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diff --git a/old/55611-0.txt b/old/55611-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f74e370..0000000 --- a/old/55611-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5244 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Karma, by Algernon Blackwood and Violet Pearn - -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: Karma - A Re-incarnation Play - -Author: Algernon Blackwood - Violet Pearn - -Release Date: September 23, 2017 [EBook #55611] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KARMA *** - - - - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive/American -Libraries.) - - - - - - - - - - -KARMA - - - - - KARMA - - A RE-INCARNATION PLAY - IN - PROLOGUE, EPILOGUE & THREE ACTS - - BY - ALGERNON BLACKWOOD - AUTHOR OF “JULIUS LE VALLON,” “THE WAVE,” ETC. - AND - VIOLET PEARN - - [Illustration] - - NEW YORK - E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY - 681 FIFTH AVENUE - - COPYRIGHT, 1918, - BY E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY - - Printed in the United States of America - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - PROLOGUE. PRESENT DAY 3 - - ACT I. THEIR FIRST LIFE TOGETHER. - TIME--2000 B.C. EGYPT 38 - - ACT II. THEIR SECOND LIFE TOGETHER. - TIME--325 B.C. GREECE 81 - - ACT III. THEIR THIRD LIFE TOGETHER. - TIME--FIFTEENTH CENTURY. ITALY 123 - - EPILOGUE. PRESENT DAY 189 - - - - -PROLOGUE - -PRESENT DAY - - -CHARACTERS - - PHILLIP LATTIN (45), British Agent in Egypt. - MRS. LATTIN, his wife (40), mentally and physically ill; a woman - of strong personality and exacting. - THE DOCTOR, unpretentious, simple in bearing, gentle in manner. - NURSE. - - -PROLOGUE - - SCENE--_Room in LATTIN’S London house. MRS. LATTIN lies on sofa. - A picture of Ancient Egypt, showing the Nile, palms and temples - on wall easily visible to her._ - - TIME--_Present day, evening._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -What time is it, nurse--_now_? - -_Nurse_ - -Close on half-past five. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_With irritability of a sick woman._) Not later? Are you sure? It’s so -dark. - -_Nurse_ - -(_Soothingly._) The dusk is closing in; I’ll light your lamp. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Half-past five, you said? My husband expected to be back before this. -Hasn’t he come? The appointment was for half-past two. - -_Nurse_ - -The Foreign Office takes its time. Mr. Lattin will come to you the moment -he gets in. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You’re sure? I thought I heard his step. - -_Nurse_ - -I’ll go and see the moment the lamp is lit. But he never forgets. He -always comes in here first. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But he’s so long to-day, longer than usual. And he looked so grave, -nurse, when he left. He looked worried, I thought. You noticed it? - -_Nurse_ - -He _is_ taken up with these politics just now. It’s only natural, -considering the crisis in Egypt. But he’s always so in earnest, isn’t he? -I noticed nothing unusual. The Government is lucky to have him at such a -time. No one could fill _his_ place. (_Brings lamp._) There’s the lamp. -Is the shading right? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Fill his place! No, indeed. Phillip understands the natives better than -anybody in the world. And the country too (_wistfully_). If only I could -bring myself to go back to Egypt with him. (_Irritably._) The light -catches my eye there. To the left a little. Now to the right. Thank you. - -_Nurse_ - -The doctors all agree it’s best not, don’t they? The dry climate---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -It’s not that, nurse. Dryness is what I _need_--warmth and dryness. It’s -something else. Egypt frightens me. I can’t sleep there. Dreams come to -me. - -_Nurse_ - -The doctors said it was the effect of the climate on the nerves. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Oh, I know. I’d face it if I could--another winter. It means so much to -Mr. Lattin, doesn’t it? Nurse! It’s curious--it’s strange, don’t you -think--that Mr. Lattin feels nothing of that _I_ feel there? I mean---- - -_Nurse_ - -Hark! I think that’s Mr. Lattin’s step. I’ll go and see. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -It can’t be the new doctor, can it? - -_Nurse_ - -Dr. Ogilvie? Not yet. Six o’clock he was to come. He won’t be here before -his time. These great specialists are busy men. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Wearily._) I’ve seen so many doctors. I hardly feel as if I had the -strength for a new examination. Dr. Ogilvie will do me no good. - -_Nurse_ - -Still you will see him. For your husband’s sake. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Ah, yes, for Phillip’s sake. I think my husband’s coming, nurse. - -(_Enter PHILLIP._) - -_Nurse_ - -Good-evening, Mr. Lattin. Mrs. Lattin is a trifle better. I’ll leave you -for a little, but she must not tire herself. We are expecting Dr. Ogilvie -at six. - -_Phillip_ - -I’ll be very careful. - - [_NURSE exit._ - -(_PHILLIP comes to his wife._) - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -At last, Phillip. I’m so glad you’ve come, dear. I’ve been waiting and -longing so. They kept you--but you belong to me, don’t you? You’re tired, -poor old thing. Come to me, Phillip--closer. (_Stretches out hand._) - -_Phillip_ - -I _am_ a bit late. I’m sorry, Little Child. They kept me, yes. But -_you_----? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I’m well enough to listen. You’re back; I forgive you. And it’s all -arranged as you wished--as you hoped? - -_Phillip_ - -Sir George was kindness itself---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You saw the Foreign Secretary! - -_Phillip_ - -You didn’t know I was such a big-wig, did you? It is important, you see, -dear. The situation out there is complicated. I’ve left them in the lurch -a little, and my advice--er--my knowledge, Sir George was good enough to -say--at such a time---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -In the lurch, Phillip! How in the lurch? You’re only asking a longer -leave than usual. - -_Phillip_ - -There, there. I don’t want you to worry your dear head with politics. The -new doctor will be here any minute now. That’s far more important. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I would rather know exactly. It doesn’t worry me. - -_Phillip_ - -It’s all been arranged most satisfactorily, dear; and I’m very pleased. -So _you’re_ pleased with me--eh? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Phillip--what has been arranged? - -_Phillip_ - -Sir George was most complimentary. The Government would recognise -my services--my long services, he called it. He even discussed with -me--asked my advice, if you _must_ know the full weight of honour placed -upon me!--as to my successor---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Successor! - -_Phillip_ - -But, darling, _some one_ must fill my place. There must be a _locum -tenens_, as they say in the church. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You’ve--resigned! - -_Phillip_ - -Dear one, there was no other way. It’s a formality, you see. I can always -take it up again where I left it off. Our man in Egypt--just now--must be -_there_. He must be on the spot, of course---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But six months’ leave! Surely, six months’ leave---- - -_Phillip_ - -Means the entire winter. There, there, Little Child, it’s nothing. You -must not exaggerate like this. What is my work in Egypt compared to being -with you. The doctors forbid you to go out. It’s quite simple: I prefer -to stay with you. _My_ world lies in your heart. I--I can always take up -the work again when--when you’re better. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Resigned, resigned! You have actually resigned. Your career--I have -broken your career--at last--completely. Is it wrong, then, that I need -you so? - -_Phillip_ - -Hush, dearest---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You have paid this tremendous price--and I have made you pay it. - -_Phillip_ - -I wish to be always with you. That is my only wish, my only happiness. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -For my sake you have sacrificed---- - -_Phillip_ - -It’s I who am selfish to tire you with all this stupid Government -business. There, now; you’ve talked too much and I have done you -harm. There’s only happiness in my heart. No more nonsense-talk about -sacrifice. You must lie quiet and rest again. I can be always with you. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Yes, to the end--my end and yours. O God! Why did I not understand before? - -_Phillip_ - -You must not speak like that. Love--our love--knows no end. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Oh, I am miserable, Phillip, miserable, miserable. - -_Phillip_ - -_Please_, do not say such things. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But I must, I must. My selfishness has brought you to this last -renouncement. Egypt has meant so much to you. - -_Phillip_ - -Too much, Mary, too much. Egypt was coming between us. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Your work there, the great work I have ruined…! Egypt meant home to you. - -_Phillip_ - -Home is where you are, dearest, and nowhere else. You have taught me -this--in time. (_To himself._) Egypt! Ah, Egypt! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I hate it. It terrifies me. There is pain for me in Egypt. An instinctive -dread comes over me always--something from very far away. I _have_ -struggled against it, for your sake, but--oh, it’s so, so strong. If only -you could forgive me----! - -_Phillip_ - -Hush, dearest! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But it _has_ come between us. You love it so. And it’s my fault that you -can’t--your career, I mean---- - -_Phillip_ - -Dear one, whatever is, is right. There is nothing to regret. Egypt, -indeed, has drawn me strangely. There is some power out there--a -spiritual power--that has cast a glamour over me. It has been a passion -with me. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -My instinctive terror! - -_Phillip_ - -And my instinctive love! - - [_They glance together in silence at a great picture above the - bed--an Egyptian night-scene, with stars and Nile._ - -Yes … yes … strange indeed! From my earliest days it drew me. Those palms -and temples, that majestic desert----! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Phillip, don’t! Those stars, that river bring me sadness--immense regret. -I feel them always rising over me. They watch me! - -_Phillip_ - -Forgive me. It was the marvellous beauty took me. I---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But it’s an unearthly beauty. And something in it--lost. It’s lost -to you. And I--oh, but I do love you so; for ever and ever you are -_mine_--aren’t you? - - [_He stoops and kisses her. She half rises, whispering_: - -Phillip, dearest--something strange comes over me. I see a lifting of -this heavy English sky. I have been through this before--I have done this -very thing before--long, long ago--injured you somehow! Oh, Phillip, -can it be that we have lived before--pre-existence--is it true? (_Sinks -back._) I think … I think I must be near to … death! - -_Phillip_ - -Hush, hush, my darling. These are sick fancies only. Your brain is tired. -We must not talk like this. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I _am_ tired, yes; but it is my soul that aches and not my body. Phillip, -I want your forgiveness. - -_Phillip_ - -There is nothing to forgive. I love you. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Spiritually tortured and perplexed._) I want your real -forgiveness--before I go. I have been suffering deeply, deeply. Curtains -have been rising. I almost see. Something seems growing clearer to me. -I’ve done wrong somewhere! Why have I pulled against you all these -years--against your work? It cannot be my love that is at fault. You’re -wholly mine--and yet I want your forgiveness somehow---- - -_Phillip_ - -(_Deep patience._) All the love and forgiveness in the world I give you, -Little Child. But you ask for what was always yours. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Your broken mission. You alone have the strength and patience Egypt -needs. I have ruined all, all, all! - -_Phillip_ - -There! I forgive you, then. (_Kisses her._) I forgive you all, all, all. -But please calm yourself. This excitement does you harm. You torment -yourself for nothing. It is I who have been, and am, the egoist. All men -who think their work is a mission are shameless egoists. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Thank you, Phillip, for this great gift of your forgiveness. But it is -not enough. I want to understand--and so forgive _myself_. - -_Phillip_ - -You must rest now a little. It was criminal of me to let you talk so -much. No, not another word. I’ll leave you for a bit. You must be calm to -see the Doctor. It’s nearly six---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Dr. Ogilvie can’t help me. - -_Phillip_ - -What! The first man of the day! His wonderful cures---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -He cures the body only. _I_ need a soul physician. Oh, Phillip, I believe -sometimes my yearning _must_ bring him to me. - -_Phillip_ - -My darling, it is your body alone that is ill. Your suffering gives you -these strange fancies. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You love me too well to understand. (_Sighs._) My illness is not only of -the body. Now, leave me, dearest. I wish to see him quite alone. - -_Phillip_ - -Little Child, you shall. You can dismiss the nurse. (_Glances at clock._) -It is close on six. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Kiss me. (_He kisses her softly and goes out._) If only--ah, if only my -great yearning.… - - [_She lies back exhausted. Sighs. Covers her face with her hands. - After a moment she uncovers her face and half sits up again. She - stares hard at Egyptian picture on the wall._ - -The fault lies in my soul, and it comes first from there--from Egypt. -The river is rising, rising once again. The stars are rising too. They -watch me, and they wait. They’re always watching us. O God! If only some -one could make me understand! If some great doctor of the soul…! (_Sinks -back. Her eyes close. She lies very still._) - - [_A big clock on the mantelpiece strikes the first three strokes - of six o’clock, then stops. The door opens slowly and a man - enters quietly. He looks round the room, sees her on the sofa - apparently asleep, and stands still, a few feet inside the door. - He looks steadily at her a moment, then glances at the picture of - Egypt on the wall. He smiles gently. His figure is a little bent, - perhaps. He is not a big man with any marked presence. As he - smiles, she opens her eyes and sees him. She shows surprise and - slight embarrassment. She raises herself on one arm. Her voice - is hushed rather when she speaks. He remains near the open door._ - -I beg your pardon. Is it--Dr. Ogilvie? - -_Doctor_ - -I am the Doctor. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I must apologise. Did no one----? - -_Doctor_ - -I found my way. - - [_Both pause, gazing._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_With relief._) Ah! Thank you. - - [_She makes an unfinished gesture towards a seat. Her eyes remain - fixed on his. She smiles faintly._ - -_Doctor_ - -You called for me. (_He makes one step nearer._) - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -My husband, I believe, did write. We--expected you. - -_Doctor_ - -I am come. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -It is exceedingly--it is more than kind of you. You are so good. I -mean--(_stammers; sinks back upon the cushions, unable to maintain the -effort_). I am very ill. - -_Doctor_ - -I know. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You know! Ah yes--you know. - -_Doctor_ - -That is why you called me. That is why I am here now. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I can tell you very briefly what---- - -_Doctor_ - -It is unnecessary. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But---- - -_Doctor_ - -I have been watching you. - - [_He straightens up a little; a new dignity is in him. She - gazes intently. She stretches out a hand, then withdraws it, - hesitatingly, again._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You mean----? - -_Doctor_ - -I knew--that you would send for me. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Ah! The medical journals! My case, of course--its peculiar--er--its -hopelessness. - -_Doctor_ - -There are no hopeless cases. (_He smiles. His voice is very gentle._) - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Bewildered._) You are very ki--good. I thank you, already. - -_Doctor_ - -(_Shaking his head quietly._) And you already--I see--are on the way to -your recovery. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Recovery! - -_Doctor_ - -Since you realise that you are very ill. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Oh--in that sense. - -_Doctor_ - -In every sense. - - [_She is more and more aware of something unusual in him. She - keeps her gaze steadily on his face. She makes a gesture - towards him, then hesitates. She seems on the point of saying - more--speaking more freely._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I think--there must be a mistake somewhere. I don’t quite understand how -you---- - -_Doctor_ - -There are no mistakes. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But you are sure it is _me_ you have come to see? - -_Doctor_ - -It is you. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Mrs. Lattin? - - [_He bows his head._ - -In this street and house--13 Bristol Square? - -_Doctor_ - -This street, this square (_moves nearer and puts his hand upon her -head_), this very house you occupy--for the moment. - - [_She stares at him. They smile. She is aware of another meaning - in his words. A touch of awe shows in her manner._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Low._) This--body? - -_Doctor_ - -Which, for the moment, _you_--are occupying, Little Child. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Awed._) You know that name! My husband’s secret name! - -_Doctor_ - -It is--_your_ name. - - [_He moves back a step so that she can see the picture. One hand - he stretches towards her as in blessing. Her eyes turn from the - Egyptian night-scene to his face again._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Softly, to herself._) My little secret love-name. It is too -marvellous--this. I am completely at a loss to--(_breaks off, as he looks -down and smiles at her_). - -_Doctor_ - -Love names truly always. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -He … has … always … called me so. - -_Doctor_ - -He has loved you truly--always. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Sitting up._) But you know everything in the world! Who are -you--really? (_Awe increases in her._) - -_Doctor_ - -I am the Doctor. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Doctor! The greatest calling in world! A doctor’s powers---- - -_Doctor_ - -Are, by rights, divine. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Life or death---- - -_Doctor_ - -Life _and_ death. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Hushed._) But--you are more than doctor; you are also--Priest. - -_Doctor_ - -I am at your service. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Light breaking on her face. She stretches out a hand to him. He takes -it._) To heal me. I feel great power pouring from you--into me. It is -like wind and fire. - -_Doctor_ - -Life is a wind and fire. It is life you feel. Your claim is great, -because of your great wish, your true desire. You deserve. And I have -come. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Puzzled._) Deserve! My great desire! My claim…! - -_Doctor_ - -Your sickness is not of the heart, but of the soul. Your desire was -prayer. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You have read my heart. - -_Doctor_ - -Little Child, it is in your eyes. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -And you know my very soul. - -_Doctor_ - -Little Child, I am come to heal it. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Recovery! You said recovery. While I lie dying here by inches! - -_Doctor_ - -You love. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -With all my heart. - -_Doctor_ - -And--soul? - - [_He looks questioningly down at her with great tenderness. Her - expression shows the dawn of comprehension._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Very low._) I love--wrongly--somewhere. I forgot--my soul. And I have -wrecked him, wrecked his life, his work. - -_Doctor_ - -(_To himself._) Again. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Not catching his word._) Is there recovery for _that_? Can you heal -that? - -_Doctor_ - -He does not question your love for him? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -He is too big-hearted. He has sacrificed all for me. It is regret and -remorse that kill me now--they bring death more quickly. If only I could -understand! - -_Doctor_ - -You shall. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Bitterly._) When it is too late. Can you give recovery for that? Can -the forgiveness that I crave--his forgiveness--undo what has been? -(_Hides her face and sobs._) I must die without forgiveness. - -_Doctor_ - -Recovery begins with understanding. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I want _his_ forgiveness. - -_Doctor_ - -You must--forgive yourself. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Oh, oh, I do not understand. My remorse goes with me even into the grave. - -_Doctor_ - -Remorse brings weakness. The forgiveness of another affects that other -only. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Looking up._) Yes? - -_Doctor_ - -Understand. Then, without regret, go forward. To forgive yourself -is--true forgiveness. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I feel something wonderful in you. Your words bring life again.… I.… -There seems something I remember--remember almost--very dim and far -away.… (_Her eye falls upon the Egyptian picture. She gazes fascinated at -it._) The stars … the river … are rising, surely.… - -_Doctor_ - -You remember--life. And life shall teach you this. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Life! My life! Oh, what is it rising in me? A curtain lifts. I see … -myself. Ah, now it goes again.… The pain … the pain is awful! It all has -been before somewhere, I know.… Have I done this before, then? If only I -could see, I might understand. - -_Doctor_ - -You shall see. Understanding shall bring recovery. - - [_As he speaks he retires slowly backwards towards the open door. - Her eyes remain fixed upon the picture._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Recovery! I half remember.… I begin to … understand…! - -_Doctor_ - -The soul reaps ever its own harvest, for the soul is linked to all its -past. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Faintly._) The past! _My_ past…! _Our_ past together.… - -_Doctor_ - -Your pain and prayer may lift for once the curtain. Remembering, you -shall understand. And, understanding, you shall learn to--forgive -yourself. - - [_A light falls on his face and figure by the door. Just before - he disappears she tears her gaze away from the picture, and turns - to him with outstretched hands. He raises his hands as though he - were lifting a curtain and holding it up._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -It lifts, it lifts! I hear wind among the palms, and lapping waters. A -voice is whispering … “Little Child” … yet in another tongue.… - - [_From beyond the door his last words reach her with a distant, - half-chanting sound._ - -_Doctor_ - -Egypt! Where you began--with him. Your earliest life. Then other lives as -well. See--and understand. - - [_She sinks back exhausted. Her face is radiant through her - tears. She has just strength enough to touch the pneumatic bell - beside the bed._ - - -CURTAIN - - - - -ACT I - -THEIR FIRST LIFE TOGETHER. - -TIME--2000 B.C. - -EGYPT - - -CHARACTERS - - MENOPHIS, a young Egyptian, well born, about 30. - NEFERTITI, an Egyptian dancing-girl. - SETHOS, Egyptian youth. - RAMES, High Priest in Temple of Aton. - - -ACT I - - SCENE--_Banks of the Nile. White temple visible in distance. - Kephren’s Pyramid seen very far away._ - - _Late evening, sunset._ - - (_NEFERTITI and SETHOS enter and pause._) - -_Nefertiti_ - -Now leave me, Sethos. And go swiftly. (_With gesture of pushing him -off._) I must be alone. You follow me as wind follows a bird. - -_Sethos_ - -Yet never touch you as wind does the bird. And when you dance your feet -dance on my heart. No other dancing-girl compares with you. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Last moon Pharaoh himself told me that. I know it. But now leave me. I am -here to worship. - -_Sethos_ - -(_Supplicating._) May I not stay a moment--at least, until Menophis----? - -_Nefertiti_ - -Sethos, you heard me. It is the sacred night. The tear of Isis falls into -our River when the dusk has passed to darkness. And I must worship. - -_Sethos_ - -Menophis comes also with the dusk. You meet here every evening; and when -he comes I am forgotten. May I not stay and be remembered--till he comes? -(_Implores._) Your beauty makes me slavish. Out of his plenty he will not -miss so little, and I--starve. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Not now. Sethos, I tell you, go! His coming, as you know, makes the -dry desert live for me. I would not have him troubled for so little. -He hardly is aware of your existence--as yet. But, should I ever need -you--slave----! - -_Sethos_ - -(_Eagerly._) As yet! Need me! Oh, Nefertiti, if you could use me I should -die of happiness. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Then prepare to die, for the time _may_ come. - -_Sethos_ - -Oh, may it happen soon! - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Teasing._) The Gods alone know what may happen, and when. You are my -slave. Then, vanish! - -_Sethos_ - -(_Bowing._) Your slave obeys. (_Rising._) But your lover will wait among -the palm-trees yonder. Menophis may not come. The Gods know what will -happen, and it is said the Gods have claimed him for themselves. He is a -prize, it seems, that earth and heaven both desire. I have heard rumours. -(_Moves off lingeringly._) If you need escort back to Memphis your -lightest call will reach me. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Go! I shall not need your escort. My happiness and his are in the keeping -of the Gods. Leave me to worship. - -_Sethos_ - -(_With boy’s passion._) Oh, Nefertiti, the wild sweetness of the desert -is in your breath! To me you are holy as our sacred River! May the Gods -grant you all your heart’s desire. Sethos is your slave for ever--even -though his heart should break. - - [_Exit, slowly, looking back._ - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Smiling to herself._) A slave is always useful--for slavish purposes. I -may put you to the test some day! - - [_She watches him out of sight behind the palms, then goes to the - water’s edge and splashes idly with her bare foot several times - in succession, accompanying each splash with a remark._ - -He’ll bury himself in the Temple.… He’ll bury himself in my arms.… He’ll -become a monk at Rames’ bidding.… He’ll become mine. (_Makes biggest -splash of all._) I’ve got him … under this very foot! (_Hears his -footstep._) - -_Menophis_ - -(_Entering._) You here! Nefertiti! (_She pretends not to hear. She is -worshipping._) Nefertiti! - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Startled._) Menophis! - -_Menophis_ - -You worship here at dusk … beside the Nile! - -_Nefertiti_ - -I often come at sunset--as you know. - -_Menophis_ - -I … had … forgotten. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Forgotten! Has some Afreet blinded you? Only last night, too, you passed -me by without a glance--on your way to Aton’s new Temple. - -_Menophis_ - -It was moonless and I did not see you. No Afreet power could hide you in -the sunshine. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Mocking._) Oh, thank you, Menophis. I thought your heart was too full -perhaps to see me. - -_Menophis_ - -You have been worshipping alone--and you were lonely. Forgive me, Little -Child, I---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -I forgive you, O handsome Menophis. But I was not lonely. Sethos kept me -company awhile. - -_Menophis_ - -Sethos! The Syrian banker’s son! You can find pleasure in such company? - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Softly._) You did not come here to talk with me of Sethos. You came, -like me, to worship----! - -_Menophis_ - -He is rich. - -_Nefertiti_ - -He is forgotten too. When you call me “Little Child” the whole world is -forgotten. There is only--You. - -_Menophis_ - -Little … Child. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Goes closer._) Your eyes seem strange to me to-night: they look far -away into space. Your voice sounds distant like the desert jackal’s cry. -(_She puts a hand on his and looks searchingly into his eyes._) Yet you -call me Little Child, as of old, when we met here every evening in the -dusk … to play and talk and dream together … of the future. Menophis -(_taking his other hand and drawing her body closer to him_), will you -not tell me--your Little Child--this sacred night when the Tear of Isis -bids our river rise--tell me what wonderful new dream has crept into this -faithful heart? (_Lowers her head as though to hear its beating._) I -hear another music in your blood. (_Lifts her face to his._) And it is … -beautiful. (_Waits for his reply._) - -_Menophis_ - -It is the Sacred Night. That means--Had you forgotten? - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Alarmed, but half teasing._) Oh, you Solemnity! Forgotten what? - -_Menophis_ - -(_Gravely._) A choice--a decision--made to-night is made for ever. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Low._) I know. - -_Menophis_ - -Little Child, it is for me a crisis, and I must choose between great -issues. My life, too, is rising. I must decide in what direction it shall -flow. - -_Nefertiti_ - -You mean … with whom? - -_Menophis_ - -_For_ whom. - - [_He turns his head a moment towards the distant Temple of Aton, - just visible still in the last sunset light. Its whiteness - gleams. She notices the gesture._ - -_Nefertiti_ - -How cold it has grown. Menophis.… I feel the desert-wind’s fingers at -my heart. It is the North wind from the sea. You, too, seem distant -suddenly. (_Lowering voice._) I fear for you. Why is it? I fear something -… for myself … as well---- - -_Menophis_ - -There is no fear this sacred night. There is courage only. Life increases -everywhere. The river rises. The Tear of Isis falls into the Nile and---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -Hark! (_She listens._) There are awful things about in Egypt when---- - -_Menophis_ - -She is alive, that’s all. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Listen! - -_Menophis_ - -It is the lapping waves. It is the wind among the palms. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Whispering._) The waters! That cold desert wind! It blows between -us--between you and me. There is a shadow! (_Shudders closer to him._) -Surely great Kephren bowed this way! - -_Menophis_ - -The stars shine over us. They cast no shadow. The pyramid stands fast. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Yet something passed between us, for I felt it. (_Grips him._) You are -all _mine_? - -_Menophis_ - -(_Holds her close._) There is no room. A shadow cannot separate us. -Anything _real_ would bind us closer only. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Then why are you so solemn, your eyes so far away, your voice so distant? -This crisis that you speak of--it could not take you from _me_? - -_Menophis_ - -Nothing can take you from me, or me from you--for long. The chain of our -past and future lives is bound together beyond all breaking. - -_Nefertiti_ - -What is it, then, that frightens me? - -_Menophis_ - -(_With grave tenderness._) Ah, Nefertiti, Little Child, to-night I -stand--_we_ stand together--at the very gates of life. The choice is -difficult, for it involves you too. Since first, three years ago, I saw -you flitting, like a swallow, down the river bank at Memphis--since those -enchanted days I have had no other human love but you---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Startled._) No other _human_ love! - -_Menophis_ - -(_Slowly._) There _is_ another love, my Nefertiti--a greater; not more -enduring, perhaps, but nobler. For it demands the greater sacrifice. And, -cold though it seem to your warm, passionate heart--_if_ it should call -me---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Catching him by the arm._) Greater! Yet would take you from me! But you -_are_ mine! - -_Menophis_ - -Your beauty troubles me; my blood rebels. I cannot look at you and hear -the call this sacred night may bring me. I must make a still place for -my soul to listen. (_Slowly._) Oh, Nefertiti, you must leave me--for a -little. - -_Nefertiti_ - -Not knowing what is in your troubled heart! Not hearing from your own -lips if we shall meet again! - -_Menophis_ - -(_Sees RAMES approaching._) You should know all. If not from my lips, -then from---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Sees RAMES too._) Rames, the great Priest! I understand. He would steal -you from me for his dismal Temple, steal you away from life. - -_Menophis_ - -He is among the wisest and noblest of our land, the Great One of Vision, -Aton’s servant. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Pouting, alarmed._) Aton! - -_Menophis_ - -Hush! Be careful! Even if Aton takes me, the chain of lives _must_ bring -us again together. It were but a brief separation--a sacrifice of pain -and joy we both may offer as one being. And when, in our next life, we -meet again, what ecstasy of strengthened, purified love would be ours--to -know each had been faithful to the other--for His sake. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Roused._) Me grow old in loneliness while you satisfy your soul with -selfish worship! _Our_ sacrifice! - -_Menophis_ - -In dreams we still---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -We should never meet; a dream’s a dream. No children would come to me. - -_Menophis_ - -You would not pine. It would be, for both of us, a preparation for our -meeting in a future life---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Playing on his feelings._) You are right, Menophis. I should not pine, -for I should marry and know joy. Your sacrifice, if you choose it, you -may bear alone, for Nefertiti will not certainly be lonely. There is no -lack of those who offer life to her in place of the dream that Rames sets -before you---- - -_Menophis_ - -Others! Is there another? Nefertiti----! (_Approaches._) - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Withdraws._) Rames is coming. I hear his cautious step. Make your -choice with him. I will not influence you. You wished to be alone; I’ll -leave you. (_Makes to move away._) - -_Menophis_ - -(_With passion and regret._) One moment more. Will you not say farewell? -And if--and if--until you hear from my own lips---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Softly._) If you decide to leave me, Menophis, you will not quite -forget---- - -_Menophis_ - -Little Child, you know. Always I shall think of you---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Mocking._) As happy and light-hearted--with another. I am no “dream” to -Sethos. - -_Menophis_ - -Your beauty tortures me. - -_Nefertiti_ - -You do not torture _me_; you cannot. If you loved me you could not give -me up so lightly. You may think of me--of _us_--walking along this -river bank at sunset with laughter and without regret, talking maybe of -Menophis, and his passing dream. The echo of our laughter may reach into -your little cell. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Advancing._) Unsay those haunting words. - -_Nefertiti_ - -It is but impulse that betrays you. You have a “greater love” than me. -I have one too! Farewell. I shall not come again unless you call me. - - [_Exit._ - - [_MENOPHIS paces to and fro, hides his face in his hands, sighs, - looks after the girl, pauses, then bows his head and waits while - RAMES comes up to him._ - -_Rames_ - -Your eyes are troubled, although I cannot see them. (_Looks down at the -young man’s footsteps._) And your steps leave an uneven pattern on the -sands. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Looking up._) There are too many voices in my ears; and all are sweet. -I know not which is true. I am unhappy and afraid. My peace of yesterday -is gone. - -_Rames_ - -These stars that watch you now shall watch your future lives as well. -Before they pale at dawn they shall have marked your choice. They are -rising in the east. They watch you--and they wait. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Turning his look away from the sky._) I came here to find -peace--between the sunset and the sunrise. - -_Rames_ - -Sunrise and sunset--the two great moments of the day. Death and -resurrection--the two great moments of our life. (_Watches him closely._) - -_Menophis_ - -Not death--a disappearance only (_smiles_) for a little time. - -_Rames_ - -(_Pleased._) To return again and again, each new life linked to those -that went before; and each determined by opportunities left or taken. - -_Menophis_ - -The choice! Oh, Rames, there are two calls in me. I hear two voices -always. My future life hangs upon the decision that I make. - -_Rames_ - -_You_ will not make it. It will make itself. The stronger call must -win (_points across the Nile towards the sinking sun_). It is whether -you shall live unto yourself alone, or consecrate your powers to Aton. -(_Points towards the Temple._) It is not alone your future life that -hangs upon the choice; it is your future lives. - - [_They spread their arms and bow towards the West. The sun sinks - below the Libyan horizon of the desert. The dusk creeps up._ - -_Menophis_ - -(_Rising._) If only the whole of me could choose. I should then know that -I am worthy. - -_Rames_ - -(_Approving._) There can be no half-heartedness in the service of our -Deity. - -_Menophis_ - -(_With enthusiasm._) Our Deity--the sun! - - [_Turns and gazes at the great Temple of Aton whose white columns - still gleam in the golden after-glow some distance across the - desert._ - -_Rames_ - -(_Moving closer, with hand on his shoulder._) Egypt, our great land, now -witnesses the climax of her splendour. A change, which is divine, steals -over her. It is no longer the mere disc of the sun we worship; it is the -power behind. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Reverently._) The heat and glory that are in Aton, eternal and -all-loving Deity. - -_Rames_ - -(_Smiling._) Who calls you for the offering of--yourself. (_Pauses._) The -Temples of our regenerated Egypt demand the best. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Eagerly._) And I might help towards this great uplifting? - -_Rames_ - -(_Gravely._) Menophis, Aton calls you to himself. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Enthusiasm and awe on his face._) I hear the call! - -_Rames_ - -(_Slowly._) But other, lesser, calls as well? - -_Menophis_ - -There can be no turning back! - -_Rames_ - -No turning back. - -_Menophis_ - -I must be sure! - -_Rames_ - -It is for ever. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Very low._) I know which call is highest, yet I hear that sweeter -voice. If only I could smother it. - -_Rames_ - -(_Understanding._) It is the lust of life--of woman! - -_Menophis_ - -It is love. - - [_The dusk is turning into darkness. The stars begin to peep._ - -_Rames_ - -I may not influence you. Years ago I heard these two calls, as you do, -singing in my soul. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Looking eagerly, with respect, into the old man’s face._) And you have -never known regret? - -_Rames_ - -(_Gravely._) I have known perfect joy. - -_Menophis_ - -To yield what is most dear to another is very hard. Oh, Rames, I am so -young, the choice is difficult. If I had some sign that Aton accepts -me----! (_With rising passion._) Aton, guide my decision and grant my -choice be wise! - - [_NEFERTITI is seen returning. SETHOS is with her. They are - laughing together. SETHOS’ arm is about NEFERTITI. MENOPHIS does - not see them._ - -_Rames_ - -Weigh carefully. Hear every call with honesty. Aton, indeed, does call -you, but it is all or nothing. (_Withdraws slowly down river bank towards -the Temple. Waves his hand solemnly._) I leave you--to yourself. - - [_Exit._ - -_Menophis_ - -Great Aton, guide me. - - [_Stretches arms to the sky; looks up at stars. Then bows his - head upon his hands in prayer. NEFERTITI draws near with SETHOS._ - -_Sethos_ - -My head spins, Nefertiti. Then it was in play that you dismissed me? I -can hardly believe my happiness is real. - - [_Tries to embrace her._ - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Escaping gaily._) Everything’s real--at the moment when--you’ve got it. - - [_MENOPHIS hears their voices. Turns and sees them._ - -_Menophis_ - -With … Sethos…! (_To her._) You’ve come back…! - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Pretending she has just noticed him._) The river bank is public, -I believe. All Memphis will be here presently--this sacred night. -(_Mocking._) Forgive me--forgive _us_--if we disturbed your meditations. -(_Glancing at SETHOS._) We enjoy the starlight like the other lovers! - -_Menophis_ - -Together! - -_Sethos_ - -A young girl does not come out unattended. I am proud that Nefertiti -accepts my protection--as before. - -_Menophis_ - -Little Child! - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_To SETHOS, laughing._) Menophis, you know, is half a priest already. He -has put aside all common things--youth, dancing, laughter--love. - -_Sethos_ - -(_Half insolently._) Wise Menophis! I envy a man grown old before his -time. He has had some bitter disappointment probably. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Suffering keenly._) If you _really_ love each other, I---- - -_Sethos_ - -Come this way, Nefertiti. I hear a pipe. (_Melody on pipe heard -faintly._) Let’s go and dance. This atmosphere is too holy. (_Tries to -draw her away._) - -_Menophis_ - -(_Pain._) Can this be a sign from Aton--that you are worthless? - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Stung._) We’ll dance, yes, as we did at Memphis when the harvest -ripened. And then we’ll bathe together, Sethos. It all is worship, and my -blood this sacred night is burning---- - -_Sethos_ - -(_Wild._) And to-morrow I may see your father----? - - [_NEFERTITI whispers in his ear. They laugh. He tries again to - kiss her. She escapes again, and dances seductively, taking care - to go close past MENOPHIS, who makes several half movements - towards her, but controls himself._ - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Singing mischievously to the tune of the distant pipe, and holding -SETHOS by the hand. As she goes past MENOPHIS she holds out her free hand -to him temptingly._) - - “Come, dance together. Take my hand - Beside the rising river; - We’ll dance upon the starlit sand, - And then through life--for ever!” - -_Menophis_ - -(_Catching at her hand as she flits past._) Nefertiti! - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Escaping his touch. Still hand in hand with SETHOS._) I heard a dead -voice calling from a Tomb. (_To SETHOS._) It’s not for us. _We_ are -alive! - - [_Sings as before, glancing mockingly at MENOPHIS, who again - would seize her as she goes by._ - - “The rising river takes our feet, - And life flows full of laughter; - Come, dance with me while youth is sweet----” - -_Menophis_ - -(_Touching her._) Little Child! - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Slowing down. Sings last line lingeringly._) - - “The wedding follows after!” - -_Menophis_ - -_My_ Little Child. - -_Sethos_ - -(_Trying to draw her away._) Come, Nefertiti. Come with me, lest the -Temple snatch you, too. - -_Menophis_ - -Listen! The waters wait the sign! (_Warningly._) A few brief moments and -the Tear of Isis falls--and the choice is made, not for this life only, -but for ever. (_Solemnly to NEFERTITI._) You would bind your soul to his -… for all future lives … for ever? - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Drawing back._) “For ever”! “For all future lives”! For an hour--a few -hours, perhaps---- - -_Sethos_ - -You swore to me that you---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -I danced and played and sang with you. You dance lightly and your voice -is sweet. But--if it is true that vows taken to-night can bind me to your -soul for ever---- - -_Menophis_ - -It is true. - -_Nefertiti_ - -… the journey would tire me. - -_Sethos_ - -Nefertiti! - -_Menophis_ - -(_Steps between them. NEFERTITI hesitates._) Let her alone. Since -her eyes first opened to the sun she has been mine. A hundred future -lives shall take our feet together. And she knows it. She plays with -you--this singing, dancing. She _lives_ with me. (_Seizes her, all else -forgotten._) Leave us together, Sethos. Go! - -_Nefertiti_ - -I played with you. You know it. (_To MENOPHIS._) You had forgotten our -appointment! I did it--for my love’s sake. - - [_SETHOS shrinks from his sudden violence, startled, but keeps - her hand._ - -_Menophis_ - -She has finished with you. Go! - -_Sethos_ - -(_Sneers._) Finished! You are mistaken, Menophis. Only a while ago she -said my love was precious to her--(_Realising._) You (_to her_) have -strange ideas of play. You’re a---- - -_Menophis_ - -(_Threateningly._) Enough, Sethos. You knew, at least, that we belonged -to one another. You have yourself to blame. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Proud of him._) Of course. Sethos says the same sweet things to many -another maiden too. - -_Sethos_ - -(_Bitterly._) The Gods have set me free of you, and I am glad. When next -we meet, Menophis, you shall hear the soft promises she made me (_turns -his back to go_), and how she spoke of _you_! (_Moves faster, as MENOPHIS -advances threateningly._) She called you half woman and half monk--no -man at all (_runs_), fit … only … for … the Temples! - - [_Exit._ - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_A last shot at him._) Yet if I raised my little finger you’d come -tumbling back--a helpless slave! (_Turns to MENOPHIS._) I am ashamed. -(_Demurely._) I did pretend he pleased me. - -_Menophis_ - -Little Child.… - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Happy._) I was a little jealous of--of--your Aton. - -_Menophis_ - -And I, perhaps, of your … Sethos. - - [_They smile and embrace. The pipe is heard. She breaks away and - dances before him happily._ - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_sings_) - - “Come, dance with me, and take my hand - Beside the rising river; - We’ll dance upon the starlit sand, - And then through life--for ever.” - -_Menophis_ - -You are a daughter of the sun! - -_Nefertiti_ - -Isis and Aton both are in our blood! - -_Menophis_ - -Your beauty blinds me. I hear no other voice than your dear singing. I -see no stars, your twinkling feet are everywhere. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Triumphantly._) It is the call of Life. - - [_A sound is heard, like wind in an Eolian harp, faint._ - -_Menophis_ - -(_Startled._) Listen! The moment comes. - - [_With the sound is mingled the lapping of water._ - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Awed._) It is here. - - [_A star falls from the sky._ - -_Both together_ - -The Tear of Isis! - -_Menophis_ - -Our river takes it. - -_Nefertiti_ - -The waters rise. - -_Menophis_ - -Our choice is made--for ever. - -_Nefertiti_ - -My beloved. (_Embrace._) Mine … for ever and ever … all our future lives. - -_Menophis_ - -The Temple was a dream. Your beauty makes me see it. (_Breaks off as he -sees RAMES and SETHOS approaching through the palms._) Rames comes. -(_Makes to hide._) Great One of Visions! - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Triumphantly._) And Sethos with him. Let them see us both. (_Catches -his arm._) Do not hide, but tell them boldly of your glorious choice. - - [_RAMES and SETHOS have been talking together. SETHOS now turns - and goes off towards the Temple, walking slowly with bowed head, - but looking back over his shoulder sometimes. Disappears. RAMES - comes slowly forward. Holds up his hands to bless them._ - -_Rames_ - -(_Smiling gravely._) May Aton bless you both--now--and in all lives to -come. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Confidently._) Aton _has_ blessed us--both. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Dazed, troubled._) Rames--you come to know my choice. (_Very gravely._) -The Tear has fallen. The river is rising, and I--(_lowers head_) I have -heard the call. - -_Rames_ - -The choice is yours--(_solemnly_) and _hers_. - - _Menophis._ I have } chosen. The rising waters and the risen stars - _Nefertiti._ He has } bear witness. - -_Rames_ - -They … bear … witness. - -_Menophis_ - -(_Half sadly to RAMES._) I have weighed both voices. Another--a worthier -than I--must replace me in the Temple. - -_Rames_ - -Aton does not compel. The call will come to you again--in following -lives, until---- - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Interrupting._) Our love comes from Aton. He has given Menophis to me -for my own. - -_Rames_ - -All gifts are his. - -_Menophis_ - -Holy Rames, I cannot let her go from me. - -_Rames_ - -(_Solemnly._) The choice is made. The future lives will bring again, and -yet again (_turning to NEFERTITI_), this same deep opportunity, when -you--again--shall lead his soul higher, or (_with emphasis_) delay and -hinder by vain selfish love. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Defiant, yet frightened._) He is mine--for ever. No priest or god shall -rob me of him. I keep him for myself. (_Clutches him._) - -_Rames_ - -The rising water bears witness to your vow. (_With prophetic and intense -gravity._) Where the Temple gleams white in the sunlight, and where -the palaces run down to the sea, you shall hear the waters in your -soul--_and--shall--remember_. - -_Nefertiti_ - -(_Alarmed._) Listen! He prophesies! - -_Menophis_ - -(_Awed._) Great One of Visions! - - -CURTAIN - - - - -ACT II - -THEIR SECOND LIFE TOGETHER. - -TIME--325 B.C. - -GREECE - - -CHARACTERS - - PHOCION (40), Athenian General. - LYDIA (35), his wife. - LYSANDER, a youth, PHOCION’S brother. - ALEXANDER THE GREAT. - ATHENIAN CITIZENS. - - -ACT II - - SCENE--_Room in PHOCION’S house in Athens. Simple. Altar to Zeus - with brazier burning. Colonnade with pillars and view towards - Acropolis._ - - _Late evening._ - - (_LYDIA is half-kneeling, half-leaning over the marble - balustrade, gazing into the distance. Enter PHOCION. He comes - near and touches her._) - -_Lydia_ - -How you startled me! - -_Phocion_ - -Were your thoughts so far away, Little Child? - -_Lydia_ - -I was thinking. - -_Phocion_ - -And gazing across the sea as usual. What is there so attractive beyond -that dim horizon? The future or----? - -_Lydia_ - -Perhaps its dimness only. That’s southwards, is it not? There Egypt lies, -and--Alexandria--you said--the great, new city. - -_Phocion_ - -(_Searchingly._) Distance still haunts your eyes. Little wonder that I -startled you. (_Kisses her._) But do not speak of Alexander’s city. Our -thoughts lie nearer home--in Athens. - -_Lydia_ - -Where have you been, Phocion? All day I’ve missed you. - -_Phocion_ - -On the hills--alone. I have been thinking. - -_Lydia_ - -Thinking--you too! - -_Phocion_ - -I came home by way of Theseus’ Temple, saying a prayer for our loved city -and for ourselves. - -_Lydia_ - -But you are weary, and your feet are splashed with mud. - -_Phocion_ - -I crossed the Ilissus to be sooner home, and found it rising--in flood -almost. Yesterday’s rains on Mount Hymettus--(_breaks off as she makes a -sudden gesture_). Why, what ails you, Lydia? Do I startle you a second -time? - -_Lydia_ - -Forgive me, Phocion; do not notice my little weaknesses. It was -merely--there, I’ve often told you--a rising river is an omen that causes -me strange uneasiness. - -_Phocion_ - -Little Child, I understand. I know your feelings. Athens herself is on -edge these days--and little wonder. - -_Lydia_ - -Phocion, let me tell you honestly--I am afraid. - -_Phocion_ - -Anxious, perhaps, but not afraid. The mood of our beloved city takes you -with it, as it takes us all. We all are patriots to-day. But the wife of -Phocion has proved herself no coward. - -_Lydia_ - -(_Low voice._) Alexander is so powerful. Some say the Macedonian is a God. - -_Phocion_ - -Pshaw! In his own land, perhaps. But Athens has her own Gods. He is a -conqueror, yes; but a conqueror can only take a city, not the souls who -dwell in it. - -_Lydia_ - -(_Softly._) Phocion, when I hear your words my fear melts away. Yet -Athens _is_ conquered. Our city trembles---- - -_Phocion_ - -Hush, Lydia. I do not like to hear you say such things. - -_Lydia_ - -Who can stand against him, then? Who is there can oppose this conqueror -of the Persians? - -_Phocion_ - -Every Athenian--every Greek who loves our city more than he fears the -Macedonian. - -_Lydia_ - -All Athens, then! - -_Phocion_ - -All the best in Athens. - - [_LYDIA looks nervously over her shoulder towards the city and - Acropolis. The dusk deepens. The first star shows._ - -_Lydia_ - -(_Shudders._) Your speech is often mysterious like this now--dark with -meaning. Each night as twilight gathers from the sea about our city, -there are footsteps on the causeway that make me tremble. No sooner has -Hymettus darkened than shadows move silently over the courtyard and -between the pillars. (_Turns and flings her arms about him._) Oh, my -Phocion, it is for you, not for myself, I am afraid. - -_Phocion_ - -Calm yourself, beloved. I am an Athenian who obeys his unconquerable -Gods. I do no more than accept the destiny they lay upon him who loves -his country---- - -_Lydia_ - -But if Alexander discovered you--if----! - -_Phocion_ - -Discovered me! What thought is this? - -_Lydia_ - -If he discovered you were true to Athens, I was about to say. If he took -you from me! Oh, Phocion! In dreams I have seen you lying dead at his -feet--lost to me for ever. - -_Phocion_ - -Not lost, most loving woman. If the Gods take me--if I die for Athens---- - -_Lydia_ - -Am I, then, less than Athens? - -_Phocion_ - -Athens is great because of women like you, Lydia. You would not see her -less? - -_Lydia_ - -How less? - -_Phocion_ - -Less free. Liberty is the breath of life. - -_Lydia_ - -What is my liberty if I lose you? Your voice, your touch, your living -presence here beside me (_embraces him_)--I want you alive and loving---- - -_Phocion_ - -Our love has grown with Athens. On the green Cephissian banks we first -discovered it, and that evening on Hymettus when the honey--ah, I see -it in your eyes, dear heart--you remember even as I remember. If Athens -live---- - -_Lydia_ - -But if _you_ die! If Alexander crush you, kill you! Oh, my Phocion, this -struggle against the conqueror is vain. You tempt the Gods. I fear for -you and for your hopeless schemes---- - -_Phocion_ - -My schemes! Lydia, what do you know? - -_Lydia_ - -I suspect only. I feel you planning dangerous things that must take you -from me. Those silent footsteps on our causeway in the dusk, the shadows -that pass between the pillars, the rising waters--Phocion! your strange -deep love of Athens takes no account of me, your little, suffering wife. - -_Phocion_ - -The love of Athens is _ours_. It is the love of country that the Gods -call sacred. (_Looks out across the fading city._) Hellas, your valleys -and mountains, streams and happy groves … beautiful, beloved … who would -not die for you…! - -_Lydia_ - -I love _you_. If you live for me, you live for Hellas even more. Athens -lives in our hearts, not otherwise. - -_Phocion_ - -(_Sternly._) If a barbarian rule our dear city, our hearts are dead. It -is better for my heart to mingle with the soil of Hellas than beat as the -slave of Alexander. - -_Lydia_ - -I love you too much to see you run on death. Your wild plot to save our -city is but the Fates’ way of taking you away from me. - -_Phocion_ - -Try, Lydia, to love me as I love Athens. - -_Lydia_ - -You ask too much of me. I love Hellas, but I love you more. - -_Phocion_ - -Then--not enough. (_Looks away._) You make it hard for me. I see the -right so clearly, but your clinging love makes me weak. - -_Lydia_ - -There is nothing in the world for a woman but her love. If you were lost -to me, Phocion, these lips could kiss one other only--the rising flood -(_shudders_) of our little Athenian river--or the sea. - -_Phocion_ - -What comes, sweet wife, comes to both of us together. You are overwrought -with sleeplessness and watching. Trust me and love me--more I cannot tell -you now. Your love shall give me strength. (_He embraces her and moves -slowly off towards the colonnade._) And if there is a greater love than -yours, some day we shall find it--know it both together. What comes to me -to do now--I must do. - - [_Goes slowly off._ - -_Lydia_ - -(_At him._) A greater love! Ah, Phocion--you’re going from me--going -towards death. I know not what you mean. There is no greater love. -(_Watches him disappear._) Then I must save you, since you will not save -yourself. I cannot lose you. My love, I cannot let you--(_Covers her face -with her hands_). My love shall save you from yourself. If I do wrong the -Gods forgive---- - - [_Knocking is heard. She starts and looks round. A MESSENGER is - seen in the courtyard._ - -(_Cautiously._) You would see--whom? - -_Messenger_ - -The wife of Phocion. - -_Lydia_ - -(_Frightened._) Hush! Come softly, I am she. (_MESSENGER enters -stealthily._) You bring a message for me? You bring a token? - -_Messenger_ - -(_With respect._) She who sends me bids me say as token this: From one -who loves her Lord more than his earthly glory--to her who loves as -greatly. - -_Lydia_ - -(_Faintly._) To her who loves as greatly. (_Hesitates, shows agitation, -a distraught expression on her face._) It is to save him that I do -it--to save his life for--both of us. (_Turns to MESSENGER._) Your great -mistress bid you bring an answer back to her? - -_Messenger_ - -Without delay--my orders are. - -_Lydia_ - -Have you no more to say? No further message? Do you bring only the token -that you come from her? - -_Messenger_ - -She bid me say that you should feel perfect confidence. - -_Lydia_ - -The word of Alexander----? - -_Messenger_ - -Has been given, and cannot change. - -_Lydia_ - -Though it concern the life of one who was his enemy? - -_Messenger_ - -The Queen bid me assure you. He has given her his promise. It will not -alter. - -_Lydia_ - -(_Whispers._) Then take this message back to her who sent you: To one -who comes hither to-night when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow -I will reveal what I have promised to reveal. In return I claim the boon -the conqueror has sworn--through her--to give me. - -_Messenger_ - -Her word and his are both securely given. I take back yours. - -_Lydia_ - -Go swiftly, silently. I shall await fulfilment here--when the moon is -high enough to cast a shadow on the marble causeway. Behind that pillar I -shall wait. Go swiftly! - - [_Exit MESSENGER. LYDIA, looking anxiously at the sky, withdraws - into the shadow of the pillars. PHOCION enters, his arm upon the - shoulder of LYSANDER, his youthful brother. LYDIA overhears their - talk._ - -_Lysander_ - -(_With enthusiasm._) Our last meeting now, and then to action. Oh, -Phocion, I feel the Gods are with us. Your daring shall save Athens, and -Hellas will live--even if we die. - -_Phocion_ - -We all stand or fall together. They are picked men, and heroes; no one -among them thinks of self. The risk, of course, is great, but it is -nothing when the stake is considered. - -_Lysander_ - -Everything favours us. The best troops of Alexander’s army are still in -Egypt. The entire city is behind us. All Athens will rise when it sees -you are our leader. (_Vehemently._) We shall drive the proud Macedonian -out. Oh, I’m glad the talk is over soon! I burn for action. - -_Phocion_ - -I, too, want action. I am not made for stealth and for conspiracy. -Plotting and hesitation weary me. (_Sighs._) - -_Lysander_ - -Phocion, you feel no doubt, though--? I heard you sigh. Are you less sure -of--of anything? - -_Phocion_ - -For myself, boy, I have no doubt. For Athens I am sure and strong. Did -I sigh perhaps? If so--if so, it was for others whose lives I hold in -trust. For others--the truest, best, and bravest men in all Athens. - -_Lysander_ - -The Gods will bear that burden for you, Phocion. - -_Phocion_ - -Yes, yes; the Gods will bear it--partly. - -_Lysander_ - -No one can lead but you. We are of one accord. - -_Phocion_ - -I _will_ lead, Lysander. Have no fear. Of myself I do not think. (_Looks -out._) The moon is up. I see the evening star o’er Salamis. They will be -here very shortly. - -_Lysander_ - -We are quite safe here. I took the password round myself at noon. - -_Phocion_ - -We cannot be too cautious. Alexander’s spies are more numerous than the -bees upon Hymettus. They can sting as sharply too. - -_Lysander_ - -Oh, our secret is well guarded. Yet the least whisper or thoughtless word -could so easily betray us. (_Looks round with a moment’s hesitation, then -continues in a lower voice._) I only would--that Lydia---- - -_Phocion_ - -Lydia! - -_Lysander_ - -She is in great favour with Alexander’s queen, Statira. - -_Phocion_ - -So much the better! Since she knows nothing there is nothing she can -reveal. Alexander seeks to play the generous conqueror. That the wife -of Phocion accepts favours that Phocion spurns can only save us from -suspicion. The Persian woman helps us without knowing it. And so does -Lydia! - -_Lysander_ - -You are right, Phocion. The Gods show their will in little things like -this. We are under their protection. Yet if word reached Alexander of our -gathering in your house to-night---- - -_Phocion_ - -Keep your words for later, boy; you waste your strength. How can you hold -such idle thoughts? Hellas a Macedonian province! Her ancient liberties -crushed! Our last hope dead as soon as born, and no blow struck! - -_Lysander_ - -Phocion, forgive me! And, Selene, in yonder rising moon, forgive me too. -The Gods protect and help us! - -_Phocion_ - -Pallas Athena, give us wisdom to plan and strength to strike. - - [_LYDIA comes forward from her hiding-place among the columns. - The moonlight falls on her. As she moves she notices that it - casts a shadow. She hurries. LYSANDER watches her somewhat - closely._ - -Ah, Lydia. - -_Lydia_ - -_You_ did not call me, Phocion? It seemed---- - -_Phocion_ - -(_Smiling._) Your maidens called you to the bath. It is your bathing hour. - -_Lydia_ - -(_To LYSANDER._) Lysander, good-evening! You are fortunate. (_Half -laughing, half jealous._) Phocion has more time for his brother than for -his wife. - -_Lysander_ - -Had I a wife as brave and faithful as my brother has, I should be more -fortunate still! These are grave times, good Lydia, for true Athenian -men. - -_Phocion_ - -Ah, Lydia knows too well, Lysander. But do not detain her now. (_To -LYDIA._) I will come later for you, Little Child--an hour at the most. - -_Lydia_ - -I am always ready for you, Phocion, and always true. I, too, am an -Athenian. - -_Phocion_ - -The Gods watch over you! - -_Lydia_ - -And over you! - - [_PHOCION moves to the balustrade and leans over, watching the - night. He waits for her to go. LYDIA turns to LYSANDER and speaks - low and hurriedly._ - -You love him, I know, Lysander, and he loves you. - -_Lysander_ - -Before he even knew your name, I loved Phocion, (_sternly_) and more than -Phocion I love Phocion’s honour. - -_Lydia_ - -And so loving him you would urge him--to his death. (_With passion._) You -shall not, Lysander; Phocion is mine and he belongs to me. I will hold -him fast to this life. A glorious career now lies at Phocion’s feet. - -_Lysander_ - -I love Phocion’s honour too well to tempt him to dishonour. - -_Lydia_ - -Tush, boy! You do not understand. I would not tempt him. Fate does not -tempt, it commands. The high Gods bid us to accept fate bravely. The weak -resist it; the strong accept and make it glorious. And a glorious career -now lies at Phocion’s feet. - -_Lysander_ - -You speak with knowledge, Lydia? If so, how come you by such knowledge? - -_Lydia_ - -Hush, not so loud. Lysander, you faithful brother, I tell you it is -common knowledge. The Military Governorship of Alexandria--once offered -to Phocion already and refused by him--is open to him still. Alexander -knows his worth---- - -_Lysander_ - -His incorruptibility too. But how know _you_ this, Lydia? - -_Lydia_ - -I only know that Alexander is generous and will raise him to even greater -honour. He places Phocion above all men in Athens---- - -_Lysander_ - -(_Coldly._) Has Alexander’s queen informed you thus. (_Louder._) It -seems strange to me, Lydia, that the wife of--an Athenian patriot---- - -_Phocion_ - -How loud your voices grow. Lydia, Little Child, you had best leave us -now, for Lysander and I have grave business to transact together--and we -expect others too. - - [_There is a low knocking at the door._ - -_Lydia_ - -Lysander chides me that I accept kindness from the queen of Athens’ -conqueror. - -_Phocion_ - -I see no harm in that, and possibly much good. Your love will ever guide -you. Farewell, now, for a little while. And happiness go with you! - -_Lydia_ - -I leave you. It is your friends who come to you at twilight now so often. -The Fates protect you, my Phocion! (_Whispers to LYSANDER as she goes._) -Oh, save him, Lysander! Save him from himself--for me, his wife! - - [_Exit slowly, looking back fondly at PHOCION as she goes. - LYSANDER watches her with an expression that betrays doubt, - anxiety and disapproval. He shakes his head. The knocking is - repeated. It is a definite knock that has been pre-arranged._ - -_Phocion_ - -Open, Lysander. It is the Citizens. - - [_A dozen CITIZENS enter quietly. Their leader holds a scroll in - his hand. In turn they greet PHOCION with obvious respect, each - giving the password, while PHOCION replies with the countersign_: - -_Citizen_ - -The Gods deliver Athens! - -_Phocion_ - -They will deliver her! - - [_When all are in, they group themselves. An elderly CITIZEN, - holding the scroll, acts as spokesman._ - -It is safest our meeting should be brief, and no words wasted. - -_First Citizen_ - -We stand for action. - -_Second Citizen_ - -Immediate action. - -_Third Citizen_ - -Each day that passes consolidates the barbarian power that would ruin -Athens. - -_Lysander_ - -Citizens, we need two conditions for success--to strike hard, and to -surprise. - -_Phocion_ - -We must move warily. The Macedonian’s spies hide everywhere, and money -has been flowing. - -_Lysander_ - -There are ten thousand hearts in Athens above gold----! - -_Phocion_ - -(_Gravely._) Our preparations must be sure. You bring to-night the list -of patriots? - -_First Citizen_ - -It is drawn up (_holds out scroll_). Twenty names stand written here, -each signed by his own hand, each guaranteeing three hundred men of -arms---- - -_Phocion_ - -Whom we can trust? - -_First Citizen_ - -The names are guarantee, as you will see--the best in Athens. - -_Second Citizen_ - -Ready to live or die as our beloved city lives--or dies. - -_Lysander_ - -And thousands more will follow once we show the way. - -_Phocion_ - -Our forlorn hope (_takes the scroll_) is favoured of the Gods, and will -be led by them. - - [_Begins to read names._ - -_Citizen_ - -Upon great leadership hangs success or failure. There can be one leader -only. - -_Citizens_ - -Phocion! Phocion! - -_Lysander_ - -Phocion is our leader. - - [_PHOCION reads silently. LYSANDER suddenly turns his head - towards the moon-lit courtyard._ - -(_Low._) I saw a figure pass. - -_Citizen_ - -A few moments ago I saw one too--between the pillars. - -_Another Citizen_ - -Are we alone here? - -_Phocion_ - -(_Looking up._) My wife--and her maidens--are about. We are alone. - -_First Citizen_ - -Once read, Phocion, the list must be instantly destroyed. Each signature -is a warrant for the writer’s death. - -_Lysander_ - -(_Nervously._) I counsel haste. The very stones move as with footsteps. -The sky has eyes. - - [_Turns towards a burning brazier close behind him._ - -_Phocion_ - -(_Calmly._) I have read. The names are--what Athens would expect. - -_Lysander_ - -Then let me burn it. - -_First Citizen_ - -(_Rising._) Phocion, in the names you read, and in the names of all -assembled here, we offer you the leadership--the military leadership. -We ask you to lead our beloved city back to liberty again. (_Muffled -applause._) - - [_While PHOCION has been reading, a woman’s figure is seen - creeping from pillar to pillar where the shadows are deepest. - She is followed closely by a second figure--a man swathed in a - head-dress such as that worn by the Persian warrior in the Elgin - Marbles. Unnoticed in the dimness they reach the colonnades - where they can hear all that passes._ - -_Phocion_ - -(_Slowly._) Citizens, in the name of Athens, and with the approval of the -deathless Gods of Athens--I accept the leadership. - - [_He hands the scroll to LYSANDER, who has stepped forward - eagerly to seize it. LYSANDER turns towards the fire._ - -_First Citizen_ - -Then we are half-way to success already. (_Applause._) The sooner we -disband, the better. Three of us may stay with Phocion to decide the -final---- - - [_At this moment the cloaked figure steps out into the centre - of the courtyard. He is plainly visible in the moonlight. - Consternation reigns. PHOCION reaches for his sword. LYSANDER - fumbles over the brazier, thrusting the scroll into the flames. - The CITIZENS stand firm, not trying to hide, but visibly - startled._ - -_Citizen_ - -We are betrayed! - -_Citizen_ - -A spy! We have been overheard! - -_Citizen_ - -A Persian! - -_Phocion_ - -(_Self-possessed._) No stranger is unwelcome in my house, even though he -enter--without permission. (_Louder to stranger._) You would see Phocion? -I am he. - - [_LYDIA remains hidden in the shadows._ - -_Stranger_ - -(_Advancing._) I ask forgiveness for my unannounced intrusion. I disturb -you. But my need is urgent. This is my warrant: I am a messenger from -Alexander. - - [_Stands erect and waits._ - -_Others_ - -From Alexander! - -_Phocion_ - -(_Calmly._) You bring Phocion a message from Alexander? - -_Stranger_ - -Of first importance. - -_Phocion_ - -You may deliver it. - - [_LYSANDER pauses to listen too._ - -_Stranger_ - -A gift I am bid offer first--a gift from Egypt, where Phocion fought so -bravely and so well. (_Holds out an object of gold._) From the Temple of -Ammon himself in Lybia. - -_Phocion_ - -(_Coldly._) Phocion fights not for gifts; nor can he accept anything from -the barbarian conqueror of Athens. - -_Stranger_ - -I am bid to urge reflection on you. First words are not the truest -always, nor the wisest. (_Pauses._) - -_Phocion_ - -(_Simply, with scorn._) I am an Athenian. - -_Stranger_ - -(_Lays gift on a marble table beside PHOCION._) Alexander commands me say -further--that, with this gift, he would honour Phocion by yet another -one. He bids me call you the Military Governor of his new city in Egypt. - -_Phocion_ - -The two gifts are one. I have one answer only. - -_Stranger_ - -(_Smoothly._) Then, with your answer, I ask permission to take back some -trifle--such as that parchment the youth there would destroy--as proof to -Alexander that the House of Phocion is loyal. - - [_LYSANDER, startled, desists a moment. PHOCION takes a sudden - step forwards._ - -_Phocion_ - -(_Alarmed._) Loyal----! - -_Stranger_ - -(_Throws off disguise._) The parchment. - - [_Voice of command. Holds hand out._ - -_Phocion_ - -Alexander! - - [_All recognise ALEXANDER. Confusion, consternation, and murmurs: - “Alexander!” “Alexander!”_ - -_Alexander_ - -Hand it to me, boy, before another name is burned. (_Laughs._) - - [_ALEXANDER strides towards him. LYSANDER defies him. ALEXANDER - seizes him._ - -_He_ shall be surety, Phocion, for your loyalty. - - [_PHOCION, holding his sword, rushes on ALEXANDER to aid - LYSANDER, and above all to rescue the scroll. The CITIZENS stand - their ground and are about to interfere, when LYDIA rushes in and - throws herself on PHOCION, checking his violent attack. At the - same moment ALEXANDER stamps on the marble floor. SOLDIERS enter. - PHOCION and ALEXANDER stand facing one another in silence for a - moment._ - -I hold you the bravest man in Athens, Phocion, and such men as you I -need. (_Holds out the scroll, as yet unread._) But lesser men than you I -do not--need! - -_Lydia_ - -Phocion! Great Alexander!… Statira promised me.… Oh, he is too brave to -die…! - -_Alexander_ - -(_To SOLDIERS._) Three of you take the boy away. The rest withdraw. No, -let these greybeards go. - - [_A few CITIZENS creep out, following LYSANDER and SOLDIERS._ - -_Lysander_ - -(_Calling back to PHOCION._) The Gods will not desert us…! - -_Phocion_ - -(_With dignity._) You are the conqueror of Athens. - -_Alexander_ - -Lesser men than you I do not need. Give me your allegiance (_pointing -significantly to the scroll_) and I give you--these lives! - -_Lydia_ - -(_Whispering._) Phocion, you cannot sacrifice such men! - -_Citizen_ - -Do not think of us! What is life to the conquered? Gladly would we die -for Athens. - -_Alexander_ - -I wait your decision, Phocion. - -_Phocion_ - -(_Bitterly._) Phocion, Military Governor of Alexandria, is Alexander’s -host. - -_Alexander_ - -The word of Phocion is enough. (_Burns the scroll unread._) Lysander, -the boy, shall be Captain of your Bodyguard in Egypt. The Gods--your -Gods--are witness to what I say. - - [_ALEXANDER salutes PHOCION and goes out. PHOCION is alone with - LYDIA. There is a moment’s silence._ - -_Phocion_ - -(_Brokenly._) Athens! I have failed you! My life is broken in pieces. - - [_Hides face in hands._ - -_Lydia_ - -But I meant to save you, Phocion. My love would save you. Have I done -wrong? Oh, tell me. - -_Phocion_ - -(_Low._) You have done--your--best. No one--no woman--can do more. - -_Lydia_ - -I could not face life without you. I could not see you die. My love made -the desperate plan. I bargained with Alexander’s queen--life with honour -and glory for you in Egypt, the land you love. Oh, Phocion, beloved, do -not judge me hardly. You do not speak. - -_Phocion_ - -(_Patiently._) There is something here I cannot understand. - - [_His hand touches the gift from Egypt. He looks at it curiously, - then looks out away from her._ - -_Lydia_ - -I love you too much. Is that hard to understand? - -_Phocion_ - -(_Sadly._) Yet the love the Gods bring is otherwise … I think. - - -CURTAIN - - - - -ACT III - -THEIR THIRD LIFE TOGETHER. - -TIME--FIFTEENTH CENTURY ITALY - - -CHARACTERS - - PAULO SALVIATI, a painter, age about 25. - LUCIA, his wife, a beautiful Florentine. - PRINCE DAMIANO DI MEDICI, art patron. - - -ACT III - - SCENE--_PAULO’S studio in Venice. A bare room of obvious poverty. - PAULO painting at a large canvas._ - - (_Enter Lucia._) - -_Paulo_ - -(_Turning happily._) Lucia! At last you return. My love, how I have -missed you. (_Kisses her._) It seemed so long. (_Examining her._) You are -excited! Then my uneasiness was not for nothing. Tell me. An adventure, -perhaps? An admirer, _of course_! This flush…! (_Laughs._) Little Child…! -(_Teasingly._) - -_Lucia_ - -I’ve been but a short hour, my Paulo. And, as for adventures and -admirers, they have but one name--Paulo. (_Looks embarrassed slightly._) -How quick you are! - -_Paulo_ - -Love makes me quick. I think I guess. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Ashamed a little._) Listen! (_They listen. The waves of the sea are -audible beating against the outer walls._) You hear? - -_Paulo_ - -(_Patiently._) I hear, but I do not understand. It is the water only---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Lower._) The rising water. (_Pauses, while passing hand over her -forehead._) Nor do _I_ understand. It is my weakness, I suppose. All -women have something that makes them fear without a reason, and this is -mine---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Protectively._) For which I love you all the more. For had you reasoned -you would not have married me. (_To himself._) Strange, strange.… -(_Recovers gaiety and turns to picture._) See how it grows, Lucia. -All that I scraped out yesterday I have repainted. Long before the -Competition Day I shall have finished it. (_Enthusiastically._) Look! - -_Lucia_ - -The glow, the warmth, the colour--you’ve caught it all? - -_Paulo_ - -I hope so. But when my model _and_ my critic desert me both at once like -this---- - -_Lucia_ - -Dear Paulo. (_Sighs._) And it’s so difficult for me to make five scudi do -the work of ten. (_Shows agitation._) I know, oh, I know. (_Excitement._) -Yet somehow, somehow we shall find a way. And it will be wonderful---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Noticing her mood and wondering._) It is you who are -wonderful--(_shakes finger at her_) intriguing with Fate as ever---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Quickly._) No, not intriguing. I am but your wife--and model. -(_Laughs._) - -_Paulo_ - -And inspiration---- - -_Lucia_ - -And critic---- - -_Paulo_ - -And manager! That is the wonder--that you who fled with a painter to -learn poverty like this (_shows bare room_) and this (_shows clothes_) -and this (_touches heart_) should bargain so cleverly in the market-place -and carry home our fish and vegetables in your coloured apron--the Lady -Lucia, a house-wife of the people! - -_Lucia_ - -Forgetting the wine as usual, and dropping half the fish on my way! -(_Seriously._) Love makes it beautiful. It is for love’s sake, Paulo. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Emphatically._) And the work’s sake. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Quickly._) The work, ah yes, the work’s sake. (_Excitedly._) Oh, -my Paulo, what would I not do--what would I not sacrifice for your -advancement--I mean, for your art, your wonderful great art. (_Confused._) - -_Paulo_ - -(_Quietly._) This shall be our love’s first-fruits (_pointing to canvas_). - -_Lucia_ - -(_Repeats low to herself._) Our love’s first-fruits. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Rapt._) When you and I float over the lagoons as dust upon the -wind--(_turns to her from picture, and lowers voice_) when you and I are -gone--remembered, perhaps, only as Paulo the painter, and Lucia his -inspiration--this beauty--ah, that is my dream--this beauty shall still -shine out for the world. - - [_They watch the picture for a moment._ - -_Lucia_ - -I fear one thing only for you--poverty. You should have _everything_. - -_Paulo_ - -I have. Everything that matters to an artist, and its name is inspiration. - - [_Looks with passionate admiration at her._ - -_Lucia_ - -(_With growing agitation._) You left Florence for my sake. But for me, -the great Princes--(_with an effort_) the Medici--would have helped. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Brusquely._) We agreed--(_pretended severity_)--solemnly, you -remember--never to mention your princely lover’s name. Nothing stops -good painting like jealousy, and at _that_ name I see blood. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Smiling._) Our Palace is too poor to house even that thin ghost. You -have no need to think of jealousy. - -_Paulo_ - -No need now, Lucia. In Venice we are safe from Damiano di Medici. Now, -will you sit for me? I burn to work. Come! You must have roses in your -hands. I will go to the flower-sellers by the bridge. - -_Lucia_ - -I would have brought them with me from the market-place--one scudi each! -I hesitated---- - -_Paulo_ - -And bought ten sprats instead! My wonderful, clever house-wife. Without -sprats to eat I never could paint roses! But I must have them. I shall -be but a moment away, my love--a single moment (_throwing kisses from the -door_) that will seem like years! Farewell … Little Child. - -_Lucia_ - -Little Child! Ah, how I love that name, given to me with our first kiss. -I love it better than my own. (_Thinks a moment, puzzled._) For somehow -it seems my _very_ own---- - -_Paulo_ - -It is your own. The little love-name that seems to travel like memory up -the ages. I shall be back as soon as you are ready. - - [_Exit_ - - [_Knocking at the door startles her._ - - (_Enter DAMIANO DI MEDICI._) - -_Lucia_ - -You! And so soon. It is _too_ soon. I’ve had no time to prepare him -yet---- - -_Medici_ - -A painter receives his patron without preparation surely---- - -_Lucia_ - -Patron! You must not use that word to him, or all is ruined before it is -even begun. You must remember---- - -_Medici_ - -(_Bows ironically._) “Must” to me! And “must” again! My gracious Lady -Lucia forgets---- - -_Lucia_ - -Nothing. She remembers that her husband, first of all, is proud, as I -have already warned you. He does not yet know that I have been to see -you--you, of all men in the world. - -_Medici_ - -(_Frowning._) When you say “proud” you mean, I take it, jealous. - -_Lucia_ - -I mean both. (_Manner changing._) Oh, Prince, you promised--I have your -word that you would be guided in this by me. - -_Medici_ - -(_Unbending._) I was in haste to see the picture---- - -_Lucia_ - -But too great haste---- - -_Medici_ - -(_Ignoring her interruption._) For he is, I swear truly, the man I -need--his work, that is to say. (_Threateningly._) As once, my Lady, you -were the woman that I needed. But needs do not last for ever, nor is any -indispensable--perhaps. - -_Lucia_ - -(_More control._) Oh, give me time, Prince, please. You do not want to -lose him. I have your word and trust it. (_Anxiously._) Will you not -take your gondola to the islands--the sun is sweet upon the water--and -return in half an hour? I--by that time I---- - -_Medici_ - -The light is sweet upon your face as well. What do you offer me in return -for so great a favour? - -_Lucia_ - -I am the wife of Paulo Salviati. - -_Medici_ - -And have, as I see, married poverty as well as genius! I was too slow -for once, as now, it seems, I am too hasty. I should have asked--and -taken--all before this fellow---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Scorn._) Poverty with Salviati is beauty for _eternity_. The wealth of -a Florentine princess belongs to _time_. - -_Medici_ - -And, therefore, you come humbly to ask _me_ a favour. - -_Lucia_ - -One it should be an honour for you to grant (_with earnest -persuasion_)--that you may share in giving eternal beauty to the world. -Had I asked the Collona or the Calviere to see the work of a great -painter whom poverty---- - -_Medici_ - -You came, instead, to me. - -_Lucia_ - -You have bought the palace on the Grand Canal and need a great--the -greatest--painter for your ceiling----- - -_Medici_ - -Enthusiasm becomes you. You look divine with that passion in your eyes. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Cunningly._) I am his model too, you see. - -_Medici_ - -And that delicious gesture. (_Steps nearer._) A little more fire, a touch -more of abandon, and I swear that--on certain conditions--oh, very small -ones!--I would grant everything you ask. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Icily._) An hour ago, when we talked together, you passed me your word. -I appealed to you as lover of the beautiful--the best, the noblest in -you. I was, it seems, mistaken, and our interview now had better end. -(_Moves to window._) I will call my husband. - -_Medici_ - -This change from fire to ice is exquisite! (_Admiringly._) But why so -proud, fair Lady Lucia? (_She stands listening._) You hear him coming? -(_She hears the water lapping. Hides her face a moment._) It is only the -waves. The tide is rising still. That’s all. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Distraught._) Yes, rising, rising. Please leave me, Prince. No, -no--please stay--a moment longer. (_Frightened._) Forgive me. -Something--a vision-flashed upon me out of darkness. I am confused. I -fear. (_To herself._) Oh, I have done this very thing before---- - -_Medici_ - -But not with me, alas! - -_Lucia_ - -(_Goes to his side._) Forgive me. I thought only of myself. For a moment -I forgot the work, the beauty that is his divine, his holy mission. Now -I’m myself again. The water, the rising water--somehow--in some strange -way--reminds me. Oh, I will be wise and loving in the noblest way. -(_Looks into his eyes. Imploringly._) It is his need, his poverty, that -drive me to ask a favour of you who once aspired to be my lover. Have you -no pity? We fled from Florence to escape you--it is true. I would rather -ask favours of any in the world but you---- (_Confused._) - -_Medici_ - -And yet--(_To himself._) And you are his model. You could live for ever -on my ceiling! (_To her._) You are, indeed, a Goddess belonging to -eternity! (_Admiringly._) - -_Lucia_ - -And yet--yes, I came to you an hour ago--as patron. It is true. It was -for his sake and for his great art I came. (_Voice singing outside._) Oh, -I ask no favour now more than a little time to talk with him. That is his -voice. I will persuade him. I will gain his consent, and he will do the -picture for you--for your palace. Leave me, I beg, a few moments with him -alone, and then return--to find--I promise it--the greatest painter in -all Italy---- - -_Medici_ - -In all the world. - -_Lucia_ - -Prepared to give you of his best. - - [_Clasps her hands and stares into his face._ - -_Medici_ - -To have you in my palace so (_admiringly_) is, perhaps, the next best -thing to--have you in my---- - -_Lucia_ - -Oh, I implore you. Leave me with him. (_Singing comes very close._) I -promise. - -_Medici_ - -(_Shrugging._) You have chosen the one spell that moves me. Even more -strong than the love of a fair woman is my love of art--its wonder, its -beauty, and its triumph. His picture will outlive even your loveliness. -(_Sighs._) My name and my great palace will remind a later world of me, -and of what I did for beauty. Well, well, my Lady Lucia, you win me -over--for the moment, at any rate. I will stand behind this screen and -listen. I must hear how you persuade genius to abjure its principles! - -_Lucia_ - -(_Firmly._) Then I do nothing. You must first go. - -_Medici_ - -Another “must.” Your self-will is adorable. Upon my word! But I, too, -have a “must”--his work, with yourself as model, on my palace ceiling! -(_Yields with a sarcastic bow._) - - [_Exit._ - - [_LUCIA mounts the model’s throne and stands, arranging her - drapery, as PAULO enters._ - -_Paulo_ - -(_Breathless; carries roses._) Only two! They were so dear. I have not -your skill in bargains. (_Holds out roses._) We must make them do. -(_Kisses her._) Have I been very long? I had to go nearly to the Zucca. - -_Lucia_ - -Two roses added to our love makes a whole garden. And one day soon you -shall lack nothing the work needs. (_Tenderly._) Oh, Paulo, beloved, by -rights everything should be yours now. There is not a painter in Italy -who comes near you. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Quietly._) I shall win the Competition. We shall have plenty then. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Lower._) Your art needs it _now_. (_Sighs._) I am so useless to -you--and yet---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Looking._) And yet--? Lucia, this anxiety, this nervousness is strange -to you. You use unaccustomed words. “Useless”! What can you mean? - -_Lucia_ - -You would never be angry--you would not scold me, no matter what I might -do--for your work’s sake? - -_Paulo_ - -(_Passionately._) You have such darling moods. I love you. The work -is ours, not mine. (_Caresses her._) I understand so well. It is your -love that makes you tremble for the work’s sake: the picture grows, the -Competition Day comes nearer. It’s like the sea-tides rising--it affects -you--_I_ understand! - -_Lucia_ - -Yes, yes. You always know. You’re always right. An inner tide seems -rising in me as the time draws near. You understand my woman’s moods, and -so forgive them. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Painting._) Picture the scene, as we used to do when scudi were very -scarce. It always makes us happy--the brilliant forecast. - -_Lucia_ - -Tell me again. I love to hear it all. - -_Paulo_ - -The judging will be in the Council Hall where the Doge holds high state, -crowded with the noblest and loveliest of all Venice. The pictures chosen -for the final verdict--that’s Vernio’s and Marco Gagliano’s, and mine--I -mean ours--of course--will stand apart on easels. And on a pillar in -front of them shines the jewelled casket with the thousand gold pieces -that Venice bestows--a mere trifle--upon him she decrees the greatest -artist---- - -_Lucia_ - -And the pillar is garlanded with roses--more than these two, but not more -lovely, Paulo. - -_Paulo_ - -Of course. And the competitors waiting in a hungry, anxious group---- - -_Lucia_ - -_You_ won’t be hungry. I’ll have so many sprats the night before---- - -_Paulo_ - -I shan’t be anxious either. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Happier._) You will be dressed in a new doublet of purple cloth. If we -can buy no golden thread for the embroidery I shall weave this across it. -(_Holds out her hair._) You’ll look magnificent---- - -_Paulo_ - -The picture---- - -_Lucia_ - -Still more magnificent. They won’t know which to look at---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Merry._) Then they’ll squint. - -_Lucia_ - -The judge will call aloud your name: Paulo Salviati. You will be victor, -and all the Assembly will rise to honour you---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Correcting her again._) The work. My art, not me. My art, my work---- - - [_LUCIA stands up to show the judge’s gestures. She hears the - water lapping. Her face changes._ - -What is it, Little Child? - -_Lucia_ - -N--nothing, Paulo. I--I merely thought a moment of those other painters, -of Vernio, of Gagliano, the favoured ones who have wealthy patrons, so -that they can work in ease and comfort, lacking nothing---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Grandly._) Except my inspiration--and my liberty. Think what that -means. My work is done in freedom, and _must_ surpass their best since it -is bought of luxury. (_Earnest and contemptuous._) What artist, no matter -his genius, that can see truth while a patron jogs his brush, bidding him -do this and that, set here a touch of gold and there of scarlet, put here -a flower, a bird, and there a--a (_explodes_)--a sprat--! Why not? It is -the soul alone that sees truth, and such men have sold their souls. They -will be paid accordingly. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Agitated._) There are some patrons who--it is said--give freedom, -liberty too. - -_Paulo_ - -I never heard their names. - -_Lucia_ - -There are some who know, who understand better. (_Confused and rapidly._) -They say the Medicis---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Stops painting._) Such painters and their patrons live for time, -not for eternity, my Little Child. And among them the worst--the very -worst--is that Florentine whose best claim to merit is that he dared to -aspire to your love. - -_Lucia_ - -I hate and despise him. Yet I dread his help--for others. He is as great -in influence almost as his elder brother, Cosimo. - -_Paulo_ - -Bah! - -_Lucia_ - -Forgive me, Paulo--I reproach myself often that we fled from him--from -Florence--where he might--(_lower_) oh, he _could_ have done so much for -you--his patronage. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Staring._) The mere name, as you see, stops me painting. You must -not speak of it, here least of all in our place of work, of worship. -Patronage--bah! My fire would go out, my inspiration leave me, my soul -die in bondage. I must have (_loudly_) liberty. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Frightened._) The Madonna help me! Paulo, beloved, see what I have -brought you--something your picture needs. My present and my surprise. No -questions, now! - - [_Holds out richly-coloured silk._ - -_Paulo_ - -(_Delighted, amazed._) That very broidery we saw together! Lucia--Little -Child! How did you pay for it, or--or did you steal it? The merchant -asked ten lira, I remember--and we had but three. (_Examines it._) The -colour of wine and pomegranate! Gorgeous! How did you pay for it? Quick, -tell me. (_LUCIA turns her head from side to side._) The long gold -earrings! Your last jewel! Lucia! (_Takes her in his arms._) I’ll kiss -your ears (_softly_) till they leave blushes you cannot sell, fairer than -any jewels, for they are the kisses of my soul which sees eternal beauty. - -_Lucia_ - -Would that I had a whole casket of both kinds, my Paulo! Of one kind -I would sell all. You should have a studio with north light, the best -paints that can be bought, the choicest hangings, the fairest models, -and--and, oh, everything these others possess who have not risked all -for Love and brought a wife from Florence---- (_Voice breaks and stops._) - -_Paulo_ - -Hush, hush, Little Child! You have given all you had--and that is -everything. My art, if it is inspired as we dream, is stronger than -circumstances, and will conquer. And I have liberty--love, beauty, -liberty! What more can I ask of Heaven? Come, see the picture with me a -moment. (_Draws her to it._) Let us look at it together. (_They stand -before it._) - -_Lucia_ - -(_Low._) The Gods painted it. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Moved._) Your soul and mine, say rather. The hand is nothing. It is -the inspiration. (_They look a moment._) It was conceived, at least, in -liberty--(_Starts and looks at her._) You whispered something? I did not -catch it. Tell me, Little Child. You feel--? Why, I declare, you tremble. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Very low._) One thing, I fear, one thing alone! The golden bloom, the -warmth, the joyous laughter and the richness all Venetians love. It will -be judged with the work of--of others whom plenty and comfort and--and -all that help which money can provide---- - -_Paulo_ - -Men who feed from their patron’s hands like obedient lap-dogs---- - -_Lucia_ - -Madonna, help me! They have never to calculate if their blue paint can -last till the sky is finished. (_Impetuously._) Why, in Florence, the -Medici gives his painters---- - -_Paulo_ - -That name again! - -_Lucia_ - -I chose it at random--by mistake. It slipped out, I mean. (_Losing -control more._) Oh, my too proud Paulo, if you only knew how I love your -pride and worship it. I only thought--for a moment only--the merest -foolish moment--that this young Medici--oh, he loves beauty too, he -worships art and beauty--_perhaps_--I wondered--he _might_ have helped in -a way that even you could have accepted without losing your liberty. I -reproach myself so---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Sternly._) Lucia, I need no man’s help. I have told you. You doubt -my art, my power, when you show this fear. It is fear that makes you -reproach yourself. Our love knows no fear. (_Soothes her._) - -_Lucia_ - -It is, perhaps, myself I fear, Paulo. A strange dread haunts me like a -dream. I fear lest I injure your great work, your mission---- - -_Paulo_ - -You tremble still. You are excited. Tell me, Little Child--do you know -something that you hide from me--that you cannot tell me? - - [_Pause._ - -_Lucia_ - -Nothing, nothing, but my woman’s mood. My passion to help you is so great -I sometimes fear lest I guide it wrongly--(_breaks off_). See, Paulo, the -light is good, and we have this broidery you need (_replaces old drapery -with the new silk piece_)--the very thing--exactly the tint and texture. -I’ll sit for you. (_Shows hurry._) There is no time to lose. Some one -might disturb us. - -_Paulo_ - -(_A look of suspicion comes and goes. He watches her puzzled, while -mixing his paints._) Your mood is _new_. That is what disquiets me. You -seem expectant almost. And this strange haste, Lucia? We never hurry! - -_Lucia_ - -(_Laughing gaily._) Only that I long to see this colour (_touches silk_) -in your picture--on the very canvas, alive and burning--before it is seen -by--by others. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Absorbed._) Yet who should see it before the Competition Day? - -_Lucia_ - -Of course, of course. Still I am anxious. Time is precious. (_Poses._) -Oh, how lovely the silk lies on me! Look! And am _I_ right? (_Whispers._) -Paulo, I feel your brushes on my heart. Paint swiftly, beloved, swiftly. - -_Paulo_ - -Beautiful! Perfect! Divine! There--just as you are now. Don’t move! Even -your heart must stop! - -_Lucia_ - -Madonna, help me! - -_Paulo_ - -She does. Have no fear for the result. (_Paints hard._) Now, talk to me -while I work--no movement, mind! Just words. I love the music of your -voice. It soothes and blesses me. The gossip of the market-place, for -instance? - -_Lucia_ - -(_Quickly._) Ah, well, then the Eros will interest you--the one we -coveted so.… It’s gone from the merchant’s booth at last. - -_Paulo_ - -Our Grecian Eros! Our little statue! I shall miss it. I wonder who bought -it. Or has it flown back to Samos, starved with yearning, on our summer -wind? Some day we’ll follow it. Greece! Glorious mother of artists! My -heart lies there--sometimes, I almost think, my memory too. (_Pause._) -Who bought our Eros? Did you hear that as well? - -_Lucia_ - -The critics say that in your art Greece has come back to life again. - -_Paulo_ - -Who bought it, Lucia? Your head to the right a little--so. - -_Lucia_ - -A great Prince, a stranger to Venice, they said, who has bought the -Cavaliere Palazzo on the Grand Canal. Gossip is full of it. He has sworn -to make it more beautiful than Cosimo Medici’s in Florence---- - -_Paulo_ - -That odious name again! (_Smiling._) It haunts you, Little Child! (_She -starts._) Don’t move! don’t move! The pose is perfect. - -_Lucia_ - -Haunts the gossip of the town, rather--for which you asked me, Signor! -The ceilings are to be painted with classical scenes alone--the loves of -Apollo, and Athena’s triumph. - -_Paulo_ - -What subjects! And I know that Palazzo. Its ceilings are superb, -enormous! Painting the very sky! (_Steps back to examine his work._) It’s -coming, it’s coming, the very colour I wanted. Yes, yes, they are the -biggest in all Venice, so I’m told. (_Turns to her._) Now, just suppose, -Lucia--just suppose that one day---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Nervous._) Paulo, beloved, do not stop. Paint on quickly. You are in -your best vein. Paint on before--before the light changes. Yes, and I -heard one other thing. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Painting._) Ah! - -_Lucia_ - -That this Prince will commission the winner of the Competition---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Looking up._) To paint those ceilings! Not unlikely, Lucia! There are -menial fellows enough with talent who would do it. _I_--win or lose--_I_ -accept no commission tainted by patronage. And I _shall_ win. What was -this Prince’s name? - -_Lucia_ - -(_Excited._) And those ceilings might be yours! - -_Paulo_ - -Who is he? - -_Lucia_ - -S--some said one thing, some another. I---- - -_Paulo_ - -The merchant must have delivered his Eros--to somebody--somewhere. - - [_Watches her._ - -_Lucia_ - -He didn’t say. I didn’t ask _him_. It was the gondolier as I came home. -Oh, Paulo, I cannot sit well for you if you cross-question me like this! -You’re like a judge. I love you so. Why should you suspect----? - - [_Rises agitated._ - -_Paulo_ - -Suspect! _You!_ Clear water cannot hide the reflections in it. -(_Expression of comprehension dawns on his face._) Even if your love -guided you amiss, I--I could never think, and far less use--that ugly -word! Lucia! Little Child! You tremble---- (_Starts forward._) - - [_Enter OLD WOMAN, flustered. LUCIA’S hand flies to her heart._ - -_Woman_ - -Signor! Signora! A great gentleman comes for you. His gondola is already -at the steps. I heard him give orders to wait. I ran on to warn you. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Cry._) Already! - -_Paulo_ - -(_Half incredulous still._) Great gentleman! (_Looking at LUCIA._) Asking -for--us! - - [_LUCIA silent, face in hands._ - -_Woman_ - -He is no Venetian. By his liveries he must be a Prince at least, and a -great one. Your dress, Signora! (_Arranges it._) He’s come to buy the -Signor’s pictures! Your fortune’s made. Oh, happy day! _I_ will open the -gate for him, so he will not know you have no servant. - - [_Exit._ - -_Paulo_ - -(_Grim._) I do not understand. (_Makes to fasten door, hesitates, then -turns to LUCIA._) _You_ can explain this to me--Little Child--perhaps? - -_Lucia_ - -Paulo, Paulo, do not be angry. Oh, forgive me, I implore. For your dear -sake--for your work, your art--for you, I did it. It is not _me_ he comes -to see. It is your work, your picture. I went this very day--but an hour -ago--to make him come. Oh, tell me, tell me I have not done wrong! - - (_OLD WOMAN opens door. Enter MEDICI._) - -_Paulo_ - -(_Aghast._) Damiano di Medici! Here! - -_Lucia_ - -(_Hand on his arm._) Paulo! Paulo! - -_Medici_ - -At your service, Signor Salviati. (_To LUCIA._) Signora bellissima! Am I -too early still? My promise--you remember--I was impatient to fulfil it. - -_Paulo_ - -Promise! What can a Prince of the Medici promise to my wife? - -_Medici_ - -(_Gravely._) That which only the proudest painter may receive gladly from -a humble prince: appreciation of his work. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Coldly._) My work is not done for the appreciation of princes. I have -no work to show. - -_Medici_ - -Your wife, Signor, said otherwise. And she is a rare judge of values. -(_Bows._) A faultless critic! (_Bows to her._) - -_Paulo_ - -The Prince di Medici knows. - -_Lucia_ - -(_To Paulo._) Oh, do not anger him. And think a little of _me_. You -forget the risk--for your sake--that I ran--(_imploring_) your career---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Watches her thoughtfully, weighing things that perplex him._) Love led -you a strange errand. - -_Lucia_ - -For the work’s sake, my Paulo. - -_Medici_ - -The Medici have short memories for their failures. (_Laughs._) Her -courage--in coming to visit me--was even more rare than her (_glances at -the picture_)--her judgment. - -_Paulo_ - -(_With effort._) She went to see you--yes. It was a mistaken courage that -earned you a favour of that kind. - -_Medici_ - -(_Suave._) Even in Venice a Medici does not receive strangers--without -a name--or, shall I say, whose name is yet to win. Your wife, Signor, -had the courage to get her way to me past half a hundred lacqueys. But -more! She had the eloquence and wit to persuade my return visit--here. -She assured me your picture was worthy of my personal, my immediate -inspection. - - [_Goes to it. PAULO starts forward to prevent him._ - -_Lucia_ - -(_Catches his arm._) Paulo, beloved--by our love, by little Eros -(_frantic_), by everything! - - [_MEDICI moves the picture into better light._ - -_Medici_ - -(_Watching them out of corner of his eye._) With your permission. -(_Bows._) You will, perhaps, forgive the liberty. The light fails -suddenly a little. So--(_examines critically, with signs of pleasure_). - -_Paulo_ - -(_Back turned._) For your sake, Little Child, I endure this cruelty. - -_Lucia_ - -I yearned to help---- - -_Paulo_ - -So it was he who bought the Eros too? (_To himself._) This is an evil -omen. (_To her._) I thought us safe in Venice. - -_Lucia_ - -You are so calm, so quiet. You terrify. I would fear your anger less. -Oh, my great Paulo, my dear, listen to me one moment. This family--this -man--vile though he be--loves art and beauty, and in so far is not--Oh, I -mean--oh, Paulo, it is his ceilings, his palace, his help to your career -that have betrayed me! You could bring Greece to life in Venice--and for -ever. Think not of him. Think only of your beauty--lighting the world -when he is dust---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Quietly._) Is my art so poor a thing--have you so misunderstood -it--that you think it is for sale? - -_Lucia_ - -(_Distraught._) Have I done _that_! - - [_MEDICI turns from the picture to PAULO._ - -_Medici_ - -(_With reverence._) You have been taught of the Gods--the Gods of Greece. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Frigidly._) Your praise---- - -_Lucia_ - -Hush, oh, I beg you--for _my_ sake. - -_Medici_ - -The drawing is the equal of del Sarto’s and the composition no poorer -than da Vinci’s. I swear it. Yet--the colour--hmm--I miss Titian’s glory. -Those shadows (_pointing_) are out of tone a little---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Quickly._) We ran out of blue that day, alas---- - -_Medici_ - -Your model was, certainly, perfect. But why have you painted the nymphs -from her as well as their divine mistress? - -_Lucia_ - -Models demand impossible prices---- - - [_PAULO puts his hand on her mouth angrily._ - -_Medici_ - -(_Reflecting._) So little more, and it were a masterpiece. Even now it -should win the Competition, by rights. Yet Vernio’s is just a shade more -rich, more splendid. I have seen it. And Gagliano has a purer colour. But -then, of course, Gagliano buys his paint from that fellow by the Zucca -who has a secret method--and charges accordingly, the scoundrel! - -_Paulo_ - -(_Unable to contain himself longer._) I paint as I desire, and as I can. -The picture is mine. And not for sale! - -_Medici_ - -(_Kindly._) I admire your spirit, Signor. It has the independence of -ancient Greece herself. Yet at what price? You may be satisfied with -yourself, but your art thereby suffers. It becomes a slave of your -conditions--if you will allow the language. - -_Lucia_ - -Oh, it must be so! Paulo, it must be so! You see? - -_Paulo_ - -(_Proudly._) Conditions that leave the spirit free, at least. The spirit -of beauty owns no master---- - -_Medici_ - -The husband of such beauty should be more gracious. (_Frankly._) Ah, -Salviati, you speak to a Medici, indeed, but also to one who loves beauty -as you yourself do. I might--had I persisted--have taken your golden bird -in my own net. (_Pauses._) It is my pleasure now to set you free from the -hard conditions that enslave you. In this way can a Medici reward good -for evil. Signor, I forgive all for the sake of your genius. I admire -your picture--its true classic spirit. Yet it has not quite the warmth, -the fire, the bounteous splendour we Italians ask. Give but your sky a -deeper hue, add to that robe the undertone of scarlet it needs to make it -felt, flood our prodigal Italian sunshine over it all--and I will buy -your picture at your price. - -_Lucia_ - -Yes, yes. Oh, Paulo, what an offer! Think! - -_Paulo_ - -It is not for sale. - -_Medici_ - -While you may still enter it for the Competition. The judges--er--may -hear that Damiano di Medici has bought it for his new -Palazzo--and--judge--accordingly. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Low._) The gold, the blue, the scarlet you desire--I mean, suggest--are -not in my scheme. - -_Medici_ - -Yet they would add the perfect touch now lacking--in my judgment, Signor. -Come, now, I will go further. I have sworn that my Palazzo shall surpass -even that of Cosimo, my ambitious brother, in Florence. I will have a -Gorgione for his Lippo Lippi, and--if you will--a Salviati for his da -Vinci. I offer you, further, the painting of my ceilings, Signor--seven -years’ inspired and happy labour. - -_Paulo_ - -Seven years of bondage to another’s taste and purse. - -_Lucia_ - -(_To PAULO._) You could do your own work too. - - [_Looking at MEDICI._ - -_Medici_ - -Why not? - -_Paulo_ - -To add this gold and blue and scarlet is--for me--a lie. - -_Lucia_ - -Oh, my beloved, think, think a little, and weigh your words! - -_Medici_ - -My offer stands--but not against unreasonable resistance. I repeat it: -this picture at your figure, and seven years to paint the ceilings, -with a certain freedom in design and subject, and permission to do -your own work in your leisure. It is a matter to conclude now quickly. -(_Ominously._) It is not amusing, though it may be novel, for a Medici to -be thwarted of his will--his deep design. (_Bows._) - -_Paulo_ - -A poor painter dares the novelty. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Cries._) You forget everything, Paulo--me you forget even--when you say -such words! - -_Medici_ - -(_Impatient, half-threatening._) Beauty has turned your head, maybe. -Excess, I have heard it said, (_significantly_) can affect the reason. -You have (_glancing towards LUCIA_) _too_ much beauty. But there are -remedies---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Startled._) I do not understand you. - -_Medici_ - -As a great patron, I have my duties too. (_Slowly._) If the possession -of too much beauty threaten your great gift, I owe it to the world to -(_sinister tone and look_) help--to save you. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Facing him._) I prefer plain spoken language from a man--even though he -be patron. - -_Lucia_ - -Oh, guard your tongue at least! The Prince is patient with us. - -_Medici_ - -(_Softly._) You robbed me once of beauty I desired. You fled from -Florence. I accepted with a smile, and did not bestir myself to follow -and prevent--as I could well have done. I was too kind, perhaps---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Breaks in._) But, great Prince, you--you have forgotten all that. You -swore---- - -_Medici_ - -(_To her._) The sight of beauty stirs my memory again. (_Suggestively._) -For beauty grows, it seems. (_Smiles admiringly._) - - [_He moves a little towards her. PAULO, with clenched hands, is - held back by LUCIA._ - -_Lucia_ - -(_To MEDICI._) My Lord! (_To PAULO._) Oh, Paulo, hold yourself! Am I so -little to you? - -_Medici_ - -And this increase of beauty makes me remember something I had--(_to -LUCIA_) as you say--forgotten. To see him who robbed me become my -dependant--would have the true Grecian touch of comedy. (_Turns abruptly -to PAULO with changed tone._) Salviati--before the light fails, will you -now dip your brush in the gold and scarlet _we_ suggested? - -_Paulo_ - -Never! Even in fading light I see only truth. - -_Lucia_ - -Ah! Oh! - -_Medici_ - -(_Looking from one to the other, then to the picture._) There are many -flowers in my gardens, but Italy holds one Salviati only. (_Reflects._) -My ceilings need him. I swore, besides, to Cosimo---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Distraught._) My Lord, my Lord, you promised----! - -_Medici_ - -(_Brusquely._) That I would see the work and offer my patronage--if -it pleased me. That offer still holds good. But your husband is -obstinate---- - -_Paulo_ - -I am true. I claim only liberty. - -_Medici_ - -(_Darkly._) So I must remember my duties as a patron--and apply remedies -that may save his unreason--and his--art. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Alarmed._) What can you mean----? - - [_MEDICI claps his hands._ - -_Medici_ - -Ho! Ho! Without there! (_Four MEN in livery rush in._) Take the woman, -but do not hurt her. - - [_MEN seize her._ - -_Lucia_ - -(_Struggling._) Ah, Dios! Madonna, help me! Alive--never! Paulo! Paulo! - -_Paulo_ - -(_Tries to fight his way to her._) Never while I live either. - - [_Draws a dagger._ - -_Medici_ - -(_To MEN._) Disarm him--gently, gently. No injury. Who bruises that -right hand of his answers with his life, remember! Strike up the dagger -instantly. - -_Men_ - -(_Struggling._) For a painter he fights well. - -Careful there! His hand--your sword’s point! - -His right hand, yes. Be wary. - -This is rare sport. - -Have you got the arm? Hold fast. - -I’ve got the dagger. - -He’s safe, my Lord. - - [_They hold him, disarmed._ - -_Lucia_ - -(_Held._) Paulo, my Paulo! (_Moans._) Oh, that I were dead, to have done -this thing! - -_Paulo_ - -(_Firmly._) My soul stands by yours. I know you true. Fear nothing! - -_Medici_ - -(_Quietly._) Signor Salviati, I regret that my sense of duty--my deep -desire that you shall achieve your greatest--force me to this unpleasant -remedy. But poverty is not helpful to your work, and I must--as patron of -unreasonable genius--protect your art and yourself. I offer, therefore, -the best help in my power. If you accept--then I need take nothing -(_glancing at LUCIA_) from your store of beauty. - -_Paulo_ - -Dios! This cruelty--this treachery! - -_Lucia_ - -No, no, no. Paulo, do not think of _me_---- - -_Paulo_ - -It is too late. (_To MEDICI, with effort._) Your vile scheme means this, -then: that I submit my art to your paid dictation, become your creature, -or you will--(_struggles violently_). Let me free! (_to MEN_). This -bastard is not fit to live. - -_A Man_ - -Hush! He is a Medici--Cosimo’s own brother. - -_Medici_ - -My gondola waits. My new Palazzo lies but half an hour distant--ready to -welcome its first fair ornament. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Wild._) To be broken and thrown away when done with! Death is better -now. - - [_Tries to injure his right hand against a sword._ - -_Medici_ - -(_To MEN._) Careful. Hold him. Or your lives---- - -_Lucia_ - -(_Frantic._) Beloved, it is _not_ too late. Forget that I live--oh, -forget me--for your work’s sake! Remember beauty only---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Tender patience._) Little Child! My work and beauty live with liberty. -(_Very softly._) Had you forgotten? Did belief in me waver, or did love -guide you strangely--misconceiving----? - -_Medici_ - -(_Impatient._) The light fails rapidly. The gold and scarlet should be -laid on now, before dusk falls. (_To MEN._) One of you go and prepare my -gondola--for a lady. (_MAN goes to door._) Lay a soft silken scarf upon -the cushion--there must be no screams in Venice. (_To PAULO._) Oh, I will -do it gently, Signor, with my own two hands. There shall be no roughness, -no unkindness. (_MAN gives scarf._) Oh, here is the very thing. (_Goes -towards LUCIA._) You will take this small attention from me, I beg, if -nothing else. - -_Lucia_ - -I hate you! Your touch is poison. - - [_Struggles._ - -_Medici_ - -You should not ask favours, then, of those who poison you. (_Puts scarf -round her arms._) For the mouth I have a yet softer silk, as you shall -see. Ah, the Medici, they say, are fortunate in love, and I shall find a -way to win you. These arms I am forced to bind shall yet twine willingly -about my neck---- - -_Paulo_ - -(_Shouts._) All I possess to him who kills him! - -_Medici_ - -All you possess! - -_Paulo_ - -(_Yields._) And more--my liberty. Let her go! - -_Medici_ - -So reason returns, at last. The remedy works already towards a cure. - -_Paulo_ - -Set her free. I give my word. - -_Medici_ - -Though I trust no man, I trust _your_ word, Salviati. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Stammering._) Unfasten me. Give me my palette. - -_Medici_ - -(_To MEN._) Release him. Release the lady too. But watch him closely, -lest he hide a weapon. - -_Paulo_ - -(_Free._) This is my only weapon (_takes brushes, etc._). With it I put -chains upon my soul. So--and so. - - [_Dabs on paint. LUCIA silent. Collapses to her knees and hides - her face._ - -_Medici_ - -Improved already! So swiftly! You are, indeed, the greatest of them all. -We shall beat Verio out of court, and Gagliano will die of envy on the -spot. (_To MEN._) Begone with you! No, stay a moment--take the picture -with you and lay it carefully in the gondola. It shall be finished under -my own eye--before the ceilings are begun. (_MEN obey._) Carefully! One -smear and your lives are forfeit. (_Turns to LUCIA and raises her._) You -are not quick to thank me, Signora, yet I have fulfilled my promise to -you. All that you begged of me is accomplished. Henceforth Salviati, your -husband, shall work in comfort and lack nothing. - -_Lucia_ - -(_Faint._) How--how could I have done this thing? What ancient deep -perversity--what lack of faith--what hidden destiny in me? (_To PAULO._) -Paulo, look, look at me! (_He keeps his back to her. MEDICI watches them -quietly._) Hark! - - [_Sound of water lapping heard outside._ - -_Medici_ - -So you will not thank me--either one of you? No matter. I like a little -spirit. (_Goes to door._) Carefully, now! The edges safe. No flick of -dust, mind. - - [_Stands looking down steps._ - -_Lucia_ - -(_Low._) Hark! (_To PAULO._) It is another sound I hear. (_Whispers._) -Paulo! It is water. (_Stands listening intently to the lap of the -sea. Distress increases. Passes hand over forehead, as if trying to -remember something._) The rising water! (_She turns her head slowly -to look at PAULO. He turns slowly too. Their eyes meet. Very low._) -You hear? (_Whispers._) That sound is in my soul. Paulo--I half -remember--something--that hides behind it, yet comes with it. (_Goes up -and clings to him._) I have done this thing before--destroyed you--with -my selfish love. - -_Paulo_ - -Hush, hush! - -_Lucia_ - -You look so strangely at me. Your face changes. Dios! (_Frantic._) Speak -to me, beloved! If you cannot forgive--say that you understand. Oh, what -is it in your eyes? (_Fear._) - - [_Dusk increases._ - -_Paulo_ - -(_Tender whisper._) The night is coming--with her stars. In my eyes is -only love. (_Patiently._) There is nothing to forgive. (_Embraces her for -several moments. Then breaks suddenly away._) Where is the gold--the -scarlet? (_Bewildered. To MEDICI._) What is my Lord’s desire? - -_Lucia_ - -(_Screams._) Oh, I have killed--killed _again_. - - [_Falls._ - -_Paulo_ - -(_Catching her._) Little Child! - -_Medici_ - -(_Turning at the scream._) She is even more beautiful than I -first thought. Well, well, the picture is mine at any rate, and -she--(_smiles_). A good evening’s work. How dark it grows. And the rising -tide is at the full. Ho! Without there! My gondola! - - [_Exit._ - - [_PAULO and LUCIA in each other’s arms._ - - -CURTAIN - - - - -EPILOGUE - -PRESENT DAY - - -CHARACTERS - - PHILLIP LATTIN. - MRS. LATTIN. - THE DOCTOR. - - -EPILOGUE - - SCENE--SAME AS PROLOGUE. - - TIME--PRESENT. - - (_MRS. LATTIN opens her eyes slowly. The DOCTOR, near the bed, - is seen making a gesture with his arms as if lowering a curtain. - MRS. LATTIN shows bewilderment._) - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Dreamily._) Where am I? Florence … Greece … Egypt … where are they? I -am back again. But _who_ am I? - -_Doctor_ - -You are your Past. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I slept? But yet I lived it. I understand at last. I have found life. - -_Doctor_ - -_You_ cannot die, nor can _you_ sleep. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But time.… - -_Doctor_ - -Is the body’s measuring. - - [_She looks round the room, and finally into his face. He moves - slowly backwards towards the door._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Thinking._) It was not a dream. I was in Greece with Phocion … with -Paulo in Italy … with.… Oh, it is too long ago, too far away. It’s -fading. (_Eagerly._) Oh, I would not forget! - -_Doctor_ - -The results lie in you. That is memory. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Each time I injured … thwarted the highest in him by my selfish love. How -small my love! Oh, tell me it is not now too late.… - -_Doctor_ - -(_By door._) There is no “too late.” What he could do without was added -to him. You have taught Menophis, Phocion and Paulo to become … Phillip. - - [_He begins to fade._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Joyfully._) I understand at last, and I am healed. I delayed Menophis. -I shall inspire Phillip. I shall go with him … back to … Egypt. Phocion, -Paulo, how happy _they_ will be! - -_Doctor_ - -(_Almost invisible._) _He_ is coming now. I leave you. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -But _he_ must see you too.… - -_Doctor_ - -(_Invisible, only a voice heard._) He cannot. - - [_Door opens. PHILLIP enters quietly. He shows surprise at - finding her sitting up. Her hands are stretched out towards the - door where the DOCTOR has vanished. As he enters, the clock - strikes the last three strokes of six o’clock._ - -_Phillip_ - -You rang. I just slipped back to see---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Low._) Phocion … my faithful.… - -_Phillip_ - -Eh? Are you all right? I mustn’t stay. Doctor Ogilvie will be here any -minute. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Low._) Paulo … my dear one.… I---- - -_Phillip_ - -(_Puzzled._) You slept a moment probably. Good! (_Startled by her happy -expression._) You look … so much better! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -He came. And I am healed. - - [_NURSE enters hurriedly._ - -_Nurse_ - -(_Whispering to PHILLIP so that MRS. LATTIN does not hear._) Dr. Ogilvie -has just telephoned. He is detained. He cannot get here till seven -o’clock. - -_Phillip_ - -All right. Hush! - - [_Exit NURSE._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -He told me … showed me … everything. - -_Phillip_ - -(_Humouring her._) He gave you hope--the best? I see it in your eyes. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -It’s not--_I_ am not--too late. That’s all. - -_Phillip_ - -Hush! Hush! Lie quiet a little longer. (_Goes on to ask, still humouring -her._) You mean the doctor says----? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I am so happy. I know and understand now. It’s glorious. - -_Phillip_ - -My darling! Gently, gently! Do not excite yourself. Lie still and sleep, -if you can, again. He has given you something? Later, you shall tell -me---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Ah, your great patient strength! It is too wonderful. And to think that -my weakness helped, my selfish----! - - [_Sits up and peers closely at him, shading her eyes with one - hand._ - -_Phillip_ - -(_Anxious, puzzled._) The lamp is in your eyes. I’ll move it. Do not -stir. There, is that better? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Thank you, but I do not mind the light. I mind nothing. Thank you (_the -name comes back suddenly_), Phillip. Ah, it _is_ Phillip! I know you -again--as you are--to-day! - - [_Passes hand over forehead. Sighs and leans back. But face happy - and at peace._ - -_Phillip_ - -Mary! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Not Mary: Little Child. - -_Phillip_ - -My--Little Child. (_Doubting and perplexed._) - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Phillip, dear heart, I’ve seen--I’ve seen my past--with you. - -_Phillip_ - -(_Soothingly._) Yes, yes. When you’re more rested you shall tell me -everything. Your dreams---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I must speak now. I’ve seen _our_ past. - -_Phillip_ - -(_Bewildered._) Tell me, then, dearest, tell me. Then you must lie -still---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Firmly._) Life! - -_Phillip_ - -(_Impressed._) Life! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I have recovered. I love you more--but differently. I can forgive myself -at last. - -_Phillip_ - -Recovery! Forgiveness! I do not understand. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You have not _seen_. I understand for both of us. - -_Phillip_ - -You have had dreams that troubled you. I implore you, dearest---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Look in my face. There is no trouble there--but only joy and life. - -_Phillip_ - -Yes, yes, but--my darling, what _can_ you mean? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -He came--and went. - -_Phillip_ - -And left one word behind him only----? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -One word--Life. - -_Phillip_ - -(_Almost convinced._) Then----? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Radiant, rising from couch._) I shall go back with you. - -_Phillip_ - -To Egypt! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I shall never delay or thwart again. Ah, so many times I have--by my -selfish love--(_breaks off_). Your work _is_ a mission--always. It is -your soul’s career. I understand at last. - -_Phillip_ - -Hush, hush, Little Child! You say wild things. I could never hear of it. -I know your dread, your shrinking fear of Egypt. It would make you ill -again. All the doctors agreed---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -I have _no_ dread! My shrinking was--a memory. It was instinctive--a -cowardice that shirked sweet expiation--_there_, where it is due. (_In -spite of him, she rises to her feet. Vigorous._) I am well again. I shall -go back with you. Your work--_my_ work--lies out there--in Egypt. Oh, -Phillip, be glad with me, for I am forgiven, I am healed! - -_Phillip_ - -(_Stirred._) Dear heart! Your soul is too grand for this frail, precious -body. You injure yourself. Such sacrifice from you I could never, -never---- - - [_Breaks off, as he notes the radiant expression in her face. - They stand close together beneath the picture._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Inflexibly._) It is no sacrifice. It is love, love, love! - -_Phillip_ - -(_Tenderly._) That deep love I never doubted. But--the ingrained dread, -the fear, the shrinking that have undermined your willing strength. How -can you----? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -They are gone for ever. Phillip, how often must I tell you? I am healed. -I go back with you. We go together. Our life is there, in Egypt. - -_Phillip_ - -(_Almost convinced._) I feel some great new reality in you. You are -most wonderfully changed. Some star of life is rising over us--again. -(_He gazes into her radiant face with a touch of respect and wonder._) -If--if---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -You must at once withdraw your resignation. There is no “too late”! -(_Laughs a little._) You promise me! - - [_Amazement in him gives place to dawning belief at last. Yet he - still hesitates._ - -_Phillip_ - -I will see the doctor myself. I promise that if he---- - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -_You_ cannot. - -_Phillip_ - -Cannot! (_Awe._) You mean--you have had a vision? - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -He has--gone. - -_Phillip_ - -(_Convinced._) It _was_ a vision…? - - [_She turns slowly and looks up at the picture on the wall above - them. He turns with her. He is speechless. He holds her very - close. They stare together at the palms, the river, the stars, - the temples._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Softly._) Egypt--where I first delayed and thwarted him, loving him -for myself alone--Egypt, beneath your risen stars, beside your rising -river--I _shall undo--at last_. - - [_A new expression steals into his face. He gazes at the picture - with her. He holds her still closer to him._ - -_Phillip_ - -(_Moved and wondering._) Little Child! It is very strange. Almost, it -seems, some dream, some memory of long, long ago stirs in me. - - [_A slight pause, as they gaze side by side at the picture._ - -(_With effort._) It is beyond me somewhere, but there is great -beauty--that deep, unearthly Egyptian beauty in it. (_Lowers voice._) -Those palms are rustling, those stars seem to move, the Nile flows down -towards the sea. Perhaps.… The Tear of Isis falls.… - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Listen … yes…! - -_Phillip_ - -(_Turns to her._) Something about you, something new and--and familiar -almost--steals upon me. I half believe.… - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Whispering._) Phillip, my faithful one, I heard another name as you -said that. I heard an ancient name--was it Menophis? - -_Phillip_ - -(_Hushed voice._) _I_ thought a name came to me too. It floated -past--Nefertiti. It must have been the beating of your heart against my -own. - - [_They stand motionless, gazing, listening._ - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Dear, ancient names. How sweet they sound! - -_Phillip_ - -(_Smiling._) I think we are bewitched! - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Egypt! (_Pause. Adds softly._) I understand--at last. - - [_He draws her head back and looks tenderly into her eyes._ - -_Phillip_ - -All but one thing. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Which is----? - -_Phillip_ - -That what you call delay has helped and taught me. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -(_Low._) Perhaps I understand that too. That which the soul can do -without is added to it. (_Whispers._) Is it not that? - -_Phillip_ - -Ah, you put it so. Perhaps you put it better. I only know that you have -given me the thing I needed most--perspective, the longer sight. My -vision clears. (_Bends down and kisses her._) I feel new power for my -work. I see it whole. - -_Mrs. Lattin_ - -Then my forgiveness is complete. - - -CURTAIN - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Karma, by Algernon Blackwood and Violet Pearn - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KARMA *** - -***** This file should be named 55611-0.txt or 55611-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/6/1/55611/ - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive/American -Libraries.) - -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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