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diff --git a/36307.txt b/36307.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..037fb40 --- /dev/null +++ b/36307.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4856 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Ghetto, by Herman Heijermans, Translated +by Chester Bailey Fernald + + +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: The Ghetto + A Drama in Four Acts + + +Author: Herman Heijermans + + + +Release Date: June 2, 2011 [eBook #36307] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GHETTO*** + + +E-text prepared by Frank van Drogen, David E. Brown, and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images +generously made available by the Google Books Library Project +(http://books.google.com/) + + + +Note: Images of the original pages are available through + the the Google Books Library Project. See + http://books.google.com/books?vid=lIM54TlR8iUC&id + + + + + +THE GHETTO + + * * * * * + + Plays + + + THE PLAYS OF HENRIK IBSEN. Small 4to, cloth, 5s. each, or paper + covers, 1s, 6d. each. + + JOHN GABRIEL BORKMAN. + LITTLE EYOLF. + *THE MASTER BUILDER. + *HEDDA GABLER. + + *_Also a limited Large Paper Edition, 21s. net._ + + BRAND: A Dramatic Poem in Five Acts. By HENRIK IBSEN. Translated in + the original metres by C. H. HERFORD. Small 4to, cloth, 7s. 6d. + + THE PLAYS OF GERHART HAUPTMANN. Paper covers, 1s. 6d., or cloth, 2s. + 6d. each. + + *HANNELE. + LONELY LIVES. + THE WEAVERS. + + *Also small 4to, with Portrait, 5s. + + THE PRINCESS MALEINE, and THE INTRUDER. By MAURICE MAETERLINCK. With + an Introduction by HALL CAINE, and a Portrait of the Author. Small + 4to, cloth, 5s. + + THE FRUITS OF ENLIGHTENMENT: By Count LYOF TOLSTOY. With Introduction + by A. W. PINERO. Small 4to, with Portrait, 5s. + + CYRANO DE BERGERAC. By EDMOND ROSTAND. Small 4to, 5s. Also, Popular + Edition, 16mo cloth, 2s. 6d.; paper, 1s. 6d. + + LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN + 21 BEDFORD STREET, W.C. + + * * * * * + + +THE GHETTO + +A Drama in Four Acts + +Freely Adapted from the Dutch of +HERMAN HEIJERMANS, JR. + +By +CHESTER BAILEY FERNALD + + + + + + + +London: William Heinemann +MDCCCXCIX + +Copyright, 1899 + +All rights, including Acting rights in the English Language, reserved + +Entered at the Library of Congress +Washington, U.S.A. + + + + +_DRAMATIS PERSONAE_ + + + RAFAEL. + SACHEL. + AARON. + RABBI HAEZER. + SAMSON. + DANIEL. + MORDECAI. + ESTHER. + REBECCA. + ROSA. + + _A Watchman. Inhabitants of The Ghetto._ + + _The action takes place in The Ghetto, Amsterdam, at the present time._ + + _The incidental music composed by Mr. N. CLIFFORD PAGE._ + + + + +_PREFACE_ + + +_In the not wholly grateful task of adapting this play to the present +demands of the English and American stage, partly as those demands have +been interpreted by others than me, numerous alterations have been +thought necessary. I hope that this adaptation does not conceal the fact +that Mr. Heijermans' original is a work of very admirable unity and +force._ + + _CHESTER B. FERNALD._ + + _September, 1899._ + + + + +THE GHETTO + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + SCENE: _A street in the Ghetto in Amsterdam. On the left the shop of + SACHEL. Running down from the centre to the right, diagonally, the + wall of a canal; a bridge across the canal; a vista of the river and + the city at the back._ + + + _Enter SAMSON and DANIEL._ + +SAMSON. + + Have trade and traffic gone to bed for Sabbath? + +DANIEL. + + Not till old Sachel shuts his shop. See, he sits there in the gloom + like a spider waiting in its web. He would keep open all night for two + cents. + +SAMSON. + + He's waiting for his son. What if the old man knew that Rafael spent + half his time composing music--music for which he gets nothing? He + would lock the door on Rafael to-night. + +DANIEL. + + Let him! The world shall hear from Rafael. Wait till we play his + music. + +SAMSON. + + But he still has time to devote to his father's Christian + servant-maid. + +DANIEL. + + Eh--you have noticed too? [_They look into the shop._] Ah, see her! I + say, she's the handsomest in Amsterdam--high or low! You had better be + careful what you say about her to Rafael. + +SAMSON. + + I am. When I spoke a trifle lightly of her, he offered to smash my + head with your 'cello. + +DANIEL. + + And you apologized? + +SAMSON. + + Not wanting it smashed. + +DANIEL. + + Meaning your head. + +SAMSON. + + No, meaning your 'cello. But I shall proceed with her. She is + unhappy--I think she needs _me_! + + _Enter MORDECAI, with a piece of lace, by way of the bridge. He goes + into the shop._ + + I thought we had done with trade in this street. There goes an old + sheep to pawn his fleece. I say--bah! + +DANIEL. + + So will the old sheep say "Bah!" when Sachel has shorn him. See the + old man feeling it over--they say he can tell brass from gold by the + touch of his talons. + +SAMSON. + + It is well the old man is blind; if he saw the look of disgust on the + girl's face--ay, she'd like to rush out in the air! + +DANIEL. + + If she hates trade so, why does she stay in the Ghetto? + +SAMSON. + + She has nowhere else to go--she doesn't appear to want to get away. + Are they cursing each other over a copper? See the curl of her lip! + Look! look! + + [_ROSA rushes out of the shop._ + +ROSA. + + [_As if stifling._] Oh! oh! they have no souls--there is not a soul + among them, save Rafael's! + + [_She sees DANIEL and SAMSON._ + +SAMSON. + +Good evening! + +ROSA. + + [_Coldly._] Good evening. + +SAMSON. + + It's a fine evening, isn't it? + +ROSA. + + No. + +SAMSON. + + No, I suppose not. Is Rafael at home? + +ROSA. + + No. + +SAMSON. + + No--he stays away, he is in love? + +DANIEL. + + With whom? + +SAMSON. + + With somebody--somebody. I read between the notes of his music. He's + fallen in love and he's put it all into music. [_Insinuatingly._] Do + you know who she is? + +ROSA. + + [_She gets a broom and begins to sweep._] How should I, a Christian, + be so deep in his confidence? + +SAMSON. + + As deep in his confidence as need be. But do not trust him too much. + Ah--[_quasi-regretful_]--and I am his friend. But it is love that has + made a fool of me. + +ROSA. + + No, I should not lay it to the door of love. + +SAMSON. + + It _is_ love. If I could look into such eyes as yours, and my heart + not smoke like--like a burning haycock, then I should be more fool + than now. + +ROSA. + + You could not be. With whom do you mean to insinuate that Rafael is + carrying on a love affair? + +SAMSON. + + Oh, not you! + +ROSA. + + Oh! With whom, then? + +SAMSON. + + [_Whispering._] To-morrow, when you are alone---- + + [_He pauses, hearing SACHEL in the shop._ + +SACHEL. + + No, no! + +MORDECAI. + + But---- + +SACHEL. + + No, no, no! + + _Enter MORDECAI, followed by SACHEL._ + +MORDECAI. + + Half a guilder! Half a guilder! Oh! if it isn't worth four guilders, + it is worth nothing. + + [_He begins to roll up his lace._ + +SACHEL. + + If it is worth four guilders to you, keep it. H'm! Because I am blind, + cannot I feel with my fingers? No, it is tatters. + +MORDECAI. + + It's beautiful. I leave it to any one. + +SACHEL. + + So do I. I leave it to Rosa; she's a Christian, she knows nothing + about trade. Rosa! + +ROSA. + + [_Coming to him._] Yes. + +SACHEL. + + Am I not right? Is it not charity to offer him half a guilder for that + lace? + +DANIEL. + + [_Mischievously._] A beautiful piece of lace! + +SAMSON. + + A splendid piece of lace; he could not have come honestly by that! + +SACHEL. + + I have not summoned every idler in the street. Rosa! + + [_Exeunt DANIEL and SAMSON._ + +MORDECAI. + + [_Whispering to ROSA._] My son is dead, how can I bury him without + money? It was his mother's--the only fragment I have left of hers---- + +SACHEL. + + I hear you; is he giving you something? + +ROSA. + + [_In compassion._] It is not so badly worn; surely it is worth four + guilders! + +SACHEL. + + You lie! I say you lie! Do you think you can make a fool of me--you + thieves! Ah, I know you are standing there, twisting your cheeks at + me! But you shall not rob me; no, no! Give me that! [_He takes the + lace and examines it with his fingers._] I knew it! It has been + patched--by some bag-maker. You minx--you hussy! Do I feed you that + you may rob me? Everybody lies to me--but they do not deceive me! I + will not give half a guilder--only thirty cents. + +MORDECAI. + + Sachel! I must have _two_ guilders! He died in my arms. You have a + son--for pity's sake--for pity's sake! + +SACHEL. + + Have you had pity on my eyes? You say this lace is whole; it is a lie. + You say your son is dead; that is a lie too, for all I know. I'll give + no more--no more. + +MORDECAI. + + Oh! Oh! Give me that! You black-hearted miser. [_He snatches it._] You + are rich--you have known me for years--and you would let my son be + buried in the pauper's field! A curse on you! May your son _live_ to + hate you--desert you--disown you--curse you, as I do! + + [_Exit MORDECAI._ + +SACHEL. + + Rosa! Run and offer him a guilder and a half! Run! + +ROSA. + + Mordecai! He will not stop! He's gone! + +SACHEL. + + With a curse! Could I be more cursed than I am? Come here. You have + driven the trade from my door. + +ROSA. + + I? + +SACHEL. + + Yes, you--you misbegotten wretch! Had you not whined and pleaded for + him, he would have taken a guilder. If you, too, had said, "Tatters! + nothing but tatters." Why did you not? + +ROSA. + + Because I will not lie for you! + +SACHEL. + + I employ you to do my bidding! What are you doing now--idling, wasting + precious time? [_ROSA begins to sweep._] In the middle of last + night--were you up? + +ROSA. + + No! + +SACHEL. + + [_Ironically._] You will not lie for me! Why are you so disturbed + about it? + +ROSA. + + I am not disturbed. + +SACHEL. + + I say you are. You are red in the face--I know it. Why were you up? + +ROSA. + + I was not up. + +SACHEL. + + I heard you! I heard you, and you cannot deceive me. Did I not lie + awake until Rafael came home? It struck twelve as he went to his room. + It was not five minutes later when I hear steps along the hall--yes, I + can hear steps, though the shoes be off! I heard steps, and then your + door opened. Why do you stop? I heard your door open; what does it + mean? + +ROSA. + + Do you mean that--that some one came--some one opened my door? + +SACHEL. + + Some one--some one! I mean you--you opened it--and you went + downstairs. Why? What were you doing while you thought I slept? + +ROSA. + + I did not leave my room. + +SACHEL. + + And she will not lie for me! If you are honest, why does your voice + tremble so? You were up, and why? If I miss anything;--do you want to + be turned into the streets? [_He hears the noise of a window opening._] + Who's that? Some fresh enemy? I cannot move but some one's hand is + raised against me! Enemies--enemies I cannot strike nor battle + with--because I cannot see! + +ROSA. + + I--I am not your enemy! + +SACHEL. + + How do I know? Have I ever looked into your eyes? Ay, if I could look + into them at this moment, God knows what I should find. You are not my + enemy! Why, then, were you up last night prowling about my house--at + midnight--when my son--when Rafael;--Rafael--? Come here! [_She comes + to him._] Your hand! Was it Rafael? Did Rafael--? No, no, my beautiful + boy--with such as you--an ugly, misshapen wench like you! [_Pause._] + Unless--unless they lied to me! Did not Esther sniff and say that you + were white and thin, when we rescued you from pauperdom--when you were + threatened with the streets--you thankless vagabond? They knew I would + not have had you else! Rafael said that "pretty" was no word for such + a face as yours; did he mean that you were beautiful;--did he mean + that? Your form--yes, your form! [_He passes his hand over her._] Hold + still! Do you fear an old blind wreck like me? Ay, you are like a + Madonna, damn you! Your face--hold still--your nose--[_he passes his + hand over her face_]--your brow--your chin;--they lied to me! You are + beautiful! It _was_ Rafael! + +ROSA. + + What do you mean? I tell you I am not beautiful! + +SACHEL. + + Are you ugly? Do you swear you are ugly? + +ROSA. + + You cannot see the colour of my skin--you cannot see the rings under + my eyes. + +SACHEL. + + You swear--do you swear you are not beautiful? + +ROSA. + + I may have been pretty once--but now---- + + [_She is silent._ + +SACHEL. + + [_Thoughtfully._] When she says that--h'm! H'm! No woman would deny + her beauty if she had it. No, no! H'm! Rafael--my beautiful boy; why, + I only mentioned it to frighten you! + + _Enter ESTHER, over the bridge._ + +ESTHER. + + What's the matter now--you troublesome old person? + +SACHEL. + + My sister--my compassionate sister! H'm! I know you're waiting, + watching my face from day to day for a sign of death. + +ESTHER. + + You silly old man, does any one put a pin in your way? + +SACHEL. + + Any one? Every one! Has she not just driven away a customer because + she would not---- + +ESTHER. + + I don't want to hear about it! + +SACHEL. + + H'm! A little money--it is nothing! I have given my life for it--and + my eyes--my eyes! By God's right, do not the blessings of thrift + belong to me? And here I drag my gloomy, empty life away, with a son + who brings me nothing, a sister who watches me like a vulture and this + hussy who drives my customers to curse me! + +ESTHER. + + Who do you think gave me this letter for you? Aaron. + +SACHEL. + + Aaron! He hasn't been near us for years! What does he want? Read! + +ESTHER. + + When the Sabbath has already begun? + +SACHEL. + + Well, what do we have this Christian for? Rosa! + + _Enter ROSA._ + +ESTHER. + + Rosa, open this letter and read it. + +ROSA. + + [_Reading._] "I shall be at your house to-night, on a matter of + business.--AARON HEINE." [_Exit ROSA._ + +SACHEL. + + Business? What business can he have with me? + +ESTHER. + + His daughter, I think. There was something in the way he spoke that + made me feel it! + +SACHEL. + + To marry his Rebecca to my son. H'm! I'll make him speak first. I'll + worry him! I'll make him sweat. + +ESTHER. + + Rosa! Put up the shutters. + +SACHEL. + + I will not trust her to put up the shutters. + +ESTHER. + + You never had a better servant in your house. + +SACHEL. + + [_Fetches shutters and awkwardly adjusts them._] She is a Christian. + It is bad luck--it was wrong for us to take her in. + +ESTHER. + + You were glad enough to have her. Would a Jewess light your fire on + Sabbath--would a Jewess open your letters for you? Shall I send her + away? + +SACHEL. + + Not yet. + +ESTHER. + + No. Because on Sabbath your feet would be cold and your letters would + lie unopened, even if you were not blind. I pity the girl; I have + heard that her father was a gentleman and died poor and in exile, + because he had given succour to the persecuted Jews. + + _Enter ROSA._ + +SACHEL. + + Who can prove it? It is a good story to work upon our sympathies. They + cannot deceive me. I will have no sympathies. + +ESTHER. + + [_To ROSA._] Isn't it warm. + + [_They look off over the river._ + +ROSA. + + But aren't those clouds beautiful? They are bringing a blessed rain; + but they lower as if they brought a pestilence. + +ESTHER. + + You call them beautiful? You know very well that we are speculating in + produce: if the drought keeps on the rich will have to pay dear for + their vegetables, and the poor won't have any; it will profit us + handsomely! And you only think of your own pleasure! + +ROSA. + + It was only the beauty, the majesty of the clouds; they are massed + together like enemies ready to destroy us. But the poor; ah, I can see + the hand of God in those clouds! + +ESTHER. + + Which God, Rosa? + +ROSA. + + The God of all peoples, of all faiths--the God who knows no ceremony + but the way of living, and no creed but what He plants in the hearts + of every one. + +ESTHER. + + You are a strange sort of Christian! You talk like Rafael! [_Exit + ROSA, as if to avoid the subject._] I wonder if she ever talks with + Rafael! Sachel, I see Aaron! + +SACHEL. + + I'll make him speak first. + + _Enter AARON._ + +AARON. + + [_To SACHEL._] Good evening. [_No answer._] What's the matter with + you, old friend? I have a bit of business with you. + +ESTHER. + + Good evening. Rather late for business, isn't it? Sit down. + +AARON. + + It's never too late for business. It was never too early when we were + young--eh, Sachel? Do you remember forty years ago, when you and I and + Abram stood in line at two o'clock in the morning--to get the best + places at the sale? Poverty wasn't trumps then, as it is now. + +ESTHER. + + H'm! I fancy not with you, now. + +SACHEL. + + What did you come about? + +AARON. + + Eh? Well, I have something I think you'll want. + +SACHEL. + + What? + +AARON. + + Eh? Why, some wool, I'll sell it cheap. Feel that! As soft as my + daughter's cheek! + + [_Gives SACHEL a packet of wool._ + +SACHEL. + + [_Returning the packet._] I didn't think you'd have anything I wanted. + +ESTHER. + + No; it wouldn't interest us. Have some coffee, Rosa! + +AARON. + + You think it is not good. You don't know! That wool was bought by my + daughter, Rebecca, and I'll back her judgment against any man's in the + Ghetto! [_Gives a little to SACHEL._] Feel that! + +SACHEL. + + [_Breaking the fibres, and listening to the sound they make._] His + daughter! Cotton! More cotton! His daughter! + +AARON. + + I will match her with your son, any day! + +SACHEL. + + My son is in no hurry to marry. + +AARON. + + Marry? I meant as a judge of wool. You are the only one that's + thinking of marrying him. What's the matter--doesn't any girl's father + want him? + +SACHEL. + + [_Picking the wool apart._] H'm! + +AARON. + + There _is_ a keen demand for handsome young wives nowadays, judging from + the way my daughter is besieged. + +SACHEL. + + Your daughter? You speak as if she had had an offer. + + _Enter ROSA with the coffee._ + +AARON. + + H'm, _an_ offer! But I came here to talk about wool! If it were not + the Sabbath I would burn a little for you, and you could tell by the + smell there is not a shred of cotton in it! + +SACHEL. + + Let the Christian burn it for us, then. Rosa, light that! + + [_ROSA burns a little of the wool in the spirit lamp._ + +AARON. + + [_Laughingly._] If you can smell cotton in that, then the sheep have + been eating cotton-seed, and it has sprouted through their shins. Do + you smell any cotton? Ah! + + [_Exit ROSA._ + +SACHEL. + + No; because I have picked all the cotton out. Rubbish! + +ESTHER. + + Have some coffee? + +AARON. + + [_Putting away packet of wool._] Oh, well, if you don't know a good + thing when you see it. Ah! Those cakes of yours, Esther; I remember + them, I remember them of old! Let me send my daughter to learn how to + make them, will you? + +ESTHER. + + Certainly. + +AARON. + + That's the only thing under the sky that my daughter can't do to + perfection. Well, how is that son of yours? + +SACHEL. + + Where is he, you had better ask! Unless I stay up till midnight, I + never meet him. + +AARON. + + Oh, well, a young fellow has to have his day I suppose. + +SACHEL. + + Did I have my day? I was one of eight souls who crawled and starved in + a room half as big as my shop parlour. I have known hunger to gnaw at + my belly, till I cried myself to sleep, and dreamt that I was + disembowelled. And my grandmother died, and my little sister too, from + sheer want. Sheer want! At his age I could have bought and sold him + twice a day. The fellow is a worthless vagabond! + +AARON. + + H'm. I suppose, if the truth be said, he _is_ a worthless vagabond! + +SACHEL. + + You--what affair is it of yours? You would give half you have--and + that wouldn't be much--to have him in your household! + +AARON. + + Ha! My daughter has no haste to wed. + +SACHEL. + + Who said anything about wedding? It is you that seem to have the + subject on your mind. + +AARON. + + With my girl? With Rebecca? You rely too much upon your son's good + looks and upon the lot of money he will have. + +SACHEL. + + Who said he would have a lot of money? I am not dead yet. + +AARON. + + Even so, your only child is not going empty-handed. + +SACHEL. + + He will go empty-handed, by the Commandments, if he does not obey his + father! And, in any case, I have not slaved my eyes away that another + man's child may be fed. + + _Enter REBECCA._ + +AARON. + + Still he must marry some day. + +SACHEL. + + Marry whom? No girl who does not bring twelve thousand guilders shall + marry my son! + + [_Exit ESTHER._ + + [_REBECCA pauses at the bridge unobserved and interested._ + +REBECCA. + + [_Aside._] They are getting on! + +AARON. + + [_Swelling with indignation._] Twelve thousand guilders! Twelve + thousand guilders! A snap of the finger! And is your son a prince? You + talk like an imbecile. Suppose some one was fool enough to give his + daughter such a dowry, what would you give your son? + +SACHEL. + + Nothing! He has his share in the business--or will have. + +AARON. + + Oh, you're enough to make a man jump into the sea! + +SACHEL. + + Did I ask anything of you? Why should you jump into the sea? + +AARON. + + Eh, what? Rebecca! How did _you_ happen to be here? + +SACHEL. + + [_Ironically._] Yes, how did you happen to be here? + +REBECCA. + + Why, didn't you _tell_ me---- + +AARON. + + [_Waving her away._] We're talking business, Sachel and I! + + _Enter ESTHER._ + + Esther, those cakes are wonderful! + +ESTHER. + + Thanks! [_To REBECCA._] Look here. [_Showing a photograph--watching + her closely._] Rafael is a good-looking boy, isn't he? + +REBECCA. + + Oh, you'd better let me have this! He wouldn't mind, would he? What a + fine likeness--but so sad! + +ESTHER. + + That's for some nice girl to take out of him. + +REBECCA. + + [_Tapping the photograph._] And you'll let me---- + +ESTHER. + + Have the picture? With pleasure! Have you seen Isaac's new warehouse? + + [_Points up the canal. REBECCA retires to the bridge._ + + [_Sotto, to AARON._] I like your girl--she's remarkably discreet. When + she's married, you'll be lonely enough! + +AARON. + + [_Sotto._] And when she is married, Esther--[_meaningly_]--may I take + me a wife on the same day; one that can bake such cakes as those! + [_Aloud._] Esther, there is not another woman in Amsterdam that can + bake such cakes as those! + + [_The two exchange meaning glances; they advance on SACHEL, as if + now in alliance._ + +REBECCA. + + [_Aside._] I don't believe it was about me! + +AARON. + + But, outside of that, Rebecca is a wonderful housewife, and in the + shop--she brings me the trade! + +SACHEL. + + H'm! She'll never bring you a son-in-law! For you can't spare money to + give with her. You need it all in your business. + +AARON. + + Do I? With my daughter there will go a trifle of eight thousand + guilders. [_Pause._ + +REBECCA. + + [_Aside._] It _is_ about me. They are getting on! + +AARON. + + And he thinks a girl will bring his son a matter of twelve thousand + guilders. + + _Enter ROSA; she shows that she has been listening and is troubled._ + +SACHEL. + + Let my son tell me he is going to marry a girl with less than twelve + thousand! I would give him the choice of starvation. I would lock the + door on him. + + [_ROSA sees the photograph in REBECCA'S hand._ + +AARON. + + Who's talking of your son? My daughter--Esther, just look at her--such + a figure, such a skin--such eyes! Esther, Esther, look at her walk! + Look at her walk! + +REBECCA. + + Is Rafael at home? + +ROSA. + + No. + +ESTHER. + + Rafael and Rebecca--that would sound rather well! + +AARON. + + My dear woman, I won't give twelve thousand guilders. + +SACHEL. + + And I won't give my son at less! + +AARON. + + Your son? Did I ask you for your son? Did I? + +SACHEL. + + Did I ask you for your daughter? What is she to me? + +REBECCA. + + [_Aside._] Oh, they are really getting on! + +AARON. + + Oh, my daughter! I wish your son were her equal! If _I_ had such a + son---- + +SACHEL. + + I don't want your advice! [_Rises._] You manage your own child. I'll + manage mine. [_Starts for shop._ + +AARON. + + You will? You can't manage him. Where is he now? Dallying with some + wanton, for all you know! My God, one would think him a second Joseph! + +SACHEL. + + Do you house him? Do you feed him? Does he trouble you? Speak well of + him, or go home! + +AARON. + + I will go home! + +ESTHER. + + Sit down! Now talk sense! It's a good match: you both know it's a good + match, and so--[_to REBECCA_]--have you seen the repairs to the old + bridge? + + [_REBECCA moves farther away, leaving the photograph of RAFAEL on + the wall._ + + [_Lowering her voice._] They are both only children. And so, in any + case, the money will stay in the family. You let Sachel consider it. + + [_ROSA takes the photograph of RAFAEL and hides it behind her._ + +REBECCA. + + [_Aside._] I wonder how Rafael will consider it? + +SACHEL. + + It costs nothing to consider it, but---- + +ESTHER. + + We'll see you to-morrow. + +AARON. + + At my house--before service. Come on, Rebecca; I have arranged about + the wool. Good-night! [_Exit._ + +ESTHER. + + Good-night! + +REBECCA. + + Oh, where's my picture of Rafael? [_ROSA drops the photograph into the + canal._] It's gone! + + [_She looks about for it._ + +ESTHER. + + How could it have gone? + + [_REBECCA sees it in the canal._ + +REBECCA. + + It has fallen into the canal! It's ruined! [_Looks at ROSA._] I don't + understand. I don't understand! + +ESTHER. + + Oh, well; Rafael has some others. I'll see Rafael. Good-night. + +REBECCA. + + [_To ROSA._] If the portrait dropped in where I left it, then it must + have floated against the current. + +ROSA. + + [_Fiercely, sotto._] It did go against the current. + + [_Exit REBECCA._ + +SACHEL. + + Not a cent under twelve thousand. + + [_ROSA, at the bridge, struggles with tears._ + +ESTHER. + + We shall see! [_Exit._ + +SACHEL. + + So we shall. Why doesn't he come? His miserable selfishness. My God, + if anything has happened to him! He doesn't come. He might have been + set upon and robbed--beaten, killed, by some cursed ruffian beyond the + Ghetto. My God--I'm harsh--too harsh with him. I shall be chastened + for it. I was harsh to his mother; yes, I know--I know; I broke her + heart perhaps, and Rafael, poor boy----[_Stops, listens._] His step! + Yes; even--steady--he's in no distress. He's not worrying about _me_. + He'll come home to sleep and get more money--that's all. He's a + vagabond--a rascally vagabond! + + _Enter ESTHER._ + + _Enter RAFAEL by the bridge._ + +RAFAEL. + + [_Wearily._] Good evening. [_No answer._] Good evening! [_No answer._] + + [_He exchanges guarded looks with ROSA. Exit ROSA._ + +ESTHER. + + [_Contemptuously._] The gentleman says "Good evening!" This is his + lodging-house, where he does us the honour to sleep! + +RAFAEL. + + I know I am rather late. I hope you were not anxious about me, father. + Were you? Father! Oh--well! + +ESTHER. + + Why should he answer you? What manner of son are you? + +SACHEL. + + Where have you been all day? + +RAFAEL. + + I--what does it matter? I know--I promised to do some business for + you--but--there were other things--I forgot--I am sorry. + +ESTHER. + + Oh, he's sorry. + +SACHEL. + + I asked you where you idled all this day, and you evaded me. + +RAFAEL. + + I have been everywhere--and the day vanished while I was thinking. + Have you something to eat, aunt? + +SACHEL. + + We have finished eating. + +ESTHER. + + At this time of night! H'm! + +RAFAEL. + + Very well. I will see what I can find. + +SACHEL. + + Oh, my Maker, how heavily thou visitest upon me! To be thus mocked by + a stranger within mine own house! If your poor dead mother knew how + you treated me! + +RAFAEL. + + Father, the rotten board that marked my mother's grave is falling to + pieces. And you can hardly find the spot for weeds--weeds! + +SACHEL. + + Is that where you've been? Where else? + +RAFAEL. + + Far away--in my thoughts. + +SACHEL. + + Another day--a whole precious day devoured by your drivelling + nonsense! Are you a son? Have you an old blind father? Oh, my + business, my splendid business, that I slaved and sweated out my + marrow for, dwindling, dwindling with every ticking of the clock! And + he wants me to buy a new headboard! I had better buy one for myself. I + had better be dead than not, with such a son. + +ESTHER. + + Sachel! Sachel! You cry--for a son like that! He is not worth one + tear. + +SACHEL. + + God punishes me for all my sins. When he was a child I have stolen the + bread from my mouth for him, weeks at a time; and now I may burrow + alone in the dark for all he cares, chained to my door-post, chained + to wait till some one comes to deal with me--to rob and swindle and + mock me--because I am alone--and blind. + +RAFAEL. + + And the saddest is, it is not my doing, and I cannot help it. + +SACHEL. + + Not his doing! Oh, my Maker! Can I keep him in irons and make him use + his eyes for me? + +RAFAEL. + + Father, between us matters cannot be improved--now nor ever! + +ESTHER. + + Well, upon my word! + +SACHEL. + + Why not? You have something you dare not tell. There is a woman in it. + You had forty guilders when you went away this morning. Have you a + cent of it left? + +RAFAEL. + + I gave it all to Mordecai to bury his son. + +SACHEL. + + I do not believe it. + +RAFAEL. + + Father! For the little time that I remain here need we add more + bitterness to what exists? + +SACHEL. + + What do you say? + +RAFAEL. + + I am going away. + +SACHEL. + + What--what--what do you say? + +RAFAEL. + + I am going away! + +SACHEL. + + Oh, oh, that crowns all! He can look into my dead eyes and threaten + this--without a quiver--without a qualm! + +RAFAEL. + + Ah, there was a time--there was a time, when I would have yielded any + sacrifice for you--when I was a boy and you had just gone blind, and + my heart was wrung with a pity for you that was a very pity in itself. + If I had seen tears in your poor sightless eyes, then my peace would + have been utterly destroyed; at the thought of having vexed you I + should have beaten my brow. And now it's gone--gone--and it won't come + back--it can't come back--because you robbed me of it. + +SACHEL. + + I? I? What have _I_ done? And why do you go away? + +RAFAEL. + + For reasons all of which I will not tell. + +SACHEL. + + You dog! To leave your father--sick and blind, and on the road to + poverty! God shall curse you for it! + +RAFAEL. + + No; God shall not! To live under this roof--to see, day in, day + out--nothing--nothing--but, no--no! There _are_ reasons, reasons + enough, Heaven be my judge! + + [_Several musical instruments begin to tune up in the house where + DANIEL and SAMSON live._ + +ESTHER. + + Heaven will be your judge! There _are_ reasons--reasons you are + ashamed of--reasons you dare not tell! + +SACHEL. + + It is true! You have fouled my name, you have been in the mire, you + have committed some contemptible thing you are ashamed of! You are + running away, you dare not tell why! + + [_RAFAEL throws over a chair; regains his composure._ + +RAFAEL. + + Is it but three years ago that I was so ignorant, so raw, and so + fond of you? I had known you with the fire of life in your eyes, and + now it had gone; the light of your soul was as hidden in a dungeon, + because you were blind. Ah, how I suffered! I shut my eyes to + imagine it--darkness, black nothing; God's beautiful sky gone for + ever, as if you were in your coffin under ground! Awful! Awful! And + this, this was my father--my father, whom I loved and honoured, of + all the world! + +SACHEL. + + Who asked your sympathy? Hold your tongue! + +RAFAEL. + + I honoured you because you asked the sympathy of no man. I + _honoured_ you. Shall I ever forget that Friday, when I stood alone + in the gloom of this warehouse, watching you, sorrowing over your + blindness, with tears in my eyes! You stood by the scales. They were + weighing out your merchandise; the man who had bought it stooped and + shifted the weights; and your creature Jacob read the figures out + and you wrote them down in great coarse scrawls--your grey head + bare, your face turned up to heaven. How I loved you--how I pitied + you! You bore yourself with such calm--such fortitude--as if, when + God had touched your eyes, He had whispered into your ears some + portion of the everlasting truth. No one saw me--I was back in the + shadow. And I started forward; I wanted to say, "Father--go in; + father, never labour again! Sit in your chair--rest always--while I + do your bidding--while I do everything!" But I did not say it. No! I + stopped; I slunk back into the deepest shadow like a criminal. I had + uttered a cry, but you and Jacob did not hear me. On the platform of + the scales, when your client stooped to balance them, I had seen a + foot go out--go out while your white face was turned in holy calm to + heaven--go out and press down--so that the scales read false--so + that the man who bought our goods was tricked and robbed--robbed of + the money we had not earned from him. And again I saw it, and again, + and again, father! And the man whose foot went out and did this + crime, the man who was stealing and stealing, time after time, + stealing his money, stealing my respect, my honour, my youth, before + my eyes--was it Jacob? No, it was you--you, my father--my father, + whom I loved and pitied, and they had trusted--because you were + blind! + +ESTHER. + + Shame! That's a lie! Shame! + +RAFAEL. + + [_Turning to his father._] Is it a lie? + +SACHEL. + + [_Hoarsely._] Let him go on. Let him go on. + +RAFAEL. + + And that afternoon I went with my father to the synagogue; I did not + pray, I could not speak. I only gazed at my father's face, waiting + to see it soften into some shade of doubt, of repentance, of + remorse. And the dead eyes faced up to the rafters where the sun + shone through--they faced up there with the same impassive + stare--the same holy calm, as when he stood with his foot on the + scales. Ah, when we walked home, how cold and pitiless the sky + looked down at me that winter day! We sat at our Sabbath table. He + complained that I was silent. He said prayers, he dipped the bread + in the salt. The lamplight shone on him, and I stared into his face, + and I saw nothing--nothing I had always thought I saw--and my heart + was ice; and he rose and stumbled over a stool and fell, and I + picked him up--and my heart was still ice. He was no longer blind to + me--he was nothing--nothing but a--ah no, no,--what's the + use--what's the use? + +SACHEL. + + [_Hoarsely._] Have I been different from the others? Aaron, Levy, + Isaac, would they not have done the same? Is there any one who would + not take advantage of my eyes? No; business is business. + +RAFAEL. + + Business,--Aaron, Levy, Isaac! God, how I have despised them all my + life! + +ESTHER. + + Oh, he would give overweight! + +RAFAEL. + + I will quarrel no more with you. When I am gone---- + +SACHEL. + + You are not going--you shall not go! [_Trembling._] I have nothing + in the world but you. Didn't I do it all for you? When I am dead the + money will be yours, and the blame sewed up in my shroud with me. + Can't you be content? + +RAFAEL. + + [_After looking at him for a moment, hopelessly._] It is getting late. + I am tired. Let us go to bed, and to-morrow let us part friends. + +ESTHER. + + You eat something. Then you'll feel differently. H'm! He go away! I + shall call up Rosa! + +RAFAEL. + + Thanks, no. I could not eat now. Has she not done enough this + sweltering day? + +ESTHER. + + Then I'm going to bed. No wonder, to be so irregular in your ways. You + were up last night. Couldn't you sleep? + +RAFAEL. + + I did not sleep until nearly morning. + + [_Exit ESTHER. SACHEL goes to try the shutters._ + + Well, good-night, father. You won't answer? Well, good-night! + [_Music begins in the house at the back._] [_Aside._] They are + playing my music. Give me time--I will show you what is in my soul! + +SACHEL. + + [_Aside._] The scales--that is not the only reason! + + _Enter ROSA, who does not see SACHEL. She starts to go to RAFAEL. + SACHEL hears her._ + + Rosa, why are you not in bed? [_ROSA stops motionless, mute, + frightened._] Is that Rosa? [_He is suspicious._ + + [_They do not answer. Exit SACHEL into the house, evidently with a + purpose._ + +ROSA. + + [_Rushing to RAFAEL._] Rafael! Rafael! Tell me the truth. Am I not + your wife? Don't you love me? Do you love some one else? Do you love + Aaron's daughter? They are planning to marry her to you. What does + it mean? [_He motions her to be silent._] Does it mean that you wish + it? No--no, it can't be that: you have said you were going away; but + you didn't tell them of me. Why? Why do you not tell them of + me?--soon enough you'll have to; and then--then you will have to + choose--choose between the rage of your father--between + disinheritance--poverty--the wrath of all the Ghetto, and me--only + me! Rafael, my life is in your hands. Love me--love me, Rafael! + Don't let me doubt you! [_He stops her mouth. Suddenly SACHEL opens + the window over the shop-door; he leans out, listens, hears nothing, + withdraws._] He's in my room--he's searching for me--he suspects + us--he has said so. He's coming down now; he's going to accuse us; + he's going to tell you to desert me--desert me or starve! Rafael, + what are you going to say? Rafael, what are you going to say? + + [_He stops her mouth again; they look in through the door. A + pause._ + + _Enter SACHEL._ + +SACHEL. + + She's not in the house! Rosa--where are you? + +ROSA. + + [_Whispering to RAFAEL._] Where? Where? + +RAFAEL. + + [_Quietly taking her in his arms._] Rosa is here, father. + +A WATCHMAN. + + [_Heard in the distance._] Ten o'clock, and all's well! Ten o'clock, + and all's well! + + [_SACHEL shakes his head._ + +END OF THE FIRST ACT. + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + SCENE: _A living room in the rear of SACHEL'S shop. A door at the + back opens into the street; at the left a staircase runs up over a + fireplace to a gallery which gives access to two rooms off the + stage._ + + _ROSA is discovered at the fireplace. ESTHER is at the dining-table, + which is set with the Sabbath-cloth. ESTHER crosses to a door at the + left._ + + +ESTHER. + + Sachel, your medicine! + + [_ROSA brings a jug of hot water to the table; ESTHER prepares some + medicine with the water._ + + _Enter SACHEL._ + +SACHEL. + + That girl--where is she? + +ESTHER. + + She's here. + +SACHEL. + + [_Aside._] That's what Rafael said last night. Rosa! Go and water + the flowers in my window and pick off the dead leaves, and be sure + you give plenty of time to it. [_Exit ROSA._ + +ESTHER. + + Well! Since when have you taken such an interest in flowers? + + [_She goes upstairs._ + +SACHEL. + + I want to talk; I've been awake all night. This girl keeps lying to + me. Last night she had the effrontery to tell me--[_with + calculation_]--she told me she was considered beautiful! + +ESTHER. + + [_Not interested._] Well, she is beautiful! + + [_Exit ESTHER._ + +SACHEL. + + H'm! [_He thinks deeply; rises._] Rosa! + + _Enter ROSA._ + + Last night you tried to make me think you were ugly;--you deceived + me. You are not a woman--you are a fiend come into my house--come in + out of the Christian world--to do what? What do you expect to do + here? Do you know you are in the heart of the Ghetto? What do you + expect to do in my house? + +ROSA. + + Nothing but what my God gives me the right to do! + +SACHEL. + + Your God? I tell you the wall your God built against us still shuts + Him away from here! You came into my house to divide it against + itself. You have been getting too near my son. Do you think I don't + know? You've been trying to turn him against his religion, you've + been trying to turn him against me! + +ROSA. + + If I have, then I have failed. Rafael loves you. + +SACHEL. + + You say so? I ask no better proof that he hates me! You came into my + house to accomplish this, you vampire! Could you not have fastened + on someone else than Rafael? Who sent you here to find him? Did + your Christian God send you here? + +ROSA. + + [_Thinking of RAFAEL._] Yes, yes, my God did send me here--[_checks + herself_]--or else I should have starved. + +SACHEL. + + Starve! Does a demon ever starve? Not while young men have hot + blood! Hah! It is well that I have found you out before this thing + has gone too far. Don't I know your damned tricks; _you_ wouldn't be + satisfied with a passing touch of his lips. You've got a brain--a + lying, scheming, devilish brain! You want his heart--you want his + soul! By God! [_He goes vigorously and opens the door, to the + street._] Do you know what I'm going to do? There's where we found + you--out there in the streets, without a friend, without a cent, and + your dead father---- + +ROSA. + + Sachel, my father helped your people! + +SACHEL. + + Now let the Jews help his daughter! You've lied to me always! Shall + I believe this story of your father? I believe he was a demon like + you! I believe he was sent out of hell to steal away men's souls, as + you were. You've found something to fight when you've come across + me! Shall I feel a snake in my bosom and not cast it out? [_He + points to the door._] You--[_He checks himself; a pause._] Shut the + door! Go on with your work! [_Exit ROSA._] No, no, no--it won't do + to _tear_ him away from her. She is beautiful;--we must marry him to + Rebecca. Rebecca is handsome, Rebecca is rich, Rebecca is minx + enough. We must marry him to Rebecca if we can. If not, to some one + else--any one else, as soon as we can. But we must handle him with + care. Ah! I had better get the Rabbi to talk to him; the Rabbi has + tact. And, for the present, we must let Rosa be. + + _Enter ESTHER. A knock on the door._ + + Aaron. Come in! + + _Enter AARON._ + +AARON. + + Good morning! + +SACHEL. + + Good morning! + +ESTHER. + + Good morning! + +AARON. + + I shouldn't have come, my friend, if I hadn't promised Esther. For + I've been thinking it over; and if there is any question of your son + marrying my daughter, I tell you I will give eight thousand guilders + and no more! + +SACHEL. + + All because I said "Good morning" to you. I have been considering + it. I am willing to talk with you. As you probably said in your + sleep last night, if you can get rid of your daughter without paying + more than ten thousand guilders, you'll be pretty well satisfied. + +AARON. + + Eh--what? + +SACHEL. + + Come on, it's time to start to the synagogue; we'll have a talk on the + way. + +AARON. + + But, my dear sir, eight thousand---- + +SACHEL. + + No; as you said in your sleep--ten thousand! + + [_Exeunt all._ + + _Enter SAMSON, cautiously._ + +SAMSON. + + Rosa! Rosa! [_Aside._] A little show of modesty! Rosa! Nevertheless + she is listening at the other side of that door; she thinks I will + betray myself in some soliloquy. H'm! [_Loudly._] Ah--she's not + here; how the blood rushed to my heart, like the sea beating against + a rock, when I thought I should have two golden moments alone with + her! [_He stands on lowest cupboard shelf to be near her door, which + is upstairs._] But she's gone!--gone forth to air her beauty. Such + beauty! Such a face, such a form! Night after night she floats in my + dreams--[_he steps up one shelf nearer_]--for I love her so that I + have not slept a wink for weeks. + + _Enter DANIEL, unobserved by SAMSON._ + + And if she were here I would tell her so! I could gratify her + tastes! For once her love is mine. [_He draws a bunch of keys from + his pocket._] She shall hear such music as this from morn till + night---- + + [_He jingles the keys._ + + _Enter ROSA._ + + One--two--three--four--five--five gold pieces! Did I come abroad + with only five? H'm! There are plenty more like these indoors--yes, + in doors! And here I stand perishing with my ardour. Nay, I feel + faint---- + + [_DANIEL bursts into loud laughter._ + +ROSA. + + [_To SAMSON._] You miserable cur! [_SAMSON descends sheepishly._] If + I were of your faith--if I were not a servitor, without a father, + without a brother, you would not dare! [_DANIEL laughs._] And + you--if you were a little better than he, you would have struck him! + What do you want here? Go! + +DANIEL. + + Look here, my girl, you need not be so virtuous when you talk to us! + We live next to you--our windows overlook yours--eh, Samson? + +SAMSON. + + Don't you be unpleasant to this lady! + +ROSA. + + [_To DANIEL._] What do you mean? + +DANIEL. + + Lady! What do we mean? What's the difference? Rafael is a friend of + ours. We are most liberal--most charitable, eh, Samson? + +ROSA. + + Rafael? Why do you speak of Rafael? What do you mean? + +SAMSON. + + Now you needn't bring Rafael into it, Daniel. I don't want any--any + misapprehension with Rafael. + +ROSA. + + You shall have an understanding with him, you cowards--you vulgar + beasts! I shall tell him! + +DANIEL. + + He'll tell you to hold your tongue. Are you his wife? No; you're a + Christian servant in his father's house; we know all about that, and + you'd better learn to take a joke. + +SAMSON. + + It was only a joke, you know--only a joke--(_with a forced laugh._) + [_ROSA'S anger increases._] Now don't you tell Rafael that I was + trying to get in his way! + +ROSA. + + What do you mean? Get in his way? He would flick you over his shoulder + into the canal. I shall tell him! + +SAMSON. + + Don't--don't bring Rafael into it! Hasn't he enough on his mind + already? + +ROSA. + + Would anything so slight as you increase his burden? You cowards! You + both fear him! You _may_ fear him! + + _Enter RAFAEL._ + +RAFAEL. + + Hallo! News! news! I've seen Hanakoff--and Hanakoff + says--Hanakoff--what's the matter? What is the matter? Which of you + was it? Rosa, what did they do? + +ROSA. + + [_Pointing to SAMSON._] Let him speak. + +SAMSON. + + Why--why, she can't take a joke--that's all. + +RAFAEL. + + Oh, a joke. What was the joke? What was the joke? + +DANIEL. + + Oh, everything is a joke. Don't we live across the street? Can two + people help putting their heads together once in a while? Well, of + course, if you--if she--if we--why, of course---- + +RAFAEL. + + What did they say? + +ROSA. + + They said--they insinuated that--that---- + +RAFAEL. + + I know what they said. You--I--[_He takes hold of them both._] Two + people can't help putting their heads together! If you will meet me + in some seclusion, my two good friends, I'll show you how two heads + can be so put together that two people shall see stars enough to + read their horoscopes. You shall read in those stars the name of + Rosa--Rosa who, God search my soul, is purer than the snows on the + crest of the Jungfrau. Quite properly--[_as he causes them to bend + low_]--quite properly, they bend in homage, Rosa! And Daniel here, + Daniel whom the starving lions would not taste--the story never + seemed to me so true as now--he says that what he said he did not + say, and can't remember what it was, and is most sorry that he said + it--and see--[_forces them_]--bends low. I thank you for your + courtesy. And Samson, he that slew the thousands with the jawbone + of an ass--which is his jawbone to this day--he's swallowing those + words he spoke, so eagerly that he chokes! Ha, ha! my ardent + friends! [_He turns them about ironically._] And must you go? Ah, + well! [_He pushes them towards the door._] If you insist--if you + insist--Good-bye! Good-bye! [_He throws them violently out._] [_Then + to ROSA._] I have seen Hanakoff; he is going to play my music + to-night; and if--Rosa--[_ROSA bursts into tears._] Rosa! + +ROSA. + + Go away from me! + +RAFAEL. + + But why, Rosa---- + +ROSA. + + Let me be! You shall never touch me again! I hate you--I loathe + you--all of you! + +RAFAEL. + + But have I not disposed of them! Is there anything else? My darling! + +ROSA. + + No, never again; never shall you lay your hand on me! I know what + lies before me now. I am your wife and you will not proclaim me. I + am your wife and they insult me, and you bundle them off without a + word such as I wanted, as if I were your mistress, who must not be + vexed! I know now; last night you soothed me over--you took me in + your arms before him; but he is blind--he did not understand--he + only suspected something foul; and so it will grow, until his + suspicion makes an open accusation; and then you will stand + revealed--you will shrink away from me--you will cry, "I have sinned + in the sight of the synagogue," and I shall be cast out of doors--a + broken plaything, a husk of yesterday! + +RAFAEL. + + Rosa! Rosa! Are you not my wife? + +ROSA. + + Your wife--here in the Ghetto--here among your people? No, to them I + am a Christian--to them I cannot be your wife--to them I am a + sacrilege--an insult in their teeth! Oh! as one who enters hell I + entered here--a steaming hell of avarice; not life--but a sickly + poisoned dream of gain, gain--always gain. I thought I saw a bright + light shining in this horrid place. I flew to you--I gave you my + soul--to find myself--ugh!--only---- + +RAFAEL. + + Horror! that you should even think such things! + +ROSA. + + Think such things! You say you love me with all your heart--with all + your soul. How great is your soul that dares not the anger of a + father who is wrong?--a soul that fears poverty, disinheritance, the + hatred of the Ghetto? You fear that you would be cast off, that you + would suffer want and ridicule, that your father would never feed + you and clothe you again; and when that fear comes into your heart + what room is left for me? Love! Ugh! Ugh! What is _your_ love! The + love of the way that is easiest, the love of the son of honest + Sachel--the love of a Jew! + +RAFAEL. + + [_Slowly, sorrowfully._] And now _you_ say "Jew!" "Jew!" as they say + it in the streets, among the mob, when I go beyond the Ghetto. It + sounds strange from lips that I thought loved me; it sounds strange + from the daughter of your father! Such a man he was! When you and I + had our first long talks together, and you told me of the noble + deeds your father had done in behalf of the Jews, I couldn't help + loving you for his sake; and now you call me Jew! I _am_ a Jew. + Never forget that I am a Jew. I have married you; and when it is + known I shall have no standing among Jews. The orthodox will avoid + me as a pariah, and the mob of Jews will howl at me when I go into + the street. And I shall still be a Jew--proud of my race, proud of + its fortitude, of the great triumph which shall come to us Jews when + we have shaken off the material shell which hides our spirits, and + makes us no better and no worse than the Christians! No, no! You are + angry--you don't care what you say! You are angry--and you sneer at + my father. What do you know against my father's honesty? + +ROSA. + + He is the father of a man who has married me and dares not proclaim + me. + +RAFAEL. + + Dares not! Dares not! Ah, you little know me if you think that! + Rosa, Rosa! Look here! My dear little girl, you are all wrong. We + have agreed on this point. It was yourself who said that we must not + tell of our marriage yet. [_ROSA sinks into a chair._] You said that + I must give my time to my music, until I had made a name--until + we could go forth on our own footing--not cast out of that + door--without a cent between us, to be reviled and hustled by the + mob. And I thought of my father--of his old age--of his pain. If he + _is_ wrong--if he _is_ what he should not be, he's still my + father---- + +ROSA. + + He called me a demon just now! He opened the door and was about to + bid me go from here. He said my father came out of hell. He called + me a vampire--he called me a snake---- + +RAFAEL. + + Oh--! Oh--! Rosa, poor little Rosa! + +ROSA. + + [_Weeping._] I only want you to love me. I want to know it--to know + that they cannot, shall not take you from me! Tell me so, Rafael; + burn it into my heart, Rafael! + +RAFAEL. + + Yes, it must be burned into your heart, dear. Before to-night it + shall be. I love you! I dare anything for the sake of my love for + you! + +ROSA. + + Rafael! + + [_Knock at the door. She rushes upstairs._ + + Rafael! But your father--[_knock_]--you mustn't tell him! + +RAFAEL. + + Hush! [_Exit ROSA. RAFAEL goes to the window; sees REBECCA._] + Rebecca! She knows that the old people will be at the synagogue at + this hour. What does she want here? A true daughter of her father, + and yet she has many virtues, I suppose! I wish she would take her + virtues and go home! I want to get at my music. + + _Enter REBECCA._ + + Oh, some friend of Rosa, I suppose? + +REBECCA. + + What--don't you know me? I am Rebecca--I used to know you once. + +RAFAEL. + + Oh, Rebecca--Abram's daughter, of course. Won't you----? + + [_Points to a chair._ + +REBECCA. + + Not Abram's daughter, Rafael; Aaron's daughter. My father was here + only yesterday. + +RAFAEL. + + Oh, Aaron's daughter! Oh yes! Aaron was here only yesterday! + +REBECCA. + + Yes. + +RAFAEL. + + And now you are here. + +REBECCA. + + Yes. He came to sell some wool. + +RAFAEL. + + Some wool? I thought it was a lamb he came to sell. Ah well! [_Motions + to chair._] Let us proceed to business. + +REBECCA. + + But I did not come on business. + +RAFAEL. + + We are quite alone. + +REBECCA. + + From what your friends Samson and Daniel have just told me, I should + think not. + + [_She examines the room._ + +RAFAEL. + + How do you like it? + +REBECCA. + + [_Laughs._] Father said I ought to come and see Esther. + +RAFAEL. + + Oh, so your father--a thoughtful man; your father, a man of tact, + admirable tact! + +REBECCA. + + You say such strange things! + + [_A pause. She begins to struggle with a ring on her finger._ + +RAFAEL. + + [_Yawning._] Admirable tact! + +REBECCA. + + This ring--it's so tight--it hurts my finger so! I took it from + Isaac's son one time--when we played that our fathers had engaged us + to marry. I don't suppose it was quite proper of me, was it, Rafael? + It was years ago--but--but--[_pulls_]--it doesn't come easily! [_She + stretches out her hand to him._] Don't you want to clear it away, + Rafael? + +RAFAEL. + + [_Goes to the cupboard._] Just a moment. + +REBECCA. + + [_With her hand still out._] Everybody out, Rafael? + +RAFAEL. + + [_Bringing a plate._] There's not a Jew in the house. + + [_He removes the ring easily, and gives it to her on the plate._ + +REBECCA. + + [_Vexed._] Your servant--that Christian person--I suppose she's + listening at that door? + +RAFAEL. + + [_He sits on the table._] You might go up and see. + +REBECCA. + + [_After hesitating, she runs up the stairs and opens the door._] Oh! I + don't believe there is any one in the house but us! I'm afraid to come + down! + +RAFAEL. + + You needn't be! + +REBECCA. + + You mustn't come up! + +RAFAEL. + + They'll be home soon. Let us proceed to business. + +REBECCA. + + [_Archly coming down one step._] Do you call it business? + +RAFAEL. + + I can't say I do. I weigh 12 stone, Rebecca, and your father won't + give but 8000 guilders. That's--that's 666 guilders a stone; 14 into + 666, that's only 45 guilders a pound! And---- + +REBECCA. + + No, it's over 47-1/2 guilders a pound. + +RAFAEL. + + I am sure you are right--only 47-1/2 guilders a pound he'll give for + me. No, I can't say I call that business. + +REBECCA. + + [_Coming down a step._] You don't seem to have much sentiment about + it, Rafael. + +RAFAEL. + + Ah, if it were only a matter of sentiment! [_She comes down two + steps._] But sentiment after business, Rebecca, after business. I + am 40 inches round the chest, Rebecca; and if my heart should swell + I should be doubtless 45. But at eight thousand guilders, Rebecca, + it doesn't swell! + +REBECCA. + + But I--I don't like to talk this way, Rafael; it doesn't seem to me + quite--quite nice. + +RAFAEL. + + That is your delicacy, Rebecca, your extreme delicacy. But we must not + mix delicacy with business, Rebecca. He sticks at eight thousand, and + not a thing, I suppose, in the way of dresses, finery, rigging----? + +REBECCA. + + It's really most unpleasant to have to talk of such things. Of + course I shall have a dozen of everything; father has told me + so--when I am--when I--I can't say it! I really can't speak of it. + +RAFAEL. + + That's your shrinking nature, Rebecca, your extreme sensitiveness! + H'm! How should a man's heart know which way to beat? On the one + side the daughter, with her delicacy, her shrinking nature; on the + other side the father, who sticks at eight thousand guilders! No; + at eight thousand I will not love you. It would not be dignified at + eight thousand! + +REBECCA. + + [_Coming down the remaining steps._] But you don't suppose that if + my father were willing to give, say, ten thousand, he would begin at + more than eight thousand; not with _your_ father--now would he, + Rafael? But I think that nowadays, when young people are to be--when + they intend--they ought to have some sentiment for each other. + +RAFAEL. + + H'm! + +REBECCA. + + And, moreover, I think that young men should be more careful as to + how they let themselves be talked about--more careful than you are. + They call you an infidel, Rafael, and they say disagreeable things + about you and this impertinent servant of yours. + +RAFAEL. + + They do! [_A pause._] Of course, if we were to contemplate + matrimony--you and I--such a matter would be very serious. + +REBECCA. + + It certainly would. + +RAFAEL. + + And so it's very fortunate, Rebecca, that we have been talking in a + kind of irony--you and I--over a matter which was never even + remotely possible! Isn't it? + +REBECCA. + + [_After a pause._] Yes, _very_ fortunate. It would have been most + unfortunate for you if you had ever entertained the idea. If your + father or mine entertain it, we must speedily end that. Go on with + your scullerymaid; it's nothing to me. + +RAFAEL. + + No, it's nothing to you, Rebecca! You and I don't want to marry, and + they are trying to chain us together against our wills! We must + fight them, Rebecca! We must put our backs against the wall! Your + father will whisper avarice to you. He'll bid you look around. "This + is thy neighbour's house," he'll say. "It will all be Rafael's; + see--see--treasure, value, gain; see the jewels there, the gold and + silver, the rich laces and old articles of art--all his, my + girl--and his father will die soon! He'll die of joy if he gets + eight thousand guilders with his daughter-in-law. And then it will + be all yours--yours and Rafael's; yours to hug and wrap your soul + around, my girl; all--all, from the last atom of diamond dust in + the cases there, to the rust on the nail in the latch on the door + that keeps away the moans of the starving!" + +REBECCA. + + But do you think----? + +RAFAEL. + + But you won't be betrayed by an old man's lust for gold. No! You'll + say: "Father, I have a heart; I will not give myself to one I do not + love, to soothe your itching palm!" You'll look well saying that, + Rebecca! You'll stand and face him in the dignity of truth! You'll + be defending the next generation against the crawling viper of + greed! I'd like to be there! I'd like to see the flash in your eyes; + even now you cannot think of it without fire in your look! I see the + anger of righteousness; I cannot too deeply express my respect, + Rebecca! + +REBECCA. + + Do you think I don't know what you mean? You think I want to marry + you--to get you away from this vile creature--this unthinkable + person who---- + + _Enter ROSA._ + +RAFAEL. + + Will you be so good as to say no more about Rosa! If a man--[_He + checks himself._] Let me tell you what she is to me---- + +ROSA. + + Rafael, Rafael! + +REBECCA. + + Oh! She calls you Rafael! She was listening all the time! What they + say is true: you thrust your shameful doings in my face! I shall + tell my father--I shall tell everyone; they will stone you from the + Ghetto! You tried to make a fool of me; and you--you---- + + [_She bursts into tears. Exit._ + +RAFAEL. + + And now I'm going to break my poor old father's heart. I am going to + tell him that you and I were married by the Civil Authority beyond + the Ghetto, that we are one and indivisible. Poor old man! I am not + without love for my father, you know. He will think that I am lost + for ever; he will turn me away from his door with a curse on his + lips; and then, when we are gone, he'll sink down in his chair and + weep; a broken life, an old age come to nothing! And he may die at + any moment--it may kill him--and he _might_ have died and never have + known it. + +ROSA. + + Rafael, I can't be the cause of his death! Don't tell him, Rafael! I + will try to live on--as we are. + +RAFAEL. + + Live on as we are, with this doubt in your heart? You have said I + dared not face poverty for your sake. Such a doubt must be killed at + any cost. I won't have it coming back to you to mar your faith in me + in after years. No; there's no question of my not telling him; + there's only the question of how to tell him. + +ROSA. + + Rafael, I would rather you wouldn't! I have been selfish; I forgot + about your father; I forgot about your music. + +RAFAEL. + + My father will probably speak first of Rebecca. I shall say: "No, + father, I will marry no woman I do not love." Then that will be + settled; my father will let the matter drop. Then I shall tell him + about you. Either he will be violent or he will ask me a few + questions between his teeth, such as: "How much money have you?" + +ROSA. + + Nothing! + +RAFAEL. + + Or, "What vocation are you master of?" + +ROSA. + + The music--if he could only hear----! + +RAFAEL. + + My father is as deaf to my art as he is blind. "Are you master of an + art, when it will not yield you bread?" he will say. + +ROSA. + + But it will yield you bread, if you will but wait, Rafael! + +RAFAEL. + + I was very happy when I came through that door. I saw Hanakoff this + morning. He is going to play my Fantasia to-night, Rosa, before the + aristocracy; he is going to let me lead his orchestra! And in a + month he would have played my Symphony! + +ROSA. + + Would have! Why not, then? + +RAFAEL. + + Why not? It won't be possible, Rosa. + +ROSA. + + It must be possible! Why not? Why not? + +RAFAEL. + + Well, because the Symphony isn't finished, and in the time when I + thought to finish it I shall be working with my hands to keep us + from starving--if a man can keep from starving by working with his + hands! + +ROSA. + + Rafael, you shall not tell your father! You shall not sacrifice your + career to me. I wounded you too deeply. I didn't mean what I said--I + didn't realise what I was doing. See, dear, we must wait for the + Symphony. You must go on with your work--you must have peace--you + must know that I love you--that I cannot doubt you! Don't you feel + that the music will succeed? + +RAFAEL. + + It must succeed! It's beautiful. My God, I know it's beautiful! + Because it is you, Rosa, shining through my art, lifting up my + spirit till I can't call the work mine. It comes from you and from + God! + +ROSA. + + Then, against my will, will you put me between God and the message + he sends to the world through you? No! + +RAFAEL. + + I must accept the challenge you have made. I am a musician; but I'm + a man first! + +ROSA. + + But--but I---- [_She weeps._ + +RAFAEL. + + Don't--don't! And this is the day I had looked forward to for so + many weary months; my music has found a great man who believes in + it, and on that day my spirit is sunken within me; I am waiting to + give my father a blow that may kill him, and the woman I love so + tenderly is sobbing her foolish little heart out on my knee! + +ROSA. + + [_Springing up._] Not now! I have stopped sobbing--the tears have + cleared my eyes--I see better than you! I will not have you magnify + the doubt I threw into my angry words. There was no doubt; I spoke + falsely. Have I not given you my life? I should not dare to doubt + you! There are things that must not, shall not be done. We are going + to pass through a fire of hatred, scorn, ridicule. We _must_ have + success, we _must_ triumph, and we must protect your father from + harm. Go! Tell your father you cannot marry Rebecca; tell him he + must not think of that. Lead him home, speak kind words to him, but + don't tell him of me. And then go to work on your Symphony. You say + I inspired it. You touch my vanity. I want to inspire it to the end! + Don't mind me, don't think of me. Work, work, and only let me once + in a while come softly, silently, and---- + + [_She kisses his hand._ + +RAFAEL. + + Rosa! Rosa! How you tempt me! I want to do what is right. I can't + tell which it is, but the child of my soul is coming forth into the + world, and your kiss is so like a mother's kiss--it seems to bid me + be gentle to my child--not to kill it before it is born. Oh, how I + love my music--love it because it lets me express my love for you! I + say the world shall never forget how I loved you when my music goes + down to history! Rosa, Rosa, can you wait--can you trust me? + +ROSA. + + [_Joyfully._] You are going to grant my prayer--you're going to + wait--wait! I'm so glad--I'm so glad! + +RAFAEL. + + Unless they force me to it, I'll wait. I must go and find my father; + it's late already. And then to the Symphony! Ah, you--you are my + Symphony--it cannot fail! We must have success--and then let the + Ghetto do what it can! I ought to be back in an hour. Will you steal + a moment to let me tell you how things stand? + +ROSA. + + Yes! yes! Good-bye! good-bye! Remember, there is no Rosa--she does + not exist! + + [_RAFAEL shakes his head laughingly; kisses her. Exit. She stands + smiling and happy._ + +A VOICE WITHOUT. + + That was the man; he's going to marry a Christian! + +ROSA. + + Oh! + +ANOTHER VOICE. + + He's going to marry the Christian servant in his father's house! + +VARIOUS VOICES. + + Oh! Shame! shame! [_ROSA runs to the window._] Oh! Oh! + +THE SECOND VOICE. + + It's a sacrilege! He's an infidel! + +THE THIRD VOICE. + + He's a dog! [_Mingled cries of "Yes, yes!"_ + +ROSA. + + What will they do? That girl! that girl! she has told them! + +THE FIRST VOICE. + + Shall he do this in our teeth and not suffer? + +VARIOUS VOICES. + + No, no! + +ROSA. + + Ah! they'll stone him! Ah! O God, it might be the last time he ever + touched my lips! + +A WOMAN'S VOICE. + + Stone him! Stone him! He mocks our God! + +ROSA. + + Ah, Rafael! What shall I do? + +VARIOUS VOICES. + + He does! He's a dog! He insults us all! Out of the Ghetto with him! + Come on! + + [_A number of rough men and women charge along the street, and are + seen through the window, repeating their cries, which then begin + to diminish in the distance._ + +ROSA. + + It has come! He's alone--he'll face them--he will not yield an inch! + [_A rising yell of the mob is heard._] Rafael! No, he shall not be + alone! No! No! + + [_She opens the door. A yell from the mob farther in the distance; + she locks the door and runs off past the window. A still more + distant yell from the mob dying away._ + +END OF THE SECOND ACT. + + + + +THE THIRD ACT + + SCENE: _A street. At the right the entrance to the synagogue, with + steps and a portico. At the left the house of AARON, before which + are some chairs, in the shade of an awning. Some trees and shrubs + give a grateful contrast to the surroundings of SACHEL'S house, seen + in ACT I._ + + _The final chant of a Jewish service is heard within the synagogue. + Enter REBECCA, flushed from her interview with RAFAEL, as the chant + ends, and among others, AARON comes out of the synagogue._ + + +AARON. + + Ah, you've come back! Did you find Esther at home? + +REBECCA. + + No; you knew she would not be at home! + +AARON. + + Eh! After you had gone, my dear, there I saw her, going into the + synagogue. + + _Enter ROSA; she looks about anxiously._ + + Well, how did you--how did you get on? + +REBECCA. + + [_Angrily, seeing ROSA._] I---- + +AARON. + + [_Seeing ROSA._] 'Sh! It's all arranged, my girl! You wanted him; now + you have him. Are you happy? + +REBECCA. + + [_Her eyes on ROSA, with growing malevolence._] Yes. + +AARON. + + Go in. Rafael is coming here, and the Rabbi--a quiet talk. Make + yourself look well; the boy's a little high-strung, you know. + By-and-by we will go out by the shop door; we will come round this + way and join them. We must use tact. Will you come in? + +REBECCA. + + [_Still facing ROSA._] In a moment. [_Exit AARON._ + +ROSA. + + [_Overcoming a reluctance._] Have you seen Rafael? + +REBECCA. + + He's not here. [_Malignantly._] He went home again. + +ROSA. + + Do you speak the truth? + +REBECCA. + + If I spoke all the truth I know you would not stay to hear it! + +ROSA. + + All the truth you know would not take long to tell! [_Exit._ + +REBECCA. + + She hates me! She shall hate me more! + + [_Exit into the house._ + + _Enter SACHEL and ESTHER from the synagogue; she looks about._ + +SACHEL. + + You do not see him? + +ESTHER. + + Not yet. + +SACHEL. + + He won't come; he suspects that the Rabbi will try to influence him. + + _Enter SAMSON and DANIEL._ + +ESTHER. + + He said he would walk home with us. Good afternoon, have you seen + Rafael? + +DANIEL. + + Good afternoon. [_To SAMSON._] _Have_ we seen Rafael! + +SAMSON. + + Is he looking for us? + +SACHEL. + + He might be; he does not care what vagabond he goes with. + +DANIEL. + + It is true! For I hear he is about to turn Christian and marry his + father's maid-servant! + +SAMSON. + + And any one who dislikes it is to be thrown out of the house--even if + it be his father! Daniel, shall we stay to meet such a person? + +DANIEL. + + I scorn the interview! [_Exeunt._ + +SACHEL. + + You are rascals and liars! [_To ESTHER._] They speak the truth! It + is Rosa who has turned my son against me! + +ESTHER. + + Oh, be still! Here comes the Rabbi! + + _Enter THE RABBI, with a father, a mother, and their son, who seems + subdued, as if after an exhortation by THE RABBI. THE RABBI + dismisses them blandly._ + +THE RABBI. + + That boy came as stubborn as a donkey, but a little touch of + sympathy, enough concession to soothe his pride, a little tact + withal, and he departs as meek as a lamb. + +SACHEL. + + But Rafael is my son, and you cannot twist him about your finger. He + has no heart; he treats me like a dog. They say he is foul of my + maid-servant. If it's true---- + +THE RABBI. + + 'Sh! 'sh! Scandalous! Are you every gossip's plaything? Come! + Violence, violence--we shall do nothing with violence. Rafael is + young, short-sighted and stubborn; but he's a good fellow at heart. + We must handle him delicately, like a big trout. You leave him to + me, and he will stay at home and marry Aaron's daughter, willingly. + + [_They sit in front of AARON'S house._ + +ESTHER. + + Now what did I tell you, you silly old man! + +THE RABBI. + + Silly old man! Not at all. An affectionate father, deeply troubled + about his only child--sorely vexed because too many things have gone + wrong at once! Would you have him sit still and not open his month? + Oh no, Sachel is not the man to let things take care of themselves! + +SACHEL. + + It is true! What does she know about the feelings of a parent? Ah, I + would mould things now, Rabbi, but times have changed. Once, as it + is written in the Books of Moses, a son must obey his father, or he + would be stoned to the gates of the city! That was right! + +THE RABBI. + + It was right then; but, as you so very rightly observe, Sachel, + times have changed; and when one throws stones now, one must pay for + the windows. So, instead of stoning Rafael, we shall marry him to + Rebecca; and in time you shall be the grandfather of a boy; a boy, I + say! Ha, ha, ha! You don't laugh enough, Sachel! + +SACHEL. + + I cannot laugh! I tell you there is a serpent in my house. This + girl--this Rosa, I could swear that she---- + +THE RABBI. + + Shame! shame! I won't hear about it! It was for you that I was + preaching, but you do not listen when you come to synagogue. Of + course, you were thinking about Rafael. You leave him to me. He + shall marry Rebecca, do you hear? In such matters as this you are a + child! + +SACHEL. + + He shall do my bidding, or he shall go in rags! 'Sh! + + [_They all listen. Enter RAFAEL, with his hand bound up carelessly + in a handkerchief._ + +THE RABBI. + + Why, it's Rafael! What an unexpected pleasure! + +RAFAEL. + + It _is_ a long time since I have seen you. + +SACHEL. + + Daniel and Samson are liars! But if it were true, I would---- + +THE RABBI. + + Tut, tut! What's the matter? Mumbling about business matters on the + Sabbath! Well, well, how you've shot up since--since---- + +RAFAEL. + + Since last I came to the synagogue I have had time to grow. + +THE RABBI. + + I pass that over. I don't look upon you as gone astray. You are + seeking for the light, and when you find it, whether you think so + now or not, you will find it there! [_Indicating the synagogue._] + Just as when you find happiness you will find it here. + +RAFAEL. + + In the house of Aaron? + +THE RABBI. + + With your father, and at home, under the roof where your mother + lived. Ah! what a fine career is open to you in following out your + father's business! It isn't every boy who has such opportunities! + +RAFAEL. + + Business! You in your synagogue--you ought to be the enemy of + business. You ought to preach it to our people without end that + their life of morning, noon, and night, and not a breath drawn but + for sake of gain, is a sickly mockery of life, and that it is + against the law of Moses! + +THE RABBI. + + Another prophet! Business, gain, contrary to the laws of Moses! Go + on, my boy! Let us have the sermon you would preach! Ha, ha! Go on! + Now I shall learn something. + +RAFAEL. + + Have I not read in the Book of Moses how the people divided the + soil, and there was no one who had more than another; and there was + no grinding of the poor, and there was never any selling of lands: + "For mine is the soil, and you are but strangers unto Me!" And + among them was not business despised? How did Jacob speak of + Issachar? + +THE RABBI. + + Bravo! "A strong ass," eh? Ha, ha, ha! You've been deep in the + Pentateuch. Where will you find such inspirations in any other + Sacred Book? But you should read them under guidance, you foolish + boy! + +RAFAEL. + + Under guidance! There is a guidance born in me that takes me where I + am, and I do not fear! It is a guidance that lives to-day; it is not + a guidance dug from the bones of a dead people of the dim past! I + know. You are going to say that Solomon did business, that David did + business. I don't care if they did! And you tell me that I skim the + surface, that I miss the spirit of the Jewish faith; and I tell you + that it is this spirit that my soul revolts against--the spirit that + holds our people in chains--the chains of the Ghetto! + +THE RABBI. + + Ghetto! There is no Ghetto! We do not live in Ghettos now, my boy! + Preposterous! + +RAFAEL. + + And now _you_ are skimming the surface, and _you_ will not see the + truth that underlies! You say there is no Ghetto! Could I ever play + with any but another Jew when I was a child? Could I ever eat with a + Christian? Was I ever taught by any but a Jew? No, you have taught + me to despise the Christians! + +THE RABBI. + + They persecuted us for ages; they have not taught us to admire them. + +RAFAEL. + + They have ceased to persecute us, they have taken down the stones of + the Ghetto walls, but still we are taught to despise them; still we + try to think ourselves the chosen people. We set ourselves as a race + against them and the universal brotherhood of man. This is the proof + of it: _our women we marry, theirs we pay!_ + +THE RABBI. + + That is not true; it's a shameful calumny! + +RAFAEL. + + I can pick you ten young men to prove it--out of those that heard + you preach to-day! + +THE RABBI. + + How dare you say such a thing! Are you a Jew no longer? Am I + speaking to a Christian? + +RAFAEL. + + You are speaking to a Jew who claims to-day and to-morrow as his + own--not yesterday! A Jew who believes that it shall not be asked if + a man worship in a synagogue or in a cathedral, in a chapel or in a + mosque, or in silence and solitude under God's own dome! And the + falsehood you have brought me up by; our hatred and our bigotry + which keeps us away from them, our cursed earthiness which keeps + them away from us--I loathe it all--I hate it--I will fight it as + long as I live! I am a Jew--a Jew of to-day and to-morrow; and every + man whom God created in his image is my brother! + +THE RABBI. + + The boy's gone daft! Daft! + +SACHEL. + + No, not that; he's been poisoned--poisoned by this damned creature in + my house! She's his---- + +THE RABBI. + + Be still! I lost my self-control--set me a better example. I--I--it + is many years--indeed, I may say I have never listened to such a + tirade! Let me tell you, you will live to regret what you have said + here in the very shadow of the synagogue. I will not treat it + seriously; I cannot! That you--a mere boy who has gobbled a bit here + and a bit there from the Book of Law, should have the monstrous + effrontery to--to---- + +RAFAEL. + + Father, are you ready to walk home now? + +SACHEL. + + I--I am not rested yet. [_He pokes THE RABBI._ + +RAFAEL. + + From the sermon? + + _Enter two rough fellows, supporting another, who has a swollen eye; + they stand at a distance, with sinister looks at RAFAEL._ + +SACHEL. + + Ha, ha! [_Pokes THE RABBI._] You don't laugh enough! + +THE RABBI. + + As I was about to say, when I was interrupted, you have said that + Rafael wants to go away. Then let him go! When he comes back he'll + have a different view of his people. Do you fear he won't come back; + not come back to his home--to his blind old father? You are foolish, + Sachel! Drive him away, and he'll find that there is no home in the + world like a Jewish home--that a clock ticks nowhere in the world as + it does by one's own hearth. Ah, the Christians don't know what + family life is; they have nothing to compare with ours. It is + because we stay by one another, because we are sober and temperate + and industrious and respectful of our elders! + + [_RAFAEL goes up, faces the three men at the back; they slink off. + He returns, showing a new determination in his face._ + +SACHEL. + + He ought to marry; then he would appreciate that. + +THE RABBI. + + Marry? Who spoke of marrying? He doesn't want to marry yet; I + wouldn't have him marry yet. Don't try to hurry Rafael; he's not the + fellow to stand it. My dear friends, when the time comes, and a + strong, fine-looking young fellow makes up his mind that---- + +RAFAEL. + + It is a good idea. I have been thinking of marriage all day. + +SACHEL. + + Eh, you have? Now what sort of thoughts did you have? I suppose you + thought I would object, eh? + +ESTHER. + + But he doesn't know any girls. He never looks at them! + +RAFAEL. + + I know one. + +ESTHER. + + Indeed! And whom, pray? + +RAFAEL. + + Aaron's daughter--Rebecca. Do you know her? + + [_SACHEL nudges THE RABBI._ + +ESTHER. + + This is where she lives; and she came to see us yesterday, with her + father. + +RAFAEL. + + Indeed! What did he come for? + +ESTHER. + + To sell some wool! She's a fine girl, I should say. + +RAFAEL. + + A delicate person--a retiring person--a shrinking person! + +ESTHER. + + Oh, not too much so. + +RAFAEL. + + [_As if disappointed._] Then you think she is not so sensitive a + creature? + +ESTHER. + + Well, I should say she _was_ perhaps rather sensitive. + +THE RABBI. + + Shrinking, I should say. + +SACHEL. + + Shrinking; she is shrinking, I should say! [_A pause._ + +ESTHER. + + Well---- + +THE RABBI. + + And---- + +SACHEL. + + And did----? + +RAFAEL. + + Eh? Rain--rain? Oh no! + +THE RABBI. + + Speaking of Rebecca reminds me, and I will tell you an anecdote---- + +RAFAEL. + + Curious coincidence that, just as my mind was full of thoughts of love + and matrimony, in should burst this same Rebecca! + +SACHEL. + + Eh? eh? [_He nudges THE RABBI._ + +THE RABBI. + + Curious? Not at all! Beauty, health, cleverness--the idea is in the + air, wherever she goes. If I were a young man--but such matters are + not for my concern until they are brought to the synagogue--I + should---- + + [_REBECCA appears at the window of AARON'S house._ + +RAFAEL. + + True, Rabbi, true! And you do wisely not to meddle with them. Do you + know there was a faint suggestion in the air--like the subtle odour + of some tender flower--that possibly Rebecca would not be averse to + marrying me! + +SACHEL. + + Well, well, well! Hee, hee! [_He nudges THE RABBI._ + +ESTHER. + + Dear me; love at first sight! + +RAFAEL. + + Not at first sight; we have had previous interviews---- + +SACHEL. + + Eh? eh? The rascal! + +RAFAEL. + + ----about fourteen years ago. And now we have met again, and I + thought she would be willing to marry me, but being so shrinking a + creature, like--what shall I say--like a snail withdrawing into its + shell---- [_REBECCA draws back in pain._ + +ESTHER. + + [_Mildly deprecating._] Oh! + +RAFAEL. + + She would not say so in as many words. + + [_REBECCA looks out again._ + +ESTHER. + + I am sorry for the poor girl; for, if the truth be told--But, there, + you are not serious about anything! + +SACHEL. + + Why do you say "poor girl" when she would bring---- + +THE RABBI. + + But Rafael doesn't look to dowries; he has a romantic turn. The fact + that she would bring five or six thousand guilders---- + +SACHEL. + + Ten thousand guilders! + +RAFAEL. + + Ten thousand guilders! [_In irony._] H'm! But--Oh, well, I'm not a + very keen observer, Rabbi; it is probable that Rebecca never---- + +THE RABBI. + + On the contrary. For, speaking of that very matter, which, of course, + is no affair of mine, she---- + +RAFAEL. + + Quite true, quite true! What did you say, aunt? + +ESTHER. + + Eh? Oh, I was going to say that she begged your photograph of me + yesterday, and when it dropped into the canal she was almost ready to + cry. + +RAFAEL. + + H'm! But it was careless of her to drop me into that nasty canal! + +SACHEL. + + It blew in; there came a great gust of wind. + +RAFAEL. + + The wind must have been Aaron, disputing the value of his wool! + +THE RABBI. + + Good! Good! Ha, ha, ha! He has a mind; he will not let his heart run + away with his head! + +RAFAEL. + + And so Rebecca----H'm! But I shall not let my heart run away with my + purse. I should hold my hot young blood in bounds! + +SACHEL. + + Not always! Not always! A young man must have his day! + +RAFAEL. + + But is she well? Is she sound? One cannot be too cautious. I knew of + a girl who seemed as strong as a green peach on a tree; and she had + not been two days married when, what do you think? Why, she died! + She knew she was going to die, but she never told him! That's awful, + awful! Oh! Oh! I could not stand a thing like that! [_THE RABBI + rises to look at RAFAEL'S face._] I have a soul, Rabbi, I know, + because you taught me so, and a deception like that--it would kill + my love. + + [_REBECCA draws in, distressed._ + +THE RABBI. + + Are you serious? + +RAFAEL. + + Am I serious? He asks me if I am serious! But that was not Rebecca. + You think Rebecca is---- + +THE RABBI. + + She's as honest as her father! + +RAFAEL. + + Ah! Two of them, as honest as each other! [_THE RABBI has growing + appreciation of the irony._] H'm! But a good housewife? A good + needlewoman? Sharp over the counter? My father has not slaved to + feed the idleness of another man's daughter! + +ESTHER. + + I'll answer for that. I thought I could bake cakes, but she's coming + to-morrow to teach me how! You never tasted such cakes! + +THE RABBI. + + Indeed, I believe I have heard them spoken of. + +SACHEL. + + [_Who has been musing._] Eh--cakes? You cannot expect a girl to know + everything. Anyway, she's coming to-morrow; and Esther is going to---- + +RAFAEL. + + Esther is going to learn from her. Excellent! + +SACHEL. + + Eh? [_He is nudged by ESTHER._] Yes, yes! + +RAFAEL. + + Good, good! I half suspect that--that you look with favour on + Rebecca. We--we had considerable conversation this morning, we + talked of money--and love--and---- + +SACHEL. + + They talked of love! Now, what did you say of love? + +RAFAEL. + + And we talked of money--and of children--and of--money. + + [_ESTHER looks at THE RABBI; she also now in dawning suspicion of + RAFAEL'S irony._ + +SACHEL. + + Ha, ha! They talked of love and children! Of love and children! We + must have some wine, Rafael--this is the house of a friend. Esther, + you go and fetch it. Now what---- + +ESTHER. + + They charge two prices at that place around the corner. + +SACHEL. + + I say we will have some wine! Some good wine! Go! + +ESTHER. + + Very well; it is a season of denial with us. + +THE RABBI. + + But the extreme heat! [_Whispers._] Get some from my house. + + [_Exit ESTHER._ + +SACHEL. + + H'm! They talked of children and love! And what did you say about + children, my boy? Ah, they are beautiful things; though I could not + see one, I could fondle it! What about children, my boy? + +RAFAEL. + + We said that they should each have two cradles; one with a soft + pillow of burnt wool and one with a hard pillow of burnt cotton, so + that they should learn the difference before they were old enough to + tell the sun from a silver coin. + + [_An angry gesture from THE RABBI._ + + +SACHEL. + + Eh, what--H'm! Yes, yes, but later--later would do as well. And + about love, Rafael; what did she say about love? + +RAFAEL. + + Oh, she is a shrinking creature--as shrinking as wool unmixed with + cotton! And, at first, she would not talk of love, but at length she + said that when she was married she expected to have a dozen---- + +SACHEL. + + A dozen! That's too large a family in such times as these! + +RAFAEL. + + A dozen of everything. + +SACHEL. + + Ah yes--a dozen of everything, Rafael; a dozen of the finest. Her + father has told me so. + + _Enter ESTHER, followed by a servant with glasses of wine on a + tray._ + + And a dowry of ten thousand guilders! What do you think of that, my + boy? The wine--here! I shall propose a toast! [_He takes a glass and + gives glasses to the others; ESTHER and THE RABBI take theirs + unwillingly._] Here! Here! + +THE RABBI. + + [_Holding his glass toward RAFAEL._] I suggest a toast to an open + heart--to a tongue that leads no man astray! + +RAFAEL. + + Hear! The Rabbi suggests that--with _his_ tongue! I'll drink that + toast with _you_, Rabbi! + +SACHEL. + + It is my wine! I am proposing the toast! I---- + +THE RABBI. + + [_To SACHEL._] You had better drink in silence, and go home. You are + deceiving yourself: you know not where you stand! + +RAFAEL. + + What! What does he mean, father? Am I deceiving myself? Are you not + planning to marry me to Rebecca? Do you fear, then, that I have + fallen in love with her? Is she not an honest girl--a shrinking + girl--a girl as good as Father Aaron? + +SACHEL. + + Yes, and better! + +RAFAEL. + + Will she not bring me a dozen of everything, and ten thousand + guilders? Could man ask more? What's wrong here? Why do they not + raise their glasses? + +SACHEL. + + Because they will not let me manage my own affairs! He is my son, + not yours! It is my wine, not yours! Drink, then, drink to Rebecca, + the richest girl in the Ghetto, a beautiful young girl, a marvellous + young girl---- + + [_ESTHER turns appealingly to THE RABBI; both look on in distress + and perplexity._ + +RAFAEL. + + But they do not raise their glasses, father; they will not drink, + father! Why? Do they see handwriting on the wall? Do they think I + have forsaken my race? Do they think I have given my heart and soul + to the heart and soul of another? Why do they not raise their + glasses? + +SACHEL. + + Let them throw it on the ground if they will! Every one tries to + thwart me, every one but you; but they shall not! I am Sachel! Drink + with me! Drink to Rebecca, your wife, Rafael! For this day I have + seen Aaron; I have sat with him--yesterday and to-day I have sat + with him! I have laboured with him, my boy; your father was not + wanting! He would have squirmed into my house with eight thousand; + but I raised him! I raised him two thousand, my boy! We have agreed, + agreed! She is yours, Rafael--yours! To Rebecca, my daughter-in-law! + Now will you drink--will you clink your glasses? [_He reaches about; + no one clinks; RAFAEL turns away and pours his wine on the ground._] + Where are you? I'm all alone! What's the matter? What's the matter? + +RAFAEL. + + They have not touched their glasses, father! They stand staring at + you, without words! + +ESTHER. + + Sachel, come home! + +SACHEL. + + What do you mean? You fools, what do I care what you mean! He's + going to stay at home and be my boy, my comfort, my staff in my old + age; he's going to marry Rebecca! Rafael and Rebecca! Rafael and + Rebecca! Does it not sound beautiful--beautiful! + + _Enter AARON by way of the street, dragging REBECCA by the hand; + she holds back in deep mortification._ + +AARON. + + Ha, ha! It does! It does! + +REBECCA. + + Father! + +AARON. + + Don't be afraid, my girl. [_To the others._] I suspected what you + were doing! Rafael--[_effusively_]--since the day she was born I've + had an eye on you! Eh, what's the matter? Why are you all so glum? + +RAFAEL. + + [_He goes to the table and gets a glass, then back._] On this solemn + occasion, sir, I was about to propose a toast. + +SACHEL. + + Yes. + +AARON. + + [_Goes to table._] We'll drink it here. + + [_He offers the glass to REBECCA._ + +REBECCA. + + I don't want to drink, father; I want to go in, father! + +AARON. + + Bosh! What are you afraid of? Speak on, my boy! + +SACHEL. + + Yes, speak on, and speak your soul to them! They need not think to + thwart this marriage! Let them beware! + +AARON. + + [_Surprised._] What's this about? + +RAFAEL. + + It's about my soul--my soul that leaps its bounds at last--my soul + that speaks from the heart of a man! [_A passer-by at the back stops + to listen._] My soul that dwelt in the wilderness--a rumbling, + roaring, raging, lying, sweating wilderness of traffic in the things + of earth--my soul in the wilderness crying in vain, in vain, for the + love of another soul like mine. Is it not so, Rebecca? + +AARON. + + Hear, hear! + +REBECCA. + + Let me go, father! + +RAFAEL. + + Let _me_ go, father; let _me_ go! I would not be slain on the altar, + father! The knife is in my flesh! This is the blood of my heart! O + God, crieth my soul in vain? Where--where is the angel that shall + stay my father's hand? + + [_A crowd slowly gathers._ + +AARON. + + Masterly! Masterly! Here she is! What an auctioneer he would make! + +RAFAEL. + + What an auctioneer I should make! Ah! [_He runs and stands on the + synagogue steps._] My father bids me sell my soul! Shall I sell it + cheap--my soul and my heart's blood? Shall it be knocked down to the + solitary thirsty first who bids? I, to whom the stench of avarice is + the breath of morning and night--I, who have seen a man sell his + soul on the scales---- + +SACHEL. + + What does he mean by that? + +RAFAEL. + + I--to be knocked down for two pink lips and a banknote! See--my red + heart's blood! See--see--see! And you would have me sell it for ten + thousand pieces of silver! And I say no! no! no! + +AARON. + + He wants more! Oh! I will not give it, do you hear? It is an insult + to ask more--an insult to my daughter! + +REBECCA. + + Father, come away! + +ESTHER. + + Sachel, come home! + +SACHEL. + + Let me be! What does he want? What does he mean? + +AARON. + + Ha, ha! he wants more! + +RAFAEL. + + I want more! The sale shall be public! [_The crowd thickens._] I + will have my price. Who bids more? Who bids? What do you bid, my + girl? + +REBECCA. + + Nothing--nothing--I---- [_Exit._ + +RAFAEL. + + She bids all she has, and yet I will not take it! More--more--who + bids me more? + +AARON. + + Ha, ha! ten million guilders, idiot! + + _Enter ROSA, at the back._ + +RAFAEL. + + He bids ten million guilders, and that is still too small. You bid + nothing but money, money; have you nothing else? Who comes? Who + bids? Who bids? See, see--[_He points to ROSA, who has worked + forward, pressed by the crowd._] Another bidder! Another bidder! The + angel--the angel come to stay my father's hand! + + [_ESTHER and others turn fiercely on ROSA._ + +ROSA. + + [_Panic-stricken, pressed by the crowd._] Rafael! Rafael! + +SACHEL. + + It's Rosa! It's Rosa! + +RAFAEL. + + Rosa, Rosa, what do you bid? They bid money, nothing but money; and + you--you---- + +ROSA. + + [_Wringing her hands._] Rafael! + +SACHEL. + + She calls him Rafael! A curse! A damning curse! + + [_The crowd murmurs._ + +RAFAEL. + + Silence! It is my blood we are drinking! It is my soul we are + selling! [_To AARON._] And you bid more than all you have, and yet + it will not do; and you, Rosa, angel--angel--for my heart--for my + soul--bid, bid! + +ROSA. + + For your heart--my heart! For your soul--my soul! + +RAFAEL. + + Ha, ha! Going! Going! + +THE RABBI. + + Going the way of the profligate--to the damned! + + [_Exit into the synagogue, closing the doors._ + +RAFAEL. + + Gone to the highest bidder! She has been my wife for months! + [_SACHEL sinks into a chair; hisses and groans from the crowd._] Now + let the Ghetto damn me if it can! + +ONE OF THE CROWD. + + She's a Christian! + + [_The crowd surround RAFAEL, who holds them at bay._] + +END OF THE THIRD ACT. + + + + +THE FOURTH ACT + + SCENE: _The same as ACT I. It is seven days later. AARON discovered + at the door; he holds some letters in his hand._ + + +AARON. + + I had rather talk to you here. + + _Enter SACHEL, pale, bowed and trembling; the two sit on a bench + at the right._ + + Then it is true that you have not heard from Rafael for a week? What + happened that day, after the officers had dispersed the crowd? + +SACHEL. + + [_With a sob, then restraining his emotions._] He brought her back + here to get the few things that belong to her. He said that as soon + as he had done with Hanakoff he would come and get her. Then he went + away. He said he would be back in the morning; and he has been gone + a week! My God, it was I who made him so anxious to leave--it is the + judgment of the Almighty upon my sins! + +AARON. + + [_Calculatingly, as he looks at the letters in his hand._] Oh, he's + your son; I fancy if he got in the vicinity of harm, he saw it + before it saw him! And the girl, why do you let her stay here? + +SACHEL. + + The Rabbi! The Rabbi came here and made me promise to keep the girl + until Rafael could find a home for her. I thought it would be the + next day; I promised. The Rabbi said he repented the strong words he + had uttered when he slammed the door of the synagogue. H'm! The + Rabbi is not much better than you, or at least, than me! The only + difference is that the Rabbi is always repenting! If Rafael would + only come back, I'd let him keep the girl here for ever--what do I + care! I want my son--the only thing I live for! + +AARON. + + But doesn't the girl know where he is? + +SACHEL. + + No, no. Esther kept telling me that Rosa has had no word from + Rafael. I would not believe it; and this morning I took hold of her; + I cursed her up and down for not telling me where he was. She said + if she knew where he was she would walk to him, if it was a thousand + miles, rather than stay another night under my roof. Then, for the + third time this week, she had a fit of hysterics--I never heard such + sobs in all my life! When she quieted down she went up and put on + the rags she first came here in; and since then she has refused to + take food from us; she won't enter the house; she is wandering about + here somewhere now. I don't know; though she be a Christian and a + pauper, I suppose I'll have to accept her for my daughter-in-law, if + he'll only come! + +AARON. + + She, that broke up your home and took your son away from the finest + young woman in the Ghetto? She, that robbed him of his faith and + brought him to a pass where every one is saying that he has run away + rather than face the consequences of his acts? H'm! + +SACHEL. + + What am I going to do? If he's dead, I _will_ keep her! Isn't she + the only one in the world whose sorrow will approach mine? + +AARON. + + But if he is not dead? If he comes back? [_Circumspectly makes as if + to open one of the letters._] Look here-- + + [_Enter the RABBI; AARON hastily puts away the letters._ + + Oh, the Rabbi! [_Whispers._] We must get rid of him. I want to talk + to you. + +RABBI. + + Good evening! How is that girl? Is she still crying her eyes out? It's + pitiful! It is dangerous! I must see her! [_AARON nudges SACHEL._ + +SACHEL. + + She's all right. I have not heard her stir since she went to bed. + +RABBI. + + Oh, she's gone to bed--good! Sachel, Rafael had my promise to + protect that girl; and I will protect her. Last Saturday we were all + overwrought; we were taken by surprise. But now that we all realise + it, it comes to this: Rafael has married a Christian girl; she knows + what an affront this is to the religion in which Rafael was reared, + and to which inevitably he must return his full devotion when he + grows an older and wiser man. Now there is but one remedy: Rosa must + become a Jewess. Not to-night or to-morrow; but she must be + influenced to open her heart to the faith of her husband; and she + must be urged to welcome a future day when she shall enter the + synagogue and come forth from there with all the hatred, all the + revulsion which she has seen in our faces to-day, buried for ever! + Teach her to be thankful that this is Holland, where a Christian + _may_ become a Jewess. + +AARON. + + Rabbi, your sentiments are worthy of your calling. Sachel and I have + been talking; we both regret our bitter words of that day. Sachel + has become reconciled--as much as any Jew could. And, to tell the + truth, we had gone so far as to dismiss the subject and to devote + ourselves to a very important matter of business which had to go + over from Friday. + +THE RABBI. + + I see--I see! I am very glad, then! We must make Rosa understand the + things that are glorious in our religion; the inspirations that have + sustained us through centuries of the bitterest persecution that + men have ever known. And she must believe that we shall cling to + them until that supreme day when Jerusalem is peopled anew with the + race which God has chosen for His own. Is it not so? + +SACHEL. + + Yes, yes! And we'll walk a little way with you. Then, Aaron, you can + come back, and we can go on with that business. + + [_They go up: THE RABBI stops at the bridge._ + +THE RABBI. + + Very well; but you will treat the young girl tenderly, my friends? + Look here; you and Esther and Rafael bring her to my house some + night when there will be no one else there. We'll let her feel the + warmth of our hearts, as if she were already a Jewess. We will show + her what the inner life of the Jews is; the life that the Christians + have no conception of. And so we will work upon her better nature; + but--yes, yes, I see you are busy. You are not worrying about + Rafael, then? + +AARON. + + Oh, he'll be all right. I'm sure of it. + + [_They start off over the bridge._ + +THE RABBI. + + I'm glad to see you here, Aaron. It does you credit to forget your + disappointments! [_Exeunt._ + + _A bell tolls ten o'clock. Enter ROSA. Her pallor and the tremor + of her voice show the effects of intense emotional strain._ + +ROSA. + + The very hour that he went away, and seven days are gone! Seven + days--and he stood here and took me in his arms! + Oh!--[_turning_]--you who cry after me that Rafael has deserted his + Christian mistress; it is because you never knew the love of + anything but money! You look down--always down! But the same clear + sky was over our heads when he kissed me here, and we looked up to + it and thanked God, who made us dare to lead our life in open truth + before the world! Let _God_ punish us for loving each other, if that + be a crime! Oh, _does_ He punish us? Where is my Rafael, you star + that watched over us then! I love him, I love him; I cannot live + without him--sweet star, tell me where he is to-night! Oh, it is + from pity that you will not tell! And he lies cold and dead! Rafael, + Rafael, I'm all alone--all alone! [_Weeps._] No, no; it can't be + that! Dear God, who sees me here among these aliens, you could not + be so cruel to your own! Not so cruel as that! Not so cruel as that! + + [_She sobs; exit._ + + _Enter AARON and SACHEL._ + +AARON. + + Where is Esther? + +SACHEL. + + Can't you hear her snoring? I can, though she is away at the back of + the house! I have not slept seven hours in these seven days! + +AARON. + + Do you think the girl has any suspicion that Rafael may have found + that he has undertaken the impossible? If he did throw her off--I + don't say that he has--but if he did, it must strike her that she + wouldn't have a place to go in all the world! + +SACHEL. + + She believes in him. + +AARON. + + When he is with her, yes! But when he is away, and she waits and + waits, are not all women alike? Doesn't she know that he has + sacrificed every guilder that he might have had from you? + +SACHEL. + + I said that to them. Why did I not hold my cursed tongue! He hadn't + a copper in his pocket; the poor boy had given away everything he + had, to bury Mordecai's son. + +AARON. + + And does not she know that he gave up every friend he had, too, when + he forsook his religion? These things must have passed through her + mind. + +SACHEL. + + What do I care what is passing in _her_ mind! + +AARON. + + Of course, of course! [_Pulls the letters from his pocket._] But the + main probability is that Rafael will soon return. I am only thinking + whether before he returns this girl could not be influenced to leave + here, made to believe that the boy has deserted her? You can't blame + me for considering my daughter's feelings in this matter. Now + suppose we could let drop a few things in Rosa's presence, without + appearing to know that she overheard? + +SACHEL. + + I don't care about her! I want _him_ to come back. + +AARON. + + Don't you see: after a whole week, after all her waiting and + waiting, without a word from him and with her whole life trembling + in the balance, then if she overhears certain things----! Of course + if we try to persuade her he is gone, she'll suspect at once. But + there are certain remarks that we can let drop, quite casually, you + know, that will absolutely make her believe that he does not intend + to come back; that he has deserted her. + +SACHEL. + + But she _won't_ believe it! + +AARON. + + No, not if we try to convince her! But we won't try! You only make + certain statements within her hearing; and if she says they are not + true, just shrug your shoulders! What is in that girl's mind? Either + that he has met harm, or that he is afraid to come back to her; that + the poverty staring him in the face has been too much for him. Seven + days is a long time when a woman is alone on the rack of doubt. Now, + do you see what I mean? + +SACHEL. + + But I want my son! I don't care whether he marries your daughter! I + want my son! + +AARON. + + [_Tapping the letters._] Here are some letters. One for you and four + for Rosa. + +SACHEL. + + Where did _you_ get them? Is mine from Rafael? Yes? Ah, ah! Read it, + quick! + +AARON. + + [_Reads._] "Father: Rosa will tell you where I am. I am your son; do + not be harsh to Rosa. The Rabbi told me that he knew you would keep + her over night; as I left her for a night, relying upon his good + offices with you, so I feel I may leave her for a week. Good-bye, + father. Rafael." + +SACHEL. + + He's all right! He's all right! [_Pauses, suddenly._] Look here, you + miserable rascal, you've had this for a week. You've bribed that + postman; it's a crime! + +AARON. + + One for you and four for her. Will you listen to one of those he + wrote to her? [_Opens it._] Shall I open it? + +SACHEL. + + You have, already. + +AARON. + + Shall I read it? + +SACHEL. + + [_After hesitation._] Yes. + +AARON. + + [_Reads._] "My darling: If I take ship at once with Hanakoff for + London, I have the opportunity of a life time; it will fix me in my + career as I had never dreamed of. My mind tells my heart that I must + go; but I am as joyful as I am sorrowful; for in a week, dear, I + take you away from the stifling air you breathe to-night--out of the + Ghetto, into the freedom which is the right of our love. Good night, + my angel! Your Rafael." + +SACHEL. + + He'll have money now. He'll never look at me again. She's got him! + She's got him! O, I would to my Maker I were dead! + +AARON. + + No, no! She hasn't got him! She shan't have him! Don't you see, this + clears the way for the very thing I proposed to you. + +SACHEL. + + What? What? It might succeed, with the girl in the state she is. But + if it does, what will Rafael say, to-morrow? + +AARON. + + Eh? Why, if he finds her gone and she left no word, let him draw his + own conclusions; that she was afraid to stand by him; afraid to + share his poverty. You say "to-morrow"? He may be back to-night! + It's your one chance. If it succeeds, the girl goes, with two + hundred guilders in her pocket; Rafael stays home--in due time + marries Rebecca--becomes a successful Jew. If it fails--then this + Christian robs you of him anyway! [_SACHEL ponders; then suddenly + touches him; they listen; AARON whispers._] Only casually; not an + effort to convince her! She can't help believing it, then! + +SACHEL. + + Sh--! + + _Enter ROSA, by the bridge; she drops her hands, hopelessly, and + stays near the bridge, turned away from them._ + +AARON. + + [_Without looking about, whispers._] Was that her step? [_SACHEL + nods; a pause; AARON begins in a moderate tone._] Yes; but a man who + gives his word to one girl and then deserts her, would desert + another girl. Shall I let my daughter risk that? No! + +SACHEL. + + But I tell you it is not a parallel case! A marriage solemnised in a + synagogue is one thing; but a marriage such as this--which we all + know is not a marriage, either inside or outside the Ghetto--I tell + you it's totally different! + +AARON. + + Didn't he commit himself morally? Very well! Then he goes and finds + that he has been tricked by a venial under-magistrate, for the sake + of thirty guilders; and he finds that it was no marriage at all! The + girl is reduced merely to the position of his mistress---- + +SACHEL. + + Well, doesn't that dispose of _her_? Doesn't that rid him of + responsibility? + +AARON. + + Yes; but it is a high moral consideration that occupies me. The boy + found that he could rid himself of his burden; the discovery came + when he had been looking about for a week, and finding nothing but + poverty, privation and despair on every side; no one would lend him + money; none of his former friends would speak to him; there was only + the choice between an absolutely hopeless struggle and running away. + He ran! And I say a young man who has thus been tried and found + wanting is no man to be my daughter's husband! + +SACHEL. + + O! Because Rafael has had one mistress is he not good enough to be + your daughter's husband? + +ROSA. + + What do you mean! What do you mean, Sachel! [_The two men rise, + affecting surprise._] It is a lie! It is a cruel lie! + +AARON. + + Eh? Doesn't the _girl_ know about it? + +ROSA. + + What do you mean by saying that he ran away from me? How do you know + that he ran away from me? Where is he! Tell me where he is! Quick, + you shall! + +AARON. + + No one will know where he is until he has spent the money he sent + for. And that ought to keep him a year, even in England. + +ROSA. + + England--you say he has gone to England? You tell me he has deserted + me? After what he said before the synagogue? I say it's a lie--a + preposterous lie! It isn't true that I am only his mistress--it's a + lie! + +AARON. + + I'll tell you what _is_ true; after this escapade with you he'll + have to prove himself a man before he marries my daughter. + +ROSA. + + He can't marry your daughter! He's mine! O, God, what does this + mean? Can't you find him? Can't you let me see him? He would have + written to me--I know he would! Sachel, let me go to him. Sachel, + tell me where he is! + +AARON. + + What could Sachel do, even if he could reach the boy? After seven + days, at the very moment Sachel has been persuaded to accept all + this--to treat you as his daughter--here slinks Rafael along the + canal and up through the warehouse and whispers that he has given + you up! Then he wheedles his father out of more money than I would + give ten sons, and then boards a ship for England! [_To SACHEL._] Do + you think I'll see my daughter marry such a man? If he wants to + return next year on the hope of marrying Rebecca, you tell him to + remain in England! + +ROSA. + + It's a lie! He couldn't desert me. He's a man of soul--of honour! It + isn't true. My God, it can't be true! + +AARON. + + You'd better find a place to sleep, and then compose yourself to + make the best of it. I have a friend in the country who will receive + you. With the money that Rafael has persuaded his father to give + you, begin life over again. Come! [_Touches her._ + +ROSA. + + No, I will not come! It is a lie. You try to convince me because + you know I will kill myself--because you---- + +AARON. + + Has any one tried to convince you? Sachel is the only one to gain by + your going. Has he tried to convince you? + +ROSA. + + I know--I know--O God! Sachel, Sachel, as you fear your God, swear + to me that he has deserted me! Swear to me that he wants to marry + Rebecca! + +SACHEL. + + I--I---- + +AARON. + + Shall _I_ take an oath, on the Law of Moses, that is fastened to the + lintel there? + +ROSA. + + I will not believe _you_ on any oath! I will only believe + Sachel--Sachel, who could not deceive me--[_turns to + SACHEL_]--because you know that if you make me go away and kill + myself Rafael will hate you, for ever and ever! Sachel, Sachel, + can't we get him back? I'll do anything--anything. I'll become a + Jewess if you'll get him back! Sachel, Sachel! + + [_Cries hysterically._ + +AARON. + + The poor girl wants your oath. That's a simple matter. [_To + SACHEL._] There is no reason why I should stay here to witness this. + Good-night! + + [_Exit by the bridge._ + +SACHEL. + + Such as you to kill yourself--h'm! Now take your money and be off! + I'm going to lock my door. + +ROSA. + + _You_ haven't said the marriage was false! _You_ haven't said he + went away! _You_ haven't said he wants to many her--you dare not! It + can't be true! It _can't_ be true! + +SACHEL. + + Dare not--dare not. What do you mean? You thankless hussy! You wreck + my home, you rob me of my son, and then when he has gone and I offer + you money to leave me in peace you dare to say I lie! + +ROSA. + + No, I did not say _you_ lied, because _you_ have not said that he is + deserting me! You will not! You dare not! He loves me; he is coming + back! I will stay until he comes! + +SACHEL. + + He wants to be rid of you. He has gone to England. He wants Aaron + to---- + +ROSA. + + Sachel, Sachel, think what you are saying! Tell me he is dead--tell + me anything but that he's left me! O, could your son dishonour me? + Think what you are saying! No, no--not unless you swear it in the + sight of God! Sachel, Sachel--[_as he puts hand on the + lintel_]--don't swear to it--[_on her knees_]--don't swear to it! + +SACHEL. + + [_With a burst of rage._] God!--Hear me then. You have been nothing + but Rafael's mistress! Rafael has deserted you! Rafael wants to + marry Rebecca! Rafael has sailed from Amsterdam! By the sacred Law + of Moses, by all that is holy in the sight of God, I swear it! I + swear it! Now go! Take your money and go! + + [_She goes towards the canal._ + +ROSA. + + And so--and so--Dear God--dear God! + +SACHEL. + + Where are you? Here, take it--take it! Where are you going? + +ROSA. + + [_At the canal._] Dear God--dear God--No more--no more! + +SACHEL. + + Come away! + +ROSA. + + Rafael! [_She jumps into the canal._ + +SACHEL. + + Stop! O--O God! It isn't true! Rosa! Rosa! [_At the wall._] A stick! + A stick! I cannot find one! Where are you? For God's sake, answer! + Don't you hear? O God! O God! [_Turns to the house, where music is + being played._] Daniel! Samson! Open the door! [_The music drowns + his voice._] Help! help! [_He rushes back._] Rosa! Reach out your + hand! Where are you--where are you? Answer me--[_the music ceases + abruptly_]--answer. [_A silence. He slinks away from the wall. A + pause._] What will Rafael do? What will God do? + + [_He hears the footsteps of RAFAEL._ + + _Enter RAFAEL, joyously._ + +RAFAEL. + + Hello, father, father! I'm home again! Why haven't I heard from you? + I--what's the matter? + +SACHEL. + + [_Trembling._] I--I--don't mind me! I--I--I thought you wouldn't + come back. We didn't get your letters until to-day. But you've + come--you've come! Rafael, for God's sake, don't leave me! For God's + sake--I'm sick, I'm blind, I've only a little while left! Stay with + me. Don't leave me alone--you mustn't leave me alone! + +RAFAEL. + + You are not well. Have you been in the heat? Father, why do you + tremble so? + +SACHEL. + + I'm not trembling, my boy. I--I--my boy, my boy, ask me anything and + I will give it to you! I can't live without my son! If you speak a + harsh word to me I shall drop dead, Rafael. + +RAFAEL. + + Father, father, be calm; Heaven knows I don't want to be harsh to + you; there's a clean page to begin on if you like. We'll leave this + place; come and live with Rosa and me. She has never spoken a harsh + word to you, has she? Don't you see now that she has the gentleness + of an angel? Wait till our people know her! + +SACHEL. + + Yes, yes, I know; my God, I know--I--I--[_RAFAEL makes as if to go + in._] Rafael, for God's sake, don't leave me! + +RAFAEL. + + Where is she, father? She was afraid to stay here; but I told her + she was my wife, and that you loved your son, and that ought to be + enough to reassure her. I had to go with Hanakoff. I have made a + success, do you hear? Don't worry, don't tremble. I must find Rosa. + Where is she? Rosa! I've something to tell you! + +SACHEL. + + No, no; don't speak so loud! + +RAFAEL. + + Yes, but she does not hear me! Isn't she in the house? Rosa! What have + you said to her? Where is she? She is not here. Where is she? + +SACHEL. + + Don't ask me, don't ask me! + +RAFAEL. + + Where is she? + +SACHEL. + + I couldn't stop her! + +RAFAEL. + + From what? Where is she? + +SACHEL. + + Don't know, don't know! She went away! + +RAFAEL. + + Where--why? + +SACHEL. + + You shall not blame me! It was not my doing. Aaron--Aaron--it was he + who bribed the postman! Before God it was not I! + +RAFAEL. + + Bribed the postman? She did not hear from me? Where is my wife? + +SACHEL. + + No, no, Rafael, my boy; my dearest boy--she's gone, she took money, + she deserted you! + +RAFAEL. + + You are lying! + + [_People collect, looking over the canal wall._ + +SACHEL. + + She said--she said she hated our race--she hated you--she hated all + of us; she was going away, out of the Ghetto, away, off there, + there--[_He points away from the canal. The excitement at the canal + wall increases. RAFAEL starts as if towards the wall._] Not there, + not there, Rafael, my boy, my boy! + +RAFAEL. + + What's the matter down there? [_Two men bring ROSA up the steps; the + crowd obscures her from RAFAEL._] Who is that? My God! Is it a + woman? + +A MAN. + + Yes. + +RAFAEL. + + [_Pushes through the crowd._] Rosa, Rosa--Rosa! Oh! oh! oh! + +SACHEL. + + Oh, my boy!--oh, my boy! Rafael! Rafael! I couldn't stop her! + +RAFAEL. + + [_Turning on his father._] Ugh! Off from me--off! Oh, oh, damnable, + damnable monster! Take him away! + +AN OLD MAN. + + He's your father! Shame! shame! + + [_Hisses from crowd._ + +RAFAEL. + + [_To SACHEL._] Keep your cursed talons off! Murderer! Murderer! You + made her drown herself! + +A SECOND MAN. + + Leave him alone! Shame! This is the man who blasphemes God! + +A THIRD MAN. + + He profaned the synagogue--he curses his father! + + [_RAFAEL meanwhile looks upon the body of ROSA._ + +THE SECOND MAN. + + Shall he do all this--this--in our teeth? [_Hisses from the crowd._] + Hide your face! Hide your face! + + [_Advances on RAFAEL._ + +RAFAEL. + + Stand away from her! [_Throws him down, turns to his father._] O + God, if I had not concealed your knavery from her, your holiest oath + would not have moved her! And now must you live on, while she lies + thus? + +SACHEL. + + [_To the crowd._] She poisoned my son; she took away his religion--she + killed my son's love for his father! She deserves it--she deserves it! + +RAFAEL. + + Rosa, my Rosa, you shall not die! Life, life, freedom--the blue + sweet sky, we two together singing in the sun--not the dead soul + sighing through the trees--not the whisper of night--the sorrowful + shade that passes in the mist! No, no, you must feel my breath upon + your cheek, you must feel my arms, you must live, live! [_ROSA + stirs._] Live! She breathes--she breathes! Air--distance--distance, + I say! Rosa, it is I, Rafael! You are safe! Not all the fiends in + God's grey world shall thrust an arm between us. Rosa! Rosa! + +ROSA. + + [_Raising her head a little._] Rafael, forgive me---- + +SACHEL. + + Rafael--Rafael--she means me. Forgive _me_--for God's sake--[_on his + knees to RAFAEL, who turns his back_]--Rafael! + +SECOND MAN. + + Shame! shame! He hates his father! + +THE CROWD. + + Shame! shame! Punish him! + + [_The crowd closes in on RAFAEL._ + +ROSA. + + [_In fear._] Rafael! + +RAFAEL. + + Are you no better than a mob of Christians? Stand back! [_Pushes the + crowd back violently._] Rosa, Rosa--away--out of the Ghetto--into + the air! Rosa! + + [_The crowd starts to close in again; he takes ROSA in his arms + and rushes across the bridge. The crowd follows, walking + rapidly. SACHEL is left solitary._ + +SACHEL. + + Rafael! Raf---- [_He falls._ + + _Enter A WATCHMAN._ + +WATCHMAN. + + Eleven o'clock, and all's--[_Stops and looks at SACHEL, who stirs and + sobs._] Eleven o'clock! + + [_Exit WATCHMAN, thoughtfully._ + + Eleven o'clock! + + +THE END. + + + Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO. + London & Edinburgh + + + + + * * * * * + + + + +Transcriber's note: + + + Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_). + + Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation have been retained from + the original. + + Obvious typographical errors have been corrected as follows: + Page 28: "ust" changed to "just" + Page 30: "manag" changed to "manage" + Page 120: "sustain" changed to "sustained" + Page 134: "want's" changed to "wants" + + Errors in punctuation have been corrected without note. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GHETTO*** + + +******* This file should be named 36307.txt or 36307.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/6/3/0/36307 + + + +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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