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margin: .75em auto; - } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Two Mothers, by John Gneisenau Neihardt - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Two Mothers - -Author: John Gneisenau Neihardt - -Release Date: December 1, 2016 [EBook #53642] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TWO MOTHERS *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber's Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>TWO MOTHERS</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>BY</div> - <div>JOHN G. NEIHARDT</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c003'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>The Splendid Wayfaring</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>The Song of Three Friends</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>The Song of Hugh Glass</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>The Quest</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c004' /> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c005'>TWO MOTHERS</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='large'>BY</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>JOHN G. NEIHARDT</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class='xlarge'>New York</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>1921</span></div> - <div class='c004'><em>All rights reserved</em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c004' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='sc'>Copyright</span>, 1913</div> - <div><span class='sc'>By</span> POETRY: A MAGAZINE OF VERSE</div> - <div class='c004'><span class='sc'>Copyright</span>, 1915</div> - <div><span class='sc'>By</span> THE FORUM</div> - <div class='c004'><span class='sc'>Copyright</span>, 1921,</div> - <div><span class='sc'>By</span> THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</div> - <div class='c002'>Set up and electrotyped. Published, January, 1921</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c004' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>TO</div> - <div class='c004'>ALICE <span class='fss'>AND</span> MONA</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c006'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary='CONTENTS'> - <tr> - <th class='c007'></th> - <th class='c008'>PAGE</th> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>Eight Hundred Rubles</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_3'>3</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#Page_27'>27</a></td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c004' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c006'>EIGHT HUNDRED RUBLES</h2> -</div> -<h3 class='c009'>GIRL’S SONG</h3> - -<div class='c010'><span class='sc'>Noble Kreider</span></div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_011.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_012.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c011'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The heart’s an open inn,</div> - <div class='line'>And from the four winds fare....</div> - <div class='line'>Vagrants blind with care,</div> - <div class='line'>Waifs that limp with sin;</div> - <div class='line'>Ghosts of what has been,...</div> - <div class='line'>Wraiths of what may be:...</div> - <div class='line'>But One shall bring the sacred gift</div> - <div class='line'>And which ... is He?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>And with their wounds of care</div> - <div class='line'>And with their scars of sin....</div> - <div class='line'>All these shall en-ter in</div> - <div class='line'>To find a welcome there;</div> - <div class='line'>And he who gives with prayer</div> - <div class='line'>Shall be the richer host:...</div> - <div class='line'>For surely unto him shall come</div> - <div class='line'>The Holy Ghost.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>The last stanza same as second except in second “‘Tis -he” at close of stanza take “he” on C for end.</p> - -<div><span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span></div> -<div class='ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>TWO MOTHERS</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>EIGHT HUNDRED RUBLES</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<p class='c013'><em>The combined living room and kitchen of a peasant -house. Before an open fire, where supper is in -preparation, stoops a girl of about sixteen. It is -evening and dusk is growing. Vines hang outside -and the light of a rising moon comes through the -window.</em></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Singing.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The heart’s an open inn,</div> - <div class='line'>And from the four winds fare</div> - <div class='line'>Vagrants blind with care,</div> - <div class='line'>Waifs that limp with sin;</div> - <div class='line'>Ghosts of what has been,</div> - <div class='line'>Wraiths of what may be:</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>But one shall bring the sacred gift—</div> - <div class='line'>And which is he?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>And with their wounds of care</div> - <div class='line'>And with their scars of sin,</div> - <div class='line'>All these shall enter in</div> - <div class='line'>To find a welcome there;</div> - <div class='line'>And he who gives with prayer</div> - <div class='line'>Shall be the richer host;</div> - <div class='line'>For surely unto him shall come</div> - <div class='line'>The Holy Ghost.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Ceases singing and stares into the fire.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>What if he’d vanish like a dream one keeps</div> - <div class='line'>No more than starshine when the morning breaks!</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll look again.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Arises, goes softly to the open window and looks -out into the garden.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in17'>How peacefully he sleeps!</div> - <div class='line'>The red rose shields him from the moon that makes</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>The garden like a witch-tale whispered low.</div> - <div class='line'>He came a stranger, yet he is not strange;</div> - <div class='line'>For O, how often I have dreamed it so,</div> - <div class='line'>Until a sudden, shivering gust of change</div> - <div class='line'>Went over things, making the cow-sheds flare</div> - <div class='line'>On fire with splendor while one might count three,</div> - <div class='line'>And riding swiftly down the populous air,</div> - <div class='line'>Prince-like he came for me.</div> - <div class='line'>There were no banners when he really came,</div> - <div class='line'>No clatter of brave steel chafing in the sheath,</div> - <div class='line'>No trumpets blown to hoarseness with his fame.</div> - <div class='line'>Silently trudging over the dusky heath,</div> - <div class='line'>Clad in a weave of twilight, shod with dew,</div> - <div class='line'>Weary he came and hungry to the door.</div> - <div class='line'>The lifting latch made music, and I knew</div> - <div class='line'>My prince was dream no more.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Sings low.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>O weary heart and sore,</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>O yearning eyes that blur,</div> - <div class='line'>A hand that drips with myrrh</div> - <div class='line'>Is knocking at the door!</div> - <div class='line'>The waiting time is o’er,</div> - <div class='line'>Be glad, look up and see</div> - <div class='line'>How splendid is a dream come true—</div> - <div class='line'>‘Tis he! ‘Tis he!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>During the latter part of the song, the back door -opens and the father and mother enter, stooped -beneath heavy packs.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>What’s this, eh? Howling like a dog in heat,</div> - <div class='line'>Snout to the moon! And not a bite to eat,</div> - <div class='line'>And the pot scorching like the devil’s pit!</div> - <div class='line'>Bestir yourself there, will you! Here you sit</div> - <div class='line'>Tra-la-ing while the supper goes to rack,</div> - <div class='line'>And your old father like to break his back,</div> - <div class='line'>Tramping from market!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in22'>Tut, tut! Girls must sing,</div> - <div class='line'>And one burned supper is a little thing</div> - <div class='line'>In seventy creeping years.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>Ah, there it goes!</div> - <div class='line'>My hunger makes no difference, I suppose!</div> - <div class='line'>Tra-la, tut tut, and I can slave and slave</div> - <div class='line'>Until my nose seems sniffing for a grave,</div> - <div class='line'>I’m bent so—and it’s little that you care!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Who has arisen from window and regards her -mother as in a dream.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Hush, Mother dear, you’ll wake him!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in36'>Wake him? Where?</div> - <div class='line'>Who sleeps that should not wake? Are you bewitched?</div> - <div class='line'>Hush me again, and you’ll be soundly switched!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>As though I were a work brute to be dumb!</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll talk my fill!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in19'>O Mother, he has come——</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Her body straightening slightly from its habitual -stoop</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eh? Who might come that I would care to know</div> - <div class='line'>Since Ivan left?—He’s dead.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Aye, years ago,</div> - <div class='line'>And stubborn grieving is a foolish sin.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>With the old weary voice.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>One’s head runs empty and the ghosts get in</div> - <div class='line'>When one is old and stooped.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Peevishly to the girl.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Bestir yourself!</div> - <div class='line'>Lay plates and light the candles on the shelf.</div> - <div class='line'>No corpse lies here that it should be so dark.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span><em>(Girl, moving as in a trance, lights candles with -a brand from the fireplace. Often she glances -expectantly at the window. The place is fully -illumined.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>What ails the hussy?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in21'>‘Tis a crazy lark</div> - <div class='line'>Sings in her head all day. Don’t be too rough.</div> - <div class='line'>Come twenty winters, ‘twill be still enough,</div> - <div class='line'>God knows!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>At the fireplace.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in11'>I heard no larks sing at her age.</div> - <div class='line'>They put me in the field to earn a wage</div> - <div class='line'>And be some use in the world.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To girl.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>What! Dawdling yet?</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll lark you in a way you won’t forget,</div> - <div class='line'>Come forty winters! Speak! What do you mean?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Still staring at the window and speaking dreamily -as to herself.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Up from the valley creeps the loving green</div> - <div class='line'>Until the loneliest hill-top is a bride.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The girl’s gone daft!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in22'>‘Tis vapors. Let her bide.</div> - <div class='line'>She’s weaving bride-veils with a woof of the moon,</div> - <div class='line'>And every wind’s a husband. All too soon</div> - <div class='line'>She’ll stitch at grave-clothes in a stuff more stern.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Arousing suddenly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>I’m sorry that I let the supper burn—</div> - <div class='line'>‘Tis all so sweet, I scarce know what I do—</div> - <div class='line'>He came——</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in12'>Who came?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in22'>A stranger that I knew;</div> - <div class='line'>And he was weary, so I took him in</div> - <div class='line'>And gave him supper, thinking ‘twere a sin</div> - <div class='line'>That anyone should want and be denied.</div> - <div class='line'>And while he ate, the place seemed glorified,</div> - <div class='line'>As though it were the Saviour sitting there!</div> - <div class='line'>It could not be the sunset bound his hair</div> - <div class='line'>Briefly with golden haloes—made his eyes</div> - <div class='line'>Such depths to gaze in with a dumb surprise</div> - <div class='line'>While one blinked thrice!—Then suddenly it passed,</div> - <div class='line'>And he was some old friend returned at last</div> - <div class='line'>After long years.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in18'>A pretty tale, indeed!</div> - <div class='line'>And so it was our supper went to feed</div> - <div class='line'>A sneaking ne’er-do-well, a shiftless scamp!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>O Mother, wasn’t Jesus Christ a tramp?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Hush, will you! hush! ‘Tis plain the Devil’s here!</div> - <div class='line'>To think my only child should live to jeer</div> - <div class='line'>At holy things!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>Come, don’t abuse the maid.</div> - <div class='line'>They say He was a carpenter by trade,</div> - <div class='line'>Yet no one ever saw the house He built.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>So! Shield the minx! Make nothing of her guilt,</div> - <div class='line'>And let the Devil get her—as he will!</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll hold my tongue and work, and eat my fill</div> - <div class='line'>From what the beggars leave, for all you care!</div> - <div class='line'>Quick! Where’s this scoundrel?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>‘Sh! He’s sleeping there</div> - <div class='line'>Out in the garden.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Shows a gold piece.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in19'>Mother, see, he paid</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>So much more than he owed us, I’m afraid.</div> - <div class='line'>We lose in taking, profit what we give.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Taking the coin.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>What! Gold? A clever bargain, as I live!</div> - <div class='line'>It’s five times what the fowls brought!—Not so bad!</div> - <div class='line'>And yet—I’ll wager ‘tis not all he had—</div> - <div class='line'>Eh?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in8'>No—eight hundred rubles in a sack!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eight—hundred—rubles! Yet the times are slack,</div> - <div class='line'>And coins don’t spawn like fishes, Goodness knows!</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll warrant he’s some thief that comes and goes</div> - <div class='line'>About the country with a ready smile</div> - <div class='line'>And that soft speech that is the Devil’s guile,</div> - <div class='line'>Nosing out hoards that reek with honest sweat!</div> - <div class='line'>Ha, ha—there’s little here that he can get.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>(<em>Goes to window softly, peers out, then closes the -casement.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eight—hundred—rubles—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in22'>Mother, had you heard</div> - <div class='line'>How loving kindness spoke in every word,</div> - <div class='line'>You could not doubt him. O, his eyes were mild,</div> - <div class='line'>And there were heavens in them when he smiled!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Satan can outsmile God.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in24'>No, no, I’m sure</div> - <div class='line'>He brought some gift of good that shall endure</div> - <div class='line'>And be a blessing to us!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in25'>So indeed!</div> - <div class='line'>Eight—hundred—rubles—with the power to breed</div> - <div class='line'>Litters of copecks till one need not work!</div> - <div class='line'>Eight hundred hundred backaches somehow lurk</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>In that snug wallet.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To the father.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>What’s the thing to do?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>It would be pleasant with a pot of brew</div> - <div class='line'>To talk until the windows glimmer pale.</div> - <div class='line'>‘Tis good to harken to a traveller’s tale</div> - <div class='line'>Of things far off where almost no one goes.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>As well to parley with a wind that blows</div> - <div class='line'>Across fat fields, yet has no grain to share.</div> - <div class='line'>Rubles are rubles, and a tale is air.</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll have the rubles!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Aghast.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in22'>Mother! Mother dear!</div> - <div class='line'>What if ‘twere Ivan sleeping far from here,</div> - <div class='line'>And some one else should do this sinful deed!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Had they not taken my son, I should not need</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>Eight hundred rubles now! The world’s made wrong,</div> - <div class='line'>And I’ll not live to vex it very long.</div> - <div class='line'>Who work should take their wages where they can.</div> - <div class='line'>It should have been my boy come back a man,</div> - <div class='line'>With this same goodly hoard to bring us cheer.</div> - <div class='line'>Now let some other mother peer and peer</div> - <div class='line'>At her own window through a blurring pane,</div> - <div class='line'>And see the world go out in salty rain,</div> - <div class='line'>And start at every gust that shakes the door!</div> - <div class='line'>What does a green girl know? You never bore</div> - <div class='line'>A son that you should prate of wrong and right!</div> - <div class='line'>I tell you, I have wakened in the night,</div> - <div class='line'>Feeling his milk-teeth sharp upon my breast,</div> - <div class='line'>And for one aching moment I was blest,</div> - <div class='line'>Until I minded that ‘twas years ago</div> - <div class='line'>These flattened paps went milkless—and I know!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>O Mother! ‘twould be sin!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in26'>Sin! What is that—</div> - <div class='line'>When all the world prowls like a hungry cat,</div> - <div class='line'>Mousing the little that could make us glad?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Don’t be forever grieving for the lad.</div> - <div class='line'>‘Twas hard, but there are troubles worse than death.</div> - <div class='line'>Let’s eat and think it over.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Save your breath,</div> - <div class='line'>Or share your empty prate with one another!</div> - <div class='line'>One moment makes a father, but a mother</div> - <div class='line'>Is made by endless moments, load on load.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Pause: then to girl.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>I left a bundle three bends down the road.</div> - <div class='line'>Go fetch it.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Pleadingly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in13'>Mother, promise not to do</div> - <div class='line'>This awful thing you think.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Seizing a stick from the fireplace.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in28'>I’ll promise you,</div> - <div class='line'>And pay in welts—you simpering hussy!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The girl flees through back door. After a pause -the woman turns to the man.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in38'>—Well?</div> - <div class='line'>Eight hundred rubles, and no tale to tell—</div> - <div class='line'>The fresh earth strewn with leaves—is that the plan?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Startled.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eh?—That?—You mean—You would not kill a man?</div> - <div class='line'>Not that!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in10'>Eight—hundred—rubles.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in34'>It is much.</div> - <div class='line'>Old folk might hobble far with less for crutch—</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>But murder!—Rubles spent are rubles still—Blood</div> - <div class='line'>squandered—‘tis a fearsome thing to kill!</div> - <div class='line'>I know what rubles cost—they all come hard,</div> - <div class='line'>But life’s the dearer.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in23'>Kill a hog for lard,</div> - <div class='line'>A thief for gold—one reason and one knife!</div> - <div class='line'>I tell you, gold is costlier than life!</div> - <div class='line'>What price shall we have brought when we are gone?</div> - <div class='line'>When Ivan died, the heartless world went on</div> - <div class='line'>Breeding more sons that men might still be cheap.</div> - <div class='line'>And who but I had any tears to weep?</div> - <div class='line'>I mind ‘twas April when the tale was brought</div> - <div class='line'>That he’d been lost at sea. I thought and thought</div> - <div class='line'>About the way all things were mad to breed—</div> - <div class='line'>One big hot itch to suckle or bear seed—</div> - <div class='line'>And my boy dead!</div> - <div class='line in17'>Life costly?—Cheap as mud!</div> - <div class='line'>You want the rubles, sicken at the blood,</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>You grey old limping coward!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Come now, Mother!</div> - <div class='line'>I’d kill to live as lief as any other.</div> - <div class='line'>You women don’t weigh matters like a man.</div> - <div class='line'>I like the gold—‘tis true—but not the plan.</div> - <div class='line'>Why not put pebbles where the rubles were,</div> - <div class='line'>Then send him forth?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in21'>And set the place a-whir</div> - <div class='line'>With a wind of tongues! I tell you, we must kill!</div> - <div class='line'>No tale dies harder than a tale of ill.</div> - <div class='line'>Once buried, he will tell none.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in32'>Let me think—</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll go down to the tavern for a drink</div> - <div class='line'>To whet my wits—belike the dread will pass.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>He goes out through the back door, shaking his -head in perplexity</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span><span class='sc'>Mother</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Alone.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>He’ll find a coward’s courage in his glass—</div> - <div class='line'>Enough to dig a hole when he comes back.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>She goes to shelf and snuffs the candles. The -moon shines brightly through the window and -the firelight glows. She takes a knife from a -table drawer, feels the edge; goes to the window -and peers out; turns about, uneasily scanning -the room, then moves toward the side door, -muttering.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eight hundred shining rubles in a sack!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>She goes out softly and closes the door. A cry -is heard as of one in a nightmare. After a considerable -interval the mother reënters with a -small bag which she is opening with nervous -fingers. The moonlight falls upon her. Now -and then she endeavors to shake something from -her hands, which she finally wipes on her apron, -muttering the while.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>When folks get rich they find their fingers dirty.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>She counts the coins in silence for awhile, then -aloud.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eight and twenty—nine and twenty—thirty—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Clutching a handful of gold, she suddenly stops -counting and stares at the back door. There -is the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps. -The door flies open and the old man enters -excitedly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Father</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Mother! Mother! Wake him! Wake him—quick!</div> - <div class='line'>‘Tis Ivan with an old-time, merry trick—</div> - <div class='line'>They told me at the tavern—‘tis our son!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Rushes toward the side door.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Ivan! Ivan!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Stops abruptly, aghast at the look of the woman. -The coins jangle on the floor</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in12'>God! What have you done!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>(<em>As the curtain falls, the singing voice of the -returning girl is heard nearer and nearer.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Girl</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Outside.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>O weary heart and sore,</div> - <div class='line'>O yearning eyes that blur,</div> - <div class='line'>A hand that drips with myrrh</div> - <div class='line'>Is knocking at the door!</div> - <div class='line in2'>The waiting time is o’er,</div> - <div class='line'>Be glad, look up and see</div> - <div class='line'>How splendid is a dream come true—</div> - <div class='line'>‘Tis he! ‘tis he!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span> - <h2 class='c006'>AGRIPPINA</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>(<em>The courtyard of the Imperial villa at Baiae. -A moonlit night in late March. Occupying -the left half of background is seen a portion of -the villa. A short, broad flight of steps leads -through the arched doorway to a pillared hall -beyond, vague, but seeming vast in the uncertain -lights that flicker in the draught. To the -right of the doorway is a broad open window -at the height of a mans head from the courtyard. -An urn stands near window in the -shadow to the right. From within harp music -is heard threading the buzzing merriment of -a banquet that is being given to celebrate Nero’s -reconciliation with his mother. To the right -of stage a glimpse of the moonlit sea is caught -through trees.</em>)</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>(<em>Enter from left walking toward the sea, -Anicetus and the Captain of a galley.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Captain</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Pointing toward sea.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Yon lies the galley weltering in the moon.</div> - <div class='line'>A fair ship!—like a lady in a swoon</div> - <div class='line'>Of languid passion. Never fairer craft</div> - <div class='line'>Flung the green rustle of her skirts abaft</div> - <div class='line'>And wooed the dwindling leagues!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in33'>A boat’s a boat!</div> - <div class='line'>And were she thrice the fairest keel afloat</div> - <div class='line'>Tonight she founders, sinks—make sure of that!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Captain</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>And all to drown one lean imperial cat</div> - <div class='line'>With claws and teeth too sharp despite the purr!</div> - <div class='line'>Ah, scan the graceful woman lines of her!</div> - <div class='line'>Fit for the male Wind’s love is she—alas!</div> - <div class='line'>Scuttled and buried in a sea of glass</div> - <div class='line'>By her own master! It will cost me pain.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>Better a night of lightning-riven rain</div> - <div class='line'>With hell-hounds baying in the driven gloom!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The will of Nero is her wind of doom—</div> - <div class='line'>Woe to the seaman who defies that gale!</div> - <div class='line'>Go now—make ready that we may not fail</div> - <div class='line'>To crown the wish of Caesar with the deed.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Captain</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Aye, Master!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Exit Captain toward sea.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in14'>And no brazen wound shall bleed</div> - <div class='line'>Red scandal over Rome; the nosing mob</div> - <div class='line'>Shall sniff no poison. Just a gulping sob</div> - <div class='line'>And some few bubbles breaking on the swell—</div> - <div class='line'>Then, good night, Agrippina, rest you well!</div> - <div class='line'>And may the gods revamp the silly fish</div> - <div class='line'>With guts of brass for coping with that dish!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>A muffled outburst of laughter in banquet hall. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>Anicetus turns toward window. Uproar dies -out.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>They’re drinking deep—the banquet’s at its height</div> - <div class='line'>And all therein are kings and queens tonight.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Goes to urn, mounts it and peers in at window.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>A merry crew! Quite drunk, quite drunk I fear,</div> - <div class='line'>My noble Romans!—Burrus’ eyes are blear!</div> - <div class='line'>One goblet hence, good Burrus, you will howl!</div> - <div class='line'>E’en Seneca sits staring like an owl</div> - <div class='line'>And strives to pilot in some heavy sea</div> - <div class='line'>That wisdom-laden boat, his head. Ah me,</div> - <div class='line'>Creperius Gallus, you are floundering deep</div> - <div class='line'>In red Falernian bogs, so you shall sleep</div> - <div class='line'>Quite soundly while your mistress takes the dip!</div> - <div class='line'>Fair Acerronia thinks the place a ship</div> - <div class='line'>And greenly sickens in the dizzy roll!</div> - <div class='line'>There broods Poppaea, certain of her goal,</div> - <div class='line'>Her veil a sea-fog clutching at the moon,</div> - <div class='line'>A portent to wise sailors! Very soon</div> - <div class='line'>The sea shall wake in hunger and be fed!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>She smiles!—the glimmer on a thunderhead</div> - <div class='line'>That vomits ruin!—What has made her smile?</div> - <div class='line'>Ah, Nero’s wine is sugared well with guile!</div> - <div class='line'>So—kiss your mother—gently fondle her—</div> - <div class='line'>Pet the old she-cat till she mew and purr</div> - <div class='line'>Unto the tender hand that strokes her back:</div> - <div class='line'>So shall there be no sniffing at the sack!</div> - <div class='line'>Would that her eyes, like his, with wine were dim!</div> - <div class='line'>Gods! What a tragic actor died in him</div> - <div class='line'>To make a comic Caesar!</div> - <div class='line in24'>I surmise</div> - <div class='line'>By the too rheumy nature of your eyes,</div> - <div class='line'>Divine imperial Nero, and their sunk</div> - <div class='line'>Lugubrious aspect—pardon!—but you’re drunk,</div> - <div class='line'>Drunk as a lackey when the master’s out!</div> - <div class='line'>O kingly tears that down that regal snout</div> - <div class='line'>Pour salty love upon a mother’s breast!</div> - <div class='line'>So shall her timid doubts be lulled to rest!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Bustle within as of many rising to their feet.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>They rise! The prologue’s ended—now the play!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>(<em>He gets down from urn and goes off toward -sea.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Heralds</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Crying within.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Make way for Caesar! Ho!</div> - <div class='line'>Make way! Make way!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The musicians within strike up a martial strain. -After a few moments, within the hall appear -Nero and Agrippina, arm in arm, approaching -the flight of steps. Nero is robed in a tunic -of the color of amethyst, with a winged harp -embroidered on the front. He is crowned with -a laurel wreath, now askew in his disordered -hair. Agrippina wears a robe of maroon without -decoration. Nero endeavors to preserve -the semblance of supporting his mother, but in -fact is supported by her, while he caresses her -with considerable extravagance. They pause -half way down the steps, and the music within -changes to a low melancholy air.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Lifting her face to the moon seaward.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>How fair a moon to crown our happy revel!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Gazing blankly at the moon.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eh? Veil the hussy!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in20'>Son, son!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in30'>She’s a devil!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Placing a loving arm closer about Nero.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Just such a night ‘twas, Lucius—you remember?—</div> - <div class='line'>When Claudius’ spirit like a smouldering ember</div> - <div class='line'>Struggled ‘twixt flame and ash—do you forget?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Ha ha—‘twas snuffed—ho ho!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Stroking his hair.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>‘Twas then I set</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>The imperial circlet here; ‘twas then I cloaked</div> - <div class='line'>My boy with world-robes!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Still staring at moon and pointing unsteadily.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in26'>Have that vixen choked!</div> - <div class='line'>Her staring makes me stagger—where’s her veil?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>It all comes back like an enchanted tale—</div> - <div class='line'>The moon set and the sun rose—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Dead and gone—</div> - <div class='line'>The sun set and the moon rose—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Nay, at dawn</div> - <div class='line'>The blear flame died, the new flame blossomed up.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Did someone drop a poison in my cup?</div> - <div class='line'>The windless sea crawls moaning—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>They move slowly down stairs, Nero clinging to -his mother.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in33'>Son of mine,</div> - <div class='line'>Cast off the evil humors of the wine!</div> - <div class='line'>I am so happy and was so forlorn!</div> - <div class='line'>Ah, not another night since you were born</div> - <div class='line'>Has flung such purple through me! Son—at last</div> - <div class='line'>The haggard hours that parted us are past;</div> - <div class='line'>I’ve wept my tears and have no more to shed!</div> - <div class='line'>I live—I live—I live! And I was dead.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Clinging closer.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Dead—dead—what ails the sea—‘tis going red—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Laughter in banquet hall.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Who’s laughing?—Mother—scourge them from the place!</div> - <div class='line'>Who gave the moon Poppaea’s dizzy face</div> - <div class='line'>To scare the sea?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in18'>Your message gave me life!</div> - <div class='line'>Ah, Lucius, not for us to mar with strife</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>A world so made for loving!</div> - <div class='line in28'>Lucius dear,</div> - <div class='line'>I was too harsh, perhaps; the fault is here.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Places hand on heart.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Staring into his mother’s eyes.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Too harsh perhaps—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in19'>Yea, so we mothers err:</div> - <div class='line'>Too long we see our babies as they were,</div> - <div class='line'>And last of all the world confess them tall.</div> - <div class='line'>They stride so far—we shudder lest they fall—</div> - <div class='line'>They toddle yet.</div> - <div class='line in17'>And she who bears a son</div> - <div class='line'>Shall be two women ever after; one</div> - <div class='line'>The fountain of a seaward cooing stream,</div> - <div class='line'>And one the shrouded virgin of a dream</div> - <div class='line'>Whom no man wooes, whose heart, a muted lyre,</div> - <div class='line'>Pines with a wild but unconfessed desire</div> - <div class='line'>For him who—never understands, my son!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>I’ll be all fountain—kill that other one!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>That other one—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>Oh, like a wind of Spring</div> - <div class='line'>Wooing the sere grave of a buried thing,</div> - <div class='line'>Your summons came! Such happy tendrils creep</div> - <div class='line'>Out of me, in that old ache rooted deep,</div> - <div class='line'>To blossom sunward greener for the sorrow.</div> - <div class='line'>And, O my Emperor, if on the morrow</div> - <div class='line'>Your heart could soften toward that gentle one,</div> - <div class='line'>That frail white lily pining for the sun,</div> - <div class='line'>Octavia, your patient little wife,</div> - <div class='line'>Smile, smile upon that flower and give it life!</div> - <div class='line'>Make of my Lucius emperor in truth,</div> - <div class='line'>Not Passion’s bondman!</div> - <div class='line in23'>‘Tis the way of youth</div> - <div class='line'>To drive wild stallions with too slack a rein</div> - <div class='line'>Toward fleeing goals no fleetness can attain!</div> - <div class='line'>Oh splendid speed that fails for lack of fear!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>The grip of iron makes the charioteer!</div> - <div class='line'>The lyric fury heeds the master beat</div> - <div class='line'>And is the freer for its shackled feet!</div> - <div class='line'>You who are Law shall be more free than others</div> - <div class='line'>By seeming less so, Lucius.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in28'>Best of mothers,</div> - <div class='line'>Tomorrow—yes, tomorrow—Mother, stay!</div> - <div class='line'>You must not go so far, so far away!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Only to Bauli.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>They have reached the extreme right of stage. -The guests now begin to come out of banquet -hall, scattering a rippling laughter. Nero is -aroused by the merry sound, looks back, gathers -himself together with a start.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in15'>Ah! The moon is bright!</div> - <div class='line'>The sea is still! We’ll banquet every night,</div> - <div class='line'>Shall we not, Mother?</div> - <div class='line in22'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>Certain cares of state</div> - <div class='line'>Weigh heavily—‘tis awful to be great—</div> - <div class='line'>Nay, terrible at times! Can I be ill?</div> - <div class='line'>It seemed the sea moaned—yet ‘tis very still!</div> - <div class='line'>Mother, my Mother—kiss me! Let us go</div> - <div class='line'>Down to the galley—so.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>They pass out toward the sea, Nero caressing -his mother. The guests now throng down the -steps into the courtyard. They are in various -states of intoxication. Many are dressed to -represent mythological figures: Fauns and -Satyrs; Bacchus crowned with grape leaves, -wearing a leopard skin on his shoulders; six -Bacchantes; Psyche with wings; Luna in a -spangled tunic with silver horns in her hair; -Mercury with winged sandals and the caduceus; -Neptune in an emerald robe, crowned and -bearing the trident; Iris, rainbow-clad; Silenus. -Some are dressed in brilliant oriental garments. -There are Senators in broad bordered togas -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>with half moons embroidered on their sandals; -Pages dressed as Cupids and infant Bacchi; -Officers of the Praetorian Guard in military -uniform. Turbaned, half nude Numidian -slaves, with bronze rings in their ears, come -trotting in with litters, attended by torchbearers. -Some of the guests depart in the -litters. The music continues in banquet hall.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Neptune</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Staggering against Luna.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Who’d be a sailor when great Neptune staggers</div> - <div class='line'>Dashed in the Moon’s face!—Calm me, gentle Luna,</div> - <div class='line'>And silver me with kisses!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Luna</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Fleeing from his outstretched arms, but regarding -him invitingly over her shoulder.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>Fie, you wine-skin!</div> - <div class='line'>A hiccough’s not a tempest! Lo, I glide,</div> - <div class='line'>Treading a myriad stars!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>(<em>Neptune follows with a rolling gait.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>A Satyr</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Looking after them as they disappear.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in25'>Roll, eager Tide!</div> - <div class='line'>Methinks ere long the wooing moon shall fall!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Those near laugh.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>First Senator</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To Second Senator.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Was Nero acting, think you?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Second Senator</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in28'>Not at all.</div> - <div class='line'>‘Twas staged, no doubt, but—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>First Senator</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Softly, lest they hear!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Second Senator</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The mimic is in mimicry sincere—</div> - <div class='line'>The <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">rôle</span> absorbed the actor. So he wept.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>They pass on, talking low.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>A Praetorian Officer</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To Psyche leaning on his arm.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Was it a vision, Psyche? Have I slept?</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>By the pink-nippled Cyprian, I swear</div> - <div class='line'>Our Caesar knows a woman! Gods! That hair!</div> - <div class='line'>Spun from the bowels of Ophir!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Psyche</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Who’s so fair?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Praetorian</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Poppaea!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Psyche</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in9'>She?—A Circe, queen of hogs!</div> - <div class='line'>A cross-road Hecate, bayed at by the dogs!</div> - <div class='line'>A morbid Itch—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Praetorian</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in15'>Sh!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Psyche</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in20'>—strutting in a cloak</div> - <div class='line'>Of what she has not, virtue!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Praetorian</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Ha! You joke!</div> - <div class='line'>All cloaks are ruses, fashioned to reveal</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>What all possess, pretending to conceal—</div> - <div class='line'>Who’d love a Psyche else?</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>They pass on.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Iris</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To a Satyr who supports her.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>A clever wile</div> - <div class='line'>Her veil is! Ah, we women must beguile</div> - <div class='line'>The stupid male by seeming to withhold</div> - <div class='line'>What’s dross, displayed, but, guarded well, is gold!</div> - <div class='line'>Faugh! Hunger sells it and the carter buys!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Satyr</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Consume me with the lightning of her eyes!</div> - <div class='line'>She’s Aphrodite!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Iris</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in17'>Helen!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Satyr</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in24'>Helen, then!</div> - <div class='line'>A peep behind that veil, and once again</div> - <div class='line'>The sword-flung music of the fighting men,</div> - <div class='line'>Voluptuous ruin and wild battle joy,</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>The swooning ache and rapture that was Troy!</div> - <div class='line'>Delirious doom!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Iris</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Laughing.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>O Sorcery of Night!</div> - <div class='line'>We’re all one woman in the morning light!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Satyr</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Laughing.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>You’re jealous!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Iris</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>No, I rend the veil in twain!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(They mingle with the throng.)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Silenus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To a Naval Officer.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The wind veers and the moon seems on the wane!</div> - <div class='line'>What bodes it—reinstatement for the Queen?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Naval Officer</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>No seaman knows the wind and moon you mean;</div> - <div class='line'>Yet land were safer when those signs concur!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>They pass on.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span><span class='sc'>Mercury</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To a Bacchante.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Twould rouse compassion in a toad, and stir</div> - <div class='line'>A wild boar’s heart with pity!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Bacchante</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Placing a warning hand on his mouth.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Hush! Beware!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Mercury</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Could you not feel the hidden gorgon stare</div> - <div class='line'>The venom of her laughter dripping slow?</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The musicians from within, having followed the -departing throng from the banquet hall, and -having stationed themselves on the steps, now -strike up a wild Bacchic air.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Bacchus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Swinging into the dance.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Bacchantes, wreathe the dance!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Bacchantes</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>From various parts of the throng.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Io, Bacche! Io!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>(<em>Pirouetting to the music, they assemble, circling -about Bacchus, joining hands and singing. -When the song is finished, the circle breaks, -the dancers wheel, facing outward. Bacchus -endeavors to kiss a Bacchante who regards him -with head thrown back. The dance music becomes -more abandoned, and the Bacchante flees, -pursued by Bacchus, who reels as he dances. -All the other Bacchantes follow, weaving in -and out between pursuer and pursued. The -throng laughingly makes way for them. At -length the pursued Bacchante flings off in a -mad whirl toward the grove in the background, -followed by Bacchus and the Bacchantes. -Fauns and Satyrs now take up the dance and -join in the pursuit. The throng follows -eagerly, enjoying the spectacle. All disappear -among the trees. Laughter in the distance, -growing dimmer. The musicians withdraw -into the villa and disappear, their music dying -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>out. The lights go out in the banquet hall. -The stage is now lit by the moon alone, save -for the draughty lamps within the pillared hall.</em></p> - -<p class='c012'><em>After a period of silence, re-enter Nero, walking -backward from the direction of the sea toward -which he gazes.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Dimmer—dimmer—dimmer—</div> - <div class='line'>A shadow melting in a moony shimmer</div> - <div class='line'>Down the bleak seaways dwindling to that shore</div> - <div class='line'>Where no heaved anchor drips forevermore</div> - <div class='line'>Nor winds breathe music in the homing sail:</div> - <div class='line'>But over sunless hill and fruitless vale,</div> - <div class='line'>Gaunt spectres drag the age-long discontent</div> - <div class='line'>And ponder what this brief, bright moment meant—</div> - <div class='line'>The loving—and the dreaming—and the laughter.</div> - <div class='line'>Ah, ships that vanish take what never after</div> - <div class='line'>Returning ships may carry.</div> - <div class='line in27'>Dawn shall flare,</div> - <div class='line'>Make bloom the terraced gardens of the air</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>For all the world but Lucius. He shall see</div> - <div class='line'>The haunted hollow of Infinity</div> - <div class='line'>Gray in the twilight of a heart’s eclipse.</div> - <div class='line'>With our own wishes woven into whips</div> - <div class='line'>The jealous gods chastise us!—I’m alone!</div> - <div class='line'>About the transient brilliance of my throne</div> - <div class='line'>The giddy moths flit briefly in the glow;</div> - <div class='line'>But when at last that light shall flicker low,</div> - <div class='line'>A taper guttering in a gust of doom,</div> - <div class='line'>What hand shall grope for Nero’s in the gloom,</div> - <div class='line'>What fond eyes shed the fellows of his tears?</div> - <div class='line'>She bore her heart these many troublous years</div> - <div class='line'>Before me, like a shield. And she is dead.</div> - <div class='line'>Her hand ‘twas set the crown upon my head;</div> - <div class='line'>Her heart’s blood dyed the kingly robe for me.</div> - <div class='line'>Dank seaweed crowns her, and the bitter sea</div> - <div class='line'>Enshrouds with realmless purple!</div> - <div class='line in33'>Round and round,</div> - <div class='line'>Swirled in the endless nightmare of the drowned,</div> - <div class='line'>Her fond soul gropes for something vaguely dear</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>That lures, eludes forever. Shapes that leer,</div> - <div class='line'>Distorted Neros of a tortured sleep,</div> - <div class='line'>Cry “<em>Mother, come to Baiae</em>.” Deep on deep</div> - <div class='line'>The green death folds her and she can not come.</div> - <div class='line'>Vague, gaping mouths that hunger and are dumb</div> - <div class='line'>Mumble the tired heart so ripe with woe,</div> - <div class='line'>Where night is but a black wind breathing low</div> - <div class='line'>And daylight filters like a ghostly rain!</div> - <div class='line'><em>O Mother! Mother! Mother!</em>—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>With arms extended, he stares seaward a moment, -then covers his face, turns, and walks -slowly toward entrance of villa.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Vain, ‘tis vain!</div> - <div class='line'>How shall one move an ocean with regret?</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>He has reached the steps and pauses.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Ah, one hope lives in all this bleakness yet.</div> - <div class='line'>Song!—Mighty Song the hurt of life assuages!</div> - <div class='line'>This fateful night shall fill the vaulted ages</div> - <div class='line'>With starry grief, and men unborn shall sing</div> - <div class='line'>The mournful measure of the Ancient King!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>I’ll write an ode!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>He stands for a moment, glorified with the -thought.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in19'>Great heart of Nero, strung</div> - <div class='line'>Harplike, endure till this last song be sung,</div> - <div class='line'>Then break—then break—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Turns and mounts the steps.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in23'>Oh Fate, to be a bard!</div> - <div class='line'>The way is hard, the way is very hard!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>A dim outburst of laughter from the revellers -in the distance.</em>)</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>II</h3> - -<p class='c016'>(<em>The same night. Nero’s private chamber in -his villa at Baiae. Nero is discovered asleep -in his state robes on a couch, where he has evidently -thrown himself down, overcome by the -stupor incident to the feast of the night. Beside -the couch is a writing stand, bearing writing -materials. A few lights burn dimly. -Nero groans, cries out, and, as though terrified -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>by a nightmare, sits up, trembling and staring -upon some projected vision of his sleep. He -is yet only half awake.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Oh—oh—begone, blear thing!—She is not dead!</div> - <div class='line'>You are not she—my mother!—Ghastly head—</div> - <div class='line'>Trunkless—and oozing green gore like the sea,</div> - <div class='line'>Wind-stabbed! Begone! Go—do not look at me—</div> - <div class='line'>I will not be so tortured!—Eyes burned out</div> - <div class='line'>With scorious hell-spew!—Locks that grope about</div> - <div class='line'>To clutch and strangle!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>He has got up from the couch and now struggles -with something at his throat, still staring at the -thing.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in24'>Off! Off!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>In an outburst of terrified tenderness extends -his arms as toward a woman.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in34'>Mother—mother—come</div> - <div class='line'>Into these arms—speak to me—be not dumb!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>Stare not so wildly—kiss me as of old!</div> - <div class='line'>Be flesh again—warm flesh! Oh green and cold</div> - <div class='line'>As the deep grave they gave you!</div> - <div class='line in33'>‘Twas not I!</div> - <div class='line'>Mother, ‘twas not my will that you should die—</div> - <div class='line'>‘Twas hers!—I hate her! Mother, pity me!</div> - <div class='line'>Oh, is it you?—Sole goddess of the sea</div> - <div class='line'>I shall proclaim you! Pity! I shall pour</div> - <div class='line'>The hot blood of your foes on every shore,</div> - <div class='line'>A huge libation! Hers shall be the first!</div> - <div class='line'>I swear it! May my waking be accursed,</div> - <div class='line'>My sleep a-swarm with furies if I err!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>He has advanced a short distance toward what -he sees, but now shrinks back burying his face -in his robe.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Go!—Spare me!—Guards! Guards!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Three soldiers, who have been standing guard -without the chamber, rush in and stand at -attention.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in30'>Seize and shackle her!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>There ‘tis!—eh?</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>He stares blankly, rubs his eyes.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>It is gone!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Blinks at soldiers, and cries petulantly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in28'>What do you here?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>First Soldier</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Great Caesar summoned us.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Glancing nervously about.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in26'>The night is blear—</div> - <div class='line'>Make lights! I will not have these shadow things</div> - <div class='line'>Crawling about me! Poisoners of kings</div> - <div class='line'>Fatten on shadows! Quick there, dog-eyed scamp,</div> - <div class='line'>Lean offal-sniffer! Kindle every lamp!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Soldier tremblingly takes a lamp and lights a -number of others with its flame. Stage is -flooded with light.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>By the bronze beard I swear there shall be lights</div> - <div class='line'>Enough hereafter, though I purge the nights</div> - <div class='line'>With conflagrating cities, till the crash</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>Of Rome’s last tower beat up the smouldering ash</div> - <div class='line'>Of Rome’s last city!</div> - <div class='line in21'>So—I breathe again!</div> - <div class='line'>Some cunning, faceless<a id='t54'></a> god who hated men</div> - <div class='line'>Devised this curse of darkness! What’s the hour?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Second Soldier</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The third watch wanes.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in23'>Too late! Too late! The power</div> - <div class='line'>Of Nero Caesar can not stay the sun!</div> - <div class='line'>The stars have marched against me—it is done!</div> - <div class='line'>And all Rome’s legions could not rout this swarm</div> - <div class='line'>Of venom-footed moments!</div> - <div class='line in25'>—She was warm</div> - <div class='line'>One little lost eternity ago.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>With awakening resolution.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Twas not my deed! I did not wish it so!</div> - <div class='line'>Some demon, aping Caesar, gave the word</div> - <div class='line'>While Lucius Aenobarbus’ eyes were blurred</div> - <div class='line'>With too much beauty!</div> - <div class='line in22'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>Oh, it shall be done!</div> - <div class='line'>Ere these unmothered eyes behold the sun,</div> - <div class='line'>She shall have vengeance, and that gift is mine!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To First Soldier.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Rouse the Praetorians! Bid a triple line</div> - <div class='line'>Be flung about the palace!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To Second Soldier.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>Send me wine—</div> - <div class='line'>Strong wine to nerve a resolution!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To Third Soldier.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in35'>You—</div> - <div class='line'>Summon Poppaea!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The Soldiers go out.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>This deed I mean to do</div> - <div class='line'>Unties the snarl, but broken is the thread.</div> - <div class='line'>Would that the haughty blood these hands will shed</div> - <div class='line'>Might warm my mother! that the breath I crush—</div> - <div class='line'>So—(<em>clutching air</em>) from that throat of sorceries, might rush</div> - <div class='line'>Into the breast that loved and nurtured me!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>The heart of Nero shivers in the sea,</div> - <div class='line'>And Rome is lorn of pity!</div> - <div class='line in26'>Could the world</div> - <div class='line'>And all her crawling spawn this night be hurled</div> - <div class='line'>Into one woman’s form, with eyes to shed</div> - <div class='line'>Rivers of scalding woe, her towering head</div> - <div class='line'>Jeweled with realms aflare, with locks of smoke,</div> - <div class='line'>Huge nerves to suffer, and a neck to choke—</div> - <div class='line'>That woman were Poppaea! I would rear</div> - <div class='line'>About the timeless sea, my mother’s bier,</div> - <div class='line'>A sky-roofed desolation groined with awe,</div> - <div class='line'>Where, nightly drifting in the stream of law,</div> - <div class='line'>The vestal stars should tend their fires, and weep</div> - <div class='line'>To hear upon the melancholy deep</div> - <div class='line'>That shipless wind, her ghost, amid the hush!</div> - <div class='line'>Alas! I have but one white throat to crush</div> - <div class='line'>With these world-hungry fingers!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>From behind Nero, enter Page—a little boy—bearing -a goblet of wine on a salver. Nero -turns, startled.</em>)</p> -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in33'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>Ah!—You!—You!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Page</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>I bring wine, mighty Caesar.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Nero passes his hand across his face, and the expression -of fright leaves.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>So you do—</div> - <div class='line'>I saw—the boy Brittanicus!—One sees—</div> - <div class='line'><em>Things</em>—does one not?—such eerie nights as these?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Page</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>With eager boyish earnestness.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>With woozy heads?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Irritably.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in18'>The wine!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The Page, startled, presents the salver, from -which Nero takes the goblet with unsteady -hand. Page is in the act of fleeing.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in28'>Stay!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>(<em>Page stops and turns tremblingly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in34'>Never dare</div> - <div class='line'>Again to look like—anyone! Beware!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Page’s head shakes a timid negative. Nero -stares into goblet and muses.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Blood’s red too. Ah, a woman is the grape</div> - <div class='line'>Ripe for the vintage, from whose flesh agape</div> - <div class='line'>Glad feet tonight shall stamp the hated ooze!</div> - <div class='line'>It boils!—See!—like some witch’s pot that brews</div> - <div class='line'>Venomous ichor!—Nay—some angry ghost</div> - <div class='line'>Hurls bloody breakers on a bleeding coast!—</div> - <div class='line'><em>’Tis poisoned!—Out, Locusta’s brat!</em></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Hurls goblet at Page, who flees precipitately.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in38'>‘Twas she!</div> - <div class='line'>The hand that flung my mother to the sea</div> - <div class='line'>Now pours me death!</div> - <div class='line in20'>Alas, great Hercules</div> - <div class='line'>Too long has plied the distaff at the knees</div> - <div class='line'>Of Omphale, spinning a thread of woe!</div> - <div class='line'>Was ever king of story driven so</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>By unrelenting Fate? Lo, round on round</div> - <div class='line'>The slow coils grip and choke—a mother drowned,</div> - <div class='line'>Her wrathful spirit rising from the dead—</div> - <div class='line'>A gentle wife outcast, discredited,</div> - <div class='line'>With sighs to wake the dread Eumenides!</div> - <div class='line'>Some thunder-hearted, vaster Sophocles,</div> - <div class='line'>His aeon-beating blood the stellar stream,</div> - <div class='line'>Has flung on me the mantle of his dream,</div> - <div class='line'>And Nero grapples Fate! O wondrous play!</div> - <div class='line'>With smoking brand aloft, the haggard Day</div> - <div class='line'>Gropes for the world! Pursued by subtle foes,</div> - <div class='line'>Superbly tragic ‘mid a storm of woes,</div> - <div class='line'>The fury-hunted Caesar takes the cue!</div> - <div class='line'>One time-outstaring deed remains to do,</div> - <div class='line'>Then let the pit howl—Caesar sings no more!</div> - <div class='line'>Go ask the battered wreckage on the shore</div> - <div class='line'>Who sought his mother in a sudden sleep,</div> - <div class='line'>To be with her forever on the deep</div> - <div class='line'>A twin ship-hating tempest!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Enter Anicetus excitedly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in28'>Lost! We’re lost!</div> - <div class='line'>The Roman ship yaws rock-ward tempest-tossed</div> - <div class='line'>And Nero is but Lucius in the wreck!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Croak on! Each croak’s a dagger in that neck,</div> - <div class='line'>You vulture with the hideous dripping beak,</div> - <div class='line'>The clutching tearing talons that now reek</div> - <div class='line'>With what dear sacred veins!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>O Caesar, hear!</div> - <div class='line'>So keen the news I bear you, that I fear</div> - <div class='line'>To loose it like the arrow it must be.</div> - <div class='line'>I know not why such wrath you heap on me;</div> - <div class='line'>I know what peril deepens ‘round my lord;</div> - <div class='line'>How, riven by the lightning of the sword,</div> - <div class='line'>The doom-voiced blackness labors round his head!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Say what I know, that my poor mother’s dead—</div> - <div class='line'>So shall your life be briefer!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Would ‘t were so!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>A light coming into his face.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>She lives?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in11'>Yea, lives—and lives to overthrow!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Not perished?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in14'>—And her living is our death!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>She moves and breathes?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in24'>—And potent is her breath</div> - <div class='line'>To blow rebellion up!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Rubbing his eyes.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in22'>Still do I sleep?</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>Is this a taunting dream that I may weep</div> - <div class='line'>More bitterly? Or some new foul intrigue?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Tis bitter fact to her who swam a league,</div> - <div class='line'>And bitter fact to Nero shall it be!</div> - <div class='line'>At Bauli now, still dripping from the sea,</div> - <div class='line'>She crouches snarling!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>In an outburst of joy.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in23'>Oh, you shall not die,</div> - <div class='line'>My best-loved Anicetus! Though you lie,</div> - <div class='line'>Sweeter these words are than profoundest truth!</div> - <div class='line'>They breathe the fresh, white morning of my youth</div> - <div class='line'>Upon the lampless night that smothered me!</div> - <div class='line'>O more than human Sea</div> - <div class='line'>That spared my mother that her son might live!</div> - <div class='line'>What bounty can I give?</div> - <div class='line'>I—Caesar—falter beggared at this gift</div> - <div class='line'>Of living words that lift</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>My mother from the regions of the dead!</div> - <div class='line'>Ah—I shall set a crown upon your head,</div> - <div class='line'>Snip you a kingdom from Rome’s flowing robe!</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll temple you in splendors! Yea, I’ll probe</div> - <div class='line'>Your secret heart to know what wishes pant</div> - <div class='line'>In wingless yearning there, that I may grant!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Pause, while Anicetus regards Nero with gloomy -face.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>What sight thus makes your face a pool of gloom?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The ghost of Nero crying from his tomb!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Startled.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Eh?—Nero’s ghost—mine?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in23'>Even so I said.</div> - <div class='line'>The doomed to perish are already dead</div> - <div class='line'>Who woo not Fate with swift unerring deeds!</div> - <div class='line'>That breathless moment when the tigress bleeds</div> - <div class='line'>Is ours to strike in, ere the tigress spring!</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>What could it boot your servant to be king</div> - <div class='line'>While any moment may the trumpets cry,</div> - <div class='line'>Hailing the certain hour when we shall die—</div> - <div class='line'>Caesar, the deaf, and his untrusted slave?</div> - <div class='line'>Peer deep, peer deep into this yawning grave</div> - <div class='line'>And tell me who shall fill it!—Wind and fire,</div> - <div class='line'>Harnessed with thrice the ghost of her dead sire,</div> - <div class='line'>Your mother is tonight! She knows, she knows</div> - <div class='line'>How galleys founder when no tempest blows</div> - <div class='line'>And moonlight slumbers on a glassy deep!</div> - <div class='line'>The beast our wound has wakened shall not sleep</div> - <div class='line'>Till it be gorged with slaughter, or be slain!</div> - <div class='line'>Lull not your heart, O Caesar! It is vain</div> - <div class='line'>To dream this cub-lorn tigress will not turn.</div> - <div class='line'>Lo, flaring through the dawn I see her burn,</div> - <div class='line'>A torch of revolution! Hear her raise</div> - <div class='line'>The legions with a voice of other days,</div> - <div class='line'>Worded with pangs to fret their ancient scars!</div> - <div class='line'>And every sword-wound of her father’s wars</div> - <div class='line'>Will shriek aloud with pity!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>During Anicetus’ speech he has shown growing -fear.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Listen!—There!</div> - <div class='line'>You heard it?—Did you hear a trumpet blare?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Tis but the shadow of a sound to be</div> - <div class='line'>One rushing hour away!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>In panic.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in23'>Where shall I flee?—</div> - <div class='line'>I, the sad poet whom she made a king!</div> - <div class='line'>At last we flesh the ghost of what we sing—</div> - <div class='line'>We bards!—I sang Orestes.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>His face softens with a gentler thought.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>Ah—I’ll go</div> - <div class='line'>To my poor heartsick mother. Tears shall flow,</div> - <div class='line'>The tears of Lucius, not imperial tears.</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll heap on her the vast, too vast arrears</div> - <div class='line'>Of filial love. The Senate shall proclaim</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>My mother regnant with me—write her name</div> - <div class='line'>Beside Augustus with the demigods!</div> - <div class='line'>Yea, lictors shall attend her with the rods,</div> - <div class='line'>And massed Praetorians tramp the rabble down</div> - <div class='line'>Whene’er her chariot flashes through the town!</div> - <div class='line'>One should be kind to mothers.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Yea, and be</div> - <div class='line'>Kind to the senseless fury of the sea,</div> - <div class='line'>Fondle the tempest in a rotten boat!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>What would you, Anicetus?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in26'>Cut her throat!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Nero gasps and shrinks from Anicetus.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>No, no!—her ghost!—one can not stab so deep—</div> - <div class='line'>One can not kill these tortures spawned of sleep!</div> - <div class='line'>No, no—one can not kill them with a sword!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Faugh! One good thrust—the rest is air, my lord!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Enter Page timorously. Nero turns upon him.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Page</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Frightened.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Spare me, good Caesar!—Agerinus—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in33'>Go!</div> - <div class='line'>Bid Agerinus enter!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Page flees. Nero to Anicetus menacingly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in20'>We shall know</div> - <div class='line'>What breath from what damned throat tonight shall hiss!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Enter Agerinus, bowing low.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agerinus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>My mistress sends fond greetings and a kiss</div> - <div class='line'>To her most noble son, and bids me say,</div> - <div class='line'>She rests and would not see him until day.</div> - <div class='line'>The royal galley, through unhappy chance,</div> - <div class='line'>Struck rock and foundered; but no circumstance</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>So meagre might deprive a son so dear</div> - <div class='line'>Of his beloved mother! Have no fear,</div> - <div class='line'>The long swim leaves her weary, but quite well.</div> - <div class='line'>She knows what tender love her son would tell</div> - <div class='line'>And yearns for dawn to bring him to her side.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>To Anicetus.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>So! Spell your doom from that! You lied! You lied!</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll lance that hateful fester in your throat!</div> - <div class='line'>Yea, we shall prove who rides the rotten boat</div> - <div class='line'>And supplicates the tempest!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>With a rapid motion, Nero draws Agerinus’ -sword from its sheath. Anicetus shrinks back. -Nero cries to Agerinus.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>Wait to see</div> - <div class='line'>The loving message you bear back from me!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Nero brandishing the sword, makes at Anicetus. -As he is about to deliver the stroke, enter -Poppaea from behind. She has evidently been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>quite leisurely about her toilet, being dressed -gorgeously; and wearing her accustomed half-veil. -Her manner is stately and composed. -She approaches slowly. Nero stops suddenly -in the act to strike Anicetus, and stares upon -the beautiful apparition. Anger leaves his face, -which changes as though he had seen a great -light.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Poppaea</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Languidly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>My Nero longed for me?</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Nero with his free hand brushes his eyes in perplexity.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in23'>I—can not—tell—</div> - <div class='line'>What—‘twas—I wished—I wished—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Poppaea</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Haughtily.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in30'>Ah, very well.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>She walks slowly on across the stage. Nero -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>stares blankly after her. The sword drops -from his hand. As Poppaea disappears, he -rouses suddenly as from a stupor.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nero</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Ho! Guards!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Three soldiers enter. Nero points to Agerinus.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div>There—seize that wretch who came to kill Imperial Caesar!</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Agerinus is seized. Nero turns to Anicetus.</em>)</p> - -<div class='c017'>Hasten! Do your will!</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Nero turns, and with an eager expression on his -face, goes doddering after Poppaea.</em>)</p> - -<h3 class='c009'>III</h3> - -<p class='c016'>(<em>The same night. Agrippina’s private chamber -in her villa at Bauli near Baiae. There is one -lamp in the room. At the center back is a -broad door closed with heavy hangings. At -the right is an open window through which -the moonlight falls. Agrippina is discovered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>lying on a couch. One maid, Nina, is in attendance -and is arranging Agrippina’s hair.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>He was so tender—what should kindness mean?</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The maid seems not to hear.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>I spoke!—you heard me speak?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>I heard, my Queen.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>And deemed my voice some ghostly summer wind</div> - <div class='line'>Fit for autumnal hushes? He was kind!</div> - <div class='line'>Was ever breath in utterance better spent?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Your slave could scarcely fancy whom you meant,</div> - <div class='line'>There are so many tender to the great.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>When all the world is one sky-circled state,</div> - <div class='line'>Pray, who shall fill it as the sun the sky?</div> - <div class='line'>The mother of that mighty one am I—</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>And he caressed me!</div> - <div class='line in20'>I shall feel no pain</div> - <div class='line'>Forever now. So, drenched with winter rain,</div> - <div class='line'>The friendless marshland knows the boyish South</div> - <div class='line'>And shivers into color!</div> - <div class='line in24'>On the mouth</div> - <div class='line'>He kissed me, as before that other came—</div> - <div class='line'>That Helen of the stews, that corpse aflame</div> - <div class='line'>With lust for life, that—</div> - <div class='line in26'>Ah, he maidened me!</div> - <div class='line'>What dying wind could sway so tall a tree</div> - <div class='line'>With such proud music? I shall be again</div> - <div class='line'>That darkling whirlwind down the fields of men,</div> - <div class='line'>That dart unloosed, barbed keenly for his sake,</div> - <div class='line'>That living sword for him to wield or break,</div> - <div class='line'>But never sheathe!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Lifts herself on elbow.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in19'>O Nina, let me be</div> - <div class='line'>Robed as the Queen I am in verity!</div> - <div class='line'>Robed as a victrix home from splendid wars,</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>Whom, ‘mid the rumble of spoil-laden cars</div> - <div class='line'>Trundled by harnessed kings, the trumpets hail!</div> - <div class='line'>Let quiet garments be for those who fail,</div> - <div class='line'>Mourning a world ill-lost with meek surrenders!</div> - <div class='line'>I would flare bright ‘mid Death’s unhuman splendors,</div> - <div class='line'>Dazzle the moony hollows of the dead!</div> - <div class='line'>Ah no—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Arising and going to window.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in7'>I shall not die yet.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Parts the curtains and gazes out.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>‘Tis the dread</div> - <div class='line'>Still clinging from the clutches of the sea,</div> - <div class='line'>That living, writhing horror! Ugh! O’er me</div> - <div class='line'>Almost I feel the liquid terror crawl!</div> - <div class='line'>Through glassy worlds of tortured sleep to fall,</div> - <div class='line'>Where winds blow not, nor mornings ever blush,</div> - <div class='line'>But green, cold, ghastly light-wraiths wander—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Turning from window with nervous anger.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in47'>Hush!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Turns again to window; after pause, continues -musingly.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>She battles in a surf of spectral fire.</div> - <div class='line'>No—like some queen upon a funeral pyre,</div> - <div class='line'>Gasping, she withers in a fever swoon.</div> - <div class='line'>Had she a son too?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Approaching the window.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in19'>Who, O Queen?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in33'>The moon!</div> - <div class='line'>See, she is strangled in a noose of pearl!</div> - <div class='line'>What tell-tale scars she has!</div> - <div class='line in30'>—Look yonder, girl—</div> - <div class='line'>Your eyes are younger—by the winding sea</div> - <div class='line'>Where Baiae glooms and blanches; it may be</div> - <div class='line'>Old eyes betray not, but some horsemen take</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>The white road winding hither by the lake.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The way lies plain—I see no moving thing.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Why thus is Agerinus loitering?</div> - <div class='line'>For he was ever true.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Joyously.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in22'>Ah foolish head!</div> - <div class='line'>My heart knows how my son shall come instead,</div> - <div class='line'>My little Lucius! Even now he leaps</div> - <div class='line'>Into the saddle and the dull way creeps</div> - <div class='line'>Beneath the spurred impatience of his horse,</div> - <div class='line'>He longs so for me!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Pause—She scans the moonlit country.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in20'>Shrouded like a corse,</div> - <div class='line'>Hoarding a mother’s secret, lies the sea;</div> - <div class='line'>And Capri, like a giant Niobe,</div> - <div class='line'>Outgazes Fate!</div> - <div class='line in15'>O sweet, too gentle lies</div> - <div class='line'>And kisses sword-like! Would the sun might rise</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>No more on Baiae! Would that earth might burst</div> - <div class='line'>Spewing blear doom upon this world accursed</div> - <div class='line'>With truth too big for hiding!</div> - <div class='line in31'>See! He sleeps</div> - <div class='line'>Beside her, and the shame-dimmed lamp-light creeps</div> - <div class='line'>Across her wine-stained mouth—so red—so red—</div> - <div class='line'>Like mother blood!—See! hissing round her head</div> - <div class='line'>Foul hate-fanged vipers that he calls her hair!</div> - <div class='line'>Ah no—beyond all speaking is she fair!</div> - <div class='line'>Sweet as a sword-wound in a gasping foe</div> - <div class='line'>Her mouth is; and too well, too well I know</div> - <div class='line'>Her face is dazzling as a funeral flame</div> - <div class='line'>Battened on queen’s flesh!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Turning angrily from window.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>Oh the blatant shame!</div> - <div class='line'>The bungling drunkard’s plot!—Tonight, tonight</div> - <div class='line'>I shall swoop down upon them by the light</div> - <div class='line'>Of naked steel! Faugh! Had it come to that?</div> - <div class='line'>Had Rome no sword, that like a drowning rat</div> - <div class='line'>The mother of a king should meet her end?</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>What Gallic legion would not call me friend?</div> - <div class='line'>Did they not love Germanicus, my sire?</div> - <div class='line'>Oh, I will rouse the cohorts, scattering fire</div> - <div class='line'>Till all Rome blaze rebellion!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>She has advanced to a place beside the couch, -stands in a defiant attitude for a moment, then -covers her face with her hands and sinks to the -couch.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>No, no, no—</div> - <div class='line'>It could not be, I would not have it so!</div> - <div class='line'>Not mine to burn the tower my hands have built!</div> - <div class='line'>And somewhere ‘mid the shadows of his guilt</div> - <div class='line'>My son is good.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Lifts herself on elbow.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in16'>Look, Nina, toward the roofs</div> - <div class='line'>Of sleeping Baiae. Say that eager hoofs</div> - <div class='line'>Beat a white dust-cloud moonward.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Nina goes to window and peers out.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in34'>Landward crawls</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>A sea fog; Capri’s league-long shadow sprawls</div> - <div class='line'>Lengthening toward us—soon the moon will set.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>No horsemen?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in13'>None, my Queen.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in29'>—And yet—and yet—</div> - <div class='line'>He called me baby names. Ah, ghosts that wept</div> - <div class='line'>Big tears down smiling faces, twined and crept</div> - <div class='line'>About my heart, and still I feel their tears.</div> - <div class='line'>They make me joyous.—After all these years,</div> - <div class='line'>The little boy my heart so often dirged</div> - <div class='line'>Shivered the man-husk, beardless, and emerged!</div> - <div class='line'>He kissed my breasts and hung upon my going!</div> - <div class='line'>Once more I felt the happy nurture flowing,</div> - <div class='line'>The silvery, tingling shivers of delight!</div> - <div class='line'>What though my end had come indeed tonight—</div> - <div class='line'>I was a mother!</div> - <div class='line in16'>—Have you children?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in36'>No,</div> - <div class='line'>My Queen.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in10'>Yet you are winsome.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Lovers go</div> - <div class='line'>Like wind, as lovers come; I am unwed.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>How lonely shall you be among the dead</div> - <div class='line'>Where hearts remember, but are lorn of hope!</div> - <div class='line'>Poor girl! No dream of tiny hands that grope,</div> - <div class='line'>And coaxing, hunting little mouths shall throw</div> - <div class='line'>Brief glories ‘round you!</div> - <div class='line in26'>Nina, I would go</div> - <div class='line'>Like any brazen bawd along the street,</div> - <div class='line'>Hailing the first stout carter I should meet,</div> - <div class='line'>Ere I would perish childless! Though we nurse</div> - <div class='line'>The cooing thing that some day hurls the curse,</div> - <div class='line'>Forge from our hearts the matricidal sword,</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>The act of loving is its own reward.</div> - <div class='line'>We mothers need no pity!</div> - <div class='line in25'>‘Twill be said,</div> - <div class='line'>When this brief war is done, and I am dead,</div> - <div class='line'>That I was wanton, shameless—be it so!</div> - <div class='line'>Unto the swarm of insect scribes I throw</div> - <div class='line'>The puffed-up purple carcass of my name</div> - <div class='line'>For them to feast on! Pointed keen with shame,</div> - <div class='line'>How shall each busy little stylus bite</div> - <div class='line'>A thing that feels not! I have fought my fight!</div> - <div class='line'>That mine were but the weapons of the foe,</div> - <div class='line'>Too well the ragged scars I bear can show.</div> - <div class='line'>Oh, I have triumphed, and am ripe to die!</div> - <div class='line'>About my going shall the trumpets cry</div> - <div class='line'>Forever and forever!</div> - <div class='line in21'>I can thread</div> - <div class='line'>The twilit under-regions of the dead</div> - <div class='line'>A radiant shadow with a heart that sings!</div> - <div class='line'>Before the myriad mothers of great kings</div> - <div class='line'>I shall lift up each livid spirit hand</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>Spotted with blood—and they shall understand</div> - <div class='line'>How small the price was!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in25'>Hark!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The tramp of soldiery and the clatter of arms -are heard from without. Nina, panic-stricken, -runs to window, peers out, shrinks back, and, -turning, flees by a side door.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Agrippina</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in31'>Why do you flee?</div> - <div class='line'>Did I not say my son would come to me?</div> - <div class='line'>‘Tis Nero—Nero Caesar, Lord of Rome!</div> - <div class='line'>My little boy grown tall is coming home!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>She goes to window, peers out, shrinks back, -then turns toward the door and sees three -armed men standing there—Anicetus, the -Captain of a Galley and a Centurion of the -Navy. The men stare at her without moving.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Why come you here?</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Silence.</em>)</p> -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in19'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>To know my health?—Go tell</div> - <div class='line'>My son, your master, I am very well—</div> - <div class='line'>And happy—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The men make no reply. Agrippina straightens -her body haughtily.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in11'>—If like cowards in the night</div> - <div class='line'>You come to stab a woman—</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c014'> - <div><span class='sc'>Anicetus</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>Drawing his sword and speaking to Captain.</em>)</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in27'>Snuff the light!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>(<em>The men spring forward with drawn swords. -Agrippina does not move. The light is -stricken out.</em>)</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c004' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c006'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</h2> -</div> - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Added missing period to many stage directions to conform with majority practice in - book. - - </li> - <li>Changed 'faneless' to 'faceless' on p. <a href='#t54'>54</a>. - - </li> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors. - - </li> - <li>Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Two Mothers, by John Gneisenau Neihardt - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TWO MOTHERS *** - -***** This file should be named 53642-h.htm or 53642-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/6/4/53642/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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