LIBRARY OF CONGRESS llllliilllllililllilllillll 016 103 823 4 ALEXANDER THE GREAT. A Tragedy -> IN FIVE ACTS. ^ 5 T ^' FREDERICK RICE. - SAN FRANCISCO: 1882. Kiitered ;ufiic-( A LEXANDEE Kiiiy of Miiretldiii:! DAKiris Kino- (,tPei-si;i H E P H AST I A X j i )EMETEIII,S j S KL E U < ' A S Pt( )IjE JI Y Anti pater [ Cahsaxder I CiiiTrs I Aristotle I Pliilosdi.licis DiOGENKS ) Pitocian All (.1111(1 SisiGAAiBEs Dariu.s' MotluT Statiba Hi.s Wile Philip Alexander's Physician RoxAXA Alexander's Wile TiiAisA Alexander's Mistress pARMKXio Alexander s General Res^us Persian Go veriK )r Priests and Priestesses, Doctors, Jews, Citizens, Ladies, Soldiers, A Robber. ALEXANDEE THE GREAT. ACT I. ScKNE I.— Temple in Delplii— A i)riestess sittin.^' on a tripod- A viipor rising from an opening- in the ground. ( I'riests.) 1st Pkiest. Fortune smiles again; This time we are not ho])iiig in vain. 2(1 Prikst. Why so brother? Si)cak! Let me hear! Good news are charms to a mortal's ear. Sure enough; you have tidings good, Which brought you in a happy mood. Is' I'RiKST. Y.iung Alexander, Piiilip's son, is now Hound to fuliili his lather's vow. With Persia he is g dug to light; He is protector of Grecian rigiit. But on so great an enter] )rise He dare not venture without our oracle's advice. 2d Priest. Wiiy.^ His lather fonght so many a battle. But his gold was never known to rattle. It is iieyond the memory (d'mine That he gave' a cojiper to our shrine. Still he was always victorious; His career was called most glorio;-s. 1st Priest. He was a miser; he was a knave. Although he our temple protection gave, He thought he showed great afle-tion and love By taking laurels irom our sacred grove. Wrapped ihem round his temj)les wlien in triumph So he might hide his m'ser's bumj). He was cunning and sh;:i'p like a hawk. But Alexander has the eagle's walk. Like the lornier, Philip showed pluck and nnght; Young Alexander resembles the latter in Hight. \Vithout a good answer from this oracle. His host of heroes will be a sad spectacle. The (ireeks will have no faith in him. 4 ALEXANDER THE GREAT. Think themselves objects of whim or wrath of the Gods eternal, And be as worthless as shells without kernal. 2d Priest. How could Philip .so well inspire his host And lead them to conquest, When of faith none could boast. 1st Priest. They were barbarians, savages,brutes in human shapes, In their habits resemble apes. Some were intidels, ruffians, outcasts from Greece; They thought by following him they .should capture the Golden Fleece. They would follow liim through any mire, If they thought they could gratify their wild desire. They would luive torn the world asunder To (juench their thirst for blood and plunder. For tliem there was no sacred soil; They had no other aim than spoil. Alexander is as pious as he is brave; A great education him Aristotle gave. 1st Prh ^j:. From him he tlio.se ideas of virtue and homjrreceived, And faith in the gods in wliom liis father^Jljeneved. Like the planets in the firmament are lighted and guided by the sun, So are the heroes of Greece in their run Led and directed by Alexander; In his course they gladly wander. They will follow him after the (xolden Fleece. He is the rising sun of Greece. Enter Sei.ucas and Cassander. Cassander. Hail! ye servants of the eternal gods; Hope our arrival make no odds. We bring Alexander's warmest greeting; Sorry lie could not come to this meeting. Yonder .soldiers carry up the sacrifice; Hundred talents a sum (juite nice. This after a liberal measure, A handsome addition to your temple's treasure. 2d Pbiest. Alexander's praise we long shall sing; A noble gift; worthy so great a king. 1st Priest. I'll go behind the alter, . Kneel down and sing a jjsalter. Bend my head down to the sod And thereby move the Almighty God. Priestess (Sighing). I see a form but dim. oh, now I see it plain! I see liim! A man in stature low; His beard is heavy, bent is his brow. Fierce are his eyes; Wrinkles and furrows lies o'er liis forehead; ALEXANDEK THE GEEAT. 5 His skin the color of lead. 2d Priest. King Philip's spirit, Which to our oracle will be a great merit. Priestess. He spoke while I trembled and shook. 2d Priest. His words let us hear; We are all ear. Priestess. What I commenced you shall complete. In valor none with you shall more comepete. But are you lost in passion's wave, In prime of your career be ready for the grave. 1st Priest. This is what we call a good oracle. To you it might be a strange spectacle. It is distinct and plain, there is no mixture or mess; Was ever a mortal more sure of success? True it has a shadow of strife; But so is life; There is no rosebush without thorns; Seldom a foot found free of corns. He knows his dangers Wherever he ranges. Has no cause to be annoyed By dangers he knows and can avoid. Scene II — A square in Corinth. Diogenes and his barrel in a corner — Alexander and followers . — Citizens. Alexander. Hail! ye citizens of Greece; My love for you shall never cease. We are waiting for Selucas and Cassander, Whom I to Delphi sent To give report how the oracle went; Good or bad as the case may be; Ye know the gods take liberty And steer the mortal's course. By their oracles we have a source To get a glimpse of our destiny; A source they left us of charity. Citizens. A measure that is very wise; Worthy the hei'o of Greece in his rise. Alexander. It is a custom of old among the Greeks To be foretold of the Delphi oracle, Before the enemy they tackle. Before they ventured on a hazardous enterprise From Delphi they always had some good advice. Enter Selfcas and Cassander. Alexander. Impatiently we are you awaiting; Tell us how. Was the debating In the holy temple of Apollo? Shall we stav or shall we go? 6 ALEXANDER THE (UlEAT. ('assani)ER. But I must lament That I should represent You know liow it is. v>o I hardly need luentiou How such iliinu's go. Jk'vond my comprelieusion. I am as you know a poor believer; And look at tlie priest, as a mere dereiver, . Who plays his tricks like politics; How anxious he is to keep in tix. . The harness he got on tlie ignorant mass; By superstition he leads them like a blindfolded ass. Ai-KXANDEE. (n s(m;e points you are right may be; liut you take too much lil)erly. Hard against i'aith and religion you batter; And still you don't comi)rehen(l tlie matter. ^\'e must have religion and priesthood, Or else be rude, brutish and beastly. There must be a power, now we call it priestly. To edi cite and develop num. Fit him and form him so tiually lie can After he leaves his earthly tomi), Associate with (iod's eternal in the woriils to come. To you it juav have a cliildisli asi)ect The way rH^religion tries to ^ect. Not so with the non-skeptic mind; Faith is his guide; he will roinid it wind. The common man has not far out-grown hiscliildhood; Because lie rv)ams not like a savage through wildwodl. By degiees his head wi'l be clearer, And clianging his mood He then must be guided ditlereut from what he is now; But 'fore guides and leaders he will always bow. Seluccas. The oracle s})oke tlirough ycuir father's si)irit. Alexandee. Speak! Speak! let us hear. Skj.i'Ctas. "What I commenced. ye shall complete; In valor none with you shall more conqiete. I>ut iire you lost in passion's wave, In [u-ime of your career l)e ready !or the grave. Aeexandkr. Hopeful and cherishing is tiie sound; Still it seems for s^ row iiound. Cassandkr. Don't let lliis cursed nonsense Weigh your courage and humor down to rciientance. Don't let it be said of Alexander That he rHund like a shadow wamlcr. Alexander. Don't be alarmed; have no iear; You shall never tind me in the rear. AxTii\ Come let us take a little stroll; Look at tlic great Diogenes, ALEXANDEK THE GREAT. 7 Whose fame is none the less Because lie made a barrel his house, And worries about to imitate a dog or a mouse. DjMT. Why don't you get a chain To tie round your neck, so you could be proud and vain Of being inventor, Make it fast to your barrel's center. Heph. Hail! you wisest of m irtals; Rather low is your palace's portals. How do you fare of late? Is none allowed inside your gate? How is your house? Does it leak? I'll sound it and give it a kick. (Kicksthe barrel.) Alexander. Stop comrades! stop! no more ridicule; To mock at misery is agains.t my rule. I'll treat him kindly and upon him bestow some caress; How can I serve you Diogenes? DiOGEXES. Stand out of my way And give the sun its sway. Alex.\nder. Is that all you can possibly ask of me? Diogenes. I am proud as you and still more free. Alexander! By .Jove! lie surprises me; H )w independent, proud and free He is in spite of his misery. By Hercules! Was I not Alexander, Like Diogenes would I wander. Ptolemy. Whilst you were satisfying your curiosity, A messenger came and tidings brought Of a battle they fought Against the barbarians, of whom They are now besieged in a little fort; The time is but short till they must surrender. Alexander. U]) heroes! we'll teach them a lesson dear, So they shall not come near our frontier For years to come. These barbarian Hordes shall keep a distance from our borders. (Shouts and flourish.) Scene III — Thebes in ruins — Alexander and followers. Alexander. Now here the Thebans have had their reward; I them have shown my best regard. Tiieir city in ruins lain; Six thousand of their ablest Tiien were slain. It served them right 8 ALEXANDER THE GREAT. To break the peace witli force and might. My garrison in Cadmea tliey made war upon Whilst I was gone. I gave tliem time enough to repent. Oh? tliey t)nly hiughed and on tliey went. For the gate of peace they tliemselves put tlie bar; And now they must sufier tlie result of wfir. Cruel it seems the people were deceived; Led to insurrection by leports of my death they believed; But how v.'ill I rule this tunndtuous, obstinate set. Always restless and ready To be led l>y orators, demagogues and politicians; Men of talent but base under all conditions. Avaricious, sellish auvl cruel; Little they care if the State is cut up for fuel. 80 they themselves may rise in power; On the peoi)le's ruins (hey build their tower. Kow busy they are in pulling the wires So they can gratify their vile desires To roll in wealth and luxury And mock at people's povertv. This shall not be! I'll lay The!)es waste To teach the Oreeksa lesson they'll not foi'get in haste. So must, so shall it be. Justice only makes mankind free. Pity and mercy are vix'tues sublime; But shown to the criminal to society is crime. The groans of the wounded and dying I liear; The women's and children's lament still rings in my ear. Antip. Are you thinking of the grand and holy? You look so sad and melancholy. .\i.EXANDEH. Just thought of the curse of war, Avarice and andiition's bar For peace and happiness of nuui. So was my reflection; How to give my j>rotection; H )w horrible and grand to be a king And leader in the war gcxls' ring. AxTP. By Mars! the Atlieuiaus o,iglit to fare like the Thebans of late; For ihey liave a right to share an eipial late, How busy they were to form this plot; I think they are the guiltiest of the lot. Alexander. Orders I gave them to deliver Ten orators of the very best quiver. Demosthenes stood foremost on tlie list ALEXAXDEK THE GREAT. 9 Among tlioise I would like to decorate with irons on the wrist. They liad a council where Phocion said He desired to be delivered. Their machinations brougbt misery on the state And they were to blame for its fate. He. for liis part, should lie glad To die for the commdnwealtli If he tlierel)y ciMild alter its fate so sad. .Vthens was saved. My Avrath cooled down and away it waved. (ireat is my joy to have found a toy Whidi like a magic rod in my iiand ShaH reform and correct a degraded band. Pt,). He ought have a reward. Alkxandek. I sent Demetrius with a guard, A hundretl talents as a present to him. Pt(i. Your Iteuevolence floats to the lirim. Enter Dkmetkhs. Alex. How did he the present receive? I)Ejr. It is iuird to l)elieve; He refused the present to take; Still he is in jxiveny's wake. Enter Phocion, I'iro. Why has thisjelection of such a ))ounty been my fate? Alex. liecause you are, after my measure, The only just and honest nuui in your state. Pho. Then let me sufl'er to be what I am; And not l)v your gold l)uild a dam. Which only will clieck my lu^nest career And destroy my fame's fovmdation tier. Let me on my old platform stand. A]>Ex. Nolde! (irand! Hear what orders Darious gave; Philip's crazy b(\v goes out from his cai^"; Give him a flogging and send him home; That will break his desire to roam. By my ancestov AcliillesI His jiride and vanity slmll be less; When first he gets to test our swords, He shall speak in less insulting words. ANriPATOR. You at home shall stay; Keep things smooth and our enemies at bay. Twelve thousandrnen, that's all I can spare; Be pru;lent ami mild but firm without scare. 10 ALEX A^- DEE THE GREAT. Before I leave my native shore 1 give you my treasure spoils that my father tore from down-trodden nations; For me they are unwholesome rations. Divide them as hest you please; First then will I feel at ease. Cas. You must be insane or else terrible vain. Don't give your generosity such monstrous roi>es. Alex. Oh! I am rich! I keep my hopes. (Enter Aristotle.) Blest be this hour, my joy is not in vain; How hap])y 1 feel to meet you again. Aristotle. My beloved pupil and honored King; Before you lead on your heroic ring And venture on your daring enterprise, Take hrst a little counsel and advice. The grace of tlie gfxls is over you now. And always will be if you don't break your vow And give your evil passions might; Be true to the noble, good and right. You will concpier! Wliy should you not; Great are the gifts that fell in your lot. * You are the bravest among the l)rave; Your foe a weak, faint hearted knave. Your host of freeman are heroes in mails; His countless swarms cowards and thralls. Forward with a daring leap; They will spread and scatter before you like sheep. Now, when you are conqueror proud, Let mercy's voice in your heart speak loud. Be forbearing and tolerant And you shall see how you will enchant The hearts of millions. Y^ou shall win If you keep clear of tyrant's sin. In forcing others to their own belief; Let themselves seek for relief, By their faith aspire to ease; Let them worship as they pie ise. Most of all control your mind; First then you the true glory shall find. He wlio keeps his heart open for pity Is greater than he wlio takes a city. Now go forth on your glorious road; Ta^ke off the load; break the chains that bind the slave Roll on like the ocean wave. Y'our principles true shall have success; ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 11 And be hailed as liberator for a world in distress. Farewell my pupil! My hopeful King! The leading spirit hero's in ring. Alexander. Farewetl my teacher! My guide in youth! When I take your counsel my measures will suit. If not before we will meet at Olympia's portals. Farewell, Aristotle, the wisest of mortals. Chort's. Now we are ready for Asia's coast, We are ready to start; Of victories none shall the Persian's boast. In his stately cart shall Darius tremble and shake; Wiien our phalanx smart in liis ranks a wide opening will make. Forward for the Golden Fleece! Conquer or die for tiie glory of (Greece. We will resemble the heroes of old. Of whom Homer so beautiful told. Re like the famous conquerors of Troy; In peril and danger we look for our joy. Our battle ci-y, the Gcdden Fleece; Conquer or die for the ghu-y of Greece. ACT II, Scene I — Battle of Granicus — Alexander's army. Parmenio. I do advise you to delay All further movements and await the dawing of a brighter day, If we persist we leave ourselves a prey in our enemies' hand; We are too w&dk to match that for.nidable l)and. This river too seems difficult to ford; How will it be to route out Asia's horde? Too hard a task to climb these steep and rugged banks; And harder still to l)reak their firm and solid ranks; If here us any mishaps meet. Our bold ailvanoe will end in sad defeat. At.exandeu. Before it shall 1 e said That here the Greeks have fied, We'll fill this river up and bridge it with onr dead. Charue! ScEXE II— Temple in Gorditnii— An ancient chariot in a corner— Ptolemy, Demetrius, Hephacdn. Ptolemy. By Mars! this was a glorious battle; The wide world over our fame will rattle. Dem. If not for Alexander's da.^^h. Our fame might have had a terrible smash. Heph. By taking Parmenia's advice I saw "hf* Wr^" r^ nif^'^ "f S esostris , 1_> ALEXANDER THE GREAT. We would have failed in our enterijrise. Sel. Sure enough! a further delay Would give the enemy too much sway. Ca.s. A .stron^:; position and easy to keep, On (iranira's banks, rug^eJ^nd steep. Tlie stream was ver}' hard to cross; Our cavalry suflered heavy l().ss, How the rapids roared and frowned; 1 saw many waslieu away and drowned? Dem. I saw Alexander slay two Persian (;liicers, one a chief! iSel. But he himself was in need of reiie.. (Ja.s. If not for Ciit'.is he would now be deair plain, Then we will have our revenge again. Sesk;. You were told not to go into the tight; The stars' positions were anytljingliut right. Dar. Wluit have they to do with our wars. I trust in armies, not in stars. (The (rreeks are heard c(uning) (Exeuit Darius.) Statira. Oh, cruel fate! 1 wish I conld f()llo\v. But oh, too late. H irrible our lot to be left without protection. Trusting to our enemies' att'ection. Roxaxa. I have been told that Alexander so tierce and bold, has a lieart as pure and as tine as gold. Enter Alexander and his followers. Hail you noble queens, T know what your sorrow means; You are left destitute without protectiim. Be assured of mv atfection; But where did Darius go ? Statira. horror ! Tale of woe ! He may be killed In- the pursuing foe. He fled and left liis royal arms. And theret)v threw awav the charms 1C, ALEXANDER THE GREAT. A\'luoh might liave saved his precious litV And ))r(Hi_o;ht hina mit oltliis horrible strife. Alkx. Oil, he is safe, his horse is fleet as a deer, None of my horsemen can get lo him near. Now, queen, we obey your voice And bring you safe to any place of your choice. SisY(;. May laurels around your temple wreathe, And may the future call you great. .'VLEX Don't flatter me, ladies fair, With us it is no custom rare lo slusw the gentle sex attention. A custom so f)ld it's not worth mention. To do for the ladies the very best, Was always a rule we kept in the west. Ptolemy, give ear to my voice. And bring these ladies to a place of their choice. ( Exeunt ladies and Ptolemy.) A Li'X. Now comrades' for a feast, A recreation we deserve at least After this glorious battle. Now let g()l)lets and dishes rattle. (They set down) ('as. By the miahty Hercules ! Now we can boast of our success. Well might the Persian women weep. Their heroes fled before us like sheep. Heph. When Darius from his chariot leaps, the victory was reaped. Sel, The charge Alexander bravely led Whilst Darius like a coward fled. Ci.iTUS. Ho is Darius' cowardice the ladder on which Alexander will rise. Cas. What about the Persian stars, Their trustees and protecting bars, ? Astrologers are their surest guide, But I think they had better hide; Their horoscope nuist have been wrong, Or else they lied in their song. If they their believers did inspire. They only yielded to their own desire; Perhaps they made a blimder. Their glasses not clean nor taken assunder. With all respect I should call them lucky. If they, for their neglect, to the cross be not nailed For having the future so clumsily unveiled. Alp:x. Thanks and glory to the gods of Greece, Soon we shall capture the Golden Fleece. (Shouts, Flourish.) Cas. PTere is to Alexander, ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 17 Oiii- stern commander ! our hero! our king ! The leading spirit in our galhiat rin?. (Sli Hits, Flourish.) Ai.EX. Here is to my army: Witli men of your isind. My enemies numbers I never need mind; Everything must to your valor yield, The fate of battles from this we wield. (Shouts, Flourish.) Alex. What do you think of the Persian ladies? Don't you think they Avere pretty and fair, Although they were weighted down with sorrow 1 1 1 care ? Cas. Their veils hinder me in seeing their faces; Next tiiey apjiearso distant, ^Vliich becomes in such cases. I think they were pretty — I think they were roses, Judging from what I saw — the tips of their no.ses. What a foolish etiquette they obey, And let themselves go round like dummies. And be wrapped up like mummies. Alex, No, I prefer the women of Greece, They are not so subjective, do more as they please. In dress and appearance suit comfort and ease; Love and affection from tlieir hearts never can be torn, Of them and them only heroes are born. (Shouts, Flourish) ACT III, Scene I — Tyre in ruins — Alexander and Army. Alex. Another siege, bloody and h ng. Another carnage and woeful song; A leaf in my history, stained with blood, Still, partial evil is sometimes universal good. Dejit. It servetl them right. They shall not again boast of their might; They thought tliey were secure by their strong po- sition — Their channel and wall. Thev thought we were not in c{Midition, They trusted to Baal; We had no siiips to get across; They thought themselves safe from loss. Till we found means to build this mole So we might show ourselves like lords. And give them a test of onr flashing swords, Alex. I should have fared milder with them. But to stop the soldiers were all in vain. They turned deaf ears to my orders AVhen I would discipline maintain. Cal. It would be imprudent to stop their sway; IS ALEXANDER THE (^REAT. They, too, must sometimes have tlieir own way. They are humans like we. Ami also must have some liberty. Pt(»li-,.-\iv. The downfall of Tyre Will prove an example good, ,vnd hrinji otlier cities in a peaceable mood. (Enters Jews from Jerusalem) Is.Jkw. Hail yon e(;n(|Ueror great I Your fame has hlled our ears of late. Alex. Hail you sons of ancient nation ! Is peace and friendshij) the occasion which brought you to me ? 2nd Jkw. Surrender will we on tliis condition, That we are lel't in our (dd position: Worship the (rod our forefathers saw. And live obedient to Moses' law. Alkx. But you shall pay a tribute light, Pay one hundred talents, and with niaiii and might I will you from your enemies protect; Yourselves too weak to give vour rights effect. 8d Jew. This tribute is enormous high, It will ruin our country, our nation will die. (), we are very poor ! (). we are very poor ! Do you know how we were roblied on the moor? Neljuchadnezzar, that cursed thief! Great woes over Israel's children did heap. He bui-ned our city. He burned our temple, He stole our treasure. Not a copper did he leave to Babylon, he brought our nation; them Kepi us for seventy years in a ])en. We might have l)een there yet in slavery, But godly Cyrus gave us liberty. He sent us home to build i p our temple and city. Blessed shall he be for his u-ndness and pity. This you see was a terrible snuish. Hardly is healed the wounds ot the lash. It in onr memory i'rightful whi})ples. And we are nothing yet l)Ut cripples. Alex. How much can you pay ? 4th Sew. I'll see. A sum of twenty-five talents is all we can raise; sure as I'm alive. C'as. Don't be long with them dunning. Don't you see how they are cunning? Alex. Their stoiw is true to my knowledge; I read about them while in college. I will not alnise my might, But fare with them easy and light. Fiftv talents, how is that? ALEXANDEK THE GREAT. 19 2nd Jew. Too high a price even that. ■1th Jew to 2d Jew. Never mind his frown, Jew liim down brother! Jew him down ! Alex. This is more tlian my patience can bear; Pay iifty talents or fate with Tyre ye share. Jews. Down before you lay our wealth, Pray keep the sword still in your belt. Ciioux'S. To good terms we got him down; How well we avoided his rage and frown, How well we played our ancestral harp. That man wlio will cheat us must be sharp. In battles his equal cannot be found, But in our treaties we wind him round. How well we deceived him by tale and whim — In trade we are too smart for him. Scene II — Alexander and followers. AliEX. I have a plan, it's not vile; I'll found a city at the mouth of the Nile, Give unborn bards theme for a verse, A centre of the world's commerce. Chorus. Smooth and pretty assembling isle, Glides along the ancient Nile; Carried by this mighty stream, Fleets of vessels safe can teem. And here the ocean rolls its waves. Girths the isles of Helios — With our ancestors' graves. Alex. From Darius I had an offer; True it is good — it means no scoffer. He proposes to make peace, Of ten thousand talents his ti-easure will ease. And of his dominions west of Euphrates He gives me a lease. His proposals are anything but mean; He wants his daughter to be my queen. Parmenio is my councellor wise, He takes a great delight in my rise. He said: "If I was Alexander, proud and haughty, I would not wander such splendid offers ! I would feel highly honored, too." I said yes, so would I, if I were you. I'll go to Jupiter's temple, sacrifice to the mighty God; His blessing shall be a nuigic rod. In my hand it shall be a mighty tool, Whereby I the nations can easily rule. Scene III — .Jupiter's temple — Priests and Priestesses. 1st Priest. Our stars brightlv shine; •>0 ALEXANDFJl THE CiREAT. Alexandi'r's sacrifice to r tein])le divine lias conio. Hundred talents — quite a sum. 2n PRiK.d Priest. This old wooden block, But we will have him in marble cut. 1st Pbik.stess. Our gardens are greatly in need of repair, ( )ur only resort when we need fresher air. 2d Pbikst. If Pm allowed to have a voice, I propose some flowers from P)abylon after my choice. 3d Pbiest. Sisters, listen to what I will say, Still I don't mean to have my own way. Suppose we have some new dresses of the latest pattern to us from Memphis sent. You don't call it an evil passion To yield a little to the rage of fashion. Some would surely call it vile. But oh, how I would like lo dress in the latest style ! Good gracious ! we dress like the dead in our grand- mother's time, When Camljyses stained all Egypt with vice and crime. 4th Pkikstess. T don't feel so worldly and gay, I am getting old when the truth 1 shall say. I have to manage and watch like an owl, And think more of the good of our fowl. 4th Pkiett. It is all very tine indeed, To spend our treasure with speed; Nobody thinks of our cellar's supply — I speak the truth — never lie. We have only one hogshead spared; Blessed be King Pharoah, he for us cared. Of that wine he to our temple sent, Before he down in the Red Sea went, It's now getting sour and old. Would nf>t drink it for the sake of gold. I think we need a refreshment here. We who foHp*ufc-this holy temple care. Enter Alexander and followers. Alex. Hail ye servants of a God mighty and just ! I l)rought a sacrifice in golden dust. I like to be of Jupiter's blest. And get my name on his sacred list. 1st Priest. Hail to conquering Alexander ! In Ju]jiter's grace he henceforth wander. (To the Priests and Priestesses) Brothers and sisters pray, Bend your beads down to the clay. (Lightning and Thunder — then Jupiter's voice) ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 21 Alexander, 1113' son, concjner in my name, Anl Where we can on our laiii'els rest. vSf'KNE V r — Babylon — Priests — Citizens — Women — (Musie) Crowd. Welei.ine I Welcome! Alexander Great I ! Of yo'.i we have heard so much of late. AVill yon chant^e our. sadly fate, And t(ive our city rateamont>' the c;rand and glorious? Yon are victorious. Alex. Old IJahylon so gay and fast .Shall capital be for Jiiy kiufjdom vast. HuiHP. The temple of Reins, our mighty o-od, Ry Cyrus was struck with an iron rod [n ruins since it ever laid, The tyrants over ns cruelly swayed. We were not allowed to keep our vow, And to his holy altar bow. Alkx. His !i(dy temple shall be re-biult, r sacrifice give him, costly and gilt. PsTs. Rut you must under our guidance l)e; Re prudent, ilon't take sudi liberty. In strangers Relus takes no delight. Beware of his wrath and godly might. Alkx. Yourselves to jdease, put your god to comfort and ea.se. Y'on better know how his notions ranger Than I, in Babylon, a stranger. Ladies, how will this change you please? Will it improve your pleasure and ease? Ii.\DiKs. Oh, eharnung ! charming it will Ije; We will have more liberty. We w\U see the glorious days of old, The days of splendors, feasts and gold, In flirtations, courting, love and kiss, Kcsemble the days of Simiramis. Oh, what magnificent dresses we shall wear I And proudly the standard of fashion liear. (^ur husband's we shall stop in their song. Of taxes, troubles, hard times and throng. How well they shov.'cd us how Persian fashion saves, Hardened misers, ungrateful knaves. ScBNK VI— (Banquet). Alkx. a month spent in a continual feast. I am getting tired to say the least. Cah. [ think we need a reereatiou, After our long, toilsome invasion. 80 I will make use of this occasion. Their wine is a grand success. Their women's charm is none the less. If not for Thaisas charm. Mv rest would been short in Rabvlon's arm. 04 A L EX AXDEil TH E ( i R i ; A T. oil, wliiit a bewitching, dazzling Lfau.tv ! Deiiiaiidinj,^ love and wr.rsliip as a duty. Clit, By Mar.s ! your love is getting ripe. AiiEX. She is a model of our llellenie tvpe; She is the image of Venus, our lovely goddess. CijIT. Her name for virtue is none the less. Alex. 1 saw her iirst in Athens grove, But my heart had little room for love. Now here in Babylon we met. Clit. And now she's got you in her net. AiiEX. I sent for her to come down, And by her presence our bancjuet i'rf)wn; To queen 1 will rise her, and give her the lead. Clit. A worthy queen indeed ! (Enter Thaisa and attendants). Alex. Hail Thaisa! queen of beauty, We pay her homage as a duty. (They sit down — Bullet.) Alex. Day is lu-eaking; wenuist go forth. Be^sus is gathering troops in the Noi-th. Let us hurry, and hy surprise. Crush him before he has time to rise. ( Exeunt generals. ) Alex. 1 uuist leave you and go witli speed. Thaisa Oh, let some of your generals take the lead. Alex. If 1 am not at my warriers lead, Little praise will my history read, A new Sardanapalus would be my name. And small the place for honor and fame. Farewell, Thaisa ! my ideal ! my goddess I My sun ! My prize for toil in battles won. (Exunt Alex.) Thai. At last I got upon the stand, My longing hearts desire. Thanks, Venus, lovely goddess, thanks. You rose me I'rom the mire. A child of humble origin, wlih chances low and mean, Shall of a proud and haughty world, Be hailed as ruling (lueen. From Sicily, my native isle, to Athens I did roaju, To win a fortune was my aim, I stood in beauty's bloom. I found admirers by the sc(U-e, but none my heart could lease, Till I young Alexander saw — the rising star of Greece. Oh, how I watched his career so glorious and bold, And oh. how often did I dream I wore his crown of gold. Mv dream shall be realitv — ALEXANDER niM GREAT. 25 A queen in beautj'^riag, A wortliy bride 1 think I ;in>, Vov the nn!)[e hero king-. W^hen now the royal crown I wear, The world shall know my mood; Those wild have insulted me shall tremble for their Itlood. Now ('litus treats me with contempt. Pr mdly on me looks down; He thinks it is despicable for me to wear a crown. When I at last have reached my point — am Alexan- der's bride, The crimson drf>ps from Clitus' heart Shall heal my wounded pride. ACT IV. ScENK I — Barrria — Darius in cha'ns — Bessus and followers. Bes Come ! Come! no longer tarry we, Alexander is advancing rapid'y. Dar. No ! I'll slay and for Alexander wait — in him I have fate. In his generosity i a in a 1)e'iever, He is not like you a treachei'ons false deceiver. Bes. On the ruins of your T)ower, I will l)nild my royal tower. Dar. Fine castles you build in the air, Soon Alexander will give you a scare. Bes. (_'ome now, or lia.ve a row. Dar. Not an inch fiirther than this. Bes. Well, then, talcc my bliss. (Stabs him, Darius fails and dies) (Lxeunt Bessus and followers — Enter Alex and followers) Ai-EX. By Achilles! Here lies the unhappy Darius — poor his success. Still we nuist pity liim none the less. Bleeding, his liansis tied with chains, Lies Darius. Asia's Sovereign. Bessessr.s and followers work upon my woril, They themselves condemn, They sliall i)e put to tlie sword. Selucus ! take ten t!u>usand warriors brave; Hinit them, slay them ! But give them no grave. Leave them for raven and vulture as feed, A punishment for their cruel deed. First then, can Darius rest in peace? Flis cries for vengeance w'ill cease. (Takes his cloak and covers the corpse — Weeps). Speaks: On the uncertainty of life's glory. 2(i ALKXaNDKU TlIK CHEAT. A |iruiil' indeeil. lleix' lies Ik- wlio ruice was at the leail of millions. Tlie son of inherited power. Reared in spiendoi's and luxury's shower, i^it <5n his aneestor's throne kiunv no law but the will of his own. He represented forms in deeay; Jie I'ould not *tand lor the tempest's sway. His death was rude; He shall he buried with all the pomp and splendor becoming one oi' royal blood. ScEXK JI— Palaee near Persepolis — Thaisa; enter Alexander.) TfTAT. Oh, Heaven ! Oh how I am glad to see you baek again For 1 have ijot a great eomplaint — No, I'll tell you plain. The ladies in Per.sepolis for me have shown disgust; It causes my heart to beat so wild andciierish hatred's lust (Cries. Oil, listen, \lexander, dear ! if we this haughty band. To-night give them a lire so grand; A sight inagniticent and grand, And it will please me best To know they are all destroye