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diff --git a/23234.txt b/23234.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c05f1f4 --- /dev/null +++ b/23234.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11743 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Semiramis and Other Plays, by Olive Tilford Dargan + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +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) + + + + + +SEMIRAMIS AND OTHER PLAYS + +BY + +OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN + + + + + BRENTANO'S + NEW YORK + 1904 + + + Copyright 1904 + By Olive Tilford Dargan + [Stage rights reserved] + + THE LITERARY COLLECTOR PRESS + GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT + + + + +CONTENTS + + + SEMIRAMIS 5 + + CARLOTTA 75 + + THE POET 175 + + + + +SEMIRAMIS + + + ACT I. + + SCENE 1. The tent of Menones + + + ACT II. + + SCENE 1. Hall in the palace of Ninus + + + ACT III. + + SCENE 1. The gardens over the lake + + + ACT IV. + + SCENE 1. The tent of Husak + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + NINUS, king of Assyria + HUSAK, king of Armenia + KHOSROVE, son of Husak + MENONES, governor of Nineveh + ARTAVAN, son of Menones + SUMBAT, friend of Artavan + VASSIN, officer of the king + HADDO, a guard + ARMIN, a guard + DOKAHRA, woman to Semiramis + SOLA, wife of Artavan + SEMIRAMIS, daughter of Menones + + Officers, heralds, messengers, guards, soldiers, dancers, &c. + + + + +SEMIRAMIS + + + + +ACT I. + + +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. + +Sola parts curtains rear, left, and looks out, showing effort to +keep awake. She steps forward. + + Sol. Hist! Armin! Haddo! + + (Enter two guards, left centre) + + Still no news? + + Arm. None, lady. + + Sol. Oh, Artavan, what keeps thee? + + Haddo. He will come. + + Sol. Semiramis is sleeping. I am weary, + But I'll not sleep. + + Arm. Rest, madam; we will call you. + + Sol. My lord shall find me watching, night or day! + + Arm. Two nights you have not slept. + + Sol. Ten thousand nights, + I think, good Armin. + + Had. We will call you, madam. + + Arm. With the first hoof-beat ringing from the north! + + Sol. (At curtains, drowsily) + I'll be--awake. + + (Goes in) + + Had. She'll sleep now. + + Arm. Ay, she must. + + Had. And I'd not call her for god Bel himself! + + Arm. Hark! (Goes to entrance) + 'Tis a horseman! + + Had. (Following him) Two! + + Arm. Right! We must rouse + The lady Semiramis. + + Had. Make sure 'tis he. (They step out) + + Voice without. + Is this Menones' tent? + + Arm. (Without) Ay, Sir! The word! + + Voice. God Ninus! + + (Semiramis enters, through curtains right centre) + + Sem. Artavan! His voice! + + (Enter Artavan, followed by Sumbat who waits near entrance) + + Sem. My brother! + + Art. Semiramis! (Embracing her) Three years this kiss + Has gathered love for thee! + + Sem. Has 't been so long + Since I left Gazim? + + Art. Ay,--since Ninus called + Our father here, and Gazim lost her dove. + + Sem. (On his bosom, laughing softly) + The dove of Gazim,--so they called me then. + But now--(proudly, moving from him) the lioness of Nineveh! + + Art. A warrior's daughter! + + Sem. And a warrior's sister! + O, I have prayed that you might come! The king + Is gracious--loves the brave-- + + Art. Our father? + + Sem. Ah! + + Art. He's well? + + Sem. Is 't day? + + Art. Almost. + + Sem. At dawn he meets + The Armenians on the plain. + + Art. Then he is well! + + Sem. He went forth well,--and brave as when he drove + The Ghees from Gazim with his single sword! + But--oh--he needs you, Artavan, he needs you! + + (Comes closer speaking rapidly) + + I'm with him night and day but when he battles-- + I buckle on his arms--cheer him away-- + And wipe the foe's blood from his mighty sword + When he returns! But I've a fear so strange! + At times he's moved quite from himself,--so far + That I look on him and see not our father! + If I dared speak I'd almost say that he + Who never lost a battle shrinks from war! + + Art. (Starting) No, no! Not that! You borrow eyes of fear + And see what is not! + + Sem. But I've felt the drops + Cold on his brow, and raised his lifeless arms + Whose corded strength hung slack as a sick child's! + O, it is true! And you must stand by him! + Fight at his side! I thought to do it! I! + See here, my armor! + + (Moving with him to where the armor hangs) + + When I had this made + And swore to wear it in the fight, 'twas then + He yielded--said that you might come-- + + (Sound of trumpets at distance. They listen) + + The charge! + + Art. I go to him! + + Sem. (Taking a paper from her bosom) + + Take this! He'll understand! + 'Tis some direction later thought upon! + + Art. My wife is safe-- + + Sem. With me! Three days ago + She came. And now she sleeps-- + + (Points to curtains, rear left) + + Art. In there? One kiss-- + + Sem. Nay, nay, you go to battle, and should keep + Steel in your eye, not woman's tears!... Who comes + With you? + + (Looks toward entrance where Sumbat stands) + + O, Sumbat! + + (He advances and drops on knee. She gives him both hands + and he rises) + + Welcome! But no time + For gallant greetings! We are warriors here! + + (A roll of battle is heard) + + Art. We go! + + Sem. Ride! ride! The battle over, ye + Shall meet the king! + + (Artavan and Sumbat hasten out. The noise of departure + brings Sola to curtains) + + Sol. What is it? Who was here? + + Sem. (Absorbed) They'll reach my father! + + Sol. Not Artavan? + + Sem. Ay--he. + + Sol. And gone--my husband! + Without a word--a look! + + Sem. The battle calls, + And he who wears ambition's spur must ride! + + Sol. Ambition! O, you think of naught but war + And glory! Hast thou no heart, Semiramis? + + Sem. I' faith, and love thee with it! (kisses her) + + Sol. Trifle not! + Hadst thou a heart thou couldst not live a maid, + So beautiful, and never dream of love! + Thou'rt some strange thing-- + + Sem. What, wilt be angry? Come! + I'll tell thee all he said--thy Artavan,-- + Ay, every word, and how his eyes grew soft + With dimness sweeter than their vanquished light + When thou wert his dear theme! + + (They move to curtains. Semiramis stops and listens) + + Go in. I'll come. (Sola goes in) + + Sem. (Listening) Is that a chariot? My father!... Nay! + He's safe with Artavan! Whatever comes + His son will be his heart and bear him up! + Safe, safe, Menones, and thy grizzled locks + Shall wear their laurels to an honored grave! + + (Noise of approaching chariot) + + It _is_ a chariot! Can it be the king? + + (Chariot stops without) + + Armin, who is it comes? + + Arm. (Appearing at entrance) The Lord Menones. + + (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) + + Sem. You fled the battle! + + Men. Oh! + + Sem. You must go back! + + Men. Too late! + + Sem. (Gaining courage and putting her hands sternly on his + shoulders) No! + + Men. We must fly! + + Sem. Fly! Never! + + Men. (Rising) Come! + The chariot! The king will leave my race + No blood on earth! + + Sem. If it be coward's blood + 'Tis better lost! + + Men. Come, come! We yet can fly! + + Sem. Back to the battle! There I'll go with thee! + + Men. I can not! Oh, the terror's here--here--here! + It clutches at my heart! + + Sem. Tear out thy heart + And keep thy honor whole! + + (He falls on the couch, shaken with suffering. She kneels + by him pleading passionately) + + Sem. Up, father, up! + You must go back! You know not what you've done! + Our Artavan-- + + Men. Praise Bel, he's safe in Gazim! + + Sem. No ... he is here ... he came, and rode to find you. + + Men. He came? Gods, no! + + Sem. Nay, true! He's in the battle! + Now you will go! You will go back, my father! + He does not know the plan! He can not lead + Without your counsel! Come--your voice--his arm-- + And all is safe! + + (He rises; noise of battle; he sinks shuddering) + + Men. No--I'll die here--not there! + + (Semiramis stands in despair; then lifts her arms praying) + + Sem. O mighty Belus, give me back my father! + + (She listens with sudden eagerness and goes to tent door) + + False! false! They're verging south! North, north, ye cowards! + + (Rushes to her armor and takes it down. Shakes the + curtains right, and calls) + + Dokahra! (Throws off her robe and begins putting on armor. + Enter Dokahra, right centre) + + Dok. Mistress! + + Sem. Buckle here! Be quick! + + Men. You shall not go! + + Sem. You have no might or right + To stay me now! + + Men. You will be lost! + + Sem. Lost? No! + Did I not plan this battle? Haste, Dokahra! + Our lives are in your fingers! Courage, father! + + (Going, Dokahra still adjusting armor) + + The king has smiled on me--I do not know-- + But there was such a promise in his smile-- + And if the victory's mine he will forgive! + + Dok. This rivet, mistress! + + (Noise of battle) + + Sem. Artavan, I come! + + (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) + + Men. Is this the form that bright Decreto loved? + But where the soul, O, gods! (Lies shuddering) + + Voice without. The King! + + (Menones draws blanket over his face and becomes + motionless. Enter the king, with Vassin) + + Nin. (At entrance) Stand here! + Godagon, haste! Ride to Menones; say + We wait within his tent; his messengers + Will reach us here. + + (A rider spurs off without. Ninus and Vassin advance + within the tent) + + Vas. Your majesty, suppose + The Armenians gain, you'll be in danger here. + Why come so near for news? + + Nin. For news, good Vassin? + I had a better reason. Semiramis + Tents with her father. + + (Points to curtains) + + Vas. Ah! + + Nin. The sun will break + Through there! + + Vas. My lord-- + + Nin. She stirs! She comes! Wait--see! + + (Dokahra's gaunt figure appears at curtains) + + Vas. A false dawn, is it not? + + Nin. Your mistress sleeps? + + Dok. (Abasing herself) + No, mighty king! + + Nin. She's up? Then give her word + We're here. + + Dok. She's not within, my lord. + + Nin. Abroad! + So soon? She's on the general's business? + + Dok. And yours, O king! She's joined the battle! + + Nin. She! + + Vas. Ha! ha! Do you believe this? + + Nin. Ay ... 'tis so. + I know her spirit. Here's mettle for a queen! + + (Menones uncovers and half rises) + + Vas. You would not make her one, your majesty! + Though she should lead your troops to victory, + Still is she but your general's daughter, and + Assyria's crown is given of gods to gods! + + Nin. And Ninus knows to keep his race untainted. + But all the jewels of a king, my Vassin, + Are not worn in his crown. Some in the heart + Are casketed, and there this maid shall shine + For me alone. Were she of heavenly race-- + + Men. (Starting up) She is, my lord! + + (Ninus regards him in astonishment) + + Nin. What do you here, Menones? + Speak! + + Men. (Trembling) I am ill. + + Nin. Ill, sir? Ha! Now I know! + Your daughter leads while you couch safe in tent! + She sought to hide your shame! O, what a heart! + But you-- + + Men. I led, my lord, till illness seized-- + + Nin. Too ill to fight, but not too ill to fly! + Hound! hound! My troops are lost! I'd kill you now + But 'tis an hour too soon! First you must be + Of every honor stript! + + Men. (Kneeling) My lord and king, + I know that I must die, but hear a prayer + For my brave daughter's sake! Betray her not, + Lest thou offend the gods that gave thee life, + For she, too, is of heaven! + + Vas. Ha! + + Men. I swear + 'Tis true! My lord, Decreto was her mother! + She met me on the plains of Gazim when + This aged figure was called fair, and youth + Still fed its fire to manhood's prime; + Our babe she left upon a mountain crest + And sent her doves to tend it through a year, + Then bade me scale the mount and take my own. + I did, and named her for Decreto's dove-- + Semiramis! + + Nin. What precious tale is this? + + Vas. He thinks to fright you from the maid, my lord. + + Dok. (Falling at the king's feet) + O king, 'tis true! Ask thou in Gazim-- + + Nin. Go! + + (Dokahra vanishes through curtains left rear) + + Nin. 'T will take a better lie to save your head! + + Men. My head? Thou'rt welcome to it! 'Tis not that! + But she--my daughter-- + + Nin. We will spare her life. + + Men. (Calmly) It is my prayer that she may die with me. + + Nin. Not while we love. If e'er she lose her charm, + We may remember that you were her father. + + Men. (Furiously, forgetting himself) + She has a brother yet! + + Nin. A brother! So! + We'll look to him as well! Thanks for your news! + + Men. (Towering up) Though every god in heaven gave thee blood + Yet would I spill it! + + (Lifts his sword; suddenly drops it and falls, pressing + his heart. Ninus and Vassin watch him silently until he + is still) + + Nin. Dead? + + Vas. (Stooping) Ay, dead, my lord. + + Nin. I would have spared him though I threatened death. + + Vas. Have spared the coward? Why, your majesty? + + Nin. Semiramis has spirit passing woman's; + I have no hope to force her to my arms, + And I'd have wrought her heart to tenderness + By mercy to her father. Love is my aim! + All else I can command--but that--Guards here! + + (Enter Armin and Haddo) + + Not you--my own! But wait--a word! Where sleeps + Menones? + + Arm. (Pointing) There, O king! + + (The body of Menones lies behind the king and Vassin, + unseen by the guards. Exeunt Armin and Haddo. Enter the + king's guards) + + Nin. Take up this body. + Place it within. + + (Guards go in with Menones' body) + + Vas. What would you do, my lord? + + Nin. You'll know in time. + + (Re-enter guards) Hark! You saw nothing! + + Guards. (Bowing to floor) Nothing. + O mighty Ninus! (Exeunt) + + Nin. I will have her love! + Vassin, this story of her goddess birth + Is true! + + Vas. How knows your majesty? + + Nin. It speaks + In all her motions. Every glance and grace + Revouches it. E'en your dull eye must know + Her beauty is immortal, though her life + Is forfeit to the clay and must have end. + + Vas. Thou'lt find another fair! Youth blooms and goes! + + Nin. Not such as hers! Her brow's a holy page + Where chiselling Time dare never set a mark! + The sun hath been her lover, and so deep + Hath touched her locks with fire no winter hand + May shake his kisses out! + + Vas. Why, thou'rt in love! + + (Confused voices without. A messenger runs in and falls + at the feet of the king) + + Nin. Speak, sir! + + Mes. Assyria wins! The Armenians fly! + They've lost their leader-- + + Nin. Khosrove! Is he taken? + + Mes. Taken or slain, I know not which, but know + He leads no more the enemy! They fly + Before Semiramis! + + Nin. Semiramis! + + Mes. Ay, all was rout until she reached the field + And spurred the-- + + Voice of herald without. Victory! A victory! + Ninus is god and king! + + Cries. A victory! + + (Enter herald) + + Herald. Assyria triumphs o'er his enemies! + + Nin. Is Khosrove taken? + + Her. Slain, the people cry! + The soldiers hail Semiramis their chief, + Call her a goddess, drag her chariot, + And shout and swear by Belus' ruling star + To be her slaves forever! + + Nin. So they shall. + + Vas. Your majesty-- + + Nin. Peace, Vassin! Wait and see! + + (Noise and cries without as Semiramis is drawn toward + the tent in her chariot) + + Nin. Ho! Guards! + + (The king's guards enter. Ninus passes to right centre, + facing entrance opposite. Guards station themselves on + each side of him and in his rear. Semiramis enters, + followed by officers and soldiers. Her helmet is off, + her hair falling) + + Nin. Hail goddess! + + (Semiramis looks at the king in astonishment then glances + fearfully toward Menones' room) + + Nin. Hail, Assyria's queen! + + Sem. (Faintly) O king-- + + (Ninus advances to her. She kneels before him) + + Nin. Kneel down, Menones' daughter! Rise, + The bride of Ninus, nevermore to kneel! + + (Raises her) + + This victory is proof, if proof I need, + That you are a true daughter of the skies, + Mate for the mightiest throne! + + (To soldiers) Cry festival! + The feast of triumph and the wedding revel + We'll hold together! Go! + + (Exeunt soldiers, cheering without) + + Nin. (Taking the hand of Semiramis) + + To-day thou'lt come? + + Sem. (Withdrawing her hand and bowing her head) + I am my king's. + + Nin. (Passing to exit) The royal chariot, + Within the hour, will take you from the tent + Unto our palace. + + (Exeunt Ninus and attendants. Semiramis stands dazed. + Sola comes out softly and looks at her) + + Sem. (In rapture) Ah, my father's safe! + I'll tell him! + + (Hurries toward curtains right, rear, and stops at exit) + + No ... I'll wait. This joy is dead + If Artavan be lost! + + (Sola springs toward her with a cry) + + Sol. Be lost? Ah, no! + Where is he? Oh, not lost! + + Sem. He pushed too far + Amid the flying troops. + + Sol. And you--you stole + His last look from my eyes! + + Sem. He may be saved. + For Sumbat followed him. He must be saved! + We'll hope till Sumbat comes. + + Sol. O, you know naught + Of love! + + Sem. I was his sister, Sola, ere + He made thee wife. + + Sol. A sister! O, such love + Is nothing! Thou wilt smile at it + If ever thou'rt a wife! + + (Semiramis is removing her armor. She stops and looks + questioningly at Sola; then shakes her head) + + Sem. Nay, Sola, nay!... + Help me with this.... Somehow my heart is gone + And armor's for the brave. + + (Putting on her robe) Now 't has come back. + But beats and whispers like a maiden's own. + I am but half a warrior.... Do not sob. + Sumbat will bring us news.... Ah, he has come! + + (Enter Sumbat) + + Sol. (Rushing to him and looking into his face) + Oh, lost! (Flies, sobbing, through the curtains, rear left) + + Sem. Speak.... Is it true? + + Sum. I fear it is. + I could not save him, and they bore him off. + + Sem. Alive? + + Sum. Alive! + + Sem. A prisoner! Not slain! + Then we may hope! I've captured Husak's son! + + Sum. Khosrove! Is he not under guard without? + A man most fair ... of lordly form, and young? + + Sem. 'Tis he! Have him brought hither instantly! + To Husak word shall go on swiftest steed + That I will yield the prince for Artavan! + + (Exit Sumbat) + + He's safe ... if there be time ... if there be time!... + Husak, the Fierce ... but he must love his son, + And will be merciful to save him. Ay.... + So brave a son. Now I recall his face, + It would have made me pause had not my eyes + Been dim with triumph. + + (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) + + Sem. (Gazes at him) Ah!... (She advances a step) + + Armenian! + + (At sound of her voice he lifts his head and looks at her + with eager recognition) + + Sem. (Stepping back) Armenian! + + Khos. (Proudly) Armenia, by your leave! + I am my father's house. + + Sem. I'm glad 'tis so. + Then he should value thee. + + Khos. He does. + + Sem. So much + That he will spare the life of Artavan + If we spare yours? + + Khos. Who is this Artavan + Who evens me in price? + + Sem. Menones' son. + + Khos. Menones? Governor of Nineveh? + Who fled my sword, fear-cold, and pale with terror? + Insult not Husak with so poor a suit! + That coward's race-- + + Sem. Am I a coward, sir? + + Khos. (In sudden dejection) + These fettered arms make answer, princess. + + Sem. Nay, + I am Menones' daughter,--Artavan + My brother! + + Khos. Not the Assyrian princess? O, + Forgive me, lady! I am proud to be + Thy brother's price! + + Sem. What surety have I + That Artavan still lives? + + Khos. My word. + + Officer. His word! + O, noble madam, it is known to all + That Husak takes no prisoners of war. + They die before his tent. + + Khos. Such is the custom-- + + Sem. O me, my brother! + + Khos. But I can avouch + That Artavan still lives. + + Off. Trust not the word + Of captive foes, my lady. By what means + Can he know this? + + Sem. Speak, sir. + + Khos. To you alone + I'll speak. + + Sem. Nay--before all! + + Khos. Unto no ear + But thine. + + Sem. Wouldst save thy life? + + Khos. Perhaps. Wouldst save + Thy brother? + + Sem. Sumbat, wilt advise me? + + Sum. Trust him, + And hear what he would say. + + Sem. Out then, my friends, + I pray you. + + (All go out but Semiramis and Khosrove.) + + Now! + + Khos. My father swore to me + Before I led his troops 'gainst Nineveh, + All captives should be held at my disposal + And bloody custom waived. I would not speak + 'Fore all, lest I should rob fierce Husak's name + Of terror which is half his sword. + + Sem. But now + He thinks you dead. + + Khos. Not so. I've sent him word + By a sure mouth that I'm unhurt and held + A prisoner. + + Sem. O then my brother's safe! + How gracious art thou, Heaven! + + (Steps towards entrance) Sumbat! + + Khos. (Stepping before her) Wait! + + Sem. What more? + + Khos. All--everything--there's nothing said! + Ninus will spare me not! 'Tis thou must save me! + + Sem. I! No! The king! + + Khos. Not he! Is Artavan + Grown dearer than his hate to Husak? Nay-- + + Sem. Sir, fear not Ninus. He will grant my suit. + + Khos. He will? You--you-- + + Sem. I've saved his army! + + Khos. (Relieved) Ah! + No more than that? + + Sem. Enough! + + Khos. No! 'T will not wipe + Revenge from out his heart,--and you have saved + But that your father threw away. + + Sem. Peace, sir! + + Khos. There's but one way for me--escape! + + Sem. No more! + Nay--not another word! + + Khos. I must escape-- + + Sem. Not one! + + Khos. That word unsaid slays Artavan, + Spoken it saves him! Once in Ninus' power + I have no hope of life, and with me dies + Your brother. + + Sem. (Scornfully) Do not fear! + + Khos. I fear? By Heaven! + Think you this heart is not a soldier's own + Because 'tis captive to a woman's sword? + A woman's sword! O little had thy sword + To do with my defeat! Unarmed thou wouldst + Have taken me--for 'twas thy beauty struck + My weapon to my side! (rapidly and passionately) + When I bore down + Upon your chariot, I could have swept you + With one arm from the world! But suddenly + A missile struck your helmet and dislodged + The glory of your face before my eyes, + Your hair ran gold, the shining East looked black + Behind the star you made upon its breast! + I knew thee for a goddess, and stood still + Meek captive to thy wish! O blest am I + To learn thou art not greater than myself, + But so much less that I may lift thee up! + Fly with me--be my queen-- + + (Semiramis tries to speak) + + Go, call them in! + I'll shout above their heads to reach thine ears! + O, trust to me! In me thy brother lives! + Come, and thy fallen father shall be brave + Beneath Armenia's smile! Here thou mayst save + His life, but ne'er again will he know honor! + Help me to fly and save three lives in one! + Give me to Ninus--give me up to death, + And with a father and a brother lost, + Though thou wert worshipped 'mong thy country's gods + Still thou couldst not be happy! + + Sem. Sir-- + + Khos. But come, + And they are safe! + + Sem. (Bewildered) What do I hear? + + Khos. O, come! + Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones? + It is the fire that dead puts out the light + On every hearth, living makes all the world + One altar feeding incense unto Heaven! + It gives the soul to life, breath to the soul, + Pulse to ambition, strength to warrior arms,-- + + (Struggling with his fetters) + + Such strength that they may break all captive bonds + To clasp their own! + + (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) + + And love I offer thee! + + Sem. Sir, I forgive thee, for thou knowest not + To whom you speak! + + Khos. Know not! + + Sem. I who am now + Menones' daughter, ere the night shall be + The bride of Ninus, king of all Assyria! + + (Khosrove rises, bows before her, and stands with silent + dignity) + + Sem. You--you--were saying-- + + Khos. Nothing, royal madam. + Have you not friends without? + + (Semiramis hesitates, goes to door and calls) + + Sem. Sumbat! (To Khosrove) Thou'rt safe! + + Khos. (Ironically) + Assyria's queen should know! + + Sem. She does! + + (Re-enter Sumbat and officers) + + Sum. Unbound! + + Sem. Ay, he is free! We only wait the word + Of gracious Ninus. Guard him until then, + We charge you, Sumbat. Keep you nearest him. + + (Exeunt Sumbat and officers with Khosrove) + + Sem. My father now! He must have heard the shouts + Of victory, yet still he hides himself. + ... The king asked not for love. He is Assyria. + I would not lessen him by love. Not yet.... + 'Tis my triumphant arms he weds. The heart + Must sleep.... + + Voice of guard at entrance. + The king approaches! + + Sem. Ah!... The king! + His word, and all is done. I'll speak to him + Before I see my father. Then I may say + 'Thou art forgiven, and Artavan is safe!' + ... And Khosrove ... safe.... The royal chariot!... + O, mother, send thy doves--I am once more + A babe! + + (The king enters alone) + + Nin. Art ready for thy king? + + Sem. I am-- + And yet--a word before I go! Thou know'st + That Khosrove is my prisoner-- + + Nin. Khosrove! He! + We thought him slain! + + Sem. Nay, sir-- + + Nin. A prisoner! + O, welcome gift! We ask no other dower! + + Sem. But, gracious lord-- + + Nin. (Turning to entrance) Ho, Vassin! Khosrove's taken! + Go! Find him out and drag him straight to dungeon! + Bind him with chains until he can not move, + Till we've devised some bitter way of death! + + Vas. (Without) I haste, my lord! + + Nin. At last my enemy is 'neath my feet! + + (Returning to Semiramis) + + And 'tis to thee we owe this gift of fortune! + ... You're pale, Semiramis. + + Sem. O king-- + + Nin. (Taking her hands) And trembling. + Dost fear my greatness? Nay, thou ledst my army-- + + Sem. O, if for that thou ow'st me aught, grant me-- + + Nin. Whate'er thou wouldst! + + Sem. My brother, Artavan, + Is Husak's captive! Thou canst save him! + + Nin. I? + Then he is saved! But how! Tell me the way! + + Sem. Husak will yield him up for Khosrove! + + Nin. What + Send Khosrove back alive! Not though the gods + Commanded it! Alive! 'Twas Husak slew + My father, and his son shall die! Ten years + I've sought for this revenge! And give it up + For a green lad fresh from the fields of Gazim? + + Sem. A warrior, sir, who'll win thee many a battle! + And crest thy glory with meridian stars! + He's worth the price though pity lent no coin! + Save him, my lord! A bridal boon I ask! + Give me my brother! + + Nin. A bridal boon I'll grant. + Thou lov'st thy father? + + Sem. (Choking) You know--that he-- + + Nin. I know. + + Sem. Great king-- + + Nin. One thou mayst save. + + Sem. O gods! + + Nin. Thy brother, or thy father? Thou mayst choose. + + Sem. I know my duty, sir. I choose my father. + + Nin. A noble choice. We are not harsh, my queen. + The people know Menones' life is forfeit, + And know how I have sought for Khosrove's death; + Did I spare both for your sake they would say + That Ninus' scepter is a woman's hand. + + (Shouts of rejoicing without) + + But come! The chariot waits. The people call. + + Sem. First will I tell my father that he lives. + He's waiting there the summons to his death. + Ah, I must thank you sir. + + (Takes the king's hand and kisses it. Goes through + curtains, right, rear. Her cry is heard within. She + returns.) + + Too late! He's dead! + Cold, cold, my father! Oh! + + (Sobs, her hands covering her face) + + Nin. (Removing her hands and putting his arm about her) + + Thou'rt not alone, + My bride! + + Sem. (Withdrawing and kneeling to him, her hands upraised) + O king, leave me my brother! + + Nin. Nay! + Did you not have your choice? You ask too much. + + Sem. (Rising) Ah, so I do! I should demand, not ask! + + Nin. Demand! + + Sem. Ay, king! ... 'Tis true I'm not alone. + My goddess mother is again with me + As when this morn my heart exultant rode + The tides of triumph! When the heavens rolled + And like a stooping sea caught up my soul + Till ranged with the applauding gods it clapped + My courage on below! You offer me + A place beside your throne. I offer you + The hearts of all your subjects now my own,-- + The love--the worship of your mighty army! + + (Cries without) + + They shout my name--not yours--great Ninus! Hear! + + Shouts: Semiramis is queen! Semiramis! + + Sem. I bring a hand, with yours inlocked, shall reach + O'er Asia's breadth and draw her glory in! + A heart ambitious with immortal beat + To make Assyria greatest 'neath the stars! + And in return I ask my brother's life! + Give me your promise Khosrove goes to Husak, + Or leave me where I stand--Menones' daughter! + + Nin. (Slowly, reading the determination in her face) + I promise. + + Sem. Swear! + + Nin. I swear it! + + Sem. (Relaxes, falls at his feet, and reaches up, clasping his hands) + O, god Ninus! + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT II. + + +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. + +Ninus alone. Enter Vassin, left centre. + + Nin. (As Vassin enters) + You've told her? + + Vas. Ay, my lord. + + Nin. What does she say? + Does she suspect we ordered Khosrove's torture? + + Vas. I can not answer that. + + Nin. Then answer this! + You're sure that he will die? You made good work? + + Vas. Good work, my lord. He can not live a day. + + Nin. A day! You've hurried then! I bade you fill + His wounds with mortal but a lingering bane! + Go, have him brought within! He must not die + Without my foot upon his neck! + + (As Vassin is going) What said + The queen? + + Vas. She cried 'My brother's lost!' + + Nin. No more? + + Vas. O, then her soul put sorrow's grandeur on, + And those about her saw a noble storm; + But yet so proud her royal eyes, each drop + That fell from them were worth a world + To him for whom they fell! + + Nin. (Aside) He loves the queen! + + (Enter Semiramis, left, centre) + + Sem. Is this thing true my lord? O, surely Heaven + Will cry out 'No' though thou must answer 'Ay!' + + Nin. (To Vassin) Go! (Exit Vassin, right front) + + Sem. Is it true? + + Nin. Too true, my queen! + Khosrove is maimed beyond all hope of life, + And thou must make thy husband heir to love + That was thy brother's. + + Sem. Oh! + + Nin. Thy grief is mine. + + Sem. I will not weep, though I could shed such streams + As when the clouds from riven breast pour down + Their torrent agonies!... How strange, my lord, + The guards should venture so without your warrant! + + Nin. I've had their heads for it! + + Sem. (Shocked) Their heads!... Why, this + 'Tis to be royal! Ah! + + Nin. Put by these thoughts, + Semiramis. No theme to-day but love! + + Sem. Love, sir? + + Nin. Ay, that! Thou lov'st me, dost thou not? + + Sem. Thou art great Ninus! + + Nin. I'd be loved as man! + Forget my kingdom, and put arms about me + As doth the peasant maid her beggar lord! + + Sem. (Moving from him) + I thought thy greatness married my ambition + To make Assyria brave e'en to the gods! + I'll keep my promise ... howsoever thine + Is broken. Crowned, my glorious purpose beats + Higher than any dream my maiden heart + Could nourish! I will keep my word. But love? + If thou wouldst have it--win it! + + (Starts away, then turns back to him) + + Hast yet found + A governor for the city? + + Nin. No. + + Sem. Delay + At this unsettled time? Dost think it safe? + + Nin. I've ordered every tower-watch redoubled, + Each gate close-locked, and keep the keys myself! + None goes or comes till I have found the man + For governor. + + Sem. Would not Vassin serve? + + Nin. (With suspicion) + I've other use for him. Perchance he'll go + From Nineveh. + + Sem. My lord, there's one from Gazim, + Sumbat, thou'lt find as true as thine own heart. + Who with some aid from me-- + + Nin. From you? So, so! + + Sem. (In surprise) + I was my father's head and hand, my lord. + Who knows the guardian locks and wards and plans + Secretive for thy safety but myself? + Whom thou dost choose must learn somewhat of me. + + Nin. Ay, you'll nob heads together! + + Sem. Sir? + + Nin. Well, well-- + I'll choose a man! + + (Exit moodily, right centre) + + Sem. Strange ... but he is the king! + ... Ah, Khosrove! Artavan!... Nay, I will think + Of nothing but my duty to the crown!... + ... "And with a father and a brother lost--" + + (Enter Sola, left, front. She sees that Semiramis is alone + and advances) + + Sem. "Though thou wert worshipped, thou couldst not be happy!" + + Sol. Tell me! When does he come? + + Sem. Who, child? + + Sol. You ask? + My husband--Artavan! + + Sem. He will not come. + + Sol. Art thou not queen? + + Sem. And Ninus king. + + Sol. He will not save thy brother? + + Sem. Nay, he can not. + + Sol. O monster king! + + Sem. Hush, Sola ... he forgave + My father. + + Sol. Oh!--because he knew him dead! + + Sem. He knew him dead! + + Sol. Ah, I will tell you now! + + (Looks about guardedly, and speaks in a low tone) + + I saw your father die--and Ninus saw him! + Dokahra waked me--and unseen we watched! + The king came to the tent--discovered all-- + Doomed him to death--you to dishonor! Then + Your father rose to strike him--and fell dead. + The king-- + + Sem. Go! Leave me, Sola! Leave me! Go! + + (Exit Sola, left, near front) + + Sem. (Stands in silent horror, then speaks slowly) + ... I'll keep my oath ... and crown. Still will I make + Assyria great. Assyria is the army, + And I ... am queen of arms ... not love! Not love! + + (Re-enter Ninus) + + Sem. (Softly, not seeing Ninus) + "Dost know what love is, daughter of Menones?" + + Nin. (Advancing) My bride! + + Sem. (Turning to him) My lord, I would see Sumbat. Pray + Let him be summoned. + + Nin. Nay, we've sworn this day + Shall be for us alone! + + Sem. 'Twas he I charged + With care of the Armenian prince. + + Nin. My queen + Shall not be troubled. + + Sem. 'T will not trouble me, + My lord. + + Nin. Enough it troubles me! + + Sem. He'd know + Of this foul fault, against your will-- + + Nin. Again + That theme! Forget it! + + Sem. O, my lord, forget + That noble prince? So brave--so proud--so fair-- + + Nin. What do you say? O, you changed eyes with him! + + Sem. My lord! + + Nin. This is your grief! Your brother! Ha! + + Sem. Your majesty-- + + Nin. Not majesty! Fool! Fool! + Ho, there! Bring in the Armenian! You shall see + This noble prince! So brave--so proud--so fair! + Her brother! O, fool, fool, fool! + + Sem. This the king? + + Nin. Why, I'm a fool, my lady! + + (Guards enter right front with a half lifeless body) + + Look on him! + He's had some kisses since you saw him last + That struck full deep! + + Sem. (Staggering back) Is that-- + + Nin. Ay, it is he! + Look on him! 'Tis your Khosrove! Your-- + + Sem. (Majestically) Peace Ninus! + When you have knelt to me I'll hear you speak! + + (Exit left centre) + + Nin. (Stares after her and becomes calm) + Now I have ruined all. She'll not forgive! + + (Enter Vassin, left, rear) + + Vas. My lord, the brother of the queen has come. + + Nin. Not Artavan? + + Vas. Ay, Artavan. + + Nin. He's here? + + Vas. When Husak had your oath you'd free his son, + Prince Khosrove, Artavan was sent at once + To Nineveh. + + Nin. How could he pass + The gates? + + Vas. He passed before your order fell. + + Nin. We'll welcome him. + + (Looks toward the queen's room) + + I'll make my peace with this. + + (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) + + Sem. Not Khosrove! O, it is not Khosrove! + + (Leaves him and hurries to exit, trying to suppress her + emotion. Returns to the body) + + Where is the prince? Poor wretch! Can you not speak? + ... Are these thy ways, ambition? + + Voice without. Way! Make way! + + (Semiramis hurries to her room. Enter the king, left rear, + walking with Khosrove, and followed by Vassin and Sumbat) + + Nin. Speak not of going, Artavan! + + Khos. I must, + O king! I pray your leave to go at once + To Gazim. Sudden troubles urge me there. + I beg your kingly warrant I may pass + The gates-- + + Nin. Nay, you shall stay! We shall persuade you! + + (To attendant) + Summon the queen. Her voice we'll add to ours. + + Khos. My lord-- + + Nin. We like you, Artavan! By Bel, + We do! You're worthy of your sister queen! + No more--you'll stay! ... See! This is Khosrove! + + (Bends over body on the floor) Is-- + + Or was? ... He lives.... Think you these bones will hold + Until they reach old Husak? Now you've come, + We must keep faith! Ha! ha! + + Khos. And that--is Khosrove? + + Nin. Truth, 'tis! ... Bear out the dog! + + (Guards bear off body, right front. Enter Semiramis. + Sumbat crosses to her) + + Sem. My brother? Where? + + Khos. Here! (Advancing to her) + + Sum. (To Semiramis) Be not amazed + And Artavan is safe! + + Nin. This welcome's cold + Methinks. We gave him warmer greeting. + + Sem. Sir, + Such sudden joy--My brother knows there's none + I hold more dear. + + Nin. How now? Not one? + + Sem. (Dropping her eyes from Khosrove) Yes--one-- + Perhaps. + + Nin. (Pleased, taking her hand) + We are forgiven? + + Sem. Indeed, my lord. + + Nin. And for your brother, hear our royal word. + We make him governor of Nineveh! + + Sem. (In alarm) + No! no! + + Nin. 'Tis done! Go, Vassin, bring the keys! + + (Exit Vassin, right front) + + And wear this ring, my general! + + Khos. My lord, + I could not undertake-- + + Nin. You shall!--The queen + Will charge you with all duties. + + Sem. No! I will not! + + Nin. Ay, ay! We know we please you 'gainst your word + And not your will. + + Sem. He is too young, my lord! + + Nin. Menones was too old. And 'twas yourself + Who taught us how to prize your brother. + + (Re-enter Vassin with a chain of great keys, which the + king takes) + + Come! + + (Throws chains about Khosrove's neck, and singles out + the keys) + + The citadel! The southern arsenal! + The northern wall--the secret passages-- + And these the tunnel locks and river gates! + You'll take command at once, and so relieve + The city which we've shut fast as a tomb, + Fearing that spies from Husak's camp might creep + Into our bosom. + + Khos. Wisely done, my lord. + + Sem. O king, if 't must be so, I'll map for him + My fathers safe division of the city. + + Nin. To you we leave him. + + (Talks apart with Vassin and Sumbat) + + Sem. Sir, what do you mean? + + Khos. (Hurriedly) When Vassin came to take me into charge, + Sumbat contrived another should be sent-- + + Sem. We know the rest! But how save Artavan? + + Khos. When I have entered Husak's camp he's free! + You trust me? + + Sem. O, I must! I do! But not + To save my brother may I trust to you + The city's keys! You are Assyria's foe-- + + Khos. Not now! No more a foe, but truest friend! + For in my heart you are Assyria, + And you I'd serve-- + + Nin. Cut short thy schooling, for + The city waits. + + Sem. (Aloud, mapping in her hand) The river here divides + The eastern guard--(lowers her voice) I must not do this! No! + Risk every soul in Nineveh-- + + Khos. Did I + Not trust thee when I entered here? I knew + The face that shone upon me in the battle + Would not betray me! Who gives perfect trust + Is worthy of it! Thou dost know me true + By Heaven's sign that only souls may read! + I can not say what I would say because + Thou art a wife, but wert thou not a wife, + Though thou wert thousand times a queen, I'd pour + Such worship to your ears you would believe + My heart would rend my body's walls and leap + Out of my bosom sooner than beat once + A traitor to your trust! Take Ninus' ring! + Give me this little one--(slipping a ring from her finger) + that hath enclosed + The sovereign rose and ruby of thy veins + That dims his purple power--and thee I serve-- + Your general--not his! Whate'er you would + I will! Command me now-- + + Sem. Enough! Go, go! + Lose no more time! + + Khos. O, in some dream to come, + When innocence may wear what form it will + And on thy waking nature leave no blush, + May words I must not speak take life and pay + The debt they owe this hour! + + Sem. I beg you go! + Assyria's in your hands! + + Khos. Nay, in my heart! + + Nin. Come, Artavan! No more delay! Your troops + Await before the citadel. + + Khos. I go, + My lord. + + (Confusion without, left rear. Enter an officer) + + Off. Pardon, your majesty! A man + Who says he's brother to the queen, makes bold + To press before you! + + Nin. Yet another brother? + + Sem. No, no, my lord! + + Off. He comes from Husak's camp. + + Sem. It is some madman surely, or a spy + Who plays his wits are lost and takes this way + To force into the court! + + Khos. I'll thrust him out! + He may mean danger to your person. + + Nin. Nay, + We'll sport with him. Let him come in! + + (Exit Officer) + + Sem. My lord-- + + Nin. Your brother! Ho, ho, ho! + + (Enter Artavan) + + Art. My sister! + + Sem. (Staring) Sir? + + Art. Though queen, art thou not still my sister? + + Sem. No! + + Art. (Bowing with scornful ceremony) + Your majesty! + + Nin. Ha! ha! His sister! Then + Thou wouldst be brother to the king? + + Art. (Bitterly) My hope + Runs not so high, and even to her I now + Give up all claim. I'll own no blood but that + In my own veins keeps honor! So farewell! + + Nin. Be not so fast! Whence comest thou, my man? + + Art. From Husak's camp. When he received thy word + His son should go to him, he set me free. + + Sem. Oh, set you free! + + Art. And now, O king-- + + Sem. (Seeing that the king is impressed) My lord, + If he came from the camp how has he passed + The city gates? + + Nin. Ah ... true ... he could not pass. + + Sem. (Mockingly) Perhaps he scaled the hundred feet of wall, + And crossed the rampart 'neath the arrow watch + Of towers eighty-score! + + Art. I found a way, + Proud woman! + + Nin. How? + + (As Artavan speaks Sola enters left front, and is held + aside by Sumbat) + + Art. This morning ere the battle + She who was then my sister gave me this. + + (Shows paper) + + 'Twas some direction sent unto my father, + The lord Menones. (Turning paper) On this side I found + A map whose secret key I knew, that marked + A passage 'neath the river. This I sought, + Found it unguarded-- + + Nin. By the seven winds!-- + + (Enter an officer) + + Off. O king! + + Nin. You're of the northern watch? + + Off. I am, + O king! The Armenians advance upon + The northern wall, but come with lances down! + + Art. They come in peace to meet the son of Husak! + + Sem. O, haste, my lord! Haste, Artavan to duty! + Their rage when they shall learn the fate of Khosrove + May give them courage to assail our walls! + Go, brother! + + Nin. Hold! This man speaks not as madmen! + + Sem. Should I not know my brother, sir? + + Nin. You should. + Choose which is he. The other we condemn + To death. + + Art. (Holding out his arms) + Save me, Semiramis! + + Khos. (Holding out his arms) Save me, + My sister! + + Sem. (Going to Khosrove's arms) + Brother! + + Nin. (To Khosrove) Haste thee to thy office! + Vassin, attend him! Sumbat, be his chief! + We trust where trusts the queen! + + Sem. (To Khosrove) Give up the keys + To Sumbat! + + (Exeunt Khosrove, Vassin, Sumbat, left rear) + + Nin. (To Artavan) You to death! (Signs to guards) + + Sem. My royal lord, + First would I question him alone, and learn + The truth about this passage. He may be + In league with traitors subtler than himself. + One moment, sir, I pray. + + Nin. O, ever wise! + Bribe him with any promise death may keep + To tell you all. But do not linger, love; + We lose our bridal day! + + (Exit, right centre. Semiramis looks at Artavan with + the greatest tenderness. He gazes coldly upon her, Sola + clinging to him) + + Art. What would the queen? + + Sem. To be again thy sister. Dost not guess? + That man-- + + Art. Who can he be you prize above + Your honor and my life? + + Sem. The son of him + Who set you free on Ninus' oath, an oath + Broke in the heart ere it had left the lips! + + Art. My brave Semiramis! You've saved the prince, + And with his life my honor! O, pardon me! + + Sem. He was escaping in your name when you + Arrived too soon-- + + Art. Forgive me that! + + Sem. And now + To save my brother! + + Art. Hope it not. Be glad + That one is safe. Had Khosrove lost his life + In Ninus' court, my oath had driven me back + To Husak--and to death. No power then + Had saved me. Now-- + + Sem. Now thou shalt live! + + Art. Nay, see! + His guards watch well! There is no way. + + Sem. No way + But through the will of Ninus. He shall save thee! + + Art. O, for your own dear life, Semiramis, + Let Ninus know not I am Artavan! + + Sem. He dare not touch me, for the army's mine! + + (Goes into Ninus' chamber) + + Sol. My love! + + Art. 'Tis welcome and farewell, my Sola! + + Sol. O, she will save thee! + + Art. Teach me not to hope. + + (A band of dancing maidens enter, left, and sing a bridal + chorus before the doors of Ninus' chamber) + + Love and Beauty now are one, + No more wandering away! + Love's the sky to Beauty's sun, + From him she can not stray. + And he is bright by her fair light or none! + + Love and Beauty dreaming lie, + Who shall say it is not meet? + Who shall say, O fie, O fie, + To the favor sweet + That Love will ask and Beauty not deny? + + (Maidens dance out, right. Re-enter Semiramis) + + Sem. He's wild with rage! I can not calm him! + + Sol. Oh, + To lose thee now! + + (Enter Ninus. He advances upon Semiramis) + + Nin. Who is he, then--that man-- + If not thy brother? To whose arms you went + As you have never come to mine? + + Sem. A man + Whose life you owed to me by holiest promise + And oath unto the gods! I saved your soul + When I so saved-- + + Nin. Speak! Who? + + Sem. The son of Husak, + Prince Khosrove, of Armenia! + + (Utter silence. Ninus stands choked and dumb; then moves + to strike Semiramis) + + Sem. Strike me + You strike your army! + + (Ninus drops his hand and stares at her, livid and shaken, + then turns fiercely upon Artavan) + + Sem. (Rushes before him and falls, clinging to his knees) + Wait, O wait, my lord! + If thou dost Hope to know my love! Dost dream + Of bridal joy! Wouldst rest thy head in peace + Upon my bosom, say thou wilt forgive! + And I, too, will forgive! No more will ask + What thou hast done or not done! All thy past + Is fair as Heaven by this moment's sun! + I'll love thee as thou hadst been born this hour + That gives my brother life! O, speak the word, + And take me to thy heart--thy wife--thy slave-- + + Nin. By earth and heaven, he shall die--and now! + + (Raises his dagger to strike. Enter Vassin) + + Vas. (Excitedly) My lord, this is the strangest governor! + He ordered me with Sumbat to lead out + The city troops beyond the southern gate, + Then spurred to north! Sumbat obeyed, but I, + Not liking this, returned to you! + + Nin. 'Tis Khosrove! + + Vas. (Staggered) + Then we are lost! + + Nin. Pursue him! Fly! Call back + Our troops! + + Vas. Too late! By now they're locked without + The southern wall, and Khosrove rides to ope + The north to Husak! + + Sem. (Aside) False! Down, slanderous thought + That darkens me not him! That face that looked + As Truth had chosen it to show her own + To man! That voice--each word the enchanted door + To holier worlds unspoken! No. I'll trust! + + (Enter an officer) + + Off. O, great Assyria, the Armenians come! + The Gazim traitor's sold thee unto Husak! + Thy foes are pouring through the northern gate + And bear down on the palace! Sumbat holds + Thy troops upon the southern plain And bars + All passage! There's no help! + + (Ninus listens speechless) + + Attendants. (Running in) O, we are lost! + + Off. The city will be sacked! The palace guards + Are but a handful! + + Sem. False? O, Khosrove! False? + Then there is no man true? E'en Sumbat lost + To thy sweet promises! False! false! + + (Enter a second officer) + + Off. (Prostrating himself) Oh Ninus! + Call on thy gods! Thy enemies are at thee! + The palace is enclosed, and every foe + Bears in his hand a torch that blazes death + To all within! + + (The inmates of the palace are running to and fro, rear, + and looking fearfully out into the court below) + + Sem. O beauteous gods, is this + Your earth? Where Falsehood steals your garments, nay + Your smile, seduces with your voice, and stamps + Your semblance upon fiends? + + Voices. Save us, O king! + + (Ninus stands immovable, as if made deaf and dumb by + impending disaster) + + Voice. We burn! They cast the brands! + + Another. Not yet! They wait! + + Voices of prostrate figures. Save us, O king! + + Voice. See! see! The leader speaks! + + Another. His herald! Hear! + + (A trumpet sounds below) + + Voice of Khosrove's herald. Assyria, come forth! + + (All within listen, silent, eager, fearful) + + Hear thou, O Ninus! Hear the word of Khosrove! + He will depart with the Armenian troops, + And leave the city free of sword and fire, + If thou'lt decree that Artavan shall live + Free and unharmed! + + (The face of Semiramis illumines with joy) + + Deny and Nineveh + Shall flame! + + Nin. My herald there! Stand forth! + + (The herald of Ninus takes station centre rear) + + Decree + As Khosrove wills! + + Her. of Khos. Appear, O Ninus! + + Nin. No! + + Her. of Khos. + Appear, O Ninus! + + (Ninus goes slowly to rear and stands by his herald) + + Her. of Khos. Hear, all Nineveh! + Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god! + That Artavan, the brother of the queen, + Shall freely live, and die by no man's hand! + + Her. of Ninus. (Blows trumpet, then speaks) + + Hear the decree of Ninus, king and god, + That Artavan, the brother of the queen, + Shall freely live, and die by no man's hand! + + (Silence. The voice of Khosrove below) + + Khos. Assyria, speak! + + Nin. I, Ninus, so decree! + + (Staggers back toward front as all press to rear to see + the troops go out. Semiramis, Artavan and Sola stand + together gazing out) + + Sem. O, Khosrove! See--he rides--away--away! + + (Leans forward waving her scarf. Ninus, alone in front, + goes toward his chamber, falls on the steps overpowered + with rage and lifts his clenched hands) + + Nin. O, vengeance! Vengeance for a king! + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT III. + + +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. + +A score of spearmen, with lances down, march in right, front, and +out through archway, right, rear. + +Enter, right, front, the king and Sumbat. The king is royally clad +and crowned; Sumbat in official robe. + + Sumbat. Khosrove delays. + + Nin. But do not doubt he'll come. + I have his word, and couriers have seen + His horsemen on the plain. + + Sum. How noble, sir, + To close the Feast of Peace with supreme revel + In honor of your foe! + + Nin. Not foe, good Sumbat. + We have no foes. Our queen's triumphant arms + Have made glad subjects of all enemies + But one, and him we make our friend. To-night + Assyria and Armenia sup as one! + + (Turns toward right, rear) + + We'll see if all's prepared as we gave order. + + (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) + + Sem. Will Khosrove come? I do not doubt the king,-- + And yet--I pray he will not come! + + (Re-enter Sumbat, through arch. He comes out to the queen) + + Sem. You, Sumbat? + Where is the king? + + Sum. I left him in the garden, + Giving new orders for Prince Khosrove's honor. + + Sem. Sumbat, you trust the king? + + Sum. I do. You've wrought + Such noble change in him that drop by drop + He's mated all his blood unto your virtues. + + Sem. I must believe it, lest a doubt should breed + The weakness it suspects. But is 't not strange + Khosrove should trust him too? + + Sum. He knows that you + Would warn him if there lay a danger here. + + Sem. I warn him? But suppose the warning false? + 'T would wrong the king, whose purpose seems so pure + It might have journeyed with his soul when first + It came from Heaven! No. I'll answer for him! + He could not counterfeit so deep my eyes + Would find no bottom to deceit!... But now + What hast thou heard of Artavan? + + Sum. No word. + + Sem. I fear-- + + Sum. He's safe. Be sure of that. No man + Would dare lay finger on him! + + Sem. But to go + Without a word! Poor Sola grieves, and weeps + As though she'd drown her wits in tears. + + (A boat glides from under the bridge and over the water + beneath them) + + See there! + 'Tis she! Alone below! + + (Sola alights from boat and runs up steps to the bridge) + + I'll speak to her. + + Go, Sumbat! (Sumbat goes off right) + + Sister, stay. + + (Stops Sola as she is passing) + + Why do you run? + + Sol. I'm running from the king! + + Sem. The king, my love? + There's no king here. + + Sol. Nay, he's below! + + Sem. Below? + + Sol. Under the bridge with Vassin! + + Sem. Vassin? No. + The king has sent him out of Nineveh! + + Sol. He did not go. I swear that he's below! + + Sem. What were you doing 'neath the bridge? + + Sol. Ah me, + I seek in every place for Artavan. + I'll save him from the king! + + Sem. So kind a king? + + Sol. O, kind! As death, or plague, or leprosy! + 'Tis he has taken revenge on Artavan! + He'll kill the prince, too, when he comes! + + Sem. My child-- + + Sol. (Pointing down) + I heard them talking there! + + Sem. Thy husband's safe. + Bethink thee that the king's decree protects him. + + Sol. Not from the king! From man, not from the gods, + And Ninus is a god, or dreams he is! + + Sem. From man--not from--no, no! I will not say + Or think it! My poor child-- + + Sol. You'll save the prince? + 'Tis you he trusts, not Ninus! + + Sem. Sweet, be calm. + You did not see the king. + + Sol. Hear all, and save him! + When Khosrove takes the seat of highest honor, + Lord of the Revels by Assyria's favor, + The floor will part, the chair fall to the lake, + Where Vassin waits to slay him, while the king + Strikes down in wrath the master of the feast + For fault of accident! + + Sem. Where are your wits? + See, yonder comes the king! + + (Re-enter Ninus through archway) + + Sem. (As he approaches) Is all prepared, + My lord? + + Sol. (To Semiramis) + 'Tis true--true--true! + + (Runs off, right) + + Nin. Ay, all is ready + Except the queen. What means these simple robes, + Semiramis? + + Sem. A compliment unto + Your majesty. + + Nin. It shows more like affront! + I would have Khosrove see a splendor here + Unpainted in the daring of his dream, + And thou the star of it! A merchant's daughter + Would robe her handmaid with more care--lend her + A pearl or two--a bit of scarf--or scrap + Of tinsel sun-- + + Sem. My lord-- + + Nin. A compliment! + 'Tis your disdain-- + + Sem. It grieves me, sir, that you + Should read in outward sign what never yet + Was in my soul. Our wars are done, my lord; + And exultation of the conquering hour + Calms into peace; as I laid armor by + For victor robes and symbol of my glory, + I now cast off the purple of the queen, + And but remember that I am a wife. + + Nin. (Embracing her) + Beloved Semiramis! Forgive thy slave! + No royal dye could shine so to my eyes + As this soft white put on for me alone! + Thy pardon, love, and thou shalt shortly learn + A king, too, knows how best to compliment! + An honor waits for thee-- + + (Enter officer, left) + + Off. O king! + + Nin. We hear! + + Off. The Armenian approaches. + + Nin. Khosrove comes? + + (Semiramis watches the king closely) + + Off. He comes, great Ninus! + + Nin. Well, and more than well! + Summon our train. (Exit officer, right) But one is lacking here, + Our brother--Artavan. + + Sem. My lord--you think-- + + Nin. Who would dare harm him? He is safe. + + Sem. (Coming very near him) From man, + Not from the gods. + + Nin. (Stepping back) What do you mean? + + Sem. The truth! + + Nin. (Seizing her arm) + It is not so! I do deny it! + + Sem. (Calmly) What, + My lord? + + Nin. What meant you when you said 'the truth'! + + Sem. That gods may work some harm to Artavan. + + Nin. (At ease) True, love! Uncertain is their favor. Look! + He comes! (Gazing off left) + + Sem. (Aside) He's false! And if he's false in this--then is-- + O, Khosrove, thou art lured to death! And I + Have been thy traitorous star! + + (Enter Khosrove, left, attended by Armenians) + + Nin. Hail, Khosrove! Hail! + + Assyrians. + Hail to Armenia! Hail! + + Khos. O, Ninus, hail! + + Armenians. + Hail to Assyria, greatest over kings! + + Nin. Thou'rt welcome, and we thank thee for thy trust, + Which we'll betray when Heaven has no god + To damn our treachery! In proof of faith, + Wear thou the royal dagger with thy own. + + (Detaches his weapon, which he gives to Khosrove) + + Our queen--has she no word? + + (Khosrove bows low before Semiramis) + + Sem. Peace and long life + To Khosrove. + + Nin. Now to revel! Sound the trumpets! + + (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) + + Sem. (Who has stood aside during the dance, apparently disturbed) + It is not true! Were any man so vile + Nature would spurn him back to chaos ere + His mother had beheld him! + + (The dance ends. The maidens pass out under arch. All move + to follow when Ninus speaks) + + Nin. Stay! Hear, all! + Before we feast in honor of our guest, + We would do honor to our noble queen, + Whose arms of might have brought our land to peace. + Whose looks of love have brought our heart to rest! + To-night we doff our crown that she may wear it! + + (Removing crown) + + And here decree her word shall be obeyed + Above our own. + + (Puts crown on the queen's head) + + Dost like our compliment? + + Sem. It is too much, my king. + + Nin. (Kneeling) Nay, nay, thy subject! + + (Semiramis seems gay with a sudden resolve) + + Sem. If it so please thee then I'll be the king! + + Nin. (Rising) We have decreed. If any here refuse + To honor thy command, though thou shouldst doom + My death, himself that instant dies. (To officer) + You, sir, + Take order for it, and if your own hand fail, + When we are king again we'll have your head! + + Off. My arm be as your will, my lord! + + Sem. O, then + I have a wish I did not dare to voice. + + Nin. Command it now. + + Sem. It hath much troubled me + That Khosrove should be honored over you, + Lord of the Revels. + + Khos. (Astonished) Lady-- + + Sem. King, if 't please you! + I've laid my purple by, but I have still + The royal color in my heart. Think'st thou + To sit above Assyria, who wearest not + The brave investment of the gods? who hold'st + Thy sceptre still from warrior chiefs, not from + Anointed kings? + + Khos. Because my race is proud! + Too proud to kneel to any earthly king + And take the sacred vestment from his hands! + + Sem. You see, my lord, that even in his heart + He ranks himself above you! + + Nin. But, my love-- + + Khos. Farewell! Thou didst me service once, and here + I thought to thank thee, but-- + + Nin. Stay, Khosrove, stay! + + Khos. Farewell, with all my heart! + + Nin. Nay-- + + Sem. O, my lord. + Let him depart. He mocks our glory, and bears + A challenge in his proud simplicity + That puts our splendor to defense. + + Khos. Nay, madam! + I came to lay my duty at your feet, + And lift my eyes no higher than your hand + Without your royal leave! But now I'll cast + My gaze upon the stars, forgetting that + You walk beneath them! (Going) + + Nin. Stay, O prince! + + (To Semiramis) + A boon, your majesty! 'T would blot our honor + To send him from us thus! We shall be plunged + Anew in wars, for Husak will avenge it! + I am thy most unhappy subject, and + Thou'lt hear my prayer! + + (Goes after Khosrove and leads him back) + + You'll stay, O Khosrove? + + Khos. Ay, + On one condition. + + Nin. Name it! + + Khos. That you will take + Our seat at feast. + + Nin. Nay-- + + Sem. That is our command! + + Nin. No, no! + + Sem. We'll have it so! + + Nin. I'll not consent! + + Sem. It is our royal order! Guards for Ninus! + + Nin. What do you mean? + + Sem. To have our way! Guards here! + You shall not do this wrong to your high self! + We'll look unto your honor! (To guards) Bear him in! + + (Guards stand in amazement) + + Did ye not hear the king's decree? I reign! + + (Guards take hold of Ninus) + + Nin. By Hut and Nim! + + Sem. Place him in Khosrove's seat! + + (Guards draw Ninus through the archway. Khosrove follows, + then all but Semiramis, who lingers fearfully, runs + toward front, then back and listens) + + Sem. 'Tis true! What have I done? Ye gods! 'tis true! + He would not so rebel if 't were not true! + But Vassin is below! He'll know his king + And save him! + + (Kneels) Belus, mighty Belus, pardon! + + (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) + + Voices. The king! the king! + + Sem. (Retreating to railing, front) + 'Tis done! + + Officer. (Running across) The king has fallen + Into the lake! Lights there! below! + (Runs down steps leading under the bridge) + + Other officers following. Lights! lights! + + (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) + + Sem. (Confronting him) + You've saved the king! + + Vas. I have. For I have slain + His foe! + + Sem. His foe? No--you have killed the king! + + (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) + + Khos. (Bowing ceremoniously) + Farewell, Assyria! + + Sem. O, not that name! + Not yet--not yet. + + Khos. Does it not please your pride? + + Sem. My pride? 'Tis gone. Now I could lay my head + Upon the dust. + + Khos. In truth! But you'll not do it! + Humility's a word the great think sweet + Upon the tongue, but near the heart they find + It loseth flavor! + + Sem. Ah ... you do not know? + You think the words I spoke were born of pride? + So far from that--no, no--I will not tell, + And yet you wrong me, prince. + + Khos. (Eagerly) Did you suspect + Some danger to me here, and seek to force + My angry leave? You did not care so much? + + Sem. I cared so much that rather than betray you + I would have let you go believing me + A woman worth your scorn. Ah, there my pride + In truth did suffer! + + Khos. O, Semiramis! + Thou art the same as when I saw thee last? + As when I rode away and left thy face-- + The only face in Nineveh--nay--I-- + Will go. Farewell, most noble queen! + + Sem. Farewell! + + (He lingers) + + Sem. Why go in haste? + + Khos. I left my father sick. + He will be troubled till I come again. + + Sem. How dared you trust-- + + Khos. What would I not have dared + To look on thee again?... My horsemen wait.... + + (Waving toward left) + + I come! + + Sem. Farewell!... Armenia is my friend? + I'm sad.... The manner of this death.... It weighs + Upon me. + + Khos. Let it not. Thou'rt innocent + + Sem. O, some may doubt! + + Khos. But who wrongs Virtue puts + A crown upon her! If thou hadst foreknown + The accident-- + + Sem. The accident? + + Khos. 'Twas not + Designed? + + Sem. It was ... for you. + + Khos. By Ninus? + + Sem. Ay. + You were to die. + + Khos. Then you--you knew--that he-- + + (Starts from her in horror) + + Sem. What's in thy mind? What thought doth paint thy face + In dreadful silence? Oh! you think that I-- + + (Looks at him with equal horror. Removes farther from him, + regains composure, and speaks with haughty coldness) + + This serves me well! Right well, Armenian! + Yes--yes--I knew--I knew the king would fall. + But knew, too, sir, that Vassin was below, + And, by my precious gods, I did not dream + He would not save his king! While you--my guest-- + You would have gone to death! + + Khos. Forgive me! + + (Semiramis walks farther, not heeding him) + + Oh, + I found a stream that ran from heavenly springs + And in it cast the soot of hell! + + Sem. Well served-- + Well served, Semiramis!... I was so sad ... + And would not be content to let him go ... + I wanted but a word ... a word to cheer me ... + And now I have it--murderess! + + Khos. (Who has advanced to her) No, no, + I did not say it! + + Sem. The tongue may well keep silent + When eyes speak lightning. I have heard too much! + 'T were better I had let you die! + + Khos. Ay, better ... + Better than this! + + Sem. Now, now I am Assyria! + No more a woman! Softness to the winds! + And let my heart be as my armor--steel! + + Khos. Thou canst not make it so by saying it. + There is no cold or heat may temper hearts + Away from their true nature. Mail thyself + From head to foot, thou'rt still Semiramis! + + Sem. A queen! + + (An officer enters, left) + + Off. Your majesty, an urgent hand + Brings this report. + + (Gives paper to her, which she reads) + + Sem. The Ghecs are in revolt! + Thank them for me! They could not show me favor + More to my heart! + + (Exit officer, left) + + I'm sick of peace--this peace + That gives men time to brood and breed foul thoughts + And fouler deeds! Give me the open war whose blows + Rain down as free as moonbeams from the sun! + Who meets me there I know, at least, he's brave, + And there-- + + Khos. Semiramis! + + Sem. (Proudly) Armenia, speak! + You have our leave. + + Khos. These Ghecs--my father is + Their ancient, sworn ally! + + Sem. Well, sir? + + Khos. His oath + Binds him to give them aid. + + Sem. The braver then + The battle! + + Khos. I am my father's son! + + Sem. You mean + We'll meet upon the field! + + Khos. I can not take + The field against you! + + Sem. No? Why not? + + Khos. You know! + Because I love you! + + Sem. Sir, I am Assyria! + + Khos. Nay, but Menones' daughter! She whose heart + I touched-- + + Sem. You touched? + + Khos. Ere taint of pride or power + Or mad ambition had laid a canker there! + When she was maiden still, and knew no thought + She might not whisper in her father's ear! + Gentle as Spring when hushing the young dove, + But strong from virgin battle, with the flush + Of valorous purpose pure as goddess' dream + Starting the noble war-blood in her cheek! + 'Tis she I speak to now--she that I love-- + Not the proud queen grown bold in blood and triumph! + Love me, Semiramis! You shall have peace! + Not this sick peace that turns your heart to hate, + But peace that charms the beauty back to life + And new dreams to the soul! O, no more war! + Then lilies springing in thy steps shall say + What fairer grace went by! These fingers shall + Forget the sword whose music is men's groans, + And on sweet strings draw out the heart of love + To give the world the key of melody! + Ah, you shall war no more-- + + Sem. Sir, you forget! + These Ghecs-- + + Khos. Will not revolt if I become + Assyria's head! They trust me as their-- + + Sem. You! + Assyria's head! You! you! O, now I see! + I'm not yet blind, although my heart was fast + Upstealing to my eyes to make me so! + + Khos. O clear thy sight a second time, my queen, + And read me true! + + Sem. And you had almost moved me! + + Khos. Melt, stony eyes-- + + Sem. The magic's left the earth + That had the power to soften them! + + Khos. Not so-- + + Sem. You'd keep me still the general's humble daughter + While you would wear the glory I have won! + + Khos. Nay, by Mylitta's fire!-- + + Sem. We'd war no more. + For who has all may well hang by the sword! + + Khos. By Heaven, I-- + + Sem. O, you are man as _he_ was! + + (Looks toward the garden shuddering) + + I'll trust no more! Who's worthy trust will give it! + So saidst thou once! But thou couldst doubt--so dark + A doubt my soul-- + + Khos. Nay, that's not my offense! + You are a woman, and you must forgive! + But you are queen, too, and the queen in you + Guards her ambition from my honest love + Lest it divide her glory! + + Sem. True, she guards it! + Out of Assyrian stone I'll make a heart + And wear it in my bosom! + + Khos. Do not say it! + I did not mean the words! They are not so! + Thou dost not know thyself! Hard are the lips + That never know a kiss, and thine were made + With softness of the rose! Though all the streams + Of power on earth poured to thy sovereign sea, + Still wouldst thou want, and empty be the heart + One drop of love would fill! + + Sem. You speak + As to a woman! + + Khos. Ay, for so thou art! + Be now thyself! Thy peace alone I plead! + I can bear all but thy unhappiness! + For love--true love--forgets itself and makes + But one prayer unto Heaven--prayer for the good + Of the beloved! + + Sem. Thou wouldst not share my throne? + + Khos. Thy throne? + + Sem. Ay, so I said. + + Khos. I care not for it, + But since 'tis thine, I could not be a man + Worthy thyself and take a place beneath thee. + I'd be thy husband, and I know thou'rt not + A woman to look down and love! + + Sem. O theft + In argument! To make my monarch soul + Speak from thy mouth against me! + + Khos. Not against thee! + To beg thee yield to love is but to plead + Thy greater cause! Ah, days will come to thee + When all the maiden in thy heart will rise + And drown the queen's! Thou canst not call me back! + To-morrow is the battle! O, I lied + To say thou wert ambitious and ungentle-- + + Sem. No, thou didst not! 'Tis true! I am-- + + Khos. No, no! + I'll prove it is not so! See here--the dove-- + That nestles at your breast! Why is it here? + + Sem. Because I was a woman once--and dreamed + On foolish, woman things! (Frees bird from her bosom) + Fly! fly! + And as I pluck thee out I pluck away + All thought of mortal love, and stand alone + Beneath Assyria's crown! + + Khos. (Gazes at her in despair) Then I'll be gone! + + Sem. You've pleaded well, but my domains are broad, + And might give tongue to wilder eloquence + Without love's sweet excuse! + + Khos. No more! I go! + + (Moves off, left. Near exit, turns) + + I lead my father's troops! + + Sem. I lead my own! + + (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) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT IV. + + +Scene: Within Husak's tent. Husak, Khosrove, Armenian lords and +soldiers. + + Husak. Bring in the widow! + + (Exeunt officers) + + Now, my son, thou'lt see + Assyria at thy feet. Ay, she who scorned + To match her crown with thine, shall low as earth + Cry up for favor! + + Khos. Sir, I would not see it! + + Hus. Still in that humor? Well, I promise thee + She shall have mercy. + + Khos. Mercy, father? + + Hus. Ay. + + Khos. What wilt thou grant? + + Hus. Ask of thy heart, + + (Khosrove is about to speak) Peace, boy! + For once we'll be a father, not a soldier! Wait! + + (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) + + Sem. We meet again. Wert thou upon the field? + I saw thee not. Perchance thy father thought + 'T were wise to find his health and lead his troops + Lest _Love_ should blunt thy sword! + + Hus. By Bel, his sword + Was sharp enough to find the heart of Sumbat,-- + Your general! + + Sem. Sumbat slain! (Turns to Khosrove) + and slain by you! + + Khos. I had my choice--to slay him or to die. + + Sem. (With bitter scorn) + And did the love that makes one prayer to Heaven + Rule in that choice? + + Hus. These taunts, Semiramis-- + + Khos. Nay, father, she has cause to use me so. + + Sem. Oh, you confess you played with me! Then, heart, + In with thy scorn for this outbraves thy own! + + (Turns away, folding her chained hands on her breast, and + stands as if she would speak no more) + + Hus. You make no suit for mercy? + + Sem. (Turning to him) What! from thee? + Who kill your captives ere your tent is struck, + Nor spare a guard to drive them from the field? + + Hus. I grant what I would ask--death before serfdom! + You'd keep them for your dogs and slaves! + + Sem. And when + Am I to die? Why breach thy custom now? + + Hus. We like your spirit, but push not so far, + Or we shall break the bounds we've set ourselves. + Have you not found us gracious to your rank? + You look not like a prisoner! + + Sem. No thanks + For that! This robe and crown, these chains of gold + Are compliments that Husak pays himself, + Proclaiming him a royal victory, + Though not a royal victor! + + Hus. What! Dar'st fling + Into my face that the Armenian kings + Rule unanointed? Dost think that I would sue + To Nineveh or Babylon for leave + To take my kingly emblems from their hands? + But thou--thou shalt owe thine to me! I wear + No proud insignia of the gods, and yet + My hands shall strip and clothe thee as I will! + + (Tears off her robe and crown) + + Khos. Father! + + Hus. By sun and moon-- + + Khos. O, sir-- + + Hus. Her pride + Insults my mercy, but I'll keep my word. + Take these. (Gives him the robe and crown) + Now, woman, learn that Husak--ay, + Husak, the Fierce, can pity fallen glory! + Stand forth, my son! Look, captive, on this prince! + A man not made to sue to less than gods! + Make him thy husband-king, and from his hands + Receive thy purple and remount thy throne! + + (All are astonished. Khosrove shrinks back in shame, which + Semiramis misunderstands) + + Sem. Methinks this lover makes no ardent suit, + King Husak! Why, the sun has not twice set + Since he did swear me dearer than my crown, + And now the crown's too much if my poor self + Must burden it! + + (Khosrove kneels before her, holding up the crown) + + Hus. Rise, sir! You give, not sue! + + (Semiramis looks down on Khosrove, then turns to Husak) + + Sem. Thank, thanks, + Old man, for making me once more myself! + For by the blood that storms through all my veins + I know I'm still a queen! Now all the pride + That lives in my lost crown, and all the scorn + Should meet thy fawning suit, be in my words,-- + I do refuse your son! Assyria + Shall owe her throne to none! + + (Khosrove springs up, trampling the robe) + + Hus. Now thou wilt rise! + A prince who might have gone with gods to wive + Nor bated them in choice! This to my face! + I, Husak, fawn on woman! Out with her! + Drag her to death! To instant death! Out! out! + + (Guards approach Semiramis) + + Khos. To _instant_ death? + + Hus. (Looks searchingly at him.) Ha! ha! Not yet! She's thine! + Choose thy revenge! Have now thy will! + + Khos. Thou'lt grant it? + + Hus. Ay, ay, whate'er thou wouldst! + + Khos. She is thy captive. + + Hus. I make her thine! My conqueror's right I yield + To thee! + + Khos. Dost swear it? + + Hus. Doubt me not! I swear! + + Khos. By Belus' star? + + Hus. By Belus' star, whose beams + Are death to breakers of an oath! We ask + This crown--no more. (Takes crown from Khosrove's hand) + You pause. Stand not, my son. + Thy vengeance waits. Do what thou wilt with her, + We'll question not. + + (Khosrove strikes off the chains of Semiramis) + + Khos. Go free to Nineveh. + + (Husak stands in amazed silence, then understands and burns + with speechless anger. At last he speaks slowly with intense + wrath) + + Hus. All madmen in my kingdom die! Bind him! + + (Guards bind Khosrove) + + Sem. Die? No! O, sir, you would not slay your son? + + Hus. This loathsome thing is not my flesh! + + Sem. Thy son! + + Hus. We have no son. Armenia has no heir. + Bear him away! + + Sem. (Holding out her hands) My chains! Dost think I'll owe + My life to him? Thou know'st not yet my pride! + Bind me and set him free! + + Hus. (Thunderingly) No! Husak breaks + No oath! We're not a god as Nineveh, + And bold to mock at Heaven! + + Khos. (To Semiramis) I knew the price, + And chose to pay it. 'Tis my wish. Farewell! + + (Guards bear him out) + + Hus. (To Semiramis) Go free to Nineveh! + + Sem. No! O, kill me! + + Hus. Nay, go! But go alone--on foot--and through + A hostile country! + + Sem. Ah! + + Hus. That subject who + Shall give thee food or drink dies in the act! + Proclaim it, all!... Come, friends, we've not yet held + The feast of victory. The slighted gods + Will snatch away their favor if we long + Delay our revels. Though we'll miss one face, + + (Suppresses a groan) + + We'll know this much--there'll be no traitor there! + + (All leave the tent but Semiramis) + + Sem. Alone ... on foot ... and through a hostile country! + I'll overtake thee, Khosrove, ere thou 'st reached + Thy throne among the stars! Thou goest from love, + And wilt look back and weep from every cloud; + I on thy track shall pause not till our wings + Stir the same air and lock in kisses flying! + ... So pay my scorn? How then hadst loved if heart + Had brought to heart its swelling measure? Then + Our rosy hours had been the pick of time, + And hung a flower 'mong withered centuries + When every age had brought its reckoning in! + O, why will we, some cubits high, pluck at + The sun and moon, when we have that within + Makes us the soul and centre of Heaven itself? + Ambition, thou hast played away my crown + And life. That I forgive thee, but not this-- + Thou 'st robbed me of the memory of his kiss. + ... Go, world! The conqueror's trump that closed my ears + Unto the angel in a lover's voice + Dies to a moan that fills but one lone heart. + And soon 'tis silent. Ah, though woman build + Her house of glory to the kissing skies, + And the proud sun her golden rafters lay, + And on her turrets pause discoursing gods, + Let her not dare forget the stanchion truth-- + Immortal writ in every mortal face-- + "Thou art the wife and mother of the world!" + + (Sees Khosrove's cloak upon the floor, and kneels by it, + taking it in her hands) + + My Khosrove!... Methought a god struck off my chains + So strong and fair he seemed, yet strove to hide + The beauty of his act, as might a star + Shrink in its own sweet light! + + (Buries her face in the folds of the cloak) + + O, noble prince, + I might have kissed thy lips and not thy garment! + + (Rises and wraps the cloak about her. Spurns with her foot + her own robe which has been left trampled) + + Thou purple rag, lie there! Love's vesture shall + Enfold me as I go! + + (Starts out) Alone ... on foot ... + But I've not far to journey. Foes are kind.... + The first one met ... well, I will thank him!... Cries? + It is the feast. A man may feast who had-- + But has no son!... (Startled) 'Tis not the feast!... I know + That noise confused--hoarse shouts--shrieks--pawing steeds-- + And rumbling chariots! Those are the tones + Of battle! O, the bloody work! 'Tis war! + Did it delight me once?... Assyrian cries! + My troops! my troops! They've rallied! How they cheer! + What brave heart leads them on? + + (Cries come nearer) + + Poor creatures, they + Would save me knowing not I died with Khosrove. + I will not live-- + + (The rear of the tent is torn away by an onslaught. + Assyrian troops enter, led by Artavan) + + Art. Semiramis! + + Sem. My brother! + You live! + + Art. And you! + + Sem. Praise Heaven there is one + Will comfort my sad kingdom! + + Art. Nay, all's well! + The death of Ninus freed me from my prison; + I gathered troops and pushed hard after you, + To hear you had been taken; then I planned + This rescue. Thank great Belus, I'm in time! + + Sem. In time? Nay, thou'rt too late! + + Art. Too late? When thou + Dost live? + + Sem. I live? No! Thou'rt deceived! + + Art. O Heaven! + ... She's dazed! Her troubles have bewildered her. + All's well, my sister! Husak has been taken. + Thy crown itself is in our hands ... The crown! + + (A soldier hands it to him) + + You see 'tis safe. (She takes it idly) + + Sem. A crown. For such a thing + Wouldst give thy Sola? + + Art. She is dear to me, + But ay, by Heaven, I would! + + Sem. You would? I know + A greater thing than this. + + Art. What, sister? + + Sem. (Letting the crown fall) Love. + + Art. O, she is crazed! This is some evil work! + Bring in the captive Husak! He shall speak! + + Sem. O, brother, once I thought thy love was truest + That ever husband gave to wife, but now + It showeth dark against my lover's truth! + + Art. Semiramis ... sweet sister ... What dost mean? + ... I'll know the cause of this! Call in the prince + With Husak! + + Sem. Prince? + + Art. Ay ... Khosrove, whom we found + In chains--I know not why--and I unbound him, + Recalling how he saved my life,--but now + I'll know what thou hast suffered at his hands! + + Sem. You found him bound? I can not hear--or see! + + Art. She swoons--she dies--O, true, we are too late! + + Sem. No, brother, thou'rt in time! I live! I live! + I am Semiramis! Give me my crown! + Now this small circlet seems to me the world, + And it is mine--to wear--or give away! + Is 't not, good friends? + + Voices. Ay, 'tis! + + (Enter soldiers with Husak and Khosrove, Husak in fetters) + + Sem. King Husak, hear! + Assyria and Armenia should be friends, + Joining true hands to bring a happy peace + O'er all the East. And in that dearest hope + I free thee. (Unbinds him) But thy son, the prince, must be + Again my prisoner. + + Hus. O, queen, I've spent + One childless hour, and rather would I die + Than know another. Take my life for his. + + Art. Dost thou forget, Semiramis, that once + He saved thy brother? + + Sem. I remember all, + But will not change his doom. He must be bound, + Nor from my fetters may he go alive. + These are his chains--(Putting her arms about his neck) + his prison deathless love, + And here I pray that he will wear this crown, + And hold with me the great Assyrian throne! + ... (calls) My chariot! + + Khos. My queen! my queen! + + Sem. Wilt thou + Consent? + + Khos. (Kisses her lips) I answer here. + + (The royal chariot appears, rear. They step in) + + Sem. (Giving the reins to Khosrove) To Nineveh! + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +CARLOTTA + + + ACT I. + + SCENE 1. Miramar. + SCENE 2. In the mountains of Mexico. + + + ACT II. + + SCENE 1. Chapultapec. + + + ACT III. + + SCENE 1. Before the Imperial Theatre. + SCENE 2. Within the theatre. + + + ACT IV. + + SCENE 1. Queretaro. + + + ACT V. + + SCENE 1. The Tuileries. + SCENE 2. Miramar. + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + MAXIMILIAN, Emperor of Mexico + CARLOTTA, Empress of Mexico + LOUIS NAPOLEON, Emperor of France + EUGENIE, Empress of France + BENITO JUAREZ, President of Mexico + IGNACIO, nephew to Juarez + RAFAEL MENDORES, friend of Ignacio + ASEFFA, wife of Rafael + TREVINO, ESCOBEDO, GARZA, officers in the Liberal Army + MIRAMON, leader of the Imperial party + MARSHAL BAZAINE, head of the French Army in Mexico + MARQUEZ, MEJIA, MENDEZ, DUPIN, LOPEZ, of the Imperial army + ABBOT of Lacroma + ARCHBISHOP LABASTIDA, head of the Mexican church + PRINCE SALM-SALM, friend and officer of Maximilian + PRINCE ZICHY, + RUIZ, BERZABAL, ESTRADA, Mexican nobles + LADY MARIA, sister to Count Charles + PRINCESS SALM-SALM + PRINCESS ZICHY + PRINCESS METTERNICH + SENOR HURBET, GENERAL CASTLENAU, MARQUIS DE GALLIFET, + in the service of Louis Napoleon + AUSTRIAN, BELGIAN, PRUSSIAN, + and other foreign ministers at the court of Napoleon III. + + Imperial soldiers, Liberal soldiers, guards, rabble, + ladies of honor, officers of the court, etc., etc. + + + + +CARLOTTA + + + + +ACT I. + + +Scene I: Reception hall, castle of Miramar, near Trieste. Enter +Count Charles, book in hand. + + Char. Ah, books must be put by for swords, I wot, + When this wild journey to the West begins. + 'Tis change enough! O shifting, shuffling life! + Come, Shakespeare, magic mason, build me worlds + That never shake however winds may blow, + Founded on dream imperishable! (Sits and reads. + Enter Lady Maria) + + Mar. Charles! + Not reading! Dost know what day it is? + + Char. Ay, sister! + A day to make a scholar tremble, and hug + His books in fever of farewell. + + Mar. Didst see + The splendid carriages glittering up the drive? + And O, so many! + + Char. They have arrived? + + Mar. Arrived! + Why, all the Mexican deputies, arrayed + Like their own sunsets,--the ambassadors + From Austria, Belgium, France,--the princesses, + And countesses, now in the guest-room wait + The stroke of twelve to enter! 'Tis nearly time, + And you sit here! Put by your Englishman! + Come, put him by, I say! He's dead; we live. + He's had his due and passed. + + Char. Nay, his account + Is writ forever current. His book of praise + Time closes not, but waits some language new + To enter it, and at his monument + Fame yet stands carving. + + Mar. (Taking book and closing it) So! She's time enough! + We've other work. (Gently) Is not the princess sad? + + Char. I pray her heavy tears, weighing like stones, + Will hold her back from sea! + + Mar. Hush, Charles! She comes! + + (Enter Carlotta, richly dressed) + + Car. Ah, cousins, trimming now your smiles to greet + The deputies? + + Char. Nay, calling up our tears + To grace farewell to Miramar! + + Car. No tears! + We'll think but of an empire and a crown, + Not Miramar! + + (Enter Maximilian, dressed in the uniform of Vice-Admiral + of the Austrian navy) + + Max. An empire and a crown? + At last I am out-rivalled in your heart! + + Car. Nay, nay, thou know'st, my lord, thou art my empire! + Grant me so much as now I look upon + And I'm as rich as Jove with Saturn's sceptre + New-swinging o'er the world! + + Char. Then you risk much + For an unstable throne. + + Car. Not risk! + + Char. The men + Who've governed Mexico, for the most part, + Have paid their heads for it. + + Mar. O, Charles! + + Char. 'Tis true. + + Car. Our safety is in the Emperor of France. + He's the strong angel in this noble scheme! + + Char. Safety in him? Nay, madam, by my soul, + The lightest smile that breaks upon his lips, + As though a breeze but touched there, hides a plot + May hang our hearts with lead! + + Car. How you misjudge him! + In Paris when he pledged his faith to us + His eyes more than his words assured his heart + Unto our cause. I trust him, yea, I trust him! + + Char. There is a woman on the throne of France! + She is the Eve to this slow-blooded Adam, + Dutch-born Napoleon, and holdeth up + The globe as 't were an apple for his hand. + She builds mock images of dreams that died + On Helena's lone rock, and teaches him + They are not ghosts of dream but dream indeed! + Mexico, burning with gold and sunset's fire, + Pouring the crimson of internal strife, + To her is but a jewel in crude bed + She'd have you pick and polish for her crown! + + Car. Had you but heard her sweet devoted voice + Pleading with us for sake of the true Church + To finish now this great emprise begun, + You would believe her holy. + + Char. If she is holy, + And if Napoleon be true in this, + Then is he God's perfection of a man, + And she earth's sole and sainted paragon! + But wait--O wait and see ere you risk life + And honor! + + Car. You're wrong--so wrong--but this is strange. + O why are we not happy? (Turning to window and gazing out) + + Char. (Following her) Because, my cousin, + This is not Miramar as we have known it. + The scholar's home, the soldier's fair retreat, + The noble heart's sweet fane and altar spot, + But Miramar with great ambition's storm + Rolling its thunders 'gainst her peaceful walls! + + Max. But to live idly is never to be born. + Shall we sit here at ease when God has found + The work for us? He with his pontiff finger + Points to the sea-- + + Car. (Turning) Sweet Miramar! + If God points to the sea, why gave he this? + This heaven-spot, this nesting place of love, + Hung like a garland 'tween the sea and rocks! + Ah, dear my lord, some curse will follow us + Who can desert this peace-embalmed place + To seek a glory fairer but in name! + I dare not do it! + + Max. (Taking her hands) 'Tis you shall say, my wife. + If to stay here's your wish, that wish is mine, + Maybe I've dreamed too much of deeds of good, + And visionary feats in that far land; + Then let it be your yea or nay, my love. + + Car. O leave it not to me, for in a yea + My vanity will speak, and in a nay + My fear! + + Max. A slander on these lips? A kiss + Were better! (Kisses her. Enter Marquis Corio) + + Cor. The noble guests approach. Will 't please + Your Highnesses assume your places? + + Max. Yea, + Or nay, Carlotta? + + Mar. O, they come! they come! + + Char. (Hastily and earnestly) + Nay, if you love your lord! That is a land + Of murder, treason, carnage and revolt! + The very air cries out 'go not! go not!' + E'en yon cloud-turbanned peak, that never moves + Whate'er the circling stars propound to vex + His silent wisdom, warns with forbidding nod! + O noblest cousin-- + + Car. (In agitation) An empire! Miramar! + + (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) + + Max. Welcome, my lords, to Miramar! + + Est. Hail, Prince, + And fairest princess! The grace and hope of morning + Be ever on your lives! + + Car. Must noble senors, + We give you thanks and greeting. + + Max. Your presence here, + My lords, would move our hearts although you brought + No crown to guerdon welcome. + + Est. O, gracious prince, + Our tongues but feebly bear the mighty love + The land of Montezuma bade us lay + Low at your feet. Your starry virtues draw + Her prayers and hopes and holiest desires + Across the sea in humblest supplication. + We make no weary tale of our misfortunes; + They are so great the world is heavy with them, + And Mexico means but calamity + To every ear. + + Max. My dear and honored lords, + The heart is granite and the veins are ice + That will not stir at your deep miseries. + + Est. Ah, sir, this crown is heavy, but you will bear + The golden weight as 't were the aureole + That seals the saint to God! + + Max. But not without + Consent of every subject should I wear it. + Does Mexico send all her hearts with you? + + Ruiz. (Spreading paper on table) + Read here the proclamation now in force + In all our provinces. + + Max. And this has been + By each assembly ratified? + + Berzabal. Ay, prince! + It is a nation, not these dozen men, + That with a million voices prays to you! + + Max. From childhood up I've sought to obey my God, + But never dreamed that he would bless my life + With such high sanction as I read herein. (Lifting paper) + Forgive a tear, my lords.... But we must ask + That crowned Europe give a sacred oath + To guarantee our empire's permanence. + + Archduke. + Brother, I bring the word of Austria, + Whose prayers, whose arms, whose subjects' blood are yours, + While she has blood or arms to give! + + Belgian Minister. For Belgium + I speak--the princess' true and royal father, + Whose little kingdom measures not his heart! + + Senor Hurbet. + And I, my lord, have here the signed oath + Of Mightiest France, whose fifty-thousand men + Now guard the cradle of the new born peace + In Mexico! Read here what he will do. + + Max. (Reads) Enough.... My lords, should I accept this crown, + 'T would be with holiest expectation + To reign in love and peace, but your past struggles + Point to a term of danger and much risk + Ere our star shines above all factious spite. + Stood I alone I should not hesitate, + But here is one more dear than my own life, + Whom I must cherish more than my own life, + Within whose heart I must find out my answer; + And God be thanked her wisdom beams so true + Above the hesitations of my mind + That I can love her yea or nay as 't were + By Heaven spoke! + + Est. Then to your mercy, princess, + We now commit our hope. + + Car. Most worthy lords, + I am so proud that I would wear a crown, + So pitying I would weep my heart away + For your sad country, and so vain I think + The lord that married me might lead you from + Rebellion's night to civil-kissing hours; + But yet a woman bonded unto love, + Not my own mistress. The life bound up with mine + Is dearer than the peace of any state, + And looking deep into your country's heart + I read some cruel marks of history + That teach me fear for any precious thing + Consigned unto its love. + + Est. If ever souls + Lay bare to human eyes, read now in ours + The loyalty which you will find in every subject! + + Ruiz. Be merciful! Earth aches through her rock-ribs + With our old woes, and it is you may heal them! + + Ber. Pity will teach thee soon to love our land! + + Car. My lords, already I love Mexico, + And would forego the peace of Miramar,-- + All happy days that from the future lean + To meet my smiles, as trifles whose light thought + Shames this great hour; but when in dream I see + My lord beset by foes in foreign land, + The help he needs beyond a three-months' sea, + My princess pride flags to a peasant fear + For one dear life! + + Est. Wrong not yourself, your lord, + And Mexico, O gentlest lady-- + + Car. Nay-- + + Est. Say yea, and our expectant land will feel + The thrill of that affirmative across + The glad Atlantic! Yea--and France, whose name + Is in our hearts as God's, will bless thy tongue! + Say yea, and noble England, watchful Spain, + Who with great France began the holy work + Of blessed liberation will applaud + With happy echoes to the guardian skies! + Say yea, and the white spirit of the Church + Will take 'neath her soft wings our blood-drenched land, + That waits but for that word to hail thy lord + Regenerator, king! + + Car. My lords, my lords, + We are but human! Mayhap we will not keep + The love that we have won! + + Senor Hur. Fear not, O princess! + Behind your throne, with unretreating sword, + Will stand the first great power of all the world! + Thus speak I for the emperor of France! + + Princess Metternich. (Advancing) + I for the empress! Eugenie bade me speak + Her heart out here, and hail thee sister empress! + To ask when your young empire blooms above + The lily of old France, and lures the East + To pour her golden heart into your port, + And ocean blossoms with your argosies, + You'll still remember that she loved you when + You were but princess and no farther ruled + Then stretch the gardens of small Miramar! + + Car. O generous Eugenie! But the fear-- + + Abbot of Lacroma. + To speak of fear in this is to doubt God! + He does not bless in vain a noble prince + With such rare qualities as crown the mind + Of Maximilian! 'Tis for some purpose rare + He rounds such excellence with highest birth + And puts a sword of power in his hand! + From over seas unto your very feet + A nation comes to choose from all the world + One made by Heaven to be its sovereign lord, + Cool hearts of passion in his amity, + Make bitter eyes forget their ancient hate, + And proudest knees bow with old enemies + In worship of his star beneficent! + There pale and crushed Peace + Shall take the color of the living rose, + Hearing the voice of his protecting love + That comes to lift her beauty from the dust + And on that ground volcanic nobly build + Her temple indestructible! + There shall his kingly mind find outward means + To write sublimity upon the world, + And like old Egypt speak in pyramids + To nations unbegot in dream of Time! + And can you shock the hour with hesitation? + Ask all the waiting world,--ay, even God, + To pause and count the heart-beats of a woman? + + Car. (Devoutly, with uplifted hands and eyes) + Forgive me, Heaven, that I doubted thee! + + (Takes Maximilian's hands, turns with great dignity to the + deputies, and speaks solemnly) + + Senors, we'll wear the crown of Mexico. + + (Silence. The abbot of Lacroma advances; Carlotta and + Maximilian drop to their knees as he extends his arms + above them in blessing) + + +Scene II: A camp in the mountains of Mexico. Night. Aseffa +preparing food by a fire. She goes aside, listens, and returns. + + Asef. O Mexico, thou traitress unto love, + Wilt trample every heart that's true to thee? + + (Listens. Enter Miguel and Lerdo, very ragged and gaunt) + Miguel! Lerdo! Rafael not come? Where did you leave him? + + Lerdo. Nowhere, Senora. + + Asef. Oh! + + Mig. 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. + + Asef. You are hungry! I'll give you Rafael's supper! + + Ler. Hungry? No! I've had two biscuits since yesterday, and + sixty miles isn't far to go on that. + + Mig. And as much good air and water as a soldier need want! + + Asef. Here! Take it. 'Tis good. Indeed it is! + + Mig. Smoking meat! Ha! Who brought it? Has the Holy Virgin been + in camp? + + Asef. No, but I've been down to the valley. + + Ler. You? + + Asef. Yes,--and I've a little gold left, too! + + (Showing purse) + + Mig. You paid five pesos for that dish! + + Asef. A good guesser would double the price. + + Mig. And for Rafael's supper! No, I can go two more days yet. + (Puts food aside) + + Asef. But you shall not. Come, eat! I'll feed you then, and you + don't want Juarez' soldiers to be turned into babies, do + you? + + Mig. I'll yield! In fact, there's an orator within that speaks + with a most convincing pinch. (They eat) + + Asef. (Watching) Poor fellows! They'll not leave him a mouthful! + + Ler. Where is the general? + + Asef. (Pointing up the hill) Asleep. Have you news? + + Ler. None to bring good dreams. Let him sleep. + + Mig. Lord, a meal a day like this and I could drive the whole + French army into the sea! (Rising) Now if these rags could + be turned back to their first fortunes, I'd be Don Miguel + de Tejada again! You wouldn't think that these tags and + tatters had waltzed with the president's niece at the + capital, would you now? + + Asef. You must let me mend your clothes as I do Rafael's. + + Mig. Faith, Senora, you would have to begin too many months + back. No, I'll hang out my banners as a knight of liberty + should, and be Don Miguel de Tejada still. Asleep, my + Lerdo? A good example, too. (Lies down) Good-night, Senora + the Blessed! + + Asef. Good-night, Don Miguel de Tejada! (The soldiers sleep. She + waits and listens. Runs aside and looks down the valley) + + Asef. Rafael! (Steps approach. Enter Rafael) + + Raf. (Embracing her) Here's Heaven for the weary! + + Asef. So tired? And I have nothing for you! (Looks toward + soldiers) They were so hungry. + + Raf. They're welcome to it. (Kissing her) Here is my + banquet,--my feast of beauty and my wine of love! + + (Staggers to a rock and sits feebly) + + Asef. Oh! You've been so far!--too far! + + Raf. We rode all day, but made no terms for food. The people + are afraid. Whoever gives us bread forfeits his life and + home. + + Asef. I bought some meat of a poor woman to-day. She needed the + money. + + Raf. And if the Imperials find her out they'll murder her and + set her hut in flames! + + Asef. Oh! What shall we do? + + Raf. We are an army. We'll do as armies do. Take food where we + can find it. + + Asef. O, Rafael! + + Raf. Yes, love, we'll play the robber to fill the mouth of + Liberty,--she's fed too long on thistles. + + Asef. She's a stern mistress, Rafael. + + Raf. But sweeter, love, + Her harshest frown that summer smiles of kings! + O, I reproach her not, even when I see + My dearest friends lie dying in her name! + A bed of stones is soft enough for me + If she but rock to sleep,--a crust to-day, + To-morrow none, and at her board I'm fed. + But when I look on you, my traitor blood + Flies from her service. Oh, to see these hands + That plucked no beauty ruder than the rose, + So meanly laboring in the basest needs! + Your gentle body resting on cold earth, + Glad of a blanket 'tween you and the sod, + While in your bed the foreign robber sleeps! + This shakes my loyalty till I could hate + The fair, unspotted cause my sword is drawn in! + + Asef. Stop, Rafael! O thank God these hands have known + That blessed of all fortunes,--to toil for love! + These eyes that sought for but a face more fair, + A flower more sweet, have found the stars that rise + Where Truth and Courage wander in the night! + In southern vales maybe we'll hear again + The morning birds sing at our bowered windows, + But we will not forget the nobler song + Now borne by winds about these mountain peaks,-- + The song of man made free! + + Raf. We'll not forget. + But will that sweet day come? Tell me, Aseffa, + You who are half a sibyl,--shall we go down + That valley to our home? + + Asef. 'Tis not to gain + Our father's halls, and sit 'neath fig and vine, + We hide and starve and stagger in these hills, + But to keep noble the last hour of life, + That Death who gathers it may read thereon + The seal immortal of approving God. + + Raf. Yes--dear Aseffa--but--(Faints) + + Asef. Rafael! Rafael! + Ah dying! O my prating virtue's gone! + I care for naught but that my love shall live! + O, Liberty, wilt spare me this one life? + ... Ho! Miguel! Up! + + Mig. Hey! What! Senora!... Ah! + + Lerdo. What's here? + + Asef. There's wine in the general's tent! Rafael! + My love, my love, look up!... O Mexico, + With all thy veins of gold thou art not worth + One dear drop of his blood! + + (Enter General Trevino) + + Trev. What's this new grief? + Not Rafael!... He faints. 'Tis hunger ... hunger. + Miguel! Lerdo! Bear him to my tent. + Give him what food you find there. First the wine! + + (Soldiers go out with Rafael. Aseffa follows. As she + passes the general she drops to her knees and kisses his + hands) + + Trev. (Alone) Starvation now or plunder. We'll quarter where + We can.... A horseman! If 'tis Ignacio + We shall have news. + + (Enter Ignacio, from riding) + + Ig. Who's here? + + Trev. Ignacio? + + Ig. (Saluting) Your pardon, sir! + + Trev. You're from the capital? + + Ig. Three days ago I left the city. I've slept + On horseback since. + + Trev. Your news! + + Ig. We fight an empire. + The Austrian is crowned. + + Trev. Impossible! + Where are our people? Salas? and LeVal? + + Ig. They shouted at his welcome. At Vera Cruz + Began the unholy pageantry, that showed + As Christ had come again and all men knew him! + Each province drained its beauty by the way; + The mules that drew him caught the vanity + And picked their steps on flowers. + + Trev. Tell me no more. + O Gratitude, thou hast no home on earth! + Twelve months did Juarez rule, and in twelve months + Did what no man can do but God is with him! + He healed contention's wounds, set up new schools, + Released the land from priestcraft's ancient grip, + Rebuilt our credit, destroyed by Miramon, + The robber president, who bonded the land + To France, then set the sword of Europe 'gainst us + Because we could not pay the unjust debt + From treasuries that his own hands had emptied. + O, 'twas a crime too big for Heaven's eye, + And so God let it pass! France could not know-- + But our own people knew--how Juarez toiled + To shape the nation to his noble thought! + + Ig. Yes--yes--they knew! + + Trev. We'll break our swords, my boy. + We have no country. + + Ig. Is my uncle yet + In Texas? + + Trev. Ay, and we will go to him. + ... Ungrateful ground that casts all goodness from it, + And sucks a gilded poison! + + (Enter Rafael, Aseffa, Miguel, Lerdo, and others of the + camp) + + Raf. (To Trevino) Sir, you will miss + Your breakfast, but I pledge my sword you'll have + To-morrow's supper!... Ignacio! + + Ig. You here, + My Rafael! (They embrace) Aseffa too! + + Asef. Dear friend! + (They greet affectionately) + + Raf. And Maximilian is crowned? + + Ig. Yes ... crowned. + + Raf. You saw him? + + Ig. In the cathedral, with the empress. + + Asef. The empress? + + Raf. What looks he like? This Austrian duke + That with a stolen crown mocks majesty! + + Ig. He looks like majesty, and yet is graced + With Nature's gentlest stamp; his countenance + Takes beauty from his smile; his smile, one thinks, + Takes sweetness from a heart that has its own + Nobility from heaven. + + Trev. An enemy + Well praised! + + Asef. The empress? She bewitched you too? + + (Ignacio is silent) + + Come, sir! The truth of her! + + Ig. The truth? Go ask + The angels. They've tongues for such sweet purpose. + + Trev. What! + Ignacio turned squire o' the empire? + + Ig. No. + But I can read a holy woman's face, + Though she by some strange counterfeit of truth + Would put an empress' foot upon our necks. + + Asef. What is she like? + + Ig. Like nothing but herself. + She is not gentle, for gentleness is but + Rude servant to that quality in her; + Gracious she's not, for grace herself doth serve + A poor handmaiden to her excellence; + Nor beautiful, for Beauty asks her name + To wear but that and know her own no more. + + (In the silence that follows a rider rushes up and dismounts) + + Messenger. + Where is the general, Trevino? + + Trev. Here. + + Mess. Juarez approaches. (Saluting) + + Trev. Juarez! Call up the camp! + Light all the beacons! Juarez! Build up the fires! + + Shouts. Juarez! Juarez! Hurrah! El presidente! + + Trev. We'll let him know the hearts he left i' the hills + Still beat with loyal blood! + + Shouts. Juarez! Juarez! + (Enter Juarez. Silence) + + Jua. Trevino! + + Trev. Your Excellency! (They embrace) + You've heard? + + Jua. I know. + Now monarchy has spread her gilded sails, + And from the East comes like another sun + To blind our eyes with wonder of a crown + While shackling us by hand and foot to earth. + But from these mountains will arise a queen, + The figure grey of ancient Liberty, + Mourning and wronged, but with the unpaling star + Of God's own favor set upon her brow: + These two shall meet--and that mock sun go down! + + Trev. You still have hope when Mexico deserts us? + + Jua. Dost read your country in the smile she shows + Her conqueror? She has a heart beneath! + Ay, sir, did she not prove it at Puebla? + Where dead fell on the dead with gun in hand + Still pointed to the French! Where, hope once lost, + And the enemy pouring through the shattered gates, + Our men blew up their city and themselves + To keep their souls free from Napoleon! + These men have brothers left, and sons, + And _they are Mexico_! + + Soldiers. El presidente! + Liberty and Juarez! + + A soldier. (Waving his sword) We'll be revenged, + Or spill more blood than hell can drink! + + Soldiers. + Down with the empire! Death to Maximilian! + + Jua. No, not revenge,--but justice. That's enough. + We've but to wait--and strike. Yon mists now spread + Their fair illusion o'er the eternal mountains + 'Till 't seems they are the world, and the great hills + Are naught. But by to-morrow's noon-sun see + Their fortunes faded as a dream of night, + While the rock peak looks up as if to say + From the foundation of the world I am! + So will this glamour o'er our godly cause + Pass as a breath, while all the world shall read + Our right and title to unbonded life + In our free bosoms founded and God-set! + + A soldier. + We'll die for freedom! + + Jua. Die? That's the one thing + We can not do. We may lie down in graves, + But from our living dust will spring new challenge + To make in noble minds continual war + Until our race be righted! + + Trev. Many fly + From our misfortunes. Amaldo and LeVal-- + + Jua. Call 't not misfortune that teaches us our friends. + Now are we sifted and the chaff is known! + ... LeVal! ... But Diaz is true? + + Trev. On yonder mountain + His fires make answer for him. + + Jua. (Looking into distance) Forgive me, comrade! + I know you true, and sooner will yon moon + Make her last change and fall than you change once + From the full circle of a complete man.... + (Turns and sees Ignacio) + My nephew here? + + Ig. Just from the capital. + + Jua. Where you must back again. Rafael, too! + Both my young soldiers! My right arm and my left,-- + Though which is which I know not. Ignacio, + You saw the Austrian? No matter. He's but + The drift-piece of a rotten monarchy + That thinks to graft upon the living tree + Of our new-sprung republic! We'll shake him off + As a June oak a spray of winter wreck, + Nor ever know he clung upon our boughs! + + Ig. The church is powerful yet, and seeks to join + Her cause with his. + + Jua. The church? Say not the church, + But mockers in Christ's name, who steal the land + And drain its fruitage into Satan's purse, + Keeping the poor a race of hopeless slaves + Who worship their own shackles! O, Ignorance, + Thou art the great slave-master! Thy very chains + Are vital and beget themselves; and he + Who strikes them seems the monster of the earth + To the poor serf who thinks it is himself + That bleeds! The church be with our foe, with us + Be God, we'll ask no more. Hear me, my men! + The great republic of the North's our friend. + When her own war is done you'll hear her speak + To France in cannon tones that will make quake + Napoleon on his throne! That great mock-god. + Who seeks to free all men that he may fit + Their necks to his own yoke! (With growing intensity) + That adder who + Would coil about the world! That serpent scruffed + With white deceit and low ambition's slime, + That crept into the garden of my dream + And cankered bud and root, nursed by my toil, + Fed with my dearest blood! Ay, he will quake, + And cry for mercy to a stony Heaven + Whose pity drops long since were drained upon + The woe that he hath made! Ay, he-- + + Trev. (Touching him) But now, + My friend? + + Jua. (Composed) You're right. No more of that. Nephew! + + Ig. Here, sir! + + Jua. Your place will be the capital. + We must have eyes there, and a heart to serve us. + This hour set out. Here are instructions. (Gives papers) + + Trev. Sir, + He's had no rest. + + Jua. True ... true.... + + Ig. And need none when + Juarez commands. + + Jua. (Taking his hand) Thou'rt still my son. My house + Will not fall down when I no longer prop it. + + Raf. May I not beg this office, sir? + + Trev. Send him! + His heart is in the hills, and he'll come back. + Ignacio's yet unanchored. Trust him not + To high tides of a court. + + Jua. I trust them both. + But my own blood I know. (To Ig.) Kneel for the oath. + + (Ignacio kneels. Murmurs around, then silence. Juarez + takes a crucifix from his bosom and holds it over Ignacio) + + Jua. By this true image of the bleeding Christ, + May you be damned to everlasting fire, + Nor prayers of saints lift up your soul from hell, + If you prove false in what you undertake + This night for Mexico! + + Ig. By Christ's own blood. + I swear, and may that blood be powerless + To save me from the damned if I prove false! + + Jua. The stars that hold + The witness angels of the Lord have heard + Thy oath. + + Ig. (Rising and looking up) + Let them record it. + + Asef. (Fearfully) Ah! + + Trev. (Holding out a brand) The brand! + + Jua. Not that! + + Ig. (Baring his arm) I choose it! + + (Trevino quickly brands his arm with a cross. Juarez, too + late, dashes the brand from his hand) + + Ig. (Throwing up his arm) Sealed to the cause! + + (Hurries to go) + + Jua. My boy! (Ignacio returns for Juarez' embrace) + + Ig. (Going) Liberty and Juarez! + + Soldiers. Juarez! + Liberty and Juarez! + + (All but Juarez follow Ignatius out, cheering) + + Hurrah! hurrah! + + (Juarez draws his grey mantle about him and stands silent. + The fires die down. The moon clouds. He looks up invoking) + + Jua. Spirit of Montezuma, be thou here + And on thy son drop wisdom out of Heaven, + That these thy children he may lead to peace, + And this thy country give again to him + Who set his iron in the earth and said + "Man, make thy weapon; there shall be no slaves!" + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT II. + + +Scene I: Palace of Chapultapec. Hall adjoining ball room. Gaily +dressed women, and men in glittering official costumes passing +doors. Marquez and Mejia talking. + + Mar. You've caught Trevino! + + Mejia. Rafael Mendorez too. + + Mar. Still better. You'll have them shot at once? + + Mejia. They've too many friends. I must have the emperor's warrant. + + Mar. He will sign the decree to-night. + + Mejia. The Lord be thanked! I'm tired of risking life and men + taking prisoners that his majesty may have the pleasure of + pardoning them. + + Mar. If he signs the decree he will be sure to reserve the + right to pardon. You must try my method. + + Mejia. And that? + + Mar. Shoot on the spot, and report no captures. + + (Enter from the ball room Maximilian, Marshal Bazaine, + General Miramon, and Count Charles) + + Mir. Your majesty will sign the law to-night? + + Max. These men wear the brave name of soldiers; fight + Beneath a flag, and claim the rights of war. + + Baz. They borrow war's fair name to kill and plunder! + + Max. It was my dream when I took up this crown + To claim each subject of the land my own. + + Mir. And so you may, your majesty. 'Tis true. + These men are subjects to no law or nation; + They are not Mexico's; they are not God's; + But from the heavenly and the human pale + They have outbarred themselves. Our honest land + Has cast them out as venom to her health! + Nurse not this canker in your realm, my lord! + + Max. I do not know ... but here's my head and heart, + + (Touching Prince Salm-Salm and Count Charles) + + And they may answer. Prince, what do you say? + + Prince Salm. + As friend and soldier to your majesty, + I must advise the passage of the law. + + Max. You, Charles? + + Char. My lord, if as you say, these men + Fight 'neath a flag, and for supposed rights, + You violate the law of noble nations + In sentencing to death the prisoners + Of recognized war. + + Baz. (Sneering) Sir, recognized? + + Char. Does not the United States still call Juarez + The president of Mexico? + + Baz. Why, count, + You'd best consult those books of yours again! + Juarez has fled and given up his cause. + These men are robbers! Your majesty will sign? + + Max. Forgive me, friends, if I again say no. + + Mir. Your majesty, 'tis we should ask your pardon + For having failed to lustre as we should + This seeming-dark decree,--so wise, so just, + And as undoubtedly your duteous act + As though some stern necessity of the stars + Enjoined it. + + Max. (Uneasily) Press it not now. The people wait. + + (All but Marquez go into ballroom) + + Mar. Some fools have sat on crowns but not for long. + He'll sign. The Liberals must be dispatched + Fast as we capture them, for we've short time. + The United States will soon be free again + To turn to us, and what we wish to do + Must be well done ere that. Dispatch! Dispatch! + Use Maximilian and the French to crush + The Liberals, then with the church unite + To pull down Maximilian and set up-- + Marquez!... The Empress--and Ignacio! + One I suspect,--a half-breed full of pride! + Who'd have the court forget his Indian mother + And bear in mind his father was a noble! + + (Goes aside. + 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) + + Car. Ignacio! I've met strange looks to-night! + + Ig. But not unkind ones, noble madam? + + Car. O, such + As can not be distinguished by a word, + Cold, warm, or dark or fair, bitter or kind! + Ah, looks that will not advertise the heart, + And yet betray too much! + + Ig. Your majesty-- + + Car. A little coldness that might melt to love, + A little pity that might soon be hate, + A fair 'God with you' shaping to a curse-- + + Ig. What eye can harbor evil meeting yours + Where lies a grace that turns all ill to virtue? + + Car. Would all were true as you, Ignacio! + + (Looks to ballroom and shudders) + + Those eyes! Would I looked not so deep in eyes! + ... You love my lord? + + Ig. I do, your majesty. + + Car. Above all other men? (He is silent) Nay, do not answer! + 'Twas wrong to ask, for you have kinsmen maybe, + Brother, or uncle, some one dear in blood + Whom Heaven bids you cherish. But you will guard + Your Emperor! You'll watch with me for foes? + For foes? He has none! How the thought + Blasphemes his excellence! But 'tis a world + Where whitest merit draws the darkest souls + To prey upon it, while mere indifferent good + Escapes!... Ignacio, is it true, Juarez + Is not in Mexico? + + Ig. O, madam! + + Car. Ah! + Is 't true the Liberals are disbanded? + + Ig. True? + + Car. You do not answer, sir! + + Ig. It is not true. + + Car. You know it! You? And they still hope? + + Ig. They do. + + Car. Then we are playing with an enemy! + How do you know?... You traitor, too!... O Heaven! + 'Tis time now to be up or treachery + Will take us all asleep! (Goes from him) + + Ig. (Following her) O madam! madam! + My heart is all your own! + + Car. (Turning to him) Forgive me, friend, + And I will wrong no more these honest eyes. + But there is danger here, and we must strike! + We hold a nation's future in our hands, + And now defence is virtue, patience crime! + + Ig. Your majesty-- + + Car. (Not heeding) Shall we stand here and smile + Till rebel blows have shattered life and throne? + ... Dupin shall drive these desperate people back-- + This law be signed-- + + Ig. (With horror) Dear Christ! + + Car. What do you mean? + + Ig. Will Maximilian pass a law of death, + Condemning patriots to a robber's grave? + O, Empress, sue upon your knees that he + Do not this thing, for every act of his + Not marked with justice to his enemies + Will rob him of the pity they would show + When victory is theirs! He writes his doom + As certainly as he doth set his name + To that black law, and gives Dupin his will + Among our helpless people! + + Princess Zichy. (From group about the gipsy, as all laugh) + Your majesty, + You heard? + + Car. I heard. (To Ignacio, much disturbed) + Go join them! Go! (Ignacio joins group) + He's true! + My lord in danger! + + Princess de Varela. Now mother, my hand next! + + (Gipsy scans her hand) + + Car. 'Rob him of pity!' 'When victory is theirs!' + I know the pity given to the fallen + In this blood-drunken land! There's but one way... + We must not fall!... 'Tis war, then,--war! Not for + An empire, no,--but Maximilian's life! + And we must use the weapons in our hands! + + Gip. (Reading) + + Days of brightness, days of smiles, + Read I here or Fate beguiles! + + Princess S. + O these fortunes are like lines from a fairy book! + Surely we are not all going to be happy! + + Gip. I'll read for you, madam. + + Princess S. + But let not your change of song begin with me, + dark mother! + + Gip. (Reading) + + Days of darkness, days of moan! + A friend shall sigh, a friend shall fall, + And wring thy bosom more than all + The sorrow that thou yet hast known! + + Princess S. + O think better of it, mother! + + Gip. Your sweet eyes deserve a better portion than tears, and + I read too, + + But ere thy last hour be nigh + Sorrow from thy breast shall fly! + + Princess S. + A friend, you say? I thank you, 'twas not my husband! + + Gip. And yet a husband he, + And many tears thou'lt see! + + Car. (Aside) A friend--a husband--and a fall! + + Gip. Shall I read for her majesty? + + Car. No! no! + + Lopez. She has peeped into Fate's urn, madam, I assure you! + + Car. Nay, I'm content. What I choose for myself I will abide, + and what I choose not is the gift of God and I'll abide + that too! + + Prince Zichy. + I congratulate you! Majesty is not always able to + show such noble indifference to the future, and lesser + mortals--never! + + Gip. Please the stars, may I read for you, sir? + + Prince Zichy. + I give you a proxy,--Senor Ignacio. If the fortune + be fair, I take it, if not, I leave it with him. + + Ladies. O, hear Ignacio's fortune! (They crowd about him and + the gypsy) + + Car. (To Lopez) A favor, sir! Will you take a message to his + majesty? + + Lopez. I am twice blest--to bear your message--and bear it to the + emperor. (They talk apart) + + Gip. Here's a secret matter, sir. Shall I speak it out? + + Ig. O spare me! Come aside! + + Ladies. Nay, nay, Ignacio! You heard our fortunes! + + Ig. But yours were fair and innocent, and mine is dark and + guilty--maybe with crime! + + Ladies. Oh! A crime! + + Ig. Come, witch! (They go aside, near where Marquez is + stationed unseen) Aseffa! + + Asef. Rafael is prisoner at Savarro! Trevino is taken, too! + + Ig. O Heaven! (To ladies) Stay back! 'Tis crime indeed! + + Ladies. Villain! + + Asef. Help me to Maximilian! O, I must see him! You called him + gentle! When I tell him what Rafael is--the fairest soul + man ever called a foe-- + + Ig. Softly, Aseffa! You can not see the emperor to-night. + + Asef. I must! To-morrow 't will be too late! He dies at sunrise! + + Ig. Rafael! My friend! my brother!-- + + Asef. Quiet! quiet! Smile, Ignacio! Ha! ha! I'll pray it be not + true, sir! + + Ig. But you can see Count Charles. He's Maximilian's very + heart, and once you win him the Emperor is won. Go in! Go + in! I'll bring you to the count! Be light of heart! Our + Rafael is safe! + + Asef. Ignacio, the Empress is all you said. + Prayers on their way to Heaven meeting her + Would think their journey ended. Can you be true? + + Ig. (Touching his arm) + I bear the seal. + + Asef. God help thee! + + Ig. Go! + (To ladies) 'Tis done! + I know my sins! + + Princess de V. But what a smiling sinner! + + Princess Salm. + A cloud is hovering. Come, sir! I shall know it! + + (Takes his arm. Mexican national dance begins. All go into + ballroom, the Empress with Lopez) + + Mar. Ignacio a Liberal! And branded! + He's finished! But I'll pick my hour for it! + Mendorez safe! Ay, if he's bullet-proof! + + (Re-enter Carlotta with Archbishop Labastida) + + Lab. I thank your Highness for this gracious moment! + Most holy Empress-- + + Car. Not holy, sir, and yet + I hope with touch of God's anointment on me. + + Lab. Did it but rest with you His love would soon + Like cloud of rose veil Mexico in beauty. + + Car. But rest with me? + + Lab. Ay, noble lady, you. + I bear a letter from his Holiness, + In which he says his Empress daughter's zeal + Is jewelled in his heart,--but urges me + To speak to Maximilian of his strange + Reluctance to fulfill his promise. + + Car. Promise? + + Lab. To give the Church the olden glory that + She shone with here! Restore her rights-- + + Car. 'Tis true + He promised that, and he has kept his word + As an account with God. He is convinced + The rights claimed by the Church are stolen rights + She wrung from ignorance for her earthly glory, + And he's resolved to maintain Juarez' law + So far as it accords with justice. + + Lab. Madness! + Call back Juarez to power! Yield the throne + To the republican! For 't will so end + If Maximilian scorns us and our help! + + Car. He does not scorn you, sir, but seeks to find + Where the division comes 'tween you and Christ + And set himself upon the side of Heaven. + + Lab. You will divorce the favor of the pope, + Without whose help you may not hope to stand. + Plead with your lord again to probe our claim, + And find therein some wise and prudent reason + To give us aid,--and thereby keep his crown. + + Car. Yes, I will speak; but I shall not forget, + Whate'er I say, he is an Emperor! (Exit) + + Mar. (Coming forward) A pair of fools are jiggling with a crown. + + Lab. You heard, Marquez? + + Mar. And knew before I heard. + + Lab. And you are patient? + + Mar. Maximilian + Means France, and France we must keep ours,--at least + Till we have finished with the Liberals,-- + + Lab. And then? + + Mar. We need not go so far to make + A wiser choice. + + Lab. (Looking at him meaningly) + Not far indeed! + + Mar. I thank you. + But that's hereafter. Come with me, your grace. + I'd speak of something more immediate. + + (Exeunt left) + + (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) + + Dup. At last I am called to court! I thought his majesty would + soon or late have need of my experience in throat-cutting. + + Mir. 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? + + Dup. Will I? Hear him, Marshal! Will I? + + Mir. But not a word to the Emperor! + + Dup. Softish, eh? + + Mir. His spongy heart is filled with water of compassion. Touch + it anywhere it pours! + + Baz. I'm not going to throw away the lives of any more + Frenchmen just to give him a chance to play at clemency! + An emperor should be a sort of vitalized stone, capable + of action but incapable of impression. + + Dup. Then I'm the man for emperor! I've always suspected my + qualifications for the part. By the lord, I've 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, they've called me + the 'Tigre' since then. You've heard about that! (Struts + and sings) + + I'm the tigre of the East, + Got my claws in old Pekin + When the yellow kids we fleeced + And held up the mandarin! + + O we caught him by the queue, + As he from our captains flew, + That quaking little, shaking little mandarin. + And we dragged him out to view + By that most convenient queue, + When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin! + + 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! (Exit) + + Baz. Is he as villainous as his conversation? + + Mir. His talk is but the mildest prologue to his deeds. + + Baz. Then he's the man for us. We shall never drive back the + Liberals but by methods of unmitigated severity. + + Mir. There is no barbarity too great for the intimidation of + these towns. + + Baz. The only absolutely safe plan is to raze them from the + earth. + + Mir. Trust Dupin! (They go into ballroom. Enter, right, Count + Charles and Aseffa. Her disguise is thrown back revealing + her beauty) + + Asef. You help me though a Liberal and your foe! + + Char. A foe! Dear lady, when you besought my aid + Methought it was divinity that spoke, + So sacred sweet seemed the request. I'll save + Your brother. + + Asef. Ah, dearer than a brother, sir. + It is my husband! + + Char. Husband! + + Asef. Yes, my lord. + And dearer than--You have a wife? + + Char. No, lady. + + Asef. O, then you can not know! But you have loved? + + Char. I love. + + Asef. A lover--not a husband. Ah! + Add to thy love a thousand dearer loves + And take their sum a thousand times a thousand, + 'T will be the smallest part divisible + Of my dear love for Rafael! You'll save him? + + Char. Yes--I will save him. Do you trust me? + + Asef. Trust you? + As I would Heaven! (Kisses his hands and goes out, right) + + Char. Gone! Aseffa! Gone? + No, never gone! Her kisses here! O lips + That swept like drifting roses o'er my hands-- + Both hands,--sweet equity! Still are they warm + As they were dipped in summer, though her touch + Was maiden light nor robbed him of a jot + Who should have all. Her husband--'twas a word + She used to slay me with!... Even in sorrow + She is more fair than any other fair + Met on a holiday. But when she smiled + She seemed like Fortune giving away a world. + So gracious was her splendor. Thou art revenged, + O little demon god so long my scorn! + Would I had given my heart by piecemeal out + Since I was ten than to have lost it so, + For going all at once it takes my life + And I must lose my life or follow it. + Ah, love should come like waves unto a shore, + Soft creeping up and back and up again. + Till taught to stand receptive we are firm + When the last, highest wave envelops us. + ... May God restore me!... O her beauty burns + As she were limned by lightning on the night! + Her eyes are torches that Eternity + Lends life to read her dreams! Her cheek + Is June within a bud! Her veins have caught + The falling sun that in them strives to rise + To a new dawn!... And I must save him--save him! + This unknown man that holds the flaming sword + Above my paradise!... If this decree + Is signed she will be widowed ... (Stops in horror) + I am mad!... + ... She will be free ... Away, sweet hell, whose face + Is masked like heaven!... Let solid earth be air, + The air be lead, light change to dark, and dark + Be as the sun, 't will be no miracle + When murder finds a welcome in my heart! + + (Enter Maximilian, Bazaine, Miramon, Dupin, Berzabal, + Ruiz, Estrada, Ignacio) + + Max. (To Dupin) We're glad to welcome you. 'T will be your + charge to guard the unprotected towns now suffering from + the raids of Liberals. + + Mir. Of men, your majesty, who steal that title to grace a + brigand's life! + + Max. So we're assured. + + Dup. I'll see to it, sir, that these towns play no love-tricks + with the enemy! + + Baz. Sh! + + Max. No danger that way. Your duty is to protect them! + + Dup. 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. + + Max. If unhappily you find it, sir-- + + Dup. I'll cut the throat of every man dog of 'em! + + Max. Sir? (Turns to Bazaine) The Colonel's speech is very + figurative, good Marshal. (To Dupin) All instances of + treason, (and God forbid there should be one!) will be + reported to me for careful investigation. + + Dup. 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. (As the emperor looks questioningly at + Bazaine, Dupin snarls, then repeats suavely) The mildest + temperance in dealing with your majesty's enemies. + + Max. That is our wish. The mildest temperance. And this decree, + Colonel Dupin? Would you advise its passage? + + Dup. I should be so hot to sign it, sir, my zeal would boil the + ink in the bottle! + + Max. Very figurative, Marshal! (To Dupin) As yet we have not + reconciled the matter with our conscience. + + (Lopez enters and comes up to the Emperor) + + Lop. (Handing him a slip of paper) Your majesty, the Empress + sends you this. + + (Maximilian reads aside:) 'Sign the decree.' + + Max. (Aside) What has she heard? + + Dup. (At a distance, in rear of Maximilian, folds his hands + meekly on his breast and whistles softly) + + 'When we sacked the summer palace at Pekin!' (Mimics) + '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! + + Max. (To Miramon, who has spoken to him) + There's only one left to oppose it--Charles. + + Mir. My lord, you'd set a scholar's word against + A general's in matters of the field? + The count's opinion, born within a closet, + Would die in open air but for your nursing. + + Max. Come, Count, defend your cause. + + Char. My cause, my lord? + + Max. You are but one against the government. + Canst talk above so big a head? If not, + I fear we'll pass this law of blood. Come, come! + Be eloquent! My heart would have you win! + + Char. (Very pale and hesitating) + Your majesty--I beg-- + + Max. Goes it so deep + To your good heart? + + Mir. My lord-- + + Max. Forgive me, Charles, + For pressing you so much. We'll rest to-night. + To-morrow there'll be time. + + Char. (Hastily) No! Not to-morrow! + Sign the decree! Sign it to-night! + + (Maximilian looks with the greatest astonishment at + his now flushed face and eager manner, then thinks + he understands) + + Max. Ah, Charles, + This tender heart of yours will kill you yet. + No more of this. I'll keep you at your books. + + Char. (Recovering, proceeds with suavity, completely sold + to his desire) + My mind has cleared with deeper thought, my lord, + Discord, the ancients tell us, was at first + So small a gnat did give her birth, but grew + So great her feet o'erturned proud cities while + Her head upset the gods in council. So this + Small trouble may o'ercast your destiny-- + And is 't not better, sir, to pass a law, + However dreaded, 'gainst the rebel few + Than that the nation trusted to your care + Should be broad cursed with civil slaughter? + + Max. Better? + If such a danger threatens 'tis a crime + Not to forfend it! + + (Enter Marquez and Archbishop Labastida) + + Lab. Gracious sovereign! + + Max. Most reverend father, you would counsel us? + + Lab. We would, your majesty. If yet the wish + Of Heaven has power over you; and Christ + Be your most high example, you will prove + A careful guardian to your trusting people, + And crush this villainous and robber race + Now preying on the true and innocent, + Swelling each day more poisonous and foul! + + Max. We are decided. Are we not, good Charles? + + Mar. (Hastily) Nay, sire-- + + Max. We are decided--to pass this law. + Convinced that 'tis the honest course. + + (All surprised and relieved but Ignacio, who starts with + horror) + + Ig. My God! + + Mir. Blest majesty, we thank you! + + Lab. You do but set + Your name where Heaven's seal already shines. + + Ig. The seal of Hell! O noblest man that breathes + This corrupt air, take back that word of death + Ere it is stamped in black upon your soul! + + Mir. (After a silence) + An Aztec, sire, and nephew to Juarez. + + Max. You think that is a sin? Among our friends + Are many whose nearest kinsmen nobly served + The lost Republic. Hear us, Ignacio. + This law is subject to a firm condition: + Each officer shall make report to us, + And every captive who deserves not death + Shall have our pardon. + + Ig. Then, you'll pardon two + Now at Savarro, Trevino and Mendorez, + Both doomed to die at sunrise! + + Mir. Ravagers! + Brigands! Ay, murderers! + + Ig. No! Patriots! + Soldiers! And martyrs if they die! My lord, + If they have plundered, 'twas to feed an army; + If they have killed,--that is the aim of war. + They are your foes, but noble ones,--and men, + Not creatures to be caught in traps and shot + Like beasts! + + Max. We'll look to this. Marquez, at once + Send a dispatch commanding they be held + As prisoners of war until we've time + To examine them. + + Mar. I will, your majesty. + + Ig. My lord, at Callovalla when the French + Had routed the Republicans, there came + At night some student priests into the field + To help the wounded and to cheer the dying. + This man, Marquez, set on them with his troop + And made them prisoners. The morning sun + Beheld each saintly minister shot dead. + And you would trust this devil with the life + Of captive foes? A man whose hands are red + With God's own blood? + + Mar. He lies! Your majesty, + I'll prove him traitor to your very eyes! + + Ig. Traitor? + + Mar. Ay, sir, and spy! Lay bare his arm, + And see the branded cross!--the sacred mark + Of those who've sworn to die in Juarez' cause! + + (Snatches at Ignacio's arm as if he would expose it) + + Ig. Liar and devil! do not touch me! + + Mar. Spy! + + Lop. The proof is easy, sire. Expose his arm! + + Ig. I scorn such proof! And with my sword I'll meet + Who dares lay hand upon me! + + Lab. Justice, sire! + Command him to lay bare his arm! + + (Silence. Maximilian approaches Ignacio slowly and lays + his hand on his arm) + + Max. (Turning to Marquez, his hand still on Ignacio) + You are a soldier, able and honorable. + I trust you with my captives.... Ignacio, + You are no traitor,--and I trust you with + My confidence. Both are deceived. 'Tis I + Must study how to heal this sad division. + ... But now, we'll sign this necessary law. + Come in with me, my friends. (Exeunt all but Ignacio) + + Ig. Too noble soul! + Too gentle heart! O foul, most foul betrayal! + He dooms himself. O, Maximilian, + We go on different ways, but each to death! + The truest heart about thee is my own, + And I'm a spy--death-vowed to be thy foe! + I'll warn the empress!... No. Sealed to the cause. + Dead I may guard her. Death alone may give + Me to her service. There's no oath can bind + The disembodied spirit. (Takes paper from his pocket) + Here's set down + All I have learned of the Imperial plans. + + (Burns paper in candle flame) + + 'Tis fixed in memory, and if I live + Juarez shall hear it all,--and--if I die-- + The grave is asked no questions. (Suddenly) Rafael! + This signed to-night, to-morrow Rafael dies. + Marquez will cut off all reprieve. One way + Is left.... I'll go. With life already lost + Who would not fling the corpse to save a friend? + My honor's bound to freedom and Juarez, + My heart bound to the Empress and her lord. + O, love, while I have life thou must command me, + Then to save honor ... let me die!... Ah, could + I save thee too, Carlotta! O, what woe + Awaits thy heart, madonna, saint ... and love! + Might I but say farewell before I go, + Then I could spur to death with happy heart, + And I must travel fast to reach Savarro. + + (Takes a lady's glove from his bosom) + My treasure, come! + + (Enter Carlotta) + + Car. It must be signed ... it must ... + (Sees Ignacio) + + Ig. O, little finger casements, do you mourn + Your pretty tenants lost?--five rose-sweet nuns + That pray at one white shrine! (Kisses glove) + + Car. (Advancing) I hope, my friend, + She's worthy of your noble love. + + Ig. O, madam, + In her doth Heaven on earth make sweet beginning. + And aspirations tend her from the skies. + + Car. And she is beautiful as good? + + Ig. O, fair + As olden marble walking down to us. + Or that immortal Helen on whose lip + Poets still feed the dream that's never fed! + + Car. She must be fair indeed. I hope she loves + As much as she's beloved. + + Ig. Nay, she dreams not + Of my poor worship. + + Car. You must tell her, sir. + + Ig. With her I have no tongue, and can not woo. + To see her is to think in hurrying dreams + That move about some new desire of God. + Nay, she's the picture finished, vision complete, + That perfect stands where dream no farther goes + And shuts the gates to prophecy! + + Car. Would you + But woo her thus you'd win her, never fear! + We women would be beautiful, and love + The tongue that makes us so. Go, talk to her + As you have talked to me. + + Ig. 'Tis not the same. + There's something in your smile inviteth speech. + Were she but you then would I kneel and say, (kneels) + O rest me 'neath the heaven of your eye + That gathers blessings as the sun his dews + To give again to earth, and let your heart + Throb once with pity sweeter than the love + That other women give, and yet be dumb, + That this sweet moment's balm may wrap my heart + Till death bids it be still. O, love me not, + But on my head lay thy madonna hand, + And bless me as a mother would her child + Who goes to death in going from her eyes! + + Car. (Laying her hand on his head) + And I will bless thee, too, as she would do, + True knight of love, gentle Ignacio! + And yet I hope you will ask more of her, + And she will grant it. + + Ig. (Rising) More is too much. Farewell. + I leave the court to-night,--but go content,-- + Ay, happy! (Exit) + + Car. He leaves the court!... What a strange youth! + But very true and noble, and well deserves + The fairest woman's love. (Picks up glove dropped + by Ignacio) He's lost her glove. + I'll send it after him. (Calls attendant) Andorro!... Ah! + It is my own! Yes ... yes ... the same ... here is-- + My own indeed!... And that is why he leaves + The court!... Poor youth! (She drops glove. Enter Andorro) + Ignacio just passed out. + He dropped this glove. His lady's favor maybe. + I'm sure 'tis prized. Haste, take it after him. + + And. (Picks up glove) + Your pleasure, royal madam! (Going) + + Car. No--that way. + + (Exit Andorro) + + ... Unhappy boy!... I'm glad I sent the glove. + + (Enter Maximilian and ministers) + + Car. (Going to him and taking his arm) + 'Tis signed? + + Max. 'Tis signed, my love. Come, friends! This act + Of wisdom passed gives me a lighter heart! + + (All but Marquez go into ballroom) + + Mar. The great death-warrant's signed. Ere its black list + Be full, there'll be an emperor on the roll! + + (National music. Dancers seen through doors, the emperor + and empress among them) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT III. + + +Scene I: Before the Imperial Theatre. Brilliant lights. Crowd +confusedly assembled. All talking. + + Shouts. Long live the Empire! + + Citizen. + O you mob, you puppet throat, that whistles as you're + squeezed! + + A Mob Orator. + My friends, to-day we gloriously celebrate the + birthday of the most glorious empire-- + + Cit. Long live the Republic! Hail to Juarez! + + Voices. To dungeon with him! The traitor! Tear him to pieces! + + (Guards dash upon citizen and drag him off) + + 1st Officer. + Don't tell me the Republic is dead when a man is + willing to die just to give one shout for it. + + 2d Officer. + Three-fourths of the Mexicans have hearts of that + color. But the Empire stands. Miramon is a miracle. How + does he manage it? + + 1st Off. + He understands the use of the bayonet. As our friend + over the water says, you can do anything with bayonets + but sit on them. + + 2d Off. Isn't this a rabble? Motley's the only wear in + Maximilian's court. He might succeed in running this + country if so many people hadn't 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 it's + obeyed in Irish,-- + + Voices. He comes! Make way! Make way! Hail to Maximilian! + + Chief Guard. + Back, all of you! The Emperor will greet you yonder! + We've orders to clear the plaza! Back! Back! His carriage + stops! Go, get your places! Out! out! + + (Guards drive mob out) + + 1st Guard. + If all the Empire's birthdays are to be like this I + hope it will never come of age. It's work, I tell you! I'm + dripping like a squeezed cloud! + + 2d Guard. + 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-- + + 1st Guard. + Sh! We're paid for our muscle, not our opinions. + (Shouts outside) + + 2d Guard. + And the mob is paid for its lungs! + + 1st Guard. + Yes. Miramon sees to that. + + 2d Guard. + Only the Emperor's carriage approaches the door? + + 1st Guard. + None but his. + + 2d Guard. + If I were he I wouldn't 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. + + 1st Guard. + Ph! He knows nothing of the breaking hearts! Miramon + sees to that. + + 2d Guard. + He'll have to know soon, or Juarez will tell him in + the capital. + + 1st Guard. + Not a word! On your life! (Shouts without) Here they + are! By Jesu! The fools have taken the mules from the + carriage and draw it themselves! Now I wonder how much a + head Miramon pays for that! + + (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) + + Max. (To citizens) + My friends, though I protest against this honor, + I thank you from my heart for such kind proof + Of your affection. (Alights) + + Voices. Long live Maximilian! + + One of the rabble, awkward and ignorant. + Long live the President of the Empire! + + Max. (Smiling) I've no objection to that title, friend, but I + fear it would be criticised in Europe. + + (Crowd passes out shouting and dragging carriage) + + Max. (To Carlotta, as he looks at theatre) A + noble building! Fair and magnificent! + + Car. How yonder gardens gleam beneath the lights + Like some soft dream of worlds we do not know! + + Max. And all is yours, my sweet,--all planned by you! + O love, you shall be mistress of a land + The fairest ever smiled up to the sun! + What say you, Charles? Does not this hour repay + Even the sacrifice of Miramar? + + Car. (Smiling) Nay, he longs still for the old nooks and books. + + Char. Let me admit it. This mistress Pleasure, sir, + Though she is fair is not so wondrous fair + As goddess Knowledge. Beautiful as bride + To her lord's eye is she to worshippers, + Who seek and woo her till she yieldeth up + Her locked virginity--the Truth! + + Max. (Affectionately) Ay, Charles, + Get knowledge if thou canst, and yet despair not, + For none so poor but virtue may be his; + And though your knowledge is earth's silver key + That opens man's and nature's heart, + 'Tis golden virtue opens Heaven and shows + The God among his stars.... But, come, dear friends! + Pleasure is a true goddess too. We'll show + Her fair respect. + + (All go into theatre but Charles, who drops back unnoticed) + + Char. He constantly unmasks me + And knows it not. Knowledge! 'Tis withered leaves + Amid a world of dewy boughs! Knowledge! + To one school will I go--one book I'll read, + The school of love, the page of woman's eye, + And I'll know more than sages and divines + Who study stars and Scripture!... + 'For none so poor but virtue may be his' + O noble soul, had I been true to thee + I now could open thy deceived eyes. + Crime seals my lips. I can but pray + This empire built on blood may stand. We are + The creatures of our deeds, more bound to them + Than slave to master, for the terms of service + Are fast indentured in the soul and know + No razure!... But I will find Aseffa! Then, + Though sin should set a darkness on my life + To draw each night out to a winter's length + That constant storms from sallow leaf to green, + Still love's sweet lamp shall light me! In my heart + 'T will be as day! + + (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) + + Asef. I am a singer. + + Guard. Show + Your pass. + + Asef. Here, sir. + + (Guard signs for her to pass on. She sees Charles + and stops. Steps before him, throwing back her veil) + + Asef. You swore to save him! + + Char. You! + Aseffa! Blest-- + + Asef. You swore it! + + Char. And would have died + To keep my oath could I have kept it dying. + + Asef. The Emperor refused you? (He bows his head) Demon! Oh! + + (Turns to go, moaning) + + Char. (Aside) I lose her!... Stay! Is there no hope for grief? + + Asef. Not mine! Can you not read it here? + + Char. Too well. + Thy sorrow is a veil through which thy beauty + Burns like a shrouded sun. + + Asef. You pity me? + + Char. As Heaven knows! + + Asef. Then you will help me, sir? + + Char. I'll give my life to do it! + + Asef. Ah, you will? + Then get me access to the Emperor. + + Char. O sweet Aseffa, you ask a miracle, + And I am sadly mortal. + + Asef. I knew! I knew! + My misery is your plaything! + + Char. His ministers + So hedge him with their care-- + + Asef. O spare excuse! + But I shall see him, sir! Ay, face to face! + + Char. Why would you see him? He can not call the dead. + + Asef. The dead! Thou hast but daggers for me! Ah! + + Char. Aseffa-- + + Asef. Yes, I'll see him! What think you? + Should I go shouting 'murderer' through that hall, + Would he arise and answer to his name? + + Char. You're mad, Aseffa! + + Asef. Thank Heaven I am! 'T would be + The shame of woman to know all that I know + And not be mad! + + Char. You must not go in there. + + Asef. (Fiercely) Must not! + (Suddenly calm) Nay, sir! Why see, I go to sing + A welcome to the noble Emperor. (Throws back her cloak) + As this dark cloak now hides my gay apparel, + So shall my gay demeanor hide my woe. + + Char. You would not harm the Emperor? + + Asef. No need! + Yon moon is worshipped for her borrowed gold, + Though charred and cold without a leaf to dower + Her black sterility. So Maximilian. + Napoleon's favor is the sun that gilds + His worthless crown. But now the French are going-- + + Char. What? + + Asef. Ah! The French are going. + + Char. No! + + Asef. And Maximilian shall fade to air, + Unheeded as the moon no eye could find + Without her sun! + + Char. But hearts can live and love + Though Maximilian falls. + + Asef. Can live--and love! + You torture me! + + Char. Forgive me. But the share + Must rip the glebe before the corn may spring. + + Asef. What do you mean, cold Austrian? + + Char. Austrian! No! + Your southern sun has poured into my veins + A life that makes me new! I feel as you + Those throbs that shake the stars until they fall + Into the heart and make it heaven! My lips + Can move toward lips as haste rose-gloried clouds + To swoon into the sun! + + Asef. Ah, yes--I know-- + You told me that you loved. But why say this + To one who has lost all? + + Char. I'd have you learn + That you must live, Aseffa, and life for you + Means love. Your eyes, your lips, your hands, your hair, + Like coiled sweetness of the night, and all + Your swaying, melting body, gather love + As roses gather smiles, as waves draw down + The heart-flood of the moon and hold it deep + And trembling. + + Asef. Sir, your roses, waves, and smiles, + Are poet-nothings. You play with them as shells, + Stirring chance colors for an idle eye. + It is your way of saying, is it not, + That I shall love again? + + Char. You must! you must! + + Asef. Such words are like bright raindrops falling in + Another world. They glitter, but I hear + No sound, grief has so closed my ears. Take back + Your comfort. You would be kind, but noble count, + You talk of what a man can never know,-- + A woman's sorrow for a husband loved. + So high no height can reach it, so great and deep + The sea can not embrace it, and yet her heart + Can hold it all. O strangest of all love, + That makes her rather stoop in beggar rags + To kiss the happy dust where his foot pressed + Than from a throne lean down to give her lips + Unto a kneeling king! + + Char. Aseffa, grief + Is not for you. You must--you must be happy! + The shy and tender Dawn creeps up in fear + That Night has laid some blight upon the world, + But finding all is well, steps forth, and lo! + Out of her courage the great sun is born. + So doth the heart look outward after grief + To find the world all dark, but nay, the light + Is more of heaven than it was before, + Because a face is shining from the clouds. + You dim your loved one's eyes in paradise + With your earth-tears. He mourns your splendor paled,-- + Though 't must be beautiful to the last tint, + As sunset clouds that bear the heart of day + Into the night. + + Asef. You but offend my grief. + Sir, keep your flattery for her you love! + + Char. I flatter thee? It is not possible! + Who dares to add fire to the sun, or bring + The Spring a flower? Be angry if you will. + The morning's eye is not more glorious + Rising above a storm! I flatter thee! + When but to praise thee as thou art would put + A blush on Poesy that ne'er has rhymed + As I would speak! E'en thy defects would make + Another fair, and were they merchantable + Women would buy thy faults to adorn themselves! + O, sweet-- + + Asef. (Shrinking in horror) + What do you mean? + + Char. (Seizing her hands) You know! + O, all my life has been but dreams of you, + And when I saw you first, my love!--my love!-- + As lightning makes the midnight landscape speak + The language of the day, your beauty flashed + O'er all my years and made their meaning clear! + 'Twas you made sweet the song of every bird, + 'Twas you I found in every book I loved, + 'Twas you that gave a soul to every star! + I can not speak it! Kiss me once--but once-- + And you will understand! + + Asef. What thing is this? + It is not man, for man respecteth sorrow, + Nor brute, for it doth speak! + + Char. O look not down! + Thou canst not guard thee! Every silken sweep + Of thine eyes' soft defence but whets assault! + You shall not go! You are the element + In which I breathe! Go from me and I fall + A lifeless thing! Aseffa, pity me! + 'Tis I who die, not you! (Drops her hands and kneels) + O blame me not + That I must worship here-- + + Asef. Ah, Rafael, + I'll live an hour to pray this wrong away + Before I meet thine eyes! (Goes. Charles grasps her cloak) + Beast! Claw me not! + + (Goes in. Charles gazes after her in a bewildered way. + Tries to steady himself, and goes into theatre by main + entrance) + +(CURTAIN) + + +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. + + Max. (To Carlotta) + O, this is welcome! Are you not happy now? + There's not a wrinkle on these smiling brows + Where discontent may write her annals dark! + My empire now is fixed, and strength and love + Are gathering to my side. I can not put + My hand out but 'tis clasped by some new friend. + + Car. And true? + + Max. And true. You are too fearful, sweet. + + Car. And you too trustful. + + Max. Nay, we can not trust + Too much. Brutus spoke noblest when he said + 'My heart doth joy that yet in all my life + I found no man but he was true to me.' + And I would hope as much. + + Car. (Aside) None, none are true! + Even I am false who fear to speak my fears + And ease his own when I should quicken them! + + (Chorus from stage) + + Hail, ye royal pair, O hail! + Like two souls within one star + May your heavenly light ne'er fail. + Empress and great Emperor! + + Hail to thee who ruleth mild + As the manger-cradled child! + Hail to her who long may be + Guardian of us and thee! + + Hail, O hail, ye pair divine! + As two souls within one star + May your light forever shine, + Empress and great Emperor! + + (Estrada appears on stage in front of chorus) + + Est. Great Majesties, forgive our feeble welcome. + We are in all things spotted and imperfect + Save in affection for your Highnesses. + + Max. (Rising) No, no! My friend--and friends--had you not hearts + That turn to virtue as the flowers to sun, + We had not made such progress to an hour + When all the Empire wears the smile of peace, + And we may rest like Love with folded arms + Round his desire. + + Est. 'Tis you have led us, sire. + Pardon this mockery of what we'd do + To celebrate this day had we but means. + We shout thy name, but not above the clouds; + We send up fires, but lightnings higher reach: + We have adorned the city and ourselves, + But India and the sea keep back the pearls + We would pour here! + + Max. Enough--and more, my friends. + O, far too much! None mourn now but the gods + Who are made indigent by this display + Of wealth and joy! + + Est. (Making low obeisance) We thank your majesty. + This land shall e'er be called the happy land, + And he who rules it-- + + Asef. (Stepping wildly from chorus) Prince of Murderers! + The happy land! O land where widows' cries + Choke Heaven, and mothers' tears make each new day + A flood! + + Mir. Guards there! Take her away! The guards! + + Max. No! Let her stay! We'll answer her! + + Mir. My lord-- + + Max. Madam, we seek your country's love. + + Asef. How do you seek it? By killing her dear sons! + Setting your tigers loose among her children! + Mejia from your very breast makes fire + On patriot virtue! Dupin wets his teeth + By day and night in infant and mother's blood! + Maximilian, + In brave Trevino's name, Salazar's name, + In name of all as noble and as dear + To Mexico as they, who daily die + Beneath their country's flag the death of dogs, + Shot down by your black law--signed by your hand-- + In name of him as dear to me as thou + To that proud woman who shall know what 'tis + To clasp a ghost where throbbed her living love,-- + I tell thee--die! + + (Leaps from stage to Emperor's box attempting to stab him. + As she leaps Carlotta springs before the Emperor) + + Car. This heart--not that! + + (Aseffa drops her dagger and stands bewildered. An officer + seizes her. Utter confusion in theatre. Maximilian goes + onto the stage. Silence) + + Max. My friends,-- + All you who love me see me here unhurt, + And you who love me not, if any's here, + + (Cries of "none, none!") + + Take aim now as you will. + + (Cries of "No! no! no! no!") + + A Voice. + Long live the Emperor! Maximilian! + + Max. Then if you love me, friends, I beg you'll leave + This place of song and go to the Cathedral. + There pray for me to Him who spared my life, + And, if you will, pray that He yet may spare it + To work His will and yours. + + (Crowd goes out silently) + + Mar. (To Labastida) That was well done. + + Lab. Sincerity is once a diplomat. + + Car. (To Princess Salm-Salm) + Princess, take this poor creature to your care. + + (Officer releases Aseffa, who goes out as in a dream + with Prince and Princess Salm-Salm and several ladies) + + Mar. (Approaching Maximilian) Your Majesty, let me congratulate-- + Ill, sire? + + Max. Sick, sick, O sick of compliments! + If I've a friend here let me hear the truth! + What did that creature mean? The truth, I say! + (Silence) You, Miramon? Lopez? (Silence) Trevino's dead? + + Lop. He is. + + Max. And Rafael Mendorez? + + Lop. Dead. + The woman is his widow. + + Max. Oh!... And this! + (Taking out message) + This from Dupin! 'All quiet in Savarro.' + It means-- + + Lop. The town is ashes. + + Max. O God! O God! + You ministers! Ay, ministers of hell! + Didst think ye served the devil? + + Est. O, my lord-- + + Max. No friend! Not one! Charles! Charles! you must have known! + These foreign hearts have their excuse, but you-- + The tower of confidence between us two, + Built part by part by faithful mason hours, + Is shaken to atoms! + + Char. I will build it o'er! + + Max. First will the wind-strewn rose upgather all + Her petals from the dust, and cheek by cheek, + Hang them new-smiling on the nodding bough! + + Mir. Your Majesty, what we have done was done + To save our country and your beloved life. + Your noble heart was blind to your great danger, + And 'twas our duty and our work of love + To save you from your fatal tenderness. + + Lop. (Kneeling) O gracious sovereign, had I but known + You did not know, I would have dared the wrath + Of all the court, and spoken to you but truth! + + Max. (Lifting him up) + And 'twas your tongue at last that broke the silence, + I must forgive you. + + Mar. By your necessity, + Your Majesty, we may all hope for pardon. + Juarez, encouraged by the United States, + Is roused again to war. We have appealed + For compromise and terms of friendly union, + But his one answer for us all is--death! + Yet are we faithful to you, sire. + + Max. O Heaven! + What poisonous opiate have you fed me with + And called it peace? But war is not the worst! + Oh, Miramon, did you not swear to me + All prisoners taken by that cruel law + Should be reported day or night to me + That I might pardon or remit their sentence? + + Mir. O, sir, you knew not your extremity, + Nor could you know it though we told it you, + The hearts of Mexicans once turned to hate + Are far too deep for sincere eyes to pierce. + But I thank God we knew the danger, sire, + And struck the serpent raised even at your life. + When you, all gentleness, could not have given + The necessary blow. Ay, God be thanked, although + You cast me from your heart. 'T will be my comfort + To know I served you better than you dreamed. + And 'tis the penalty of over-love + To suffer by the hand that (kneels and + kisses Maximilian's hand) it would kiss! + + Max. Must I forgive him, Heaven? + + Lab. Ay, sir, you must, + For his deceit was but the greater truth + That served your blind necessity. + + Est. O, sir, + Do not desert us! If now the Empire falls + 'Tis death to all that have been true to you. + Juarez will give no quarter to your friends. + + Max. The Liberals advance? + + Mar. Each day they're nearer; + And towns and provinces fall by the way. + + Berz. Without you, sir, our cause will die in blood, + And Mexico be but a grave for those + Who've loved and served you! + + Mar. The United States has ranked + Full sixty thousand men on our frontiers,-- + But we have France-- + + Max. I am awake! At last! + From now no man shall risk his life for me + But I take equal chance with him! Ah, this + Is war, not murder! + + Mar. You will lead our troops? + + Max. I will. + + Mar. Then Mexico is saved! The way + To win the southern hearts is but to trust them. + Leave at your capital the foreign troops + And lead your native soldiers 'gainst the foe! + + Car. (Aside) No! Never! Never! Alone with those dark hearts! + + (Enter Marshal Bazaine with envoy from France, + Comte de St. Sueveur, Marquis de Gallifet, and General + Castlenau) + + Baz. My lord, we bring new messages from France. + + Gen. Cast. + Your majesty, we beg your gracious pardon + For this unseemly pressure. + + Max. You have it, sir. + What says Napoleon? + + Cast. He greets you, sire, with my unworthy tongue, + And sends this letter. (Maximilian reads) + + Max. My eyes, I think, turn wizards + And conjure 'gainst the truth that must be here. + For I read false. (Puzzled) What does he mean? Not this-- + + Baz. My lord, my letters make the import clear. + I have instructions here to counsel you + To make immediate abdication. + + Max. No! + + Car. What? Abdication? + + Baz. Ay! That is the word. + + Car. A word for fear and weakness, not for strength, + And Maximilian is as strong as France + While great Napoleon respects his oath! + His troops are ours-- + + Baz. Nay, princess-- + + Mir. (Fiercely) Her Majesty! + + Baz. (Sneers) You prize the feather when the cap is lost? + (To the Empress) Pardon a slipping tongue, your Majesty. + Those troops you speak of go with me to France. + Such is my order--such the firm demand + Of the United States. + + Car. Is France a province + Of the United States? Napoleon + Page, lackey, footboy to America? + Is she an Empire, he an Emperor? + Or have we dreamed he is Napoleon? + + Max. (Recovered from his bewilderment) + Withdraw his troops! He can not--dare not do it! + 'T would blister history's page to set it down, + And 'tis his burning wish to be the star + Of human chronicles. I'll not believe it, + Though all my senses brand confirming yea + Upon my mind. O shout it in my ears, + And let me see the troops go marching out, + Still I'll believe it is my eyes and ears + That mutiny, not France turned traitor! + + Baz. Your Majesty, you must believe the truth, + And make you ready for a swift departure. + 'T will not be safe here let a moon go by. + + Max. If danger's here, then here I stay to share it. + Dost think I'll leave my friends to die alone + While I by flight dishonor Majesty? + + Baz. 'Tis death to stay. You would not be so mad. + + Mir. Hail to our new-born king! New-born thou art + Unto our love. Nay, we did love before, + But now we'll worship thee. + + Car. Napoleon! + You shall not do this monstrous thing! You shall not! + + Baz. The crown of France doth ask consent of none. + + Car. I'll go to him and say such words that from + His shame-marked brow his outraged crown will fall + In horror. I will go! Take out the troops, + Bazaine. Ay, take them out! He will be glad + To send them back and purchase with his blood + Redemption from such shame. He'll empty France + To do it! I will go. But I'll not kneel. + A thousand years my blood has run through kings, + And he's the _third_ Napoleon! + + (Sinks, exhausted with emotion. Ladies attend her) + + Mir. The traitor! + We have no need of him! To France, Bazaine, + And tell your Emperor our Emperor + Needs not his fickle strength to stand upon! + Sire, we have men, and money in our banks-- + + Lab. A mighty church whose power is untold + If you restore her rights, as now we hope, + And thus united we shall defy the world! + + Max. And Heaven, too? For that is what we do + When we set up the church in her old wrongs. + Nay, keep your aid, and I will keep my soul. + + Lop. Your virtuous angel strives to make you god. + + Max. No, but to keep me honest. + + Mar. (Aside to Lab.) Yield to him. + 'Tis not the hour to cast him off. + + Lab. My lord, + Your virtue conquers, and unto your hands + I yield the power o' the church. + + Max. I thank your grace, + Nor for myself, but Mexico. + + Baz. I go to France. + What message have you for Napoleon? + + Max. Tell him that he has placed me here between + Death and dishonor--and my choice is made. + + (Bazaine and French ambassadors turn slowly and go out) + + Max. (Quietly to Miramon) We'll join you at the door. + + (Exeunt all but Carlotta and Maximilian. He holds out his + arms, and she goes silently to his embrace) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT IV. + + +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. + + Max. Carlotta! Where dost thou pray to-night? In all + Our fearful scanning of prophetic heavens + No swart star showed us this--our separation. + Thou wert the all of me, the breath, the soul! + Nature conceived thee when her blood was young, + And May was in her spirit, but stayed thy birth + Till Time had taught her skill in all perfections! + ... I will not weep.... Yon stars have memories too, + And tell old tales of grandsire suns that shook + Their locks and fell ere they were young who now + Are eld of all!... (Walks) To lie so low.... O man, + Who in the heavens carvest out redemption, + Laying thy golden streets in very skies, + Making the stars but eyets of thy port, + Must thou compact thee to a little earth, + Displace some few small tenants of the sod, + And find thou 'st room enough?... (Looks up) City of dream! + Time's far ghost inn! Eternity's mirage! + Desire's dim temple fashioned out of prayer, + Builded and jointured by no carpenter + But captious Fancy!... O Carlotta, wife! + Thou wert my Christian heart! Faith, faith, my God! + Death to the unbeliever is to land + Upon a coast dumb in the moonless dark, + Where no hands wave a welcome, no eyes shine + With promise of sweet hours, no voices call + The greeting that makes every shore a home. + (Listens) My officers! I can not see them yet. + (Goes in. Enter Colonel Lopez in close talk with Lieutenant + Garza who is disguised as an Imperial officer) + + Garza. I'm satisfied. + + Lopez. This hill is the key to the city. + + Gar. Yes. + + Lop. And yours on terms we have considered. + + Gar. Here's Escobedo's guarantee. (Gives paper) + + Lop. This to my pocket, and Queretaro to the Liberals! + + Gar. 'Tis heavy business. You do it lightly, colonel. + + Lop. The world's a feather. + + Gar. If we but think so. + + Lop. At dawn my troops are yours. + + Gar. And you command the Empress' regiment. + + Lop. Yes. The pick of Maximilian's soldiers. + + Gar. One other question. The southern gate--Hist! + + Lop. The nuns. (They draw aside and converse. Two nuns come out + of convent and cross plaza) + + 1st Nun. + The good Emperor is not out yet. He is often here long + before day walking and thinking, 'Tis then, they say, his + mind is on the blessed Empress who has gone across the sea + to get help for him. By day he never speaks her name, but + thinks only of our poor country. + + 2d Nun. Hark! The enemy's guns! They can not reach us. + + 1st Nun. + Can not? A shell broke here yesterday. The Emperor stood + just there. + + 2d Nun. Holy mother! What did his Majesty do? + + 1st Nun. + 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. + + 2d Nun. Blessed virgin! Would he die? + + 1st Nun. + I'm sure he would not live. Come, sister. Ah, we have + but one loaf this morning. + + 2d Nun. Let us be glad we can give that,--for many are hungry. + + 1st Nun. + Many are starved--dead. + + 2d Nun. But the good Emperor! It is so sad to think of him + without food. + + 1st Nun. + 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. + + 2d Nun. The good man! Holy Mother bless and keep him! (They go + into the Cruz) + + Lop. What will you do with Maximilian? + + Gar. Make a Liberal of him. + + Lop. Ha! How? + + Gar. Shoot him! + + Lop. Shoot him? + + Gar. Yes. The grave's the great republican senate house,--where + each man has the floor. + + Lop. (Laughing) And you will introduce him! + + Gar. Hark! + + Lop. The Emperor! Go! (Exit Garza. Enter Maximilian and Prince + Salm-Salm) + + Max. (Greeting Lopez affectionately) You're early out, my boy. + + Lop. Your majesty, I am the officer of the day. + + Max. Yes,--I remember. Who was your friend? + + Lop. Ramirez, of Dupin's regiment. + + Salm. Ramirez! He's much changed if that was he. + + Lop. Shall I call him back, your majesty, that the prince may + convince himself that his memory of faces is not + infallible? + + Max. Nay, my trusted two! (Puts an arm about each) 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! + + (Blasio, the Emperor's secretary, comes out of the Cruz) + + Blasio. Your majesty, I have finished the letters. + + Max. Good. There will be no more to write. (Stumbles over + something) What's this? + + Blasio. A fallen Christ. + + Max. You mean a fallen figure of the risen Christ. + + Lop. Here is the crown of thorns. + + Max. Give it to me. (Holds it meditatively) How well it suits + my fortunes! + + Salm. Nay-- + + Max. Ay, better than my golden one. (Gives it to Blasio) Hang + it above my bed. My Queretaro crown! + + Salm. Do not, your majesty! + + Max. (To Blasio) Take it. (Exit Blasio) Why, prince, 'tis + something to have won a crown. My first was given me. + (Firing and falling of shells) + + Salm. I beg you, sire, to move your quarters to a safer station. + This is death at any moment! + + Max. Death at any moment--(Regretfully) And I have been here + sixty days. + + Lop. Courage, sire! Marquez will come! + + Max. (Eagerly) Has there been news? + + Lop. Not yet, your majesty. + + Max. Not yet! What does it mean? You heard him take the oath to + bring me help or die. 'Twas here he swore--before us all. + Vowed to return with troops in fifteen days! Ah, he is + dead. + + Salm. No, your majesty. + + Max. But if he lives? + + Salm. He is a traitor. + + Max. You heard his oath-- + + Salm. A traitor's oath! + + Lop. He's true, your majesty. His messengers are murdered. + + Salm. He's false! + + Max. But that means--death. + + Salm. Or flight. + + Max. Not flight! + + (Enter Miramon and Mendez) You're welcome, gentlemen. Your + eyes bring news. + + Mir. Your majesty, Metz has returned. + + Max. At last! + News of Marquez! He comes! I know he comes! + + Men. O, sire,-- + + Max. The faithful Metz! Where is he? + + Metz. (Entering) Sire! (Kneels) + + Max. Rise, sir. + + Metz. O pardon me, your majesty! + I bring but wintry news. + + Max. Marquez-- + + Metz. Is false. + + Max. Oh, no, no, no! He comes! I know he comes! + + Metz. He's leagued with Labastida,--for the church + Deserts you too. + + Max. The church gone with him! No! no! I can't believe it! + + Metz. You do not doubt me! + + Max. Not you! But in my ear + The tale turns miracle! And I must doubt, + Though on your tongue 'tis truth! + + Metz. 'Tis truth indeed! + The troops he was to bring you from the city, + He led for his own glory against Diaz, + Thinking to make himself the conqueror + And president of Mexico. + + Max. My troops! + What then? + + Metz. Porfirio Diaz routed them + To the last man. Marquez himself escaped + Alone,--fled unattended from the field. + + Max. My troops! my troops!... And this is friendship! O God, + Give me but enemies! + + Salm. Your Majesty-- + + Max. Who calls me majesty? There's none in me. + I am a riven oak whose leaf-light friends + Fly with misfortune's Autumn. (Steps away, bowed in grief) + + Salm. (Following him) I love you, sire. + + Lop. (Eagerly) So do we all! Your majesty, believe us! + + Mir. Canst not spare one who have so many true? + + Max. Forgive me, friends. This treachery's the night + Wherein your hearts of gold beat out like stars! + + Lop. My life is yours, my lord! + + Max. Thanks, dear Lopez. + (Takes his hand) + In friendship lies the joy superlative, + And nearest Heaven. We touch God's hand whene'er + We clasp a friend's. + ... But now we must take counsel. + + Salm. No, sire, we must take action. Pardon me, + But our sole hope of safety lies in flight. + + Max. What! Leave the town to sack and ruin? No! + Desert the poor inhabitants, so long our friends? + And all our wounded, sick and dying? Never! + + Salm. But if you stay, my lord, you sacrifice + The living with the dying. + + Max. Oh, Heaven, Heaven! + + Lop. Your Majesty, this counsel is not wise. + It is not honor! + + Salm. Honor will lead the flight! + To stay were crime! Sire, give the order now. + At once! The firing to the north has ceased. + All night I've reconnoitered. The way is clear + For the last time. We'll arm the citizens + To cover flight, and in an hour-- + + Lop. We'll be + Attacked on every side! A madman's counsel! + + Salm. O, sire, lose not a moment! + + Mir. Lopez is right. + To fly from death is not dishonor, but who + That values honor throws away one chance + Of victory? + + Salm. There is no chance. Not one! + My word is fly, and I'm no coward, sire. + + Max. You've led our troops where every track was blood, + And in the throat of battle, hand to hand, + Have fought with Death! We know you'll dare a fight + As far as any man while there's a hope + Of victory. + + Salm. But I'll not make my folly + The captain to defeat. + + Lop. 'Tis not defeat! + The Liberals are at their fortune's ebb. + They're sick with fear, and tremble in their rags. + + Mendez. Let's fight it out, my lord! + + Max. With starving men? + + Lop. We're starving, but our foes are starved. + Our ammunition fails, but theirs has failed-- + + (A shell breaks near them) + + Salm. That, sir, unspeaks your words. + + Lop. Not so. One shell + But tells how few they are, for yesterday + They fell in numbers. And to the north, you say, + The guns are silent. + + Salm. Sire, a moment lost + May mean the loss of all. + + (Enter Dupin with two prisoners. Lopez goes to meet him) + + Dupin. What did you mean by your infernal order to bring these + men here? Don't you know old Saint-face won't let them be + shot? + + Lop. Keep quiet. They are my captives, not yours. + + Dup. I've plugged just ninety-eight this week, and it's too bad + not to make an even hundred. + + Max. (Approaching) Prisoners? + + Dup. Deserters, your majesty. They have confessed it. I've + brought them here for sentence. Will you have them shot at + once, or wait till sunrise? + + Max. 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. (To deserter) You've been with the enemy? + + 1st Des. + Yes, curse the day! Your pardon, blessed majesty! + + Max. How fare our foes? + + 1st Des. + The best of them as bad as the worst with us. + + Lop. You note that, prince? + + 2d Des. 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 isn't enough meal in ten miles of the + army to make an ash-cake. + + Lop. More proof for the prince, your majesty. + + Max. Their powder fails? + + 2d Des. Yes, sire. 'T would be all the same if it didn't, for + they've hardly strength left to stand on their toes and + fire the guns. + + Max. Poor fellows! + + Lop. You can not doubt, my lord, that we shall win with the + next assault. + + Mir. Cast fear to the winds, your majesty! + + Salm. Who spoke of fear? + + Mir. Not I! Fear is the devil's magic-glass + He holds before us to swell out our vision, + Turn hares to lions, stones a lamb might skip + To beetling cliffs that ne'er knew human foot, + And slightest obstacles, that do but make + The mind's fair exercise and moral zest, + To barriers, high as heaven, to success! + + Lop. (Sneering) And Juarez' men of rags to glittering armies! + + Max. We'll hazard battle. + + Salm. I beg your majesty-- + + Max. We know your courage, prince, for it is writ + In many a scar; but you are wrong in this. + + Lop. You'll hear no more of flight, my lord? + + Max. No more. + + Lop. Then I'll to duty, knowing all is well. + + (Exit Lopez) + + Dupin. (Aside) And I'll go find a breakfast for my little + man-eater. (Clapping his weapon) There's never anything to + be done around his saintship. (Exit) + + Mir. In half an hour? + + Max. Yes. The plans will then be ready. (Turns to go in) You, + prince, with me. Though I've dismissed your head from + service, I still must have your heart. (Goes into church + with Salm-Salm) + + Mir. (To Mendez) What do you think of it? + + Men. Why, sir, I'd rather die fighting than running. + And there's a chance for us. The Liberals are beggared. + There's hardly a uniform in camp. If Marquez had kept + true, we should have saved the empire. + + Mir. Don't speak of him! Hell's throne is empty while he's on + earth! + + (Exeunt Mendez and Mir.) + + 1st Des. + Well, comrade, here's promotion fast enough. We that + were prisoners are captains of the field. Lead on! + + 2d Des. Be sure the Tigre is not around. He's got a long claw. + Ugh! I feel shaky yet. + + (Exeunt. It grows lighter. Guard comes out of the Cruz and + takes station by door. Enter Princess Salm-Salm, Aseffa, + and women of Queretaro) + + Princess S. (Excitedly) + Admit me to the emperor! + + Guard. Your pardon. + He must not be disturbed. + + Princess S. Oh, but he must! + The pity of it that he must! + + Guard. Nay, madam-- + + Princess S. + Admit us, sir, or I will beat the door! + + (Maximilian comes to door) + + Max. Some trouble here? The princess! Always welcome! + + Princess S. + But such unwelcome news, your majesty! + You know I've rooms at Senor Barrio's house. + I've long suspected him. Last night he lodged + Two men whose conference I overheard. + All was not clear, but part was clear enough. + One of your trusted officers is false, + And you to-day--this hour--will be betrayed + Unto your foes. + + Max. Impossible! + + Princess S. O, sire, + Be blind no longer. This lady heard the men + As I did. There's no doubt! + + Lady. 'Tis certain, sire, + That they were officers in the Liberal army, + And spoke of things that set me all aghast. + + Max. Good women, I thank you, but you are deceived. + There's not a man about me whose true face + Is not the table where fidelity + Writes him my own. + + Princess S. O, sir, 'tis one whose hand + Is in your bosom. + + Max. Nay-- + + Princess S. That much I know, + Though I know not his name. + + Max. Bold Miramon + Is staunch as death. Mendez would in his breast + Receive the bullet meant for me. Dupin + Has been too cruel to the enemy + To hope for life even at treason's price. + And Lopez is my own created love, + The Empress' guard,--the only Mexic heart + I've taken a very brother's to my own. + + Princess S. + What shall I do? This moment you must fly! + Stand not, your majesty! 'T will be too late! + + (Prince Salm-Salm comes to door) + + Thank God, my husband! His majesty's betrayed! + You've never doubted me! + + Prince Salm. Betrayed? + + Max. No, prince,-- + + Prince Salm. + I'll visit every post! + + Princess S. You but lose time. + + (The prince hurries out) + + Oh God! Oh God! + + Max. Sweet princess, be not troubled. + There is no cause. + + Princess S. Ah, we are lost! + + (The bells of the city begin to ring) + + Max. You hear? + The bells! The enemy has raised the siege! + O joyous news! + + Princess S. No, no, your majesty. + That is the traitor's signal of success. + Oh Heaven! + + Max. What madness! 'Tis impossible! + + Princess S. + Those bells proclaim that every Imperial post + Is in a Liberal's command. We're lost! + + (Enter citizens and soldiers in confusion) + + 1st Cit. + What mean the bells? + + 2d Cit. That Escobedo's fled! + + 3d Cit. Marquez has come! + + 1st Soldier. No, no! The city's taken! + + 2d Soldier. + Juarez is here! The Liberals are on us! + + (Confused talking and shouts continue. Re-enter + Prince Salm-Salm) + + Max. What is it, prince? + + Prince Salm. O dearest majesty-- + + Max. The worst! + + P Salm. 'Tis treachery. We are surrounded! + + Max. Those bells-- + + P Salm. Ring out the enemy's success. + Each post is captained by a Liberal. + + Max. (Calmly to princess) + Forgive me. You were right. + (To Prince Salm-Salm) Who is the traitor? + + P Salm. Ask not, I beg you. + + Max. His name! + + P Salm. Lopez. + + Max. Lopez? (Staggers) + Unsay that word--and take my crown! + + P Salm. O, would + I could, your majesty! It is too true! + + Max. Lopez! Carlotta's chosen officer! + And heaped with favors high enough to make + A pyramid to faith!... Is this the world, + Or some strange fancy spinning in my eyes? + + P Salm. My dearest liege-- + + Max. Who would not leave a life + Where such things be, though death were sleep eternal? + ... Lead me 'mong shells and bayonets. But not + To kill. My God, there's blood enough been shed. + Bid all surrender. Let no more lives be lost. + Farewell, my prince.... Now for a friendly shell!-- + Just here! (Striking his heart, rushes out) + + Princess S. O save him! I am safe! Go! go! (Exit Salm-Salm) + + 1st Woman. + We shall all be butchered! + + Aseffa. Juarez is no butcher. + + 2d Woman. + 'Tis Escobedo leads,--and many have bled by him. + + Aseffa. Be not afraid. I know the Liberals. + + Voices. They come! they come! + + (Miramon and Dupin rush in) + + Mir. Where is the Emperor? + + Dup. Emperor dunce-cap! We must look to our own skins. + + (Enter a score of ragged Liberals led by Rafael. Aseffa + stares at him, speechless) + + Mir. Too late for that! + + Raf. You are our prisoners. (Liberals take Dupin and Miramon) + + Soldiers. + Shoot them! Shoot them! Miramon and Dupin! + The butchers! The dogs! + + Raf. Hold! You are soldiers! Not murderers! + + Dup. (To soldiers) You rags and bones! Go wash and eat before + you touch a gentleman! + + Sol. You'll not be so nice to-morrow when the worms are at you! + + Asef. Raphael! (Flies to him) + + Raf. You here! O blessed fortune! My love! my love! + + Asef. O, is it true? You are alive! Alive! + I too am resurrected, for I was dead, + Slain with the news that you were murdered! + + Raf. I've news too bitter for so sweet a moment. + Ignacio bribed my guard--stood in my place-- + And died. + + Asef. (Recoiling) You let him die for you? + + Raf. No, no! + He carefully deceived me. I thought he planned + His own escape with mine. + + Asef. O noble friend!... + Juarez! He knows? + + Raf. Not yet. + + Asef. What grief for that + Great heart!... But you are here--my Rafael! + + Raf. By all these kisses--yes! + + Asef. These are your lips-- + Your eyes--your hands--alive! I hear your heart! + Your arms are round me, yet this is the earth! + My country and my husband safe! + + Raf. God gives + Some moments out of Heaven, and this is one! + + (Enter a soldier) + + Sol. The Emperor is captured by Escobedo! + + Princess S. + Not killed! not killed! Thank Heaven for that! + + Sol. 'Twas strange + To see him stand like this (folds his arms) among the shells! + + Asef. Now I could pity him, for he must die. + + Princess S. + Die, woman! Die? You know not who he is! + Why all the outraged world would rise and raze + This devil's country from the face of earth + Were Maximilian slain! Let Juarez dare + To harm this son of kings and he will learn + His beggar's power is but an infant's breath! + + Asef. Good madam, you have been my noble friend. + I would not wound you, but would have you know + That better men than Maximilian + Have died for lesser crimes. + + (Enter Juarez with soldiers. Dawn has gradually opened and + it is now broad sunlight) + + Voices. Juarez! Juarez! + El Presidente! El Presidente! + + Jua. My men, + The town is ours, and with it Mexico. + Citizens of Queretaro. I give you back + More than your homes,--your liberated country. + + Voices. Long live the Republic! Liberty forever! + + (Enter Escobedo) + + Esc. Your Excellency will see the prisoner? + + Jua. The illustrious duke? Ay, bring him here. + + Esc. He comes. + + (Enter Maximilian under guard) + + Jua. Great duke, I grieve that I have cause for joy + To see you thus. What wishes would your grace + Prefer to us? + + Max. I have but one request, + Your excellency. If more blood must be spilt, + Let it be mine alone. + + Jua. We grant it, sir, + With two exceptions justice doth demand. + Dupin and Miramon must die with you. + Dupin, who put to most ignoble death + The noblest prisoners of righteous war. + Dark Miramon, whose cowardly ambition + Has sunk his country in her own dear blood, + And would do so again did life permit + Him opportunity. And you, my lord, + Who signed the foulest, most inhuman law + Writ down since Roman Sulla's hand grew cold. + + Princess S. + O spare him! Spare him, sir! He was deceived + By treacherous ministers! + + Jua. His ministers + Were but his many hands, and for their deeds + His heart must answer. + + Princess S. O could you know that heart! + + Max. Dear lady, peace. + + Princess S. Beloved majesty, + I speak for her who prays beyond the sea. + ... O, sir, you can not mean that he must die! + Help me, Aseffa! Help me plead for him! + Does not your Rafael live? + + Asef. He lives because + Ignacio is dead. (Juarez starts) I must be just. + + Princess S. + What has a woman's heart to do with justice? + 'Tis mercy is its heavenly quality! + + Jua. Is this thing true? My boy.... Speak, Rafael. + ... Tears in your eyes. You need not speak. My boy ... + Ignacio.... Unto God I give thee!... + + Princess S. 'Tis right + That they who would be gods to others' woe + Should be proved human by their own. + + Jua. (Not hearing her) And this + Is what so many hearts have borne since first + The Austrian came. + + Princess S. O mercy, mercy, sir! + By your own woe show pity unto those + Whose hearts must bleed if Maximilian dies! + Be merciful! These tears of mine are but + The first few drops of the unbounded tide + That weeping as the sea weeps round the world + Shall drink thy hated land if this good man + Dies by your word! Be Christ, not man, and spare him! + + Juarez. Madam, it is the people and the law + Demand this expiation, not Juarez. + I grieve to see you on your knees before me, + But did each queen of Europe--ay, and king,-- + Kneel in your place, I could not spare that life. + + (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) + + Max. Mexicans! Long live Mexico! + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT V. + + +Scene I: Audience chamber, the Tuileries. Louis Napoleon alone. + + Lou. Succeed or fail! However men may run + The goal is marked. Yet will we race with Fate + In forgone match. Some free of foot and hand, + Some stumbling with huge empires on our backs + Less certain than the overburdened ant + Housing a winter crumb.... Victoire! + + (Enter Secretary) + + Sec. My lord. + + Lou. If any dispatch from the West arrives + Bring it at once. + + Sec. Yes, sire. (Exit) + + Lou. America! + Thou strange, new power where each man is a king, + I have obeyed thy will. Pulled down my empire, + Built up that France might the Atlantic stride + And stand firm-footed in two worlds. This slap + Upon the cheek imperial insults + All monarchy, yet Europe shrugs and smiles, + When she should blush to ruddy rage of war. + ... The West must go ... but here I'll be supreme. + Austria and Prussia I urge again to conflict, + And promise aid to each, but in my dream + They both are doomed and France shall reign alone. + + (Enter Chamberlain) + + Chamb. Your majesty, the Marechal Bazaine. + + Lou. Bazaine! Admit him. + + (Exit Chamberlain) + + 'Tis penance night with us, + And this man is the mirror of our conscience, + Showing its foulest spots. + + (Enter Bazaine) + + Baz. Sire, I salute you. + Now Paris is the star that all eyes seek. + The Exposition draws the world to you, + Who glitter here as you were made for heaven. + + Lou. Ay, + Here we would shine that none may see our star + I' the West grow dark!... Now Maximilian? + + Baz. He will be shot. + + Lou. No jests! I ask you, sir, + What terms he may arrange for freedom. + + Baz. None. + + Lou. You speak not to a fool. + + Baz. I trust not, sire. + + Lou. You know the Mexicans. Tell me the truth. + + Baz. I know the Mexicans. He will be shot. + + Lou. God, no! That noble man! + + Baz. Pray, sir, what fate + Had you in mind for Maximilian + When finding him too true to Mexico + For your proud aims, you sent such covered word + To one Bazaine he could but read therein + A revolution and the Emperor's fall? + + Lou. I would have spared his life. + + Baz. (Taking out paper) Then what means this? + (Reads) + 'France weeps no death that brings her better fortune.' + + Lou. You'd spy a warrant in the alphabet + Did you but wish to find one! Think you that + Meant--death? + + Baz. (Closer) I know it. + + Lou. What dare you? + + Baz. Anything-- + With this safe in my pocket. (Puts up paper) + + Lou. Beware, Bazaine! + + Baz. When one so mighty as your Majesty + Is my protector? + + Lou. You-- + + (Enter Chamberlain) + + Chamb. The Count von Ostein + Beseeches word with you. + + Lou. He's welcome to it. + + (Exit Chamberlain) + + Adieu, le marechal. + + Baz. My lord-- + + Lou. Adieu, + Le marechal. (Exit Bazaine) + + Prussia's ambassador. + Now for our role of cheat and crowned dissembler. + O for a throne where Truth might keep her head! + + (Enter the Prussian Minister) + + Welcome, my lord. + + Prus. Most gracious majesty, + The foreign ministers have come in body + To speak congratulations and confirm + The triumph of the Exposition. + + Lou. They have our truest thanks. But first, my lord, + A word in private with you. Is 't Prussia's wish + That we withhold our aid from Mexico? + + Prus. A question, sire. You know that Austria threatens. + Is France in this the friend or enemy + To Prussia? There's not an inch of middle ground + To stand on. If our foe, then pour your strength + To Mexico. If friend, keep it at home, + Ready for Prussia's need. + + Lou. To be your friend + May cost some blood to France. + + Prus. I've heard it said + The left bank of the Rhine is a fair country, + And worth a little blood. + + Lou. Enough, my lord. + Let Prussia know she has a friend in France, + And with your sanction cover our retreat + From Mexico. + + (Enter Chamberlain) + + Chamb. Pardon, your majesty. + The Empress of Mexico begs audience. + + Lou. Carlotta? No! + + Chamb. She presses urgently + To enter. + + Lou. Here?... We sent our word to her + At Miramar!... And yet--she comes--she's here. + ... Admit the deputation, and summon, too, + Our Empress. + + Chamb. The Empress comes. (Enter Eugenie attended. + Exit Chamberlain. Enter guards) + + Eug. I hear the ministers + Have come to us with state congratulations, + And though unbidden, I'll not leave my chair-- + The co-seat of imperial dignity-- + Vacant at such a time. + + Lou. Welcome, Eugenie. + We were about to summon you. + + Eug. Thanks even + For tardy courtesy. + + Lou. But we have more + Than compliments to hear. Carlotta waits + Our audience. + + Eug. Carlotta! I can not see her! (Rises) + + Lou. Nay, it was you first cast ambitious eye + To Mexico. Now see the end. + + Eug. My lord-- + + Lou. Be seated, madam. + + Eug. You command me, sir? + + Lou. We do. + + Eug. (Going) Come, ladies! + + Lou. (To guards) Let no one pass out! + + Eug. France, sir, shall know this outrage! + + Lou. When you wish + To make it known. + + (Enter ambassadors, Austrian, Russian, Italian, + Belgian, and others) + + Rus. Most glorious Majesty! + + Belg. Mighty France! + + It. Italy's savior! + + Aus. Christendom's king! + + Lou. I thank you, my good lords; but we're too sad + To smile at compliments; Carlotta comes + To beg our power to uphold her throne, + Though Heaven has decreed her empire's fall. + We ask you hear our open clear defence, + And help set forth our duty, that the Empress + May see our wisdom through our tears. + + It. We'll lend + Your Majesty what voice we can. + + Lou. I thank you. + (Aside to Austrian) + My lord, a word. The Prussian talons creep + Toward Austria. France is your friend. + + Aus. O, sire! + + Lou. If you would have her strong pray that no sword + Of hers be lost in Mexico. + + Aus. I will, + My lord. + + (Enter Carlotta, attended by Count Charles, Count + de Bombelles, her priest, and women. She goes to Louis + and would kneel. He takes her hand) + + Lou. An Empress must not kneel. + + Car. I'm still + An Empress, sir? + + Lou. Once to have worn a crown + Is always to be queen. + + Car. Sire, mock me not. + Didst mean no more than that? + + Lou. Lady, you come + To beg your empire? + + Car. I do not beg, Napoleon. + I come to ask you keep your sacred oath, + But do not make a beggar of me, sir, + Who was a princess in my cradle. + + Lou. Nay, + Royal Carlotta, if beggar here must be, + See one in us who sue your gentle patience. + While strength was ours to give we gave it you, + But now is France grown needy of her troops, + With Europe surging to a conflict round her. + + Car. My lord-- + + Lou. America turns baying on us. + Should we make war on one who twice o'ercame + Our island neighbors when she was but child + To what she now is grown? + + Prus. Your majesty, + 'T would be a folly for a clown, not king. + + Car. America? Easier to stop her now + Than it will be when she wears Mexico + Like sword at her right side. Austria, Prussia, + Strike you no more at neighbor throats, but come + And win a fight for God. Napoleon, come! + There lies a world that's worth the price of war. + Whose swelling breasts pour milk of paradise, + Whose marble mountains wait the carver's hand, + Whose valley arms ne'er tire with Ceres' load, + Whose crownless head awaits the diadem + That but divine, ancestral dignity + May fix imperishably upon it! A bride + For blessed Rome! And will you give her up + To ravishers? To enemies of the Church? + To unclean hands ne'er dipped in holy chrism? + + Aus. The time's not ripe for our united swords + To ransom her. + + Car. The time is always ripe + For a good deed. Napoleon, you will come! + And though you fail, failure will be majestic. + Withdraw like frightened schoolboy and you make + Your throne a penance stool whereon you sit + For laughter of the nations. But come, and though + You fail, when time has brought America + To her full, greedy strength, these scornful kings + Will then unite in desperate endeavor + To give your great conception form and face, + And at your tomb they'll lift their shaken crowns + And beg a pardon from your heart of dust! + + Prus. (Aside) He'll yield to her!... Most noble lady, we-- + + Car. I speak, sir, to Napoleon. + + Lou. What help + Can Austria give? + + Aus. Sire, she has many troubles. + The clouds of war threat her with scarlet flood, + And little strength has she to spare abroad + When foes besiege at home. + + Car. And Austria's chief + Is Maximilian's brother! It was not so + That day at Miramar when three proud crowns + Took oath to serve him in an hour like this. + Austria powerless! And Belgium--dead. + But France--Ah, France, she will prove noble, loyal + To God and honor! + + Lou. My honor, dearest lady, + Permits me not to risk my country's life + That you may wear a crown in Mexico. + I can not save your empire. + + Car. Then let it fall, + But save--my husband's life! + + (Astonishment and silence) + + Lou. You speak but madly. + America has sent us guaranties + She will demand that Maximilian + Be held but as a prisoner of war. + The Mexicans dare not proceed against him + Contrary to the mighty government + That is sole friend unto their scarce born state. + + Car. America demands with paper words + That can be torn and laughed at. Would she save him? + Let her demand his life with cannon turned + Upon his murderers. Then, sire, I'll trust + To their obedience. Till then I'll plead + With you. All hope is here. + + Lou. Not so, dear lady. + Italy, Austria, and your Belgium, + Have sent their ablest counsel to defend him. + + Car. Troops, troops, my lord, not wordy men of law, + Are his sole need. Should God send angels there + He'd choose but those who bear the flaming sword. + ... Here, here, my lords! Look here! His guaranties, + In his own hand set down! Here he vows faith + To Maximilian--and to Heaven! Hear! + 'I, Louis Napoleon, take solemn oath + Upon the honor of a man and king--' + Shall I go on, my lord? Have you forgot? + Then let my tongue be as a burning pen + To write it new upon your heart! + + Lou. No! no! + In God's name, no! + + Aus. Dear lady, this is torture. + + Car. Torture for you?--for him? Then what is it + For me, my lord? + + Prus. Wouldst have his majesty + False to his country to be true to you? + + Aus. The oath he took was, by the courtesy + Of nations, subject to the change that time + Visits on countries as on men. + + Car. You'd win + His sword from me that you may use it! Sirs, + He plays you 'gainst each other as the eagle + Sets ospreys in contention over prey + That he may filch the prize! + + Lou. Carlotta! + + Car. Be warned! + He'll know no ease till in your capitals + He has re-crowned the great Napoleon! + + Lou. Nay-- + + Car. Stop me not! Here you shall stand as bare + To these men's eyes as you do to my own! + + Lou. My lords, you will not let her troubled mind + Weaken your trust in me? + + Prus. Your majesty, + We know you noble. + + Car. Noble! Napoleon, + This wondrous city is aflame with joy, + The blazing fires now dart aloft and write + In golden light your name upon the skies, + But in your heart will burn a torch of hell + Unquenchable, if you deny me aid! + + Lou. Dear madam, pray believe that I am helpless. + + Car. You are as strong as France, Eugenie, help me! + If e'er you held a dear head on your breast-- + You have!--for you've both son and husband! Ah, + I have no child. My lord is all to me. + O put your two in one and you will know + What now I plead for! By the kisses dropped + Upon your baby's cheek, and by the hope + That you will see him grow up at your side, + Another self with heart-strings round your own, + I pray you, lady, soften that stone heart! + I kneel to you, an empress though my crown + Has fallen, as yours I pray will not, + And at your footstool beg my husband's life! + + (Eugenie rises) + + By your child's love, I beg you for one word! + Help me, Eugenie, or the day will come + When you will know a crown is but a band + Of metal cold, and one warm kiss more dear + Than all such circling glory! When you will grow + Mad with the longing but to touch the hand + Now lies in yours as it would never part, + Strain for the face whose beauty fed you once + Until your madness builds it out of air + To gaze with sweet unhuman pity on you + Yet come not near for kisses! O, even now + I look through sealed up time unto a night + When sleep will fly from your woe-drowned eyes, + And you will cry to Heaven for blessed death + To lead you from the midnight desolation! + Eugenie, save thyself! For thy own sake + Show pity unto me, and in that hour + Receive the mercy that thou now dost give! + + Eug. (Going) Help me! I'm ill! (Her women assist her out) + + Car. Gone! Gone? And yet a woman! + Ah, there's a God will suffer not this wrong! + ... Napoleon-- + + Lou. Nay, madam, we've said all. + I can not cast my country into war. + You but fatigue yourself. + + Car. O Heaven! Fatigue! + Canst think of that when Maximilian + Is facing bayonets for honor's sake? + + Lou. Believe me, he is safe! + + Car. I tell you no! + To-day the guns from Mont Valerien + Pealed out your glory! Your arm was in the arm + Of Prussia's monarch, and Waterloo forgot! + You laughed with Austria's chief, as though the duke + Of Reichstadt were not dead! The bloody snows + Of Moscow melt in Alexander's smile! + Edward's in France, St. Helena's a myth! + And all the world is trooping here to feed + Your monstrous vanity! But let the morn + Bring news of Maximilian's death, + These kings will shudder from you as from plague, + The conscious earth refuse your feet a base + For shame to bear you! Then will begin your fall. + Down, down you'll creep to an unpitied death, + And winds that shriek around your exile bed + Will cry me prophetess! + + Lou. (After a silence) Your audience + Is over. Pray go and rest. You need much sleep. + + Car. A woman sleeps not till her heart is safe. + My eyes shall not be closed till I've your answer. + + Lou. You have it, lady, and we beg you leave us. + + Car. Leave! leave! O sir, it is a lie I hear! (Falls at his feet) + You did not say it! See! I kiss your feet! O sir-- + + Lou. (Withdrawing) You put us to discourtesy. + Since you will not withdraw, we leave you. + + Car. (Leaping up) Coward! + Then, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France! + Thou art a murderer, and I have kissed + The devil's hoof! (Exit Napoleon) + + (Carlotta stands dazed, looking after Napoleon. Puts her + hand over her eyes. Count Charles goes to her) + + Char. Dear madam, come with me. (She looks about bewildered) + + One of her women. Your majesty, + We pray you come. + + Car. (Strangely) Yes--yes-- I'll go. Away! + + (Exit with her attendants) + + Aus. A gloomy business, truly. + + Prus. 'T has wrought upon me. + + (Re-enter Napoleon) + + Lou. My lords, believe me grateful for your help + In this most wretched business. + + (Enter Secretary) + + Sec. A dispatch, sire, from Mexico. + + Lou. We'll hear it. + All here should share this news with me. + + Sec. 'Tis short, + Your majesty. + + Lou. The sooner read. We wait. + + Sec. (Reads) 'By order of Juarez, the Austrian duke, Ferdinand + Maximilian, has been shot.' + + (Silence. Napoleon groans) + + It. It can't be true! + + Bel. 'Tis false! I'll not believe it! + + Prus. Grieve not, your Majesty. This is a mock + Dispatch. + + Aus. A noble archduke! Bound by ties + Of blood and love to every court of Europe! + Believe this not, my lord! + + Sec. Your Majesty, + This second message from America + Confirms the other. + + Lou. 'Tis true! My God, 'tis true! + + It. Carlotta! Who will tell her? + + Lou. None shall do it! + She must not know. + + Rus. Pardon me, sire, she must. + + Lou. Then his death bullet has not stopped its flight. + 'T will end but in her heart. + + (Re-enter Count Charles. Napoleon silently gives him the + despatch, which he reads with great agitation) + + Char. (To himself) O terrible! And yet + No news to me--to me. + + Lou. You'll tell her, sir? + + Char. There is no need, my lord. Her reason's fled. + She's mad. + + Bel. 'Tis Heaven's mercy! + + It. Unhappy woman! + + Char. She is not wild, but gentle, and thinks, my lord, + You've granted her request. + + Lou. Noble Carlotta! + My lords, forbear awhile. I'd be alone. + + It. God grant you rest. + + (All go out but Napoleon) + + Lou. These kings I've called here to a dance must lead + A funeral. What can I say to them? + To Austria--his brother! England--his own cousin! + To Belgium--_her_ brother! Spain-- O, all + The _world_, that loved him!... An Emperor--and shot. + + (Musical procession passes in street. Shouts of + 'Vive l'empereur! Vive l'empereur!') + + He too heard shouts like those--saw fires ascend + To write his triumph--ay--and he is cold-- + Quite cold--shot dead.... Carlotta! prophetess! + I feel--I know--thy oracle's from God! + + (Falls at the foot of the imperial chair) + +(CURTAIN) + + +Scene II: Miramar. A balcony overlooking the sea. Lady Maria +alone. + + Mar. Here they went out together--arm in arm,-- + Sweet, healing spirits to a bleeding land. + Down yonder terrace to the sea they passed,-- + He unto death, and she--to--(Sighs deeply) + + Car. (Without) Cousin! + + Mar. Ah! + + (Turns smiling to greet Carlotta who enters carrying + flowers) + + So early out? What treasures have you there? + + Car. The sweetest flowers that ever peeped up head. + They grow along the path in that dear wood + Where Maximilian took me gypsying + When we grew weary of the world. + + Mar. I'm sure + That was not often. + + Car. True. We loved too well + Our work among the people to hide ourselves + In little corners of delight. But oh, those times! + How he would catch me as I ran and say + His little wild-girl with her flower crown + Was dearer than his princess ermine-gowned. + And so I'll wreathe these buds into my hair, + And meet him as he loved me best. + + (Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea) + + To-day! + This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him! + + (Drops flowers in trance of happiness) + + Mar. Sweet Empress-- + + Car. Empress? No! To-day I am + His little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers. + O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless! + + (Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them) + + You see this flower? + + Mar. 'Tis very beautiful. + What is it? + + Car. I've seen it only in our wood. + Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (Sings) + + In a young, sweet hour of Spring + I sat 'neath an old tree to sing + Of love, only love! + The little brook took up my tune + And to his soft green banks did croon, + The green grass rippled to the tree + And every leaf shook melody + Of love, only love! + And then the birds that flitted by + Told it the clouds that told the sky, + And all the world to song did start + With what I sang but to my heart! + Ay, all the world sang back to me + A little maiden 'neath a tree + Of love, only love! + + (Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria) + + Ah, cousin, do you think he'll be delayed? + + Mar. Dear madam, I fear me so. + + Car. These ships! these ships! + How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones! + The wandering treasures of our empty arms! + The western waters must have sirens too, + And will not let him pass. + + Mar. Indeed they would not, + Did they but know what majesty is in him. + + Car. (Embracing her) + O help me love him, dear. My heart's too small. + + (Enter Count Charles) + + Char. A message. + + Car. Oh! a message! I do not want + A message. + + Char. The admiral of the port has word + The Emperor's ship's delayed. + + Car. Why, we'll not weep.... + 'Tis but a day.... (Goes forward, looking out) + To-morrow, then--to-morrow! + (To Lady Maria) Why do you weep? A day's not worth a tear. + See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade. + I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path.... + (Suddenly) Cousin, why wear you black? + + Mar. (Confused) I--madam--I-- + + Car. Such sable hues for this so rosy day? + Go dress your body like our happy hearts! + Dost think a coffin comes across the sea? + A coffin--(Shudders) Go! I can not bear this black! + + (Exit Lady Maria) + + I am displeased. Have I not reason, Charles? + 'Twas very wrong of her to dress in black + When Maximilian comes. I will go in. + I'm tired--but I am very happy. Ah! (Exit) + + Char. O wounded heart! Thus every day she hopes, + And every day begins her hope anew. + It is my penance now to watch her sorrow, + To guard perfection's wreck in her sad body, + And hear the name of Maximilian fall + Each moment from her lips. O, God, remember + When once I am in hell, I've suffered here! + + (Re-enter Carlotta) + + Car. I can not stay away. This is my place. + Here will I catch the first light on his sail. + O Charles, dear Charles, to-morrow we shall see him! + Look in his noble eyes,--ah me, what eyes! + Dost not remember? Talk of him, cousin. + It brings him faster to me. My heart! my heart! + This waiting breaks it though 'tis but a day! + An hour that keeps him from me lengthens like + The drawn out ages 'tween the ends of time! + But oh, to-morrow! Let me think of that! + Then will the small globe of mine eye contain + The wide and complete world of my desires! + ... Have you forgot Aseffa? You do not speak; + But you have not forgot. She said--Oh, cruel!-- + That he, my Maximilian, should lie cold + While yet my arms were warm and reaching for him. + How could she say it? But you stood by him--you-- + His faithful friend. You knew 't would ne'er be true! + ... Do you remember, Charles, the winter day + He climbed to Valtelina's ice-bound huts + To bear the starving people food? + + Char. Yes--yes! + 'Tis my sole virtue to remember his! + + Car. And when the flooding Ambro left her banks, + Rolling a very sea o'er farm and town, + Who was the first to ride the dangerous waves, + A rescuing angel saving man and child? + + Char. 'Twas Maximilian! + + Car. Yes, our Maximilian. + I feared the Mexicans would take his life. + Was not that foolish, cousin? I should have known + God could not spare him from His world. Hast heard + The men of Licio tell how he was first + To bring them aid when all their silkworms died + And silence struck the looms that gave them food? + This man will say 'I have a son alive + Because of Maximilian!' And that will say + 'I have a daughter now to tend my age, + Because the Lombard governor brought bread + Unto her cradle.'... And he is coming back. + ... Beautiful Miramar! We'll never leave thee, + Though stars should beckon to a golden world! + To-morrow he'll come! Maximilian! + + (Holds out her arms + toward the sea, looking radiantly into distance) + + Charles! + (Turns suddenly, laying her hand on his arm) + Look! What men are those? Do you not see them? + + Char. There's nothing, cousin,--nothing but the sea. + + Car. Oh, look! They wear the Mexican dress! + + Char. Come in, + Sweet princess! + + Car. Ah yes, they're Mexicans. + + Char. Come! + You've had some fever. 'Tis a sick-room vision. + + Car. No, no! I'm well! Ah, never in such health! + I see like God! O look! A score of them! + Moving but silent as death! Where are they marching? + The sun gleams on their guns! O see, Charles, see! + There is a prisoner! Poor man! poor man! + I can not see his face. He walks most sadly,-- + And proudly too! An upright soul, I know! + + Char. Dear cousin, come away! + + Car. He's humbly dressed, + And but for that I'd think he might be royal, + Ah, royal as Maximilian! O Charles, + I am so glad he's safe upon the sea! + Safe--safe--and coming to me! + + Char. (Most pleadingly) Come, wait within, + Dear princess! Come! + + Car. I will not leave him! No! + The poor, sad prisoner! Those cruel weapons! + I fear--I fear--he is condemned to die. + ... Perhaps he has a wife. Ah me, I pray not. + Then would be tears! He is a noble man,-- + But still his face is from me.... They reach the field. + The soldiers halt and lift their guns. O how they gleam! + ... I can not see.... Why is the face so dim? + Will no one save him? Let us pray for him! + We can do that! Down on our knees and pray! + O men, men, men! What sin beneath the sun + Can give excuse for such a deed as this? + O, Heaven, are you looking too? A man + So noble! Oh, he turns--he turns--his breast + Is to the weapons! Now they fire! He falls! + His face! (Gives a wild cry) Oh God! 'tis Maximilian! + + (Falls forward on her face) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +THE POET + + + ACT I. + + SCENE 1. Helen's room, Truelord house, New York. + + + ACT II. + + SCENE 1. Exterior of Clemm cottage, near Richmond. + + + ACT III. + + SCENE 1. Interior of Clemm cottage. + SCENE 2. The Same. + + + ACT IV. + + SCENE 1. An old book store, New York. + SCENE 2. Poe's cottage, Fordham. + + + ACT V. + + SCENE 1. Poe's lodging, Baltimore. + SCENE 2. A bar-room. + + + + +CHARACTERS + + + EDGAR ALLAN POE + VIRGINIA CLEMM + MRS. MARIA CLEMM + HELEN TRUELORD + MRS. TRUELORD + ROGER BRIDGMORE + NELSON CLEMM + MRS. DELORMIS + DOCTOR BARLOW + MRS. SCHMIDT + GEORGE THOMAS, Barkeeper + HAINES, JUGGERS, SHARP, BLACK, gamblers + BOOKSELLER + MUM ZURIE, TAT, BONY, servants at Clemm cottage. + + Gertrude, Mabel, Annie, Sallie, Dora, Gladys, Ethel, Alma, Allie, + friends of Virginia. + + + + +THE POET + + + + +ACT I. + + +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. + +A light knock is heard at door, left centre. + + Hel. (Sitting up) Mamma? + + Voice. Yes, dear. + + Hel. (Kissing book and closing it) Good-bye, my poet! (Drops + book on couch and goes to door) + + Voice, as Helen opens door. + I saw your light. (Enter Mrs. Truelord) Forgive me, + love. I could not rest. (Helen is closing door) No! + Kate is coming. + + Mrs. Delormis. (In door) Yes, I'm here, too, Helen. + + Hel. Come in, Cousin Catherine. + + (All three advance) + + Mrs. Del. + Madela had a feminine version of the + jim-jams--tea-nerves, you know--so must get + us both up. + + Hel. (Drawing forward a huge chair for Mrs. Truelord while Mrs. + Delormis takes a smaller one) I was not in bed. + + Mrs. Tru. (Looking toward bed in alcove, right) But you have + been! You could not sleep either. Ah! + + (Sighs deeply) + + Hel. (Goes to couch) Now, mamma! + + Mrs. Tru. (Embarrassed by Helen's straightforward look) + Helen--I--I've just got to have it out to-night. You are + only my step-daughter, but I've loved you like my own. + + Hel. (Quaintly) Yes. + + Mrs. Tru. + Haven't I always treated you as if you were my + daughter born? + + Hel. (Slowly) You have indeed! + + Mrs. Tru. + And I can't bear for you to--to--O, I just can't bear + it, I say! + + Hel. Bear what, mamma? + + Mrs. Tru. + This--this man-- + + Mrs. Del. + Edgar Poe, Helen. + + Mrs. Tru. + 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--(Almost shrieking)--but once--(Rising) + + Hel. (Crosses, and stands before her, speaking calmly) We know + angels at first sight, mamma. + + Mrs. Tru. (Grabbing Helen by the shoulders and staring at her) + You have done it already! (Falls to chair as if fainting) + + Hel. Soothe her, Catherine. I will get some wine. (Exit) + + Mrs. Tru. (Sitting up, at once recovered) She's made up her + mind. When her eyes shine like that it's no use to argue. + And all of Roger's fortune in Mr. Truelord's hands! We've + considered it a family resource for years! + + Mrs. Del. + What a fool Roger was to bring Edgar Poe to the house! + + Mrs. Tru. + He's crazy about the man. Says he's a genius, and all + that stuff. + + Mrs. Del. + Well, he is. But to introduce him to a girl like + Helen! They'll be off before morning! + + Mrs. Tru. + Oh-h! Don't, Kate! Roger actually wants me to ask him + to stay in the house. + + Mrs. Del. + Idiot! He deserves to lose her.... But your guest! + (Laughs) Poor Madela! How he would upset your nice, + comfortable theories of life! Why, you couldn't hand him a + cup of tea without feeling the planet quake. + + Mrs. Tru. + But what are we to do? Kate, you _must_ help me. + + Mrs. Del. + I'm 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. + + Mrs. Tru. (Despairingly) O, don't I know it? + + Mrs. Del. + Now you leave this to me, Madela. I will say a few + things to Helen about meeting Mr. Poe in Europe--and--you + know-- + + Mrs. Tru. (Kissing her violently) O, Kate! Tell her all--and + more, if necessary! Don't think about your reputation if + you can save Roger's fortune-- + + Mrs. Del. + Sh!-- + + (Enter Helen, with wine and a glass) + + Mrs. Tru. (Feebly) Thank you, dear, but I'm better now. (Rising) + I'll try to rest. (Goes to door) + + Hel. I would see you to your room, mamma, but I'm sure you + would rather have Catherine. (Mrs. Delormis makes no + move to go) + + Mrs. Tru. + O, I am quite well--I mean--I need no one--no one at + all! Goodnight, my dears! (Exit) + + Hel. (Politely) And is there anything which you must have out + to-night, cousin Catherine? + + Mrs. Del. + Sit down, Helen. (Helen takes a chair) 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? + + Hel. A good warning, yes. + + Mrs. Del. + I told you about meeting Mr. Poe last summer in + Normandy. But--I did not tell you how often I met him. + (Helen rises, then Mrs. Delormis rises) 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. + + Hel. You lie! I have seen his soul! + + (She goes to door and opens it for Mrs. Delormis to pass + out. Mrs. Delormis sweeps through with an attempt at + majesty) + + Hel. (Motionless with clenched hands) Wicked, wicked woman!... + (Goes to window, rear, opens it, draws long breaths as if + stifling, and turns back into room) Edgar! My love! I was + a thing of clay. One look from your eyes has made me a + being of fire and air.... (Lies down on couch and takes up + her book) ... I can not read ... or sleep ... or pray. + There's too much whirling in my heart for prayer.... + (Starts) What moan is that?... (Rises, takes light from + table, goes to window, leans out, casting the rays down) + Nothing.... I'm fanciful.... The moon is rising. (Goes + back, putting light on table) O, Edgar! God help me to be + what love must be to thee. Love that can look 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?... (Moonlight floods the window) + Welcome, soft nurse of dreams! (Extinguishes lamp) A + little rest.... Ah, I know _he_ does not sleep.... (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) + + Hel. (Looking up, and springing to her feet) Edgar! My God, you + must not come here! + + Poe. Is this love's welcome? + + Hel. Go! go! + + Poe. I was dying out there. + + Hel. Leave me! + + Poe. Life was passing from my veins. Only your eyes could draw + back the ebbing flood. + + Hel. I will light the lamp! (Turns hastily) + + Poe. And put out Heaven's! (She drops her hand) + + Hel. Go, O go at once! + + Poe. Again I am alone! The twin angel who put her hand in mine + is flown! + + Hel. Edgar, be calm! + + Poe. 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? + + Hel. O, I beg you-- + + Poe. 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! + + Hel. My father--Roger--they will not understand. + + Poe. 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 knows no time of day. + If a man were dying at your gates would you keep from him + because 'twas 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 they'll + not get up unless their clothes are called with them from + the dust! 'Excuse me, God, and send a dressmaker!' Ha! ha! + ha! (Walks the floor in maniac humor) + + Hel. Edgar, for love's sake hear me! + + Poe. Speak loud if you would drown the winds! + + Hel. Listen! + + Poe. (Turning upon her) 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!' + + Hel. (Putting her hands on his shoulders and speaking steadily) + The spirit does not murmur. Only the body cries. + + Poe. (Calming) Forgive me, Helen! + + Hel. Yes, love. (Draws him to couch and sits by him soothingly) + ... O, your forehead is on fire. + + Poe. No wonder, when I have just come out of hell.... Keep your + cool hand over my eyes.... O, this is peace!... (Takes her + hand from his forehead and holds it) 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. (Sings softly) + + Helen, thy beauty is to me + Like those Nicean barks of yore + That gently o'er a perfumed sea + The weary, wayworn wanderer bore + To his own native shore. + + On desperate seas long wont to roam, + Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face, + Thy Naiad airs, have brought me home + To the glory that was Greece + And the grandeur that was Rome. + + Lo, in yon brilliant window-niche + How statue-like I see thee stand, + An agate lamp within thy hand,-- + Ah! Psyche, from the regions which + Are holy-land! + + (Drops his head to her hand and kisses it gently) + + Hel. Edgar, my life shall be my song to thee. (They are silent + for a second. His hand touches her book) + + Poe. A book! Who could write for such an hour? (Holds book in + moonlight) Shelley! Lark of the world! You would know!... + You will give me this book, Helen? + + Hel. It is precious. You will love it? + + Poe. Always! (Kisses book, and puts it inside his coat. Taking + her hand) 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? + (Leaping up) Take forests in thy arms, and feel the little + leaf-veins beat thy blood? + + Hel. (Rising) Yes--yes--I know. Come to the window, love. The + soft Spring air begins to stir. + + (They move to window) + + Poe. O, what a night! 'Tis 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 ears!... Hark! 'Tis + music! + + Hel. (Looking down) A serenade. + + Poe. Canst call it that? I hear nothing that comes not from the + stars. 'Tis Israfel! The angel whose lute is his own + heart! + + If I could dwell + Where Israfel + Hath dwelt, and he where I, + He might not sing so wildly well + A mortal melody, + While a bolder note than his might swell + From my lyre within the sky! + + Some day we shall live there, Helen, and then I will sing + to thee! + + Hel. But now--my love--you must rest--you must sleep. + + Poe. Sleep! Nothing sleeps but mortality! + + Hel. And you are mortal, Edgar. + + Poe. 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! + + Hel. Now? + + Poe. To-night! + + Hel. To-night? + + Poe. 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? + + Hel. I will tell you, love. (Drawing him back to the large + chair) Come, listen. (She sits in chair, and he kneels by + her, the moonlight covering them) Because I love you more + than you love beauty, God or night, and you must live for + me. And to live means--rest--sleep-- + + Poe. Do you love me so much? O, 'tis like cool waters falling + about me to hear you say it. + + Hel. I will help you, Edgar. Already I feel my strength. Where + I may serve you I'll not meekly go, but go exultant. The + thorns and stones so harsh to human feet, I'll press as + they were buds, and leave my blood for kisses. + + Poe. Oh, go on. + + Hel. Yes, I've 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. + + Poe. 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. + + Hel. (Archly, leaning over him as he sits at her feet) Does my + little boy want a story? + + Poe. (Smiling) About the fairies, mama? + + Hel. About the fairies--and a big giant--and a little girl lost + in a wood-- + + Poe. And a little boy too? + + Hel. Yes, a little boy, too! And the little girl was crying-- + + Poe. And the little boy found her? + + Hel. Yes, and he told her not to cry, that he could kill the + big giant, and he hid the little girl in a cave-- + + Poe. Was it a dark cave, mama? + + Hel. No-_o-o_! It was a cave--with--windows in it! And by and + by he heard the giant coming-- + + Poe. Oh! (Hides his face on her breast. She holds him to her, + her hands on his hair) And when the little boy heard the + leaves rustling closer and closer he climbed a great + tree-- + + Poe. (Lifting his head) But he wasn't afraid, mama? + + Hel. O, _no-o_! + + Poe. Because that little boy was me! + + Hel. Yes. And when you got to the top of the tree-- + + Poe. O, what did I do then? + + Hel. Why, you see this was the biggest giant that _e-v-e-r_ + lived--and his head was just as high as the top of the + tree--so when he came by-- + + Poe. I know! I know! I just out with my sword, and off went his + head! + + Hel. So it did! And then you climbed down from the tree-- + + Poe. And the little girl came out of the cave-- + + Hel. And you went off together happy ever after! + + Poe. What was that little girl's name, mama? + + Hel. Why, I don't think you ever told me that, did you? + + Poe. I was just thinking-- + + Hel. What, darling? + + Poe. That I wish you weren't my mama, so you could be that + little girl! + + Hel. 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. + + Poe. (Rises, and speaks in his own manner) Madonna, Oh, + Madonna! You will save me. (Kisses her forehead) + Good-night. To-morrow I will tell you about my work--our + work. There are miracles yet to be. And Poesy shall speak + them. + + Hel. 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. + + Poe. 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. + + Hel. 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. + + Poe. 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. + (Takes her hand) I am not the greatest genius, Helen, for + I can not stand alone. (Drops her hand and goes to window. + Hesitates and turns back) One kiss. (Kisses her) 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! + + Hel. (In sudden alarm) I hear a step! + + Poe. (Looking at her reproachfully) Listen better, you will + hear God's footfall. + + Hel. Some one is up. + + Poe. And do you care? Would you put a stain upon this hour? + This flower of love blown perfect from the skies? + + Hel. Ah, it is gone. + + Poe. (Wildly) 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-- + + Hel. 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? + + Poe. 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-- + + Hel. 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, I'll bring thee lilies from + Uranus! O,-- + + Poe. Mine, by Heaven! (Catches her to him) Here we'll begin the + immortal pilgrimage! We need not wait for death! From + world to world-- + + Hel. (Springing from him) It _is_ a step! + Go, Edgar! Go! + + Poe. No! By the god in my bosom, you are mine from this moment! + + Hel. My father! my father! He will tear me from you--You do not + know him! + + Poe. I know he's mortal. Heaven could not part us. I will not + move! + + (He is standing in the window. She hastily draws the + curtain before him) + + Hel. Then keep your word! + + (A knock at the door. Helen is silent) + + Voice. Helen? + + Hel. It is you, Roger? Come in. + + (Roger enters, carrying a lamp. Looks about and sees + Helen.) + + Rog. I heard voices.... Who was with you, Helen?... I could not + be mistaken.... (puts lamp on a table, and comes nearer + Helen.) 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.... _He_ was not here! + O, I shall die when I learn that you are but a woman! + + Poe. (Leaping out) I am here, sir, to defend that lady's honor! + + Rog. (Staggers back, regains composure, and bows ironically) I + rejoice to hear it, sir, for you alone can do it. It is + wholly in your keeping. (Turns to go) + + Hel. Roger! + + Rog. Madam. + + Hel. You forsake me? + + Rog. You have forsaken yourself. + + Hel. Oh! (Swoons. Poe bends over her wildly affectionate. Roger + stands apart, proud and despairing) + + Poe. Helen! Speak! Speak to me! + + Hel. Leave me! Leave me! + + Poe. It is I, Helen! Your lover! Edgar! + + Hel. You, you, I mean! (Rising) Thou wing of hell across my + life! Away from me! + + (Poe stands back speechless with bewilderment. Roger goes + to Helen, takes her hand, and leads her from the room) + + Poe. Lost! lost! lost! (Looks about the room) This place!... + O, I was mad to come here!... She will never forgive me! + (Falls on the couch and lies motionless. After a moment + enter Mrs. Delormis.) + + Mrs. Del. + Where is the wild man?... Oh, he has fainted! The + wine! (Goes to the table and pours wine) + + Poe. Oh! + + (Mrs. Delormis turns to him. He rises ceremoniously, with + effort) Well? + + Mrs. Del. + Well, indeed! Here I am to your rescue, and you reward + me with a 'well' (mimicking) up to ceiling. + + Poe. What are they saying to her? I must go to her! I must! + + Mrs. Del. + Must _not_! Listen! (Grasps his arm to detain him) + + Poe. (Releasing his arm and bowing stiffly) Mrs. Delormis. + + Mrs. D. (Copying his manner) 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--(dropping into + tenderness) I wanted you to have a little mothering, too-- + + Poe. Do you really want to help me? + + Mrs. Del. + O, if you would only let me be your friend! + + Poe. 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! + + Mrs. Del. + I'll make myself comfortable then, and we'll have a + good chat. You know I've been told that I talk my best + between two and three in the morning. + + (Takes pillow from couch to make herself cosy in chair) + + Poe. Do not touch that pillow! + + Mrs. Del. (Dropping into chair) Well! + + Poe. Do not sit in that chair! + + Mrs. Del. (Rising) May I stand on the carpet, or shall I take + off my slippers before the burning bush of your love? + + Poe. Forgive me! Don't you see that I have lost her? + + Mrs. Del. + Well, you _were_ out of your senses to come here and + think Helen would understand it. + + Poe. 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! (Overcome, sinks on couch. She hastily brings + wine) + + Mrs. Del. + Drink it. You must. + + Poe. 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. + + Mrs. Del. + Drink this for me, and I will. + + Poe. (Taking glass) You will?... No! (Puts glass down) + + Mrs. Del. + My dear boy, you are too weak to stand! It's that old + habit of not eating. I don't believe you have tasted food + for days. + + Poe. True ... but.... (Faints. Mrs. Delormis gives him wine. He + rouses) + + Mrs. Del. + Now will you kill me? + + Poe. (Brightening) No. You were right. 'Twas what I needed. 'T + will 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! + + Mrs. Del. (Pouring wine) A little more of this then, so I shall + be sure to find you alive when I return. + + Poe. (Drinks eagerly) 'Tis life! Life! I've 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.... (Sits on + couch, taking his head in his hands. Looks up) Florimel! + + Mrs. Del. + My Calidore! + + Poe. You are a very beautiful devil. + + Mrs. Del. (Pouring wine) Thanks. I'm glad you like my style. + (Sips wine) It _is_ good, isn't it? + + Poe. 'Tis an enchantment to pilot grief to new and festal + worlds! Another cup! (Drinks) O, 'tis a drink to rouse the + drooping soul for warrier quest till on the conquered + shores of dream man strides a god!... (Pours another + glass) Again? No ... no more!... (Sinks down) O, my bird + of Heaven, come quickly, or I am lost!... Florimel! + + Mrs. Del. + My knight of Normandy! + + Poe. Since we are going to hell let us be merry about it. + + Mrs. Del. + At last you are sensible. + + Poe. Wine! wine! + + Mrs. Del. (Holding glass) I mean to have my price for this. + + Poe. Take my soul! + + Mrs. Del. + Something better--a kiss! + + Poe. 'Tis yours! (Kisses her) Why not? For but a kiss did Jove + forsake the skies, and jeopard his high realm! + + Mrs. Del. + For but a kiss did Dian leave her throne and waste her + goddess dower on shepherd lips! (Sits by him) 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? + + Poe. (Momentarily sober) Because--a woman shall never become + less holy than God made her through me. (Rises and walks + away) Helen ... my amaranth, I may not pluck thee!... + (Staggers) One cup more ... one.... (Pours wine, and holds + up glass apostrophizing as Roger and Helen enter unnoticed) + 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! (Drinks) Were this Antonius' cup.... Ha! Are + you there, my devil? Another kiss, sweetheart! (Throws + his arm about Mrs. Delormis. Helen cries out. Poe turns + and faces her) + + Hel. (To Poe, speaking slowly and mechanically) I came, sir, to + ask you to forgive me. (Turns to Roger) It is to you, + Roger, that I make my plea. + + (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) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT II. + + +Scene: Lawn in front of Clemm cottage, near Richmond. Bony and Tat +on a side porch shelling peas. + + Tat. Sho' Mars Edgah come in good time! Pea-vines jes a hangin' + low, an' sweet as honey! + + Bony. Mars Edgah hab peas ebry day wha' he came f'om! Big city + hab ebryting! + + Tat. Dey can't hab ebryting when it don' grow! + + Bony. Sho', dey hab it when it don' grow same lak when he do + grow! + + Tat. You nebah did hab no sense! + + Bony. I ain't got no sense? Take dat, Tatermally Clemm! (Strikes + at her. They scuffle and bring Zurie to side door) + + Zu. Dem chillun' 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! (Picks up basket + and drives children into the kitchen. Calls after them + beamingly) Wha' yo' reckon yo' ol' mammy cookin' in dat + ubbin fo' two little no 'count niggahs? + + Children. (Within, scampering with delight) Cherry cobblah! + Cherry cobblah! + + Zu. (Shutting the door) Don' want dat wind blowin' on my poun' + cake! It'll fall sho'! + + (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) + + Vir. O, I have waked you! + + Poe. No, little houri. I was not asleep. I would not give one + breath of this sweet world to cold, unconscious sleep. + + Vir. You are happy, cousin Edgar? + + Poe. 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. + + Vir. 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? + + Poe. _You_ are wonderful. + + Vir. 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. + + Poe. (Rising) 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. + + Vir. (Springing up in delight) O, I am so happy! You would not + flatter me! You are the soul of truth! + + Poe. It is no flattery, little maid, as the world will soon + teach you. + + Vir. I have nothing to do with that world, Edgar. My world is + the circuit of our mocking-bird's wing. O, where is he? + (Calls) Freddy! Freddy! He is not near or he would come. + But he never goes farther than the orchard. Freddy!... He + has not sung to me this morning. You haven't heard his + finest song yet. O, 'tis sweeter than-- + + Poe. (Picking up book) Than Spenser? + + Vir. Yes--than Spenser. Though he makes music too, and we were + just coming to the siren's song. Shall I read? + + Poe. Do! I knew not how to love him till he warbled from your + tongue. + + Vir. 'Tis where the mermaid calls the knight. + + (Reads) + + O, thou fair son of gentle faery, + That art in mighty arms most magnifyde + Above all knights that ever battle tried, + O, turn thy rudder hetherward awhile! + Here may the storm-bett vessel safely ride; + This is the port of ease from troublous toil, + The world's sweet inn from pain and wearisome turmoyle! + + Poe. No more--no more! + + Vir. Why, cousin? + + Poe. 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. + + Vir. You know so much, Edgar. Will you teach me while you are + here, if I try very hard to learn? + + Poe. (Plucking a flower) 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. + + Vir. 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, (touching his brow) but I--it + kills me, cousin! (He hides his face) Forgive me! O, I am + so unkind! + + (Mrs. Clemm comes out of cottage and crosses to them. She + gently takes Poe's hand from his face and kisses him) + + Mrs. C. My dear boy! + + Poe. (Seizing her hand and holding it) 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. + + Mrs. C. (Taking his head on her breast) My dear Edgar! You will + be my son--Virginia's brother! + + Poe. (Lifting his face smiling) I _will_ 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! + + Mrs. C. I can not see things with your rapturous eyes, Edgar, + but I know that your work will be noble, and I love you. + + Poe. 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. (Virginia, + looking toward the road, bows as to some one passing) + + Poe. Blushing, cousin? Who is worth such a rosy flag? (Stands + up and looks down the road) Brackett! I do believe! + + Mrs. C. 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. + + Poe. Don't for Heaven's sake! + + Mrs. C. You don't like him, Edgar? + + Poe. 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. (Turns suddenly to + Virginia) And you were blushing for him! + + Vir. It was not because I like him, Edgar. + + Poe. (Looking into her eyes) You are a wise little piece. + + Mrs. C. This is painful, Edgar. Of course he must not call. + + Poe. Call! Let him but look toward the house again, and I'll + give him a drubbing that will make him forget the first + one! The coward! He wouldn't meet me--after-- + + Vir. How about the frowns, Edgar? + + Poe. (Smiling) Let him go! + + Mrs. C. You should not make such bitter enemies at the beginning + of life, my boy. + + Poe. He can not touch me. He is not of my world. + + Mrs. C. 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. + + Poe. 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. + (Shrugging) Brackett! Pah!... But goodbye for half an + hour. I'm going to the orchard to take counsel with the + birds on my new philosophy. (Starts away) Come, (turning + to Virginia) my mocking bird, there won't be a quorum + without you! (Virginia goes to him. Zurie puts her head + out of a window and calls.) + + Mum Zurie. + Mars Nelson comin' up de lane! + + Mrs. C. Come back, Virginia, you must see your uncle. Edgar, + won't you wait and meet him? + + Poe. Thank you aunt, but I don't think it would give him any + pleasure. (Exit) + + Vir. (Coming back reluctantly) O mama, we _will_ make him + happy! + + Mrs. C. We'll try, my dear. But you must get ready for the picnic. + The girls will be here soon. Is Edgar going with you? + + Vir. No, mother. He said he would go to a picnic only with + nymphs and naiads. + + Mrs. C. Here is uncle. + + (Enter, from the road, Nelson Clemm) + + Mr. C. How d' do, Maria! Howdy, girl! Go get your hat. + + Mrs. C. What now, Nelson? + + Mr. C. Nothin'. Only I'm tired o' foolin' and talkin' about that + girl's education. I've come to take her this time. + + Vir. To send me to school? + + Mr. C. High time, ain't it? I couldn't make up my mind before + whether 'twas 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 _exactly_. So get + your hat and come along. I drove across the ridge and left + my trap at Judge Carroll's. + + Mrs. C. Her clothes, Nelson! There's nothing ready-- + + Mr. C. You mean to say! When we've been talkin' this thing a + whole year? And you a thrifty woman tell me her clothes + ain't ready? Well, she'll come without 'em, that's all. + You can send 'em along afterwards. I've got it all + fixed up, I tell you. My brother's child shall have her + chance--she shall have her chance, so long as I've got + a dollar in my pocket and she walks exactly to please + me--walks _exactly_ to please me. It's for you to say, + Maria, whether you'll stand in the way o' your own flesh + and blood or not. + + Mrs. C. Of course, Nelson, I am very grateful, and do not dream + of depriving Virginia of this opportunity, only-- + + Mr. C. That's all there is to it then. No onlys about it. Go get + your hat, girl. (Virginia goes slowly into the house. At + the door she meets Zurie who turns back and goes in with + her) + + Mrs. C. Now, Nelson? + + Mr. C. It's 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. + + Mrs. C. Nelson Clemm! + + Mr. C. O, I've been hearin' things--I've been hearin'! He didn't + cover all his tracks at West Point--or New York either! + + Mrs. C. 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! + + Mr. C. O, I'm not arguin', I'm just doin'. You can't turn him + out, of course. Wouldn't do it myself. Nobody'll ever say + Nelse Clemm was an inhospitable dog! But I can look out + for Virginia, and I will. She goes with me now, or I'm + done with you and yours--and you know that mortgage ain't + paid off yet. + + Mrs. C. Yes, she shall go. She ought to be in school and again + I thank you for helping us. But you are wronging my + nephew,--one of the noblest of men. You don't know him! + + Mr. C. It's plain enough _you_ don't! + + Mrs. C. Has Mr. Brackett-- + + Mr. C. Mr. Brackett is a guest in my house. Now, Maria, say what + you please. (Virginia comes out of cottage carrying a + small satchel) That's a good girl! We'll fix up a fine + trunk and send it after her, won't we, mother? + + Vir. (Putting her arms about her mother's neck) He--wasn't in + the orchard, mama. Won't you say goodbye to him for me? + + Mr. C. Come, come now! (Leads her away) Don't worry, Maria. I'll + drive you over to Bowville every Sunday Doctor Barlow + doesn't preach. (Half turning) By the by, I saw him down + the lane at the widow Simson's. Reckon he'll be along here + pretty soon. Seems to be on his widow's route to-day. Good + morning! (Exeunt) + + Mrs. C. (Looking after them) I shall go to her myself to-morrow. + My little daughter! A stately woman now, but always my + little daughter! (Starts into the house, pausing on steps) + Poor Edgar! How he is misjudged! (Goes in) + + (Zurie, Tat following, comes out of the side door and sets + to work digging up a shrub) + + Zu. (Muttering) 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! (Bony + comes out of kitchen with a knife in his hand) Heah, + niggah, gimme up dat knife an' don' be so slow-back! Dis + heah bush done grow an' bloom till yo' get heah! + + (Enter Poe, left, singing) + + Old winter is a lie + As every spring doth prove, + And care is born to die + If we but let in love-- + + Hey Mum Zurie, what are you doing? + + Zu. I's diggin', honey. + + Poe. That rosebay is the most graceful shrub in the yard. You + kill one leaf of it, if you dare! + + Zu. Miss Virginia she say how her bru'r Edgah lub dis heah + tree, an' she want it under her window. + + Poe. Oh! Can't I help you, Zurie? Tenderly now! + + Zu. 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 she's gone + away. + + Poe. Gone away? + + Zu. 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'! + + Poe. She cried, Zurie? + + Zu. Deed she did, and she ax me twenty hundred times to tell + her bru'r Edgah goodbye. + + Poe. Virginia gone? + + Zu. I done tol' yo, Mars Edgah! Sho' yo' don't think ol' Zurie + know how ter tell lies, does yo', honey? + + Poe. No, Zurie, I know she is gone. The birds have all stopped + singing. + + Zu. Law, Mars Edgah, dey jes be a chipperin'! Heah dat now? + + Poe. That is not a song, Zurie. It is a wail from Stygian + boughs. + + Zu. O, yo' go way! + + Poe. Gone! I'll not permit it! My aunt must bring her back! + (Hurries into house) + + Zu. Wha' make him ac' so now? An' wha' make Miss Babylam' cry + hussef sick when she's 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 he's gittin'. Ol' Zurie reckon it a sin to cry ober + de goodness ob God! + + (Mrs. Clemm and Poe come out of cottage, both disturbed) + + Poe. But, aunt, how are we going to live without her? + + Mrs. C. My dear Edgar, we must not let our affections root so + deep in mortal things. + + Poe. Mortal? Virginia mortal! She is a sister to Psyche, + immortal as the breath that blew her into beauteous bloom! + + Mrs. C. While I am glad, my son, to see you so devoted to your + sister-- + + Poe. Sister! Thank Heaven she is not my sister! Aunt, Virginia + must be my wife! + + Mrs. C. (Bewildered) Are you mad, Edgar? + + Poe. 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! + + Mrs. C. A child, Edgar! A child! + + Poe. To you--only to you. She has her full dower of + beauty--womanhood's portion. + + Mrs. C. She has a right to her education. I can not wrong my + child. + + Poe. 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? + + Mrs. C. Edgar, I love you dearly,--but--my little girl--my + Virginia-- + + Poe. (Bitterly) There is a difference then. She is yours, I am + not. + + Mrs. C. Do not be cruel. I am a distracted mother! + + Poe. My dear aunt! + + (Virginia runs into yard and flings her arms about her + mother) + + Vir. 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? + + Mrs. C. Edgar does not want you to leave home, dear. + + Poe. Tell her all, aunt. (Mrs. Clemm is silent. Poe takes + Virginia's hand) + + Poe. 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? + + Mrs. C. Edgar! + + Poe. My gentle one, can I not teach you to love me? + + Vir. Teach me? Ah, I love you now, Edgar! + + Mrs. C. Virginia! + + Vir. I do! I do, mama! And oh, what happiness beyond my + dream--to be--his wife! + + (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) + + Zu. (Who has observed the scene with growing horror) Fo' de + Lawd, fo' de Lawd, bless dem two babies! O, 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! (Tat and Bony stare at their + mother in terror as she proceeds) 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' it's all dark night, an' de rain comin' down + de chimney--an' de wind--de wind--it say "Ooooooooooo!" + (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) Wha' yo' doin' heah, + yo' black no 'count niggahs? + + (Enter from the gate the old minister, Doctor Barlow) + + Doctor B. + Good morning, Mum Zurie. You seem to be agitated. Can + I help you? + + Zu. Lawd, no! beg yo' pahdon, sah! I's jes so mighty tickled! + Dese heah two niggahs so comicky like! Lawd, no, I wasn't + alligated at all, beg yo' pahdon, sah! + + Doctor B. + I'm glad to hear it, Zurie. Is your mistress at home? + + Zu. Yes, sah. Dey all be in de gahden. + + Doctor B. + I'll just take a walk in there then. + + (Exit, right) + + Zu. 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! (Throws her apron over her head + and sits on the ground. Re-enter Mrs. Clemm and Doctor + Barlow. He carries his hat in one hand and mops his brow + with the other) + + Doctor B. + Well, well, well! Upon my word! Your nephew--pardon + me--is possessed of a rather impetuous spirit--rather + impetuous, pardon me! + + Mrs. C. O, Doctor Barlow, what must I do? You heard him! He + wants to be married now--this hour! + + Doctor B. + Trust me, Mrs. Clemm, I shall perform no ceremony + without your full consent. + + Mrs. C. 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. + + Doctor B. + _I_ should not attempt it, Mrs. Clemm. + + Mrs. C. If it _is_ 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. + + Doctor B. + Naturally, Mrs. Clemm, naturally. + + (They enter the cottage) + + Zu. 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! + + (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) + + Gertrude. + Where's Virginia, Mum Zurie? + + Zu. (Hesitating) She wa' in de house 'bout so long ago. + + Ger. I'll see! + + Zu. Wait a minute! Mis' Clemm she an' de minister talkin' on + impo'tant business. Maybe it's dat mortgage, I dunno! + (Grimaces) + + Ger. We'll go into the garden then. (All start, right) + + Zu. Law, you jes oughter see dat cherry tree hangin' full by + de back gate! + + Girls. O! O! O! (They rush off, disappearing behind the cottage. + Re-enter Poe and Virginia from the garden as Mrs. Clemm + appears at the front door) + + Vir. O, 'tis too sweet to be true! How have I won you, Edgar? + + Poe. By beauty, that speaks loudest when most silent. (Mrs. + Clemm meets them) God bless you, aunt. I see 'yes' in your + eyes. You could not deny me. + + Mrs. C. No. + + Poe. 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! (Virginia goes in) 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 + _live_--and who that _lives_ 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! + + (Exit, left, singing) + + 'Come, Apollo's pipes are merry--' + + (Mrs. Clemm goes in) + + Zu. (Rising) I don' reckon it make no difference 'bout dis + heah bush now! (Goes to side door and sits on step + disconsolately. The girls come running back) + + Mabel. Here's the finest cherry on the tree for the prettiest + mouth! Open, who gets it! (Girls open their mouths. Mabel + eats cherry) + + Gertrude. + O, vanity! + + Mab. No, I just took it for Virginia. + + Annie. Let's play _Ant'ny Over_ while we're waiting! Where's a + ball? Bony, get a ball! + + Bony. Can't do it, missis! Y'all los' it las' time yo's all + here! + + Dora. _Marlow Bright_ then! Half with me and half with Mabel! + (Girls divide, the two companies taking opposite bases + some distance apart) + + Dora. Marlow, marlow, marlow bright! + How many miles to the old turnpike? + + Mab. Three score and ten! + + Dora. Can we get there by candle light? + + Mab. Yes, if your toes are tripping light! + + Dora. Any robbers on the way? + + Mab. Three blind witches, so they say, + And Robin Hood with all his _men_! + + (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) + + Annie. There's Virginia! (Girls stop playing as Virginia joins + them) + + Gert. How pretty you look! + + Mab. You're a _real_ nymph! + + Annie. Come, let's be off now! (Picks up a basket) + + Vir. Girls--I--there isn't going to be any picnic. + + Girls. No picnic! + + Vir. But a wedding. + + Girls. A wedding! Where? Where? + + Vir. Right here--under the bay tree. + + Girls. Who? Who? + + Vir. Why--cousin Edgar--and-- + + Girls. You! you! (All talk at once in excited babble. Virginia + breaks from them and runs into the house. Girls keep + tumultuous talk partly distinguishable) + + Gert. He's so handsome! + + Sallie. He's a prince! + + Annie. Too young to be married! + + Ethel. He's twenty! + + Gladys. Older! + + Mab. No! + + Mamie. Virginia is a baby! + + Alma. She's taller than any of us! + + Annie. But younger! + + Sallie. Yonder's Allie Kirby! + + Mamie. Won't she be surprised! I wasn't one bit! + + Annie. Nor I! + + Other Girls. + Nor I! Nor I! + + Ethel. I'll tell her! + + Annie. No, let me! + + Other Girls. + I will! I will! + + (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) + + Mrs. C. My little yard never held so many flowers before. + + Allie. Is it true, Mrs. Clemm? + + Annie. Of course it is! But you're not going to let him take her + away from us! + + Mrs. C. No, my dears. She will be one of you still. + + Vir. Where is Edgar? + + Bony. 'Deed, he wah in de orchard 'bout two drecklys ago. + + Vir. He doesn't know I'm ready. I'll go tell him! + + Girls. Do! do! + + Mrs. C. Daughter! + + Girls. Do let her go, Mrs. Clemm! + + Mab. We'll all go! What fun! + + Gert. We'll play 'hunt the bridegroom!' + + (Girls run off, disappearing in various directions) + + Mrs. C. What will Doctor Barlow think? (Goes in. Allie, the last + of the girls, pauses as she passes to the side door where + Zurie is sitting) + + Allie. Why, Mum Zurie, you look as if Miss Virginia were going to + be buried instead of married. + + Zu. (Jumping at the word 'buried') Sho' now, can't Zurie hab + de toothache wheneber she please, missus? + + Allie. Toothache? O, I'm sorry, Mum Zurie. + + Zu. Mars Edgah he's a mighty fine young man! Yo' won't see no + sech grow up roun' _heah_! + + Allie. But what a pity he isn't rich! + + Zu. 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! + + Allie. I'll get you to pray for me, Mum Zurie. + + (Runs away laughing) + + Zu. Wha' fo' now she say I look lak Miss Babylam' gwine ter be + buried? O, de good Lawd hep ol' Zurie! + + (Goes in. Enter Poe, left. He is moody and disturbed) + + Poe. I feel it--a wind from out that solitude. It calls me back + ... it calls me back.... + + Vir. (Without, calling) Edgar! + + Poe. Sweet voice from the fields of the sun! (Prays) Jehovah, + guide thou me! (Virginia peers around a shrub) Who could + lock life's door on such a face? It is God's gift. I take + it. (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) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT III. + + +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) + + Poe. I must destroy these. She must not know.... My wife.... + (drops letters absentmindedly) ... 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! (Drops his head to the table) + + Virginia. (Without) Edgar! (He lifts his head smiling as she + enters) + + Vir. (Holding out a book) O, I know the alphabet! I can say it + all! (Gives him the book) Watch now, and see if I make a + mistake! + + Edgar. (Smiling.) I'll hardly need the book, dear. + + Vir. (Pouting.) O, I forget that you know everything! + + Poe. Not everything. (Taking her face between his hands as she + sits on his knee, the book falling at their feet) I do not + know how to be happy when this beautiful face is gone. My + wife is the fairest lady in all the world. + + Vir. Then what does it matter about this old Greek, Edgar? + (Touching book with her foot) + + Poe. 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. + + Vir. And if I am you will love me always? + + Poe. Always. + + Vir. Give me the book! (Picks it up) 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? + + And Helen on the walls rose like a star, + And every Trojan said 'she's worth our blood,' + And every Greek ploughed new his way to her-- + + Go on, Edgar! I'm sure you know them! + + (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.) + + Poe. Not now, my little wife. Some other time. + + Vir. Helen is such a beautiful name. I wish I had been named + Helen. + + Poe. Thank God you are not! + + Vir. (Looking up hastily) Why-- + + Poe. I mean that I want you to be just as you are--my + Virginia--nothing else! + + Vir. (Seeing he is troubled) I am keeping you from your work. + You should have sent me away. I'll be angry with you, + Edgar, if you let me disturb you. Now I'm going to find + the last rose of summer for you. + + Poe. But you haven't said your lesson. + + Vir. O! (begins) Alpha, beta,--now if I say them right you are + to give me a kiss for reward! + + Poe. And if you miss one, I'll give you a kiss for + encouragement. + + Vir. (Seeing letter) O, a letter from New York! You've made me + your secretary, you know, and of course I must read your + letters! (Picks it up and glances at it) He says Mr. + Willis will certainly give you a place on his paper. + (Drops letter and looks at him quietly) It is your chance + for fortune. + + Poe. I am not going, love. + + Vir. If you go now it means success, if you wait failure. + + Poe. I shall not go, Virginia. + + Vir. If you were not married you would go. + + Poe. Then I am glad I can not go. + + Vir. But you _can_ go, Edgar. + + Poe. 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. (Exit Virginia) + She shall not suffer. She shall not! Though my heart + surges like a prisoned sea hers shall not move her bosom's + alabaster!... Why didn't I burn that letter. (Throws it + into the fire. Take up the other one) I must keep the + lawyer's. I shall need it. (Puts it in his pocket) Now + work--work--work--(Resumes writing) '_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--_' (Enter + Mrs. Clemm) + + Mrs. C. Edgar, dear, your breakfast has been waiting two hours. + + Poe. O, thank you, aunt. Don't trouble about me this morning. I + shall want nothing. + + Mrs. C. 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. + + Poe. Dear aunt, pray--we'll talk about it some other time. I + _must_ work now! + + Mrs. C. I am sorry to disturb you, love, but there is one question + I must ask you. Have you heard from the lawyer? (Poe is + silent) A letter came. I thought you would tell me, and + not force me to ask about what I must know. Is the place + sold? + + Poe. No. + + Mrs. C. But it will be? We must lose our home? + + Poe. 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. + + Mrs. C. 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? + + Poe. 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. (Exit Mrs. Clemm, right, + rear) 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! (Writes) '_Were zephyrs made visible by means of + ever changing hues--_' (Bony and Tat rush into the room. + 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) + + Poe. (Gently) Are you hurt, Tatsy? + + Bony. (At door, turning back, suddenly impudent at sound of + Poe's softened voice) She jes sullin', Mars Edgah. She + play possum like dat wid me! + + Poe. Get out, you little imp! (Bony vanishes) Where are you + hurt, Tatsy? (She moans bitterly) Poor little girl! Her + foot is twisted. A sprain perhaps. (Picks her up and + carries her to sofa) Never mind! I've got a fairy in a + bottle will cure that in a jiffy. Just rub it on, and ho, + Tatsy is well again! + + (Enter Zurie, Bony clinging to her) + + Zu. Wha' my chile? Lawdy God, my chile sho' 'nuf hurt! (Goes + to Tatsy) + + Poe. It's the foot, Zurie. Be careful! + + Zu. Yas, I's seen dat foot befoh! (Gives foot a yank) Dat's + 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! + + Poe. I certainly will! + + (Exit Zurie, drawing Tat. Poe goes back to his work. + Groans, and looks with desperation at his manuscript) + + Poe. O, if this eludes me! I must not lose it now! (Writes) + '_In this Kingdom of the Sun there is a central creating + light that plays upon these color-beings with its own + transmuting--_' + + (Re-enter Mrs. Clemm, bearing a tray) + + Mrs. C. My dear, I've brought you some toast and an egg. + + Poe. (Jumping up and staring at her) They don't eat toast and + eggs in the Kingdom of the Sun! + + Mrs. C. Edgar! + + Poe. Forgive me! It's just something I'm writing here. But for + God's sake take the stuff away! + + (Mrs. Clemm turns to go, the tray trembling in her hands. + Poe runs to her and kisses her) You sweetest and best of + mothers, don't you see that if I eat this I'll spend the + next two hours digesting toast and eggs, and if I don't + eat it I'll be making our fortune, putting a roof over our + heads, and keeping our Virginia happy! + + Mrs. C. I only meant to be kind, Edgar. + + Poe. I know you did, and you're my darling mother,--but don't + be kind any more. + + (Exit Mrs. Clemm. Poe sits despairingly at table. Enter + Ethel and Annie) + + Eth. O, Edgar, where is Virginia? We want her to go nutting + with us. + + Annie. We shall have her now! You shan't keep her all to yourself + just because you've married her! + + Poe. Take her by all means! + + Eth. You needn't be vicious about it. Where is she? + + Poe. I don't know,--and pardon if I say that just at this + moment I don't care! + + (Gathers up papers and goes toward stairway in corner of + room) + + Annie. You needn't run from us. I'm sure we're glad to go. I'll + find Virginia. + + Eth. And I'll write that note to Gladys while you're gone. + (Seats herself in Poe's chair. Exit Annie, left, rear) + Come back, if you want to, Edgar. You won't disturb me at + all. (Writes. Poe pauses on stairway and looks at her. + Ethel lifts her eyes) You needn't look so far to see me. + I'm not the North Pole! What _are_ you thinking of, Edgar? + + Poe. Of what Anacreon said to a fly that lighted on his brow + when he was composing an ode to Venus. + + Ethel. O! What was it? + + Poe. Away, thou rude and slight impertinence, + That with thy puny and detested bill + Dost think to feed on immortality. + + (Goes upstairs) + + Ethel. Beast! (Writes) Virginia spoils him. If I had him now I'd + soon make a nice comfortable husband out of him!... An + envelope?... Yes.... (Takes one) Stamp?... Yes.... (Takes + one) I'll get Bony to mail this for me. + + (Exit, right, rear. Poe comes down stairway) + + Poe. Gone? Deliverance! It's too chilly for work upstairs. + (Coughs) 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. (Sits and writes. Virginia is heard + without, humming a song. She enters, left, front, with a + rose in her hand) + + Vir. Darling, I found it deep under the leaves--Oh! (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) + + Poe. (Leaping up) By every fiend in hell! + + (Mrs. Clemm rushes in, followed by Zurie, Tat and Bony) + + Mrs. C. My son, what is the matter? + + Poe. See what that child has done! + + Mrs. C. (With dignity) Your wife, Edgar. + + Poe. My wife! Great God! O, Helen! Helen! (Rushes from the + room, left rear) + + Bony. I tol' yo' he wah mad! I done tol' yo' Mars Edgah gone + mad! He look at me jes so! (Mimics) + + Tat. (Looking through window) Dah he go now troo de orchard jes + a runnin'! + + Bony. Obah de fence! + + Tat. An' no hat on! + + Zu. Stop yo' mouf an' come out o' heah, yo' wussless niggahs! + I make yo' know wha' yo' b'longs! + + (Takes them out) + + Mrs. C. O, Virginia! What an hour for you! + + Vir. What an hour for _him_, mamma! + + Mrs. C. Strange child! Not to think of yourself! + + Vir. How can I, when he is suffering so? + + Mrs. C. My angel daughter! + + Vir. (Kissing her) We will be brave, my mother. I hear the + girls. Go to them one moment--do! (Exit Mrs. Clemm) ... + Helen! Dear God above! (Drops on her knees by a chair. + After a moment of agony, rises, goes to table and looks at + papers) What is it I have ruined? (Reads silently) 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! + + (Enter Ethel and Annie) + + Eth. O, Virginia, now that we're rid of that troublesome + husband let's have one of our good old-fashioned times! + We'll sit by the fire and tell tales. It's too cold anyway + to go to the woods. + + Vir. (Absently) Edgar is there. + + Annie. And there let him stay! I'm sure it's better for both of + you. You hang about him too much, Virginia. He'll quit + loving you, mamma says he will, if you're not more + sensible. Help me draw up this sofa, Ethel. (They pull + sofa to the fire. Annie settles herself comfortably) 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 asked him to come to our + party he wasn't 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 isn't work. It's 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? You'd better call Edgar's + attention to it. Mamma read it to all of us at the + breakfast table, and-- + + Eth. O, stop your chatter, Annie, and let Virginia tell us one + of her fairy stories just as she used to do. We'll forget + all about Edgar and make believe she isn't married at all. + + Vir. (Painfully) Forgive me, dear girls, but I've some work + that I must do to-day. + + Mabel. Must do! Who ever heard the like? + + Vir. I was wrong. It is some work that I choose to do--that it + will be my happiness to do. + + Ethel. For Edgar? + + Vir. Yes. + + Annie. You are a little fool! + + Vir. Yes ... I am a little fool. + + Ethel. O, there's help for you if you know it! + + Vir. If I were not a little fool I could be of more help to + Edgar. + + Ethel and Annie. + Oh! + + Annie. (Jumping up) Then we can't stay to-day! + + Vir. I am so sorry--but-- + + Annie. O, we might as well give you up first as last! + (Exeunt girls) + + Vir. (Sits at table and stares at the papers) ... A little fool + ... a little fool. + +(CURTAIN) + + +Scene II: Same room as before. Night. Virginia sits motionless in +the dim firelight. Mrs. Clemm comes softly down the stairs) + + Mrs. C. Virginia? + + Vir. Naughty mamma! You said you would sleep. What a story to + tell your little girl! + + Mrs. C. (Advancing) The rain--wakes me. (Comes to fire) Did Edgar + take his cloak, dear? + + Vir. No, mother. + + Mrs. C. Are you not cold in that dress, darling? + + Vir. O no--quite comfortable--and Edgar likes me in white, you + know. (A window rattles. Both look anxiously toward the + door) + + Mrs. C. What a gust!... I wonder what winter is like at the north. + (Virginia looks at her quickly, and both drop their eyes) + ... To think of him out on a night like this! And he has + not been well lately. Had he no purpose? Did he say + _nothing_ when he went out? + + Vir. He said he was going to seek Truth. + + Mrs. C. And what does he mean by truth, Virginia? + + Vir. 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. + + Mrs. C. 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? + + Vir. No, mamma. + + Mrs. C. Did he take any food yesterday?... Tell me, daughter. I + can not help you if I do not know. (Virginia begins to + sob) There! there, darling! A little patience and we'll + get him over this. + + Vir. O, mother! + + Mrs. C. Come here, my little girl. (Takes Virginia in her arms) + Now tell me! Don't let the heart go heavy when mother ears + are waiting. + + Vir. 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. + + Mrs. C. Five miles!... Then that is what these pale cheeks and + dark eyes mean! And Edgar let you go! + + Vir. No! I _go_! I am not a child, mother. Ah, I knew you would + not understand! + + Mrs. C. Yes, yes, I do, Virginia. I know he suffers, but you-- + + Vir. 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 _living_ thing, + throbbing through his body and leaving him no shield of + flesh. O, mamma, help him! Promise me! You will never + forsake him? + + Mrs. C. Never, my love. + + Vir. I would not have told you, but my strength is gone, and + somebody must know,--somebody who is strong. (A gust + shakes the window) 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 _be_ + a soul, but not now--not now! + + Mrs. C. O, my daughter! + + Vir. Promise me, mamma, that if I die you will find Helen. + _She_ could help him! + + Mrs. C. (Rising) Virginia, if you say another word like that I + shall think you are mad--or I am! (Bursts into weeping) + + Vir. Darling, darling mother! Now I have given you all my + burdens you will grow weak under them, and I want + strength, strength by my side! + + Mrs. C. (Calm) You must go to bed, dear. I will wait for Edgar. + + Vir. No, no! + + Mrs. C. I will coax him to eat something. + + Vir. (Smiling sadly) Coax him, mamma? + + Mrs. C. Yes, dear. Go now. + + Vir. I can not. + + Mrs. C. I command you, my daughter. + + Vir. Please do not command me. You have never had to pardon + disobedience in me. + + Mrs. C. Nor shall I have cause now. Obey me, Virginia. + + Vir. Would you send me into hell, mother? + + Mrs. C. Daughter! + + Vir. That is what a bed is to me when Edgar is out like this. + + Mrs. C. You make too much of these wanderings. Night and day are + alike to him. + + Vir. 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! (Draws her toward stairway) I promise you that + I will sleep in the big chair as snug and tight as kitty + herself. (Kisses her) + + Mrs. C. (On the stairs) I can not leave my sick child to watch. + You ask me to do an inhuman thing, Virginia. I will not + go. + + Vir. 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. + + (Mrs. Clemm turns and goes slowly upstairs. Virginia goes + back to fire) + + Vir. Watch and pray! I can but watch and pray!... He said 'twas + love he wanted ... and I brought him that ... love that + shakes but with the globe itself. But it does not help ... + 'twas all wrong ... all wrong! (Weeps. Rises, and busies + herself about an oven on the hearth) 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. (Arranges some clothes on a chair) He will be so wet + with the rain. Ah, I can do nothing ... nothing. (Looks + toward door) He is coming! Strength, strength. O my God! + + (Poe throws door open. Turns and speaks as if to + companions outside) + + Poe. Goodnight, goodnight, brave Beauty's fearless angels! + (Comes in) Well, Dame Venus, what thoughts for your + hobbling Vulcan? + + Vir. (Brightly) My Hermes, you mean. I'm sure you're + feather-footed, you go so far and fast. + + Poe. Why, sweet-mouth, a kiss for that! (Kisses her) + + Vir. O, my love, you are dripping with the rain. + + Poe. 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. + + Vir. I hate her to-night. She kept me from following you. + + Poe. Virginia! (Seizes her hands, crushing them in his, and + gazing at her with fierce earnestness) Never do that + again! Never again! (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) + + Vir. Here are your dry things, dear, and I've kept something + hot for your supper. + + Poe. (Turning) 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? (Virginia is + silent) Why are you so pale? Light all the lamps! You + should not sit in the dark. There are no stars in this + den! + + Vir. (Hurriedly lighting lamp) I'm sorry, love, but last night + you wanted the dark--don't you remember? + + Poe. No, I don't remember. Memory is a hyena, always scratching + up our dead selves! You must not remember, Virginia! + + Vir. Yes, dear. + + Poe. 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! (Sweeps garments from chair) + 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? + + Vir. O, Edgar! + + Poe. Ha! You would rather ask them in to have something dry and + something hot! But I must have the air! (Throws door open. + Lightning flashes on falling rain. Virginia shrinks from + the wind) 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! (Virginia coughs. Poe closes the door hastily. She + coughs again) + + Poe. Don't, Virginia! + + Vir. Yes, dear. + + Poe. My angel! (Embraces her. She coughs) O, it is these wet + clothes! (Throws off coat, picks up dressing gown from the + door and puts it on hurriedly) + + Vir. (Eagerly) Your slippers too, dear! + + Poe. Yes, yes, my slippers! (Puts them on. Sits in big chair, + taking her on his knee, and embracing her tenderly) What + made you cough, Virginia? + + Vir. O, 'twas nothing, dear. 'Tis all right now. Everything is + all right. + + Poe. Is it, little wisdom? O, ye gods! + + Vir. (Concealing anxiety) Darling? + + Poe. What, my beautiful earth-bird? + + Vir. You will take your supper now? + + Poe. (Impatiently) No, no! Is there any wine in the house? + + Vir. Yes, love, but-- + + Poe. I must have it! Quick! I shall faint. + + Vir. (Rising) No, Edgar. It is food you need. + + Poe. (Rising) Where is it? + + Vir. O, my dearest! + + Poe. Tell me, Virginia! (Goes toward a closet) + + Vir. (Getting before him) 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. + + Poe. Death! It is all the life that is left to me, and you deny + it! + + Vir. Be quiet, love. You will wake our mother. + + Poe. Down, gods, and let the lady sleep! + + Vir. She is not well, Edgar. + + Poe. But she will be well to-morrow, and I--I am immortally + sick and you deny me a drop of wine. + + Vir. O, my poor boy! I'm so sorry for you! + + Poe. And is that all, O Heaven? I'm her poor boy, and she is so + sorry for me! Why, here's a heart that loosens in its + throbs the birth-song of new stars! Come, strike thy chime + with mine, and though all bells upon the planet jingle, in + us will still be music! + + Vir. O, Edgar! + + Poe. Well? + + Vir. I can not speak. + + Poe. 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! (She + remains motionless, her head bowed) ... 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 _see_ that through the channel of their beauty + course the mysteries that begin with God and end not with + time! (She looks at him. He gazes into her eyes) ... Tears + ... only tears. (Turns away) Can a soul's _eyes_ be dumb? + (She sits, weeping silently) ... 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? (She sobs. He looks at her remorsefully, + crosses the room, gets her harp and brings it to the + fireside) Come ... sing to me, Virginia. You can do that. + + Vir. (Taking harp) What shall I sing, dear? + + Poe. Something to charm the very heart of AEolus! That will turn + a tempest into a violet's breath! + + Vir. Ah, my love! + + Poe. O, sing--sing anything! + + Vir. (Sings) + + Great and calm, cool-bosomed blue, + Take me to the heart of you! + Not where thy blue mystery + Sweeps the surface of the sea, + Leaving in a dying gleam + Living trouble of a dream; + Not where loves of heaven lie + Rosy 'gainst the upper sky + Burning with an ardent touch + + Where an angel kissed too much; + But where sight and sound come not, + All of life and love forgot, + All of Heaven forfeited + For thy deep Nirvana bed. + Wide and far enfolding blue, + Take me to the heart-- + + (Her voice breaks suddenly) + + Poe. Virginia! (She coughs) Don't! (Her cough increases. She + puts her handkerchief to her lips. Poe takes it from her + hand and looks at it.) Blood! (Throws handkerchief into + the fire, and stands as if paralyzed, gazing at Virginia. + Falls at her feet and begins kissing her skirt) My angel! + my angel! I have killed my little bride! + + Vir. (Urging him gently up) No, dear. I was marked for this + from birth. My doom was written by Heaven, not you. + + Poe. Not doom, my Virginia! (Rising) 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! + I'll 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, I'll sing the world into + a flower for thy bosom! My love, my love, my love! (She + coughs restrainedly. He hides his face till she stops) + 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! + + Vir. Edgar! + + Poe. Do not touch me! is not the mark here? (Touching his brow) + O, where shall I hide it? + + Vir. (Drawing him to her) On my bosom, Edgar. (Presses him to + the large chair and sits on the arm of it, caressing him) + This forehead is as pure as heaven-lit ivory of angels' + brows! + + Poe. O, golden heart! (Kisses her over her heart) 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? + + Vir. I will forgive you now, dearest, if you will do one thing + for me. + + Poe. O, what, my darling? + + Vir. Eat the poor little supper I have cooked for you. + + Poe. Yes--yes--I'll eat it though it be hell's coals! + + Vir. Now that's a compliment to your cook, isn't it? (Takes + food from oven and puts it on table. Poe eats, at first + reluctantly, then hungrily) + + Poe. 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? + + Vir. Ah, Edgar, if love were enough we should always be happy. + + Poe. 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 beautiful for me! How + pretty your dress is! You look like a Naiad smiling out of + a lily. But it's too cold! Here, I will wrap you! (Puts + shawl about her) 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. + + Vir. (Getting food) Yes, I did, and Jove caught me, but he let + me go when I told him it was for a poet. + + Poe. Little witch! (Kisses her) 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. + + Vir. (Slowly) You--would not--take me? + + Poe. 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 _must_ win! + + Vir. 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.... + + Poe. Do you care so much, Lenore? Then we will both stay here. + It will take longer, but I will work harder-- + + Vir. Enough for to-night. We are too happy for to-morrows, + Edgar. Now you must have a long, long sleep-- + + Poe. No, no! No bed for me to-night! I must work! + + Vir. No bed, indeed! I did not say bed, my lord! You are going + to sit down here (Places him on footstool) and I shall sit + here, (settles in chair) 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! + + Poe. O, 'tis heaven, Virginia! But you are too tired, my angel. + _You_ must sleep. + + Vir. And so I shall when my lord shows me the way. + + (Poe drops his head on her lap. She turns down light. He + falls asleep as she sings softly) + + Like a fallen star on the breast of the sea + My lover rests on the heart of me; + The lord of the tempest hies him down + From his billow-crest to his cavern-throne, + And 'tis peace as wide as the eye can see + When my lover rests on the heart of me. + + (Silence. Virginia droops in sleep. No light but dull red + coals.) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT IV. + + +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. + + Bookseller. (Looking book over doubtfully) + Forty cents. + + Poe. (Loudly) Forty devils! (Helen turns and recognizes him. He + does not see her) Look at that binding. You can't get a + Shelley put up like that for less than ten dollars. + + Hel. (Aside) My book! + + Bookseller. + It's badly marked. + + Poe. Marked! Of course it's marked. And every mark there worth + its dollar. In ten years you'll wish the marks were as + thick as the letters. + + Bookseller. + Say fifty, and strike off. Not a cent more. + + Poe. Take it. + + Hel. To sell my book! (Moves slowly to door) How pale he is! + But he is neatly dressed. He can not need fifty cents. To + sell my book! I'll speak to him and see if he is past + shame. (Steps before Poe as he turns to go out) + + Hel. Mr. Poe! Don't you remember me? 'Tis delightful to meet an + old friend. + + Poe. (Bowing low) Mrs.... + + Hel. Yes, I am Mrs. Bridgmore. + + Poe. My dear Mrs. Bridgmore! The pleasure of years gathers in + this happy moment. Are you making holiday purchases? + + Hel. No ... just poking about. I love these old stores. I see + you've made a sale. 'Tis a relief to get rid of old books + when we've lost our love for them, isn't 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. (To bookseller) May I see the book the gentleman + has just disposed of? (To Poe) Anything you have liked + will be sure to please me. + + Poe. 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. (Gesticulates to bookseller) One + glance, Mrs. Bridgmore, will tell you that the book is not + for sale. + + Hel. Ah ... of course not. Pardon the mistake. It seems to be + my fate to blunder where you are concerned. (Icily) Good + morning, Mr. Poe. + + (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) + + Hel. Thank you. (Goes out) + + Poe. (Turning to bookseller) Here! Take your damned silver! + Give me my book! + + Bookseller. + A bargain's a bargain, sir. + + Poe. 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 I'll tear your goose-liver from your body, + you pocket-itching Jacob! + + Bookseller. + Here! take it! + + Poe. There's your Judas' blood! (Throws down money and starts + out with the book. Enter Brackett) + + Brackett. (Stopping Poe) Mr. Poe, I believe. + + Poe. Right, sir. And Brackett, I think your name was when I + knew you. + + Bra. 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. + + Poe. And how, Mr. Brackett, may that knowledge be of interest + to you? + + Bra. Well, perhaps it does concern you more than myself. + + Poe. Kindly tell me in what way that I may regret it. + + Bra. Your pen has been supplying matter for _The Comet_, I + believe. + + Poe. If you have any doubt of it a perusal of that magazine's + issues for the past two years will satisfy you. + + Bra. The returns therefrom have contributed somewhat to your + comfort, I suppose. + + Poe. Do you? + + Bra. Ah, I am mistaken? Then I have less hesitation to tell you + that the articles recently submitted are unavailable. + + Poe. _You_ tell me! What have you to do with it? Who are you? + + Bra. I am the present editor of _The Comet_. + + Poe. You! + + Bra. 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. + + Poe. Brackett ... I have been very ill. I wrote those things on + what I believed to be my death bed. My wife.... + + Bra. I should say then that you are in great need of money. + + Poe. God help me, I am! You know I am not one to beg! + + Bra. But it's beg or starve with you, eh? (Poe looks at him + silently) 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 _The Comet_. Good + morning. + + Poe. (Calling to him as he stands in door) I say, Brackett! + (Brackett turns) _I_ should advise _you_ to change the + name of _The Comet_ as well as its editor. Suppose you + call it _The Falling Star_? Ha! ha! (Exit Brackett) Curse + me for a whining dog--but Virginia-- + + (Goes out) + + Bookseller. (Arranging books) Queer chap. We public men get to + know all sorts. That book will be mine yet. It's a good + seller at ten dollars, and blest if I wouldn't like to + help the wretch out with fifty cents. He'll be back. + + (Enter Helen) + + Hel. I wish to buy the book the gentleman has just left with + you. + + Bookseller. + Why ma'am, he's gone and took it with him. + + Hel. Took it with him? + + Bookseller. + Yes, ma'am, and thereby I've lost time and trade. + (Aside) She'd give fifteen! + + Hel. He needed money? + + Bookseller. + Well, I should _guess_ so, ma'am. That's the last + book he had. He told me about it before. He's been + bringin' them all here. I _think_ he'll be back, ma'am, + and I'll keep the book for you. + + Hel. Thank you. (Turns to go. Sees letter on the floor and + picks it up) Why, 'tis ... 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. (Looks at letter) Fordham! (Reads) + + 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, + MARIA CLEMM. + + (Helen stands trembling and holding the letter) ... + And I hurt him ... I hurt him.... + +(CURTAIN) + + +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) + + Mrs. C. My child, you have been out in the snow without your + cloak! (Brushes snow from his shoulders) + + Poe. Could I take the least warmth from yon shivering angel? + + Mrs. C. 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.... + + Poe. Not lost. See how she sleeps! She is better. I know she is + better. + + Mrs. C. Since you came. We will hope so, dear. + + Poe. If she would only speak to us! O, why does she not speak? + Not once to-day. + + Mrs. C. She is very weak, my son. + + Poe. I could bear it so long as she could tell us there was no + pain ... but now she only looks at us.... Oh-- + + Mrs. C. You will control yourself for her sake. + + Poe. Yes, yes, for her sake. + + Mrs. C. It will take her last breath to see you disturbed. + + Poe. I know! I know! Have no fear, mother. I am strong now. + + Vir. Edgar! (He flies to the bed) + + Poe. My darling! + + Vir. I am better, dear. Mamma! (Mrs. Clemm goes to her) I feel + so rested, mamma. + + Poe. I told you! She is better! And you will sit up a little + now, dear? I will carry you to the fire. + + Mrs. C. My boy! + + Poe. O, mother, don't you see how well she is? Look at her + cheeks--her eyes--how beautiful! + + Vir. (Smiling) Hear him, mamma! How proud he is! He must always + have it that his wife is beautiful. + + Poe. But it is so true, my dearest! + + Vir. Let me believe it, for it is sweet to think that I have + been that, at least, to you. + + Poe. O, my darling, you have been everything! + + Vir. You think so now, dear, and I love to hear you say it. + + Poe. And you will get well for me? + + Vir. 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. + + Poe. O, don't, Virginia! I shall do nothing without you! + + Vir. 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. + + Poe. Forgive you! + + Vir. 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. + + Poe. O, little angel! + + Vir. 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, 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. + + Poe. (Brokenly) Yes ... yes.... O little flower, little flower, + dropping back to God's bosom, how have I dared to touch + thee! + + Vir. (Rubbing her hand on his arm) 'Tis damp! You have been + out? O, my dear, you must, must take your cloak! I am + quite, quite warm! See, feel my hands! (Smiling) + + Poe. (Taking her hands) Little icicles! + + Vir. 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! + + Poe. I ... promise. + + Vir. Dear husband ... I.... (faints) + + Mrs. C. O, she is gone! + + Poe. No! She faints! My beautiful idol! O, some wine! Heaven + and earth for some wine! + + Mrs. C. She looks at us! My daughter! + + Poe. O, do not try to speak! Let your beautiful eyes do all the + talking! + + Mrs. C. She looks toward the fire. She would have you go, Edgar, + and try to keep warm. Come, dear. (Poe kisses Virginia + gently, and goes to fireside, looking back adoringly) Do + not look at her, and she will sleep again. + + Poe. Ah, God! It will take more than sleep to help her. And I + can give her nothing--nothing! + + Mrs. C. 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. + + Poe. I brought her to this land of ice and snow! + + Mrs. C. No. Destiny brought her. We lost our home. Your work was + here--and she would not stay behind you. + + Poe. A _man_ would have saved her! + + Mrs. C. O, my boy, do not take this burden on your soul! For + once spare yourself! + + Poe. I can not even give her food! + + Mrs. C. (Restraining him) My son, she sleeps. + + Poe. Yes ... sleep ... let me not rob her of that too! Be quiet + ... just be quiet ... while she dies. (Seats himself with + strange calmness) 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! + + Mrs. C. My love-- + + Poe. Be calm, mother. Be calm. Then the great inbreathing + 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,--(rising) ay, man himself may dominate nature, + control the relentless ecliptic, and say to the ages of + ice and fire 'Ye shall not tread on me!' + + Mrs. C. Edgar! + + Poe. I beg your pardon. We must be calm. (Resumes his seat) But + God will not stop breathing (with bitter sarcasm) though + your daughter--and my wife--is dying. (Mrs. Clemm weeps. + He turns to the window) 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.' + + Mrs. C. Are you human? + + Poe. 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! + + Mrs. C. O, my mother-heart! + + Poe. 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.... (Moves a step toward the bed) + 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 _not_ think! Keep me a + little, weeping child! + + Mrs. C. Dear son, cast out this bitterness. Only your love and + devotion have kept her alive so long. + + Poe. No! I touched her like a wing of doom, and she fell + blasted! (She tries to soothe him) No, no! Call devils + from hell to curse me! + + (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) + + Mrs. C. O, Edgar! Wine, and soft blankets! + + (He looks up, and rushes across to her) + + Poe. 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! + + Mrs. C. She sleeps, my son, which is ease more precious than + these drops can give. + + Poe. (Taking bottle) Give it to me! + + Mrs. C. Edgar, Edgar, do not wake her! + + Poe. Lenore, Lenore, out of thy dream, though 't were the + fairest ever blown to mortal from Elysium! This will put + thee to such smiles that dreams-- + + Mrs. C. Be quiet, for God's sake! + + Poe. Quiet! 'Tis a word for clods and stones! You'd hold me + from her when my hand brings life? (Rushes to cupboard and + gets a glass which he fills) + + Mrs. C. Just a little, Edgar. Too much would-- + + Poe. She shall drink it all, by Heaven! I will save her! + + (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) + + Poe. You! + + Hel. I, Edgar. You see I can remember my friends--and I've come + to scold you for not--letting me know-- + + Poe. It was you who sent-- + + Hel. 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 have it else. (Turns to Mrs. + Clemm) You do not know me, but-- + + Mrs. C. (Taking her hand) I know you are a good woman reaching a + hand to me in my sorrow. + + Hel. (Embracing her) No ... my arms! + + (Poe goes to bed and kneels by Virginia. Speaks softly to + her, then rises and brings a little wine) + + Poe. Just a drop, dear,--a butterfly's portion. + + (Virginia drinks) + + Hel. (To Mrs. Clemm) How is she? + + Mrs. C. She will have but one more word for us--goodbye. + + Hel. 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. + + Mrs. C. There is ... something. I have never begged-- + + Hel. Do not use such a word. It is you who give--make me happy. + + Mrs. C. But I will beg this. Some linen for her last robe. + + Hel. God bless you for telling me! + + Poe. (Rising from his knees by Virginia) Helen, Virginia would + speak to you. + + Hel. O, save the precious breath! (Approaches bed) Ah ... how + lovely ... I understand.... + + Vir. (Lifting her head) Helen ... help my Edgar. (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) + + Poe. (Standing by bed) ... 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 me thou art + still my pleading angel!... Not one breath's life. Still + ... quite still. O, might such rest be mine! (Turns away) + I'll write. (Goes to table) I promised. Yes ... I'll + write. Behind the glorious chancel of the mind still + swings the incense to the deathless gods!... (Sits and + writes) ... No. (Rising) No rhymes--for Poesy must mourn + to-night. (Goes toward bed) Too much of her is dead. + (Gazes at Virginia) 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? (Stares as at + visions) 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!... (Writes.... A tapping at the door. He does not + hear. Another tapping. He looks up) Who's there?... This + is my vigil. Nor devil nor angel shall share it!... + (Listens. Tapping. He goes to door and throws it open) ... + Nothing ... nothing ... but darkness. (Stands peering, and + whispers) Lenore!... (Closes door, bolts it, returns to + table and writes silently. Utter stillness, then a + rattling at the window. Poe leaps up) What's that? (The + shutter is blown open. Poe stands watching. A raven flies + in and perches above door) Out, you night-wing! (He looks + at raven silently) You won't? Why, sit there then! You're + but a feather! (Sits and writes. After a moment rises and + reads) + + Out--out are the lights--out all! + And over each quivering form, + The curtain, a funeral pall, + Comes down with the rush of a storm-- + And the angels all pallid and wan, + Uprising, unveiling affirm + That the play is the tragedy 'Man!' + And its hero the Conqueror Worm! + + Ah! the thought pales from these lines like light from + dying cinders. Poetry is but ashes telling that a fire has + passed. (Sits gloomily. Suddenly remembers the raven, + turns and stares at it) You bird of damnation, leave me in + peace with my dead!... O, dreaming fool, 'tis nothing.... + My mind's a chaos that surges up this fancy. (Tries to + write, stops, goes on, trembles, and looks up) ... 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.... (Tries to write. Drops pen. Shudders, + looking with furtive fear at the raven) ... I am ... I am + afraid.... Virginia! (Creeps toward bed) Stay with me, + little bride. My little rose-bride! (Fingers along + coverlet, looking at raven) Do not leave me. Quick, little + love! Give me life in a kiss! (Touches her hand, shrinks, + and springs up) Dead!... (Leans against foot of bed, + wildly facing the raven) Speak, fiend! From what dim + region of unbodied souls hast come? What hell ungorged + thee for her messenger? What sentence have the devils + passed 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? + + (Silence. Poe listens with intense expectation and fear. + The raven flies out) It spoke! (Hoarsely) It spoke! I + heard it! (Whispers) Nevermore! (He falls in a swoon. + Candle flickers in the wind and goes out. Darkness) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + +ACT V. + + +Scene I: Poe's lodging, Baltimore. Small room. Cot, table, and one +chair. Poe writing) + + Poe. (Pressing his temples) Throb--throb--but you shall finish + this. (Writes) You, too, rebel, old pen? On, on like a + lusty cripple, and we'll scratch out of this hole. + (Lifting pen) Why, old fellow, this will buy bread. O, + bread, bread, bread, for one sweet crumb of thee to feed + an angel here! (Touching his forehead) Gordon will not + fail me. His letter will come to-day. And with his help + I'll get on good ground once more. And _then_!... (Writes. + Drops pen with a groan) ... Gordon's letter _must_ 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!... + (Looks at writing) Words! Ye are but coffins for + imagination! No more of you! (Crushes paper) Eternity's in + labor with this hour! (Leaps up) 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? + (Falls to chair. Enter Mrs. Schmidt) + + Mrs. S. (Holding out letter) Here it is, sir. + + Poe. (Rousing) What, Smidgkin? + + Mrs. S. The letter's come, sir. + + Poe. Thank you. (Takes letter. Mrs. Schmidt waits expectantly) + 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-- + + Mrs. S. No, sir. I stay to see what's inside o' that! + + Poe. Since you desire it, madam. (Starts to open letter and + hesitates) I--hope you are well, my good Smidgkin. + + Mrs. S. Always am. Hadn't you better see what's in it? + + Poe. To be sure.... I hope you have a good fire in your room + this chilly weather, Smidgkin. + + Mrs. S. Always do. I'll break it for you, Mr. Poe. + + Poe. O, no, no! I couldn't think of troubling you. The rain + beats very heavily. I hope your-er-roof will not be + injured. + + Mrs. S. Law me, I had every leaf tinkered up them sunny days + last week. I believe in preparin' for a rainy day, _I_ do, + Mr. Poe. + + Poe. 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 (Lays letter on the + table) ... I hope you have no errands to take you from + your cheerful fireside in weather like this, Mrs. + Smidgkin. + + Mrs. S. My name is Schmidt, Mr. Poe. + + Poe. Pardon me, madam. + + Mrs. S. Air you a goin' to open that letter or air you not? + + Poe. 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. (Opens letter and reads) 'I have + talked with Brackett--' Brackett! (Drops letter and sits + dumb) + + Mrs. S. 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! + + Poe. A bare, unfurnished room like this-- + + Mrs. S. Is worth just a dollar a week to me, which is exactly a + dollar more than you can pay! + + Poe. Mrs. Smidgkin, there is a legend in the world that pity + never wholly leaves the breast of woman. + + Mrs. S. Shame to your tongue, Mr. Poe, that says I haven't been + as kind to you as your own mother--sister! Haven't you had + this room nigh to a month since I've seen a cent for it? + Didn't I give you stale bread a whole week, an' coffee a + Sunday mornin'? An' you dare say I'm not a Christian, + merciful woman? You come out o' here, or I'll put hands on + you, I will! + + Poe. 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-- + + Mrs. S. Schmidt! As you'll find on my good man's tombstone, an' + some day on my own, bless God! + + Poe. O, don't talk so, I beg you! + + Mrs. S. Why now, Mr. Poe! Law me, who'd a thought you could be + so softhearted--about a tombstone, too! + + Poe. As I said, my dear madam--speaking of weddings--pray take + this chair. 'Tis 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. + + Mrs. S. O, Mr. Poe! + + Poe. Thanks for the burden of those syllables. + + Mrs. S. My dear Mr. Poe! + + Poe. 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? + + Mrs. S. You may, Mr. Poe. + + Poe. 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? + + Mrs. S. (With dignity) 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 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' you'll 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 you'll give me time-- + + Poe. 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. + + Mrs. S. O, don't go there, Mr. Poe--it's a bad place, that Canpy + house, an' I've heard Jove talked about for a vile + barkeep! I guess since you're so impetus I'll say yes to + these addresses of marriage, Mr. Poe. + + Poe. Ha! ha! ha! + + Mrs. S. What do you mean, Mr. Poe? My dear Eddie, I should say! + + Poe. I mean, madam, that death loves a joke. + + Mrs. S. O, my sweet Eddie, don't be talkin' about death. You're + so pale I don't wonder--and a'most starved out I'll + venture my word for it. But you won't know yourself in a + week. I've got the sweetest room downstairs--all in blue + an' white, with a bed three feet o' feathers, soft as a + goosebreast, I warrant, an' I'll tuck you in an' bring you + a toddy that'll warm you to your toes, it will, an'-- + + Poe. 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-- + + Mrs. S. O, he's out of his mind, sure he is! My sweet Eddie, he's + loved me distracted! + + Poe. Can this be woman? + + Mrs. S. Law me! + + Poe. The sex that knew a Virginia--that knows a Helen? No! + there are men, women ... and angels! + + Mrs. S. Look here, Mr. Poe, don't you mention no women 'round me! + O, Eddy, my Eddy! (Offers to caress him) + + Poe. Away! You wench from Venus' kitchen! (Going) This weather + ... once I could have braved it with the wildest wing that + ever flew. But now.... (coughs wretchedly) + + Mrs. S. No rent an' no husband either! + + Poe. Up, heart, we go! Henceforth I live by spirit-bread! Lead + me, ye unseen comrades, to immortal feasts! (Exit) + +(CURTAIN) + + +Scene II: An hour later. A bar-room. Door in center, rear. Four +men at table, left, rear, playing cards. + + Haines. Was afraid you wouldn't show up to-night, Juggy. + + Juggers. + Nothing like a stormy night for a good game. Never miss + one. Rain brings me luck. + + Black. Then, by Jacks, you'll have it all your way to-night. It's + pouring hogsheads. Your deal, Sharp. (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) + + Sharp. (To barkeeper) Say, Thomas, I thought this was a + gentleman's house. What's that in the corner? Looks like a + coffin might 'a' spilt it on the way to the graveyard. + + Bark. (In lower tone) He's one o' these writin' fellers in hard + luck. I've let him hang around here a good deal, for he's + always quiet and gives me no show for kickin' him out. But + say the word and he goes. + + Haines. Looks more like a sick man than a bum. + + Sharp. Bah! He can drink till he wets his boots. I know that sort + of a face. + + Bark. Never drinks anything 'round here. + + Sharp. Good reason. You don't wear a charity medal. + + Jug. Let him stay for luck. + + Sharp. Whose luck? You're doing all the winning to-night, + Juggers. He's a Jonah for the rest of us. I want his eye + off me, I say. + + Black. O, let him alone. I'd ask a burglar to have a seat in my + house a night like this--'pon honor, I would. Play up. + (They play on) + + Poe. 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! + + Jug. (To Haines, who is looking at Poe) Mind your play there, + Haines. + + Poe. I know this place. It is the poet's house of dream that + all my life I've 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! + + Sharp. Curse it, Juggers! It's yours again! + + Haines. Take your medicine, Sharp. A man must know how to lose + as well as win. + + Poe. Yonder is the master, arrayed all in white and gold and + sapphire. Those angels that attend him are 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 I've tracked your dewy + shadows! No day died in my eyes but ye were whispering + priests! And midnight stars have learned your names of me! + + Sharp. (Throwing down cards) It's that hoodoo in the corner! + + Poe. How wonderful their voices! They speak a strange language, + but I can interpret it. + + Sharp. I'll not play another card until he goes! + + Poe. He says that by the trembling of the planet-lights an + earth-soul come this way. He sees me! + + Black. Well, by Jacks, I've got a dollar for his supper and bed. + + Poe. He says that 'tis a strange creature carrying a burning + brand in his bosom. + + Sharp. You can afford to be a fool. You've helped Juggers rake + in. + + Poe. Not a brand, he says, but an immortal star. + + Sharp. Thomas, set that oil painting outside, will you? + + Poe. They ask the master if they may come to meet me. + (Barkeeper approaches Poe) Ah, the master comes himself, + for I am one of the chosen. + + Barkeeper. + Get out o' this! + + Poe. (Rising slowly) Thou mighty one, thy servant hears thee! + + Bark. Eh? + + Poe. I'll be the humblest round thy throne. + + Bark. Look here, I was a little soft about you, but now you just + shove along! + + Poe. I beg your pardon,--may I ask the name of this planet? + + Bark. Eh? + + Poe. Is it--the earth? + + Bark. (Shaking him) None o' your squibs! + + Poe. (Recognizing and throwing him off with momentary strength) + Do not touch me, George Thomas. I will go. + + Black. (Flinging him a piece of silver, which falls to the floor) + There's a bed for you. + + Poe. 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! + + Jug. A gentleman can't stand that jaw. Kick him out, Thomas, or + I will. + + Poe. 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-- + + Sharp. Here you crazy Tom! That's just enough! + + (Tries to take hold of Poe) + + Poe. 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-- + + Jug. (Taking Poe by the throat) I'll stop your croaking! + + (Haines and Black pull Juggers from Poe, who falls to seat + utterly exhausted) + + Haines. Can't you keep your hands off a sick man? + + Jug. Sick! He's the devil! + + Haines. Then you might as well make his acquaintance. + + Poe. 'Tis 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! (Gives a dying + shudder) Nevermore!... (Rises, staggers to door and opens + it wide) O, Night, with thy minstrel winds, blow gently on + me dead ... for I have been thy lover! (Looks back at the + men who are gazing at him intently, and speaks lowly, + erect and godlike) In His own image created He man!... + (Turns and steps into the darkness.) + +(CURTAIN) + + + + + +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.txt or 23234.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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