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L. A. G. DROWNLEE 
 
HELOIS 
 
 Amicus Humani Generis 
 A Four Act Play 
 
 An Adafftion from the Greek and 
 Roman Mythology 
 
 BY 
 
 L. A. GRIFFIN BROWNLEE 
 
 {All Rights Reserved) 
 
 X, 
 
 DEARBORN PRINTING COMPANY 
 
 SEATTLE, ■WASHINGTON 
 
 1917 
 
 Copyn^hf f^i"i ^y L AGriJ/hfBrown'lee. 
 

 NEWELL MELBOURN SPRATT, Esq. 
 
 AS A TOKEN OF DEEP RESPECT 
 
 THIS PLAY TO YOU 
 
 —'Ube JlulhoT 
 
 NOV --6 1917 
 
 '©CI.D 4 9319 
 
 •Wi? 
 
HELOIS 
 
 INTRODUCTORY 
 
 FROM HOMER down, the poets have sung 
 of High Olympus, where dwelt the Gods among 
 the clouds and there settled the fate of all 
 mankind, 
 
 LINES FROM THE ODYSSEY 
 
 Rose to Olympus, the reputed seat 
 
 Eternal of the Gods, which never storms 
 
 Disturb, rain drench or snow invades, but calm 
 
 The expanse, and cloudless shines ivith purest day. 
 
 There the inhabitants divine rejoice 
 
 Forever. Homer. 
 
 It has always been supposed that Mount Olympus 
 was a creation of ancient mythology and the poet's 
 imagination. The Greeks really worshipped a certain 
 mountain as the dwelling place of the gods, but to 
 the majority of people, Olympus was considered as 
 immaterial as heaven. 
 
 By archoeological research, it has been discovered 
 that the true Mount Olympus was Mount Rantidi in 
 Cyprus. It is a beautiful site in an exquisite climate. 
 On the Hill Rantidi was found many crypts and altars 
 inscribed with the names of Greek Gods from Zeus 
 
H H E L O I S 
 
 (or Jupiter) to Apollo, and one especially interesting 
 temple, built around a holy water pool, was conse- 
 crated to the worship of the ocean born Aphrodite. 
 One of the many shrines has the inscription, "I am 
 consecrated to Zeus," and another to Apollo, the 
 God of Music. A thorough investigation has traced 
 the worship of these Gods as far back as 2000 years 
 B.C. 
 
 This Mount Rantidi in Cyprus, with its ruined 
 shrines, temples, and wonderful broken statues, is now 
 thought to be the fabled Home of Thundering Jove, 
 invincible Mars, Winged Mercury, Apollo, Adonis, 
 and the azure-eyed Venus ; in fact, the whole family 
 of Gods and Goddesses. On the summit of this moun- 
 tain, the Gods and Goddesses occasionally met for con- 
 sultation, it was said. 
 
BIOGRAPHY OF THE GODS AND GODDESSES 
 FROM GREEK MYTHOLOGY 
 
 GODS 
 
 JUPITER. The powerful God Jupiter was said to be 
 the son of the God Saturn and his wife Cybele. 
 He was denominated The Father of the Gods 
 and King of Men, as he alone possessed the power 
 of darting thunderbolts and was able to hold the whole 
 world in subjection. He also possessed the power 
 to make himself invisible. For his own purpose, it is 
 stated, he had changed himself into a shower of gold. 
 He could, at will, turn day to night and prolong either 
 or both into double time. He ruled supreme in the 
 Heavens. 
 
 Mars. Mars was the God of War and Armies, and 
 was said to have been born in a marvellous fashion. 
 The Goddess Juno, Queen of Heaven, being instructed 
 by the Goddess Flora, touched a certain flower and 
 instantly came into being the invincible God of War 
 and Armies. 
 
 Vulcan. Vulcan was the lame God, son of 
 Jupiter and his wife Juno. At his birth, Jupiter, seeing 
 him so ugly and deformed, knocked him out of Heaven. 
 In the fall he broke his leg, and always remained 
 lame. Arriving at manhood, he^undertook the office 
 of blacksmith, in which position he labored for the 
 Gods, especially in making the thunderbolts of Jupiter. 
 His workshops were not only in the Islands of Lemnos 
 
Lv H E L O I S 
 
 and Liparus, but also at Mount ^tna. The giants 
 Cylops were his companions, who received their name 
 from having an eye in the middle of their foreheads. 
 These smiths helped him in his labors. 
 
 Prometheus was the God who made men of clay 
 and water and then stole fire form Heaven to animate 
 them, which act so incensed Jupiter that he had him 
 bound to the rock called Mount Caucasus with iron 
 chains. Then an eagle or vulture daily devoured a 
 part of his liver, which was replaced each night to 
 furnish food for new torments. In this terrible situa- 
 tion Prometheus remained till the Demigod Hercules, 
 by his incomparable strength, released him. 
 
 Apollo, the God of Poetry, Music and Art, who 
 went about with the muses instructing men in good- 
 ness and the higher arts. He is a twin brother to 
 Diana the chaste, and a son of Jupiter and the Goddess 
 Latona. 
 
 Helois, a son of Jupiter and the Goddess Leda. A 
 noble son filled with righteous zeal. A volunteer for 
 reincarnation, sacrificing to assist Humanity to re- 
 gain their lost paradise. 
 
 Bacchus, a son of Jupiter by the Goddess Semele. 
 He is the God of Wine and was said to be the first 
 God to introduce triumphs, bearing the royal diadem. 
 His chariot was drawn by tigers and he appears always 
 clad in the skin of a stag or goat. His sceptre was a 
 Thyrsus, that is a little lance covered with ivy and 
 vine leaves. He invented the use of wine. At first 
 when introduced it was considered poison because 
 when used it intoxicated men and made them furious. 
 Therefore Bacchus is always represented as being in- 
 structed by the Nymphs. He chose women to perform 
 his sacrifices because they followed him in his voyages 
 with songs and dances. They were termed Bacchantes. 
 
BIOGRAPHY V 
 
 Their cry was "Evoe, Evan, Evoe, Bacche," meaning 
 "Good son." 
 
 SoLONUs, the God of Fountains and Waters, said 
 to typify purity and innocence, and the fructifying 
 waters that assist to fertilize the land. He is charged 
 to guard all flowing waters and assist men to divine 
 springs and hidden streams. 
 
 Adonis, said to be the God of Beauty and Perfec- 
 tion of Form. Also, at one time, the Darling of Venus. 
 But Adonis then preferred the sport of hunting to 
 love making and disdained all Venus' advances. 
 
 Mercury was ranked among the most illustrious 
 of the Gods, equally on account of his birth as the 
 great variety of his functions. He was the son of 
 Jupiter and the Goddess Maia, daughter of the God 
 Atlas who carries the Heavens upon his shoulders. 
 Mercury was born on Mount Cyclene in Arcadia. The 
 most common of his offices was that of ambassador 
 and interpreter of the Gods, and in this quality he had 
 wings on his head and feet. In his hand he carries 
 his Caduceus, or wand, on which were entwined two 
 serpents as a sign of peace and concord. Hence it is 
 usually asserted that Mercury is the representation of 
 speech which interprets our thoughts, which appear 
 to fly on account of their swiftness- There is nothing 
 more remarkable than speech which has the power of 
 gaining and reuniting the hearts and minds of all man- 
 kind. Another of his offices was that of showing the 
 way and conducting the souls of the departed to the 
 infernal regions. The ancient poets declare "That it 
 is impossible to die until Mercury, with his Caduceus, 
 has destroyed the chains which by divine virtue attach 
 the body to the soul." Mercury invented the exercise 
 of the lute and was the author of a kind of lyre, which 
 latter he presented to Apollo. Mercury is the God 
 
vi H E L O I S 
 
 of Eloquence, which gift is of essential service to 
 him in his manifold embassies and negotiations. To 
 Mercury was given the credit of being able to endow 
 man with the gift of the skill of architecture. In fact, 
 he was the inventor of many arts which rendered him 
 universally celebrated. He was the father of a num- 
 ber of sons of which Icarus was the favourite. Mercury 
 taught the boy to make wings to fly through the air, 
 but Icarus, in his enthusiasm at its accomplishment, 
 though much against his father's advice, approached 
 too near the sun, which melted the wax he had used 
 to fasten his wings to his shoulders. He met his 
 death by falling into the sea. 
 
 GODDESSES 
 
 Juno, wife of Jupiter, called the Queen of the 
 Gods and considered the Goddesses of Kingdoms and 
 Riches. She likewise superintended marriages and 
 births. She was the mother of Hebe, Goddess of 
 Youth, and this child insinuated herself so much in 
 the good graces of Jupiter that she was his attendant 
 at table and poured out the nectar for him, till Gany- 
 mede supplanted her. Juno was noted for her state- 
 liness of form and beautiful eyes. She was notoriously 
 jealous of her husband. At her command, Argus, a 
 dog covered with eyes on every side, was employed 
 in watching the actions of Jupiter. When a part of 
 this dog's eyes were overwhelmed with sleep, the 
 others were awake. Mercury ultimately killed this 
 monster by command of Jupiter, after having lulled 
 it to sleep by the sound of his flute. Juno, to recom- 
 pense the fidelity of her spy, metamorphosed him into 
 a beautiful peacock, which still represents, in its 
 plumage, his multitude of eyes. 
 
 Venus was considered the Goddess of Love on ac- 
 count of her fascinating powers and her incomparable 
 
BIOGRAPHY 
 
 vn 
 
 beauty. She was the daughter of Jupiter and the 
 Goddess Dione. Her chariot was drawn by swans and 
 doves, both lascivious birds. She was most particularly 
 worshipped in the countries of Amathus, Cythera and 
 Paphos, then the most delightful parts of the world. 
 Besides Hymen, the God of Marriages, she was the 
 mother of the three Charities and Graces, and her 
 usual attendants, the two Cupids, Gods of Love and 
 Passion. Also Priapus, the God of Gardens, of whom 
 mention is made in the Holy Scriptures. Asses were 
 invariably sacrificed to him. .^neas, so celebrated in 
 Virgil, boasted of having her for his mother. Her 
 husband was the lame God Vulcan. 
 
 Diana, the Chaste, is represented as the Goddess 
 of Forests, Mountains, Hunting and Huntsmen. She 
 always appears in hunting costume with a helmet as 
 headgear, armed with a bow and quiver full of arrows. 
 She is said to be the twin sister of Apollo. Her father 
 was Jupiter, her mother Latona. Yet there is another 
 account of her birth claiming that she leaped from 
 the brain of Jupiter, armed Cap-a-pie with a lance 
 or arrow in her hand. She faithfully loved the erring 
 Shepherd Endymoin who, by Jupiter, was condemned 
 to perpetual sleep on account of indignities he had 
 offered to Juno, Jupiter's wife. 
 
 Unice. The Goddess of Unice was the pious wife of 
 the noble Helois ; daughter of Phoebus, the Sun God, 
 and his wife Terra, and sister to Prometheus. Phoebus 
 signifies the light of the living. Unice was the mother 
 of the Heavenly twins, Aurora who, with rosy fingers, 
 opens the gates of Day, and Ariel who heralds the 
 dawn of day. Unice is celebrated for her beauty, piety 
 and faithfulness. 
 
 Hebe, Goddess of Youth, daughter of Jupiter and 
 his wife Juno. Hebe represents youthful beauty. 
 
vm 
 
 HELOIS 
 
 Daphne, a minor Goddess, who managed to attract 
 the love of Apollo and Adonis. Her affections were 
 secured by the latter. 
 
 Hyacine, a minor Goddess, who, in company with 
 Hebe, Dora and Flora, often attended the orgies of 
 Bacchus, the God of Wine. 
 
HELOIS 
 
 THE CHOSEN ONE 
 
 A Four Act Drama 
 Adaption from Greek Mythology 
 
 t 
 
 Dramatis Person/e 
 
 THE GODS 
 
 Jus'iTER ------ Father of the Gods 
 
 Helois ------ The Chosen One 
 
 Prometheus - The Creator of Mankind, Who Used 
 
 Fire from Heaven to Animate His Handizvork 
 
 Mars -------- God of War 
 
 Bacchus ___-_- God of Wine 
 Apollo ----- God of Music and Arts 
 
 Adonis - God of Beauty and Perfection of Form 
 Vulcan - The Lame God Who Forges Thunder- 
 holts for Jupiter 
 SoLONUS - - The God of Fountains and Lakes 
 Endymion - - - - The Sleeping Shepherd 
 
 GODDESSES 
 
 Juno - - - Queen of the Gods: Wife of Jupiter 
 Venus - - Goddess of Love: Wife of Vulcan 
 Unice - Wife of Helois: Mother of Heavenly Twins 
 Diana - Goddess of the Chase: Sister of Apollo 
 Hebe ------- Goddess of Youth 
 
 Daphne, Hyacine, Dora, Flora - Minor Goddesses 
 
 Cupids - - Gods of Love and Passion: Sons of 
 
 Vulcan and Venus 
 
X HELOIS 
 
 LOCALITIES 
 
 Mount Olympus, Cyprus, the Sacred Dwelling Place 
 of the Gods. 
 
 Forum in Golden Square, Celestial City. 
 
 A Forest on Mount Olympus. 
 
 A Street in Celestial City. 
 
 Plateau, Outskirts of Celestial City. 
 
 A Street in Rome, Italy. 
 
 A Room in a Hotel, Italy. 
 
 Hyde Park, England. 
 
 Helois is profiotmced: He lo' is 
 Unice " U ne cee 
 
 Hebe " He be 
 
 Hyacine " Hy a cen 
 
MEL0I5 
 
ACT I 
 
 SCENE I 
 
 Mount Olympus in Cyprus. 
 
 The Forum in Golden Square, Celestial City. 
 
 The Gods in Council. 
 
 JUPITER (with scroll). Am I to understand, 
 Helois, thou hast resolved to undertake the 
 stupendous task here outHned? 
 
 Helois. With thy consent, O Mighty One, I am 
 prepared to suffer for mortals' redress, and desire to 
 descend to mundane spheres to take up the task as 
 soon as practicable. 
 
 Jupiter. What if we withhold our consent? 
 
 Helois. I pray thee, O Exalted One, oppose me 
 not! Lend a pliant ear to my request and in thy 
 infinite wisdom give thy decision in favour of the 
 execution of my earnest desires. For Humanity's sake, 
 I plead. Human souls endowed with heavenly fire, 
 
2 HELOIS 
 
 yet so benighted, they know not of their divine origin 
 or their glorious heritage. Their multitudinous pray- 
 ers, petitions and supplications for love, light, liberty 
 and eternal peace thrills my being and compells a re- 
 sponse. I know they are heavily laden with sin, sor- 
 row, suffering. Their crimes, no doubt, are myriad; 
 yet I would sacrifice Heavenly bliss to go to raise 
 them and draw them one step nearer my God, to Thee. 
 In thy glorious wisdom and power, say Great King, 
 shall weak and erring mortals appeal to the Gods in 
 vain? 
 
 Mercury. Helois, answer, who made thee omnip- 
 otent? Our Mighty Father alone possesses that power. 
 Whenst came thy superior knowledge and ability to 
 deal with this ever vexed question of Humanity's 
 needs? There is not a God with us that does not de- 
 plore the present state of the sinning earthly mortals. 
 Yet none but thee hast dared to express themselves 
 willing or able to cope with the perilous situation. For 
 a moment, let me here enquire of thee, hast thou given 
 sufficient thought to the almost insurmountable difficul- 
 ties that would beset thy pathway if thou assumed 
 habitments of clay, and descended to the earth plane 
 to intimately associate with mortals? I, as a pliant 
 messenger of the Gods, know by experience the horri- 
 ble conditions existing in the lower world, so often on 
 missions of mercy have I for a brief period descended 
 into the hells of vice and sin and witnessed the un- 
 speakable horrors that abound there. Canst thou, 
 Helois, the chaste, hope for one moment to successfully 
 grapple with the hydra-headed monsters of sin, vice 
 and crime and overcome them? Canst thou expect to 
 handle pitch and yet be undefiled. My brother, halt, 
 consider, by this rash exploit of thine thou mayst not 
 only loose the fruits of thy labour but loose also thy 
 divinity. 
 
HELOIS 3 
 
 Helois. Monstrous ! Mere sophistry, noble Mer- 
 cury. I have no intention of working in opposition to 
 the will of the Most High or the desires of my fellow 
 Gods, but from thee, my illustrious brother, I did not 
 expect condemnation or opposition. Thou who hast 
 acknowledged the existence of hells of iniquity. Why 
 should they not be removed? A herculean task, no 
 doubt. I again reiterate, I am willing, for no self- 
 .agrandisement, to sacrifice Heavenly power and bliss 
 to aid poor benighted sinning Humanity and endeavour 
 to alter existing evils even to the forfeiture of life 
 everlasting. 
 
 Jupiter. Peace, my beloved. Think not thy 
 brother Mercury pitilessly condemns thee. No ; he 
 desires to warn thee for love's sake. He, in concert 
 with us all, fully realize the formidable task nobly 
 self-imposed for other's woes, and thus pleads for care 
 and caution in thy venture. 
 
 Prometheus. Helois, let me add beware ! to all 
 the eminent Mercury has so ably portrayed. Let cau- 
 tion guide thy ardour, brother mine. 
 
 Helois. Prometheus, thou too hast ventured to add 
 thy quota against my mission. Who better than thy- 
 self knows of the crying necessity of a living sacrifice ? 
 Erring mortals, thy children, are suffering tortuous 
 woes. Wouldst thou agree they were left to an awful 
 fate? 
 
 Prometheus. Ha, Helois, thy arrow has shot home. 
 But acknowledge, did I not pay the full penalty of my 
 rashness in endowing mortal clay with the vital spark 
 of eternal life? 
 
 Helois. Prometheus, surely thou does not regret 
 thy pangs or wouldst withdraw the gift thou so freely 
 in thy halycon days bestowed? If thou deny thyself, 
 the Gods are then placed on a par with men. If so, I 
 
HELOIS 5 
 
 religious ardour. He desired to leave me, his sorrow- 
 ing wife, and our precious infants to visit the earth 
 spheres to endeavour to rescue lost human souls and 
 leave us mourning in his absence. Great Jupiter, Noble 
 Mercury, celestials all, help me in my endeavours to 
 keep him with us. What careth the perverse children 
 of the earth for the sacrifice of my beloved? With 
 their dulled senses they would not recognize his noble 
 efforts in their behalf, and his sacrifice would be in 
 vain. My anguish is great. I cannot, oh, I cannot 
 consent to part with him. What could compensate for 
 his absence? (Kneels to Jupiter.) I pray thee, 
 Jupiter, the Supreme, forbid this project, command him 
 stay. 
 
 Helois (raising her). My love, my wife, my star 
 of hope, calm thy feelings. If I have caused thy gentle 
 spirit sorrow, I crave thy pardon. Be patient with me, 
 Unice. At present my soul is tempest tossed. I am at 
 times bewildered with deep and burning thoughts of 
 wrongs to be righted. I know our parting means grief 
 to thee, but I must go. I will endeavour to heal thy 
 wounded heart, my beautiful wife. Recall, remember, 
 thy brother, Prometheus, here did by his gift to mortals 
 make us all responsible for their well being. I feel 
 that it is my mission to rekindle the divine spark and 
 by spiritual development draw erring human souls to 
 us. I plead for thy co-operation, my wife. I need 
 thy truest sympathy to enable me to go forth like a 
 brave warrior to fight my earthly conflicts, and in the 
 confidence of thy pledge and favour I shall succeed 
 and in triumph return, like the heroes of old, renewed 
 with vigour in the knowledge of my victory. Sweet- 
 heart mine, I leave thee full of hope of a speedy re- 
 turn and our fellows will help thee raise our fair 
 babies and assist to while away the hours so alluringly 
 that time will seem to fly until I return in love to thee 
 again. 
 
6 HELOIS 
 
 Unice. My beloved husband, my soul's true mate, 
 thou asketh the impossible ! I cannot part from thee ! 
 Why should we suffer for my brother's mistake who, 
 to please himself, unauthorized, fashioned rude clay 
 and infused it with the divine afflatus, thus endowering 
 unregenerated mortals with heavenly power and aspira- 
 tions. Now the far-reaching effects of his rash act 
 falls upon the innocent. Oh ! My Helois ! Thou art 
 not responsible for another's actions. From time im- 
 memorial mankind have shown their inability to under- 
 stand the efforts of the Gods on their behalf. Their 
 noble examples, their inspired prophets, geniuses, poets, 
 artists, metaphysicians and alchemists have all in their 
 turn m every age been condemned, persecvited, if not 
 tortured or crucified. Leave erring Humanity to work 
 out their own salvation. It would be a useless effort, 
 a bootless errand. Stay here, in Heavenly bliss, with 
 our babies and I. 
 
 Helois. Unice, my love, pray understand what thy 
 brother did, he did in love. I, therefore, feel in duty 
 bound to respect and cherish that divine spark with 
 which he quickened his handiwork. I must to the 
 terrestrial spheres to endeavour to awaken Humanity's 
 dormant faculties, forces and powers and in love lead 
 them in truth and triumph to God and thee. Now, no 
 further try to dissuade me, love. My purpose is set. 
 I must away. 
 
 Mercury. My noble brother, permit me to inter- 
 pose. I acknowledge thy desire for mortals' uplift- 
 ment is highly commendable, and has raised thee in 
 the estimation of thy fellows, but to my thinking the 
 time is not ripe for thy sacrifice. Mortals are unpre- 
 pared, unpurified. They would resent thy teaching; 
 call them interference. They are strongly prejudiced 
 in favour of their own preconceived notions of repent- 
 ance and a life hereafter. They worship but one God, 
 
HELOIS 7 
 
 and are insatiable in their lust for wealth and resent 
 any doctrine they consider would work in opposition to 
 their vested interests. They should cry and suffer yet 
 more ere they are ready to realize their full need for 
 loving, pure, self-sacrificing assistance. I beg thee, 
 Helois, content thyself here for awhile, and wait a 
 more propitious period, for thy mission. 
 
 Unice. Great Mercury, for that speech I am thy 
 eternal debtor. 
 
 Jupiter. Sister, I am amazed that thou, a daughter 
 of the Gods, should place thyself on a par with these 
 self same selfish mortals, whom thou so mercilessly 
 berate. Show thy divinity by thy forbearance. En- 
 courage Helois to take this journey. Willingly let him 
 depart, and receive our blessings, and the Gods' united 
 aid. 
 
 Unice. Insupportable woe, Mighty Jupiter, I crave 
 thy pardon. Have mercy! Do not chide a poor dis- 
 tracted wife and mother. Is it not said, "Charity be- 
 gins at home" ? I need my husband, and these sweet 
 babes, their father. These beautiful blossoms of our 
 mutual love : they mutely beseech his parental care. 
 See how lovely they appear kneeling with sweet 
 Daphne, and their eyes dimmed with tears. Say thou 
 forgiveth me, and bid my husband stay in peace in 
 Heaven. Oh, command him stay ! 
 
 Jupiter. I command thee cease thy protesting, 
 Unice. Stern duty calls thy husband forth. The 
 nether world requires his attention and he must go. 
 Say no more in opposition. I forbid thee. 
 
 Unice. Oh ! Ye Gods, sustain and comfort me 
 (sighing deeply). 
 
 Helois. Adorable Unice, calm thy feelings ; let the 
 pure reflections to thy innermost soul speak to me. 
 
8 HELOIS 
 
 The Mighty Jupiter commands me, and my mind, like 
 a fixed constallation revolving upon its own axis, de- 
 mands the fulfillment of my sacred vow and plans. I 
 am not insensible of thy great affection. I dearly 
 cherish the memory of thy full bounties. Thy sweet 
 charms are as dear to me as when we first mated, and 
 I, like thee, love to watch the fair unfoldment of our 
 tender babes, but, Unice my treasure : hast thou for- 
 gotten that I told thee I was a born warrior, and rest- 
 less in the time of peace when there are still wrongs to 
 be righted? When thy Brother Prometheus endowed 
 mortals with heavenly fire, each living soul received a 
 spark of divinity. Humanity's cries for help and re- 
 dress are loud, long and deep, and I feel the part of 
 saviour developing upon me ; and to rekindle their 
 divinity and draw them up to us is my task, and until 
 accomplished I cannot rest. Therefore, I pray thee, 
 Unice, stem the tide of thy emotions, and part with me 
 in peace. 
 
 Unice (flings herself upon her knees). Oh, Helois, 
 spare me : I never can consent. 
 
 Helois (raises her, and bears her fainting azvay). 
 
 [Exeunt, Helois^ Unice^ Daphne and 
 Twins.] 
 
 Jupiter. Brethren, our sister Unice is sorely tried 
 at the proposed separation. I fain she had been more 
 tractable for our brother Helois is admirably fitted 
 for the prodigious task of reincarnation. We must em- 
 ploy some means to reconcile Unice to the parting. If 
 any can devise a plan do so and let me know. For the 
 present, Adieu ! 
 
 [Exit Jupiter.] 
 
 Mercury. I, for one, can see no way to pacify 
 Unice, nor do I altogether favor Helois' plans. I 
 
HELOIS 9 
 
 consider they are too premature- The journey earth- 
 ward will be full of danger ; and mortals, in spite of 
 their many religious beliefs and unceasing demands, 
 are not prepared for the advent of a God, how much 
 they may importune his coming. But of one thing I 
 am quite sure . Prometheus' past rash act has been the 
 inspiration that has fired Helois' zeal ; but even more 
 strange to me is Mighty Jupiter's acquiescence to the 
 " project. Can it be possible that the exalted one repents 
 him of the punishment he so unmercifully meted out 
 to our Brother Prometheus? Anyway, a vast change 
 has taken place in his outward demeanour in that re- 
 spect. 
 
 Prometheus. Illustrious Mercury, I acknowledge 
 I am at fault. Still I feel justified in the course of 
 action I took. Are not all mortals the handiwork of 
 the Gods? My work really was an imitation of past 
 efiforts. I acted rashly, no doubt, in endowing Hu- 
 manity with immortal life. I did it and bore the conse- 
 quences. They are not all wicked. Many of them 
 possess beauty, rare gifts and powers, like unto the 
 Divinities. We all know they are in need of divine 
 assistance, and I solemnly declare I have not tried to 
 influence Helois more than drawing his attention to the 
 urgent need of mortals regeneration. I would under- 
 take the task myself rather than Unice be grieved or 
 the Gods disunited. 
 
 Mercury. Brother, thou hast full scope to excuse 
 thy past conduct. I blame thee not. But I reaffirm 
 that the present difficulties are the outcome of that 
 same uncounciled act. 
 
 Prometheus. Thou acknowledges by that speech 
 thou holdst me guilty. My past tenderness caused me 
 cruel pangs. They fastened me to the rock and I suf- 
 fered unexpressable tortures. No thanks to thee, Mer- 
 cury, that I obtained relief. It was due to the incom- 
 
lo HELOIS 
 
 parable strength of the noble Hercules. But I bear 
 no malice, and if ever thou art found in error or mis- 
 taken in thy julgment and have to suffer in conse- 
 quence, I will willing help thee, yea ! and cover up thy 
 faults too. 
 
 [Exit Prometheus.] 
 
 Mars. Oh ! Great interpreter, hear me. Our brother 
 has given thee food for thought in that last fleeting 
 speech of his. Digest it well, then join me in wishing 
 Helois "God-speed." It is high time, methinks, the 
 Gods were united and more active in Humanity's 
 cause. I will determinedly fight on the side of right 
 and lend a strong arm to brave Helois' fortune. Come, 
 brothers, fare thee well. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Mercury.] 
 
 Mercury (soliloquising). Is it possible I am Mer- 
 cury? I, the erstwhile lauded embassador of the Gods. 
 Checked, flouted, carped at, because I differ in opinion 
 with my fellows. I know they are mistaken in their 
 judgments. Therefore I have dared to protest against 
 Helois being led like a lamb to the slaughter, or made 
 a peace offering for mortals to devour. Have not 
 Prometheus' children done enough damage, caused 
 the Gods enough distraction? Yea, already in human 
 history have they crucified sixteen saviours. Thinkest 
 thou they will spare Helois? No! O, proud Prome- 
 theus, why didst thou deign to filtch holy fire from 
 Heaven to animate thy men of clay? I must project 
 a plan to save Helois, even from himself. O, my pro- 
 phetic soul! Steady! Am I not Mercury, the trusted 
 Messenger and God of Peace and Concord? Lo, it is 
 desired of me I repair to Mount Parnassus, there to 
 dive deeply into the grave problems of human futurity 
 and minuetly report what in the past ages the Gods in 
 their amalgamated wisdom decreed for them. I know 
 it is written that Mankind are Gods in embryo; that 
 
DAPHNE 
 
HELOIS II 
 
 hidden within the secret recesses of their undying 
 souls are the powers, potentiaHties, and possibilities of 
 their divine origin. Hence, Mortals are like unto the 
 Gods and can by knowledge gained of the fundamental 
 principles governing their beings, acquire their golden 
 heritage. By diligently seeking truth, treading the 
 straight and narrow path of rectitude and righteous- 
 ness, they can unfold their spiritual natures and regain 
 their lost paradise, and enter into joy everlasting. For 
 the present, however, Humanity's cause must wait my 
 pleasure : I have a more congenial task on hand. 
 [Exit Mercury.] 
 [Enter Adonis and Daphne] 
 
 Adonis. Peerless Daphne, I would I could soften 
 thy heavy grief. Thy lovely eyes, like pansies sweet 
 bespangled with melting dewdrops, overwhelming the 
 magic witchery of thy winsome smiles, makes me sad. 
 I could give my very soul to effectively chase from 
 those precious orbs the pearly drops of woe, and 
 with a bold magician's power, restore the rich blush- 
 ing roses to thy lily cheeks again. 
 
 Daphne. Adonis, thy honied phrases almost compel 
 me to dry my tears. Flatterer, why professeth thou 
 this sweet concern? 
 
 Adonis. Dainty Daphne, true love prompts me to 
 endeavour to find the fount of thy sorrow and to 
 administer pure sedatives to a nymph so fair- To 
 prove my truth, I will do heroic deeds. Put me to 
 the test. Trust me, saintly one : prove my worth. If 
 I might share thy joys and sorrows, I would pass 
 through a fiery hell, and it would elysium be to obey 
 thy slightest behest : command me, beauty ! 
 
 Daphne. Sweet Adonis, for other's woes I weep. 
 My soul is stirred for gentle Unice's sake. 
 
 Adonis. Lovely Nymph, I understand thy brother 
 Helois has decided to brave Earth's dangers, and the 
 
12 HELOIS 
 
 project is most distasteful to his charming spouse, and 
 she in sorrow bewails her fate. Poor dear ! Well, my 
 sweet nun, I am resolved to prove to thee my stead- 
 fastness. I am not the fickle Apollo, who anon woe 
 the muses than thee. I'll throw in my lot with Helois : 
 I'll accompany him, assist him in his Earthly exploits 
 and if possible accelerate his return by constant 
 repetition of the names of Daphne and Unice. One 
 word of love from thee will be a rare talisman that shall 
 disarm evil and give me power of quick return. Say 
 the word, Sweet Daphne. 
 
 [Daphne faints] 
 
 Adonis (kneels beside her, chaffing her hands, 
 smoothing her brow, and kissing her lips for a sign of 
 returning life). 
 
 Daphne (languidly opens her eyes; slozvly rises). 
 Adonis. Fairest one and best, art thou awake? 
 Speak to me, oh my divine darling, speak! 
 
 Daphne. Adonis, wilt thou embark on so pro- 
 digious a mission ; leave those that love thee so well, 
 in sorrow and grief? Then must Unice and I both 
 grieve for our absent loved ones. 
 
 Adonis. Adorable Daphne, dost thou confess so 
 much to me? Oh rapture, seal thou this admission 
 with one long Heavenly kiss. 
 
 Daphne. If I grant thee this favor. Adonis, it is 
 with the understanding that I, unlike poor distracted 
 Unice, am not left to mourn alone. 
 
 .Adonis. Graceful Fairy, no power in Heaven or 
 Earth shall keep me from thy side. I am thy devoted 
 lover, henceforth and forever. 
 [Exuant] 
 
 curtain 
 
'-I'WW^MP''' 
 
 ACT II 
 
 SCENE I 
 
 A Forest Near Celestial City. 
 
 {Enter Bacchus, Hebe, Flora, Hyacine, 
 Dora and others.] 
 
 BACCHUS. Fair ladies, I swear by my sceptre, 
 my goat skin and my wine cup, I love you all. 
 My affections are so rich and deep as a myriad 
 bunches of the luscious purple grape or a sea of the 
 choicest ruby wine. 
 
 Hebe. Thy metaphors are as delicate yet as strong 
 as thy favourite beverage, Bacchus. 
 
 Bacchus. Aye, fair Goddess ; and what more pure 
 or lovely could I compare the galaxy of charms with 
 which I am surrounded? I'll take my oath that a 
 goblet of rosy wine is as delightful as the first kiss of 
 love. 
 
 Hebe. But wine intoxicates the senses, and lovers 
 are thus deceived ; for love is blind, it is said, and wine 
 
14 H E L O I S 
 
 exhalts the mind under its spell. The maid will see 
 in the man a noble being when in reality he is a beast. 
 The man full of wine will imagine his sweetheart is a 
 perfect beauty, whereas she is truly plain of face ; 
 hence, wine deceives and makes lovers doubly blind. 
 Bacchus. Adorable Hebe, hast thou not many times 
 passed to the Mighty Jupiter the flowing goblet filled 
 to the brim with the Gods' ambrosial nectar, the wines ? 
 Delightful hue, outrivaling a youthful maiden's rosy 
 blush, more bewitching than tempting Venus' fascinat- 
 ing smile, or Divine Juno's matchless eyes. Wine is 
 more entrancing than early love, and no deceiver. It 
 gives more lasting joy to its faithful devotees. 
 
 Hebe. Come, Bacchus, does not thy cherished wine 
 make Gods and men mad? Do they not, under the 
 influence of its joyful treasures, become insanely 
 loquacious, proudly declarative, rashly confident, 
 vehemently assertive, maudlingly mouthy, supinely in- 
 capable, supremely oblivious, or in other words, dead 
 drunk ? 
 
 Bacchus. Fair Mistress, thy wit too keenly out- 
 shines mine own. I would rather take evidence of 
 wine's triumphs than endeavour to reverse by argu- 
 ment a lovely Goddess' opinion. Fair Nymphs, do I 
 not bravely bear the wines' sweet trophies ? My tigers 
 are they not as lambs? I love the vine, the fruitful 
 vine, the fount of wine and love's sweet sorcery. I'll 
 recount the magic power of wine. Rich, ruby wine, 
 which quickens life's slow pulses, makes the coward 
 brave, change age to youth and make the young more 
 gay. Its magic power makes the lame to walk, the 
 dumb to talk ; will banish care and sorrow. Those that 
 drink red wine will never repine nor care for life's 
 tomorrow. 
 
 Hyacine. O, Bacchus, rosy wine makes Gods and 
 Men to be foresworn. Wine makes the false more 
 
HELOIS 15 
 
 foul. I'll never more trust Gods or Men. I'll for- 
 swear rich wine forever. For now I know great 
 Bacchus can with his magical wand marshal all joys 
 and woes and blend them into one fascinating cup of 
 delicious wine. I'll not partake of wine, least I become 
 a prey to charms or fears and under its spell fall into 
 lethe limpid stream and be destroyed forever. 
 
 Bacchus. Sweet Hyacine, be not so unfair to wine 
 or me. Even the most charming maiden may be for- 
 sworn. I'll own I can conjure with the minds of Gods 
 and Men. I can and do make royal sport of them. 
 I can kill with wine, i.e., make helpless. Still, fair 
 maiden, I can and do rekindle the vital spark. Yea, I 
 know red wine makes men mad, lascivious, sweet, 
 cruel, kind, quickens their dull wits or makes them 
 senseless, blind. 
 
 Flora. O, wicked Bacchus, I am glad thou hast so 
 confessed thy powers. I'll follow thee no more. I, for 
 one, will abjure the wine cup. I will take to fair 
 pastorial scenes. I'll tend the gentle sheep, or, like a 
 fairy elf in some rare sylvan glade, disport, gather 
 pretty flowers or trip it on the green, then fall asleep 
 and dream mid nature's sweetest charms, forgetful of 
 Bacchus, love or wine forever. 
 
 Bacchus. Ladies, farewell, if you say we must part ; 
 but ere you leave, return to me my heart, and from 
 each one a loving kiss I'll claim ; or you must taste of 
 my wines' bliss. Hebe, sweet Goddess, pray pass me 
 thy fairy bowl. Let us drink to the vine, the beau- 
 tiful vine; come, toast it and christen it, in bright red 
 wine. 
 
 Dora. If we part, it must be forever. My sisters 
 and I, we four, will now be rovers free, and evermore 
 forsake thee. We are young and happy. We will 
 stray in the woodlands cool, seek the simpler joys of 
 life. I, for one, will never condescend to become a wife. 
 
i6 HELOIS 
 
 Bacchus. Now I find I am out of favour, and if I 
 could only please you all, I would gladly take a weight 
 of care, if assured of the companionship of Nymphs 
 so fair. Do not desert me, ladies ! Stay, oh stay ! 
 Life would be as naught if thou went all away. Come, 
 taste the red wine ; it will cheer you, and be assured 
 it will never deceive you. Men may deceive, but not 
 the full bowl. There's nought to compare with joys 
 divine as a deep, deep draught of the crimson wine. 
 Recall, remember the first kiss of love, then full pas- 
 sion's sigh, reciprocation's dove. Now all these de- 
 lights be rolled into one, that one intensified twenty 
 times o'er, yet could not convey the pleasure sublime : 
 when you drain to the dregs a cup of rich, sparkling 
 wine. 
 
 Bacchus sings: 
 
 O, come and trip it on the green, 
 Ye fairy nymphs of godly niein; 
 Come, drink of zvine abundantly , 
 And let your hearts beat merrily: 
 That I, great Bacchus, king of all 
 The joys of human kind befall, 
 May drink of love from sparkling eyes 
 And smiles that softens loi'crs sighs. 
 
 Oh, nil the cup, let's all be gay — 
 And throw depressing cares away, 
 Let every voice with jovial sound 
 Sing blithely to our merry round. 
 Let Flora, Dora, Hyacine, 
 And Hebe, toward the grape vine lean. 
 Then, O, we all ivill merry be, 
 In friendship, love and revelry. 
 
 (Chorus: Evce, evan, evoe, Bacche.) 
 
HEBE 
 
HELOIS 17 
 
 [Enter attendant Nymphs, Fairies, bearing 
 grapes, fine leaves and garlands of flow- 
 ers, singing "Evoe, evan, euoe, Bacche." 
 All join in singing and dancing; great en- 
 thusiasm and sport. Bacchus decorated 
 with vines, flowers and grapes by the 
 Nymphs.] 
 
 [Ex aunt] 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
 SCENE II 
 
 Another Portion of Forest. 
 
 [Efiter Diana, accompanied by six Nymphs 
 attired in hunting costume, equipped zuitit 
 horns, quivers and arrows, prepared for 
 the chase.] 
 
 Diana. Come, my merry maidens, ahunting we will 
 go. The echoes of the early hunter's horn has died 
 away over the sweet resounding hills. We must not 
 tarry, but hie away to the forest glades, whose wealthy 
 foliage and sombre shade shelters the plaintive hinds 
 and tender fawns. We will follow the trail of the 
 fallow deer, through the woodland dells, in ambush 
 wait for the lusty buck, when he comes to drink at the 
 sparkling brook. Hunting is such merry sport, other 
 loves we will eschew, for Gods and Men may faithless 
 prove. So, my fair Nymphs, of them beware, for 
 naught but sport is true. 
 
i8 HELOIS 
 
 First Nymph. Sweet Diana, we are forever bound 
 to thee. The fleet-footed deer we will follow through 
 sylvan groves and meadows green, or ascend the moun- 
 tains steep to scent the morning air. To thy favouring 
 fortunes we will adhere, and be led by sport and thee. 
 
 Nymphs (in chorus). Aye, Great Goddess, we will 
 follow for love of the sport and thee. 
 
 Diana. Well said, my faithful maidens ; and be 
 assured by me, there is more danger in the company 
 of one male than twenty wild boars, or a herd of bucks. 
 A simple maiden's heart may be pierced, by a chance 
 cupid's dart, and a faithless swain will jeer at the pain. 
 I pray you, then, forswear the company of Gods and 
 Men, hold to naught but the merry chase and the 
 trail of the slender deer. Halt ! Who comes here, 
 rashly breaking upon our privacy? 
 
 [Enter Apollo, Solonus and Mercury.] 
 
 Apollo (sounding a hunter's horn). Good day, 
 sweet sister. Nymphs fair : a merry greeting. 
 
 Diana. Thy courtesies are naught to us. Why 
 comest thou here to disturb us? 
 
 Apollo. My friends and I have a matter of im- 
 portance for thy consideration, sister mine ; give us 
 thine ear. 
 
 Diana. I have no desire to parley with thee or 
 thy companions. What matter thou hast must wait 
 a more propitious period. My faithful band and I can 
 no longer tarry. We must away, ere the day grows 
 old. Come, my merry maidens, follow me. 
 
 Mercury. Stay, Diana, less speed, beauty; our 
 needs are pressing and effects thee. 
 
 Diana. What proposition canst thou present that 
 can possibly effect me. Mercury the Volatile ? I know 
 
HELOIS 19 
 
 from past experience that thy magical eloquence has 
 turned the heads of the most wise. Hast thou come 
 here to practise they cunning arts upon my Nymphs 
 and I ? If so, save thy labour, and go thy way. Permit 
 us to continue our chase. 
 
 Mercury. Fair Goddess, charm thy tongue ! Attend 
 thy interests ! Endymion sleeps. Shall he awake ? 
 
 Diana. T cannot conjure, Mercury, nor thou with 
 thy manifold gifts minister to my unfathomable woe. 
 What canst thou do to awaken from slumber so pro- 
 found that sleep resembles its twin brother death so 
 completely that thou canst not tell them apart? Why 
 comest thou here to remind me of his terrible fate? 
 
 Mercury. Ha, there's the crux. Thou hast tacitly 
 acknowledged that thy tears, sighs and groans cannot 
 awaken thy lover and restore him to thy arms : but list 
 to my speech. It is not impossible. He may be 
 aroused. The envious Juno has proclaimed herself 
 the queen of beauty, vieing with the graceful Venus 
 for the golden girdle, the prize to be bestowed by the 
 Gods to the one who by acclamation be acknowledged 
 Nonpareil. The peerless Venus will pass through this 
 forest on her way to the forum where the council 
 will meet to judge the relative charms of the fair com- 
 petitors. The lovely Venus has appointed thy brother, 
 Solonus, and myself her ambassadors and we are 
 here to invite thee to the contest and plead for thy 
 support of Venus' claims. Dost understand the re- 
 quest ? 
 
 Diana. Perfectly, but why should the fascinating 
 Venus require my support? I am an Amazon and dis- 
 pise the soft impeachments of what she terms love, and 
 I call flattery and sensuality. The witty Venus will 
 never lack adherents of the male order, I warrant thee. 
 I never attend the courts. There is no reason to fear 
 
20 HELOIS 
 
 but that she will be crowned the Queen of Beauty 
 without my intervention. Pray, let me pass. 
 
 SoLONUS. Sweet Goddess of the Woodlands, per- 
 mit me a few words. I beg thee for thy own sake to 
 acceed to the Illustrious Mercury's request and enhance 
 the assembly at the coming contest by thy fair pres- 
 ence and vote in favour of Venus. Thy practical 
 ability and thy pastorial freedom proclaims thee a 
 natural beauty without a rival. Come, thy promise to 
 meet us at the Forum. 
 
 Diana. Spare thy compliments, good sir. I re- 
 quire no praise. I am myself and when I make up 
 my mind I am then invincible. I refuse to be a puppet. 
 There ! Begone ! 
 
 Apollo. Do be reasonable, sister mine. We are 
 here for thy benefit. Solonus means good. He is 
 brave and true and as keen a sportsman as thou could 
 desire. We are not here to parley with thee or doubt 
 thy invincibility, but we need thy presence and vote 
 at the contest, and intend to have it. So come, agree. 
 
 Diana. Apollo, thou are a renegade. I'll not be 
 compelled by thee. Why should I witness bold Venus' 
 victories? She has worked destruction enough in the 
 past with the minds of Gods and men. Her wicked 
 urchins, the Cupids, have ruthlessly pierced the hearts 
 of innocent maidens for fun and laughed in glee to 
 see them squirm and faint in love's wild delirium to 
 their own undoing. Plead with me no more, fair gen- 
 tlemen. I cannot attend the farce. I'll follow my own 
 devises and inclinations. Eschew enchantments and 
 mockeries, adieu! 
 
 Solonus. Noble Goddess, in spite of thy indictments 
 and appearing tiresome, I must protest. Thou art 
 really unkind in thy scathing criticism. I know for a fact 
 that the fair Venus worships at thy shrine and prays 
 
HELOIS 21 
 
 that she may be Hke thee, faithful. This in spite of 
 her seeming fraihty and frivoHty. Remember, she 
 would never strive to dethrone thee from thy lofty 
 pedestal of chastity, as others have endeavoured to 
 supplant her and deride her exquisite charms and 
 beauty. 
 
 Diana. We waste time, gentlemen. Thou hast all 
 had thy say. Without further parley accept my final 
 no! I decline the honour. I care not who wears 
 beauty's laurels. I am free from such folly. I love the 
 merry chase. Come, my faithful band, let us hasten 
 away. Quick, more speed ! 
 
 Mercury. Stay, Diana, I command thee. Hast 
 forgotten Endymion sleeps? 
 
 Diana. Forgotten, O heavy woe ! O, my God ! If 
 I could not remember, cruel Mercury. Why this tor- 
 ture? 
 
 Mercury. Compose thyself, mistress. Where hast 
 thou hidden him? Reveal to me the spot. Perhaps 
 I can find it. I'll stake my caduccus it's not far away. 
 Ha! Thou turnest pale. I hit the mark. See, a stag? 
 Quick, try thy skill at slaying, Diana. Too late, he has 
 fled. No ! A flood ; he swims. Thou has him now, 
 beauty: shoot! 
 
 (SoLONUS^ by striking a rock, has caused a 
 volume of water to floiv. Diana drams a 
 how at venture, let Hy the arrozv.) 
 
 Mercury. Lo ! The heart of the stag is pierced. 
 Thou hast hit the mark, too, fair queen. Thou art a 
 past mistress in the sport of slaying. Come, now, lead 
 me to Endymion's bed. Turn not away in scorn, 
 proud Diana. Thy lover's sleep at present is deep and 
 sound. List ! Perchance he can be awakened soon. If 
 thou wilt agree to do my bidding, I can solemnly 
 
H E L O I S 23 
 
 Mighty One's susceptibilities. If the fair Venus wins 
 the prize (I swear she shall), she will be crowned 
 Beauty's Queen. Then at that time she can ask and 
 bestow favours. Great Jupiter will deny her nothing. 
 Come, now, lady, who wouldst thou rather gained 
 the coveted girdle ? She who by accusation condemned 
 Endymion to perpetual sleep or she who for a word 
 from thee, would free him from the tomb? Now, 
 Diana, thy decision ; what sayest thou ? 
 
 Diana. Illustrious Mercury, thou knowest well thy 
 magical powers and persuasion. What can I say but 
 that I accept thy dictum and will obey thy slightest 
 behest? From henceforth, I am thy humble servant. 
 Command me ! See, who comes here. 
 
 Mercury. Well said Diana. Aye, here comes at 
 this propitious moment the uncrowned Queen of 
 Hearts and Beauty. 
 
 [Enter Venus] 
 
 [Venus, gracefully reclining in her silver 
 gondola, drazvn swiftly through the 
 sparkling zuater by a pair of snozvy white 
 szvans, and attended by the renown 
 Cupids. Fair Naids smile at her and 
 peer at her from among the ferns and 
 lilies. ] 
 
 Venus. O great Diana, Arcadian's Queen, Mer- 
 ,cury, Apollo, Solonus, all a merry greeting. This meet- 
 ing is most opportune. Sweet Diana, I beg to enlist 
 thy services on my behalf. I need thy practical sup- 
 port. List, the jealous Juno has proclaimed herself 
 Nonpareil in rivalry to myself and desires to be 
 crowned Beauty's Queen and obtain the exquisite 
 golden girdle woven by the Destinies. The prize is to 
 be awarded the lucky recipient of the largest amount of 
 votes at an assembly of Gods and Goddesses. I desire 
 
24 H E L O I S 
 
 thy presence at the council meeting and thy vote in 
 my favour. May I rely? 
 
 Diana. Thou mayest, fair Queen. I am at thy 
 service. I desire, however, to request a favour. 
 
 Venus. Ask anything, Diana. If it is in my power, 
 it is already granted. 
 
 Diana. Admirable Queen, if thou win the lau- 
 rels, I pray thee importune the Mighty Jupiter to re- 
 lease Endymion,the Shepherd, from the awful thraldom 
 of perpetual sleep to which he was condemned, and be 
 my eternal debtor. 
 
 Venus. Thou needest not humbly crave the boon, 
 sweet Diana. I pledge thee my word, if thou wilt 
 faithfully support me in my claim and I triumph, I will 
 beg the Great Jupiter to restore to thee thy long lost 
 lover. 
 
 curtain 
 
ACT III 
 
 SCENE I 
 
 The Forum, Mount Olympus, Cyprus. 
 [Enter Jupiter, Prometheus, Mars and 
 
 SOLONUS.] 
 
 (Prometheus believes himself still unforgiven 
 for his act of animating his men of clay 
 with Heavenly flame, and appeals by peti- 
 tion to Jupiter, pleading that if further 
 punishment be meted out to him that 
 mankind be uninjured, so that the inno- 
 cent may not suffer for the guilty. The 
 scroll was mislaid. Mercury iinds it.) 
 
 JUPITER. We are here for a solemn purpose, to 
 arrange the practical part appertaining to our 
 noble Brother Helois' reincarnation and his direct 
 descent to the Earthly spheres. It must be at an 
 early date. 
 
 Mars. Great Jupiter, my chariot is at our brother's 
 disposal. My mighty car with the noble Pegasus 
 
26 H E L O I S 
 
 will speed to the Earth with great velocity. I'll help his 
 swift descent, if that will benefit him. 
 
 Jupiter. It will help considerably. He will be 
 quite invisable to mankind until he is on terra firma 
 in his robes of more solid flesh and clothed in orthodox 
 fashion. I have arranged for that. 
 
 SoLONUS. O, Mighty King, I have planned the 
 deluge to follow in his wake. 
 
 Jupiter. Good ! All is well. Mercury ! Where is 
 Mercury? We need his valuable assistance. 
 
 [Enter Mercury; with open scroll, reading.] 
 
 Mercury. O, Great Jupiter, God of Gods, King of 
 Kings, Mightiest of the Mighty, whose kingdom and 
 power is from everlasting, whose glorious majesty is 
 supreme in the Universe, I appeal to thee for thy divine 
 forgiveness for all my sins, transgressions and in- 
 iquities. If my sin of endowing mortal clay with 
 eternal life is unpardonable, I pray thee, in thy in- 
 finite mercy, let the punishment fall alone upon me. 
 Spare my helpless babes, innocent Humanity. Al- 
 mighty God, let my sufiferings, my remorse, and the 
 haunting memory of Caucasus be the atonement. There- 
 fore, I beseech thee, deliver Mortals from evil. Let thy 
 glorious inspiration, like a golden shaft of Heavenly 
 light, penetrate and illuminate the gloom of Earthly 
 ignorance and sin that by its transcendent radiance, Hu- 
 manity may be guided to Heaven and thee. To thy 
 honour and glory forever more. 
 
 Prometheus. The missing petition- I lost it. Mer- 
 cury. 
 
 Mercury. I found it, Prometheus. Great Jupiter, 
 it is now delivered to thee. (Presents the scroll.) 
 
H E L O I S 27 
 
 Jupiter. Pray me no more, Prometheus. Thou art 
 long since pardoned. Our soUcitude is for thy mis- 
 guided children. 
 
 Prometheus. I humbly thank thee, Heavenly 
 Father. 
 
 Jupiter. Mercury, we entrust thee to follow closely 
 the fortunes of our beloved Brother Helois, even 
 after he has descended to the Earth spheres, and keep 
 us well informed concerning his requirements, move- 
 ments and successes. I desire every God to render 
 Helois service and assist him with their powers. We 
 feel anxious that his important task have the accom- 
 plishment it desires, and that Humanity's cause be 
 spiritually, materially and effectually benefitted. 
 
 Mercury. Great Jupiter, I will obey thy commands 
 and after the beauty contest devote my whole time to 
 the furtherance of Humanity's Cause as thou wishes. 
 At present there's a feminine divinity in the case, as 
 thou well knowest everything else gives place, 
 
 Jupiter. Ha, the eternal feminine. Thou well re- 
 minded me of the contest, my son. There's a sub- 
 lime charm about female loveliness that enraptures the 
 senses and compells affection. I shall not stay for that 
 important ceremony, however. I would the illustrious 
 assembly decided uninfluenced by my presence. Each 
 one must use his or her judgment and decide which 
 Goddess should receive the honour and the pretty 
 souvenir. 
 
 [Exit Jupiter] 
 
 Promethus. Is it not gratifying to find the 
 Mighty Father so favourably disposed to Helois' ven- 
 ture? I am willing to sacrifice any pleasure to the 
 furtherance of Humanity's Cause. Mercury, my 
 brother, call on me if thou need further assistance. 
 
28 H E L O I S 
 
 Mercury. Fear not, Prometheus, I'll not forget 
 thy offer. But for the coming contest I should now 
 be at Mount Parnassus studying the pros and cons of 
 mankind's wants and woes. I must say thy children 
 are proving very troublesome. Their demands are un- 
 ceasing. They cry incessantly to the Gods for help, 
 making such a clatter that our peace is seriously 
 menaced. They are never satisfied. They have end- 
 less Earthly material. They use nature's marvellous 
 powers for their worldly advancement, and many of 
 nature's forces are made subservient to their wills. 
 They till the land with steam and electric implements, 
 rule the seas and oceans, travelling on them in iron 
 ships. They have made a conquest of the illimitable 
 air and have made machines that fly and go to such 
 an altitude that it would seem they mean to reach us 
 here at high Olympus. Their ambitions are unsatiable, 
 their efforts untiring. They are sighing for other 
 worlds to conquer. They may yet succeed in find- 
 ing us. 
 
 Prometheus. True, O Mercury. Mortals are in- 
 deed aspiring. True, they have conquered the viewless 
 winds and with mechanical wings have sped at will 
 through the limped air, sailing at a very high altitude ; 
 accomplishing with ease what thy son Icarus failed to 
 do : return intact to terra firma. 
 
 Mercury. Save thy jibes, Prometheus. Thou hast 
 ever a parlous taste for ill-considered speech and ac- 
 tion. I need no reminder of my incomparable loss. 
 Alas ! My lovely boy, the fairest flower of all, dead, 
 killed, trying to fly, while sinning mortals, they chil- 
 dren, succeed. My sweet babe, my darling boy, failed. 
 O, heavy loss, unsupportable woe. Thy shot has told. 
 Thy arrow went home ; thou hast won the point in this 
 encounter. Beware, Prometheus, I may win in the 
 next count. Steady, I forgive. I must away. Am I 
 
H E L O I S 29 
 
 not the winsome Venus' trusty friend? She lacks the 
 girdle. I must no longer tarry for she must be 
 crowned Beauty's Queen. 
 
 Promethues. Great Mercury, one moment stay. 
 Thou art ever ready to have a tilt at me. I have been 
 compelled many times to wince under the stinging 
 lash of thy merciless eloquence. Now I will speak at 
 any cost. I assert thou art rash and ill advised to so 
 materially assist the wanton Venus to win the coveted 
 prize which should by divine right go to the matchless 
 Juno. Again, I cannot see why a dispute between two 
 jealous Goddesses should for the fraction of a second 
 interfere with the vastily more important work of re- 
 ports upon Humanity's Cause. 
 
 Mars. Hear me, I here interpose. I have waited 
 more or less patiently to speak my mind. Prometheus, 
 who made thee judge? Mortals' affairs are getting 
 a good share of the Gods' attention, and our fellows 
 are unanimous in their opinions and willingness to 
 assist to unravel the tangled web of human fate. The 
 Goddesses are the first consideration and I assert 
 that this coming contest is of vital importance to us all. 
 
 Prometheus. Thou enquirest who made me judge. 
 If of beauty, I reply my sight and senses. One moment, 
 Mighty Mars. I have never been flirting Venus' 
 dupe. She has never bewitched me nor mocked me 
 with her wanton wiles as she did thee, and after thy 
 proudest conquests, too. 
 
 Mercury. Permit me, I challenge thee, Prometheus. 
 Thou appears eager to oppose us all. Til leave my 
 affairs for the nonce. Come now, brother, I'll tell thee 
 why thou hast not succumbed to the winsome Venus' 
 charms and dalliance. Because she never enticed thee. 
 Never cast one melting glance from her lustrious 
 azure eyes at thee. Thou hast never been under the 
 
30 H E L O I S 
 
 spell of her witching favours or I here stake my cadu- 
 cus (insigna of office) had she but faintly smiled and 
 looked at thee, thou wouldst have gladly been in her 
 toils and accounted it bliss to have done her slightest 
 bidding. 
 
 Mars. Splendid sentiments. Thou hast well de- 
 fended the position, Great Mercury. I'll forgive my 
 brother, knowing full well his irreparable loss. I re- 
 assert, however, the Goddess Venus is Nonpariel. She 
 should without hesitancy be given the palm and be 
 crowned Empress of Beauty and receive the coveted 
 girdle. 
 
 SoLONUS. I readily acknowledge the fair Venus is 
 brightly attractive and her bewildering beauty might 
 well corrupt a saint. She is peerless and incompar- 
 able. Let us agree to differ if we cannot see eye to 
 eye. I beg there be no serious quarrel between us. 
 
 Prometheus. Pardon me, my beloved brethren, if 
 I have offended I pray thou wilt all have patience with 
 me and overlook my faults. I am not disputing fair 
 Venus' entrancing beauty, nor doubt the perfect 
 symmetry of her form. But I still contend that Royal 
 Juno's majestic and moral beauty outweighs Venus' 
 sensual charms and clearly entitles her to the laurels. 
 The Mighty Jupiter will be pleased and indirectly 
 exalted if his wife wins the prize. I, for one, would 
 rather propitiate and exalt Jupiter and his lovely 
 spouse than for mere fancy tickle the vanity of flirt- 
 ing Venus by giving her the palm. 
 
 Mars. I'll hear no more. Each God to his own 
 opinion. But I hereby declare, nay, more, I swear it : 
 Venus shall be crowned Beauty's Queen and wear the 
 golden girdle. There ! 
 
 [Exeunt Mars, Mercury and Solonus.] 
 
 [Enter Bacchus and Vulcan.] 
 
HELOIS 31 
 
 Prometheus, All hail, friends: welcome. What 
 news of Helois and Unice? 
 
 Apollo. Good news ! In brief, we have accom- 
 plished our mission. Hear, Prometheus, how we found 
 the loving, faithful pair. It is quite a story but I'll re- 
 count it: After a long journey, Bacchus and myself 
 discovered their Heavenly retreat. What a vision of 
 exquisite beauty met our joyful gaze. The gorgeous 
 palace of glistening white marble — a most magnificent 
 structure — ornamented with massive pillars of chased 
 gold inlaid with jasper, beryl, onyx, mother of pearl 
 and precious stones of every description. This splen- 
 did building, with its immense piazza, pergolas, 
 turrets and towers, erected amidst most glorious sur- 
 roundings. Velvety lawns, leafy bowers, and magnifi- 
 cent woodland. As far as the eye could see there was 
 spread before its vista a vast expanse of exuberant, 
 undulating sward. The nearby scenery was richly 
 enhanced by a profusion of exquisite flowers of every 
 description, consummated in elegant designs. The 
 shady bowers sheltered the stately birds of paradise, 
 snow white turtle doves, queen birds of love, while 
 myriads of brightly hued feathered songsters filled the 
 air in merry choruses of enchanting melody. Graceful 
 deers and tender fawns shyly peeped at us from pretty 
 nooks and woodlands sweet. Upon the bosom of bright 
 crystal lakes, stately swans majestically sailed and 
 dived amongst the lilies pale. The scented fountains 
 gayly shimmered, ascended and lightly tossed their 
 silvery spray and their perfumery into the am- 
 brosial air. The countless exquisite delights created 
 from the celestial flora and fauna made such a glorious 
 retreat that artists could only dream of such a wonder- 
 land. That I, for one, was lost in wonderous con- 
 jecture. What mighty force, what a holy power it 
 must be that could induce Helois to decide to leave 
 so Heavenly a spot for regions unknown ! To per- 
 
32 HELOIS 
 
 feet the picture, in the distance we espied Helois 
 and Unice seated beneath a superb golden laburnum 
 tree, deeply engrossed in each other's society, with 
 the charming twins, Ariel and Aurora, close beside 
 them. Unice was clinging tenderly to her husband, 
 vehemently pleading her and the children's cause. 
 Her sweet countenance wet with tears, yet tender, 
 sweet and womanly withal. Helois' features were 
 firmly set and unresisting and proof against her 
 pleadings. As thou mayest realize, our task was not 
 a light one. At last we prevailed, and Unice con- 
 sented. So our mission was successfully accomplished. 
 
 Prometheus. Ha ! That is good news. At last 
 our sweet Unice is appeased. That portends success 
 for Helois. 
 
 Bacchus. Aye, oratory and music has power to 
 charm the senses equally with wine. Believe me, it 
 was a touching scene. Methinks even now I see the 
 fair form of Unice and those Heavenly twins, sweet 
 darlings, clinging in despair to the noble Helois, and 
 assisting Unice in supplication. Unice, entreating for her 
 children's sake, and they for their tender mother's. I 
 stepped aside to wipe away a sympathetic tear and thus 
 espied a glorious vine borne down with luscious fruit. 
 I culled a purple cluster and pressing the juice into 
 a convenient vessel, mixed my nectar and passed it to 
 the babes to drink. They drank and at once, feeling 
 greatly exhilarated, joyously they capered on the green, 
 forgetful of their sorrow. Wine is a sovereign cure 
 for grief, 
 
 Prometheus. So far, then, all is well. 
 
 Apollo. Even so. Still, there is much to be done. 
 
 Vulcan. The real work now only commences. I 
 must away to my workshops and mightily employ my 
 willing Cylops to make the bolts. 
 
H E L O I S 33 
 
 Prometheus. Thou hast much news, my friend. 
 The air is filled with favours. 
 
 Apollo. Aye, more. The Mighty Jupiter, upon 
 receiving" the message, gave Helois the divine gift of 
 invisibility, otherwise only possessed by himself. The 
 proud invincible Mars has placed his incomparable 
 strength and war-like car at his disposal so that he 
 may descend to earth in a fiery chariot harnessed to 
 the winged horse Pegasus. 
 
 Vulcan. Rare for Helois. I can recount still more 
 favours at the precise moment of descent. The power- 
 ful Phoebus will hide his glowing countenance for at 
 least one day behind formidable banks of thunderously 
 lowering clouds, while at a given sign ^olus will at 
 Lipari let loose the mighty winds, causing such an un- 
 precedented hurricane that mortals will quake with 
 abject fear and trembling at the threatening destruc- 
 tive displeasure of the Gods. Under cover of the 
 darkness, Helois will assume his Earthly vestments 
 and invisibly reach the terrestrial spheres. 
 
 Prometheus. Ah ! Vulcan, canst thou not hurl a 
 few extra bolts to add to the general confusion in 
 that hour? 
 
 Vulcan. Can, aye, and will. I have already re- 
 ceived permission from Jupiter to use as many thun- 
 derbolts as I please on that auspicious occasion. 
 
 Bacchus. I have prepared and given a goblet of 
 the finest ambrosial nectar to Helois. One taste of the 
 sublime essence, if he will partake, will exhilarate, 
 rejuvenate and nerve him for the ordeal so completely 
 that in a blissfully exalted state of mind, free from 
 care as though he had drank deeply from the waters of 
 Lethe, he will ecstatically pass from Heaven to Earth 
 to become a God incarnate. 
 
 [Exeunt.] 
 
34 H E L O I S 
 
 [Enter Adonis and Daphne.] 
 
 Daphne. Poor, dear Unice. So good, so pure, so 
 sweet. Yet, so cruel her fate to lose so brave and 
 noble a mate. Maybe he'll be gone for ages. I would 
 I knew how to comfort her more in her deep sorrow. 
 
 Adonis. My own fair dove, how tenderly sweet 
 thou art, ever sorrowing for other's woes. Your 
 gentle sympathy will help to sooth poor Unice's trou- 
 bled breast ; in that she will be blessed. I would I 
 were in distress. Thou wouldst then take pity upon me 
 and become my loving spouse at once to cheer me. 
 
 Daphne. Patience, O flatterer. Wait a brighter 
 period. I'll not wed yet. 
 
 Adonis. Cruel maid, my senses ache at thee. See, 
 here comes the grand procession. Shall we wait 
 and see the beauty contest through? 
 
 Daphne. Art thou in favour of the wanton Venus? 
 Tell me, did she really fascinate thee in days gone by, 
 Adonis ? 
 
 Adonis. No, sweetheart. Her wiles were spread 
 in vain. I have loved none but thee, my chaste love. 
 I would that Juno, the swan-like, win the prize and 
 reign in Heaven supreme. 
 
 Daphne. Then we will stay to see the fun, 
 for if Juno wins the laurels, pert Venus will weep and 
 spoil her pretty face and that would be joy to me, for 
 well I know Venus still loves thee, and would allure 
 thee from me if she could. The Mighty Mars could 
 not resist her, and thou might fall a victim to her 
 wiles. 
 
 Adonis. Believe me, fairy, there is more joy to 
 me in one sweet glance of thine than in all the fulsome 
 flattery, flirting Venus could bring to bear. Brazen 
 
HELOIS 35 
 
 boldness ever spoils even perfect beauty. Hist, love, 
 
 see, they come. 
 
 [Enter Mars, Mercury, Solonus, Diana, 
 Hebe, Flora, Hyacine and Dora, fol- 
 lowed by Musicians, Nymphs, Her- 
 alds, Pages in silken attire of golden 
 hue.] 
 
 [Enter the stately Juno, robed in a gossamer 
 gown of mystic yellow, a deep band of 
 virgin gold ofnamented like a diadem 
 zvith a star cluster of diamonds and 
 rubies encircling her marblelike brow and 
 adorning her wealth of rich dark tresses. 
 She ascended the throne tvhich zvas 
 draped in cloth of gold, brightly em- 
 blazoned with scintillating jezvels, gems 
 arranged in heraldic designs. Attend- 
 ants, Nymphs, Pages, Knights in 
 bt*ight armour knelt in adoration at her 
 feet. The zvhole surrounded by a flock 
 of lovely peacocks and birds of paradise.] 
 
 [Enter Musicians, Trumpeters, Heralds, 
 the Three Graces of Charity, and 
 twenty Pages attired in azure silk, bear- 
 ing a silver couch, draped in sky blue. 
 The canopy, which was supported by 
 chased silver rods, zvas lined zvith deli- 
 cate shell pink festooned zvith braided 
 tassels of silver, sprays of forgetmenots, 
 and huge clusters of sweet blush roses- 
 Reclining upon this superb couch zvas 
 the captivating Venus, attended by the 
 kneeling Cupids, delicately clothed in 
 pale blue diaphanous attire. Her fair brozv 
 encircled by a band of pure silver, embel- 
 lished with diainonds, turquoise and pearls 
 which negligently confined her blond 
 
36 H E L O I S 
 
 luxurious curls. Her Pages fanned her 
 with silver fans which, zvhen waved, 
 sent forth sprays of delicate, delicious 
 perfume. The whole scene intoxicating 
 to the senses, so bezvildering in her fas- 
 cinating beauty was the fair Venus.] 
 
 [The special charms of each lovely contestant 
 made a deep impression upon the Godly 
 spectators and made their decision not 
 only a delicate hut a very difficult one. 
 The query: ivhich should be proclaimed 
 Queen of Beauty and bear the palm. 
 Stately Juno, the Magnificent, or Dainty 
 Venus, the Exquisite?] 
 
 [Finally the votes were taken. Mercury 
 being delegated spokesman and awarder 
 of the coveted prise. The result of the 
 ballot was almost unanimous in favour of 
 Venus.] 
 
 [Exeunt Juno and her train.] 
 
 [Amid thunderous applause, the God Mer- 
 cury presented the golden girdle to the 
 delighted Venus. Then to the dulcet 
 strains of Heavenly music, the azure 
 couch, bearing the dainty form of the 
 lovely Venus, was lifted shoulder high 
 and borne in triumph to the vacated 
 Throne amid deafening shouts of vic- 
 tory. ] 
 
 [Enter Jupiter.] 
 
 Jupiter (kneeling in mock adoration, places a crown 
 of roses upon the fair Venus' head). Accept my 
 heartiest congratulations, fair Queen, Thou hast 
 fairly won the prize and thereby crowned the Queen 
 
H E L O I S 37 
 
 of Beauty. Command me, O Queen ! Ask any favour. 
 It shall be granted, even to half of my kingdom. 
 
 Venus. Thanks, Great King. One request I beg 
 of thee. 
 
 Jupiter. A thousand, fair one. I'll deny thee 
 nothing. Say on. 
 
 Venus. Bid Endymion, the Sleeping Shepherd, 
 awake and restore him to health once more. 
 
 Jupiter (frowning). Dost love him, beauty? 
 
 Venus. Not I, but another does. For her I plead. 
 The chaste Diana mourns his absence. Hence my re- 
 quest. I pray thee, Mighty King, awake the erring 
 Shepherd and cheer the heart of the faithful Diana, 
 who truly loves him. 
 
 Jupiter. No need to plead, fair Queen. My word 
 is given. Endymion shall awake and, more, be brought 
 here to high Olympus restored and endowed with the 
 the gift of divinity. 
 
 Jupiter (to Mercury^. Here, my trusty friend: I 
 charge thee, bring Endymion, the Sleeping Shepherd, 
 here. Take this warranty (removes from his fore- 
 finger a lustrious jetveled ring). 
 
 Mercury. As quick as thought, O Mighty King, 
 thy commands shall be obeyed. 
 
 [Exit Mercury.] 
 
 Diana (kneeling to Jupiter j. O, Mighty Jupiter, 
 Great King, I, thy humble handmaiden, thank thee for 
 thy graciousness to me. I cannot find words to 
 adequately express my thankfulness and joy at thy 
 gracious generosity. Receive my lowly adoration. 
 From henceforth I am thy servant and eternal debtor. 
 
38 H E L O I S 
 
 Jupiter. Chaste Diana, I claim no service from 
 thee. Be happy with thy chosen lover. Thy felicity 
 will fully repay. Arise ! 
 
 [Enter Mercury, bearing in his arms the still 
 drowsy Shepherd Boy, who yawns in- 
 cessantly^ scarcely awake, not fully real- 
 ising his lucky position.] 
 
 Mercury. Great Jupiter, Endymion is not yet con- 
 scious of thy graciousness. O, speak to him, Mighty 
 One : bid him awake ! 
 
 Jupiter. Endymion ! Awake ! Thou art thus re- 
 stored to health and happiness. Thy trespasses are 
 forgiven thee. For thy fair lover, Diana's sake, go and 
 sin no more. 
 
 Diana (embracing the Shepherdj. Ha! Awake, 
 my beloved. Thou art forgiven and free to roam again 
 with me amid sweet pastorial scenes ; tend thy gentle 
 flocks ; succour thy innocent lambs, thy merry bound- 
 ing rams, and bleating pregnant ewes. Come, kneel 
 with me and return thanks to our Father God, and the 
 winsome Venus who has so sweetly interceded for us. 
 
 Endymion. Most willingly, O Diana, the blessed. 
 (Kneels to Jupiterj O Great and Glorious Jupiter, 
 Mighty King, thee I have wronged. I will offend no 
 more ; forgive my past iniquities. 
 
 (To Venusj O Lovely Queen, thy grace and 
 beauty overpowers my still dulled senses. I beg thee 
 have pity and overlook any lack of courtesy. I humbly 
 thank thee for thy graciousness to me. My deeper feel- 
 ings I cannot now express. 
 
 (To DiANAJ My own fair love, my bride that is to 
 be : To thee I owe everything. I bow the knee to thee 
 in pure adoration. Thy faithfulness, thy sweetness 
 overwhelms all other feelings. My whole life and 
 being shall be from henceforth devoted to thee. 
 
to 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 Q- 
 
 lU 
 (O 
 
 ttr: 
 
 o 
 
 i: 
 a 
 o 
 
HELOIS 39 
 
 [Heavenly music and above all the dulcet 
 tones of a Shepherd's pipe. The Nymphs, 
 Pages, Cupids and Angels burst into 
 song. Mercury plays the lute.] 
 
 [Chorus singing paeans of praise: 
 
 Endymion is free. He is forgiven 
 And has received his divinity. 
 Pure and happy will he be 
 With his loving spouse 
 In pastorial joys without a care, 
 They will dwell for evermore. 
 Hail, all hail, great is our King Jupiter, vic- 
 torious forever. 
 Great is pure Diana, 
 Szveet and kind Venus, Mercury true — 
 Happy days forever more. Adieu.] 
 
 [Shouts of joy and victory.] 
 
 [Enter Ten Vesta Virgins engaging in 
 graceful modest rhythmical dances •with 
 glittering cymbals.] 
 
 curtain 
 
 SCENE II 
 
 A Street in the Celestial City 
 
 Helois. Farewell, a long farewell, my adorable 
 Queen. Do not, Sweet Love, permit this enforced 
 separation to weigh too heavily upon thy tender spirit. 
 Feel confident, my Beloved, that for no other reason 
 
40 H E L O I S 
 
 than this mission of holiness would I leave thy sweet 
 society. My duty is clear : I go to succour those faith- 
 ful mortals ; those whose devoted ancestors were 
 cruelly tortured and done to death for their sublime 
 faith in God's goodness and mercy ; the pure innocent 
 martyrs of old, whose faith ne're faltered even in the 
 heat of the fiery furnace. Their children, true de- 
 voted souls, to them must I go to reward their blessed 
 faithfulness. I am pledged to go, though it is hard 
 to tear myself from thee. 
 
 Unice. Go forth, my Beloved Mate, and prevail. 
 It is God's will, not mine, be done. 
 
 Helois. Sweet Love, thy resignation is most touch- 
 ing. Believe me, my wife, knowing as I do full well 
 the tragedy of Human Souls, I leave thee in the full 
 assurance of their true moral regenerency and my vic- 
 tory. I am confident thy pure aflfection will devise for 
 me a guardian care ; thy glorious eyes, like faithful 
 sentinels, radiant gems of love and light, will 
 scintillate in their perfect beauty, richly embellishing 
 the eastern sky. Toward them, nightly as they shine, 
 through the terrestrial gloom, will I turn during my 
 Earthly pilgrimage for hope and inspiration, my own 
 sweet love, to thee. I must away : time demands. See, 
 the chariot with Mars is here. Fare thee well ! 
 
 [Enter Mars drirmg Pegassus, harnessed to a 
 gold and crimson coloured carriage.^ 
 
 [Exeunt all except Unice.] 
 
 [The swelling tones of an organ are heard, 
 a concord of melodious melody — divine 
 in origin, Heavenly in sweetness. A host 
 of Angels sings "Peace on Earth, 
 Good Will to All Men."} 
 
ANQEL5 
 
HELOIS 41 
 
 [Unice kneels and peers earthward for one 
 last glimpse of the vanishing form of 
 her husband.] 
 
 Unice. Farewell, my own sweet dear. For thy 
 noble self, I dry this tear. Patiently I'll bear my woe, 
 watch and guard thee where're thou go. Faithfully 
 my virgils I will keep, and pray for thy safety till again 
 we meet. 
 
 [As Unice finishes speaking, a terriHc storm 
 arises. Vivid Hashes of brilliant lightning, 
 peals of crashing thunder, mighty rush- 
 ing winds, tempestuous torrents of rain, 
 indicative of the terrible storm pre- 
 ranged to cover Helois' descension to 
 Earth.] 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
 SCENE III 
 
 The Forum^ Gkdlden Square, Celestial City. 
 
 [The spirit of rivalry in the air had aroused 
 the martial ardour of the mighty Mars. 
 He thereby issued a ivarlike challenge to 
 his fellows to try their skill at fencing, 
 spear and quoit throwing, running, leap- 
 ing, boxing, wrestling and zvar chariot 
 racing. The contest to take place on the 
 broad plateau outside the Celestial City. 
 That the contest was to be of a magnifi- 
 cent character was seen by the edict.] 
 
42 H E L O I S 
 
 [Enter Mars.] 
 
 Mars. I, Mars, the God of War and Armies, deem- 
 ing myself invincible, hereby summon my fellow Gods 
 to open combat, and at the appointed time command 
 the attendance of the mighty men of old, the Demi- 
 Gods, Kings, Princes and Nobles, and the nations of 
 the Earth whom these said rulers control, to witness 
 the sports, triumphial pagentry and splendour of the 
 Godly performances. The victors, in each count, will 
 receive their prizes from the hands of fair Goddesses. 
 Each combatant to wear a token from his chosen love. 
 Prometheus will preside. The contest opens at dawn 
 of day by the call of heralds and trumpeters. 
 
 [Enter Jupiter, Mercury, Apollo, Adonis, 
 Prometheus, Bacchus, Vulcan and 
 
 SOLONUS.] 
 
 Mars. I challenge all : I fear none. I am mine own 
 trumpeter. 
 
 Mercury. And thy own judge, too, apparently. 
 Thou hast won ere thou hast contested, Mars. 
 
 Mars. Nay, not so ! I am fair to myself and all com- 
 petitors. I contend, though, I am a warrior and fear 
 no opponent. Wilt thou all meet me in conflict? 
 
 Chorus. Yea, all with pleasure. 
 
 Bacchus. Thou wilt fear me in the chariot race. 
 My tigers are fleet and dauntless, Mars. 
 
 Mars (scornfully). I fear nothing. At the appointed 
 time thy tigers may be intoxicated at the sight of me 
 and refuse to do thy bidding. 
 
 Mercury. Thy wit is sharp : thy lance may be ; 
 but disagree not, my brethren : opposition breedeth 
 quarrels. I would I could be there to see the sports. 
 
HELOIS 
 
 43 
 
 At daybreak I leave for Parnassus. My duty calls me 
 Earthward. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Jupiter and Mercury.] 
 
 Jupiter. Methinks in Mars I scent warfare. He is 
 anxious for combat. I shall take no part in the contest 
 except in the chariot race : then I shall drive lions. 
 
 Mercury. Four abreast, remember, so it is in the 
 edict, and no charioteer. Thou must stand and direct 
 them thyself. 
 
 Jupiter. I'll not forget. Let me know latter thy 
 plans for the benefit of Helois. Adieu ! 
 
 [Exit Jupiter.] 
 
 Mercury (soliloquising). I would I could stay and 
 see the fun. Mars is valiant and he has a scheme to 
 overthrow all opponents, I'll warrant me. Tomorrow 
 will tell the tale. 
 
 [Exit Mercury.] 
 
 curtain 
 
 SCENE IV 
 
 An Immense Plateau 
 
 Below the Summit of Mount Olympus 
 
 Outskirts of the Celestial City 
 
 [Courts, guards and erections and elegantly 
 draped seats for the Goddesses. In the 
 distance are barricades and seats for 
 crozvds of people.] 
 
 [The contest is declared open by the heralds 
 and trumpeters, by trumpet calls and the 
 
44 H E L O I S 
 
 announcement of the names of the com- 
 batants and the nature of the games.] 
 
 [Enter Jupiter, Mars, Prometheus, Apollo, 
 Adonis, Vulcan and Solonus.] 
 
 [The contest opens by spear throwing on 
 horseback, in which all the Gods except 
 Jupiter take part. A drazv is ultimately 
 called for they are all equally successful.] 
 
 [The next item is the wrestling match, in 
 which the Mighty Mars and the Hand- 
 some but Slender Adonis are opposed] 
 
 [Venus presents Mars zvith a silver ring of 
 hers. ] 
 
 [Daphne offers Adonis one of her own 
 fair curls.] 
 
 [Both recipients receive the gifts zvith a bow, 
 kiss and place them next to their heart.] 
 
 [The trumpet calls. They embrace and com- 
 mence. The wrestling is zvcll done. They 
 are both valiant and well trained but 
 Mars gradually gets superior power and 
 throws Adonis, who is carried out of 
 the ring.] 
 
 [Apollo springs to combat. The challenge is 
 accepted. They close, but Mars soon 
 overthrows him.] 
 
 Vulcan. Wilt thou dare try me? I am strong as 
 iron. 
 
 Mars. Come on ! 
 
 [The trumpet sounds. They fall to and have 
 a desperate struggle. With supreme effort 
 Mars lifts his antagonist high in the 
 air to demonstrate his victory; then 
 slozi'ly drops him over his head, amid 
 deafening applause.] 
 
HELOIS 45 
 
 [Mars is then decorated by the fair Venus.] 
 \In running, leaping, quoit throwing and 
 bareback horse riding, the Gods were 
 equal or nearly so. Then came the su- 
 preme test: the zuar chariot racing. I he 
 contestants stood by their chariots ready 
 for the word of command: 
 FTupiTER zvith four handsome lions abreast, 
 harnessed to his superb chariot, dazsling 
 in splendour. 
 [Mars in shining helmet and armour, with 
 lance and shield in right hand, holding 
 the bridle of his four untamed white 
 Hery horses in his left. 
 [Bacchus in goat skin, as usual, with his four 
 
 handsome tigers. 
 TAdonis stood in hunting costume with four 
 wild boars under his control, harnessed 
 to the chariot. 
 [Vulcan, from his strong chariot, held 
 
 firmly the four ivhite horses. 
 [Apollo, in princely attire, held four magni- 
 ficent dappled greys attached to his 
 chariot. 
 [SoLONUS had four noble bays harnessed to 
 
 his chariot. 
 [They all appeared capable of mighty deeds of 
 
 valour and zvinning the race.] 
 \The prise for the zvar chariot racing consists 
 ^ of a wreath of zvild olive leaves zvith 
 which the winner is to be crowned and 
 then proclaimed a God to be zvorshipped 
 forever; altars for sacrificing to his name 
 to be erected in every temple of Jupiter s, 
 the world over.] 
 
46 H E L O I S 
 
 [The trumpet sounds! The flag drops! The 
 contending Gods leap and stand erect in 
 their cars and start off amid tretnendous 
 applause. ] 
 
 [The spectators continue to applaud and en- 
 courage their chosen favourite as around 
 the long course the racers speed. The 
 course is two miles long, zvhich they all 
 traverse twelve times, then make for the 
 starting point. On the home run it is 
 observed that Jupiter and Mars are 
 running neck and neck. Bacchus and 
 Apollo are good seconds. The boars 
 of Adonls and the zvhite horses of 
 Vulcan's car hold each other in perfect 
 pace at the rear. Such an unpre- 
 cedented scene! Each competitor had 
 his animals under superb control. Such 
 a race was zvithout parallel in history. 
 Mars, still with the left hand guiding his 
 fiery steeds, shoots fonvard and reaches 
 the goal first! He leaps from his chariot 
 zvith bridle in one hand and the shield 
 and lance intact in the other. He stands 
 to receive the palm as Venus comes for- 
 zvard to present the crozvn. He zvaves 
 zvith his armoured hand the shield and 
 lance aloft.] 
 
 Mars (vehemently). The God of Wars and Armies 
 is invincible and can never be dethroned ! 
 
 [Exeunt.] 
 
 curtain 
 
WAR CHARIOT 
 
ACT IV 
 
 SCENE I 
 
 A Street in Rome, Midnight (Church Clock 
 Striking the Hour of Tzvelve) 
 
 [Enter Helois, garbed in present mundane 
 attire, in unassuming dress.] 
 
 HELOIS (soliloquising). At last on Earth, 
 alone. Here, on this vast terrestrial sphere, 
 with its teeming millions of precious souls : yet 
 I feel alone. The awe of solitude envelops me. O, 
 desolation, perturbation, alas ! alone : silence, still as 
 death possesses me. Ah! what is solitude? A myth, 
 a phantom of the brain, cramped, unfoldment, lack of 
 self control, and yet knowing these things I hunger 
 for companionship. O, Unice, my wife, my queen, 
 separated from thee, a fraction of time will seem an 
 eternity: Yet I must stay for a period necessary for 
 the accomplishment of my chosen task. Come, come. 
 
48 H E L O I S 
 
 Helois, repine not ! Am I not here of my own voli- 
 tion? Yea! Maybe the strangeness of the mundane 
 surroundings momentarially affect me. I am here by 
 choice for a divine purpose. I will face all difficulties 
 that present themselves like a — man. Mortals still cry 
 aloud for a saviour. I am on Earth to help them. 
 Hence I will fight the good fight and flinch not. 
 Avaunt and leave me, haunting thoughts of past de- 
 lights and golden glories. My divine powers shall 
 be henceforth for the alleviation of mortals' woes. 
 For strength and power to fulfill my duty I will appeal 
 to my Father God, Who art in Heaven. O, Jupiter 
 the Mighty, hear me when I call to thee. 
 
 Helois (Kneeling in humble supplication, praying). 
 My God ! My God ! forsake me not ; help and protect 
 me. Oh, great spirit, thou who in Heaven doth dwell 
 and have been from everlasting to everlasting Father 
 of all, to thee I pray for inspiration to guide me on 
 this, my earthly way. Thou are omnipotent, omni- 
 present, omniscient, thy ministering angels with love 
 thou hast sent to guard and guide the innocent. Endow 
 me with power, consolation, grace and light: That none 
 may be denied who love the right. The pure in heart 
 need not then despair, nor those who others burdens 
 bear. Hasten the spirit of justice decreed to descend, 
 that truth be exalted before all men. The righteous, 
 moulding their lives to thy eternal will may thus 
 reap the good, and counteract the ill. This, in all 
 thy richest blessings. Father Divine, pour forth on all 
 mankind forevermore. Amen. 
 
 [Enter Mercury attired as the zvinged mes- 
 senger, bearing in his hand his cadnceus 
 or zvand, symbol of peace and concord.] 
 
 Mercury. Helois ! Helois ! Helois ! 
 
 Helois. Who calls? 
 
H E L O I S 49 
 
 Mercury. Even I, Mercury. 
 
 Helois. The Ilustrious Mercury, welcome ! Oh, 
 my beloved brother ! Why comest thou here ? 
 
 Mercury. In answer to thy prayer. I heard thy 
 fervent supplications whilst resting at Mount Par- 
 nassus. 
 
 Helois. Oh, Great Mercury, did my petitions go no 
 higher? 
 
 Mercury. I know not ; but this I know, Helois, thy 
 perplexed vibrations reached me at my study. I 
 hastened to respond. It is now midnight : at day- 
 break I must away. Give me thy undivided atten- 
 tion, I have much to say. 
 
 Helois. I am at thy command : speak on. Mer- 
 cury. 
 
 Mercury. I need scarcely remind thee that thou 
 hast set thyself a prodigious task. I know from ex- 
 perience that thy chances of accomplishing it are few. 
 Start not, Helois. I reiterate the fact : Thou hast at- 
 tempted too much. 
 
 Helois. Reserve thy judgment, my Brother. 
 
 Mercury. Ha, Helois, I have spent considerable 
 time and given serious attention to the mundane condi- 
 tions of life. I have made an exhaustive study and 
 critically examined every point of vantage in Hu- 
 manity's career : their history, past, present and fu- 
 ture, placed the whole circumstances juxtaposition, and 
 unwillingly arrived at the conclusion that thy noble 
 efforts for the emancipation of the Human Race will 
 be futile. 
 
 Helois. I am convinced that I can win in spite of 
 appearances to the contrary. Mercury. 
 
so HELOIS 
 
 Mercury. Thou dost not understand thy people, 
 Helois. Man's inhumanity to man makes countless 
 thousands mourn. Again, in epitome, for I'll endeavour 
 to be brief : Mortals are the world over divided into 
 two classes, the plutocrats and proletariats. The 
 former consider themselves little lower than the Gods 
 and are proud and arrogant in the extreme, treating 
 their unfortunate brethren with stern authority and 
 haughty patronage. Thou will be compelled to un- 
 derstand that a gulf exists like a vast chasm yawning 
 between these aristocrats and plebeians which the latter 
 can never hope to bridge. Thinkest thou, Helois, that 
 such unbrotherliness is fit for the Kingdom of 
 Heaven ? No ! a thousand times no ! It is decreed that 
 the nations that forget their duty to God and man 
 shall surely perish. Leave them to their deserved fate, 
 return to thy fair Unice, and thy natural Godly com- 
 panions. Come, away with me at dawn. 
 
 Helois. Great Mercury, why temptest thou me? 
 
 Mecury. I pray thee, do not misinterpret my speech. 
 It is for thy well being I urge thy retreat. 
 
 Helois. Thy utterances and offer are worthy of 
 Pluto. I treat them with the contempt they deserve- 
 
 Mercury. Thou misapprehend, Helois. I declare 
 thou wilt find degeneracy, profligacy, and hypocrisy, 
 rampant and by thy gentle methods thou canst not 
 overcome it. Vain thy efforts. Hence I beg thee re- 
 turn. 
 
 Helois. I make no mistake. I understand only too 
 well all thou wouldst convey. But I am proof against 
 it. Mercury. I am true and will not swerve from 
 the right path, nor be influenced by thy sophistry, 
 cajoled from my firm purpose, for any earthly reason. 
 Illustrious one, hear me : thou hast spoken, I will have 
 
HELOIS 51 
 
 my say. Thou hast pointed out Humanity's sins, 
 crimes, the evils that exist. The division in the 
 earthly ranks, the high, the low, the gulf that divides 
 mortals. Answer me, is it not possible to alter these 
 things ? Are they not temporal ? Am I not here for 
 the very purpose? Have I not of my own free will 
 left Heavenly bliss to sacrifice myself that mankind 
 may be redeemed ? Is not my presence here tonight a 
 proof of my sincerity and faith in the accomplish- 
 ment of my self-imposed task? Well, then, forbear 
 to try to dissuade me. Leave me to my (to thee) un- 
 congenial labours. Let us part in peace and come to 
 me when I call upon thee as arranged. 
 
 Mercury. O, Helois, my beloved brother. It is 
 the fullness of my love that spurred me to endeavour 
 to influence thee. Again, in spite of thy manifest dis- 
 pleasure, I beg thee be cautious. I know from practical 
 experience earthly conditions. Mankind as a body are 
 not tractable. Thou are full of altruism, idealism and 
 delightful theory. Humanity will upset it all. They 
 are perverse, conservative, opposed to new ideas, 
 deeply impressed with the truth of their own convic- 
 tions and opinions. Thou will find it a difficult task 
 to dissuade the people of any nation from precon- 
 ceived notions arid orthodox teachings ; ideas pre- 
 natally begotten and imbibed with their mother's milk. 
 Still I'll plead with thee no more, but as a pliant mes- 
 senger of the Gods, I will, from time to time, visit thee 
 and inform thee of our brethren's decrees and will 
 ever be ready to assist thee in any emergency. 
 
 Helois. O, Mercury, pardon my forcible speech. 
 Thy solicitude and goodness disarms me. Forgive my 
 anger. Have a little patience and faith in my ability 
 to carry my projects to a successful issue. By divine 
 love I will unfold Humanity's hidden spiritual natures, 
 forces that will open their inner souls. Lead them 
 
52 HELOIS 
 
 to bliss by kindling the divine fires of knowledge, 
 truth and justice. Teach them tenderly the laws gov- 
 erning good and evil so that by truth they cease to 
 do evil and seek to do good, to regain their divine 
 powers, thus becoming competent to enjoy eternal 
 bliss. Love is a mighty lever, Mercury, and by its 
 potency I will eradicate evil, and readjust the wrongly 
 organized states of society. Yea, not desiring to ap- 
 pear tedious, I reiterate, pure love will find the way to 
 remove all obstacles and barriers and bridge the gulf 
 that now divides mankind into such cruel extremities. 
 See, O, Illustrious One, even as I speak, my Unice, 
 her radiant eyes enhancing the eastern sky. Her beau- 
 tious orbs shine through the misty gloom of earthly 
 doubts and fears, and give me consolation and re- 
 newed vigour. My sweet, faithful Queen. T hereby 
 solemnly dedicate my promise to Humanity to thee. I 
 will, my darling, succeed, and in triumph lead re- 
 generated mortals onward and upward to God and 
 thee. My answer to all thy objections, Mercury, are 
 written in the stars. Fare thee well ! 
 
 [Exit Helois] 
 
 Mercury. Stay ! One word ! Alas ! He's gone — 
 and to his doom, I fear. He will not be advised. No, 
 he flouts my council, and scorns my experience bought 
 at a bitter price; ridicules my judgment; scofifs at my 
 good intentions; My philosophy he terms "sophistry." 
 Ha ! my confident friend, maybe I'll get even yet. To 
 thy piety I'll play the very devil. Ha, ha ha ! 
 
 [Exit Mercury.] 
 
 [Enter two Citizens.] 
 
 First Citizen. A dreadful storm this last night, 
 neighbour? 
 
HELOIS 53 
 
 Second Citizen. I never witnessed a worse. It 
 must be a warning to the wicked. The Gods mean to 
 punish them, no doubt. 
 
 First Citizen. True, it was an awful downpour. 
 Methought the Heavens opened to let the rain 
 through. The thunder and lightning was awesome. 
 It alarms us. 
 
 ~ Second Citizen. Yes, the thunder shook the whole 
 city like an earthquake. It's proof the Gods are dis- 
 pleased, and mean to destroy the sinners. 
 
 First Citizen. I firmly believe there was a warn- 
 ing in that terrible deluge, for when the lightning 
 flashed the Heavens really opened and voices like 
 lamentations and prayers were heard. As I live, I 
 heard confused sounds like angels singing, inter- 
 mingled with cries for mercy. 
 
 Second Citizen. Why, I heard angels singing, too. 
 My wife declares when the storm was at its height she 
 saw the shape of a fiery chariot in the sky. She felt 
 very frightened. I begged her not to be nervous for 
 only the wicked need be afraid of the wrath of the 
 Gods. 
 
 First Citizen. You are right. My wife and I were 
 not afraid, only surprised and alarmed at the length 
 and severity of the storm. A day and a night it lasted, 
 you remember. 
 
 Second Citizen. Ah, it seemed a month, so dark 
 was it and the terrible winds that blew houses and 
 churches a complete wreck. Lots of people were 
 killed, I heard. 
 
 First Citizen. Yes, friend, I heard there were 
 awful catastrophes. Our young daughter, Magdaline, 
 awoke in the middle of the night, when the storm was 
 at its height, startled. She declared she heard a voice 
 
54 H E L O I S 
 
 above the winds telling her to pray because God's Son 
 had come from Heaven to dwell on Earth with men. 
 She arose and together the whole family of us knelt 
 in prayer. Magdaline aloud petitioned the Holy 
 Virgin to protect us all. I declare as she prayed a 
 halo of light shone around her head and we heard 
 sounds of music like the "Maiden's Prayer" being 
 played in the air. 
 
 Second Citizen. Thy child must by the Saints be 
 blessed. I have heard it said that those who hear 
 angel voices and see visions are the chosen of the 
 Gods. 
 
 First Citizen. Yes, I agree with you, neighbour, 
 and we feel certain our daughter Magdaline is one of 
 the elect. She has become a novitiate and intends to 
 give her young life to God's service. See, my Mag- 
 daline, she is there with them ! 
 
 [Enter procession of Monks, Priests, etc., 
 with elevated cross, a choir of zvhite- 
 robed Boy.s, and a bevy of veiled Maid- 
 ens, chanting devotedly ' Ora pro Nobis, 
 Ave, Marie." They cross the street on 
 their way to the church.^ 
 
 [Exeunt Citizens, reverently crossing them- 
 selves and muttering their paternoster.] 
 
[iACDALlNE 
 
HELOIS 55 
 
 SCENE II 
 
 A Room in a Hotel in Rome. 
 
 [Enter Helois.] 
 
 Helois (soliloquising). I am resolved I will at once 
 fcommence my self-imposed task of Mortals' reforma- 
 tion. My brain throbs with burning thoughts of force- 
 ful actions. My mind is pregnant with new and won- 
 drous ideas appertaining to the benefits and gifts I 
 mean to bestow upon the Human Race. I will form 
 a practical plan of campaign. How to assail with 
 love and power all Earthly citadels, I am absorbing 
 Human ideas. For the nonce I'll assume a Mercurian 
 strain of reasoning. Assuming that mankind gen- 
 erally are gross, in nature fallacious, worshipping 
 wealth, temporal power and all earthly authority 
 more than their God. To counteract these things I 
 must facilitate Humanity ; invest myself with untold 
 gold ; of all great magnates become one of greater 
 magnitude ; to ambitious men appear truly Napoleonic ; 
 to those who desire authority, I must possess the 
 power and influence of unlimited opportunities and 
 possibilities ; by genius and stratagem, gain absolute 
 control of the financial world, ruling and manipulating 
 the wealth of the whole universe. Then establish an 
 impregnable Kingdom of Earthly Power, and by ac- 
 quiring knowledge of all languages have free inter- 
 communion with the people of all nations. Truly a 
 Herculean task ! My gigantic schemes and worldly mag- 
 nificence should appeal to Human vanity and pride, 
 but out of this Earthly splendour having won them, I 
 could create a new Heaven and a new Earth. By 
 my God-like ability gradually purge their minds of 
 ancient fallacies ; impress them with new ideas ; inspire 
 them with pure thoughts, and spiritual yearnings, until 
 
56 HELOIS 
 
 at length, gold would be counted dross and mundane 
 power become valueless. Then shall they desire pure 
 and lasting treasures, good health ; sweetly, fair and 
 happy children ; loving, tender and virtuous women. 
 Noble, valiant and strong men, scorning to indulge in 
 weakness, vice, temper, bloody conflicts, or needless 
 slaughter. Their whole being revolting against and 
 striving to conquer evil, crime, cruelty and disease. 
 Then shall trouble cease, mankind's terrible battles 
 change to war of roses and carnivals of bliss ; selfish 
 desires, to preferment of others ; cold parsimony, to 
 warm generosity ; licentiousness to purity ; wicked- 
 ness to goodness ; wise regeneration, culminating in 
 happiness, love and perfect peace. If my fellow Gods 
 concur, after awaiting the result of their amalgamated 
 wisdom, I will endeavour to put my plans into execu- 
 tion. Who comes here? 
 
 [Enter Mercury in authorized attire, with 
 open scroll.] 
 
 Mercury. All hail, Noble Prince, hail. I have a 
 message for thee from the Gods. I have hastened to 
 deliver it. 
 
 Helois. Thrice welcome, Great Mercury. I am 
 thirsting for that knowledge. 
 
 Mercury (Reading from scroll). It is written that 
 God shall pour out his spirit of righteousness upon the 
 nations of the earth. That Angels shall walk and talk 
 with men. It is thus decreed that thou establish thy 
 Holy Kingdom before the whole world so that man- 
 kind realize fully that thou art the Son of God and 
 full of wisdom. To eliminate evil, prepare for emer- 
 gencies and test the character of the Earth people. 
 Thou art first to make known thy holy mission in 
 London, England. There in that great metropolis, 
 with its homogeneous race, teeming millions of anxious 
 
HELOIS 57 
 
 waiting souls, there to find a welcome and lay thy 
 foundations of a new people, a new Heaven and a 
 new Earth. Hie thee then to London and in Hyde 
 Park, before the waiting assembly, proclaim thyself 
 the Son of God and explain thy mission, unfold thy 
 plans and appeal to the heads of the many religious 
 bodies to co-operate with thee. If thou art well re- 
 ceived and the multitude applaud thee, return again to 
 ancient Rome to purge, cleanse and purify her many re- 
 ligious errors overthrown in accordance with the priests' 
 daily prayers. The reign of pomp, vanity and preten- 
 tiousness, replace with piety, purity and peace. To 
 effectually accomplish these worldly matters, it has 
 been deemed expedient that thou makest an Earthly 
 alliance. Marry a pious princess so that a royal house 
 of true religious beliefs and a pure court will have far- 
 reaching results that will help to effectually eradicate 
 both spiritual and material corruptions and by ex- 
 ample set all nations free to the lasting glory of the 
 Almighty God. 
 
 Helois. Halt ! One word, Mercury. Answer 
 me. Is it possible it is decreed I make an Earthly 
 marriage tie? 
 
 Mercury. It is here written, Helois (tapping the 
 scroll with his caduceus). 
 
 Helois (aside). May the Gods preserve me. 
 
 Mercury. Dost object to the marriage, Helois? 
 
 Helois. I am amazed at the Gods' decision, Great 
 Mercury. 
 
 Mercury. Be not astonished, Helois. Here's the 
 precedent, from Holy Scripture : "The Sons of Gods 
 saw the daughters of men that they were fair and they 
 took unto themselves wives, all of which they choose." 
 
 Helois (aside). I do not choose. 
 
58 H E L O I S 
 
 Mercury. Attend, I will discover to thee the image 
 of the fair Virgin predestined to be thy Earthly 
 spouse. 
 
 [There appears a vision of a lovely young 
 Maiden kneeling in rapturous prayer.] 
 
 Helois (aside)- Ha! May the Gods guard and 
 guide me in this remarkable venture. 
 
 Mercury. The lady is a devout Christian, very 
 pious. The true descendant of a family of martyrs. 
 
 Helois. O, Eminent Mercury, the marriage clause 
 is the hardest task of all. My love for Unice is as a 
 fixed star. To be united to an Earthly wife would be 
 most uncongenial, be she ever so good and fair. 
 
 Mercury. Hast forgotten thy purpose, thy moment- 
 ous labour, the task thou hast set thyself to fulfill? 
 What if it cannot be accomplished in no other way? 
 
 Helois. I have not forgotten my great purpose, 
 Mercury. I am ready and willing to obey the Gods' 
 instructions. Marriage, it seems to me, would impede 
 my progress, be a heavy yoke. I marvel at that proposi- 
 tion. They know best, no doubt. Tell me, my Brother, 
 does my Unice know of this intended alliance ? 
 
 Mercury. To thy question I can give an unqualified 
 no ! Nor will she be told it has been decreed. 
 
 Helois (aside). For that I am devoutedly thankful. 
 
 Mercury. I will hasten my return and report thy 
 objections to Earthly marriage. 
 
 Helois. I pray thee, Brother, have patience with 
 me. I am perplexed, but I have no intention of shirk- 
 ing a duty. I thank thee. Great Mercury, for thy 
 message and information. Tell thy fellows I will 
 obey, like a true son and brother. To thee alone, my 
 
H E L O I S 59 
 
 Noble Brother, I confess I relish not the idea of 
 Earthly wedlock, I know many of the women are 
 beautiful, pure and good and endowed with rare gifts, 
 but I desire no closer ties, no intimacies. But, fear 
 not, I'll not recant, I'll follow the Gods' instructions to 
 the letter. 
 
 Mercury. I commend thy wise resolutions, Helois. 
 I would, however, thou didst not resent so bitterly the 
 proposed Earthly nuptial. See, again I give thee a 
 glimpse of thy intended spouse. Have not the Gods 
 chosen well for thee ? Is she not as fair as a Goddess ? 
 Fortunate Helois ! I must away. Good luck to all thy 
 projects! Remember, London first. Adieu! 
 
 [Exit Mercury.] 
 
 Helois. One moment, stay ! Ha, he is gone ! True, 
 my mission on earth is a holy one, consequently will 
 be full of Earthly obstacles and trials. I must be pre- 
 pared for such. This coming marriage will be of all 
 trials the greatest. Oh, my sweet Unice ! May thou 
 never know I have been compelled even for righteous- 
 ness sake to take to my bosom as wife another. My love 
 for thee is sincere for no other in my soul's soul can 
 surplant thee. It is imperative. I obey divine commands. 
 To London, then, without delay. 
 [Exit Helois.] 
 
 SCENE III 
 
 Hyde Park, London, England — A Crowd 
 Gathered 
 
 [Enter Helois, garbed in ancient Romanish 
 attire, toga and sandals. He mounts a 
 raised platform and at once commenced 
 to harrangue the assembly.^ 
 
6o HELOIS 
 
 Helois. Brethren, Englishmen, fellow citizens, friends 
 all, I desire undivided attention for a short time. I am 
 here for a wise purpose. What I am about to say is 
 for your benefit, for your present and future good, 
 for the benefit of generations to come. Listen, atten- 
 tively ! I have descended from Heaven to help you, 
 to teach you, inspire you, show you the righteous way 
 to live to gain present happiness and future bliss. To 
 inform you I am he who was promised to you, God's 
 Son. The one who chose to leave Heaven so that those 
 who are in doubt, those who are lost, those who are 
 seeking the right way, may receive divine help and 
 strength and ultimately obtain Godly power, Human 
 Souls' rightful heritage. Verily, I say to you all, have 
 faith in me, feel confident of my power and you may 
 all dwell with me in paradise forever more. 
 
 [Loud commotion, deafening yells, noises, 
 queries and rude comments.] 
 
 From the Crowd. What does he say? He's a 
 God? Why he's crazy. He's just escaped from the 
 mad house. Boo ! Pull him down. Bah ! Yah ! He's 
 luney ! Boo ! 
 
 [Helois strives in vain to stem, the torrent of 
 abuse and pacify the angry people. The 
 din becomes tremendous, the throng mo- 
 mentarily getting stronger and more 
 menacing. The rougher element giving 
 each other moral support.] 
 
 The Crowd (shouting). A God, indeed! Yah! The 
 fool, the blighter, the bloomin' 'ound. Like his infer- 
 nal cheek. Let's introduce him to Old Nick. Ha! 
 Show him the quick way to hell. Lynch him! Hang 
 him ! Duck the fool ! Drowning is too good. Crucify 
 him! That's the short remedy for Gods. Look at his 
 toggery. (Laughter, mocking crys and ear-splitting 
 
HELOIS 6i 
 
 noises. Above all, shouts of: The Serpentine! Duck 
 him, chuck 'im in ! 
 
 [Ere the police can interfere, a number of 
 ruffians, with vile oaths, seise Helois, lift 
 him bodily shoulder high and make a 
 dash, though much impeded by the sway- 
 ing, surging crowd, for the lake, with the 
 fierce determination of hurling him head 
 first into the stream. Amid howls, jeers, 
 blood curling curses, taunts, yells, foul 
 maledictions and disgusting impreca- 
 tions, they reach the water edge. Just 
 as they raise him above their heads, for 
 the final dash — 
 
 [Enter Mercury.] 
 
 [Mercury is unseen by the excited rabble. 
 He snatches the fainting and all most ex- 
 hausted Helois from their murderous 
 hands. With a swift wave of his cad- 
 ucus. Ha, presto! he makes his felloiv 
 God invisible and the mob see double. He 
 tosses Helois' outer raiment to them. 
 They shout, tear, pull, and drag the gar- 
 ments in frenzy.] 
 
 [With these madmen's curses still ringing in 
 their ears. Mercury, supporting the help- 
 less Helois in his arms, ascends from 
 the Earth, leaving behind the din, wild 
 confusion and disorder, and sped zvith the 
 solemn flight of angel wings through 
 clouds of Earthly gloom into the pure at- 
 mosphere of Heavenly calm on their zvay 
 to reach High Olympus.] 
 
 curtain 
 
62 H E L O I S 
 
 SCENE IV 
 
 The Forum, Golden Square, Celestial City. 
 High Olympus. 
 
 [An assembly of Gods and Goddesses. The 
 gfeat commotion on the terrestrial sphere 
 being distinctly audible to the august 
 assembly. Unice, tvith her weeping 
 babes is kneeling in devotion and prayer 
 for her husband's safety, when lo! 
 
 [Enter Mercury, bearing in his arms the 
 limp form of the Noble Helois.] 
 
 Mercury. Safe at last ! Attend to Helois. He 
 has passed through a terrible ordeal. The infuriated 
 mob of so-called Christians would have killed him 
 but for my intervention. They mocked and jeered him 
 unmercifully and believe not he is a God. 
 
 [A shout from all in chorus: 
 
 Hail, all hail, great Helois, noble, 
 Husband, brave brother, good son — 
 Welcome, ivelcome home!] 
 
 [Unice clasps Helois in loving embrace zvith 
 true zuifely solicitude shozvering caresses 
 upon him; his children clinging and clam- 
 oring for a kiss.] 
 
 Helois. Illustrious Mercury, I thank thee, sweet 
 brother, for thy timely aid. How fared the multitude ? 
 Did they injure themselves most or us? 
 
 Mercury. Themselves. The police, their guardians 
 of peace, broke up the rabble by breaking their heads. 
 I noticed as we flew from their unkind attention. 
 
H E L O I S 63 
 
 Helois. Poor creatures ! They know not what they 
 do. We must forgive them and have mercy upon 
 them. 
 
 Mercury. Good Helois, ever considerate for others. 
 But it's my opinion that if from the days of Great 
 Constantine, Christians have not learned how to be- 
 have themselves, it is time they were taught lessons, 
 and by drastic measures, too. I forgive them. I know 
 I got the better of them in the last encounter. They 
 were at a loss to understand what had become of their 
 intended victim, when they had him so tightly fixed, 
 as they thought. And it turned out to be only his 
 raiment ; his physical form had vanished into thin air. 
 
 [Chorus of voices: 
 
 Hail, all hail, thrice welcome, 
 Helois, the brave, the true, 
 . And the Illustrious Mercury, too!^ 
 
 Jupiter. Welcome, thrice welcome, my son. Feel 
 not dismayed or discouraged at what on the surface 
 may appear to be failure. Thou hast acted thy part 
 nobly and well ; I commend thee. 
 
 All in Chorus. Helois, the brave, thou art one of 
 the most noble and gallant of Gods. 
 
 Mars. Thou are truly welcome home, Helois. 
 
 Apollo. Welcome, valiant Helois. I wish I had 
 been by thy side to have soothed the fractious crowd 
 with my lute. Music hath charms to sooth savages, it 
 is said. I would have tried its effects upon them. 
 
 Bacchus. A thousand welcomes. I'll toast thee 
 both, the intrepid Helois and Mercury, the bold 
 rescuer. Yea, toast thee in wine, five fathoms deep. 
 Drink to thy future wellbeing and this merry meeting. 
 
 Chorus. All hail, all hail. 
 
64 H E L O I S 
 
 Prometheus. Welcome friends, I am delighted at 
 Helois' escape from ferocious foes and physical dis- 
 aster. I have a few questions to ask. I have discovered 
 this document and cannot thoroughly understand its 
 contents. It purports to come from an assembly of 
 the Gods. I never remember assisting to authorize 
 such decrees as I find written here. Here is an extract : 
 "It is written that Helois proclaims himself the Son 
 of God to the populace in Hyde Park, London, Eng- 
 land. The English speaking people are considered 
 the leading lights of the religious world, and must 
 first hear of the advent of a God and so forth. Then 
 solemnly advises an earthly mar " 
 
 Mercury. Hold, Prometheus, read no more. I 
 forbid thee. Have a care ! Think what wouldst thou 
 do ! On no account mention in public anything thou 
 mayst have read that is written in that scroll. I con- 
 fess I forged that document. I acknowledge no such 
 fiats were issued by the Gods. I did it. I take the 
 responsibility and consequences. I was moved solely 
 by the desire to save Helois from violence and error. 
 I tried ineflfectually to persuade him to reconsider his 
 decision. I was aware thy noble brother did not un- 
 derstand Humanity's nature or requirements. I felt it 
 incumbent upon me to enlighten him the best way I 
 could. 
 
 Chorus of Voices. Wise Mercury, clever Mercury, 
 versatile Mercury! 
 
 Mercury. I tried to make the brave Helois under- 
 stand that mankind are predestined to work out their 
 own salvation. There is no royal road to redemption. 
 All advancement, purification, and happiness comes 
 from within. Man is a universe within himself. Hu- 
 manity is not fully aware of their God-like powers. 
 Their dormant faculties in that direction are not yet 
 unfolded. Hence it often takes sharp lessons, trials, 
 
H E L O I S 65 
 
 cruel experiences to compel attention, to endeavour to 
 attain knowledge and wisdom to help themselves. 
 Mortals must realize their redeemer has come to them 
 in the shape of science. When that lesson is well 
 assimilated and applied, it will save them from suffer- 
 ing, sin and sorrow. Come, then, let us combine to 
 assist mankind to help themselves, while protecting 
 the innocent, weak and trusting. Inspire with wisdom 
 all earthly teachers, preachers, popes, prelates, priests, 
 poets, artists, sculptures, seers, singers, writers and 
 true legislators. And strengthen their gifts. Then, 
 maybe, in a few thousand years or so, Humanity may 
 be prepared for the advent of a God. The trick, 
 brethren, to get Helois back to heaven I admit doing. 
 My judgment and freedom of action I adhere to. For- 
 give me, if you can. 
 
 Jupiter. Mercury, my beloved son, thou art fully 
 forgiven by me. 
 
 Unice. O, Mercury ! More than forgiven, my true 
 friend, by me. 
 
 Helois. Great Mercury, why didst thou fool me so 
 completely ? 
 
 Mercury. As I told thee : to teach thee a most 
 needed lesson and emphasize the fact that I object to 
 being preached at, my grave Helois. 
 
 Unice. O, my beloved, chide Great Mercury no 
 more. I cannot thank him enough. I would I could 
 coin honied phrases to praise him and tell my bliss. It's 
 elysium to have thee in these arms again. 
 
 Helois. My star, by own wife, thy faithfulness and 
 joy disarms all resentment. What Mercury did, he 
 did in love. I am confident of that. I'll rebuke him no 
 more. 
 
66 HELOIS 
 
 Prometheus. Thinkest thou we have had fair play, 
 
 Mercury ? 
 
 Mercury. Proud Prometheus, if in doubt, take my 
 caduceus and office. Serve the Gods in my capacity 
 thyself. 
 
 Prometheus. Ah! Illustrious One, full well thou 
 knowest thy power, thy versatile gifts, and that I, or 
 any other could never hope to surplant thee. There 
 is no need for quarrel. I pray thee, forgive my rash 
 speeches. I know full well all thou hast done was 
 done by thee for the best. Let us be friends for aye. 
 
 Mercury. My hand and heart on that. I love thee 
 even if thou reproach me, Prometheus. 
 
 Adonis. Helois, my noble friend, let me welcome 
 thee. Thrice welcome home ! 
 
 Daphne. I welcome thee. Brave Helois, for sweet 
 Unice's sake, as well as mine own. (Embraces him.) 
 
 Adonis (aside to Daphnej. Fair Nymph, now may 
 I hope for pure reciprocation? There is no need for 
 delay. Marry me today ! 
 
 Daphne. Have patience, sweet Adonis. I fear me 
 if I too readily agree to wedlock thou wilt swiftly 
 ravish my maiden charms which now so enrapture 
 thee, then tire and give to captivating Venus the tender 
 bliss I alone should enjoy forever. 
 
 Adonis. Dainty Daphne, no need for further dal- 
 Hance. Thou knowest full well my deep affection. 
 Come, consent, while reunion and joy reverbrate in 
 the air. I have been of great patience, sweet one. 
 
 Daphne. O fie this haste, I'll not promise yet. O, 
 love, be not cast down. I'll be kind anon. 
 
H E L O I S 67 
 
 Adonis. One kiss to seal the compact. Ah ! Pretty 
 one ! I have thee now ! Thou art mine forever ! (They 
 embrace and kiss.) 
 
 [Enter procession of Musicians, Heralds, 
 Pages, Nymphs and attendants.] 
 
 [Juno and Jupiter are enthroned and lov- 
 ingly watch the proceedings.] 
 
 Jupiter. Friends, I take great pleasure on this 
 auspicious occasion to offer congratulations to all con- 
 cerned in this happy reunion. My Queen and I desire 
 there be full forgiveness for wrongs and mistakes and 
 that love, joy, peace and concord rule among us all. 
 Let everyone thoroughly enjoy the present pleasure- 
 
 [Great applause.] 
 
 [Venus presents choice bouquets to the 
 Mighty Jupiter and the Stately Juno.] 
 
 [Diana, Hebe, Hyacine, Dora and Flora 
 deck the brows of Helois and Unice 
 with huge garlands of snozv-zvhite blos- 
 soms. The lovely spotlessness of the 
 flowers typifying the purity of their mu- 
 tual love.] 
 
 [A chorus of Nymphs, etc., chant praises 
 to the power, might and victories of the 
 unconquered Jupiter. Alternately ex- 
 toling the heroisin of the noble Helois.] 
 
 [Apollo charms the ears of the assembly 
 with the siveet cadence of his divine lute, 
 while Bacchus, with attendant maidens, 
 passes the loving cups -filled to the brim 
 with ambrosial nectar.] 
 
HELOIS 
 
 [Venus at length challenges the valiant Mars 
 to a terpsichorean combat which is 
 readily accepted, and dancing proceeds 
 ■with great enthusiasm.] 
 
 [Cheers, laughter, songs, music, and dancing 
 fills the time, and all goes merrily as mar- 
 riage bells. Care is banished: joy reigns 
 supreme on High Olympus, the sacred 
 dwelling place of the Gods.] 
 
 jfittis