There's none will say that with accreted years I moult sagacity! _Pel._ Eh, so! 'Twas well. I've never doubted it. Here have I reared Your Phania, Spartan-thewed, who now shall home With Athens' gentle nurture in her veins To hither yearn in blood of every son She bears to Sparta. And you my Pyrrha bring Back to her land to live a Spartan dame Among Athenian mothers. So we feed The unity we dream on,--quicken time, Foresued, to give our tousing, touchy States One civic heart. _Ste._ Has Sachinessa kept A secret tongue? _Pel._ A nut not closer sits About its kernel. And your wife, my friend? What of Archippe? Did she hold for long Against the exchange? _Ste._ She did. Nor ever learned To love your Pyrrha. For that cause,--and that Our even trust might move with even faith, Nor odds of grace to you,--I've stood her guard, And made her comrade where a son might claim The dearest post. _Pel._ Good thanks, my Stesilaus. From your wife's audit I'd not brush a doit, But to the credit of my dame can set A fairer sum. Æneas' curlèd lad Lay not more dearly in his Dido's lap Than your sweet Phania in the swaddling love Of Sachinessa. Ay, she'll swear me now That not to gain her own will she give up Her foster darling. _Ste._ Humph! _Pel._ The little duck! She has so chucked herself into my heart 'Twill put me sad about to oust her. _Ste._ Duck! When I lose Pyrrha, sir, that hour I lose This good right arm! _Pel._ [_Meditative_] Hmm! So!... Come, my friend. The dinner's toward, and the host astray. The love's deep-vouched that puts such duty off For one more word. [_Pauses as they move left_] We'll give no open voice To our most dear concern till we have met Our daughters. _Ste._ [_Gloomy_] Met our daughters! Have it so. [_Exeunt upper left. Enter, middle left, Phania and Biades_] _Bia._ Come, Phania! The old cocks are off. _Pha._ They're gone? _Bia._ Good flitting too! I feared they'd perch till night, Crowing the deeds of Stesilaus the Great And Pelagon the Wise. _Pha._ These Spartans! If They'd rest their clubs without the door, our shins Would give them thanks. Why are we so besieged? _Bia._ Why, Phania, why? Because your father dotes On dull and sodden peace that never was Save in an old man's dream. We dine our foes! The city must throw ope her gates, forsooth, Lest the dear enemy should take some hurt Scaling the walls! They'd bleed us as we sleep, And Pelagon would vow the sword at 's throat Were Sachinessa's dozing kiss. _Pha._ Ho, hear The captain speak! You go to Syracuse, And not content? 'Tis well there's one cries peace. _Bia._ What's Syracuse? To conquer Sparta,--that Were warrior's work! Your father robs me of it, Bringing the water where I set my fires. But come! I've not made love to a soul to-day Save ancient Sparta. Ha! it is an art That should be spared such sweat. The Heavens mean That I shall pull to yoke these two days left, And love take beggar's chance. _Pha._ Ah, but two days! _Bia._ Come to our myrtle nook---- _Pha._ Nay, Sybaris Might turn me out. That is her royal seat When you'll play consort. _Bia._ What, my Phania? Dour? Does Creon keep away? _Pha._ I'm not for him. You know it, Biades. _Bia._ But he does not. Too oft I find him here. _Pha._ And Sybaris Comes out of count, knowing you like this spot. Yon path is worn of every blade. _Bia._ Her feet Can be so cruel? _Pha._ You love her still! _Bia._ Nay, sweet. Not for three days. Believe me, cousin! _Pha._ _Cousin!_ Athene save us! See her now,--the plague! _Bia._ By gentle Eros, Phania, we'll be kind. I loved her once. _Pha._ How tall she is! _Bia._ Ay, moves A very sylph! [_Sybaris comes on, lower right_] _Syb._ A fair day's greeting, friends! _Bia._ We double it for thee. _Pha._ My dearest Syb! Do you turn snail, you keep your house so long? Why, _hours_, I think! _Syb._ Indeed! _Bia._ Where lovers watch The dial, that's an age. _Pha._ Oh, so! _Bia._ [_To Phania_] Do I Not know? _Syb._ An age? Ay, love grows old and fades in 't. _Bia._ A thousand moons in journey o'er my love Would leave 't no withered hour! By the fair soul Of one who knows me true! _Syb._ That is no woman. _Pha._ A pretty oath! _Syb._ But not a new one, dear. _Bia._ Plead, Phania, dove! Let her not chide Poor penitence on knee. In two days' time I sail to war, yet stony Sybaris Would break love's wings with doubt--put me aboard With sighs to sink my ship---- _Pha._ Nay, Sybaris! I'll vow him constant now. _Syb._ Inconstancy Once stopped for breath, and fools came with a chair. _Bia._ No thaw in thee? Plead, Phania, sweet! Your lips Are unimpeached where mine too oft have worn Conviction's droop. _Pha._ Forgive, dear Sybaris! _Bia._ Ay, be my tongue! Tell her that as the bee Betrays the honey-buds yet hiveward flies, I've left all by-roads for the true home-path. _Syb._ Then you have trailed all others stale. There's none Left new but that. _Bia._ Tell her when I have sailed From Athens' eyes into the sun that eve May skirt with blood---- _Pha._ No, no! _Bia._ --to walk with you The haven's brim, watching the waves that throw The sea-heart there, and know that from my ship Pulses a heart to love's dream-sandalled feet As constant as the sea to Athens' shore. [_Sybaris moves relentingly nearer. Biades behind Phania, who sits on bench, leans to talk into her ear, but keeps his eyes tenderly on Sybaris_] Ah, tell her, Phania, sleep is slow to come Where warriors bed, and unforgiven hours Are thorny comrades for an age-long night. _Syb._ Then here's my hand. Pray Pallas 'tis no fool's! _Bia._ Yours too, my Phania! In one breath I seal Judge and defender mine! [_Kissing their hands_] Now with my ship Will prayers go tendant, mending every sail That storm may batter. Typhon, whirl the sea To insurrection,--send her meekest wave To crinkle round the sun, and hiss from Heaven The mariner's port-star,--I shall be safe While I have implorators fair as ye To melt the gods! _Syb._ Ah, Biades, thou must Be loved or die. Is 't heart or vanity, That's so insatiate? _Pha._ Nay, you have forgiven! _Syb._ But will not coo yet. Is that Creon comes? [_Looking to upper right_] You'll meet him, Phania? _Pha._ He knows his way. _Bia._ Has news! I'll pick the pigeon. [_Goes up right_] _Pha._ O, my Sybaris, Thanks for this generous peace! But who could long Be harsh to Biades? _Syb._ Such steel's not in me. I but stood off, a shadow of resolve, To hear him woo me back. His coldest words Are ta'en from music, but when warm in suit, Then music sues to him. _Pha._ Woo _you_? Didst say _Woo you_? Couldst think--couldst dream--couldst let blind sense So flatter? _Syb._ Blind? Well, you've no eye to lend. _Pha._ His words were all for me, and through my heart Were sifted to your ears. _Syb._ For you, my dear? Now what a gosling 'tis! _Pha._ Oh! Ask him then! _Syb._ You'll beat that bush. I have no doubt in cover. [_Biades returns with Creon_] _Cre._ You'll not go out? _Bia._ No, friend. _Cre._ I warn you, sir! It is your reputation left i' the street That knocks for you. _Bia._ 'Twill care for itself. _Cre._ Nay, come! Soon every ear in Athens will be crammed Wi' the tale. _Syb._ What tale? _Cre._ 'Tis said that Biades Was cap and spur to riot that defaced The Hermæ yesternight. _Bia._ Denosed, you mean. _Pha._ O, do not jest! I tremble, Biades! _Cre._ You must o'ertake the lie, my lord, ere winds Be up with 't. _Bia._ Let it fly, my Creon. When Its wings are worn 'twill down for any heel To trample. _Cre._ Not this feather. It broods on the air, And its dark issue makes eclipse your sun Can push no beam through. _Bia._ Sinon's pate has hatched The ebon chick. _Cre._ You're not far out. He wants The generalship. [_Enter Hippargus, upper right_] _Bia._ Here comes a tongue to market. Most purchasable, tho' neither cut nor dried. _Cre._ The senate's messenger! _Bia._ Greeting, Hippargus. _Hip._ Greeting, my lord,--and I must lay command On that, for you are charged on the instant to appear Before the Council. _Bia._ The instant? Cramped to that? And what to do there, sir? _Hip._ Give proof you touched With no profaning and injurious hand Our threshold gods. _Bia._ Go gently back, Hippargus, And tell the senators I pardon them, Knowing they do mistake. They would not lay So dull an antic on me, and this charge Is meant for Bico, my fat monkey here, Whom they may have for trial. _Hip._ Spare such jest, My worthy lord. A hundred tongues have sworn You said in open street, nor cared who heard, The guardian Hermæ might be nipped of ears, And noses too, yet serve our pious turn, Since they smell out no faults and citizens Confess none. _Bia._ Ah! Do they make wit a crime, Who have no taint of its color? Say 'twere red The senators would never be mistook For woodpeckers. Gods! When they prate, I know Athene's owl is stuffed, and her wise serpent An old-year slough! Off now! Your pannier's full. Trot and unpack. [_Exit Hippargus_] _Cre._ Out! Follow, and deny This answer! Dare you, standing on the top And slippery point of fortune, throw your cap In Heaven's face? _Bia._ Dare I do less? No, friend. The Council fears me, and would see me down. My power is in the people, who for gold And merry flattery give me their love. But now they're on the quibble how to turn, To me or Sinon. I'll not let them see My office brought to question, and myself Outfaced by perjurers in Sinon's keep. Nay, when they find I'm not the senate's groom, But know myself, their pride will know me too, And I shall go to bed as I rose up, The Athenian general. _Cre._ The street will bellow. I'll listen to it, and pick interpretation From 'ts roar. You'll come with me? _Bia._ Though oracles, On every curb and step, begged audience, I'd not go out. [_Exit Creon_] _Pha._ Oh, me! _Bia._ Why so? I'm not a hare To jump because a leaf falls. Wag the hour, And Pleasure wait on us! If she fill not My cup to-day, I fear it must go empty A good twelvemonth. There are fair maids In Syracuse, but they'll peer on me through A crimson lattice. _Pha._ You'll not see them, sir! Or break a thousand oaths! So oft you've sworn No beauty out of Athens could persuade Your eyes to worship. _Syb._ Then the Spartan maid Lodged here will let him sleep. _Bia._ What maid is this? _Pha._ Why, Pyrrha,--Stesilaus' daughter. _Bia._ Here? _Pha._ Ay, everybody's here. _Syb._ I saw her leave The chariot. Such clothes! _Pha._ _No_ clothes, you mean! _Syb._ [_In shocked aside_] Just to the knees! _Pha._ And open to the hips! _Syb._ You say it! _Pha._ And manners, none. I took her nuts And sugared poppy seeds. She said she kept No parrot. _Syb._ Here's a guest! _Pha._ And when I said I _lived_ on them---- _Bia._ My dainty! _Pha._ --then she asked If that made me so little! _Bia._ Ay, they feed To grow in Sparta. Breed but monsters there. No arts, no grace, no soft and tendrilled speech That creeps to ends of being and looks back Exultant and afraid. They are not men, But, wearing human port, would force on us A beastly comradeship. Set me to woo A toad bred in a ditch of Attica, But not a maid of Sparta! Were she fair As was Persephone when she drew the god From nether earth, yet sprung from that hard soil, I'd let her beauty pass. _Syb._ Hist, Biades! She's yonder. [_They look middle left, where Pyrrha appears_] _Pha._ I like the garden best when 't wears Pale Cybele's gown. Apollo makes it harsh In black and gold--Ah, Pyrrha! You have found Our blossomy corner. Welcome to it, and know My neighbor, Sybaris,--and Biades. _Pyrr._ I greet you, friends of Athens. _Pha._ Will you sit? _Bia._ [_Who has not removed his gaze from her since her entrance_] A walk! That was your wish. I'll show the paths. _Syb._ Nay, here's a seat. _Bia._ There's Artystone's rose, Brought from the Mysian stream---- _Pha._ She'll stay with us. _Bia._ The ivory cup of Isis, where each night Her one tear falls,--and flowers whose sisters blow In walled Ecbatana. _Syb._ Come, sit by me, Dear Pyrrha. _Pyrr._ I would see the garden. _Syb._ [_Rising_] Would? We'll guide you then. _Pha._ Ay, who would dawdle here? _Bia._ But rest a moment, Pyrrha. I mind me now, That from this spot the eye may best o'ersweep The full design. Yon mass of planes---- _Pyrr._ I'll walk Alone. [_Moves off, lower right_] _Syb._ Well! _Pha._ Said I not? _Syb._ Does nothing that She's asked! And stares as though a woman's eyes Were made to see with, when their chiefest use Is not to see! _Pha._ Crude as her Spartan rocks! _Bia._ I'll follow. _Syb._ Nay, she'd _walk alone_! _Bia._ She's Athens' guest. I'll not be rude, whatever lack in her Provokes me to it. _Pha._ Nor shall I, by all The grace in th' world! _Syb._ You shame us, Biades. We'll go with you. [_Each taken an arm of Biades as he goes right. Pelagon enters, upper left_] _Pel._ Daughter, this way! [_Phania returns reluctantly. The others pass off, right_] _Pel._ My chick,-- Nay, I'll be brief. I know young feet would flock. _Pha._ O, father dear, I'd please you first! [_Kissing him_] _Pel._ Well, well!... You've seen Lord Stesilaus? _Pha._ Just a peek. _Pel._ Nay, he's no bear. _Pha._ He'll bite though. I know that. _Pel._ Now, Phania, now! I have a reason, miss, A most dear reason you should win the love Of Stesilaus. _Pha._ Love! _Pel._ I mean, my duck, A father's gentle love. _Pha._ But, daddy, he's---- So tall! _Pel._ He has a heart, my daughter. _Pha._ Fum! Are you so sure? _Pel._ Find it the shortest way. Remember he's your--hmm!--remember--hmm!-- That he's a man--as I am--and his pride But April frost. Be as he were myself---- _Pha._ As you? Oh, dear! [_Under his arm_] And must I cuddle so? Nay, that's for my own fa-fa! _Pel._ Little Phania! I'll lose my pipit,--lose my bonny bird! _Pha._ Lose me? O, never, daddy, never! I'm Your pipsey, wipsey, umpsey, ownty own! _Pel._ [_Resolutely_] Wait here. I'll send him by. _Pha._ But, father, why---- _Pel._ Nay, that's my secret. Not for little birds. [_Exit upper left. Phania waits until he disappears, then turns flying, and vanishes lower right. Archippe and Sachinessa enter, middle left_] _Sac._ Blest be Athene, there's nobody here! The house is overrun, and Pelagon Has twenty shadows, one at every door. Out, in,--in, out,--with ears like aprons held For every whisper! Here we're safe to talk. _Arc._ O, dearest Sachinessa, what's to do? _Sac._ We'll go to Philon. If he says confess---- _Arc._ Confess? I'll never do it! I will take What way he will but that, though 't be the one Leads out of life. You do not know my lord! _Sac._ Your Stesilaus is no god, Archippe. I'll tell you that. _Arc._ If it should come to him We never changed our daughters! If he learns That twenty years I've made him wear the hood, His roof no more would shade me. Nay! Confess? Oh, Sachinessa, I should lose him quite! _Sac._ That could be borne, I think. _Arc._ But lose my Pyrrha? Be driven out from her? See her no more? _Sac._ There, friend, you stir me. Such a piece of man! To strike like that because a woman's wit Has clipped his own! He's not suspected you In all these years? _Arc._ Not once. I've watched myself As I were my own jailer, fenced my heart, And made my love a thief that gave my child No open looks, but by her bed at night Stole comfort as she slept. _Sac._ Not I, Archippe! I've laughed above the snores of Pelagon, Knowing my darling near, whom he thought far As Sparta. Come! You're taller by a head Than I, yet die with quaking. And I thought Each Lacedæmon wife a lioness. _Arc._ Ah, but their lords are lions. _Sac._ Well, they've mane Enough, but they'd not shake it in my face. _Arc._ Will you confess? _Sac._ Why, no. For Pelagon Would play the spousal saint, sit on the clouds, And with a piety intolerable Forgive his perjured wife. What soul could bear it? But I'll not part with Phania, know you that! _Arc._ What then? _Sac._ We'll go to Philon. How to keep Our secret and our daughters,--that's a nut To break the oracle's teeth. _Arc._ If 't can be done! _Sac._ It must be done, Archippe. Come,--I hear A chatter. This way out. [_They leave, upper right. Biades, Pyrrha, Sybaris, and Phania enter lower right_] _Pha._ What of our garden, Now all is seen? _Pyrr._ Here gods should live, not men. At every turn I seemed to lose the step Of a departing deity. _Syb._ We are content With our Athenian lords, and seek no charm To turn them into gods. _Bia._ [_Showing a locket_] I've here a charm Does more than that. This jewel webbed In mystic rings--and set---- _Syb._ The Persian gem! You promised me---- _Bia._ It is a magic stone, That gazed upon by a true-minded maid---- _Pha._ [_Securing the trinket_] I'll see it, sir! I've heard you vow your bride Should wear this locket. _Bia._ [_To Phania_] So she shall. [_To Sybaris_] None else! [_To Pyrrha_] You hear my oath. Come, Sybaris, sit here And, Phania,--come! You both shall peep at fate Through a ruby portal, if your hearts be true. Now fix your look---- _Pha._ We'll see the same! _Bia._ Not so. Each fortune's connate with the gazer's star, And tinted as she dreams. Direct your eyes With flawless constancy, or you'll see naught. _Pha._ Not lift them once? _Bia._ Nay, fasten every thought Deep in the jewel's fire, till I have said The Persian chant of welcome to the spirit Whose magic you shall see. _Pha._ A spirit? Oh! _Bia._ But she is fair,--framed as divinity For adoration. _Syb._ She! _Bia._ Lift not your eyes. [_Stands behind Phania and Sybaris and makes the incantation an ardent address to Pyrrha_] Spirit of Fate, what mystical wooing May win thee to pause where we pray? Misers of Dream their locks are undoing,-- Mistress of Keys, wilt thou stay? Priestess, thyself, O fairer than dreaming, Art deity's answer to prayer! Dusk in thine eyes is the seer-burthen gleaming, And moon-wands at rest in thy hair. Far-foot Desire is lost in the winding Of valleys and gardens of thee! Hoop of white arms is circumferent binding The star-pastured world and me! [_Sybaris throws the locket at his feet. He turns and sees that she and Phania have risen and are staring at him_] _Pyrr._ [_After a silence_] I do not know this game. Will leave you to it. [_Exit, middle left_] _Syb._ And I'll go home! [_Exit, lower left_] _Pha._ And I'll go tell my father! [_Exit, upper left_] _Bia._ And I'll go stand in th' donkey mart and bray Till a farmer buys me! Witched, and by a Spartan! Mad as the fleeing ass of Thessaly! [_Exit, upper right_] [_Curtain_] ACT II SCENE: _The same as first act, a few minutes later. Phania in discovered in rear. Stesilaus walks frozenly back and forth, front, while she timidly advances and retreats._ _Pha._ [_Approaching_] I'm Phania, sir. _Ste._ [_Looks at her incredulously, then walks left, leaving her centre_] My blood and bone in that! What dwarf-dish has she fed on? Ugh! _Pha._ [_Crossing_] I've come To walk with you. You like our garden, sir? We've bulbuls in it,--and wee, visiting wings From the unknown south. Can see them if you watch A place I know. They dart like breathing bits Of chrysoprase and sard o' the sun. _Ste._ Humph! You Are Phania? _Pha._ [_Braver_] Troth, I am! Wilt see a nest-- So small as--that! Could put it on your thumb. [_Takes his hand_] I'll show you, sir. Don't you love _little_ things? They wiggle to the heart, my daddy says. You love my _daddy_, don't you? _Ste._ Ugh! Your--Ugh! _Pha._ [_Defensive_] _I_ love him,--yes, and all his friends. I do, Though they're--so tall. I come just to your beard. See now! [_Leans against him_] _Ste._ Get off! You squeaking pewit! Ugh! _Pha._ [_Quiveringly_] Have I displeased you, sir? _Ste._ Displeased me? No. You make contentment creep on honored bones Far back as Lacedæmon's earliest grave That opened for my house. You turn my blood That's not yet earthed, and hot as Sparta's pride, To drops that mutiny 'gainst their own succession And beg to be the end. Displeased? Oh, no! [_Retires, rear_] _Pha._ Oh, sir---- [_Fails, and goes off weeping, lower right. Enter, upper right, Biades and Creon_] _Cre._ But this confusion, many-throated, Has single voice and warns articulate. A treasonous tempest rises, and you stand A god indifferent when you should bethink Yourself most mortal. Vilest mouths puff bold In Sinon's service. You must wax your way To th' Council---- _Bia._ Nay, no bending there! _Cre._ But---- _Bia._ Peace! Here's Stesilaus! He's most heavy shipped. What is aboard? And now comes Pelagon, With 's threshing-tongue a-ready. Chaff will fly. [_Enter Pelagon, upper left_] _Pel._ What thinkst of Phania? Is she not a chick? _Ste._ You've tricked me, Pelagon! What fubbery Have you put on me? _Pel._ Sir? Now, now! Why, friend! _Ste._ That's not my daughter! _Bia._ [_Drawing Creon back_] Whist! _Ste._ I'll see my own! _My_ Phania! Not that bib,--that mewling piece, With th' milk still in her mouth! _Pel._ Speak so of her? A bud in th' dew! A cherry next its leaf! A pippin on the limb! _Ste._ Not mine, I say! _Pel._ If you repent you did beget her, sir, I'll be your shift and own the curtained deed 'Fore man and Heaven. _Ste._ That my child? _Pel._ Yours, friend. _Ste._ Would she had never left Archippe's lap For Sachinessa's! Patience, cool my tongue! But I've done better by your Pyrrha! _Pel._ Soft, Beseech you, Stesilaus! Here's no place For trumpeting our secret. And brief time Forbids it present voice. The hour is on To hear the people's answer. Come, my lord. Your comrades go before you. We're past late. _Ste._ Friend Pelagon, though courtesy be pressed To th' kibe, I'll urge you keep at home. 'Tis best You be not seen in this. The lords, who know You lean to Sparta,--and for that all thanks,-- Are pricked therewith to oppose us, when they else Might voice us favor. _Pel._ Ay, they know me, friend. My eye sets them at guard. They feel it, sir! Puts them on screw. Well, so,--I'll stay behind. But let me set you forth. [_Exeunt, upper right_] _Bia._ Is 't trick, or truth? _Cre._ Touch me! A needle's point Could find no spot amazement hath not taken! _Bia._ Didst hear it Creon? Pyrrha an Athenian! O, words of miracle, if ye be true,-- Friend, friend, I'm in a whirl upon a way To use this strange unearthment for the good Of Athens. You'll be silent. Creon? _Cre._ Nay, I think---- _Bia._ And now I've lost fair Phania! _Cre._ Lost? _Bia._ With Mars i' the dusk of this debated time, The Athenian general may not wive himself With Sparta. _Cre._ True! _Bia._ I might give up command, And be no more my country's armored watch.... Nay, Attica is first! That's sworn. I'll plunge The sacrificial knife deep as my love. And now 'tis done. Ah, Creon, tend thee well My gentle loss. _Cre._ This sets thee o'er thyself! O noblest bounty that in grace compeers With emulous Heaven! What in me can pay---- _Bia._ No more of 't now. But what a secret this! If 't solely were my own-- _Cre._ It is, my lord! 'Tis yours. I have no speech, no tongue for 't! _Bia._ Thanks, My Creon, thanks! And will you go once more To th' street, where now it seems I have some need Of loyal ears? _Cre._ I serve you, Biades. [_Exit, upper right_] _Bia._ Fast hooked, and feels no barb. If he'll lie dark Till I would stir the waters.... Is it truth? Pyrrha! Athenian born and Spartan bred! By Mars and Eros! Here's a captain's bride! There's flutter in me like a forest shook With waking birds! [_Re-enter Phania, still weeping_] _Bia._ Why, Phania! Such a shower, My kitkin! _Pha._ Stesilaus sh-shook me so! Called me a sque-e-aking pewit! _Bia._ Ha! He did? Well, listen to me, Phania. Come, look up. [_Lifts her chin_] A maid with little eyes should never weep. Leave that to Juno orbs. They swim in sorrow Like full moons in a lake, but beads like yours Are only bright when dry. Shun grief as you Shun mud. [_Exit, middle left_] _Pha._ [_Gasping_] Why--Biades--he's gone! He said---- Oh, oh! If I could die---- [_Sobs with abandon. Enter Alcanor, upper left. He pauses before her. She looks up bewildered_] _Alc._ Ah, gentle star, What shrouds thee in this rain? Yet thou'rt not hid. Thy beauty shining on these clouds of pearl Makes every drop that dies reflecting thee A little, falling sun. _Pha._ Oh, Biades said---- He said--he said---- _Alc._ If what he said so troubles, Let me unsay it with a kiss that makes Trouble forgot and dumb. [_Kisses her_] _Pha._ [_On his bosom_] I'm not--I'm not-- Not _ugly_, sir? _Alc._ O, dove of Aphrodite! Earth stores her beauty in this single face, That she may show one jewel to the skies When gods boast they have all! [_Phania purrs comfortedly, then releases herself_] _Pha._ How dare you, sir, Attack me? Who are you? _Alc._ I do not know. _Pha._ Not know? _Alc._ Nothing of self or where I am. It may be those are trees on giant guard, And these bright peeping things are flowers' eyes, And this is happy grass we stand upon, And that blue watcher is the faithful sky, But I know naught except my soul is yours, O, maid-magician, in whose snare I lie Kissing the net that binds me! [_Kissing her fallen curls_] _Pha._ But you know Your name! _Alc._ Not in this world a minute old That now I find me in, but in time past I was Alcanor, Stesilaus' son. _Pha._ O!--then--why--all is well! You're noble, sir! My father will approve you. _Alc._ Hast a father? And art not magic-born? Then I perceive I must go back and find my earthly wits. _Pha._ Nay, he is Pelagon, your father's friend. _Alc._ You're Phania, then! _Pha._ [_Giving her hand_] I am. _Alc._ No more than this? No kiss? _Pha._ [_Very shy_] You've had it, sir. _Alc._ A phantom one! 'Twas in a dream, as two ghost-lovers meet On an Elysian path. Too cold for earth! _Pha._ [_Touching her cheek_] Nay, it is warm here yet. [_He takes her in his arms, and they withdraw lower right. Pelagon enters, upper right, in time to witness the embrace_] _Pel._ [_Rousing from his horror_] Her brother! Gods! Whip me all hagglers! We have stood so long At door of our confession that this shame Gets by us. Phania and Alcanor! Oh! No shuffling now! When Stesilaus comes, The tale must out! [_Enter Pyrrha, middle left. She crosses, passing Pelagon, who retreats rear, unseen by her. She loiters right_] _Pel._ Here's opportunity At beck. I'll follow. [_Advances_] Ahem! My daughter,---- _Pyrr._ Sir? You seek your daughter? I will look this way. [_Goes farther right_] _Pel._ I must advance, and take her Spartan guard With gentleness. My love, 'tis you I seek. _Pyrr._ [_Stiffly_] You'd speak to me? _Pel._ My little Pyrrha,---- _Pyrr._ Little! _Pel._ I think of Phania. In my heart you both Hold undivided place. Shall we not chat a bit, My Pyrrha? _Pyrr._ Kitchen maids do that, not men Of State. _Pel._ Nay, there's a time when one may cast The civic garment and take household ease In modest robe. _Pyrr._ [_Aside_] A swaddling band would fit him! _Pel._ You will not hear me? _Pyrr._ I wait upon you, sir. For if your hostship I forget, and leave The fees of grace unpaid, I yet must know You are my father's friend. Say what you will, My lord. _Pel._ That word undears me! Let your tongue Breach colder custom and give me a name That brings me near in love as Stesilaus. Wilt call me father, Pyrrha? _Pyrr._ [_Retreating_] You, my lord? _Pel._ They've frozen her, poor child! Must blow more warm. Indeed a father. Call me what I am, For so I love you, Pyrrha. _Pyrr._ Is it thus The Athens sages talk? _Pel._ Ay, we're not cut Of ice as Spartans are. Here your poor heart Shall know what sun is, and the Springs you've lost, Betrayed without a bloom in frigid Sparta, In Athens shall blow fair. You are amazed, My sweet, but by this kiss---- _Pyrr._ [_Giving him a blow_] You goose-eyed goat! I strike not at your years, Lord Pelagon, But at your mind which has not come of age And gives me elder right. [_Exit, middle left. While Pelagon is recovering, enter Stesilaus, upper right_] _Pel._ [_Welcoming the interruption_] You, Stesilaus? So soon, friend, from the Assembly? _Ste._ Late, sir, late! More haste had been more prudence. _Pel._ Why, why, why! _Ste._ Where is your buttery nephew, Biades? Who slips to the seat of question and melts all Into one potch of folly! _Pel._ But I'd know---- _Ste._ Why I am here, not there? A crater mouth That calls itself a people hissed eruption Into my face, and without bow I set My back to 't, sir! _Pel._ Blame me for all! I knew I should not stay behind! The gods do know I am the voice of Athens. 'Tis no pride That speaks bare truth. I'll go---- _Ste._ Tuh, tuh! A word with Biades---- _Pel._ But not too sharp, My friend. He is of weight---- _Ste._ No sharper than My stick! Then I set out for Sparta, where The very ground knows Stesilaus walks! _Pel._ And Phania goes with you? _Ste._ Not if the chit May corner in your kitchen! She's worth that. _Pel._ You'll leave her here? _Ste._ It will content me. I'll Surrender both. _Pel._ What? Both! Nay, your free heart Shall not outdo my own. _Ste._ You'll give me Pyrrha? _Pel._ Friend of my soul, I will! _Ste._ [_Moved_] Thanks, Pelagon. She's dearer than my son. More like my blood. Alcanor is too soft and woman-lipped. Too much Archippe in him from his birth, Nor blows could drive it out. _Pel._ And mine own eyes Have seen a cooing match between himself And Phania. _Ste._ Zeus! His sister! _Pel._ While we speak, The fated pair are yonder---- _Ste._ I'll get him home! And leave the witch to you! Had I a doubt To hold me back, this turn would be Decision's point. She must stay here. _Pel._ But how Make answer to our wives? Our wisdom's nicked Where it is tenderest if we confess. _Ste._ What's to confess? I know my will and do it. _Pel._ Ay, ay, you bear your wife in a sack, but mine Is on her feet and goes her pace. Look yon! They come together! A brace, and one of them Would tie my tongue. _Ste._ Tie water in a brook! [_Archippe and Sachinessa enter upper right_] _Sac._ We do not come to shame you, noble lords And husbands, though we've that to bear which put To honest ballad would uncrest your pride And clip a reef or two from the tall sail Of dignity. _Ste._ Why, madam, this approach? _Sac._ I walk, sir, in my garden when I please. _Arc._ We have a suit, my honored lords, which you May think full strange, remembering our prayers Of twenty years ago. _Ste._ What suit canst have? If you must try the goose-step out of doors, Go thank the gods for suiting you with me, Who save you from all suit by hearing none. _Sac._ Not hear us, sir? I'll catch you by the ears And shake the pride-wool out, but you shall hear! Suited with you! And then go thank the gods! _Pel._ Why, Sachinessa, love! What you, duck? _Sac._ This, Pelagon. When in that sad year gone You took my child from me---- _Pel._ What? That again? _Sac._ Not that, but this. I did not stay you then, Being young in wedlock and my wit at cheep In its first feathers. But this second time When you lift up your hand to cut the bough Whose root is in my heart, I'll speak so loud That if your dull ear miss, I'll reach you yet By way o' the stars that will cry back my wrong When they so hear it. _Pel._ You would beg for Phania? _Sac._ I would. There is no source of love so great As brooding care. That makes the mother, not The childing pangs. Though she, from the first hour, Will cherish what she must so dearly buy, 'Tis day by watchful day her swelling love Is born. So I, as new days past, forgot The child of my brief pain, and gave to one That nestled in her place my care-born love. Now you would strike again---- _Pel._ Sweet, by my soul,-- Nay, Sachinessa, dearest heart, be calm. Your words have never in our mated life Moved me as now. If Stesilaus yields, And his stern will be broken by your plea, I am content. _Ste._ I'm so far moved, my friend, That I will hear Archippe speak her wish. Her love for Pyrrha will not match with that Your wife bestows on Phania. _Arc._ Ay, my lord, I've never loved the stranger as my own, But she is dearer than my own grown strange. I see in Phania all my tender loss, But it is lost forever. Give me, Pyrrha. I have no other daughter. _Ste._ Keep her, dame. But make this weakness not your heckling ground Where you would spar for favors. No more suits! _Pel._ And, Sachinessa, hear the same from me. _Sac._ You borrow feathers and I'll twitch 'em out! _Ste._ [_To Archippe_] Lest you should badger, footed safe on this, Know that my judgment's not earwigged by you To this repeal, but now configures pat To the act itself, that keeps a constant step With our first purpose. Our intent comes out With even edges, though reversed in face. An Athens' maid shall be a Spartan mother, And here shall dwell a dame of Spartan blood. _Pel._ You hear it, Sachinessa. I'm not one To throw my pack away in sight of home. Come mud, come mire, I bear my judgment out, As Athens knows. _Sac._ I'll swear to it there's no man I' the city better hides the sun with a sieve! _Ste._ And secondly, my dame, know that I've won My high contention that the laws of Sparta Are best for brooding earth a godlike race. For here my proof enroots in warmest life That they can aggrandize the chalky veins Of pampered Attica to ducts that bear The red, unconquered sap of Lacedæmon. _Sac._ So Pyrrha is your proof! _Ste._ No question there. A weak, Athenian babe grows up the pride Of Sparta, while a budling of her own, Nursled by Athens' soft and careless shift, Scarce grows to woman's level---- _Sac._ Why, you puffed---- You pride-blown---- _Arc._ Come with me! _Sac._ But such a bladder! He'd top a flood into the second world And wet but half his skin! _Arc._ Nay, Sachinessa, Our suit is won. No words! We'll haste once more To Philon's shrine. For this dear joy I'll bend A willing knee. Come, come! [_Draws her away, upper right_] _Pel._ [_Capering_] Could reel it now Like school-boy 'scaped a whipping! _Ste._ Shame! Your years Will blush. [_Goes left_] Now Biades, and then farewell! _Pel._ Ah, there's my mourning cloak! I'll go at once To th' Council, and---- _Ste._ Vain labor, Pelagon. _Pel._ Nay, I will stir them! [_Exit, upper right. Biades enters left. He is arrayed in a purple gown with long train held up by his monkey. A peacock fan swings from a girdle, and jewels dangle from his ears. He carries a scroll from which he reads as he walks, tittering over the matter. Stesilaus watches him curiously, then amazedly recognizes him_] _Ste._ Biades! Is 't he? May eyes report it to a brain unshaken? ... Ho, sir,--or madam? _Bia._ Did you speak, my lord? Your pardon! I was buried here,--quite drowned I' the honey of this tale. Sir, it suggests,-- But that's not it,--the style, so quaint, so pure,-- It plays with thoughts and leaves them bright as shells The sea has polished to their curling edges. You'll hear this line? 'Tis worth a pause. Eh, not? You've never wooed the script? Ah, I forget. War is the art of Sparta. _Ste._ Are you man? _Bia._ What's that to an artist, sir? Life in me packs The germinal grain of all, and what may come To birth and bloom, I leave to nursing Fate. But you seem ruffled,--warm. Pray have my fan. Then take my parchment,--sit you in this nook And read of Corys and his water-nymph Until the charm of an unhurrying world Steals wave-like round you. _Ste._ Olympus! Was 't this voice That tripped my reason? Led my cautious years To take instruction from a dizzened ape And lose the cause they guarded? Was 't myself So slubbered judgment---- _Bia._ Ah, must I believe You honored my good counsel? _Ste._ Good! _Bia._ 'Twas good For Athens. Ha, you slipped into the noose As easily as my finger takes this ring. A wondrous sapphire here. You know the stone? This is from Egypt,--has the desert fire 'Neath Nilus' liquid smile. Is 't not a treasure? But I forget. Your Sparta has no gems. By Hera's belt, your country goes too bare For this adornèd earth! _Ste._ Come, Biades! Throw off that gown, and with a captain's sword Deny this folly! _Bia._ Friend, 'tis not my hour For exercise. Our moods, I see, would quarrel. But here's my thornless world. You'll pardon me. [_Resumes walking and reading as before. Pyrrha enters, middle left, and stands watching him. He looks up and is struck motionless to find her eyes upon him. She comes nearer for a detached scrutiny, then crosses right_] _Ste._ Find me Alcanor, daughter. And this hour We leave for Sparta. _Pyrr._ I am ready, sir. [_Exit, lower right. Stesilaus goes into house, upper left_] _Bia._ She has good eyes, and used them. Overshot, By Hermes! I must follow,--'twixt this fool And meditation's eye must interpose My soldier self! [_Tears off robe, under which he wears a simple, belted tunic, flings jewels from his ears, and drives out Bico. Goes off, lower right. Enter Pelagon, much ruffled, from street_] _Pel._ Where's Stesilaus? Stesilaus, ho! Find Stesilaus! [_Stesilaus returns, upper left_] O, my friend, they're mad, And you must fly! I never was so battered! The senators cry out you played with them As though their stationed honors were a row Of last year's weanlings,--first to say you bore Full power to treat, then at their open answer To cover and prefer the opposite, Declaring that their noble terms must cool On th' road to Sparta! As I speak your comrades Are driven through the gates. You must not stay. They'll have your life, they are so worked. Come, come! I know a way--I'll get you through---- _Ste._ I'll go The way I came. _Pel._ Nay, nay, I'll slip you out! Leave here your wife and daughter. In gentler hour I'll send them after, with your son,-- _Ste._ I'll speak To Pyrrha---- _Pel._ No! This way! The world's at somersault! The turtle's on his back, his claws to Heaven! No one would hear me! _Me!_ The voice of Athens! And jeered me down, for I was Biades' kin,-- Though why the wind sits so I know not! Come--come--I was so battered---- [_Exeunt, upper left. Pyrrha and Biades enter, lower right_] _Bia._ But one word! _Pyrr._ I've let you shower words in hope to drain Your breath of them, but they grow to a hail. Pelt me no more, Athenian. _Bia._ O, that name I held my pearl of honor is become A wounding thorn! I'll wear 't no more. _Pyrr._ You'll be A Spartan? _Bia._ Ay, if you are one! _Pyrr._ So vows An Athens' captain. _Bia._ Nay, I have no place, No rank, no office, duty or pursuit, But this my gage is in. Nor rest till I have won! _Pyrr._ Then you'll die weary, sir. So long 'twill take To make me yours. _Bia._ If you will love my shade I'll on the instant make myself a ghost! _Pyrr._ Love's burning deeds do ever lie before him. He ne'er gets past to make them history. _Bia._ O, hear my oath! Thy birthland shall be mine! _Pyrr._ Whist, Biades! The gods might hear you too. _Bia._ I'll swear it in the ears of Zeus! _Pyrr._ By what Irreverenced deity wilt break it? _Bia._ Ah, By none, fair Pyrrha! I'll stake my golden part In love's eternity, no land's more dear To my own heart than that which gave you birth. _Pyrr._ Ay, for on Spartan soil the laurel grows Which you would pluck from drenched defeat and set Among your bays. So dear as that! [_A clamor is heard in street_] _Bia._ I'll woo In better time. Till then let this pure gem Speak for me on your breast. 'Tis like my love, No sudden thing. For as this captive fire Dreamed in the heart of earth and could not wake Till beauty born in man sent down his kiss, So lay my love in Life from her first breath, Deep as unconsciousness, till at your step It knew itself. You scorn the half-hour flame, But in your coming like an instant dawn Find all its brevity. Ay, Pyrrha, sweet! And let my token lie, a patient prayer, Upon your bosom. Heaven should have its sun! [_Drops the locket into the folds of her dress. She casts it to the ground_] _Pyrr._ Athens is such a sun, and Sparta as my foot Shall overcloud it! [_Exit, middle left_] _Bia._ Had she crushed my gem To bleeding dust, I'd pay it o'er to see Such flame unsheathe. Bright Eos necklaced with A darkling east could not more beauteously Threat earth with storm. [_Takes up the locket_] You'll wear it yet, my terror, Or I'll cut out the tongue that can not wag To a woman's heart. [_Enter Creon from street_] What, Creon? Dumb with news? Which I will guess before your tongue's uncrimped. We've lost our gentle guests? Our Spartan friends Are off? _Cre._ They're driven out. But that is old. Atop that tale, like mountain on a hump, Comes one will wake you, sir! The tumbling streams That bore the Spartans out, rage back again, A gathered flood against you,--you, my lord! _Bia._ Ah! _Cre._ Sinon's poison spreads till men That yesterday lay down before you, now Cry for your death. I warned you, friend! _Bia._ You did. Be happy then. Your duty's done. _Cre._ Oh, sir, Your house is sacked, and all your golden plate, Parcelled on robber backs, is carried out And spots the city with a hundred suns! _Bia._ There's more i' the world. Let that not trouble you. _Cre._ Your robes are in the street, and carters' wheels Grow royal with them! _Bia._ Well, there yet are looms. While weavers know their art this is no loss. _Cre._ Your pictures---- _Bia._ What? If they've one finger laid On those immortal treasures---- _Cre._ All are riddled! _Bia._ All, Creon? Not my Zeuxis? No! The stones Hurled at it would have paused as though a god Were hidden there! _Cre._ All, friend. _Bia._ Ay, these are tears. But I will chide them and think on my sword. Now I must bend me to the senators,-- Get leave to call my troops,-- [_Enter a body of senators, Amentor at their head_] Most noble lords, I was about to seek you. _Amen._ Shifts your mood, Proud Biades? The answer's not yet cold That came so hot from you,--a two-edged shame That struck into your honor as our own! _Bia._ Nay, gentle senators, Athenian fathers! That you could note so low, so foul a charge As secret Sinon brought against my name, Gave me the block, the bellows, and the fire Wherewith I forged my answer,--one that kept My honor whole, and if your own needs surgery, Lay 't not to me, but let good sense mend all, And give me leave to go against this mob Now scarring Athens' beauty. _Amen._ Go alone. _Bia._ I have an army. _Amen._ Ask Lord Sinon that. _Bia._ When fishes drown! _Amen._ Put out your single arm, And feel your army in it. Athens' troops Are now in Sinon's charge. You are no more Her general. You are banished. _Bia._ Is this so? _Senators._ It is. _Bia._ Then I am dumb. Words on your heat Would fall as snow,--and I am not a man To let my scars speak, though my body bears Enough to cry you shame. _Amen._ We know your valor, But with it goes a pride no State could bear But that it must. Make your escape, my lord. The people pressed us, and we save your life By this decree. _Bia._ O, Athens that did love me! _Amen._ And now repents that love, for know you, sir, Though men may be irreverent as they choose, They'll follow only who revere their gods. [_Exeunt senators_] _Cre._ But you were meek! _Bia._ If I had let them know I've yet a tongue, they might have had that too, And in the courts where I must sue for love 'Twill be my royal member,--all my suite And kingly plenitude. _Cre._ They will repent. _Bia._ On knees, sir! Banished! O, my heart could lend Hot Sirius fire! _Cre._ You! Banished! _Bia._ Nay, while sense From wit and speech are undivorced, and courage Knits them in purpose drinking up the seas That distance me from Athens, who shall say I'm banished? Bribe mankind and nature too, Ye bleary senators! Suborn the winds! Put me at end of farthest watery leagues! While there's no rift between me and my gods, I'll shake this night as from Apollo's brow And show my day emergent! _Cre._ Where wilt go? _Bia._ To Persia first, where I am dear to Phernes. And then, perchance, with Persia at my back, Sparta may find me fair, though now I'm black As Pluto's poker. We'll not flag, my heart, Till every fleet o' the world rides here and makes This saucy harbor tremble! What an ague then Shall shake thee, Athens, thinking on this hour! [_Curtain_] ACT III SCENE: _The assembly ground of the Spartans. Maidens discovered. A dance is ending._ _Nac._ We limped through that. Apollo! Are there thorns I' the grass? We'll better it. Come! _Dia._ No time. I hear The senators. _Nac._ They wait beyond the bridge For old Aristogeiton. Come, my maids! You, Dianessa need to school your toes. 'Twas you played wild-foot--twice! _Art._ Save her a slip When Agis' eye is on her! _Nac._ Faith, she'd be No bride this year! _Dia._ What ache for that? His love Is slight if 't hangs upon my toes. _Nac._ My troth! Less might catch more! _Dia._ You, Nacia, are not so lithe As a ferret in a hoop. An Athens maid Might labor so in all her skirts. _Nac._ Ho, ho! A little puff blow such a fire? The coals Were hot then! _Myr._ Nay, my girls, we'll douse you both I' the river yonder if you flame at naught. How, Dianessa, dance the maids of Athens? But surely not in skirts! _Dia._ My father saw them, And so he said. _Myr._ Why dance at all then? Grace That cadent girdles the invisible waves Of flute and harp is born of faining limbs, And hide them who may see it? _The._ No doubt they bob Like bears in blankets, and believe they dance. _Nac._ Pyrrha could say. But since she came from Athens Who hears her speak? _Art._ She keeps from all our games, And scorns the wrestle, though our noblest youths Have sent her challenge. _The._ Ay! Lets Dianessa wear The vestal bays, nor cares if Hieron Be there to see. _Myr._ Come, Pyrrha, tell us how The Athenian maidens dance with shrouded feet. _Pyrr._ They wear their robes as Morning does the mist That makes her beauty greater and her dream Live on in men. _Dia._ Ah, maidens, here's a tale For the other ear. _Pyrr._ The bare and brazen sun That's up without a cloud, cheers to the hunt, The fight, the bruited path,--makes careful dames Send linen to the ford, and say "Zeus grant, We'll air the beds!" _Nac._ Ay, wives must know their season. _Pyrr._ But let night-swimming Morn come up In foamy veil, and her priest-hearted rose Stays lusty feet and gives adventure's hour To the achieving soul. _Art._ What kin is this To th' matter? _Pyrr._ Why, Artante, when we dance Half naked as we do before the youths, They say of us "A bed-mate there, and strong To bear and breed brave warriors for my house." But they in Athens who so watch the dance, See sheatheless Being shine through form that would, Not softened thus, first fill the ruder eye And leave unseen the token of a grace Earth may not shadow. _Dia._ Nay, you speak Athenian! Let's have it in our tongue. _Nac._ What grace can be So badgered in a gown? _Pyrr._ Ask flying doves, That rhythm the air till it doth ache with loss When they have passed. So have these maidens taught The silken fold to be their wingèd part. _Myr._ Ask her no more. Alack, our Pyrrha drank Of charmed Ilissus,--must go back to Athens! _Nac._ But come! Our dance! We yet are Spartan maids. _Dia._ [_Taking wreath from her hair_] Our flowers are far from morning. See, these buds Are pale as they had never known the dew. But I know where some fleecy clusters blow And daintily edge the stream. Like tiny birds, Green-necked and lily-winged, they are alight A hundred to a stem. I'll have a wreath Of them. _Myr._ And I. These sad things are less bright Than locks they should adorn. _Art._ New garlands, all! Where grow these favors? Dianessa, lead! [_They go off, rear left. Pyrrha waits a meditative moment, then turns to follow. A bough brushes her cheek. She puts up her hand and plucks a bunch of berries from it_] _Pyrr._ 'Tis like his ruby. Nature loved them both With the same kiss,--the berry and the stone. [_Fastens cluster to her bosom_] "Heaven should have its sun." This sun will fade, But that I threw away had ne'er lost hue So near my heart, giving and taking fire. [_Something thrown from the bushes falls at her feet. She gazes at it, not taking it up_] Ah! Biades' jewel! Who.... [_Looks about guardedly_] [_Biades comes from the woods. He is dressed as a Helot in a scant tunic of goat-skin, and wears a large cap_] _Pyrr._ Whose slave are you, Bold Helot? _Bia._ [_Kneeling_] Thine! [_Takes off cap, revealing his quantity of dark curls_] _Pyrr._ Are you in love with death, That you have come to Sparta? _Bia._ Nay, I come A banished man. _Pyrr._ I've heard how you were plucked. _Bia._ No feather left. _Pyrr._ Life, sir, is yours, and you Cast it away in Lacedæmon. _Bia._ Nay,-- _Pyrr._ You whose dark outrage made her honor bleed, Think on her burning wound to set the foot Of impudence and live? _Bia._ I know the Spartans. They will exalt my courage above death. _Pyrr._ Courage that reckons so bates its own worth Till a coward might disport it. You will meet Death's mercy but no other. _Bia._ No, the virtue Dearest in them they'll hold dear in myself. But if not so,--blow out your candle, Fate, I'll go to bed. _Pyrr._ Why not have fled to Persia? She's softer mannered,--has no aching pride Your death would poultice. _Bia._ Pyrrha lives in Sparta. Howe'er I set my feet, love turned them here. Which way I bent some tingèd thought of thee Crept as a secret sun to every sense And made the hidden threads of being blush Like coral boughs when Aphrodite's foot Is on the wave. _Pyrr._ Athenian, what canst hope From Stesilaus' daughter? _Bia._ I ask naught. But had a gem of hers that hourly cried To clasp its mistress, and to bring it thus, With Death a looker-on, I thought might make The peasant service shine so sovranly That even her royal and offended eyes Might gently entertain it. _Pyrr._ Deck the bark Of yon shag ilex and 'twill wear your trinket With the same grace and thanks. _Bia._ Thy grace is hers Who walked unrobed from hands of the high gods Grown jealous of the beauty they had made. Not this, nor any jewel may adorn it, Though swartest pebbles might grow ruby proud, And rubies throb with breath to be so worn. And for thy thanks, I have not come this way To ask for them. Keep them for one so poor He lets his heart for hire. [_Puts locket slowly under his tunic_] And yet my ears Fed on a sigh when I was hidden there. _Pyrr._ Who is so strong as never to have sighed? That secret moment was my weakest too. I'm now a Spartan, and my father's name Is Stesilaus. You may know it, sir, Who wert of Athens, but whose country now Is so much ground as you may beg of foes, And that, Zeus help, they'll measure without grudge. You're not so tall your grave would scant a field, Or make a garden less. [_Sounds of approach across bridge, lower right_] _Bia._ Does Fate come noisy-footed? I thought she crept, and loved the jungle-leap. _Pyrr._ Hide, sir! I'll be as secret as these shrubs, And not reveal you sooner. With the night You may steal out of Sparta. _Bia._ I'll go out winged With Spartan ships, and honor as a bride Shall sail with me! _Pyrr._ Are you so mad? Then die! [_Enter ephors and senators, all old men, followed by warriors, then youths, wives, maidens, children, and attendant slaves. Biades draws his cap down and lies slouching on the grass. The ephors and senators take seats which the Helots have prepared for them_] _First Ephor._ What! Must we wait? Where are these merry slips? _First Senator._ The woods are dancing yonder. By that sign They come. [_Re-enter Dianessa, Myrta, and companions, who dance before the assembly, the figure symbolizing the capture of Persephone. They continue dancing, the youths joining, until every maid has won a partner._] _Ste._ [_To Archippe_] Our Pyrrha does not dance. Why's that? _Arc._ No why at all. I'll rate her. Sulky chuff! _Ste._ Ay, you'll be on her heels! _Arc._ The younger maids Are chosen. She'll be left. There's Hieron With eyes like begging moons which way she goes, But she draws off,-- _Ste._ Well, well! She'll please herself. _Arc._ In Phania, I'd have had a daughter now---- _Ste._ What, madam? Gabble here? Be done! _Agis._ [_Among the young men_] I thirst. [_To Biades_] Up, slave! Fill me a cup. Come, move, you drone! [_Biades slowly rises and goes to spring under trees, rear_] _A Young Lord._ What Helot's that? _Another._ Some dog o' the farms. A staff On 's back might help his legs. _Another._ I'll put mine to 't. [_Biades lazily returns with cup. In handing it to Agis he spills part of the contents_] _Agis._ [_Emptying the cup in Biades' face_] By Dis and Rhadamanthus! Sot! Whose man Is this? _Bia._ My own, you Spartan whelp! [_Gives Agis a blow, so unexpected that it knocks him down. His head strikes the root of a tree and he does not rise. A number of Spartans rush upon Biades. Others bear Agis off, left_] _Voices._ The dog! Tread him to earth! Down! down! _Bia._ [_Springing from them and taking off his cap_] What, Greeks? You'd kill A brother? _A Voice._ Biades! _Bia._ My friends---- _Voices._ Ha, ha! His friends! _Lys._ What friending was 't you gave us on the day You drove us out of Athens? Hoot and club Then spoke how dear you loved us. We had not Brought off our lives if your desire had dared Blow full on Athens' heat. _Gir._ Brought off our lives? Where's Heracordus? Stoned at Athens' gate, And dead upon the road. _Bia._ Nay, brothers---- _Gir._ Ha! If you're a brother, weep beside his grave. I'll show it you. _Lys._ And all the graves where lie The dead we brought two bleeding years ago From Decalea's wall, where you gave entry Then broke the truce with charge! _Bia._ But hear, my lords---- _Gir._ Come, wail beside them till they wake and ask What new calamity brews in your tears! [_Enter Lenon_] _Len._ Agis yet swoons. That root was edged with death. We fear he's gone. _Gir._ For this alone, Athenian, You should not live,--though all your else-wrought deeds Were mercy's pawn for you. _Bia._ Ye fathers, hear! If ye know Justice,--and the world has said Her lovers dwell in Sparta,--shall he cry To scorn-shut ears, whose injuries taking voice Should pass in thunder where your virtues sleep? Hear one whose wrongs have bruised him to your coast, And let it not be said that you from safe Unshaken rocks met suppliant hands with spears! _Ste._ Ye noble elders, there's a sort of mercy On which dishonor feeds. As pasty, soft As butter in the sun, it chokes the sluice Of reason,--in marshy obliteration lays The marks and bounds of justice,--nauseous spreads Till mind is left no throne. Let it not come Where sit the guards of honor! _Bia._ I grant you so. But what I ask is not thus natured, sir! Sages of Lacedæmon, there's a mercy That veins the very rock of Justice' seat. It is the agent of divinest mould In all the world. By it the mind grows fair With blossoms deity may gather. 'Tis As precious to the soul as south-lipped winds To the winter-aching earth. Go bare of it, Though ye know Virtue ye wear not her pearl. I beg my life that you in saving me May save the heavenliest favor given to men, Nor crush it out of Sparta, leaving her The scarred and barren terror gods forsake. _Second Ephor._ Shall hear his plea? He may have argument Of worthy note. _Second Senator._ 'Tis not our way to judge The dumb. _Third Ephor._ [_Very old, creakingly_] Why, if a lion, boar, or pard, Or any beast, should pause as we did burn In chase, and beg us hear his cause, I think Our ears would ope. _Ste._ Ay, and the earth too, sir, Bearing such wonder on it! Folly's self Would be too wise to listen to this man, Yet ye would hear him! _Fourth Ephor._ More than would. We will. _Bia._ This clemency shows like yourselves,--the gem Of mind's adornment, as ye are the lustre Of Sparta's matchless race! _Ste._ Now he is off. Will gallop with us to what ditch he choose. _First Senator._ Speak, Biades. _Bia._ Of Agis then, my lords,-- This newly raw offence,--be my first word. And I'll not stay for garnish. Truth is bare, And bravest so. Though 'twas my Helot guise Drew Agis' insult on me, think you, sirs, It fell upon a proud and free-born Greek, And who is here that could with putting on A slave's vile dress put on his nature too, Drain off his ancient, high nobility, And in one brutish instant lose the blood That made his fathers heroes? Is there one? _First Ephor._ We grant you, none. _Bia._ Your hearts then struck my blow, Therefore must pardon it. If Agis' death Falls from it, 'tis but accident that sleeps In every motion, and in mine awoke Untimely. Who, so shorn of wisdom, thinks That I, a suitor here for barest life, Meant him a vital stroke that would o'ercry My prayers and make a mock of suppliance? I'll mourn with you, my lords, but ask you wring The neck of Fate, and leave my head where 'tis To praise the just of Sparta. _Third Senator._ So we might But for the heavier charges that engage The sighs of mercy 'gainst you ere they blow This deed a pardon. What of Decalea? _Bia._ That was a ruse the Spartans taught me, sir, When at Eleusis they ensnared my troops Within the gates, and naught passed out again Save rivers of their blood. If I must die For Decalea, die you with me, men, For red Eleusis. _Fourth Senator._ This is justice too. I saw Eleusis. He is clear on that. _Ste._ I warn you, senators! The fleetest wit That pauses on his guile is honey-mired And ne'er gets farther. _First Ephor._ We'll not keep his road An inch past justice, but we'll go so far. _Ste._ So you resolve, but Hecate at his smile Would plod beside him like a market lass, Forgetting vengeance. _Bia._ Honored Stesilaus:---- _Ste._ Honored? Ay, Biades! With gibe and jeer That shook the walls of Athens! By my staff, I'll---- _Bia._ Noble fathers, hear me for yourselves, Who, loved of Pallas, in this council sit Her earthly heirs and nature's demigods! This rage of Stesilaus is itself Sanction and seal for my adoption here, A son of Sparta. _Ste._ Ha! Now he would drive The mares of Diomed! _Bia._ My lords,---- _Ste._ Prove this? _Bia._ Why made you Stesilaus head and tongue Of envoy unto Athens? For you thought His mind, most apt, fluidic, politic, More quick than danger, would take shape of need, Repairing your defense fast as you found Your safety cramped. If I o'ercame him then With wit that watched with sleepless spear at door Of Athens' housèd trust, must you not crown in me The quality held sovereign in him? _Ste._ You hear, you elders,--must! _Bia._ Ay, must,--and must! Or at the fontal spring of justice break Your cups and thirst. No alien dripple may Content you then. _First Senator._ We listen, Biades. _Bia._ When swords of an uneven temper meet, Who scorns the better proved? Nay, you do set Your love upon it,--in your armory Give it a burnished place. And I who crossed With Stesilaus, for my triumph ask To be of Sparta's armor. _Ste._ Our dead shall answer! _Bia._ They shall. For every heart my steel made cold, Is proof how well I served my Athens,--proof Of loyal heat with which I'll serve the State That makes me hers! A true-bred Greek, outthrust And homeless, seeks a foster-land, that he May lift for her his sword, nor wasteful let The chiefest virtue in him die unused While his lost name no more climbs to the gods. _Second Senator._ Would you ally with us 'gainst Attica? _Bia._ I'm yours for that. By th' mother of the sea, Her tears shall wash your feet! _Third Senator._ What way wouldst take? _Bia._ The way to Phernes and the Persian fleet Now boastful before Rhodes. Grant me a convoy, I'll forge with Persia Lacedæmon's sword, And cut the crest from Athens. _Fourth Senator._ We have failed With Phernes. _Bia._ You'll not fail again. He's sworn My friend. _First Senator._ Our ships are few. _Bia._ But Corinth holds Her sea-wings spread for any need of yours. _Ste._ Hear me, ye warriors! He will lead Our force afar, then stir up neighbor foes To scourge unarmored Sparta! Think that one, Cradled in silk and fed on nectared drops---- _Bia._ There, sir, I'm bold to say you're off the road Of truth. My nurse was of your people, brought From sterner Sparta for my orphan rearing, By my good uncle Pelagon,--a man Ye know your friend. From her wise hands I took Your doughty-nurturing bread, and broth black-brewed, That drives the shade of fear from veins of men. _Ste._ I've bread now in my wallet. Let us see Your teeth in 't. [_Takes out a piece of coarse, stale bread and offers it to Biades_] _Bia._ Pardon, sir! I do not hunger. A Helot shared with me. _Ste._ 'Twill keep till you Would sup. But, you must try our broth, sir. Pulse Is seething yonder. Youths, bring here a bowl. We have a guest who'd call his childhood up In good black brew. Hark, Lenon! [_Whispers to Lenon, who goes off left_] _Third Ephor._ It is truth. Amycla was your nurse. I know the year That she was sent to Athens. _Bia._ On her lap I learned a love for Sparta that returned In warrior days to blunt my assaulting sword And wound me from your side. She taught me too The lyric wafture that dead hero-lips Send on undying,--songs your young men sing, And old men flush to hear,--and as a youth I longed to make my civil Athens street Echo to Sparta with a brother's call. _Third Ephor._ But I am moved. _Fourth Ephor._ And I. _Ste._ Art grown so old You'll feed on pap again? Come, Biades, A song Amycla taught you! One will prove Your love remembers Sparta. _Bia._ Sir, I'm not Your zany. _Ste._ But you'd make my country one, To antic for you. [_Re-enter Lenon with bowl of broth_] _Ste._ Here's your portion, sir. Amycla made no better. Will you drink? [_Gives bowl to Biades, who regards the black mixture dubiously. All are silent, watching him. He looks at Pyrrha_] _Bia._ [_To Pyrrha_] Is 't poison? _Pyrr._ [_Stolid_] It may be. _Bia._ [_To Senators_] Your will's in this? _First Senator._ It is. _Bia._ If this be pledge that binds me yours, Fellow of board and field, I drink long life To our compact. But if death waits here,--to you, O comrade shades, and our good fellowship! [_Drinks. The Spartans applaud_] _Ste._ You lean to him, and Sparta topples with you! _A Young Man._ [_Entering_] Agis is up! He comes! And bears no grudge For a good Greek blow. Says you could give no less. [_Enter Agis_] _Bia._ High Zeus, I thank thee! Agis, thou dost live To take my pardon and to give me thine! [_They take hands_] _Ste._ So soft? _Lys._ Better than blows. _Ste._ Ha! Like disease He'll spread the woman till our eyes drop tears Instead of fire. When Spartan eagles moult, They'll go no farther than Athenian owls. _Lys._ He's valiant. _Ste._ There's no braver tongue. _Lys._ And friend To Phernes. _Ste._ So he says. _Lys._ Nay, that's well known. _Ste._ My captain comrades, and ye aged fathers, If ye had seen him strut, a vanity As brainless as the monkey at his heels, With woman velvets making slut of wealth Trailing foul dust,--a peacock fan at 's cheek Where a soldier's beard should grow, and bangled ears Whose swinging jewels tickled a white neck Soft as a harlot's pillow,--this at time His city laid such honor on his head As would have kept a brave man on his knees For wisdom to uphold it,--had ye looked on this, Ye'd call the weakest maiden from her wheel To lead our wars ere trust to Biades! _First Ephor._ A picture this,--shakes faith. _Second Ephor._ We trust too far. _Ste._ Sirs, had ye seen what I but paint---- _Bia._ My lords, I'll wrestle with the stoutest Spartan youth That makes your wars most dreaded, and these limbs, Now shrunk with fasting, wasted and forsook By Fortune that once fed them as her own, Will prove my right to captain Sparta's host! _Ste._ Our women could undo you, girl of Athens! Meet his bold brag with this. One of our maids Shall throw him! Ay! Then he'll betake his shame To any shade will hide it. _Hie._ Sir, I sue To lay this boast. _Agis._ My prayer be first, my lords! _Voices._ A lot! A lot! _Ste._ Nay, sons, a fall from you Would give him hope to pick his honor up And steal again to favor. He will plead That you, full-fed, met him in famished hour, When Fate hung him with bruises leeching strength, And gave you victory. Let my offer hold. A maiden to him, and we'll hear no more Of valorous Biades. _First Ephor._ We are agreed. _Second Ephor._ Who is our strongest maid? _Lys._ We've six whose claims Push equal. All in public game have won The bow of Artemis. _First Ephor._ We'll choose from these. _Bia._ Olympus, shower me woes! I will not cringe, So they be man's. But save me from a mock That makes misfortune past seem sweet as drops From Hera's healing cup! _Dia._ A mock? The gods Have never honored you till now. _Myr._ See these, My bantling? Arms that made Kalides wear A three months' bruise! _The._ And these have locked the strength Of Lenon in defeat! _Dia._ Ask Mirador If he liked well the sandy bed I gave him. _Nac._ Bethink you now how you'll outcrow disgrace, For you'll be short of breath when you've gone through The brash I'll give you. _Dia._ Then he'll show his reefed And wattled skin, and say that want of bread O'ercame him, not our valor. _Art._ Look you, maids! His hollow eyes do beg some pity of us. We'll give him yet a chance, and mate him with Our lame Coraina. She's near well again. Will drop her crutch to be our champion. _Bia._ Zeus, Behold me patient! Furies, though I lack Some vaunting flesh, the sharpest ill that on My body ravins feeds a spirit that Might meet with Heracles and give him need Of both his arms! _Dia._ Ha! Better! Maids, his tongue Will fight yet! _Ste._ Peace! The ephors choose That Dianessa bear this honor off. She threw strong Mirador, first of the youths, Which puts her o'er the rest. _First Ephor._ We've else determined That with the fall the Athenian forfeits life. _Bia._ And if I win, my lords? Since life must pay Defeat, should victory not solicit me With counterpoisèd prize? _First Ephor._ We shall accept you Leader and comrade, and give escort fair To bear your suit to Phernes. _Lys._ More! The maid Shall be your bride, and bind you son and brother To Sparta's love. _Second Ephor._ You, Stesilaus, assent? _Ste._ Since without risk you may pursue your folly, I'll not oppose you. _First Ephor._ Dianessa, you Abide our will? _Dia._ And welcome it. 'Twill work Like Mars in me, and make my arm The gallows of his fame. The Athenian lady! I'd choose a husband among men. _Bia._ And I, My generous, dear lords, would woo and win Some mute and humble maid. I would not force The noble Dianessa bend her head To one unworthied by a hostile Fate. _First Ephor._ Tut, sir! If Fortune's love returns with heat That makes you conqueror, by that same sun Her pride will melt, and you will find her meek As gosling in your hand. _Second Ephor._ 'Tis settled so. Wear what you win. _Pyrr._ [_Rising_] Ye reverend men, and you, My noble father, may my suit reveal My love to Sparta and your love to me, Which has not spoken in this act of yours That overpeers me and gives up my due To Dianessa. _First Ephor._ Ha? _Pyrr._ Though Mirador Was forced below her, never in a bout Has she ta'en honors from me, while I oft Have left her down. _Second Ephor._ Speak'st truly? _Pyrr._ Hear herself Avouch it. _Dia._ Ay, you overmate me, but The gap between us will not cast the match To Biades. And I was chosen. _Fourth Ephor._ Nay, You must give place. _Pyrr._ I've other reason, sir. It is my dear, war-honored father lays This match on Sparta, and my pride of house Would bear his counsel through the act that sets The sage's seal upon it. _First Ephor._ A daughter, sir! _Ste._ Bare duty might so speak. _Pyrr._ This gives me warmth My maiden comrades lack. By every vein My father gave me, his time-laurelled brow Shall never wear a garland less! _Second Ephor._ Well sworn! _Pyrr._ And for I saw---- _Third Ephor._ More reasons? _Pyrr._ --the rude shame The Athenian put upon the ambassadors, And mine own eyes bore him in lowest semblance, Demeaned from manhood, his dishonor wrapped In purple cost that left it yet more naked. I swear he shall not honored lead our wars! If our gray heroes fail us, we have dames To choose from,--need not go to Athens! _First Ephor._ This speaks! The victory's won where courage makes Such stout provision. _Pyrr._ If I fail, my lords, Then gods are mongers and their favors sell, Denying honest prayers. _Lys._ Come, Biades. Art ready? _Bia._ Ay, long past! _First Ephor._ Your places then. _Ste._ Delay you! Biades, with modesty Unlooked for, but most fit, you gave up claim To Dianessa.---- _Bia._ Nay, 'twas but an offer Whose bounty met refusal. _Ste._ I'll accept it In Pyrrha's name. _Bia._ So prudent against loss? This caution, sir, gives me a victor's heart. _Ste._ Triumph is hers a certain thousand times, And yours a dicer's once, slipped you between Hiccough and snore of gods at shutting time. But since that once will have a thousandth chance To trouble me, I'll grant you free of Pyrrha. _Bia._ Wait till 'tis begged. Lysander spoke with kind And equal honor, which did soften me To leave his daughter his. And others here Have tendered me the gentle looks that breed The answering benison till hearts of earth Feel heaven's element. But you, whose hate Should hiss from crawling shape, not upright man's, Wake fires in me that eat through godly patience And sweep to battle. I'll endure no further. Back with your taunts! And if 'twill make you sore Where pride is daintiest, I'll your daughter wed Because she is your daughter! _Ste._ Bark, you puppy, But you'll not carry it! _Bia._ Were she featured foul As snaked Medusa,--her brow a hanging night,-- Her figure hooped as age when chin and toes Are neighbors,--and of speech so scaly, harsh As Stesilaus,--I, with no more color Or shade of reason than that you deny me, Would make her bride. The ephors gave their word, And what I win I'll wear! _First Ephor._ We'll see you do. Content you, Stesilaus. None will weep To know your bluff soul matched. To place! To place! [_They wrestle. Pyrrha loses. Silence, then applause for Biades_] _A Lord._ My heart upheld him, for I know him brave. _Another._ I saw his dripping sword on Theban plain Cut through the knotted fray and make two fields O' the combat. _Another._ He can pray too, Delphi knows! _Another._ But when his gallant prayers their action find The gods themselves rage in them. _First Ephor._ [_To Pyrrha_] Daughter, take Fair thanks from us for brave support of Sparta, And having lost, more thanks for giving her Another soldier. Has defeat made soft Your heart for swift espousal? _Bia._ Let me woo In slower way, good father. Tho' my boast Rose high 'gainst Stesilaus' scorn, I'm not Of heart so rash that I would lose her love By taking it. With Sparta's aid now mine, I'll ask her choose a noble guard and sail With me, that I, by time and fortune graced, May win a double suit, herself and Persia. _First Ephor._ We'll think of it. Our plans are still unthreshed. Come with us, Biades. [_Ephors, with senators and Biades, lead the way over bridge. All follow except Stesilaus and Pyrrha_] _Ste._ How was 't he won? And he was livid famine! Scurfed with weeks Of beggary! While you--such arms had saved Antiope from Theseus! [_Pyrrha droops silent_] Up, my daughter! We'll make this fall our hope. You shall take sail With Biades---- _Pyrr._ Gods hear me, no! _Ste._ You will. I know his aim. He will betray our force To Athens,--pardon's price. Athenian ease Is in his marrow like a siren sleep, And all this hardy show is but to buy His languors back. You'll watch within his ship, With Hieron a second secret eye, And when his treachery ripens, take command And bring him bound to Sparta. _Pyrr._ Be so near? Sail in his ship? _Ste._ Be near him as a wife. Watch close. Lie in his thoughts, though not his bed. And if he presses to the shrine of favor, Here is my dagger. This will be your guard. Let him meet death upon it,--and that death Be honor's sanctuary. Come! My brow Must smooth submissive to the senators. Clear too your face with summer policy. Thus openly we'll hide. The State's turned fool, And naught between her and perdition save An old man and a girl! [_Exit_] _Pyrr._ [_Gazing at dagger_] If this cold blade Were seeking traitors 't might look in my heart. [_Curtain_] ACT IV SCENE: _On board a galley off Athens. An open door left of centre, rear, shows a moonlit sea. Cressets burning within. Pyrrha discovered, seated and fingering a dagger. A diminishing sound of dipping oars and rowers singing._ God of the bold who ride With song o'er their dead Whose unsown graves wait wide, The singers' bed,-- Poseidon, befriend, befriend, And the good wind send! The sirens are on their rocks; Like a piercèd moon Weeping her gold, their locks To the waters run. Poseidon, befriend, befriend, And the good wind send! Fleet are the foam-toothed hounds That hunt unfed, With hunger that aches like wounds, And ships their bread. Poseidon, befriend, befriend, And the good wind send! [_Enter Lysander_] _Pyrr._ Lysander! You? Is 't battle? _Lys._ At dawn we move Upon the Athenian ships. _Pyrr._ They've come from harbor? _Lys._ Nay, lurking still, fear-cabled to the land, Like weanlings round a skirt. _Pyrr._ At last a battle! And Biades is true. The watch is done. I'm sick of spying, hanging on him like A doubt with teeth. He leaves this galley then? _Lys._ Commands from the _Ino_, now so brave repaired She sits her place as though the sea and air Debated who should claim her, and she no more Adorns both elements than herself's adorned By our young admiral. _Pyrr._ He is gone? So soon? _Lys._ Went, but is here again, and here must stay These next three hours or more. _Pyrr._ Why so, Lysander? _Lys._ We sacrifice aboard Thrasyllus' ship, Where now the captains gather, and the hand Of one who leads the foe to his fathers' hearth Would cloud the omen. He must keep apart. _Pyrr._ You've told him that? _Lys._ We have not dared. _Pyrr._ Not dared? Way, Spartan lions, for the Athenian puppy! _Lys._ He's tender with his honor. _Pyrr._ His honor! _Lys._ Soft! We shunt all danger if you mew him here Unwitting of our hand. _Pyrr._ I do not wear Athene's ægis on my jerkin, friend. _Lys._ You can divinely drug his vanity Without immortal aid. Attach him by 't, For free he'll chafe. Drift with him in such wise He'll not suspect our rudder. _Pyrr._ Ay, more lies. _Lys._ Truth is no absolute virtue. 'Tis a vice If 't takes a screw from safety. _Pyrr._ There is law Higher than Sparta utters. If not so, What mean our altars, and a kneeling world? _Lys._ Hmm! I delay the sacrifice. Dost know I take my Dianessa? A virgin's hand Must weave the victim's garland. _Pyrr._ Ah, the moon Of Artemis! A virgin's hand. They ask Not mine? _Lys._ You are a bride in Sparta's eyes. Would Truth might speak it too! For Biades Has won all love but yours. _Pyrr._ I'll wed no traitor. _Lys._ What? He is false? _Pyrr._ Ay, false to Athens. _Lys._ Phut! [_Enter Hieron_] _Hie._ How like you this, sir? Biades has stripped The galley of its rowers,--sent them all To his gilded _Ino_,--every boat in charter To bear his trappings,--parchments, maps, and gifts From Phernes,--curtains, instruments---- _Lys._ The stuff Goes with the admiral, and what other way Than by the boats? Say naught of 't. _Hie._ This a time To spend a feathering! _Lys._ Nay---- _Hie._ And why send all? A half--a third--had answered. There's not left An oarsman on the galley save the men Who brought you from the _Thetis_. _Lys._ You've the guard,-- Yourself its head. Give Biades his way When prudence pays no cost. We've hedged and hemmed His wrestling will until his pride is brashed To the rebel quick---- _Hie._ Sst! He is here. [_Biades stands in door_] _Bia._ Lysander, They hail you from Thrasyllus' ship. You stay The rites. _Lys._ [_Troubled_] But is it time---- _Bia._ Full time. _Lys._ My boat---- _Bia._ Is waiting. _Lys._ I--you, sir---- _Bia._ You'll bear my grace To our priestly captains? _Lys._ You stay here? _Bia._ I shall, If you'll not press me other. As you pray For clearer omen and a morning battle, Let only those whose land holds them untainted Stand in the holy ring. _Lys._ Above our prayers This act will speak to Heaven in Sparta's name And make her gods your own. _Bia._ If that might be, Lysander! To have no altars is a fate Man can not bear for long. _Hie._ The rowers, sir! How soon do they return? _Bia._ They've leave to see The midnight toward with their fellow crew On the _Ino_. _Hie._ Midnight! _Bia._ Loyal beggars, all. They're sad to lose their captain, and I pay Their grieving flattery with this stinted lease From duty here. They'll use 't in prayerful rite---- _Hie._ Not prayer! The casks will drip too free for that. If any prayers come from the heart to throat, They'll downward wash again, not out and fly. Say'st midnight, sir? _Bia._ I do. They will return In time to set the galley from the cast Of morning danger. _Hie._ Move again? The ship Is now to rearward, by some rods. _Bia._ She is. And shall go farther. Here's no fighting deck. _Hie._ Ay, these soft cabins, Corinth-modelled as A prince, would make a floating holiday, Put soldiers from their place. _Bia._ The ship must lie Full east, on th' safest wave. We've treasure 'neath These sails that make their weathered woof more dear Than threaded gold of Hera's mantle. _Hie._ Ah, You mean the women. _Bia._ No,--a woman. Come, Lysander. _Lys._ Sir, what time wilt take your place Aboard the _Ino_? _Bia._ Give me till the midnight, I'll from that moment be your admiral. But for these gentle hours that lie between, I would as merest man use their light wings To chase a hope through heaven. _Lys._ [_With a glance at Pyrrha_] And bring it down, My lord! [_Exeunt Lysander, Biades, and Hieron_] _Pyrr._ Now, Impudence, no more's to do! Go up and take thy crown. Before my eyes He teaches them he wooes me, and my pride Mutely abets his guile. [_Holds up the dagger_] My fine defence, Thou'rt warder to a bosom unbesieged. In Biades' contempt I have a guard That saves thine office. Go, you glittering mock! [_In a passion of resolution she throws the dagger through the door_] That's done. No matter. He does not look at me, Or looks as though his eyes begged pardon of him, For their chance stop on nothing. [_Re-enter Biades, the dagger in his hand_] _Bia._ Here's a toy Caught from the rigging. Yours, I think. [_Offers it to her. She does not take it_] It must be dear. I've seen you fondle it. Is it not yours? _Pyrr._ It was. _Bia._ Then is. And worth Your keeping. A good blade, though Spartan plain. _Pyrr._ I'm weary of it. In Athens I shall find Another pattern. _Bia._ [_Testing blade_] Fine and strong. Will wear A hundred years, then make a door for death. [_Turns it against his heart. She starts_] You'll take it, Pyrrha. To throw it to the sea Were waste for an Athenian. _Pyrr._ Keep it then. _Bia._ You give this blade to me? _Pyrr._ I care not. Keep What you have praised. _Bia._ [_Pressing it against his cheek_] A gentle weapon,--but I've somewhat 'gainst it. [_Goes to door and throws it far into the sea_] Kiss the waves, my friend! [_Returns to Pyrrha and sits by her_] _Bia._ [_Softly_] I leave the ship to-night. _Pyrr._ [_Uneasy_] And time you led The fleet to battle. You've excused delay Till palling breath became the shroud of action, And yet refused it funeral. _Bia._ I know How you have doubted. O, this soul of Sparta, That can not trust! It peeps from every eye, Deepest where kindest. Tags each friendly word With its unspoken dread,--and comradeship, That strives to wrap it in a gala cloak, Strains vainly round the huge, dun doubt, agape In dreary revelation. _Pyrr._ You are free To leave us. _Bia._ Free? Five Spartan nobles watch Beside me, move with every step, for so The admiral must be honored! Hieron Foregoes his place at sacrifice to serve My dignity. Not for his gods he'll put A furlong 'tween us. _Pyrr._ He's the ship's good eye. And all the men except the lords of guard Are, by your grace, a-neighboring. Would you leave The galley without watch? _Bia._ No, Pyrrha, sweet. But I would woo you with no ear at the door. _Pyrr._ [_Rising_] My lord! _Bia._ [_Indifferent_] Nay, then. I can't oppose the sex Of Aphrodite. My one frailty. _Pyrr._ One! _Bia._ What? I have more? _Pyrr._ The moments of your life Are not so many! _Bia._ Gods be thanked, I'm young! How may I change to please a Spartan scold? _Pyrr._ Be anything you're not. _Bia._ You have not heard I am the admiral of the Spartan fleet, With Persian Phernes yonder at my beck, Broad-winged with all Phoenicia? You know not I am a general? _Pyrr._ Oh, to be that name, Not make 't thy bauble! What dost know Of secret, sleepless hours, and delving thought That nations may lie safe? By what grave right Wear you the title? What deep sacrifice? _Bia._ Leave sacrifice to fools and women! Ay, More lies are huddled in that saintly word Than ever smirked outside it. The strong soul Low bowing there, lies to his god,--the weak Lies to the world behind a holy shield That turns the spear of justice. Pallas, hear! A general makes himself a master, lest The State make him a servant. _Pyrr._ True in _Athens_! But you've another name. I've heard you called The young philosopher. Play you at that. 'Twill tire naught but the tongue. Yours will go far. _Bia._ Nay, spare me toil of spirit searching through Earth, sea, and sky for phrases magical To wrap creation in, as 'twere a babe Each man might call his own could he but find Some good-wife fancy to deliver it. No other hope? _Pyrr._ They name you poet, too. Build round your spirit an Elysian cheat And buzz it through upon a golden wing. Is that not idle enough? _Bia._ You touch me now With flattery's gold point. I wince and love The pain. Yet I'd not be a frolic breath At play with Spring and florets in the dew, Or move in rhymèd courtesies before The smile or frown of gods. Trick my dear soul In May-day rags to catch a languid eye. Babble of moods and minds, how some think this, Some that, and some have never thought. Drone how On such a day one struck another down, Or led a fleet, or laid a city wall. _Pyrr._ What would you sing then, pray? _Bia._ I would not sing. Was there not poetry before men spake? I'd go behind the broidered veil we've wrought Before the face of one that we loved much And then forgot for beauty of the shroud. The old lere's lost, the new but irks our dream. We listen to ourselves, while round us ever Are worlds that vainly pluck us to their doors, Giving us sign in lightning, heat, and wave, In flake of snow, flint-spark, and crystal rock, In stones that make the iron creep, and color, Fair flag and challenge to our shuttered minds. _Pyrr._ [_Moving nearer_] Oh! _Bia._ [_Seeming to forget her_] Round our lives is life whose destiny Is that frontier no word of ours has crossed, But man to come shall plant and harvest there, Where his soul sets the plough. _Pyrr._ [_Softly_] You know that too? _Bia._ That life shall warm his barest common way Of in and out. In field and market-place, He'll lay his cheek 'gainst its unbodied love And flush translations of its silent touch. Then will be poets! Thought that now must fail In bird-wing flight, shall from a violet's eye O'erlook the sun. Till then I will not sing. _Pyrr._ Not fight, philosophize, or sing! What's left for an Athenian? _Bia._ [_Remembering her_] Love, fair Pyrrha! You know the tale how Chaos once uncurled Her laboring bulk from round a fire-leafed rose And sent its petals drifting down to fields Where mortals foot with chance? Whoso they touch Are lovers always, and one came to me. _Pyrr._ Now here's ambition! And you live for that? _Bia._ Ay there's the charm contents me with dull earth, And puts a rainbow in my listless hand. The way is pleasant if the road be love's, And I'd not shorten it by one maid's eye. To be a lover,--that's the graceful thing. Then one moves velvetly, forgets no curve, And lives his picture, line and color true. _Pyrr._ That rôle's struck from your play, you'll find, my lord. Maidens will smile, but scorn will set the lip, And women's eyes be warm, but hate their fire For you, the traitor. _Bia._ Traitor? _Pyrr._ [_In the door_] See the gleam On Athens, yours no more. The softest breast Within her walls is steel when you are named. _Bia._ But there are maids in Sparta. _Pyrr._ Not for you, A traitor to the soil that gave you life. _Bia._ That soil first cast me off. _Pyrr._ A mother strikes Her child, but should the child return the blow Gods would droop eyes and blush. _Bia._ But were I true To my own land, I should be false to yours. _Pyrr._ A virtue that. A maid might love you then. _Bia._ A Spartan maid? _Pyrr._ A Spartan maid. But now We hold you as no more than loathèd bait To capture Athens. Used as a stuck fly To hook a chub! [_Enter Hieron_] _Bia._ What saucy fury sports With Hieron? His even smile's unfixed As the middle of two minds. _Hie._ Sir, Phernes sends Six maidens from his ship to dance before you. The noble Persian chooses time most fit For wantoning,--the hour of sacrifice And battle prayer. _Bia._ You're justly kindled. What Though it be royal custom in his East,-- A grace from king to king,--to garnish danger With frillet of relief that makes death seem The last-dropped toy, we'll dare to let him know That we are Greeks, and walk the edge of graves With eyes upon the gods. Go, pack them off! _Hie._ Why,--so I meant. The act struck rudely on Our ritual hour. But if his Eastern mind Paints it a courtesy---- _Bia._ A sovereign honor. _Hie._ He is of haughty blood,--burns at rebuff---- _Bia._ Ay, like a hornet blind. A thousand times I've eased his fret and run his humor's mould Like summer wax, lest he should break from Sparta That stood in rigid ruin. Now I leave it! His anger can be put to gentlest sleep, But 'tis no babe when stirred. Choose as you will. _Hie._ The honor is to you. Be yours the answer. _Bia._ I'm worn with him. Three hours to-day I played His vanity, while chance touched either side, Waiting the word that should cut through suspense And seal him ours for battle. _Hie._ To huff his pride 'Tween this and dawn would poorly soothe our own At an uncertain cost. But let him leer I' the oracles' face.... _Bia._ He has not sent Alissa? _Hie._ There's one so calls herself. Spoke out the name As we should fall before it. _Bia._ She's most free In Phernes' heart. Knows all the honey-ways To his secret soul, and what is said to her He'll hear ere morn. As you love victory, I hope you met her gently. _Hie._ If surprise Made greeting harsh, I will undo that harm With softer welcome. And beseech you, sir, To suffer this mistimed civility For Sparta's sake. _Bia._ I will, dear Hieron, Since 'tis your suit. _Hie._ Thanks, thanks, my lord. _Bia._ Let them come in. I'll see their briefest dance, And give Alissa one commending word, Which straight as faithful bee she'll hive In Phernes' ear. [_Exit Hieron_] What think you of it, Pyrrha? You do approve me? _Pyrr._ Approve your wits, my friend. Had they been Spartan trained, you'd bring them off, Untarnished still, from argument with Zeus. _Bia._ When Pallas praises, bow. _Pyrr._ Poor Hieron Is now the sweating agent of your will To see these callets dance. _Bia._ Unpitiful! I'd touch my lips to Lethe, and you'd snatch The oblivious drop from me! You know how dear The bond that shall be cut with sword of dawn,-- So close no seer may tell which shall bleed most, Athens or her lost son. _Pyrr._ Art low at last? _Bia._ Dun, dun, my Pyrrha, as a Barbary pigeon! So low not all my pride can vaunt me up. Then let me have my wine,--the draught of eyes, Of music and of smiles, till I be drunk And sleep. [_Enter six Athenian youths, led by Clearchus, all disguised as Persian dancers. As they dance before Biades his pleasure quickens to abandonment_] _Bia._ Ah, Pyrrha, you've denied my heart All noble love, but here's a pleasure left. Soft eyes and gentle bosoms may be mine Where scorn is taught to sleep and never sting. ... That is Alissa. We must honor her. [_He signals Clearchus, and the others pass out, leaving him to dance alone. As he ventures more flirtatiously about Biades, Pyrrha's disgust increases and she retreats. Clearchus, dancing mockingly, follows her to door, and when she has passed through audaciously closes it_] _Bia._ Now! Quick! In name of Zeus! The senators Received my message? _Clea._ [_Darting to Biades_] Ay, the answer's here! [_Gives him a parchment_] Full pardon! Athens will lay down her walls To make your entry proud! Her gates are small, For honor she intends you! _Bia._ [_Glances at parchment and sobs_] My Athens! Mine! Though she should take my life, And my bruised body fling unburied forth, Yet would my shade drop kisses on her soil And weep to leave it for Elysium! [_With sudden control_] What of my plan? _Clea._ Adopted, in each item. Soon as the dropping moon is in the sea, The Athenian rowers, coming as your own, Will board this galley and bear her a bird To th' harbor nest. _Bia._ They've force to meet the guards? _Clea._ Thrice measured, sir. The _Theia_---- _Bia._ My own ship! _Clea._ Your own--will meet you, every sailor true As when he wept your banishment. And Phaon, Critias, Pelagon, Antiganor, With twenty senators and men of name, Wait on her deck in welcome. _Bia._ Back, ye tears! The rowers know my signal? _Clea._ Yes, my lord. Three cressets on the left,--set here in this Embrasure. They will watch, near as they dare, And instantly as darts your triple gleam Their oars will sweep you answer. [_A commotion without_] _Bia._ Hist! What's wrong? [_Enter Hieron and Pyrrha. Hieron goes to Clearchus and tears off his veil and head-dress_] _Clea._ O, pardon! I'll confess! _Hie._ 'Tis you, my lord, I now unmask, not this bought wretch. _Bia._ What, sir? _Hie._ Your Persian dancers are Athenian boys, All slim as lizards. We o'er-eyed their steps, And on suspicion gave them such a pinch The truth flew out. _Bia._ Their guilt does not prove mine. Is it my crime that Athens touched me near With bribe of pardon? _Pyrr._ Hear the boy. You are Clearchus? And of Athens? _Clea._ I am. _Pyrr._ You brought His pardon. Did he welcome it? _Clea._ He did. _Bia._ He lies! The coward lies! _Clea._ He did agree That Phernes should draw off his fleet and join With Athens. _Bia._ Oh! Where are the Olympian thunders That they now let you live? _Hie._ Draw off his fleet To-night? _Clea._ Ere dawn. _Bia._ That such an atom--such A trifle of a body could enclose So great a lie! _Clea._ The Persian is at watch, Waiting the signal---- _Bia._ Toad! _Clea._ If pardon came, Two cressets set---- _Bia._ I'll shred him! _Clea._ At the left---- Just here, my lord, would start the Persian ships For Athens. _Bia._ Oh! _Clea._ But if three cressets burnt, Then he would hold to Sparta. _Hie._ Three? _Clea._ Three, sir. Look in his bosom if you'd read the proof. His pardon's there. _Bia._ By the altars I have lost, By Sparta's yet unwon, I swear he lies! [_Pyrrha snatches the parchment from his bosom_] _Bia._ You bat--you mole--you cur-born flea---- _Clea._ [_To Hieron_] O, sir, Your mercy! Save me from him! _Hie._ Wait without. _Pyrr._ Full pardon! Bring the irons! We are sold! Irons for Biades! _Bia._ [_Accepting defeat_] Ay, let me wear My honor's livery. Every foe-locked gyve Will be my country's kiss, and make my blood Flow proud beneath it. Irons! Load me down, Now that you know me man, and not the thrall Of vilest fear that buys suspected breath With a mother-city's doom. _Pyrr._ I'll grant you, sir, That by this act you do no longer lie In the unconsidered trash of estimation, But have crept up in my surprisèd mind To where I keep my jewels of regard. That is soon said,--but for the rest, you die. And more than die, for we shall hurl your name A palsy over Athens. _Bia._ You'll not fight Athens and Persia! _Pyrr._ Persia is not lost. Your signal is unlit. _Hie._ But we'll light ours! Three cressets---- _Pyrr._ [_Stopping him_] Wait! The event's too great To helve with such slight word. That snivelling blab May've lied, or crossed the signals, for the young Are easiest dyed in craft, and take its hue As natively as innocence doth wear Its smile in sleep. _Hie._ What then? _Pyrr._ You'll go to Phernes. _Hie._ There are no boats. _Pyrr._ Tut, take the boats that brought Those purfled cymlings here. Their rowers too. Ah, Biades, you'll serve us still. And thought To trap all Sparta with this tip-toe bait! We have a saying. "Wit against the world,--" And there's another too, "The last lie wins." Hast heard it, Biades? We'll bear your word To Phernes that with dawn you move with him Upon the Athenian sails. _Bia._ He'll hear no word From Spartan mouth. So 'twas agreed between us, To annul such move as this if chance should strip My bent of cover. I alone may reach His ear with Sparta's prayer. _Pyrr._ We'll cast for proof Of that. If true, we shall remember, sir, That Sparta has won cities with no aid From Persia. _Bia._ You'll not go alone to meet The strength of Athens? _Pyrr._ Your far-wingèd name And sea-born battle-skill shall go with us. Your single arm's no loss, but in your fame, Yet ours to use, the Spartan strength Is doubled. Ha! They call us landmen,--say We must have feet on ground ere we can fight. But you they fear, bred to the wave, and first Of their commanders. _Bia._ Let me die, but leave My name unmurdered. _Pyrr._ It shall be outflung In challenge to the Athenians. They know well The sailor rabble loves you, and will oppose But half a heart to Biades. Some too, Of higher place, believe you wronged, and fear The angered gods will station on your side. By spearman Ares, you shall keep the oath Great-sworn on Sparta's ground, to set her lance Through Athens' triple shield! Ay, though you lie In irons waiting death. _Bia._ The sunken souls Of deepest, damnèd Dis have never borne So vile a sting! You can not mean it, Pyrrha. Cast on my soul what Pluto would disbar From his fire-vaulted hell? I'll proudly die For treachery to you, but clear my name To Athens. Take not life and honor too! _Pyrr._ One you may save,--your life. _Bia._ What do you say? _Pyrr._ Draw Phernes back to us, and you shall live. _Bia._ You offer me but death, knowing I could not live A traitor. _Pyrr._ You choose to die as one? _Bia._ Oh, Zeus, All-giver, hear! _Pyrr._ What gain is death to you If reputation dies eternally In Athens' hate? Sparta will do as much As spare your life. _Bia._ Nay---- _Pyrr._ She shall nothing know Of this hour's lapse---- _Bia._ O, bitter stars! O, Death Past fatal!--reaching o'er thy charnel bound To usurp the immortal garden! Die a traitor! Never will dew from a forgiving eye Fall on my grave! _Pyrr._ Nor will the upbraiding gaze Of Heaven be more tender. For you chose To risk your country's life on turn of chance, Having no surety that drawn to danger You then could pluck her out. Ah, made her fate Your stake at dice, because, escaped the hazard, You'd toss with her to fortune! And your guilt Is heavy in her fall as though your hand Bore down her last defence and fierce untrussed Her heart to th' wolvish air. _Bia._ Oh, Pyrrha, Pyrrha! _Pyrr._ Then why haste on to death? The noblest shades Will make no room for you where'er they walk. Why rush through the first gate to meet their cold Immortal scorn? _Bia._ But life with honor gone! _Pyrr._ If death could buy it, then 'twere wise To buy so goldenly. But that's too late. Choose life,--with honor such as Sparta lays On those who serve but her. This treachery That we've by hap unbagged in 'ts eanling hour Shall be safe snugged again. And cherished too! For in my eyes it is the one brave flower Of your most barren being. None shall know it, And Sparta, as she will, may laurels weave About your faith. _Bia._ But Hieron? _Pyrr._ [_To Hieron_] You'll swear with me? [_He hesitates_] In Sparta's name? [_Takes his hand_] And mine? _Bia._ No, no! _Hie._ I'll swear. _Bia._ Oh, not that price! No, till the end O' the world! _Pyrr._ Life, Biades, life! _Bia._ I will not do it! Athens may singly conquer! _Pyrr._ Then you die By Sparta's hand, and Athens holds your name Accursed through time. The irons, Hieron. [_Biades hunches despairingly, his face hidden_] _Pyrr._ [_Apart_] Gods! He will yield! _Bia._ [_Looking up_] I'll do it,--dare to live,-- And Attica may call me what she will. A traitor breathes, and feels the blessed sun. He's ne'er so poor but can his housing find In alms-lapped Nature. Her unchoosing airs Ask not his name before they touch his brow And tell him when 'tis spring. He yet may dream In unrebuking shades, and birds will sing As liquidly as though he were not by. Food is yet food, and wine is ever wine. I will not die. [_Rises_] By Maia's son, I'll live! What is my country but the bit of earth Where chance did spawn me? 'Tis no treachery. We're traitors unto love, not hate,--to trust, Not doubt and slander such as Athens poured Upon me guiltless. _Pyrr._ [_Crossing to him_] So you've found a way To save both life and honor! _Bia._ May a worm Not creep to cleaner dust? Pyrrha, be kind. Spare me the trampling foot. _Pyrr._ We've lost an hour. You'll send to Phernes? _Bia._ First we'll signal him. He may be setting off. We must despatch, For if he saw no sign he meant to draw His fleet from doubtful waters and give aid To neither side. [_Taking up a light_] Three cressets--that was true. When once these lights have spoken, he'll receive Your envoy as myself. Then Hieron May bear confirming word to him, and bring Assurance back. _Hie._ [_To Pyrrha_] You do not doubt? _Pyrr._ Doubt now? Nay, Hieron. I'll trust him with his _life_. _Hie._ But---- _Bia._ [_Trembling_] O, ye gazing gods, must it be done? In Athens' living heart set up the torch That leaves her a charred blotch where she lay white 'Neath heaven and smiled up to sister stars! _Pyrr._ Come, Biades! _Bia._ Shall not the earth be lost To God's own eye when Athens, quenched, no more Marks where we wander? I can not do it! _Pyrr._ [_Taking the cresset_] Too late, My lord! [Fixes light in the open embrasure, then places two others. Biades falls back, mantling his face] _Hie._ To Phernes now! We must not boggle this! _Pyrr._ If you've a doubt, sir, look on that. [_Points to Biades_] _Hie._ I'll hasten back to you. _Bia._ But note our light. The galley rowers may return ere you, And move us to the east. _Hie._ I shall not lose you. _Bia._ What escort will you take? A noble one Will best please Phernes. _Hie._ Mirador and Agis Shall go with me. Meanthes shall remain To be your watch. _Bia._ You'll tell them nothing? _Hie._ Sir, I've sworn. I shall say naught but this. That Athens Proffered you pardon, and you hold to Sparta. [_Exit Hieron. Pyrrha watches from the door until the boats put off. The sea is now dark. Biades takes up a harp and strums it_] _Pyrr._ [_Turning_] You can do that? And I--I held my heart At halt, there at the door, nor turned my head Lest pity should emburn my eyes to tears. [_Crosses to him_] Dost know that all the juniper in the world, Burnt in thy house of honor, would not cleanse Its doors of stench? [_Throws the harp aside_] And you can use that air For breath of song! _Bia._ Those are the bitterest words That ever dropped me gall, but I can find A crushèd balsam in them,--for they say You might have loved me, Pyrrha. _Pyrr._ I might. _Bia._ You did. The moment that I cast my Spartan mask And showed me true to Athens, you were mine. That instant there was joy-fall on your heart That swept its icy sentinels with fire, And they were down. Oh, had I then proved staunch, Ta'en helmet off to death and bade him strike, You would have closed my eyes with kisses warm As rose-drift on a tomb---- _Pyrr._ Nay, I'd have kept Those eyes to be my light on earth, not star Elysian skies. Had fought for you against My mother Sparta. Fought as woman fights For her one love,--with wit and armèd tongue, And cunning that throws puzzle on the gods. Fought till subduèd Death had knelt to Fate And prayed your life for me! _Bia._ Have I lost that? _Pyrr._ You yielded--sank--unlustred even your soul For a poor pinch of time---- _Bia._ But if some touch Of heaven could make me true again---- _Pyrr._ Look on Those lights, that you with single breath could turn To weeping smoke,--they've lit a quenchless wreck That all your sighs blow vain against,--a flame Ungovernable to remorse. Not furrowing winds That split the watery fields to Thetis' bed, And make a foamy Ural of her shore, Can sweep it out. Ay, groan and shake, And draw your mantle up! Behind a cover Thick as Taygetus' sides, I'd see you limned In shame! _Bia._ [_Springing up_] What's shame to love? To love fire-sprung From instant meeting of fore-strangered eyes? And such was ours, there in that Athens' grove. Imperial of itself, it asks no loan Of subject virtue's smock to drape it royal. As fen-born vapors seem to nest the stars, Yet far below them do but thatch the world When they look down, the vassal qualities May lift no touch to love, that yet must wear, To earth's unvantaged eyes, their reek and hue. _Pyrr._ Aerial love is but an earthling still, It must come down for food or mortal die, And what but virtues feed it? _Bia._ Nay, you speak Of a fair, lesser thing,--a grace not lit From thurible in uncreated Hand, But coaxed from clay to a persuaded life. Garbed as the days,--patched, plastered, hung with dear Possessive vanities, it serves to make Contentment's bed, and cook a patient meal On comfort's hearth,--even snuggles in the void That else might ache, sings low, and makes Companioned feet tread bravely to the grave. It has a thousand names, but never one Is love. Be thine that white, ungendered spark, And naught can feed it, naught can make it less. Virtue and vice, nobility and shame, Are rags that drop away, while you sweep on, Stripped as a flame, with arms about your star. [_Pyrrha is silent. Both start at sound of a noise on the water_] _Pyrr._ What sound is that? _Bia._ The rowers are returning. _Pyrr._ So quietly? _Bia._ [_Goes to door and closes it_] The world shall not come in On me and you. Be mine this broken hour, And Hieron may flute through after-time At secret doors where you lock up your favors. For you will go with him. _Pyrr._ A prophet too? _Bia._ You'll make his home, but I shall come and go The unseen master there. _Pyrr._ Now for the vision! _Bia._ You'll watch your door,--the unheard step is mine,-- And rock the babe born of a dream of me. And I, far-wandered, lost unto myself, Shall never lose you, Pyrrha. As the light Wrapping the wave reveals its silver dance, My being shall exult through shade and wear The chlamys of your gleam. Your voice behind The wind shall draw me lover-lipped to meet Adventure's breath. You'll lie upon the hush That girdles evening,--be the thrill within The throstle's note, and silence when His song is done. _Pyrr._ Nay, it will speak of Phania, Of Sybaris.---- _Bia._ Ay, and a hundred more In whom I've sought for thee, my Pyrrha, always thee! 'Twill speak of them as statues speak of shards About their feet,--the sculptor's broken dreams That made the perfect one. [_The ship rocks_] _Pyrr._ We're moving! _Bia._ Yes, You know,--to safer waters. Listen, Pyrrha, To me--to _me_! _Pyrr._ Those sounds---- _Bia._ [_Kneels_] Hear _me_! My head I'll votive lay till you may set your feet Like tangled roses in my curls---- [_Pyrrha springs toward the door, but Biades is before her. The noises increase. Groans, blows, shouts_] _Pyrr._ Aside! I'll pass! _Bia._ O, save our bones. I am the stronger. You know 't. _Pyrr._ You! I'll wind you like a thread! _Bia._ You didn't. _Pyrr._ Didn't.... _Bia._ When we wrestled. _Pyrr._ When.... Oh, _then_! My arm was lame. Come, I will pass! _Bia._ Nay, 'twas your heart that spared me! _Pyrr._ Ay, like this! [_Throws him aside. He staggers against the wall for support. She opens door. Two soldiers in armor silently oppose spears to her passage. She slowly closes the door_] _Pyrr._ Where are we going? _Bia._ You love me. What an arm! 'Twas never lame! _Pyrr._ Come! Tell me what's our port, Then I shall know one place we do _not_ go. _Bia._ Tut, love! Pry into men's affairs? Be calm---- _Pyrr._ What does this mean? [_Advancing_] I'll know! _Bia._ [_Retreating_] You shall! It means "The last lie wins." We go to harbor. _Pyrr._ Ah!... Those rowers.... _Bia._ Faithful and fleet as ever bore An Athenian general home. They came upon Your signal---- _Pyrr._ Mine? _Bia._ They lay at watch, not Phernes. Look on those lights! O, trinal star, set high By my beloved! My honor's flaming hedge---- _Pyrr._ You fly, But in a net! The Spartans heard those shouts. They are in chase--you'll see---- _Bia._ They're unprepared. The captains off their ships, the guards in doubt, And oarsmen half asleep. But let them come Far as they dare, and if they dare too far From Persia's shelter, the Athenian fleet Will close like jaws about them. _Pyrr._ [_Sits, with sudden hopelessness_] You have won, My lord. _Bia._ I have. _Pyrr._ What will you do with me? _Bia._ I'll wed thee, sweet. _Pyrr._ I'll not---- _Bia._ Yes, love, you will. There is a dagger hangs in Phelas' shop, Shall be your bridal gift. A prizèd blade Of coppered gold, hued like a battle morning. Smooth-cheeked as Artemis, although inlaid With pictured tale. A captured Amazon, Wrought palely in alloy,--a silvered fear On th' bronzen flush of courage,--bows before Her conqueror, a knight who gently bends As I do now---- _Pyrr._ [_Thrusting him off_] No! Never! I'll not trust Your dolphin nature! Long as fish have fins You'll sport in every sea! Go--go to Phania! _Bia._ [_Turns angrily from her_] Ay, by my gods that I have found again, I shall wed none but an Athenian maid! [_Pyrrha swoons. He rushes to her_] Her heart is still. O, curse my double-tongue! She's dead--she's dead! She takes the Spartan way-- To die, not yield! Oh, Pyrrha, Pyrrha, Pyrrha! [_Rushes about distractedly_] I will not live! I'll leap into the sea! _Pyrr._ [_On her elbow, as he reaches door_] You might catch cold. [_He stares at her. She sits up_] Is this your grace in love? Your pictured ease, with no dissuasive line? _Bia._ O, Pyrrha, peace! Let us be done with cheat And mockery! _Pyrr._ [_Rising_] My heart on that, my lord! _Bia._ Own thou art mine! My world when sunsets die! My breath of meadows lying past the moon! Compassionate this earth, and in my soul Fix thee its centre. Say thou'lt come! _Pyrr._ My lord, Could I be sure.... _Bia._ Ah, Pyrrha, there's no light Falls from thine eye that does not sway me like A bee in rose wind-shaken. I am thine. There'll be no battle, but a nuptial feast With three great armies for our brothered guests. Your land and mine are one. Give me your hand. _Pyrr._ I will. For Sparta's sake. _Bia._ And love's! _Pyrr._ [_Giving her hand_] And love's. [_Curtain_] ACT V SCENE: _The garden of Pelagon, as in first act. Enter youths and maidens dancing about Pyrrha and Biades. They sing:_ Hymen, god of bended knees, Who would gain to thee must lose! Take from us thy merry fees, Though our fairest thou dost choose,-- Pyrrha and our Biades! Fling the garland and the wreath! Roses, roses consecrate, That upgive their happy breath In an ardor 'neath our feet, Kissing fortune in their death! Sparta's won, and Athens' wed! Shyest hours of midnight, bring Charm and blessing for the bed Whence a fairer Greece shall spring And her golden peace be bred! [_They dance off, lower right, as Pelagon and Stesilaus enter middle left_] _Pel._ Ha, neatly sung! By Hermes, they have made A tickling in my sandals. _Ste._ Frivol! _Pel._ Eh? Nay, youth must wind his horn---- _Ste._ Not in my ears! _Pel._ Though he never come to the hunt. But Biades Has run the chase, and's bravely home again, The game in pack. _Ste._ Too noble game for him! My girl! That I should ever play the sire To a fop of Athens! _Pel._ If the burn's so raw, You've secret salve for it. _Ste._ Yes. 'Tis not my blood That so forgets its source! _Pel._ Sh! Stesilaus! A little butter on the tongue, my friend, Does no man harm. _Ste._ Butter a hackle, not My tongue! If I'm so rubbed, I'll rasp the winds Till they sprout ears. Don't "sh" me, Pelagon. I'll muffle in no corners. _Pel._ Hist, I say---- _Ste._ Don't zizz into my beard! We are not curs To nose and smell in council! _Pel._ Ruin's on us! You will be heard---- [_Enter Menas, upper right_] _Menas._ Joy to the noble fathers! Sweet saviors of our city! _Ste._ Sweet! _Menas._ What says Our Stesilaus? _Pel._ Ahem! The Spartan joy Is ever dumb. But see him stirred to heart That by a gift from out his very life, His dearest daughter, peace is home in Athens, And's forced no more to camp and cadge and beg At our shut gates. Yet it goes hard to part Wi' the fairest branch on's tree. _Menas._ In Biades He finds a treasured son. _Ste._ By a mermaid's shoes, A precious son! _Menas._ How, sir? _Pel._ Indeed, indeed, A jewel of a son! Will you, friend Menas, Float with the senators, and bring to shore Report of how they drift,--what currents favor And what now counter us? _Menas._ I'll go, my lords, To hear the latest honor they conclude Best caps your fame, and bring it in a word. [_Exit Menas_] _Ste._ I had two minds to throw the truth in 's face And see him strangle on it. _Pel._ Friend, wouldst make My old knees creak to earth? I sue to you Be soft as prudence. Shall we now be false To our dearly tended hope--united Greece? Now when the fact is on us, and our dream Walks in the day? I beg you clear your heart Of selfish fire that eats the very pattern Of love's new world. It is ungraced, perverse As altar flame that would devour the shrine 'Twas lit to honor. _Ste._ Think of Greece? What's Greece, When my own daughter pairs with---- _Pel._ Nay, but mine. When you are bitterest set, say to yourself She's of my loins, and when more softly taken, Then call her yours. But openly be constant To a father's right in her, and proudly sire Her honors. And 's for Biades, he's but A brocket yet, his antlers barely bossed. My oath upon it, your reshaping hand Firm-cupped about his overweening spring, Will be a second cradle where he'll grow Fair to your fashion. Think on that. _Ste._ I will. There's comfort. Ay, so, so. The terms of peace Make him a Spartan. Pyrrha stood with me Stout-willed on that. _Pel._ Then whist! You trust your wife? _Ste._ You speak to Stesilaus. _Pel._ Eh, I know You've her in hand. My Sachinessa now-- [_Sighs_] But she loves Phania best. That locks her tongue. And, friend, do you not see the high all-ruling Will Has moved behind our own? _Ste._ I think it so. Our aim achieves its heaven, though we smart Beneath it. To the outer glozing fame That now attires us splendent, we may add Inmost applause. When we exchanged our babes, 'Twas for this end and day, and had we held To our first intent and taken our own again, Our hope had died unfruitive. 'Twas there That deity came in and shifted us To th' true sybillic course. _Pel._ Who dares say else? We'll wear the issue as a sacred robe Fallen on us from Olympus. _Ste._ Which our wisdom Fits comely to us. Forget it not, such gift Had been withheld from minds too poor to be The heirs of Zeus. _Pel._ But if the clay-eyed mob, Whose pottage traffic up Olympian paths Blocks commerce godly and invisible---- _Ste._ Tush, cut the string, if you have aught in bag. _Pel._ Why, I would say if some of grosser sight Than our two selves, should fumble on our secret That Pyrrha is Athens born---- _Ste._ Nay, put your fears In pocket. It shall not be known. [_Enter Biades_] _Bia._ Ha, nunky! Where is my happy father? [_Sees Stesilaus_] A suit, my lord! I've Pyrrha's leave to make our home in Athens If thou wilt bless our dwelling. Crave thy grace For sake of her in whom thy pride best flowers! Here she'll o'erlay all Spartan crudity With suavest bloom, and take e'en native place Where Athens' love would set her. _Ste._ Never, sir! [_Exit, middle left_] _Bia._ The gray fox snaps. Ho, but I'll draw his teeth, And he shall yelp for 't too! _Pel._ Shame, sir! Not give The road to him? The father of your bride? _Bia._ I will when she's his daughter. _Pel._ What! What, boy? _Bia._ I say when she's his daughter. Let that in At your good ear, and in the t'other one I'll call _you_ father. _Pel._ Ruin! It's come! _Bia._ Who thinks I'd make that Spartan grunt my father, knows Not me! What? Set that boding beard at head Of my Athenian house? Or go to Sparta To hut me where I would not ask a stall For a borrowed horse? _Pel._ But---- _Bia._ Scratch my helpless throat With bread a pig would stick at? Swallow brew Of salt and soot? And chafe my pumiced skin With itching linsey?--or an untanned hide, As man were still the beast that wore it? _Pel._ Peace, My son---- _Bia._ Say grace for leeks and goose-foot? _Pel._ But---- _Bia._ Though Eros pinned me head and foot with shafts, I've saved my eyes, bless my united wits, And know the high-road! I'll not lose me on A pig-trail to a sty. _Pel._ But if these Spartans hear They'll sack the city! Zeus deliver us! We're lost! we're lost! Oh, Biades! _Bia._ [_Calm_] Talk in a muff, good father Pelagon, Or we indeed are lost. _Pel._ You'll keep the secret? _Bia._ A time. I've plans in seed will make all Sparta A garden for my Athens, where her fame Shall browse to its tallest. Trust me, Pelagon. I'm still a general! [_Enter, lower right, young men who surround Biades, and press him off, singing_] Gander now must keep with goose! Biades, O, Biades, Thou shalt ne'er the cord unloose, For the mighty god decrees He shall hang who dares the noose! [_Re-enter Stesilaus_] _Ste._ He's gone? I took My anger off where it might safely blow. This path brushed clear by Heaven must not be closed By our stumbling selves. The widgeon! He would fly Above the eagle, but I'll snip his feathers, Give me good time! He'd live in Athens, ha! And swore on Hera's altar he would be A son of Sparta! _Pel._ Nay, I noted, sir, That Sparta was not named in 's oath. _Ste._ What now? _Pel._ Naught, naught, my friend! Yet he but swore to make The land of Pyrrha his. _Ste._ And what meant that But Sparta? If his warm wooer's oath must cool, We've winters that will do it. _Pel._ Caution's best. Slow-mare will get you home. _Ste._ A year or two Of good black bread, and free winds on his skin Will take the maiden from his cheeks and set A true man's beard there. Tush! I thought that Fate, Granting my main desire, gave me this plague, Which, with the rest, now proves my life has pleased High arbiters. You're silent, Pelagon. _Pel._ No, no! Yes, yes! I think so. 'Tis indeed! _Ste._ Come, come, my friend! We will go forth and meet The occasion as a guest, bethinking us We walk between mankind and deity. [_They start out and are met by Alcanor and Phania who fall before them_] _Pha._ [_Kneeling to Stesilaus_] Your blessing, father! _Alc._ [_At Pelagon's feet_] Blessing, dearest father! _Pel._ What, what! _Pha._ [_To Stesilaus_] Forgive your child! _Alc._ The priest---- _Ste._ My child? _Alc._ The priest has made us one. _Pel._ What priest? Who dared Defile the altar with such rite? _Alc._ [_Rising_] Defile? Though you're my Phania's father, you shall cast No stain upon that holy ceremony Whose odor yet is round us. Sir, the priest Has blessed us. Do you as you please. Come, Phania! Come, sweet! We'll smile at this. Though a father's curse Bethorn our way, a gentler heaven will drop Its soft approval where thy feet must pass. [_Going_] _Pel._ Speak, Stesilaus! Stop your wretched son! _Alc._ Not wretched, sir, while Phania is my own. We shall be blest when you, too late, beseech Unhearing gods forgive you this! _Pel._ Stay, sir! O, miserable boy! _Pha._ No, father, no! He's happy in my love as leaf in air, As the sea-crystalled fish, as lotos in Its pool,--and I--O, sir, my joy has wings, And tho' I love you dear and daughterly,-- Who gave me life,--your anger has no weight To keep my feet on earth. Like twirling lark Too high for storm to reach, I dance above Displeasure's cloud. [_Trips off with Alcanor_] _Pel._ Sweet wretches! Here's a turn! My little Phania! Friend, what shall we do? _Ste._ Again the finger of the gods. _Pel._ The gods To limbo! I will save my daughter! _Ste._ Yours? _Pel._ Yea, by each hour of prattle at my knee! By all my care that's been her constant nurse, And every joy that from devotion sprang To meet me like a flower as she grew, She's mine, mine, mine! Oh, Stesilaus, oh, Whosever she may be, I love the chick, And she shall not be damned! [_Enter, upper left, Sachinessa and Archippe_] _Ste._ Here's a reproach Comes with a dual mouth. If we show doubt, They'll put us under pestle. Rally, sir! _Sac._ [_To Archippe_] Are you all lump? Pick up your courage. Why! The gods are gods by their audacity. I'll bring it off. Now, Pelagon? _Pel._ [_Who has turned to flee_] What, you, My love? _Sac._ Such heavy news! Enough to make The gods no more co-venture with a world Augmented so! _Pel._ What, Sachinessa, what? _Sac._ Our Phania's married to Alcanor. _Pel._ Eh? _Sac._ Now are you pleased? Now is your cruelty Full-fed, or must it glut again? _Pel._ My sweet---- _Sac._ You'll meddle with high Zeus! Have you enough? _Pel._ Oh, Sachinessa! _Sac._ Brother and sister bound In an abhorrent union that will drive Their shades forever from Elysian ground! Nay, even Hades will make fast her gates 'Gainst such offenders, innocently vile! Archippe, speak to that unbending man, Half author of this shame! I'd thin his beard If Heaven had mocked me with his long, smug face For husband! Ugh! The whiskered horse! _Arc._ Dumb, sir? You've no defence?--no master argument To prove your wisdom's never off the road To Zeus' gate? Not once in all your life, Although your daughter's to her brother wedded? _Ste._ 'Tis well. I can not doubt the gods. [_They stare at him_] _Arc._ Her brother born? So foul a hap? _Ste._ A thing too dread in thought, And in the act unutterable if Zeus Be unconcerned in it. Therefore believe His hand here moves, and holy majesty O'errules the mortal scruple, so dividing This horror from its kind. May it not be The blood of Stesilaus hath in 'ts flow A heavenly tinct that makes it not a sin, But rather virtue, to keep pure the stream From baser founts? They've done no more than kings And gods before them. _Sac._ Pelagon, _your_ croak! _Pel._ I take a lower ground, my dearest dove. All Athens knows me modest---- _Sac._ Ay to that! Can blush as deep as any crow that flies! _Pel._ Now, now! From first to last I've held it truth That breeding scantles birth, and on that count Make Phania our daughter. _Sac._ Oh, you do? _Pel._ I stand on this, that training is the man. Or woman, let us say, and not the blood We buried with our fathers. So these two Mate not ancestrally, but in their lives That distantly upbred have not between them A structural thread to bind them of one house. _Sac._ What men are these? _Arc._ I am no more afraid Of him I thought was Stesilaus. _Ste._ Listen, You women. Though we are thus righted---- _Sac._ Humph! _Ste._ In man's and Heaven's eye, we yet will bow To your own wish in this. As once we gave Your sighs the right of way, we now will ease This second woe by taking swiftest means To part this clucking pair. _Sac._ You'll yield to _us_? _Arc._ How like you, Sachinessa, this high place Above the gods? _Sac._ They shall be parted? _Ste._ Ay, We do consent. _Sac._ Nay, you shall please yourselves. For my own part, I will not break their bonds And set their hearts a-bleeding. _Arc._ No, nor I. _Ste._ How now, vapidity? _Arc._ I mean, my lord, You have convinced me, and this marriage bond Shall be as Zeus has made it. _Sac._ Pelagon, Your reason captures mine, and I repent My mockery. This strange event's no more Uncouth, now you have pried the way for me To wisdom's bed of truth. I clearly see Thai man and woman of one mother born May be no kin. The marriage shall stand. _Pel._ In name of Zeus! _Arc._ Yes, in his name. _Ste._ Nay, wife, We know your simple heart, and read its horror Through this pretence so suddenly clapped on. We shall reject a forced and sad submission---- _Pel._ Ay, ay, we shall! I'll act at once, and stop Their kisses, riveting a bond unblessed---- _Sac._ Unblessed? _Pel._ My golden joy, I speak your thought Not mine. [_A clamor in street_] _Ste._ They come for us. _Pel._ I hear my name. We'll out and greet them. _Ste._ No, my friend. Let them come in unnoted. _Pel._ Ay, we'll sit Withdrawn, in gentle argument. Here's shade. [_They go aside. Enter Lysander, Agis, Creon, Menas, and a score of Spartans and Athenians_] _Lys._ Is Stesilaus here? We must be heard. _Arc._ He's here. _Menas._ And Pelagon! Where's Pelagon? _Sac._ His good ear's toward, sir. _Pel._ [_Unable to keep aside_] Did I not hear My name? _Sac._ Why, so I said. _Agis._ [_Advancing to Stesilaus_] My lord, we come---- _Ste._ What haste, good Agis? Goes the world so fast? _Agis._ As fast as Fate can drive it, and you, my lord, Are under foot. _Pel._ [_Who has been listening to Menas_] You hear it, Stesilaus! Athens is ashes! We're betrayed, betrayed! [_Biades, Pyrrha, Phania, Alcanor, and their companions swarm in, lower right_] _Ste._ Silence, and let us hear! Now, Agis, speak. _Agis._ And grieve that 'tis my part. The Spartans know Your treachery---- _Ste._ Who dares to give such a name To deed of mine? _Agis._ Denial comes too far Behind the proof, my lord. _Ste._ The proof? What proof? _Lys._ 'Tis known to all. The very curb cries out That Pyrrha is Athenian born, the child Of Pelagon. _Pyrr._ Oh, Zeus! _Bia._ Bear up, my Pyrrha! _Agis._ Ay, Athens weds with Athens, and on that You build the peace of Sparta! A bold deceit Of yours and Pelagon's, whereby we're sold To a foeman's pleasure! _A Spartan._ Though the heart of Athens Be in the knot that binds your traitorous bargain, We'll cut it through! _Agis._ Will you deny you changed Your babes in cradle? [_Silence_] _Bia._ Pray you, who revealed This ancient secret? _Menas._ Creon came---- _Bia._ Ah, Creon! _Menas._ Before the senate, then in seat to unfold From rivalrous invention, topless honors For these two lords, whose guilt had long devoured Such labor's root and reason. _Bia._ Creon came? _Menas._ And bared the tale, made his by accident, And swore you knew it too,--that Pyrrha there Is Pelagon's daughter, and Phania is the child Of Spartan Stesilaus. _Pha._ Oh, oh, oh! _Alc._ A rope for me then! _Cre._ [_To Biades_] Sir, I did not speak, But trusted all to you, until the secret Laid night on Phania's innocence and grew Too foul to keep. _Pyrr._ You knew this, Biades? _Bia._ And knew you would forgive! _Pyrr._ This was the spring Of all your oaths! In my espousèd hand You'd lay my country's peace, knowing her name Was Attica! This was your proof of love. The oilèd wedge that let you in my heart! False in the trothal moment that should make The foulest for an instant pure! _Bia._ But hear---- _Pyrr._ Oh, in that hour which women wrap in rose And hide where thoughts like guardian doves may go, You set a cautel touching it with death That leaves me treasureless! _Bia._ My Pyrrha,---- _Pyrr._ Not yours! _Bia._ Howe'er 'twas done, I won you! _Pyrr._ Won a Spartan! Now keep the shadow. As an Athenian maid I do renounce you! [_Escapes him_] _Bia._ Ah! Zeus loves the dice. He's always at the game. But who'd have thought This throw would be against me? Hear me, sweet! [_To Stesilaus_] Dear father, speak to her. She'll heed your voice, Your judgment ripe, and words set out like cups With wisdom's honey. _Pel._ [_Awake to fathership_] Ay, my son, I will! _Bia._ Not you, in name of hope! [_Follows Pyrrha_] _Alc._ Monsters of fatherhood, how dare you show Your faces in this sun? Go seek some cave Whose darkest den will not betray a shame Of its own hue! No, Phania, do not cling To my unwilling breast that now must be A hedge of swords to your bird bosom. [_Holds her tightly_] _Pha._ Oh! _Cre._ Withdraw your hand, proud Spartan! _Alc._ I will protect My sister, sir, from any lord of Athens! _Sac._ Look, Pelagon,--and Stesilaus,--here! Look on this warbling joy hatched tenderly In nest of your conceit, which you've kept warm Forgetting you had hearts where love bechid Sat in unfeathered cold. If you are fathers, Drink of their ecstasy till every vein Applauds it! _Lys._ Pray you, peace! The Senators! [_Enter Amentor and other Senators_] _Ste._ What's your demand? _Amen._ Your life, Lord Stesilaus. And that of Pelagon, in Athens' name. _Pel._ My life? _Amen._ Not less will still this wind and save Our homes from undefended sack. They've seized The citadel---- _Bia._ Then on my armor! Wife May whistle when the bugle calls! _Amen._ Stay, sir! The Spartans are in power, and any check Means slaughter. There's no help. The Persian fleet Has sailed. The Athenians drop their useless arms And follow at command, knowing no way To win but by a bloodless yielding. _Bia._ Yield! _Amen._ Sir, we must grant the Spartans these two lives, Whereon they'll strike no further. So they swear. _Sac._ [_To Pelagon_] This is your downy Peace wooed from the clouds To hover over Athens! Save the name! She's from a briar-patch, not Heaven! Her wings Are full of burrs! _Bia._ [_Holding Pelagon_] Stand to! A scuttled ship Has no choice deck. There's nothing to be saved But dignity. _Pel._ Nay, that's for Stesilaus! [_Breaking away_] My life, my life! [_Noise mounts without. The wall is broken through, rear, and the breach reveals the street filled with angry Spartans_] _Amen._ Peace! _Gir._ Give us Stesilaus! _Voices._ And Pelagon! The traitors! Give them up! _Amen._ You see them. There they stand. [_Misses Pelagon_] Where's Pelagon? _Voices._ We have him here! Bring Stesilaus! _Arc._ Hold! I am Archippe. Let me speak. _Voices._ No mercy! _Arc._ I ask none, friends. The wife of Stesilaus Is not so much in 's debt she owes him aught On mercy's score. _Gir._ Then speak. _Arc._ Is Philon here? The reverend priest? _Voices._ He comes! Make way! He's here! [_Philon comes out_] _Philon._ Speak first, Archippe. I'll follow you. _Arc._ My friends, I'm such a one as you do most contemn,-- A woman disobedient to her lord. But if you judgment give upon that point, Remember that my lord is Stesilaus. When this my daughter here,--yes, Pyrrha, she,-- Child of my nurturing blood,---- _Voices._ What? What? Your child? _Amen._ Silence! Speak on, Archippe. _Arc._ When she lay A morsel cradled, two months' breath in her, Came he, the father, swearing she must go To Sachinessa's breast, and I must take Her Phania to my own,--thereby to serve In some occulted way the future good Of Greece. And all the mercy won from him Was leave to journey with my child to Athens---- _Sac._ But I was not so meek! By Pallas, no! What--who--was Pelagon, to rob my bosom Of Hera's gift? Who made him greater than The gods? 'Tis but a girl, he said, to me, A mother! I went to Philon then, the priest Whom Athens honors, and by holy counsel, We did not change our babes, but let our deed Wear face that pleased them, with a heart our own, And home Archippe went with Pyrrha safe, While I in Athens held my Phania close. And they, fond sires, who knew no difference Between a _girl_ and _girl_, hugged their deep plan And built the phantom of united Greece Upon it. _Arc._ If those ghostly towers, now fallen, May rise again, it is our act, my lords, Provides them nature's base, and not a dream's. Condemn us, if you will, as erring wives, But as true mothers give us softer justice. And if there's scale or balance that can hold Such torturous weight, lay on it all the pain Of lonely years that saw me turn my face From my loved daughter, lest this man of rock Should know her mine and his. _Pyrr._ Your own, your own, My mother! _Ste._ So you slip me, dame, And Pyrrha goes with you. But Biades Is under thumb by this same turn. He now Must know himself a Spartan, and shall keep My terms. _Arc._ Make them full easy. You shall lay No marring hand upon our children's joy As fell on mine. _Bia._ O, sue for me, Archippe! Give me my bride! Whatever be her race, Her home is in my arms! _Arc._ Forgive him, Pyrrha. Not for his pleading, but for love I know You bear him. [_Pyrrha permits Biades to embrace her_] _Alc._ [_To Phania_] Sweet, we know our heaven by Those moments in a hell. _Amen._ Here's feast enough! _Bia._ But poor old Creon in this rain of porridge Starves for a spoon. _Cre._ And you, perforce, take one Of Spartan make. _Bia._ I'm caught. But in love's lap. I'll swallow Sparta for so dear a bed. _Menas._ And you need fear no distaff tyranny, My lord. There you are safe. Although your bride Be Hera-limbed, you've proved yourself her Zeus In open match. _Cre._ How if her movèd heart Crept to her arm and slipped the victory Unwon to love? [_Biades is suddenly embarrassed_] _Pyrr._ [_With a caress of assurance_] If that were so, my lords, My pride would harbor his, and none should know My secret. _Ste._ Senators, and men of Athens, Art dumb when justice waits on you for voice? What censure have you for these rebel wives, And this unsainted priest? _Amen._ [_To Philon_] You counselled them To their deceit? _Philon._ I did. _Amen._ You've no defence? _Philon._ I need none. _Ste._ Ha! _Philon._ Whoso reveres the gods Draws of their strength in every mortal inch, And in this act I did them reverence, Standing between their wish and meddling wits Of these presumptive men. But pardon them. For it is shame enough to've thought to make A frislet of their own shake like the locks Of cloud-haired Zeus. For me, my hand is on My altar, and I fear no fall. _Amen._ No more, Good Philon. _Philon._ Ay, a word, This morning, sir, I blessed the couple here, knowing them free Of kindred blood,--Alcanor and his Phania. The strands are doubly woven that now bind Sparta and Athens. Pyrrha and Biades Were first to link them one, and now this pair Unites them o'er. _Amen._ You hear, my Spartan friends. What say you? Is it peace? _Spartans._ Peace be to Athens! _Amen._ And peace to Sparta! Hearts and altars guard it! Go, citizens! See that the chariots Glow with new garlands for this double bridal. And let the noble wives of these proud lords Co-queen festivity. All shall rejoice Save this convicted pair,--you, Pelagon, And Stesilaus. You we prison here, Your own sole company, nor shall you speak Save in a rhyme now dim with little use, But shall be better known from this day forth With polish you shall give it. Hear it, sirs: _The man who would his own pie bake_ _Must from his wife ten fingers take._ [_Curtain falls and rises. Pelagon and Stesilaus are discovered, their backs to each other, the only occupants of the garden. Through the breach in the wall the festal procession is seen passing. Curtain_] * * * * * KIDMIR A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS _CHARACTERS_ OSWALD, _Earl of Clyffe_ BERTRAND, _sometime_ VAIRDELAN, _his son_ CHARILUS, _a Greek_ ARDIA, _his daughter_ BIONDEL _and_ VIGARD, _sons of Charilus_ BANISSAT, _Prince of Avesta_ PRINCE FREDERICK BERENICE, _his daughter_ GAINA, _serving-woman to Ardia_ BARCA, _servant to Charilus_ RAMUNIN, _a headsman_ SEVEN MAIDENS, _friends of Ardia_ _Followers of Banissat, soldiers of Oswald, nobles, wedding-guests, dancers, guards, &c._ Time: _During the later Crusades_ Place: _The southern coast of Asia Minor_ ACT I SCENE: _A hall in the castle of Charilus on the heights of Kidmir. The open rear, through which is seen a sunset sky, leads to a parapet overlooking the city of Avesta and the coast of Suli. Entrances right and left of parapet. Midway down, right, the door to a chamber._ _Charilus stands on parapet and looks down toward Avesta. Barca waits within the hall._ _Char._ O, sea-washed city, must the hail of fire Crimson thy milky walls, and salt winds strive In vain to sweeten ditches dark with blood From thy tapped heart? Come, Barca, be my eyes, Who climbs the heights? [_Barca advances and looks over_] _Barca._ Lords Vigard and Biondel Are on the pass. _Char._ My sons so soon returned! No other? _Barca._ Farther down, my lord, I see The knight, Sir Vairdelan. _Char._ Then we shall hear His sunset song. _Barca._ The stairway through the cliff Is closed. Shall I give signal, sir, to hoist The upper gate? _Char._ That is my charge henceforth. [_Going left_] They will be hungered. [_Turns to Barca_] Scant the board in nothing. [_Exit left_] [_Gaina enters, right, rear, carrying a tray piled with candles_] _Gaina._ Thank goodness, Barca, you're where you're wanted for once! Help me with these winkers. [_Giving him candles_] My mistress kept me out on the cliffs when I ought to 'a' been inside an hour ago doing my honest work. I got her in at last, but I had to be round with her, poor soul! I told her what! _Barca._ [_Placing candles_] She was watching for her brothers? _Gaina._ [_Puts tray down_] Brothers! It was a sight of that singing knight she wanted. He went down the pass this morning and she has gone about all day like a bird with a sore throat. _Barca._ God gave her eyes, and Sir Vairdelan is good to see. When I look at him I feel somehow as if the sun were just up and everybody had another chance. _Gaina._ A man who lets his sword rust at home while he goes about tootle-de-rooling on a flute! And she could be the princess of Avesta if she'd look in the right place. Well, if she had _my_ eyes! _Barca._ What! You would have your mistress marry Banissat? An unbeliever? _Gaina._ A prince is a prince,--and I'd say the same if my mistress were my own daughter. _Barca._ And you a Christian! _Gaina._ A Christian of Corinth, I'd have you know. There are Christians and Christians, please you! And for my mistress, dear heart, it would take more than marrying a prince to send her to--to---- _Barca._ Let it out. _Gaina._ Hell, then,--if you want to bite ginger. And who but Banissat can stand between her father and that English Oswald--who is just plain devil and not an Englishman at all---- _Barca._ Devil? A knight of the Cross leading the army of the Lord to Jerusalem. _Gaina._ Nobody but the devil, I tell you! And I wouldn't speak to him if I met him walking with Saint Peter, unless he showed me his bare feet with ten good toes on 'em. It might be all right for Peter, but a woman can't be too careful, and the master took me out of a good family in Corinth. And this Vairdelan who is no more a knight than I'm a lady--the next time he goes down the pass he will lose his way up again, or my head's a goose-egg, that's all! _Barca._ Gently, Gaina. You were young once. _Gaina._ Once? I've more hairs than wrinkles yet, which some can't say and tell the truth! _Barca._ Tongue in! Here's the master. [_Moves right_] _Gaina._ My candles! [_Seizes tray and goes out, right, as Charilus re-enters left_] _Char._ [_To Barca_] Look to the supper. [_Exit Barca, right. Charilus crosses to parapet and looks down_] Doubt-blown city, rest. Sleep on my heart. You shall not bleed for me. [_Enter Ardia from chamber midway right_] _Ard._ Alone, my father? _Char._ Never alone, and yet My wish was calling thee. [_Sits, and draws her beside him_] _Ard._ Ah, not one guard About thee? _Char._ The only guard is always near,-- A fearless heart. _Ard._ Then I have none. My heart Is made of fears. _Char._ No charm but love will lift Our gates of rock. _Ard._ But who knows love from hate In days like these? Some foe with friendship's eyes, Some secret knife of Oswald's---- _Char._ None may tread The guarded pass save our knight Vairdelan And your two brothers. _Ard._ Vairdelan is late. Why went he down? _Char._ Knights true as he, my girl, Are never questioned. _Ard._ [_Starting_] Who are at the gates? _Char._ Your brothers come. _Ard._ So soon? That means good news From Banissat. He'll be your strength against This mighty Oswald. _Char._ Fair his word may be, But I go down the pass. _Ard._ Go down? To meet That fiend? _Char._ The man who calls himself my foe, But named of God my brother. _Ard._ O, too much Thou lovest love! A fiend, I say! _Char._ That name Give unto me when I consent to piece This spun-out life with breath of babes and gasp Of dying mothers. Would you feed these veins, Gelid and old, all golden venture done, With the warm waste of youth whose savèd stream Might bear mankind unto the port of gods? _Ard._ But you--you are my father! _Char._ It is such cries Unsettle justice till her shaken scales Weigh nations 'gainst a heart. _Ard._ Must I not love you? _Char._ My Ardia, fair as though thou wert not mine, Or wert all hers who made gray Corinth young, The love that feeds behind a sheltered door Must be unroofed and take its bread of stars Ere it may answer to its holy name. The heart must build no walls---- _Ard._ I build them not, But find them risen about me. You are here, Guardful and best, fending my eyes,--there stands My Biondel,--there Vigard brave,--and there.... _Char._ And there, my daughter? _Ard._ Hark! 'Tis Vairdelan's voice! [_Singing heard below_] O fires that build upon the sea Till wave and foam of ye are part, And burn in mated ecstasy, Ye build again within my heart. O clouds that breathe in flame and run In linkèd dreams along the sky In me the fire is never done, Though Eve's gray hand soon puts ye by. Christ be my Hand of Eve upon The flame that tireless, fadeless leaps! Haste holily, O Mary's moon, With dew for fire that never sleeps! [_Ardia keeps a listening attitude, not heeding the entrance of her brothers who come on left_] _Char._ Well, sons? _Bion._ Ay, well! That is the word we bring. Avesta's prince, the gracious Banissat, Is now your sworn defender. _Ard._ [_Turning_] And asks no price? _Bion._ No more than your fair self, my sister. _Vig._ [_As Ardia stands silent_] You doubt? 'Tis true. He'll make you princess! _Ard._ He is old.... _Bion._ What call you old? He's in the fairest top Of manhood. _Vig._ Old! _Ard._ And cannot sing.... _Vig._ Not sing! _Ard._ What need have we of him? Can Oswald scale These rock-barred heights? _Vig._ Starvation can. _Ard._ We've food Will last three harvest moons. _Bion._ And Oswald camps Where plain and sea will feed ten thousand men As many years. _Vig._ While here our skeletons With bleachèd grin may watch the feast below! _Ard._ To starve ... is that so terrible? 'Tis but One way of dying. _Vig._ Dying? _Char._ Say no more. The morrow's dawn shall light my way to Oswald. _Bion._ You'll go to him? Then death! _Vig._ [_To Ardia_] See what you do? _Ard._ Forgive me. [_Runs to her father and clings to him_] Now! Bind me to Banissat. _Char._ Nay, thou art free. _Bion._ [_To Ardia_] Our lives shall thank you. _Vig._ Thanks? You speak her part. [_Ardia leaves her father and moves to edge of parapet_] _Bion._ [_Following her_] Dost know a better way? _Ard._ I pray you, leave me. _Vig._ Princess of Avesta! _Ard._ Your supper waits. _Vig._ [_Starting right_] Come, brother! _Char._ Though I've supped, I'll sit with you, my sons. Discourse is ever The best dish at the board. _Bion._ We thank you, sir. [_Exeunt Biondel, Vigard, Charilus, right_] _Ard._ And am I wooed and won? Dreams of a dream, Where are ye now?... A lover with no song. No carols stealing sweetness from the moon; No trembling hand to drop a morning rose Where I may walk. [_Takes a rose from her bosom and casts it away_] No rose.... no Vairdelan! [_Re-enter Gaina_] _Gaina._ Here, mistress? Dearie dear, a-weeping? _Ard._ No. _Gaina._ Say you were, 'twere a better sight than this fetching of dry sighs. They 'most take the skin of a woe that a little tear-water would bring up easy enough. _Ard._ O, Gaina, Gaina, did you see my mother buried? _Gaina._ Ay, 'twas a sweet grave we laid her in over in Corinth. You'll never make as pretty a corpse, my dear. _Ard._ Was I there? _Gaina._ Troth, you were, and trouble enough you gave me. You wanted to climb into the coffin and go to sleep too, you said. _Ard._ O, had you buried me with her I should not have seen this day! _Gaina._ Most like you wouldn't. Come, honey dove, come to your room and brighten yourself a bit. There's the new veil just begging to be looked at. I'll put it on you, and---- _Ard._ No, I don't want you. [_Going, right_] _Gaina._ O, ho, I can read his name you do want, and not kill a bird for it either. _Ard._ [_Turning_] Who, magpie? Who? _Gaina._ Your eyes may save my tongue if they squint sou'west. _Ard._ Is he coming? _Gaina._ Who, my cuckoo? Who? [_Bertrand enters left. Ardia starts off right_] _Ber._ Ardia! _Ard._ [_Weakly, pausing at her door_] Vairdelan.... _Ber._ Will not you stay? _Ard._ I will return. [_Exit_] _Ber._ Your mistress is not well? _Gaina._ You've eyes, sir. _Ber._ This fear of Oswald---- _Gaina._ Her trouble's nearer home, sir. _Ber._ Her father---- _Gaina._ Nay, it wears no beard, though it may in time. _Ber._ What troubles her, dear Gaina? _Gaina._ A man, my lord. _Ber._ A man! _Gaina._ There, don't feel for your sword, for that's at home, and I never heard yet of spitting a man with a flute, though it may e'en go to the heart of a woman if she be young and soft like my mistress. _Ber._ The truth, Gaina! _Gaina._ I can spare it, sir. My master's daughter is so in love with you---- _Ber._ Angels do not love! _Gaina._ That may be. I'm speaking of my mistress, "Magpie!" Not meaning you, sir. _Ber._ She can not love me! _Gaina._ That's what I said--at first. A roaming creature with only his cloak for shelter, though it's a good gentleman's weave, I'll allow, and I know you'll go away before her poor heart gets too heavy for carrying. It's nigh that now, and before you came it was so light she was tripping and chirping till I could 'a' sworn she had no heart at all--just toes and wings. And now, dear soul,--but you'll go, sir? You know you'd have to hunt the door soon enough if her brothers got a breath of what's between you. _Ber._ There's nothing between us! _Gaina._ A bat could see it by daylight. It's been in your eyes all the time. _Ber._ I never meant it! _Gaina._ Shame to you then. You'll go, sir? _Ber._ Yes, yes, yes! _Gaina._ Here's my lady. Now don't tell her you're going. Just go. _Ber._ Just ... go. _Gaina._ [_At right_] Ay, you've got it. [_Exit Gaina as Ardia re-enters_] _Ard._ My brothers are at supper. Will you join them, Or do you fast? _Ber._ I fast. _Ard._ A stern religion Is yours, my friend. _Ber._ I've chosen it. Ardia, You know me for a knight. _Ard._ [_Softly_] Who wears no sword. _Ber._ But in the English isle where I was born, I was a monk ... and true. True am I now, Save that my cell is what men call the world. _Ard._ Spare speech and me. I know the rest. _Ber._ Your prayers Then be my bond that Christ may search my heart And find no part not his. _Ard._ No prayer of mine Shall fetter youth to bloodless vows. And you Look not as one faith-leeched of life. Your cheek Is sudden gray, not changeless pale. 'Tis hued Like rebel morning pushing back a dawn Too eager for its peace. A monk. Our ways Part as our souls. Know you I am to wed Prince Banissat? So dumb? My father comes! [_Meets Charilus re-entering and leads him to a seat_] Our guest was telling me of English days. Now you change tongue with him and speak the tale You promised yester night. Why does this Oswald, This war-mad lord of England, on his way To free the holy tomb, forget his path And turn his army's strength against a man No greater than thyself? _Char._ Yes, you shall know. _Ard._ At last! _Char._ For morning parts us. _Ard._ Oh! Not that! _Ber._ Shall I go in, my lord? _Char._ Nay, Vairdelan. I'd have thee hear. Thou thinkest me a man Of holy heart. _Ard._ Ah, who does not? _Char._ There's one Has cause for doubt. 'Twas I who slew in rage Earl Oswald's father. _Ard._ You? These hands? _Char._ These hands. _Ber._ I've heard 'twas so. _Ard._ You've heard? _Char._ 'Tis thirty years Since Oswald, with his father, John of Clyffe, Marched in Red Giles' crusade. You know of that? _Ber._ My grandsire captained there. _Char._ I served not Christ, At least as they, with pillage, fire and rape. But there were some among the English youths Who took my heart, and Oswald was my choice Of all who camped before the holy gates. _Ard._ That man! _Char._ I, too, was young ... and I was wed. Not to my Ardia's mother, but to her Whose heart yet boldly beats in my two sons. In her strange beauty John of Clyffe found death. He sought her, and I slew him. When his blood Ran at my feet, I fled,--not from the swords Hot on my path, but from that stream of blood. _Ard._ Dear, dear my father! 'Twas a world ago! _Char._ I was not of the many who can kill And laugh again, nor yet of hermit-heart. But for myself had made a gentle god Whom my soul served. _Ber._ I know, my lord, that sweet Idolatry, and dream what thou didst suffer So shaken from it. _Char._ Far as man knows the world I fled the scarlet stream that followed me, And on the skyward slope of Himalay, Between the white of snows and blue of heaven, Saw it no more. _Ard._ [_Kissing his hands_] O, white, forgiven hands! _Char._ There, near to God as man may come nor lose The body's mould, I saw in solvent thought That knows not time, a sinless star,--this earth That shall be. Back unto my world I came, And that my dream might live I lived my dream, Servant to love even where the slaves of hate Whet sword and knife. _Ard._ O, true! _Ber._ 'Tis sung of thee! _Char._ Now am I old, but love does not deny me One service more. To-morrow I shall go To die at Oswald's feet---- _Ber._ [_Eagerly_] You will go down? _Ard._ No, no! He shall not go! Prince Banissat Will save him! He has promised! _Ber._ [_Gazing at Ardia_] Banissat? So 'twas a bargain. Thou'rt fair goods to be On th' vender's table. [_Turns to Charilus_] You choose well, my lord. _Ard._ What words! _Ber._ I bring a message from th' earl. _Ard._ From Oswald? [_Shrinking_] You know him? _Ber._ If any man May know him,--but I better know his son. _Ard._ The vicious Bertrand? _Ber._ Vicious? _Ard._ O, so foul He shuns the day, and walks on moonless nights Most like his soul! _Ber._ You speak of Bertrand? _Ard._ Ay! More wolfish than his father,--beast whose sword Should be his body's part as tigers wear Their claws from birth! _Ber._ A bold delusion this! _Char._ She speaks untempered rumor. Slander, sir, Is out of breath with sporting Bertrand's name, And giveth way to winds that blow it past Belief's last border. _Ard._ Slander? _Ber._ What will shake These fancies from your heart? _Ard._ A miracle. Naught less. _Ber._ Hard terms. [_Turns to Charilus_] I know this Bertrand well. If any happy merit in myself Has won your love, bestow the same on him. What I may share is his. _Char._ Here's living hope! _Ber._ He, like myself, was cloister-bred, and passed Peaceful, uncounted days until the death Of his three brothers, slain in one mad hour. Earl Oswald then bethought him of the son So early given to Christ. "I have no heir," He said, "but God lacks not for monks." And straight With power and gold bought full release for Bertrand, Save that release his soul and God might give. _Char._ You make me love his story. _Ber._ True to peace Even in the camp of war, he lives withdrawn, And so gives Rumor sweep for what she would, While in her swollen report the earl conceals His monkish son's true nature. _Char._ I'll know this youth! _Ber._ He keeps his tent by day, and steals at night To forest glens, his armor but a cloak, His sword a flute---- _Ard._ O, light from Heaven! _Ber._ Sometimes He farther goes, even far as Kidmir heights, And at the feet of Charilus he learns A love more true than fane and cloister taught,-- The love that made the houseless, barefoot Christ, With open breast to all unbrothered woe,-- And now he kneels and of that gentlest love Asks pardon. _Char._ Bertrand, son of Oswald, rise. There's no forgiving in the sinless star. _Ber._ [_Rising, to Ardia_] And you? _Ard._ Ah ... when I've breath! _Ber._ What I have said, My lord, makes way for what is yet to say. To-day I waited by Avesta's gate For this [_taking out paper_] my father's word, response to mine Sent days ago to him. Here, sir, he says: [_Reads_] "Son of my hope, your words are not more strange to me than these I write with my own hand. If Charilus will come to Suli Castle, the which my swords have taken while you sang and slept, my door shall open to him as Kidmir gates have opened unto you. By Christ, I swear the treatment that he gave my blood he shall have again from me. But if he come not down, then shall I reach him through Avesta's heart, and the love he now spurns will be cold in my sword. Despatch this, I pray you, for I would hasten to Jerusalem, leaving you my conquered princedom, whose head is Ilon and whose foot is the city of Ramoor. Thine as thy heart speaks, Oswald." _Char._ Your father's hand? _Ber._ Doubt flies from it, although The vein is alien, sir. It is his hand. And, I do think, his heart, wherein, my lord, Your gentleness to me, like creeping rain, Has moistened love's dry root, whose pent-up bloom Is by that nurture freed, and magical Now glows before us. _Char._ This I would believe. [_Starts off right_] Vigard and Biondel must have this news From my slow lips, lest with the sudden truth They strike ablaze. They have their mother's fire. Albanian Gartha was not one to die And leave her sons no part in her wild race. [_Exit_] _Ber._ You are not Gartha's daughter? _Ard._ No, my lord. Claris of Corinth bore me, and my flame Is joy, not anger. O, this miracle You've wrought for me! _Ber._ I wrought? _Ard._ 'Tis no less strange When God through his bare tool reveals his hand, Than when invisible his power stirs And makes a chasm in sense. So when you stood Before me, Bertrand's self, with yet the voice, The eyes, the heart of Vairdelan, I knew That was my miracle. O Heaven-sign At which my world grew blithe and shook May-boughs With birds in every branch! _Ber._ You've no more fear For Charilus? _Ard._ None, none. Nor for myself. _Ber._ Yourself? _Ard._ O, seems no soul need trouble now In this vast world! [_Re-enter Charilus and sons_] _Bion._ You are not Vairdelan? _Vig._ You're Bertrand, Oswald's son? _Ber._ 'Tis true. _Vig._ That truth Should cut your throat, and I could lend my sword For such a matter. _Bion._ Come! What knightly plea Coats this deceit with honor? _Ber._ None, my lord. If I've made trespass deeper than your love Will bear me out, my hope is in your pardon. _Bion._ A lie made you our guest, and guest you are Until we meet on Suli plain. _Char._ My son! _Ard._ Call you that pardon, Biondel? _Bion._ I speak No pardon. _Ard._ But you shall--you must. O, say it! You know our father goes to Oswald. _Vig._ Know That fools and women talk! The gates are sealed. _Bion._ I'll guard the pass against my father's self If so much rudeness may make stand between His death and life. _Char._ My sons, I thank your love, But I go down. The guards, the gates are mine, And to my will they open. _Vig._ 'Tis that girl, That silvery Greek---- _Char._ If your quick blood must stir, Let manners grace it. _Ard._ O, my dearest brothers, Do you not love me? _Bion._ Better than you know. We love you, serve you, though yourself obstruct The way to safety. _Vig._ You would trust the man Who wrapped him in a lie to enter here? Sat at our father's board and brake his bread To feed an enemy? _Ber._ The bread I brake Fed friendship's heart in me, and made this roof A temple. Do you not know me, Vigard? _Vig._ Nay, I knew a Vairdelan--you are not he. _Bion._ If Oswald means no harm to Charilus, Let him pass on. Jerusalem awaits His savage sword. _Char._ My son, that Oswald thus Compels me to him is to me but proof That hearts may greet above long years of hate. In this I see Love beckoning Man across The wastrel lands of war to fields unwet With blood, to days---- _Vig._ Unhearted cowards then! Praise Allah, we yet live where rapiers thresh The fields of men and leave the bravest standing! Is 't not the Prophet's word that Paradise Lies 'neath the shade of swords? _Char._ Allah be yours! But I would walk beneath unrisen stars, Beyond hate's eyeless clouds---- _Bion._ O, spare us, sir! Each day brings its own sun, and by that light, No other, men must walk. If this our time Be dark to you, 'tis in your vision, not In the lit heavens, from whose shoreless depth No hook of prayer or prophecy may draw One star before its hour. Pray you be done With this moon madness. Banissat will meet The force of Oswald. With the morn he comes To seal his troth with Ardia---- _Char._ By no word Of mine. If you have given him pledge, your honor Shall dip to dust and drudge your forfeit out, Ere virgin bondage pay it. Hark, Biondel, And hear me, Vigard! I alone shall meet Earl Oswald. If the blood I shed yet cries For blood, here are the veins shall make it dumb. _Bion._ But, sir,---- _Char._ No more. Your sister stays with you. Regard her will, nor ope these doors unbidden To Banissat. _Ard._ I stay? O, never think I shall not go with thee! _Char._ You go? _Ard._ I'm safe With thee, my father. Here.... _Vig._ Here you have brothers! _Ard._ I mean no slight upon you, but my fate Keeps with my father. _Char._ I should doubt the God Who bids me go if I denied you this. Thyself art Peace, and where thou goest moves Her radiance. Make you ready. And good-night, all! Sir Bertrand, know the sleep that fits the heart For journeying. [_Exit right, rear_] _Vig._ [_To Ardia_] There's one will stop your way-- Prince Banissat! _Bion._ We'll send him word this hour, For while the edge be on his sudden love He'll thank us to be swift. _Ber._ You loved me once, My lords. _Bion._ True, son of Oswald. _Ber._ Though you used Some bitter words, I know your inmost heart Holds me a man undoubted. There I'm stamped In honor's verity; and when I vow, By my soul's faith, that Charilus is safe, You know 'tis truth. _Bion._ Be you our father's hostage, If this mad thing must be. Stay you with us, And we are silent. _Ard._ Stay? You ask too much. _Vig._ No fear, soft sister. Mark him. We're refused. He'll stuff the air with words, not clear it with One pinch of proof. _Ber._ My lords, were I to stay, 'Twould make an act of faith lose point and purpose, And blazon doubt before my father's face. _Vig._ You mark? _Ber._ 'Twould louder cry of war; uproot Love's seedling in its tenderest hour, and make Once more the bane and night-weed spring. But hear An oath of mine. If Charilus meet harm In Oswald's camp, I shall return and ask The same stroke from your hands. _Ard._ O, do not swear! _Ber._ By every hope I have to enter Heaven, By the right hand of God, by this white cross That knew my mother's last, death-holy kiss, By every sacred thing I know and love, If Charilus comes up these heights no more, Here shall I lay my life beneath your sword. [_Barca re-enters right_] _Barca._ [_To Bertrand_] The master asks a word with you, my lord. [_Exit Bertrand with Barca_] _Ard._ Will you accept his oath? _Vig._ Go to your room. _Bion._ We'll talk alone. _Ard._ Nay, hear me first. You think To force me to the arms of Banissat. Give over that wild thought. _Bion._ 'Twas not so wild An hour ago. _Ard._ Fate lifts the hand that laid Compulsion on me. I am free. O, free! No strait of life or death can make me less Than mistress of myself. _Bion._ Our destiny Is bound with Banissat. Make him our foe, And where shall we find peace? Not on these peaks. _Ard._ Is he our jailer then? This Banissat? Our prison his good favor? Nay, the world Has many roads, and courage even yet May blaze a new one. _Bion._ Rooted life is best. I am not one to make my bed on winds, Or stroll the earth for fortune's grudgèd scraps Snatched from a rapier's point. _Ard._ Know this. My hand Shall never lie in Banissat's. Give up A hope so barren. There's better pasturage For wits so bold as yours. Now Oswald holds The breadth of Suli plain, the heights of Tor, Winged by the sea from Ilon to Ramoor-- A principality whose circuit leaves Avesta as a fly pinned to a wall. _Vig._ What's Oswald's fief to us? We are no sons of his. _Ard._ Lord Bertrand holds the princedom here While Oswald goes to wars in Palestine. _Bion._ He told you this? _Ard._ Did you not read as much In Oswald's letter? There 'twas plainly said. _Bion._ Still is our surest hope with Banissat. _Ard._ When Bertram! is your friend? O, more than friend! A brother! _Bion._ Ah ... do you say "brother"? _Ard._ True As though he had been born our father's son! _Bion._ [_To Vigard_] You hear? _Vig._ With more than ears. _Bion._ We have been blind. _Vig._ A brother! _Bion._ All is clear enough, now that We've eyes for it. Your pardon, sister. _Ard._ Pardon? _Bion._ Pray you! We thought your scorn of Banissat Marked you of creeping spirit, when your aim Shot o'er our lowered eyes. _Vig._ Ay, she has sped Before our boldest care of her, and left Our duty lurching. _Ard._ These are drunken words. _Vig._ If you would wed Lord Bertrand,---- _Ard._ O, you think.... _Bion._ Your hope has shown its wing. Best bid it fly. _Vig._ Speak without fear. This changes all. _Ard._ You mean You'll not delay us? You will let us go? _Vig._ And speed you too! High stroke, this anxious hour To journey in his care! _Bion._ Yet shielded by Our father's dignity. _Ard._ How you mistake! He does not woo me! _Vig._ Now the modest foot! But we have seen the other. Trust us, sister. _Bion._ Mistake? I now recall his looks, his sighs, As from a love immured,--his songs, too warm For piety's cool breath,--and more that tends To happy proof. _Vig._ How dare he woo thee when Mere Vairdelan? This blade had stood between! _Bion._ Such beggar suit would then have cheapened thee Beneath a prince's wearing. [_Leading her to door, right_] No drooping now! The way lies clear. _Ard._ O, brother---- _Bion._ Get you in. _Ard._ Will you not listen? _Bion._ Leave your hope with us, Your secret is our own. [_Closes door upon her_] _Vig._ Here's change of sky. You trust Lord Bertrand? _Bion._ That is now our course. Our father will go down. _Vig._ What's in your heart? I'll open mine. _Bion._ I beg you do. _Vig._ Ramoor And Ilon now are crownless. Suli's prince Must have new governors. _Bion._ But Christian ones. That bars our way. _Vig._ The Prophet's cloak fits well With any fortune. _Bion._ Ah.... _Vig._ We've but to change The color, not the cut. _Bion._ [_Listening_] He comes! _Vig._ We'll speak. _Bion._ Not yet, my Vigard. Let this fruiting hope Swell to a golden fall. Wait with the sun. No green and forward plucking. [_Re-enter Ardia_] _Ard._ Hear me, brothers---- _Bion._ Not now. The prince! [_Re-enter Bertrand, right_] _Ber._ I pray your answer, friends. Let us go down unhindered, and my oath I leave with you, a hostage sure as though With iron bonds you held my breathing form: For in that oath I leave no treasure less Than honor, knighthood, and what in me moves Deathless to God. _Bion._ It is enough. Our guest Is free. _Ber._ Once more my brothers! _Bion._ Know us ever By that dear name. _Vig._ And this deep oath you take For Charilus' sake, is sworn too for our sister? _Ber._ For Ardia? No, my lord. _Vig._ Do you say no? _Ber._ I must so answer you. For the fell harm That touches her would of myself make end. My honor so impeached would cease to breathe The air itself made foul. I could not come Having no life to bring me. _Bion._ We believe you. Go with our father. Take our sister too. And we upon these heights shall pray, as you On Suli plain, that Charilus may see His sons again. _Ber._ Come, let him know! This wished Obedience will give him sleep. [_Exeunt Bertrand, Vigard, and Biondel, right rear_] _Ard._ Is 't best That Truth be dumb? I'll watch this weaving Fate, And feed her web with silence.... Oh, with hope! [_Curtain_] ACT II SCENE 1. _A hall in the castle of Suli. Heavy doors open left, half-way up. Large window with iron grating, rear. Couches, chairs, scattered. Tables from which servants are removing the remnants of a feast. They are quarrelling, chaffing, singing, as the curtain risen._ _First Ser._ Shifty, there! _Second Ser._ What, can't a soldier eat? _First Ser._ You a soldier, lickspoon? _Second Ser._ I've drawn a sword, sir! _First Ser._ Ay, and cut a cheese. _Third Ser._ [_Lifting flask_] Here's to---- _Fourth Ser._ [_Seizing flask_] No man shall guzzle my master's wine before me. [_Drains vessel_] _Third Ser._ [_Sadly, turning up empty flask_] Not after you, either. _Fifth Ser._ Well, well, and two moons back we were saying grace over ditch-water! _Sixth Ser._ Ay, we were good Christians then. A full stomach makes lean prayers. Now we've such a plenty we can spare the devil a fillip, and never a grace for it. _First Ser._ [_Tugging at table_] Take a leg there! This is no grasshopper. [_Others help him move table to wall, right_] Look about you! The maskers will be in here. _Second Ser._ Here? They'll be everywhere to-night. Such a jig-making over the new prince! _Second Ser._ Not a corner to drop into and sleep off a good supper with a clear conscience! _Sixth Ser._ Sleep? What have we to do with sleep? We fight, we eat, we dance. That's my soldier! _Second Ser._ We kill, we cut, we caper! [_Sings_] The soldier rides on Fortune's wheel, _All._ Round we go, Round we go! _Second Ser._ Now up the head and now the heel, _All._ Round we go, Round---- [_Enter seventh servant_] _Seventh Ser._ Quiet, you devils! The master's coming. _Second Ser._ What, can't a soldier sing? Haven't we fought like true men? When did we give quarter? When did we show mercy? And now can't we be happy? Can't we take breath? _Seventh Ser._ Sh! and I'll tell you what I've seen. I've seen the daughter of Old Wisdom. _Sixth Ser._ He get a daughter! _Seventh Ser._ The maid of Kidmir. Ardia of the Stars they call her, but if the sun could shine in the middle of a dark night she would be like that. _First Ser._ Foh, the Lady Berenice will put out her candle. _Seventh Ser._ The Lady Berenice is as like her as the back of my hand to Juno's cheek! _First Ser._ A heathen comparison! There's a Christian blow for it! [_They scuffle. Enter Oswald in talk with Bertrand. Servants finish their work quietly and go out_] _Osw._ My heart is whole again, now you've escaped The claws of Kidmir. _Ber._ Say the arms that closed Like God's around me! _Osw._ Fox, and lion too. That's Charilus. I knew him young,--when blood Tells nature's truth,--ere he had sucked Philosophy's pale milk and made his truce With prudence and long life. The heart then his He carries now---- _Ber._ Then, sir, you must have known The Maker's marvel,--youth that outstripped age And grayest saints in virtue. _Osw._ Tut! No matter. You're safe. And he is here ... within these walls. _Ber._ A guest of faith who holds your honor bound High hostage for his life. _Osw._ My honor? Trust me! I'll care for that. No more I'll blush to lift My shield i' the sun. The spot of thirty years Shall be wiped out. _Ber._ With love, my father? _Osw._ [_After a pause_] Ay, 'Tis love shall do it. _Ber._ [_Lifting his father's hand to his lips_] You bind my heart to you. _Osw._ Too soft, my warrior. Keep such woman's play For Berenice. She will thank you for it. I'm rough and old, and need the soldier clap To start the singing blood. [_Clapping Bertrand_] A blow with good Red heart in 't! _Ber._ Berenice? _Osw._ Ah, that takes you! She's here at last. Prince Frederick arrived Three days ago, and with him his fair daughter, Too dear of value to be left behind, The prey of quarrelling kings. You'll dance with her To-night. _Ber._ You'll pardon me. I shall not dance. _Osw._ Faugh, there's the monk again! Why, boy, we'll pray The better for a little tripping,--fight The better too. One dance with Berenice! A beauty, sir, who makes me hate the years That lie 'tween youth and me. She was to wed A son of mine by vow above her cradle, And I have buried every son save you. _Ber._ May I not keep one vow? _Osw._ The pope long since Released you. Now---- _Ber._ My compact was with Christ. _Osw._ Why cling to one when all the rest are broken? _Ber._ It is the one lies wholly in my choice. _Osw._ You left your cell. _Ber._ Do you forget 'twas you Who shook to ground my cloister walls, and locked All holy doors against me? _Osw._ True, I did it. And with good warrant. Broadest Christendom Upheld my right and gave me back my heir. Small gain if you refuse to wed. My need Is not for sons but grandsons now. My boy, You'll let me see your children at my knee? Ho, hide your face? Then there's a heart in you. Why should I toil through blood and groans and fire To make a name my shroud will wrap with me? _Ber._ Toil then to give this land to God, and live So long as love shall live in men. _Osw._ Pale fame! Have you no blood of mine? How could my fire Father this sluggish monk? There was a maid On Kidmir, Charilus' daughter, who has come In wag of him, which speaks a fearless wench,-- She taught you nothing in those moons you passed Upon her peaks? _Ber._ Sir? _Osw._ When I saw her face Flash from her veil, I could have sworn Your vow was drowned in her lake-eyes, and that Her captured softness had made easy way For royal Berenice. Now you talk Out of your cowl---- _Ber._ Not so! I am a knight! Your words have made me one! Now could I draw This sword that knows not blood---- _Osw._ I'll bout with thee For any woman. Come! Thou'lt be a man Ere long. Come, sir! _Ber._ You've set a foot most foul Upon the flower of time! _Osw._ It seems I've hit The mark i' the very eye. _Ber._ The whitest thought That holds her first must shrive itself! _Osw._ So, so! Come, end the song. She's yours. 'Tis not the moon You cry for, take an old man's word. _Ber._ The moon Were nearer to me! _Osw._ Trrr-rrr-rr! _Ber._ My lord? _Osw._ A woman. Ask and have. I'll send her here. This is the hour to bait you, and I'd not lose it For half of Suli. _Ber._ Stay! I will not see her. I dare not look upon her lest I lose Christ and myself. _Osw._ Are you so tuned? We'll have A wedding yet. _Ber._ Forget that word, and I Forgive you for it. _Osw._ A wedding, prince of Suli. This plain shall ring to Antioch. _Ber._ Nay, father,-- And yet I thank you that your heart would make So fair a maid my bride. _Osw._ Fair? That's no word. She's glory's darling pearl,--the morning's eye That makes the night forgot! When you have seen her---- _Ber._ When I have seen her? _Osw._ Ay,---- _Ber._ Do you not speak Of Ardia? _Osw._ Ardia! Gods! Wed Kidmir's trull? Make me a doting grandsire to the heir Of Charilus? Hear it, stars! Am I the fool O' the earth? Give up my English forests, bare My purse for troops, and foot by foot fight way To Suli sands,--all this that I may set A droning dotard's line upon a throne, And be the ass of chronicle? O, poison! Well, well, I'm done. The girl is fair enough. And you shall have her if she pleases you. But Berenice--there's your bride, my boy! _Ber._ Wed Berenice? With that name you save me. By that I see the darkness coiling deep Along my bridal way. 'Twas Ardia's name That lit the path till I dared let my eyes, Though not my will, go venturing on 't. _Osw._ My son,---- _Ber._ Never again, my father, speak to me In this night's strain. Till morning I shall pray. And then I fast. Good-night. _Osw._ One moment. One! The sunrise feast? Will you not be with us? I drink with Charilus the cup of peace. _Ber._ And love that breaks no peace? _Osw._ [_Assenting_] See how you bend me? All that you ask I give, but you to me Yield nothing. _Ber._ Sir, this sword, my knightly suit, And princely title, make denial for me. _Osw._ Your pardon. I forget you count it much To give a crust and cell for this broad kingdom. I who have paid my heart out for a crown Must thank you now to wear it. _Ber._ Good-night. _Osw._ O, son, Have you no patience with a man grown old In many battles? Now feel I my age, Knowing the dearest blows of my long life Have bought me but this shadow. In you is drained Ambition's heart,--my every burning aim Fails here in you, and cools unforged, unshapen. Yet do you turn from me as though 'twere I Not you who gave the wound that parts us. _Ber._ I? _Osw._ Of all my sons I loved you best. You think I gave you to the friars with no twinge Here at my heart? Your mother said "One son We must return to God," and I said "Yea, So it be not my Bertrand." But her will Ran 'gainst me. When she had her way, I longed Through many a day to have you at my side, While you were happy with your songs and saints, Your father quite forgot. _Ber._ [_Stirred_] Nay, not forgot. And I am with you now. _Osw._ O, let me feel My son is mine! I'll yield you anything. Ay, even Ardia! She shall be my daughter---- _Ber._ By heaven that keeps me true, I will not hear That name again! There's maddest music in it. I see her when I hear it. [_Covering his eyes_] _Osw._ [_Aside_] I see the lime Will catch you. _Ber._ Again, good-night. _Osw._ One favor, son. And slight too, by 'r lady! _Ber._ Speak it, sir. _Osw._ I gave my word you'd wait on Berenice. I' faith, I know not what excuse to make To Frederick. 'Tis barest courtesy To give her greeting. _Ber._ I will welcome her, Our guest. _Osw._ Enough! [_Going_] You'll wait us here? _Ber._ I'll wait. [_Exit Oswald. Bertrand sits with head bowed and does not heed maskers who enter and dance about him. They cover him with their garlands as they go off. A song is heard within_] What save winds shall kiss his bones Bleaching on the desert stones? What but waves o'er him shall sigh Who doth drownèd sea-deep lie? What save worms to him shall come Locked in earth, bound, keyless, dumb? Wild the wind and cold the wave, Sharp the tooth within the grave! Be such kisses for my ghost, Heart, my Heart, when thou art lost! Love me, Love, an hour and we Mock the cold eternity! _Ber._ [_Taking up a flower_] Eternity in this? [_Ardia enters. He does not see her until she speaks_] _Ard._ Prince Bertrand? _Ber._ [_Rising_] You? Not Berenice! _Ard._ Ah ... you wait for her? _Ber._ Who brought you here? _Ard._ The earl. Your father. _Ber._ He! What said he? _Ard._ That you prayed to see me, sir. _Ber._ O, faithless! He deceived you. _Ard._ I will go. _Ber._ Stay--tell me--how you fare. _Ard._ Nay, you await The princess. _Ber._ You've all comfort? No least lack? _Ard._ I've food and bed, but little company. _Ber._ My father's plans press hard, and I'm a part Of them. Each hour he calls me. _Ard._ I know, my lord, This is not Kidmir. I've my father too. You've yours ... and Berenice. _Ber._ Nay, it seems Fate hath her changelings. You have come, not she. _Ard._ I sought no meeting, sir, but being here, I'll ask you of my father. Is he safe? Earl Oswald means no treachery to his guest? _Ber._ At sunrise he will drink the cup of peace. _Ard._ That's hours away! He knows your life is pledged For Charilus' safety? _Ber._ No. I will not wake A doubt against his honor. _Ard._ He should know. I've seen his eyes. Good hap, you have your mother's. _Ber._ If he be vile as you so fear he is, My pledge would be no leash to his hold will. He'd chain me here till he destroyed your brothers. Let him know naught, I'm free to keep my oath. But this should not be spoken. We do wrong To talk of things that have no being save In our own midnight fears. _Ard._ Well, I shall sleep. Good-night, my lord. _Ber._ Am I not Vairdelan? _Ard._ Ay, when you smile so. [_Holds out her hands, and drops them untouched_] Far, O far from Kidmir! _Ber._ Yea, an eternal journey my lost soul May find it. Ardia, counsel me. Two ways Stretch long before me, and I faint In daring either. Give me of your strength. _Ard._ My strength? I have none. _Ber._ You have God's. Men, proud in valor, stray and lose his hand; The woman holds it ever, walking floods And trampling fire where men go down. _Ard._ Tell me! How may I help you? _Ber._ Sit then. I will speak. [_She sits; He stands near her_] I have agreed to be the sovereign Of sword-won Suli. _Ard._ None will better serve Where he is master. O, this spear-torn land Shall flower to heaven and mate her bloom with stars! _Ber._ A bloom that dies with me? _Ard._ Death cannot make The spirit barren. _Ber._ [_At distance_] Through me my father hopes To found a princely house o'er-topping Asia With Christ-lit towers. _Ard._ Oh!... Then you will wed. _Ber._ [_His eyes down_] My bride is chosen. _Ard._ [_Rising_] Chosen? [_Sits again_] Nay.... I know.... _Ber._ [_Returning_] Your hidden eyes hide not the loathing there For me forsworn. Why have I troubled you? Look on me, Ardia. I am not yet fallen. I take your answer. You have chosen my way, And I set forth upon it--_not_ forsworn. _Ard._ That word is naught. I do not think of it. _Ber._ Must man not keep his pledge? _Ard._ To mortals, yes. For so our lives are knit, and part to part Keep sound and whole. But pledges unto God Man cannot make or keep till he may bind The Will that journeys with the launchèd world. So might His rivers say "Here will we rest, And worship thee," nor run into the sea, And God must be content though all his fields Burn waterless. So might the winds vow Him Unbroken calm, and God who needs his storms Must still his own desire while his dear earth Goes pestilent. _Ber._ Unsentient things! He shares His will with man. _Ard._ But not to enslave his own. Christ seals no bond the lips lay on the soul That is each instant new as life, as change, As the importuning world. Ah, he who sells To one hour's narrow need the zenith light Of unborn days would snuff out time and know No rising sun. Himself would be a slavedom Where never Christ would walk. _Ber._ Is 't Ardia speaks? _Ard._ Truth speaks, not I. If man must vow, Let it not be to love no woman,--wear The vest of fire, and in a sunless cell Chain Heaven-arteried life,--then peering out, Cling to the nested eaves transfixed to see His fled desires wear the horizon flame. But let him vow his Christ shall shrink no vein Of broad and pauseless being; ay,--shall keep Sweet surgence with his blood, climb with his spirit Time's lifting hills, and hold in watch with him The unshrouding pinnacles where love puts off The old clouds for the dawn. Forsworn? O, heart Cell-bound, thy very vows deny thy Christ. Who serve him wear no chains. _Ber._ You think me true? And yet I felt your wounded, doubting eyes Raining me scorn. Why was it, Ardia? _Ard._ Scorn? I have forgot why 'twas--or shall forget. _Ber._ And there was pity too, that dropped your lids. And would have sheltered me. Is that forgot? _Ard._ Nay, that.... I'll tell you that. I thought of Love, Man's angel, and the heart-lone way of him Who missed and found her not. Never to take More courage from the fall of her sure feet On heights that wind between death and the stars; Or where his road burns through the shadeless sands, Reach for the hand with fountains in its touch And feel the palm-breath round him. Not to know Her eyes when night is come, and there's no star; Her breast, that pillowing the darkened waste, Keeps warm the bitten earth and gives him dream To meet and match the dawn. So wept my thoughts, Forgetting that you are no wanderer, But kingly housed will rule a tamèd realm. Or should a harvest come of spears, not grain, Yet is your princess brave and beautiful, And bears, may be, a mating heart. Love then Will come to you---- _Ber._ My princess? _Ard._ Berenice. Your father's choice ... and yours. _Ber._ My Ardia! Mine! Could such a lie creep to your soul and find No lances at the door? [_Kneels, kissing her hands_] My love, my love, my love! Let honors fail, and stars forget my name, 'Tis thou shalt walk beside me, thou my chosen! I'll hear thy footfall on the winter steep, And take thy hand where desert noons are white, But close thy breast shall lie upon my heart, Nor pillow the bitten waste, my own, my own! [_She moves from him. He rises_] Why are you silent, pale, and heaven-still? _Ard._ I must be still. I've mourned my heart-walls thin. This joy will break them. Joy to hear your voice With love's mate-music in it cry to me. My joy! I'll drink it all, nor lose one drop, For I shall have no more. _Ber._ No more? No less Than life can hold! _Ard._ Hear me, my lord. _Ber._ You love me! _Ard._ I shall not be your wife. _Ber._ You're mine--all mine! _Ard._ You hold your vow yet sacred, breaking it By the sole might of love. You do not feel The vision round you in whose light that vow Falls like a grave-cloth from an angel's limbs. Ah, Christ would be no bridal guest of ours, Shut out by your heart's fear. [_He stands as if stricken_] You see 'tis true. You listen for his sanction, and you hear The ring of your own vow. [_He sits bowed_] You hear it now Above your passion's chime. 'Twill fill the air When love's mad bells grow quiet, and your soul Asks the old question. Let me then be far From thee, nor stay to be a claspèd fire Eating thy side. _Ber._ You'll heal me of my fear. [_Reaching his hands to her_] My fountain and my palm! _Ard._ Your doubt would stir Beneath your tenderest deep. My nearing step Would as a trumpet start its buried storm To sweep our meeting eyes. _Ber._ If Christ would give A sign,--leave me no choice,--no other way _Ard._ The torch of Fate but blinds us when the heart Beareth no light. _Ber._ Not Fate, but Heaven--there I'd read my sign. _Ard._ Hope not, my lord, that Heaven Will drive me to your arms. Farewell. _Ber._ No, no! To keep you I'll dare hell---- _Ard._ Dare hell? My love Walks not that fiery verge, but waits thine own In regions nearer God. There we shall meet, And there will be no hell. [_Turns to go, but is drawn back by his grief_] Thou art a prince Of Christ. Arise and rule this land for him. There is no sin in you. You've kissed my hands, And they are bright as stars! _Ber._ O, can you go? You do not love me. In your breast are wings-- No heart, but wings that seek the mountain sky. Go perch above me, leave me dying here. And cool your bosom with a virgin song To mateless heaven! _Ard._ Who is cruel now? You have the world to feed on, need not eat Your heart as I must--I, the woman. Dear, Where Kidmir cliffs climb highest to the sky I'll keep my watch, but thou shall rise above me In thought of men. O'er all discerning shall Thy purpose wing, perhaps be drunk of clouds, But light shall follow where thine aim has sped, And leading upward with your comrade world, My Kidmir shall seem lowly, where I walk With stintless ache beneath the cedar boughs On pain's moon nights. And oh, the Springs to pass, When each bride-bud shall be a wound to me, When grasses young, and softly pushing moss, Shall urge my feet like fire, and I must stand Quite still ... quite still ... with all my unborn babes Dead in my heart. _Ber._ [_Motionless_] You dare not leave me now. You dare not, Ardia. _Ard._ I dare not stay. [_As she nears the great doors they rumble shut and are noisily barred without_] _Ard._ Ho! Open, open, open! I pray you, open! [_Beats on door, then leans to the silence_] Shut in ... shut in! So Oswald's treachery Begins with me. My father, we are lost. You are to die, and I--to-morrow, oh, My honor will go wasting on the fields With every soldier's breath! You hear, my lord? We are shut in.... _Ber._ The miracle! _Ard._ Together.... _Ber._ The sign! the sign! _Ard._ For all the night.... _Ber._ For all Eternity! There is no other way. I take you as from Christ. My bride, my bride! [Curtain] SCENE 2. _The same. Gray of morning seen through grating of window, rear, where Bertrand stands looking out and upward. Ardia is sleeping on a couch. The dawn-light wakes her and she starts up._ _Ard._ 'Tis morning. Bertrand! You have watched all night? _Ber._ O, there has been no night. _Ard._ I slept it through. _Ber._ Thy body slept, but thou hast been with me O'er all the world, and farther than the world, Out where the life begins. _Ard._ That may be true, For I had wondrous dreams. _Ber._ You speak of dreams? A magic touched me, and I woke from dream Knowing my life. What ways we went! All things Seemed new, warm with the Maker's hand, as young As our own eyes, but 'twas eternity That kept them sweet, unaging. _Ard._ It was Love Who gave thee eyes to see the world immortal Even in our own. _Ber._ Do all Love's votaries Walk with such magic sight? _Ard._ In truth! I've seen A beggar woman tread the road-side dust As it were showered gold, because she had Love's eyes. And we--what joys our joy shall find! The pearling skies with rose-breath drinking ours 'Tween sea and dawn! The leaves that turn i' the wind And tremble in our hearts--the brook-song that Began beyond the stars--the woodland nests, Breast-warm---- _Ber._ And one is ours. _Ard._ The lark that leaves His meadow-mate and reels at the sun's door Dropping his song of fire and clover-dew Down to her heart. _Ber._ [_Kissing her_] As this in thine! _Ard._ And all Life's dearer-veinèd joys,--the way-side hands That pluck to camp-fire glow,--the smile of age, Gift-sweet and wise beside the garner door---- _Ber._ Ay, dear are these ... but when we came again From that far, holy place.... _Ard._ Ah, in your dream. _Ber._ Where no words go or come.... _Ard._ When we came back? _Ber._ Walking the light between the parted stars, And met the days that knew us ... naught could hide The eternal joy within it. Twas a world Whose beauty lay allwheres. O, not alone In morning skies and mated larks a-wing! Each rag-hung thing was dipped in chosen time And wore its royal hour. _Ard._ If that could be! _Ber._ What seers, what eyes of light, outshone the pain That gave them being! Tears that silvered graves Globed in their pearl the immortal hope of men, And seemed as beautiful as prophecy Burning in its own truth. Ay, where a man Fell murdered, crying "I forgive," the ground Sprang as a garden---- _Ard._ Murdered? O, not that! How could you say it? I had forgot, forgot! Love in your dream looked you quite through the soul Of Time on things to be? What saw you then? Ah, tell me! _Ber._ Then?... Then came this dimmer light Which you called morning, and I saw no more. _Ard._ I would I knew! _Ber._ You fear even now? _Ard._ O, me! _Ber._ Sweet, leave these shadows--dreams of ancient night That cling too late upon a day-warm world. Must I persuade you still that Oswald means Our happiness? _Ard._ Hark you! They come, my lord. _Ber._ The sunrise feast. Fit place and time to break The fast of love. _Ard._ O, hear! So many feet! _Ber._ Dear trembler, do not fear. _Ard._ They're here, my lord. _Ber._ Welcome the world. It has no eye can make Our own seek earth. [_Doors open. Enter Frederick, Oswald, Charilus, Berenice, with lords and ladies attending. Servants follow bearing trays, and lay the table. Ardia hastens to her father and they talk apart. Oswald advances to Bertrand, right, the others lingering left_] _Osw._ I am forgiven? _Ber._ Forgiven! Ask God and Love! I'll thank you all my life That you did force me take my only way To Heaven. _Osw._ Hmm! And I spent a bitter night Fearing your morning face. _Ber._ It was my soul's Birth-night. _Osw._ God bless me, you are grateful, sir. But you've good reason. [_Looks at Ardia_] I had no such mate To make the dark hours fly. _Ber._ Pray speak to her. _Osw._ In my good time. _Ber._ Nay, now! _Osw._ The day is long. I shall be gentle, for I owe her much Who gives me back my son. Come to our guests. _Ber._ Does Frederick---- _Osw._ Ay, he knows all, and bears No grudge. _Ber._ Knows all? _Osw._ He clapped my plot as though His own thick noll had hatched it. _Ber._ And the princess---- _Osw._ You see her smile? There's answer for you. Come! No blush! Put on a face. Your bridal news Shall sauce our banquet. [_They move to guests_] _Fred._ [_To Bertrand_] Greet you, sir! But why So pale, my lord? I fear me you have spent A sleepless night. _Ber._ Ay, as the stars. _A Lord._ The stars? He winked then, by the rood! _Ber._ What do you say? _Lord._ I say the stars do wink, most gracious prince. _Osw._ Come, find your seats, my friends! Yet two of us, Lord Charilus and my unworthy self Must keep our feet till we have drunk the wine Made sacrosanct by one night's rest upon The Virgin's altar. [_Bertrand places Ardia's seat by her father, who stands at the left of Oswald_] You, fair Berenice, Sit at my right, and on your other side The graceless prince of Suli begs for room. _Bere._ He beg, my lord? I have not heard his tongue, And for his eyes, I fear no leek of Wales Could pull a beggar's tear from them to oil This suit. But he is welcome. _Ber._ [_Taking seat by her_] Thank you, lady. [_When all are seated save Charilus and Oswald a priest enters bearing a chalice of wine which he places on table before Oswald_] _Osw._ This is the cup by angels visited In night's deep hours. Herein they dropped the peace Of Heaven, which Charilus and I shall take Into our hearts. I know in truth it holds Sweet peace for me--the peace that thirty years My veins have ached for. Charilus, what say you? _Char._ My heart can hold no more of peace than now Doth fill it, but I drink with you, my lord. [_Drinks from goblet which Oswald has filled from chalice, and Oswald drinks from goblet filled by Charilus_] _Osw._ [_Dropping his glass_] Is peace a fire? I' faith, this kindles me! Thou smileless priest, take off the Virgin's cup! You think it needs another blessing, sir, Since my bold hand has touched it? Out with you! [_Exit priest with chalice_] That pinch-face has seen hell and fasts to keep The ghost down. I'll not fast. Set to, my friends. Fill up your bowls, for I've a health for you. We drink to Berenice, bride to be Of Bertrand, prince of Suli and my son! _A Lord._ [_As all lift their glasses_] We pledge the bride of Bertrand--Berenice! _Ber._ Drink not, my lords, till you have changed that name To Ardia, daughter of our noble guest, Lord Charilus! _Fred._ [_Rising_] If this be sport, Earl Oswald, A world of groans shall pay for 't! _Bere._ [_In mock swoon_] Oh.... I faint.... [_Her ladies help her_] _Osw._ You bawling ass! You thousand times a fool! _Ber._ [_To Oswald_] You've woven a maze about me, and I'm blind With 't, yet I see to pluck one truth,--my bride Is Ardia. No other under Heaven! My lords, It is the wine---- _Osw._ Would then 'twere in your throat! Is this the riddle of your morning smile? Your fair compliance, soft submission? Sir, By my heart's blood, I'll give you to the sword Ere you shall make me father to a drab-- The spoil of your own lust, the--What, you draw? Ay, strike me down! Let me be first to fall Beneath your mighty sword! The rust has lain A lifetime on it, and a father's blood May cleanse it bright as Heaven! _Ber._ O, my Christ! _Osw._ Yea, call on him, and he will hear thee too, Who honorest so thy father! [_Bertrand stands speechless_] Now, my lords, Since he no longer brays, I have a tale To tell you. I, too, had a father, though The world has long forgot him. _Fred._ No, my friend. Well do I bear in mind his fair, proud face, And glory of his arms. _Osw._ He was struck down Because a minion, straying from the hearth, Looked on his beauty with her nestling eyes. _Fred._ For no more cause? _Osw._ I swear it. Friends, if death Were the cold price for kissing of a jade, Who here would be alive? For so slight sin Was my brave father murdered. Charilus, speak! Was not the princely heart of John of Clyffe Ripped with a hate-keen sword,--the sword of him Who claimed the lordship of those rebel lips That chose my father liege? _Char._ It is too true. _Osw._ Who better knows? Say that a wilding flies The builded bower, hearing a lordlier song Pass on the wind than her dull mate can tune, Must then the singer die, who scarcely knows His song is heard, or that a bold wing follows? _Char._ Whether the earl of Clyffe sang then to woo, As I believe, or for the love of song, As you do say, my lord,--his death was sin, And he who wrought that woe shed tears enough To clear his stain, if tears may whiten souls. _Osw._ A murderer's tears! But what of mine, the son's? _Ber._ Your oath--your honor, sir! Where is the love You swore should cleanse your shield? _Osw._ Safe in my heart. And burning for my father. _Ber._ God of pity! _Osw._ That was the love I spoke of. _Ber._ All be deaf But hell! _Osw._ Hear the full tale, my friends. I swear The earl of Clyffe died for no more offence Than I have here set out,--and I, his only son, Kissed his red wounds and from his breast unbound This bloody scarf--[_taking scarf from his bosom_] that then was crimson, now In age-grown black bemourns my step that comes So sluggish to revenge. For thirty years Had passed ere I beheld his murderer, Then face to face we stood ... and face to face We stand ... for this is he, this Charilus Of Kidmir--peace-lipped Cain--gray hypocrite, Whose blood is honey in his veins, whose eyes Stare on the world as he were some bland god Who made it and said "good." _Char._ Sir, I would send My daughter to her brothers. Grant me this. And I am ready for what death you please. _Ard._ I will not go. One sword shall strike us both. [_Turns to Oswald_] But first a word to you. When Charilus falls, Say farewell to your son. He pledged his life To my two brothers for our father's safety, And you, who know him least, yet know he'll keep That pledge. _Osw._ What, creature, will you lie? _Ard._ I speak The truth. Strike, if you can, this gray old man, Silvered in service to the one high God, Sinless as sunlight, fair in sweetened age,-- Let forth his sainted blood, and Bertrand lives No longer than the shortest time between Suli and Kidmir. _Osw._ That's a lifetime then! He shall not step! I'll have him hung with chains Till he is fast as rooted oaks in earth! _Ber._ [_Stunned_] A guest betrayed.... _Osw._ Betrayed? I promised him Such treatment as he gave my blood. And he Shall have it--death! _Char._ Peace be my heir! _Ber._ [_Takes stand by Charilus_] Death, sir? First break this sword! Thy sin must be unnamed Until the angel who doth write thee damned Gives it foul christening. I break my pledge. I will not go to Kidmir. Here I'll give My life for Charilus. _Char._ No blow for me! O, may I unavengèd lie forgot, And my forgiving blood make barren ground Alive with asphodel---- _Ber._ Nay, I will strike, Though a father's sword meet mine! [_Charilus trembles, and supports himself by Ardia's arm_] _Osw._ Commend me, stars! You counselled well. [_To Bertrand_] Fool, do not draw. There's none Will run against you. Charilus is dead, And by a way more sure. His holy goblet Held one rich drop the angels put not there Nor Virgin blessed. See how he pales--and stares-- And cannot get his voice? So are we spared A swan-song homily trickling through his beard. Be off, old pray-lip--off, and take with you Your cat-foot peace and milky piety! I serve a vengeful God who armeth men For his own wars! _Ber._ Heaven, draw thy clouds about thee! [_Charilus dies in Ardia's arms_] _Osw._ He's dead! The air of earth is sweet again. I have no enemy! _Ber._ [_Looking up from the body_] You have no son. [_Curtain_] ACT III SCENE: _On Kidmir Pass. Moonlight paling to dawn. Ardia alone, struggling up the Pass._ _Ard._ [_Looking back_] They do not follow. I am safe from that. [_Sits on a rock_] Why should I climb? There is no rest up there. But there is death, mayhap,--and that is worth The sorest climbing. O, my father dear, Is 't thy dead self so heavy on my heart? Thou shouldst be light upon thy spirit wings, And give me of thy freedom. [_Gaina enters from above_] Gaina, hast found The spring? _Gaina._ 'Tis farther up. _Ard._ More steps. _Gaina._ Wait here. Barca will bring you drink. Nay, sit you still. _Ard._ I must. How this weak body masters us, Cooling the bravest will that in strong limbs Might dance to any goal! Yet do we say The will is lord, whose flush is in the blood And fades wi' the paling body. By that lie We cling to Heaven and immortality. ... O, I am lost so deep I need not fear The farthest bolt of God! Out, out the pale Of his concern! _Gaina._ Why now, honey dear! A sip of fine spring water and you'll be A lark o' the morning! All's not bad, I say. There's Banissat would marry you to-morrow! What pretty words he spoke, and took us in Like a good father--but I saw him look! And he were shaved he'd have a merry eye. Such meal and honey! _I've_ a thankful tooth! Come now, what say you? Run from such a fortune, And stumbling is no matter. Ay, a trip Or two were well enough. _Ard._ Yes, foolish 'twas To fly from Banissat. _Gaina._ You know it? Well, well, If it's your own right mind you've run to, dearie, There's no harm done past mending. _Ard._ [_Taking a small dagger from her dress_] This had saved My feet these weary steps. _Gaina._ Sweet Mary, save us! Wouldst slay a prince for loving thee? _Ard._ No, wretch. I could not take another's life though 'twere Of all the world the foulest. _Gaina._ Bless the lass! _Ard._ But out of pity I could take my own. Why should my heart beat on and labor so For merest leave to beat again? _Gaina._ Now, now! [_Enter Barca_] Here's Barca, praise the saints! Now you'll take heart! [_Ardia takes gourd from Barca and drinks_] _Ard._ Thanks, Barca. But there's misery in the draught That makes me keen again. I fear me I'll Yet hope. _Barca._ Will you walk on? _Ard._ Yes, come. _Barca._ [_Listening_] What's that? A noise below! _Ard._ Some one from Banissat! I'll not be taken! _Barca._ Come aside, my lady. Here is good hiding. [_They go behind a great rock half hidden by cedars. Bertrand enters below. Ardia steps out and stands before him. He kneels_] _Ber._ Spirit, hast come for me? I'll join thee, love, When I have climbed this peak and met the sword That sets my honor free. _Ard._ Nay, rise, my lord. _Ber._ [_Rising_] Thy living self? Here in the night alone? _Ard._ Barca is here, and Gaina. _Ber._ Sweet, the moon Makes thee so fair. _Ard._ [_Smiling_] Was I not always fair? _Ber._ [_Embracing her_] My living love! Sit here,--and now thy story. _Ard._ I'll shorten it to get to thine. _Ber._ You had The dagger that I sent you? [_She shows it to him_] My sole gift To love. _Ard._ O, it was dear as death then seemed To me! _Ber._ Cast it away. _Ard._ No, for love's sake I'll keep it, and it shall do no work save God's. Listen ... it prophesies.... I'll need it yet. _Ber._ O, I was mad to send it! Would you wreck This tent set fair upon the soul's long road, By pain-craft wrought of every whiter dream, Where God may sit with us and map the winds That forward blow and back, the paths laid free To His far end, and those where blind walls rise Breast-piled with thwarted dust? Dear soul of me, Would we know Heaven we must listen here, And one word lost may mean a path all dark When we fare outward. This is not for you, This fear-born blade. Away with it! [_She clasps it closer_] Is not Your danger past? _Ard._ Not while Avesta loves. _Ber._ O God! But tell me now the full, foul story,-- Yet not all foul, since you are here alive. _Ard._ Your father---- _Ber._ I've no father! _Ard._ --sent me forth With my two servants. When we reached Avesta, The prince met us with welcome, much too warm Methought, so in the night we stole away And reached the pass--all with some wit and care, As you shall know hereafter. Now your word. _Ber._ I was imprisoned. _Ard._ Yes, I know. _Ber._ A guard Gave me his sword. I fought the others. _Ard._ Fought? _Ber._ And killed. Look on this blade. A brother's blood. _Ard._ My love! _Ber._ At last I am Earl Oswald's son! _Ard._ My Bertrand! [_Drawing aside his cloak_] You are wounded! Vairdelan! _Ber._ That name is no more mine. _Ard._ How did you pass Avesta? _Ber._ The guards were friends of Vairdelan. I used the stainless name that I had lost. O, I have lied to keep my word, and slew That I might die! _Ard._ Might die? You mean ... my brothers. They must be merciful. _Ber._ With Charilus slain? _Ard._ O, me! I too shall die. And that is best, If anything we do be worst or best. I've read within my father's secret script That earth shall lose its heart of fire, and lie Dead-cold and dark with no green thing upon it. Then this black crust shall bear no form of man, Nor trace of him. Why then such ceaseless pain To look a little longer on the sun, When he who seals his eyes this day with dust But leagues with time to reach the journey's end Without the journey's ache? _Ber._ Hast lost thy faith? My heart, say earth must be its own still grave, Our destiny lies farther. But were life A march to naught, I'd choose it for the sake Of one bright wonder by the way--your love, My Ardia. _Ard._ You love me, yet would die. Thou'rt mine! And I will hold thee, yea, on this warm earth, Not in some strange and tearless world! [_While they speak Barca moves up the pass and listens_] _Barca._ My lord? _Ber._ Ay, Barca? _Barca._ Men are on the pass. _Ard._ Above? My brothers! Oh! _Ber._ I go to meet them. _Ard._ Stay! _Ber._ They shall not come to me. I go to them. My honor, love, my honor! _Ard._ O, men, men! You build a shrine to love and ask us fling Our lives, our souls into it. Once within, The door forever shut, there sits a god, A monster-god, your honor, and we must sue For barest room to stand or crouch or kneel Where by your oaths we should be sovereign. _Ber._ The shrine itself is honor, dear, my heart. That gone, we have indeed no holy place To shelter love. Was 't not yourself who said That man to man must keep his pledge? _Ard._ Ah me, That shining night! That night of golden wings! And now comes this. Can such two nights be born In the same world, and but one sun between? [_Bertrand staggers_] You're bleeding still! _Ber._ Fast, fast. _Ard._ My veil---- I'll wrap you with it! [_Binds wound_] _Ber._ Thanks, for I would live To die upon their swords. _Ard._ Wait, wait, my lord! O, do not meet them in their first deep rage---- _Ber._ Farewell! _Ard._ You shall not see them till my prayers Have turned their hearts from blood. _Ber._ Part thou with hope And pain will leave thee too. That is the wrench, Not death. _Ard._ Stay, stay! Are there not miracles yet? I'll hide you yonder till---- _Ber._ They come! [_Hurries up pass, staggers and falls_] _Ard._ He faints! The miracle begins! Here, Barca, Gaina, Bear him aside. He swift! Then come to me. O, gently, Barca! Haste! [_Barca draws Bertrand behind the rocks_] He shall be saved! Thou'lt not deny me, Heaven! O, forget That ever I blasphemed Thee! [_Enter, above, Biondel and Vigard_] _Vig._ Who is here? _Ard._ My brothers! _Vig._ Ardia, by my life! _Bion._ 'Tis she. What do you here? _Ard._ I go to you. Where else Shall I find shelter in a world now bare Save where your hearts make gentle room for me? _Bion._ What do you mean? Where is our father? Speak! _Ard._ You have not heard? Why then do you go down? _Bion._ For word of Charilus. No messenger Has come. All night we watched. What can you say More than this fearful meeting tells? No word? Are you the ghost you look? Is Charilus safe? _Ard._ Safe as yon Heaven would have him. He is dead. [_Silence_] You loved him, though you went another way To find your God. _Bion._ Our father dead? O, sister, Not cold, not still, not silent to his sons. Who loved his voice even when they most forsook it! _Ard._ Oswald betrayed us. _Vig._ O, my sword, 'tis thou Shalt split his heart, though every spear in Suli Then pierce my own! [_Going_] _Bion._ Stay, Vigard! _Vig._ Earth is fire! Can you be still upon it? Where is Bertrand With his deep oaths? O, coward! I will seek him---- _Ard._ No need. He'll come to you. _Bion._ He'll keep his oath, You think? _Ard._ I know he will. _Vig._ So knew you too That Charilus was safe. Call him to life, And we'll believe you yet! _Bion._ How died our father? [_Ardia weeps_] No matter now. And Oswald cast you out? Afoot? _Gaina._ Ay, so he did! I'll answer that! _Ard._ He sent us under guard. _Gaina._ Ay, but afoot! And 'twas a trudge to Avesta. O, the day! _Bion._ Prince Banissat gave you no help? _Gaina._ No help? Who said so? There's a prince! He drew his sword, And swore he'd drive Earl Oswald to the sea, And said "Avesta's yours,"--that to my mistress, She then bedraggled and so full of tears She had no words to thank him. I did that! Then we had sup and bed, and when my bones Were sweet with sleep, why we must up again And tug it to the peak. _Bion._ [_To Ardia_] He sheltered you! Then there was hope, which you have trampled down By this mad flight. _Ard._ I dared not think the prince Would make my bitter fortunes his. In you Lay my defence, and to your love I came. You must make peace with Oswald. Yes, my brothers, Although you write it with our father's blood. He is all powerful. When Bertrand comes---- _Vig._ Ha, when he comes! _Bion._ What then? _Ard._ You may demand Whate'er you will of Oswald, if you spare The dear life of his son. _Vig._ I'll have that life And Oswald's too! _Ard._ He'll make you any terms---- _Vig._ Ay, any terms, and keep none, once his son Is safe. _Bion._ [_Looking down the pass_] Who comes?--with gleaming lances? Ah.... The prince! _Vig._ By Allah, he! [_It is now dawn. Ardia steps back into shadow as Banissat and followers enter. His retainers wait at entrance below while he advances_] _Ban._ Good-morrow, friends. _Bion._ Hail to you, Banissat! _Ban._ I seek a dove That fled my hand last night. Has 't flown your way? _Bion._ Our sister is with us. _Ban._ Then search ends here. _Bion._ Her flight meant no ingratitude, my lord. Her father's arms grown cold, she came to ours By the shortest way, bringing her honor home Where none might question it. _Ban._ We love her more For watchful care of what to us is precious As to herself. Heaven-pure must be the bride Of Banissat, and tainted Heaven will put The earth to blush ere she will bring us shame. I offer her my princedom. _Ard._ [_Stepping out_] One whose veil Is lost? Whose face is common to the eyes Of beggars by the road? _Ban._ O, bald and bitter! But did not one, our Lady of Paradise, Walk with bare brow among our counsellors? And you are pure as she. Who dares to soil The chosen of Banissat with whisper that He saw you on this journey, forfeits eyes And tongue. So silence shall give burial deep To every slander. _Ard._ You will not forget. _Ban._ Yourself shall be my dear oblivion. For Beauty keeps no records, has no past; Her arms engird love's moment, and there is No other time. _Ard._ Nay, Beauty's history Is writ beneath her bloom, and when that goes The deep, uncovered scars are hated more Because of love that kissed them unaware. I dare not wed you, but say that I dared, Wouldst grasp my broken fortunes when you need Strong Antioch's staff and sceptre to make good Your gates 'gainst Oswald? And I've heard, my lord, That Antioch's daughter is a prize you seek. _Ban._ Be not o'er-jealous, Ardia of the Stars, For Antioch shall serve thee. There my suit Is but a fair appearance,--there I woo To make thy state secure, and thou shalt be Bride of my heart unrivalled. _Ard._ Hear me then! I am betrothed to Bertrand. He is sworn To me as I to him. _Vig._ Death to your tongue! You'd wed your father's slayer? _Ard._ I would wed Lord Bertrand. [_Kneels to Biondel_] Brother! _Vig._ Give no ear to her! _Ard._ If you would save Avesta and yourselves, Make peace with Oswald. Trust not Antioch. When Bertrand comes---- _Vig._ He will not come! He's not A fool as thou! _Ard._ He comes! _Vig._ [_Lifting his sword_] Then here's his welcome! [_Bertrand comes out and walks slowly to the group. Vigard, amazed, lowers his sword_] _Ber._ My friends, well met. You cut my journey short. [_Gives his sword to Biondel_] _Bion._ You have come back ... to death? _Ber._ The blow, my lord. Your work is wellnigh done. An easy stroke Will finish it. _Vig._ And whose is that? _Bion._ Not mine. I do condemn him, but can lift no hand To seal mine order. _Vig._ I am not so weak. This blow for Charilus! _Ard._ [_Staying him_] If Bertrand dies My honor goes unto a grave so deep No shoot of green will ever from it spring For the world's eye to light on. _Bion._ You make much Of broken troth. There's many a maid has lived In wedded honor with a second choice. _Ard._ But I may not. _Bion._ Peace, sister. _Ard._ Let him live, And Suli's glory will enwrap my name Stainless and safe. _Ban._ 'Tis safe with me. Ay, safer. Let Antioch enlist with me, and I Shall wear the name of Suli with my own. _Ard._ You've yet to hear ... you do not know, my lord.... _Ber._ Sweet, plead no more. Let me go on to Heaven If 't be God wills his gates shall ope to me. _Vig._ You'll stop in hell a thousand years or so! _Ard._ Wait! I will tell---- _Vig._ You've said too much! _Bion._ Speak, Ardia. _Ard._ In Suli castle where I was betrothed To Bertrand, just one sun agone--but one-- He spent the night with me. _Vig._ She lies! _Ard._ Say now If Banissat, or any lord save Bertrand, Will make me wife. _Bion._ Must I believe you? _Ban._ No. A woman's trick. _Ard._ There's proof. Ask whom you will Of Oswald's train--the lords who saw me cast From Suli's door, too vile for word or touch. Ask any trooper, jesting by the way, And hear my name made foul. The army rings With it. Ask any gossip of the tents---- _Ban._ O, stop her tongue! It thunders on me! All The air is storm! Peace, or I'll strike her down! _Bion._ This seals your death, Lord Bertrand. Now my hand Is hot and willing. [_Enter a messenger below. He gives a packet to Banissat_] _Messenger._ Antioch sends this, O, prince! _Bion._ [_To Bertrand_] I had your word above all oaths That you would guard our sister. When the priest Strips bare the shrine, not outraged God or man Shall show him mercy. _Ard._ He is innocent! 'Twas Oswald's plot to cast me in the dust-- And there I lie where all the world may see-- But Bertrand's soul is guiltless---- _Vig._ Guiltless! Tush! Your puzzle's clear. [_To Biondel_] She dies with him. _Ard._ I die If Bertrand dies. But, oh my brothers, we Are young--we love--will you not let us live? _Bion._ [_To Vigard_] 'Tis best she dies. _Ber._ You will not dare---- _Bion._ The prince Shall be her judge. _Ban._ First let us speak aside, For Antioch fails us, and we've more to weigh Than the quick death of this too-guilty pair. [_Banissat, Biondel, and Vigard go off above_] _Ber._ I have brought death upon you. _Ard._ Life, 'tis life Now beating in the dawn! What music! Hear it! O, we shall live, my lord, and live together! _Ber._ In Heaven, love. _Ard._ True, for this planet too, Ay, even this earth, is set in Heaven as deep As any star. 'Tis we are heaven to eyes In other worlds, and would be to our own Could we believe. O, hope with me, my Bertrand! No, no, not hope, whose other half is doubt, And to its dark and fearful double owes Its very radiance, too, too unlike Belief's transmuting sun! _Ber._ Ah, love, no man ere broke Undrained his cup, or brewed again those drops To his desire---- _Ard._ Nay, every man is new In destiny, his star his own, and foots Unmeasured paths. _Ber._ On mortal feet. _Ard._ Be 't so, Each birth is a high venture of the soul Feeling an untried way for deity's dream, And none may know where th' deep and twilight trail Shall flash with God-rift, and the dawn be his. _Ber._ O, bravest, bow thy head---- _Ard._ Nay, nay, my lord! Lock up your spirit, let mine rule this hour, Or be with me the flame of faith that leaps To deed in God. For we do help him, dear. Our parcelled strength is whole and new in His, A power born that touches us again, Breeding our greater self that yet gives back His own increase, until the way is strewn Even with his miracles and ours. So works The unending drama out, where every act Begets an act yet greater than itself. _Ber._ Let me but kiss thy hands. _Ard._ You will not help? You'll not believe? Is it so strange That you should live? _Ber._ That hate should let me live. _Ard._ Is it more strange that halo should grow love-still, Than that the wind should cease, as now it does, To strip the bloom from yonder bough, and lie Unfelt within its silent place? More strange That life should keep its flow in your warm veins Than that the sun now creeping on the peaks Should wander down and on and lay in gold The valleys of the world, moved by no hand We see or name, but know, but know! [_Biondel, Vigard, and Banissat re-enter_] _Ard._ He lives! _Bion._ He lives. Speak the conditions, prince. _Ban._ [_To Bertrand_] Your life Is spared that she whose name is lost May wear your own. You shall remain on Kidmir peak, And make her yours by every priestly rite With open, fair observance. Then Earl Oswald Must greet as daughter one he vilely mocked From his proud door, and far and wide acclaim her Princess of Suli. Will his love for you So bow his heart? _Ber._ I may not speak for him. _Ard._ He will consent. _Ban._ And, further, he shall give To Biondel the governorship of Ilon. And grant Ramoor to Vigard. _Ber._ Not for price Of my poor life will Oswald yield these towns To any save a Christian. _Ban._ So we think. And therefore will these lords forswear The Prophet for your Christ. _Ber._ Such sudden change---- _Vig._ Not sudden, sir. We've long debated it In secret talk, but loved too well our prince To so forsake his banner. _Bion._ Now the day Is here when as his true and Christian friends We may best serve him, and yet keep the peace For which our father died. _Ber._ He is alive again If you be true. Though wonder is in the hour I will not stare or question. _Ard._ Question nothing. Do you not live? _Bion._ The prince will summon Oswald To earliest parley, and make our offer known. _Ban._ Nor lose an instant. Here begins my journey. [_Signs to retainers who start down the pass_] _Bion._ We need not give you thanks when you've our hearts That hold them. _Ban._ By the sunset hour the earl Shall give me answer. Meet me in Avesta 'Tween dark and light. _Bion._ We will, my lord. [_Exit Banissat_] _Ber._ O, strange! Will he keep faith? _Bion._ If you must doubt his heart, Trust his affliction. Antioch lost to him, What can he do but smile on Christian Oswald? By that same argument I am condemned, But beg a respite till this pushing peace, Upsprung in haste, may bear you buds of proof. _Ber._ What world is this? _Vig._ Climb you no farther, sir. Your wounds forbid. Our servants shall be sent To bear you up. _Bion._ Ay, wait you here, my lord. [_Exeunt Biondel and Vigard above_] _Ber._ Love, see the sun! _Ard._ It is my heart, my heart! [_Curtain_] ACT IV SCENE: _Same as first act. An altar near wall, left. Seven maidens putting fresh garlands about the hall._ _Mylitta._ She must be dressed by this. Come, let us sing! _Mirimond._ No, wait! Our part is yet undone. Here hangs A withered garland. _Alenia._ Here another. See! And there! Well, we are slack. _Eudora._ Who would not be? We've cause for sleepy wits and fingers too, With seven days and nights of revelling. _Garla._ And Charilus warm in 's grave. _Myrana._ He'll be no colder Let come a hundred months. Ten years, ten days, 'Tis all the same i' the ground. _Daphne._ And yet, I think The daughter smiles too soon. _Mylitta._ Troth, I would smile For such a lord if all the world beside Were wrapped in shroud. _Mirimond._ I would the English knights Were come! Full fifty, Barca said, would ride From Suli. _Mylitta._ I know you, chit. Your eyes will find Their way. _Mirimond._ Mayhap not all of us will take The homeward ship for Corinth. Did we think When we set sail we'd come in time to see Our Ardia married? _Mylitta._ You will dream. _Garla._ If dreams Were men, what maid would go unwed? Not you, Mylitta. _Myrana._ Come, our song! 'Tis time! _Eudora._ Come, all! [_They sing by Ardia's door_] Mornings seven have we been Wardens at thy door; Now thy lord shall enter in, And we come no more. Mornings seven have we strewn Lilies at thy door; Now the virgin watch is done. And we come no more. Mornings seven have we sung At thy maiden door; Now the seventh morn is rung, And we come no more. [_Door opens and Ardia comes out. Gaina follows_] _Ard._ A kiss to all! Who's happier here than I Shall have my place. _Mirimond._ We'll ask Lord Bertrand that. Thou'rt no more mistress of your yeas and nays. _Ard._ O, but I am! I have a votary now Who'll make my words his wishes and himself Bring them to pass. _Mylitta._ No doubt. You'll cough In oracles. He'll puzzle o'er your sneeze That he may do its meaning. I have heard Such husbands do inhabit a green moon, And one may come to earth. _Ard._ Kiss me, Mylitta! Naught else will stop your mouth. O, dearest girls, No father's here to give me to my lord, And yet I smile, I wed. For why?--his love Is not in earth with his dear body. No! 'Tis all about me here, bathing my heart, Now on my brow, now whispers at my ear, Now runs before my eyes to make a light Where they would rest. He loves this day as I do! Yet I had stayed this busking marriage Had not my brothers pressed me to such haste And peace not waited on it. Think, dear maidens, Peace everywhere! Avesta safe and free, And Oswald's sword in sheath-- What is that chanting? _Gaina._ [_Looking from parapet_] A train comes up the heights. _Mylitta._ The English Lords! [_Enter Barca, left_] _Ard._ Barca, who comes? _Barca._ Prince Banissat, my lady, With all his court attending. _Mirimond._ Banissat! This is a Christian wedding. _Ard._ We are at peace. _Barca._ He brings you gifts. Your brothers go to meet him. _Ard._ Where is Lord Bertrand? _Barca._ Near at hand. He comes This way. [_Exit Barca, left_] _Ard._ My girls, wouldst see what dainties lie In yonder chamber? _Mylitta._ Nay, we'll wait. _Ard._ Moonstones For golden hair--crescents and amber stars For tresses dark---- _Girls._ O! O! _Ard._ Veils of spun silver---- [_Maidens buzz through door right_] _Ard._ Go, give them all! _Gaina._ All, mistress? Not---- _Ard._ Go, go! [_Exit Gaina. Bertrand enters, left. He is in princely costume_] _Ber._ Art found, my heaven? _Ard._ Thou'st not a fear thy Heaven Is lost in me? _Ber._ A doubt were my soul's shame. [_Points up the heights_] Does not yon giant cross arise to say Christ reigns on Kidmir? Far as Suli plain Men see the sun upon its silver sides And hands upborne in prayer forget the sword That sleeps unwakened. _Ard._ Will it sleep for long? _Ber._ Ay, else your father's death were devils' sport, Not Heaven's will. _Ard._ What word to-day from Oswald? _Ber._ You name him? _Ard._ Is he not our father? _Ber._ O, God's angel thou, not mine! _Ard._ Does Biondel Now wear the crown of Ilon? _Ber._ That's confirmed. And Vigard has Ramoor. _Ard._ They profit much By their new faith. _Ber._ Do they not spare my life? So Oswald gives these crowns. You think he pays Too dear? _Ard._ O, barest alms! I'd have the earth. No less,--then want the sun,--ay, circling heaven, And yet be beggared losing thee! But they Must wear their purple o'er a Christian heart. I would not doubt ... and yet.... _Ber._ They are the sons Of Charilus. _Ard._ And Banissat? _Ber._ He vows An endless peace with Suli. _Ard._ And you are Suli. Why am I fearful, knowing doubt is death? _Ber._ Come, love, look down--nay, farther, toward the sea. That sprawling mass that darkens now the plain, Seeming to hugely breathe and cloud-like move, Is Oswald's army making feast to-day, For I, the prince, go wiving. Now I seem To hear our names joined high in Heaven's air. And Christ, too, listens smiling, knowing one land, One throne is his forever. Sweet, 'twas he Drew me from sheltered cell and flowered garth To be his sovereign servant. He it was Who called through you, who cried in Charilus' death To wake my soul that shall not sleep again Till Love has garnered all these eastern lands. _Ard._ Amen, my husband-knight! I am content To be your love next Christ. Within your heart. 'Twill be sweet, gleaning where he walks before. _Ber._ These words be your sole dower, for they hold More sun for me than shining gold! _Ard._ The guests! Do you not hear them? Leave me now, my lord. _Ber._ Thank patience and my stars, we reach the end Of these stale ceremonies! Seven days Of long, superfluous rites to make you mine When our first kiss did wed us! _Ard._ [_Mocking_] So ungentle To your proud honors, sir? Nay, it is fit Your wedding be as famous as your name, O, Prince of Suli! [_Voices heard, left_] Go, to come again! [_Exit Bertrand, right. Ardia turns to enter her room and faces Vigard who comes on left. She draws her veil_] _Vig._ Stay, sister. _Ard._ Would you have me seen? _Vig._ [_Throws back her veil_] Art fair Again? As Kidmir skies! _Ard._ It is my joy. [_Enter left, Biondel, Banissat, and lords. Banissat pauses. The others pass off, right_] _Vig._ [_Taking Ardia'a hand to detain her_] We have surprised our sister. _Ban._ Blest the hour! Now may I lay this gift within her hand-- Poor gift, that has no worth until that hand Caresses it to splendor. [_Kneels, offering her a small packet_] _Ard._ [_Taking packet_] Courteous prince, My thanks. And more than thanks that you should climb Kidmir's uneasy steep to dearly grace This day--for smiles of friends, more than fair gifts, Do best adorn my bridal. [_Draws her veil and moves right_] _Ban._ Night is come. And through her mist the stars! [_Exit Ardia_] _Vig._ Her bloom is washed Somewhat with tears for Charilus, but she Will flower again. _Ban._ Now by the Prophet's soul He who has kissed her lips had better've kissed A flame of hell than so have touched What shall be mine! _Vig._ As thou dost love revenge, Be patient. _Ban._ Patience to the ox, to beasts That dream 'twixt cud and whip! Am I not man? _Vig._ You have endured, by truth. _Ban._ Endured! _Vig._ And now Revenge! Ere night yon braggart cross shall bear A burden that will start Earl Oswald's eyes When he looks up from Suli plain. _Ban._ This day Shall see it! Come, once more let us look down. See where the hosts of Allah charge upon The sottish infidel! All yet is well. The banner o'er Avesta signals still The Prophet wins! _Vig._ And when the tower of Suli Gleams with the hoisted crescent, we shall know Oswald is taken. _Ban._ Ha! There's no way out! The powers of Ilon, Avesta, and Ramoor, Pen him in bloody triangle. Old rat, You're in the trap! I should be there, not here,-- There at his throat---- _Vig._ Nay, here, my lord, you'll have Your dearest triumph. Please you now, go in. I'll watch here for the sign. _Ban._ Your watch be short. [_Exit, right. Re-enter Ardia_] _Ard._ [_Holding out a flaming ornament_] Brother, see this! The jewel of the house Of Banissat. 'Tis sacred to his name. I cannot take it, and he dare not give it. _Vig._ It seems he dared. _Ard._ What does he mean, dear Vigard? _Vig._ To honor Suli's princess as most fit. _Ard._ I tremble still from his deep look of fire, And when I saw this burn methought his eye Was yet upon me. _Vig._ Fool, go to your maidens! [_Enter Barca, left, with Ramunin_] _Vig._ You're late, my man. _Ram._ And yet in season, sir. [_Points up the heights_] The cross is bare. _Vig._ Get you within. [_Exeunt Barca and Ramunin, left_] Now, sister-- What, do you faint? _Ard._ That face! Ramunin's face. I saw it once, and shuddered many a day Remembering it. The public crucifier, Who serves the bloody prince of Antioch. The same. What does he here upon this day Of all the days of time? _Vig._ 'Tis by your wish That Kidmir gates are open. _Ard._ And by yours. _Vig._ Ay, let the world be witness you are made The honored bride of Suli. _Ard._ But Ramunin? He said the cross was bare. Why such a jest As horrid as his life? [_Looking out_] And all the knights That were to come from Oswald--where are they? _Vig._ They drank too deep last night for journeying Up Kidmir road--or else they dare not cross This outraged portal. _Ard._ Have we not forgiven? Ah, what is there? Look, Vigard, do you see? A floating crescent! _Vig._ Where? _Ard._ O'er Suli tower. O, this is Oswald's greeting to our house, Better than any band of armèd knights! He lifts the Prophet's banner to his towers, Even as you set the Savior's crucifix On Kidmir! Now the one eternal God Lives in his sign when cross and crescent smile Love-set in the same heaven! _Vig._ Allah be praised! _Ard._ And Christ--forget not Christ! _Vig._ We'll make an end now. [_Exit, right_] _Ard._ An end? Am I a bride--or sacrifice? [_Goes in, right, at sound of approaching music. Enter, left, young musicians playing flutes and harps. They pause before altar, cross to right and seat themselves about Ardia's door. Guests enter, filling rear of hall, and parapet. A maiden comes on, dancing the grain-dance and scattering sesame. At the close of dance, Ardia's maidens enter, each bearing a lighted candle which she places on the altar. A Greek chant is heard as priest approaches left. All wait his entrance, and the curtain falls, rising again on the close of the ceremony. Bertrand and Ardia stand centre. An aged priest at altar. Biondel and Banissat conspicuous among the guests. Vigard not seen_] _Bion._ Is all now done? _Priest._ All's done. The spouse of Suli May bow herself unto her master's feet, Bespeaking so the love that has no wish But service, no desire save her lord's will. [_As Ardia would kneel, Bertrand prevents her_] _Ber._ You shall not kneel. _Ard._ 'Tis custom, dear my lord. _Ber._ Then here it dies. _Ard._ My mother did so much For him who made her wife. _Ber._ Thy knees shall bend To God, and to none less. Reign at my side, Princess of Suli, not my feet. _Bion._ We hail The bride of Suli! _Guests._ Bride of Suli, hail! _Vig._ [_Unseen_] Ho! Seize the traitor! Ho! [_Enter Ramunin, right, and armed guards_] _Ber._ Who speaks? And who Is traitor here? _Vig._ Thou, foulest murderer! _Ber._ Who speaks? _Vig._ Dead Charilus. _Ard._ 'Tis Vigard's voice. [_Vigard steps forth_] What, Vigard, art thou mad? Wouldst shatter the globe Of Heaven? _Vig._ Nay, it was broken that same hour When died our father. _Ber._ Son of Charilus, speak Your will. If you demand my life, 'tis yours. I hold it by your gentle lease and love. But while I ask not one poor breath for me, I beg you pause, nor cast the innocent To feed the vengeful and life-reaping fire Oswald will kindle for his hapless son. _Vig._ You think no fires will burn but of his kindling? _Ard._ O shame! The crescent over Suli greets The cross on Kidmir! _Vig._ Ay, the crescent flies From Suli, thanks to faithful Moslem hands That set it there. _Ard._ Ah.... Moslem hands? _Vig._ You fool, To think that Oswald fluttered compliments, When he was dreaming how he'd bid you drink Of that same cup he gave to Charilus! _Ban._ Now, dearest lady, you are safe. To-day The Faithful battled with the infidel, And that bright crescent is the silent sign We have the victory. Ramoor and Ilon With pointed sword bore down on either side The glutted, drunken army, while in front Avesta like a whirlwind swept---- _Ard._ O, traitor! You vowed unbroken peace with Suli! _Ban._ Yea, Will keep it too, for I am Suli now. _Ard._ [_To her brothers_] Were you not sworn to Christ? _Bion._ We are the Prophet's. _Ard._ O, Heaven, hear not this! And Oswald's knights? _Vig._ Sleep in Avesta's dungeons. _Bion._ Banissat, Avesta's golden prince, speak you the doom Of Bertrand---- _Ard._ Doom? O---- _Ber._ Do not waste the breath A kiss may save. A thousand times, your lips! _Ard._ [_To Biondel_] Let him not die! _Vig._ You'll pray soon that he may! Speak, noble prince. _Ban._ I, lord of conquered Suli, Condemn the son of Oswald unto death By crucifixion. Be his body nailed Upon the cross now raised on Kidmir peak, That Oswald may behold his groaning son, And every Christian dog look up and see How dies the Prophet's enemy. [_To Ramunin_] Away! Prick him with delicate tortures that yet leave Him heart to heave his agony. Hear you! If he live not three days upon the cross Yourself shall hang beside him. _Ram._ I've a hand Has had some practice, sir. _Ban._ We know it, fellow, And therefore we employ you. _Ram._ I put the nails In young Deobus, he who hung five days 'Twixt heaven and earth, and to the fifth eve groaned As he would pull his heart up. I've a medal Struck by the city for it. _Ban._ I will match it, If you match me the service. _Ram._ That I'll do. These English have strong hearts--will suck at pain As life were in her dugs. [_Exit Ramunin, guards, and Bertrand. Priest and guests follow. The maidens huddle at door, right_] _Bion._ Sister, you stare Too hardly on this grief. It is a woe That Heaven smiles on, and the cure now waits In Banissat's fair mercy. You shall be His royal wife, and Suli's princess still. _Vig._ Speak to the prince. _Ban._ Nay, let her hear my vow. O, star of Kidmir, dear and beautiful, I'll set thee in a bosom that shall be A tender heaven round thee. Beat to earth Is murmurous suspicion, and again You shine unto the world, swept free of taint By noble marriage with most careful rites---- _Ard._ I doubt, I doubt! One part, one point, one rite, Broken in act, left gaping and divided, One half performed, one half left all undone, Leaves me dishonored still. She is not widowed Who was not wife---- _Vig._ All's done! What more canst wish? _Ard._ To lay my forehead on my husband's feet, Which by the ancient custom of our house Is maidhood's closing act, as 'tis the first Of wifehood true. This thou wilt grant---- _Vig._ You're bound By rites enough! _Bion._ Canst stand uncertain on So slight a matter? _Ard._ Slight? Ah, you know naught Of woman! Teach him, prince, that not a nick, Or turn, or shade of custom would she spare From this most holy ceremony. Wanting but The smallest portion that gives leave to say The measure lacks, she all her life will grieve, Shed secret tears, and wear a blanchen face When none knows why. _Bion._ You shall not move us. Peace! _Vig._ A brawling fancy! _Ard._ Avesta's prince, thou who Shalt be my lord, if any lord of earth Be mine again, wouldst have my love, or hate? _Ban._ Thy love, fair Ardia. _Ard._ Then I pray you, sir, Move thy forbearance yet one farther step And pluck this boon for me. 'Tis near thy hand, And O, how small a thing for you to give, But as the sun of all my days to me! Without it I may die---- _Ban._ Speak not of death. So sweet I'll shelter thee, Death's self must bloom If he creep near thy bower. _Ard._ May I, my lord, Keep honored place by thee when memory mocks That place and honor? Grant me this, but this, And here I swear if any act of man May move a widowed heart, mine shall grow warm To thee! _Ban._ Do you speak truth? _Ard._ Believe me, sir, So dear a thing is this for which I sue, That he who gives it must grow dear thereby; And if he lift to him my prostrate life, This gentle moment shall immortal be And sweeten every hour we pass together. Remembering this, my captive breast shall be His free dominion, and my lips on his, If they know warmth, shall take it from this cause, This first dear tenderness. _Ban._ We'll please you, mistress. Bring in the man again. [_Exit a guard_] _Vig._ I beg you, prince---- _Ban._ By Allah, she shall have her beggar wish, For no more reason than she wishes it! _Vig._ It is her sickish humor, sir, to look On him again. All this wild pother means No more than that. _Ban._ No more? We'll please her then For our good peace to come. _Bion._ A princely kindness. [_They talk together. Ardia crosses to altar_] _Ard._ Now one more miracle! God live in me, And Christ direct my hand! _Bion._ What do you say, My sister? _Ard._ But a word to mine own heart. _Ban._ Nay, mine now, is it not? _Ard._ So much of it As dearest lenience may buy, my lord. [_Bertrand is brought in guarded_] _Bion._ The man is here. Now have your foolish will. [_Ardia turns and looks at Bertrand. He is stripped of his rich dress and wears only a girdled tunic falling to his knees. Arms and feet are bare_] _Ban._ [_To Bertrand_] Sir, we permit the lady of our soul To end as her heart wills the rite that makes Her wife and widow. Touch her not, nor speak. [_Bertrand crosses to altar_] _Ard._ Why should we touch, when souls inhabit eyes And journey on a look? My heaven-lord, Here is no priest to bless this act of mine, But God will know his altar and the gift I lay upon it. The life we thought to live-- That might have failed, and killed the dream now safe From tarnish of the days. Earth has enough Of blind and baffled lives, but great her need Of dreams. And ours we leave with her, unworn, Unpaled, warm round the love-seed she shall nurse To million-budded life. _Bion._ Come, make an end! _Ard._ An end of love? The God of all the worlds Cannot do that. Love born this darkest day Shall be in flower on man's millennial path And touch his step with Heaven. _Vig._ Peace! Be done! _Ard._ Ay ... done. My lord, think thou art in the world Celestial, and from there smile on me--now-- [_Draws dagger from her bosom and stabs him. He falls_] High God, as thou art Love, I struck for thee! [_Bends over body_] True aim. Full in the heart. I know the place, For there my home is--there I live--and now My house is down, I, too, must fall---- _Ban._ I'll pay thee! What hast thou done? _Ard._ What done? A miracle! Who now can harm my love? _Ban._ Your promises! Your oaths! _Ard._ I'd keep them, sir--ay, every one, If grief would let me live to be your wife. But I am weary, and my heavy stars Have left their skies to hang upon me here. My veins are empty, all their strength is out. Does 't take so much to lift this little blade And let it fall again? [_Biondel takes the dagger from her_] Think you I need So poor a thing? Nay, God has struck for me, As I for Him. I go with Vairdelan. [_Kneels by body_] Look on this brow, if shame will let ye look. An angel shaped it. Ye've unfashioned here The work of Heaven. Sweet lips, no roses left? Your hand, my lord, and now the sinless star. 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