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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/75270-0.txt b/75270-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..60ab8ba --- /dev/null +++ b/75270-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,943 @@ + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75270 *** + + + + The Return of Alcestis: + A Play in One Act: by + Laurence Housman + + + + + Samuel French: Publisher + 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street: New York + LONDON + Samuel French, Ltd. + 26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET STRAND + + + + + Copyright, 1916, by LAURENCE HOUSMAN + + + + + CAUTION.--Amateurs and Professionals are hereby warned that THE + RETURN OF ALCESTIS, being fully protected under the copyright laws + of the United States, is subject to royalty, and any one presenting + the play without the consent of the author or his authorized agent, + will be liable to the penalties by law provided. Application for + the right to produce THE RETURN OF ALCESTIS must be made to SAMUEL + FRENCH, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City. + + ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. + + + + + THE RETURN OF ALCESTIS. + + + + + DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + + ALCESTIS + HER NURSE + HER DAUGHTER + HER ATTENDANTS + CHORUS OF WOMEN + ADMETUS + PHERES (_his father_) + EUMELOS (_his son_) + HIS ATTENDANT + CHORUS OF MEN + HYMEN + + + + + THE RETURN OF ALCESTIS + + + SCENE:--_A chamber in the house of_ ADMETUS, _King of Pheræ. Across + the center, backed by pillars, stretches a high screen, with + curtained entrances at back to right and left. Before it stands + the bridal couch, in front of which is a chair facing the + audience. Down-stage at center, on a lower level, is the domestic + altar. By the altar stands_ HYMEN _bearing a torch_. + + + HYMEN.-- + House of Admetus, whom the Gods befriend, + Peace be within your gates, and joy attend + On this day’s bridal! For now Pheres’ son, + Helped by the hand of Heracles, hath won + Back from the tomb his wife, who blameless died + That he might live; and, to reclaim his bride, + Comes now where, lo, the nuptial feast is spread. + So shall fruit crown once more the marriage-bed, + And to his loins give sons, and thence make strong + The breed of his great race; for whom, when song + Was hushed in Heaven, Phoebus, the sun-bright God, + Did shepherd-service, and inglorious trod + These walls within. To him the God then gave + This promise, that he should not see the grave, + If, of free-will, one, offering in his stead, + Rendered the debt. So passed she to the dead: + But comes again upraised. Therefore, ’tis meet + That they which mourned should dance, and mouths make sweet + Music about this chamber, decked and dight + For fruitful wedlock: whereto I bring light, + And warmth, and blessing. So may surer bliss, + And through long years, attend the marriage kiss, + Which here now is to be. + + (_Exit_ HYMEN. _Enter_ CHORUS OF WOMEN.) + + 1ST SEMI-CHORUS.-- + As the springs, and the rains, and the rivers + Of hills, that replenish the earth, + Sink and are lost, yet rise and return + To the land of their birth; + And freshen with streams and showers + All herbs and flowers + Which yearn: + + 2ND SEMI-CHORUS.-- + So thou, O fairest of givers, + Life-bringer, light-bearer to men, + With hands most tender to save, + And face by the terrors of death + Unappalled, and by love made brave, + + 1ST SEMI-CHORUS.-- + And with lips for the spending of breath + More quick than the lips of a runner + Whose feet are set to the goal: + + (_Enter_ NURSE _bearing wedding raiment_.) + + CHORUS.-- + So thou, our dearest and best, + Art risen again from the grave; + And the land at thy coming is blest. + + 2ND SEMI-CHORUS.-- + And for thee, befriended of fate, + My grief and sorrow were vain; + So with joy in my heart I wait, + Till eyes behold thee again. + + CHORUS LEADER.-- + Nurse of our mistress, wherefore dost thou stand + Silent before us, holding in thy hand + The wedding raiment? Dost thou not hail the day? + + (_The_ NURSE _lets fall the raiment_.) + + Oh! What means this? + + NURSE.-- + That having naught to say + Of good, I would be mute! + + LEADER.-- + From what black bough of evil falls that fruit + Of speech so darkly uttered? + + NURSE.-- + Peace, let be! + The Gods drive home their gift. Soon shall ye see + Our mistress come forth to your midst again. + + LEADER.-- + Redeemed from death? + + NURSE.-- + Yea, for she lies not slain. + + LEADER.-- + Thy words sound strange!--But living, thou hast said? + + NURSE.-- + Aye, surely living, since she is not dead. + + LEADER.-- + Speak, mother: hast thou aught to tell of woe? + + NURSE.-- + Ye women, I speak only as I know. + She that was dead now lives: gracious of form, + Gentle of face is she; her hands are warm + To my hands holding them; she feels no pain; + Death on her beauty has not left a stain; + But pure, but perfect, as on the day she died, + So have I found her,--lovely as when a bride + First came she to this chamber of our lord. + + LEADER.-- + All that thou sayest is good! + + NURSE.-- + I speak no word, + Women, but as I know. Ah! God, these eyes + Which knew her as a child!--They that be wise, + Dying, let them stay dead! + + (_Exit_ NURSE.) + + LEADER.-- + O Women, all ye that have heard, + What comfort find ye in this word---- + ‘Let the dying stay dead’? + + CHORUS.-- + Earth is old, Time is long, + And the days that we live are few. + Many arise, and are born, + They mount and wax strong, + Stand thick together like corn; + But to them death cometh anew. + They are reaped, and are borne to the grave: + Men know them no more. + + 2ND SEMI-CHORUS.-- + Yet a gift from the Gods was breath, + Not a curse, O sister, O friend! + For the search of my heart hath shown + How life is sweet to the taste; + And the sorrow that waits in the end + For the feet which haste + Is death! + God gave me a little breath: + Shall I not cleave to it now? + + (_Enter_ ALCESTIS _leaning upon the hands of_ WOMEN, _and accompanied + by her_ NURSE. _They seat her upon the throne. She remains + motionless._) + + 1ST SEMI-CHORUS.-- + And thou, that returnest to earth, + For our lord’s delight, and this land’s, + Is there no light on thy brow, + No warmth in thy hands, + No gladness of heart, when thou hearest + The voice of our mirth? + + 2ND SEMI-CHORUS.-- + Lo, robes for the bridal thou wearest, + Though a shroud was thy robe of late; + And home, O Beloved and fairest, + Thou comest, redeemed from Fate. + +(_A pause._ ALCESTIS _makes no response_.) + + 1ST SEMI-CHORUS.-- + Ye say that the world is old: + But spring and the years are young, + And summer to earth gives joy. + Surely to man, not alone + For grief, hath this tale been told, + When the song of the bridal is sung + In the heart of maiden and boy? + + NURSE.-- + O women, speak to her! Let living fruit + Be on your tongues! These lips to me are mute, + And the eyes know me not! + + LEADER.-- + How hath it come? + + NURSE.-- + Death’s hold is loosed; but mouth and heart stay dumb. + Lo, from the grave she looks, yet sees not life! + + LEADER.-- + What woe thou tellest! Shall not the name of wife + Or mother move her? + + NURSE.-- + She hath heard them all: + And even as wind and water, or the call + Of lowing herds, the murmur of them goes by. + + SEMI-CHORUS.-- + I know a valley in the hills, + Where echoes in the rocks and rills + Make melody; and there the cry + Of flocks is heard; and clamorous lambs + Bleat and hearken for their dams. + Whom when they hear, from far or nigh, + Swiftly along the meads they leap, + To where the milky udders swell; + And stoop, and thrust, and, nuzzling deep, + Under the heavy fleeces creep. + Then for them the world is well. + + SEMI-CHORUS.-- + I know a pool + Of waters clear and deep, + With wood-boughs overhung + And mosses green; + There in the cool + At noon, when song-birds sleep, + Oft have I seen + The swan amid her young. + + LEADER.-- + I know a bed + Fair-strewn with linen white, + Where in my sight + One that I loved lay dead. + Her hands and her feet were bound; + With myrtle her head we crowned; + Fair she lay as a bride, + And heeded us not. + Her children clung round her and cried; + And her lord, bewailing his lot, + Bowed down at her side: + And we wept, because she had died! + + (ALCESTIS _rises to her feet, and stands with half-lifted arms in an + attitude of prayer_.) + + NURSE.-- + Now thou hast touched her! Lo, the unlighted wick + Of life stands there revealed! Go, women, quick! + Bring in the children! + + (_Exit one of the attendants. Behind the scene the children’s voices + are heard._) + + Hark, ah, hark, they cry!-- + Lady, thy little ones! Oh, Heaven must die + And perish away from earth, if thou stay dumb + Looking on these! + + (_Enter the two children; they run to_ ALCESTIS _with outstretched + arms_.) + + CHILDREN.-- + Mother! + + NURSE.-- + Oh, come, come, come! + Yea, children! ’Tis your own, returned again! + + CHILDREN.-- + Mother! Oh, Mother! + + (ALCESTIS _stands as one hearing a far-off cry, whose sound she + remembers_.) + + NURSE.-- + Alas! Is that cry vain? + It shall not be! Leap, child, leap to her breast! + Take hold on her with hands, give her no rest, + Cry her to pity! + + CHILDREN.-- + Mother! + + NURSE.-- + Should this not be + A call to rouse the dead? She wakes! Oh, see! + + ALCESTIS.-- + These were my children. + + NURSE.-- + By the Gods, ’tis true: + They _are_ thy children, lady! What wouldst thou do? + + (ALCESTIS _bends over her daughter with a strange look; she takes + the child’s hair in her hands on each side lifting it, and begins + plaiting it together_.) + + Oh, look, look, look! + + ALCESTIS.-- + And thou, also, must die + Some day, fair child, and in the grave must lie. + Hark, what I tell thee: do not rise again! + Quiet is that dwelling, and therein is no pain. + + NURSE.-- + What hast thou said? Is not this world more bright + Than that dim realm where man can see no light, + Nor hear no sound, nor feel no touch of hands? + + ALCESTIS.-- + Surely the light goes forth to many lands, + And seeth all things. Yet our lord, the Sun, + In heaven stands lonely, and is known of none. + + NURSE.-- + Yet was not great Apollo both guard and guide, + When to this palace thou camest as a bride? + And round thy chariot’s yoke such spells he cast + That lion and bear thereto stood harnessed fast. + + ALCESTIS.-- + I mind me of it. It was as thou hast said. + Therefore I came; and therefore hence went dead. + + (_The_ NURSE, _turning away with a gesture of despondency, signs to + an_ ATTENDANT _to remove the children_.) + + NURSE.-- + Bear them away! For now I hear the voice + Of singers and of minstrels that rejoice + Because the bridegroom comes. Therefore be swift, + Bring and put on the wedding robe, and lift + Again to that fair head the bridal crown! + And thou, bright Hera, favourably look down + And bless for us this hour! + + (_She kneels at the feet of_ ALCESTIS.) + + Oh, Mistress mine, + Surely thou knowest my heart was ever thine, + To do thee service for better and not for worse! + + ALCESTIS.-- + Yea, yea I know it! And yet thou wast my nurse! + + (_Stifling a sharp cry, the_ NURSE _rises and moves away_. ALCESTIS, + _robed and crowned, stands alone. The sound of music and singing + draws nearer. A look of frozen horror comes over her._) + + NURSE.-- + Come then! for it is time: give me thy hand! + And if the Gods are gracious to this land, + Let them work wonders now! + + (_Exit_ NURSE _leading_ ALCESTIS, _followed by the attendant_ WOMEN.) + + CHORUS.-- + And turning my heart from sadness + I shall have done with fear, + When the sound of a people’s gladness + Grows loud in mine ear. + + (_The_ WOMEN’S _chorus goes out. Enter the_ MEN’S _Chorus_.) + + 1ST SEMI-CHORUS.-- + Happy is he who knoweth + The hour when his soul is blest, + Who seeth the Gods in power, + And their ways made manifest; + Ready of foot, he goeth + To the goal which giveth him rest. + + 2ND SEMI-CHORUS.-- + So shall the breed of his race + Be as shafts in the hand of a giant, + Happy is he, and immortal, + Whose quiver is filled with their breath: + He, unashaméd of face, + Stands to the foeman defiant, + Comes undismayed to the portal + Dark with the shadow of death. + + (_Enter_ ADMETUS, _attended_.) + + CHORUS.-- + Therefore with crownéd brows, + Thou comest rejoicing, O King; + And the Gods have wrought for thy house + A marvellous thing. + + (ADMETUS _stands before the altar, and offers incense_.) + + ADMETUS.-- + First unto thee, Apollo, thanks and praise + I render, who hast given me length of days, + And life to hold, and joy, that yet on earth + Mine eyes see light, which in all hearts makes mirth. + + (_He offers the incense._) + + And thou, Persephone, and thou, great Head, + Holy and high, upraised amid the dead, + Lord of the Dark, to whom all flesh must bow + When Fate decrees, glad thanks I render now + For my release, and hers. To thee this debt + Freely I own. + + (_Averting his face from the altar, he offers the incense._) + + And thou great Hera, who of the highest throne + Hast share in Heaven, on this once widowed bed + Look down with shining eyes, and round it shed + Sweet influences, and let the fruitful womb + Ripen with sons and daughters. + + (_He offers the incense._) + + So shall no doom + Sap out the strength and standing of my race, + Nor my name be forgotten in this place, + Where I am King. + + (ADMETUS _turns from the altar_.) + + ATTENDANT.-- + My Lord, here comes thy father! + + ADMETUS.-- + Let him go! + I need him not. He lived, to be my foe. + + (_Enter_ PHERES.) + + PHERES.-- + My son, because, this day, blessing shines bright + On thee and thine, and to this home gives light + In place of darkness, therefore am I come + To wish thee joy. For when I saw the sum + Of thine affliction, straightway I did repent + The wrath I had against thee; yea, and sent + To tell thee so. Hast thou no word of peace + To offer in return? + + ADMETUS.-- + Yea; henceforth cease + To trouble thyself with me, or aught that’s mine! + + PHERES.-- + Hard words: but harder that proud heart of thine. + + ADMETUS.-- + Hard was its need, when sharp tongue bit like steel! + + PHERES.-- + Yet, when the wound is salved, the flesh will heal. + + ADMETUS.-- + Thou, living, art the wound from which I shrink! + + PHERES.-- + Hadst thou thyself no stomach, but I must drink + This cup for thee? + + ADMETUS.-- + What use to thee was life,-- + Being old? + + PHERES.-- + I loved it, better than thou thy wife! + Therefore she died for thee! + + ADMETUS.-- + Death! is thy sting + In this old serpent’s tail, that he must fling + His tainted carcase across my path this day? + + PHERES.-- + Pass! For no longer will I bar thy way + To bliss. Go, dull thy conscience with fresh lust; + Embrace the body which thou didst cast to dust; + Feast on the flesh again, thou carrion fly! + + (ADMETUS _advances threateningly towards him_.) + + ATTENDANT. (_Intervening_) + My lord! + + ADMETUS.-- + Ye Gods! let him make haste to die, + For while he lives corruption taints this earth! + + PHERES.-- + My years are with me; and I know their worth, + Better than thou knowest thine. + + (_Exit_ PHERES.) + + ATTENDANT.-- + Now is my lord + Ready? It is the hour. + + ADMETUS.-- + Yea, let the word + Be given. Call in the women! + + (_The_ MINSTRELS _clash their cymbals_.) + + ATTENDANT.-- + Yonder they come. + + (_Two_ ATTENDANTS _enter with torches. They draw back the curtains + from the doors, and stand to right and left of the bed. Enter + the_ NURSE _from doorway to right, carrying a cup. Then from the + left comes in the bridal procession. In rigid silence the women + walk two and two, dropping sprays of myrtle from folded napkins + which they carry between them. The movement is sad and full of + solemnity, sacrificial in character. They pass from left to right + across the stage, descend and pass out._ ALCESTIS, _veiled, comes + last, supported by two women; as she halts at left-center they + fall back leaving her alone_.) + + ADMETUS.-- + Therefore bid all go forth! Close and make dumb + These doors. + + LEADER.-- + And may the eyes of Heaven look down + And bless this bridal! Hail to thee, thou crown + Of womanhood. Honour is thine this day, + And fame for ever! + + (_The_ MEN’S _Chorus lift their hands in salutation to_ ALCESTIS _as + they pass out. Exeunt. The_ NURSE _brings the cup to_ ADMETUS; + _he takes it and drinks. She brings the cup to_ ALCESTIS. _The + two_ ATTENDANTS _lift up and lay back her veil. The_ NURSE + _offers the cup; her hands do not take hold; with shut eyes she + drinks. The_ NURSE _goes out, followed by the two_ ATTENDANTS, + _who draw the curtains after them_.) + + ADMETUS.-- + Blessing and peace be thine, O form which died, + And comest more fair to be my second bride! + For now thou shinest upon me like a star! + + ALCESTIS.-- + I give thee greeting, having journeyed far. + + ADMETUS.-- + Mine, or was thine the journey, wouldst thou say? + + ALCESTIS.-- + We have both journeyed; mine was the longer way. + + ADMETUS.-- + Bitter for thee it was to part from breath! + + ALCESTIS.-- + Life filled mine eyes; I had not looked on death. + + ADMETUS.-- + What hast thou now of hidden things to tell? + + ALCESTIS.-- + Love knows not life till it know death as well. + + ADMETUS.-- + Where found’st thou--love? + + ALCESTIS.-- + Not where the dead lie bound, + Nor here on earth one lover have I found. + + ADMETUS.-- + No lover, dost thou tell me? By this head, + _I_ am thy lover. I swear it! + + ALCESTIS.-- + Thou hast said. + + ADMETUS.-- + Did not I choose thee first of all on earth? + + ALCESTIS.-- + The doom of God lay on me from my birth. + + ADMETUS.-- + Sweet was our bridal-chamber filled by thee! + + ALCESTIS.-- + The night was dark; I had not eyes to see. + + ADMETUS.-- + Reaching my arms I snatch thee back from fate. + + ALCESTIS.-- + In one small life the little need seems great. + + ADMETUS.-- + Hadst thou no longing, then, to live again? + + ALCESTIS.-- + And not to die: therewith I strove in vain. + + ADMETUS.-- + But having died, was there no looking back? + + ALCESTIS.-- + I looked, and lo, the doors of life were black. + + ADMETUS.-- + Didst thou not love the children of thy womb? + + ALCESTIS.-- + They still were mine when I was in the tomb. + + ADMETUS.-- + Home hungered for thee, and the marriage-bed + Where thou wast fruitful. + + ALCESTIS.-- + And where I lay dead, + Having borne all! + + ADMETUS.-- + What means that stricken cry? + Found’st thou no bliss? + + ALCESTIS.-- + Yea, bliss enough to die + When thou didst ask it of me, O my lord! + Ofttimes he might have slain me with his sword: + Yet was I spared to die another death. + + ADMETUS.-- + Breathe not upon the past such bitter breath! + Great was the need, thou knowest, I had of thee! + + ALCESTIS.-- + A greater need befell: I set thee free. + + ADMETUS.-- + Was it not love which took thee to the tomb? + + ALCESTIS.-- + Thrice thou hadst planted life within my womb. + + ADMETUS.-- + Yea, thou hast given me sons which shall be men. + + ALCESTIS.-- + And thrice I could have died; but did not then. + + ADMETUS.-- + What darker word is this that thou dost say? + + ALCESTIS.-- + Lo, at thy bidding, I have looked on day + And darkness, life and death; thy hand holds all. + + ADMETUS.-- + Therefore, I hold thee still: yea, and will call + Joy back to thee again! + + ALCESTIS.-- + My joy I gave + Before I died; nor took it to the grave; + Nor brought it thence. + + ADMETUS.-- + Say, then, where dwells it now? + + ALCESTIS.-- + In thee, if thou be joyful; but if thou + Hast not found joy, then was all given in vain. + + ADMETUS.-- + Soon from thy body joy shall spring again, + Yielding fresh life. + + ALCESTIS.-- + So Earth must give her yield + Unto the hand of him who ploughs the field. + + ADMETUS.-- + And binds the sheaves! + + (_He clasps her in his arms._) + + Come, come, oh, quick Desire, + Kindle within this heart its wonted fire! + + ALCESTIS.-- + My flesh is thine: the life therein my own. + + ADMETUS.-- + To me, thy lover, turn not this heart of stone! + Greater my love for thee than e’er before! + + ALCESTIS.-- + Since it is greater, dost thou ask for more? + + ADMETUS.-- + Yea, for I thirst! Let the Gods give thee bliss! + + ALCESTIS.-- + What God in heaven or hell shall grant me this? + + ADMETUS.-- + Ask of Apollo: he that made thee mine! + + ALCESTIS.-- + Of that vine-treading thou hast drunk the wine. + + ADMETUS.-- + Give me to drink again! Come! for I call! + + ALCESTIS.-- + Again thou askest of me, and I give--all. + + (_Falling back in his arms, she dies._) + + ADMETUS.-- + Now art thou mine! O bride of every sense! + + (_He bears her to the bed._) + + Ah, what cold horror’s this? Breath has gone hence! + Warmth, touch, sight, hearing! Help! Lo, unto earth + Where God sent blessing, a curse hath sprung to birth! + Apollo, thy dart hath slain me! + + (_Enter_ NURSE.) + + NURSE.-- + What means that cry? + + ADMETUS.-- + She is dead! She is dead! Clasping, I felt her die! + + NURSE.-- + Oh, woe is me, my mistress! Oh, my lord! + + ADMETUS.-- + Yea, deep into my breast she thrust a sword, + So much she hated me! + + NURSE.-- + Oh, woe, woe, woe! + + ADMETUS.-- + Death won her love, and Life became her foe! + + (_He covers his face with his robe._) + + NURSE.-- + O Child, is it I that have slain thee? + For surely thy heart I read, + And saw how thy face was set. + But mine were the hands to chain thee + To the life that thou wouldst forget, + And to bring thee back from the dead. + + (_While she is speaking, others enter: the_ WOMEN’S CHORUS, _the_ + ATTENDANTS, _and two_ CHILDREN. _They stand awe-struck looking + on._) + + NURSE.-- + I knew thy heart, + Patient and tender; no grief + Failed ever to touch thee; no smart, + But with thee found relief. + But thou hadst a grief unknown: + Silently, down to the grave, thou hast borne it alone. + + ADMETUS.-- + Lift up your voices and cry! O women, shall she not wake? + + CHORUS.-- + Wake, mistress, awake! + + ADMETUS.-- + She lived, she rose, she returned from the dead, having died for my + sake. + + CHORUS.-- + For his sake! + For our sake! + + ADMETUS.-- + Earth had not stained her: her body was sweet, and her form + Was fair to the eyes! + + CHORUS.-- + Oh, the eyes, the eyes! + + ADMETUS.-- + She lay on my breast, she was warm + To my touch, and the prize + Was mine! + + CHORUS.-- + The prize! ah, the prize! + + ADMETUS.-- + Oh, God, have the years to give + Naught but this double death, + Of the lips that did once so live, + And were twice so parted from breath? + + CHORUS.-- + Oh, Lady, awake, return! Put off this showing + Of death! Repent of thy going! + Oh, Mother, return! + + (_Enter_ PHERES.) + + PHERES.-- + Fools! Why do ye call on the dead + Who hear not? Never again + Shall voices burden that ear. + Death untasted is feared; but tasted is sweet, + And the heart where that honey hath lain + Feels hunger no more. + Yea, cover the feet that walk not; + Yea, cover the eyes! + Night for me is not yet; but there like a lover he lies. + Look, there is peace in that breast, + And her face is a star. + Old of foot, to the grave without rest + I go: but the journey is far. + + (_Exit_ PHERES.) + + ADMETUS.-- + In the heart that my heart would cherish, + The gift of the Gods wrought scorn. + She is gone from me. Let the day perish + Wherein I was born! + + CHORUS.-- + Death comes early or late; + And surely the dead are blest. + But I must carry the weight + Of my years to a far-off grave, + Lying I know not where. + Yonder, to cover mine eyes, + Grass grows, and the green leaves wave; + And the gold of the sun lies there, + All bright and at rest. + + + CURTAIN. + + + + + TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES + + +The following changes have been made: + + Changed “Southampon” to “Southampton” in “26 Southampton Street + Strand” on title page. + + Changed “royaly” to “royalty” in “is subject to royalty” on second + page. + + Added “Pheres--” after “(Enter Pheres)” on page 13. + + Changed “foundst” to “found’st” in “Where found’st thou” on page 16. + + Add question mark after “What means that cry” on page 19. + + New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the + public domain. + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75270 *** diff --git a/75270-h/75270-h.htm b/75270-h/75270-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cf00cd2 --- /dev/null +++ b/75270-h/75270-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1271 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + The Return of Alcestis: a Play in One Act | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ + +body { + margin-left: 12%; + margin-right: 12%; +} + +h1 { + text-align: justify; + clear: both; +} +h2,h3 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .5em; + margin-bottom: .5em; +} + +.p6 { + margin-top: 6em; +} +.p0 { + margin-top: 0em; +} +.pb0 { + margin-bottom: 0em; +} + +.pb6 { + margin-bottom: 6em; +} + +.vlarge { + font-size: x-large; +} +.small { + font-size: small; +} +.smaller { + font-size: smaller; +} +.vsmall { + font-size: x-small; +} + +.pcp { /* Copyright notice. */ + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; + text-align: justify; +} + +.pdp { /* Dramatis personae. */ + padding-left: 4em; + text-indent: -2em; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 0em; +} +.ssdl { /* Large stage directions. */ + text-align: justify; + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} +.ssds { /* Small stage directions. */ + text-align: center; +} +.ssde { /* "Embedded" stage direction. */ + margin-top: .25em; + margin-bottom: .25em; +} +.scn { /* Character names. */ + padding-left: 1em; + margin-top: 0.2em; + margin-bottom: 0em; +} +.sv1 { /* Text (1). */ + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 0em; +} +.sv2 { /* Text (2). */ + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -2em; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 0em; +} +.sv3 { /* Text (3). */ + padding-left: 4em; + text-indent: -2em; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 0em; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +hr.r10 { + width: 10%; + margin-left: 45%; + margin-right: 45%; +} + +div.chapter { + page-break-before: always; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 90%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal; + text-indent: 0; +} /* page numbers */ + +.center { + text-align: center; +} + +.smcap { + font-variant: small-caps; +} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote { + background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size: smaller; + padding: 0.5em; + margin-bottom: 5em; + font-family: sans-serif, serif; +} + +.tn1 { + margin-left: 2em; + text-indent: -1em; +} + + /* ]]> */ </style> +</head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75270 ***</div> + +<h1>The Return of Alcestis: +A Play in One Act: by +Laurence Housman</h1> + +<p class="center vlarge p6 pb0"><b>Samuel French: Publisher</b></p> + +<p class="center p0"><b>28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street: New York</b></p> + +<p class="center small pb0"><b>LONDON</b></p> + +<p class="center p0 pb0"><b>Samuel French, Ltd.</b></p> + +<p class="center vsmall p0"><b><span class="smcap">26 +<a id="TA01" href="#TN01">Southampton</a> +Street Strand</span></b></p> + +<p class="center p6">Copyright, 1916, by <span class="smcap">Laurence Housman</span></p> + +<p class="pcp smaller p6"> CAUTION.—Amateurs and Professionals are hereby warned that THE +RETURN OF ALCESTIS, being fully protected under the copyright laws +of the United States, is subject to +<a id="TA02" href="#TN02">royalty</a>, and any one presenting +the play without the consent of the author or his authorized agent, +will be liable to the penalties by law provided. Application +for the right to produce THE RETURN OF ALCESTIS must be made to +<span class="smcap">Samuel French</span>, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City.</p> + +<p class="center smaller pb6">ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.</p> + + +<div class="chapter"> +<h3>THE RETURN OF ALCESTIS.</h3> +</div> + +<hr class="r10"> + +<h3>DRAMATIS PERSONAE.</h3> + +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Alcestis</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Her Nurse</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Her Daughter</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Her Attendants</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Chorus of Women</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Admetus</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Pheres</span> (<i>his father</i>)</p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Eumelos</span> (<i>his son</i>)</p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">His Attendant</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Chorus of Men</span></p> +<p class="pdp"><span class="smcap">Hymen</span></p> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2>THE RETURN OF ALCESTIS</h2> +</div> + +<p class="ssdl"><span class="smcap">Scene</span>:—<i>A chamber in the house of</i> <span class="smcap">Admetus</span>, +<i>King of Pheræ. Across the center, backed by +pillars, stretches a high screen, with curtained +entrances at back to right and left. Before it +stands the bridal couch, in front of which is a +chair facing the audience. Down-stage at +center, on a lower level, is the domestic altar. +By the altar stands</i> <span class="smcap">Hymen</span> <i>bearing a torch</i>.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Hymen.</span>—</p> +<p class="sv1">House of Admetus, whom the Gods befriend,</p> +<p class="sv1">Peace be within your gates, and joy attend</p> +<p class="sv1">On this day’s bridal! For now Pheres’ son,</p> +<p class="sv1">Helped by the hand of Heracles, hath won</p> +<p class="sv1">Back from the tomb his wife, who blameless died</p> +<p class="sv1">That he might live; and, to reclaim his bride,</p> +<p class="sv1">Comes now where, lo, the nuptial feast is spread.</p> +<p class="sv1">So shall fruit crown once more the marriage-bed,</p> +<p class="sv1">And to his loins give sons, and thence make strong</p> +<p class="sv1">The breed of his great race; for whom, when song</p> +<p class="sv1">Was hushed in Heaven, Phoebus, the sun-bright God,</p> +<p class="sv1">Did shepherd-service, and inglorious trod</p> +<p class="sv1">These walls within. To him the God then gave</p> +<p class="sv1">This promise, that he should not see the grave,</p> +<p class="sv1">If, of free-will, one, offering in his stead,</p> +<p class="sv1">Rendered the debt. So passed she to the dead:</p> +<p class="sv1">But comes again upraised. Therefore, ’tis meet</p> +<p class="sv1">That they which mourned should dance, and mouths make sweet<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span></p> +<p class="sv1">Music about this chamber, decked and dight</p> +<p class="sv1">For fruitful wedlock: whereto I bring light,</p> +<p class="sv1">And warmth, and blessing. So may surer bliss,</p> +<p class="sv1">And through long years, attend the marriage kiss,</p> +<p class="sv1">Which here now is to be.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Hymen</span>. <i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Chorus of Women</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">1st Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">As the springs, and the rains, and the rivers</p> +<p class="sv1">Of hills, that replenish the earth,</p> +<p class="sv1">Sink and are lost, yet rise and return</p> +<p class="sv1">To the land of their birth;</p> +<p class="sv2">And freshen with streams and showers</p> +<p class="sv2">All herbs and flowers</p> +<p class="sv1">Which yearn:</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">2nd Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">So thou, O fairest of givers,</p> +<p class="sv2">Life-bringer, light-bearer to men,</p> +<p class="sv1">With hands most tender to save,</p> +<p class="sv2">And face by the terrors of death</p> +<p class="sv1">Unappalled, and by love made brave,</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">1st Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And with lips for the spending of breath</p> +<p class="sv2">More quick than the lips of a runner</p> +<p class="sv2">Whose feet are set to the goal:</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span> <i>bearing wedding raiment</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">So thou, our dearest and best,</p> +<p class="sv2">Art risen again from the grave;</p> +<p class="sv1">And the land at thy coming is blest.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">2nd Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And for thee, befriended of fate,</p> +<p class="sv2">My grief and sorrow were vain;</p> +<p class="sv1">So with joy in my heart I wait,</p> +<p class="sv2">Till eyes behold thee again.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus Leader.</span>—<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span></p> + +<p class="sv1">Nurse of our mistress, wherefore dost thou stand</p> +<p class="sv1">Silent before us, holding in thy hand</p> +<p class="sv1">The wedding raiment? Dost thou not hail the day?</p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span> <i>lets fall the raiment</i>.)</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh! What means this?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">That having naught to say</p> +<p class="sv1">Of good, I would be mute!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">From what black bough of evil falls that fruit</p> +<p class="sv1">Of speech so darkly uttered?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Peace, let be!</p> +<p class="sv1">The Gods drive home their gift. Soon shall ye see</p> +<p class="sv1">Our mistress come forth to your midst again.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Redeemed from death?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea, for she lies not slain.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Thy words sound strange!—But living, thou hast said?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Aye, surely living, since she is not dead.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Speak, mother: hast thou aught to tell of woe?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Ye women, I speak only as I know.</p> +<p class="sv1">She that was dead now lives: gracious of form,</p> +<p class="sv1">Gentle of face is she; her hands are warm</p> +<p class="sv1">To my hands holding them; she feels no pain;</p> +<p class="sv1">Death on her beauty has not left a stain;</p> +<p class="sv1">But pure, but perfect, as on the day she died,</p> +<p class="sv1">So have I found her,—lovely as when a bride</p> +<p class="sv1">First came she to this chamber of our lord.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">All that thou sayest is good!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span></p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I speak no word,</p> +<p class="sv1">Women, but as I know. Ah! God, these eyes</p> +<p class="sv1">Which knew her as a child!—They that be wise,</p> +<p class="sv1">Dying, let them stay dead!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">O Women, all ye that have heard,</p> +<p class="sv1">What comfort find ye in this word——</p> +<p class="sv1">‘Let the dying stay dead’?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Earth is old, Time is long,</p> +<p class="sv2">And the days that we live are few.</p> +<p class="sv1">Many arise, and are born,</p> +<p class="sv1">They mount and wax strong,</p> +<p class="sv1">Stand thick together like corn;</p> +<p class="sv2">But to them death cometh anew.</p> +<p class="sv1">They are reaped, and are borne to the grave:</p> +<p class="sv2">Men know them no more.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">2nd Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yet a gift from the Gods was breath,</p> +<p class="sv2">Not a curse, O sister, O friend!</p> +<p class="sv2">For the search of my heart hath shown</p> +<p class="sv1">How life is sweet to the taste;</p> +<p class="sv2">And the sorrow that waits in the end</p> +<p class="sv1">For the feet which haste</p> +<p class="sv2">Is death!</p> +<p class="sv2">God gave me a little breath:</p> +<p class="sv1">Shall I not cleave to it now?</p> + +<p class="ssdl">(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span> <i>leaning upon the hands of</i> <span class="smcap">Women</span>, +<i>and accompanied by her</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span>. <i>They seat her +upon the throne. She remains motionless.</i>)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">1st Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And thou, that returnest to earth,</p> +<p class="sv2">For our lord’s delight, and this land’s,</p> +<p class="sv1"><span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span>Is there no light on thy brow,</p> +<p class="sv2">No warmth in thy hands,</p> +<p class="sv1">No gladness of heart, when thou hearest</p> +<p class="sv2">The voice of our mirth?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">2nd Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Lo, robes for the bridal thou wearest,</p> +<p class="sv2">Though a shroud was thy robe of late;</p> +<p class="sv1">And home, O Beloved and fairest,</p> +<p class="sv2">Thou comest, redeemed from Fate.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>A pause.</i> <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span> <i>makes no response</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">1st Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Ye say that the world is old:</p> +<p class="sv2">But spring and the years are young,</p> +<p class="sv2">And summer to earth gives joy.</p> +<p class="sv3">Surely to man, not alone</p> +<p class="sv1">For grief, hath this tale been told,</p> +<p class="sv2">When the song of the bridal is sung</p> +<p class="sv3">In the heart of maiden and boy?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">O women, speak to her! Let living fruit</p> +<p class="sv1">Be on your tongues! These lips to me are mute,</p> +<p class="sv1">And the eyes know me not!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">How hath it come?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Death’s hold is loosed; but mouth and heart stay dumb.</p> +<p class="sv1">Lo, from the grave she looks, yet sees not life!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What woe thou tellest! Shall not the name of wife</p> +<p class="sv1">Or mother move her?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">She hath heard them all:</p> +<p class="sv1">And even as wind and water, or the call</p> +<p class="sv1">Of lowing herds, the murmur of them goes by.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I know a valley in the hills,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span></p> +<p class="sv1">Where echoes in the rocks and rills</p> +<p class="sv1">Make melody; and there the cry</p> +<p class="sv1">Of flocks is heard; and clamorous lambs</p> +<p class="sv1">Bleat and hearken for their dams.</p> +<p class="sv1">Whom when they hear, from far or nigh,</p> +<p class="sv1">Swiftly along the meads they leap,</p> +<p class="sv1">To where the milky udders swell;</p> +<p class="sv1">And stoop, and thrust, and, nuzzling deep,</p> +<p class="sv1">Under the heavy fleeces creep.</p> +<p class="sv1">Then for them the world is well.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I know a pool</p> +<p class="sv1">Of waters clear and deep,</p> +<p class="sv1">With wood-boughs overhung</p> +<p class="sv1">And mosses green;</p> +<p class="sv1">There in the cool</p> +<p class="sv1">At noon, when song-birds sleep,</p> +<p class="sv1">Oft have I seen</p> +<p class="sv1">The swan amid her young.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I know a bed</p> +<p class="sv1">Fair-strewn with linen white,</p> +<p class="sv1">Where in my sight</p> +<p class="sv1">One that I loved lay dead.</p> +<p class="sv1">Her hands and her feet were bound;</p> +<p class="sv1">With myrtle her head we crowned;</p> +<p class="sv1">Fair she lay as a bride,</p> +<p class="sv1">And heeded us not.</p> +<p class="sv1">Her children clung round her and cried;</p> +<p class="sv1">And her lord, bewailing his lot,</p> +<p class="sv1">Bowed down at her side:</p> +<p class="sv1">And we wept, because she had died!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<span class="smcap">Alcestis</span> <i>rises to her feet, and stands with half-lifted +arms in an attitude of prayer</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Now thou hast touched her! Lo, the unlighted wick</p> +<p class="sv1">Of life stands there revealed! Go, women, quick!</p> +<p class="sv1">Bring in the children!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>Exit one of the attendants. Behind the scene the +children’s voices are heard.</i>)</p> + +<p class="sv1">Hark, ah, hark, they cry!—</p> +<p class="sv1">Lady, thy little ones! Oh, Heaven must die</p> +<p class="sv1">And perish away from earth, if thou stay dumb</p> +<p class="sv1">Looking on these!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Enter the two children; they run to</i> <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span> <i>with +outstretched arms</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Children.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Mother!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, come, come, come!</p> +<p class="sv1">Yea, children! ’Tis your own, returned again!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Children.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Mother! Oh, Mother!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<span class="smcap">Alcestis</span> <i>stands as one hearing a far-off cry, whose +sound she remembers</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Alas! Is that cry vain?</p> +<p class="sv1">It shall not be! Leap, child, leap to her breast!</p> +<p class="sv1">Take hold on her with hands, give her no rest,</p> +<p class="sv1">Cry her to pity!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Children.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Mother!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Should this not be</p> +<p class="sv1">A call to rouse the dead? She wakes! Oh, see!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">These were my children.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">By the Gods, ’tis true:</p> +<p class="sv1">They <i>are</i> thy children, lady! What wouldst thou do?<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span></p> + +<p class="ssdl ssde">(<span class="smcap">Alcestis</span> <i>bends over her daughter with a strange +look; she takes the child’s hair in her hands +on each side lifting it, and begins plaiting it +together</i>.)</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, look, look, look!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And thou, also, must die</p> +<p class="sv1">Some day, fair child, and in the grave must lie.</p> +<p class="sv1">Hark, what I tell thee: do not rise again!</p> +<p class="sv1">Quiet is that dwelling, and therein is no pain.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What hast thou said? Is not this world more bright</p> +<p class="sv1">Than that dim realm where man can see no light,</p> +<p class="sv1">Nor hear no sound, nor feel no touch of hands?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Surely the light goes forth to many lands,</p> +<p class="sv1">And seeth all things. Yet our lord, the Sun,</p> +<p class="sv1">In heaven stands lonely, and is known of none.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yet was not great Apollo both guard and guide,</p> +<p class="sv1">When to this palace thou camest as a bride?</p> +<p class="sv1">And round thy chariot’s yoke such spells he cast</p> +<p class="sv1">That lion and bear thereto stood harnessed fast.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I mind me of it. It was as thou hast said.</p> +<p class="sv1">Therefore I came; and therefore hence went dead.</p> + +<p class="ssdl">(<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span>, <i>turning away with a gesture of +despondency, signs to an</i> <span class="smcap">Attendant</span> <i>to remove +the children</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Bear them away! For now I hear the voice</p> +<p class="sv1">Of singers and of minstrels that rejoice</p> +<p class="sv1">Because the bridegroom comes. Therefore be swift,</p> +<p class="sv1">Bring and put on the wedding robe, and lift</p> +<p class="sv1">Again to that fair head the bridal crown!</p> +<p class="sv1">And thou, bright Hera, favourably look down</p> +<p class="sv1">And bless for us this hour!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span></p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>She kneels at the feet of</i> <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span>.)</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, Mistress mine,</p> +<p class="sv1">Surely thou knowest my heart was ever thine,</p> +<p class="sv1">To do thee service for better and not for worse!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea, yea I know it! And yet thou wast my nurse!</p> + +<p class="ssdl">(<i>Stifling a sharp cry, the</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span> <i>rises and moves +away</i>. <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span>, <i>robed and crowned, stands +alone. The sound of music and singing draws +nearer. A look of frozen horror comes over +her.</i>)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Come then! for it is time: give me thy hand!</p> +<p class="sv1">And if the Gods are gracious to this land,</p> +<p class="sv1">Let them work wonders now!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span> <i>leading</i> <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span>, <i>followed by the +attendant</i> <span class="smcap">Women</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And turning my heart from sadness</p> +<p class="sv2">I shall have done with fear,</p> +<p class="sv1">When the sound of a people’s gladness</p> +<p class="sv2">Grows loud in mine ear.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Women’s</span> <i>chorus goes out. Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Men’s</span> +<i>Chorus</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">1st Semi-Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Happy is he who knoweth</p> +<p class="sv2">The hour when his soul is blest,</p> +<p class="sv1">Who seeth the Gods in power,</p> +<p class="sv2">And their ways made manifest;</p> +<p class="sv1">Ready of foot, he goeth</p> +<p class="sv2">To the goal which giveth him rest.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">2nd Semi-Chorus.</span>—<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span></p> + +<p class="sv1">So shall the breed of his race</p> +<p class="sv2">Be as shafts in the hand of a giant,</p> +<p class="sv1">Happy is he, and immortal,</p> +<p class="sv2">Whose quiver is filled with their breath:</p> +<p class="sv1">He, unashaméd of face,</p> +<p class="sv2">Stands to the foeman defiant,</p> +<p class="sv1">Comes undismayed to the portal</p> +<p class="sv2">Dark with the shadow of death.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Admetus</span>, <i>attended</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Therefore with crownéd brows,</p> +<p class="sv2">Thou comest rejoicing, O King;</p> +<p class="sv1">And the Gods have wrought for thy house</p> +<p class="sv2">A marvellous thing.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<span class="smcap">Admetus</span> <i>stands before the altar, and offers +incense</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">First unto thee, Apollo, thanks and praise</p> +<p class="sv1">I render, who hast given me length of days,</p> +<p class="sv1">And life to hold, and joy, that yet on earth</p> +<p class="sv1">Mine eyes see light, which in all hearts makes mirth.</p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>He offers the incense.</i>)</p> + +<p class="sv1">And thou, Persephone, and thou, great Head,</p> +<p class="sv1">Holy and high, upraised amid the dead,</p> +<p class="sv1">Lord of the Dark, to whom all flesh must bow</p> +<p class="sv1">When Fate decrees, glad thanks I render now</p> +<p class="sv1">For my release, and hers. To thee this debt</p> +<p class="sv1">Freely I own.</p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>Averting his face from the altar, he offers the +incense.</i>)</p> + +<p class="sv1">And thou great Hera, who of the highest throne<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span></p> +<p class="sv1">Hast share in Heaven, on this once widowed bed</p> +<p class="sv1">Look down with shining eyes, and round it shed</p> +<p class="sv1">Sweet influences, and let the fruitful womb</p> +<p class="sv1">Ripen with sons and daughters.</p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>He offers the incense.</i>)</p> + +<p class="sv1">So shall no doom</p> +<p class="sv1">Sap out the strength and standing of my race,</p> +<p class="sv1">Nor my name be forgotten in this place,</p> +<p class="sv1">Where I am King.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<span class="smcap">Admetus</span> <i>turns from the altar</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Attendant.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">My Lord, here comes thy father!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Let him go!</p> +<p class="sv1">I need him not. He lived, to be my foe.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Pheres</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><a id="TA03" href="#TN03"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—</a></p> + +<p class="sv1">My son, because, this day, blessing shines bright</p> +<p class="sv1">On thee and thine, and to this home gives light</p> +<p class="sv1">In place of darkness, therefore am I come</p> +<p class="sv1">To wish thee joy. For when I saw the sum</p> +<p class="sv1">Of thine affliction, straightway I did repent</p> +<p class="sv1">The wrath I had against thee; yea, and sent</p> +<p class="sv1">To tell thee so. Hast thou no word of peace</p> +<p class="sv1">To offer in return?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea; henceforth cease</p> +<p class="sv1">To trouble thyself with me, or aught that’s mine!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Hard words: but harder that proud heart of thine.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Hard was its need, when sharp tongue bit like steel!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span></p> + +<p class="sv1">Yet, when the wound is salved, the flesh will heal.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Thou, living, art the wound from which I shrink!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Hadst thou thyself no stomach, but I must drink</p> +<p class="sv1">This cup for thee?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What use to thee was life,—</p> +<p class="sv1">Being old?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I loved it, better than thou thy wife!</p> +<p class="sv1">Therefore she died for thee!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Death! is thy sting</p> +<p class="sv1">In this old serpent’s tail, that he must fling</p> +<p class="sv1">His tainted carcase across my path this day?</p> + +<p class="sv1"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Pass! For no longer will I bar thy way</p> +<p class="sv1">To bliss. Go, dull thy conscience with fresh lust;</p> +<p class="sv1">Embrace the body which thou didst cast to dust;</p> +<p class="sv1">Feast on the flesh again, thou carrion fly!</p> + +<p>(<span class="smcap">Admetus</span> <i>advances threateningly towards him</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Attendant.</span> (<i>Intervening</i>)</p> + +<p class="sv1">My lord!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Ye Gods! let him make haste to die,</p> +<p class="sv1">For while he lives corruption taints this earth!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">My years are with me; and I know their worth,</p> +<p class="sv1">Better than thou knowest thine.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Pheres</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Attendant.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Now is my lord</p> +<p class="sv1">Ready? It is the hour.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea, let the word<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span></p> +<p class="sv1">Be given. Call in the women!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Minstrels</span> <i>clash their cymbals</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Attendant.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yonder they come.</p> + +<p class="ssdl">(<i>Two</i> <span class="smcap">Attendants</span> <i>enter with torches. They draw +back the curtains from the doors, and stand to +right and left of the bed. Enter the</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span> +<i>from doorway to right, carrying a cup. Then +from the left comes in the bridal procession. +In rigid silence the women walk two and two, +dropping sprays of myrtle from folded napkins +which they carry between them. The movement +is sad and full of solemnity, sacrificial in +character. They pass from left to right across +the stage, descend and pass out.</i> <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span>, +<i>veiled, comes last, supported by two women; as +she halts at left-center they fall back leaving +her alone</i>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Therefore bid all go forth! Close and make dumb</p> +<p class="sv1">These doors.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Leader.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And may the eyes of Heaven look down</p> +<p class="sv1">And bless this bridal! Hail to thee, thou crown</p> +<p class="sv1">Of womanhood. Honour is thine this day,</p> +<p class="sv1">And fame for ever!</p> + +<p class="ssdl">(<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Men’s</span> <i>Chorus lift their hands in salutation to</i> +<span class="smcap">Alcestis</span> <i>as they pass out. Exeunt. The</i> +<span class="smcap">Nurse</span> <i>brings the cup to</i> <span class="smcap">Admetus</span>; <i>he takes it +and drinks. She brings the cup to</i> <span class="smcap">Alcestis</span>. +<i>The two</i> <span class="smcap">Attendants</span> <i>lift up and lay back her +veil. The</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span> <i>offers the cup; her hands do +not take hold; with shut eyes she drinks. The</i> +<span class="smcap">Nurse</span> <i>goes out, followed by the two</i> <span class="smcap">Attendants</span>, +<i>who draw the curtains after them</i>.)</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span></p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Blessing and peace be thine, O form which died,</p> +<p class="sv1">And comest more fair to be my second bride!</p> +<p class="sv1">For now thou shinest upon me like a star!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I give thee greeting, having journeyed far.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Mine, or was thine the journey, wouldst thou say?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">We have both journeyed; mine was the longer way.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Bitter for thee it was to part from breath!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Life filled mine eyes; I had not looked on death.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What hast thou now of hidden things to tell?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Love knows not life till it know death as well.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Where <a id="TA04" href="#TN04">found’st</a> thou—love?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Not where the dead lie bound,</p> +<p class="sv1">Nor here on earth one lover have I found.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">No lover, dost thou tell me? By this head,</p> +<p class="sv1"><i>I</i> am thy lover. I swear it!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Thou hast said.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Did not I choose thee first of all on earth?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">The doom of God lay on me from my birth.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Sweet was our bridal-chamber filled by thee!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">The night was dark; I had not eyes to see.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Reaching my arms I snatch thee back from fate.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span></p> + +<p class="sv1">In one small life the little need seems great.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Hadst thou no longing, then, to live again?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And not to die: therewith I strove in vain.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">But having died, was there no looking back?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">I looked, and lo, the doors of life were black.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Didst thou not love the children of thy womb?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">They still were mine when I was in the tomb.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Home hungered for thee, and the marriage-bed</p> +<p class="sv1">Where thou wast fruitful.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And where I lay dead,</p> +<p class="sv1">Having borne all!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What means that stricken cry?</p> +<p class="sv1">Found’st thou no bliss?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea, bliss enough to die</p> +<p class="sv1">When thou didst ask it of me, O my lord!</p> +<p class="sv1">Ofttimes he might have slain me with his sword:</p> +<p class="sv1">Yet was I spared to die another death.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Breathe not upon the past such bitter breath!</p> +<p class="sv1">Great was the need, thou knowest, I had of thee!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">A greater need befell: I set thee free.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Was it not love which took thee to the tomb?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Thrice thou hadst planted life within my womb.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea, thou hast given me sons which shall be men.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span></p> + +<p class="sv1">And thrice I could have died; but did not then.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What darker word is this that thou dost say?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Lo, at thy bidding, I have looked on day</p> +<p class="sv1">And darkness, life and death; thy hand holds all.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Therefore, I hold thee still: yea, and will call</p> +<p class="sv1">Joy back to thee again!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">My joy I gave</p> +<p class="sv1">Before I died; nor took it to the grave;</p> +<p class="sv1">Nor brought it thence.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Say, then, where dwells it now?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">In thee, if thou be joyful; but if thou</p> +<p class="sv1">Hast not found joy, then was all given in vain.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Soon from thy body joy shall spring again,</p> +<p class="sv1">Yielding fresh life.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">So Earth must give her yield</p> +<p class="sv1">Unto the hand of him who ploughs the field.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">And binds the sheaves!</p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>He clasps her in his arms.</i>)</p> + +<p class="sv1">Come, come, oh, quick Desire,</p> +<p class="sv1">Kindle within this heart its wonted fire!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">My flesh is thine: the life therein my own.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">To me, thy lover, turn not this heart of stone!</p> +<p class="sv1">Greater my love for thee than e’er before!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Since it is greater, dost thou ask for more?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span></p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea, for I thirst! Let the Gods give thee bliss!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What God in heaven or hell shall grant me this?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Ask of Apollo: he that made thee mine!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Of that vine-treading thou hast drunk the wine.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Give me to drink again! Come! for I call!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Alcestis.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Again thou askest of me, and I give—all.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Falling back in his arms, she dies.</i>)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Now art thou mine! O bride of every sense!</p> + +<p class="ssds ssde">(<i>He bears her to the bed.</i>)</p> + +<p class="sv1">Ah, what cold horror’s this? Breath has gone hence!</p> +<p class="sv1">Warmth, touch, sight, hearing! Help! Lo, unto earth</p> +<p class="sv1">Where God sent blessing, a curse hath sprung to birth!</p> +<p class="sv1">Apollo, thy dart hath slain me!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Nurse</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">What means that cry<a id="TA05" href="#TN05">?</a></p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">She is dead! She is dead! Clasping, I felt her die!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, woe is me, my mistress! Oh, my lord!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Yea, deep into my breast she thrust a sword,</p> +<p class="sv1">So much she hated me!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, woe, woe, woe!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Death won her love, and Life became her foe!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>He covers his face with his robe.</i>)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">O Child, is it I that have slain thee?</p> +<p class="sv2">For surely thy heart I read,</p> +<p class="sv1">And saw how thy face was set.</p> +<p class="sv1">But mine were the hands to chain thee</p> +<p class="sv1">To the life that thou wouldst forget,</p> +<p class="sv2">And to bring thee back from the dead.</p> + +<p class="ssdl">(<i>While she is speaking, others enter: the</i> <span class="smcap">Women’s +Chorus</span>, <i>the</i> <span class="smcap">Attendants</span>, <i>and two</i> <span class="smcap">Children</span>. +<i>They stand awe-struck looking on.</i>)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Nurse.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv2">I knew thy heart,</p> +<p class="sv1">Patient and tender; no grief</p> +<p class="sv1">Failed ever to touch thee; no smart,</p> +<p class="sv2">But with thee found relief.</p> +<p class="sv1">But thou hadst a grief unknown:</p> +<p class="sv1">Silently, down to the grave, thou hast borne it alone.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Lift up your voices and cry! O women, shall she not wake?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Wake, mistress, awake!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">She lived, she rose, she returned from the dead, having died for my sake.</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">For his sake!</p> +<p class="sv1">For our sake!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Earth had not stained her: her body was sweet, and her form</p> +<p class="sv1">Was fair to the eyes!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span></p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, the eyes, the eyes!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv2">She lay on my breast, she was warm</p> +<p class="sv1">To my touch, and the prize</p> +<p class="sv2">Was mine!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">The prize! ah, the prize!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, God, have the years to give</p> +<p class="sv2">Naught but this double death,</p> +<p class="sv1">Of the lips that did once so live,</p> +<p class="sv2">And were twice so parted from breath?</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Oh, Lady, awake, return! Put off this showing</p> +<p class="sv1">Of death! Repent of thy going!</p> +<p class="sv1">Oh, Mother, return!</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">Pheres</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Pheres.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv2">Fools! Why do ye call on the dead</p> +<p class="sv1">Who hear not? Never again</p> +<p class="sv2">Shall voices burden that ear.</p> +<p class="sv1">Death untasted is feared; but tasted is sweet,</p> +<p class="sv2">And the heart where that honey hath lain</p> +<p class="sv3">Feels hunger no more.</p> +<p class="sv2">Yea, cover the feet that walk not;</p> +<p class="sv3">Yea, cover the eyes!</p> +<p class="sv1">Night for me is not yet; but there like a lover he lies.</p> +<p class="sv2">Look, there is peace in that breast,</p> +<p class="sv3">And her face is a star.</p> +<p class="sv2">Old of foot, to the grave without rest</p> +<p class="sv3">I go: but the journey is far.</p> + +<p class="ssds">(<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">Pheres</span>.)</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Admetus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv2">In the heart that my heart would cherish,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span></p> +<p class="sv1">The gift of the Gods wrought scorn.</p> +<p class="sv2">She is gone from me. Let the day perish</p> +<p class="sv1">Wherein I was born!</p> + +<p class="scn"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>—</p> + +<p class="sv1">Death comes early or late;</p> +<p class="sv2">And surely the dead are blest.</p> +<p class="sv1">But I must carry the weight</p> +<p class="sv2">Of my years to a far-off grave,</p> +<p class="sv2">Lying I know not where.</p> +<p class="sv1">Yonder, to cover mine eyes,</p> +<p class="sv2">Grass grows, and the green leaves wave;</p> +<p class="sv1">And the gold of the sun lies there,</p> +<p class="sv2">All bright and at rest.</p> + +<p class="center">CURTAIN.</p> + +<div class="chapter"> +<h2>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</h2> +</div> + +<div class="transnote"> + +<p>The following changes have been made:</p> + +<p class="tn1"><a id="TN01"></a>Changed “Southampon” to “Southampton” +in “26 Southampton Street Strand” on +<a id="TX01" href="#TA01">title page</a>.</p> + +<p class="tn1"><a id="TN02"></a>Changed “royaly” to “royalty” in +“is subject to royalty” on +<a id="TX02" href="#TA02">second page</a>.</p> + +<p class="tn1"><a id="TN03"></a>Added “Pheres--” after +“(Enter Pheres)”on page +<a id="TX03" href="#TA03">13</a>.</p> + +<p class="tn1"><a id="TN04"></a>Changed “foundst” to “found’st” +in “Where found’st thou” on page +<a id="TX04" href="#TA04">16</a>.</p> + +<p class="tn1"><a id="TN05"></a>Add question mark after “What +means that cry” on page +<a id="TX05" href="#TA05">19</a>.</p> + +<p class="tn1">New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.</p> + +</div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75270 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + diff --git a/75270-h/images/cover.jpg b/75270-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1bab348 --- /dev/null +++ b/75270-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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