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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 + + +Title: Semiramis and Other Plays + Semiramis, Carlotta And The Poet + +Author: Olive Tilford Dargan + +Release Date: October 29, 2007 [EBook #23234] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEMIRAMIS AND OTHER PLAYS *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Daniel Griffith 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) + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div class="titlepage"> +<h1><a class="page" name="page1" id="page1" title="1"></a>SEMIRAMIS AND OTHER PLAYS</h1> + +<p>BY<br /> +OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN</p> + +<p><img src="images/mask.png" alt="Image of a dramatic mask" width="114" height="131" /></p> + +<p>BRENTANO’S<br /> +<em class="sc">New York</em><br /> +1904</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page2" id="page2" title="2"></a>Copyright 1904<br /> +By Olive Tilford Dargan<br /> +[Stage rights reserved]</p> + +<p>THE LITERARY COLLECTOR PRESS<br /> +GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT</p> +</div> + +<h2><a class="page" name="page3" id="page3" title="3"></a>CONTENTS</h2> + +<table summary=""> +<tr><td>SEMIRAMIS</td><td class="right"><a href="#page5">5</a></td></tr> +<tr><td>CARLOTTA</td><td class="right"><a href="#page75">75</a></td></tr> +<tr><td>THE POET</td><td class="right"><a href="#page175">175</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<p><a class="page" name="page4" id="page4" title="4"></a><!-- +ERRATA (already corrected in text) + +Page 33, line 2, for No more! read No more? +Page 95, line 30, for unpalling read unpaling +Page 123, line 32, for sacrifices read sacrifice +Page 190, line 6, for bloom read blown +Page 196, line 22, for mummy read mammy +--></p> + +<div class="plays"> +<h2><a class="page" name="page5" id="page5" title="5"></a>SEMIRAMIS</h2> + +<p><a class="page" name="page6" id="page6" title="6"></a></p> + +<table summary=""> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a class="page" name="page7" id="page7" title="7"></a><a href="#play1act1">ACT I.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play1act1scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>The tent of Menones</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play1act2">ACT II.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play1act2scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Hall in the palace of Ninus</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play1act3">ACT III.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play1act3scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>The gardens over the lake</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play1act4">ACT IV.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play1act4scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>The tent of Husak</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page8" id="page8" title="8"></a>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<p><span><em class="sc">Ninus</em>, king of Assyria</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Husak</em>, king of Armenia</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Khosrove</em>, son of Husak</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Menones</em>, governor of Nineveh</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Artavan</em>, son of Menones</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Sumbat</em>, friend of Artavan</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Vassin</em>, officer of the king</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Haddo</em>, a guard</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Armin</em>, a guard</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Dokahra</em>, woman to Semiramis</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Sola</em>, wife of Artavan</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Semiramis</em>, daughter of Menones</span><br /> +<span>Officers, heralds, messengers, guards, soldiers, dancers, &c.</span></p> + +<p class="play"><a class="page" name="page9" id="page9" title="9"></a>SEMIRAMIS</p> + +<h3><a name="play1act1" id="play1act1"></a>ACT I.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play1act1scene1" id="play1act1scene1"></a>Scene: Within the tent of Menones, on the plain +before Nineveh. Left, centre, entrance to tent from the +plain. Curtains rear, forming partition with exits right +and left of centre. The same at right, with one exit, +centre. Couch rear, between exits. From a tent-pole +near exit, right centre, hang helmet and a suit of chain +armor.</p> + +<p class="italic">Sola parts curtains rear, left, and looks out, showing +effort to keep awake. She steps forward.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Hist! Armin! Haddo!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter two guards, left centre</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i16"> Still no news?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i21">Arm.</strong> None, lady.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Oh, Artavan, what keeps thee?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Haddo.</strong> He will come.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Semiramis is sleeping. I am weary,</span><br /> +<span>But <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not sleep.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page10" id="page10" title="10"></a><strong class="i8">Arm.</strong> Rest, madam; we will call you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> My lord shall find me watching, night or day!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Arm.</strong> Two nights you have not slept.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sol.</strong> Ten thousand nights,</span><br /> +<span>I think, good Armin.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Had.</strong> We will call you, madam.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Arm.</strong> With the first hoof-beat ringing from the north!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> (<i>At curtains, drowsily</i>)</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> be—awake.</span></p> + +<p><span class="i8"> (<i>Goes in</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Had.</strong> <abbr>She ’ll</abbr> sleep now.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Arm.</strong> Ay, she must.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Had.</strong> And <abbr>I ’d</abbr> not call her for god Bel himself!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Arm.</strong> Hark! (<i>Goes to entrance</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i6"> ’Tis a horseman!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Had.</strong> (<i>Following him</i>) Two!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Arm.</strong> Right! We must rouse</span><br /> +<span>The lady Semiramis.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Had.</strong> Make sure ’tis he. (<i>They step out</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Voice without.</strong> Is this Menones’ tent?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Arm.</strong> (<i>Without</i>) Ay, Sir! The word!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Voice.</strong> God Ninus!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis enters, through curtains right centre</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Artavan! His voice!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Artavan, followed by Sumbat who waits +near entrance</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Sem.</strong> My brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> Semiramis! (<i>Embracing her</i>) Three years this kiss</span><br /> +<span>Has gathered love for thee!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> <abbr>Has ’t</abbr> been so long</span><br /> +<span>Since I left Gazim?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Art.</strong> Ay,—since Ninus called</span><br /> +<span>Our father here, and Gazim lost her dove.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>On his bosom, laughing softly</i>) The dove of Gazim,—so they called me then.</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page11" id="page11" title="11"></a>But now—(<i>proudly, moving from him</i>) the lioness of Nineveh!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> A warrior’s daughter!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> And a warrior’s sister!</span><br /> +<span>O, I have prayed that you might come! The king</span><br /> +<span>Is gracious—loves the brave—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Art.</strong> Our father?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> Ah!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> well?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Sem.</strong> <abbr>Is ’t</abbr> day?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Art.</strong> Almost.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sem.</strong> At dawn he meets</span><br /> +<span>The Armenians on the plain.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Art.</strong> Then he is well!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> He went forth well,—and brave as when he drove</span><br /> +<span>The Ghees from Gazim with his single sword!</span><br /> +<span>But—oh—he needs you, Artavan, he needs you!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Comes closer speaking rapidly</i>)</p> + +<p><span><abbr>I ’m</abbr> with him night and day but when he battles—</span><br /> +<span>I buckle on his arms—cheer him away—</span><br /> +<span>And wipe the foe’s blood from his mighty sword</span><br /> +<span>When he returns! But <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> a fear so strange!</span><br /> +<span>At times <abbr>he ’s</abbr> moved quite from himself,—so far</span><br /> +<span>That I look on him and see not our father!</span><br /> +<span>If I dared speak <abbr>I ’d</abbr> almost say that he</span><br /> +<span>Who never lost a battle shrinks from war!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> (<i>Starting</i>) No, no! Not that! You borrow eyes of fear</span><br /> +<span>And see what is not!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> But <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> felt the drops</span><br /> +<span>Cold on his brow, and raised his lifeless arms</span><br /> +<span>Whose corded strength hung slack as a sick child’s!</span><br /> +<span>O, it is true! And you must stand by him!</span><br /> +<span>Fight at his side! I thought to do it! I!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page12" id="page12" title="12"></a>See here, my armor!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Moving with him to where the armor hangs</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i10"> When I had this made</span><br /> +<span>And swore to wear it in the fight, <abbr>’t was</abbr> then</span><br /> +<span>He yielded—said that you might come—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Sound of trumpets at distance. They listen</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i20"> The charge!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> I go to him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Taking a paper from her bosom</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span class="i9"> Take this! <abbr>He ’ll</abbr> understand!</span><br /> +<span>’Tis some direction later thought upon!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> My wife is safe—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> With me! Three days ago</span><br /> +<span>She came. And now she sleeps—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Points to curtains, rear left</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Art.</strong> In there? One kiss—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Nay, nay, you go to battle, and should keep</span><br /> +<span>Steel in your eye, not woman’s tears!... Who comes</span><br /> +<span>With you?</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Looks toward entrance where Sumbat stands</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i5"> O, Sumbat!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>He advances and drops on knee. She gives him +both hands and he rises</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i11"> Welcome! But no time</span><br /> +<span>For gallant greetings! We are warriors here!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>A roll of battle is heard</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> We go!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> Ride! ride! The battle over, ye</span><br /> +<span>Shall meet the king!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Artavan and Sumbat hasten out. The noise of departure +brings Sola to curtains</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sol.</strong> What is it? Who was here?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> (<i>Absorbed</i>) <abbr>They ’ll</abbr> reach my father!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Not Artavan?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Ay—he.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page13" id="page13" title="13"></a><strong class="i11">Sol.</strong> And gone—my husband!</span><br /> +<span>Without a word—a look!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> The battle calls,</span><br /> +<span>And he who wears ambition’s spur must ride!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Ambition! O, you think of naught but war</span><br /> +<span>And glory! Hast thou no heart, Semiramis?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I’ faith, and love thee with it! (<i>kisses her</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Sol.</strong> Trifle not!</span><br /> +<span>Hadst thou a heart thou couldst not live a maid,</span><br /> +<span>So beautiful, and never dream of love!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> some strange thing—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> What, wilt be angry? Come!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> tell thee all he said—thy Artavan,—</span><br /> +<span>Ay, every word, and how his eyes grew soft</span><br /> +<span>With dimness sweeter than their vanquished light</span><br /> +<span>When thou wert his dear theme!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>They move to curtains. Semiramis stops and listens</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i16"> Go in. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> come. (<i>Sola goes in</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Listening</i>) Is that a chariot? My father!... Nay!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> safe with Artavan! Whatever comes</span><br /> +<span>His son will be his heart and bear him up!</span><br /> +<span>Safe, safe, Menones, and thy grizzled locks</span><br /> +<span>Shall wear their laurels to an honored grave!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Noise of approaching chariot</i>)</p> + +<p><span>It <em>is</em> a chariot! Can it be the king?</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Chariot stops without</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Armin, who is it comes?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Arm.</strong> (<i>Appearing at entrance</i>) The Lord Menones.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis sways, steadies herself, and waits. +Menones enters, livid and trembling. In form he is large +and mighty, but is grey with age. He staggers over to +couch and sits upon it, groaning heavily. Semiramis +looks at him in silence. Then approaches and speaks in +a low terrified tone</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page14" id="page14" title="14"></a><strong>Sem.</strong> You fled the battle!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Men.</strong> Oh!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> You must go back!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> Too late!</span></p> + +<p><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Gaining courage and putting her hands +sternly on his shoulders</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i8"> No!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Men.</strong> We must fly!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> Fly! Never!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Men.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) Come!</span><br /> +<span>The chariot! The king will leave my race</span><br /> +<span>No blood on earth!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> If it be coward’s blood</span><br /> +<span>’Tis better lost!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Men.</strong> Come, come! We yet can fly!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Back to the battle! There <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> go with thee!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> I can not! Oh, the <abbr>terror ’s</abbr> here—here—here!</span><br /> +<span>It clutches at my heart!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> Tear out thy heart</span><br /> +<span>And keep thy honor whole!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>He falls on the couch, shaken with suffering. She +kneels by him pleading passionately</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> Up, father, up!</span><br /> +<span>You must go back! You know not what <abbr>you ’ve</abbr> done!</span><br /> +<span>Our Artavan—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Men.</strong> Praise Bel, <abbr>he ’s</abbr> safe in Gazim!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> No ... he is here ... he came, and rode to find you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> He came? Gods, no!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> Nay, true! <abbr>He ’s</abbr> in the battle!</span><br /> +<span>Now you will go! You will go back, my father!</span><br /> +<span>He does not know the plan! He can not lead</span><br /> +<span>Without your counsel! Come—your voice—his arm—</span><br /> +<span>And all is safe!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>He rises; noise of battle; he sinks shuddering</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Men.</strong> No—<abbr>I ’ll</abbr> die here—not there!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page15" id="page15" title="15"></a>(<i>Semiramis stands in despair; then lifts her arms +praying</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O mighty Belus, give me back my father!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>She listens with sudden eagerness and goes to tent +door</i>)</p> + +<p><span>False! false! They’re verging south! North, north, ye cowards!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Rushes to her armor and takes it down. Shakes the +curtains right, and calls</i>)</p> + +<p>Dokahra! (<i>Throws off her robe and begins putting +on armor. Enter Dokahra, right centre</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Dok.</strong> Mistress!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> Buckle here! Be quick!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> You shall not go!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> You have no might or right</span><br /> +<span>To stay me now!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Men.</strong> You will be lost!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> Lost? No!</span><br /> +<span>Did I not plan this battle? Haste, Dokahra!</span><br /> +<span>Our lives are in your fingers! Courage, father!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Going, Dokahra still adjusting armor</i>)</p> + +<p><span>The king has smiled on me—I do not know—</span><br /> +<span>But there was such a promise in his smile—</span><br /> +<span>And if the <abbr>victory ’s</abbr> mine he will forgive!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Dok.</strong> This rivet, mistress!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Noise of battle</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> Artavan, I come!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Rushes out. Sound of chariot rolling away. +Dokahra looks stolidly at Menones for a moment, then +turns through curtains, right. Menones presses his heart +in pain, moans wretchedly, and draws a blanket over his +body</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> Is this the form that bright Decreto loved?</span><br /> +<span>But where the soul, O, gods! (<i>Lies shuddering</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Voice without.</strong> The King!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page16" id="page16" title="16"></a>(<i>Menones draws blanket over his face and becomes +motionless. Enter the king, with Vassin</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> (<i>At entrance</i>) Stand here!</span><br /> +<span>Godagon, haste! Ride to Menones; say</span><br /> +<span>We wait within his tent; his messengers</span><br /> +<span>Will reach us here.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>A rider spurs off without. Ninus and Vassin advance +within the tent</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Vas.</strong> Your majesty, suppose</span><br /> +<span>The Armenians gain, <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> be in danger here.</span><br /> +<span>Why come so near for news?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Nin.</strong> For news, good Vassin?</span><br /> +<span>I had a better reason. Semiramis</span><br /> +<span>Tents with her father.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Points to curtains</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Vas.</strong> Ah!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Nin.</strong> The sun will break</span><br /> +<span>Through there!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Vas.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> She stirs! She comes! Wait—see!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Dokahra’s gaunt figure appears at curtains</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> A false dawn, is it not?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> Your mistress sleeps?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Dok.</strong> (<i>Abasing herself</i>)</span><br /> +<span>No, mighty king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Nin.</strong> <abbr>She ’s</abbr> up? Then give her word</span><br /> +<span>We’re here.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Dok.</strong> <abbr>She ’s</abbr> not within, my lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Nin.</strong> Abroad!</span><br /> +<span>So soon? <abbr>She ’s</abbr> on the general’s business?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Dok.</strong> And yours, O king! <abbr>She ’s</abbr> joined the battle!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i22">Nin.</strong> She!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> Ha! ha! Do you believe this?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> Ay ... ’tis so.</span><br /> +<span>I know her spirit. <abbr>Here ’s</abbr> mettle for a queen!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page17" id="page17" title="17"></a>(<i>Menones uncovers and half rises</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> You would not make her one, your majesty!</span><br /> +<span>Though she should lead your troops to victory,</span><br /> +<span>Still is she but your general’s daughter, and</span><br /> +<span>Assyria’s crown is given of gods to gods!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> And Ninus knows to keep his race untainted.</span><br /> +<span>But all the jewels of a king, my Vassin,</span><br /> +<span>Are not worn in his crown. Some in the heart</span><br /> +<span>Are casketed, and there this maid shall shine</span><br /> +<span>For me alone. Were she of heavenly race—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> (<i>Starting up</i>)</span><br /> +<span>She is, my lord!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ninus regards him in astonishment</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Nin.</strong> What do you here, Menones?</span><br /> +<span>Speak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> (<i>Trembling</i>) I am ill.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Nin.</strong> Ill, sir? Ha! Now I know!</span><br /> +<span>Your daughter leads while you couch safe in tent!</span><br /> +<span>She sought to hide your shame! O, what a heart!</span><br /> +<span>But you—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Men.</strong> I led, my lord, till illness seized—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Too ill to fight, but not too ill to fly!</span><br /> +<span>Hound! hound! My troops are lost! <abbr>I ’d</abbr> kill you now</span><br /> +<span>But ’tis an hour too soon! First you must be</span><br /> +<span>Of every honor stript!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Men.</strong> (<i>Kneeling</i>) My lord and king,</span><br /> +<span>I know that I must die, but hear a prayer</span><br /> +<span>For my brave daughter’s sake! Betray her not,</span><br /> +<span>Lest thou offend the gods that gave thee life,</span><br /> +<span>For she, too, is of heaven!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Vas.</strong> Ha!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Men.</strong> I swear</span><br /> +<span>’Tis true! My lord, Decreto was her mother!</span><br /> +<span>She met me on the plains of Gazim when</span><br /> +<span>This aged figure was called fair, and youth</span><br /> +<span>Still fed its fire to manhood’s prime;</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page18" id="page18" title="18"></a>Our babe she left upon a mountain crest</span><br /> +<span>And sent her doves to tend it through a year,</span><br /> +<span>Then bade me scale the mount and take my own.</span><br /> +<span>I did, and named her for Decreto’s dove—</span><br /> +<span>Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Nin.</strong> What precious tale is this?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> He thinks to fright you from the maid, my lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Dok.</strong> (<i>Falling at the king’s feet</i>)</span><br /> +<span>O king, ’tis true! Ask thou in Gazim—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Nin.</strong> Go!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Dokahra vanishes through curtains left rear</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> <abbr>’T will</abbr> take a better lie to save your head!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> My head? <abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> welcome to it! ’Tis not that!</span><br /> +<span>But she—my daughter—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Nin.</strong> We will spare her life.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> (<i>Calmly</i>) It is my prayer that she may die with me.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Not while we love. If e’er she lose her charm,</span><br /> +<span>We may remember that you were her father.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> (<i>Furiously, forgetting himself</i>)</span><br /> +<span>She has a brother yet!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Nin.</strong> A brother! So!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> look to him as well! Thanks for your news!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Men.</strong> (<i>Towering up</i>) Though every god in heaven gave thee blood</span><br /> +<span>Yet would I spill it!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Lifts his sword; suddenly drops it and falls, pressing +his heart. Ninus and Vassin watch him silently until +he is still</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Nin.</strong> Dead?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Vas.</strong> (<i>Stooping</i>) Ay, dead, my lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> I would have spared him though I threatened death.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page19" id="page19" title="19"></a><strong>Vas.</strong> Have spared the coward? Why, your majesty?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Semiramis has spirit passing woman’s;</span><br /> +<span>I have no hope to force her to my arms,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>I ’d</abbr> have wrought her heart to tenderness</span><br /> +<span>By mercy to her father. Love is my aim!</span><br /> +<span>All else I can command—but that—Guards here!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Armin and Haddo</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Not you—my own! But wait—a word! Where sleeps</span><br /> +<span>Menones?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Arm.</strong> (<i>Pointing</i>) There, O king!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The body of Menones lies behind the king and +Vassin, unseen by the <ins title="Original reads 'gaurds'">guards</ins>. Exeunt Armin and Haddo. +Enter the king’s guards</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> Take up this body.</span><br /> +<span>Place it within.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guards go in with Menones’ body</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Vas.</strong> What would you do, my lord?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> know in time.</span></p> + +<p><span class="i4"> (<i>Re-enter guards</i>) Hark! You saw nothing!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Guards.</strong> (<i>Bowing to floor</i>) Nothing.</span><br /> +<span>O mighty Ninus! (<i>Exeunt</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Nin.</strong> I will have her love!</span><br /> +<span>Vassin, this story of her goddess birth</span><br /> +<span>Is true!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Vas.</strong> How knows your majesty?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Nin.</strong> It speaks</span><br /> +<span>In all her motions. Every glance and grace</span><br /> +<span>Revouches it. E’en your dull eye must know</span><br /> +<span>Her beauty is immortal, though her life</span><br /> +<span>Is forfeit to the clay and must have end.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> <abbr>Thou ’lt</abbr> find another fair! Youth blooms and goes!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Not such as hers! Her <abbr>brow ’s</abbr> a holy page</span><br /> +<span>Where chiselling Time dare never set a mark!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page20" id="page20" title="20"></a>The sun hath been her lover, and so deep</span><br /> +<span>Hath touched her locks with fire no winter hand</span><br /> +<span>May shake his kisses out!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Vas.</strong> Why, <abbr>thou ’rt</abbr> in love!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Confused voices without. A messenger runs in and +falls at the feet of the king</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Speak, sir!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Mes.</strong> Assyria wins! The Armenians fly!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>They ’ve</abbr> lost their leader—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Nin.</strong> Khosrove! Is he taken?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mes.</strong> Taken or slain, I know not which, but know</span><br /> +<span>He leads no more the enemy! They fly</span><br /> +<span>Before Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mes.</strong> Ay, all was rout until she reached the field</span><br /> +<span>And spurred the—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Voice of herald without.</strong> Victory! A victory!</span><br /> +<span>Ninus is god and king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Cries.</strong> A victory!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter herald</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Herald.</strong> Assyria triumphs o’er his enemies!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Is Khosrove taken?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Her.</strong> Slain, the people cry!</span><br /> +<span>The soldiers hail Semiramis their chief,</span><br /> +<span>Call her a goddess, drag her chariot,</span><br /> +<span>And shout and swear by Belus’ ruling star</span><br /> +<span>To be her slaves forever!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Nin.</strong> So they shall.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> Your majesty—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> Peace, Vassin! Wait and see!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Noise and cries without as Semiramis is drawn +toward the tent in her chariot</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Ho! Guards!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The king’s guards enter. Ninus passes to right +centre, facing entrance opposite. Guards station themselves +<a class="page" name="page21" id="page21" title="21"></a>on each side of him and in his rear. Semiramis enters, +followed by officers and soldiers. Her helmet is off, +her hair falling</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Nin.</strong> Hail goddess!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis looks at the king in astonishment then +glances fearfully toward Menones’ room</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> Hail, Assyria’s queen!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Faintly</i>) O king—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ninus advances to her. She kneels before him</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> Kneel down, Menones’ daughter! Rise,</span><br /> +<span>The bride of Ninus, nevermore to kneel!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i20"> (<i>Raises her</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span>This victory is proof, if proof I need,</span><br /> +<span>That you are a true daughter of the skies,</span><br /> +<span>Mate for the mightiest throne!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i9"> (<i>To soldiers</i>) Cry festival!</span><br /> +<span>The feast of triumph and the wedding revel</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> hold together! Go!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt soldiers, cheering without</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Taking the hand of Semiramis</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span class="i13"> To-day <abbr>thou ’lt</abbr> come?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Withdrawing her hand and bowing her head</i>)</span><br /> +<span>I am my king’s.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Passing to exit</i>) The royal chariot,</span><br /> +<span>Within the hour, will take you from the tent</span><br /> +<span>Unto our palace.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt Ninus and attendants. Semiramis stands +dazed. Sola comes out softly and looks at her</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>In rapture</i>) Ah, my <abbr>father ’s</abbr> safe!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> tell him!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Hurries toward curtains right, rear, and stops at exit</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i8"> No ... <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> wait. This joy is dead</span><br /> +<span>If Artavan be lost!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Sola springs toward her with a cry</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sol.</strong> Be lost? Ah, no!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page22" id="page22" title="22"></a>Where is he? Oh, not lost!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> He pushed too far</span><br /> +<span>Amid the flying troops.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sol.</strong> And you—you stole</span><br /> +<span>His last look from my eyes!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> He may be saved.</span><br /> +<span>For Sumbat followed him. He must be saved!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> hope till Sumbat comes.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sol.</strong> O, you know naught</span><br /> +<span>Of love!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Sem.</strong> I was his sister, Sola, ere</span><br /> +<span>He made thee wife.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sol.</strong> A sister! O, such love</span><br /> +<span>Is nothing! Thou wilt smile at it</span><br /> +<span>If ever <abbr>thou ’rt</abbr> a wife!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis is removing her armor. She stops and +looks questioningly at Sola; then shakes her head</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> Nay, Sola, nay!...</span><br /> +<span>Help me with this.... Somehow my heart is gone</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>armor ’s</abbr> for the brave.</span></p> + +<p><span class="i3"> (<i>Putting on her robe</i>) Now <abbr>’t has</abbr> come back.</span><br /> +<span>But beats and whispers like a maiden’s own.</span><br /> +<span>I am but half a warrior.... Do not sob.</span><br /> +<span>Sumbat will bring us news.... Ah, he has come!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Sumbat</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> (<i>Rushing to him and looking into his face</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Oh, lost! (<i>Flies, sobbing, through the curtains, rear left</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> Speak.... Is it true?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sum.</strong> I fear it is.</span><br /> +<span>I could not save him, and they bore him off.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Alive?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sum.</strong> Alive!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> A prisoner! Not slain!</span><br /> +<span>Then we may hope! <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> captured Husak’s son!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page23" id="page23" title="23"></a><strong>Sum.</strong> Khosrove! Is he not under guard without?</span><br /> +<span>A man most fair ... of lordly form, and young?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> ’Tis he! Have him brought hither instantly!</span><br /> +<span>To Husak word shall go on swiftest steed</span><br /> +<span>That I will yield the prince for Artavan!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Sumbat</i>)</p> + +<p><span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> safe ... if there be time ... if there be time!...</span><br /> +<span>Husak, the Fierce ... but he must love his son,</span><br /> +<span>And will be merciful to save him. Ay....</span><br /> +<span>So brave a son. Now I recall his face,</span><br /> +<span>It would have made me pause had not my eyes</span><br /> +<span>Been dim with triumph.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Sumbat, followed by officers with Khosrove. +The officers fall back, leaving the captive before Semiramis. +He is stripped of all armor, and clothed in a +scant tunic revealing a figure of marked strength and +grace. He stands erect, but with head bowed, and +his arms bound to his sides</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Sem.</strong> (<i>Gazes at him</i>) Ah!... (<i>She advances a step</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span class="i16"> Armenian!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>At sound of her voice he lifts his head and looks at +her with eager recognition</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Stepping back</i>) Armenian!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Khos.</strong> (<i>Proudly</i>) Armenia, by your leave!</span><br /> +<span>I am my father’s house.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> glad ’tis so.</span><br /> +<span>Then he should value thee.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Khos.</strong> He does.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sem.</strong> So much</span><br /> +<span>That he will spare the life of Artavan</span><br /> +<span>If we spare yours?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Khos.</strong> Who is this Artavan</span><br /> +<span>Who evens me in price?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> Menones’ son.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page24" id="page24" title="24"></a><strong>Khos.</strong> Menones? Governor of Nineveh?</span><br /> +<span>Who fled my sword, fear-cold, and pale with terror?</span><br /> +<span>Insult not Husak with so poor a suit!</span><br /> +<span>That coward’s race—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> Am I a coward, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> (<i>In sudden dejection</i>)</span><br /> +<span>These fettered arms make answer, princess.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> Nay,</span><br /> +<span>I am Menones’ daughter,—Artavan</span><br /> +<span>My brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Khos.</strong> Not the Assyrian princess? O,</span><br /> +<span>Forgive me, lady! I am proud to be</span><br /> +<span>Thy brother’s price!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> What surety have I</span><br /> +<span>That Artavan still lives?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Khos.</strong> My word.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Officer.</strong> His word!</span><br /> +<span>O, noble madam, it is known to all</span><br /> +<span>That Husak takes no prisoners of war.</span><br /> +<span>They die before his tent.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Khos.</strong> Such is the custom—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O me, my brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Khos.</strong> But I can avouch</span><br /> +<span>That Artavan still lives.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Off.</strong> Trust not the word</span><br /> +<span>Of captive foes, my lady. By what means</span><br /> +<span>Can he know this?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Speak, sir.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Khos.</strong> To you alone</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> speak.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> Nay—before all!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Khos.</strong> Unto no ear</span><br /> +<span>But thine.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> Wouldst save thy life?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Khos.</strong> Perhaps. Wouldst save</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page25" id="page25" title="25"></a>Thy brother?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> Sumbat, wilt advise me?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sum.</strong> Trust him,</span><br /> +<span>And hear what he would say.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> Out then, my friends,</span><br /> +<span>I pray you.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All go out but Semiramis and Khosrove.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i6"> Now!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Khos.</strong> My father swore to me</span><br /> +<span>Before I led his troops ’gainst Nineveh,</span><br /> +<span>All captives should be held at my disposal</span><br /> +<span>And bloody custom waived. I would not speak</span><br /> +<span>’Fore all, lest I should rob fierce Husak’s name</span><br /> +<span>Of terror which is half his sword.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> But now</span><br /> +<span>He thinks you dead.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Khos.</strong> Not so. <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> sent him word</span><br /> +<span>By a sure mouth that <abbr>I ’m</abbr> unhurt and held</span><br /> +<span>A prisoner.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> O then my <abbr>brother ’s</abbr> safe!</span><br /> +<span>How gracious art thou, Heaven!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i3"> (<i>Steps towards entrance</i>) Sumbat!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Khos.</strong> (<i>Stepping before her</i>) Wait!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> What more?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Khos.</strong> All—everything—<abbr>there ’s</abbr> nothing said!</span><br /> +<span>Ninus will spare me not! ’Tis thou must save me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I! No! The king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Khos.</strong> Not he! Is Artavan</span><br /> +<span>Grown dearer than his hate to Husak? Nay—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Sir, fear not Ninus. He will grant my suit.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> He will? You—you—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> saved his army!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Khos.</strong> (<i>Relieved</i>) Ah!</span><br /> +<span>No more than that?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Enough!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page26" id="page26" title="26"></a><strong class="i11">Khos.</strong> No! <abbr>’T will</abbr> not wipe</span><br /> +<span>Revenge from out his heart,—and you have saved</span><br /> +<span>But that your father threw away.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> Peace, sir!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> <abbr>There ’s</abbr> but one way for me—escape!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> No more!</span><br /> +<span>Nay—not another word!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Khos.</strong> I must escape—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sem.</strong> Not one!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> That word unsaid slays Artavan,</span><br /> +<span>Spoken it saves him! Once in Ninus’ power</span><br /> +<span>I have no hope of life, and with me dies</span><br /> +<span>Your brother.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Scornfully</i>) Do not fear!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Khos.</strong> I fear? By Heaven!</span><br /> +<span>Think you this heart is not a soldier’s own</span><br /> +<span>Because ’tis captive to a woman’s sword?</span><br /> +<span>A woman’s sword! O little had thy sword</span><br /> +<span>To do with my defeat! Unarmed thou wouldst</span><br /> +<span>Have taken me—for <abbr>’t was</abbr> thy beauty struck</span><br /> +<span>My weapon to my side! (<i>rapidly and passionately</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i11"> When I bore down</span><br /> +<span>Upon your chariot, I could have swept you</span><br /> +<span>With one arm from the world! But suddenly</span><br /> +<span>A missile struck your helmet and dislodged</span><br /> +<span>The glory of your face before my eyes,</span><br /> +<span>Your hair ran gold, the shining East looked black</span><br /> +<span>Behind the star you made upon its breast!</span><br /> +<span>I knew thee for a goddess, and stood still</span><br /> +<span>Meek captive to thy wish! O blest am I</span><br /> +<span>To learn thou art not greater than myself,</span><br /> +<span>But so much less that I may lift thee up!</span><br /> +<span>Fly with me—be my queen—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis tries to speak</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i14"> Go, call them in!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page27" id="page27" title="27"></a><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> shout above their heads to reach thine ears!</span><br /> +<span>O, trust to me! In me thy brother lives!</span><br /> +<span>Come, and thy fallen father shall be brave</span><br /> +<span>Beneath Armenia’s smile! Here thou mayst save</span><br /> +<span>His life, but ne’er again will he know honor!</span><br /> +<span>Help me to fly and save three lives in one!</span><br /> +<span>Give me to Ninus—give me up to death,</span><br /> +<span>And with a father and a brother lost,</span><br /> +<span>Though thou wert worshipped ’mong thy country’s gods</span><br /> +<span>Still thou couldst not be happy!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> Sir—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Khos.</strong> But come,</span><br /> +<span>And they are safe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Sem.</strong> (<i>Bewildered</i>) What do I hear?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Khos.</strong> O, come!</span><br /> +<span>Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?</span><br /> +<span>It is the fire that dead puts out the light</span><br /> +<span>On every hearth, living makes all the world</span><br /> +<span>One altar feeding incense unto Heaven!</span><br /> +<span>It gives the soul to life, breath to the soul,</span><br /> +<span>Pulse to ambition, strength to warrior arms,—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Struggling with his fetters</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Such strength that they may break all captive bonds</span><br /> +<span>To clasp their own!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Breaks his fetters and attempts to embrace her as +she retreats gazing at him as if fascinated. She escapes +him, and throws off her bewilderment. He drops to his +knees holding out his arms to her</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i10"> And love I offer thee!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Sir, I forgive thee, for thou knowest not</span><br /> +<span>To whom you speak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Khos.</strong> Know not!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> I who am now</span><br /> +<span>Menones’ daughter, ere the night shall be</span><br /> +<span>The bride of Ninus, king of all Assyria!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page28" id="page28" title="28"></a>(<i>Khosrove rises, bows before her, and stands with +silent dignity</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> You—you—were saying—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Khos.</strong> Nothing, royal madam.</span><br /> +<span>Have you not friends without?</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis hesitates, goes to door and calls</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> Sumbat!</span><br /> +<span class="i13"> (<i>To Khosrove</i>) <abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> safe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> (<i>Ironically</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Assyria’s queen should know!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> She does!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Sumbat and officers</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Sum.</strong> Unbound!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Ay, he is free! We only wait the word</span><br /> +<span>Of gracious Ninus. Guard him until then,</span><br /> +<span>We charge you, Sumbat. Keep you nearest him.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt Sumbat and officers with Khosrove</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> My father now! He must have heard the shouts</span><br /> +<span>Of victory, yet still he hides himself.</span><br /> +<span>... The king asked not for love. He is Assyria.</span><br /> +<span>I would not lessen him by love. Not yet....</span><br /> +<span>’Tis my triumphant arms he weds. The heart</span><br /> +<span>Must sleep....</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Voice of guard at entrance.</strong> The king approaches!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i22">Sem.</strong> Ah!... The king!</span><br /> +<span>His word, and all is done. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> speak to him</span><br /> +<span>Before I see my father. Then I may say</span><br /> +<span>‘Thou art forgiven, and Artavan is safe!’</span><br /> +<span>... And Khosrove ... safe.... The royal chariot!...</span><br /> +<span>O, mother, send thy doves—I am once more</span><br /> +<span>A babe!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The king enters alone</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Nin.</strong> Art ready for thy king?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> I am—</span><br /> +<span>And yet—a word before I go! Thou know’st</span><br /> +<span>That Khosrove is my prisoner—</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page29" id="page29" title="29"></a><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> Khosrove! He!</span><br /> +<span>We thought him slain!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> Nay, sir—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> A prisoner!</span><br /> +<span>O, welcome gift! We ask no other dower!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> But, gracious lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Turning to entrance</i>) Ho, Vassin! <abbr>Khosrove ’s</abbr> taken!</span><br /> +<span>Go! Find him out and drag him straight to dungeon!</span><br /> +<span>Bind him with chains until he can not move,</span><br /> +<span>Till <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> devised some bitter way of death!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> (<i>Without</i>) I haste, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong><ins title="Original reads 'Sem.'">Nin.</ins></strong> At last my enemy is ’neath my feet!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Returning to Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span>And ’tis to thee we owe this gift of fortune!</span><br /> +<span>... You’re pale, Semiramis.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> O king—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> (<i>Taking her hands</i>) And trembling.</span><br /> +<span>Dost fear my greatness? Nay, thou ledst my army—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O, if for that thou ow’st me aught, grant me—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Whate’er thou wouldst!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> My brother, Artavan,</span><br /> +<span>Is Husak’s captive! Thou canst save him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Nin.</strong> I?</span><br /> +<span>Then he is saved! But how! Tell me the way!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Husak will yield him up for Khosrove!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Nin.</strong> What</span><br /> +<span>Send Khosrove back alive! Not though the gods</span><br /> +<span>Commanded it! Alive! <abbr>’T was</abbr> Husak slew</span><br /> +<span>My father, and his son shall die! Ten years</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ve</abbr> sought for this revenge! And give it up</span><br /> +<span>For a green lad fresh from the fields of Gazim?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> A warrior, sir, <abbr>who ’ll</abbr> win thee many a battle!</span><br /> +<span>And crest thy glory with meridian stars!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> worth the price though pity lent no coin!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page30" id="page30" title="30"></a>Save him, my lord! A bridal boon I ask!</span><br /> +<span>Give me my brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> A bridal boon <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> grant.</span><br /> +<span>Thou lov’st thy father?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> (<i>Choking</i>) You know—that he—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Nin.</strong> I know.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Great king—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> One thou mayst save.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sem.</strong> O gods!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Thy brother, or thy father? Thou mayst choose.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I know my duty, sir. I choose my father.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> A noble choice. We are not harsh, my queen.</span><br /> +<span>The people know Menones’ life is forfeit,</span><br /> +<span>And know how I have sought for Khosrove’s death;</span><br /> +<span>Did I spare both for your sake they would say</span><br /> +<span>That Ninus’ scepter is a woman’s hand.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Shouts of rejoicing without</i>)</p> + +<p><span>But come! The chariot waits. The people call.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> First will I tell my father that he lives.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> waiting there the summons to his death.</span><br /> +<span>Ah, I must thank you sir.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Takes the king’s hand and kisses it. Goes through +curtains, right, rear. Her cry is heard within. She +returns.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i13"> Too late! <abbr>He ’s</abbr> dead!</span><br /> +<span>Cold, cold, my father! Oh!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Sobs, her hands covering her face</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Removing her hands and putting his arm about her</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span class="i14"> <abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> not alone,</span><br /> +<span>My bride!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Withdrawing and kneeling to him, her hands upraised</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i5"> O king, leave me my brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Nin.</strong> Nay!</span><br /> +<span>Did you not have your choice? You ask too much.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page31" id="page31" title="31"></a><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) Ah, so I do! I should demand, not ask!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Demand!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> Ay, king! ... ’Tis true <abbr>I ’m</abbr> not alone.</span><br /> +<span>My goddess mother is again with me</span><br /> +<span>As when this morn my heart exultant rode</span><br /> +<span>The tides of triumph! When the heavens rolled</span><br /> +<span>And like a stooping sea caught up my soul</span><br /> +<span>Till ranged with the applauding gods it clapped</span><br /> +<span>My courage on below! You offer me</span><br /> +<span>A place beside your throne. I offer you</span><br /> +<span>The hearts of all your subjects now my own,—</span><br /> +<span>The love—the worship of your mighty army!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Cries without</i>)</p> + +<p><span>They shout my name—not yours—great Ninus! Hear!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Shouts:</strong> Semiramis is queen! Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I bring a hand, with yours inlocked, shall reach</span><br /> +<span>O’er Asia’s breadth and draw her glory in!</span><br /> +<span>A heart ambitious with immortal beat</span><br /> +<span>To make Assyria greatest ’neath the stars!</span><br /> +<span>And in return I ask my brother’s life!</span><br /> +<span>Give me your promise Khosrove goes to Husak,</span><br /> +<span>Or leave me where I stand—Menones’ daughter!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Slowly, reading the determination in her face</i>)</span><br /> +<span>I promise.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> Swear!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> I swear it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Relaxes, falls at his feet, and reaches up, clasping his hands</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i16"> O, god Ninus!</span></p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page32" id="page32" title="32"></a><a name="play1act2" id="play1act2"></a>ACT II.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play1act2scene1" id="play1act2scene1"></a>The great hall in the palace of Nineveh. The rear is +open, showing the sky and the towers of the city. +Along the floor, which is high above the ground court, +rear, are sculptured lions. On each side of hall where +right and left reach open rear are large entrances, with +steps leading up to hall, guarded by spearmen and +archers. Within the hall, between winged bulls, are +entrances to chambers, right centre and left centre. Near +front, right, smaller entrance between figures of men +with lion heads. The same opposite, left. The walls of +the hall are lined with alabaster slabs on which are +sculptured and colored the conquests of Assyrian kings.</p> + +<p class="italic">Ninus alone. Enter Vassin, left centre.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>As Vassin enters</i>)</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’ve</abbr> told her?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Vas.</strong> Ay, my lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> What does she say?</span><br /> +<span>Does she suspect we ordered Khosrove’s torture?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> I can not answer that.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Nin.</strong> Then answer this!</span><br /> +<span>You’re sure that he will die? You made good work?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> Good work, my lord. He can not live a day.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> A day! <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> hurried then! I bade you fill</span><br /> +<span>His wounds with mortal but a lingering bane!</span><br /> +<span>Go, have him brought within! He must not die</span><br /> +<span>Without my foot upon his neck!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i5"> (<i>As Vassin is going</i>) What said</span><br /> +<span>The queen?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page33" id="page33" title="33"></a><strong>Vas.</strong> She cried ‘My <abbr>brother ’s</abbr> lost!’</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Nin.</strong> <ins title="Corrected from Errata">No more?</ins></span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> O, then her soul put sorrow’s grandeur on,</span><br /> +<span>And those about her saw a noble storm;</span><br /> +<span>But yet so proud her royal eyes, each drop</span><br /> +<span>That fell from them were worth a world</span><br /> +<span>To him for whom they fell!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) He loves the queen!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Semiramis, left, centre</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Is this thing true my lord? O, surely Heaven</span><br /> +<span>Will cry out ‘No’ though thou must answer ‘Ay!’</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>To Vassin</i>) Go! (<i>Exit Vassin, right front</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> Is it true?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Nin.</strong> Too true, my queen!</span><br /> +<span>Khosrove is maimed beyond all hope of life,</span><br /> +<span>And thou must make thy husband heir to love</span><br /> +<span>That was thy brother’s.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> Oh!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Nin.</strong> Thy grief is mine.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I will not weep, though I could shed such streams</span><br /> +<span>As when the clouds from riven breast pour down</span><br /> +<span>Their torrent agonies!... How strange, my lord,</span><br /> +<span>The guards should venture so without your warrant!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> had their heads for it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> (<i>Shocked</i>) Their heads!... Why, this</span><br /> +<span>’Tis to be royal! Ah!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Nin.</strong> Put by these thoughts,</span><br /> +<span>Semiramis. No theme to-day but love!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Love, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Nin.</strong> Ay, that! Thou lov’st me, dost thou not?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Thou art great Ninus!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Nin.</strong> <abbr>I ’d</abbr> be loved as man!</span><br /> +<span>Forget my kingdom, and put arms about me</span><br /> +<span>As doth the peasant maid her beggar lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page34" id="page34" title="34"></a><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Moving from him</i>) I thought thy greatness married my ambition</span><br /> +<span>To make Assyria brave e’en to the gods!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> keep my promise ... howsoever thine</span><br /> +<span>Is broken. Crowned, my glorious purpose beats</span><br /> +<span>Higher than any dream my maiden heart</span><br /> +<span>Could nourish! I will keep my word. But love?</span><br /> +<span>If thou wouldst have it—win it!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Starts away, then turns back to him</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i17"> Hast yet found</span><br /> +<span>A governor for the city?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> No.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> Delay</span><br /> +<span>At this unsettled time? Dost think it safe?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> ordered every tower-watch redoubled,</span><br /> +<span>Each gate close-locked, and keep the keys myself!</span><br /> +<span>None goes or comes till I have found the man</span><br /> +<span>For governor.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> Would not Vassin serve?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>With suspicion</i>) <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> other use for him. Perchance <abbr>he ’ll</abbr> go</span><br /> +<span>From Nineveh.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> My lord, <abbr>there ’s</abbr> one from Gazim,</span><br /> +<span>Sumbat, <abbr>thou ’lt</abbr> find as true as thine own heart.</span><br /> +<span>Who with some aid from me—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Nin.</strong> From you? So, so!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>In surprise</i>) I was my father’s head and hand, my lord.</span><br /> +<span>Who knows the guardian locks and wards and plans</span><br /> +<span>Secretive for thy safety but myself?</span><br /> +<span>Whom thou dost choose must learn somewhat of me.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Ay, <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> nob heads together!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sem.</strong> Sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Nin.</strong> Well, well—</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> choose a man!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page35" id="page35" title="35"></a>(<i>Exit moodily, right centre</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Strange ... but he is the king!</span><br /> +<span>... Ah, Khosrove! Artavan!... Nay, I will think</span><br /> +<span>Of nothing but my duty to the crown!...</span><br /> +<span>... “And with a father and a brother lost—”</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Sola, left, front. She sees that Semiramis is +alone and advances</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> “Though thou wert worshipped, thou couldst not be happy!”</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Tell me! When does he come?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> Who, child?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Sol.</strong> You ask?</span><br /> +<span>My husband—Artavan!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> He will not come.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Art thou not queen?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> And Ninus king.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> He will not save thy brother?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> Nay, he can not.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> O monster king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> Hush, Sola ... he forgave</span><br /> +<span>My father.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sol.</strong> Oh!—because he knew him dead!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> He knew him dead!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sol.</strong> Ah, I will tell you now!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Looks about guardedly, and speaks in a low tone</i>)</p> + +<p><span>I saw your father die—and Ninus saw him!</span><br /> +<span>Dokahra waked me—and unseen we watched!</span><br /> +<span>The king came to the tent—discovered all—</span><br /> +<span>Doomed him to death—you to dishonor! Then</span><br /> +<span>Your father rose to strike him—and fell dead.</span><br /> +<span>The king—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> Go! Leave me, Sola! Leave me! Go!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Sola, left, near front</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Stands in silent horror, then speaks slowly</i>)</span><br /> +<span>... <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> keep my oath ... and crown. Still will I make</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page36" id="page36" title="36"></a>Assyria great. Assyria is the army,</span><br /> +<span>And I ... am queen of arms ... not love! Not love!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Ninus</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Softly, not seeing Ninus</i>)</span><br /> +<span>“Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?”</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Advancing</i>) My bride!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> (<i>Turning to him</i>) My lord, I would see Sumbat. Pray</span><br /> +<span>Let him be summoned.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> Nay, <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> sworn this day</span><br /> +<span>Shall be for us alone!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> <abbr>’t was</abbr> he I charged</span><br /> +<span>With care of the Armenian prince.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> My queen</span><br /> +<span>Shall not be troubled.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> <abbr>’t will</abbr> not trouble me,</span><br /> +<span>My lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Nin.</strong> Enough it troubles me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> <abbr>He ’d</abbr> know</span><br /> +<span>Of this foul fault, against your will—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Nin.</strong> Again</span><br /> +<span>That theme! Forget it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> O, my lord, forget</span><br /> +<span>That noble prince? So brave—so proud—so fair—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> What do you say? O, you changed eyes with him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> My lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Nin.</strong> This is your grief! Your brother! Ha!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Your majesty—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> Not majesty! Fool! Fool!</span><br /> +<span>Ho, there! Bring in the Armenian! You shall see</span><br /> +<span>This noble prince! So brave—so proud—so fair!</span><br /> +<span>Her brother! O, fool, fool, fool!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> This the king?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Why, <abbr>I ’m</abbr> a fool, my lady!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page37" id="page37" title="37"></a>(<i>Guards enter right front with a half lifeless body</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i16"> Look on him!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> had some kisses since you saw him last</span><br /> +<span>That struck full deep!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Staggering back</i>) Is that—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Nin.</strong> Ay, it is he!</span><br /> +<span>Look on him! ’Tis your Khosrove! Your—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> (<i>Majestically</i>) Peace Ninus!</span><br /> +<span>When you have knelt to me <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> hear you speak!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit left centre</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Stares after her and becomes calm</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Now I have ruined all. <abbr>She ’ll</abbr> not forgive!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Vassin, left, rear</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> My lord, the brother of the queen has come.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Not Artavan?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Vas.</strong> Ay, Artavan.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Nin.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> here?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> When Husak had your oath <abbr>you ’d</abbr> free his son,</span><br /> +<span>Prince Khosrove, Artavan was sent at once</span><br /> +<span>To Nineveh.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Nin.</strong> How could he pass</span><br /> +<span>The gates?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Vas.</strong> He passed before your order fell.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> welcome him.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Looks toward the queen’s room</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i12"> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> make my peace with this.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Goes out with Vassin, left, rear. Semiramis enters +hesitatingly, sees that Ninus is gone and advances +fearfully toward the figure on the floor. The guards +stand back, right front. She retreats, covering her eyes; +then approaches and bends over the body. Searches +his face, and throws up her hands in sudden joy</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Not Khosrove! O, it is not Khosrove!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Leaves him and hurries to exit, trying to suppress +her emotion. Returns to the body</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page38" id="page38" title="38"></a>Where is the prince? Poor wretch! Can you not speak?</span><br /> +<span>... Are these thy ways, ambition?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Voice without.</strong> Way! Make way!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis hurries to her room. Enter the king, left +rear, walking with Khosrove, and followed by Vassin and +Sumbat</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Speak not of going, Artavan!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Khos.</strong> I must,</span><br /> +<span>O king! I pray your leave to go at once</span><br /> +<span>To Gazim. Sudden troubles urge me there.</span><br /> +<span>I beg your kingly warrant I may pass</span><br /> +<span>The gates—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Nin.</strong> Nay, you shall stay! We shall persuade you!</span></p> + +<p><span>(<i>To attendant</i>) Summon the queen. Her voice <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> add to ours.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Nin.</strong> We like you, Artavan! By Bel,</span><br /> +<span>We do! You’re worthy of your sister queen!</span><br /> +<span>No more—<abbr>you ’ll</abbr> stay! ... See! This is Khosrove!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i9"> (<i>Bends over body on the floor</i>) Is—</span></p> + +<p><span>Or was? ... He lives.... Think you these bones will hold</span><br /> +<span>Until they reach old Husak? Now <abbr>you ’ve</abbr> come,</span><br /> +<span>We must keep faith! Ha! ha!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Khos.</strong> And that—is Khosrove?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Truth, ’tis! ... Bear out the dog!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guards bear off body, right front. Enter Semiramis. +Sumbat crosses to her</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> My brother? Where?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Khos.</strong> Here! (<i>Advancing to her</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sum.</strong> (<i>To Semiramis</i>) Be not amazed</span><br /> +<span>And Artavan is safe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> This <abbr>welcome ’s</abbr> cold</span><br /> +<span>Methinks. We gave him warmer greeting.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Sem.</strong> Sir,</span><br /> +<span>Such sudden joy—My brother knows <abbr>there ’s</abbr> none</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page39" id="page39" title="39"></a>I hold more dear.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> How now? Not one?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Dropping her eyes from Khosrove</i>) Yes—one—</span><br /> +<span>Perhaps.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Pleased, taking her hand</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i5"> We are forgiven?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> Indeed, my lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> And for your brother, hear our royal word.</span><br /> +<span>We make him governor of Nineveh!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>In alarm</i>) No! no!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> ’Tis done! Go, Vassin, bring the keys!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Vassin, right front</i>)</p> + +<p><span>And wear this ring, my general!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Khos.</strong> My lord,</span><br /> +<span>I could not undertake—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> You shall!—The queen</span><br /> +<span>Will charge you with all duties.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> No! I will not!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Ay, ay! We know we please you ’gainst your word</span><br /> +<span>And not your will.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> He is too young, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Menones was too old. And <abbr>’t was</abbr> yourself</span><br /> +<span>Who taught us how to prize your brother.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Vassin with a chain of great keys, which +the king takes</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i21"> Come!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Throws chains about Khosrove’s neck, and singles +out the keys</i>)</p> + +<p><span>The citadel! The southern arsenal!</span><br /> +<span>The northern wall—the secret passages—</span><br /> +<span>And these the tunnel locks and river gates!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’ll</abbr> take command at once, and so relieve</span><br /> +<span>The city which <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> shut fast as a tomb,</span><br /> +<span>Fearing that spies from Husak’s camp might creep</span><br /> +<span>Into our bosom.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page40" id="page40" title="40"></a><strong class="i5">Khos.</strong> Wisely done, my lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O king, <abbr>if ’t</abbr> must be so, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> map for him</span><br /> +<span>My fathers safe division of the city.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> To you we leave him.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Talks apart with Vassin and Sumbat</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> Sir, what do you mean?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> (<i>Hurriedly</i>) When Vassin came to take me into charge,</span><br /> +<span>Sumbat contrived another should be sent—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> We know the rest! But how save Artavan?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> When I have entered Husak’s camp <abbr>he ’s</abbr> free!</span><br /> +<span>You trust me?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> O, I must! I do! But not</span><br /> +<span>To save my brother may I trust to you</span><br /> +<span>The city’s keys! You are Assyria’s foe—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Not now! No more a foe, but truest friend!</span><br /> +<span>For in my heart you are Assyria,</span><br /> +<span>And you <abbr>I ’d</abbr> serve—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> Cut short thy schooling, for</span><br /> +<span>The city waits.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Aloud, mapping in her hand</i>) The river here divides</span><br /> +<span>The eastern guard—(<i>lowers her voice</i>) I must not do this! No!</span><br /> +<span>Risk every soul in Nineveh—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Khos.</strong> Did I</span><br /> +<span>Not trust thee when I entered here? I knew</span><br /> +<span>The face that shone upon me in the battle</span><br /> +<span>Would not betray me! Who gives perfect trust</span><br /> +<span>Is worthy of it! Thou dost know me true</span><br /> +<span>By Heaven’s sign that only souls may read!</span><br /> +<span>I can not say what I would say because</span><br /> +<span>Thou art a wife, but wert thou not a wife,</span><br /> +<span>Though thou wert thousand times a queen, <abbr>I ’d</abbr> pour</span><br /> +<span>Such worship to your ears you would believe</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page41" id="page41" title="41"></a>My heart would rend my body’s walls and leap</span><br /> +<span>Out of my bosom sooner than beat once</span><br /> +<span>A traitor to your trust! Take Ninus’ ring!</span><br /> +<span>Give me this little one—(<i>slipping a ring from her finger</i>) that hath enclosed</span><br /> +<span>The sovereign rose and ruby of thy veins</span><br /> +<span>That dims his purple power—and thee I serve—</span><br /> +<span>Your general—not his! Whate’er you would</span><br /> +<span>I will! Command me now—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> Enough! Go, go!</span><br /> +<span>Lose no more time!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Khos.</strong> O, in some dream to come,</span><br /> +<span>When innocence may wear what form it will</span><br /> +<span>And on thy waking nature leave no blush,</span><br /> +<span>May words I must not speak take life and pay</span><br /> +<span>The debt they owe this hour!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> I beg you go!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Assyria ’s</abbr> in your hands!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Khos.</strong> Nay, in my heart!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Come, Artavan! No more delay! Your troops</span><br /> +<span>Await before the citadel.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Khos.</strong> I go,</span><br /> +<span>My lord.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Confusion without, left rear. Enter an officer</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Off.</strong> Pardon, your majesty! A man</span><br /> +<span>Who says <abbr>he ’s</abbr> brother to the queen, makes bold</span><br /> +<span>To press before you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> Yet another brother?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> No, no, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Off.</strong> He comes from Husak’s camp.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> It is some madman surely, or a spy</span><br /> +<span>Who plays his wits are lost and takes this way</span><br /> +<span>To force into the court!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Khos.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> thrust him out!</span><br /> +<span>He may mean danger to your person.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page42" id="page42" title="42"></a><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> Nay,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> sport with him. Let him come in!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Officer</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Sem.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Your brother! Ho, ho, ho!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Artavan</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Art.</strong> My sister!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> (<i>Staring</i>) Sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> Though queen, art thou not still my sister?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i22">Sem.</strong> No!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> (<i>Bowing with scornful ceremony</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Your majesty!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Nin.</strong> Ha! ha! His sister! Then</span><br /> +<span>Thou wouldst be brother to the king?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Art.</strong> (<i>Bitterly</i>) My hope</span><br /> +<span>Runs not so high, and even to her I now</span><br /> +<span>Give up all claim. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> own no blood but that</span><br /> +<span>In my own veins keeps honor! So farewell!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Be not so fast! Whence comest thou, my man?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> From Husak’s camp. When he received thy word</span><br /> +<span>His son should go to him, he set me free.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Oh, set you free!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Art.</strong> And now, O king—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Seeing that the king is impressed</i>) My lord,</span><br /> +<span>If he came from the camp how has he passed</span><br /> +<span>The city gates?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Nin.</strong> Ah ... true ... he could not pass.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Mockingly</i>) Perhaps he scaled the hundred feet of wall,</span><br /> +<span>And crossed the rampart ’neath the arrow watch</span><br /> +<span>Of towers eighty-score!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Art.</strong> I found a way,</span><br /> +<span>Proud woman!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Nin.</strong> How?</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page43" id="page43" title="43"></a>(<i>As Artavan speaks Sola enters left front, and is held +aside by Sumbat</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Art.</strong> This morning ere the battle</span><br /> +<span>She who was then my sister gave me this.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Shows paper</i>)</p> + +<p><span><abbr>’T was</abbr> some direction sent unto my father,</span><br /> +<span>The lord Menones. (<i>Turning paper</i>) On this side I found</span><br /> +<span>A map whose secret key I knew, that marked</span><br /> +<span>A passage ’neath the river. This I sought,</span><br /> +<span>Found it unguarded—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Nin.</strong> By the seven winds!—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter an officer</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Off.</strong> O king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Nin.</strong> You’re of the northern watch?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Off.</strong> I am,</span><br /> +<span>O king! The Armenians advance upon</span><br /> +<span>The northern wall, but come with lances down!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> They come in peace to meet the son of Husak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O, haste, my lord! Haste, Artavan to duty!</span><br /> +<span>Their rage when they shall learn the fate of Khosrove</span><br /> +<span>May give them courage to assail our walls!</span><br /> +<span>Go, brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Nin.</strong> Hold! This man speaks not as madmen!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Should I not know my brother, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Nin.</strong> You should.</span><br /> +<span>Choose which is he. The other we condemn</span><br /> +<span>To death.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> (<i>Holding out his arms</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i5"> Save me, Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Khos.</strong> (<i>Holding out his arms</i>) Save me,</span><br /> +<span>My sister!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Going to Khosrove’s arms</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i6"> Brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Nin.</strong> (<i>To Khosrove</i>) Haste thee to thy office!</span><br /> +<span>Vassin, attend him! Sumbat, be his chief!</span><br /> +<span>We trust where trusts the queen!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> (<i>To Khosrove</i>) Give up the keys</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page44" id="page44" title="44"></a>To Sumbat!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt Khosrove, Vassin, Sumbat, left rear</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>To Artavan</i>) You to death! (<i>Signs to guards</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> My royal lord,</span><br /> +<span>First would I question him alone, and learn</span><br /> +<span>The truth about this passage. He may be</span><br /> +<span>In league with traitors subtler than himself.</span><br /> +<span>One moment, sir, I pray.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> O, ever wise!</span><br /> +<span>Bribe him with any promise death may keep</span><br /> +<span>To tell you all. But do not linger, love;</span><br /> +<span>We lose our bridal day!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit, right centre. Semiramis +looks at Artavan with the greatest tenderness. He +gazes coldly upon her, Sola clinging to him</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Art.</strong> What would the queen?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> To be again thy sister. Dost not guess?</span><br /> +<span>That man—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Art.</strong> Who can he be you prize above</span><br /> +<span>Your honor and my life?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> The son of him</span><br /> +<span>Who set you free on Ninus’ oath, an oath</span><br /> +<span>Broke in the heart ere it had left the lips!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> My brave Semiramis! <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> saved the prince,</span><br /> +<span>And with his life my honor! O, pardon me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> He was escaping in your name when you</span><br /> +<span>Arrived too soon—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Art.</strong> Forgive me that!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sem.</strong> And now</span><br /> +<span>To save my brother!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Art.</strong> Hope it not. Be glad</span><br /> +<span>That one is safe. Had Khosrove lost his life</span><br /> +<span>In Ninus’ court, my oath had driven me back</span><br /> +<span>To Husak—and to death. No power then</span><br /> +<span>Had saved me. Now—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> Now thou shalt live!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page45" id="page45" title="45"></a><strong class="i19">Art.</strong> Nay, see!</span><br /> +<span>His guards watch well! There is no way.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sem.</strong> No way</span><br /> +<span>But through the will of Ninus. He shall save thee!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> O, for your own dear life, Semiramis,</span><br /> +<span>Let Ninus know not I am Artavan!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> He dare not touch me, for the <abbr>army ’s</abbr> mine!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Goes into Ninus’ chamber</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> My love!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Art.</strong> ’Tis welcome and farewell, my Sola!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> O, she will save thee!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Art.</strong> Teach me not to hope.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>A band of dancing maidens enter, left, and sing a +bridal chorus before the doors of Ninus’ chamber</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p><span>Love and Beauty now are one,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> No more wandering away!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Love ’s</abbr> the sky to Beauty’s sun,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> From him she can not stray.</span><br /> +<span>And he is bright by her fair light or none!</span></p> + +<p><span>Love and Beauty dreaming lie,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> Who shall say it is not meet?</span><br /> +<span>Who shall say, O fie, O fie,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> To the favor sweet</span><br /> +<span>That Love will ask and Beauty not deny?</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Maidens dance out, right. Re-enter Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> wild with rage! I can not calm him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i21">Sol.</strong> Oh,</span><br /> +<span>To lose thee now!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Ninus. He advances upon Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> Who is he, then—that man—</span><br /> +<span>If not thy brother? To whose arms you went</span><br /> +<span>As you have never come to mine?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> A man</span><br /> +<span>Whose life you owed to me by holiest promise</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page46" id="page46" title="46"></a>And oath unto the gods! I saved your soul</span><br /> +<span>When I so saved—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> Speak! Who?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> The son of Husak,</span><br /> +<span>Prince Khosrove, of Armenia!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Utter silence. Ninus stands choked and dumb; then +moves to strike Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> Strike me</span><br /> +<span>You strike your army!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ninus drops his hand and stares at her, livid and +shaken, then turns fiercely upon Artavan</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Rushes before him and falls, clinging to his knees</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i11"> Wait, O wait, my lord!</span><br /> +<span>If thou dost Hope to know my love! Dost dream</span><br /> +<span>Of bridal joy! Wouldst rest thy head in peace</span><br /> +<span>Upon my bosom, say thou wilt forgive!</span><br /> +<span>And I, too, will forgive! No more will ask</span><br /> +<span>What thou hast done or not done! All thy past</span><br /> +<span>Is fair as Heaven by this moment’s sun!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> love thee as thou hadst been born this hour</span><br /> +<span>That gives my brother life! O, speak the word,</span><br /> +<span>And take me to thy heart—thy wife—thy slave—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> By earth and heaven, he shall die—and now!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Raises his dagger to strike. Enter Vassin</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> (<i>Excitedly</i>) My lord, this is the strangest governor!</span><br /> +<span>He ordered me with Sumbat to lead out</span><br /> +<span>The city troops beyond the southern gate,</span><br /> +<span>Then spurred to north! Sumbat obeyed, but I,</span><br /> +<span>Not liking this, returned to you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> ’Tis Khosrove!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> (<i>Staggered</i>) Then we are lost!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> Pursue him! Fly! Call back</span><br /> +<span>Our troops!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Vas.</strong> Too late! By now they’re locked without</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page47" id="page47" title="47"></a>The southern wall, and Khosrove rides to ope</span><br /> +<span>The north to Husak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) False! Down, slanderous thought</span><br /> +<span>That darkens me not him! That face that looked</span><br /> +<span>As Truth had chosen it to show her own</span><br /> +<span>To man! That voice—each word the enchanted door</span><br /> +<span>To holier worlds unspoken! No. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> trust!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter an officer</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Off.</strong> O, great Assyria, the Armenians come!</span><br /> +<span>The Gazim <abbr>traitor ’s</abbr> sold thee unto Husak!</span><br /> +<span>Thy foes are pouring through the northern gate</span><br /> +<span>And bear down on the palace! Sumbat holds</span><br /> +<span>Thy troops upon the southern plain And bars</span><br /> +<span>All passage! <abbr>There ’s</abbr> no help!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ninus listens speechless</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Attendants.</strong> (<i>Running in</i>) O, we are lost!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Off.</strong> The city will be sacked! The palace guards</span><br /> +<span>Are but a handful!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> False? O, Khosrove! False?</span><br /> +<span>Then there is no man true? E’en Sumbat lost</span><br /> +<span>To thy sweet promises! False! false!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter a second officer</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Off.</strong> (<i>Prostrating himself</i>) Oh Ninus!</span><br /> +<span>Call on thy gods! Thy enemies are at thee!</span><br /> +<span>The palace is enclosed, and every foe</span><br /> +<span>Bears in his hand a torch that blazes death</span><br /> +<span>To all within!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The inmates of the palace are running to and fro, +rear, and looking fearfully out into the court below</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> O beauteous gods, is this</span><br /> +<span>Your earth? Where Falsehood steals your garments, nay</span><br /> +<span>Your smile, seduces with your voice, and stamps</span><br /> +<span>Your semblance upon fiends?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Voices.</strong> Save us, O king!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ninus stands immovable, +as if made deaf and dumb by impending disaster</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page48" id="page48" title="48"></a><strong>Voice.</strong> We burn! They cast the brands!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Another.</strong> Not yet! They wait!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Voices of prostrate figures.</strong> Save us, O king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Voice.</strong> See! see! The leader speaks!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Another.</strong> His herald! Hear!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>A trumpet sounds below</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Voice of Khosrove’s herald.</strong> Assyria, come forth!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All within listen, silent, eager, fearful</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Hear thou, O Ninus! Hear the word of Khosrove!</span><br /> +<span>He will depart with the Armenian troops,</span><br /> +<span>And leave the city free of sword and fire,</span><br /> +<span>If <abbr>thou ’lt</abbr> decree that Artavan shall live</span><br /> +<span>Free and unharmed!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The face of Semiramis illumines with joy</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i10"> Deny and Nineveh</span><br /> +<span>Shall flame!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Nin.</strong> My herald there! Stand forth!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The herald of Ninus takes station centre rear</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i22"> Decree</span><br /> +<span>As Khosrove wills!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Her. of Khos.</strong> Appear, O Ninus!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Nin.</strong> No!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Her. of Khos.</strong> Appear, O Ninus!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ninus goes slowly to rear and stands by his herald</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Her. of Khos.</strong> Hear, all Nineveh!</span><br /> +<span>Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god!</span><br /> +<span>That Artavan, the brother of the queen,</span><br /> +<span>Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!</span></p> + +<p><strong>Her. of Ninus.</strong> (<i>Blows trumpet, then speaks</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god,</span><br /> +<span>That Artavan, the brother of the queen,</span><br /> +<span>Shall freely live, and die by no man’s hand!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Silence. The voice of Khosrove below</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Assyria, speak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Nin.</strong> I, Ninus, so decree!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page49" id="page49" title="49"></a>(<i>Staggers back toward front as all press to rear to +see the troops go out. Semiramis, Artavan and Sola +stand together gazing out</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O, Khosrove! See—he rides—away—away!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Leans forward waving her scarf. Ninus, alone in +front, goes toward his chamber, falls on the steps <ins title="Hyphenated across line-break in original">overpowered</ins> +with rage and lifts his clenched hands</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> O, vengeance! Vengeance for a king!</span></p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a name="play1act3" id="play1act3"></a>ACT III.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play1act3scene1" id="play1act3scene1"></a>Scene: The gardens over the lake. A wide bridge +extends from the bank of the lake, left, to the gardens +which are partly visible on the right. At the rear, right, +is a garlanded archway. At the left, front, steps lead +from the bridge to the bank and top of the bridge. Beyond +the bridge, rear, clouds show that the sun is setting.</p> + +<p class="italic">A score of spearmen, with lances down, march in +right, front, and out through archway, right, rear.</p> + +<p class="italic">Enter, right, front, the king and Sumbat. The king +is royally clad and crowned; Sumbat in official robe.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sumbat.</strong> Khosrove delays.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Nin.</strong> But do not doubt <abbr>he ’ll</abbr> come.</span><br /> +<span>I have his word, and couriers have seen</span><br /> +<span>His horsemen on the plain.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sum.</strong> How noble, sir,</span><br /> +<span>To close the Feast of Peace with supreme revel</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page50" id="page50" title="50"></a>In honor of your foe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Nin.</strong> Not foe, good Sumbat.</span><br /> +<span>We have no foes. Our queen’s triumphant arms</span><br /> +<span>Have made glad subjects of all enemies</span><br /> +<span>But one, and him we make our friend. To-night</span><br /> +<span>Assyria and Armenia sup as one!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Turns toward right, rear</i>)</p> + +<p><span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> see if <abbr>all ’s</abbr> prepared as we gave order.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt under the arch of garlands. Dancers enter, +right, front, and pass out through arch. Following +them, Semiramis with her women. All are in rich attire +but the queen who wears simple white robe. A dove +nestles on her bosom. She gives the women leave to pass +on and they go out merrily through arch, right, rear. +Semiramis lingers; comes to the railing of the bridge, +centre, and leans upon it</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Will Khosrove come? I do not doubt the king,—</span><br /> +<span>And yet—I pray he will not come!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Sumbat, through arch. He comes out to +the queen</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> You, Sumbat?</span><br /> +<span>Where is the king?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sum.</strong> I left him in the garden,</span><br /> +<span>Giving new orders for Prince Khosrove’s honor.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Sumbat, you trust the king?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sum.</strong> I do. <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> wrought</span><br /> +<span>Such noble change in him that drop by drop</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> mated all his blood unto your virtues.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I must believe it, lest a doubt should breed</span><br /> +<span>The weakness it suspects. But <abbr>is ’t</abbr> not strange</span><br /> +<span>Khosrove should trust him too?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sum.</strong> He knows that you</span><br /> +<span>Would warn him if there lay a danger here.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I warn him? But suppose the warning false?</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page51" id="page51" title="51"></a><abbr>’T would</abbr> wrong the king, whose purpose seems so pure</span><br /> +<span>It might have journeyed with his soul when first</span><br /> +<span>It came from Heaven! No. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> answer for him!</span><br /> +<span>He could not counterfeit so deep my eyes</span><br /> +<span>Would find no bottom to deceit!... But now</span><br /> +<span>What hast thou heard of Artavan?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sum.</strong> No word.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I fear—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sum.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> safe. Be sure of that. No man</span><br /> +<span>Would dare lay finger on him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> But to go</span><br /> +<span>Without a word! Poor Sola grieves, and weeps</span><br /> +<span>As though <abbr>she ’d</abbr> drown her wits in tears.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>A boat glides from under the bridge and over the +water beneath them</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i21"> See there!</span><br /> +<span>’Tis she! Alone below!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Sola alights from boat and runs up steps to the bridge</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i12"> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> speak to her.</span></p> + +<p><span>Go, Sumbat! (<i>Sumbat goes off right</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span class="i6"> Sister, stay.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Stops Sola as she is passing</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i13"> Why do you run?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> running from the king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> The king, my love?</span><br /> +<span><abbr>There ’s</abbr> no king here.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sol.</strong> Nay, <abbr>he ’s</abbr> below!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sem.</strong> Below?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Under the bridge with Vassin!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> Vassin? No.</span><br /> +<span>The king has sent him out of Nineveh!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> He did not go. I swear that <abbr>he ’s</abbr> below!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> What were you doing ’neath the bridge?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Sol.</strong> Ah me,</span><br /> +<span>I seek in every place for Artavan.</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page52" id="page52" title="52"></a><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> save him from the king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> So kind a king?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> O, kind! As death, or plague, or leprosy!</span><br /> +<span>’Tis he has taken revenge on Artavan!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’ll</abbr> kill the prince, too, when he comes!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> My child—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> (<i>Pointing down</i>)</span><br /> +<span>I heard them talking there!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> Thy <abbr>husband ’s</abbr> safe.</span><br /> +<span>Bethink thee that the king’s decree protects him.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> Not from the king! From man, not from the gods,</span><br /> +<span>And Ninus is a god, or dreams he is!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> From man—not from—no, no! I will not say</span><br /> +<span>Or think it! My poor child—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sol.</strong> <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> save the prince?</span><br /> +<span>’Tis you he trusts, not Ninus!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> Sweet, be calm.</span><br /> +<span>You did not see the king.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sol.</strong> Hear all, and save him!</span><br /> +<span>When Khosrove takes the seat of highest honor,</span><br /> +<span>Lord of the Revels by Assyria’s favor,</span><br /> +<span>The floor will part, the chair fall to the lake,</span><br /> +<span>Where Vassin waits to slay him, while the king</span><br /> +<span>Strikes down in wrath the master of the feast</span><br /> +<span>For fault of accident!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> Where are your wits?</span><br /> +<span>See, yonder comes the king!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Ninus through archway</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Sem.</strong> (<i>As he approaches</i>) Is all prepared,</span><br /> +<span>My lord?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> (<i>To Semiramis</i>) ’Tis true—true—true!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Runs off, right</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Nin.</strong> Ay, all is ready</span><br /> +<span>Except the queen. What means these simple robes,</span><br /> +<span>Semiramis?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page53" id="page53" title="53"></a><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> A compliment unto</span><br /> +<span>Your majesty.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Nin.</strong> It shows more like affront!</span><br /> +<span>I would have Khosrove see a splendor here</span><br /> +<span>Unpainted in the daring of his dream,</span><br /> +<span>And thou the star of it! A merchant’s daughter</span><br /> +<span>Would robe her handmaid with more care—lend her</span><br /> +<span>A pearl or two—a bit of scarf—or scrap</span><br /> +<span>Of tinsel sun—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Sem.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Nin.</strong> A compliment!</span><br /> +<span>’Tis your disdain—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> It grieves me, sir, that you</span><br /> +<span>Should read in outward sign what never yet</span><br /> +<span>Was in my soul. Our wars are done, my lord;</span><br /> +<span>And exultation of the conquering hour</span><br /> +<span>Calms into peace; as I laid armor by</span><br /> +<span>For victor robes and symbol of my glory,</span><br /> +<span>I now cast off the purple of the queen,</span><br /> +<span>And but remember that I am a wife.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Embracing her</i>) Beloved Semiramis! Forgive thy slave!</span><br /> +<span>No royal dye could shine so to my eyes</span><br /> +<span>As this soft white put on for me alone!</span><br /> +<span>Thy pardon, love, and thou shalt shortly learn</span><br /> +<span>A king, too, knows how best to compliment!</span><br /> +<span>An honor waits for thee—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter officer, left</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Off.</strong> O king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> We hear!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Off.</strong> The Armenian approaches.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> Khosrove comes?</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis watches the king closely</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Off.</strong> He comes, great Ninus!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Nin.</strong> Well, and more than well!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page54" id="page54" title="54"></a>Summon our train. (<i>Exit officer, right</i>) But one is lacking here,</span><br /> +<span>Our brother—Artavan.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> My lord—you think—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Who would dare harm him? He is safe.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Coming very near him</i>) From man,</span><br /> +<span>Not from the gods.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Stepping back</i>) What do you mean?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Sem.</strong> The truth!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Seizing her arm</i>) It is not so! I do deny it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> (<i>Calmly</i>) What,</span><br /> +<span>My lord?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Nin.</strong> What meant you when you said ‘the truth’!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> That gods may work some harm to Artavan.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>At ease</i>) True, love! Uncertain is their favor. Look!</span><br /> +<span>He comes! (<i>Gazing off left</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) <abbr>He ’s</abbr> false! And if <abbr>he ’s</abbr> false in this—then is—</span><br /> +<span>O, Khosrove, thou art lured to death! And I</span><br /> +<span>Have been thy traitorous star!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Khosrove, left, attended by Armenians</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> Hail, Khosrove! Hail!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Assyrians.</strong> Hail to Armenia! Hail!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Khos.</strong> O, Ninus, hail!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Armenians.</strong> Hail to Assyria, greatest over kings!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> <abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> welcome, and we thank thee for thy trust,</span><br /> +<span>Which <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> betray when Heaven has no god</span><br /> +<span>To damn our treachery! In proof of faith,</span><br /> +<span>Wear thou the royal dagger with thy own.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Detaches his weapon, which he gives to Khosrove</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Our queen—has she no word?</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Khosrove bows low before Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> Peace and long life</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page55" id="page55" title="55"></a>To Khosrove.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Nin.</strong> Now to revel! Sound the trumpets!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt officers through archway. Trumpets sound +from the gardens. Dancing maidens in white robes, each +with a dove resting on her hand, enter right front, reach +the centre of the stage, and begin the dance of doves. As +the maidens describe circles in the dance the doves rise +and fly in similar circles above their heads, and re-alight +on their extended hands</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Who has stood aside during the dance, apparently disturbed</i>)</span><br /> +<span>It is not true! Were any man so vile</span><br /> +<span>Nature would spurn him back to chaos ere</span><br /> +<span>His mother had beheld him!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The dance ends. The maidens pass out under arch. +All move to follow when Ninus speaks</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Nin.</strong> Stay! Hear, all!</span><br /> +<span>Before we feast in honor of our guest,</span><br /> +<span>We would do honor to our noble queen,</span><br /> +<span>Whose arms of might have brought our land to peace.</span><br /> +<span>Whose looks of love have brought our heart to rest!</span><br /> +<span>To-night we doff our crown that she may wear it!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Removing crown</i>)</p> + +<p><span>And here decree her word shall be obeyed</span><br /> +<span>Above our own.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Puts crown on the queen’s head</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i8"> Dost like our compliment?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> It is too much, my king.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> (<i>Kneeling</i>) Nay, nay, thy subject!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis seems gay with a sudden resolve</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> If it so please thee then <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> be the king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) We have decreed. If any here refuse</span><br /> +<span>To honor thy command, though thou shouldst doom</span><br /> +<span>My death, himself that instant dies. (<i>To officer</i>) You, sir,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page56" id="page56" title="56"></a>Take order for it, and if your own hand fail,</span><br /> +<span>When we are king again <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> have your head!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Off.</strong> My arm be as your will, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Sem.</strong> O, then</span><br /> +<span>I have a wish I did not dare to voice.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> Command it now.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> It hath much troubled me</span><br /> +<span>That Khosrove should be honored over you,</span><br /> +<span>Lord of the Revels.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Khos.</strong> (<i>Astonished</i>) Lady—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> King, <abbr>if ’t</abbr> please you!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ve</abbr> laid my purple by, but I have still</span><br /> +<span>The royal color in my heart. Think’st thou</span><br /> +<span>To sit above Assyria, who wearest not</span><br /> +<span>The brave investment of the gods? who hold’st</span><br /> +<span>Thy sceptre still from warrior chiefs, not from</span><br /> +<span>Anointed kings?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Khos.</strong> Because my race is proud!</span><br /> +<span>Too proud to kneel to any earthly king</span><br /> +<span>And take the sacred vestment from his hands!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> You see, my lord, that even in his heart</span><br /> +<span>He ranks himself above you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Nin.</strong> But, my love—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Farewell! Thou didst me service once, and here</span><br /> +<span>I thought to thank thee, but—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> Stay, Khosrove, stay!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Farewell, with all my heart!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Nin.</strong> Nay—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sem.</strong> O, my lord.</span><br /> +<span>Let him depart. He mocks our glory, and bears</span><br /> +<span>A challenge in his proud simplicity</span><br /> +<span>That puts our splendor to defense.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Khos.</strong> Nay, madam!</span><br /> +<span>I came to lay my duty at your feet,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page57" id="page57" title="57"></a>And lift my eyes no higher than your hand</span><br /> +<span>Without your royal leave! But now <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> cast</span><br /> +<span>My gaze upon the stars, forgetting that</span><br /> +<span>You walk beneath them! (<i>Going</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Nin.</strong> Stay, O prince!</span></p> + +<p><span>(<i>To Semiramis</i>) A boon, your majesty! <abbr>’T would</abbr> blot our honor</span><br /> +<span>To send him from us thus! We shall be plunged</span><br /> +<span>Anew in wars, for Husak will avenge it!</span><br /> +<span>I am thy most unhappy subject, and</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Thou ’lt</abbr> hear my prayer!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Goes after Khosrove and leads him back</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i12"> <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> stay, O Khosrove?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i22">Khos.</strong> Ay,</span><br /> +<span>On one condition.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> Name it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Khos.</strong> That you will take</span><br /> +<span>Our seat at feast.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Nin.</strong> Nay—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> That is our command!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> No, no!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> have it so!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Nin.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not consent!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> It is our royal order! Guards for Ninus!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> What do you mean?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> To have our way! Guards here!</span><br /> +<span>You shall not do this wrong to your high self!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> look unto your honor! (<i>To guards</i>) Bear him in!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guards stand in amazement</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Did ye not hear the king’s decree? I reign!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guards take hold of Ninus</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Nin.</strong> By Hut and Nim!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> Place him in Khosrove’s seat!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guards draw Ninus through the archway. Khosrove +<a class="page" name="page58" id="page58" title="58"></a>follows, then all but Semiramis, who lingers fearfully, +runs toward front, then back and listens</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> ’Tis true! What have I done? Ye gods! ’tis true!</span><br /> +<span>He would not so rebel if <abbr>’t were</abbr> not true!</span><br /> +<span>But Vassin is below! <abbr>He ’ll</abbr> know his king</span><br /> +<span>And save him!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i3"> (<i>Kneels</i>) Belus, mighty Belus, pardon!</span></p> + +<p><!-- ( missing in original -->(<i>The sun has set, and red clouds show almost black +over water, rear. The front of stage is nearly dark. +Lights glimmer from the gardens, and a faint torch +shows in the darkness under the bridge. Shouts and +shrieks come from within. People rush out</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Voices.</strong> The king! the king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Retreating to railing, front</i>) ’Tis done!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Officer.</strong> (<i>Running across</i>) The king has fallen</span><br /> +<span>Into the lake! Lights there! below! (<i>Runs down steps leading under the bridge</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Other officers following.</strong> Lights! lights!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Torches flare under the bridge. Darkness above as +the last light fades from the sky. A moment of noise and +search, and officers appear on the bridge, right, rear, +with Vassin. A guard bears torch which throws light on +his face</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Confronting him</i>)</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’ve</abbr> saved the king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Vas.</strong> I have. For I have slain</span><br /> +<span>His foe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Sem.</strong> His foe? No—you have killed the king!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Falls back into the arms of her women. Complete +darkness on stage. An instant later moonlight. Khosrove +and Semiramis alone on the bridge, centre, front</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> (<i>Bowing ceremoniously</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Farewell, Assyria!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> O, not that name!</span><br /> +<span>Not yet—not yet.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Khos.</strong> Does it not please your pride?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page59" id="page59" title="59"></a><strong>Sem.</strong> My pride? ’Tis gone. Now I could lay my head</span><br /> +<span>Upon the dust.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Khos.</strong> In truth! But <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> not do it!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Humility ’s</abbr> a word the great think sweet</span><br /> +<span>Upon the tongue, but near the heart they find</span><br /> +<span>It loseth flavor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Ah ... you do not know?</span><br /> +<span>You think the words I spoke were born of pride?</span><br /> +<span>So far from that—no, no—I will not tell,</span><br /> +<span>And yet you wrong me, prince.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Khos.</strong> (<i>Eagerly</i>) Did you suspect</span><br /> +<span>Some danger to me here, and seek to force</span><br /> +<span>My angry leave? You did not care so much?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> I cared so much that rather than betray you</span><br /> +<span>I would have let you go believing me</span><br /> +<span>A woman worth your scorn. Ah, there my pride</span><br /> +<span>In truth did suffer!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Khos.</strong> O, Semiramis!</span><br /> +<span>Thou art the same as when I saw thee last?</span><br /> +<span>As when I rode away and left thy face—</span><br /> +<span>The only face in Nineveh—nay—I—</span><br /> +<span>Will go. Farewell, most noble queen!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sem.</strong> Farewell!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>He lingers</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Why go in haste?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Khos.</strong> I left my father sick.</span><br /> +<span>He will be troubled till I come again.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> How dared you trust—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Khos.</strong> What would I not have dared</span><br /> +<span>To look on thee again?... My horsemen wait....</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Waving toward left</i>)</p> + +<p><span>I come!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Sem.</strong> Farewell!... Armenia is my friend?</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’m</abbr> sad.... The manner of this death.... It weighs</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page60" id="page60" title="60"></a>Upon me.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Khos.</strong> Let it not. <abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> innocent</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O, some may doubt!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Khos.</strong> But who wrongs Virtue puts</span><br /> +<span>A crown upon her! If thou hadst foreknown</span><br /> +<span>The accident—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> The accident?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Khos.</strong> <abbr>’t was</abbr> not</span><br /> +<span>Designed?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> It was ... for you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Khos.</strong> By Ninus?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> Ay.</span><br /> +<span>You were to die.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Khos.</strong> Then you—you knew—that he—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Starts from her in horror</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> <abbr>What ’s</abbr> in thy mind? What thought doth paint thy face</span><br /> +<span>In dreadful silence? Oh! you think that I—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Looks at him with equal horror. Removes farther +from him, regains composure, and speaks with haughty +coldness</i>)</p> + +<p><span>This serves me well! Right well, Armenian!</span><br /> +<span>Yes—yes—I knew—I knew the king would fall.</span><br /> +<span>But knew, too, sir, that Vassin was below,</span><br /> +<span>And, by my precious gods, I did not dream</span><br /> +<span>He would not save his king! While you—my guest—</span><br /> +<span>You would have gone to death!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Khos.</strong> Forgive me!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis walks farther, not heeding him</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i21"> Oh,</span><br /> +<span>I found a stream that ran from heavenly springs</span><br /> +<span>And in it cast the soot of hell!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> Well served—</span><br /> +<span>Well served, Semiramis!... I was so sad ...</span><br /> +<span>And would not be content to let him go ...</span><br /> +<span>I wanted but a word ... a word to cheer me ...</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page61" id="page61" title="61"></a>And now I have it—murderess!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> (<i>Who has advanced to her</i>) No, no,</span><br /> +<span>I did not say it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> The tongue may well keep silent</span><br /> +<span>When eyes speak lightning. I have heard too much!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T were</abbr> better I had let you die!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Khos.</strong> Ay, better ...</span><br /> +<span>Better than this!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Now, now I am Assyria!</span><br /> +<span>No more a woman! Softness to the winds!</span><br /> +<span>And let my heart be as my armor—steel!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Thou canst not make it so by saying it.</span><br /> +<span>There is no cold or heat may temper hearts</span><br /> +<span>Away from their true nature. Mail thyself</span><br /> +<span>From head to foot, <abbr>thou ’rt</abbr> still Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> A queen!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>An officer enters, left</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Off.</strong> Your majesty, an urgent hand</span><br /> +<span>Brings this report.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Gives paper to her, which she reads</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> The Ghecs are in revolt!</span><br /> +<span>Thank them for me! They could not show me favor</span><br /> +<span>More to my heart!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit officer, left</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i9"> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sick of peace—this peace</span><br /> +<span>That gives men time to brood and breed foul thoughts</span><br /> +<span>And fouler deeds! Give me the open war whose blows</span><br /> +<span>Rain down as free as moonbeams from the sun!</span><br /> +<span>Who meets me there I know, at least, <abbr>he ’s</abbr> brave,</span><br /> +<span>And there—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Khos.</strong> Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> (<i>Proudly</i>) Armenia, speak!</span><br /> +<span>You have our leave.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Khos.</strong> These Ghecs—my father is</span><br /> +<span>Their ancient, sworn ally!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page62" id="page62" title="62"></a><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> Well, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Khos.</strong> His oath</span><br /> +<span>Binds him to give them aid.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> The braver then</span><br /> +<span>The battle!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> I am my father’s son!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> You mean</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> meet upon the field!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Khos.</strong> I can not take</span><br /> +<span>The field against you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> No? Why not?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Khos.</strong> You know!</span><br /> +<span>Because I love you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> Sir, I am Assyria!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Nay, but Menones’ daughter! She whose heart</span><br /> +<span>I touched—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> You touched?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Khos.</strong> Ere taint of pride or power</span><br /> +<span>Or mad ambition had laid a canker there!</span><br /> +<span>When she was maiden still, and knew no thought</span><br /> +<span>She might not whisper in her father’s ear!</span><br /> +<span>Gentle as Spring when hushing the young dove,</span><br /> +<span>But strong from virgin battle, with the flush</span><br /> +<span>Of valorous purpose pure as goddess’ dream</span><br /> +<span>Starting the noble war-blood in her cheek!</span><br /> +<span>’Tis she I speak to now—she that I love—</span><br /> +<span>Not the proud queen grown bold in blood and triumph!</span><br /> +<span>Love me, Semiramis! You shall have peace!</span><br /> +<span>Not this sick peace that turns your heart to hate,</span><br /> +<span>But peace that charms the beauty back to life</span><br /> +<span>And new dreams to the soul! O, no more war!</span><br /> +<span>Then lilies springing in thy steps shall say</span><br /> +<span>What fairer grace went by! These fingers shall</span><br /> +<span>Forget the sword whose music is men’s groans,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page63" id="page63" title="63"></a>And on sweet strings draw out the heart of love</span><br /> +<span>To give the world the key of melody!</span><br /> +<span>Ah, you shall war no more—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> Sir, you forget!</span><br /> +<span>These Ghecs—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Khos.</strong> Will not revolt if I become</span><br /> +<span>Assyria’s head! They trust me as their—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sem.</strong> You!</span><br /> +<span>Assyria’s head! You! you! O, now I see!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’m</abbr> not yet blind, although my heart was fast</span><br /> +<span>Upstealing to my eyes to make me so!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> O clear thy sight a second time, my queen,</span><br /> +<span>And read me true!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> And you had almost moved me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Melt, stony eyes—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Sem.</strong> The <abbr>magic ’s</abbr> left the earth</span><br /> +<span>That had the power to soften them!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Khos.</strong> Not so—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> <abbr>You ’d</abbr> keep me still the general’s humble daughter</span><br /> +<span>While you would wear the glory I have won!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Nay, by Mylitta’s fire!—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Sem.</strong> <abbr>We ’d</abbr> war no more.</span><br /> +<span>For who has all may well hang by the sword!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> By Heaven, I—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> O, you are man as <em>he</em> was!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Looks toward the garden shuddering</i>)</p> + +<p><span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> trust no more! <abbr>Who ’s</abbr> worthy trust will give it!</span><br /> +<span>So saidst thou once! But thou couldst doubt—so dark</span><br /> +<span>A doubt my soul—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Khos.</strong> Nay, that’s not my offense!</span><br /> +<span>You are a woman, and you must forgive!</span><br /> +<span>But you are queen, too, and the queen in you</span><br /> +<span>Guards her ambition from my honest love</span><br /> +<span>Lest it divide her glory!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page64" id="page64" title="64"></a><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> True, she guards it!</span><br /> +<span>Out of Assyrian stone <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> make a heart</span><br /> +<span>And wear it in my bosom!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Khos.</strong> Do not say it!</span><br /> +<span>I did not mean the words! They are not so!</span><br /> +<span>Thou dost not know thyself! Hard are the lips</span><br /> +<span>That never know a kiss, and thine were made</span><br /> +<span>With softness of the rose! Though all the streams</span><br /> +<span>Of power on earth poured to thy sovereign sea,</span><br /> +<span>Still wouldst thou want, and empty be the heart</span><br /> +<span>One drop of love would fill!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> You speak</span><br /> +<span>As to a woman!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Khos.</strong> Ay, for so thou art!</span><br /> +<span>Be now thyself! Thy peace alone I plead!</span><br /> +<span>I can bear all but thy unhappiness!</span><br /> +<span>For love—true love—forgets itself and makes</span><br /> +<span>But one prayer unto Heaven—prayer for the good</span><br /> +<span>Of the beloved!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Sem.</strong> Thou wouldst not share my throne?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Thy throne?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Ay, so I said.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Khos.</strong> I care not for it,</span><br /> +<span>But since ’tis thine, I could not be a man</span><br /> +<span>Worthy thyself and take a place beneath thee.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’d</abbr> be thy husband, and I know <abbr>thou ’rt</abbr> not</span><br /> +<span>A woman to look down and love!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> O theft</span><br /> +<span>In argument! To make my monarch soul</span><br /> +<span>Speak from thy mouth against me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Khos.</strong> Not against thee!</span><br /> +<span>To beg thee yield to love is but to plead</span><br /> +<span>Thy greater cause! Ah, days will come to thee</span><br /> +<span>When all the maiden in thy heart will rise</span><br /> +<span>And drown the queen’s! Thou canst not call me back!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page65" id="page65" title="65"></a>To-morrow is the battle! O, I lied</span><br /> +<span>To say thou wert ambitious and ungentle—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> No, thou didst not! ’Tis true! I am—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Khos.</strong> No, no!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> prove it is not so! See here—the dove—</span><br /> +<span>That nestles at your breast! Why is it here?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Because I was a woman once—and dreamed</span><br /> +<span>On foolish, woman things! (<i>Frees bird from her bosom</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i13"> Fly! fly!</span><br /> +<span>And as I pluck thee out I pluck away</span><br /> +<span>All thought of mortal love, and stand alone</span><br /> +<span>Beneath Assyria’s crown!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> (<i>Gazes at her in despair</i>) Then <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> be gone!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> pleaded well, but my domains are broad,</span><br /> +<span>And might give tongue to wilder eloquence</span><br /> +<span>Without love’s sweet excuse!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Khos.</strong> No more! I go!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Moves off, left. Near exit, turns</i>)</p> + +<p><span>I lead my father’s troops!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sem.</strong> I lead my own!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Khosrove. She looks after him without moving +until he passes out of sight. The moonlight is less +bright. Her dove flies over her head. She starts and +looks after it. The bird alights. She watches it eagerly +and waits. It circles about her, then darts to her bosom. +With an exultant moan she clasps it to her breast</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<!-- Original used capital C --><em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page66" id="page66" title="66"></a><a name="play1act4" id="play1act4"></a>ACT IV.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play1act4scene1" id="play1act4scene1"></a>Scene: Within Husak’s tent. Husak, Khosrove, +Armenian lords and soldiers.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Husak.</strong> Bring in the widow!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt officers</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i14"> Now, my son, <abbr>thou ’lt</abbr> see</span><br /> +<span>Assyria at thy feet. Ay, she who scorned</span><br /> +<span>To match her crown with thine, shall low as earth</span><br /> +<span>Cry up for favor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Khos.</strong> Sir, I would not see it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> Still in that humor? Well, I promise thee</span><br /> +<span>She shall have mercy.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Khos.</strong> Mercy, father?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Hus.</strong> Ay.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> What wilt thou grant?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Hus.</strong> Ask of thy heart,</span></p> + +<p><span class="i9"> (<i>Khosrove is about to speak</i>) Peace, boy!</span><br /> +<span>For once <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> be a father, not a soldier! Wait!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Khosrove kneels and kisses his father’s hand as +Semiramis enters between guards. She is robed and +crowned, her arms fettered with golden chains, and +holds herself proudly, not looking at Husak. She turns +to Khosrove, who watches her eagerly</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> We meet again. Wert thou upon the field?</span><br /> +<span>I saw thee not. Perchance thy father thought</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T were</abbr> wise to find his health and lead his troops</span><br /> +<span>Lest <em>Love</em> should blunt thy sword!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Hus.</strong> By Bel, his sword</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page67" id="page67" title="67"></a>Was sharp enough to find the heart of Sumbat,—</span><br /> +<span>Your general!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Sem.</strong> Sumbat slain! (<i>Turns to Khosrove</i>) and slain by you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> I had my choice—to slay him or to die.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>With bitter scorn</i>) And did the love that makes one prayer to Heaven</span><br /> +<span>Rule in that choice?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Hus.</strong> These taunts, Semiramis—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Nay, father, she has cause to use me so.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Oh, you confess you played with me! Then, heart,</span><br /> +<span>In with thy scorn for this outbraves thy own!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Turns away, folding her chained hands on her +breast, and stands as if she would speak no more</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> You make no suit for mercy?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Sem.</strong> (<i>Turning to him</i>) What! from thee?</span><br /> +<span>Who kill your captives ere your tent is struck,</span><br /> +<span>Nor spare a guard to drive them from the field?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> I grant what I would ask—death before serfdom!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’d</abbr> keep them for your dogs and slaves!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> And when</span><br /> +<span>Am I to die? Why breach thy custom now?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> We like your spirit, but push not so far,</span><br /> +<span>Or we shall break the bounds <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> set ourselves.</span><br /> +<span>Have you not found us gracious to your rank?</span><br /> +<span>You look not like a prisoner!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> No thanks</span><br /> +<span>For that! This robe and crown, these chains of gold</span><br /> +<span>Are compliments that Husak pays himself,</span><br /> +<span>Proclaiming him a royal victory,</span><br /> +<span>Though not a royal victor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Hus.</strong> What! Dar’st fling</span><br /> +<span>Into my face that the Armenian kings</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page68" id="page68" title="68"></a>Rule unanointed? Dost think that I would sue</span><br /> +<span>To Nineveh or Babylon for leave</span><br /> +<span>To take my kingly emblems from their hands?</span><br /> +<span>But thou—thou shalt owe thine to me! I wear</span><br /> +<span>No proud insignia of the gods, and yet</span><br /> +<span>My hands shall strip and clothe thee as I will!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Tears off her robe and crown</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> Father!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Hus.</strong> By sun and moon—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Khos.</strong> O, sir—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Hus.</strong> Her pride</span><br /> +<span>Insults my mercy, but <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> keep my word.</span><br /> +<span>Take these. (<i>Gives him the robe and crown</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i6"> Now, woman, learn that Husak—ay,</span><br /> +<span>Husak, the Fierce, can pity fallen glory!</span><br /> +<span>Stand forth, my son! Look, captive, on this prince!</span><br /> +<span>A man not made to sue to less than gods!</span><br /> +<span>Make him thy husband-king, and from his hands</span><br /> +<span>Receive thy purple and remount thy throne!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All are astonished. Khosrove shrinks back in +shame, which Semiramis misunderstands</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Methinks this lover makes no ardent suit,</span><br /> +<span>King Husak! Why, the sun has not twice set</span><br /> +<span>Since he did swear me dearer than my crown,</span><br /> +<span>And now the <abbr>crown ’s</abbr> too much if my poor self</span><br /> +<span>Must burden it!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Khosrove kneels before her, holding up the crown</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Hus.</strong> Rise, sir! You give, not sue!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Semiramis looks down on Khosrove, then turns to +Husak</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Sem.</strong> Thank, thanks,</span><br /> +<span>Old man, for making me once more myself!</span><br /> +<span>For by the blood that storms through all my veins</span><br /> +<span>I know <abbr>I ’m</abbr> still a queen! Now all the pride</span><br /> +<span>That lives in my lost crown, and all the scorn</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page69" id="page69" title="69"></a>Should meet thy fawning suit, be in my words,—</span><br /> +<span>I do refuse your son! Assyria</span><br /> +<span>Shall owe her throne to none!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Khosrove springs up, trampling the robe</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Hus.</strong> Now thou wilt rise!</span><br /> +<span>A prince who might have gone with gods to wive</span><br /> +<span>Nor bated them in choice! This to my face!</span><br /> +<span>I, Husak, fawn on woman! Out with her!</span><br /> +<span>Drag her to death! To instant death! Out! out!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guards approach Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> To <em>instant</em> death?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> (<i>Looks searchingly at him.</i>) Ha! ha! Not yet! <abbr>She ’s</abbr> thine!</span><br /> +<span>Choose thy revenge! Have now thy will!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Khos.</strong> <abbr>Thou ’lt</abbr> grant it?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> Ay, ay, whate’er thou wouldst!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Khos.</strong> She is thy captive.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> I make her thine! My conqueror’s right I yield</span><br /> +<span>To thee!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Khos.</strong> Dost swear it?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Hus.</strong> Doubt me not! I swear!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> By Belus’ star?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Hus.</strong> By Belus’ star, whose beams</span><br /> +<span>Are death to breakers of an oath! We ask</span><br /> +<span>This crown—no more. (<i>Takes crown from Khosrove’s hand</i>) You pause. Stand not, my son.</span><br /> +<span>Thy vengeance waits. Do what thou wilt with her,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> question not.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Khosrove strikes off the chains of Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Khos.</strong> Go free to Nineveh.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Husak stands in amazed silence, then understands +and burns with speechless anger. At last he speaks +slowly with intense wrath</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> All madmen in my kingdom die! Bind him!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page70" id="page70" title="70"></a>(<i>Guards bind Khosrove</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Die? No! O, sir, you would not slay your son?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> This loathsome thing is not my flesh!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Sem.</strong> Thy son!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> We have no son. Armenia has no heir.</span><br /> +<span>Bear him away!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> (<i>Holding out her hands</i>) My chains! Dost think <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> owe</span><br /> +<span>My life to him? Thou know’st not yet my pride!</span><br /> +<span>Bind me and set him free!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Hus.</strong> (<i>Thunderingly</i>) No! Husak breaks</span><br /> +<span>No oath! We’re not a god as Nineveh,</span><br /> +<span>And bold to mock at Heaven!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Khos.</strong> (<i>To Semiramis</i>) I knew the price,</span><br /> +<span>And chose to pay it. ’Tis my wish. Farewell!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guards bear him out</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> (<i>To Semiramis</i>) Go free to Nineveh!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sem.</strong> No! O, kill me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Hus.</strong> Nay, go! But go alone—on foot—and through</span><br /> +<span>A hostile country!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> Ah!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Hus.</strong> That subject who</span><br /> +<span>Shall give thee food or drink dies in the act!</span><br /> +<span>Proclaim it, all!... Come, friends, <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> not yet held</span><br /> +<span>The feast of victory. The slighted gods</span><br /> +<span>Will snatch away their favor if we long</span><br /> +<span>Delay our revels. Though <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> miss one face,</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Suppresses a groan</i>)</p> + +<p><span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> know this much—<abbr>there ’ll</abbr> be no traitor there!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All leave the tent but Semiramis</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> Alone ... on foot ... and through a hostile country!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> overtake thee, Khosrove, ere <abbr>thou ’st</abbr> reached</span><br /> +<span>Thy throne among the stars! Thou goest from love,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page71" id="page71" title="71"></a>And wilt look back and weep from every cloud;</span><br /> +<span>I on thy track shall pause not till our wings</span><br /> +<span>Stir the same air and lock in kisses flying!</span><br /> +<span>... So pay my scorn? How then hadst loved if heart</span><br /> +<span>Had brought to heart its swelling measure? Then</span><br /> +<span>Our rosy hours had been the pick of time,</span><br /> +<span>And hung a flower ’mong withered centuries</span><br /> +<span>When every age had brought its reckoning in!</span><br /> +<span>O, why will we, some cubits high, pluck at</span><br /> +<span>The sun and moon, when we have that within</span><br /> +<span>Makes us the soul and centre of Heaven itself?</span><br /> +<span>Ambition, thou hast played away my crown</span><br /> +<span>And life. That I forgive thee, but not this—</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Thou ’st</abbr> robbed me of the memory of his kiss.</span><br /> +<span>... Go, world! The conqueror’s trump that closed my ears</span><br /> +<span>Unto the angel in a lover’s voice</span><br /> +<span>Dies to a moan that fills but one lone heart.</span><br /> +<span>And soon ’tis silent. Ah, though woman build</span><br /> +<span>Her house of glory to the kissing skies,</span><br /> +<span>And the proud sun her golden rafters lay,</span><br /> +<span>And on her turrets pause discoursing gods,</span><br /> +<span>Let her not dare forget the stanchion truth—</span><br /> +<span>Immortal writ in every mortal face—</span><br /> +<span>“Thou art the wife and mother of the world!”</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Sees Khosrove’s cloak upon the floor, and kneels by +it, taking it in her hands</i>)</p> + +<p><span>My Khosrove!... Methought a god struck off my chains</span><br /> +<span>So strong and fair he seemed, yet strove to hide</span><br /> +<span>The beauty of his act, as might a star</span><br /> +<span>Shrink in its own sweet light!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Buries her face in the folds of the cloak</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i16"> O, noble prince,</span><br /> +<span>I might have kissed thy lips and not thy garment!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page72" id="page72" title="72"></a>(<i>Rises and wraps the cloak about her. Spurns with +her foot her own robe which has been left trampled</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Thou purple rag, lie there! Love’s vesture shall</span><br /> +<span>Enfold me as I go!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i3"> (<i>Starts out</i>) Alone ... on foot ...</span><br /> +<span>But <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> not far to journey. Foes are kind....</span><br /> +<span>The first one met ... well, I will thank him!... Cries?</span><br /> +<span>It is the feast. A man may feast who had—</span><br /> +<span>But has no son!... (<i>Startled</i>) ’Tis not the feast!... I know</span><br /> +<span>That noise confused—hoarse shouts—shrieks—pawing steeds—</span><br /> +<span>And rumbling chariots! Those are the tones</span><br /> +<span>Of battle! O, the bloody work! ’Tis war!</span><br /> +<span>Did it delight me once?... Assyrian cries!</span><br /> +<span>My troops! my troops! <abbr>They ’ve</abbr> rallied! How they cheer!</span><br /> +<span>What brave heart leads them on?</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Cries come nearer</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i16"> Poor creatures, they</span><br /> +<span>Would save me knowing not I died with Khosrove.</span><br /> +<span>I will not live—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The rear of the tent is torn away by an onslaught. +Assyrian troops enter, led by Artavan</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Art.</strong> Semiramis!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Sem.</strong> My brother!</span><br /> +<span>You live!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Art.</strong> And you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Sem.</strong> Praise Heaven there is one</span><br /> +<span>Will comfort my sad kingdom!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Art.</strong> Nay, <abbr>all ’s</abbr> well!</span><br /> +<span>The death of Ninus freed me from my prison;</span><br /> +<span>I gathered troops and pushed hard after you,</span><br /> +<span>To hear you had been taken; then I planned</span><br /> +<span>This rescue. Thank great Belus, <abbr>I ’m</abbr> in time!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page73" id="page73" title="73"></a><strong>Sem.</strong> In time? Nay, <abbr>thou ’rt</abbr> too late!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Art.</strong> Too late? When thou</span><br /> +<span>Dost live?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Sem.</strong> I live? No! <abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> deceived!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Art.</strong> O Heaven!</span><br /> +<span>... <abbr>She ’s</abbr> dazed! Her troubles have bewildered her.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>All ’s</abbr> well, my sister! Husak has been taken.</span><br /> +<span>Thy crown itself is in our hands ... The crown!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>A soldier hands it to him</i>)</p> + +<p><span>You see ’tis safe. (<i>She takes it idly</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sem.</strong> A crown. For such a thing</span><br /> +<span>Wouldst give thy Sola?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Art.</strong> She is dear to me,</span><br /> +<span>But ay, by Heaven, I would!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Sem.</strong> You would? I know</span><br /> +<span>A greater thing than this.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Art.</strong> What, sister?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Sem.</strong> (<i>Letting the crown fall</i>) Love.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> O, she is crazed! This is some evil work!</span><br /> +<span>Bring in the captive Husak! He shall speak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> O, brother, once I thought thy love was truest</span><br /> +<span>That ever husband gave to wife, but now</span><br /> +<span>It showeth dark against my lover’s truth!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> Semiramis ... sweet sister ... What dost mean?</span><br /> +<span>... <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> know the cause of this! Call in the prince</span><br /> +<span>With Husak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Sem.</strong> Prince?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Art.</strong> Ay ... Khosrove, whom we found</span><br /> +<span>In chains—I know not why—and I unbound him,</span><br /> +<span>Recalling how he saved my life,—but now</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> know what thou hast suffered at his hands!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Sem.</strong> You found him bound? I can not hear—or see!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> She swoons—she dies—O, true, we are too late!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page74" id="page74" title="74"></a><strong>Sem.</strong> No, brother, <abbr>thou ’rt</abbr> in time! I live! I live!</span><br /> +<span>I am Semiramis! Give me my crown!</span><br /> +<span>Now this small circlet seems to me the world,</span><br /> +<span>And it is mine—to wear—or give away!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Is ’t</abbr> not, good friends?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Voices.</strong> Ay, ’tis!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter soldiers with Husak and Khosrove, Husak in +fetters</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sem.</strong> King Husak, hear!</span><br /> +<span>Assyria and Armenia should be friends,</span><br /> +<span>Joining true hands to bring a happy peace</span><br /> +<span>O’er all the East. And in that dearest hope</span><br /> +<span>I free thee. (<i>Unbinds him</i>) But thy son, the prince, must be</span><br /> +<span>Again my prisoner.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Hus.</strong> O, queen, <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> spent</span><br /> +<span>One childless hour, and rather would I die</span><br /> +<span>Than know another. Take my life for his.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Art.</strong> Dost thou forget, Semiramis, that once</span><br /> +<span>He saved thy brother?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Sem.</strong> I remember all,</span><br /> +<span>But will not change his doom. He must be bound,</span><br /> +<span>Nor from my fetters may he go alive.</span><br /> +<span>These are his chains—(<i>Putting her arms about his neck</i>) his prison deathless love,</span><br /> +<span>And here I pray that he will wear this crown,</span><br /> +<span>And hold with me the great Assyrian throne!</span><br /> +<span>... (<i>calls</i>) My chariot!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Khos.</strong> My queen! my queen!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Sem.</strong> Wilt thou</span><br /> +<span>Consent?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Khos.</strong> (<i>Kisses her lips</i>) I answer here.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The royal chariot appears, rear. They step in</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Sem.</strong> (<i>Giving the reins to Khosrove</i>) To Nineveh!</span></p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h2><a class="page" name="page75" id="page75" title="75"></a>CARLOTTA</h2> + +<p><a class="page" name="page76" id="page76" title="76"></a></p> + +<table summary=""> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a class="page" name="page77" id="page77" title="77"></a><a href="#play2act1">ACT I.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act1scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Miramar.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act1scene2">Scene 2.</a></td><td>In the mountains of Mexico.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play2act2">ACT II.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act2scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Chapultapec.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play2act3">ACT III.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act3scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Before the Imperial Theatre.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act3scene2">Scene 2.</a></td><td>Within the theatre.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play2act4">ACT IV.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act4scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Queretaro.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play2act5">ACT V.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act5scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>The Tuileries.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play2act5scene2">Scene 2.</a></td><td>Miramar.</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page78" id="page78" title="78"></a>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<p><span><em class="sc">Maximilian</em>, Emperor of Mexico</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Carlotta</em>, Empress of Mexico</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Louis Napoleon</em>, Emperor of France</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Eugenie</em>, Empress of France</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Benito Juarez</em>, President of Mexico</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Ignacio</em>, nephew to Juarez</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Rafael Mendores</em>, friend of Ignacio</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Aseffa</em>, wife of Rafael</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Trevino</em>, <em class="sc">Escobedo</em>, <em class="sc">Garza</em>, officers in the Liberal Army</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Miramon</em>, leader of the Imperial party</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Marshal Bazaine</em>, head of the French Army in Mexico</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Marquez</em>, <em class="sc">Mejia</em>, <em class="sc">Mendez</em>, <em class="sc">Dupin</em>, <em class="sc">Lopez</em>, of the Imperial army</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Abbot</em> of Lacroma</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Archbishop Labastida</em>, head of the Mexican church</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Prince Salm-Salm</em>, friend and officer of Maximilian</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Prince Zichy</em>,</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Ruiz</em>, <em class="sc">Berzabal</em>, <em class="sc">Estrada</em>, Mexican nobles</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Lady Maria</em>, sister to Count Charles</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Princess Salm-Salm</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Princess Zichy</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Princess Metternich</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Senor Hurbet</em>, <em class="sc">General Castlenau</em>, <em class="sc">Marquis de Gallifet</em>, in the service of Louis Napoleon</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Austrian</em>, <em class="sc">Belgian</em>, <em class="sc">Prussian</em>, and other foreign ministers at the court of Napoleon III.</span><br /> +<span>Imperial soldiers, Liberal soldiers, guards, rabble, ladies of honor, officers of the court, etc., etc.</span></p> + +<p class="play"><a class="page" name="page79" id="page79" title="79"></a>CARLOTTA</p> + +<h3><a name="play2act1" id="play2act1"></a>ACT I.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act1scene1" id="play2act1scene1"></a>Scene I: Reception hall, castle of Miramar, near +Trieste. Enter Count Charles, book in hand.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> Ah, books must be put by for swords, I wot,</span><br /> +<span>When this wild journey to the West begins.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> change enough! O shifting, shuffling life!</span><br /> +<span>Come, Shakespeare, magic mason, build me worlds</span><br /> +<span>That never shake however winds may blow,</span><br /> +<span>Founded on dream imperishable! (<i>Sits and reads. Enter Lady Maria</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Mar.</strong> Charles!</span><br /> +<span>Not reading! Dost know what day it is?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Char.</strong> Ay, sister!</span><br /> +<span>A day to make a scholar tremble, and hug</span><br /> +<span>His books in fever of farewell.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Mar.</strong> Didst see</span><br /> +<span>The splendid carriages glittering up the drive?</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page80" id="page80" title="80"></a>And O, so many!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Char.</strong> They have arrived?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Mar.</strong> Arrived!</span><br /> +<span>Why, all the Mexican deputies, arrayed</span><br /> +<span>Like their own sunsets,—the ambassadors</span><br /> +<span>From Austria, Belgium, France,—the princesses,</span><br /> +<span>And countesses, now in the guest-room wait</span><br /> +<span>The stroke of twelve to enter! <abbr>’T is</abbr> nearly time,</span><br /> +<span>And you sit here! Put by your Englishman!</span><br /> +<span>Come, put him by, I say! <abbr>He ’s</abbr> dead; we live.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> had his due and passed.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Char.</strong> Nay, his account</span><br /> +<span>Is writ forever current. His book of praise</span><br /> +<span>Time closes not, but waits some language new</span><br /> +<span>To enter it, and at his monument</span><br /> +<span>Fame yet stands carving.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> (<i>Taking book and closing it</i>) So! <abbr>She ’s</abbr> time enough!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ve</abbr> other work. (<i>Gently</i>) Is not the princess sad?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> I pray her heavy tears, weighing like stones,</span><br /> +<span>Will hold her back from sea!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Mar.</strong> Hush, Charles! She comes!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Carlotta, richly dressed</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Ah, cousins, trimming now your smiles to greet</span><br /> +<span>The deputies?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Char.</strong> Nay, calling up our tears</span><br /> +<span>To grace farewell to Miramar!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> No tears!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ll</abbr> think but of an empire and a crown,</span><br /> +<span>Not Miramar!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Maximilian, dressed in the uniform of Vice-Admiral +of the Austrian navy</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Max.</strong> An empire and a crown?</span><br /> +<span>At last I am out-rivalled in your heart!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page81" id="page81" title="81"></a><strong>Car.</strong> Nay, nay, thou know’st, my lord, thou art my empire!</span><br /> +<span>Grant me so much as now I look upon</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>I ’m</abbr> as rich as Jove with Saturn’s sceptre</span><br /> +<span>New-swinging o’er the world!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Char.</strong> Then you risk much</span><br /> +<span>For an unstable throne.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Car.</strong> Not risk!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Char.</strong> The men</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Who ’ve</abbr> governed Mexico, for the most part,</span><br /> +<span>Have paid their heads for it.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Mar.</strong> O, Charles!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Char.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> true.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Our safety is in the Emperor of France.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> the strong angel in this noble scheme!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> Safety in him? Nay, madam, by my soul,</span><br /> +<span>The lightest smile that breaks upon his lips,</span><br /> +<span>As though a breeze but touched there, hides a plot</span><br /> +<span>May hang our hearts with lead!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> How you misjudge him!</span><br /> +<span>In Paris when he pledged his faith to us</span><br /> +<span>His eyes more than his words assured his heart</span><br /> +<span>Unto our cause. I trust him, yea, I trust him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> There is a woman on the throne of France!</span><br /> +<span>She is the Eve to this slow-blooded Adam,</span><br /> +<span>Dutch-born Napoleon, and holdeth up</span><br /> +<span>The globe as <abbr>’t were</abbr> an apple for his hand.</span><br /> +<span>She builds mock images of dreams that died</span><br /> +<span>On Helena’s lone rock, and teaches him</span><br /> +<span>They are not ghosts of dream but dream indeed!</span><br /> +<span>Mexico, burning with gold and sunset’s fire,</span><br /> +<span>Pouring the crimson of internal strife,</span><br /> +<span>To her is but a jewel in crude bed</span><br /> +<span><abbr>She ’d</abbr> have you pick and polish for her crown!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Had you but heard her sweet devoted voice</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page82" id="page82" title="82"></a>Pleading with us for sake of the true Church</span><br /> +<span>To finish now this great emprise begun,</span><br /> +<span>You would believe her holy.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Char.</strong> If she is holy,</span><br /> +<span>And if Napoleon be true in this,</span><br /> +<span>Then is he God’s perfection of a man,</span><br /> +<span>And she earth’s sole and sainted paragon!</span><br /> +<span>But wait—O wait and see ere you risk life</span><br /> +<span>And honor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Car.</strong> You’re wrong—so wrong—but this is strange.</span><br /> +<span>O why are we not happy? (<i>Turning to window and gazing out</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Char.</strong> (<i>Following her</i>) Because, my cousin,</span><br /> +<span>This is not Miramar as we have known it.</span><br /> +<span>The scholar’s home, the soldier’s fair retreat,</span><br /> +<span>The noble heart’s sweet fane and altar spot,</span><br /> +<span>But Miramar with great ambition’s storm</span><br /> +<span>Rolling its thunders ’gainst her peaceful walls!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> But to live idly is never to be born.</span><br /> +<span>Shall we sit here at ease when God has found</span><br /> +<span>The work for us? He with his pontiff finger</span><br /> +<span>Points to the sea—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Car.</strong> (<i>Turning</i>) Sweet Miramar!</span><br /> +<span>If God points to the sea, why gave he this?</span><br /> +<span>This heaven-spot, this nesting place of love,</span><br /> +<span>Hung like a garland ’tween the sea and rocks!</span><br /> +<span>Ah, dear my lord, some curse will follow us</span><br /> +<span>Who can desert this peace-embalméd place</span><br /> +<span>To seek a glory fairer but in name!</span><br /> +<span>I dare not do it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Taking her hands</i>) <abbr>’T is</abbr> you shall say, my wife.</span><br /> +<span>If to stay <abbr>here ’s</abbr> your wish, that wish is mine,</span><br /> +<span>Maybe <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> dreamed too much of deeds of good,</span><br /> +<span>And visionary feats in that far land;</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page83" id="page83" title="83"></a>Then let it be your yea or nay, my love.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> O leave it not to me, for in a yea</span><br /> +<span>My vanity will speak, and in a nay</span><br /> +<span>My fear!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Max.</strong> A slander on these lips? A kiss</span><br /> +<span>Were better! (<i>Kisses her. Enter Marquis Corio</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Cor.</strong> The noble guests approach. <abbr>Will ’t</abbr> please</span><br /> +<span>Your Highnesses assume your places?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Max.</strong> Yea,</span><br /> +<span>Or nay, Carlotta?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Mar.</strong> O, they come! they come!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> (<i>Hastily and earnestly</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Nay, if you love your lord! That is a land</span><br /> +<span>Of murder, treason, carnage and revolt!</span><br /> +<span>The very air cries out ‘go not! go not!’</span><br /> +<span>E’en yon cloud-turbanned peak, that never moves</span><br /> +<span>Whate’er the circling stars propound to vex</span><br /> +<span>His silent wisdom, warns with forbidding nod!</span><br /> +<span>O noblest cousin—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>In agitation</i>) An empire! Miramar!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Maximilian takes place centre. A table in front of +him covered with maps and papers. Carlotta by him, +Count Charles and Lady Maria in their rear. Enter +Archduke of Austria, and nobles, who take position at +some distance from Maximilian on his right. Enter +Belgian Minister, Abbot of Lacroma, Princess of Metternich, +Princess Zichy, Countess Kollonitz, and others. +They stand at distance to left of Maximilian. Enter the +Imperial delegate, Senor Hurbet, and General Frassart, +Napoleon’s Adjutant of the Field. The former takes +place immediately at Maximilian’s right, the latter at +left of Carlotta. Marquis Corio at door. Enter the +Mexican deputies, Estrada, Berzabal, Negrete, Ruiz, and +a dozen others. Estrada, as president of the deputation, +makes low salute</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page84" id="page84" title="84"></a><strong>Max.</strong> Welcome, my lords, to Miramar!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Est.</strong> Hail, Prince,</span><br /> +<span>And fairest princess! The grace and hope of morning</span><br /> +<span>Be ever on your lives!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Car.</strong> Must noble senors,</span><br /> +<span>We give you thanks and greeting.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Max.</strong> Your presence here,</span><br /> +<span>My lords, would move our hearts although you brought</span><br /> +<span>No crown to guerdon welcome.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Est.</strong> O, gracious prince,</span><br /> +<span>Our tongues but feebly bear the mighty love</span><br /> +<span>The land of Montezuma bade us lay</span><br /> +<span>Low at your feet. Your starry virtues draw</span><br /> +<span>Her prayers and hopes and holiest desires</span><br /> +<span>Across the sea in humblest supplication.</span><br /> +<span>We make no weary tale of our misfortunes;</span><br /> +<span>They are so great the world is heavy with them,</span><br /> +<span>And Mexico means but calamity</span><br /> +<span>To every ear.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Max.</strong> My dear and honored lords,</span><br /> +<span>The heart is granite and the veins are ice</span><br /> +<span>That will not stir at your deep miseries.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Est.</strong> Ah, sir, this crown is heavy, but you will bear</span><br /> +<span>The golden weight as <abbr>’t were</abbr> the aureole</span><br /> +<span>That seals the saint to God!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Max.</strong> But not without</span><br /> +<span>Consent of every subject should I wear it.</span><br /> +<span>Does Mexico send all her hearts with you?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ruiz.</strong> (<i>Spreading paper on table</i>) Read here the proclamation now in force</span><br /> +<span>In all our provinces.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Max.</strong> And this has been</span><br /> +<span>By each assembly ratified?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Berzabal.</strong> Ay, prince!</span><br /> +<span>It is a nation, not these dozen men,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page85" id="page85" title="85"></a>That with a million voices prays to you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> From childhood up <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> sought to obey my God,</span><br /> +<span>But never dreamed that he would bless my life</span><br /> +<span>With such high sanction as I read herein. (<i>Lifting paper</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Forgive a tear, my lords.... But we must ask</span><br /> +<span>That crownéd Europe give a sacred oath</span><br /> +<span>To guarantee our empire’s permanence.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Archduke.</strong> Brother, I bring the word of Austria,</span><br /> +<span>Whose prayers, whose arms, whose subjects’ blood are yours,</span><br /> +<span>While she has blood or arms to give!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Belgian Minister.</strong> For Belgium</span><br /> +<span>I speak—the princess’ true and royal father,</span><br /> +<span>Whose little kingdom measures not his heart!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Senor Hurbet.</strong> And I, my lord, have here the signéd oath</span><br /> +<span>Of Mightiest France, whose fifty-thousand men</span><br /> +<span>Now guard the cradle of the new born peace</span><br /> +<span>In Mexico! Read here what he will do.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Reads</i>) Enough.... My lords, should I accept this crown,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T would</abbr> be with holiest expectation</span><br /> +<span>To reign in love and peace, but your past struggles</span><br /> +<span>Point to a term of danger and much risk</span><br /> +<span>Ere our star shines above all factious spite.</span><br /> +<span>Stood I alone I should not hesitate,</span><br /> +<span>But here is one more dear than my own life,</span><br /> +<span>Whom I must cherish more than my own life,</span><br /> +<span>Within whose heart I must find out my answer;</span><br /> +<span>And God be thanked her wisdom beams so true</span><br /> +<span>Above the hesitations of my mind</span><br /> +<span>That I can love her yea or nay as <abbr>’t were</abbr></span><br /> +<span>By Heaven spoke!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Est.</strong> Then to your mercy, princess,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page86" id="page86" title="86"></a>We now commit our hope.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Car.</strong> Most worthy lords,</span><br /> +<span>I am so proud that I would wear a crown,</span><br /> +<span>So pitying I would weep my heart away</span><br /> +<span>For your sad country, and so vain I think</span><br /> +<span>The lord that married me might lead you from</span><br /> +<span>Rebellion’s night to civil-kissing hours;</span><br /> +<span>But yet a woman bonded unto love,</span><br /> +<span>Not my own mistress. The life bound up with mine</span><br /> +<span>Is dearer than the peace of any state,</span><br /> +<span>And looking deep into your country’s heart</span><br /> +<span>I read some cruel marks of history</span><br /> +<span>That teach me fear for any precious thing</span><br /> +<span>Consigned unto its love.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Est.</strong> If ever souls</span><br /> +<span>Lay bare to human eyes, read now in ours</span><br /> +<span>The loyalty which you will find in every subject!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ruiz.</strong> Be merciful! Earth aches through her <ins title="Hyphenated across line-break in original">rock-ribs</ins></span><br /> +<span>With our old woes, and it is you may heal them!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ber.</strong> Pity will teach thee soon to love our land!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> My lords, already I love Mexico,</span><br /> +<span>And would forego the peace of Miramar,—</span><br /> +<span>All happy days that from the future lean</span><br /> +<span>To meet my smiles, as trifles whose light thought</span><br /> +<span>Shames this great hour; but when in dream I see</span><br /> +<span>My lord beset by foes in foreign land,</span><br /> +<span>The help he needs beyond a three-months’ sea,</span><br /> +<span>My princess pride flags to a peasant fear</span><br /> +<span>For one dear life!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Est.</strong> Wrong not yourself, your lord,</span><br /> +<span>And Mexico, O gentlest lady—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> Nay—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Est.</strong> Say yea, and our expectant land will feel</span><br /> +<span>The thrill of that affirmative across</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page87" id="page87" title="87"></a>The glad Atlantic! Yea—and France, whose name</span><br /> +<span>Is in our hearts as God’s, will bless thy tongue!</span><br /> +<span>Say yea, and noble England, watchful Spain,</span><br /> +<span>Who with great France began the holy work</span><br /> +<span>Of blessed liberation will applaud</span><br /> +<span>With happy echoes to the guardian skies!</span><br /> +<span>Say yea, and the white spirit of the Church</span><br /> +<span>Will take ’neath her soft wings our blood-drenched land,</span><br /> +<span>That waits but for that word to hail thy lord</span><br /> +<span>Regenerator, king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Car.</strong> My lords, my lords,</span><br /> +<span>We are but human! Mayhap we will not keep</span><br /> +<span>The love that we have won!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Senor Hur.</strong> Fear not, O princess!</span><br /> +<span>Behind your throne, with unretreating sword,</span><br /> +<span>Will stand the first great power of all the world!</span><br /> +<span>Thus speak I for the emperor of France!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess Metternich.<!-- . missing in original --></strong> (<i>Advancing</i>) I for the empress! Eugenie bade me speak</span><br /> +<span>Her heart out here, and hail thee sister empress!</span><br /> +<span>To ask when your young empire blooms above</span><br /> +<span>The lily of old France, and lures the East</span><br /> +<span>To pour her golden heart into your port,</span><br /> +<span>And ocean blossoms with your argosies,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’ll</abbr> still remember that she loved you when</span><br /> +<span>You were but princess and no farther ruled</span><br /> +<span>Then stretch the gardens of small Miramar!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> O generous Eugenie! But the fear—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Abbot of Lacroma.</strong> To speak of fear in this is to doubt God!</span><br /> +<span>He does not bless in vain a noble prince</span><br /> +<span>With such rare qualities as crown the mind</span><br /> +<span>Of Maximilian! <abbr>’T is</abbr> for some purpose rare</span><br /> +<span>He rounds such excellence with highest birth</span><br /> +<span>And puts a sword of power in his hand!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page88" id="page88" title="88"></a>From over seas unto your very feet</span><br /> +<span>A nation comes to choose from all the world</span><br /> +<span>One made by Heaven to be its sovereign lord,</span><br /> +<span>Cool hearts of passion in his amity,</span><br /> +<span>Make bitter eyes forget their ancient hate,</span><br /> +<span>And proudest knees bow with old enemies</span><br /> +<span>In worship of his star beneficent!</span><br /> +<span>There pale and crushéd Peace</span><br /> +<span>Shall take the color of the living rose,</span><br /> +<span>Hearing the voice of his protecting love</span><br /> +<span>That comes to lift her beauty from the dust</span><br /> +<span>And on that ground volcanic nobly build</span><br /> +<span>Her temple indestructible!</span><br /> +<span>There shall his kingly mind find outward means</span><br /> +<span>To write sublimity upon the world,</span><br /> +<span>And like old Egypt speak in pyramids</span><br /> +<span>To nations unbegot in dream of Time!</span><br /> +<span>And can you shock the hour with hesitation?</span><br /> +<span>Ask all the waiting world,—ay, even God,</span><br /> +<span>To pause and count the heart-beats of a woman?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Devoutly, with uplifted hands and eyes</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Forgive me, Heaven, that I doubted thee!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Takes Maximilian’s hands, turns with great dignity +to the deputies, and speaks solemnly</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Senors, <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> wear the crown of Mexico.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Silence. The abbot of Lacroma advances; Carlotta +and Maximilian drop to their knees as he extends his +arms above them in blessing</i>)</p> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act1scene2" id="play2act1scene2"></a>Scene II: A camp in the mountains of Mexico. +Night. Aseffa preparing food by a fire. She goes aside, +listens, and returns.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> O Mexico, thou traitress unto love,</span><br /> +<span>Wilt trample every heart that’s true to thee?</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page89" id="page89" title="89"></a>(<i>Listens. Enter Miguel and Lerdo, very ragged and +gaunt</i>) Miguel! Lerdo! Rafael not come? Where did +you leave him?</p> + +<p><span><strong>Lerdo.</strong> Nowhere, Senora.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Asef.</strong> Oh!</span></p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> Don’t flutter, little bird. We mean that he left +us. He set off as fresh as the morning to make the circuit +of another mountain while we could barely creep up to +camp.</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> You are hungry! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> give you Rafael’s +supper!</p> + +<p><strong>Ler.</strong> Hungry? No! <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> had two biscuits since +yesterday, and sixty miles <abbr>is n’t</abbr> far to go on that.</p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> And as much good air and water as a soldier +need want!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Here! Take it. <abbr>’T is</abbr> good. Indeed it is!</p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> Smoking meat! Ha! Who brought it? Has +the Holy Virgin been in camp?</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> No, but <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> been down to the valley.</p> + +<p><strong>Ler.</strong> You?</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Yes,—and <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> a little gold left, too!</p> + +<p>(<i>Showing purse</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> You paid five pesos for that dish!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> A good guesser would double the price.</p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> And for Rafael’s supper! No, I can go two +more days yet. (<i>Puts food aside</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> But you shall not. Come, eat! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> feed you +then, and you don’t want Juarez’ soldiers to be turned +into babies, do you?</p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> yield! In fact, <abbr>there ’s</abbr> an orator within +that speaks with a most convincing pinch. (<i>They eat</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> (<i>Watching</i>) Poor fellows! <abbr>They ’ll</abbr> not leave +him a mouthful!</p> + +<p><strong>Ler.</strong> Where is the general?</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> (<i>Pointing up the hill</i>) Asleep. Have you news?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page90" id="page90" title="90"></a><strong>Ler.</strong> None to bring good dreams. Let him sleep.</p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> Lord, a meal a day like this and I could drive +the whole French army into the sea! (<i>Rising</i>) Now if +these rags could be turned back to their first fortunes, +<abbr>I ’d</abbr> be Don Miguel de Tejada again! You <abbr>would n’t</abbr> think +that these tags and tatters had waltzed with the president’s +niece at the capital, would you now?</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> You must let me mend your clothes as I do +Rafael’s.</p> + +<p><strong>Mig.</strong> Faith, Senora, you would have to begin too +many months back. No, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> hang out my banners as a +knight of liberty should, and be Don Miguel de Tejada +still. Asleep, my Lerdo? A good example, too. (<i>Lies +down</i>) Good-night, Senora the Blessed!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Good-night, Don Miguel de Tejada! (<i>The +soldiers sleep. She waits and listens. Runs aside and +looks down the valley</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Rafael! (<i>Steps approach. Enter Rafael</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> (<i>Embracing her</i>) <abbr>Here ’s</abbr> Heaven for the weary!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> So tired? And I have nothing for you! +(<i>Looks toward soldiers</i>) They were so hungry.</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> They’re welcome to it. (<i>Kissing her</i>) Here is +my banquet,—my feast of beauty and my wine of love!</p> + +<p>(<i>Staggers to a rock and sits feebly</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Oh! <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> been so far!—too far!</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> We rode all day, but made no terms for food. +The people are afraid. Whoever gives us bread forfeits +his life and home.</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> I bought some meat of a poor woman to-day. +She needed the money.</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> And if the Imperials find her out <abbr>they ’ll</abbr> murder +her and set her hut in flames!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Oh! What shall we do?</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> We are an army. <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> do as armies do. Take +food where we can find it.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page91" id="page91" title="91"></a><strong>Asef.</strong> O, Rafael!</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> Yes, love, <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> play the robber to fill the mouth +of Liberty,—<abbr>she ’s</abbr> fed too long on thistles.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> <abbr>She ’s</abbr> a stern mistress, Rafael.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Raf.</strong> But sweeter, love,</span><br /> +<span>Her harshest frown that summer smiles of kings!</span><br /> +<span>O, I reproach her not, even when I see</span><br /> +<span>My dearest friends lie dying in her name!</span><br /> +<span>A bed of stones is soft enough for me</span><br /> +<span>If she but rock to sleep,—a crust to-day,</span><br /> +<span>To-morrow none, and at her board <abbr>I ’m</abbr> fed.</span><br /> +<span>But when I look on you, my traitor blood</span><br /> +<span>Flies from her service. Oh, to see these hands</span><br /> +<span>That plucked no beauty ruder than the rose,</span><br /> +<span>So meanly laboring in the basest needs!</span><br /> +<span>Your gentle body resting on cold earth,</span><br /> +<span>Glad of a blanket ’tween you and the sod,</span><br /> +<span>While in your bed the foreign robber sleeps!</span><br /> +<span>This shakes my loyalty till I could hate</span><br /> +<span>The fair, unspotted cause my sword is drawn in!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> Stop, Rafael! O thank God these hands have known</span><br /> +<span>That blessed of all fortunes,—to toil for love!</span><br /> +<span>These eyes that sought for but a face more fair,</span><br /> +<span>A flower more sweet, have found the stars that rise</span><br /> +<span>Where Truth and Courage wander in the night!</span><br /> +<span>In southern vales maybe <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> hear again</span><br /> +<span>The morning birds sing at our bowered windows,</span><br /> +<span>But we will not forget the nobler song</span><br /> +<span>Now borne by winds about these mountain peaks,—</span><br /> +<span>The song of man made free!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Raf.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> not forget.</span><br /> +<span>But will that sweet day come? Tell me, Aseffa,</span><br /> +<span>You who are half a sibyl,—shall we go down</span><br /> +<span>That valley to our home?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page92" id="page92" title="92"></a><strong class="i10">Asef.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> not to gain</span><br /> +<span>Our father’s halls, and sit ’neath fig and vine,</span><br /> +<span>We hide and starve and stagger in these hills,</span><br /> +<span>But to keep noble the last hour of life,</span><br /> +<span>That Death who gathers it may read thereon</span><br /> +<span>The seal immortal of approving God.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Raf.</strong> Yes—dear Aseffa—but—(<i>Faints</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Asef.</strong> Rafael! Rafael!</span><br /> +<span>Ah dying! O my prating <abbr>virtue ’s</abbr> gone!</span><br /> +<span>I care for naught but that my love shall live!</span><br /> +<span>O, Liberty, wilt spare me this one life?</span><br /> +<span>... Ho! Miguel! Up!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Mig.</strong> Hey! What! Senora!... Ah!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lerdo.</strong> <abbr>What ’s</abbr> here?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Asef.</strong> <abbr>There ’s</abbr> wine in the general’s tent! Rafael!</span><br /> +<span>My love, my love, look up!... O Mexico,</span><br /> +<span>With all thy veins of gold thou art not worth</span><br /> +<span>One dear drop of his blood!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter General Trevino</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Trev.</strong> <abbr>What ’s</abbr> this new grief?</span><br /> +<span>Not Rafael!... He faints. <abbr>’T is</abbr> hunger ... hunger.</span><br /> +<span>Miguel! Lerdo! Bear him to my tent.</span><br /> +<span>Give him what food you find there. First the wine!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Soldiers go out with Rafael. Aseffa follows. As she +passes the general she drops to her knees and kisses his +hands</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Trev.</strong> (<i>Alone</i>) Starvation now or plunder. <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> quarter where</span><br /> +<span>We can.... A horseman! If <abbr>’t is</abbr> Ignacio</span><br /> +<span>We shall have news.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Ignacio, from riding</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Ig.</strong> <abbr>Who ’s</abbr> here?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Trev.</strong> Ignacio?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> (<i>Saluting</i>) Your pardon, sir!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Trev.</strong> You’re from the capital?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page93" id="page93" title="93"></a><strong>Ig.</strong> Three days ago I left the city. <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> slept</span><br /> +<span>On horseback since.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Trev.</strong> Your news!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Ig.</strong> We fight an empire.</span><br /> +<span>The Austrian is crowned.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Trev.</strong> Impossible!</span><br /> +<span>Where are our people? Salas? and LeVal?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> They shouted at his welcome. At Vera Cruz</span><br /> +<span>Began the unholy pageantry, that showed</span><br /> +<span>As Christ had come again and all men knew him!</span><br /> +<span>Each province drained its beauty by the way;</span><br /> +<span>The mules that drew him caught the vanity</span><br /> +<span>And picked their steps on flowers.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Trev.</strong> Tell me no more.</span><br /> +<span>O Gratitude, thou hast no home on earth!</span><br /> +<span>Twelve months did Juarez rule, and in twelve months</span><br /> +<span>Did what no man can do but God is with him!</span><br /> +<span>He healed contention’s wounds, set up new schools,</span><br /> +<span>Released the land from priestcraft’s ancient grip,</span><br /> +<span>Rebuilt our credit, destroyed by Miramon,</span><br /> +<span>The robber president, who bonded the land</span><br /> +<span>To France, then set the sword of Europe ’gainst us</span><br /> +<span>Because we could not pay the unjust debt</span><br /> +<span>From treasuries that his own hands had emptied.</span><br /> +<span>O, <abbr>’t was</abbr> a crime too big for Heaven’s eye,</span><br /> +<span>And so God let it pass! France could not know—</span><br /> +<span>But our own people knew—how Juarez toiled</span><br /> +<span>To shape the nation to his noble thought!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> Yes—yes—they knew!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Trev.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> break our swords, my boy.</span><br /> +<span>We have no country.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Ig.</strong> Is my uncle yet</span><br /> +<span>In Texas?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Trev.</strong> Ay, and we will go to him.</span><br /> +<span>... Ungrateful ground that casts all goodness from it,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page94" id="page94" title="94"></a>And sucks a gilded poison!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Rafael, Aseffa, Miguel, Lerdo, and others of +the camp</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Raf.</strong> (<i>To Trevino</i>) Sir, you will miss</span><br /> +<span>Your breakfast, but I pledge my sword <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> have</span><br /> +<span>To-morrow’s supper!... Ignacio!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Ig.</strong> You here,</span><br /> +<span>My Rafael! (<i>They embrace</i>) Aseffa too!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Asef.</strong> Dear friend! (<i>They greet affectionately</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Raf.</strong> And Maximilian is crowned?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Ig.</strong> Yes ... crowned.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Raf.</strong> You saw him?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Ig.</strong> In the cathedral, with the empress.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> The empress?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Raf.</strong> What looks he like? This Austrian duke</span><br /> +<span>That with a stolen crown mocks majesty!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> He looks like majesty, and yet is graced</span><br /> +<span>With Nature’s gentlest stamp; his countenance</span><br /> +<span>Takes beauty from his smile; his smile, one thinks,</span><br /> +<span>Takes sweetness from a heart that has its own</span><br /> +<span>Nobility from heaven.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Trev.</strong> An enemy</span><br /> +<span>Well praised!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Asef.</strong> The empress? She bewitched you too?</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ignacio is silent</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Come, sir! The truth of her!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Ig.</strong> The truth? Go ask</span><br /> +<span>The angels. <abbr>They ’ve</abbr> tongues for such sweet purpose.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i23">Trev.</strong> What!</span><br /> +<span>Ignacio turned squire o’ the empire?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Ig.</strong> No.</span><br /> +<span>But I can read a holy woman’s face,</span><br /> +<span>Though she by some strange counterfeit of truth</span><br /> +<span>Would put an empress’ foot upon our necks.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page95" id="page95" title="95"></a><strong>Asef.</strong> What is she like?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Ig.</strong> Like nothing but herself.</span><br /> +<span>She is not gentle, for gentleness is but</span><br /> +<span>Rude servant to that quality in her;</span><br /> +<span>Gracious <abbr>she ’s</abbr> not, for grace herself doth serve</span><br /> +<span>A poor handmaiden to her excellence;</span><br /> +<span>Nor beautiful, for Beauty asks her name</span><br /> +<span>To wear but that and know her own no more.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>In the silence that follows a rider rushes up and dismounts</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Messenger.</strong> Where is the general, Trevino?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Trev.</strong> Here.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mess.</strong> Juarez approaches. (<i>Saluting</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Trev.</strong> Juarez! Call up the camp!</span><br /> +<span>Light all the beacons! Juarez! Build up the fires!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Shouts.</strong> Juarez! Juarez! Hurrah! El presidente!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Trev.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> let him know the hearts he left i’ the hills</span><br /> +<span>Still beat with loyal blood!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Shouts.</strong> Juarez! Juarez! (<i>Enter Juarez. Silence</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> Trevino!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Trev.</strong> Your Excellency! (<i>They embrace</i>) <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> heard?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Jua.</strong> I know.</span><br /> +<span>Now monarchy has spread her gilded sails,</span><br /> +<span>And from the East comes like another sun</span><br /> +<span>To blind our eyes with wonder of a crown</span><br /> +<span>While shackling us by hand and foot to earth.</span><br /> +<span>But from these mountains will arise a queen,</span><br /> +<span>The figure grey of ancient Liberty,</span><br /> +<span>Mourning and wronged, but with the <ins title="Corrected from Errata">unpaling</ins> star</span><br /> +<span>Of God’s own favor set upon her brow:</span><br /> +<span>These two shall meet—and that mock sun go down!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Trev.</strong> You still have hope when Mexico deserts us?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> Dost read your country in the smile she shows</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page96" id="page96" title="96"></a>Her conqueror? She has a heart beneath!</span><br /> +<span>Ay, sir, did she not prove it at Puebla?</span><br /> +<span>Where dead fell on the dead with gun in hand</span><br /> +<span>Still pointed to the French! Where, hope once lost,</span><br /> +<span>And the enemy pouring through the shattered gates,</span><br /> +<span>Our men blew up their city and themselves</span><br /> +<span>To keep their souls free from Napoleon!</span><br /> +<span>These men have brothers left, and sons,</span><br /> +<span>And <em>they are Mexico</em>!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Soldiers.</strong> El presidente!</span><br /> +<span>Liberty and Juarez!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>A soldier.</strong> (<i>Waving his sword</i>) <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> be revenged,</span><br /> +<span>Or spill more blood than hell can drink!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Soldiers.</strong> Down with the empire! Death to Maximilian!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> No, not revenge,—but justice. That’s enough.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>We ’ve</abbr> but to wait—and strike. Yon mists now spread</span><br /> +<span>Their fair illusion o’er the eternal mountains</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’Till ’t</abbr> seems they are the world, and the great hills</span><br /> +<span>Are naught. But by to-morrow’s noon-sun see</span><br /> +<span>Their fortunes faded as a dream of night,</span><br /> +<span>While the rock peak looks up as if to say</span><br /> +<span>From the foundation of the world I am!</span><br /> +<span>So will this glamour o’er our godly cause</span><br /> +<span>Pass as a breath, while all the world shall read</span><br /> +<span>Our right and title to unbonded life</span><br /> +<span>In our free bosoms founded and God-set!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>A soldier.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> die for freedom!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Jua.</strong> Die? That’s the one thing</span><br /> +<span>We can not do. We may lie down in graves,</span><br /> +<span>But from our living dust will spring new challenge</span><br /> +<span>To make in noble minds continual war</span><br /> +<span>Until our race be righted!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Trev.</strong> Many fly</span><br /> +<span>From our misfortunes. Amaldo and LeVal—</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page97" id="page97" title="97"></a><strong>Jua.</strong> <abbr>Call ’t</abbr> not misfortune that teaches us our friends.</span><br /> +<span>Now are we sifted and the chaff is known!</span><br /> +<span>... LeVal! ... But Diaz is true?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Trev.</strong> On yonder mountain</span><br /> +<span>His fires make answer for him.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> (<i>Looking into distance</i>) Forgive me, comrade!</span><br /> +<span>I know you true, and sooner will yon moon</span><br /> +<span>Make her last change and fall than you change once</span><br /> +<span>From the full circle of a complete man....</span><br /> +<span>(<i>Turns and sees Ignacio</i>)</span><br /> +<span>My nephew here?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Ig.</strong> Just from the capital.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> Where you must back again. Rafael, too!</span><br /> +<span>Both my young soldiers! My right arm and my left,—</span><br /> +<span>Though which is which I know not. Ignacio,</span><br /> +<span>You saw the Austrian? No matter. <abbr>He ’s</abbr> but</span><br /> +<span>The drift-piece of a rotten monarchy</span><br /> +<span>That thinks to graft upon the living tree</span><br /> +<span>Of our new-sprung republic! <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> shake him off</span><br /> +<span>As a June oak a spray of winter wreck,</span><br /> +<span>Nor ever know he clung upon our boughs!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> The church is powerful yet, and seeks to join</span><br /> +<span>Her cause with his.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Jua.</strong> The church? Say not the church,</span><br /> +<span>But mockers in Christ’s name, who steal the land</span><br /> +<span>And drain its fruitage into Satan’s purse,</span><br /> +<span>Keeping the poor a race of hopeless slaves</span><br /> +<span>Who worship their own shackles! O, Ignorance,</span><br /> +<span>Thou art the great slave-master! Thy very chains</span><br /> +<span>Are vital and beget themselves; and he</span><br /> +<span>Who strikes them seems the monster of the earth</span><br /> +<span>To the poor serf who thinks it is himself</span><br /> +<span>That bleeds! The church be with our foe, with us</span><br /> +<span>Be God, <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> ask no more. Hear me, my men!</span><br /> +<span>The great republic of the <abbr>North ’s</abbr> our friend.</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page98" id="page98" title="98"></a>When her own war is done <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> hear her speak</span><br /> +<span>To France in cannon tones that will make quake</span><br /> +<span>Napoleon on his throne! That great mock-god.</span><br /> +<span>Who seeks to free all men that he may fit</span><br /> +<span>Their necks to his own yoke! (<i>With growing intensity</i>) That adder who</span><br /> +<span>Would coil about the world! That serpent scruffed</span><br /> +<span>With white deceit and low ambition’s slime,</span><br /> +<span>That crept into the garden of my dream</span><br /> +<span>And cankered bud and root, nursed by my toil,</span><br /> +<span>Fed with my dearest blood! Ay, he will quake,</span><br /> +<span>And cry for mercy to a stony Heaven</span><br /> +<span>Whose pity drops long since were drained upon</span><br /> +<span>The woe that he hath made! Ay, he—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Trev.</strong> (<i>Touching him</i>) But now,</span><br /> +<span>My friend?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> (<i>Composed</i>) You’re right. No more of that. Nephew!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> Here, sir!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Jua.</strong> Your place will be the capital.</span><br /> +<span>We must have eyes there, and a heart to serve us.</span><br /> +<span>This hour set out. Here are instructions. (<i>Gives papers</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Trev.</strong> Sir,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> had no rest.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Jua.</strong> True ... true....</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Ig.</strong> And need none when</span><br /> +<span>Juarez commands.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> (<i>Taking his hand</i>) <abbr>Thou ’rt</abbr> still my son. My house</span><br /> +<span>Will not fall down when I no longer prop it.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Raf.</strong> May I not beg this office, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Trev.</strong> Send him!</span><br /> +<span>His heart is in the hills, and <abbr>he ’ll</abbr> come back.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Ignacio ’s</abbr> yet unanchored. Trust him not</span><br /> +<span>To high tides of a court.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page99" id="page99" title="99"></a><strong class="i11">Jua.</strong> I trust them both.</span><br /> +<span>But my own blood I know. (<i>To Ig.</i>) Kneel for the oath.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Ignacio kneels. Murmurs around, then silence. +Juarez takes a crucifix from his bosom and holds it over +Ignacio</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> By this true image of the bleeding Christ,</span><br /> +<span>May you be damned to everlasting fire,</span><br /> +<span>Nor prayers of saints lift up your soul from hell,</span><br /> +<span>If you prove false in what you undertake</span><br /> +<span>This night for Mexico!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Ig.</strong> By Christ’s own blood.</span><br /> +<span>I swear, and may that blood be powerless</span><br /> +<span>To save me from the damned if I prove false!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> The stars that hold</span><br /> +<span>The witness angels of the Lord have heard</span><br /> +<span>Thy oath.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> (<i>Rising and looking up</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i5"> Let them record it.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Asef.</strong> (<i>Fearfully</i>) Ah!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Trev.</strong> (<i>Holding out a brand</i>) The brand!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> Not that!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> (<i>Baring his arm</i>) I choose it!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Trevino quickly +brands his arm with a cross. Juarez, too late, dashes the +brand from his hand</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Ig.</strong> (<i>Throwing up his arm</i>) Sealed to the cause!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Hurries to go</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> My boy! (<i>Ignacio returns for Juarez’ embrace</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Ig.</strong> (<i>Going</i>) Liberty and Juarez!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Soldiers.</strong> Juarez!</span><br /> +<span>Liberty and Juarez!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All but Juarez follow Ignatius out, cheering</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i10"> Hurrah! hurrah!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Juarez draws his grey mantle about him and stands +silent. The fires die down. The moon clouds. He looks +up invoking</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page100" id="page100" title="100"></a><strong>Jua.</strong> Spirit of Montezuma, be thou here</span><br /> +<span>And on thy son drop wisdom out of Heaven,</span><br /> +<span>That these thy children he may lead to peace,</span><br /> +<span>And this thy country give again to him</span><br /> +<span>Who set his iron in the earth and said</span><br /> +<span>“Man, make thy weapon; there shall be no slaves!”</span></p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a name="play2act2" id="play2act2"></a>ACT II.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act2scene1" id="play2act2scene1"></a>Scene I: Palace of Chapultapec. Hall adjoining +ball room. Gaily dressed women, and men in glittering +official costumes passing doors. Marquez and Mejia +talking.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> caught Trevino!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Mejia.</strong> Rafael Mendorez too.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> Still better. <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> have them shot at once?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mejia.</strong> <abbr>They ’ve</abbr> too many friends. I must have the emperor’s warrant.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> He will sign the decree to-night.</span></p> + +<p><strong>Mejia.</strong> The Lord be thanked! <abbr>I ’m</abbr> tired of risking +life and men taking prisoners that his majesty may +have the pleasure of pardoning them.</p> + +<p><strong>Mar.</strong> If he signs the decree he will be sure to reserve +the right to pardon. You must try my method.</p> + +<p><strong>Mejia.</strong> And that?</p> + +<p><strong>Mar.</strong> Shoot on the spot, and report no captures.</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter from the ball room Maximilian, Marshal +<a class="page" name="page101" id="page101" title="101"></a>Bazaine, General Miramon, and Count Charles</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> Your majesty will sign the law to-night?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> These men wear the brave name of soldiers; fight</span><br /> +<span>Beneath a flag, and claim the rights of war.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> They borrow war’s fair name to kill and plunder!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> It was my dream when I took up this crown</span><br /> +<span>To claim each subject of the land my own.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> And so you may, your majesty. <abbr>’T is</abbr> true.</span><br /> +<span>These men are subjects to no law or nation;</span><br /> +<span>They are not Mexico’s; they are not God’s;</span><br /> +<span>But from the heavenly and the human pale</span><br /> +<span>They have outbarred themselves. Our honest land</span><br /> +<span>Has cast them out as venom to her health!</span><br /> +<span>Nurse not this canker in your realm, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> I do not know ... but <abbr>here ’s</abbr> my head and heart,</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Touching Prince Salm-Salm and Count Charles</i>)</p> + +<p><span>And they may answer. Prince, what do you say?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Prince Salm.</strong> As friend and soldier to your majesty,</span><br /> +<span>I must advise the passage of the law.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> You, Charles?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Char.</strong> My lord, if as you say, these men</span><br /> +<span>Fight ’neath a flag, and for supposéd rights,</span><br /> +<span>You violate the law of noble nations</span><br /> +<span>In sentencing to death the prisoners</span><br /> +<span>Of recognizéd war.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Baz.</strong> (<i>Sneering</i>) Sir, recognized?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> Does not the United States still call Juarez</span><br /> +<span>The president of Mexico?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Baz.</strong> Why, count,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’d</abbr> best consult those books of yours again!</span><br /> +<span>Juarez has fled and given up his cause.</span><br /> +<span>These men are robbers! Your majesty will sign?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page102" id="page102" title="102"></a><strong>Max.</strong> Forgive me, friends, if I again say no.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> Your majesty, <abbr>’t is</abbr> we should ask your pardon</span><br /> +<span>For having failed to lustre as we should</span><br /> +<span>This seeming-dark decree,—so wise, so just,</span><br /> +<span>And as undoubtedly your duteous act</span><br /> +<span>As though some stern necessity of the stars</span><br /> +<span>Enjoined it.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Uneasily</i>) Press it not now. The people wait.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All but Marquez go into ballroom</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> Some fools have sat on crowns but not for long.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’ll</abbr> sign. The Liberals must be dispatched</span><br /> +<span>Fast as we capture them, for <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> short time.</span><br /> +<span>The United States will soon be free again</span><br /> +<span>To turn to us, and what we wish to do</span><br /> +<span>Must be well done ere that. Dispatch! Dispatch!</span><br /> +<span>Use Maximilian and the French to crush</span><br /> +<span>The Liberals, then with the church unite</span><br /> +<span>To pull down Maximilian and set up—</span><br /> +<span>Marquez!... The Empress—and Ignacio!</span><br /> +<span>One I suspect,—a half-breed full of pride!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Who ’d</abbr> have the court forget his Indian mother</span><br /> +<span>And bear in mind his father was a noble!</span></p> + +<p><span class="i21"> (<i>Goes aside.</i></span><br /> +<i>Enter Carlotta and Ignacio, followed by Prince and +Princess Zichy, Prince and Princess Salm-Salm, Princess +Josefa de Varela, Colonel Lopez, making merry with a +fortune teller. The Empress steps apart with Ignacio</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Ignacio! <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> met strange looks to-night!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> But not unkind ones, noble madam?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Car.</strong> O, such</span><br /> +<span>As can not be distinguished by a word,</span><br /> +<span>Cold, warm, or dark or fair, bitter or kind!</span><br /> +<span>Ah, looks that will not advertise the heart,</span><br /> +<span>And yet betray too much!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page103" id="page103" title="103"></a><strong class="i11">Ig.</strong> Your majesty—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> A little coldness that might melt to love,</span><br /> +<span>A little pity that might soon be hate,</span><br /> +<span>A fair ‘God with you’ shaping to a curse—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> What eye can harbor evil meeting yours</span><br /> +<span>Where lies a grace that turns all ill to virtue?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Would all were true as you, Ignacio!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Looks to ballroom and shudders</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Those eyes! Would I looked not so deep in eyes!</span><br /> +<span>... You love my lord?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Ig.</strong> I do, your majesty.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Above all other men? (<i>He is silent</i>) Nay, do not answer!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T was</abbr> wrong to ask, for you have kinsmen maybe,</span><br /> +<span>Brother, or uncle, some one dear in blood</span><br /> +<span>Whom Heaven bids you cherish. But you will guard</span><br /> +<span>Your Emperor! <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> watch with me for foes?</span><br /> +<span>For foes? He has none! How the thought</span><br /> +<span>Blasphemes his excellence! But <abbr>’t is</abbr> a world</span><br /> +<span>Where whitest merit draws the darkest souls</span><br /> +<span>To prey upon it, while mere indifferent good</span><br /> +<span>Escapes!... Ignacio, is it true, Juarez</span><br /> +<span>Is not in Mexico?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Ig.</strong> O, madam!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Car.</strong> Ah!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Is ’t</abbr> true the Liberals are disbanded?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Ig.</strong> True?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> You do not answer, sir!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Ig.</strong> It is not true.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> You know it! You? And they still hope?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Ig.</strong> They do.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Then we are playing with an enemy!</span><br /> +<span>How do you know?... You traitor, too!... O Heaven!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> time now to be up or treachery</span><br /> +<span>Will take us all asleep! (<i>Goes from him</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page104" id="page104" title="104"></a><strong>Ig.</strong> (<i>Following her</i>) O madam! madam!</span><br /> +<span>My heart is all your own!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Car.</strong> (<i>Turning to him</i>) Forgive me, friend,</span><br /> +<span>And I will wrong no more these honest eyes.</span><br /> +<span>But there is danger here, and we must strike!</span><br /> +<span>We hold a nation’s future in our hands,</span><br /> +<span>And now defence is virtue, patience crime!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> Your majesty—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Not heeding</i>) Shall we stand here and smile</span><br /> +<span>Till rebel blows have shattered life and throne?</span><br /> +<span>... Dupin shall drive these desperate people back—</span><br /> +<span>This law be signed—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Ig.</strong> (<i>With horror</i>) Dear Christ!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Car.</strong> What do you mean?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> Will Maximilian pass a law of death,</span><br /> +<span>Condemning patriots to a robber’s grave?</span><br /> +<span>O, Empress, sue upon your knees that he</span><br /> +<span>Do not this thing, for every act of his</span><br /> +<span>Not marked with justice to his enemies</span><br /> +<span>Will rob him of the pity they would show</span><br /> +<span>When victory is theirs! He writes his doom</span><br /> +<span>As certainly as he doth set his name</span><br /> +<span>To that black law, and gives Dupin his will</span><br /> +<span>Among our helpless people!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess Zichy.</strong> (<i>From group about the gipsy,<!-- Inconsistently spelt as both 'gipsy' and 'gypsy' in original --> as all laugh</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i14"> Your majesty,</span><br /> +<span>You heard?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Car.</strong> I heard. (<i>To Ignacio, much disturbed</i>) Go join them! Go! (<i>Ignacio joins group</i>) <abbr>He ’s</abbr> true!</span><br /> +<span>My lord in danger!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess de Varela.</strong> Now mother, my hand next!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Gipsy scans her hand</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> ‘Rob him of pity!’ ‘When victory is theirs!’</span><br /> +<span>I know the pity given to the fallen</span><br /> +<span>In this blood-drunken land! <abbr>There ’s</abbr> but one way...</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page105" id="page105" title="105"></a>We must not fall!... <abbr>’T is</abbr> war, then,—war! Not for</span><br /> +<span>An empire, no,—but Maximilian’s life!</span><br /> +<span>And we must use the weapons in our hands!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Gip.</strong> (<i>Reading</i>)</span></p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Days of brightness, days of smiles,</span><br /> +<span>Read I here or Fate beguiles!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p><strong>Princess S.</strong> O these fortunes are like lines from a +fairy book! Surely we are not all going to be happy!</p> + +<p><strong>Gip.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> read for you, madam.</p> + +<p><strong>Princess S.</strong> But let not your change of song begin +with me, dark mother!</p> + +<p><strong>Gip.</strong> (<i>Reading</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Days of darkness, days of moan!</span><br /> +<span>A friend shall sigh, a friend shall fall,</span><br /> +<span>And wring thy bosom more than all</span><br /> +<span>The sorrow that thou yet hast known!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p><strong>Princess S.</strong> O think better of it, mother!</p> + +<p><strong>Gip.</strong> Your sweet eyes deserve a better portion than +tears, and I read too,</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>But ere thy last hour be nigh</span><br /> +<span>Sorrow from thy breast shall fly!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p><strong>Princess S.</strong> A friend, you say? I thank you, <abbr>’t was</abbr> +not my husband!</p> + +<p><span><strong>Gip.</strong></span></p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>And yet a husband he,</span><br /> +<span>And many tears <abbr>thou ’lt</abbr> see!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) A friend—a husband—and a fall!</p> + +<p><strong>Gip.</strong> Shall I read for her majesty?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page106" id="page106" title="106"></a><strong>Car.</strong> No! no!</p> + +<p><strong>Lopez.</strong> She has peeped into Fate’s urn, madam, I +assure you!</p> + +<p><strong>Car.</strong> Nay, <abbr>I ’m</abbr> content. What I choose for myself I +will abide, and what I choose not is the gift of God and +<abbr>I ’ll</abbr> abide that too!</p> + +<p><strong>Prince Zichy.</strong> I congratulate you! Majesty is not +always able to show such noble indifference to the future, +and lesser mortals—never!</p> + +<p><strong>Gip.</strong> Please the stars, may I read for you, sir?</p> + +<p><strong>Prince Zichy.</strong> I give you a proxy,—Senor Ignacio. +If the fortune be fair, I take it, if not, I leave it with +him.</p> + +<p><strong>Ladies.</strong> O, hear Ignacio’s fortune! (<i>They crowd +about him and the gypsy</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>To Lopez</i>) A favor, sir! Will you take a +message to his majesty?</p> + +<p><strong>Lopez.</strong> I am twice blest—to bear your message—and +bear it to the emperor. (<i>They talk apart</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Gip.</strong> <abbr>Here ’s</abbr> a secret matter, sir. Shall I speak it +out?</p> + +<p><strong>Ig.</strong> O spare me! Come aside!</p> + +<p><strong>Ladies.</strong> Nay, nay, Ignacio! You heard our fortunes!</p> + +<p><strong>Ig.</strong> But yours were fair and innocent, and mine is +dark and guilty—maybe with crime!</p> + +<p><strong>Ladies.</strong> Oh! A crime!</p> + +<p><strong>Ig.</strong> Come, witch! (<i>They go aside, near where +Marquez is stationed unseen</i>) Aseffa!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Rafael is prisoner at Savarro! Trevino is +taken, too!</p> + +<p><strong>Ig.</strong> O Heaven! (<i>To ladies</i>) Stay back! <abbr>’T is</abbr> crime +indeed!</p> + +<p><strong>Ladies.</strong> Villain!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Help me to Maximilian! O, I must see him! +You called him gentle! When I tell him what Rafael is—the +<a class="page" name="page107" id="page107" title="107"></a>fairest soul man ever called a foe—</p> + +<p><strong>Ig.</strong> Softly, Aseffa! You can not see the emperor to-night.</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> I must! To-morrow <abbr>’t will</abbr> be too late! He +dies at sunrise!</p> + +<p><strong>Ig.</strong> Rafael! My friend! my brother!—</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Quiet! quiet! Smile, Ignacio! Ha! ha! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> +pray it be not true, sir!</p> + +<p><strong>Ig.</strong> But you can see Count Charles. <abbr>He ’s</abbr> Maximilian’s +very heart, and once you win him the Emperor is +won. Go in! Go in! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> bring you to the count! +Be light of heart! Our Rafael is safe!</p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> Ignacio, the Empress is all you said.</span><br /> +<span>Prayers on their way to Heaven meeting her</span><br /> +<span>Would think their journey ended. Can you be true?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> (<i>Touching his arm</i>)</span><br /> +<span>I bear the seal.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Asef.</strong> God help thee!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Ig.</strong> Go!</span><br /> +<span class="i13"> (<i>To ladies</i>) <abbr>’T is</abbr> done!</span><br /> +<span>I know my sins!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Princess de V.</strong> But what a smiling sinner!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess Salm.</strong> A cloud is hovering. Come, sir! I shall know it!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Takes his arm. Mexican +national dance begins. All go into ballroom, the +Empress with Lopez</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> Ignacio a Liberal! And branded!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’s</abbr> finished! But <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> pick my hour for it!</span><br /> +<span>Mendorez safe! Ay, if <abbr>he ’s</abbr> bullet-proof!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Carlotta with Archbishop Labastida</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> I thank your Highness for this gracious moment!</span><br /> +<span>Most holy Empress—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Car.</strong> Not holy, sir, and yet</span><br /> +<span>I hope with touch of God’s anointment on me.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> Did it but rest with you His love would soon</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page108" id="page108" title="108"></a>Like cloud of rose veil Mexico in beauty.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> But rest with me?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Lab.</strong> Ay, noble lady, you.</span><br /> +<span>I bear a letter from his Holiness,</span><br /> +<span>In which he says his Empress daughter’s zeal</span><br /> +<span>Is jewelled in his heart,—but urges me</span><br /> +<span>To speak to Maximilian of his strange</span><br /> +<span>Reluctance to fulfill his promise.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Car.</strong> Promise?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> To give the Church the olden glory that</span><br /> +<span>She shone with here! Restore her rights—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Car.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> true</span><br /> +<span>He promised that, and he has kept his word</span><br /> +<span>As an account with God. He is convinced</span><br /> +<span>The rights claimed by the Church are stolen rights</span><br /> +<span>She wrung from ignorance for her earthly glory,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>he ’s</abbr> resolved to maintain Juarez’ law</span><br /> +<span>So far as it accords with justice.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Lab.</strong> Madness!</span><br /> +<span>Call back Juarez to power! Yield the throne</span><br /> +<span>To the republican! For <abbr>’t will</abbr> so end</span><br /> +<span>If Maximilian scorns us and our help!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> He does not scorn you, sir, but seeks to find</span><br /> +<span>Where the division comes ’tween you and Christ</span><br /> +<span>And set himself upon the side of Heaven.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> You will divorce the favor of the pope,</span><br /> +<span>Without whose help you may not hope to stand.</span><br /> +<span>Plead with your lord again to probe our claim,</span><br /> +<span>And find therein some wise and prudent reason</span><br /> +<span>To give us aid,—and thereby keep his crown.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Yes, I will speak; but I shall not forget,</span><br /> +<span>Whate’er I say, he is an Emperor! (<i>Exit</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> (<i>Coming forward</i>) A pair of fools are jiggling with a crown.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> You heard, Marquez?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page109" id="page109" title="109"></a><strong class="i10">Mar.</strong> And knew before I heard.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> And you are patient?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Mar.</strong> Maximilian</span><br /> +<span>Means France, and France we must keep ours,—at least</span><br /> +<span>Till we have finished with the Liberals,—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> And then?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Mar.</strong> We need not go so far to make</span><br /> +<span>A wiser choice.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> (<i>Looking at him meaningly</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i8"> Not far indeed!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Mar.</strong> I thank you.</span><br /> +<span>But that’s hereafter. Come with me, your grace.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’d</abbr> speak of something more immediate.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt left</i>)</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter from ballroom General Miramon, Marshal +Bazaine and Colonel Dupin, the last a large, vain, blustering +man, gorgeously and expensively arrayed from +head to foot. A sombrero wonderfully trimmed with +gold and silver is carried in his hand and used in sweeping +salutations</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> At last I am called to court! I thought his +majesty would soon or late have need of my experience +in throat-cutting.</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> But, my dear Dupin, it is not in your capacity +of throat-cutter that we introduce you. These towns +that have given aid to the Liberals must be punished +without the Emperor’s knowledge. You will make an +example of them?</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> Will I? Hear him, Marshal! Will I?</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> But not a word to the Emperor!</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> Softish, eh?</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> His spongy heart is filled with water of compassion. +Touch it anywhere it pours!</p> + +<p><strong>Baz.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> not going to throw away the lives of any +more Frenchmen just to give him a chance to play at +<a class="page" name="page110" id="page110" title="110"></a>clemency! An emperor should be a sort of vitalized +stone, capable of action but incapable of impression.</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> Then <abbr>I ’m</abbr> the man for emperor! <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> always +suspected my qualifications for the part. By the lord, +<abbr>I ’ve</abbr> made women who were hungry enough to eat their +own children watch my soldiers throw bread into the +sea! And when I was with the French and English in +old Chinee—well, <abbr>they ’ve</abbr> called me the ‘Tigre’ since +then. <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> heard about that! (<i>Struts and sings</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span><abbr>I ’m</abbr> the tigre of the East,</span><br /> +<span>Got my claws in old Pekin</span><br /> +<span>When the yellow kids we fleeced</span><br /> +<span>And held up the mandarin!</span></p> + +<p class="italic"><span>O we caught him by the queue,</span><br /><!-- Lack of indent in original may be an error --> +<span class="i1"> As he from our captains flew,</span><br /> +<span>That quaking little, shaking little mandarin.</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> And we dragged him out to view</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> By that most convenient queue,</span><br /> +<span>When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>My friends, if you will excuse me, there are several +dozens of ladies in the ball room waiting for a dance with +the costume par excellence of the evening. I am not +always sure of a welcome for my face, but my costume +is never in doubt. Ah, sweet woman! you can please me +twice. I can dance with you—and I can kill you! When +the Emperor asks for me I shall not decline an introduction,—though +he was not born an emperor and I was +born Dupin! (<i>Exit</i>)</p> + +<p><strong><ins title="Original reads 'Bas.'">Baz.</ins></strong> Is he as villainous as his conversation?</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> His talk is but the mildest prologue to his +deeds.</p> + +<p><strong>Baz.</strong> Then <abbr>he ’s</abbr> the man for us. We shall never +drive back the Liberals but by methods of unmitigated +severity.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page111" id="page111" title="111"></a><strong>Mir.</strong> There is no barbarity too great for the intimidation +of these towns.</p> + +<p><strong>Baz.</strong> The only absolutely safe plan is to raze them +from the earth.</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> Trust Dupin! (<i>They go into ballroom. +Enter, right, Count Charles and Aseffa. Her disguise is +thrown back revealing her beauty</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> You help me though a Liberal and your foe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> A foe! Dear lady, when you besought my aid</span><br /> +<span>Methought it was divinity that spoke,</span><br /> +<span>So sacred sweet seemed the request. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> save</span><br /> +<span>Your brother.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Asef.</strong> Ah, dearer than a brother, sir.<!-- . missing in original --></span><br /> +<span>It is my husband!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Char.</strong> Husband!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Asef.</strong> Yes, my lord.</span><br /> +<span>And dearer than—You have a wife?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Char.</strong> No, lady.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> O, then you can not know! But you have loved?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> I love.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Asef.</strong> A lover—not a husband. Ah!</span><br /> +<span>Add to thy love a thousand dearer loves</span><br /> +<span>And take their sum a thousand times a thousand,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T will</abbr> be the smallest part divisible</span><br /> +<span>Of my dear love for Rafael! <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> save him?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> Yes—I will save him. Do you trust me?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Asef.</strong> Trust you?</span><br /> +<span>As I would Heaven! (<i>Kisses his hands and goes out, right</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Char.</strong> Gone! Aseffa! Gone?</span><br /> +<span>No, never gone! Her kisses here! O lips</span><br /> +<span>That swept like drifting roses o’er my hands—</span><br /> +<span>Both hands,—sweet equity! Still are they warm</span><br /> +<span>As they were dipped in summer, though her touch</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page112" id="page112" title="112"></a>Was maiden light nor robbed him of a jot</span><br /> +<span>Who should have all. Her husband—<abbr>’t was</abbr> a word</span><br /> +<span>She used to slay me with!... Even in sorrow</span><br /> +<span>She is more fair than any other fair</span><br /> +<span>Met on a holiday. But when she smiled</span><br /> +<span>She seemed like Fortune giving away a world.</span><br /> +<span>So gracious was her splendor. Thou art revenged,</span><br /> +<span>O little demon god so long my scorn!</span><br /> +<span>Would I had given my heart by piecemeal out</span><br /> +<span>Since I was ten than to have lost it so,</span><br /> +<span>For going all at once it takes my life</span><br /> +<span>And I must lose my life or follow it.</span><br /> +<span>Ah, love should come like waves unto a shore,</span><br /> +<span>Soft <ins title="Original reads 'creeeping'">creeping</ins> up and back and up again.</span><br /> +<span>Till taught to stand receptive we are firm</span><br /> +<span>When the last, highest wave envelops us.</span><br /> +<span>... May God restore me!... O her beauty burns</span><br /> +<span>As she were limned by lightning on the night!</span><br /> +<span>Her eyes are torches that Eternity</span><br /> +<span>Lends life to read her dreams! Her cheek</span><br /> +<span>Is June within a bud! Her veins have caught</span><br /> +<span>The falling sun that in them strives to rise</span><br /> +<span>To a new dawn!... And I must save him—save him!</span><br /> +<span>This unknown man that holds the flaming sword</span><br /> +<span>Above my paradise!... If this decree</span><br /> +<span>Is signed she will be widowed ... (<i>Stops in horror</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i17"> I am mad!...</span><br /> +<span>... She will be free ... Away, sweet hell, whose face</span><br /> +<span>Is masked like heaven!... Let solid earth be air,</span><br /> +<span>The air be lead, light change to dark, and dark</span><br /> +<span>Be as the sun, <abbr>’t will</abbr> be no miracle</span><br /> +<span>When murder finds a welcome in my heart!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Maximilian, Bazaine, Miramon, Dupin, +Berzabal, Ruiz, Estrada, Ignacio</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>To Dupin</i>) We’re glad to welcome you. +<a class="page" name="page113" id="page113" title="113"></a><abbr>’T will</abbr> be your charge to guard the unprotected towns +now suffering from the raids of Liberals.</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> Of men, your majesty, who steal that title to +grace a brigand’s life!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> So we’re assured.</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> see to it, sir, that these towns play no <ins title="Hyphenated across line-break in original">love-tricks</ins> +with the enemy!</p> + +<p><strong>Baz.</strong> Sh!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> No danger that way. Your duty is to protect +them!</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> No offense, I hope. But treason is a lively +beast and hard to keep low. As your majesty’s officer I +must cudgel it down wherever I find it.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> If unhappily you find it, sir—</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> cut the throat of every man dog of ’em!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Sir? (<i>Turns to Bazaine</i>) The Colonel’s +speech is very figurative, good Marshal. (<i>To Dupin</i>) All +instances of treason, (and God forbid there should +be one!) will be reported to me for careful investigation.</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> A thousand pardons, your Highness! I was +swept away by my devotion to your majesty! I shall +remember that you wish me to observe the mildest temperance +in dealing with your majesty’s enemies. (<i>As the +emperor looks questioningly at Bazaine, Dupin snarls, +then repeats suavely</i>) The mildest temperance in dealing +with your majesty’s enemies.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> That is our wish. The mildest temperance. +And this decree, Colonel Dupin? Would you advise its +passage?</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> I should be so hot to sign it, sir, my zeal would +boil the ink in the bottle!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Very figurative, Marshal! (<i>To Dupin</i>) As +yet we have not reconciled the matter with our conscience.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page114" id="page114" title="114"></a>(<i>Lopez enters and comes up to the Emperor</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> (<i>Handing him a slip of paper</i>) Your majesty, +the Empress sends you this.</p> + +<p>(<i>Maximilian reads aside:</i>) ‘Sign the decree.’</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) What has she heard?</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> (<i>At a distance, in rear of Maximilian, folds his +hands meekly on his breast and whistles softly</i>)</p> + +<p>‘When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!’ +(<i>Mimics</i>) ‘As yet we have not reconciled the matter +with our conscience.’ Does he think he can govern +Mexico with a prayer-book? Put him in his cradle and +sing by-lo-baby!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>To Miramon, who has spoken to him</i>) +<abbr>There ’s</abbr> only one left to oppose it—Charles.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> My lord, <abbr>you ’d</abbr> set a scholar’s word against</span><br /> +<span>A general’s in matters of the field?</span><br /> +<span>The count’s opinion, born within a closet,</span><br /> +<span>Would die in open air but for your nursing.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Come, Count, defend your cause.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Char.</strong> My cause, my lord?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> You are but one against the government.</span><br /> +<span>Canst talk above so big a head? If not,</span><br /> +<span>I fear <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> pass this law of blood. Come, come!</span><br /> +<span>Be eloquent! My heart would have you win!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> (<i>Very pale and hesitating</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Your majesty—I beg—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Max.</strong> Goes it so deep</span><br /> +<span>To your good heart?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Mir.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Max.</strong> Forgive me, Charles,</span><br /> +<span>For pressing you so much. <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> rest to-night.</span><br /> +<span>To-morrow <abbr>there ’ll</abbr> be time.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Char.</strong> (<i>Hastily</i>) No! Not to-morrow!</span><br /> +<span>Sign the decree! Sign it to-night!</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page115" id="page115" title="115"></a>(<i>Maximilian looks with the greatest astonishment at +his now flushed face and eager manner, then thinks he +understands</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Max.</strong> Ah, Charles,</span><br /> +<span>This tender heart of yours will kill you yet.</span><br /> +<span>No more of this. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> keep you at your books.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> (<i>Recovering, proceeds with suavity, completely sold to his desire</i>)</span><br /> +<span>My mind has cleared with deeper thought, my lord,</span><br /> +<span>Discord, the ancients tell us, was at first</span><br /> +<span>So small a gnat did give her birth, but grew</span><br /> +<span>So great her feet o’erturned proud cities while</span><br /> +<span>Her head upset the gods in council. So this</span><br /> +<span>Small trouble may o’ercast your destiny—</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>is ’t</abbr> not better, sir, to pass a law,</span><br /> +<span>However dreaded, ’gainst the rebel few</span><br /> +<span>Than that the nation trusted to your care</span><br /> +<span>Should be broad cursed with civil slaughter?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Max.</strong> Better?</span><br /> +<span>If such a danger threatens <abbr>’t is</abbr> a crime</span><br /> +<span>Not to forfend it!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Marquez and Archbishop Labastida</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Lab.</strong> Gracious sovereign!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Most reverend father, you would counsel us?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> We would, your majesty. If yet the wish</span><br /> +<span>Of Heaven has power over you; and Christ</span><br /> +<span>Be your most high example, you will prove</span><br /> +<span>A careful guardian to your trusting people,</span><br /> +<span>And crush this villainous and robber race</span><br /> +<span>Now preying on the true and innocent,</span><br /> +<span>Swelling each day more poisonous and foul!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> We are decided. Are we not, good Charles?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> (<i>Hastily</i>) Nay, sire—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Max.</strong> We are decided—to pass this law.</span><br /> +<span>Convinced that <abbr>’t is</abbr> the honest course.</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page116" id="page116" title="116"></a>(<i>All surprised and relieved but Ignacio, who starts +with horror</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> My God!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Mir.</strong> Blest majesty, we thank you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Lab.</strong> You do but set</span><br /> +<span>Your name where Heaven’s seal already shines.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> The seal of Hell! O noblest man that breathes</span><br /> +<span>This corrupt air, take back that word of death</span><br /> +<span>Ere it is stamped in black upon your soul!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> (<i>After a silence</i>) An Aztec, sire, and nephew to Juarez.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> You think that is a sin? Among our friends</span><br /> +<span>Are many whose nearest kinsmen nobly served</span><br /> +<span>The lost Republic. Hear us, Ignacio.</span><br /> +<span>This law is subject to a firm condition:</span><br /> +<span>Each officer shall make report to us,</span><br /> +<span>And every captive who deserves not death</span><br /> +<span>Shall have our pardon.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Ig.</strong> Then, <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> pardon two</span><br /> +<span>Now at Savarro, Trevino and Mendorez,</span><br /> +<span>Both doomed to die at sunrise!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Mir.</strong> Ravagers!</span><br /> +<span>Brigands! Ay, murderers!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Ig.</strong> No! Patriots!</span><br /> +<span>Soldiers! And martyrs if they die! My lord,</span><br /> +<span>If they have plundered, <abbr>’t was</abbr> to feed an army;</span><br /> +<span>If they have killed,—that is the aim of war.</span><br /> +<span>They are your foes, but noble ones,—and men,</span><br /> +<span>Not creatures to be caught in traps and shot</span><br /> +<span>Like beasts!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Max.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> look to this. Marquez, at once</span><br /> +<span>Send a dispatch commanding they be held</span><br /> +<span>As prisoners of war until <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> time</span><br /> +<span>To examine them.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Mar.</strong> I will, your majesty.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page117" id="page117" title="117"></a><strong>Ig.</strong> My lord, at Callovalla when the French</span><br /> +<span>Had routed the Republicans, there came</span><br /> +<span>At night some student priests into the field</span><br /> +<span>To help the wounded and to cheer the dying.</span><br /> +<span>This man, Marquez, set on them with his troop</span><br /> +<span>And made them prisoners. The morning sun</span><br /> +<span>Beheld each saintly minister shot dead.</span><br /> +<span>And you would trust this devil with the life</span><br /> +<span>Of captive foes? A man whose hands are red</span><br /> +<span>With God’s own blood?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Mar.</strong> He lies! Your majesty,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> prove him traitor to your very eyes!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> Traitor?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Mar.</strong> Ay, sir, and spy! Lay bare his arm,</span><br /> +<span>And see the branded cross!—the sacred mark</span><br /> +<span>Of those <abbr>who ’ve</abbr> sworn to die in Juarez’ cause!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Snatches at Ignacio’s arm as if he would expose it</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> Liar and devil! do not touch me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Mar.</strong> Spy!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> The proof is easy, sire. Expose his arm!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> I scorn such proof! And with my sword <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> meet</span><br /> +<span>Who dares lay hand upon me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Lab.</strong> Justice, sire!</span><br /> +<span>Command him to lay bare his arm!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Silence. Maximilian approaches Ignacio slowly and +lays his hand on his arm</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Turning to Marquez, his hand still on Ignacio</i>)</span><br /> +<span>You are a soldier, able and honorable.</span><br /> +<span>I trust you with my captives.... Ignacio,</span><br /> +<span>You are no traitor,—and I trust you with</span><br /> +<span>My confidence. Both are deceived. <abbr>’T is</abbr> I</span><br /> +<span>Must study how to heal this sad division.</span><br /> +<span>... But now, <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> sign this necessary law.</span><br /> +<span>Come in with me, my friends. (<i>Exeunt all but Ignacio</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page118" id="page118" title="118"></a><strong class="i13">Ig.</strong> Too noble soul!</span><br /> +<span>Too gentle heart! O foul, most foul betrayal!</span><br /> +<span>He dooms himself. O, Maximilian,</span><br /> +<span>We go on different ways, but each to death!</span><br /> +<span>The truest heart about thee is my own,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>I ’m</abbr> a spy—death-vowed to be thy foe!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> warn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause.</span><br /> +<span>Dead I may guard her. Death alone may give</span><br /> +<span>Me to her service. <abbr>There ’s</abbr> no oath can bind</span><br /> +<span>The disembodied spirit. (<i>Takes paper from his pocket</i>) <abbr>Here ’s</abbr> set down</span><br /> +<span>All I have learned of the Imperial plans.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Burns paper in candle flame</i>)</p> + +<p><span><abbr>’T is</abbr> fixed in memory, and if I live</span><br /> +<span>Juarez shall hear it all,—and—if I die—</span><br /> +<span>The grave is asked no questions. (<i>Suddenly</i>) Rafael!</span><br /> +<span>This signed to-night, to-morrow Rafael dies.</span><br /> +<span>Marquez will cut off all reprieve. One way</span><br /> +<span>Is left.... <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> go. With life already lost</span><br /> +<span>Who would not fling the corpse to save a friend?</span><br /> +<span>My <abbr>honor ’s</abbr> bound to freedom and Juarez,</span><br /> +<span>My heart bound to the Empress and her lord.</span><br /> +<span>O, love, while I have life thou must command me,</span><br /> +<span>Then to save honor ... let me die!... Ah, could</span><br /> +<span>I save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woe</span><br /> +<span>Awaits thy heart, madonna, saint ... and love!</span><br /> +<span>Might I but say farewell before I go,</span><br /> +<span>Then I could spur to death with happy heart,</span><br /> +<span>And I must travel fast to reach Savarro.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Takes a lady’s glove from his bosom</i>)</p> + +<p><span>My treasure, come!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Carlotta</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Car.</strong> It must be signed ... it must ... (<i>Sees Ignacio</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> O, little finger casements, do you mourn</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page119" id="page119" title="119"></a>Your pretty tenants lost?—five rose-sweet nuns</span><br /> +<span>That pray at one white shrine! (<i>Kisses glove</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Car.</strong> (<i>Advancing</i>) I hope, my friend,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>She ’s</abbr> worthy of your noble love.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Ig.</strong> O, madam,</span><br /> +<span>In her doth Heaven on earth make sweet beginning.</span><br /> +<span>And aspirations tend her from the skies.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> And she is beautiful as good?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Ig.</strong> O, fair</span><br /> +<span>As olden marble walking down to us.</span><br /> +<span>Or that immortal Helen on whose lip</span><br /> +<span>Poets still feed the dream that’s never fed!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> She must be fair indeed. I hope she loves</span><br /> +<span>As much as <abbr>she ’s</abbr> beloved.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Ig.</strong> Nay, she dreams not</span><br /> +<span>Of my poor worship.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Car.</strong> You must tell her, sir.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Ig.</strong> With her I have no tongue, and can not woo.</span><br /> +<span>To see her is to think in hurrying dreams</span><br /> +<span>That move about some new desire of God.</span><br /> +<span>Nay, <abbr>she ’s</abbr> the picture finished, vision complete,</span><br /> +<span>That perfect stands where dream no farther goes</span><br /> +<span>And shuts the gates to prophecy!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Car.</strong> Would you</span><br /> +<span>But woo her thus <abbr>you ’d</abbr> win her, never fear!</span><br /> +<span>We women would be beautiful, and love</span><br /> +<span>The tongue that makes us so. Go, talk to her</span><br /> +<span>As you have talked to me.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Ig.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> not the same.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>There ’s</abbr> something in your smile inviteth speech.</span><br /> +<span>Were she but you then would I kneel and say, (<i>kneels</i>)</span><br /> +<span>O rest me ’neath the heaven of your eye</span><br /> +<span>That gathers blessings as the sun his dews</span><br /> +<span>To give again to earth, and let your heart</span><br /> +<span>Throb once with pity sweeter than the love</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page120" id="page120" title="120"></a>That other women give, and yet be dumb,</span><br /> +<span>That this sweet moment’s balm may wrap my heart</span><br /> +<span>Till death bids it be still. O, love me not,</span><br /> +<span>But on my head lay thy madonna hand,</span><br /> +<span>And bless me as a mother would her child</span><br /> +<span>Who goes to death in going from her eyes!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Laying her hand on his head</i>)</span><br /> +<span>And I will bless thee, too, as she would do,</span><br /> +<span>True knight of love, gentle Ignacio!</span><br /> +<span>And yet I hope you will ask more of her,</span><br /> +<span>And she will grant it.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Ig.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) More is too much. Farewell.</span><br /> +<span>I leave the court to-night,—but go content,—</span><br /> +<span>Ay, happy! (<i>Exit</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Car.</strong> He leaves the court!... What a strange youth!</span><br /> +<span>But very true and noble, and well deserves</span><br /> +<span>The fairest woman’s love. (<i>Picks up glove dropped by Ignacio</i>) <abbr>He ’s</abbr> lost her glove.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> send it after him. (<i>Calls attendant</i>) Andorro!... Ah!</span><br /> +<span>It is my own! Yes ... yes ... the same ... here is—</span><br /> +<span>My own indeed!... And that is why he leaves</span><br /> +<span>The court!... Poor youth! (<i>She drops glove. Enter Andorro</i>) Ignacio just passed out.</span><br /> +<span>He dropped this glove. His lady’s favor maybe.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure <abbr>’t is</abbr> prized. Haste, take it after him.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>And.</strong> (<i>Picks up glove</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Your pleasure, royal madam! (<i>Going</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Car.</strong> No—that way.</span></p> + +<p><span class="i18"> (<i>Exit Andorro</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span>... Unhappy boy!... <abbr>I ’m</abbr> glad I sent the glove.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Maximilian and ministers</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Going to him and taking his arm</i>)</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> signed?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page121" id="page121" title="121"></a><strong class="i4">Max.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> signed, my love. Come, friends! This act</span><br /> +<span>Of wisdom passed gives me a lighter heart!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All but Marquez go into ballroom</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> The great death-<abbr>warrant ’s</abbr> signed. Ere its black list</span><br /> +<span>Be full, <abbr>there ’ll</abbr> be an emperor on the roll!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>National music. Dancers seen through doors, the +emperor and empress among them</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a name="play2act3" id="play2act3"></a>ACT III.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act3scene1" id="play2act3scene1"></a>Scene I:<!-- . for : in original --> Before the Imperial Theatre. Brilliant +lights. Crowd confusedly assembled. All talking.</p> + +<p><strong>Shouts.</strong> Long live the Empire!</p> + +<p><strong>Citizen.</strong> O you mob, you puppet throat, that +whistles as you’re squeezed!</p> + +<p><strong>A Mob Orator.</strong> My friends, to-day we gloriously +celebrate the birthday of the most glorious empire—</p> + +<p><strong>Cit.</strong> Long live the Republic! Hail to Juarez!</p> + +<p><strong>Voices.</strong> To dungeon with him! The traitor! Tear +him to pieces!</p> + +<p>(<i>Guards dash upon citizen and drag him off</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>1st Officer.</strong> Don’t tell me the Republic is dead when +a man is willing to die just to give one shout for it.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Officer.</strong> Three-fourths of the Mexicans have +hearts of that color. But the Empire stands. Miramon +is a miracle. How does he manage it?</p> + +<p><strong>1st Off.</strong> He understands the use of the bayonet. +<a class="page" name="page122" id="page122" title="122"></a>As our friend over the water says, you can do anything +with bayonets but sit on them.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Off.</strong> <abbr>Is n’t</abbr> this a rabble? <abbr>Motley ’s</abbr> the only wear +in Maximilian’s court. He might succeed in running this +country if so many people <abbr>had n’t</abbr> come along to help +him do it. You ask a French question and you get a +Dutch answer. You give an order in Prussian and <abbr>it ’s</abbr> +obeyed in Irish,—</p> + +<p><strong>Voices.</strong> He comes! Make way! Make way! Hail +to Maximilian!</p> + +<p><strong>Chief Guard.</strong> Back, all of you! The Emperor will +greet you yonder! <abbr>We ’ve</abbr> orders to clear the plaza! +Back! Back! His carriage stops! Go, get your places! +Out! out!</p> + +<p>(<i>Guards drive mob out</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>1st Guard.</strong> If all the Empire’s birthdays are to be +like this I hope it will never come of age. <abbr>It ’s</abbr> work, I +tell you! <abbr>I ’m</abbr> dripping like a squeezed cloud!</p> + +<p><strong>2d Guard.</strong> If it had pleased the Empire to spend a +little of the money it has wasted to-day for the widows +and orphans it has made—</p> + +<p><strong>1st Guard.</strong> Sh! We’re paid for our muscle, not our +opinions. (<i>Shouts outside</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>2d Guard.</strong> And the mob is paid for its lungs!</p> + +<p><strong>1st Guard.</strong> Yes. Miramon sees to that.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Guard.</strong> Only the Emperor’s carriage approaches +the door?</p> + +<p><strong>1st Guard.</strong> None but his.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Guard.</strong> If I were he I <abbr>would n’t</abbr> make such a +glittering show of myself in that Milan carriage—all +gold and silver and tortoise shell, and an angel at every +corner—while there are so many hearts breaking in +sound of it.</p> + +<p><strong>1st Guard.</strong> Ph! He knows nothing of the breaking +hearts! Miramon sees to that.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page123" id="page123" title="123"></a><strong>2d Guard.</strong> <abbr>He ’ll</abbr> have to know soon, or Juarez will +tell him in the capital.</p> + +<p><strong>1st Guard.</strong> Not a word! On your life! (<i>Shouts +without</i>) Here they are! By Jesu! The fools <ins title="Original reads 'have have'">have</ins> +taken the mules from the carriage and draw it +themselves! Now I wonder how much a head Miramon +pays for that!</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter rabble of shouting citizens drawing carriage +in which sit the Emperor and Empress. They are followed +by a brilliant party of ladies and gentlemen. +General and Madam Miramon, Princess de Varela, +Prince and Princess Zichy, Prince and Princess Salm-Salm, +Lopez, Count Charles, Marquez, Archbishop +Labastida, Estrada, Berzabal, and others</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>To citizens</i>) My friends, though I protest against this honor,</span><br /> +<span>I thank you from my heart for such kind proof</span><br /> +<span>Of your affection. (<i>Alights</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Voices.</strong> Long live Maximilian!</span></p> + +<p><strong>One of the rabble, awkward and ignorant.</strong> Long +live the President of the Empire!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Smiling</i>) <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> no objection to that title, +friend, but I fear it would be criticised in Europe.</p> + +<p>(<i>Crowd passes out shouting and dragging carriage</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>To Carlotta, as he looks at theatre</i>)</span><br /> +<span>A noble building! Fair and magnificent!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> How yonder gardens gleam beneath the lights</span><br /> +<span>Like some soft dream of worlds we do not know!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> And all is yours, my sweet,—all planned by you!</span><br /> +<span>O love, you shall be mistress of a land</span><br /> +<span>The fairest ever smiled up to the sun!</span><br /> +<span>What say you, Charles? Does not this hour repay</span><br /> +<span>Even the <ins title="Corrected from Errata">sacrifice</ins> of Miramar?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Smiling</i>) Nay, he longs still for the old nooks and books.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page124" id="page124" title="124"></a><strong>Char.</strong> Let me admit it. This mistress Pleasure, sir,</span><br /> +<span>Though she is fair is not so wondrous fair</span><br /> +<span>As goddess Knowledge. Beautiful as bride</span><br /> +<span>To her lord’s eye is she to worshippers,</span><br /> +<span>Who seek and woo her till she yieldeth up</span><br /> +<span>Her locked virginity—the Truth!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Max.</strong> (<i>Affectionately</i>) Ay, Charles,</span><br /> +<span>Get knowledge if thou canst, and yet despair not,</span><br /> +<span>For none so poor but virtue may be his;</span><br /> +<span>And though your knowledge is earth’s silver key</span><br /> +<span>That opens man’s and nature’s heart,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> golden virtue opens Heaven and shows</span><br /> +<span>The God among his stars.... But, come, dear friends!</span><br /> +<span>Pleasure is a true goddess too. <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> show</span><br /> +<span>Her fair respect. (<i>All go into theatre but Charles, who drops back unnoticed</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Char.</strong> He constantly unmasks me</span><br /> +<span>And knows it not. Knowledge! <abbr>’T is</abbr> withered leaves</span><br /> +<span>Amid a world of dewy boughs! Knowledge!</span><br /> +<span>To one school will I go—one book <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> read,</span><br /> +<span>The school of love, the page of woman’s eye,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> know more than sages and divines</span><br /> +<span>Who study stars and Scripture!...</span><br /> +<span>‘For none so poor but virtue may be his’</span><br /> +<span>O noble soul, had I been true to thee</span><br /> +<span>I now could open thy deceivéd eyes.</span><br /> +<span>Crime seals my lips. I can but pray</span><br /> +<span>This empire built on blood may stand. We are</span><br /> +<span>The creatures of our deeds, more bound to them</span><br /> +<span>Than slave to master, for the terms of service</span><br /> +<span>Are fast indentured in the soul and know</span><br /> +<span>No razure!... But I will find Aseffa! Then,</span><br /> +<span>Though sin should set a darkness on my life</span><br /> +<span>To draw each night out to a winter’s length</span><br /> +<span>That constant storms from sallow leaf to green,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page125" id="page125" title="125"></a>Still love’s sweet lamp shall light me! In my heart</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T will</abbr> be as day!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Aseffa veiled, her dress covered with a black +cloak. An attendant following. She tries to cross over +to side entrance of theatre. A guard stops her</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Asef.</strong> I am a singer.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Guard.</strong> Show</span><br /> +<span>Your pass.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Asef.</strong> Here, sir.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Guard signs for her to pass on. She sees Charles +and stops. Steps before him, throwing back her veil</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Asef.</strong> You swore to save him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i21">Char.</strong> You!</span><br /> +<span>Aseffa! Blest—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Asef.</strong> You swore it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Char.</strong> And would have died</span><br /> +<span>To keep my oath could I have kept it dying.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> The Emperor refused you? (<i>He bows his head</i>) Demon! Oh!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Turns to go, moaning</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) I lose her!... Stay! Is there no hope for grief?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> Not mine! Can you not read it here?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Char.</strong> Too well.</span><br /> +<span>Thy sorrow is a veil through which thy beauty</span><br /> +<span>Burns like a shrouded sun.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Asef.</strong> You pity me?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> As Heaven knows!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Asef.</strong> Then you will help me, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> give my life to do it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Asef.</strong> Ah, you will?</span><br /> +<span>Then get me access to the Emperor.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> O sweet Aseffa, you ask a miracle,</span><br /> +<span>And I am sadly mortal.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Asef.</strong> I knew! I knew!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page126" id="page126" title="126"></a>My misery is your plaything!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Char.</strong> His ministers</span><br /> +<span>So hedge him with their care—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Asef.</strong> O spare excuse!</span><br /> +<span>But I shall see him, sir! Ay, face to face!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> Why would you see him? He can not call the dead.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> The dead! Thou hast but daggers for me! Ah!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> Aseffa—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Asef.</strong> Yes, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> see him! What think you?</span><br /> +<span>Should I go shouting ‘murderer’ through that hall,</span><br /> +<span>Would he arise and answer to his name?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> You’re mad, Aseffa!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Asef.</strong> Thank Heaven I am! <abbr>’T would</abbr> be</span><br /> +<span>The shame of woman to know all that I know</span><br /> +<span>And not be mad!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Char.</strong> You must not go in there.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> (<i>Fiercely</i>) Must not! (<i>Suddenly calm</i>) Nay, sir! Why see, I go to sing</span><br /> +<span>A welcome to the noble Emperor. (<i>Throws back her cloak</i>)</span><br /> +<span>As this dark cloak now hides my gay apparel,</span><br /> +<span>So shall my gay demeanor hide my woe.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> You would not harm the Emperor?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Asef.</strong> No need!</span><br /> +<span>Yon moon is worshipped for her borrowed gold,</span><br /> +<span>Though charred and cold without a leaf to dower</span><br /> +<span>Her black sterility. So Maximilian.</span><br /> +<span>Napoleon’s favor is the sun that gilds</span><br /> +<span>His worthless crown. But now the French are going—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> What?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Asef.</strong> Ah! The French are going.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Char.</strong> No!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> And Maximilian shall fade to air,</span><br /> +<span>Unheeded as the moon no eye could find</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page127" id="page127" title="127"></a>Without her sun!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Char.</strong> But hearts can live and love</span><br /> +<span>Though Maximilian falls.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Asef.</strong> Can live—and love!</span><br /> +<span>You torture me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Char.</strong> Forgive me. But the share</span><br /> +<span>Must rip the glebe before the corn may spring.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> What do you mean, cold Austrian?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Char.</strong> Austrian! No!</span><br /> +<span>Your southern sun has poured into my veins</span><br /> +<span>A life that makes me new! I feel as you</span><br /> +<span>Those throbs that shake the stars until they fall</span><br /> +<span>Into the heart and make it heaven! My lips</span><br /> +<span>Can move toward lips as haste rose-gloried clouds</span><br /> +<span>To swoon into the sun!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Asef.</strong> Ah, yes—I know—</span><br /> +<span>You told me that you loved. But why say this</span><br /> +<span>To one who has lost all?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Char.</strong> <abbr>I ’d</abbr> have you learn</span><br /> +<span>That you must live, Aseffa, and life for you</span><br /> +<span>Means love. Your eyes, your lips, your hands, your hair,</span><br /> +<span>Like coiléd sweetness of the night, and all</span><br /> +<span>Your swaying, melting body, gather love</span><br /> +<span>As roses gather smiles, as waves draw down</span><br /> +<span>The heart-flood of the moon and hold it deep</span><br /> +<span>And trembling.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Asef.</strong> Sir, your roses, waves, and smiles,</span><br /> +<span>Are poet-nothings. You play with them as shells,</span><br /> +<span>Stirring chance colors for an idle eye.</span><br /> +<span>It is your way of saying, is it not,</span><br /> +<span>That I shall love again?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Char.</strong> You must! you must!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> Such words are like bright raindrops falling in</span><br /> +<span>Another world. They glitter, but I hear</span><br /> +<span>No sound, grief has so closed my ears. Take back</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page128" id="page128" title="128"></a>Your comfort. You would be kind, but noble count,</span><br /> +<span>You talk of what a man can never know,—</span><br /> +<span>A woman’s sorrow for a husband loved.</span><br /> +<span>So high no height can reach it, so great and deep</span><br /> +<span>The sea can not embrace it, and yet her heart</span><br /> +<span>Can hold it all. O strangest of all love,</span><br /> +<span>That makes her rather stoop in beggar rags</span><br /> +<span>To kiss the happy dust where his foot pressed</span><br /> +<span>Than from a throne lean down to give her lips</span><br /> +<span>Unto a kneeling king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Char.</strong> Aseffa, grief</span><br /> +<span>Is not for you. You must—you must be happy!</span><br /> +<span>The shy and tender Dawn creeps up in fear</span><br /> +<span>That Night has laid some blight upon the world,</span><br /> +<span>But finding all is well, steps forth, and lo!</span><br /> +<span>Out of her courage the great sun is born.</span><br /> +<span>So doth the heart look outward after grief</span><br /> +<span>To find the world all dark, but nay, the light</span><br /> +<span>Is more of heaven than it was before,</span><br /> +<span>Because a face is shining from the clouds.</span><br /> +<span>You dim your loved one’s eyes in paradise</span><br /> +<span>With your earth-tears. He mourns your splendor paled,—</span><br /> +<span>Though ’t must be beautiful to the last tint,</span><br /> +<span>As sunset clouds that bear the heart of day</span><br /> +<span>Into the night.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Asef.</strong> You but offend my grief.</span><br /> +<span>Sir, keep your flattery for her you love!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> I flatter thee? It is not possible!</span><br /> +<span>Who dares to add fire to the sun, or bring</span><br /> +<span>The Spring a flower? Be angry if you will.</span><br /> +<span>The morning’s eye is not more glorious</span><br /> +<span>Rising above a storm! I flatter thee!</span><br /> +<span>When but to praise thee as thou art would put</span><br /> +<span>A blush on Poesy that ne’er has rhymed</span><br /> +<span>As I would speak! E’en thy defects would make</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page129" id="page129" title="129"></a>Another fair, and were they merchantable</span><br /> +<span>Women would buy thy faults to adorn themselves!</span><br /> +<span>O, sweet—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> (<i>Shrinking in horror</i>) What do you mean?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Char.</strong> (<i>Seizing her hands</i>) You know!</span><br /> +<span>O, all my life has been but dreams of you,</span><br /> +<span>And when I saw you first, my love!—my love!—</span><br /> +<span>As lightning makes the midnight landscape speak</span><br /> +<span>The language of the day, your beauty flashed</span><br /> +<span>O’er all my years and made their meaning clear!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T was</abbr> you made sweet the song of every bird,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T was</abbr> you I found in every book I loved,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T was</abbr> you that gave a soul to every star!</span><br /> +<span>I can not speak it! Kiss me once—but once—</span><br /> +<span>And you will understand!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Asef.</strong> What thing is this?</span><br /> +<span>It is not man, for man respecteth sorrow,</span><br /> +<span>Nor brute, for it doth speak!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Char.</strong> O look not down!</span><br /> +<span>Thou canst not guard thee! Every silken sweep</span><br /> +<span>Of thine eyes’ soft defence but whets assault!</span><br /> +<span>You shall not go! You are the element</span><br /> +<span>In which I breathe! Go from me and I fall</span><br /> +<span>A lifeless thing! Aseffa, pity me!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> I who die, not you! (<i>Drops her hands and kneels</i>) O blame me not</span><br /> +<span>That I must worship here—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Asef.</strong> Ah, Rafael,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ll</abbr> live an hour to pray this wrong away</span><br /> +<span>Before I meet thine eyes! (<i>Goes. Charles grasps her cloak</i>) Beast! Claw me not!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Goes in. Charles gazes after her in a bewildered +way. Tries to steady himself, and goes into theatre by +main entrance</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act3scene2" id="play2act3scene2"></a><a class="page" name="page130" id="page130" title="130"></a>Scene II: Within the theatre. Gay decorations. +Part of stage shown, on which chorus is assembled. The +Emperor and Empress in royal box. Imperial cabinet +and friends in boxes adjoining. Part of pit shown, filled +with brightly dressed people.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>To Carlotta</i>) O, this is welcome! Are you not happy now?</span><br /> +<span><abbr>There ’s</abbr> not a wrinkle on these smiling brows</span><br /> +<span>Where discontent may write her annals dark!</span><br /> +<span>My empire now is fixed, and strength and love</span><br /> +<span>Are gathering to my side. I can not put</span><br /> +<span>My hand out but <abbr>’t is</abbr> clasped by some new friend.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> And true?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Max.</strong> And true. You are too fearful, sweet.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> And you too trustful.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Max.</strong> Nay, we can not trust</span><br /> +<span>Too much. Brutus spoke noblest when he said</span><br /> +<span>‘My heart doth joy that yet in all my life</span><br /> +<span>I found no man but he was true to me.’</span><br /> +<span>And I would hope as much.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Car.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) None, none are true!</span><br /> +<span>Even I am false who fear to speak my fears</span><br /> +<span>And ease his own when I should quicken them!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Chorus from stage</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Hail, ye royal pair, O hail!</span><br /> +<span>Like two souls within one star</span><br /> +<span>May your heavenly light ne’er fail.</span><br /> +<span>Empress and great Emperor!</span></p> + +<p class="italic"><span>Hail to thee who ruleth mild</span><br /> +<span>As the manger-cradled child!</span><br /> +<span>Hail to her who long may be</span><br /> +<span>Guardian of us and thee!</span></p> + +<p class="italic"><span><a class="page" name="page131" id="page131" title="131"></a>Hail, O hail, ye pair divine!</span><br /> +<span>As two souls within one star</span><br /> +<span>May your light forever shine,</span><br /> +<span>Empress and great Emperor!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Estrada appears on stage in front of chorus</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Est.</strong> Great Majesties, forgive our feeble welcome.</span><br /> +<span>We are in all things spotted and imperfect</span><br /> +<span>Save in affection for your Highnesses.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) No, no! My friend—and friends—had you not hearts</span><br /> +<span>That turn to virtue as the flowers to sun,</span><br /> +<span>We had not made such progress to an hour</span><br /> +<span>When all the Empire wears the smile of peace,</span><br /> +<span>And we may rest like Love with folded arms</span><br /> +<span>Round his desire.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Est.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> you have led us, sire.</span><br /> +<span>Pardon this mockery of what <abbr>we ’d</abbr> do</span><br /> +<span>To celebrate this day had we but means.</span><br /> +<span>We shout thy name, but not above the clouds;</span><br /> +<span>We send up fires, but lightnings higher reach:</span><br /> +<span>We have adorned the city and ourselves,</span><br /> +<span>But India and the sea keep back the pearls</span><br /> +<span>We would pour here!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Max.</strong> Enough—and more, my friends.</span><br /> +<span>O, far too much! None mourn now but the gods</span><br /> +<span>Who are made indigent by this display</span><br /> +<span>Of wealth and joy!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Est.</strong> (<i>Making low obeisance</i>) We thank your majesty.</span><br /> +<span>This land shall e’er be called the happy land,</span><br /> +<span>And he who rules it—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> (<i>Stepping wildly from chorus</i>) Prince of Murderers!</span><br /> +<span>The happy land! O land where widows’ cries</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page132" id="page132" title="132"></a>Choke Heaven, and mothers’ tears make each new day</span><br /> +<span>A flood!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Mir.</strong> Guards there! Take her away! The guards!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> No! Let her stay! <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> answer her!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Mir.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Madam, we seek your country’s love.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> How do you seek it? By killing her dear sons!</span><br /> +<span>Setting your tigers loose among her children!</span><br /> +<span>Mejia from your very breast makes fire</span><br /> +<span>On patriot virtue! Dupin wets his teeth</span><br /> +<span>By day and night in infant and mother’s blood!</span><br /> +<span>Maximilian,</span><br /> +<span>In brave Trevino’s name, Salazar’s name,</span><br /> +<span>In name of all as noble and as dear</span><br /> +<span>To Mexico as they, who daily die</span><br /> +<span>Beneath their country’s flag the death of dogs,</span><br /> +<span>Shot down by your black law—signed by your hand—</span><br /> +<span>In name of him as dear to me as thou</span><br /> +<span>To that proud woman who shall know what <abbr>’t is</abbr></span><br /> +<span>To clasp a ghost where throbbed her living love,—</span><br /> +<span>I tell thee—die!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Leaps from stage to Emperor’s box +attempting to stab him. As she leaps Carlotta springs +before the Emperor</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Car.</strong> This heart—not that!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Aseffa drops her dagger and stands bewildered. An +officer seizes her. Utter confusion in theatre. Maximilian +goes onto the stage. Silence</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Max.</strong> My friends,—</span><br /> +<span>All you who love me see me here unhurt,</span><br /> +<span>And you who love me not, if <abbr>any ’s</abbr> here,</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Cries of “none, none!”</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Take aim now as you will.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Cries of “No! no! no! no!”</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>A Voice.</strong> Long live the Emperor! Maximilian!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Then if you love me, friends, I beg <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> leave</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page133" id="page133" title="133"></a>This place of song and go to the Cathedral.</span><br /> +<span>There pray for me to Him who spared my life,</span><br /> +<span>And, if you will, pray that He yet may spare it</span><br /> +<span>To work His will and yours.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Crowd goes out silently</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Mar.</strong> (<i>To Labastida</i>) That was well done.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> Sincerity is once a diplomat.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>To Princess Salm-Salm</i>) Princess, take this poor creature to your care.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Officer releases Aseffa, who goes out as in a dream +with Prince and Princess Salm-Salm and several ladies</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> (<i>Approaching Maximilian</i>) Your Majesty, let me congratulate—</span><br /> +<span>Ill, sire?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Max.</strong> Sick, sick, O sick of compliments!</span><br /> +<span>If <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> a friend here let me hear the truth!</span><br /> +<span>What did that creature mean? The truth, I say!</span><br /> +<span>(<i>Silence</i>) You, Miramon? Lopez? (<i>Silence</i>) <abbr>Trevino ’s</abbr> dead?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> He is.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Max.</strong> And Rafael Mendorez?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Lop.</strong> Dead.</span><br /> +<span>The woman is his widow.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Max.</strong> Oh!... And this! (<i>Taking out message</i>)</span><br /> +<span>This from Dupin! ‘All quiet in Savarro.’</span><br /> +<span>It means—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Lop.</strong> The town is ashes.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Max.</strong> O God! O God!</span><br /> +<span>You ministers! Ay, ministers of hell!</span><br /> +<span>Didst think ye served the devil?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Est.</strong> O, my lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> No friend! Not one! Charles! Charles! you must have known!</span><br /> +<span>These foreign hearts have their excuse, but you—</span><br /> +<span>The tower of confidence between us two,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page134" id="page134" title="134"></a>Built part by part by faithful mason hours,</span><br /> +<span>Is shaken to atoms!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Char.</strong> I will build it o’er!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> First will the wind-strewn rose upgather all</span><br /> +<span>Her petals from the dust, and cheek by cheek,</span><br /> +<span>Hang them new-smiling on the nodding bough!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> Your Majesty, what we have done was done</span><br /> +<span>To save our country and your beloved life.</span><br /> +<span>Your noble heart was blind to your great danger,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>’t was</abbr> our duty and our work of love</span><br /> +<span>To save you from your fatal tenderness.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> (<i>Kneeling</i>) O gracious sovereign, had I but known</span><br /> +<span>You did not know, I would have dared the wrath</span><br /> +<span>Of all the court, and spoken to you but truth!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Lifting him up</i>) And <abbr>’t was</abbr> your tongue at last that broke the silence,</span><br /> +<span>I must forgive you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Mar.</strong> By your necessity,</span><br /> +<span>Your Majesty, we may all hope for pardon.</span><br /> +<span>Juarez, encouraged by the United States,</span><br /> +<span>Is roused again to war. We have appealed</span><br /> +<span>For compromise and terms of friendly union,</span><br /> +<span>But his one answer for us all is—death!</span><br /> +<span>Yet are we faithful to you, sire.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Max.</strong> O Heaven!</span><br /> +<span>What poisonous opiate have you fed me with</span><br /> +<span>And called it peace? But war is not the worst!</span><br /> +<span>Oh, Miramon, did you not swear to me</span><br /> +<span>All prisoners taken by that cruel law</span><br /> +<span>Should be reported day or night to me</span><br /> +<span>That I might pardon or remit their sentence?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> O, sir, you knew not your extremity,</span><br /> +<span>Nor could you know it though we told it you,</span><br /> +<span>The hearts of Mexicans once turned to hate</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page135" id="page135" title="135"></a>Are far too deep for sincere eyes to pierce.</span><br /> +<span>But I thank God we knew the danger, sire,</span><br /> +<span>And struck the serpent raised even at your life.</span><br /> +<span>When you, all gentleness, could not have given</span><br /> +<span>The necessary blow. Ay, God be thanked, although</span><br /> +<span>You cast me from your heart. <abbr>’T will</abbr> be my comfort</span><br /> +<span>To know I served you better than you dreamed.</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>’t is</abbr> the penalty of over-love</span><br /> +<span>To suffer by the hand that (<i>kneels and kisses Maximilian’s hand</i>) it would kiss!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Must I forgive him, Heaven?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Lab.</strong> Ay, sir, you must,</span><br /> +<span>For his deceit was but the greater truth</span><br /> +<span>That served your blind necessity.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Est.</strong> O, sir,</span><br /> +<span>Do not desert us! If now the Empire falls</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> death to all that have been true to you.</span><br /> +<span>Juarez will give no quarter to your friends.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> The Liberals advance?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Mar.</strong> Each day they’re nearer;</span><br /> +<span>And towns and provinces fall by the way.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Berz.</strong> Without you, sir, our cause will die in blood,</span><br /> +<span>And Mexico be but a grave for those</span><br /> +<span><abbr>Who ’ve</abbr> loved and served you!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Mar.</strong> The United States has ranked</span><br /> +<span>Full sixty thousand men on our frontiers,—</span><br /> +<span>But we have France—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Max.</strong> I am awake! At last!</span><br /> +<span>From now no man shall risk his life for me</span><br /> +<span>But I take equal chance with him! Ah, this</span><br /> +<span>Is war, not murder!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Mar.</strong> You will lead our troops?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> I will.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Mar.</strong> Then Mexico is saved! The way</span><br /> +<span>To win the southern hearts is but to trust them.</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page136" id="page136" title="136"></a>Leave at your capital the foreign troops</span><br /> +<span>And lead your native soldiers ’gainst the foe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) No! Never! Never! Alone with those dark hearts!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Marshal Bazaine with envoy from France, +Comte de St. Sueveur, Marquis de Gallifet, and General +Castlenau</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> My lord, we bring new messages from France.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Gen. Cast.</strong> Your majesty, we beg your gracious pardon</span><br /> +<span>For this unseemly pressure.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Max.</strong> You have it, sir.</span><br /> +<span>What says Napoleon?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Cast.</strong> He greets you, sire, with my unworthy tongue,</span><br /> +<span>And sends this letter. (<i>Maximilian reads</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Max.</strong> My eyes, I think, turn wizards</span><br /> +<span>And conjure ’gainst the truth that must be here.</span><br /> +<span>For I read false. (<i>Puzzled</i>) What does he mean? Not this—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> My lord, my letters make the import clear.</span><br /> +<span>I have instructions here to counsel you</span><br /> +<span>To make immediate abdication.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Max.</strong> No!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> What? Abdication?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Baz.</strong> Ay! That is the word.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> A word for fear and weakness, not for strength,</span><br /> +<span>And Maximilian is as strong as France</span><br /> +<span>While great Napoleon respects his oath!</span><br /> +<span>His troops are ours—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Baz.</strong> Nay, princess—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Mir.</strong> (<i>Fiercely</i>) Her Majesty!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> (<i>Sneers</i>) You prize the feather when the cap is lost?</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page137" id="page137" title="137"></a>(<i>To the Empress</i>) Pardon a slipping tongue, your Majesty.</span><br /> +<span>Those troops you speak of go with me to France.</span><br /> +<span>Such is my order—such the firm demand</span><br /> +<span>Of the United States.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Car.</strong> Is France a province</span><br /> +<span>Of the United States? Napoleon</span><br /> +<span>Page, lackey, footboy to America?</span><br /> +<span>Is she an Empire, he an Emperor?</span><br /> +<span>Or have we dreamed he is Napoleon?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Recovered from his bewilderment</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Withdraw his troops! He can not—dare not do it!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T would</abbr> blister history’s page to set it down,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>’t is</abbr> his burning wish to be the star</span><br /> +<span>Of human chronicles. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not believe it,</span><br /> +<span>Though all my senses brand confirming yea</span><br /> +<span>Upon my mind. O shout it in my ears,</span><br /> +<span>And let me see the troops go marching out,</span><br /> +<span>Still <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> believe it is my eyes and ears</span><br /> +<span>That mutiny, not France turned traitor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> Your Majesty, you must believe the truth,</span><br /> +<span>And make you ready for a swift departure.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T will</abbr> not be safe here let a moon go by.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> If <abbr>danger ’s</abbr> here, then here I stay to share it.</span><br /> +<span>Dost think <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> leave my friends to die alone</span><br /> +<span>While I by flight dishonor Majesty?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> death to stay. You would not be so mad.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> Hail to our new-born king! New-born thou art</span><br /> +<span>Unto our love. Nay, we did love before,</span><br /> +<span>But now <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> worship thee.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Car.</strong> Napoleon!</span><br /> +<span>You shall not do this monstrous thing! You shall not!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> The crown of France doth ask consent of none.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> go to him and say such words that from</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page138" id="page138" title="138"></a>His shame-marked brow his outraged crown will fall</span><br /> +<span>In horror. I will go! Take out the troops,</span><br /> +<span>Bazaine. Ay, take them out! He will be glad</span><br /> +<span>To send them back and purchase with his blood</span><br /> +<span>Redemption from such shame. <abbr>He ’ll</abbr> empty France</span><br /> +<span>To do it! I will go. But <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not kneel.</span><br /> +<span>A thousand years my blood has run through kings,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>he ’s</abbr> the <em>third</em> Napoleon! (<i>Sinks, exhausted with emotion. Ladies attend her</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Mir.</strong> The traitor!</span><br /> +<span>We have no need of him! To France, Bazaine,</span><br /> +<span>And tell your Emperor our Emperor</span><br /> +<span>Needs not his fickle strength to stand upon!</span><br /> +<span>Sire, we have men, and money in our banks—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lab.</strong> A mighty church whose power is untold</span><br /> +<span>If you restore her rights, as now we hope,</span><br /> +<span>And thus united we shall defy the world!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> And Heaven, too? For that is what we do</span><br /> +<span>When we set up the church in her old wrongs.</span><br /> +<span>Nay, keep your aid, and I will keep my soul.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> Your virtuous angel strives to make you god.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> No, but to keep me honest.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Mar.</strong> (<i>Aside to Lab.</i>) Yield to him.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> not the hour to cast him off.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Lab.</strong> My lord,</span><br /> +<span>Your virtue conquers, and unto your hands</span><br /> +<span>I yield the power o’ the church.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Max.</strong> I thank your grace,</span><br /> +<span>Nor for myself, but Mexico.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Baz.</strong> I go to France.</span><br /> +<span>What message have you for Napoleon?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Tell him that he has placed me here between</span><br /> +<span>Death and dishonor—and my choice is made.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Bazaine and French ambassadors turn slowly and go out</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page139" id="page139" title="139"></a><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Quietly to Miramon</i>) <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> join you at the door.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt all but Carlotta and Maximilian. He holds +out his arms, and she goes silently to his embrace</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a name="play2act4" id="play2act4"></a>ACT IV.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act4scene1" id="play2act4scene1"></a>Scene I: Queretaro. Plaza La Cruz before church +and convent. Grey light before dawn. Occasional distant +firing of guns. Maximilian comes out of church +and walks about plaza.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Carlotta! Where dost thou pray to-night? In all</span><br /> +<span>Our fearful scanning of prophetic heavens</span><br /> +<span>No swart star showed us this—our separation.</span><br /> +<span>Thou wert the all of me, the breath, the soul!</span><br /> +<span>Nature conceived thee when her blood was young,</span><br /> +<span>And May was in her spirit, but stayed thy birth</span><br /> +<span>Till Time had taught her skill in all perfections!</span><br /> +<span>... I will not weep.... Yon stars have memories too,</span><br /> +<span>And tell old tales of grandsire suns that shook</span><br /> +<span>Their locks and fell ere they were young who now</span><br /> +<span>Are eld of all!... (<i>Walks</i>) To lie so low.... O man,</span><br /> +<span>Who in the heavens carvest out redemption,</span><br /> +<span>Laying thy golden streets in very skies,</span><br /> +<span>Making the stars but eyets of thy port,</span><br /> +<span>Must thou compact thee to a little earth,</span><br /> +<span>Displace some few small tenants of the sod,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page140" id="page140" title="140"></a>And find <abbr>thou ’st</abbr> room enough?... (<i>Looks up</i>) City of dream!</span><br /> +<span>Time’s far ghost inn! Eternity’s mirage!</span><br /> +<span>Desire’s dim temple fashioned out of prayer,</span><br /> +<span>Builded and jointured by no carpenter</span><br /> +<span>But captious Fancy!... O Carlotta, wife!</span><br /> +<span>Thou wert my Christian heart! Faith, faith, my God!</span><br /> +<span>Death to the unbeliever is to land</span><br /> +<span>Upon a coast dumb in the moonless dark,</span><br /> +<span>Where no hands wave a welcome, no eyes shine</span><br /> +<span>With promise of sweet hours, no voices call</span><br /> +<span>The greeting that makes every shore a home.</span><br /> +<span>(<i>Listens</i>) My officers! I can not see them yet.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Goes in. Enter Colonel Lopez in close talk with Lieutenant +Garza who is disguised as an Imperial officer</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Garza.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> satisfied.</p> + +<p><strong>Lopez.</strong> This hill is the key to the city.</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> Yes.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> And yours on terms we have considered.</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> <abbr>Here ’s</abbr> Escobedo’s guarantee. (<i>Gives paper</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> This to my pocket, and Queretaro to the +Liberals!</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> heavy business. You do it lightly, colonel.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> The <abbr>world ’s</abbr> a feather.</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> If we but think so.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> At dawn my troops are yours.</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> And you command the Empress’ regiment.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Yes. The pick of Maximilian’s soldiers.</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> One other question. The southern gate—Hist!</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> The nuns. (<i>They draw aside and converse. +Two nuns come out of convent and cross plaza</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>1st Nun.</strong> The good Emperor is not out yet. He is +often here long before day walking and thinking, <abbr>’T is</abbr> +then, they say, his mind is on the blessed Empress who +has gone across the sea to get help for him. By day he +<a class="page" name="page141" id="page141" title="141"></a>never speaks her name, but thinks only of our poor +country.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Nun.</strong> Hark! The enemy’s guns! They can not +reach us.</p> + +<p><strong>1st Nun.</strong> Can not? A shell broke here yesterday. +The Emperor stood just there.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Nun.</strong> Holy mother! What did his Majesty do?</p> + +<p><strong>1st Nun.</strong> He smiled, and said he might have chosen his +place better; then moved to the very spot where the ball +had burst, as though he hoped another would follow it.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Nun.</strong> Blessed virgin! Would he die?</p> + +<p><strong>1st Nun.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure he would not live. Come, sister. +Ah, we have but one loaf this morning.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Nun.</strong> Let us be glad we can give that,—for many +are hungry.</p> + +<p><strong>1st Nun.</strong> Many are starved—dead.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Nun.</strong> But the good Emperor! It is so sad to +think of him without food.</p> + +<p><strong>1st Nun.</strong> He will give this to his officers. Yesterday +I saw Prince Salm-Salm and the general Miramon each +with a bit of white bread that can not be found in all +Queretaro outside of our convent.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Nun.</strong> The good man! Holy Mother bless and +keep him! (<i>They go into the Cruz</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> What will you do with Maximilian?</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> Make a Liberal of him.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Ha! How?</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> Shoot him!</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Shoot him?</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> Yes. The <abbr>grave ’s</abbr> the great republican senate +house,—where each man has the floor.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> (<i>Laughing</i>) And you will introduce him!</p> + +<p><strong>Gar.</strong> Hark!</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> The Emperor! Go! (<i>Exit Garza. Enter Maximilian +and Prince Salm-Salm</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page142" id="page142" title="142"></a><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Greeting Lopez affectionately</i>) You’re early +out, my boy.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Your majesty, I am the officer of the day.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Yes,—I remember. Who was your friend?</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Ramirez, of Dupin’s regiment.</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> Ramirez! <abbr>He ’s</abbr> much changed if that +was he.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Shall I call him back, your majesty, that the +prince may convince himself that his memory of faces is +not infallible?</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Nay, my trusted two! (<i>Puts an arm about +each</i>) Would you might love each other as I love you +both. My prince, whose courage is the very heart of my +army, and my young hussar, dear for your own sake—dearer +still because—she trusted you!</p> + +<p>(<i>Blasio, the Emperor’s secretary, comes out of the +Cruz</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Blasio.</strong> Your majesty, I have finished the letters.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Good. There will be no more to write. +(<i>Stumbles over something</i>) <abbr>What ’s</abbr> this?</p> + +<p><strong>Blasio.</strong> A fallen Christ.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> You mean a fallen figure of the risen Christ.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Here is the crown of thorns.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Give it to me. (<i>Holds it meditatively</i>) How +well it suits my fortunes!</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> Nay—</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Ay, better than my golden one. (<i>Gives it to +Blasio</i>) Hang it above my bed. My Queretaro +crown!</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> Do not, your majesty!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>To Blasio</i>) Take it. (<i>Exit Blasio</i>) Why, +prince, <abbr>’t is</abbr> something to have won a crown. My first +was given me. (<i>Firing and falling of shells</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> I beg you, sire, to move your quarters to a +safer station. This is death at any moment!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page143" id="page143" title="143"></a><strong>Max.</strong> Death at any moment—(<i>Regretfully</i>) And I +have been here sixty days.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Courage, sire! Marquez will come!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Eagerly</i>) Has there been news?</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Not yet, your majesty.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Not yet! What does it mean? You heard +him take the oath to bring me help or die. <abbr>’T was</abbr> here +he swore—before us all. Vowed to return with troops +in fifteen days! Ah, he is dead.</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> No, your majesty.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> But if he lives?</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> He is a traitor.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> You heard his oath—</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> A traitor’s oath!</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> true, your majesty. His messengers are +murdered.</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> false!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> But that means—death.</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> Or flight.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Not flight!</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Miramon and Mendez</i>) You’re welcome, +gentlemen. Your eyes bring news.</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> Your majesty, Metz has returned.</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Max.</strong> At last!</span><br /> +<span>News of Marquez! He comes! I know he comes!</span></p> + +<p><strong>Men.</strong> O, sire,—</p> + +<p><strong class="i6">Max.</strong> The faithful Metz! Where is he?</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Metz.</strong> (<i>Entering</i>) Sire! (<i>Kneels</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Rise, sir.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Metz.</strong> O pardon me, your majesty!</span><br /> +<span>I bring but wintry news.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Max.</strong> Marquez—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Metz.</strong> Is false.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Oh, no, no, no! He comes! I know he comes!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page144" id="page144" title="144"></a><strong>Metz.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> leagued with Labastida,—for the church</span><br /> +<span>Deserts you too.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> The church gone with him! No! no! I can’t believe it!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Metz.</strong> You do not doubt me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Max.</strong> Not you! But in my ear</span><br /> +<span>The tale turns miracle! And I must doubt,</span><br /> +<span>Though on your tongue <abbr>’t is</abbr> truth!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Metz.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> truth indeed!</span><br /> +<span>The troops he was to bring you from the city,</span><br /> +<span>He led for his own glory against Diaz,</span><br /> +<span>Thinking to make himself the conqueror</span><br /> +<span>And president of Mexico.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Max.</strong> My troops!</span><br /> +<span>What then?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Metz.</strong> Porfirio Diaz routed them</span><br /> +<span>To the last man. Marquez himself escaped</span><br /> +<span>Alone,—fled unattended from the field.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> My troops! my troops!... And this is friendship! O God,</span><br /> +<span>Give me but enemies!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Salm.</strong> Your Majesty—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Who calls me majesty? <abbr>There ’s</abbr> none in me.</span><br /> +<span>I am a riven oak whose leaf-light friends</span><br /> +<span>Fly with misfortune’s Autumn. (<i>Steps away, bowed in grief</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Salm.</strong> (<i>Following him</i>) I love you, sire.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> (<i>Eagerly</i>) So do we all! Your majesty, believe us!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> Canst not spare one who have so many true?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Forgive me, friends. This <abbr>treachery ’s</abbr> the night</span><br /> +<span>Wherein your hearts of gold beat out like stars!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> My life is yours, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page145" id="page145" title="145"></a><strong class="i14">Max.</strong> Thanks, dear Lopez. (<i>Takes his hand</i>)</span><br /> +<span>In friendship lies the joy superlative,</span><br /> +<span>And nearest Heaven. We touch God’s hand whene’er</span><br /> +<span>We clasp a friend’s.</span><br /> +<span class="i10"> ... But now we must take counsel.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Salm.</strong> No, sire, we must take action. Pardon me,</span><br /> +<span>But our sole hope of safety lies in flight.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> What! Leave the town to sack and ruin? No!</span><br /> +<span>Desert the poor inhabitants, so long our friends?</span><br /> +<span>And all our wounded, sick and dying? Never!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Salm.</strong> But if you stay, my lord, you sacrifice</span><br /> +<span>The living with the dying.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Max.</strong> Oh, Heaven, Heaven!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> Your Majesty, this counsel is not wise.</span><br /> +<span>It is not honor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Salm.</strong> Honor will lead the flight!</span><br /> +<span>To stay were crime! Sire, give the order now.</span><br /> +<span>At once! The firing to the north has ceased.</span><br /> +<span>All night <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> reconnoitered. The way is clear</span><br /> +<span>For the last time. <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> arm the citizens</span><br /> +<span>To cover flight, and in an hour—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Lop.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> be</span><br /> +<span>Attacked on every side! A madman’s counsel!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Salm.</strong> O, sire, lose not a moment!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Mir.</strong> Lopez is right.</span><br /> +<span>To fly from death is not dishonor, but who</span><br /> +<span>That values honor throws away one chance</span><br /> +<span>Of victory?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Salm.</strong> There is no chance. Not one!</span><br /> +<span>My word is fly, and <abbr>I ’m</abbr> no coward, sire.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> led our troops where every track was blood,</span><br /> +<span>And in the throat of battle, hand to hand,</span><br /> +<span>Have fought with Death! We know <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> dare a fight</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page146" id="page146" title="146"></a>As far as any man while <abbr>there ’s</abbr> a hope</span><br /> +<span>Of victory.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Salm.</strong> But <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not make my folly</span><br /> +<span>The captain to defeat.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Lop.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> not defeat!</span><br /> +<span>The Liberals are at their fortune’s ebb.</span><br /> +<span>They’re sick with fear, and tremble in their rags.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mendez.</strong> <abbr>Let ’s</abbr> fight it out, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Max.</strong> With starving men?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> We’re starving, but our foes are starved.</span><br /> +<span>Our ammunition fails, but theirs has failed—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>A shell breaks near them</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Salm.</strong> That, sir, unspeaks your words.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Lop.</strong> Not so. One shell</span><br /> +<span>But tells how few they are, for yesterday</span><br /> +<span>They fell in numbers. And to the north, you say,</span><br /> +<span>The guns are silent.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Salm.</strong> Sire, a moment lost</span><br /> +<span>May mean the loss of all.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Dupin with two prisoners. Lopez goes to +meet him</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Dupin.</strong> What did you mean by your infernal order +to bring these men here? Don’t you know old <ins title="Hyphenated across line-break in original">Saint-face</ins> +won’t let them be shot?</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> Keep quiet. They are my captives, not yours.</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> plugged just ninety-eight this week, and +<abbr>it ’s</abbr> too bad not to make an even hundred.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Approaching</i>) Prisoners?</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> Deserters, your majesty. They have confessed +it. <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> brought them here for sentence. Will +you have them shot at once, or wait till sunrise?</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> None shall be shot. Not one. How often +must we say it? If things go well here, good; if not, +still is my conscience clear of blood. (<i>To deserter</i>) +<abbr>You ’ve</abbr> been with the enemy?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page147" id="page147" title="147"></a><strong>1st Des.</strong> Yes, curse the day! Your pardon, blessed +majesty!</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> How fare our foes?</p> + +<p><strong>1st Des.</strong> The best of them as bad as the worst with +us.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> You note that, prince?</p> + +<p><strong>2d Des.</strong> We have a little food, but they have none. +The country is eaten bare. Diaz is trying to reach them +with supplies, but at present there <abbr>is n’t</abbr> enough meal in +ten miles of the army to make an ash-cake.</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> More proof for the prince, your majesty.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Their powder fails?</p> + +<p><strong>2d Des.</strong> Yes, sire. <abbr>’T would</abbr> be all the same if it +<abbr>did n’t</abbr>, for <abbr>they ’ve</abbr> hardly strength left to stand on their +toes and fire the guns.</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Poor fellows!</p> + +<p><strong>Lop.</strong> You can not doubt, my lord, that we shall win +with the next assault.</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> Cast fear to the winds, your majesty!</p> + +<p><strong>Salm.</strong> Who spoke of fear?</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mir.</strong> Not I! Fear is the devil’s magic-glass</span><br /> +<span>He holds before us to swell out our vision,</span><br /> +<span>Turn hares to lions, stones a lamb might skip</span><br /> +<span>To beetling cliffs that ne’er knew human foot,</span><br /> +<span>And slightest obstacles, that do but make</span><br /> +<span>The mind’s fair exercise and moral zest,</span><br /> +<span>To barriers, high as heaven, to success!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> (<i>Sneering</i>) And Juarez’ men of rags to glittering armies!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> hazard battle.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Salm.</strong> I beg your majesty—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> We know your courage, prince, for it is writ</span><br /> +<span>In many a scar; but you are wrong in this.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lop.</strong> <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> hear no more of flight, my lord?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i20">Max.</strong> No more.</span></p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page148" id="page148" title="148"></a><strong>Lop.</strong> Then <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> to duty, knowing all is well.</p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Lopez</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Dupin.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) And <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> go find a breakfast for my +little man-eater. (<i>Clapping his weapon</i>) <abbr>There ’s</abbr> never +anything to be done around his saintship. (<i>Exit</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> In half an hour?</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Yes. The plans will then be ready. (<i>Turns to +go in</i>) You, prince, with me. Though <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> dismissed +your head from service, I still must have your heart. +(<i>Goes into church with Salm-Salm</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> (<i>To Mendez</i>) What do you think of it?</p> + +<p><strong>Men.</strong> Why, sir, <abbr>I ’d</abbr> rather die fighting than running. +And <abbr>there ’s</abbr> a chance for us. The Liberals are beggared. +<abbr>There ’s</abbr> hardly a uniform in camp. If Marquez had kept +true, we should have saved the empire.</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> Don’t speak of him! Hell’s throne is empty +while <abbr>he ’s</abbr> on earth!</p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt Mendez and Mir.</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>1st Des.</strong> Well, comrade, <abbr>here ’s</abbr> promotion fast +enough. We that were prisoners are captains of the +field. Lead on!</p> + +<p><strong>2d Des.</strong> Be sure the Tigre is not around. <abbr>He ’s</abbr> got +a long claw. Ugh! I feel shaky yet.</p> + +<p>(<i>Exeunt. It grows lighter. Guard comes out of the +Cruz and takes station by door. Enter Princess Salm-Salm, +Aseffa, and women of Queretaro</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> (<i>Excitedly</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Admit me to the emperor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Guard.</strong> Your pardon.</span><br /> +<span>He must not be disturbed.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Princess S.</strong> Oh, but he must!</span><br /> +<span>The pity of it that he must!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Guard.</strong> Nay, madam—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> Admit us, sir, or I will beat the door!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Maximilian comes to door</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page149" id="page149" title="149"></a><strong>Max.</strong> Some trouble here? The princess! Always welcome!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> But such unwelcome news, your majesty!</span><br /> +<span>You know <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> rooms at Senor Barrio’s house.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ve</abbr> long suspected him. Last night he lodged</span><br /> +<span>Two men whose conference I overheard.</span><br /> +<span>All was not clear, but part was clear enough.</span><br /> +<span>One of your trusted officers is false,</span><br /> +<span>And you to-day—this hour—will be betrayed</span><br /> +<span>Unto your foes.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Max.</strong> Impossible!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Princess S.</strong> O, sire,</span><br /> +<span>Be blind no longer. This lady heard the men</span><br /> +<span>As I did. <abbr>There ’s</abbr> no doubt!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Lady.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> certain, sire,</span><br /> +<span>That they were officers in the Liberal army,</span><br /> +<span>And spoke of things that set me all aghast.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Good women, I thank you, but you are deceived.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>There ’s</abbr> not a man about me whose true face</span><br /> +<span>Is not the table where fidelity</span><br /> +<span>Writes him my own.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Princess S.</strong> O, sir, <abbr>’t is</abbr> one whose hand</span><br /> +<span>Is in your bosom.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Max.</strong> Nay—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Princess S.</strong> That much I know,</span><br /> +<span>Though I know not his name.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Max.</strong> Bold Miramon</span><br /> +<span>Is staunch as death. Mendez would in his breast</span><br /> +<span>Receive the bullet meant for me. Dupin</span><br /> +<span>Has been too cruel to the enemy</span><br /> +<span>To hope for life even at treason’s price.</span><br /> +<span>And Lopez is my own created love,</span><br /> +<span>The Empress’ guard,—the only Mexic heart</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’ve</abbr> taken a very brother’s to my own.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page150" id="page150" title="150"></a><strong>Princess S.</strong> What shall I do? This moment you must fly!</span><br /> +<span>Stand not, your majesty! <abbr>’T will</abbr> be too late!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Prince Salm-Salm comes to door</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Thank God, my husband! His <abbr>majesty ’s</abbr> betrayed!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’ve</abbr> never doubted me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Prince Salm.</strong> Betrayed?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i15">Max.</strong> No, prince,—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Prince Salm.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> visit every post!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Princess S.</strong> You but lose time.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The prince hurries out</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Oh God! Oh God!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Max.</strong> Sweet princess, be not troubled.</span><br /> +<span>There is no cause.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Princess S.</strong> Ah, we are lost!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>The bells of the city begin to ring</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Max.</strong> You hear?</span><br /> +<span>The bells! The enemy has raised the siege!</span><br /> +<span>O joyous news!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Princess S.</strong> No, no, your majesty.</span><br /> +<span>That is the traitor’s signal of success.</span><br /> +<span>Oh Heaven!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Max.</strong> What madness! <abbr>’T is</abbr> impossible!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> Those bells proclaim that every Imperial post</span><br /> +<span>Is in a Liberal’s command. We’re lost!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter citizens and soldiers in confusion</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>1st Cit.</strong> What mean the bells?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">2d Cit.</strong> That <abbr>Escobedo ’s</abbr> fled!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>3d Cit.</strong> Marquez has come!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">1st Soldier.</strong> No, no! The <abbr>city ’s</abbr> taken!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>2d Soldier.</strong> Juarez is here! The Liberals are on us!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Confused talking and shouts continue. Re-enter +Prince Salm-Salm</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> What is it, prince?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page151" id="page151" title="151"></a><strong class="i6">Prince Salm.</strong> O dearest majesty—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> The worst!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">P Salm.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> treachery. We are surrounded!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Those bells—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">P Salm.</strong> Ring out the enemy’s success.</span><br /> +<span>Each post is captained by a Liberal.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> (<i>Calmly to princess</i>) Forgive me. You were right. (<i>To Prince Salm-Salm</i>) Who is the traitor?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>P Salm.</strong> Ask not, I beg you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Max.</strong> His name!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">P Salm.</strong> Lopez.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i21">Max.</strong> Lopez? (<i>Staggers</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Unsay that word—and take my crown!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">P Salm.</strong> O, would</span><br /> +<span>I could, your majesty! It is too true!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Lopez! Carlotta’s chosen officer!</span><br /> +<span>And heaped with favors high enough to make</span><br /> +<span>A pyramid to faith!... Is this the world,</span><br /> +<span>Or some strange fancy spinning in my eyes?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>P Salm.</strong> My dearest liege—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Max.</strong> Who would not leave a life</span><br /> +<span>Where such things be, though death were sleep eternal?</span><br /> +<span>... Lead me ’mong shells and bayonets. But not</span><br /> +<span>To kill. My God, <abbr>there ’s</abbr> blood enough been shed.</span><br /> +<span>Bid all surrender. Let no more lives be lost.</span><br /> +<span>Farewell, my prince.... Now for a friendly shell!—</span><br /> +<span>Just here! (<i>Striking his heart, rushes out</i>)</span></p> + +<p><strong>Princess S.</strong> O save him! I am safe! Go! go! (<i>Exit Salm-Salm</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>1st Woman.</strong> We shall all be butchered!</p> + +<p><strong>Aseffa.</strong> Juarez is no butcher.</p> + +<p><strong>2d Woman.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> Escobedo leads,—and many have +bled by him.</p> + +<p><strong>Aseffa.</strong> Be not afraid. I know the Liberals.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page152" id="page152" title="152"></a><strong>Voices.</strong> They come! they come!</p> + +<p>(<i>Miramon and Dupin rush in</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> Where is the Emperor?</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> Emperor dunce-cap! We must look to our +own skins.</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter a score of ragged Liberals led by Rafael. +Aseffa stares at him, speechless</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mir.</strong> Too late for that!</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> You are our prisoners. (<i>Liberals take Dupin +and Miramon</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Soldiers.</strong> Shoot them! Shoot them! Miramon and +Dupin! The butchers! The dogs!</p> + +<p><strong>Raf.</strong> Hold! You are soldiers! Not murderers!</p> + +<p><strong>Dup.</strong> (<i>To soldiers</i>) You rags and bones! Go wash +and eat before you touch a gentleman!</p> + +<p><strong>Sol.</strong> <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> not be so nice to-morrow when the +worms are at you!</p> + +<p><strong>Asef.</strong> Raphael! (<i>Flies to him</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Raf.</strong> You here! O blessed fortune! My love! my love!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> O, is it true? You are alive! Alive!</span><br /> +<span>I too am resurrected, for I was dead,</span><br /> +<span>Slain with the news that you were murdered!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Raf.</strong> <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> news too bitter for so sweet a moment.</span><br /> +<span>Ignacio bribed my guard—stood in my place—</span><br /> +<span>And died.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> (<i>Recoiling</i>) You let him die for you?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Raf.</strong> No, no!</span><br /> +<span>He carefully deceived me. I thought he planned</span><br /> +<span>His own escape with mine.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Asef.</strong> O noble friend!...</span><br /> +<span>Juarez! He knows?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Raf.</strong> Not yet.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Asef.</strong> What grief for that</span><br /> +<span>Great heart!... But you are here—my Rafael!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page153" id="page153" title="153"></a><strong>Raf.</strong> By all these kisses—yes!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Asef.</strong> These are your lips—</span><br /> +<span>Your eyes—your hands—alive! I hear your heart!</span><br /> +<span>Your arms are round me, yet this is the earth!</span><br /> +<span>My country and my husband safe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Raf.</strong> God gives</span><br /> +<span>Some moments out of Heaven, and this is one!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter a soldier</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sol.</strong> The Emperor is captured by Escobedo!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> Not killed! not killed! Thank Heaven for that!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i21">Sol.</strong> <abbr>’t was</abbr> strange</span><br /> +<span>To see him stand like this (<i>folds his arms</i>) among the shells!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> Now I could pity him, for he must die.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> Die, woman! Die? You know not who he is!</span><br /> +<span>Why all the outraged world would rise and raze</span><br /> +<span>This devil’s country from the face of earth</span><br /> +<span>Were Maximilian slain! Let Juarez dare</span><br /> +<span>To harm this son of kings and he will learn</span><br /> +<span>His beggar’s power is but an infant’s breath!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Asef.</strong> Good madam, you have been my noble friend.</span><br /> +<span>I would not wound you, but would have you know</span><br /> +<span>That better men than Maximilian</span><br /> +<span>Have died for lesser crimes.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Juarez with soldiers. Dawn has gradually +opened and it is now broad sunlight</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Voices.</strong> Juarez! Juarez!</span><br /> +<span>El Presidente! El Presidente!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Jua.</strong> My men,</span><br /> +<span>The town is ours, and with it Mexico.</span><br /> +<span>Citizens of Queretaro. I give you back</span><br /> +<span>More than your homes,—your liberated country.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Voices.</strong> Long live the Republic! Liberty forever!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Escobedo</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page154" id="page154" title="154"></a><strong>Esc.</strong> Your Excellency will see the prisoner?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> The illustrious duke? Ay, bring him here.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i21">Esc.</strong> He comes.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Maximilian under guard</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joy</span><br /> +<span>To see you thus. What wishes would your grace</span><br /> +<span>Prefer to us?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Max.</strong> I have but one request,</span><br /> +<span>Your excellency. If more blood must be spilt,</span><br /> +<span>Let it be mine alone.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Jua.</strong> We grant it, sir,</span><br /> +<span>With two exceptions justice doth demand.</span><br /> +<span>Dupin and Miramon must die with you.</span><br /> +<span>Dupin, who put to most ignoble death</span><br /> +<span>The noblest prisoners of righteous war.</span><br /> +<span>Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambition</span><br /> +<span>Has sunk his country in her own dear blood,</span><br /> +<span>And would do so again did life permit</span><br /> +<span>Him opportunity. And you, my lord,</span><br /> +<span>Who signed the foulest, most inhuman law</span><br /> +<span>Writ down since Roman Sulla’s hand grew cold.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceived</span><br /> +<span>By treacherous ministers!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Jua.</strong> His ministers</span><br /> +<span>Were but his many hands, and for their deeds</span><br /> +<span>His heart must answer.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Princess S.</strong> O could you know that heart!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Max.</strong> Dear lady, peace.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Princess S.</strong> Beloved majesty,</span><br /> +<span>I speak for her who prays beyond the sea.</span><br /> +<span>... O, sir, you can not mean that he must die!</span><br /> +<span>Help me, Aseffa! Help me plead for him!</span><br /> +<span>Does not your Rafael live?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Asef.</strong> He lives because</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page155" id="page155" title="155"></a>Ignacio is dead. (<i>Juarez starts</i>) I must be just.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Princess S.</strong> What has a woman’s heart to do with justice?</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> mercy is its heavenly quality!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Jua.</strong> Is this thing true? My boy.... Speak, Rafael.</span><br /> +<span>... Tears in your eyes. You need not speak. My boy ...</span><br /> +<span>Ignacio.... Unto God I give thee!...</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Princess S.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> right</span><br /> +<span>That they who would be gods to others’ woe</span><br /> +<span>Should be proved human by their own.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Jua.</strong> (<i>Not hearing her</i>) And this</span><br /> +<span>Is what so many hearts have borne since first</span><br /> +<span>The Austrian came.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Princess S.</strong> O mercy, mercy, sir!</span><br /> +<span>By your own woe show pity unto those</span><br /> +<span>Whose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies!</span><br /> +<span>Be merciful! These tears of mine are but</span><br /> +<span>The first few drops of the unbounded tide</span><br /> +<span>That weeping as the sea weeps round the world</span><br /> +<span>Shall drink thy hated land if this good man</span><br /> +<span>Dies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Juarez.</strong> Madam, it is the people and the law</span><br /> +<span>Demand this expiation, not Juarez.</span><br /> +<span>I grieve to see you on your knees before me,</span><br /> +<span>But did each queen of Europe—ay, and king,—</span><br /> +<span>Kneel in your place, I could not spare that life.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Silence. Sobs. Juarez signs to Escobedo, who leads +prisoners away. Dupin’s broad hat is pulled low. Miramon +steps proudly. At exit Maximilian turns and +salutes the people</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Max.</strong> Mexicans! Long live Mexico!</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page156" id="page156" title="156"></a><a name="play2act5" id="play2act5"></a>ACT V.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act5scene1" id="play2act5scene1"></a>Scene I: Audience chamber, the Tuileries. Louis +Napoleon alone.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Succeed or fail! However men may run</span><br /> +<span>The goal is marked. Yet will we race with Fate</span><br /> +<span>In forgone match. Some free of foot and hand,</span><br /> +<span>Some stumbling with huge empires on our backs</span><br /> +<span>Less certain than the overburdened ant</span><br /> +<span>Housing a winter crumb.... Victoire!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Secretary</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Sec.</strong> My lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> If any dispatch from the West arrives</span><br /> +<span>Bring it at once.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Sec.</strong> Yes, sire. (<i>Exit</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Lou.</strong> America!</span><br /> +<span>Thou strange, new power where each man is a king,</span><br /> +<span>I have obeyed thy will. Pulled down my empire,</span><br /> +<span>Built up that France might the Atlantic stride</span><br /> +<span>And stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slap</span><br /> +<span>Upon the cheek imperial insults</span><br /> +<span>All monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles,</span><br /> +<span>When she should blush to ruddy rage of war.</span><br /> +<span>... The West must go ... but here <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> be supreme.</span><br /> +<span>Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict,</span><br /> +<span>And promise aid to each, but in my dream</span><br /> +<span>They both are doomed and France shall reign alone.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Chamberlain</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Chamb.</strong> Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page157" id="page157" title="157"></a><strong>Lou.</strong> Bazaine! Admit him.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Chamberlain</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i13"> <abbr>’T is</abbr> penance night with us,</span><br /> +<span>And this man is the mirror of our conscience,</span><br /> +<span>Showing its foulest spots.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Bazaine</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Baz.</strong> Sire, I salute you.</span><br /> +<span>Now Paris is the star that all eyes seek.</span><br /> +<span>The Exposition draws the world to you,</span><br /> +<span>Who glitter here as you were made for heaven.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i21">Lou.</strong> Ay,</span><br /> +<span>Here we would shine that none may see our star</span><br /> +<span>I’ the West grow dark!... Now Maximilian?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> He will be shot.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Lou.</strong> No jests! I ask you, sir,</span><br /> +<span>What terms he may arrange for freedom.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Baz.</strong> None.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> You speak not to a fool.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Baz.</strong> I trust not, sire.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> You know the Mexicans. Tell me the truth.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> I know the Mexicans. He will be shot.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> God, no! That noble man!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Baz.</strong> Pray, sir, what fate</span><br /> +<span>Had you in mind for Maximilian</span><br /> +<span>When finding him too true to Mexico</span><br /> +<span>For your proud aims, you sent such covered word</span><br /> +<span>To one Bazaine he could but read therein</span><br /> +<span>A revolution and the Emperor’s fall?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> I would have spared his life.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Baz.</strong> (<i>Taking out paper</i>) Then what means this?</span><br /> +<span>(<i>Reads</i>) ‘France weeps no death that brings her better fortune.’</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> <abbr>You ’d</abbr> spy a warrant in the alphabet</span><br /> +<span>Did you but wish to find one! Think you that</span><br /> +<span>Meant—death?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page158" id="page158" title="158"></a><strong>Baz.</strong> (<i>Closer</i>) I know it.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Lou.</strong> What dare you?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Baz.</strong> Anything—</span><br /> +<span>With this safe in my pocket. (<i>Puts up paper</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Lou.</strong> Beware, Bazaine!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Baz.</strong> When one so mighty as your Majesty</span><br /> +<span>Is my protector?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Lou.</strong> You—</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Chamberlain</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Chamb.</strong> The Count von Ostein</span><br /> +<span>Beseeches word with you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Lou.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> welcome to it.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Chamberlain</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Adieu, le marechal.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Baz.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Lou.</strong> Adieu,</span><br /> +<span>Le marechal. (<i>Exit Bazaine</i>)</span><br /> +<span class="i14"> Prussia’s ambassador.</span><br /> +<span>Now for our role of cheat and crowned dissembler.</span><br /> +<span>O for a throne where Truth might keep her head!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter the Prussian Minister</i>)</p> + +<p><span>Welcome, my lord.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Prus.</strong> Most gracious majesty,</span><br /> +<span>The foreign ministers have come in body</span><br /> +<span>To speak congratulations and confirm</span><br /> +<span>The triumph of the Exposition.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> They have our truest thanks. But first, my lord,</span><br /> +<span>A word in private with you. <abbr>Is ’t</abbr> Prussia’s wish</span><br /> +<span>That we withhold our aid from Mexico?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Prus.</strong> A question, sire. You know that Austria threatens.</span><br /> +<span>Is France in this the friend or enemy</span><br /> +<span>To Prussia? <abbr>There ’s</abbr> not an inch of middle ground</span><br /> +<span>To stand on. If our foe, then pour your strength</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page159" id="page159" title="159"></a>To Mexico. If friend, keep it at home,</span><br /> +<span>Ready for Prussia’s need.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Lou.</strong> To be your friend</span><br /> +<span>May cost some blood to France.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Prus.</strong> <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> heard it said</span><br /> +<span>The left bank of the Rhine is a fair country,</span><br /> +<span>And worth a little blood.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Lou.</strong> Enough, my lord.</span><br /> +<span>Let Prussia know she has a friend in France,</span><br /> +<span>And with your sanction cover our retreat</span><br /> +<span>From Mexico.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Chamberlain</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Chamb.</strong> Pardon, your majesty.</span><br /> +<span>The Empress of Mexico begs audience.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Carlotta? No!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Chamb.</strong> She presses urgently</span><br /> +<span>To enter.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Lou.</strong> Here?... We sent our word to her</span><br /> +<span>At Miramar!... And yet—she comes—<abbr>she ’s</abbr> here.</span><br /> +<span>... Admit the deputation, and summon, too,</span><br /> +<span>Our Empress.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Chamb.</strong> The Empress comes.</span><br /> +(<i>Enter Eugenie attended. Exit Chamberlain. Enter guards</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Eug.</strong> I hear the ministers</span><br /> +<span>Have come to us with state congratulations,</span><br /> +<span>And though unbidden, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not leave my chair—</span><br /> +<span>The co-seat of imperial dignity—</span><br /> +<span>Vacant at such a time.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Lou.</strong> Welcome, Eugenie.</span><br /> +<span>We were about to summon you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Eug.</strong> Thanks even</span><br /> +<span>For tardy courtesy.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Lou.</strong> But we have more</span><br /> +<span>Than compliments to hear. Carlotta waits</span><br /> +<span>Our audience.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page160" id="page160" title="160"></a><strong class="i5">Eug.</strong> Carlotta! I can not see her! (<i>Rises</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Nay, it was you first cast ambitious eye</span><br /> +<span>To Mexico. Now see the end.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Eug.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Be seated, madam.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Eug.</strong> You command me, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> We do.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Eug.</strong> (<i>Going</i>) Come, ladies!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Lou.</strong> (<i>To guards</i>) Let no one pass out!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Eug.</strong> France, sir, shall know this outrage!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Lou.</strong> When you wish</span><br /> +<span>To make it known.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter ambassadors, Austrian, Russian, Italian, +Belgian, and others</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Rus.</strong> Most glorious Majesty!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Belg.</strong> Mighty France!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">It.</strong> Italy’s savior!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Aus.</strong> Christendom’s king!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> I thank you, my good lords; but we’re too sad</span><br /> +<span>To smile at compliments; Carlotta comes</span><br /> +<span>To beg our power to uphold her throne,</span><br /> +<span>Though Heaven has decreed her empire’s fall.</span><br /> +<span>We ask you hear our open clear defence,</span><br /> +<span>And help set forth our duty, that the Empress</span><br /> +<span>May see our wisdom through our tears.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">It.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> lend</span><br /> +<span>Your Majesty what voice we can.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Lou.</strong> I thank you.</span><br /> +<span>(<i>Aside to Austrian</i>) My lord, a word. The Prussian talons creep</span><br /> +<span>Toward Austria. France is your friend.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Aus.</strong> O, sire!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> If you would have her strong pray that no sword</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page161" id="page161" title="161"></a>Of hers be lost in Mexico.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Aus.</strong> I will,</span><br /> +<span>My lord.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Carlotta, attended by Count Charles, Count +de Bombelles, her priest, and women. She goes to Louis +and would kneel. He takes her hand</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i2">Lou.</strong> An Empress must not kneel.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Car.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> still</span><br /> +<span>An Empress, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Lou.</strong> Once to have worn a crown</span><br /> +<span>Is always to be queen.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Car.</strong> Sire, mock me not.</span><br /> +<span>Didst mean no more than that?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Lou.</strong> Lady, you come</span><br /> +<span>To beg your empire?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Car.</strong> I do not beg, Napoleon.</span><br /> +<span>I come to ask you keep your sacred oath,</span><br /> +<span>But do not make a beggar of me, sir,</span><br /> +<span>Who was a princess in my cradle.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Lou.</strong> Nay,</span><br /> +<span>Royal Carlotta, if beggar here must be,</span><br /> +<span>See one in us who sue your gentle patience.</span><br /> +<span>While strength was ours to give we gave it you,</span><br /> +<span>But now is France grown needy of her troops,</span><br /> +<span>With Europe surging to a conflict round her.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> My lord—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Lou.</strong> America turns baying on us.</span><br /> +<span>Should we make war on one who twice o’ercame</span><br /> +<span>Our island neighbors when she was but child</span><br /> +<span>To what she now is grown?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Prus.</strong> Your majesty,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T would</abbr> be a folly for a clown, not king.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> America? Easier to stop her now</span><br /> +<span>Than it will be when she wears Mexico</span><br /> +<span>Like sword at her right side. Austria, Prussia,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page162" id="page162" title="162"></a>Strike you no more at neighbor throats, but come</span><br /> +<span>And win a fight for God. Napoleon, come!</span><br /> +<span>There lies a world that’s worth the price of war.</span><br /> +<span>Whose swelling breasts pour milk of paradise,</span><br /> +<span>Whose marble mountains wait the carver’s hand,</span><br /> +<span>Whose valley arms ne’er tire with Ceres’ load,</span><br /> +<span>Whose crownless head awaits the diadem</span><br /> +<span>That but divine, ancestral dignity</span><br /> +<span>May fix imperishably upon it! A bride</span><br /> +<span>For blessed Rome! And will you give her up</span><br /> +<span>To ravishers? To enemies of the Church?</span><br /> +<span>To unclean hands ne’er dipped in holy chrism?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Aus.</strong> The <abbr>time ’s</abbr> not ripe for our united swords</span><br /> +<span>To ransom her.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Car.</strong> The time is always ripe</span><br /> +<span>For a good deed. Napoleon, you will come!</span><br /> +<span>And though you fail, failure will be majestic.</span><br /> +<span>Withdraw like frightened schoolboy and you make</span><br /> +<span>Your throne a penance stool whereon you sit</span><br /> +<span>For laughter of the nations. But come, and though</span><br /> +<span>You fail, when time has brought America</span><br /> +<span>To her full, greedy strength, these scornful kings</span><br /> +<span>Will then unite in desperate endeavor</span><br /> +<span>To give your great conception form and face,</span><br /> +<span>And at your tomb <abbr>they ’ll</abbr> lift their shaken crowns</span><br /> +<span>And beg a pardon from your heart of dust!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Prus.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) <abbr>He ’ll</abbr> yield to her!... Most noble lady, we—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> I speak, sir, to Napoleon.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Lou.</strong> What help</span><br /> +<span>Can Austria give?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Aus.</strong> Sire, she has many troubles.</span><br /> +<span>The clouds of war threat her with scarlet flood,</span><br /> +<span>And little strength has she to spare abroad</span><br /> +<span>When foes besiege at home.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page163" id="page163" title="163"></a><strong class="i11">Car.</strong> And Austria’s chief</span><br /> +<span>Is Maximilian’s brother! It was not so</span><br /> +<span>That day at Miramar when three proud crowns</span><br /> +<span>Took oath to serve him in an hour like this.</span><br /> +<span>Austria powerless! And Belgium—dead.</span><br /> +<span>But France—Ah, France, she will prove noble, loyal</span><br /> +<span>To God and honor!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Lou.</strong> My honor, dearest lady,</span><br /> +<span>Permits me not to risk my country’s life</span><br /> +<span>That you may wear a crown in Mexico.</span><br /> +<span>I can not save your empire.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Car.</strong> Then let it fall,</span><br /> +<span>But save—my husband’s life!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Astonishment and silence</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Lou.</strong> You speak but madly.</span><br /> +<span>America has sent us guaranties</span><br /> +<span>She will demand that Maximilian</span><br /> +<span>Be held but as a prisoner of war.</span><br /> +<span>The Mexicans dare not proceed against him</span><br /> +<span>Contrary to the mighty government</span><br /> +<span>That is sole friend unto their scarce born state.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> America demands with paper words</span><br /> +<span>That can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him?</span><br /> +<span>Let her demand his life with cannon turned</span><br /> +<span>Upon his murderers. Then, sire, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> trust</span><br /> +<span>To their obedience. Till then <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> plead</span><br /> +<span>With you. All hope is here.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Lou.</strong> Not so, dear lady.</span><br /> +<span>Italy, Austria, and your Belgium,</span><br /> +<span>Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law,</span><br /> +<span>Are his sole need. Should God send angels there</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’d</abbr> choose but those who bear the flaming sword.</span><br /> +<span>... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties,</span><br /> +<span>In his own hand set down! Here he vows faith</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page164" id="page164" title="164"></a>To Maximilian—and to Heaven! Hear!</span><br /> +<span>‘I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oath</span><br /> +<span>Upon the honor of a man and king—’</span><br /> +<span>Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot?</span><br /> +<span>Then let my tongue be as a burning pen</span><br /> +<span>To write it new upon your heart!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Lou.</strong> No! no!</span><br /> +<span>In God’s name, no!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Aus.</strong> Dear lady, this is torture.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Torture for you?—for him? Then what is it</span><br /> +<span>For me, my lord?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Prus.</strong> Wouldst have his majesty</span><br /> +<span>False to his country to be true to you?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Aus.</strong> The oath he took was, by the courtesy</span><br /> +<span>Of nations, subject to the change that time</span><br /> +<span>Visits on countries as on men.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> <abbr>You ’d</abbr> win</span><br /> +<span>His sword from me that you may use it! Sirs,</span><br /> +<span>He plays you ’gainst each other as the eagle</span><br /> +<span>Sets ospreys in contention over prey</span><br /> +<span>That he may filch the prize!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Lou.</strong> Carlotta!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i17">Car.</strong> Be warned!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>He ’ll</abbr> know no ease till in your capitals</span><br /> +<span>He has re-crowned the great Napoleon!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Nay—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Car.</strong> Stop me not! Here you shall stand as bare</span><br /> +<span>To these men’s eyes as you do to my own!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> My lords, you will not let her troubled mind</span><br /> +<span>Weaken your trust in me?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Prus.</strong> Your majesty,</span><br /> +<span>We know you noble.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Car.</strong> Noble! Napoleon,</span><br /> +<span>This wondrous city is aflame with joy,</span><br /> +<span>The blazing fires now dart aloft and write</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page165" id="page165" title="165"></a>In golden light your name upon the skies,</span><br /> +<span>But in your heart will burn a torch of hell</span><br /> +<span>Unquenchable, if you deny me aid!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Dear madam, pray believe that I am helpless.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> You are as strong as France, Eugenie, help me!</span><br /> +<span>If e’er you held a dear head on your breast—</span><br /> +<span>You have!—for <abbr>you ’ve</abbr> both son and husband! Ah,</span><br /> +<span>I have no child. My lord is all to me.</span><br /> +<span>O put your two in one and you will know</span><br /> +<span>What now I plead for! By the kisses dropped</span><br /> +<span>Upon your baby’s cheek, and by the hope</span><br /> +<span>That you will see him grow up at your side,</span><br /> +<span>Another self with heart-strings round your own,</span><br /> +<span>I pray you, lady, soften that stone heart!</span><br /> +<span>I kneel to you, an empress though my crown</span><br /> +<span>Has fallen, as yours I pray will not,</span><br /> +<span>And at your footstool beg my husband’s life!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Eugenie rises</i>)</p> + +<p><span>By your child’s love, I beg you for one word!</span><br /> +<span>Help me, Eugenie, or the day will come</span><br /> +<span>When you will know a crown is but a band</span><br /> +<span>Of metal cold, and one warm kiss more dear</span><br /> +<span>Than all such circling glory! When you will grow</span><br /> +<span>Mad with the longing but to touch the hand</span><br /> +<span>Now lies in yours as it would never part,</span><br /> +<span>Strain for the face whose beauty fed you once</span><br /> +<span>Until your madness builds it out of air</span><br /> +<span>To gaze with sweet unhuman pity on you</span><br /> +<span>Yet come not near for kisses! O, even now</span><br /> +<span>I look through sealed up time unto a night</span><br /> +<span>When sleep will fly from your woe-drownéd eyes,</span><br /> +<span>And you will cry to Heaven for blessed death</span><br /> +<span>To lead you from the midnight desolation!</span><br /> +<span>Eugenie, save thyself! For thy own sake</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page166" id="page166" title="166"></a>Show pity unto me, and in that hour</span><br /> +<span>Receive the mercy that thou now dost give!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Eug.</strong> (<i>Going</i>) Help me! <abbr>I ’m</abbr> ill! (<i>Her women assist her out</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> Gone! Gone? And yet a woman!</span><br /> +<span>Ah, <abbr>there ’s</abbr> a God will suffer not this wrong!</span><br /> +<span>... Napoleon—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Lou.</strong> Nay, madam, <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> said all.</span><br /> +<span>I can not cast my country into war.</span><br /> +<span>You but fatigue yourself.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Car.</strong> O Heaven! Fatigue!</span><br /> +<span>Canst think of that when Maximilian</span><br /> +<span>Is facing bayonets for honor’s sake?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Believe me, he is safe!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Car.</strong> I tell you no!</span><br /> +<span>To-day the guns from Mont Valerien</span><br /> +<span>Pealed out your glory! Your arm was in the arm</span><br /> +<span>Of Prussia’s monarch, and Waterloo forgot!</span><br /> +<span>You laughed with Austria’s chief, as though the duke</span><br /> +<span>Of Reichstadt were not dead! The bloody snows</span><br /> +<span>Of Moscow melt in Alexander’s smile!</span><br /> +<span>Edward’s in France, St. <abbr>Helena ’s</abbr> a myth!</span><br /> +<span>And all the world is trooping here to feed</span><br /> +<span>Your monstrous vanity! But let the morn</span><br /> +<span>Bring news of Maximilian’s death,</span><br /> +<span>These kings will shudder from you as from plague,</span><br /> +<span>The conscious earth refuse your feet a base</span><br /> +<span>For shame to bear you! Then will begin your fall.</span><br /> +<span>Down, down <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> creep to an unpitied death,</span><br /> +<span>And winds that shriek around your exile bed</span><br /> +<span>Will cry me prophetess!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Lou.</strong> (<i>After a silence</i>) Your audience</span><br /> +<span>Is over. Pray go and rest. You need much sleep.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> A woman sleeps not till her heart is safe.</span><br /> +<span>My eyes shall not be closed till <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> your answer.</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page167" id="page167" title="167"></a><strong>Lou.</strong> You have it, lady, and we beg you leave us.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Leave! leave! O sir, it is a lie I hear! (<i>Falls at his feet</i>)</span><br /> +<span>You did not say it! See! I kiss your feet! O sir—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> (<i>Withdrawing</i>) You put us to discourtesy.</span><br /> +<span>Since you will not withdraw, we leave you.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> (<i>Leaping up</i>) Coward!</span><br /> +<span>Then, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France!</span><br /> +<span>Thou art a murderer, and I have kissed</span><br /> +<span>The devil’s hoof! (<i>Exit Napoleon</i>)</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Carlotta stands dazed, looking after Napoleon. +Puts her hand over her eyes. Count Charles goes to her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Char.</strong> Dear madam, come with me. (<i>She looks +about bewildered</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">One of her women.</strong> Your majesty,</span><br /> +<span>We pray you come.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i1">Car.</strong> (<i>Strangely</i>) Yes—yes— <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> go. Away!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit with her attendants</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Aus.</strong> A gloomy business, truly.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Prus.</strong> <abbr>’t has</abbr> wrought upon me.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Napoleon</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> My lords, believe me grateful for your help</span><br /> +<span>In this most wretched business.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Secretary</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Sec.</strong> A dispatch, sire, from Mexico.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Lou.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> hear it.</span><br /> +<span>All here should share this news with me.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i18">Sec.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> short,</span><br /> +<span>Your majesty.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i5">Lou.</strong> The sooner read. We wait.</span></p> + +<p><strong>Sec.</strong> (<i>Reads</i>) ‘By order of Juarez, the Austrian +duke, Ferdinand Maximilian, has been shot.’</p> + +<p>(<i>Silence. Napoleon groans</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>It.</strong> It can’t be true!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Bel.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> false! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not believe it!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page168" id="page168" title="168"></a><strong>Prus.</strong> Grieve not, your Majesty. This is a mock</span><br /> +<span>Dispatch.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Aus.</strong> A noble archduke! Bound by ties</span><br /> +<span>Of blood and love to every court of Europe!</span><br /> +<span>Believe this not, my lord!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Sec.</strong> Your Majesty,</span><br /> +<span>This second message from America</span><br /> +<span>Confirms the other.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Lou.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> true! My God, <abbr>’t is</abbr> true!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>It.</strong> Carlotta! Who will tell her?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Lou.</strong> None shall do it!</span><br /> +<span>She must not know.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Rus.</strong> Pardon me, sire, she must.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> Then his death bullet has not stopped its flight.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T will</abbr> end but in her heart.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Count Charles. Napoleon silently gives him +the despatch, which he reads with great agitation</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Char.</strong> (<i>To himself</i>) O terrible! And yet</span><br /> +<span>No news to me—to me.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i9">Lou.</strong> <abbr>You ’ll</abbr> tell her, sir?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> There is no need, my lord. Her <abbr>reason ’s</abbr> fled.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>She ’s</abbr> mad.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Bel.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> Heaven’s mercy!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">It.</strong> Unhappy woman!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> She is not wild, but gentle, and thinks, my lord,</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’ve</abbr> granted her request.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Lou.</strong> Noble Carlotta!</span><br /> +<span>My lords, forbear awhile. <abbr>I ’d</abbr> be alone.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>It.</strong> God grant you rest.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>All go out but Napoleon</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Lou.</strong> These kings <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> called here to a dance must lead</span><br /> +<span>A funeral. What can I say to them?</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page169" id="page169" title="169"></a>To Austria—his brother! England—his own cousin!</span><br /> +<span>To Belgium—<em>her</em> brother! Spain— O, all</span><br /> +<span>The <em>world</em>, that loved him!... An Emperor—and shot.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Musical procession passes in street. Shouts of +‘Vive <abbr>l’ empereur</abbr>! Vive <abbr>l’ empereur</abbr>!’</i>)</p> + +<p><span>He too heard shouts like those—saw fires ascend</span><br /> +<span>To write his triumph—ay—and he is cold—</span><br /> +<span>Quite cold—shot dead.... Carlotta! prophetess!</span><br /> +<span>I feel—I know—thy <abbr>oracle ’s</abbr> from God!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Falls at the foot of the imperial chair</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play2act5scene2" id="play2act5scene2"></a><ins title="Original reads 'Scene II:—'">Scene II:</ins> Miramar. A balcony overlooking the sea. +Lady Maria alone.</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> Here they went out together—arm in arm,—</span><br /> +<span>Sweet, healing spirits to a bleeding land.</span><br /> +<span>Down yonder terrace to the sea they passed,—</span><br /> +<span>He unto death, and she—to—(<i>Sighs deeply</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i7">Car.</strong> (<i>Without</i>) Cousin!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i16">Mar.</strong> Ah!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Turns smiling to greet Carlotta who enters carrying +flowers</i>)</p> + +<p><span>So early out? What treasures have you there?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> The sweetest flowers that ever peeped up head.</span><br /> +<span>They grow along the path in that dear wood</span><br /> +<span>Where Maximilian took me gypsying</span><br /> +<span>When we grew weary of the world.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Mar.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure</span><br /> +<span>That was not often.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Car.</strong> True. We loved too well</span><br /> +<span>Our work among the people to hide ourselves</span><br /> +<span>In little corners of delight. But oh, those times!</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page170" id="page170" title="170"></a>How he would catch me as I ran and say</span><br /> +<span>His little wild-girl with her flower crown</span><br /> +<span>Was dearer than his princess ermine-gowned.</span><br /> +<span>And so <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> wreathe these buds into my hair,</span><br /> +<span>And meet him as he loved me best.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i17"> To-day!</span><br /> +<span>This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Drops flowers in trance of happiness</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> Sweet Empress—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Car.</strong> Empress? No! To-day I am</span><br /> +<span>His little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers.</span><br /> +<span>O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them</i>)</p> + +<p><span>You see this flower?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Mar.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> very beautiful.</span><br /> +<span>What is it?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i4">Car.</strong> <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> seen it only in our wood.</span><br /> +<span>Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (<i>Sings</i>)</span></p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>In a young, sweet hour of Spring</span><br /> +<span>I sat ’neath an old tree to sing</span><br /> +<span class="i12"> Of love, only love!</span><br /> +<span>The little brook took up my tune</span><br /> +<span>And to his soft green banks did croon,</span><br /> +<span>The green grass rippled to the tree</span><br /> +<span>And every leaf shook melody</span><br /> +<span class="i12"> Of love, only love!</span><br /> +<span>And then the birds that flitted by</span><br /> +<span>Told it the clouds that told the sky,</span><br /> +<span>And all the world to song did start</span><br /> +<span>With what I sang but to my heart!</span><br /> +<span>Ay, all the world sang back to me</span><br /> +<span>A little maiden ’neath a tree</span><br /> +<span class="i12"> Of love, only love!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria</i>)</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page171" id="page171" title="171"></a>Ah, cousin, do you think <abbr>he ’ll</abbr> be delayed?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mar.</strong> Dear madam, I fear me so.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> These ships! these ships!</span><br /> +<span>How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones!</span><br /> +<span>The wandering treasures of our empty arms!</span><br /> +<span>The western waters must have sirens too,</span><br /> +<span>And will not let him pass.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i11">Mar.</strong> Indeed they would not,</span><br /> +<span>Did they but know what majesty is in him.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> (<i>Embracing her</i>) O help me love him, dear.<!-- Original reads 'dear,' --> My <abbr>heart ’s</abbr> too small.</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Count Charles</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> A message.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Car.</strong> Oh! a message! I do not want</span><br /> +<span>A message.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Char.</strong> The admiral of the port has word</span><br /> +<span>The Emperor’s <abbr>ship ’s</abbr> delayed.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> Why, <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> not weep....</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> but a day.... (<i>Goes forward, looking out</i>) To-morrow, then—to-morrow!</span><br /> +<span>(<i>To Lady Maria</i>) Why do you weep? A <abbr>day ’s</abbr> not worth a tear.</span><br /> +<span>See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade.</span><br /> +<span>I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path....</span><br /> +<span>(<i>Suddenly</i>) Cousin, why wear you black?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i12">Mar.</strong> (<i>Confused</i>) I—madam—I—</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Such sable hues for this so rosy day?</span><br /> +<span>Go dress your body like our happy hearts!</span><br /> +<span>Dost think a coffin comes across the sea?</span><br /> +<span>A coffin—(<i>Shudders</i>) Go! I can not bear this black!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Lady Maria</i>)</p> + +<p><span>I am displeased. Have I not reason, Charles?</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T was</abbr> very wrong of her to dress in black</span><br /> +<span>When Maximilian comes. I will go in.</span><br /> +<span><abbr>I ’m</abbr> tired—but I am very happy. Ah! (<i>Exit</i>)</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page172" id="page172" title="172"></a><strong>Char.</strong> O wounded heart! Thus every day she hopes,</span><br /> +<span>And every day begins her hope anew.</span><br /> +<span>It is my penance now to watch her sorrow,</span><br /> +<span>To guard perfection’s wreck in her sad body,</span><br /> +<span>And hear the name of Maximilian fall</span><br /> +<span>Each moment from her lips. O, God, remember</span><br /> +<span>When once I am in hell, <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> suffered here!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Carlotta</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> I can not stay away. This is my place.</span><br /> +<span>Here will I catch the first light on his sail.</span><br /> +<span>O Charles, dear Charles, to-morrow we shall see him!</span><br /> +<span>Look in his noble eyes,—ah me, what eyes!</span><br /> +<span>Dost not remember? Talk of him, cousin.</span><br /> +<span>It brings him faster to me. My heart! my heart!</span><br /> +<span>This waiting breaks it though <abbr>’t is</abbr> but a day!</span><br /> +<span>An hour that keeps him from me lengthens like</span><br /> +<span>The drawn out ages ’tween the ends of time!</span><br /> +<span>But oh, to-morrow! Let me think of that!</span><br /> +<span>Then will the small globe of mine eye contain</span><br /> +<span>The wide and complete world of my desires!</span><br /> +<span>... Have you forgot Aseffa? You do not speak;</span><br /> +<span>But you have not forgot. She said—Oh, cruel!—</span><br /> +<span>That he, my Maximilian, should lie cold</span><br /> +<span>While yet my arms were warm and reaching for him.</span><br /> +<span>How could she say it? But you stood by him—you—</span><br /> +<span>His faithful friend. You knew <abbr>’t would</abbr> ne’er be true!</span><br /> +<span>... Do you remember, Charles, the winter day</span><br /> +<span>He climbed to Valtelina’s ice-bound huts</span><br /> +<span>To bear the starving people food?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i14">Char.</strong> Yes—yes!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>’T is</abbr> my sole virtue to remember his!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> And when the flooding Ambro left her banks,</span><br /> +<span>Rolling a very sea o’er farm and town,</span><br /> +<span>Who was the first to ride the dangerous waves,</span><br /> +<span>A rescuing angel saving man and child?</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page173" id="page173" title="173"></a><strong>Char.</strong> <abbr>’T was</abbr> Maximilian!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i10">Car.</strong> Yes, our Maximilian.</span><br /> +<span>I feared the Mexicans would take his life.</span><br /> +<span>Was not that foolish, cousin? I should have known</span><br /> +<span>God could not spare him from His world. Hast heard</span><br /> +<span>The men of Licio tell how he was first</span><br /> +<span>To bring them aid when all their silkworms died</span><br /> +<span>And silence struck the looms that gave them food?</span><br /> +<span>This man will say ‘I have a son alive</span><br /> +<span>Because of Maximilian!’ And that will say</span><br /> +<span>‘I have a daughter now to tend my age,</span><br /> +<span>Because the Lombard governor brought bread</span><br /> +<span>Unto her cradle.’... And he is coming back.</span><br /> +<span>... Beautiful Miramar! <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> never leave thee,</span><br /> +<span>Though stars should beckon to a golden world!</span><br /> +<span>To-morrow <abbr>he ’ll</abbr> come! Maximilian!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Holds out her +arms toward the sea, looking radiantly into distance</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="i17"> Charles! (<i>Turns suddenly, laying her hand on his arm</i>)</span><br /> +<span>Look! What men are those? Do you not see them?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Char.</strong> <abbr>There ’s</abbr> nothing, cousin,—nothing but the sea.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> Oh, look! They wear the Mexican dress!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Char.</strong> Come in,</span><br /> +<span>Sweet princess!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i6">Car.</strong> Ah yes, they’re Mexicans.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i19">Char.</strong> Come!</span><br /> +<span><abbr>You ’ve</abbr> had some fever. <abbr>’T is</abbr> a sick-room vision.</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Car.</strong> No, no! <abbr>I ’m</abbr> well! Ah, never in such health!</span><br /> +<span>I see like God! O look! A score of them!</span><br /> +<span>Moving but silent as death! Where are they marching?</span><br /> +<span>The sun gleams on their guns! O see, Charles, see!</span><br /> +<span>There is a prisoner! Poor man! poor man!</span><br /> +<span>I can not see his face. He walks most sadly,—</span><br /> +<span>And proudly too! An upright soul, I know!</span></p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page174" id="page174" title="174"></a><strong>Char.</strong> Dear cousin, come away!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i13">Car.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> humbly dressed,</span><br /> +<span>And but for that <abbr>I ’d</abbr> think he might be royal,</span><br /> +<span>Ah, royal as Maximilian! O Charles,</span><br /> +<span>I am so glad <abbr>he ’s</abbr> safe upon the sea!</span><br /> +<span>Safe—safe—and coming to me!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i3">Char.</strong> (<i>Most pleadingly</i>) Come, wait within,</span><br /> +<span>Dear princess! Come!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong class="i8">Car.</strong> I will not leave him! No!</span><br /> +<span>The poor, sad prisoner! Those cruel weapons!</span><br /> +<span>I fear—I fear—he is condemned to die.</span><br /> +<span>... Perhaps he has a wife. Ah me, I pray not.</span><br /> +<span>Then would be tears! He is a noble man,—</span><br /> +<span>But still his face is from me.... They reach the field.</span><br /> +<span>The soldiers halt and lift their guns. O how they gleam!</span><br /> +<span>... I can not see.... Why is the face so dim?</span><br /> +<span>Will no one save him? Let us pray for him!</span><br /> +<span>We can do that! Down on our knees and pray!</span><br /> +<span>O men, men, men! What sin beneath the sun</span><br /> +<span>Can give excuse for such a deed as this?</span><br /> +<span>O, Heaven, are you looking too? A man</span><br /> +<span>So noble! Oh, he turns—he turns—his breast</span><br /> +<span>Is to the weapons! Now they fire! He falls!</span><br /> +<span>His face! (<i>Gives a wild cry</i>) Oh God! <abbr>’t is</abbr> Maximilian!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>Falls forward on her face</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h2><a class="page" name="page175" id="page175" title="175"></a>THE POET</h2> + +<p><a class="page" name="page176" id="page176" title="176"></a></p> + +<table summary=""> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a class="page" name="page177" id="page177" title="177"></a><a href="#play3act1">ACT I.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act1scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Helen’s room, Truelord house, New York.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play3act2">ACT II.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act2scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Exterior of Clemm cottage, near Richmond.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play3act3">ACT III.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act3scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Interior of Clemm cottage.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act3scene2">Scene 2.</a></td><td>The Same.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play3act4">ACT IV.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act4scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>An old book store, New York.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act4scene2">Scene 2.</a></td><td>Poe’s cottage, Fordham.</td></tr> +<tr><th colspan="2"><a href="#play3act5">ACT V.</a></th></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act5scene1">Scene 1.</a></td><td>Poe’s lodging, Baltimore.</td></tr> +<tr><td class="sc"><a href="#play3act5scene2">Scene 2.</a></td><td>A bar-room.</td></tr> +</table> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page178" id="page178" title="178"></a>CHARACTERS</h3> + +<p><span><em class="sc">Edgar Allan Poe</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Virginia Clemm</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Mrs. Maria Clemm</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Helen Truelord</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Mrs. Truelord</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Roger Bridgmore</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Nelson Clemm</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Mrs. Delormis</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Doctor Barlow</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Mrs. Schmidt</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">George Thomas</em>, Barkeeper</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Haines</em>, <em class="sc">Juggers</em>, <em class="sc">Sharp</em>, <em class="sc">Black</em>, gamblers</span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Bookseller</em></span><br /> +<span><em class="sc">Mum Zurie</em>, <em class="sc">Tat</em>, <em class="sc">Bony</em>, servants at Clemm cottage.</span><br /> +<span>Gertrude, Mabel, Annie, Sallie, Dora, Gladys, Ethel, Alma, Allie, friends of Virginia.</span></p> + +<p class="play"><a class="page" name="page179" id="page179" title="179"></a>THE POET</p> + +<h3><a name="play3act1" id="play3act1"></a>ACT I.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act1scene1" id="play3act1scene1"></a>Scene: Room in the Truelord House. Helen lies on a +couch before large windows, rear, reading by light from +a small lamp on table near couch. She wears a loose +robe over night-dress.</p> + +<p class="italic">A light knock is heard at door, left centre.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Sitting up</i>) Mamma?</p> + +<p><strong>Voice.</strong> Yes, dear.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Kissing book and closing it</i>) Good-bye, my +poet! (<i>Drops book on couch and goes to door</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Voice, as Helen opens door.</strong> I saw your light. (<i>Enter +Mrs. Truelord</i>) Forgive me, love. I could not rest. +(<i>Helen is closing door</i>) No! Kate is coming.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Delormis.</strong> (<i>In door</i>) Yes, <abbr>I ’m</abbr> here, too, Helen.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Come in, Cousin Catherine.</p> + +<p>(<i>All three advance</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Madela had a feminine version of the jim-jams—tea-nerves, +you know—so must get us both up.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page180" id="page180" title="180"></a><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Drawing forward a huge chair for Mrs. +Truelord while Mrs. Delormis takes a smaller one</i>) I +was not in bed.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> (<i>Looking toward bed in alcove, right</i>) +But you have been! You could not sleep either. Ah!</p> + +<p>(<i>Sighs deeply</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Goes to couch</i>) Now, mamma!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> (<i>Embarrassed by Helen’s <ins title="Hyphenated across line-break in original">straightforward</ins> +look</i>) Helen—I—<abbr>I ’ve</abbr> just got to have it out +to-night. You are only my step-daughter, but <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> +loved you like my own.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Quaintly</i>) Yes.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> <abbr>Have n’t</abbr> I always treated you as if you +were my daughter born?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Slowly</i>) You have indeed!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> And I can’t bear for you to—to—O, I +just can’t bear it, I say!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Bear what, mamma?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> This—this man—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Edgar Poe, Helen.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> You are going to give up Roger—Roger +who has worshipped you since you were a baby, who has +lived under the same roof and been a brother to you +since you were two years old—you are going to give him +up for a strange man—a man without a penny—a man +you have seen but once—(<i>Almost shrieking</i>)—but once—(<i>Rising</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Crosses, and stands before her, speaking +calmly</i>) We know angels at first sight, mamma.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> (<i>Grabbing Helen by the shoulders and +staring at her</i>) You have done it already! (<i>Falls to +chair as if fainting</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Soothe her, Catherine. I will get some wine. +(<i>Exit</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> (<i>Sitting up, at once recovered</i>) <abbr>She ’s</abbr> +<a class="page" name="page181" id="page181" title="181"></a>made up her mind. When her eyes shine like that <abbr>it ’s</abbr> no +use to argue. And all of Roger’s fortune in Mr. Truelord’s +hands! <abbr>We ’ve</abbr> considered it a family resource for +years!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> What a fool Roger was to bring Edgar +Poe to the house!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> crazy about the man. Says <abbr>he ’s</abbr> a +genius, and all that stuff.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Well, he is. But to introduce him to a +girl like Helen! <abbr>They ’ll</abbr> be off before morning!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> Oh-h! Don’t, Kate! Roger actually +wants me to ask him to stay in the house.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Idiot! He deserves to lose her.... But +your guest! (<i>Laughs</i>) Poor Madela! How he would +upset your nice, comfortable theories of life! Why, you +<abbr>could n’t</abbr> hand him a cup of tea without feeling the planet +quake.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> But what are we to do? Kate, you <em>must</em> +help me.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> going to. You can’t tell her father, +because Helen must be persuaded, not opposed. And +don’t speak about the money. If she loved a beggar she +would trudge barefoot behind him.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> (<i>Despairingly</i>) O, don’t I know it?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Now you leave this to me, Madela. I will +say a few things to Helen about meeting Mr. Poe in +Europe—and—you know—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> (<i>Kissing her violently</i>) O, Kate! Tell +her all—and more, if necessary! Don’t think about +your reputation if you can save Roger’s fortune—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Sh!—</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Helen, with wine and a glass</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> (<i>Feebly</i>) Thank you, dear, but <abbr>I ’m</abbr> better +now. (<i>Rising</i>) <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> try to rest. (<i>Goes to door</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> I would see you to your room, mamma, but +<a class="page" name="page182" id="page182" title="182"></a><abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure you would rather have Catherine. (<i>Mrs. Delormis +makes no move to go</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Tru.</strong> O, I am quite well—I mean—I need no +one—no one at all! Goodnight, my dears! (<i>Exit</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Politely</i>) And is there anything which you +must have out to-night, cousin Catherine?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Sit down, Helen. (<i>Helen takes a chair</i>) +You have never loved me, but I have always had a warm +heart for you, little girl. And you will take a warning +from me in good part, won’t you?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> A good warning, yes.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> I told you about meeting Mr. Poe last +summer in Normandy. But—I did not tell you how +often I met him. (<i>Helen rises, then Mrs. Delormis rises</i>) +Helen, I prove my love for you by saying what it is so +hard to utter to your pure self. My life has not been—all +you would wish it to be—and Mr. Poe knows more +about it than any other man.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> You lie! I have seen his soul!</p> + +<p>(<i>She goes to door and opens it for Mrs. Delormis to +pass out. Mrs. Delormis sweeps through with an attempt +at majesty</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Motionless with clenched hands</i>) Wicked, +wicked woman!... (<i>Goes to window, rear, opens it, +draws long breaths as if stifling, and turns back into +room</i>) Edgar! My love! I was a thing of clay. One +look from your eyes has made me a being of fire and air.... +(<i>Lies down on couch and takes up her book</i>) ... +I can not read ... or sleep ... or pray. <abbr>There ’s</abbr> too +much whirling in my heart for prayer.... (<i>Starts</i>) +What moan is that?... (<i>Rises, takes light from table, +goes to window, leans out, casting the rays down</i>) +Nothing.... <abbr>I ’m</abbr> fanciful.... The moon is rising. (<i>Goes +back, putting light on table</i>) O, Edgar! God help me +to be what love must be to thee. Love that can look +<a class="page" name="page183" id="page183" title="183"></a>on miracles and be sane. What a face when he said +goodnight! Like an angel’s whose immortality is his +wound.... Poor Roger!... What will my father +say?... (<i>Moonlight floods the window</i>) Welcome, +soft nurse of dreams! (<i>Extinguishes lamp</i>) A little +rest.... Ah, I know <em>he</em> does not sleep.... (<i>She +lies on couch in the moonlight, her eyes closed. Poe +enters by window, gazes at her, and throws up his arms +in gesture of prayer</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Looking up, and springing to her feet</i>) Edgar! +My God, you must not come here!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Is this love’s welcome?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Go! go!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I was dying out there.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Leave me!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Life was passing from my veins. Only your +eyes could draw back the ebbing flood.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> I will light the lamp! (<i>Turns hastily</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And put out Heaven’s! (<i>She drops her hand</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Go, O go at once!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Again I am alone! The twin angel who put +her hand in mine is flown!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Edgar, be calm!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Calm! With such a look from you burning +me as if I were a devil to be branded? Such words from +you hissing like snakes through my brain?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> O, I beg you—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I would but touch the hand that soothes my +blood—look in the eyes that wrap my soul in balm—and +you cry out as though some barbarous infidel had trampled +you at prayers!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> My father—Roger—they will not understand.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, you would bring the world in to say how +and when we shall love! Take note of the hour, and +kiss by the clock! Great love is like death, Helen. It +<a class="page" name="page184" id="page184" title="184"></a>knows no time of day. If a man were dying at your +gates would you keep from him because <abbr>’t was</abbr> midnight +and not noon, and you were robed for sleep? It was +your soul I sought. Must you array that to receive me? +O, these women! On Resurrection day <abbr>they ’ll</abbr> not get +up unless their clothes are called with them from the +dust! ‘Excuse me, God, and send a dressmaker!’ Ha! +ha! ha! (<i>Walks the floor in maniac humor</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Edgar, for love’s sake hear me!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Speak loud if you would drown the winds!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Listen!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Turning upon her</i>) If my body bled at your +feet you would stoop to me, but when my spirit lies in +flames you cry ‘Don’t writhe! Don’t be a spectacle!’</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Putting her hands on his shoulders and speaking +steadily</i>) The spirit does not murmur. Only the +body cries.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Calming</i>) Forgive me, Helen!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Yes, love. (<i>Draws him to couch and sits by +him soothingly</i>) ... O, your forehead is on fire.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No wonder, when I have just come out of hell.... Keep +your cool hand over my eyes.... O, this +is peace!... (<i>Takes her hand from his forehead and +holds it</i>) I made you a song out there, in the darkness. +I was fainting for one gleam of light when you opened +the window and stood as beautiful as Psyche leaning to +the god of love. Listen ... and believe that my heart was +as pure as the lines. (<i>Sings softly</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Helen, thy beauty is to me</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> Like those Nicean barks of yore</span><br /> +<span>That gently o’er a perfumed sea</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> The weary, wayworn wanderer bore</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> To his own native shore.</span></p> + +<p class="italic"><span><a class="page" name="page185" id="page185" title="185"></a>On desperate seas long wont to roam,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face,</span><br /> +<span>Thy Naiad airs, have brought me home</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> To the glory that was Greece</span><br /> +<span>And the grandeur that was Rome.</span></p> + +<p class="italic"><span>Lo, in yon brilliant window-niche</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> How statue-like I see thee stand,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> An agate lamp within thy hand,—</span><br /> +<span>Ah! Psyche, from the regions which</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> Are holy-land!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Drops his head to her hand and kisses it gently</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Edgar, my life shall be my song to thee. (<i>They +are silent for a second. His hand touches her book</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> A book! Who could write for such an hour? +(<i>Holds book in moonlight</i>) Shelley! Lark of the world! +You would know!... You will give me this book, Helen?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> It is precious. You will love it?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Always! (<i>Kisses book, and puts it inside his +coat. Taking her hand</i>) O, all our life shall be a happy +wonder! Wilt lie with me on summer hills where pipings +of dim Arcady fall like Apollo’s mantle on the soul? Dost +know that silence full of thoughts?—and then the +swelling earth—the throbbing heaven? Canst be a +pulse in Nature’s very body? (<i>Leaping up</i>) Take forests +in thy arms, and feel the little leaf-veins beat thy +blood?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) Yes—yes—I know. Come to the +window, love. The soft Spring air begins to stir.</p> + +<p>(<i>They move to window</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, what a night! <abbr>’T is</abbr> like a poem flowing to +the sea. Here I shake death from my garments. Oh, +had my soul a tongue to trumpet thought, men from yon +planets now would stare and lean to earth with listening +<a class="page" name="page186" id="page186" title="186"></a>ears!... Hark! <abbr>’T is</abbr> music!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Looking down</i>) A serenade.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Canst call it that? I hear nothing that comes +not from the stars. <abbr>’T is</abbr> Israfel! The angel whose lute +is his own heart!</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span class="i1"> If I could dwell</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> Where Israfel</span><br /> +<span class="i2"> Hath dwelt, and he where I,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> He might not sing so wildly well</span><br /> +<span>A mortal melody,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> While a bolder note than his might swell</span><br /> +<span class="i2"> From my lyre within the sky!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>Some day we shall live there, Helen, and then I will sing +to thee!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> But now—my love—you must rest—you must +sleep.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Sleep! Nothing sleeps but mortality!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> And you are mortal, Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I! Nay, thy love has given me kinship with +the deities! Sleep? Ay, when Nature naps, and God +looks for a bed! When yonder moon forgets her starry +whirl and nodding falls from heaven! When Ocean’s +giant pulse is weary and grows still! When Earth heaves +up no seasons with their buds! No, no, we will not +sleep! But see—there gleams the river—and yonder +rise the hills touched new with Spring! Wilt go there +with me, Helen? Now!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Now?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> To-night!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> To-night?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Why not? You say it as though night and +day were not the same to the soul—except that night is +more beautiful! Why not go?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page187" id="page187" title="187"></a><strong>Hel.</strong> I will tell you, love. (<i>Drawing him back to the +large chair</i>) Come, listen. (<i>She sits in chair, and he +kneels by her, the moonlight covering them</i>) Because I +love you more than you love beauty, God or night, and +you must live for me. And to live means—rest—sleep—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do you love me so much? O, <abbr>’t is</abbr> like cool +waters falling about me to hear you say it.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> I will help you, Edgar. Already I feel my +strength. Where I may serve you <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not meekly go, +but go exultant. The thorns and stones so harsh to +human feet, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> press as they were buds, and leave my +blood for kisses.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Oh, go on.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Yes, <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> more to tell you. It is—that you +must help me, too. To-day—before you looked at me +the first time—I was dying. Ah, more,—I was about to +set the seal of death on my soul. My mother, who died +at sea when I was born, gave me a heritance with winds +and waves and stars. But I was nursed by hands +through whose clay ran no immortal streams. Cradled +in convention, fed on sophistries, I wove a shroud about +my soul, and within that hardening chrysalis it was +dying away when you called it forth in time to live—dear +God, in time to live! Now you see how much you +are to me, Edgar. I must not lose you. But you must +be careful and patient with me, for my newly-bared soul +shrinks from the wonders so familiar to you, and I may +fly back to my chrysalis to escape the pain.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I am not afraid. Would a mother leave her +babe? And I am a child now, Helen. This strange, new +rest you give me is like a gentle birth. I have been old +all my life. Now the longing comes for a little of the +childhood that was never mine. The years fall from me, +and I have no wish but to lie on a mother’s bosom and +hear her voice prattling above me.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page188" id="page188" title="188"></a><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Archly, leaning over him as he sits at her feet</i>) +Does my little boy want a story?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Smiling</i>) About the fairies, mama?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> About the fairies—and a big giant—and a +little girl lost in a wood—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And a little boy too?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Yes, a little boy, too! And the little girl was +crying—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And the little boy found her?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Yes, and he told her not to cry, that he could +kill the big giant, and he hid the little girl in a cave—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Was it a dark cave, mama?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> No-<em>o-o</em>! It was a cave—with—windows in it! +And by and by he heard the giant coming—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Oh! (<i>Hides his face on her breast. She holds +him to her, her hands on his hair</i>) And when the little +boy heard the leaves rustling closer and closer he climbed +a great tree—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Lifting his head</i>) But he <abbr>was n’t</abbr> afraid, +mama?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> O, <em>no-o</em>!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Because that little boy was me!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Yes. And when you got to the top of the tree—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, what did I do then?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Why, you see this was the biggest giant that +<em>e-v-e-r</em> lived—and his head was just as high as the top of +the tree—so when he came by—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I know! I know! I just out with my sword, +and off went his head!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> So it did! And then you climbed down from +the tree—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And the little girl came out of the cave—</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> And you went off together happy ever after!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> What was that little girl’s name, mama?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page189" id="page189" title="189"></a><strong>Hel.</strong> Why, I don’t think you ever told me that, did you?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I was just thinking—</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> What, darling?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> That I wish you <abbr>were n’t</abbr> my mama, so you +could be that little girl!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> O, I can, dear. For there were the fairies. We +forgot the fairies. They gave me this pretty ring, so that +when I put it on I can be whoever I please, and I please +to be just whoever my little boy likes best.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Rises, and speaks in his own manner</i>) +Madonna, Oh, Madonna! You will save me. (<i>Kisses +her forehead</i>) Good-night. To-morrow I will tell you +about my work—our work. There are miracles yet to +be. And Poesy shall speak them.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> But do not try to write out all your soul, +Edgar. That cannot be. Poetry is but one gate. The +soul goes out by a thousand ways.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> True. And we will find those ways together, +Helen. We will gather truth in every path,—truth that +flowers out of the struggle and carnage of life like the +bloom of song on the crimson of war.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> But we may not know all. Man’s greatest +knowledge is but the alphabet of the eternal book. We +must be content with the letters, and not unhappily +strive to read.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I will remember. But what mortal can attain +shall be mine. Already thoughts that fled my agony +come to me as gently as the alighting of birds. Truths +open about me like the unfolding of roses yet warm with +God’s secret. Good-night. (<i>Takes her hand</i>) I am not +the greatest genius, Helen, for I can not stand alone. +(<i>Drops her hand and goes to window. Hesitates and +turns back</i>) One kiss. (<i>Kisses her</i>) O, look at me! +I lose divinity when you close your eyes! Look at me, +and I can not fall for Heaven bears me up!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page190" id="page190" title="190"></a><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>In sudden alarm</i>) I hear a step!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Looking at her reproachfully</i>) Listen better, +you will hear God’s footfall.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Some one is up.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And do you care? Would you put a stain upon +this hour? This flower of love <ins title="Corrected from Errata">blown</ins> perfect from the skies?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Ah, it is gone.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Wildly</i>) O, you will leave me, Helen! You +can not stay! For I will play the madman to thy sense +when I am sanest, and like a shivering Atlas shake thy +world when most thou wouldst be still. This body +wraps more lives then one, my girl. When I was born +no pitying angel dipped my spirit-fire in Lethe. I weep +with all the dead as they my brothers were, and haunt +the track of time to shudder with his ghosts. Wilt fare +with me, brave Helen? Wilt tread the nadir gloom and +golden paths of suns? Canst gaze with me into the fearful, +grey infinitude—</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> That grey infinitude is yet the circle of your +being. The mind can not leave itself. You are always +in your own country. Why should you fear?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> The mind that can not leave itself knows nothing. +Not the ‘I am’ but ‘Thou art’ is God. O, there is +a realm of which imagination is but a shadow—where +the mind is burnt away in His vision’s fire, and thought +becomes celestial angel of itself! And you turn back +with the first step—already I am alone—</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> No! I, too, have hung upon the boundaries +of the world to catch God’s flying dreams! O, +trust me! Thou shalt fling no lance but I will cast it on +to gleam in a farther sun! Bring me roses from Jupiter, +<abbr>I ’ll</abbr> bring thee lilies from Uranus! O,—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Mine, by Heaven! (<i>Catches her to him</i>) +Here <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> begin the immortal pilgrimage! We need not +wait for death! From world to world—</p> + +<p><span><a class="page" name="page191" id="page191" title="191"></a><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Springing from him</i>) It <em>is</em> a step!</span><br /> +<span>Go, Edgar! Go!</span></p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No! By the god in my bosom, you are mine +from this moment!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> My father! my father! He will tear me from +you—You do not know him!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I know <abbr>he ’s</abbr> mortal. Heaven could not part +us. I will not move!</p> + +<p>(<i>He is standing in the window. She hastily draws +the curtain before him</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Then keep your word!</p> + +<p>(<i>A knock at the door. Helen is silent</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Voice.</strong> Helen?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> It is you, Roger? Come in.</p> + +<p>(<i>Roger enters, carrying a lamp. Looks about and +sees Helen.</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Rog.</strong> I heard voices.... Who was with you, Helen?... +I could not be mistaken.... (<i>puts lamp on +a table, and comes nearer Helen.</i>) Look at me, Helen.... +I am your brother. Who was here?... I know +that Love has laid his mighty hand upon you, but +yet you are an angel. I thought—it was—his voice.... +Tell me what this means.... <em>He</em> was not here! +O, I shall die when I learn that you are but a woman!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Leaping out</i>) I am here, sir, to defend that +lady’s honor!</p> + +<p><strong>Rog.</strong> (<i>Staggers back, regains composure, and bows +ironically</i>) I rejoice to hear it, sir, for you alone can do +it. It is wholly in your keeping. (<i>Turns to go</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Roger!</p> + +<p><strong>Rog.</strong> Madam.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> You forsake me?</p> + +<p><strong>Rog.</strong> You have forsaken yourself.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Oh! (<i>Swoons. Poe bends over her wildly +affectionate. Roger stands apart, proud and despairing</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page192" id="page192" title="192"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> Helen! Speak! Speak to me!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Leave me! Leave me!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> It is I, Helen! Your lover! Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> You, you, I mean! (<i>Rising</i>) Thou wing of +hell across my life! Away from me!</p> + +<p>(<i>Poe stands back speechless with bewilderment. +Roger goes to Helen, takes her hand, and leads her from +the room</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Lost! lost! lost! (<i>Looks about the room</i>) +This place!... O, I was mad to come here!... She +will never forgive me! (<i>Falls on the couch and lies +motionless. After a moment enter Mrs. Delormis.</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Where is the wild man?... Oh, he has +fainted! The wine! (<i>Goes to the table and pours wine</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Oh!</p> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Delormis turns to him. He rises ceremoniously, +with effort</i>) Well?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Well, indeed! Here I am to your rescue, +and you reward me with a ‘well’ (<i>mimicking</i>) up to +ceiling.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> What are they saying to her? I must go to her! +I must!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Must <em>not</em>! Listen! (<i>Grasps his arm to +detain him</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Releasing his arm and bowing stiffly</i>) Mrs. +Delormis.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. D.</strong> (<i>Copying his manner</i>) Mr. Poe!... Mr. +Truelord has not yet been roused. No one will wake +him unless you choose to do it yourself by increasing +the hubbub. Roger defends you to Mrs. Truelord—says +you are ill—out of your senses—and other complimentary +things. Both of them are soothing and +mothering Helen, and—(<i>dropping into tenderness</i>) I +wanted you to have a little mothering, too—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do you really want to help me?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page193" id="page193" title="193"></a><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> O, if you would only let me be your friend!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> You may! Stay here with me till she comes! +I know she will come. She can not let me go without +one word. It would be too terrible. She can not! Stay +till she comes. Talk to me. Do not let me think!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> make myself comfortable then, and +<abbr>we ’ll</abbr> have a good chat. You know <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> been told that +I talk my best between two and three in the morning.</p> + +<p>(<i>Takes pillow from couch to make herself cosy +in chair</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do not touch that pillow!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> (<i>Dropping into chair</i>) Well!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do not sit in that chair!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) May I stand on the carpet, or +shall I take off my slippers before the burning bush of +your love?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Forgive me! Don’t you see that I have lost +her?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Well, you <em>were</em> out of your senses to +come here and think Helen would understand it.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I was not! She did understand! The vision +that led me to her feet was as clear as an archangel’s! It +is now that I am mad, and see everything gross and +darkened with earth and flesh! (<i>Overcome, sinks on +couch. She hastily brings wine</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Drink it. You must.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No! You offer me hell! And you know it. +Put it down. If you want to help me, go to her and +bring me one word.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Drink this for me, and I will.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Taking glass</i>) You will?... No! (<i>Puts +glass down</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> My dear boy, you are too weak to stand! +<abbr>It ’s</abbr> that old habit of not eating. I don’t believe you +have tasted food for days.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page194" id="page194" title="194"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> True ... but.... (<i>Faints. Mrs. Delormis +gives him wine. He rouses</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Now will you kill me?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Brightening</i>) No. You were right. <abbr>’T was</abbr> +what I needed. <abbr>’T will</abbr> keep life in me till she comes. Go +to her now. Tell her I will leave her—I will go away +for a year—a thousand years—if she will only say I may +come back some day. I will live in a desert and pray +myself to the bone! Bring me one word from her—a +curse—anything!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> (<i>Pouring wine</i>) A little more of this +then, so I shall be sure to find you alive when I return.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Drinks eagerly</i>) <abbr>’T is</abbr> life! Life! <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> drunk +of Cretan wines against whose fragrant tide the Venus-rose +poured all her flood in vain, but never thrilled my +lips till now with drop so ravishing! And you brought +it to me! Helen left me to die ... cruel ... cruel ... +cruel.... (<i>Sits on couch, taking his head in his hands. +Looks up</i>) Florimel!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> My Calidore!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> You are a very beautiful devil.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> (<i>Pouring wine</i>) Thanks. <abbr>I ’m</abbr> glad you +like my style. (<i>Sips wine</i>) It <em>is</em> good, <abbr>is n’t</abbr> it?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> an enchantment to pilot grief to new and +festal worlds! Another cup! (<i>Drinks</i>) O, <abbr>’t is</abbr> a drink +to rouse the drooping soul for <ins title="Possible error for 'warrior'">warrier</ins> quest till on the +conquered shores of dream man strides a god!... +(<i>Pours another glass</i>) Again? No ... no more!... +(<i>Sinks down</i>) O, my bird of Heaven, come quickly, or I +am lost!... Florimel!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> My knight of Normandy!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Since we are going to hell let us be merry +about it.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> At last you are sensible.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Wine! wine!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page195" id="page195" title="195"></a><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> (<i>Holding glass</i>) I mean to have my price +for this.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Take my soul!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> Something better—a kiss!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> yours! (<i>Kisses her</i>) Why not? For but +a kiss did Jove forsake the skies, and jeopard his high +realm!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. Del.</strong> For but a kiss did Dian leave her throne +and waste her goddess dower on shepherd lips! (<i>Sits by +him</i>) Now you are going to tell me something. Why +did you fly from Normandy, and not a word, not a word +to me? Come, my Calidore! Why did you fly from me?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Momentarily sober</i>) Because—a woman +shall never become less holy than God made her through +me. (<i>Rises and walks away</i>) Helen ... my amaranth, +I may not pluck thee!... (<i>Staggers</i>) One cup more ... +one.... (<i>Pours wine, and holds up glass apostrophizing +as Roger and Helen enter unnoticed</i>) O, little +ruby ocean that can drown all mortal sighs! Call +buried hope to put life’s garland on, and limping woes to +trip like Nereids on a moonlit shore! For thee, frail +sickness casts her pallid chrysalis and blooms a rosy +angel! For thee, Death breaks his scythe and owns Life +conqueror! (<i>Drinks</i>) Were this Antonius’ cup.... +Ha! Are you there, my devil? Another kiss, +sweetheart! (<i>Throws his arm about Mrs. Delormis. +Helen cries out. Poe turns and faces her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>To Poe, speaking slowly and mechanically</i>) I +came, sir, to ask you to forgive me. (<i>Turns to Roger</i>) +It is to you, Roger, that I make my plea.</p> + +<p>(<i>Poe looks at her helplessly, then understands, and +with a terrible face, turns and leaps through the open +window. Helen, with a sob, droops, and Roger takes +her in his arms</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page196" id="page196" title="196"></a><a name="play3act2" id="play3act2"></a>ACT II.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act2scene1" id="play3act2scene1"></a>Scene: Lawn in front of Clemm cottage, near Richmond. +Bony and Tat on a side porch shelling peas.</p> + +<p><strong>Tat.</strong> Sho’ Mars Edgah come in good time! <ins title="Hyphenated across line-break in original">Pea-vines</ins> +jes a hangin’ low, an’ sweet as honey!</p> + +<p><strong>Bony.</strong> Mars Edgah hab peas ebry day wha’ he came +f’om! Big city hab ebryting!</p> + +<p><strong>Tat.</strong> Dey can’t hab ebryting when it don’ grow!</p> + +<p><strong>Bony.</strong> Sho’, dey hab it when it don’ grow same lak +when he do grow!</p> + +<p><strong>Tat.</strong> You nebah did hab no sense!</p> + +<p><strong>Bony.</strong> I ain’t got no sense? Take dat, Tatermally +Clemm! (<i>Strikes at her. They scuffle and bring Zurie +to side door</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Dem chillun’<!-- Original clear, but I can’t see the function of this apostrophe --> jes kill me! Why de Lawd make +ol’ Zurie bring dem two twins to dis heah worl’ she +nebah could tell! Dey haint shell ’nuf fo’ a hummin’ +bird’s stomach, an’ de pot bilin’ mad fo’ ’m dis minute! +Wha’ yo’ do, yo’ black niggahs? Come in heah! I make +yo’ sit still an’ do nuffin’ an’ yo’ ol’ mammy wu’kin’ hussef +to def! (<i>Picks up basket and drives children into the +kitchen. Calls after them beamingly</i>) Wha’ yo’ reckon +yo’ ol’ <ins title="Corrected from Errata">mammy</ins> cookin’ in dat ubbin fo’ two little no +’count niggahs?</p> + +<p><strong>Children.</strong> (<i>Within, scampering with delight</i>) Cherry +cobblah! Cherry cobblah!</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> (<i>Shutting the door</i>) Don’ want dat wind +blowin’ on my poun’ cake! <abbr>It ’ll</abbr> fall sho’!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page197" id="page197" title="197"></a>(<i>Virginia comes out at the front door of cottage, and +walks across the lawn to the shade of a bay tree where +Poe lies in a hammock as if asleep. A book on the +ground. She goes up softly and sits on a garden chair +near him. He opens his eyes</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, I have waked you!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No, little houri. I was not asleep. I would +not give one breath of this sweet world to cold, unconscious +sleep.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> You are happy, cousin Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No, Virginia. This is all too delicious to be +called happiness. Too calm, like the stilling of a condor’s +wings above sea-guarding peaks. He flies when +he is happy. When more than happy, it is enough to +pause in the blue and breathe wonders.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Is it wonderful here, Edgar? It has always +seemed so to me, but I have been afraid to tell anyone. +It seems like a great fairy house with God in it. Is it +wonderful, cousin?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <em>You</em> are wonderful.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, no, no, no! I want to tell you too, Edgar, +I have never felt that I quite belong here. It is all too +good for me—so beautiful, and I am not beautiful.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) Why, my little aspiring Venus, let me +tell you something. I have wandered somewhat in life—at +home and over sea—and I have never looked +upon a woman fairer than yourself.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Springing up in delight</i>) O, I am so happy! +You would not flatter me! You are the soul of truth!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> It is no flattery, little maid, as the world will +soon teach you.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I have nothing to do with that world, Edgar. +My world is the circuit of our mocking-bird’s wing. O, +where is he? (<i>Calls</i>) Freddy! Freddy! He is not +near or he would come. But he never goes farther than +<a class="page" name="page198" id="page198" title="198"></a>the orchard. Freddy!... He has not sung to me this +morning. You <abbr>have n’t</abbr> heard his finest song yet. O, <abbr>’t is</abbr> +sweeter than—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Picking up book</i>) Than Spenser?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes—than Spenser. Though he makes music +too, and we were just coming to the siren’s song. Shall +I read?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do! I knew not how to love him till he warbled +from your tongue.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> where the mermaid calls the knight.</p> + +<p>(<i>Reads</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>O, thou fair son of gentle faery,</span><br /> +<span>That art in mighty arms most magnifyde</span><br /> +<span>Above all knights that ever battle tried,</span><br /> +<span>O, turn thy rudder hetherward awhile!</span><br /> +<span>Here may the storm-bett<!-- Possible error for 'storm-beat' --> vessel safely ride;</span><br /> +<span>This is the port of ease from troublous toil,</span><br /> +<span>The world’s sweet inn from pain and wearisome turmoyle!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No more—no more!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Why, cousin?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I shall have the water about my ears presently. +I thought I was drowning on a mermaid’s bosom. Read +no more, Virginia. One nibble at a time is enough of +Spenser. He ought to be made into a thousand little +poems. Then we should have a multitude of gems instead +of a great granite mountain that nobody can +circuit without weariness.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> You know so much, Edgar. Will you teach +me while you are here, if I try very hard to learn?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Plucking a flower</i>) My little girl, what lore +would you teach this bud? God makes some people so. +Be happy that you are a beautiful certainty and not a +struggling possibility.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page199" id="page199" title="199"></a><strong>Vir.</strong> But the rose has no soul, Edgar—no heart, as I +have. It does not sigh to see you look so pale, and +read these lines of suffering here, (<i>touching his brow</i>) +but I—it kills me, cousin! (<i>He hides his face</i>) Forgive +me! O, I am so unkind!</p> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Clemm comes out of cottage and crosses to +them. She gently takes Poe’s hand from his face and +kisses him</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My dear boy!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Seizing her hand and holding it</i>) Don’t—don’t +be so kind to me, aunt! It tells too much of what +has never been mine. Curious interest—passing friendship—love +born in a flash and dead in an hour—these I +have had, while my heart was crying from its depths +for the firmly founded love that shakes but with the +globe itself.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Taking his head on her breast</i>) My dear +Edgar! You will be my son—Virginia’s brother!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Lifting his face smiling</i>) I <em>will</em> be happy! +No more of that solitude lighted only by the eyes of +ghouls! Here I have come into the light. I have found +the sun. I see what my work should be—what Art is. +She is beauty and joy. Her light should fall on life like +morning on the hills. The clouds of passion and agony +should never darken her face. O, I can paint her now +ready for the embrace of the soul!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> I can not see things with your rapturous +eyes, Edgar, but I know that your work will be noble, +and I love you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, aunt, you and this little wonder-witch have +enchanted me back to happiness. I promise you never +again shall you see a tear on my face or a frown on my +brow. (<i>Virginia, looking toward the road, bows as to +some one passing</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Blushing, cousin? Who is worth such a rosy +<a class="page" name="page200" id="page200" title="200"></a>flag? (<i>Stands up and looks down the road</i>) Brackett! +I do believe!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> You know him, Edgar? He is staying with +my brother-in-law, Nelson Clemm, for a short time, and +has asked to call on us—on Virginia, I mean, for of course +I don’t count, now that my little girl is suddenly turned +woman.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Don’t for Heaven’s sake!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> You don’t like him, Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Like him! We were at West Point together. +He refused to accept a challenge after slandering me +vilely, and I was obliged to thrash him. That’s all. +(<i>Turns suddenly to Virginia</i>) And you were blushing +for him!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> It was not because I like him, Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Looking into her eyes</i>) You are a wise little +piece.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> This is painful, Edgar. Of course he must +not call.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Call! Let him but look toward the house +again, and <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> give him a drubbing that will make him +forget the first one! The coward! He <abbr>would n’t</abbr> meet +me—after—</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> How about the frowns, Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Smiling</i>) Let him go!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> You should not make such bitter enemies +at the beginning of life, my boy.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> He can not touch me. He is not of my world.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> We are all of one world, Edgar, and never +know when we may lap fortunes with our foes. Mr. +Brackett is going into literature too.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Yes. The trade and barter part of it. I +shall be in the holy temple while he keeps a changer’s +table on the steps. (<i>Shrugging</i>) Brackett! Pah!... +But goodbye for half an hour. <abbr>I ’m</abbr> going to the orchard +<a class="page" name="page201" id="page201" title="201"></a>to take counsel with the birds on my new philosophy. +(<i>Starts away</i>) Come, (<i>turning to Virginia</i>) my mocking +bird, there won’t be a quorum without you! +(<i>Virginia goes to him. Zurie puts her head out of a +window and calls.</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mum Zurie.</strong> Mars Nelson comin’ up de lane!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Come back, Virginia, you must see your +uncle. Edgar, won’t you wait and meet him?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Thank you aunt, but I don’t think it would +give him any pleasure. (<i>Exit</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Coming back reluctantly</i>) O mama, we <em>will</em> +make him happy!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> try, my dear. But you must get +ready for the picnic. The girls will be here soon. Is +Edgar going with you?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> No, mother. He said he would go to a picnic +only with nymphs and naiads.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Here is uncle.</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter, from the road, Nelson Clemm</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> How d’ do, Maria! Howdy, girl! Go get +your hat.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> What now, Nelson?</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> Nothin’. Only <abbr>I ’m</abbr> tired o’ foolin’ and +talkin’ about that girl’s education. <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> come to take +her this time.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> To send me to school?</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> High time, ain’t it? I <abbr>could n’t</abbr> make up +my mind before whether <abbr>’t was</abbr> to be the seminary at +Bowville or Maryburg. But I had a letter this morning +which settled it for Bowville. Suits me exactly—suits +me <em>exactly</em>. So get your hat and come along.<!-- , followed by sentence space in original --> I drove +across the ridge and left my trap at Judge Carroll’s.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Her clothes, Nelson! <abbr>There ’s</abbr> nothing +ready—</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> You mean to say! When <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> been talkin’ +<a class="page" name="page202" id="page202" title="202"></a>this thing a whole year? And you a thrifty woman tell +me her clothes ain’t ready? Well, <abbr>she ’ll</abbr> come without +’em, that’s all. You can send ’em along afterwards. +<abbr>I ’ve</abbr> got it all fixed up, I tell you. My brother’s child +shall have her chance—she shall have her chance, so +long as <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> got a dollar in my pocket and she walks +exactly to please me—walks <em>exactly</em> to please me. <abbr>It ’s</abbr> +for you to say, Maria, whether <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> stand in the way +o’ your own flesh and blood or not.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Of course, Nelson, I am very grateful, and +do not dream of depriving Virginia of this opportunity, +only—</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> That’s all there is to it then. No onlys +about it. Go get your hat, girl. (<i>Virginia goes slowly +into the house. At the door she meets Zurie who turns +back and goes in with her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Now, Nelson?</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> <abbr>It ’s</abbr> just this. My brother’s child shan’t +stay another hour in the same house with Edgar Poe. +That’s the plain tale of it, Maria.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Nelson Clemm!</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> O, <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> been hearin’ things—<abbr>I ’ve</abbr> been hearin’! +He <abbr>did n’t</abbr> cover all his tracks at West Point—or +New York either!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Lies! All lies! Every one of them! He is +the soul of honor! Already Virginia loves him like a +brother! I trust her instinct! I trust my own!</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> O, <abbr>I ’m</abbr> not arguin’, <abbr>I ’m</abbr> just doin’. You +can’t turn him out, of course. <abbr>Would n’t</abbr> do it myself. +<abbr>Nobody ’ll</abbr> ever say Nelse Clemm was an inhospitable +dog! But I can look out for Virginia, and I will. She +goes with me now, or <abbr>I ’m</abbr> done with you and yours—and +you know that mortgage ain’t paid off yet.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Yes, she shall go. She ought to be in school +and again I thank you for helping us. But you are +<a class="page" name="page203" id="page203" title="203"></a>wronging my nephew,—one of the noblest of men. You +don’t know him!</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> <abbr>It ’s</abbr> plain enough <em>you</em> don’t!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Has Mr. Brackett—</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> Mr. Brackett is a guest in my house. Now, +Maria, say what you please. (<i>Virginia comes out of +cottage carrying a small satchel</i>) That’s a good girl! +<abbr>We ’ll</abbr> fix up a fine trunk and send it after her, won’t we, +mother?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Putting her arms about her mother’s neck</i>) +He—<abbr>was n’t</abbr> in the orchard, mama. Won’t you say +goodbye to him for me?</p> + +<p><strong>Mr. C.</strong> Come, come now! (<i>Leads her away</i>) Don’t +worry, Maria. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> drive you over to Bowville +every Sunday Doctor Barlow <abbr>does n’t</abbr> preach. (<i>Half +turning</i>) By the by, I saw him down the lane at the +widow Simson’s. Reckon <abbr>he ’ll</abbr> be along here pretty +soon. Seems to be on his widow’s route to-day. Good +morning! (<i>Exeunt</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Looking after them</i>) I shall go to her +myself to-morrow. My little daughter! A stately +woman now, but always my little daughter! (<i>Starts +into the house, pausing on steps</i>) Poor Edgar! How +he is misjudged! (<i>Goes in</i>)</p> + +<p>(<i>Zurie, Tat following, comes out of the side door and +sets to work digging up a shrub</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> (<i>Muttering</i>) Wha’ Mis’ Clemm gwine ter say +ter all dem young ladies comin’ heah fo’ de picnic? An’ +who gwine ter eat dem pies Zurie been two days +makin’? An’ sech a poun’ cake! It ought to be a +weddin’ cake, deed it ought! (<i>Bony comes out of +kitchen with a knife in his hand</i>) Heah, niggah, gimme +up dat knife an’ don’ be so slow-back! Dis heah bush +done grow an’ bloom till yo’ get heah!</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Poe, left, singing</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span><a class="page" name="page204" id="page204" title="204"></a>Old winter is a lie</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> As every spring doth prove,</span><br /> +<span>And care is born to die</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> If we but let in love—</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>Hey Mum Zurie, what are you doing?</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> <abbr>I ’s</abbr> diggin’, honey.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> That rosebay is the most graceful shrub in the +yard. You kill one leaf of it, if you dare!</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Miss Virginia she say how her bru’r Edgah lub +dis heah tree, an’ she want it under her window.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Oh! Can’t I help you, Zurie? Tenderly now!</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Miss Babylam’ ax me to move it yistiddy but +I don’t git no time, an’ I ain’ gwine to leab it now jes +cause <abbr>she ’s</abbr> gone away.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Gone away?</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> O Lawd, I forgot you don’ know! Why, +honey, Mars Nelson he come jes now an’ frisk her off to +school. Zip! an’ Babylam’ gone! An’ law, ef you seen +dat po’ chile cryin’!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> She cried, Zurie?</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Deed she did, and she ax me twenty hundred +times to tell her bru’r Edgah goodbye.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Virginia gone?</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> I done tol’ yo, Mars Edgah! Sho’ yo’ don’t +think ol’ Zurie know how ter tell lies, does yo’, honey?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No, Zurie, I know she is gone. The birds have +all stopped singing.</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Law, Mars Edgah, dey jes be a chipperin’! +Heah dat now?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> That is not a song, Zurie. It is a wail from +Stygian boughs.</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> O, yo’ go way!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Gone! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not permit it! My aunt must +bring her back! (<i>Hurries into house</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page205" id="page205" title="205"></a><strong>Zu.</strong> Wha’ make him ac’ so now? An’ wha’ make +Miss Babylam’ cry hussef sick when <abbr>she ’s</abbr> gwine away +ter be a fine lady? Mars Nelson he mighty good to gib +her eddication, but true fo’ sho he might jes’ well gib it +to my Tatermally fer all de thanks <abbr>he ’s</abbr> <ins title="Period and apostrophe transposed in original">gittin’.</ins> Ol’ Zurie +reckon it a sin to cry ober de goodness ob God!</p> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Clemm and Poe come out of cottage, both +disturbed</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> But, aunt, how are we going to live without +her?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My dear Edgar, we must not let our affections +root so deep in mortal things.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Mortal? Virginia mortal! She is a sister to +Psyche, immortal as the breath that blew her into +beauteous bloom!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> While I am glad, my son, to see you so +devoted to your sister—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Sister! Thank Heaven she is not my sister! +Aunt, Virginia must be my wife!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Bewildered</i>) Are you mad, Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No. Sane at last. I have been mad until now. +I have drunk loneliness and death. Here I breathe, grateful, +glad as a flower! My breast swells and falls as a +bird’s throat with happy song! O, aunt, help me to +accept this fair new life—the only real life! Do not drive +me back to gloom and the devils! Give me your Virginia!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> A child, Edgar! A child!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> To you—only to you. She has her full dower +of beauty—womanhood’s portion.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> She has a right to her education. I can +not wrong my child.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I will teach her—teach her more than she will +ever learn at the great mess table of knowledge where +the genius must take his treacle and the blacksmith his +ambrosia! O, aunt, you will give her to me?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page206" id="page206" title="206"></a><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Edgar, I love you dearly,—but—my little +girl—my Virginia—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Bitterly</i>) There is a difference then. She is +yours, I am not.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Do not be cruel. I am a distracted +mother!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> My dear aunt!</p> + +<p>(<i>Virginia runs into yard and flings her arms about +her mother</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, mama, uncle had to stop at Judge Carroll’s +and they got into an argument and Mrs. Carroll said +they would be at it for hours—she knew by the way the +judge was filling his pipe—and told me to run back if I +wanted to—Mama! Edgar! What is the matter?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Edgar does not want you to leave home, +dear.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Tell her all, aunt. (<i>Mrs. Clemm is silent. Poe +takes Virginia’s hand</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Virginia, you who have the face of a houri, the +form of a sylph, and the heart of an angel, will you be +my wife?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> My gentle one, can I not teach you to love +me?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Teach me? Ah, I love you now, Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Virginia!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I do! I do, mama! And oh, what happiness +beyond my dream—to be—his wife!</p> + +<p>(<i>Poe embraces her gently and draws her toward the +garden, right. They go out slowly. Mrs. Clemm turns +toward the cottage, weeping. At the step she hesitates, +looks toward the garden, and slowly goes after +them, murmuring distractedly</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> (<i>Who has observed the scene with growing horror</i>) +Fo’ de Lawd, fo’ de Lawd, bless dem two babies! O, +<a class="page" name="page207" id="page207" title="207"></a>de signs am all wrong! Miss Babylam’ came back when +she done start away! An’ Freddy bird hop right on my +ol’ wool dis mawnin’, kase why, he want tell me sumpin +gwine happen to Babylam’. An’, oh, dis po’ ol’ niggah +is kilt, kase dis is de day Miss Babylam’s fadder done die! +De missus she go ’bout cryin’ dis mawnin, an’ I allus +’member she do dat dis bery day! Wha’ make Mars +Nelson come fo’ Babylam’? O, fo de Lawd, fo de Lawd! +(<i>Tat and Bony stare at their mother in terror as she +proceeds</i>) I see de black hawk what flies outen de dead +swamp! Ooo! I see knives a drippin’ an’ guns a poppin’! +Oooooooo! I see de coffin, de coffin—an’ <abbr>it ’s</abbr> all +dark night, an’ de rain comin’ down de chimney—an’ de +wind—de wind—it say “Ooooooooooo!” (<i>Bends her +knees and body, and stares moaning. Tat and Bony +cling to her skirts. She turns on them with a scream, at +which they tumble to the ground</i>) Wha’ yo’ doin’ heah, +yo’ black no ’count niggahs?</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter from the gate the old minister, Doctor Barlow</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Doctor B.</strong> Good morning, Mum Zurie. You seem to +be agitated. Can I help you?</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Lawd, no! beg yo’ pahdon, sah! <abbr>I ’s</abbr> jes so +mighty tickled! Dese heah two niggahs so comicky like! +Lawd, no, I <abbr>was n’t</abbr> alligated at all, beg yo’ pahdon, sah!</p> + +<p><strong>Doctor B.</strong> <abbr>I ’m</abbr> glad to hear it, Zurie. Is your mistress +at home?</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Yes, sah. Dey all be in de gahden.</p> + +<p><strong>Doctor B.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> just take a walk in there then.</p> + +<p>(<i>Exit, right</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Wha’ make me le’m go in de gahden? My brain +it jes all wool and no sense at all! Wha’ now he fin’ +Mars Edgah kissin’ Miss Babylam’? Well, ain’t dey +gwine ter be married? Married! O, lawd! (<i>Throws +her apron over her head and sits on the ground. Re-enter +<a class="page" name="page208" id="page208" title="208"></a>Mrs. Clemm and Doctor Barlow. He carries his +hat in one hand and mops his brow with the other</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Doctor B.</strong> Well, well, well! Upon my word! Your +nephew—pardon me—is possessed of a rather impetuous +spirit—rather impetuous, pardon me!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, Doctor Barlow, what must I do? You +heard him! He wants to be married now—this hour!</p> + +<p><strong>Doctor B.</strong> Trust me, Mrs. Clemm, I shall perform no +ceremony without your full consent.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, I am sure of that! But must I consent? +If I refuse him he may take her away from me. And +Nelson will make trouble if we wait. Edgar will let no +one oppose him.</p> + +<p><strong>Doctor B.</strong> <em>I</em> should not attempt it, Mrs. Clemm.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> If it <em>is</em> to be, it is better to let it be now. +What makes me so helpless is the fact that Virginia is +against me. She loves him.</p> + +<p><strong>Doctor B.</strong> Naturally, Mrs. Clemm, naturally.</p> + +<p>(<i>They enter the cottage</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Wha’ dat man talk so now? He better quit +preachin’ ef he can’t hep folks no more ’n dat! Sho’, ol’ +Zurie hussef know dat much!</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter from the road a swarm of girls. They wear +graceful organdie gowns, and large ricestraw hats +trimmed with bows and streamers. Some carry baskets, +which they drop, and all troop about the yard</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Gertrude.</strong> <abbr>Where ’s</abbr> Virginia, Mum Zurie?</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> (<i>Hesitating</i>) She wa’ in de house ’bout so long +ago.</p> + +<p><strong>Ger.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> see!</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Wait a minute! Mis’ Clemm she an’ de minister +talkin’ on impo’tant business. Maybe <abbr>it ’s</abbr> dat mortgage, +I dunno! (<i>Grimaces</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Ger.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> go into the garden then. (<i>All start, +right</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page209" id="page209" title="209"></a><strong>Zu.</strong> Law, you jes oughter see dat cherry tree hangin’ +full by de back gate!</p> + +<p><strong>Girls.</strong> O! O! O! (<i>They rush off, disappearing +behind the cottage. Re-enter Poe and Virginia from the +garden as Mrs. Clemm appears at the front door</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, <abbr>’t is</abbr> too sweet to be true! How have I won +you, Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> By beauty, that speaks loudest when most +silent. (<i>Mrs. Clemm meets them</i>) God bless you, aunt. +I see ‘yes’ in your eyes. You could not deny me.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> No.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Run, Virginia, and put on your fairy’s dress! I +want you to look as if you were leaping out of a flower +into my heart! (<i>Virginia goes in</i>) O this beautiful +world! Just to live, my aunt! Is it not enough? +Literature is disease! The sick-robe of the soul! Who +can write that does not <em>live</em>—and who that <em>lives</em> would +write! But I must do it—I must work for her. Not a +wind shall blow upon my Virginia! I will find the fairy +paths for her feet! Not a satyr shall leer from the wood! +She will be ready soon. I shall wait for her in the orchard. +I would not see her again until she is mine—all +mine!</p> + +<p>(<i>Exit, left, singing</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>‘Come, Apollo’s pipes are merry—’</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Clemm goes in</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) I don’ reckon it make no difference +’bout dis heah bush now! (<i>Goes to side door and sits +on step disconsolately. The girls come running back</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mabel.</strong> <abbr>Here ’s</abbr> the finest cherry on the tree for the +prettiest mouth! Open, who gets it! (<i>Girls open their +mouths. Mabel eats cherry</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Gertrude.</strong> O, vanity!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page210" id="page210" title="210"></a><strong>Mab.</strong> No, I just took it for Virginia.</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> <abbr>Let ’s</abbr> play <em>Ant’ny Over</em> while we’re waiting! +<abbr>Where ’s</abbr> a ball? Bony, get a ball!</p> + +<p><strong>Bony.</strong> Can’t do it, missis! <abbr>Y’ all</abbr> los’ it las’ time +yo’s all here!</p> + +<p><strong>Dora.</strong> <em>Marlow Bright</em> then! Half with me and +half with Mabel! (<i>Girls divide, the two companies taking +opposite bases some distance apart</i>)</p> + +<p><span><strong>Dora.</strong> Marlow, marlow, marlow bright!</span><br /> +<span>How many miles to the old turnpike?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mab.</strong> Three score and ten!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Dora.</strong> Can we get there by candle light?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mab.</strong> Yes, if your toes are tripping light!</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Dora.</strong> Any robbers on the way?</span></p> + +<p><span><strong>Mab.</strong> Three blind witches, so they say,</span><br /> +<span>And Robin Hood with all his <em>men</em>!</span></p> + +<p>(<i>With the last word the girls exchange bases, the +travellers, with Dora, trying to reach the opposite base +without being caught by the robbers with Mabel. Virginia +comes to the door of cottage</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> <abbr>There ’s</abbr> Virginia! (<i>Girls stop playing as +Virginia joins them</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Gert.</strong> How pretty you look!</p> + +<p><strong>Mab.</strong> You’re a <em>real</em> nymph!</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> Come, <abbr>let ’s</abbr> be off now! (<i>Picks up a basket</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Girls—I—there <abbr>is n’t</abbr> going to be any picnic.</p> + +<p><strong>Girls.</strong> No picnic!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> But a wedding.</p> + +<p><strong>Girls.</strong> A wedding! Where? Where?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Right here—under the bay tree.</p> + +<p><strong>Girls.</strong> Who? Who?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Why—cousin Edgar—and—</p> + +<p><strong>Girls.</strong> You! you! (<i>All talk at once in excited babble. +Virginia breaks from them and runs into the house. +Girls keep tumultuous talk partly distinguishable</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page211" id="page211" title="211"></a><strong>Gert.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> so handsome!</p> + +<p><strong>Sallie.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> a prince!</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> Too young to be married!</p> + +<p><strong>Ethel.</strong> <abbr>He ’s</abbr> twenty!</p> + +<p><strong>Gladys.</strong> Older!</p> + +<p><strong>Mab.</strong> No!</p> + +<p><strong>Mamie.</strong> Virginia is a baby!</p> + +<p><strong>Alma.</strong> <abbr>She ’s</abbr> taller than any of us!</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> But younger!</p> + +<p><strong>Sallie.</strong> <abbr>Yonder ’s</abbr> Allie Kirby!</p> + +<p><strong>Mamie.</strong> Won’t she be surprised! I <abbr>was n’t</abbr> one bit!</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> Nor I!</p> + +<p><strong>Other Girls.</strong> Nor I! Nor I!</p> + +<p><strong>Ethel.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> tell her!</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> No, let me!</p> + +<p><strong>Other Girls.</strong> I will! I will!</p> + +<p>(<i>As Allie enters all the girls rush to her and talk at +once, trying to tell her the news. Mrs. Clemm and Virginia +come out of the house and join them</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My little yard never held so many flowers +before.</p> + +<p><strong>Allie.</strong> Is it true, Mrs. Clemm?</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> Of course it is! But you’re not going to let +him take her away from us!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> No, my dears. She will be one of you still.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Where is Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Bony.</strong> ’Deed, he wah in de orchard ’bout two +drecklys ago.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> He <abbr>does n’t</abbr> know <abbr>I ’m</abbr> ready. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> go tell him!</p> + +<p><strong>Girls.</strong> Do! do!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Daughter!</p> + +<p><strong>Girls.</strong> Do let her go, Mrs. Clemm!</p> + +<p><strong>Mab.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> all go! What fun!</p> + +<p><strong>Gert.</strong> <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> play ‘hunt the bridegroom!’</p> + +<p>(<i>Girls run off, disappearing in various directions</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page212" id="page212" title="212"></a><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> What will Doctor Barlow think? (<i>Goes +in. Allie, the last of the girls, pauses as she passes to the +side door where Zurie is sitting</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Allie.</strong> Why, Mum Zurie, you look as if Miss Virginia +were going to be buried instead of married.</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> (<i>Jumping at the word ‘buried’</i>) Sho’ now, +can’t Zurie hab de toothache wheneber she please, missus?</p> + +<p><strong>Allie.</strong> Toothache? O, <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sorry, Mum Zurie.</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Mars Edgah <abbr>he ’s</abbr> a mighty fine young man! Yo’ +won’t see no sech grow up roun’ <em>heah</em>!</p> + +<p><strong>Allie.</strong> But what a pity he <abbr>is n’t</abbr> rich!</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Rich? Wha’ fo’ Mars Edgah want to be rich? +All he got to do is jes scribble, scribble on a piece o’ +papah, an’ de gol’ come rollin’ down de chimney! Rich! +Yo’ better say yo’ prayers yo’ get a Mars Edgah too!</p> + +<p><strong>Allie.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> get you to pray for me, Mum Zurie.</p> + +<p>(<i>Runs away laughing</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Wha’ fo’ now she say I look lak Miss Babylam’ +gwine ter be buried? O, de good Lawd hep ol’ Zurie!</p> + +<p>(<i>Goes in. Enter Poe, left. He is moody and disturbed</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I feel it—a wind from out that solitude. It +calls me back ... it calls me back....</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Without, calling</i>) Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Sweet voice from the fields of the sun! (<i>Prays</i>) +Jehovah, guide thou me! (<i>Virginia peers around a +shrub</i>) Who could lock life’s door on such a face? It is +God’s gift. I take it. (<i>Virginia comes to him slowly. +He takes her in his arms. Mrs. Clemm and the minister +come out of the house and pause on the steps looking at +them. The girls come rushing back laughing and shouting, +and at sight of Poe and Virginia become suddenly +silent</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a class="page" name="page213" id="page213" title="213"></a><a name="play3act3" id="play3act3"></a>ACT III.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act3scene1" id="play3act3scene1"></a>Scene I: Interior of Clemm cottage. A large room +simply furnished. Low fire burning in fireplace. Poe at +table writing. Suddenly drops pen and picks up two +letters)<!-- There are a few stage directions like this ending in ) +without ( at the beginning. I think they are intentional --></p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I must destroy these. She must not know.... +My wife.... (<i>drops letters absentmindedly</i>) ... Married. +Married? What spirit so subtly fine can mingle +here?... Back, back, ye troops of devils damned or +angels blest—I know not which to call ye—summoning +me to those lone regions of the mind where none may +follow! None?... Helen could tread those airy worlds +with me!... Helen!... Far, far as zenith stars that +ride the blue meridian thou art, and I, deep, deep, to +nadir sink! (<i>Drops his head to the table</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Virginia.</strong> (<i>Without</i>) Edgar! (<i>He lifts his head +smiling as she enters</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Holding out a book</i>) O, I know the alphabet! +I can say it all! (<i>Gives him the book</i>) Watch now, and +see if I make a mistake!</p> + +<p><strong>Edgar.</strong> (<i>Smiling.</i>) <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> hardly need the book, dear.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Pouting.</i>) O, I forget that you know everything!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Not everything. (<i>Taking her face between his +hands as she sits on his knee, the book falling at their +feet</i>) I do not know how to be happy when this beautiful +face is gone. My wife is the fairest lady in all the +world.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page214" id="page214" title="214"></a><strong>Vir.</strong> Then what does it matter about this old Greek, +Edgar? (<i>Touching book with her foot</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Just this. You can not always be young and +beautiful, and when you are no longer the fairest I want +you to be the wisest.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> And if I am you will love me always?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Always.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Give me the book! (<i>Picks it up</i>) O, I will eat +Greek! I will breakfast with the heroes, dine with the +bards, and sup with the gods! But what a pity one +must begin with the alphabet to end with—what were +those lovely lines I found in your book yesterday?</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>And Helen on the walls rose like a star,</span><br /> +<span>And every Trojan said ‘<abbr>she ’s</abbr> worth our blood,’</span><br /> +<span>And every Greek ploughed new his way to her—</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>Go on, Edgar! <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure you know them!</p> + +<p>(<i>As she repeats the lines he presses her head to his +shoulder and puts his hand over her eyes. His face is +full of agony, but there is only sweetness in his voice.</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Not now, my little wife. Some other time.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Helen is such a beautiful name. I wish I had +been named Helen.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Thank God you are not!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Looking up hastily</i>) Why—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I mean that I want you to be just as you +are—my Virginia—nothing else!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Seeing he is troubled</i>) I am keeping you from +your work. You should have sent me away. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> be +angry with you, Edgar, if you let me disturb you. Now +<abbr>I ’m</abbr> going to find the last rose of summer for you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> But you <abbr>have n’t</abbr> said your lesson.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O! (<i>begins</i>) Alpha, beta,—now if I say them +right you are to give me a kiss for reward!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And if you miss one, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> give you a kiss for +encouragement.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page215" id="page215" title="215"></a><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Seeing letter</i>) O, a letter from New York! +<abbr>You ’ve</abbr> made me your secretary, you know, and of +course I must read your letters! (<i>Picks it up and +glances at it</i>) He says Mr. Willis will certainly give you +a place on his paper. (<i>Drops letter and looks at him +quietly</i>) It is your chance for fortune.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I am not going, love.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> If you go now it means success, if you wait +failure.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I shall not go, Virginia.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> If you were not married you would go.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Then I am glad I can not go.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> But you <em>can</em> go, Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> My darling, I will never take you away from +your mocking birds and roses. Don’t you think any +more about it. Run away now and find me a flower. +You will have to look sharp under the leaves, for the +wind is whistling to-day. Our little sham winter has +begun to bluster. (<i>Exit Virginia</i>) She shall not suffer. +She shall not! Though my heart surges like a prisoned +sea hers shall not move her bosom’s alabaster!... +Why <abbr>did n’t</abbr> I burn that letter. (<i>Throws it into the fire. +Take<!-- So in original, rather than 'Takes' --> up the other one</i>) I must keep the lawyer’s. I +shall need it. (<i>Puts it in his pocket</i>) Now work—work—work—(<i>Resumes +writing</i>) ‘<em>The Kingdom of the +Sun is peopled with beings whose distinguishing attribute +is color instead of form as with us. This color +varies with each thought of the spirit that it invests, +and also with the eye that beholds it. There is no need +to pellet the ear with rude words, for the most refined +meanings and emotions are conveyed by these subtle variations +of color coming and going like breathing light. +Were—</em>’ (<i>Enter Mrs. Clemm</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Edgar, dear, your breakfast has been waiting +two hours.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page216" id="page216" title="216"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> O, thank you, aunt. Don’t trouble about me +this morning. I shall want nothing.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> But, Edgar, my son, I must speak. You +do not sleep and eat as people should who wish to live +long for those who love them.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Dear aunt, pray—<abbr>we ’ll</abbr> talk about it some +other time. I <em>must</em> work now!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> I am sorry to disturb you, love, but there is +one question I must ask you. Have you heard from the +lawyer? (<i>Poe is silent</i>) A letter came. I thought you +would tell me, and not force me to ask about what I +must know. Is the place sold?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> But it will be? We must lose our home?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No, darling mother! I am going to pay off +everything! This very article I am writing will bring +me fame if I finish it. So please help me by not worrying +one bit, and don’t let our Virginia suspect anything.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> It would kill her! O, Edgar, I have been +wanting to tell you how grateful I am to you for your +gentleness to her. Though she looks so strong, she has +been frail from her birth. I know that she must die +early. I ought to have told you—that day—but I +could think of nothing. You will forgive me, Edgar? +She is such a child. I wonder at your patience. But you +will never be impatient with her, Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> If I am, may God that moment end my villain’s +life! Go now, sweet mother, for I must work, and remember +that you are to be troubled about nothing. +(<i>Exit Mrs. Clemm, right, rear</i>) Goodbye, Art! Thou +pure chrystalline dream! I must turn my brain into a +mint and coin money! O, Poesy, thou only divine mistress +given to man, some day I will return to thee! +(<i>Writes</i>) ‘<em>Were zephyrs made visible by means of ever +changing hues—</em>’ (<i>Bony and Tat rush into the room. +<a class="page" name="page217" id="page217" title="217"></a>Poe glares at them with a face of fury. They turn to +fly panic-stricken. Tat trips on a chair and lies moaning. +Poe goes to her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Gently</i>) Are you hurt, Tatsy?</p> + +<p><strong>Bony.</strong> (<i>At door, turning back, suddenly impudent at +sound of Poe’s softened voice</i>) She jes sullin’, Mars +Edgah. She play possum like dat wid me!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Get out, you little imp! (<i>Bony vanishes</i>) +Where are you hurt, Tatsy? (<i>She moans bitterly</i>) Poor +little girl! Her foot is twisted. A sprain perhaps. +(<i>Picks her up and carries her to sofa</i>) Never mind! <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> +got a fairy in a bottle will cure that in a jiffy. Just rub +it on, and ho, Tatsy is well again!</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Zurie, Bony clinging to her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Wha’ my chile? Lawdy God, my chile sho’ ’nuf +hurt! (<i>Goes to Tatsy</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <abbr>It ’s</abbr> the foot, Zurie. Be careful!</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Yas, <abbr>I ’s</abbr> seen dat foot befoh! (<i>Gives foot a +yank</i>) <abbr>Dat ’s</abbr> her ol’ trick, Mars Edgah. She jes foolin’ +yo’! Don’ yo’ be so soft hearted next time. Yo’ jes take +her by de back ob de neck and wring her head off!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I certainly will!</p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Zurie, drawing Tat. Poe goes back to his +work. Groans, and looks with desperation at his +manuscript</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, if this eludes me! I must not lose it now! +(<i>Writes</i>) ‘<em>In this Kingdom of the Sun there is a central +creating light that plays upon these color-beings with its +own transmuting—</em>’</p> + +<p>(<i>Re-enter Mrs. Clemm, bearing a tray</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My dear, <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> brought you some toast and +an egg.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Jumping up and staring at her</i>) They don’t +eat toast and eggs in the Kingdom of the Sun!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Edgar!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page218" id="page218" title="218"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> Forgive me! <abbr>It ’s</abbr> just something <abbr>I ’m</abbr> writing +here. But for God’s sake take the stuff away!</p> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Clemm turns to go, the tray trembling in her +hands. Poe runs to her and kisses her</i>) You sweetest +and best of mothers, don’t you see that if I eat this <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> +spend the next two hours digesting toast and eggs, and +if I don’t eat it <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> be making our fortune, putting a +roof over our heads, and keeping our Virginia happy!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> I only meant to be kind, Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I know you did, and you’re my darling +mother,—but don’t be kind any more.</p> + +<p>(<i>Exit Mrs. Clemm. Poe sits despairingly at table. +Enter Ethel and Annie</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Eth.</strong> O, Edgar, where is Virginia? We want her to +go nutting with us.</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> We shall have her now! You shan’t keep +her all to yourself just because <abbr>you ’ve</abbr> married her!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Take her by all means!</p> + +<p><strong>Eth.</strong> You <abbr>need n’t</abbr> be vicious about it. Where is +she?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I don’t know,—and pardon if I say that just +at this moment I don’t care!</p> + +<p>(<i>Gathers up papers and goes toward stairway in +corner of room</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> You <abbr>need n’t</abbr> run from us. <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure we’re +glad to go. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> find Virginia.</p> + +<p><strong>Eth.</strong> And <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> write that note to Gladys while +you’re gone. (<i>Seats herself in Poe’s chair. Exit Annie, +left, rear</i>) Come back, if you want to, Edgar. You +won’t disturb me at all. (<i>Writes. Poe pauses on stairway +and looks at her. Ethel lifts her eyes</i>) You <abbr>need n’t</abbr> +look so far to see me. <abbr>I ’m</abbr> not the North Pole! What +<em>are</em> you thinking of, Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Of what Anacreon said to a fly that lighted on +his brow when he was composing an ode to Venus.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page219" id="page219" title="219"></a><strong>Ethel.</strong> O! What was it?</p> + +<p><span><strong>Poe.</strong></span></p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Away, thou rude and slight impertinence,</span><br /> +<span>That with thy puny and detested bill</span><br /> +<span>Dost think to feed on immortality.</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Goes upstairs</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Ethel.</strong> Beast! (<i>Writes</i>) Virginia spoils him. If I +had him now <abbr>I ’d</abbr> soon make a nice comfortable husband +out of him!... An envelope?... Yes.... (<i>Takes one</i>) +Stamp?... Yes.... (<i>Takes one</i>) <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> get Bony to mail +this for me.</p> + +<p>(<i>Exit, right, rear. Poe comes down stairway</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Gone? Deliverance! <abbr>It ’s</abbr> too chilly for work +upstairs. (<i>Coughs</i>) What shall I do here this winter +with only one comfortable room in the house? Keep +warm by the fire in my brain, I suppose. (<i>Sits and +writes. Virginia is heard without, humming a song. +She enters, left, front, with a rose in her hand</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Darling, I found it deep under the leaves—Oh! +(<i>Starts out softly. Poe writes on without looking +up. At the door she turns and throws the rose towards +him. It falls onto the table and upsets ink over papers</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Leaping up</i>) By every fiend in hell!</p> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Clemm rushes in, followed by Zurie, Tat and +Bony</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My son, what is the matter?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> See what that child has done!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>With dignity</i>) Your wife, Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> My wife! Great God! O, Helen! Helen! +(<i>Rushes from the room, left rear</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Bony.</strong> I tol’ yo’ he wah mad! I done tol’ yo’ Mars +Edgah gone mad! He look at me jes so! (<i>Mimics</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Tat.</strong> (<i>Looking through window</i>) Dah he go now +troo de orchard jes a runnin’!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page220" id="page220" title="220"></a><strong>Bony.</strong> Obah de fence!</p> + +<p><strong>Tat.</strong> An’ no hat on!</p> + +<p><strong>Zu.</strong> Stop yo’ mouf an’ come out o’ heah, yo’ wussless +niggahs! I make yo’ know wha’ yo’ b’longs!</p> + +<p>(<i>Takes them out</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, Virginia! What an hour for you!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> What an hour for <em>him</em>, mamma!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Strange child! Not to think of yourself!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> How can I, when he is suffering so?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My angel daughter!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Kissing her</i>) We will be brave, my mother. I +hear the girls. Go to them one moment—do! (<i>Exit +Mrs. Clemm</i>) ... Helen! Dear God above! (<i>Drops on +her knees by a chair. After a moment of agony, rises, +goes to table and looks at papers</i>) What is it I have +ruined? (<i>Reads silently</i>) O, what beauty!... I think +I can make this out and copy it for him. But now he +may never finish it. The heavenly moment is gone ... +and I robbed him of it.... I, who should guard him and +keep the world away. That is my little part—too little, +God knows! O, if I could really help him!</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Ethel and Annie</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Eth.</strong> O, Virginia, now that we’re rid of that +troublesome husband <abbr>let ’s</abbr> have one of our good old-fashioned +times! <abbr>We ’ll</abbr> sit by the fire and tell tales. <abbr>It ’s</abbr> +too cold anyway to go to the woods.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Absently</i>) Edgar is there.</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> And there let him stay! <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure <abbr>it ’s</abbr> better +for both of you. You hang about him too much, Virginia. +<abbr>He ’ll</abbr> quit loving you, mamma says he will, if +you’re not more sensible. Help me draw up this sofa, +Ethel. (<i>They pull sofa to the fire. Annie settles herself +comfortably</i>) I feel just like giving you a lecture, Virginia. +You must make Edgar go out more. Anybody +will get queer shut up here. The other day when mamma +<a class="page" name="page221" id="page221" title="221"></a>asked him to come to our party he <abbr>was n’t</abbr> more than +half polite when he refused, and we were going to have +Mr. Melrose Libbie to meet him too. Said his work +would keep him at home! Now you know, Virginia, +that poetry <abbr>is n’t</abbr> work. <abbr>It ’s</abbr> just dash off a line now +and then, and there you are! Mr. Libbie said so. O, he +had the sweetest thing on the woman’s page in last Sunday’s +paper! Did you see it? <abbr>You ’d</abbr> better call Edgar’s +attention to it. Mamma read it to all of us at the +breakfast table, and—</p> + +<p><strong>Eth.</strong> O, stop your chatter, Annie, and let Virginia +tell us one of her fairy stories just as she used to do. +<abbr>We ’ll</abbr> forget all about Edgar and make believe she <abbr>is n’t</abbr> +married at all.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Painfully</i>) Forgive me, dear girls, but <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> +some work that I must do to-day.</p> + +<p><strong><ins title="Possible error for 'Ethel.'">Mabel.</ins></strong> Must do! Who ever heard the like?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I was wrong. It is some work that I choose +to do—that it will be my happiness to do.</p> + +<p><strong>Ethel.</strong> For Edgar?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes.</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> You are a little fool!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes ... I am a little fool.</p> + +<p><strong>Ethel.</strong> O, <abbr>there ’s</abbr> help for you if you know it!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> If I were not a little fool I could be of more help +to Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Ethel and Annie.</strong> Oh!</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> (<i>Jumping up</i>) Then we can’t stay to-day!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I am so sorry—but—</p> + +<p><strong>Annie.</strong> O, we might as well give you up first as last! +(<i>Exeunt girls</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Sits at table and stares at the papers</i>) ... +A little fool ... a little fool.</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act3scene2" id="play3act3scene2"></a><a class="page" name="page222" id="page222" title="222"></a>Scene II: Same room as before. Night. Virginia +sits motionless in the dim firelight. Mrs. Clemm comes +softly down the stairs)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Virginia?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Naughty mamma! You said you would sleep. +What a story to tell your little girl!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Advancing</i>) The rain—wakes me. (<i>Comes +to fire</i>) Did Edgar take his cloak, dear?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> No, mother.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Are you not cold in that dress, darling?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O no—quite comfortable—and Edgar likes me +in white, you know. (<i>A window rattles. Both look +anxiously toward the door</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> What a gust!... I wonder what winter is +like at the north. (<i>Virginia looks at her quickly, and +both drop their eyes</i>) ... To think of him out on a +night like this! And he has not been well lately. Had +he no purpose? Did he say <em>nothing</em> when he went out?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> He said he was going to seek Truth.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> And what does he mean by truth, Virginia?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, I don’t know. When he is talking I understand, +but when he is gone it all fades and I know nothing +about it.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Nor does Edgar, mark me, dear. He is +trying to know things that the wise God decreed should +remain unknown to mortals. That is what makes him +so unhappy.... Did he eat his breakfast this morning, +Virginia?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> No, mamma.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Did he take any food yesterday?... Tell +me, daughter. I can not help you if I do not know. +(<i>Virginia begins to sob</i>) There! there, darling! A little +patience and <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> get him over this.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, mother!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Come here, my little girl. (<i>Takes Virginia +<a class="page" name="page223" id="page223" title="223"></a>in her arms</i>) Now tell me! Don’t let the heart go +heavy when mother ears are waiting.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> He ... goes out at night ... and I follow +him because it kills me to think of him wandering alone. +We were on Burney hill last night.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Five miles!... Then that is what these +pale cheeks and dark eyes mean! And Edgar let you go!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> No! I <em>go</em>! I am not a child, mother. Ah, I +knew you would not understand!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Yes, yes, I do, Virginia. I know he suffers, +but you—</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Don’t speak of me! You shame me! Were I +to lie down on those coals my torture would be less than +his. Remember that, mother. When you doubt, as you +surely will, remember that I told you, and I know. His +mind is a <em>living</em> thing, throbbing through his body and +leaving him no shield of flesh. O, mamma, help him! +Promise me! You will never forsake him?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Never, my love.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I would not have told you, but my strength is +gone, and somebody must know,—somebody who is +strong. (<i>A gust shakes the window</i>) O, my darling! +Out in that blackness alone! And if I were there I could +say nothing. That is the pity of it, mamma. I have no +words, and thought without tongue is nothing so long +as we are mortal and wear these bodies. Some day +it may be enough just to <em>be</em> a soul, but not now—not +now!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, my daughter!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Promise me, mamma, that if I die you will find +Helen. <em>She</em> could help him!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) Virginia, if you say another word +like that I shall think you are mad—or I am! (<i>Bursts +into weeping</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Darling, darling mother! Now I have given +<a class="page" name="page224" id="page224" title="224"></a>you all my burdens you will grow weak under them, and +I want strength, strength by my side!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Calm</i>) You must go to bed, dear. I will +wait for Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> No, no!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> I will coax him to eat something.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Smiling sadly</i>) Coax him, mamma?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Yes, dear. Go now.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I can not.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> I command you, my daughter.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Please do not command me. You have never +had to pardon disobedience in me.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Nor shall I have cause now. Obey me, Virginia.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Would you send me into hell, mother?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Daughter!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> That is what a bed is to me when Edgar is out +like this.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> You make too much of these wanderings. +Night and day are alike to him.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Ah, it is not the night that I fear!... Go, +mamma! It is you who must rest. O, how we need +these strong arms—this clear head! I shall nod in my +chair for the thought of you getting your needed rest +will bring the winks to my own eyes. Come! (<i>Draws her +toward stairway</i>) I promise you that I will sleep in the +big chair as snug and tight as kitty herself. (<i>Kisses her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>On the stairs</i>) I can not leave my sick +child to watch. You ask me to do an inhuman thing, +Virginia. I will not go.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Mother!... Do not let me hurt you ... the +dearest, the most unselfish of mothers ... but it is better +for me to meet my husband alone.</p> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Clemm turns and goes slowly upstairs. Virginia +goes back to fire</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page225" id="page225" title="225"></a><strong>Vir.</strong> Watch and pray! I can but watch and pray!... +He said <abbr>’t was</abbr> love he wanted ... and I brought +him that ... love that shakes but with the globe itself. +But it does not help ... <abbr>’t was</abbr> all wrong ... all +wrong! (<i>Weeps. Rises, and busies herself about an +oven on the hearth</i>) Three times I have prepared his +supper that it might be fresh enough to tempt him. But +now ... I am so tired. I must try to keep this warm. +The sight of it may make him angry ... but I must try. +(<i>Arranges some clothes on a chair</i>) He will be so wet +with the rain. Ah, I can do nothing ... nothing. +(<i>Looks toward door</i>) He is coming! Strength, strength. +O my God!</p> + +<p>(<i>Poe throws door open. Turns and speaks as if to +companions outside</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Goodnight, goodnight, brave Beauty’s fearless +angels! (<i>Comes in</i>) Well, Dame Venus, what +thoughts for your hobbling Vulcan?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Brightly</i>) My Hermes, you mean. <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sure +you’re feather-footed, you go so far and fast.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Why, sweet-mouth, a kiss for that! (<i>Kisses her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, my love, you are dripping with the rain.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Well, and so are the trees. Not a leaf out +there but is shaking her pearls. Who flies from Nature +but man? Let her be terrible, glorious, worthy of his +eyes and his heart, and forthwith he takes to his hole.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I hate her to-night. She kept me from following +you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Virginia! (<i>Seizes her hands, crushing them in +his, and gazing at her with fierce earnestness</i>) Never do +that again! Never again! (<i>Lets her hands fall, and +turns toward door as if he must go out. Her eyes follow +him eagerly, but she tries to speak carelessly</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Here are your dry things, dear, and <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> kept +something hot for your supper.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page226" id="page226" title="226"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Turning</i>) Yes ... this is a very valuable skin +of mine. Make it comfortable. But what of me, Virginia? +That something here burning with fires that +would brighten Olympos’ head! Have you no welcome +for me? (<i>Virginia is silent</i>) Why are you so pale? Light +all the lamps! You should not sit in the dark. There are +no stars in this den!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Hurriedly lighting lamp</i>) <abbr>I ’m</abbr> sorry, love, but +last night you wanted the dark—don’t you remember?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No, I don’t remember. Memory is a hyena, +always scratching up our dead selves! You must not +remember, Virginia!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes, dear.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Forgive me, love. O, I am driving myself mad! +Selling myself to the devil of prose that I may bring in +that fool’s litter—money, money, money—and for what? +That we may feed the flesh that devours our souls, and +hang such rubbish as this on our backs! (<i>Sweeps garments +from chair</i>) O, Virginia, if you were brave enough +we would forget these rags of the body and go like +spirits to meet our brothers of the night! They are all +out there! Will you go with me, my bride?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Ha! You would rather ask them in to have +something dry and something hot! But I must have the +air! (<i>Throws door open. Lightning flashes on falling +rain. Virginia shrinks from the wind</i>) Hear those +winds! Gathering lost souls to the bosom of Night! +Feel those drops! Every one of them the tear of a fallen +god! O, is it nothing but rain? Ha! ha! ha! (<i>Virginia +coughs. Poe closes the door hastily. She coughs +again</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Don’t, Virginia!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes, dear.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> My angel! (<i>Embraces her. She coughs</i>) O, +<a class="page" name="page227" id="page227" title="227"></a>it is these wet clothes! (<i>Throws off coat, picks up +dressing gown from the door and puts it on hurriedly</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Eagerly</i>) Your slippers too, dear!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Yes, yes, my slippers! (<i>Puts them on. Sits +in big chair, taking her on his knee, and embracing her +tenderly</i>) What made you cough, Virginia?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, <abbr>’t was</abbr> nothing, dear. <abbr>’T is</abbr> all right now. +Everything is all right.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Is it, little wisdom? O, ye gods!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Concealing anxiety</i>) Darling?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> What, my beautiful earth-bird?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> You will take your supper now?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Impatiently</i>) No, no! Is there any wine in +the house?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes, love, but—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I must have it! Quick! I shall faint.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) No, Edgar. It is food you need.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Rising</i>) Where is it?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, my dearest!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Tell me, Virginia! (<i>Goes toward a closet</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Getting before him</i>) If you were reaching for +a cup of poison, Edgar, I would risk my life, ay, risk +your love, to dash it from you. And wine is your poison. +I can not let you drink death.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Death! It is all the life that is left to me, and +you deny it!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Be quiet, love. You will wake our mother.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Down, gods, and let the lady sleep!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> She is not well, Edgar.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> But she will be well to-morrow, and I—I am +immortally sick and you deny me a drop of wine.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, my poor boy! <abbr>I ’m</abbr> so sorry for you!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And is that all, O Heaven? <abbr>I ’m</abbr> her poor boy, +and she is so sorry for me! Why, <abbr>here ’s</abbr> a heart that +loosens in its throbs the birth-song of new stars! Come, +<a class="page" name="page228" id="page228" title="228"></a>strike thy chime with mine, and though all bells upon +the planet jingle, in us will still be music!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> O, Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Well?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I can not speak.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Virginia, Virginia! I pour out my soul to you! +I keep back no drop of its sea! From the infinite, +shrouded sources of life I rush to you in a thousand +singing rivers, only to waste, to burn, to die on the +sands of silence! (<i>She remains motionless, her head +bowed</i>) ... It is so still upon the eternal peaks. Will +you not come up with me and be the bride of my dreams? +You need not speak ... you need not say a word. Only +put the light of poesy in your eyes and let me <em>see</em> that +through the channel of their beauty course the mysteries +that begin with God and end not with time! (<i>She looks +at him. He gazes into her eyes</i>) ... Tears ... only tears. +(<i>Turns away</i>) Can a soul’s <em>eyes</em> be dumb? (<i>She +sits, weeping silently</i>) ... Come then ... talk of what you +will. Only talk! You have read a little Byron to-day? +The new magazine came? And you have made me a +handkerchief? (<i>She sobs. He looks at her remorsefully, +crosses the room, gets her harp and brings it to the fireside</i>) +Come ... sing to me, Virginia. You can do that.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Taking harp</i>) What shall I sing, dear?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Something to charm the very heart of Æolus! +That will turn a tempest into a violet’s breath!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Ah, my love!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, sing—sing anything!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Sings</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Great and calm, cool-bosomed blue,</span><br /> +<span>Take me to the heart of you!</span><br /> +<span>Not where thy blue mystery</span><br /> +<span>Sweeps the surface of the sea,</span><br /> +<span><a class="page" name="page229" id="page229" title="229"></a>Leaving in a dying gleam</span><br /> +<span>Living trouble of a dream;</span><br /> +<span>Not where loves of heaven lie</span><br /> +<span>Rosy ’gainst the upper sky</span><br /> +<span>Burning with an ardent touch</span></p><!-- Blank line in original may be an error --> + +<p class="italic"><span>Where an angel kissed too much;</span><br /> +<span>But where sight and sound come not,</span><br /> +<span>All of life and love forgot,</span><br /> +<span>All of Heaven forfeited</span><br /> +<span>For thy deep Nirvana bed.</span><br /> +<span>Wide and far enfolding blue,</span><br /> +<span>Take me to the heart—</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Her voice breaks suddenly</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Virginia! (<i>She coughs</i>) Don’t! (<i>Her cough +increases. She puts her handkerchief to her lips. Poe +takes it from her hand and looks at it.</i>) Blood! (<i>Throws +handkerchief into the fire, and stands as if paralyzed, +gazing at Virginia. Falls at her feet and begins kissing +her skirt</i>) My angel! my angel! I have killed my little +bride!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Urging him gently up</i>) No, dear. I was +marked for this from birth. My doom was written by +Heaven, not you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Not doom, my Virginia! (<i>Rising</i>) I will save +you, my darling! You shall have everything! With the +sickle of a wish you shall harvest the earth! We will +sail southern seas! We will follow the Spring as she +flies! I will knock at the orient gates and bring thee the +health of morning! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> make the world so bright for +thee, Hyperion’s self shall wear new gold and shame remembered +suns from chronicle! Spring from perfection’s +heart shall pluck her buds, and set such gloss on Nature +she may laud her old self in one violet’s requiem! O, <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> +<a class="page" name="page230" id="page230" title="230"></a>sing the world into a flower for thy bosom! My love, +my love, my love! (<i>She coughs restrainedly. He hides +his face till she stops</i>) Even the senseless oak velvets its +rude sides to the tender vine! But I—a man—O, beast +too vile for hell! too low to be damned!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do not touch me! is not the mark here? +(<i>Touching his brow</i>) O, where shall I hide it?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Drawing him to her</i>) On my bosom, Edgar. +(<i>Presses him to the large chair and sits on the arm of it, +caressing him</i>) This forehead is as pure as heaven-lit +ivory of angels’ brows!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, golden heart! (<i>Kisses her over her heart</i>) +I will work so hard, Virginia! We shall be rich, and I +will take you to some wonderful land where beauty can +not die! Will you forgive me then when you are bright +and strong in some happy isle of roses?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I will forgive you now, dearest, if you will do +one thing for me.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, what, my darling?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Eat the poor little supper I have cooked for +you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Yes—yes—<abbr>I ’ll</abbr> eat it though it be hell’s coals!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Now that’s a compliment to your cook, <abbr>is n’t</abbr> +it? (<i>Takes food from oven and puts it on table. Poe +eats, at first reluctantly, then hungrily</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> It is late—so late! O, my Lenore, you kept +up for me! Your weary eyes would not close until they +had found their lover! O, can you forgive me, and take +me back to your heart? You will love me again?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Ah, Edgar, if love were enough we should +always be happy.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Love me, love me, dear! I want no more! And +this cough ... we shall stop all that, darling! O, how +weary you must be, and you tried to have everything so +<a class="page" name="page231" id="page231" title="231"></a>beautiful for me! How pretty your dress is! You look +like a Naiad smiling out of a lily. But <abbr>it ’s</abbr> too cold! +Here, I will wrap you! (<i>Puts shawl about her</i>) Ah, +little wife, little wife, what evil power locked your gentle +heart with mine? Bear with me, love. It will all be +different soon. I shall try so hard the gods for pity will +not let me fail! See how I have eaten! You may give +me more, love. You did not cook this, I know. You +stole it from Jove’s kitchen.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Getting food</i>) Yes, I did, and Jove caught me, +but he let me go when I told him it was for a poet.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Little witch! (<i>Kisses her</i>) How happy we +shall be, Virginia, as soon as I have money. I shall go to +New York for a year. It will take only a year. Then I +shall come back bringing the lady Fame with me, and +you must not be jealous of her.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Slowly</i>) You—would not—take me?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Why, the north-wind would blow the Spring +from my little girl’s cheek! Just a year! That is the +first step—a cruel one—but we shall be happy when it +is over. Just a year, sweetheart! I must take no +chances now! I <em>must</em> win!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> You shall not leave me! A year will not hurt +me, Edgar! But it would kill me to be left here ... and +not know ... every minute....</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do you care so much, Lenore? Then we will +both stay here. It will take longer, but I will work +harder—</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Enough for to-night. We are too happy for +to-morrows, Edgar. Now you must have a long, long +sleep—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No, no! No bed for me to-night! I must +work!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> No bed, indeed! I did not say bed, my lord! +You are going to sit down here (<i>Places him on footstool</i>) +<a class="page" name="page232" id="page232" title="232"></a>and I shall sit here, (<i>settles in chair</i>) and your head +in my lap—my hands on your head—and the crooningest +of little songs will bring you the sweetest snatch of +sleep that you ever, ever had!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, <abbr>’t is</abbr> heaven, Virginia! But you are too +tired, my angel. <em>You</em> must sleep.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> And so I shall when my lord shows me the way.</p> + +<p>(<i>Poe drops his head on her lap. She turns down +light. He falls asleep as she sings softly</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Like a fallen star on the breast of the sea</span><br /> +<span>My lover rests on the heart of me;</span><br /> +<span>The lord of the tempest hies him down</span><br /> +<span>From his billow-crest to his cavern-throne,</span><br /> +<span>And <abbr>’t is</abbr> peace as wide as the eye can see</span><br /> +<span>When my lover rests on the heart of me.</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Silence. Virginia droops in sleep. No light but dull +red coals.</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a name="play3act4" id="play3act4"></a>ACT IV.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act4scene1" id="play3act4scene1"></a>Scene I: An old bookstore, New York. Bookseller +arranging books. Helen at one side looking over shelves. +Poe enters. He wears a military cloak and jaunty cap. +Throws book on table and whistles carelessly.</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> (<i>Looking book over doubtfully</i>) Forty +cents.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Loudly</i>) Forty devils! (<i>Helen turns and +recognizes him. He does not see her</i>) Look at that +<a class="page" name="page233" id="page233" title="233"></a>binding. You can’t get a Shelley put up like that for less +than ten dollars.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Aside</i>) My book!</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> <abbr>It ’s</abbr> badly marked.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Marked! Of course <abbr>it ’s</abbr> marked. And every +mark there worth its dollar. In ten years <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> wish +the marks were as thick as the letters.</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> Say fifty, and strike off. Not a cent more.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Take it.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> To sell my book! (<i>Moves slowly to door</i>) +How pale he is! But he is neatly dressed. He can not +need fifty cents. To sell my book! <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> speak to him +and see if he is past shame. (<i>Steps before Poe as he +turns to go out</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Mr. Poe! Don’t you remember me? <abbr>’T is</abbr> delightful +to meet an old friend.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Bowing low</i>) Mrs....</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Yes, I am Mrs. Bridgmore.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> My dear Mrs. Bridgmore! The pleasure of +years gathers in this happy moment. Are you making +holiday purchases?</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> No ... just poking about. I love these old +stores. I see <abbr>you ’ve</abbr> made a sale. <abbr>’T is</abbr> a relief to get rid +of old books when <abbr>we ’ve</abbr> lost our love for them, <abbr>is n’t</abbr> it? +They take up good room on our shelves pretty much as +people do in our lives long after we have ceased to care +for their friendship. But what one is weary of another +is ready to take up. (<i>To bookseller</i>) May I see the +book the gentleman has just disposed of? (<i>To Poe</i>) +Anything you have liked will be sure to please me.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, you are mistaken! I am simply leaving +the book to be duplicated if possible for a friend of mine +who has taken a fancy to my copy. (<i>Gesticulates to +bookseller</i>) One glance, Mrs. Bridgmore, will tell you +that the book is not for sale.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page234" id="page234" title="234"></a><strong>Hel.</strong> Ah ... of course not. Pardon the mistake. It +seems to be my fate to blunder where you are concerned. +(<i>Icily</i>) Good morning, Mr. Poe.</p> + +<p>(<i>As she is going out she drops her purse. Poe hastens +to pick it up and restores it to her with a bow. In +doing so he forgets his shabby coat and throws back his +cloak over his arm, exposing a badly worn sleeve. He +becomes suddenly conscious of her observation, and +straightens up in his most dignified fashion</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Thank you. (<i>Goes out</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Turning to bookseller</i>) Here! Take your +damned silver! Give me my book!</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> A <abbr>bargain ’s</abbr> a bargain, sir.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Bargain! bargain! Do you call that theft a +bargain? You parasite! you bookgnat! You insect +feeding on men’s brains! You worm in the corpse of +genius! My book, I say, or by Hector <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> tear your +goose-liver from your body, you pocket-itching Jacob!</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> Here! take it!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <abbr>There ’s</abbr> your Judas’ blood! (<i>Throws down +money and starts out with the book. Enter Brackett</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Brackett.</strong> (<i>Stopping Poe</i>) Mr. Poe, I believe.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Right, sir. And Brackett, I think your name +was when I knew you.</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> Quite right, Mr. Poe. I saw you coming in +here, and though you have changed somewhat with the +help of years I was sure it was you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And how, Mr. Brackett, may that knowledge +be of interest to you?</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> Well, perhaps it does concern you more than +myself.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Kindly tell me in what way that I may regret +it.</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> Your pen has been supplying matter for <em>The +Comet</em>, I believe.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page235" id="page235" title="235"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> If you have any doubt of it a perusal of that +magazine’s issues for the past two years will satisfy you.</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> The returns therefrom have contributed somewhat +to your comfort, I suppose.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do you?</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> Ah, I am mistaken? Then I have less hesitation +to tell you that the articles recently submitted are +unavailable.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <em>You</em> tell me! What have you to do with it? +Who are you?</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> I am the present editor of <em>The Comet</em>.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> You!</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> I! You see I am in a position to speak with +authority,—and it is only just to tell you that your articles +will meet with no further recognition in that +quarter.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Brackett ... I have been very ill. I wrote +those things on what I believed to be my death bed. My +wife....</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> I should say then that you are in great need of +money.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> God help me, I am! You know I am not one +to beg!</p> + +<p><strong>Bra.</strong> But <abbr>it ’s</abbr> beg or starve with you, eh? (<i>Poe +looks at him silently</i>) Well, I should advise you to make +application without loss of time to some one who does +not know you quite so well as the new editor of <em>The +Comet</em>. Good morning.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Calling to him as he stands in door</i>) I say, +Brackett! (<i>Brackett turns</i>) <em>I</em> should advise <em>you</em> to +change the name of <em>The Comet</em> as well as its editor. +Suppose you call it <em>The Falling Star</em>? Ha! ha! (<i>Exit +Brackett</i>) Curse me for a whining dog—but Virginia—</p> + +<p>(<i>Goes out</i>)</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page236" id="page236" title="236"></a><strong>Bookseller.</strong> (<i>Arranging books</i>) Queer chap. We +public men get to know all sorts. That book will be +mine yet. <abbr>It ’s</abbr> a good seller at ten dollars, and blest if +I <abbr>would n’t</abbr> like to help the wretch out with fifty cents. +<abbr>He ’ll</abbr> be back.</p> + +<p>(<i>Enter Helen</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> I wish to buy the book the gentleman has just +left with you.</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> Why ma’am, <abbr>he ’s</abbr> gone and took it +with him.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Took it with him?</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> Yes, ma’am, and thereby <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> lost time +and trade. (<i>Aside</i>) <abbr>She ’d</abbr> give fifteen!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> He needed money?</p> + +<p><strong>Bookseller.</strong> Well, I should <em>guess</em> so, ma’am. That’s +the last book he had. He told me about it before. +<abbr>He ’s</abbr> been bringin’ them all here. I <em>think</em> <abbr>he ’ll</abbr> be back, +ma’am, and <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> keep the book for you.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Thank you. (<i>Turns to go. Sees letter on the +floor and picks it up</i>) Why, <abbr>’t is</abbr> ... he dropped it! I +wonder if I may ... he is suffering ... that shabby +coat ... and he is so proud. I think I ought to read it. +I must know where to find him. (<i>Looks at letter</i>) Fordham! +(<i>Reads</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p>My Dear Son: One last prayer the mother of your +Virginia makes to you. She is dying. Come and sit by +her and she will carry a smile to her grave. Do not +stay away because you can not bear to witness her suffering,—because +you have nothing to give her. Come, +and by your loving presence lessen her pain. God bless +you! Your devoted mother,</p> + +<p class="sig"><em class="sc">Maria Clemm.</em></p></blockquote> + +<p>(<i>Helen stands trembling and holding the letter</i>) ... +And I hurt him ... I hurt him....</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act4scene2" id="play3act4scene2"></a><a class="page" name="page237" id="page237" title="237"></a>Scene II: Poe’s cottage, Fordham. A room almost +bare. Virginia sleeping on bed. Poe’s cloak over her. +Mrs. Clemm kneeling in prayer beside her. Poe enters, +carrying a bundle of broken sticks which he lays down +softly, one by one, on the hearth, looking anxiously toward +the bed. Mrs. Clemm rises and comes to the fire)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My child, you have been out in the snow +without your cloak! (<i>Brushes snow from his shoulders</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Could I take the least warmth from yon shivering +angel?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> You forget that you, too, are ill. O, my +boy, be careful, or I shall soon be childless in the world. +One is already lost....</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Not lost. See how she sleeps! She is better. +I know she is better.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Since you came. We will hope so, dear.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> If she would only speak to us! O, why does +she not speak? Not once to-day.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> She is very weak, my son.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I could bear it so long as she could tell us there +was no pain ... but now she only looks at us.... Oh—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> You will control yourself for her sake.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Yes, yes, for her sake.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> It will take her last breath to see you disturbed.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I know! I know! Have no fear, mother. I +am strong now.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Edgar! (<i>He flies to the bed</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> My darling!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> I am better, dear. Mamma! (<i>Mrs. Clemm +goes to her</i>) I feel so rested, mamma.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I told you! She is better! And you will sit +up a little now, dear? I will carry you to the fire.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My boy!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, mother, don’t you see how well she is? +<a class="page" name="page238" id="page238" title="238"></a>Look at her cheeks—her eyes—how beautiful!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Smiling</i>) Hear him, mamma! How proud he +is! He must always have it that his wife is beautiful.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> But it is so true, my dearest!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Let me believe it, for it is sweet to think that I +have been that, at least, to you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, my darling, you have been everything!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> You think so now, dear, and I love to hear +you say it.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> And you will get well for me?</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> No, O no! That would bring all your troubles +back. You will live a great life, Edgar, when you have +left this little care-bundle of a wife behind you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, don’t, Virginia! I shall do nothing without +you!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> You will do everything. I am the wise one +now, Edgar. And, dear, while I can talk ... I must ask +you ... must beg you ... I must hear you say that you +forgive me.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Forgive you!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes, dear. I was so young ... I thought I +could help you ... and so I let you marry me. I did +not know. I thought because I loved you so much that +I could make you happy. But women who can only love +are not the women who help. They must be wise and +strong too, and oh, so many other wonderful things. If +they are not, then all the love only hurts and makes +things go wrong.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, little angel!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Yes ... little angel ... when I ought to have +been a brave, great angel who could bear heaven on her +wings. Long ago I knew it, Edgar. When the truth +came I looked every way and there was no help. Then +when I found I was to die, it seemed that God had pitied +and helped me. For that was the only way.... O, +<a class="page" name="page239" id="page239" title="239"></a>these little women who can do nothing but love! I wish +I could take them all with me. These tears are for +them, not for myself, darling. O, I am happy, but they +must wait ... they can not die. How you shiver! You +must take your cloak. I am warm now. Indeed, I am +quite comfortable.... Don’t—don’t weep. You +must be happy because I am. Let us smile the rest of +the time, darling,—it—is such a little while.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Brokenly</i>) Yes ... yes.... O little flower, +little flower, dropping back to God’s bosom, how have I +dared to touch thee!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Rubbing her hand on his arm</i>) <abbr>’T is</abbr> damp! +You have been out? O, my dear, you must, must take +your cloak! I am quite, quite warm! See, feel my +hands! (<i>Smiling</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Taking her hands</i>) Little icicles!</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> You have been out! O, save yourself for the +great things ... now I am going out of your way. +Don’t let my death be as vain as my life. Let that count +for something, Edgar. O, promise me you will live for +your genius’ sake, you will be true to your heavenly gift! +Kneel by me and promise!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I ... promise.</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> Dear husband ... I.... (<i>faints</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, she is gone!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No! She faints! My beautiful idol! O, some +wine! Heaven and earth for some wine!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> She looks at us! My daughter!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, do not try to speak! Let your beautiful +eyes do all the talking!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> She looks toward the fire. She would have +you go, Edgar, and try to keep warm. Come, dear. +(<i>Poe kisses Virginia gently, and goes to fireside, looking +back adoringly</i>) Do not look at her, and she will sleep +again.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page240" id="page240" title="240"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> Ah, God! It will take more than sleep to help +her. And I can give her nothing—nothing!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Don’t, Edgar! Remember your terrible illness—how +you worked for her when fever was burning +your brain—until your pen fell from your hand.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I brought her to this land of ice and snow!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> No. Destiny brought her. We lost our +home. Your work was here—and she would not stay +behind you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> A <em>man</em> would have saved her!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, my boy, do not take this burden on your +soul! For once spare yourself!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I can not even give her food!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Restraining him</i>) My son, she sleeps.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Yes ... sleep ... let me not rob her of that too! +Be quiet ... just be quiet ... while she dies. (<i>Seats +himself with strange calmness</i>) Come, mother, let us be +cheerful. Take this chair. Let us be rational. Let us +think. Death is strange only because we do not think +enough. God must breathe. Life is the exhalation, +death the inhalation of deity. He breathes out, and the +Universe flames forth with all her wings—her suns and +clusters of suns—down to her mote-like earth, the butterfly +of space, trimmed with its gaudy seasons, and +nourishing on its back the parasitical ephemeran, Man!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> My love—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Be calm, mother. Be calm. Then the great <ins title="Hyphenated across line-break in original">inbreathing</ins> +begins. The creative warmth no longer goes +out. The parasites vanish first, then the worlds on which +they ride, and last the mighty suns,—all sink into the +still, potential unity, and await the recurrent breath +which may bear another universe, unlike our own, +where the animate may control the inanimate, the organic +triumph over the inorganic,—(<i>rising</i>) ay, man himself +may dominate nature, control the relentless ecliptic, +<a class="page" name="page241" id="page241" title="241"></a>and say to the ages of ice and fire ‘Ye shall not tread on +me!’</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Edgar!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I beg your pardon. We must be calm. (<i>Resumes +his seat</i>) But God will not stop breathing (<i>with +bitter sarcasm</i>) though your daughter—and my wife—is +dying. (<i>Mrs. Clemm weeps. He turns to the window</i>) +Do you know that elephants once nibbled boughs +out there where the snow is falling? They ran a mighty +race—and died—but no tears were shed. In the records +of the cosmos, if man is written down at all, I think he +will be designated as the ‘weeping animal.’</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Are you human?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I regret that I belong to that feeble and +limited variety of creation, but with the next self-diffusion +of the concentrated Infinite I may be the Sun +himself!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, my mother-heart!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Think a little more and you will forget it. The +heart makes the being there on the bed your daughter—my +wife—but the mind makes her a part of the divine +force which has chosen her shape for its visible flower. +The heart is wrung by the falling of the bloom, for it is +endeared to that only, but the mind rejoices in its reunited +divinity. Come.... (<i>Moves a step toward the bed</i>) +I can look on her now ... and be quiet. Sweet rose, I can +watch your petals fall. But they fall early ... they fall +early ... blasted in the May. Not by the divine breath +drawing you home, but by my mortal, shattering hand! +I promised you sun and dew.... I have given you frost +and shadows. O God! O God! let me <em>not</em> think! Keep +me a little, weeping child!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Dear son, cast out this bitterness. Only +your love and devotion have kept her alive so long.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> No! I touched her like a wing of doom, and +<a class="page" name="page242" id="page242" title="242"></a>she fell blasted! (<i>She tries to soothe him</i>) No, no! Call +devils from hell to curse me!</p> + +<p>(<i>A knock at the door. Mrs. Clemm opens it and a +basket is delivered to her. Poe, deep in agony, does not +notice. She takes things from the basket</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> O, Edgar! Wine, and soft blankets!</p> + +<p>(<i>He looks up, and rushes across to her</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Wine! wine! O, spirit that bendest from pitying +clouds, a mortal thanks thee! Quick, mother, these +drops of strength will give her back to us!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> She sleeps, my son, which is ease more precious +than these drops can give.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Taking bottle</i>) Give it to me!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Edgar, Edgar, do not wake her!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Lenore, Lenore, out of thy dream, though +<abbr>’t were</abbr> the fairest ever blown to mortal from Elysium! +This will put thee to such smiles that dreams—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Be quiet, for God’s sake!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Quiet! <abbr>’T is</abbr> a word for clods and stones! +<abbr>You ’d</abbr> hold me from her when my hand brings life? +(<i>Rushes to cupboard and gets a glass which he fills</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> Just a little, Edgar. Too much would—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> She shall drink it all, by Heaven! I will save +her!</p> + +<p>(<i>Mrs. Clemm sinks to a chair, helpless and sobbing. +A knock at the door which neither hears. Enter Helen. +As Poe turns to approach the bed he faces her, stares, +and lets the glass drop shivering</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> You!</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> I, Edgar. You see I can remember my friends—and +<abbr>I ’ve</abbr> come to scold you for not—letting me know—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> It was you who sent—</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Some blankets soft as summer clouds for the +most beautiful lady in the world? And wine delicate +enough for a fairy’s throat? I knew you would not +<a class="page" name="page243" id="page243" title="243"></a>have it else. (<i>Turns to Mrs. Clemm</i>) You do not know +me, but—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> (<i>Taking her hand</i>) I know you are a good +woman reaching a hand to me in my sorrow.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>Embracing her</i>) No ... my arms!</p> + +<p>(<i>Poe goes to bed and kneels by Virginia. Speaks +softly to her, then rises and brings a little wine</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Just a drop, dear,—a butterfly’s portion.</p> + +<p>(<i>Virginia drinks</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> (<i>To Mrs. Clemm</i>) How is she?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> She will have but one more word for us—goodbye.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Can I—may— O, you must let me do something +for her—for you! Do not make me miserable by +saying there is nothing I can do.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> There is ... something. I have never +begged—</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> Do not use such a word. It is you who give—make +me happy.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. C.</strong> But I will beg this. Some linen for her last +robe.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> God bless you for telling me!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Rising from his knees by Virginia</i>) Helen, +Virginia would speak to you.</p> + +<p><strong>Hel.</strong> O, save the precious breath! (<i>Approaches +bed</i>) Ah ... how lovely ... I understand....</p> + +<p><strong>Vir.</strong> (<i>Lifting her head</i>) Helen ... help my Edgar. +(<i>Sinks back. Poe lays his head on her pillow. Helen +stands with her arm about Mrs. Clemm. Curtain falls, +and rises on same room at night. Virginia’s body lies +on the bed. Poe watches alone. A candle burns on +table</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Standing by bed</i>) ... So low in sleep, little +girl?... I took thee mid thy roses. O, broken gentleness, +little saint-love, move but a hand, a finger, to tell +<a class="page" name="page244" id="page244" title="244"></a>me thou art still my pleading angel!... Not one breath’s +life. Still ... quite still. O, might such rest be mine! +(<i>Turns away</i>) <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> write. (<i>Goes to table</i>) I promised. +Yes ... <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> write. Behind the glorious chancel of the +mind still swings the incense to the deathless gods!... +(<i>Sits and writes</i>) ... No. (<i>Rising</i>) No rhymes—for +Poesy must mourn to-night. (<i>Goes toward bed</i>) Too +much of her is dead. (<i>Gazes at Virginia</i>) Cold ... cold. +What art thou death? Ye demons of a mind distraught, +keep ye apace till I have fathomed this!... Ha! What +scene is that? (<i>Stares as at visions</i>) A valley laid in +the foundations of darkness! The unscalable cliffs jut +to heaven, and on the amethystine peaks sit angels weeping +into the abyss where creatures run to and fro without +escape! Some eat, some laugh, some weep, some +wonder. Now they make themselves candles whose little +beams eclipse the warning stars ... and in the pallid light +they dance and think it sun! But on the revel creeps a +serpent, fanned and crimson, with multitudinous folds +lapping the dancing creatures in one heaving carnage! +The candles die.... The stars cannot pierce the writhing +darkness.... Above on the immortal headlands sit the +angels, looking down no more, for the dismal heap no +longer throbs.... I must write this! Now! While +I see it! That moaning flood ebbing to silence ... those +rosy promontories lit with angel wings ... and over all +as large and still as heaven, the cold, unweeping eyes of +God!... (<i>Writes.... A tapping at the door. He does +not hear. Another tapping. He looks up</i>) <abbr>Who ’s</abbr> +there?... This is my vigil. Nor devil nor angel shall +share it!... (<i>Listens. Tapping. He goes to door and +throws it open</i>) ... Nothing ... nothing ... but darkness. +(<i>Stands peering, and whispers</i>) Lenore!... (<i>Closes door, +bolts it, returns to table and writes silently. Utter stillness, +then a rattling at the window. Poe leaps up</i>) +<a class="page" name="page245" id="page245" title="245"></a><abbr>What ’s</abbr> that? (<i>The shutter is blown open. Poe stands +watching. A raven flies in and perches above door</i>) Out, +you night-wing! (<i>He looks at raven silently</i>) You won’t? +Why, sit there then! You’re but a feather! (<i>Sits and +writes. After a moment rises and reads</i>)</p> + +<blockquote><p class="italic"><span>Out—out are the lights—out all!</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> And over each quivering form,</span><br /> +<span>The curtain, a funeral pall,</span><br /> +<span>Comes down with the rush of a storm—</span><br /> +<span>And the angels all pallid and wan,</span><br /> +<span class="i1"> Uprising, unveiling affirm</span><br /> +<span>That the play is the tragedy ‘Man!’</span><br /> +<span>And its hero the Conqueror Worm!</span></p></blockquote> + +<p>Ah! the thought pales from these lines like light from +dying cinders. Poetry is but ashes telling that a fire has +passed. (<i>Sits gloomily. Suddenly remembers the raven, +turns and stares at it</i>) You bird of damnation, leave +me in peace with my dead!... O, dreaming fool, <abbr>’t is</abbr> +nothing.... My <abbr>mind ’s</abbr> a chaos that surges up this +fancy. (<i>Tries to write, stops, goes on, trembles, and +looks up</i>) ... Can I know fear? I, the very nursling of +dreams? Who have lived in a world more tenanted +with ghosts than men? I can not be afraid.... (<i>Tries +to write. Drops pen. Shudders, looking with furtive +fear at the raven</i>) ... I am ... I am afraid.... Virginia! +(<i>Creeps toward bed</i>) Stay with me, little bride. +My little rose-bride! (<i>Fingers along coverlet, looking +at raven</i>) Do not leave me. Quick, little love! Give me +life in a kiss! (<i>Touches her hand, shrinks, and springs +up</i>) Dead!... (<i>Leans against foot of bed, wildly facing +the raven</i>) Speak, fiend! From what dim region of +unbodied souls hast come? What hell ungorged thee for +her messenger? What sentence have the devils passed +<a class="page" name="page246" id="page246" title="246"></a>upon me? To what foul residence in some blasted star +am I condemned? Speak! By every sigh that poisons +happy breath!—by every misery that in me rocks and +genders her swart young!—by yonder life that now in +golden ruin lies!—I charge thee speak! How long shall +I wander without rest? How long whirl in the breath +of unforgiving winds? Or burn in the refining forges of +the sun? When will the Universe gather me to her heart +and give me of her still, unthrobbing peace? Speak! +When—O when will this driven spirit be at home?</p> + +<p>(<i>Silence. Poe listens with intense expectation and +fear. The raven flies out</i>) It spoke! (<i>Hoarsely</i>) It +spoke! I heard it! (<i>Whispers</i>) Nevermore! (<i>He falls +in a swoon. Candle flickers in the wind and goes out. +Darkness</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<h3><a name="play3act5" id="play3act5"></a>ACT V.</h3> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act5scene1" id="play3act5scene1"></a>Scene I: Poe’s lodging, Baltimore. Small room. +Cot, table, and one chair. Poe writing)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Pressing his temples</i>) Throb—throb—but +you shall finish this. (<i>Writes</i>) You, too, rebel, old pen? +On, on like a lusty cripple, and <abbr>we ’ll</abbr> scratch out of this +hole. (<i>Lifting pen</i>) Why, old fellow, this will buy +bread. O, bread, bread, bread, for one sweet crumb of +thee to feed an angel here! (<i>Touching his forehead</i>) +Gordon will not fail me. His letter will come to-day. +<a class="page" name="page247" id="page247" title="247"></a>And with his help <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> get on good ground once more. +And <em>then</em>!... (<i>Writes. Drops pen with a groan</i>) ... Gordon’s +letter <em>must</em> come to-day. O, I would live, would +live, for seeds are gendering in my mind that might their +branches throw above the clouds and shake immortal +buds to this bare earth!... (<i>Looks at writing</i>) Words! +Ye are but coffins for imagination! No more of you! +(<i>Crushes paper</i>) <abbr>Eternity ’s</abbr> in labor with this hour! +(<i>Leaps up</i>) I could make Time my page to carry memories +from star to star! O Heaven, wouldst thou vouchsafe +thy visions to these eyes, then fill them with cold +clay? Pour to these ears thine own philosophies, then +send the crawling worm to pluck their treasure out? +(<i>Falls to chair. Enter Mrs. Schmidt</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> (<i>Holding out letter</i>) Here it is, sir.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Rousing</i>) What, Smidgkin?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> The <abbr>letter ’s</abbr> come, sir.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Thank you. (<i>Takes letter. Mrs. Schmidt +waits expectantly</i>) If you will be so good, Smidgkin—I +mean if you will be so cruel as to bereave me of your +presence while I break this very personal seal—very personal, +I assure you—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> No, sir. I stay to see <abbr>what ’s</abbr> inside o’ +that!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Since you desire it, madam. (<i>Starts to open +letter and hesitates</i>) I—hope you are well, my good +Smidgkin.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Always am. <abbr>Had n’t</abbr> you better see <abbr>what ’s</abbr> +in it?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> To be sure.... I hope you have a good fire in +your room this chilly weather, Smidgkin.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Always do. <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> break it for you, Mr. Poe.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, no, no! I <abbr>could n’t</abbr> think of troubling you. +The rain beats very heavily. I hope your-er-roof will not +be injured.</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page248" id="page248" title="248"></a><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Law me, I had every leaf tinkered up them +sunny days last week. I believe in preparin’ for a rainy +day, <em>I</em> do, Mr. Poe.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Indeed, yes,—if only we were all so wise, but, +alas, my dear Smidgkin, some of us build so high that +the angels have to come down and tinker our roofs ... +and when they won’t, Smidgkin ... when they won’t +(<i>Lays letter on the table</i>) ... I hope you have no errands +to take you from your cheerful fireside in weather +like this, Mrs. Smidgkin.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> My name is Schmidt, Mr. Poe.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Pardon me, madam.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Air you a goin’ to open that letter or air +you not?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Why, good woman, to be sure I am. I did not +know you were particularly interested. Excuse me. +Here goes—and God mend the devil’s work. (<i>Opens +letter and reads</i>) ‘I have talked with Brackett—’ +Brackett! (<i>Drops letter and sits dumb</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> He sent you the ten dollars, hey? Where is +it, hey? Seems to me that’s white paper with mighty +few marks on it! Not much like a ten dollar bill! Where +is it, I say? Lost in the mailbags, I reckon! It will +come by next post! You’re certain—quite certain, +Smidgkin! I tell you, Mr. Poe, this is once too often!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> A bare, unfurnished room like this—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Is worth just a dollar a week to me, which +is exactly a dollar more than you can pay!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Mrs. Smidgkin, there is a legend in the world +that pity never wholly leaves the breast of woman.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Shame to your tongue, Mr. Poe, that says I +<abbr>have n’t</abbr> been as kind to you as your own mother—sister! +<abbr>Have n’t</abbr> you had this room nigh to a month since +<abbr>I ’ve</abbr> seen a cent for it? <abbr>Did n’t</abbr> I give you stale bread a +whole week, an’ coffee a Sunday mornin’? An’ you +<a class="page" name="page249" id="page249" title="249"></a>dare say <abbr>I ’m</abbr> not a Christian, merciful woman? You +come out o’ here, or <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> put hands on you, I will!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Mrs. Smidgkin, Mrs. Smidgkin, are you aware +that the rain pours outside like the tears of the Danaides +on their wedding night? And speaking of weddings, +Smidgkin—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Schmidt! As <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> find on my good man’s +tombstone, an’ some day on my own, bless God!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> O, don’t talk so, I beg you!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Why now, Mr. Poe! Law me, <abbr>who ’d</abbr> a +thought you could be so softhearted—about a tombstone, +too!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> As I said, my dear madam—speaking of weddings—pray +take this chair. <abbr>’T is</abbr> all I have to offer. +Gladly will I stand before you, though I am but slightly +bolstered within for the attitude. Speak to me, madam. +Let one thought fly from thy caging brow to me a beggar +vile.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> O, Mr. Poe!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Thanks for the burden of those syllables.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> My dear Mr. Poe!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Again? You overwhelm me? Dare I speak? +You have suspected? You know why I linger in this +dear room—dear as the barrier that staves off guttery +death? This kindness is sincere? I may trust it and +speak?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> You may, Mr. Poe.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Well then, sweet Smidgkin, will you open the +broad gates of genial widowhood to admit a fallen +wretch to the warmth of your bosom and hearthstone—particularly +the latter?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> (<i>With dignity</i>) I presume, Mr. Poe, that I +am addressed by an offer of marriage. I have had +offers before, Mr. Poe,—one an undertaker who drove a +good business, but he looked for all the world like one of +<a class="page" name="page250" id="page250" title="250"></a>his own corpses an’ what is business says I to a woman +in good circumstances with a longin’ heart? I don’t +mind sayin’ it, Mr. Poe, a nice lookin’ man always did +take my eye, an’ <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> be a pretty figure when you’re +plumped out a bit, indeed you will, but your addresses +of this offer is somewhat unusual, an’ if <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> give me +time—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> The weather, madam, will admit of no delay. +Since you are so determined, I must give up hope and +seek shelter under Jove’s great canopy.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> O, don’t go there, Mr. Poe—<abbr>it ’s</abbr> a bad +place, that Canpy house, an’ <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> heard Jove talked +about for a vile barkeep! I guess since you’re so +impetus <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> say yes to these addresses of marriage, Mr. +Poe.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Ha! ha! ha!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> What do you mean, Mr. Poe? My dear +Eddie, I should say!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I mean, madam, that death loves a joke.</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> O, my sweet Eddie, don’t be talkin’ about +death. You’re so pale I don’t wonder—and a’most +starved out <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> venture my word for it. But you won’t +know yourself in a week. <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> got the sweetest room +downstairs—all in blue an’ white, with a bed three +feet o’ feathers, soft as a goosebreast, I warrant, an’ +<abbr>I ’ll</abbr> tuck you in an’ bring you a toddy <abbr>that ’ll</abbr> warm you +to your toes, it will, an’—</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Ha! ha! ha! Well, why not? I seize this +wretched plank or sink with all that in me is. Men have +done it. But not Edgar Poe! Sell my soul for a broth-dish—a +saucepan—a feather-bed—</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> O, <abbr>he ’s</abbr> out of his mind, sure he is! My +sweet Eddie, <abbr>he ’s</abbr> loved me distracted!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Can this be woman?</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Law me!</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page251" id="page251" title="251"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> The sex that knew a Virginia—that knows a +Helen? No! there are men, women ... and angels!</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> Look here, Mr. Poe, don’t you mention no +women ’round me! O, Eddy, my Eddy! (<i>Offers to +caress him</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Away! You wench from Venus’ kitchen! +(<i>Going</i>) This weather ... once I could have braved it +with the wildest wing that ever flew. But now.... +(<i>coughs wretchedly</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Mrs. S.</strong> No rent an’ no husband either!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Up, heart, we go! Henceforth I live by spirit-bread! +Lead me, ye unseen comrades, to immortal +feasts! (<i>Exit</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> + +<p class="italic scene"><a name="play3act5scene2" id="play3act5scene2"></a>Scene II: An hour later. A bar-room. Door in +center, rear. Four men at table, left, rear, playing cards.</p> + +<p><strong>Haines.</strong> Was afraid you <abbr>would n’t</abbr> show up to-night, +Juggy.</p> + +<p><strong>Juggers.</strong> Nothing like a stormy night for a good +game. Never miss one. Rain brings me luck.</p> + +<p><strong>Black.</strong> Then, by Jacks, <abbr>you ’ll</abbr> have it all your way +to-night. <abbr>It ’s</abbr> pouring hogsheads. Your deal, Sharp. +(<i>They play in silence. Poe enters, rear, walks uncertainly +across the room and takes a seat, right, front. +There seems to be life only in his eyes, their burning light +revealing a soul struggling free from a corpse. He sits +unnoticed for a short time</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> (<i>To barkeeper</i>) Say, Thomas, I thought +this was a gentleman’s house. <abbr>What ’s</abbr> that in the corner? +Looks like a coffin might ’a’ spilt it on the way to +the graveyard.</p> + +<p><strong>Bark.</strong> (<i>In lower tone</i>) <abbr>He ’s</abbr> one o’ these writin’ +<a class="page" name="page252" id="page252" title="252"></a>fellers in hard luck. <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> let him hang around here a +good deal, for <abbr>he ’s</abbr> always quiet and gives me no show +for kickin’ him out. But say the word and he goes.</p> + +<p><strong>Haines.</strong> Looks more like a sick man than a bum.</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> Bah! He can drink till he wets his boots. +I know that sort of a face.</p> + +<p><strong>Bark.</strong> Never drinks anything ’round here.</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> Good reason. You don’t wear a charity +medal.</p> + +<p><strong>Jug.</strong> Let him stay for luck.</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> Whose luck? You’re doing all the winning +to-night, Juggers. <abbr>He ’s</abbr> a Jonah for the rest of us. I +want his eye off me, I say.</p> + +<p><strong>Black.</strong> O, let him alone. <abbr>I ’d</abbr> ask a burglar to have +a seat in my house a night like this—’pon honor, I +would. Play up. (<i>They play on</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> What a noble palace is here! How the +gleaming vault reaches to heaven and mocks the stars! +What resplendent lights! As though the master had +taken burning planets for his candles! How far they +throw their beams—around the world and into the +nether sea!</p> + +<p><strong>Jug.</strong> (<i>To Haines, who is looking at Poe</i>) Mind +your play there, Haines.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I know this place. It is the poet’s house of +dream that all my life <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> sought to reach. I am dying +now, and they let me in, because I have been true to +them. The master will read it in my face. I have not +eaten of the flesh-pots! I have beggared my body, but +I have not beggared my soul!</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> Curse it, Juggers! <abbr>It ’s</abbr> yours again!</p> + +<p><strong>Haines.</strong> Take your medicine, Sharp. A man must +know how to lose as well as win.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Yonder is the master, arrayed all in white and +gold and sapphire. Those angels that attend him are +<a class="page" name="page253" id="page253" title="253"></a>poets wrapped in fires of love. They talk about me +now, and ask if I am worthy to come in. O, I have +loved ye well, immortal dead! Through noons that +burnt the world <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> tracked your dewy shadows! No +day died in my eyes but ye were whispering priests! +And midnight stars have learned your names of me!</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> (<i>Throwing down cards</i>) <abbr>It ’s</abbr> that hoodoo +in the corner!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> How wonderful their voices! They speak a +strange language, but I can interpret it.</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> not play another card until he goes!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> He says that by the trembling of the planet-lights +an earth-soul come this way. He sees me!</p> + +<p><strong>Black.</strong> Well, by Jacks, <abbr>I ’ve</abbr> got a dollar for his +supper and bed.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> He says that <abbr>’t is</abbr> a strange creature carrying a +burning brand in his bosom.</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> You can afford to be a fool. <abbr>You ’ve</abbr> helped +Juggers rake in.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Not a brand, he says, but an immortal star.</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> Thomas, set that oil painting outside, will +you?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> They ask the master if they may come to meet +me. (<i>Barkeeper approaches Poe</i>) Ah, the master comes +himself, for I am one of the chosen.</p> + +<p><strong>Barkeeper.</strong> Get out o’ this!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Rising slowly</i>) Thou mighty one, thy servant +hears thee!</p> + +<p><strong>Bark.</strong> Eh?</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> be the humblest round thy throne.</p> + +<p><strong>Bark.</strong> Look here, I was a little soft about you, but +now you just shove along!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I beg your pardon,—may I ask the name of +this planet?</p> + +<p><strong>Bark.</strong> Eh?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page254" id="page254" title="254"></a><strong>Poe.</strong> Is it—the earth?</p> + +<p><strong>Bark.</strong> (<i>Shaking him</i>) None o’ your squibs!</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> (<i>Recognizing and throwing him off with +momentary strength</i>) Do not touch me, George +Thomas. I will go.</p> + +<p><strong>Black.</strong> (<i>Flinging him a piece of silver, which falls to +the floor</i>) <abbr>There ’s</abbr> a bed for you.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> I dare not touch it, sir, lest I be infected, for +the angels who look upon us know that I shall be in +health when fever shall sit on your bones and agues +make their bed in your marrow!</p> + +<p><strong>Jug.</strong> A gentleman can’t stand that jaw. Kick him +out, Thomas, or I will.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Do not touch me! You walking clay! who +button your coats about three meals a day and think +you have belted in the universe! Go listen to the sea +lapping rock and bone to her oblivious mill, and know +your hearts shall sleep as sand within her shells! By +the dead worlds that drift in yonder void, and long have +sung the swan-song of their deities, this too shall pass, +and ere it passes flesh shall learn its impotence! Grey +stalkers from the past shall clutch the throat of days! +All wrongs shall rise and gather their revenge! And +man—</p> + +<p><strong>Sharp.</strong> Here you crazy Tom! That’s just enough!</p> + +<p>(<i>Tries to take hold of Poe</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> Off! See what I see! The Conqueror Worm! +Fold on fold the red-fanged monster creeps! Look! +your doom, ye swine with sodden eyes fast shut against +sublimities! Ye—</p> + +<p><strong>Jug.</strong> (<i>Taking Poe by the throat</i>) <abbr>I ’ll</abbr> stop your +croaking!</p> + +<p>(<i>Haines and Black pull Juggers from Poe, who falls +to seat utterly exhausted</i>)</p> + +<p><strong>Haines.</strong> Can’t you keep your hands off a sick man?</p> + +<p><a class="page" name="page255" id="page255" title="255"></a><strong>Jug.</strong> Sick! <abbr>He ’s</abbr> the devil!</p> + +<p><strong>Haines.</strong> Then you might as well make his acquaintance.</p> + +<p><strong>Poe.</strong> <abbr>’T is</abbr> here ... death ... and all is yet to +say. O, I have chattered as a babe! Now, I could speak, +and dust is in my mouth!... Helen, you told me to be +content with the letters.... I have tried to read ... +to steal God’s book. He has punished ... but death +pays my bond. Soon I shall read with His eyes and be +at peace. Peace! (<i>Gives a dying shudder</i>) Nevermore!... +(<i>Rises, staggers to door and opens it wide</i>) O, +Night, with thy minstrel winds, blow gently on me +dead ... for I have been thy lover! (<i>Looks back at +the men who are gazing at him intently, and speaks +lowly, erect and godlike</i>) In His own image created He +man!... (<i>Turns and steps into the darkness.</i>)</p> + +<p class="central">(<em class="ac">CURTAIN</em>)</p> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Semiramis and Other Plays, by Olive Tilford Dargan + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEMIRAMIS AND OTHER PLAYS *** + +***** This file should be named 23234-h.htm or 23234-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/2/3/23234/ + +Produced by David Garcia, Daniel Griffith 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) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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