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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 *** |