f Class. Book. Copyright N'.'_ COFnUGHT DEPOSQl by with An livtroduction by THEODORE I^REl&ER r Qm& QraccJ)usi A Tragedy By ODIN GREGORY With /,, An Introduction "■^^TIS By Theodore Dreiser IJ the story of this great heart, and its martyrdom, seems strangely familiar, bear in mind that the phi- losophy the Nazarene taught was new to the Jews only (Preliminary Edition) BONI AND LIVERIGHT Publishers New York Copyright, 1920, by BONI AND LIVERIGHT, INC. Copyright also in Great Britain and Ireland and in all countries svb- scribing to the Bern Convention, including the Scandinavian Countries. All rights reserved. Rights of translation into foreign languages reserved, including the Scandinavian. 'T'HIS play in its printed form is designed for the reading public only. All dramatic rights in it are tuUy protected by copjTight, in the United States and Great Britain, and no public or private performance — professional or amateur — may be given without the written permission of the author and the payment of royalty. As the courts have also ruled that the public reading of a play for pay or where tickets are sold constitutes a performance, no such reading may be given except under the conditions above stated. Anyone disregarding the author's rights renders himself liable to prosecution. Communications should be sent to the author, care of the publishers. ©CI.A597036 AUG lf,l9,C\ Introduction OR three centuries, the Enghsh metric drama has remained sterile of any notable production. It may well be that Shakespere set a standard too high for any other mortal to attain, even in the ages to come. Certain it is that the efforts of Massinger, of Marlowe, of Ben Jonson, of Beaumont, of Fletcher, of Middleton, and of all the others of that brilliant galaxy of the Elizabethan period, carried no appeal to the generations that followed. The very titles of their great plays, such as " Tamburlaine," " The Jew of Malta," " Duke of Milan," " The Fatal Dowry," " The Maid of the Inn," ' " The Fall of Sejanus," " Volpone," sound strange in modern ears. In France, the works of Racine, of Moliere, of Corneille and of Voltaire continue a splendid history, to which Hugo and Rostand added no mean measure of lustre. The Italian revival may be continued down to the Eighteenth Century, when it produced the simple intensity of Alfieri. In the literature of Germany, Schiller, Goethe and Hauptmann made the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries glorious. But in the English language, the actor-manager- playwright from Stratford stands by himself — a very Colossus of the ages. He marks the beginning, and, thus far, the end, of the influence of the Renaissance on our poetic drama. The great Greek poets laid the foundation of the harmonic expression of thought and action. And there is, in our language, no surviving Page 4 CAIUS GRACCHUS Introduction personality whose plays affirmatively force our atten- tion, between their time, and the day of Shakespere — nor since. It may be that the day of the exact and ex- alted poetic drama, whatever its inherent literary or social value, has gone. Life may have adjusted its ends permanently to a different arrangement or beat of thought. Admitting, for argument's sake, that the Rab- elaisian productions of Massinger, Marlowe and Ben Jonson failed to hold the popular attention for the same reason that Shakespere's " Pericles," and the doubtful " Titus Andronicus " failed to hold it, still the ultimate fact remains that a few plays of Shakespere's constitute practically the whole of our heritage of poetic drama or important tragedy as known and given public atten- tion today. The critics, the self -avowed " experts," the ex- pounders, and the textwriters, all tell us that the Elizabethan cult is very dead. They join in assuring the would-be venturer into the field of metric drama that he is chasing the proverbial undomesticated goose; that every one who has tried his hand at the game has had nothing but his frenzy for his effort. Certain facts may, perhaps, seem to justify those solemn warnings. The ambitious essays into dramatic poetry of yesterday — where are they.'' True — Bulwer Lytton's " Richelieu " is still occasionally played, by our persistent tragedians. Stephen Phillips did his best in " Herod; " his style was even hailed by some of our professional wiseacres as being a wonderful new prod- uct. But the public displayed no enthusiasm: not even mild interest. So, Phillips' wan work died. Had he written less for the critics, and more for the people, he might have achieved real results. In my view, the reason why great dramatic poems have failed to gain attention since the Seventeenth Century, is that no one writing our language metri- cally has had anything to say that the English-speak- ing people cared to hear, or, having anything to say, has had the courage, the talent or the genius to say it in such fashion as to compel public attention. This Introduction CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 5 regrettable condition also applies, in great measure, to the prose drama. Eliminate Sheridan's works, and what English play is there that has survived the test of even a century? But why does this condition maintain? The answer suggests itself. Puritanism — the inspiration of the period of Oliver Cromwell — dedicated itself to the murder of the soul of English poetry, by the unsparing use of cant. The effect of this drab poison continued through the Res- toration. It crossed the Atlantic with the Pilgrims, and it is with us today. It was inevitable that there- after English genius, when it did manifest itself, should do so in the ode rather than in the sonnet. We had Milton in the middle of the Seventeenth Century. And then — we had Bunyan. Cant, regnant and tri- umphant, held aloft the whining church hymn as the greatest thing in poesy; and a people blinded by its own dust-throwing, celebrated the extinction of free literature as a great moral victory. It is the fashion of the day for the literary censors to decry the decadence of English letters. They bewail the utter banality of " best sellers," and sometimes almost shed tears because no one is essaying real " literature." All of which is quite touching. But woe to the unfortunate who takes any of this seriously, and addresses himself to letters for art's sake. Moved by that splenetic resentment on which both Pope and Byron had occasion to comment, they are immediately upon him with such outpourings of venom as small minds have always found useful to conceal their own vapidness — or prostitution. Into this situation, a new author intrudes, with his offering of a tragedy, in the classic style. The venture calls for courage. We open the book with, say, tolerance. And what do we find in its pages ? A dramatic work that breathes questions, thoughts, perplexities, struggles that are as old as humanity. The writer, we soon discover, is no maudlin sentimentalist. Page 6 CAIUS GRACCHUS Introduction Essaying the Roman world, and an interpretation of the humanist mood, he sees pleb and patrician, cour- tesan and lady, slave and lord, in the true relation of each to the other. And he paints them as he sees them. He refuses to believe that the province of literature, or of poetry, is to deal only with piffle. He refuses to accept the dictum of the " authorities " that the mission of modern literature is to serve as a sort of sublimated " movie." His char- acters are no mere lay figures, induced to action by the more or less artful, but always obvious, pulling of strings. Each of his personages lives, breathes and moves as do the men and women of our own time. It is refreshing to note that the play is not propaganda. The temptation to subvert the Muse to such purposes is very strong. Even the " Divina Commedia," we are told, was written in support of a political faction, and the " Furies " of yEschylus, to which I shall refer later on, was worked out to bolster up the Areopagus. But in the present case, the author simply shows us the human mass — high, low and middling — as it is, and invites us to take our choice. He is the painter, not the advocate. In saying the foregoing, I do not wish to be taken as missing the point that throughout the volume there runs a note of passionate insistence on the sanctity of Law, and on the inevitableness of its ultimate triumph : it is too patent to require expatiation. But this basic strain is one of philosophic conviction — not of argument. In reading the work, we soon become conscious that the author writes of the Roman Rome of the period covered by the play. It is not an English Rome, or an American Rome. Almost every page, bears evi- dence of study, of classic accuracy. We are not offended by anachronisms. Even the master of Avon sometimes failed in this particular. When Venus pleads with Adonis, it is a buxom Englishwoman of the middle class who is entreating an Eton youth: and the scene is that of an English middle-counties countryside. When Brutus confers with the conspirators, when Cleopatra exchanges Introduction CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 7 compliments with Antony, we are uncomfortably conscious of an all-English atmosphere. True, the Shakesperian genius rose superior to these minutiae. But that is no reason why we should not welcome one who writes of Rome in the second century before Christ as it then was, and as its thoughts, its manners and its customs then were. The present volume shows, in its every line, that it is the work of a man who has something to say, and who says it well. When he touches on economics, he speaks with authority. Having chosen the iambic pentameter as his medium, the author convinces us that he is master of the art of being stately, without being stilted. Not for an instant do his characters step out of the picture. There is neither overdrawing, nor under- drawing. We come to understand every individual almost immediately after his, or her, introduction. Throughout, Odin Gregory shows an exquisite and pre- cise sense of values. By this I mean values of words and style, as well as values of situation and action. When one of his characters is drawn into what may be called " rhetoric," the action itself has been such as to make rhetoric acceptable. In the fifth act, the mingling of the real with the unreal, of the supernatural and the phan- tastic with the commonplace, is so delicately handled, that the eerie is no longer so. The progress of Gracchus to the state of exaltation in despondency that must precede the peremptory order to the soldier to admin- ister the death-blow, constitutes a study in psychology that has not been surpassed in any of the imaginative writing with which I am familiar. Of the structural quality of the work, it may be said that the author has brought the spirit of the Eliza- bethan verse to the Twentieth Century. Odin Gregory is a classicist. His inspiration is plainly that of Spenser, Shakespere, Jonson and Dryden, not uninfluenced by the refinement of Pope. But his language is that of the present day, skilfully applied to the uses of the second person singular, and to the atmosphere required in an epic. The simplicity of the style is that of the Pages CAIUS GRACCHUS Introduction Greek masters. There is a gentle transition from mere melody to what I might call orchestral effect, as the action requires it, and the reader is carried along in pleasurable sympathy. After the reader's attention has become engaged by the first few pages, it can not slacken. The story itself lives. The action intensifies. The blank verse deters us not at all. It merely makes the reading more succulent. And, curiously enough, we hunt for the long speeches, instead of skipping them. I shall not attempt any analysis of the prosody of this work. There are various college professors who claim to have reduced the theory and practice of poetry-writing to a series of formulae. Perhaps this can be done, but I can not see it. But I do see this: that in the present instance, the poet has written verse that any one can read without hiring an interpreter. It is the kind of verse that delights the eye, and is pleasant to the ear. The conception of the Furies, in Act V, must inevi- tably elicit comparison with the Eumenides of ^Eschylus. I think that Odin Gregory has succeeded in visualizing for us these daughters of the Night as no one has done before. In ^Eschylus, the personalities of the Three Furies are lost in the chorus of the whole. Here, we have the three spirits individualized, each functioning in her respective activities with a convincing vividness. In its present shape, the tragedy is, of course, too long for stage presentation. But it is so written that its preparation for the theater is merely a matter of mechanical excision. I lay no claim to the gift of prophesy, but I venture the opinion that if properly presented, it will draw English-speaking audiences as no serious play of recent years has drawn them. Odin Gregory has never before courted publicity for his verse. He says he has been writing for his own joy. I have had the privilege of reading some of his unpublished material. It ranges from madrigals to medi- tations, from sonnets to serenades. Those who love graceful word-painting may look forward to exquisite pleasure when those writings are released to the printer. Introduction CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 9 My final word is that an important, and a virile figure has appeared in English letters. His work is Art, because it is Truth. It is one of the really notable contribu- tions to the English literature of the last three cen- turies. With this first Tragedy as an earnest, we may look forward to great things from him in the future, if the inspiration of his pen does not fail. But if he never writes another line, he should live in English poetry by virtue of the intrinsic value of his " Caius Gracchus." THEODORE DREISER. Los Angeles, Calif. Preface ^IBERIUS GRACCHUS and Caius Gracchus were the sons of Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, twice Consul of Rome. Their mother, Corneha, was the daughter of the great Scipio, con- queror of Carthage. The elder brother devoted himself to the interests of the common people — the plebs — and when about to be elected Tribune for a second term, was foully murdered by a mob of Senators — patricians. The younger brother, Caius, served with honor in various foreign missions. He early commended him- self to the love of the people by his actions as quaestor in Sardinia. His honesty, his idealism, and his energetic work in behalf of the commons, aroused the hostility of the men of the " upper class," who did everything in their power to prove him dishonest, corrupt, etc. He was twice elected Tribune, and distinguished himself by building magnificent roads, and other necessary public works, throughout Roman Italy. He fathered legislation that called for the return to the State, by the very wealthy, of common lands, which the latter had illegally appropriated, and for its distribution to the landless; for the regulation of the price of corn; for the raising of the minimum military age to seven- teen; for the furnishing of clothing to soldiers at public expense; for the enlargement of the jury list, so as to include therein certain of the middle class citizens, and for the founding of foreign colonies. All these activities infuriated the patricians, as tending to impair Page 12 CAIUS GRACCHUS Preface their powers, their special privileges, and their incomes. To lessen the intense affection of the common people for Caius, his enemies arranged with one Drusus to play the role of pretended champion of the poor. Drusus was a man of high lineage. He had himself elected a Tribune, and undermined Gracchus by sponsoring the most fantastic laws in favor of the populace, always assuring the latter that he was doing this at the behest of the Senate. The time having come for Gracchus to seek election for a third term as Tribune, a combination was formed against him, and, through the treachery of Drusus, he was fraudulently declared defeated. This deprived him of the cloak of sacrosanctity, that protected Trib- unes while in office. As soon as they rid themselves of Gracchus as a Tribune, the patricians commenced to cancel the laws he had caused to be enacted. Issue was finally joined between the Gracchan partisans and their oppo- nents on two measures. One had to do with the founding of a Roman colony on the site of what had once been Carthage; the other concerned the admission to the voting privilege of the Italian allies of Rome. Gracchus had sponsored both these propositions. The patricians had recourse to legalistic trickery. They cleared Rome of many Italians who were entitled to vote — and who were adherents of Gracchus — by arbitrarily ordering out of the city all citizens thereof who had not been born within its boundaries. Then they called a public assembly to pass on the proposal to cancel the " Rubrian Law," which had authorized the location of a new city on the Carthaginian site, under the name " Junonia." The pious patricians claimed that the augurs had declared the venture inauspicious. The fact was, that the founding of new colonies tended to create independent husbandmen, and to decrease the numbers of those destitute citizens on whose grossly underpaid labor, and tribute of ex- tortionate prices for food, the ruling class depended for its enormous gains. Preface CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 13 Despite the fact that Gracchus was now a private citizen, it was not at all certain that the patricians would prevail. The killing, in the Forum, of Antyllius, a lictor, while he was carrying the entrails of the sacri- fice, gave the patricians and Senators a pretext for raising the cry of " sacrilege." They did so, and called on all good Romans to rally around the government, for the safety of the Republic, and in protection of Religion. They had already excited the stodgy populace to a condition of apprehensive receptivity, by virtuously advertising danger to the country from the " aliens. " An outcry against " foreign devils " was as efficacious in arousing the fury of the stupid low and middle class Romans in B. C. 121, as it was many centuries later in stirring the hatred of the brutishly dull coolies of China, — and of their intellectual mates elsewhere. The patri- cians and the politicians had skilfully played on the passions of the brainless by flinging the charges of treason and sedition against all those who sought to put an end to their private and public plundering. The fatuous, degenerate descendants of a once sturdy yeo- man race, who had become capable of only a limited set of emotions, responded as was expected of them. They proudly, and joyously, and clamourously com- mitted political and social suicide. They deserted Gracchus. The Republic was declared in danger. " Patriotic " citizens took control. Full power was vested in the Consul — Opimius — and the clever ruling class had its way with Gracchus, and with all those who had championed the cause of the common people. The soldiery, of course, obeyed orders, and butchered as directed. In later years, the Romans came to realize, in part, the vileness of which they had been guilty. They hon- ored the martyred brothers with statues, and with what amounted to deification. Their mother lived on for many years, honored by the people as the " Mother of the Gracchi." Page 14 CAIUS GRACCHUS Preface ^HE admirable character of Caius Gracchus may be summarized by saying that his was essentially a constructive mind. He was not one of those whose affection for a counfry is measured by what they can get out of it for themselves. He truly loved Rome, and gave to it the best there was in him, asking nothing in return but opportunity for greater service. He was not influ- enced by the theories of violence that so often carry away those whose sober sense of social values is over- come by waves of passionate rebellion against imme- diate wrong suffered, and oppression endured. He sturdily maintained that in a State in which the citizens can actually control the making of laws by exercising their rights of suffrage, effective social progress should be sought through legal media, and by the enforcement of Law against all alike. Gracchus clearly saw the danger of class warfare, and sought to save his country from its baneful effects, by curbing the powers and prerogatives of the patric- ians, while enlarging the rights of the middle class, and of the plebeians. It may be taken for granted that he knew, as all thinking men have known, that the government of any people, in the last analysis, reflects the morals of the people themselves, and that the cure for immoral government lies not in pulling down all governments, but in raising the intellectual standards, the ideals, and the requirements of those who are governed. He was no stranger to the eternal truth that the remedy for social injustice lies not in destruction, but in limitation, and that those who would limit others must first be willing themselves to be limited. To make possible the realization of his ideals by legislation, Caius Gracchus strove to extend the voting right to all those who acknowledged the sovereignty of Rome. His opponents, the patricians, were the anar- chists of the period. Theirs was the most dangerous species of anarchy: that bred of the arrogance of conscious power. They had no respect for the lives. Preface CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 15 the rights, or the properties of any other than them- selves. Under cover of the shibboleth " law and order," they had recourse to the most atrocious crimes to attain their ends, and to maintain their mastery. Constantly inveighing against the horrors of mob rule, they incited or practised it — when they found it to their advantage to do so. According to them, mob violence, when resorted to by them, or in their interest, was sanctified and proper, while like force invoked by the commons, on their own behalf, was unholy and improper. What they could not obtain by craft, or by force, they gained by the shameless misuse of the judicial process, as well as of all the other instrumentalities of government. They drove Gracchus to his death, to prevent the extension of the voting right to the Italian peoples. To him who examines Rome's internal history dis- passionately, it soon becomes evident that the elim- ination of the two brothers — Tiberius and Caius — by the smug, viciously lawless ruling element of the Roman population, marked the beginning of the moral and national degeneration of Rome that grew apace as Rome expanded imperially, and that finally led to the complete extinction of the Romans as a nation and as a people. June, 1920. Odin Gregory. Dramatis Personae Caius Gracchus M. FuLVius Flaccus, a partisan of Gracchus Livrus Dkusus, a Tribune Caius Fannius, Consul, B. C. 122 RuTiLius, son of Caius Fannius Lucius Opimius, Consul, B. C. 121 QuiNTUS Antyllius, spy in employ of Fannius Calpio, slave to Fannius Philocrates, guard to Gracchus PoRTiNus, a freedman, in house of Gracchus Septimuleius, a patrician PONTIFEX MaXIMUS A Plebeian A Citizen A Soldier Spirit of Tiberius Gracchus LiciNiA, wife of Gracchus Lydia, a courtesan Helia, daughter of Antyllius Old Woman TisiPHONE, the blood-avenger Megaera, the denier Alecta, the unceasing Priests, Magistrates, Senators, Lictors, Soldiers, Citizens, Bacchantes, etc. ACT I. Atrium, house of Caius Gracchus, near the Forum. ACT II. Palace of Caius Fannius, on the Palatine Hill. ACT III. The Forum. ACT IV. Triclinium in Palace of Caius Fannius. ACTV. Scene 1 — Grove of the Furies. Scene 2 — Road to Rome. ACT I. Atrium, House of Caius Gracchus [At curtain, shout from without : "Hail, Cuius Gracchus! "] Phil.: There sounds the heart of Rome! Antyll.: Tah! Heart of chaff! If they had voted as they shout — Phil: Antyll. Phil: Antyll. Phil.: Small use to vote. When Money does the counting. True : gold is gold — Aye, and the mob 's a fool. If I — If thou— If I had tongue, or art, to move that mass, I 'd cry : " Away, to the accursed hill. And wring out from Capitoline by brawn What hath been filched from you by brain! " Antyll.: Wouldst have — Phil.: The stolen pubUc lands, fair price for food. Our chosen Tribune, all our rights as men — Antyll.: So speaks lord Fulvius. Phil.: But Gracchus holds We move by law. Page 18 CAIUS GRACCHUS ActI Antyll.: Phil: PoH.: Antyll. Port.: And thou — I serve our chief. [Enter Portintjs] Antyllius ! Portinus! I have brought A message from thy daughter. Antyll.: Nothing 's iU? Port.: She cowers in gripping fear. Antyll.: Of what? Port.: A damned Patrician youth, who'th stationed slaves about. To wait her coming out. Antyll.: His name? Port. Antyll.: Port.: I begged it. She denied me the hateful name, saying He 's so exalted, she feared some vengeful stroke. Born of mine anger, might back-lash me with death. She urges cautious silence, and prays thee home This even. And didst thou leave her thus: alone? I left two guards within, my friends, and gave Alarm among the neighbors. I had staid. But I was bound to hasten for our lord. AcTi CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 19 Antyll. Port.: Antyll. Phil Antyll.: Phil: Antyll.: Phil.: Antyll.: Phil: Antyll.: I thank thee for thy service. I was thanked By her request for service. I wait thy call. [Exit PoRTiNTJS to interior] My Heha! My gu-1! My little girl! So soon in danger! Curse of impotence! What can a mere plebeian soldier do.^* Patrician men! The plunderers who rule our land! How long will Romans bend the neck, and bear The burden of their insolence, their blows, Their robbery, their rape, their cunning — all The horror of their lawless use of law.? Ah— if tomorrow we but win the day — What then? Then is thy daughter safe. How so? The law will rule alike for all in Rome, And every man will be its chosen ward. Our master hath some project? Nay, not he; 'Tis Fulvius' plan. If by tomorrow's vote 'T is shown our master hath the people's trust. Lord Fulvius will call them to arise, And name our lord protector; they '11 enact decrees To hmit private fortunes, and to force Quick restitution of the stolen lands. So Gracchus will be Consul? Page 20 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Phil: AntylL: Phil: AntylL: Phil: AntylL: Phil.: That, and more: For he 'U be clothed with power to give all laws Fangs, claws, and sinews. Pray it may be so! Then many Roman fathers of our class Will taste tranquillity, when they are certain They do not breed their daughters but to be The olBFal of the golden beds of lust. Hope for tomorrow. Hope? I hope, I hope. But hast no faith? I 've seen our failures mount. No matter. We shall win. The gods are just. This youth — Portinus — loves thy little maid? AntylL: His ears are pierced. Phil: He 's free. AntylL: A freedman. Tah! Old Roman blood is not for erstwhile slaves. Voice of Sept.: [without] My life, mine arms, mine all, I gladly lend! I follow thee, dear Gracchus, to the end! Voice of Gracch.: [without] Septimuleius : I thank thee. Thou art a friend Of value. Voice of Sept.: [without] And what 's more, my friend, we '11 win! [Enter SEPrmuLErus, from side] ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 21 Sept. Phil. Sept.: Phil.: Antyll. Phil: Antyll.: Phil: Antyll: Phil: Antyll. Phil: My litter, men. At once. [Motions to Antyllitjs, who exits] Forgive me, lord. For this one question: doth the council break? It breaks. Our chief comes out. I thank thee, lord. [Enter Anttllius] The litter, lord. [Exit Septimuleius] Now, there 's the breed of man I hke. He 's noble, proud, erect; he hath A dignity that flatters our old blood. Our blood.'' He 's ancient Roman stock, as I. I see him but a harbinger. Of what? Of victory: although an old-time friend. To-day 's the first he 'th joined in council here. He hath a pointer's smeU for what 's to come. Our master 's winning? More ! the spoils thereof. [Several men, engaged in conversation, enter from side, and pass out toward ostium. Shouts without: " Hail Caius Gracchus! " " Down, Fannius! " ] Page22 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I AntylL: How? Fannius? Most strange! What gust of happy wind Blows one so high to us? Phil: So high, thou say'st? Who is too high to seek to scrape the sill Of Caius Gracchus' door? AntylL: Have thee thy way; But it were well we showed him due respect. [Enter Fannitjs, Calpio] Hail, lord! Thy pleasure? Fann.: Soldier : I 'm in haste. The noble Gracchus: — is he within? Antyll.: My lord— Our master comes this instant. Pray, abide — Fann.: No more! Go say that Fannius awaits In panting haste! AntylL: [starts toward wing] At once — Phil.: [stops Antyllius] Stay! Those who seek Our master, tarry here. Fann.: I 've said my will! PhiL: We serve but Gracchus here. Fann.: Thou insolent ! PhiL: We serve but Gracchus here. Fann.: Speed as art bid ! Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 23 Phil.: We serve but Gracchus here! [Fannitjs and Calpio walk aside] Fann.: [aside, to Calpio, pointing to Philocrates] What of this man? Calp.: [aside, to Fannius] A dolt. We 've not his price. Fann.: [aside, to Calpio] Not gold.^ Calp.: [aside, to Fannius] Not gold— Nor other bribes; both blandishments and coin, AUke, fail to make impress on his ear. Fann.: [aside, to Calpio] He 's Roman.'* Calp.: [aside, to Fannius] No : a tribesman. Fann.: [aside, to Calpio] Savage men Are often troubled by such streaks of faith. [Points to Anttllius] The other? Calp.: [aside, to Fannius] Serves us well since Gracchus lost The Tribunate. He hath a merchant's soul. Fann.: [to Philocrates] I '11 wait no more! Calp.: [points to Antyllius] Good soldier, thou — Antyll.: I hear. And I would gladly serve — Page24 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Phil: Fann.: Fulv.: Fann.: Fulv.: Here I command: Here those who seek my master rest, and wait. I '11 have thee whipped ! I '11 — [Enter Gracchus, Fulvius, followed by POKTINTJS] Ho! Here 's noise of war! Thrice welcome sound! What? Fannius, in arms? Hail, Gracchus ! Fulvius — I greet thee ! Hail! Fann. Thy wrath—? 'T is naught. Fulv.: {aside, to Gracchus] Methinks our guest's red ire Grows pale too fast. Gracch.: [to Fannius] I had not thought thy feet Would find my threshold grateful to their beat; Nor do I know what welcome to bestow, Or if as friend, or if as foe — Fann.: My words Are for thy private mind; wherefore, I pray That but four ears attend on our two tongues. Gracch.: [to guards]- Ye three, withdraw, and voice mine urgent prayer To those without for patience for a little while. [Exeunt Philocrates, Antyllius, POBTINTIS] And now — Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 25 Fann.: [points to Fulvius] One still remains — Fulv.: And do I vex. Old comrade of a fairer morn? Methinks, I knew a time when every man who stood At Gracchus' elbow was the cherished love Of Fannius, the beggar for men's votes. But now, I vex — Peace ! Fulv.: Fann. Gracch.: [to Fulvius] [to Fannius] Fannius: as once, When thou hadst use of my poor art, didst pour Thy cares, and fears, and hopes, into mine ear, What time I waved away the Consul's rods* To place them in thine eager hands; as then. So now, my Fulvius holds all my faith; For, see, — he changeth not. Mark! Changeth not! Thy tone implies a grievance: thy words — a blame. Both are unjust. My presence here, this day, Is witness to that latent love which, stirring, Impels me — hard abused though I have been By thine ungoverned tongue, — ** to seek, in grace, • On the day of the general election, it was the expectation of all present that Caius Gracchus would ask for the oflSce of Consul, and it was conceded that he could have the office if he wished it. Instead, he conducted Caius Fannius into the Campus Martins, and asked his friends to cast their votes for the latter for the higher office, Gracchus satisfying himself with re-election to the office of Tribune. Gracchus' support, of course, elected Fannius, who almost immediately thereafter showed him- self in his true colors, as a supporter of the patricians, and an enemy of Gracchus. ** Gracchus having proposed certain of his laws, the population came from every part of Italy to vote for them. The patricians induced the Consul, Fannius, to command all persons who were not Romans by birth, even though they were citizens having the right to vote, to leave the City forthwith. Gracchus thereupon published articles of impeachment against Fannius, but the patricians prevailed, as they had the military power, and Gracchus could not bring himself to shed Roman blood. Page26 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Thy safety, Gracchus, — now a private man, — Who, though no more made safe by vesti- ture,* Yet, with thy factious speech, still urgest to war The fooUsh, restless rabble at thy heel-straps; The while, observant of thy lawless noise, Up there, in council, in the Senate House, Rome's greatest plan the scourging strokes, by which Shalt expiate all thine audacious deeds. Fulv. Fann.: Rome's greatest, say'st thou? Faugh! I almost retch ! Rome's greatest? Nay, Rome's vilest is more fitting ! Who are those " greatest," who, within the walls Of that old pesthouse, — hard-eyed, smug, and sleek, — Sit scheming on the punishment of him Who dares espouse the cause of the oppressed? Those are the old ones, sacrilegious man; Those are the wise ones, those of ancient stock; Those are ordained divinely, who, in hne That hath stretched on, unbroken, since the days When Romulus gave Rome her name and law. Have toiled to make her mistress of the world. Those are our greatest ! So runs thy merry song, Now that the crooked** chair adorns thy hall. But I am mindful of those scarce-fled hours. * Gracchus' term of office as Tribune expired December 10, B. C, Hi. The attack on him and his laws commenced immediately thereafter. "The chair of the magbtrates — the Curula — was distinguished by its crooked, or turned, legs. Fulv. Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 27 Gracch. Fann.: Gracch. Fulv.: Fann.: Fulv.: Fann.: When, in thy fear lest, of their hate, thou lose That fiercely craved-for bait of all thy dream- ing. Most loud wert thou of those who belched high streams Of raging detestation of those men! Speak not of yesterday, for 't is as gone As yester hundred years. What man hath said Is nowise earnest of his speech to come .... But 'tis enough. Perhaps our old friend hastens To bear us tidings of a better mind; Speak, Fannius! Thy wish.? Dost question, man. As if hadst aught to give, that I come seeking. I came here, Caius Gracchus, from regard Of other days, and from a wish to spare Thy youthful years the ending that was wrought To him who went before thee, in the pitted path Thou now pursuest wildly. Heed! Heed well and heed ! Lest Caius join Tiberius in a death Dealt suddenly, when Power hints the deed. Dost dare! Here, 'neath this roof, dost dare to bandy My brother's name.? O infamous! 1 conjured it m deep concern for thee. Thou nimble, phant, lying tongue! [threateningly] Take heed! Page 28 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Gracch.: Fulv.: Fann.: Gracch. Fann.: Fulv.: Gracch. Phil: Gracch. Let 's to the nub. The sword were best. Perhaps — What wouldst thou urge.'* This very day yield! Yield! Go out to that unpleasing mob, and cry: " Away! Disperse! Ye common-bom, disperse! Rome's masters are the men of substance, who Have held their sway these many centuries. Patricians, only, are divinely gifted To shape Rome's various laws! So get you hence. Or to your homes, or to your several tasks. And on the morrow, at th' appointed hour. When lord Opimius calls out the rolls. Do as he bids you, for his mandate comes Stamped with patrician shrewdness, and is wisely good! " Do thus, and thou shalt live; but if, instead. Still boldest fast to thy rebelUous course, Then will the rightful masters strike. I have Betrayed a confidence to give thee warning. What say'st thou? Let me speak No, not at all. This matter is my body's, and my tongue's. [Enter Philocbates] What now? Forgive my trespass : — one awaits Beyond the garden gate, who champs — His name? AcTi CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 29 Phil: I '11 whisper — (hacch.: Say it loud. Phil.: It is, my lord, The Tribune Drusus. Fuh.: Drusus ! Gracch.: He! Fann.: [aside] r,, ., 'T is time. PhiL: No less, who, heels a-wing, asserts he hath A matter of importance for thine ear. Fulv.: Gracch. Be absent to him, Caius! There's no good Within that foxhke head for thee, or thine. Thy counsel 's taken of thy fears, dear friend. Nor pleasure, nor mine ease, inchne in me To hold or commerce, or debate, with that Mean jackal of the Senate. Yet our place Compels an open ear to all who speak. A stinking breath may wing a precious thought. And from the basest metals shrines are wrought. Bring Drusus hither! [Exit Philocbates] Fannius: thou stay on. And make one of what grows a tribe-meet here. [Enter, from side, Drusus, Philoc- RATES, Anttllius, Pobtinus. Philoc- KATEs motions Portinus to ostium, to which Portinus exits. Thereafter, Portinus is seen from time to time, passing to and fro as outer guard] PageSO CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Gracch.: Drusiis: Hail Drusus! Fann.: Fulv.: Drus.: Fulv.: Gracch.: Caius Gracchus : hail! And thou, Good Fannius! Most strangely met! But not Inopportunely. Drusus sees me not. I scarcely knew thee, for thy midnight scowl. My brow betrays the humor of my heart. Speak, Drusus! What 's the whip that drives thee thus To ravish, stealthily, my postern door? Drus.: Fain had I hoped to find thee here alone. Where of my kindness I might make thee rich. Gracch.: Thou make me rich? Fulv.: Ye patient gods! Fann.: [to Fulvius] Have done! Drus.: Know, Gracchus, I 'm thy friend. Fulv.: O evil news! Gracch.: Speak freely : name thy gift, and state its price. Drus.: I '11 speak thee fairly, Gracchus. At thy gates A numerous rabble frets the pave, and waits The index of thy pleasure at the poll That, on the morrow, will decide the fate Of those proposals which, in strict accord With all the best of Roma's wisest planning, Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 31 Fulv. : Drus.: Gracch. Drus.: Gracch. Drus.: Opim.: Fulv.: The Consul will submit to general vote. I know how dear the edict 's been to thee To raise old Carthage from its greying dust; Hast had thy dreams, I doubt not, and, we 're told, 'T is dreamers' deeds do honor to gods' prompt- ings. Yet have our Fathers sought the augurs' aid, Who, guided by the Fates, advise the Senate thus: " Accursed the land on which old Carthage stood ; Cursed are all those who on that land would brood." The augurs! Pah! The augurs! Yea, — just those. The augurs — [Pauses, laughs softly] They — or of them — Tell thy tale. Still more offensive to all worthy men Hath been thy measure granting the full vote To all the Latins who accept our rule. There was a folly! Cogitate! The sacred vote To that mere buzzard's meat, which fights for us! They 're our allies ! Our battling brutes. Ha— ha! They '11 grant the vote to women next, or apes ! This passeth patience! Page32 CAIUS GRACCHUS Gracch.: [to Fulvius] [to Drusus] Act I Drus.: Gracch. Drus.: Stay! Come, Drusus — end! Gracch. Drus.: Fulv.: But greatest of thy follies is thy scheme To take from noble families the lands They 've held for many generations back. The lands they stole! The lands they have. That 's all. And having them, time hath confirmed their right. Such is the law of wealth, however gotten. I '11 make that law a dust ! Nor thou, nor any man. Nor now, nor any time, nor by whatever means. I have the means. 'T is here. [Points to his arm] Drus.: [to Fulvius] I know thy ways. [turns to Gracchus] So, on the morn, our Fathers urge the tribes To void thy laws, and Rubrius' , aUke. Wherefore I come here, Gracchus, to beseech That, moved by prudence — Fulv. Drus.: Of cowardice! Prudence ! The false name — thou join with those wise men. Of solid substance and fixed resolution. Who stand behind the Senate's wholesome rule. Believe: I urge this, Gracchus, from my longing ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 33 Fulv. To serve thee truly, who myself have served The meanest-stationed of the vulgar herd. Shout high thy service, Drusus, by whose cheating hand The Tribune Gracchus lost his chosen charge. Shout high ! Shout high its worth ! Drus.: Thou speakest ill! Gracch.: [to Fulvius] Let be! [to Drusus] Before my lips unloose the flood behind them, There's one who must be heard. Philocrates! Phil.: Gracch. My lord.? Tell thy mistress that I pray her company. [Philocrates salutes; exits] Fulv.: [to Gracchus] But, Caius, why debate.'' [Gracchus and Fulvius walk aside] Fann.: [aside, to Drusus] I saw a kindling in thine eye, just now. That spoke as doth a beacon in the night. What stirs? Drus.: [aside, to Fannius] A thought : the seedling of a tongue- twist, That flowers in the furrows of my brain. Fann.: [aside, to Drusus] Its name.'* Drus.: [aside, to Fannius] The augurs, — nay — the bud 's not yet full formed. Page34 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Calf.: [aside, to Antyllius] What news? Antyll.: [aside, to Calpio] There 's naught to tell. Calp.: [aside, to Antyllius] Thy lagging tongue Mismates thine eager palm. I say : — what news? Antyll.: [aside, to Calpio] A proper soldier makes a faulty spy. Mine eyes, of their own wisdom, fail to know Or where, or how to look, or what to see. Calp.: [aside, to Antyllius] Arm they within here ? Antyll.: [aside, to Calpio] But as children arm. Who cushion every blade, lest it do hurt. Our lord is loath to shed the Roman blood. Calp.: [aside toAntyllius] What else? Antyll.: [aside, to Calpio] There 's naught. Calp.: [aside, to Antyllius] Their schemes? Antyll.: [aside, to Calpio] Calp.: [aside, to Antyllius] Antyll.: [aside, to Calpio ] Their schemes — Calp.: [aside, to Antyllius] Come, speak! Their schemes? I've said. ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 35 Antyll.: [aside, to Caljno] If they prevail, why, then. The Gracchus dictator; lay bounds to wealth; Deprive the rich of all their great estates. [Calpio walks away; Portinus shows himself for an instant from behind column of exit to ostium, evidences amazement, then disappears] Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] I 'd answer with the sword, not with soft speech ! [Enter Licinia, Philocrates] Licinia: Gracch.: Lie: Drus.: Fann.: Gracch.: My lord hath bid me? Dear Licinia, nay — I but entreated thy kind favor here. Good sirs: — I welcome you to this, our home. The roof-tree gods protect thee, Gracchus' wife. May Jove's companion be thy constant guard. Most gracious and beloved, at this hour, Thine husband has been called on, by these lords. To come to a decision most supreme. The words now spoken must foreclose me quite Of one way, or the other. One of these Spells truce with those whose might now stands assured, By every vested power, the state's dread law; It spells soft leisure, and the sweet enjoyment Of vivid life, and all the mortal things The body craves, and fancy finds its lovely lure. •II 'I Page36 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I But by the other way, one quickly comes ' To desolation's home, to lowering skies of lead, To bloody toil, to days and nights of dread, To scorning friends, to pain-racked limbs, and tears Of anguish for the dullness of the slaves On whose behalf these grinding griefs are borne. Lie: Fulv.: Fann.: Gracch.: Drus. Fulv.: Lie: My lord : it is ill day when woman's whim Inclines her husband's will. Most noble dame, — I hail thee wit, and sage! But judge the choice? This is my proffered choice: — or yield, and now, Chafe knee on flooring at the Senate House. And whining " Grace! I erred! " by that one lie, Earn brotherhood with all the tawdry liars there, — Or, venturing a Gracchus, as of old. Take Truth for mistress, and, in her fair name. Speed to the doom ordained for every mortal Who dares proclaim this heavenly bride his own. 'T were wrong of me to move, in such a choice. Until thy voice hath spoken for thy mind. Unfairly put I say ! It makes a prayer That reads its own response. Thus every prayer. Dear lord : — the night I came to thee as bride, I brought thee neither riches for thy needs, Nor station, nor such other vulgar things ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 37 As some men seek of women, or of life. I brought thee but the honor of my soul, A virgin body, and a sweet regard For that high spirit, which, from out the ruck Of casual manhood, marked thee what thou art. Thus didst thou take me, and from that first hour, When, 'pressed with fears, and doubt of a new life, I yielded to thy passion's fervid clasp, I 've lived thy wife, my husband, and, so Hving, Have wondered I had thought I lived before. I 've lived thy wife, my Caius, to enjoy Not only triumphs, and the loud acclaim That flowed to thee or from the high, or lowly ; Not only feasts, not only songs, or crowns Of glory from a grateful people's hands: For these, a myriad concubines thou couldst Have found, with ease, dear husband, at thy call, Or lustful Cyprians, or else the frail And shallow ladies of our high-born world. Who deck their bodies daily for the feast. And spurn a share in aught but life's delights. Ah! no, — I 've lived to be thy wife indeed. Who sought to be as worthy of thy trust As she Rome honors as thy mother. Come, — Hast thou forgot that day, my husband, when Thou haltingly niadest known to me thy wish That from the beauty of our long-time home. Which reared its stately frame on Palatine, We take our course to this drab precinct.'' Ah, — Hast thou forgot the joy with which I flew, T' effect the change that served thy need — or thought — So glad that now, at last, my day had come To put away a thing I dearly cherished, Page38 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I That thus our lives and loves might blend the more? Hast thou forgot that day when thou wert brought From slaughter's field, a quiver of raw flesh? I drove from out thy private chamber, then, Both nurse and slave, and, during nights and days, While holding vigil o'er thine anguished bed. Mixed, with my tears of sorrow at thy pain, Joy of th' unfortune that had given thee to me, Alone to love, and tend, and bring to life. Hast not forgotten, husband: — and the doubt Thou, now, in jest, pretendest of my wish. Hurts — pains — as if some thoughtless, cruel word Thou hadst to thy Licinia first addressed. Drus. Lie. Declared, divine Licinia, as befits A Roman lady, and a Roman wife. Yet is it well that lofty thought, at times, Consult with prudence, in a loved cause. Love is but life, and pallid death writes " end " Both to the warm embrace, and to the tender glance. Respect is joy, and he who walks abroad The butt of envy, and the served of men, May well content his very inmost soul To give some whit of this, or that belief. So as to live less freely, but to live secure. I know not of thine art of giving up To keep. The part can never be the whole ! Naught touches me but this: that in all things. My husband will so do, that when, at last. He seeks within mine arms, or on my breast, What of soft solace from myself may flow, Mine eyes will boldly look in his, and find Naught of the craven, naught of the coward there. Act I Fann.: Gracch. Fulv.: Drus.: Lie: Gracch.: Fann.: Gracch.: Fann.: Gracch.: Drus.: CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 39 Unhappy woman! Dost thcju urge thy spouse To death, or nameless torture, worse than death? Dost dare to threaten? Here? So, so, with threats? Nay, he but argues- Urge, or threat,— 't is one! I II speak you now. Here, by my mate, I stand! Unclothe him, men, of all his dignities: Proclaim him felon, or impress the mark Of basest slavery into his flesh ! Still will my loving hands weave crowns about his head. Still will my fervid hps kiss off the horrid shame ! The rack? The fire? But Caius will not shrink; And when, at last, ye render back again, Misshaped, or hmbless, Caius Gracchus' frame. It will be far more straight, and whole, to me Than even golden-haired Apollo's own! I am the wife of Gracchus, lord: I 'm not His hght of love, or plaything of his ease! Licinia ! Foolish woman — Fannius ! My wife came hither but to guide my heart. And not to hold debate with such as thou. Dost dare ! I dare, and say ! Harsh speech! Harsh speech! Page 40 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Gracch. Lie: Fulv.: Part.: Gracch. Port.: Gracch. Ye seek my answer in your various ways: Thou, Drusus, and thyself, my ponderous lord! Here, — take it to the vampire crew that waits Within the vaulting hall of yonder fetid tomb ! I am my brother's brother, — his, whose voice, Spanning the mournful water in its strength, Calls plaintively each day to me, still quick. I am my mother's son, and, through her blood. The blood of Scipio is mine: — the " staff! " Staff of the lowly I, and though, by guile. The Senate, and those others ye name " great- est," Have, haply, robbed me of my lawful right Still to strive on for them as Tribune; yet, I am not like the false Lucanean lake, Which, erstwhile sweet, now to the parched lip Yields but the torture of a bitter brine. There speaks my Caius! And my Caius, too. Dear lady, — I do homage to you both ! [LiciNiA embraces Gracchus; enter PORTINUS] My lord- Speak on — A message. Give it me. [PoRTiNtrs hands roll to Gracchus, who walks aside with FuLvius and LiciNiA. PoRTiNUS starts to go out; hesitates, stops in front of Antyllius, makes as if to speak ; Antyllius makes gesture of impatience; Portinus starts to walk back toward Gracchus] Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 41 Gracch.: Aught else? Speak out. Port.: [hesitates] * No, master; there 's naught else. (Exit PORTINUS] Fann.: [aside, to Drusus] What cursed spirit arms him to the fight? Drus.: [aside, to Fannius] He thinks in rhetoric, and feeds on dreams. And sacrifices fact for that which seems. Fann.: [aside, to Drusus] He 's stone. Drus.: [aside, to Fannius] We '11 try once more. Fann.: [aside, to Drusus] And then — Drus.: [aside, to Fannius] Tonight, I shall unfold what shapes within my mind. Fann.: [aside, to Drusus] The augurs? Drus.: [aside, to Fannius] Yea .... When Fulvius said "Pah!" I felt the rootling of a thought bore here, — [Points to his head] and sprout. AntylL: [aside, to Philocrates] I have thy leave, at dusk? Page42 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Phil.: [aside, to Antyllius] Till sunrise. Return In time to guard our lord, when he fares forth. AntylL: [aside, to Philocrates] I thank thee. Gods! Were I not poor, nor had A daughter — Phil.: [aside, to Antyllius] What— AntylL: [aside, to Philocrates] 'T is naught, — the soul of naught; I was but dreaming. That was naught I said. Phil.: [aside, to Antyllius] Portinus peeves thee? AntylL: [aside, to Philocrates] Aye— that 's it! That 's it! Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius and Licinia] My mother writes. Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] All's well.? Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius and Licinia] She thinks all 's ill. Lie: [aside, to Gracchus] What 's wrong? Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius and Licinia] She makes complaint that Seipio's Own daughter hears the Gracchus' nomen linked Too oft with news of loss, defeat, and, worse — Of ignoble retreat! .... [Puts away the roll] Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 43 Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] I tell thee, Caius: we war, or else — we perish! Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius\ With reason — Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] No — with arms! Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius] We 're Romans — all. Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] We 're hunted prey, who shed our natural tusks And seek indulgence of the bloody chasers, we! [Angry shouts are heard] Gracch.: What 's that? Phil.: My lord, it is thy clustered friends, Who chafe, impatient of thy tardy stay. They cry: — " Our Gracchus keeps us waiting much!" And fret their peevish mood with their own clamor. Fann.: Drink in the essence of that threatening growl. And sense its import fully, fatuous boy! What is its source but all-pervading lack.f* Lack of the softer virtues, which the mind May gather only through the many years When, free from carping care, and crushing want, Man hath the leisure for the gentler prompt- ings; Lack of the courteous bearing, and the lack Of that concern of equals which is quickened By others' sorrow, and their pain, or need. These are thy clients — the sorry pack for which Page 44 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Fulv. Lie: Gracch. Fulv. Gracch. Thou, Caius Gracchus, hast renounced thy right. By brain and blood, to greatness in our glorious state, To be, instead, the whilom chief of those Who, when art giving, croak to thee: — " Hail, gracious lord! " And when art spent, will shrilly shriek: "Thou dog! " Dog art thyself ! wicked word! Nay, nay, Refrain from chiding; for there comes much truth From Fannius, conjoined with all the gall That flows from him. The Gracchi know too well The timber of the fickle crowd, and if 'T were but for gain, or profit, or for high State station, that I strove with those poor folk— Whose shifting passions take the place of thought. And of whose loyalness, the greater portion Is but the clamor of an empty gut — Then might I think as Fannius, and as He doth, so, mayhap, even might I also do. That, heaven and earth and hell would all forbid ! But I — I writhe in anguish and in pain Because I 'm bid by that which dwells in me That neither have I chosen, nor can lose. A demon, say patricians — perhaps 'tis so; A god, my friends cry — be it as it will; For, good or evil — there's the urge which still, With inward lashing, drives me on and on. Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 45 Drus. Gracch. : Drus. Gracch.: Thou dost beguile thy brain with fervid words. And for a figment forfeitest thy life. Life? Life? How, then? Is that a private thing That 's given every man, at birth, to keep? Life is a loan, and not a gift. What use We 've made of it, we all must answer, when We 've to return the pledge to its first source; And there 's conviction in me that some power Makes jealous inquiry into its state When, at th' appointed time, it homes again: What hath been wrought with it? What treasure hath been earned? Was 't but for passion's glut, or mere elapse, Or for one's self, or common good, its lease Was exercised by him who held the grant? And when these questions face my life, at last, I would not have it droop, in squalid shame, For Caius Gracchus' deeds in his short term. But thou art very young. Hast labored much ; Make ease thy love; give up some time to play. And when thou hast attained to calmer age. Come back again to public life with ripened mind. What! Are the years of life laid out so sure. That man may treat them as a fixed fund, On which to draw for this, or that, expense, As inclination may dispose his spendthrift will? Not so to me. I view each passing day As something pilfered from me, and I see, In every falling night, the terror of a loss, That naught repairs. Life speeds in constant ebb. It is a cask of water, deftly tapped: The outer view shows a small spurting stream. But, seen on top, the surface is serene: Page46 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Fann.: Gracch.: The liquid mass below seems dark, and firm, And gleams assurance of a long, unmoved repose. Thus, while it slowly settles, on the staves Wet rounds go dry, and pass away; and still, The lowering whole bears, on its lineless face, No index of the lessened bulk below. But see! There comes a swirl! The constant sucking First marks the placid surface. There 's alarm ! And now, the pangs of dissolution grow More turbulent, and more: the remnant sways. And agitates, in terror of its fate. The while the vacant body dully moans, And shivers to the sobbing of the flood. Till, in a racing, whirling, gurgling stream, That runs more swiftly as it strives to stay. The dregs rush out ... 'T is done . . . The cask is dry! If I interpret thy mind properly. It nibbles at immortal fame. Good. Granted. But wilt find the road thereto much smoother paved. While mounting higher, higher in the state As brother of its masters, than as now art: The creature of every changing whim and mood Of that breath-wafted garbage in thy gutter. To live forever in the minds of men? Aye, that 's a moving wish : to cause a passing name To sound in ears of those as yet unborn. When he who claimed it is but powdered dust! Man: that which stirs in us, and brings this prize. Is not invoked by splendor of estate, Nor by the laurel won by strife, or craft; Yet every whining beggar hath a store Of price thereof to spend. Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 47 Drus.: Fann.: Drus.: Gracch. Antyll.. Pleh.: Gracch. Pleh.: [aside, to Fannius] The price is very mean. [aside, to Drusus] He raves! Or else, to balm his recent wound, He hath recourse to fancies of future bliss. What is this paltry price thou wouldst extol.'* It is the thing named love — the pitying love — That closely holds all mortal grief and wrong Within its tender fold, and gently smiles An understaAdingness and fragrant cheer. That love, broadcast with prodigal uncount. Will flow to its first source in after-time — Though aeons pass — when one with quivering thought Yearns for the love of him who one time loved. There lies the secret of unending life: Immortal love, alone, avails to breach The stubborn wall of immortality! Bethink thee that no man may earn such love In high estate, nor yet by sheer designing; And sense the folly of thine empty words! [Shouts. Enter ragged plebeian, accom- panied by old woman] [holding pleh.] Hold, witch's son! I am no witch's son, But one of Caius Gracchus' men! Sweet lord — Art troubled? Enter. [Pleb. runs in, falls at Gracchus' feet] O thou friend and hope Of Rome's most poor and lowly ! Certain ones, Who saw thy portal frame lord Fannius, Now hiss in doubting ears the tale that thou — Thou hast forsaken us, the common ones, And made soft peace with Rome's accursed rich. Page 48 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Gracch. Pleb.: Gracch. Pleb.: Fann.: Pleb.: Fann.: Pleb.: Fann.: Pleb.: Fann.: Whereon — since I am neater garbed than most Of Rome's free citizens, who wait thy word without — An embassy am I, to bring to thee Their prayer thou do not leave us for the bribe Lord Fannius holds out with which to buy thee, But stay our gracious father, as of yore. Shalt stop, and thine own very self shalt hear Mine answer. Now arise. No Roman should Bend knee to other than a god. Arise! [Pleb. rises] And this one with thee.'' She 's a matron, lord. Sent hither by the will of all the people. Who seeks thine aid for her young soldier son. I '11 hear her presently. Rest, mother, rest. [Assisted by Licinia, old woman sits on bench] Who spoke of bribe for thee, shall rue his speech ! Dost glibly prate of bribes, my fiery friend; Here 's a denarius. Go out and shout : — " Hail Fannius! Hail! Hail! " That I will not! Here 's five denarii. Now wilt thou shout.'' Say'st five? Aye, five. Yet — is — my — answer no ! Here 's ten denarii for thee — thyself. Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 4^ Pleh.: Fann. Pleh.: Fann Lie: For — me — myself ? For thee! Now wilt thou shout? Now — will — I — shout ? For — ten? [Cheers by populace] Ten silver coins. O gracious Juno, pity us! Drus.: [aside] The world Hangs trembling in the balance for ten coins! Calp.: [aside] Thou noble Roman citizen! To serve Such chosen of the gods was I enslaved! Pleb.: Ten whole denarii! Why — that — would — buy Fulv.: [pushes pleb. outward] Run! Tell the waiting friends that our good chief, Great Caius Gracchus, takes no bribe ! Shout that! Pleb.: [running out] Cheer Caius Gracchus, for he hath refused A mighty bribe, a very mighty bribe! Drus. Fulv.: Drus. 'T is for himself he cheers. He 's honest, still. But by another's, not his own free will. [Shouts " Hail, Caius Gracchus! "] Page50 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I [to Fulvius] Take shame! Thou hast despoiled that scurvy rat Of treasure he will much regret, when once The ardor of the instant hath worn off. Gracch.: [to old woman] Now, mother, speak thy sorrow: let me hear. Old Worn.: Lord Gracchus! Be my shield this tearful day. And save my boy — my baby! [Kneels at Gracchus' feet] Gracch.: Who art thou? Old Worn.: A Roman mother. Gracch.: Of a son.? Old Worn.: Aye, lord, Who'th served the city in three long campaigns, Was five times wounded, and hath naught to eat. Gracch.: Who wrongs thee? Old Worn.: One who had much corn, from whom My son, to feed us both, took what his hands Could carry, of his store. Gracch.: And now — Old Worn.: Those hands He loses in two days. Gods! Fann.: For the theft? Old Worn.: Theft? Theft? And is it theft to take to eat When hunger gnaws within, and there 's no work to do? Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 51 Fulv.: No work? Old Worn.: No work for those who ask a wage. There are too many slaves who work for nothing : The slaves our conquering soldiers brought to Rome! Ha, ha! Drus.: [aside, to Fannius] There 's humor in the sibyl. Fann.: [aside, to Drusus] Curse her plaint! She makes our task the harder in this house. [Turns to old woman] But did the youngster, to secure the needs Of both of you, make offer of himself In servitude? Old Worn.: In slavery? My son? A Roman soldier? Fann.: Gracch. Lie: Fulv.: Aye — why not? You 're poor? O monstrous! Horrible ! O swelhng heart, Void, void the blood that floods thee, or it bursts ! Stay, murder that invades my straining throat. And dims mine eyes with red ! . . % That 's what they seek: To make all toilers slaves! Page52 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Old Worn.: If he had dared To such dishonor, I 'd have seen him dead ! Fann.: Dost see him worse ! Old Worn.: My son! For just a few, A paltry few, dried grains of needed corn! Dtus * That 's theft. That is the law! Old Worn.: Then change the law! Such laws are wicked ! Do ye hear? They 're vile! The law? What was the law when ye called out My boy, as soldier, from my side, to face The tearing shafts of death? Ye said 't was needful. And so I gave him. Now he needs, and I : And we, who offered up our lives when bidden. Are not to take a little heap of corn — We, who to serve you, took a world in arms! Law ! Law ! When one who 's naked takes some clothes From him who hath too many — is that steal- ing? When one who 's hungry takes some food from him Whose belly 's crammed — is that a theft ? Why? Why? It 's need ! Your law — your law that calls it wrong. Needs curing! Change it! Make it work both ways ! Whom ye 've the right to draft for death, have right To draft, in turn, the things they need to livel Act I CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 53 Gracch. The thief is he who hoards while others starve! That 's law ! Oh, save him ! Save my Uttle boy ! Alas, I 've not the power, for I 'm not A Tribune any longer. Drusus is. Beg him. Old Worn.: [kneels to Drusus] O help me. Tribune! Drus.: 'T is the law! Old Worn.: And there 's no help.'' Fann.: No help, old woman, none. Now, get thee hence. Gracch.: This roof is mine, not thine. Stay, rest thee, mother : eat, and pray the gods; Perhaps they will have pity on thy boy. Old Worn.: The gods? There are no gods! There are but those Who have the gold to make all Romans slaves, And we, who serve them, and give up our lives. To make them fat: so fat, so fat, so fat! There are but we, who should have all, with not a thing; And they, who, earning not a thing, have all of all! Ha, ha, the gods! Patricians! Lords! Elect! Hell curse you! Curse you, bloated blood- suckers ! Hell curse you! Leeches! Oh, my boy, my boy! His hands! His two dear hands! My darhng baby's hands! [Exit old woman] Gracch.: Make fast the portals. Page54 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Phil: Drus. Gracch. Aye, my lord; 't is done. [Exit Philocrates] Thine eyes have seen. Now hast thou learned aught new From that ambassador, and that old beldam Who oozes anarchy? Aye, I 've learned much Of evil in that state, wherein one man Hath so much wealth, that with the paltriest pinch From out his smallest coflFer, he can buy The very inwards of still another, who. Because he craves some ease, must sell his arm and faith. And, also, I have learned from that poor mother To whom thou wouldst not grant the Trib- une's aid. To think of it! He took a few hard grains of corn. And pays with his two hands; but ye — ye take Vast lands, hoards, mounds of unearned toll, whole provinces, Cheat out of taxes, make the courts your tools. And Romans gab, and growl, and shake their heads, and do — Just nothing! Ye enjoy, and scoff, and thrive, and thrive. By Jupiter! Is all this to endure? If so, then heaven 's void, all morals jests, And laws are but the patter of sheer fools! But I will not believe it! No! I '11 not! I '11 not believe ye '11 flourish on this wise for- ever! I '11 not believe the commons will not rise, That they will not shake off their stupid sloth. Their indolent, their shrinking, cowards' sloth, ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 55 And bring you to a stern accounting on some day! I '11 not believe it, sirs! I '11 not! I '11 not! Fann.: Gracch. Fulv. Drus. So, still art — stubborn — intent on thy design? Yea ! On the morrow, in the Forum, they — The pompous master-thieves — those ancient ones Whom callest Roma's greatest — they, and I, Must lay our issues for the whole of Rome to judge. There smugly plead your hoary rights to take Whathathnotwrungyour sweat; tofeastonthat Which other hands have culled. But I, again, Will cry the truth that no man, or by birth. Or by the play of craft, should stand empowered To claim command of place, or others' toil. Or reverend bow, or usury on that Which hath not been amassed by present labor done. That is my gage; I '11 stake on its true merit The issue of the people's voice, whatever The guise be of the scheme ye may employ To cozen them into some offward move Drawn to undo my work for them of many years. [Shouts of populace: " Gracchus! Hail Gracchus! " Sound of closing door. Noise of shouting becomes deadened. Enter Philockates; resumes his sta- tion] There speaks the statesman and the man of arms! And to that challenge add we all our force! The dextrous wits that plan for other things Will drown thine efforts in some special flood Devised to work that end. The surging mob. Whose throaty bellow sounds so brave the while. Page 56 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Gracch. Drus.: Gracch. Drus. Fulv.: Drus.: Fulv.: Gracch. Drus.: Will leave thee, as is left one loathsomely- Marked leper, when the masters, in accord, Bestir their minds to silence thy loose tongue. Say'st thou they '11 leave me? Then is Grac- chus lost; But if I win? Thou fox-head, — if I win? .... £foc agre.' Count your stakes before ye play! . . Hast heard my words: they point my future deeds! Then here we part, — and here thy doom is sealed. Aye, here we part: each to his several fate. Thou, Fannius, to thy trough, and Drusus — thou — Smooth, trilling cuckoo of the lawless high — Take thee the path of dalhance and of lie! Enough! This insolence makes patience vile; Art forfeit to thy fate, thou reckless man! Which runs, at least, with honor, reckful sir: A word thou may'st not use without a blush. E'en though thou Kve to see thy knowing nose O'erlap thy clever chin. Thou scum! Thou — well — thou thou! Philocrates! Conduct lord Drusus as he came, And then unfold our inner gate to these. [Points to Fannius and Calpio] I fear for thee most poignantly, my friend. [Exeunt Drusus and Philocrates, R. ; Gracchus, Fulvius, and Licinia, L.] ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 57 Fann.: [aside, to Calpio] That woman makes my cooling blood to course With ardor and desire I 'd long thought dead. Mark well her safety for mine arms' delight, When she 's deprived of Gracchus' shielding clasp. Calp.: [aside, to Fannius] Thy Calpio will bring the radiant dame, Whole and unsullied, to thy passion's feast. [to Antyllius] I have some other questions — AntylL: Calp.: AntylL: Calp.: AntylL: Lie: Gracch. Lie. Not here; I fear. I furlough tonight: I '11 meet thee for an hour. My purse is flat — my special need distressing. At my lord's. An hour. Gold coins? Hast said. Done. [Enter Philocrates; bows to Fannius, who exits with Calpio, escorted by Philocrates and Antyllius. Shouts : — " Ah — Fannius! " " Gracchus! Hail Gracchus! " Enter Gracchus, Licinia, FuLvius. Gracchus and Fulvius bear their togas] Stay, Caius. Rest at home; my love prays: stay ! Nay, sweetest wife: those fretful ones await, Whom I must court again within the hour, Lest, overnight, their fickle memories lose The service of two lustrums of full years. Then arm thee, husband? Page58 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Fulv.: That 's my prayer, too. Gracch.: The Gracchan sword is not for Roman breasts. Lie: [lifts sword from wall] If not for thine own self — for mine, my lord! do not challenge Fate with lowered point, Nor shed thy buckler when there 's menace by, Which thee but once, but me will prove a thou- sand times With fatal thrust, whilst art abroad. Fulv.: Take arms! Meet feint with blow, and for a wound deal death! Gracch.: 1 fight for Rome, not Romans! And this sword 's A warrior's, not a warder's! Lie: Gracch. Fulv. Dearest love : Think well of slain Tiberius, and me. I pray — beseech — thou do not cast thy tears. As fuel, on the raging flames that now Consume me. There 's such warfare in my breast As when two mighty hosts are battle-locked. Now grip and tear my love, and earth's desire. That bend me to the languor of thy bosom; And now those mighty legions range the field That cry my duty. Wife! Let those win the day! Caius! They fight with club, with pike, with secret blade. ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 59 Whom thou opposest with mild argument. Arm right with power! So the gods have done. When they have deigned to aid in mortal strife ! Lie.: [lays sword at side of fountain] Not so! Not so! Go forth, my love, go forth! I feel, I read thy soul, and know its goad! And if this kiss be sealed our very last — 'T is a caress of honor, that Jupiter himself May envy any mortal. Gracch.: Gracious love — Fulv.: [to Licinia] Thy mind 's my champion, thy heart 's my foe; I fear your hearts will bring us all much woe! [Shouts by populace: " Die, FanniusI"] Gracch.: Phil: Fulv.: Gracch. Attend! [Enter Philocrates, Antyllius] What 's toward there? The populace Assails lord Fannius ! Good! Speed his death! O wretched men! Have Romans come so low? [Strides toward doorway] Page60 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act I Fulv.: [makes motion to restrain him] Nay, Caius, let the hungry, snarHng wolves Feed on their meat. Gracch.: Are we like Drusus, then, Or even Fannius — to 'venge a wrong. Whose cure is in our wills, with cowards' blows? Forfend such guilt! AntylL: [looks out through doorway] My lord, he is o'erwhelmed! Gracch.: O craven deed ! Who love me, speed to shield ! AntylL: My lord, I go! I go! [Exit Anttllitjs] Phil: This hot despatch Hath strangeness in its quality. Gracch.: [to Philocrates] Wouldst say — ? Phil: Mine arm lives with my heart. Gracch.: [to Fulvius] And thou? Fulv.: I must: Persuaded by thy will, but not thy thought. Gracch.: Then speed ! Fulv.: I bid my leaden self to fly. To raise the arm that will assail us. Hi! [Exeunt Gracchus, Fulvius, Philoc- KATES. Cry: ''Hail Gracchus! Hail Fulvius 1 Hail Gracchus!"] ActI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 61 Gracch.: [without] Friends, stay your hands, in Rome's proud name ! Halt! Halt! [Tumult ceases. Portinus enters stealth- ily, takes Gracchus' sword; exit] Lie: [in position of adoration] Ye gods, who read men's hearts, and know their souls, — Heed this, my prayer : — Guard and preserve my love! Curtain Fann.: Calp.: Fann.: ACT II Chamber in Palace of Caius Fannius [Before curtain: — voice of one man chanting : To make one such, Who hath too much. Ten thousand go with all too little! In Vulcan's name. Hold, curb and tame: The over-rich men's acres whittle! Chorus, by many voices: They have too much, and we too little! So let us whittle, whittle, whittle!] [Fannius wears several bandages] They do not come? My lord, all Rome moves here. Excepting, only, those for whom we wait. [Distant sound of men marching; chant by many voices : " They have too much, and we too little! So let us whittle, whittle, whittle! " ] Yelp on, ye slinking curs! Yelp on, before The master-brains of Rome appoint the way To whip you back to lair, and den, and kennel, For ever more to crouch, with hps so sealed By cringing fear, and terror's Hvid lash, That for a thousand years, no common crea- ture Page 64 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Will dare to lift his eye again, to gaze Directly on a high-born face! Yelp on, Ye toilers with the hand! Soon shall ye woo That silence which ye now destroy, as boon Most blessed, and with shrinking, quaking, freezing hearts, Pray for the privacy ye now eschew, Lest that your knotted persons may obtrude themselves To any idly wandering patrician gaze. And thereby earn the ironed whip, as instant pay! [Enter Rutilius] Ave! Here at last! Yes, father. O — 't is thou. But I. My welcome 's cold? Yes, . . . No. . . [Distant chant: " We 'II whittle, whittle, whittle! " ] But stop! There 's that I should discuss with thee at length. Which, to allay th' impatience of a tryst Delayed, I '11 speak on now. Calp.: Sir, by your leave — Fann.: [to Calpio] I wish thee here. Thou hast a festive sense, That sometimes shames mere wisdom. Rut.: Fann. Rut: Fann. Rut.: Fann. Act II CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 65 Rut.: Fann. Rut.: Fann. Rut.: Fann.: Rut.: Fann.: Rut.: Hold my back! [Calpio stands behind Rutilius] Good son ! The tripping tongue of rumor speeds A brackish tale to my reluctant ear — Pan's pipes! What now? And of what heinous crime — The crime of folly. Yesternight, 't is said. With other youths as brainless as thyself. Thou didst display to all the eyeing world Upon the common highway, such mawkish state As did more honor to thy vintner's skill. Than to the due regard for outward show That birth, and ancient rule, impose on thee. 'T was but a lark. Patricians all, we played — There lies the fatal fault — that ye were all Patricians. But the maids we flushed — The maids? Aye — that 's the circumstance that first be- trayed Our play to vulgar view. Night was still day. We were a company of Roma's best. And oldest, families. We were in haste To revel at a Grecian woman's house. Where Aphrodite holds her lustful state, And teaches, by her adepts, arts of loving We, cruder Romans, have not yet attained. When at a crossing, lo — a startled flock Of common maidens, homeward bound from some Page 66 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Rite of devotion at the Huntress' shrine. To-ho! The game drew chase! Who could resist? We pointed! And, these in laughter, those in earnest, we, First but with words, then hands, and then with curling arms. Endeavored to induce to pleasant pranks. But, of the quarry, some with real, and some with mock of fear. Sought flight, and so filled the air with piping shrieks. That soon the scum came pouring from the holes Wherein they 'd burrowed for the settling dark. Then — valor had been folly. We withdrew, In order, from the fray, as nobles should. The maidens scampered on their way. We strolled on ours. 'T was thus the passing frolic ended, quite. At least — Fann.: Rut: Fann. Rut: And thou wouldst say — Within mine arms, I held, a little while, a girl more fair Than has made glad man's eyes since that far day When Troiia's prince first saw his Helen's radiance gleam. But innocent, scarce ripe : her rounded breasts — Forbear! What 's more to tell of the event.'* While struggling in the prison of mine eager hold, She cried: " I know thee, son of Fannius! My father is Antyllius — great Gracchus' guard ! Shalt know his wrath when he hears of my hurt! " Act II CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 67 Fann.: Antyllius ! The same. What then? Most strange! What sightless east of Chance is this? Or, is it some Untoward throw of Fate's enmeshing strands? Chance? Fate? Hail, both! By Jove's seductive eye! I swear I shall enjoy that maid ere cocks crow thrice ! Dost rave! That I do not! My mind is set. I burn with hot desire: such craving as never yet Hath shriveled mortal flesh with amorous fire. Son — this Antyllius is now applied In service that 's most urgent to us all. But for his sheltering steel, I were a corpse this hour. Antyllius — and thou — ? He is our spy. He 'waits me m the courtyard now, to tell, tell, tell! I '11 have the maid ! Antyllius is one Who would most mightily avenge his wrong. I '11 have the maid! 'T is but a common man, Rut: Fann.: Rut: Fann.: Rut: Fann.: Rut: Fann.: Calp.: Rut.: Fann.: Rut: Page68 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II In ranks, whom wouldst hold out to balk my will; I '11 have the maid, e'en though a legion full Of sweaty plebs maintained her moated keep. He 's here; he does not know. He must not leave to learn. Fann.: Calf.: Fann.: Calp.: Rut.: Calp.: Fann.: Rut. Come, Calpio: hast moved the boy, at times; What say'st? The youth sounds valor with his words. He is of noble stock, and gracious line, But of this madness — Sir, — in high-born ones, The will to have flares out in various ways. Of which the common herd must pay the due; For this are ye the lords — and those the folk. Ha, Calpio ! Some day I '11 make thee free ! I 've thrived so long in careless state, as will- less slave, I 'd faint beneath th' oppressive freedman's load. Now end this Attic salt. The instant questions, That press for quick solution, make thy will To this one rape an added load upon My groaning back. Bethink thee well, my son: Forego this thing. I '11 have the maid ! I crave Her body for my pleasure. It were vain To be a noble born, and to possess Unnumbered stores of wealth, if still the strong Insistence of the flesh were wronged with iced denial. It is my due! I '11 have the maid! AcTlI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 69 Fann.: What must Will be; yet this thou owest to thyself: Still to debate thee both thy loss, and gain, In every act that 's traced to thine own hand. [Chant by many voices: " They have too much, arid we too little! So let us whittle, whittle, whittle! " ] Dost hear that demon's song? It sounds a threat More present than thy greenling mind absorbs. Mark well those words! [Chant by one voice: " So let us whittle, whittle, whittle! " ] Rut: Fann.: Rut.: Fann. Rut: I did not write the song. But thou may'st write its sequel by thy frolics; A sequel that will fall upon thy head With splintering force. Bethink thee of the fate Of Appius Claudius.* Art bound to chide? Not chide— but teach. Give heed to mine advice. Art rich and noble. Thou art both because The futile mass we call plebeian dogs Believe thee better than themselves. That thought It is the business of thy life to make Grow ever more established in their minds. Thy words are pleasing. * Vide story of Virginius. Page 70 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Fann.: Attend still further, son. Thy life is but a sacrifice to effort For those of lower fortune, whom the gods Have, in their wisdom, ordered to be poor. And servants of thine hands. So! That 's the part Assigned to thee, by Fate, to play. And while Thou dost impersonate that character with skill, The world of joy, and pleasure, is all thine. To sate the appetite for what thou wilt; Take that which lures thee most; enjoy the best Of all the things that woo thee: murder, — cheat, — Suborn the magistrates, — seize virgin maidens To grace thine orgies, — send a myriad men To bloody war, to please some paltry passing whim. Or yet to heap up treasures in thy chests; They '11 serve, those fools: they '11 pay — they '11 slay their own — And hail thee great, besides, and cheer thy name, If only dost pretend — and do it well! Calf.: Fann. Give ear! Give ear! Pretend! Pretend 's the word! Pretense and Cunning! These are the twin pillars That hold aloft the house of High Estate. Play that which thou art not, with studied noise. Do that which is thyself, in quiet style. Or such that none remain who may avenge. Or make a public talk that ever can be heard. Preach virtue, piety, and loyalness. But see these poisons ne'er infect thyself. Act II CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 71 Acclaim as patriots the cringing servile, Denounce as traitors who presume to free-born thought. Be quick with vengeance on who dare thy rule, And lean on Terror as thy surest aid; But if the plebs essay to strike in turn. Hire hostile chiefs to force thy yoke on rebel necks, And, having mastered, pave the land with twisted dead! Make life a thing of profit. Every act He who is destined to high place commits Is first well planned to bear the heavy fruit Of rich reward. Do naught for naught! Hold that! Who hath, is master; who hath not, is slave. Who wins is virtuous; the loser 's knave. To those, the common ones, allot the bliss Of great rewards in some uncertain future state; But grasp thy profit here — and reach for more, and more! Rut.: Fann. But great ones sometimes give with lavish hand.'' Give charity for profit, but make very sure Its trickling is well trumpeted to every ear; Tag public benefactions with thy name. But, suck out thrice their cost by increased tolls. Keep wary eye on scribblers,* for there is Malignant power in the fluent pen. Command its scraping; hold its adepts as Thy strumpet heralds: or by gold, or guile. Or else by making easy to be grasped * There was a stringent law against the publishing of offensive satires. Macaulay says that while Rome acquired practically all her literary style from other nations, satire was her own highly developed production. Page72 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II The laurel to thy panders, in the while, Thou dost, by shouted laughter, or high scorn, All paid for from thy purse, make come still- born The offspring of the hostile-flavored brain. Rut: Fann. Rut.: Fann.: Rut: Fann. How still the empty stomachs, when they yelp? Make phrases. When most filching, speak most fine! The vulgar all to Hck-spittling incline; Emotions for the low — for us the loot; Urge them to sacrifice: and snatch its lus- cious fruit. Yet, time, and time, they force the shield of laws? Keep Janus' temple gaping. All the rights They toilsomely attain while reveling in peace, These aspen-brained cast off with gladsome shout Whene'er we sound a martial strain without. Roll up thine eyes, and shout: " Our duty first! " And strip them, while their gusts of fervor burst ! Declaim sonorously of Honor, Right, Of Trust, and Faith, and Love's Ennobling Light; Sing Sweet Contentment to the timorous mob, But, or in peace or war: lie, rob, lie, rob! But there are others who will do the same? Make common cause with those of thine own kind; Eternal plotting is th' eternal base Of rule of caste by caste. But plot and war by stealth. ActII CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 73 Rut: Calp.: Fann.: Rut.: Fann. Rut: Fann. What if betrayed, — arraigned? Thy mind 's acute. If ever by some clear-eyed foe art charged With any of these deeds, — in shrieking ire Call every god as witness to the stark And vicious falseness of his horrid slander; Invoke the glory of the Roman name, And fill the air with noble-sounding words. While in a minor tone thou sowest dark hints Of nameless ills to come if art denied thy ways. Whereon, the stupid rabble will denounce These libellous aspersions at thy call, And, at thy bidding, they will join to prove Their splendid, lofty spirit, and to earn The graciousness of thy approval, by dis- patching The bawling plaintiff from the Tarpeian Rock, As enemy of Rome. 'T is thus the slinking cur. Kept starving by his master, fawns on him. When called to bark or bite; in hope, withal. To earn a passing pat, or rancid bone Such is the wisdom of the world, that hath been Since earth was earth, — and will be for all time. Thy counsel's weight allows of no retort . . . Hast learned the need of caution in thy sport.f* There 's naught I 've learned that makes me more afraid; I say again: I 'II have that lovely maid! " Then dost thou still impress me with the task To make her succorless . . . Perplexing . . . [to Calpio] What say'st.'' Page74 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Calp.: Rut.: Fann.: Guard: Fann.: Opim.: Fann.: Opim.: It may be done, perhaps, but — Shame on thee, — To bring a " but " into so fine a speech! Sing once again, without that jarring screech ! Thy humor 's vile — [Enter guard] My lord : the Consul 's here. Admit him. [Exit guard] Now the gods be praised ! Here 's one Who drives his scruples where his needs com- mand; A worthy master in a troubled land! [Enter Opimius] Hail, first of Romans ! Take my flowing thanks For calling council in this humble place. Thy body's wrongs call louder than thy voice, And, as thy words, win both my love and trust. To both of these I urge Rutilius, My son, whose presence I would fain have here. Why not? It shall be so. The fledgling must Try out his wings some day: well struck the hour. Rut.: [aside, to Calpio] In this grave council, all I have to say Is that I 'd like my little maid to-day. Calp.: [aside, to Rutilius] Full often, for one high-born youth's desire. Have nations kindled war's consuming fire. Act II CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 75 Opim.: Our Drusus tells me, good friend Fannius, Your several missions of this day were both As vain as harmful? Fann.: Opim.: Fann.: Opim.: Fann.: Opim.: Fann.: Harmful? How the harm? In that the Gracchus hath full warning, now. Of our declared intent to send him hence, To join his dear Tiberius — like friend Of Rome's unkempt — in ghostly revelry. That is of small concern. The man is daft. In your debate, did he uncover aught Of understanding of the prime design Of Drusus', and of thine, conjoint attack On every bulwark of his resolution? He sees but his own dreamings. We two moved As had been planned: our efforts were as thinning smoke. I boldly stormed his porch, the while our men Sped news throughout the waiting throng that now The Gracchus had made peace with us, and ours; And Drusus, moving quietly, made shift To gain an entrance by the rear, and as By chance, he merged his counsel into mine, To talk of peace to Gracchus. But he 'd have None of our bait. With rolling eye, he spewed Fine speeches about souls, and duty, and like Phantasmal fancies of his flighty mind. There is the pity. Had he but said " peace," It had been simple to hang up his fleece. His fleece? I 'd like to hang his steaming bowels ! Page 76 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II I 'd like — enough of that! To-morrow night Or sees us masters over all, or else But creatures of the riff-raff's will, at last. Opim.: Fann.: Opim.: Fann.: Opim.: Fann.: Calp.: Opim.: Fann. Opim.: The urns? Th' event 's too precious to venture Its outcome on so light and poor a cog. It cheated Gracchus. Aye — but they suspect. What are his schemes? Repeat them, Calpio. A tyrant's throne for Gracchus; limit thrift; Steal our estates. I '11 learn the rest anon. [Fannius motions to Calpio, who exits.] So that 's it ? By Hecate ! Our purses bound By cordage, as is bound a snarling dog? Ourselves deprived of means to bribe, to rule? By all the darting demons of deep hell, I cry to war! War! Bloody, blasting war! I breathe to say thy words. None others come. But let us wait our Drusus' counsel; he Hath laid a stratagem our minds should weigh. I '11 leash mine anger, till he comes. And yet, At times I fear this subtle, and his wit: What if ambition should inflame his comb? A timely caution to the foaming mob Act II CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 77 Fann.: He hath his use, and, useful, should be used. The cattle, driven to the slaughter-pen. Soon sense the horrid blood-air that pollutes The dreadful region, where, in former days. By myriads, their kind have twitched and died. They roll their eyes, and snort in sudden fear, Then toss their curving horns in growing rage. Stamp on the earth, and threaten, all at once. To sweep across the plain in thunderous mass, That must leave death, and beaten ruin, in its wake. 'T is now the drover, skilful in his trade, Lays by the goad, abates his boisterous shout. And no more seeks to urge the doomed ones onward. With gentle gesture, and with softened, cooing voice. He brings his bell-cow on, instead, which, trained To prance, with flirting tail, and merry step, A-down the f unneled ways, that bring the meat Within the slithering reach of sharpened knives. Or of the heavy hammers, plied by butchers. Leads on her followers, with honeyed moos. The herd, its fears forgotten, follow her, As something loved, and of one's own — a friend — Who knows the path, and beckons on to peace — And never knows the truth, until the strokes Rain on the heavy bodies, dealing death — The while the winsome leader passes on. Unharmed, to play her destined part again With countless victims, gathered for man's use. But if, perchance, that gladsome, grizzly thing Seems but to pause — or shirk her treacherous task — Page 78 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II The herder sHly makes a sign, and lo, — The tempter shares one end with those she tempts.* Then, in the recess of thine eye, a beam Keeps constant play on Drusus? As, in fence, The swordsman does, so I. Then I 'm content. [Enter Calpio] The Tribune Drusus. Say to him: we wait. [Exit Calpio] I hope he brings us action, not mere talk. [Enter Drusus, Calpio] My lords — your servant. Nay— thy debtors, we. The Gracchus dies; on that we have resolved! 'T is thine to plan for us his wan retreat. Who picks a fruit that is not ripe to eat, But grasps a colic, and wastes future meat. Thy riddle is not plain. Speak out ! Speak out ! They scheme to filch our lands, to limit what The measure of our wealth shall be ! * It is interesting to note that, while the indicated fate did not overtake the Drusus of this generation, it did come to pass in the case of his son, of like name, some thirty years later. The younger Drusus played the same role in public life that his father had found so profitable. One day he overacted his part ; the patricians became suspicious, and he was promptly murdered ; apparently in his own home. — Ant. — Liviae leges. Opim.: Fann.: Opim.: Calpio: Fann.: Opim.: Drus.: Fann.: Opim.: Drus.: Opim.: ActII CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 79 Drus.: My thoughts Revert to that ill-managed day in Rome When certain brave patricians, streaming forth From out the Senate House, by hasty cudgel- blows Wrote " Veto " on the two times Tribuneship The first-born Gracchus thought to claim his own. Opim. Drus.: Rut: The tale is old. And one I do not like For those miscast events that followed in its train. Dost mean the wondrous sport our nobles had With Billius*, who, couched, for his ease, Within a cask that had been bedded down With vipers, learned, in that soft company, The lesson of a tongue too swift and sharp? Or of the candied maggot-trap that was pre- pared For others of that Gracchus' friends, which some Have named the Persian boat**.'' 'T would be a lark To see such games played once again with those Who, with the Gracchus, fight the sacred gods, and us. * After the assassination of Tiberius Gracchus, the patricians murdered his friend Caius Billius, by placing him in a barrel that contained deadly snakes. ** The Persian boat : — The body of the condenmed man was thoroughly smeared with honey. He was then placed in a boat. Another boat, inverted, enclosed him. His head and feet protruded. He was forcibly fed milk and honey. His position was so maintained that the sun always shone in his eyes. He was actually eaten alive by worms, ants, etc. The victim generally suffered many days before death came to his relief. Page 80 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Opim.: The youth hath spirit, and a sprightly sense. [Strides up and down chamber] To limit wealth! Ha, ha! To take away The lands we 've held for generations past! Drus.: Not those my thoughts. My shrinking mind reviewed The passion of the mob, robbed of that rascal; And all the melancholy pain that then Came to our own Nasica, daring man, Who, raising " Law and Order " * as his cry, Defied the faint-heart Consul, and the rest Of those then Senators, who rather chose To judge the elder Gracchus by the statutes. Than by the good right arm patrician men Are born to use against their foes. 'T was he Who led the noble band that strewed the brains Of that Tiberius upon the paving Of the Capitoline. And yet the splendid deed Was so ill-planned, that our Nasica perished, A fugitive, — in exile. Then, there was Popilius, the stalwart, who sped to doom So vast a crew of Gracchus' fellows: he, too, fled, A wanderer from home. Such precious price was paid For that one proper kiUing, all too rashly worked. Hell take all history ! To-day 's what hurts ! * It being evident that Tiberius Gracchus would be re-elected Tribune, and that the protective laws would be carried, the patricians raised the cry that he was aiming to make himself King. S. Nasica, at that time Pontifex Maximus, called on the Consul to order Gracchus destroyed. The Consul said that it was proper to wait until Gracchus had done something illegal, and then take action under the laws. In the language of Plutarch : " Upon which Nasica started up, and said : ' Since the Consul gives up his country, let all who choose to support the laws follow me.'" Thereupon Nasica, and his followers, covering their heads with their cloaks of ofiBce, rushed out to the Rostra, where they scattered Tiberius' brains with blows of a bludgeon, and murdered about three hundred of his friends. Opim. ActII CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 81 Fann.: The burden chafes. Dost know full well there 's naught We may invoke against this scurrilous rogue — The living Gracchus — that will serve to win The low-born mob from him. But he must die! Must die! Drus. Still, there 's a way — Opim.: [strides across chamber] Then show it! Show it, sir! Those mangy curs! Those vermin! Fann. Drus.: Thou hast a thought? The same as when I counseled those loose laws That are ascribed to me on our tablets. When Gracchus called for two new towns, I said: " Deny it not, but in the Senate's name, Thrust down those hungry gullets laws that call For five times that." When he, to draw the love Of that land-lusting multitude, ordained To grant them soil at some small fee, I coun- tered : " No fee at all! Give gifts! " And so, to-day ye see About the Gracchus but a part of those Who, twelve short months ago, acclaimed him their sole chief; Wherefore are we now ready to put knife To all these damned laws, and with one blow Destroy them, — every one, — both his and mine. But still, slow caution must guard our every deed, Lest from some rashness we may come to need. Page82 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Opim.: Fann.: Drus.: Come to the barb! Show up thy barb! Thy barb! Thy plots have won their gain. Go on; go on. To end the Gracchus, we must first destroy The trustful love the people bear him. That May not be done by frontal open storming; No, no, — it must be done by flanking blow: Some feint, that will within the eye-wink draw The popular regard from Gracchus as he is. And hold its gaze on that which is as foreign To him, as is the mole to lark. It calls A play on that most potent weakness that 's Implanted in the commons, and aye held For use by us : — their squashy sentiment For things on high, — that always serves the ends Of those who scrape with skill on this most mellow string. Opim.: [strides up and down chamber] They 'd put a virgin's girdle round us, hey.'' I '11 answer with a circlet 'round their necks That shall choke off their bellies, tongues and brains. And make of plebs gaunt poles of muscled toil ! [Stops, points at Deusus] By all the labors of the patient Hercules, — Thy plan! Thou hast a plan? Drus. Fann. Drus.. Aye, that I have. To-morrow we '11 debate, not of the laws, Nor of the rich, nor poor, as Gracchus dreams, But of quite other things. There is naught else. We 'U make a something else. Act II CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 83 Opim.: Drus.: Opim. Thou wilt invoke — The gods. The gods? Where drifts thy mind? Rut.: [aside, to Calpio] More gods! Drus.: Opim.: Fann. Drus.. When I was but a youth, my sire imposed This rule on me : — to reach, with dart, the gray goose That makes its flight across the dreary moor, First thou must learn the art of gently stalking it. Think not to catch the bird by forward rush; — Nay — it behooves thee well to learn some squawk That will distract it from the native pull of caution. Then may'st approach it, hidden by some copse, And while it thrills, enchanted by thy winning call. Send in thine arrow! The game will fall. Ye gathered gods, — thou hast a pretty tongue! The fable 's wise. But how 's our purpose served? [Strides across chamber] I '11 make their hill a sowage of small brick, The home of hooting owls, of prowling wolves ! And how the gods? There are four hoary frauds, Whose battered masks, bedaubed with new red dyes. Avail to smother, in the vulgar herd. The will to strike the shackles from their limbs. Page84 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act 11 If any preach a new religion, or A new philosophy, or base for happier life, Or any thought that threatens those who rule, Shout: "Rape! They seek to violate our homes! " Or " Woe! They 'd murder all our thrifty men! " Or "Treason! They design to wreck our state! " Or "Sacrilege! They flout Religion, gods!" The saying makes it so: none dares dispute, Lest gibbering fellows vilify his good repute. And so, these win. To-day, I choose the gods. With which to fright those oxen-witted clods. Opim.: Drus.: Opim. Drus. Opim. Drus.: Go on! To-morrow that shall fall, for which Our yeasty plebs will lose all thought of gold, And land, and price of corn, and right to vote: And think of Caius Gracchus only as A wretch so wicked, that 't will be a task Stamped holy, and most pleasing to the watch- ful gods. To rid the land of him, and all his hateful like. But Gracchus hath done naught. He is a tit, Who rocks the nation with his acrid chirp. But guards his arm, with coward's careful craft. The villain hath done naught! Nor will he do. But, 't will be done for him ; and to his arm The deed will be so skillfully applied. He '11 swear that to himself his own two hands have lied. Speak to the project! That I do, apace. ActII CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 85 Rome's ancient custom is, that in the hour When all have gathered for the ballots' test, Thou, noble Consul, shalt make offering To heaven's host and that the entrails, then. Plucked from the fresh-slain victim, and well scanned By the haruspices, shall be presented For confirmation to the Lord of Priests. Opim. Drus. Fann.: Drus.: Fann.: Opim. All that is well. The belly-rippers have been told What they 're to read, and when. My point's not there. While on his way with this most sacred charge. Thy hctor shall be slaughtered by the blows Of Caius Gracchus' friends — I almost see . . . Of Caius Gracchus' friends, or those who seem In verity to be of them. Then, — vale To talk of land, and gold, and rich, and poor. And laws, and right and wrong, and like real things! Shriek "Sacrilege!" and with that awful cry. Make end of Gracchus, and of all his frenzied tribe. I 've spoken. And hast spoken well. [to Opimius] Say'st so.'' It means the shedding of a lictor's blood .... And if thine effort fail, and, in a while. By some mischance, the truth becomes re- vealed.'' Page86 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Drus.: What 's set in the confusion's moment, stays The fixed event: the common mind accepts The impress of the seal that ready brains and tongues Affix while all the passions are in flux; And naught of protest, or of proof, avails To change that image in the after-days. [Sound of men marching in distance, chanting : " So let us whittle, whittle, whittle! " ] Fann. Opim.: Hear that! Or commons' blood, or our own ease. The field allows no truce; who rules must kill; This one by sword, and this by scheme, but still. Who would sit high, must have a bloody will. I place my hand in thine, and cry to play! The nobles, rich, and gods shall win the day! Rut.: [aside, to Calpio] I 've sat in patience, while they 've moaned and brayed. But have not heard a word about my maid. Calp.: [aside, to Rutilius] Be cheered, good sir. Within thy sire's keen mind, I feel a thought is forming, of some kind. That soon will serve thy pleasure, and his pressing need. BehcJd ! He leaps to ride the new-foaled steed ! Fann.: But if thou, gracious Consul, wouldst not lose One of thy proven Hctors, I '11 uncover Another for the death, who shall display Thy livery, and Pluto's, the same day. AcTlI CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 87 O-pim.: Hast such a man? Fann.: I have: he takes my pay. As spy, m Gracchus' household. Upim.: Rut.: [aside, to Caljrio] Sweet, wondrous night! I have my little maid! Fann.: [to Calpio] That scurvy spy is here, my Calpio? My lord,— Antyllius is in the court. rann.: He 'th spewked his mind? Calp.: Fann.: ^'^ ^'*"^" ^^ '^ ^""P*^' *1"^*^- Go, bid him hither. [Exit Calpio] Vrus.: „,, . , Now we have the corpse, — Who IS to butcher him? [Enter Calpio] rann.: ,^ „ , . , , My man— my slave— My Calpio, who, habited ahke With Gracchus' friends, shall give the fatal thrust. Calp.: My lord — my lord — Fann.: p J Wouldst argue? Fann.: Nay, but yet- No harm shall reach thee. The law, that sorry jade. The Gorgon of the plebs, but our meek maid. Page88 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Drus. Antyll. Opim.: Fann.: Shall neither see, nor know thy person, so, Thy crime comes aptly, as our wills may show. Now grasp this lesson of th' assassin's craft: Thy victim, dying, may betray thee yet, If he but names thee with his ratthng breath. Strike in the throat! So silence wins with death ! [Enter Anttllius] My honored lord — He seems a likely man. AntylUus : — hast served me faithfully ; So, learn of thy reward, which, from the grace Of our full pleasure of thy toil, we give. Calp.: [aside] Prick up thine ears, sweet corpse, and earn thy killing ! Antyll. I 've served thee, master, as my station called. And if at times the task has irked me, I Had naught to do but tug my brain to contemplation Of thy great purse, and my dire need. When some Blabbed tales of a new state, in which no one Had or too much or not enough, I 've swept the folly From out the chambers of my mind, with this Wise argument : — let others fear the high; I serve them, and the meed of my reward Will place me, soon, where I need never know Gaunt want as guest again. I have a daugh- ter — A budding maid; my dream hath been to garner ActII CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 89 A measure of industrious coin to earn her shelter. Rut.: [aside, to Calpio] Hear that? A bud! I '11 shelter her, — ^myself! Fann.: Enough! Enough! Thy tasteless task is done, And soon shalt be a stranger to all need. Calp.: [aside, to Rutilius] And fear of need, besides, thou faithful man! Fann.: Now servest thou no longer me; instead. Art lictor to our gracious Consul — to The lord Opimius. AntylL: The Consul's man! O bounteous gods! I '11 post me home at once. And shout the cheer to my most anxious girl. Rut.: [half rises, in agitation] Not— Calp.: [hastily] Stay — Fann.: [evenly] Thy service holds thee here this night. AntylL: [pleadingly] My lord— Fann.: Hast heard — AntylL: But there 's a moving reason — Fann.: A soldier reasons by obeying. AntylL: I obey. Page 90 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Fann.: 'T is well; thy news will be no less a joy When, splendid in thy marks of new prefer- ment, Dost home to-morrow. Now, wait, in yonder court. The detail of thy new employment. Antyll. I wait. The Consul's lictor! Fortune's mantle warms! [Exit Antyllius] Rut.: {sinks hack, relieved] Ye gods! Fann.: [to Rutilius] On what a wisp man's fate is borne! A breath, a word, an insubstantial thought, And empires crash, or peoples disappear .... [turns to Calpio] Thou, Calpio, wilt charge him with his task Betimes, and hold him fast.-^ Calf.: Drus.: Opim. 'T is done, my lord. There ! There 's a proper pleb ! He knows his poor man's place. He '11 die most happy. Now let 's set the plan For the depletion of the Gracchus' ranks, That will reheve us of those raucous hounds Who urge the dull-brained pack to battle: mouthing curs. Who agitate the servile class, and breed Displeasure, discontent, and struggling effort ! I have a roll that bears three thousand names. Act II CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 91 Rut: That's ten for one! Three hundred names* sustain The burden of our Roma's men of worth. Fann. Opim. Drus.: Opim.. Drus.: Opim.: Drus.: Opim.: Fann.: Rut.: Opim.: Guard.: Well spoken: and that hst shall be announced Among the shades before we call the halt. Th' assassins — I have found. A husky band Of soldiers, who, for some huzzahs and pay, Will show to our aspiring citizens The way to long, and toilless, peaceful sleep. But if they arm and fight? That they will not. Thy certainty — Is founded on the fact; That half-wit cries the holiness of statutes, And prates the sacred state of magistrates. Our statutes — Our magistrates. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! T IS well, 't is so. 'T were ill were 't not so, [Enter guard] The Pontifex, and other lords, have come! •Livy and Cicero seem to agree in limiting the number of the patrician families to three hundred Page92 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act II Fann.: We greet them. [Exeunt all but Calpio] Calf. Drus. I 'm to kill a Roman! Gods! Stark fear, and pride, contend in me, apace: Myself to kill one of this hated race! [Enter Pontifex, Fannius, Opimius, Drusus, Rutilius, Priests, Senators, etc.] Fann.: \to Pontifex] High-favored sir,* my humble home is graced By the benignity of thine approach. Pont.: It is but meet that in this dreadful hour, The gods seek wisdom from Rome's men of power. Our brains have moved; the springal's set; and now. Naught 's left, high sirs, but for you all, and thou. Our highest priest, and those who serve thy hands. To tm-n what is our counsel into your com- mands. Lords, senators and judges, praefects — friends! Our Drusus hath prepared your several parts. Which, on the morrow, when the shaft is loosed That is to end the Gracchan lunacy. Each must perform to win this dreadful fight. Pont.: {points to senators, magistrates, praefects, etc.] We are thy soldiers: order as thou wilt. * The position of the Pontifex Maximus was rather an anomalous one. He was the head of the priests, but was not strictly a priest, in the modem significance of the term. Opim. ActII CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 93 Calf.: [aside, to Rutilius] See how persuasive is the voice of gold? Rut.: [aside, to Calpio] I have that maiden in my straining hold! Drus. To-morrow, enter on the Forum, lords. Prepared to rend your cloaks, and pluck your hairs, And cry "Alas!" and weep with splashing tears. Fit to alarm the mob, and press its fears. The signal will be yours when, to your ears. There wings the swelling shout of " Sacrilege! " Then fleetly make your way to where we stand. And, shrieking " Sacrilege! " wave hands on high. And mingle frenzied shout with anguished sob and cry Curtain at.: Voices: Gracch. Voices: Gracch. Pleb. Cit: ACT III The Forum [Curtain discloses the Rostra; crowd standing up to its edges. With rising of curtain, chant by crowd: " They have too much, and we too little! So let us whittle, whittle, whittle! " ] Ho! Silence! Caius Gracchus speaks! StiU! Still! My honest Romans ! Here, where he I loved — Tiberius^was foully, basely, slain, Here I, his brother, stand, to-day, foredoomed To death as merciless* — No, no, no, no ! But it is true! The cunning brains that plan For profit, and for power, night and day. Have so ordained, and now, they boast, this very hour, — Invoking law to hide their Anarchy, — They '11 still my life, so as to still my tongue: These most respectable patrician lords! We '11 die with thee ! Thy brother's brother, hail! *The resignation of Caius Gracchus to his fate, which has sometimes been adversely criticised, is by many said to have been due to his having heard Tiberius say to him, in a dream : "Why linger, Caius, when the same death by which I perished is before thee, likewise? " — Cic. De Div. 1, 26. Page 96 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III Gracch.: My brother: ye recall him? Oh, ye recall! That sweet, that gentle presence; he whose love For Rome, and Rome's oppressed, gushed from a source Exhaustion served but to renew tenfold! Forgive these tears — Pleb.: {sobbing] They honor thee! Cit.: [sobbing] And us — Men! Weep! Weep for that loss! Pleb.: Gracch.. Voices: Gracch.. Cit: Pleb.: Cit: Pleb.: Voices: Gracch.. Yea, such a loss! Him, him, who lived to serve you, they assailed With the phantastic tale he sought a crown. That lie — that monstrous lie — A lie! A lie! The lie they '11 find for me, — what man shall say? But they will find it! Let them find ! Vain find ! The gods themselves can never shake our faith! We're wiser now ! We're not so simple-brained ! We know thee, Gracchus! Aye, we do! We do! What comes, will come. But still, before they rise To take your votes on those most needful laws Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 97 Which they now seek to wipe from off the scrolls, I pray you : let me endow your brains with judgment. [Enter Drusus] Many Voices: Hail! Hail! Gracch.: [to Fulvius] Whom do they cheer? Fulv.: [to Gracchus] 'T is Drusus' self who 's here. Gracch.: [to Fulvius] He hath befooled them, quite. Fulv.: [to Gracchus] And will, still more. Gracch.: The Rubrian law must stay ! at.: Pleb. Cit.: Aye, that it shall! What Gracchus wills is right! It is for me! What say ye, comrades.'' Noble Gracchus, hail! We '11 stay with thee till death ! Pleb.: Voices: Till death! Till death! Gracch.: [to Fulvius] The gods be praised! They stand! Their wills are firm ! Fulv.: [to Gracchus] 1 '11 tie the knot securely while I may. [to crowd] Now ye who hold with Gracchus in this hour. Page 98 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III And will to live, or die, as he deems right, Raise up your hands and shout! Crowd: [all raising hands] We '11 die with thee! Gracch.: My comrades — honest Romans — ye all know well The quality of my regard for those who toil. But now, I thank you more for this, your gift That ye 've so freely given, which, indeed, Hath made me very rich. Pleb.: [to citizen] I had been told He was not rich. Cit.: [to pleb.] 'T is but a way he hath Of saying that, in sooth, he 's very poor. Pleb.: [to citizen] Ah yes! That 's it. He is not rich, thou say'st? Gracch. Pkb. Your ears recall that when I came back home From stern Sardinia's hard shore, I said That I re-entered Rome's half-hostile gates A man much poorer than when I had left.* Candor compels confession. I was wrong. What 's this? What 's this? * At the age of 27, Gracchus served as Quaestor in Sardinia under Orestes. The winter weather was severe, and the General demanded of the cities clothing for his common soldiers. The citizens appealed to Rome, and the Senate counter- manded the requisition. The soldiers suffered greatly. Gracchus personally solicited the towns, and prevailed on their good-will to help the soldiers voluntarily. Also Micipsa, King of Sardinia, because of his personal affection for Gracchus, sent to the soldiers a large quantity of com. The Senate, taking alarm at this evident popularity of the brother of the slain Tiberius, became openly hostile to Gracchus. The latter immediately came back to Rome, and faced his enemies. He then made the following statement, quoted by Plutarch : " He was the only man who went out with a JvU purse, and returned with an empty one; while others, after having drunk the wine they carried out, brought back the vessels filled with gold and silver." Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 99 Gracch. Voices: Pleb.: Gracch. I was, indeed, a poorer man in purse, But when I think of all the fair repute, And precious honor,* and the trustful love I 'd won of you, my honest Roman men — Aye, that thou didst! We love thee well! Art ours! But hast no cheer, lord, for the Roman nobles? I do not love those noble, nor those high. Whose titles rest on aught but service which They have themselves done to their fellow- men. For which some nice distinctions, granted by The people's instant will, may point them out As truly great, in act, in spirit, and in worth. My soul goes sick at sight of those sleek rogues Who claim the right, by virtue of mere gold. Or of some station herited, or gained by strength Of cunning, or of trafficking, or guile. To strut about, the masters of our people and our state. They are our enemies — those keen-eyed men,** Whose hands are soft, e'en as their hearts are hard. And from whose nimble brains flow all our woes. Beneath their purple-bordered robes I spy Men who, when others went to fight, and die For Roman thought, and Roman law's wide sway, Themselves, or through their factors, or their furtive kin, Made profits on the corn our soldiers parched. * Aulus Gellius. XI ; 10. See, also, English Hist. Rev., Vol. iO, p. 433. ** Compare Lysias' Oration against the grain dealers. Pars. 14, 15. Page 100 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III And profits on our arms, and on our shields; Made profits, profits, profits, on each thing That we, the fighting men, or wore, or ate. Or used to bleed the enemy. And these. Who profited while others lost — aye — lost Their hands, their feet, their eyes, their very lives, — Now shamelessly display their ghoulish pick- ings In chariots, in robes, in wondrous spots Made beautiful for their abodes, and brand us Low traitors, who assail their stealings. For me. When any maid sprung of such loins I see, Go mincing by, in all her trappery. Of precious stuffs, and jewels gleaming out. Attended by her slaves, and guards, and lovers, And nosing in the air a state more high Than that of any sweating workman's chit. My bile flows hot: I 'd grasp her glistening hair. And strip her naked, and, with spiked scourge, I 'd whip her through this Forum, loudly cry- ing: " Take off! Thou spawn of Profit! Take them off! ^ There 's blood on them, and rotten corpses peep From every fold of thy rich-laid attire! These jewels are the eyes of many dead. Who clutter battlefields; these rarest scents. That flow from thee, are pregnant with the stink Of countless slaughtered, who gave all for naught. While those whose name thou bearest stayed behind. And gathered all for naught. Thou Vampire Thing! Thou art a fearful growth from bleaching skulls ! Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 101 And all the blood that tinges thy lips red, Thy sire hath lapped beside the whitening dead! 'T is the blood of hungry babes who 've wailed and died, Of starving mothers, whose wet breasts have dried, Of meager men whose pulsing hearts he 'th squeezed For those rich drops that for thine heart he 'th seized ! Away with thee, thou filthy womb of harpy broods! " Thus would I cry and do! But law says: nay — 'tis wrong. And law must ever rule, however hard its words. But O, my kinsmen, I would see the day When every putrid swine who boasts of gold Stored up by usury, or heritage. Or huckster's lore, or other like device. Be shunned by men, be barred from every shrine. And have his brow seared with his darling marking: The signium " Profit," which, when decent folk but see, They may shriek out in curdling horror — and flee! Drus.: Gracch.: So thou, my frenzied friend, wouldst take the store From him who hath it, as the fruit of thrift. Or hard endeavor, or adventure staked, — And give it to the sloth, to waste at will.'* Such is thy traitorous driveling patter still? Proclaim thee imbecile, cold heart that feeds A trifling, shallow brain, which ever tends Adroitly to the wily frauds and schemings, Page 102 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III Voices: Gracch. Pleb.: Gracch. Pleb.: at: Pleb.: But not at all to ordered thoughts of state. Rome once had kings; would ye have kings here now? No! No! Yet was it said that kingly might should rest In one firm hand, and that if placed, in parts. Among the citizens, as it is now, — If each were called t' account for power used, And sternly punished for each power abused, — There would ensue disorder, and a swirl Of ceaseless riot, slaughter, civil warring. But was it so? The gods bear witness: no! Ye took the power from one man, as his right, And placed it with many, as a passing trust; And this ye 've found more healthy, and more good. Thus would I do with private riches, friends. I care not for the luxuries, nor lusts. Of private men, that gold may buy or sate. These soon exhaust the pampered sensual flesh. And work their vengeance on their users' softened selves. But, private hoard is private empire; this I hold to be such wholly baneful danger, I deem a king less to be feared than him Who, sitting in his treasure room, can dole To this one this, and that one that, of wealth, And, through such purchase, be thrice king by stealth! That 's plain! That 's very plain! Right! Right! Go on! Act III Voices: Gracch. CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 103 Voices: Gracch. Voices: Gracch. Voices: Gracch. Voices: Go on! Go on! These private emperors within our gates Are our pernicious peril. By th' eternal Fates, I would so order it, that he who hath More riches than he needs for his own keeping, Give strict accounting, to the meanest coin. Of all its uses, as of rule employed. That bears the burden of a likely ill to all: So that no man be master of his fellows. Except as is well-known, and set to him. I care not, citizens, what final place The law points out for such men's shining heaps; Or be it showered in the Forum here — So! So! Aye, aye! Bring on! We '11 have it now! [Laughter] Or be it buried in the moving sea — No! No! That were not right! That were a loss! [Groans] So that no man be emperor at will. With right to pass his sceptre, with his till! No emperors! Say'st well! No private emperors I We 're one with thee! No secret kings ! I seek to limit every private dower, When 't is no more reward, but private power. Thus would I make the reign of Law complete, And banish Anarchy from out our loved state. So we! So we! Page 104 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III Fulv.: Swear that ye will be faithful to our chief; And give no heed to those patrician lordlings, Who come, with solemn mien, and strutting air, To argue you into a cheat, that will But make you more enslaved by your own shackling : The victims of your dullness, and their guile. Voices: We swear! Gracchus! Gracchus! We swear! We swear! Fulv.: [to Gracchus] They 're firm! They stand unshaken! [to populace] We '11 tame these lords ! Pleb.: We 've had our fill of lords! Who made them lords? Fulv.: Aye, — aptly questioned! Who, and what? Pleb.: [aside, to citizen] See? See? He grasps my sense! He hath a proper mind! Fulv.: Drus. I '11 tell you who the lord is ! 'T is the man Who will not live on earning, but on gain. It is th' eternal pimp! By wile, and cheat, He gathers toll wherever he may find it. And sports on peopled roads his gay attire, His milky-tinted hands, and greenly-leering eye. Encircled by no carping lines of care. It is th' eternal pimp ! So, still ye froth. And speak most ill of Roma's wise and great. As is your wont. But ye, Quirites, know Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 105 That many laws, drawn for your weal, have been Thought out, devised, enacted and proclaimed By our good Senate's favor, in my name, that are Twice ten times more assuasive of your wants Than Gracchus' laws. Yet Gracchus cries his petty And bootless meed, as if it were the whole Of bounteousness and service, to yourselves. That Rome hath ever witnessed, or shall see. Voices: [one] Ho, Drusus, art our friend ! [another] Thou fraud! Thou fraud! Pleb.: Git.: Gracch.: Git: Pleb. Git: Ho, Gracchus! What of Fannius! 'T was thou Stood sponsor for him! Speak of Drusus, too! I asked your votes for that which Fannius played he was; I curse what Fannius is! This Drusus' laws Are for your minds' confusion, not your use; They 're for the days of voting, not for courts, And each of them at very birth aborts. One simple law, if honestly applied. Is worth a code, the force of which 's denied.* [Drusus makes motion of protest] Ha, ha — that hits ! That bores through his thick skin! Our Caius knows the soft-spots of his hide! * " . . . but the Senate well knew that passing laws, and carrying them out, were two very different things. . . ." The Roman Republic, HeiOand. Vol. II. Sec. 732. PAGE106 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III Pleb.: [aside, to citizen] I love these voting days, when every haughty lord Must take our common wit, to earn our votes' reward. Voices: Gracch.: Drus.: Gracch.: Speak on ! Speak on ! Speak on ! I shall. This man Is neither of, nor for you; not at all. He 's but a vision, flashed in dazzling rays, To blind your eyes, the while ye 're neatly plundered. Who are his friends? Who vouches for his deeds.'' Who speaks on his behalf.'' Who is it points him out, As one to follow.'' 'T is the swindling lordly; For which he is an evil, and a curse! For, even were he true, as he is false, And even were he earnest, as he 's not, Yet would his truth, and earnestness, both die, Because of those with whom he loves to lie. This is a law of nature, and of man: The dog that runs with wolves, itself grows wolf. And thou, my bleating lamb, what is thy hope.'* If all our gods be broken, and our great Made small, how wiU whatever is thy wish be served.'* I wish to see a world that 's ruled by Law, Which no debauching finger can approach! I wish to see a world that 's free of guile: A world no more a market-place, but made A vineyard, and a garden, and a school. I wish to see men's eyes freed of that sly, That mean, that shrewd, that knowing, cun- ning gleam Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 107 Which now proclaims to all abroad the crea- ture Who hath attained the hideous shame that 's called success. I wish to see men strive for finer ends Than those of furtive gain, of secret rule, Or dull and stupid labor for a crust! I wish to see the worthy hour arrive When flaunting show will be disgrace, when all Must do their measured doles of toil for food, for roof. For everything of need, but none at all of spoil. And leave some time for every man to raise His eyes from trough, or furrow, and to live With thought, with love, with nature, with the gods! Drus.: [mockingly] And when all thou gain? this hath come, — what shalt Gracch.: Pleb.: at: Gracch. What shall I gain? What does the bard, who sings His song in lone, waste wilds; the poet when He fashions out his measure; or when first She gazes on her infant, what 's the gain The mother hath of all her rending pains? What is their gain? What mine? A dream made true; A something yearning, straining, here, within, That 's brought to being. Just a dream made true [Shouts by crowd] Thou noble Gracchus! Tell us how to vote! This moment is most solemn : both for you, Who are the fife and striving of to-day, Page 108 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III And those who are to draw their sorrows from your loins. Give heed, that I may tell you in small words Each detail of what 's staked, and what 's to lose — [Movement in crowd — murmur] [aside, to Fulvius] What 's there? Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] It is some show — I can not tell — Gracch.: This is a solemn moment, O my friends — [Murmur, and movement in crowd, in- crease] Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius] I 've lost them, quite. What 's happened.'' Canst thou see.'* Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] Aye, now I do. It is the courtesan Most noted in all Rome : — she passeth by — [Lydia, in litter, attended by guards, is carried across rear of stage] Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius] And 't is for this they leave me! Ah, ye gods — Fulv.: [aside, to Gracchus] 'T is but the people's way. Strike! Win them back! Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius] Let be. Let be. Mark Drusus, there, who stands, And darkly smiles. There 's that within his eye Speaks gloating threat. Drus.: The augurs come! The priests! Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 109 CiL: The Pontifex ! The augurs ! Pleb.: Silence! Silence! [Enter Pontifex, augurs] Gracch.: Friends, bend respectful heads to these, our priests. Cit.: [to pleb.] He 's reverent, then? Pleb.: [to citizen] That Gracchus is. Pont.: This way ! Let him who brings the entrails pass this way! [Calpio, half-hooded, elbows his way through crowd] at.: Calp. Pleb.: Art rough, my friend! Wherefore this josthng haste? Mine eyes would feast on Gracchus, closer to. Good wish ! Pass on ! Pass up ! [Calpio mounts steps, and stands near Gracchus, who, with Fulvius, Phil- OCRATES, and Portinus, has retired to side of Rostra, near steps] The Hctor! Way! Make way! The sacred signs! [Enter Antyllius, bearing entrails] Phil.: [to Gracchus] Sir — something 's strange. Antyllius struts as lictor! Voice: Page 110 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III Gracch.: Ha! [Antyllitjs pauses, hesitates; Drusus makes a slight motion of hand toward Gracchus] Port.: Antyllius! Thou spy! AntylL: Thou puling slave ! [Crowds near Gracchus; pushes him with free arm] Make way, ye factious knaves, for honest men ! Port.: Thou traitor! Traitor! Spy! Hell's furies! Spy! Fulv.: [to Antyllius] Dost dare? Phil.: {pushes Antyllius away] Thou worthless thing! For shame! Gracch.: [stretches arm toward Fulvius and Philocrates] Let be! Calf.: [standing between, and behind, Gracchus and Phi- locrates, stabs Antyllius in throat] Thou dog who dares flout Caius Gracchus — die! [Antyllius falls; Calpio drops stylus, and mingles with crowd] Gracch . Voices: Help! Help! O bloody deed! Help! Romans, help! Ho ! Stop him! Murder! Murder! Murder! Ho! Drus.: [points to Gracchus] Thou wretched murderer! Hopest thou to screen Thy wilful crime behind an anxious mien? Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 111 Pleb.: Who slew him? Didst thou see? at: No, I did not. It came so swiftly — Graceh.: Paltry jackal, what? Dost dare accuse my hands? Drus.: That 's what I do, And cry that Gracchus this poor lictor slew! Graceh.: cursed creature! Git: It was Gracchus then? Pleh.: Didst see? 'T was Drusus saw him — didst thou see? Drus.: [pointing to Gracchus] Here stands th' assassin, known of gods and men ! Voices: It was not Gracchus! No, it was his man! Where is he? Gone — ^he 's gone! Who was it? See! It was a stouter man! A thinner! 1 saw him run! 'T was Gracchus! Fuh.: It is a plot! Friends! Friends! Quick! Form a guard To save your Gracchus! Page 112 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III at: Pleb.: at: Pleb.: Pont.: Crowd: Come! Let 's run to aid! But Gracchus slew the lictor — ^yea — I saw — With mineowneyes — Isawhisarm sweep wide — I '11 almost vow I saw him speed the blow! Indeed, it must be he, the guilty wretch! To slay a holy messenger! Stay here! For him I gave away ten weighty silver coins ! Say'st so? Didst see? Didst see? Didst see thyself — And Drusus saith 'tis so, — so it must be! O sacrilege! Ye sacred gods — forgive! O sacrilege! Fulv.: \to Gracchus] The day is lost. Now flee! Gracch.: Right must be heard ! My friends ! Attend my voice! Pleb.: Away, thou bloody man! Away! Away! Voices: Sacrilege! Sacrilege! Gracch.: But 't is a plot, my friends, a monstrous plot! Drus.: A plot? A plot? Is this [Raises body of Antyllius] Voices: Drus.: Pleb.: Fulv.: Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 113 limp man a plot? Go bawl that word to ears more long than ours ! A plot? And did we plot to kill our guard? Out, basest trickster! Enemy of Rome! Too long have Romans suffered thy lax tongue To wag, and flout our noblest, and our highest! Now, Roman men, forget that there are rich. That some are poor, and some are great, and some Are born to humbler station. For, all men Are useful in their several ways, and each Receives what 's justly due him in his fated place. Here, in the presence of this hateful crime. We stand as Romans, first. Here, we lay by Our private jealousies, and petty envies, That far too much have stirred our common lives. Lashed on to frothing fury by this low And treacherous stabber of a man unarmed. Who walked on sacred mission. I saw the deed With these two eyes. And so did you, with yours? We did! We did! O bloody sacrilege! What good to cry, the hand that threw the steel Was not this Gracchus' own? How? Were it so, Yet was it nothing other than his will That urged its blow. And so, 't was Gracchus' hand That wrought this fearsome crime. For which I say to you: 'T was Caius Gracchus' deed! Who says me nay? Not I! Not I! Here 's one who 's not misled! I 'm a respectable, — I am a loyal man! Thou ratty, crawling fool! Gracch. Page 114 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III at.: Then I 'm one, too! No more! No more of your seditious bawling, Ye anarchistic rogues! Drus.: Good citizens! I honor you ! Such is the wondrous stuff Of which the sturdy, loyal Roman 's made! Say — now — what shall be done with this red felon, This radical, anarchic fount of hate? Hear! Hear me, friends! Forego this dastard's wiles ! A boldly ventured lie stands half a truth. Which, oft repeated, puts the last to rout. And rears its loathsome visage in her place. But, O, my friends, ye will not be deceived? Thou infamous! Thou rascal! So, wouldst dare To take the word* from me, while I am speak- ing To Roma's tribes as Tribune? Thus, again, Imposest traitorous crime on mortal crime! Be silent, thou! Voices: [one] The Rock! The Rock! [another] Nay ! Gracchus is our chief ! [another] I did not see him do it! [another] He 's our friend ! * It was forbidden to interfere with a Tribune who was addressing the populace. It seems to be established that when Gracchus attempted to defend himself, he was accused of this impropriety. Drus. Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 115 Drus.: And are there any here so villainous, As still to call this creature friend? How now? A lie? And is this death a lie? This piteous blood That stains the Rostra's floor, — is that a lie? Consider ye this low-laid, weltering corpse, Of our loved Consul's lictor! .... He served the Gracchus yesterday. To-day, Impelled to fiery fury at the sight Of that poor soldier in an honest habit. This Gracchus slew him, or ordered slain, as ye 've all seen. For, he 's a man of passion, as ye know — The partner of this red-eyed Fulvius — A ranting, foaming creature, stabbed and lashed To violence by his own wild haranguing. Ye 've seen him here, — ye see him now, — ablaze With scarce impounded anger, for which quality He hath been titled Cleon by learned men Who know that Grecian braggart's style. But now, Inspired by that same mood to felony, He dares deny the action of his will: An act so fearsome, that the very gods, aghast, Shout down their curses, shrieking: " Sacri- lege! " [Makes sign to Pontifex] Pont. Augurs: Sacrilege! [Makes sign to Augurs] Sacrilege Voices from distance: [growing louder] Sacrilege! Sacrilege! Page 116 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III [Enter Opimius, Fannius, Rutilius, and procession of Senators,* tearing their cloaks, wringing their hands, etc., crying: "Sacrilege!" They form a circle around body of Antyllius, showing signs of grief, raising hands upward in gestures of adoration, etc.] Fulv.: Ho — ho! Th' Esquilian vultures flock! Pleb.: Be still! Gracch.: [aside, to Fulvius] Our pious patriots ! Alas, poor Rome ! Drus. Ye Roman men : good citizens, — the staff Upon whose sturdy frame is built the thing That is the state of Rome: ye see in grief The Roman Senate — noblemen who are Patrician since the founding of our city — Do homage to the trunk of this that was A common soldier — like yourselves — a man Of humble blood. Yet here they waste in tears — These gracious Senators. And why? Because They are your Fathers, these, our god- marked men — Who sit in yonder Senate House to plan Not for themselves : ah, no — for you, for you — For you and yours: these, in whose tender hearts There 's naught but deep concern for what is best. Not for just one, or two, or any part Of Rome, but for its various, cognate, glorious whole ! * " The Consul assembled the Senate, and while he was addressing them within, others exposed the corpse of Antyllius, naked on a bier without, and, as it had been previously concerted, carried it through the Forum to the Senate House, making loud acclamations all the way. Opimius knew the whole farce; but pretended to be much surprised. The Senate went out, and planting themselves about the corpse, expressed their grief and indignation, as if some dreadful misfortune had befallen them." — Plutarch. Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 117 "A plot!" this Gracchus says, "a plot!" Now gaze! And are these streaming tears a plot? These forms That shake with griping anguish for this awe- some crime? And are our priests in plot? And this, our good Chief Priest? Our Judges? And our Consul, too? Come, think! Did all of these red-buskined men. Cloaked by the night, meet in some secret closet, There to plan out this crime, and these sharp cries Of horror, and these bitter tears, as well? What, then? Do we mislead you ? Are ye fools? Opim.: [aside, to Drusus] Dost tell the tale so well, they will suspect ! Drus.: [aside, to Opimius] Their pimply brains take fire; their fervor glows ! Their chests swell out: they 're patriots, — patriots — all ! I '11 make them pull the rope that strangles them ! I '11 prove to them what was could not have been. And show the Gracchan wailings cheap, and mean! Fann.: [aside, to Rutilius] Now earn thy little maid with briny speech! Rut.: O woful sight! To view a faithful man So cruelly laid low! Come closer, closer Good citizens: wrap this silken cloak about These poor remains. Gently ! Treat them with respect ! Page 118 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III Pleb.: Thou noble, generous youth! Cit: O kindly heart! Pleb.: [to citizen] Let us wail with them, so that we '11 be linked With all these great ones, by the common grief. Rut.: [aside, to soldier] Burn wind to this Antyllius' home. Bring, thence, His daughter to my house. If any hinder, Say Lord Fannius wills ! Run ! Curse thee ! Run ! Sold.: Obeyed. [Exit soldier] Rut.: [aside] O pleasant day ! Bright gods ! I thank you all ! [Turns to crowd] Sacrilege! Drus.: Pleb.: at.: Pleb.: Fulv.: Drus.: Crowd: Pleb.: A plot, he says — -come, who believes that tale.'' Are any here so vile? Is one so dull.'' Plots! Ha! Conspiracies! What dreams! Dreams.'' Lies! Thou shifty rogue! I say it was a plot. And that thy brain itself planned out this stroke ! Now, there is humor! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Kill, kill the wretch! AcTlII CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 119 Old Worn.: [struggles through crowd: ascends rostra] Way! Way for me! Ye Romans! Give me way! Plebeian men! To Hades with the gods! To Hades with the priests, the gold-blown great! They hate you all! They lie! They 're liars! Liars ! Be loyal to yourselves, your sons, your blood! The same as they are loyal to themselves, their own ! Here 's he who 's for you— Gracchus— stand by hmi! He '11 save you all, as he will save my boy! Hear but your needs, and not their clever talk! Hear only Gracchus! Curse the priests, the high ones! The oily, purring priests, these cheating knaves ! They sell you! Ye 're their wares! They dupe you, all! Gracch.: Good mother, cease — Pont.: pj 1 , O horror! Blasphemy! ^, , TT. ^^^ '^ ^^^- ^^^ 'til cursed the gods! Old Worn.: p^^f . ^y boy! My boy! Ho! Take her oflF! ^ [Old woman is seized and dragged off.] Ye 've heard this frightful blasphemy, good men: Ye 've seen this comedy, to stir you up To deeds of violence, by making use Of that mad, mouthing mother of a thief Voices: [one] Shame! Shame! [another] The mother of a thief! O shame! Page 120 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act III Drus.: Come, — who is left that is for Gracchus now? Who is against the gods? Who deems this deed Of wanton murder good? Speak, man! Speak, many! Let us behold such worthless citizens! The law! The law for Gracchus! Seize him, then! Attend, O Consul! Heed the commons' call! Do ye surrender to the law's just course? Phh.: at.: Drus.: Opim.: Fulv.: We choose patrician's law — the law of might! [to Gracchus] And art not armed ! Port.: [produces Gracchus' sword from beneath his cloak.] I 've brought the master's sword. Fulv.: [takes sword] Thou noble! Thanks! [Tenders sword to Gracchus] Here, swing this friendly pin! Gracch.: [sweeps weapon aside] What? Shall the father plunge the mortal steel Into the bowels of his erring child? I bring not Death, but Truth, to these gone wild. [FuLVius returns sword to PohtinusI Phil: Opim.: I '11 be thy shield, my master! Forward, we! By Hercules! My sword is good for three! Ho, aediles! Call the guard! Ho! Seize these men! Act III CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 121 Fulv. : Who seizes me grasps lightning! Way, ye fools! Phil: Gracch. Make way! Come, Gracchus! To the Aventine! Make way, ye asses' brothers! Ho! Make way! [Holds out his sword] Here Pluto rides. Wouldst stay him? Ha, there, way! [FuLvius, Philocrates, Gracchus and PoRTiNUS make their way through the crowd] O fatal hour! Opini., Drus., Pont., Crowd: Sacrilege! Seize them! Seize them! Curtain ACT IV Section of Triclinium in Fannius'' Palace [The setting is in the form of an " L," of which the front constitutes the lower member. Necessary to the action: an embra- sure, with outward fenestration, and a hanging that partly screens the embrasure from the main setting. Curtain discloses revel in progress] Drus.: [throws dice] A Jupiter! No good! Septimuleius : — throw! Sept.: [throws dice] A dog !* Still worse! Throw thou, Rutilius — throw! Rtit.: [throws dice] A Venus! There! I win! Drus.: As is most meet; So art thou King of Wine** at thine own feast! Rut: Now let my father's attics rain their jugs! Drink! Drink! And who to any cup saith "nay," Is sealed a poor plebeian thing this day! [Exit Septimuleius to other part of triclinium. Laughter by revelers. Shrieks, clash of arms, heard outside] * Every throw of the dice had a special name. The " canis " was the lowest throw, the " Venus " the highest. "The" Arbiter Bibendi" was chosen by throwing the dice; and he directed the course of the feast. Page 124 C A I U S GRACCHUS Act IV Dnis.: There 's music for you ! How our serving braves Draw blood from them: those star-eyed promise-spillers Who yesterday bawled of the rights of man, And other gibberish of that same strain. [Shrieks, groans, thuds, outside] Kill! Kill! O splendid, heartening, joyous sight! More Massic, slaves! More wine! A glorious night! Rut: By Bacchus ! I thirst more for maid than grape. She tarries, while mine arms ache with desire, And all my being hungers for the feel Of that divine young body. Speed thee, maid! Fann.: [without] We give no terms to rebels! Boyish Voice: [without] But, sir — Fann.: [without] Go! [Enter Fannius] Ho! Fannius! Ho! Victor! Ho! Hail! Ho! Fann.: [to Rutilius] Hath Calpio yet homed? Rut.: Not since this morn. [Shrieks, clash of arms outside. Fan- nius Hstens] It is a welcome noise? Fann.: Thou say'st .... But now, I wait a singular arrival, son. Rut.: The Gracchus? Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 125 Fann.: No — not quite. The Gracchus' wife. Ha, father — art of us! And thou wilt join Our merry feast, when hast thy longed-for mistress.'^ Rut Fann: I '11 play the satyr, and recall this much Too aging frame to youth, with wine and wench. Lyd.: [advances to Fannius] How, — hast forgot thy love of other nights .J" Those memories linger, beautiful, but now, I am for firmer meat, that hath not felt The impress of so many questing hands. Pooh! Pleasure-giving is an art, old goat. That is not learnt in one man's arms alone. The mellow wine is tasteful to the young. But aged palates crave a draft more strong. And seek the tickle of a rawer juice To send a thrill through nerves bent on disuse. I '11 joy with thee, adored, to stay the twinges Of hunger for another. [Embraces Lydl\, and reclines with her on couch] Come, Lord of Drinks, command the merry wave To raise us on its crest, and float us off! Wine! More amphorae, lead-footed sculhons! Wine! Here's bliss! Shalt love two fair ones in one night ! [Laughter and applause by revelers] Fann.: Lyd.: Fann.: Rut.: Drus. : Rut.: Drus.: Page 126 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Rut: Drus. Rut.: Drus. Rut.: It were a wondrous thing — could it be done — To love two separate maidens, just as one. That 's thought to stir a rhymster to pen verse! Then be the poet! Pindus has known worse. Rutilius sings! Give audience to his Muse! Your patience, and your ears, I '11 now abuse. [Chants] What a pity, When a pretty Maid I press within mine arms, I can't smother Still another. With my kisses 'mid her charms. Chloe's passion Stirs, in fashion Most subUme, but Phyllis' eyes. Make me quiver. Burn and shiver. With an ever new surprise. Fain I 'd blend them. And both send them, ThriUingly, through limbs and brain; But another I can't smother, While one maid in love I strain! [Screams, laughter, shouts, by revelers. Enter soldier, with Helia. Rutilius springs from couch] Two doves for thee, fair Venus ! Here 's my maid ! [Drusus joins Lydia] Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 127 Sold.: My sword had failed, had not thy name pre- vailed. Helta: Rut: Helia: Rut: Protect me, Dian! Sweet — be not afraid ! Have pity, lord! I '11 give thee more: my love! Here 's an earnest! [Seizes Helia] My kiss ! I '11 kiss thine apples next ! Helta: [struggles] Portinus! Father! Spare me! Spare me! Oh! Drus.: I fear 't will take some hate to love this maid. Lyd.: Look ! See him labor with this latest toy, The while he spurns soft-handed proffered joy! My gorge turns somersaults. I go to seek more wine. [Exit Lydia to other part of triclinium] Sept: [shouts] King of the Bumpers— haste ! Thy crown awaits ! Come ! Throw wide open Revel's crimson gates ! Rut: [to soldier] Take her to my small room. Await commands. [Soldier carries Helia away] Good guests — your liege makes answer to your call! [aside] Though rather would he say " good-night " to all. [Exit RuTiLius to other portion of triclinium. Calpio and soldier, with LiciNiA, appear in doorway. Shrieks, clash of arms outside] Page 128 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Fann.: The spoils of war come fast; here 's booty worth A prince's striving. So, again, I win! Ho, soldiers, bring the lady here, within! Lie: Fann. Lie: Fann.: Calp.: Fann.: Calp.: What dost thou seek to gain by this assault? Thyself, dear lady, who, to stay unharmed. While Slaughter stalks, blood-drippingly, abroad, Shalt bargain for thy life with passion's kisses. When Caius swoops, in vengeance, in the morn. On Rome's gold-fingered ravishers, base hound, Shalt know the kiss of steel in thy loose paunch ! Thy heated mien but kindles me the more. [to Calpio] Speak, Calpio! What news comes of that man? When will he haste to claim his loving spouse? Left single by the common horde, as one Who broadly shows the plague-signs on his face. The Gracchus fled, this even, from Selene's shrine And now, like some doomed beast, beset, and chased By men-at-arms, skulks within the Furies' Grove, Where soon he yields — or dies. And did he naught to earn His passage to his hovel, and his wife? He shed some tears upon the plate whereon His father's form is imaged in hard bronze. Which moved the stolid statue not at all. [Laughter by rev^elers] Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 129 Drus.: O frigid sire! Fann.: Hast heard ! Thou art my prize ! [Seizes Licinia] Now earn thy life with all the wiles of love! Lie: [struggles] Oh, Caius! Gods! [Strikes him in face] Drus. Fann. Lie: Guard: Fann.: That was a lusty blow. Thou! . . . Thou! ... I '11 have thee, whether wilt, or no! I in thine arms.? When Ixion held the clouds. That union bred the centaurs' frightful forms, But if thy body but touched mine, I should spawn Green toads, and hissing serpents, oozing slime ! [Enter Guard] Opimius, Consul, enters in the court. The Pontifex, and senators, and more. I haste to greet them. But, 't is best the master* Of Rome be not persuaded by temptation To covet my dame. [to soldier] Secure this woman. And house her, privately, for my return. [Exit Fannius. Soldier ties Licinia; places her on couch, in embrasure] To make it possible for the slaughter of Gracchus' friends and followers to go on unrestrained, the Senate had voted the " Senatus consultum ultimum," which in effect, made Opimius dictator. Page 130 C A I U S GRACCHUS Act IV Drus.: [aside\ Like son, like sire: — they 're warriors of the couch. [to Calpio] Thou lovest thy master, Calpio? Calp.: As a slave should, sir. Drus.: Thy words are Delphic. Calp.: My heart is Roman, sir. [Drusus waves Calpio away; Calpio retreats] [aside] I 'm in his mind; I wish I were without it. This man thinks hurtfuUy: his servile spirit Bristles against the serving slave. I '11 hug his shadow. Until I learn the target of his humor. [Exit Calpio. Revelers pass, dancing, etc. Enter slave, bearing wine-jug] Drus.: Slave: Drus.: Lyd.: Drus.: Lyd.: Drus.: Lyd.: Hast seen our lady Lydia? She comes. [Enter Lydia; exit slave] Divine ! I 'm wearied. Shouldst have stayed to see The battle 'twixt our host and Gracchus' wife. Whose oak? The issue lies in high suspense. That 's much to do for just one novel thrill! Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 131 Drus.: The common drudge for bread, and what small pleasures The grudging gods may grant them as rare treasures Men freed from lives so profitless, the while, Moil, in their turn, to earn some woman's smile. Or for new thrills, or some strange means to urge Their flaccid nerves to quiver and to surge. For me — I 'd rather kiss on practised lips. And seek my feast of honey where it freely drips. [Embraces Lydia] Come, drink — [Shrieks, sound of arms clashing out- side] Lyd.: [waves aside cup] The wine is poor. It hath no savor . . . Those plebs die much too loudly [Drusus and Lydia struggle as he endeavors to force her to drink] Drus. Rut. Lyd.: What! Darest refuse.'' Ho, ho, there, King of Bumpers! Sighs and gloom ! Here 's one who will not drink ! Pronounce her doom! [Laughter, cries of revelers. Enter Ru- TILIUS] Drink! Drink! And who to any cup saith nay. Is sealed a poor plebeian thing this day! Plebeian — I.^* Thou liest, — pig-eyed lout! I am the most patrician of you all! Gaze well at me, if but thy shifty orb Can gather in its narrow circle quite The meaning of my festive, gleaming wholc: Page 132 C A I U S GRACCHUS Act IV These are my hands. Look close! Canst see, in anywise. The marks of toil on them? No! None! Mine arms Are shapely, as my form: and my white sheathe, Is smoother than the rarest silken webs The wandering hucksters bring us from the fabled lands. My brow is as a babe's. My slaves attend each whim That fancy breeds, before it hath full birth. My dwelling, in a garden by a stream. Gleams softly, like some jewel in its velvet case. Not like some common bride am I, — poor cheated maid, — Who, once conveyed to nuptial joys by torch- armed youths. Discards her tawny slippers, and her belt, Thereafter to live on a serf, the sole Possession of one man: to earn from him The piteous dole of all she craves he deigns to give. Aye, doth she earn it: or in household tasks. Or in forbearance of her master's faults. Or on the bed of pain, to bear him squalling heirs. Not such my life! For I am highly placed! A thousand sweat, that one patrician man May have his ease. A score of those who have Such thousands, bring their sorted hoards to me. To earn my measured smiles for but a single hour! Patrician men are choice in those with whom They freely join in privy intercourse; Yet am I censor more precise of who May pass my ostium, and press my fevered couch. Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 133 The Pontifex, flamines, augurs — aye — The Consuls, Praetors, Quaestors and those few Of magistrates, who boast the chair; but those Have sobbed their eager passion on these breasts. When they have rightly won my favoring nod. I stalk abroad disdainful, and my mien Is one of high concern for far-off things. I voice my love for who may serve my needs As doth the candidate patrician, who, Out on the Forum, seeks the dangling votes Of gaping artisans, and odorous men Of dirty trades, whom all his soul and heart Abhor, e'en while he woos, with smiling hps and eyes. The priests, with whom I join in sprightly sport. And gay derision of the various gods. And goddesses, I greet with solemn poses At shrines. The toiling mob, from which I spring. By common ancestry with all, I loathe. I lie to all with equal face. I take What is not mine, as favor unto him Who 's plundered by me. That is hard to learn. And if, perchance, a lack-wit, here or there, Presumes to bring to bear against me, or My ownings, any scribbling in the code. Like that of all patricians is my privilege To whisper my distress into the ear Of some high magistrate, who points, in fat- jowled words. To the rash suitor, every congruous law. Which ever causes me to win, and him, — to lose. And is not this the final proof that I Am goddess of patricians, and their very souLf^ [Laughter, applause, by revelers] Page 134 Driis.: CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Fann.: Opim.: Pont.: Pleb.: Fann. Pleb.: Fann. Pleb.: Fann. Pleb.: Hail! Goddess of patricians! Three times hail! [Enter Opimius, Fannius, Pontifex, Calpio, a number of Senators, etc. All, except Opimius, Fannius, Pon- tifex, and Calpio, join the revelers] My very welcome friends : — within these walls Find relaxation from the day's events. Thy words are grateful. Here is gay repose. [Commotion, sounds of arms. Shout- of " Halt! Halt! " Enter plebeian, runs ning, pursued by armed men. Throws himself at Fannius' feet] My lord! My lord! What means this turbulence? They seek to slay me, who have done no ill ! Who art thou.^* But a Roman citizen, Whom, through a grievous and unjust mistake, The soldiers deem one of the Gracchus' men. Which thou art not? I swear it! Oh, I swear! By all the gathered gods! I am for thee, and thine. And all against that sacrilegious rogue! Recall! I swayed the throng for thee this morning ! Wherefore, I 've raced to gain thy sheltering roof. Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 135 Fann.: So? Stand — [Plebeian rises, slowly] What ho — whom have we here? It is — Yea! So it is! The embassy! My lord — Aye, now I know him. 'T is the filthy swine Who spurned my proffered bribe. Refused thy bribe? He did. I held him out ten silver coins, And asked him but to cry me " Hail! " Drus.: Fann.: Pont.: Fann.: Pont.: Fann. Pont.: Pleb.: [kneeling] And he? Refused me. O, the godless man! Fann. Pleb.: Fann.. Pleb.: Fann.. Sweet lord, — Ihat was before that murderous wretch — that crime-sink Called Gracchus — had murdered so wickedly: Since when, I've shouted: "Death to Grac- chus, friends! " And have urged on all good men to do like- wise! Hast altered in thy mind? Yea, that I have: For, when I pondered on that felon's vileness — Ah — so — didst ponder? That I did, my lord. And didst thy noddle agitate with thought? Page 136 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Pleb.: Fann. Pont.: Pleb.: Fann. Pleb.: Rut: Drus. : Opim. Pleb.: Opim. Lord, — fully : as the dread event required. Then there 's thy fault! Plebeians should not think! Their business is to labor, and be thankful That we, who 're set far over them, indulge Their hunger of some kindness, now and then. [Signs to guards with hand, thumb turned upward] Go, fix this fellow so he '11 think no more. [Guards drag plebeian outward] Each god who sits on high, feels horror's shrink. At sight of these plebeian dogs who think! But I assert my loyalty, my lord, And " Hail to Fannius! " shall cry right well! I trust thee. Go! Go make that noise in hell! Lord Consul ! Law ! Law ! Justice ! Give me law ! I am a Roman! Give me Roman law! [Throws himself at Opimius' feet. En- ter RUTILIUS] What show is here.'^ A cockroach, fighting gods! What is thy prayer.'' I am condemned untried! I am unheard! I call for jurors, trial! I am a Roman! Right! Shalt have them all! Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 137 Fann.: Pleb.: Drus.: Opim. Fann.: Opim.: Rut: Pleb.: Opim. Pleb.: Opim. My lord! O gods ! What? I have said. The law Saith plainly there shall be a full account Of charge and answer, trial and verdict, and Of sentence, — execution, — all in turn. He shall have every form of this. He must! Ho! Scribe! [Scribe approaches, with tablets] Make note that a full history Be made, in ancient form, and in the ordered place, Of all proceedings, questions, answers, yea — Of learned pleas on this small scum's behalf, And — what hath been decreed. Which is? His death. [to plebeian] Now — die content; the scrolls will show thy trial In ceremony, as the laws require. There 's grace! Have mercy, lords! Forgive! What crime? I know not. Lying cur! Go die! Go die! [Guards start to drag pleb. outward] Page 138 C A I U S GRACCHUS Act IV Pleb.: Men! Romans! Brothers! Do not do their will — These mighty lords — who, though on me today, Tomorrow will turn on yourselves with death ! O Gracchus, now I understand! These are The private emperors! Stay, Romans! Stay! They 're emperors ! They 're private kings ! Stay ! Stay ! Pont.: Drus.: Opim.: Fann.: Opim.: Rut: Calp.: Rut: Calp.: That noise! That rebel noise ! Abate that noise! [Exit plebeian, dragged by guards. He continues to shout: " These are the emperors! They 're private kings! Stay! Brothers! Stay! They 're private kings! Stay! Stay! Stay! " Muffled cry: " So, ho! " followed by a thud, is heard] Well sped ! I feared, a moment, wouldst relent. The hour sounds vengeance: mercy were ill spent. Why, Calpio, do commons wreak our will On their own kind, whenever we command? Because a zany 's born to be a dolt. Thy wisdom 's not profound. Nor is an ass. If these dull plebs had minds with which to think, Not wine, but sweat, would be patricians' drink. Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 139 Rut: But there's the merchant clan: they know, — they see — If they should rise to war — Calp.: Rut: Calp.: Rut: Calp.: Rut.: That will not be. Thou say'st? I do. But why.? Because they 're smug. They ache to be superior: they crave To glow a bit— e'en though with but a pale Reflection of what streams from those on high. The low make boots: patricians wear them; but The 'twixt-caste licks them. lo! That 's straight talk! [Enter Guard] Guard: [to Opimius] My lord— Opim.: Guard: Opim.: Guard: Opim.: Speak. Fulvius' young son returns As legate, saying he is here to beg thee For truce, and parley. What.? Again.? Again. This passes credence! Impudence! Just that! I said "No!" once; yet — see — he dares re- turn; Give answer— stay ! We '11 send our answer back Page 140 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Guard: Sept.: Opim.: By other lips. His own, that dared to bring This message to me twice, shall never move again. I'm understood.'' Lord — 't is but a purple-togaed boy — A stripling. Opim.: What! Wouldst dare? Guard: Lord, I obey. Opim.: That 's well. [Exit Guard] Septimuleius: thou hast been A friend of Gracchus? [Septimuleius moves forward, bows] Friend? No, — not a friend. He was distasteful to me, ever. I was A mere acquaintance — hardly that — just one Who nods in passing — one who barely knows — Quite so. Now take mine answer to his camp. The Senate, and Rome's rulers, do not hold Or parley, or debate, with rebels! What! Shall the sacredness of High Estate, Of all authority, and rightful power. Be smirched by intercourse with such low things, Such murderous thugs, thieves, robbers, rav- ishers. Pledged enemies of order and of state. As ye, foul gutter-spawn — the blood-marked foes of all. Both gods and men? Our honor answers: No! We '11 none of you, except you 're on your knees, With manacles on hands, and yokes upon your necks ! Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 141 Fann.: That sounds magnificent! Rut.: And more : — 't is true! Boyish Voice: [without] Ye dare not! I am sacred! I am here As herald! O, ye dare not! Murder! Oh! [Shriek] Sept.: Opim.. Sept.: Opim.: Pont.: Fann.: Pont.: But if they do to me as thou hast done to theirs, And violate my envoy's aegis — what then? That can not be. 'T is only the exalted, And those of powerful station who 've the gift to work Their pleasing will, foregoing the things called laws. The common hold these sacred in their souls, — As is but right. Morality must live! Go! Art safe ! I hope so. I have told thee. Go ! [Exit Septimuleius. Opimius turns to PONTIFEX] The toil of ruling strains the burdened back. Care weights the crown with lead. To-night, mayhap. The Paphian dame will grant me melting ease. How, now — and have the vestals been unkind ? Those pale lank shadows? Gods! What taste- less joying! Their passions strive with fears; they yield to weep ; Page 142 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV And make a nuptial night a fearsome thing Of half fulfilled desires. Now, lead me on To frank delight. Rut: This is its temple! Come! [PoNTiFEX and Rutilius mix with revelers] Opim.: [to Lydia] 'T is Lydia ! Hail enchantress ! Lyd.: Opim. Drus.: Consul, thine! Would that the Fates endowed me with a fair, Who had thisLydia's charms, and grace, and air. [Drusus leaves couch, and joins Fan- Nius and Opimius] Shouldst have a servant who will tend thy wants. As hath our Fannius, in Calpio. Calp.: [aside] My name hath reached his tongue ! [Edges over behind curtain, near Fan- nius, Opimius, and Drusus] Fann.: Drus.: Fann.: Drus.: Fann.: Drus.: Opim.: Aye — Calpio serves me well. Dost trust him — much? He is my faithful slave. He is a ghost. A ghost? Naught else, my friend : The ghost of Caius Gracchus' arm. I 'm dull. Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 143 Drus.: He struck the blow that Gracchus' arm did not, But which half Rome will swear he did. For me, — I like not ghosts. Fann.: Opim.: Drus.: Fann.: Drus.: Fann.: Drus.: Opim.: Drus.: Thy words are freighted full With ominous portent. Speak thy meaning plain. There 's sometimes service that creates a debt Too great for man to owe. I can reward — Hast such reward, that, of its biting force. The slave's remembrance will be mined, and cleared. Of all its lode of dubious service done for thee? Were he to dare to treason — 'T is not well To wait for a polluted spot to waft Mephitic air abroad, ere 't is removed. Thy mind inclines to stilly tongues, and eyes That, having seen too much, see on no more.'' Hast said. Fann.: [after slight pause] But I shall miss him, quite. He is A Sisyphus — that slave. His nimble wit — Drus.: May some day turn to plague thee. Have it done. Page 144 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Fann.: So shall it be; but swift, and unannounced. His faith hath earned him that flip of thought- fulness. The fear of hurt to come gives greater pain Than does the stroke itself, laid on amain. Deem Calpio a corpse. Opim. Fann. Rut.: Now, let 's to sport. There are some cheerful ladies here, I see? [Enter Rutilius] Rutilius shall tell thee of their kinds Of various perfections. I '11 tell, — and show! This way, my lord : there are some sprightly ones. Whose frivoling turns greying flesh to rosy air. Ho! Slaves! Falernian jugs! [Opimius and Fannius walk off. Dbu- sus joins Ltdia, and they walk off. Calpio emerges from behind curtain. PoRTiNUS, blood-spattered, Gracchus' sword hanging at side, crawls in through window-casement in rear of embrasure; hides behind one of its forward columns. Rutilius motions to Calpio] [aside, to Calpio] Guard well my little maid! Calp.: [aside, to Rutilius] I '11 squat upon my haunches, like a dog, sir, And bark away intruders. [Exit Rutilius. Laughter, cries of rev- elers] Calp.: So, I die. That these, my masters, may the easier lie.'^ [Shrieks, clash of arms, outside] Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 145 I die as he whose fate my point-thrust sealed; And in an hour, beyond the voiceless water, Make my account for slain Antyllius? What shrieked that Roman? " Do not do their will. These private emperors, these private kings! " He was a prophet, then, that squirming Roman pleb? So shall I die? — As does some silly sheep. That holds its neck out for the slaughtering blade? Now, by the gods, — a slave would die hke that; But I — I 'm slave no more. I '11 be a man. And die, mine arms in hand, as warriors die; Or, — if my senses serve, — then those at play. [Approaches Licinia. PoRTiNtrs creeps around column, so as to be in Calpio's rear; crouches, and makes as if to spring on him] Fair madam — Lie: Calp.: Lie: Calp.: Lie: Hence, — foul slave! Be not so rash. 'T was thou enticed me from my guarded home By thy deceitful, perjured tale of him — My Caius — saying that he bid me thence: And didst conduct me to this horror — thou — I served a master whom I 'd serve no more. Who lays a path, knows well its windings back. Belike, I '11 bring thee cure, who brought thee ill. Thy father hath some power? In his walls, Security awaits me. Page 146 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Calp.: Lie: Calp.: Lie: Calp.: Lie.: Calp.. Rut: And if I Should bring thee thither? Art in earnest? Aye, As I have never been in all my days. Shalt have asylum. Swear it by the god Thou hallowest supreme within thy soul; And that I '11 have the gold, and needful arti- fice, to flee. There is a far-off air I long to breathe — A sky I yearn to see .... There is a distant strand That calls and draws me . . . Ah — my native land! .... Swear, lady : and I '11 aid thee — with wit, and heart, and hand! I swear it by mine husband's name! Enough ! I serve thee on that score. [Cuts her bonds. Enter Rutilius, main setting] I '11 steal away, And take possession of my lovely maid; I '11 wrest from her the pleasure she hath gain- said. O ecstacy ! [Laughter and shouts of revelers. Ru- tilius enters embrasure, where Cal- pio is removing Licinia's bonds] Ha, slave! How now? What 's this? Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 147 Lie: Dear Juno, save ! [PoRTiNUS springs, landing on Rutil- lus' back, arms clasped about his neck. After an instant of astonished pause, Calpio runs forward and draws sword, hanging in its scabbard, at Portinus' side] Calf.: Lie. : PoH.: Calf.: Part.: Calf.: PoH.: Calf.: PoH.: Calf.: Lie. Strike in the throat! So silence wins with death ! [Stabs RuTiLius, who falls] Portinus ! HeHa — where — What— She 's here — • In Fannius' house. The soldier gave his name. The daughter of AntyUius! Where.'* Where? In yon cubiculum, this carrion Had stored the maid against his pleasure's use. Unharmed.'' Unharmed. I '11 go- Await me here! I '11 forge her passage with a jibe, whom thou Couldst not withdraw unhelped by half of Rome. [Exit Calpio, to side of embrasure] Good friend — Page 148 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Port.: [kneels, kisses her hand] Fair mistress .... Lie: News of him.'' Port.: [makes gesture of grief] Eheu! Lie: The world is dead .... That men should say that there are gods! [LiciNiA covers her face with mantle. PoRTiNTJS disengages sword, wipesj^it, presents it to Licinta] Port.: The master's, lady. Lie: [kisses sword, hands it back to PoHinus] Wear it nobly, thou. [PoRTiNUS takes sword, kisses the blade. Enter Calpio at side of embrasure, with Helia; she starts to run to Pok- TiNTJs; halts; Licinia holds out her arms; Helia goes to her embrace] Lie: [points to Portinus] He 's worthy, faithful. Port.: Heha! My love! [Embraces Helia] Calp.: [takes sioord from Portinus] Good sickle! Prince of harvesters! Patricians die! They die as dead as commons; their evil use dies with them So must it ever be when laws are vain. And justice is the supple bawd of wealth: The slave will try those who oppress, at will. Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 149 Call hunger for his witness, and with arm Made steadfast by its leanness, strike to win! [Exeunt Calpio, Licinia, Helia, Por- TINUS] Voice: [without] Halt! Stand! Calf.: {without] I 'm Calpio, who move to do Our lord's behest. Voice: [without] ' O — thou? — ^Pass on. But these? Calp.: [without] With me; time presses. Voice: [vnthout] Pass. All 's well. Calp.: [without] Most well. Drus. Lyd.: Drus. [Enter Drusus, Ltdia] Ho, King of Wine! We wait thee! He hath slunk away To joust with his unwilling virgin. So? By Bacchus ! Our becrowned demeans him ill To hie off to his pleasures, ere the folk Have had his bounty's overflowing Uquid fill. [Laughter, cries by revelers: " The King of Wine! Mo, ho, the King of Wine! "] I go to seek the amorous monarch, though I find him on his nuptial couch. Page 150 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act IV Lyd.: I trow, I '11 join thee in the pilgrimage, good sir. [Laughter, cries of revelers. Drusus and Lydia enter embrasure] Drus.: Pshaw, to what lowly state our King is sunk! [Touches body with foot] The nasty youngster 's very, very drunk. Lyd.: [bends over corpse, rises] His sleep is dreamless .... He will dream no more .... Drus.: Lyd.: Thine eye is sharp . . . Here 's death, and puzzling doubt. Thought, motion, power, station : — flown through a pin-prick; What 's left — a horrible stranger ! . . . . Ho w.f* When? By whose clenched hand? . . . . The ordered round Of life in this great mansion checks its settled race; And, in an instant, takes new course. Here 's woe For Fannius. He loses. Elsewhere, someone May gain .... A moment more, and all the That now seethes blithely in yon room, will chill. And startled silence reign there in its stead. Thus, while we play, and plan, and chouse, and shout, Death breathes its chill, and puts us all to rout. His gore .... See how it creeps . fear! ... I fear! .... Act IV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 151 Drus.: 'T is time t' alarm! Ho! Murder! Murder' Murder! Rutilius is slain! Murder! Murder! [Shouts by revelers: " Murder! Rutilius slain! " Followed by complete silence. Enter Fannius, followed by Opimius, FoNTiFEX, Senators, etc.] Fann.: What— did— I— hear? Curtain Alec. Meg. Alec: Meg.: Alec: Meg.: ACT V Scene First— Grove of the Furies* [Night. Outlines of Rome in back- ground. The action takes place in semi-obscurity. After the exit of Alec- TA and Megaera,** torch-lights gleam in the distance at various points, con- tinually showing closer. Sound of wail- ing wind] A-ee! The air grows rank! Hai! Some one comes Who wafts a strange, new taint, that moves me ill. He 's honest, and his body breathes out love. O noxious smell! It makes my claws to droop. There 's one with him who serves, who holds no envy Within his breast. Pah! Pah! They seek a covert. It is denied ! Denied ! * According to some authorities : Grove of Furina. '* The Furies are conceived as follows : — ALECTA : — bent ; shriveled ; Medusa-haired ; voice is cracked, whining. She is constantly in motion. MEGAERA : — wan ; sparse black hair falling over her face ; voice shrill and mocking. TISIPHONE : — tall ; eyes fixed, and staring ; scarlet hair, streaming back ; voice sonorous and even-toned. Page 154 CAIUS GRACCHUS ActV Alec: Meg.: Alec: Meg.: Alec Meg. I '11 send a pregnant bitch, And two moist snakes, across their paths. My welcome ! And mine ! Two honest men ! Two battling foes ! By those great globules of Uranus's blood That gave us birth : — I loathe an honest man! By leaf and twig, by branch and limb, and then. By trunk and root, make end of honest men. Of honest wills, of honest heads and eyes! Hai-hai, I like the quarrelous pate. I love The silly, vapid eye, or that of lust; The muddy, flexless harlot's, or the small And knowing, crafty eye, or that which stares As does the fish's cold and baleful ball; The vulgar, ignorant, and insolent. Or the evasive, roving, furtive, or The empty eye, or that which carries in its depth Sharp, sidling cunning, hot desire, or else The crouching form of Hatred, wound and coiled. And ready for the striking leap that brings Loud Clamor, sobbing Grief, Despair, and wailing dirge. I fear the eye : it shows too readily The thought behind, to every learned gaze. It is a traitorous thing — that shining round: Some day, mayhap, these mortals will attain To knowledge of its story: men will look Into each others' eyes to seek therein For love, and kindliness, and pity, or The Light of Reason. A-ee — the evil hour! But so I 've taught their visions, that they balk ActV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 155 To read its tale, or, at the best, but see Within each ghstening orb what they would find there. So do they gloat on stalwart frames, or those Whose curved seductions challenge their de- sires, On rich habiliments, and pompous airs. And graces that but varnish villainy. They drink the beauty of a female's hair. Or babble of the straightness of a nose; They sense a whitened skin, an arching brow, Two pouting lips, a blush, or rounded breasts; But never look for what is in the eye. Or— looking — see not. I 've denied them sight ! Hai! So is Misery, our hand-maid, fixed The sucking, sour habitant of every human home. Alec: Tis.: Alec. Meg. Alec. Meg. Observe ! These two come closer ! In this copse Set off to us, and our obscenities. The Gracchus and his servant sound their way; So let us end their strivings with this day! Their fate is sealed by greater hands than ours: Their paths are ordered by the highest Powers. But I must have to do with their black doom! I crave it, crave it! Yea — and so do I! Let 's hence, and flap away to work, to work! Hai! — Let's to labor! Let's to human joy! Here let us spur on greed, and there speed up The feet that tread on murder's errand. Some Shall I, with conjured hate, inspire to lust For sprawling hmbs, and drooping jaws, and eyes Page 156 CAIUS GRACCHUS ActV That gaze at nothing with a fixed surprise. Do thou, Alecta, wake each abject thought To envy, and its train of meanest wants; So, both, we '11 fan the fires of deadly ire. And make the Gracchus' final anguish be more dire. Alec. Tis. Our sister 's mute. Speak, blood-avenger, speak ! What sullen mood sits regnant on thy tongue? I read the portent of a nearing death The price of which will waste mine arm of strokes. Woe, Rome, that banishest from out thy walls The loving heart, and graspest hate instead! Woe, Rome ! Woe, city pledged to strife ! I see Cadavers heaped as towers on thy ways. And lakes of blood, that of my wrath shall well To score requital for the piteous jet That soon makes crimson this most dismal wood!* A-ee — her cup brims full! She hath no need Of our starveling plots, to feed her bloody lust. They come. I droop. I faint. This plodding twain. Who crave no vice, rack all my frame with pain. Where there 's no wish. Denial sneers in vain! Elsewhere 's our prey. These freeze my limbs. Away! [Exeunt Alecta, Megaera] 'The nullification, by the ruling class, of Gracchus' plan for universal Italian suffrage, finally resulted in the Social War. (B. C. 90-88). Over 200.000 Roman lives were lost on the battlefields, before the patricians yielded, and permitted all the allied Italian nations to have the franchise. In addition, this struggle cost Rome the lives of some 80,000, slaughtered by Mithridates. Alec. Meg. Alec. ActV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 157 Tis.: Now brace thee, Libra, for the sudden load, Lest, of its shock, thy beam rive skies and worids ! [TisiPHONE moves to rear. Enter Ghacchtjs, limping, leaning on Phi- LOCEATES] Gracch.: I can no more; my flagging spirit meets The fagged flesh, and dully calls the halt. Here is the end. Phil.: Nay, master, let me search For chariot, or bearers, or some keep. Where we may still elude the hostile hands. Gracch.: 'Tis vain. Didst note, in that last house- pocked street? "While limping, I besought or horse, or aid: The populace stood by, and cheered, and laughed. And urged us on to speed, as if we were Contending in the games. " Stir faster, thou," they cried, "Lest thy pursuers win the race!" and shrilled Their pleasure at the show. So Roma's men Gave comfort to their Tribune, whom they 'd hailed Their chosen champion and love the day before. We flee no more. Phil.: And do we yield.'' Gracch.: I yield; But not to the lust-maddened pack that bays On every side, and slavers with the bubbhng juice Page 158 CAIUS GRACCHUS ActV Phil: Gracch. Phil: Bred by its taste of triumph. We '11 pass on Our broken mace to other hands. We bend Our steps to Rome and to its magistrates? Not I . . . . Not I . . . . Mankind vouch- safes nor law, Nor justice, to those rash who stake their lives To make the reign of justice true and firm. Nor ever, while the sovereignty of lawless gold Is placed in private hands, for use at private whim. Will justice be. Such is th' eternal law: Who have the means to buy, find those who '11 sell. Nor chairs of state, nor mantles, change the flesh That craves for what coin brings, and causes man. The magistrate, or ruler, to make trade With what his office hath to give, for what, in turn, Another hath with which to pay. 'T is thus The blushing cloak of Justice serves to shield The filthiest crimes of Money; so the fat- pursed Reap honor from their villainies. Ah — no — I shall not seek the curia, the lords, The judges, senators and other puffy trash. To be the sport of solemn-acting rogues Who ply the ghastly mummery of forms of law; I '11 face far graver judges, whom clinking arguments. And furtive nudgings, do not sway. Those judges — Act V Gracch.. Phil: Gracch.. Phil: Gracch. Phil: Gracch. Phil: Gracch. Phil. CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 159 Sit in the depths. Lord, — not the Three? Yea — so. Ah, — lord — see : Rome will wake to sense at dawn, And seek thee tenderly, whom it hunts tonight, Rome? Rome? That name is sour within my mouth. The morning's penitence undoes no evil deed Wrought on the yesternight. The people are misled. 'T is they themselves who most mislead them- selves, Who follow blatant words, but balk at thought. Then move, my lord, to raise the slaves to arms, And win by force? No, no; not that; not that! What 's gained by gore, is lost in that same flood. The argosy a bloody tide floats home. Contracts a canker that soon pits her skin. Which gapes a thousand mouths, that suck within The horrid liquor : — turned, at last, her turbid tomb. The Law! The Law alone can pave the road By which all men may come to better state; And Law must come by lawful ways in Rome, Where citizens may make what laws they will. The soldiers come still nearer. Page 160 CAIUS GRACCHUS ActV Gracch.: Phil: Gracch.: Aye; their spears, That earn the Roman cash with Roman blood. Will reach us soon. Pomponius? Trapped, too? He stood with good Licinius, and fought. To gain thee way. And so they died. Loved friends! I shall not lag . . . My ciphered tale is told. Yet, would I once again enfold in these Still sensuous arms my mother's form, and kiss Those sweet, firm lips, that taught me honor as a child; Ah — once again I would hold close my lady. And read love's ever-wondrous tale within her eyes. And him — my pratthng boy — gods — there is pain! Farewell, good mother — thou, Licinia — To thee a long farewell. Here is the end .... Philocrates — come — ^be my savior, thou. Help! Free me from my bondage with thy sword ! Dear master — I? Loved master — I.'' Nay ! Nay ! Thine arm is cunning: pet me with its skill. So shall we cheat Rome's masters of their sport. Voice: [in distance] Track! Track! Tis.: Woe to thee, Rome! Gracch.: What sound was that.'' Phil: The hireUngs'.'* Phil. Gracch.: ActV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 161 Gracch.: Nay, 't was one more near, — a voice Of sombre import, but of baffling pitch. Phil.: I heard none other. Gracch.: None, mayhap, heard I. Voice: [nearer] Track! Track! Phil: The pikemen come! Gracch.: Strike swiftly, friend! Phil.: Gracch. Phil.: Gracch.. Phil. Sweet master: will to live, and not to die! I died upon the Rostra, on this morn. Dear master: 'tis thy fancy: thou art whole; Speak not of death, who still art ruddy-hued. Wouldst edge from death.'' Mayhap it is the gate That leads to wider worlds, and worthier hfe? Who knows? For certain, none. Yet something stirs In universal nature that proclaims A seethe of things about us, which our duU And puny talents fail to know, or even sense. Sounds wing we hear not; beauteous colors gleam That pass our stare unnoticed; and the feel Of something nameless tells me, all about Substantial motion fills the ambient space, Where sentient beings strive t' appointed ends. Dost speak of ghosts, my lord, who flit around. In aimless quest of mischief, in the void? 'T is those I fear, — and dread to share their fate! Page 162 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act V Gracch.: There are no voids. Each point is planned and laid. Nor are there ghosts, that flutter, uncon- trolled, In wasteful wandering. Purpose fills all space, The sense of which mere mortals may not know; But I 'm so drawn to that most veiled of secrets, That near I 'm joyed to know my spirit's eyes Will soon feed freely on its shroudless mean- ing. Phil: Gracch.: Phil: Gracch.: So, art resolved — To reach that state this day. The narrow wicket of the grave 's the way. The grave's a cold, and dank, and cheerless bed; master, — face the hardships, for the sun! Shall crumbled ashes flame with primal fire. Or wasted vessels spout their wine anew? [Turns aside, and gazes upward] Eternal Power, whose compeUing mind Rules aU that is, and makes all things to be: Bear witness that I do not die to flee Untoward happenings, or cruel wrongs. Soughed but a whisper in me that said "Live!" 1 'd hold my life — lead to what stifling depths its course; But, what 's my spirit yields to thy command To strive no more on earth; for which I die. The spark that yesterday blazed hot within, And urged to combat in the fated cause. Now glows no longer; what throbbed high, lies flat. For which I loathe this carcass, feigning life, ActV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 163 Whose every movement marks a ghastly miock Of what was once an instrument divine. Voice: [sounding nearer] Track! Track! Phil: Tis.: Gracch. Phil.: Gracch. Phil.: Gracch.: They come! They come! Woe, Rome! Woe, Rome! What voice was that? Our hunters'. Nay, not so. The air bends back in shuddering retreat, And tortures in mine ears with eerie waves, That are not born of mortal throat. None speak But thou, and I. Dost say.f* Mayhap 't is so . . . Now strike! Phil.: To spill thy gore — good master — nay! My sword would turn within the stroke to curse me! Gracch.: Though thine the arm, 't is Rome's behest that kills. Of thee 't is kindness: all the evil 's hers. Voice: [growing nearer] Track! Track! Phil: They come! Tis.: Woe grasps thee, witless Rome! Page 164 CAIUS GRACCHUS ActV Gracch.: Again! [Turns toward Tisiphone] I see thee, glorious Thing of Dread ! I see thee, hving, who should see thee dead! [Turns to Philocrates] Philocrates! Thy sword! Strike! I command! Thy will! Mine arm! O gods! Phil. Tis. Gracch.: [covers his head with cloak] Strike! Phil: Strike? I 've struck! [Stabs Gracchus, who falls. Philoc- rates drops on his knees, head buried in hands. Low roll of thunder, murmur of many voices, indistinct groans, gross laughter, stifled shrieks, which die away as Tisiphone speaks] Doom 's struck! Weep, Rome! Drink, ever- thirsting sword! Halt, Chaos! Wither thy lascivious reach! On high, still Justice holds th' all-weighing scales. That sway to every paltry insect's drone. And cant for gods and bondmen with like speed. To her stern service flies my flaming will! Soon to that balance these, mine arms, will sweep An ocean of hot tears, vast stores of pain. High mountains of sleek corpses, gathered from Rome's darlings of soft ease, and from those low ActV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 165 Who 've served their bloody ends in this most foul event! Such the amends that shall make smooth th' account! Tisiphone hath spoken! Note it, gods! [Exit Tisiphone] Phil: Sweet Caius Gracchus, parable of worth. Thou norm of honor, greatest of the sons The gods have given Rome : — what low, rank tale Will rumor sow of thee in all the days to come? The lion dead, the meanest cur may bite; The giant gyved, a dwarf will dare to fight; Let lightning fell the towering oak, and then — 'T is kindling wood for the most sleazy men. When greatness crashes, at the Fates' com- mands, A myriad lousy knaves clap eager hands. And spit the venom of their envy's hate. In base inventions, that their spites create. From out their vicious longings, to lay store Of fell abominations at its door: Each seeks some notice for his abject squeak By tagging what was great with his own reek : And finding hstening ears, where Fame hath not, Impress on shining lives their poison's blot. So, filthy tongues, that reach from sewers' slime, Proclaim high minds as ministers of crime. And out of mouths unfit to breathe a name. Its memory 's consigned to lasting evil fame. Voice: [nearer] Track! Track! I see the track! Phil: Now am I master here, and, of my will. Can choose my course and order my next step Page 166 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act V As gives me pleasure. Caius Gracchus dead, And I — his soldier — living! O ye mooning Fates, — What foolish play is here! See — on this blade— 'T is Caius Gracchus' blood that slowly flows! Thou sacred ichor! Precious ruby drops! Mysterious fluid, that, a moment since. Coursed love, and pregnant thought in yonder corpse: Come to my heart, and mingle with its stream ! So may Philocrates hold Gracchus in himself, And may unite some atom of his worth With this, his humble servant, who, at once, Will grow blood-brother to this hero-god! I shared thy life : — my chief, my master, friend — [Stabs himself] O sacred joy, — to share thine own life's end ! [Dies. Silence] Sp. of Tiber.: Hast tarried long, my Caius. Sp. of Caius: I 'm in pain ! Sp. of Tiber. < That quickly passes: now thine essence clears From what hath held its thrill. Sp. of Caius: I suflFer, still. Sp. of Tiber.: There — now — art — free — Sp. of Caius: Tiberius? Sp. of Tiber.: 'Tisl. ActV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 167 Sp. of Cuius: All 's strange, I 'm light. Sweet brother, am I dead? Sp. of Tiber.: Art dead to Rome, and to that futile swarm Of sodden things that peoples all its hills. Sp. of Caius: And now, there 's peace.'' Sp. of Tiber.: Aye, that; — the peace of toil, Which thou and I take up again as one; Toil everlasting, and its sweet reward Of other toil. Such is the Fates' decree. The universe is toil, and thou, and I, Are of its spirits bidden, in our time. Again, and yet again, now here, now there. To come, to labor and to die, and rise. And strive — and strive again. In prison cell and pyre, In stock and chain, on cross, and on the rack, Our mortal bodies still must coil and writhe, That of those horrors souls may part and grow To habitate those soulless things below. Who curse at reason, and raise up as great Those who deny mankind its proper state. For, so 't was ordered on th' initial day : Upon men's drooping heads. Hate foots its way; Love finds its thorny path where'er it may. Sp. of Caius: Ah! Radiant morn! — I see celestial light! Sp. of Tiber.: Away — away — away beyond the night! [Silence. Enter, slowly, soldiers, — some bearing torches] Page 168 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act V First Sold.: They 've cheated us; they 're dead. Second Sold.: We are too late. First Sold.: It was our evil fortune, and their fate. [Enter Septimuleius] Sept. So, thou art loser, Gracchus, after all? I '11 take what profit offers from thy fall. Come, men, — his head! Our Senate chiefs await. To weigh its bulk, that once outweighed the Roman state. [Draws sword, and approaches body, which soldiers surround] Curtain Sept.: Cit.: Calp.: Cit: Calp.: Cit.: Calp.: Cit.: Calp. SCENE Second— Day— Road to Rome [Enter Septimuleius, followed by citi- zen, bearing sack] Stay here, while I go forward to make sure My road, and of an escort. Aye, my lord. [Exit Septimuleius. Citizen puts down bag, sits. Mops his brow] Heigh-ho — the day comes warm. [Enter Calpio, disguised] Good Roman, hail! Fair day to thee. Hast aught to sell.'' Some food.? A cabbage — cheese — some lettuce heads, per- haps? I carry but one head. That is not much. Not much this morning, yet last night it was A most important head; and on this morn. Shorn from its native stalk, 't is said 't hath gained A high advance in worth. Am I a fool To have such stories told me? Page 170 CAIUS GRACCHUS Act V Cit.: What thou art Is naught to me, good friend; yet do I say: Here 's value now, in gold, a dozen-fold, More than there was last night. Calp. at.: Calp. at: Calp. at: Calp.: at.: Calp.: CU.: Calp. at.: What bearest thou? The head of Caius Gracchus. Gracchus? Aye. And how 's its value raised? Why, see thee here! The Consul hath ofPered all its weight in gold, Whereon its weight 's no more of bone and greys. But bone and lead instead. Thy master 's wise. He 's more. He 's shrewd. But of this Gracchus, — say — What manner man was he? Dost know? I 've heard — Not half what I could tell thee, warrant thee; For who should know, if not the man who bears His head for weighing? True; and he, thou sayst — Was a most evil rogue: defied our state. Our sacred Senate, all our judges; and Indeed, the gods themselves! ActV CAIUS GRACCHUS Page 171 Calp.: CiL: Calp.: CiL: Calp.: CiL: Calp.: SepL: CiL: Calp.: So I have heard — Say not hast heard, as something from afar: I tell it thee, who bear his head. That's sense. What did he seek for, truly? Who shall say What foul design was in his heart — or in his head? But this all men are sure on: that he was The enemy of Rome. Why, think on't, trav- eler : He sought to lead us honest men astray In evil ways, by vicious pleas for changes. He sought — he sought most wicked, horrible things : T' oppress the high, to raise the plebs to power- He was a danger — he — ; 'tis well he's dead. So men of substance say. Now — Rome's secure! Pray to the gods that state may long endure. [Enter SEPTiMULErus, with guards] Come, creature, walk! Aye, honorable lord. Speed on, my friend, in safety. [Exeunt Septimuleius and guards] Page 172 CAIUS GRACCHUS ActV Cit.: [walks off, with sack] Many thanks. Who serves the state, as I, in honored toil, Hath naught to fear on Roma's sacred soil. I bear a rebel's head upon my back. But what my shoulders hold, none will attack. Calp. So, Caius Gracchus' head, encased in rags. Returns to Rome, its god become its jest! Thou evil place! I spit on thee, proud Rome — Thou nest of rogues and fools! The rogues on high. The fools, who for those rogues toil, fight and die : Whose souls are appetites, whose minds are lust. And for whose pleasures worlds are ground to dust! Curtain lilfiKiTff ■10^8 391 Sffl'L ! 1,1 . 1 f|-|: ■ m ,i Ml 'l .1,- ■ ''!'■■■ • ■>;; ■ '; ; it 0^ ...11' ■ '.'■''.,