LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DDDD31t.Tb37 •^o> 'o> v.# .* *?* «'^ O V » • o, ^°-nK o> '^i ^0. ■^ AT ♦ ((CV SS A '^.n c, .• ^'^ « l» « ' ^^ «0- ^^- — 1 ir vols^ji Color____ Labels__ prinLL THE AGONISTS THE AGONISTS A TRILOGY OF GOD AND MAN BY MAURICE HEWLETT 5' MINOS KING OF CRETE ARIADNE IN NAXOS THE DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS O hapless race of men, who when they charged Such work, such wrath upon immortal gods. Begat what groanings for themselves, for us What wounds, and for our children's sons what tears! Lucretius, De Rer. Nat. v. 1183. CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS NEW YORK :::::::::::: 1911 Oyyy^ n^ Copyright, iqii, by CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS Published May, 191 1 ©CI .A28r)854^ DEDICATED I TO G. M. P. W.-E. 1895-1911 INTRODUCTION Here are three barbarous old tales treated dramatically, the first and most barbarous never so treated before, I should suppose; the second a favourite with the Italians of the Cinquecento, and the third the theme of tragic poets from Euripides onwards. Here, for the first time, they are related as they should be, so that, under one cover, the reader has, for what it may be worth, the fate of Minos and his family express before him. Primitive the tales certainly are; but they are in the great manner. It will be my fault, not theirs, if in the presentation of them here they suffer any eclipse. A good story well told will carry almost anything the author is capable of packing into it; and in these three, I must explain, I have wished to present more than legend vii viii THE AGONISTS alone. I have thought to find in them taken seriatim, and then together, a philo- sophical underflow which, if I have been rightly inspired, ought to be discernible in my music. There is an effort to express dramati- cally in Minos King of Crete, Ariadne in Naxos, and The Death of Hi ppolytus, respectively ^nd collectively, the fallacies which underlay the ancient conceptions of Godkind and Mankind and accounted for the ancient views of their relationships. You take, as a starting point, the three essential qualities of God to be Power, Love, and Knowledge, and admit the essential quaHties of Man to be the more excellent as they more nearly approach those of God; and you have in each of these plays an example of the failure of a typical personage, God or man, for lack of one or other quality. Minos was the son of Zeus, and failed be- cause, although he had Knowledge from his Father, he had not Power. In Ariadne in Naxos the God Dionysus is the protagonist, and his tragedy (and the woman's) lay in this, that he had Power over men, but could not win their Love. Lastly, in The Death of Hippolytusy we have a case of Love without INTRODUCTION ix Knowledge — that is, self-knowledge. Collec- tively, the trilogy presents a tragic story of the failure of God to implant himself in man, and of man to receive into his nature the divine substance; and the inference, or one of them, is, or may be, that the divine qualities can only mate with human faculty in the ideal presented to mankind in the Incarnate God of the Christians. To my mind that is clear. I hope some day to complete my trilogy with an Epi- logue concerning the Passion of Christ. So much, then, for the under-current of this work, never obtrusive I hope; for I realise exactly that a play cannot succeed upon philosophical excellence. If the story is dramatic and the numbers give it due lyrical expression, the philosophy may be interesting in itself and may enhance the interest in the plot; but otherwise it can avail the poet nothing. I should like to add a word as to the versification, to which I have, in every line, in every phrase, endeavoured to give an immediate, personal and musical impress. I mean by that that the prosody has varied throughout with the mood of the personages, and as the dramatic situation called forth X THE AGONISTS natural lyrical expression. There is no metrical system, consequently, but that con- ditioned by the subject; yet I believe that, read aloud and as a whole, each play will induce a specific mood, a specific kind of emotion in the hearer. Believing as I do that all poetry must be addressed to the ear, as it is undoubtedly composed, I shall not deny that I have aimed at a totality of impression and have considered more the beauty of the whole than of the parts. Nor shall I deny that Wagner's method in opera has seemed to me entirely applicable to poetical drama. Wagner's libretti were written on a strict metrical system; but his music was not. In my plays I have followed faithfully, I believe, the music which I have certainly heard, but am incapable of rendering otherwise than by rhythm. All that apart, I have never been able to see the propriety of expressing an infinite variety of moods in one con- ventional measure. Here, surely, poetry may borrow from prose without ceasing to be poetry. The burden of the iambic penta- meter has been too many for the poets — and^ it seems, for their hearers. Now all I ask INTRODUCTION xi of mine is that the verse be read to them as prose, with the stresses where they would naturally fall, and full value given to the vowel sounds of ordinary speech. If this rule be observed, and the indicated pauses followed, the three plays ought to be revealed as verse. I composed them in 1895-6-7; have tinkered them at intervals since. Finally I have thrown them back into the melting-pot, and they have emerged as good as I can make them. London 191 i. CONTENTS PAGE Minos King of Crete . . . . i Ariadne in Naxos 87 The Death of Hippolytus . . .169 I MINOS KING OF CRETE THE ARGUMENT King Minos of Crete claimed to be the Son of Zeus, who as a Bull had carried Europa, his mother, thither. His title was Son of the Bull, and that was the cognizance of his House. Now in the seventeenth year of his reign Poseidon sent a white bull out of the sea to tempt him. Instead of offering it in sacrifice to that great God he caused Daedalus to devise a labyrinth at Cnossus in which to keep it. Then the curse upon his House began. His wife Pasiphae sinned mon- strously, and was delivered of Minotaur the monster, scourge and devourer of the Cretans. King Minos aghast, but knowing nothing of his wife's guilt, went to seek counsel in the next year of his reign of his Father and Lord on Mount Ida: for such was his custom every ninth year. While he was on his journey home to Cnossus, Queen Pasiphae died. At this moment the play begins. PERSONS Daedalus, the Athenian. Graulis, nurse to Pasiphae. A Priest of Zeus. Cretan Elders. A Huntsman. Minos. Priestess of Artemis Dictynna. A Messenger from Athens. A Second Messenger from the same city. Scene The sea-wall at Cnossus. In the centre of the wall a watch-tower. Right, the King's House with the Judgment Seat. Left, Shrine of the Oracle of Artemis- Dictynna. Time Before Dawn, then Sunrise. MINOS KING OF CRETE As the curtains open Daedalus, sharp against the sky, is seen motionless on the watch-tower, looking eastward over the sea. The wash of the waves on the beach below the wall is all the sound heard. Presently, from the King's House comes the sound of low but continued wailing, as of women mourning. Daedalus lifts his arms out, holds them so, then drops them in despair. He folds his cloak about him, and speaks, looking over the sea. Daedalus Watchman, wait thou and watch; The night neareth her death. With her the wicked and weary aHke Make an end of moaning, sleep and forget; [He pauses, opens his cloak and lifts his hands. And the sun sweetens the world! [He lifts his face and turns his cheek to feel the wind. A wind shivers the sea: with dawn The King should come; from the Gates of the Sun, He and the Dawn together! 5 6 THE AGONISTS i He stands looking out in silence. The wailing of women in the house rises in volume and strength. Daedalus is aware of it now. A long note as of a trumpet; then silence. Daedalus thrills and listens. The wicked and weary shall end their moaning. The King come from the house of God — He and the Dawn together! Graulis comes quickly out of the King's House, holding high her hands. Graulis Daedalus! Daedalus! Daedalus! Daedalus I am about the death-bed of the Night. Who calls ? Who comes between me and my dead ? Graulis Death has been busy. Come down. O Daedalus, come quick! Daedalus Thou, Graulis! Stay, I come down. He comes down from the wall and meets Graulis. She has covered her head, she bows it, and stretches out her hands like a bhnd woman feeling for the way. Daedalus watches her gravely. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 7 Daedalus (very grave) No need to cover thy head. Graulis (whispering, in haste) Daedalus, come with me! Daedalus No need to peer upon me. Graulis 1 implore, I implore Daedalus The sick breath of the night Reads me thy rune. So she is dead! Died mad — Loathing herself! Speak, is that true ^ Graulis She is dead, Daedalus. Ah, man, have mercy! (Lifting hands and voice) Golden Pasiphae is dead! and we Orphaned of so much light! Ai, ai! my lovely one, my lovely head! [She rocks herself about. 8 THE AGONISTS i Daedalus Out on thy whining, woman. Thou and I know How lovely her Hfe was, and whether blest. Graulis (shocked) Hush, O hush. Blame not the dead. (Brokenly) She loved me, who was lovely, and is dead. Daedalus (Recoils, then snatches her wrist with fury) Lovely, thou fond old fool! Lovely! whose hot sin Made Heaven shudder, and Crete cower! Made me a dog, and Minos Byword of shame among men. (Abruptly breaking o£F) Tell me, old fool, of him I dare not name — that thing This lovely mother has made. Graulis (in terror) Hush, for God's pity! I MINOS KING OF CRETE 9 Daedalus But thou shalt speak Graulis (whispering) Safe! Safe in the web thy cunning wove for her sake — Safe while Crete feedeth it — Daedalus With blood! Graulis (after a pause) She died mad, craving the sight Of that which her womb — of that dread! Daedalus Of her babe, thou wouldst say ? Graulis (wildly) Ah, no, no! O God Daedalus turns his back on her and paces the scene. Graulis comes after him to tell him the tale. Lovely she was, and loved me, but died mad, Not knowing of her sin, nor her sin's fruit. Nor me, who knew of both, and loved her still. 10 THE AGONISTS i After that wild hour When her dire anguish made a child of her. And floated all her terror and her sin Out in a tide together — she wailed all day, "Ah, Graulis, GrauHs, hold me, let not go, My two hands, Graulis!" So she moaned all day, And all the long hot nights, but never saw Who held her, stroked her hair, tendered the cup To her dry lips. . . . And she was my child, Fostered upon my breasts! Shall a mother hold back When her child cries ? Wilt thou talk of her sin To me, her mother, that loved her ? Out on thee, childless wretch! All day, all night she clung and moaned for me To come — and I was there! "Graulis!" she wailed, and "Graulis! Graulis! Come to me!" I, who was there! Who never left her! Only, in all that house, I loved her. Only in all that house, she knew not me! At last, as one that could bear no more sorrow, Nor separation from me, whom she loved — ■ And I there, holding her! — I MINOS KING OF CRETE ii She threw her two arms out, as a child, And wailing, "I am thirsty, give me drink," Ere I could feed her, sighed her breath away. And lovely lay As if sin were not, and she The last born sister of her children — My Queen Pasiphae — dead! Daedalus Dead of her sin. And in sin, dead. Graulis No man could look and think sin. Nor her rebuke. The perfect are a law Unto themselves. Refuse her not The peace she testifies. Daedalus Her sin is lead about her neck — She drowns in it, and drowneth this land, Tainted by her. Graulis Judge not thy benefactress, man. As for me, All my old breath shall honour her. (Quickly) And what of thee — that helped her ? 12 THE AGONISTS i Daedalus Helped her? Graulis To hide her horror — ay! Ay! and to make her horror. Daedalus What of the King, thy master and mine ? What of King Minos, coming home with dawn ? Graulis What of him, servant of Minos, Served as thou servedst him lately ? [Daedalus stands confused. (Eagerly) Will he be served by tales of the dead ? How shall it serve him to scorn the dead ? Or tell the tale of the Sin ? Thou durst not Deny the rites — thou durst not. Daedalus turns away and hides his face. Graulis watches him intently. Presently he uncovers and looks skyward. Daedalus I loved her, she was lovely: let the rites Be fully done, that so her soul go down Decently to the windy house of the dead. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 13 Then, when they see the stains upon her, And Hell is silent, one shall say, O Lord, King of the dark, this was a Queen: She beareth sacrifice, her hands. Her wicked body, are washed in water: Take her, she was lovely, and loved much. [He pauses, then adds grimly And was much loved, God knows, and over much! [He turns to Graulis. If thou wouldst hide these things, do the rites now. Set up the pyre, anoint, dress her fairly In virgin white. So let her pass for a Queen, Not carrion. Then meet Minos, Searcher of hearts! [Graulis goes swiftly into the house. A little while, O Crete, And Daedalus, thy knave, must take his wages. Find the dark road, and journey it alone. The shaping hand, the spinning brain. The joy of his toil a man may take, Soul, Soul, are these in vain ^ Heart, must thou break .? Her heart to my heart leaned and spake In urgent whisper and low. 14 THE AGONISTS i "Do this sm for my body's sake!" O lovely body that I loved so, O vile heart, that dared not know Wreck of body and brain — Nor thy toil vain! He stands mute in despair. The Priest of Zeus comes out of the shrine. Priest Dost thou watch, Daedalus ? Daedalus The morning breaks. Priest With comfort, or promise ? Daedalus The King cometh not. Priest Then is the End upon us. Daedalus There is Death: pray to him. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 15 Priest Minotaur hath more pity, For he would end Crete in one drench of Death; But the Gods kill slowly. Daedalus How long can we endure ? Priest Minotaur feedeth apace. Daedalus Death comes but once Priest Shall a man live, with his fate Burning before his face ? Daedalus He that knows he must die. Does he care if he live ? The funeral procession of women, bearing Pasiphae uncovered on a bier, comes out of the King's House, and passes over the stage to a wailing chant. Priest One dead! i6 THE AGONISTS i Daedalus Dead, dead. Priest What dreadful stroke ? Daedalus Ask me not. Death is busy here. Better die quick, as she died. Priest Yes, for to wait, To wait wide-eyed, worketh madness. [He sings of the terror of Crete. Men dare not meet each other For fear to read the grief, And weep to see it, and drown All manhood out; but each Goeth apart with his mantle over his face, And letteth the pain gride. Hanker and grope in his heart; And setteth his teeth, lest his brother See his pain, and utter a cry. And a whole city go weeping. So he endureth, till night Cover him up from his brother's sight. Look to the shore. What seest thou there ? I MINOS KING OF CRETE 17 Daedalus (on the wall) I see the dust of the surf. The trees stir not; birds float Nested upon the waters. [Smoke goes up from the sea-shore. A soul goes shuddering out, Hke a prayer. Pray for it. [The rim of the Sun comes up from the sea. Priest Lo, lo, the Sun! Your prayer is heard. Minos returns, Heartened by secret lore — Knowledge gotten of God. Daedalus Send so! For if he knows, what need to tell .? Priest (inspired) Nine years have waxed and waned Since our Lord sought his Lord On Ida, treading where No foot of man might dare. The thicket hushed by God. Four cycles of such scope Have crowned his sacred head i8 THE AGONISTS i Since he, our final hope, Took up the godHhead His father gave. As a sword He weareth Zeus's word. And as a kingly cope Lieth King Zeus's dread On Minos, Son of Zeus, Minos, Son of the Bull! Daedalus, who has been watching, now sees a procession at hand. Daedalus Make now your prayer. See — The Cretan Elders come to meet the Dawn. Priest Go down to them While I cry to the Sun. Daedalus Nay, I have other work. Let Crete save Crete. Daedalus comes down from the wall and goes slowly into the King's House. The Priest turns him to the Sun, and prays with lifted hands. The Elders enter, singing the Parabasis. Chorus First I salute you, Hills, Guardians of Crete, with brows I MINOS KING OF CRETE 19 Careful and hands uplift: Thee, Dicte, beneath whose moon Dwelleth the Goddess, the lonely one; Thee, Dicte, from whose bare crag, Casting her delicate treasure Seawards, the maid Britomartis In death found life. Next to thee, Ida! whose haunts great Zeus Knew and still loves. You also, Cydonian, Sea-Sentinels, Sisters who, linkt in ice, With glittering crowns arow, Watch while night on the heels Of day followeth and cloudeth them. O ye dread haunts of God, Pathless, dim and untrod, By men adored from afar. By that great strength ye are, Holding your steadfast way Through good and evil report. Through tempest and our dismay, Through blinding snow and frost — Ye that only abide Mid chance and change, for no man Knows, nor his fathers have told him, When ye were not as now — Listen, each haunted place, Ye hills, each quick with a God, Listen! most evil case Is on us; our feet have trod 20 THE AGONISTS i The steep that leadeth astray By pain from the clear way; We have sHpt in our own blood, And day draggeth on day! Terrible rumour is heard from the city. They draw closer together, and whisper to each other. How shall I tell the story, The crying fear ? The watchman dead at his post, Stiffened with fear as a man bitten by frost! Doom in the thick air! [A loud cry. Then silence. The sound of a voice in fear! One shrill cry like a trumpet blast — And again — and again! The Guard called out, the Assembly in haste. The panic, the rain Of voices— "I saw it!" "O hush yeV "Tis here!'' "Make fast!'' "Are the children past?" "Are they safe at home?" All the stifled pain. The open dread Of men shamefully dead Lies about Cnossus, darkens her ways. [Another cry, with the scream of a woman. Minotaur! Minotaur! Minotaur! Blood-feeder, raving, insatiate I MINOS KING OF CRETE 21 Lecher for flesh! Curious lust and inordinate Hanker for delicate meat! Sweet blood, light breath. Virginal breath he needeth; Day after day he feedeth Upon the treasure we cherish! Child after child of ours, Fruit of our love's flowers, We must see perish! Not our paid Hves Whose work is over and past he craveth — More than that a mother will spend For the life she loveth. To die that it hve! We have fathers to give Their joyance of days for the sons they begat — But Minotaur slayeth more rarely: Leaveth the sire, leaveth the dam For the little lamb — Slowly, surely, ravenous, taketh him! Their fear gives way to repining. Then with a common impulse they turn imploring to the Shrine of Dictynna. Queen of the Hills, O Maid Stainless, the unafraid, From whose grave, tender eyes Light as of evening skies Shineth and sheddeth balm 22 THE AGONISTS i On men! O quiet and calm, Thou who with bent down head Dost stand above the bed, And with thy torch's hght Direct the newborn sight Unto thy holy face. That its first view be grace — Hear us and help us Thou, Maid of the open brow! They stand with stretched-out arms, as if expecting a sign; but none comes. Then they turn to their philosophy. Seeing to none 'tis given To read wisdom from Heaven; Seeing the Gods reign Neither pitying our pain. Nor stooping, rather pursuing Their sport in our undoing — It doth become us, earthwise. To You, Hills, to lift our eyes; Loving the ancient law. To fold us within your awe. Win strength from your strength to abide What fortune us may betide. They now turn their faces above the city to the ramparting hills. O ye hills, grant us your patience; O hills, your peace be upon us! May the good Gods of the hills Lay benediction upon us! I MINOS KING OF CRETE 23 The Priest, his prayer finished, joins the Elders and speaks with them. Priest Sons, ye do well to call upon your hills, For there She wonneth who is Lady of them. Chorus Hymnia called, best praised in song — Seeing her breath is music. Priest This load shall lift and pass With the King's coming. He, Minos, alone In Ida's thicket, there Alone with his father Zeus, Gains secret wisdom from him Of cause, and purpose, and law — Evil and Good to see, to weigh, and to choose. Burdened with which awful freight He Cometh — peace to ensue. Chorus I Great is Minos! But see — Who is this newcomer ^ 24 THE AGONISTS i Chorus II Bringing the smell of woods And dust of country ways Within these tainted walls! Chorus I This is some uplander, Huntsman grim with weather, Who not as a townsman walks. Chorus III Nay, but as master of Time, Not the pitiful slave. The Huntsman has entered the city. He is the embodiment of earthy simplicity and plain dealing. The Elders watch him, and converse in undertones as he looks deliberately about him. Chorus What needest thou In the King's Gate ? What dost thou seek With thy steady eyes ? Is it a vow Of love or hate Draweth thee on. Purposeful, I MINOS KING OF CRETE 25 To the strong tower Of the House of the Bull ? He comes towards them: they await him now in silence. Huntsman Tell me if this is Cnossus, that the House Of Minos, King in Crete. Chorus An hundred cities hath Crete, Lordship from sea to sea, Whereof the frontal jewel Is Cnossus; wherein thou art — Cnossus: for here King Zeus, When he had stemmed the flood — ■ God veiled in the girth And silken hide of a Bull — Splendid lover, abode With the white maid Europa, chosen and set Apart to be mother of Kings, Sons of God ! Here our Lord, Splendid lover, saw light Flutter and fill the eyes Of Minos, glory of Crete, Son of the Bull! But thou, who art thou ? Whence come .? From what outland, to seek him ? 26 THE AGONISTS Huntsman From Ida come I, from the forest, To meet this Minos. Priest From Ida, thou! Dost thou know The holy Mount, and the Grove Sacred to Zeus, where no man Dare tread, lest he meet with God ? Huntsman I know the place, and that God Walketh in secret there Unshadowed by Sun. Chorus Seek Minos there. There he walketh with God! Huntsman Betimes I left it; the moon Shone in the trees. I saw no man. Chorus How should St thou see King Minos, walking with God! I MINOS KING OF CRETE 27 Huntsman (slowly) Walketh Minos with God ? Priest Each ninth year he is rapt Deep into Ida; and God Breathes upon him, and pours Wisdom into his ear. Then he comes home a God — God to Crete and this people. The Huntsman ponders this saying in silence, lean- ing upon his spear. His questions following are very slow and deliberate, the answers quick and eager. Huntsman And now on Ida he walks — He, Minos, with God ? Chorus A Son, he walks with his father. Huntsman Nine years ago he walked Ida .? Minos with God .? Chorus A son, with his father Zeus. 28 THE AGONISTS Huntsman Minos alone! Chorus Alone with God. [A pause. Huntsman I need to see this Minos. [The Elders are amazed. Chorus Thou ! What is thy need ? Is it a grief.'* A sin done? Huntsman Grief, a sin, a wrong done; A price for blood, A life for a Hfe: These I require of Minos. They enquire of each other dumbly, then volubly of him. Chorus Thou hast a blood-feud smouldering. Against whom .? Huntsman Minos, the wise king, shall point him out. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 29 Chorus Who shed this blood ? Knowst thou the man ? Huntsman That Son of God will know him. Chorus Yet I would learn thy grief. [A pause. Huntsman (incisively) Britomart's was my grief: My sister, she. The Elders shrink back. All know the tale of Britomartis. Chorus Alas for her! Alas For thee, O friend! The Huntsman rehearses his tale of Britomartis, as in a reverie. Huntsman On Dicte, fronting the sea, Standeth the House of the shining One, Artemis, Delian-born. There served her Britomartis, 30 THE AGONISTS i Virgin-witness, my sister, Vowed to the Virginal Goddess, Patroness of the pure. Chorus Artemis hath her now — Comfort thee, friend. Huntsman We, in our father's house, Dwelt on Ida; and saw (White as her soul) the shrine Heading the sea, as peak Looks upon peak from afar. Chorus Dicte and Ida, twin holds Of Godhead ! Speed with thy tale. Huntsman (slowlier) Upon a day My sister left her charge, to keep the feast Of the New Wine at home. Ere next day dawn She left our hold : I watched her on the way Go down the valley by the winding road, Over the river bed, and by the bank Slow-climbing, breast the steep Where Dicte fronts the sea. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 31 (Quickening) I saw a horseman ride fast, Draw rein beside her, and stoop, Snatch, Hft her up, drive spurs Deep — carry her off Over the windy hill. I saw her plead with wild arms, Flung back head, streaming hair — Vain! He had her. But she. Sudden, shook free, and on wings Fled down the wind, he pursuing. Husbanding his long lust. Dicte she clomb, whence the sea Lies far below, without sound, Deep-twinkling, not resting, Surging, drifting for ever! To that dim sea she held out Wide her piteous hands. Making her moan and prayer, "Maid of all maids, take me, Hold me fast!" O'er the steep Into blue air she launched Her soul's frail raft — and from Ida I wailed her name, and still wail it! [He pauses, then resumes. And he, ravisher, thief. Rode his desolate way, scourging the earth As a black squall whippeth the sea. But I shall meet him: life for a hfe. 32 THE AGONISTS i The Elders respect his vendetta, but try their philosophy upon him. Chorus Britomart's ghost, querulous, Men say, still flits about The precinct where her heart Was fixt, and in the night Her prayers sob round the aisles. So the haplessly dead, Pluckt too soon from the earth. Haunt it still, living again Unsubstantially there! Priest Man's spirit never v^holly leaves the earth Until the debt he oweth, and the debts Not paid him have been balanced and v^rit ofF. Often-times we are debtors to the dead. Huntsman There is a debtor to my dead Not quit. Minos must pay him. Rumour swells as the stage lightens with the sun. The Priest sees the palace doors open and the slaves come out to lay a carpet on the steps. He points his hand towards them. Rumour, as if from the house, swells and gains volume. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 33 Priest O timely, timely is Minos! Even as our lord the Sun Out of the eastern gates, So from his Golden House cometh the King. Set thou thy grief on his knees, Friend. Be sure he can lay Thy dead, so her sobbing and wailing Flit not the night through round the eaves. The Huntsman withdraws himself to the shadow of the wall, where he waits and watches. Chorus Would that our grief could find as easy a cure! But Death done gentlier weighs than death to come. Priest Yea, it is Minos! O come, Let us fall at his feet. As to a pitiful father and wise. Chorus His glory is Hke a cedar Dominant in the forest. Whose branches still the air And roots hold earth in fee. Minos comes out of his house and faces the people. All raise their hands as to a vision of God. 34 THE AGONISTS i Chorus Stand fast for ever, chosen of Zeus! Son of the Bull, fast for ever! Lord of Crete and the Islands, Son of the Bull! What, are my eyes so dim, Is their light gone out ? Is a God come, dreadful, with thunder- shout ? Nay, thou fool, 'tis the Sun cometh out To shame the darkness and doubt. [They hold out their arms to him, imploring. Give us our dead, Minos! Give us peace and our dead! Peace that in elder days Spread the v^armth of her eyes. The rose of her welcoming mouth, Gladdened us, praying to her! [The Priest bids them silent. Priest The King speaks from his high throne! Wisdom hath found her an house; from the gates of his lips She poureth her embassies forth. [Minos, standing up, speaks. MINOS KING OF CRETE 35 Minos Sons, for I call you sons, Sons whom my father Zeus Laid on the fragrant lap Of Crete, your mother, and bade me Cherish you as I loved her! See now, through fair and foul Seasons I gave ye my days. All the worth of my manhood, Fruit of my age and blood. Statecraft, lore; add to that Counsel got from my father. That ye might prosper. But now, Seeing ye prosper not. Seeing that peace which ye had Is no peace, fast have I been In Ida, with Zeus my father. Spending the dew of prayer. Watching out nights and days, Yearlong watching! And lo. Our Lord in the forest breath, Adown the trees whispered. Go thou Back to thy House; seek Dictynna, The shining One, for a sign. Thus come I from his knees To her knees; thus will I do. The people keep silence. The Priest voices their anguish. 36 THE AGONISTS Priest None too soon, Minos, thy sign. Minotaur ravens; our children die. Minos crosses to the Shrine, mounts the steps and stands before the altar. They light the altar-fire. As he makes his prayer he pours on wine and scatters frankincense. Minos Let me speak now, for lo! The sun is broad on the world. Give me drink-offering; cast down Your poppy crowns on the floor. Pouring the wine now, I say To thee, Dictaean, the white. The perfect, whom we of all Gods Know best and oftenest invoke At each new moon, behold! In an acceptable time My prayer for light, since clear light From Heaven's threshold spreads on the world. Surely the time is ripe. Goddess! I, being old, With dreadful knowledge instored Of dreadful deeds, can no more Drag my fardel, but set it Down, and my sons set down Theirs, and await thy word. MINOS KING OF CRETE 37 Priest Ah, swift and secret! Ah, Huntress, Who when the night is high Rangest abroad through the brake Euboean, or where the hills Like unto silent waves Beset green Arcady! O steadfast and sure, O holy, O grey-eyed Maiden far-seeing, O lovely as light on the hills, O kind as the sun on the hill-tops! O clear and pure, to whose beam Is given to cleave things hid In men's dark souls — lift now The shroud of pain from our heads! Like as the wretch who in fever Turneth his aching eyeballs In thought to the water meadows. And in thought slaketh his tongue In running brooks, so thy children Stifled in sin, crave One pasture-fragrance from Thee Who savourest earth and blessest it. All wait expectant. The veil of the Shrine is pulled back by invisible hands, and the Priestess, shrouded all but the face in white linen, is seen swaying above the tripod. 38 THE AGONISTS i Priest (aloud) Lo, the unveiling! Fire and mist! Minos » Speak, Goddess! Priest Hush, for she speaks! The Priestess speaks the Oracle, in a monotone, as if by rote. Priestess The voice of the fire in my voice Speaking to you, Crete: Because ye have made choice Of sin, v^ith tears shall ye eat Ashes and dust for your meat. And salt blood for your wine. Ye have chosen with Hell your seat, Saith the Goddess, instead of mine; And that law is a law divine, Where soweth a man he shall reap. How shall ye ask a sign, Saith the Holy One, while ye weep ? Work, work, ere ye sleep. Hold ye the ancient road; Tho' stony it be and steep. Ye shall win if ye take it, saith God. The road that your fathers trod. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 39 Ye shall be saved if ye run — But woe upon woe till the blood Of the Bull be drained and done. The Oracle is slowly veiled. Confused murmurs beset the crowd, in the midst of this Minos utters a cry, and all are silent. Minos The bull's blood! Lo, my sin Rises and shakes his head. Chorus (murmuring) What blood of what bull is this ? Minos The bull's blood! Thou art stern, Poseidon, shaker of earth. Priest What wit save thine can fathom The rune we have here ? Minos (to himself) How shall a man know Fate in his deed .? 'Tis done; From it grown rank, like flies, Issues innumerable Spread spores of death! The j>eople buzz among themselves, while Minos, heard only by the Priest, moralises. 40 THE AGONISTS i Chorus When the word went forth, like an arrow in flight From a ventureful bow drawn to its height, Even as the struck eagle reels, and the night Filmeth his eyes, the King in his state Droops; and his panoplied might Drags on his shrunken limbs, intolerable weight. Minos (aside) Be sure a man's sin must out; Time not hide it, nor pomp Of deeds glorious. Below His broad raiment his limbs. Starved, naked, behold! Chorus I know that the mind of a man is a sherd Stored with knowledge like wind; for his word Bringeth no deeds to pass. Nay! as a herd Of kine passion driveth our wits Hither in panic, thither when lust is stirred — And Care the fisherman setteth his nets. Minos (aside) Too old am I, that with face Of brass I should bid fall I MINOS KING OF CRETE 41 Dire mischance, sooner than shame Confound me. Nay, an old man Knoweth his strength. Chorus Care the fisherman lays his net wide Where the water hisses and spurts with the tide. Man in that sea, haggard-eyed, Recketh not how the mesh edgeth him in, Creepeth, clingeth about his side. And the flood brimmeth up to his chin. [The Priest holds up his hand Priest Peace, for the King will speak. Chorus Peace, let the King speak. Minos (slowly) I did a violence to God, To Poseidon, when swoln with heat Of renown I wagered against him Power for power, and knowledge For knowledge: man against God. Poseidon sent a white bull from the sea To tempt me. Now the time was at hand 42 THE AGONISTS i When lining the shore we invoke The Sea-God and the Nymphs to bless our increase, Offering sacrifice A yearling bull, unblemisht, white as the foam, Even as this one, sent to tempt me. Now therefore came the Priests to where I sat Solemn in judgment, saying *'0 King, Poseidon needeth back the bull; Crown him with laurel leaves and let him die, That smoke of him ascend and all be well." Thus they, but I whom Zeus delights To honour, shipt dishonourable thought Of that old Sea-God lurking in the deeps; Hardened my heart. Sent them empty back to their rites. To fruitless altars and foodless fires; And kept the bull to crown my herds And be a standing glory — like a wreath Of flowers set on a chapless skull. Poseidon waiteth patient like the sea That draws all men to serve it late or soon, And calls me now by terrors on my head, Ringing words hounded about the sky, "Woe upon woe, till the bull's blood Be out." The bull's blood! God is wrath, And ye have paid in blood and tears I MINOS KING OF CRETE 43 What only I should pay. If I, being King, Sinned as a King, so kinglike I say I am King enough to be ashamed of shame. Let Daedalus win out This white bull from the hold his wit devised; Bring him out, set a wreath upon his neck. Gild him the horns and slay him, that the blood Smoke over sea, and the sea be fed. Let one seek Daedalus. A bystander goes into the house. The Chorus face the sea, while Minos stands broodingly. Chorus The sea is inexorable. More than all the masters of men; For the wind that furiously rideth, The storm's war before which man hideth, The Earthquake's tearing and rending A sudden pit for life's quick ending — What are such deaths but a flash in a pan .? Ah, but the patient sea Ripples innumerably, Laugheth quiet and slow From ebb to flow; Bideth his time till the extreme hour be run. Then he calleth the sea-farers one by one. While the People chant this chorus, Graulis and Daedalus come out of the house and kneel before King Minos. 44 THE AGONISTS i Minos What is this, Graulis ? Leavest thou thy mistress ? Graulis Lord, Lord! Minos How fares thy mistress and my Queen ? Daedalus (quickly) Well, Sir. She was tired, but sleepeth now. Minos (to Graulis) Speak thou. What seek thine eyes ^ Look upon me. Graulis Sir, thy glance troubles me. Thou art high. And I am lowly, a slave. Minos Thou art shorn, woman. Thou mournest — whom ? Graulis Nay, 'twas a fever I had. Thus they rid it. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 45 Minos What smoke of sacrifice went up As I rode hither ? 'Twas dense in the air. Graulis They burn sea-wrack at the water's edge. Minos What wailing heard I of women ? What cries to Heaven ? Graulis Sea-birds' cries, clamorous About the harvested sea. [A pause. Minos reflects. Minos I would that I saw thy mistress. Lieth she still abed .? Graulis Still, my lord, very still. Minos Stirred she not when the heralds Shrilled me upon the walls ? 46 THE AGONISTS i Graulis So deep she was, she stirred not. Minos Let her wake now. [Graulis is silent. Answerest thou not ? Why earnest thou ? Graulis Sir, I know not — Oh, Sir — Oh, Great King Minos What then .? Graulis I may not waken her. Minos Thou art not yet so old that death were sweet; Nor will it serve the Queen That thou die, and I waken her. Do thou my bidding. Hence! Graulis goes out with bowed head. Minos turns to Daedalus. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 47 Athenian, servant of my will, Heed thou me. [The agitation of the People grows. The Goddess spake above the altar flame, Murmurously through the thick smoke of the fire, "Woe," said she, *^upon woe. Woe upon woe till the bull's blood be out/^ I take the sin upon me, since I have sinned. [The People mark Daedalus' confusion and silence. Daedalus The Bull's Blood! [He stands aghast. Here is no sin of thine. Herein is Fate. [The agitation of the People breaks out. Chorus Ah, would that some green brake Of fern and leafy tree Hid up and sheltered me! Minos Ay, but the sin was mine! Poseidon calls for the bull. The white bull from the sea. [Daedalus says nothing. 48 THE AGONISTS i Now if I slay him and pour back his blood, Shall not the curse be out? [Daedalus says nothing. Speak thou! Shall it not be out? Daedalus Not so, Minos, not so. Minos Not so ? Chorus O that some warm sweet wave New freshening from the sea Might wash and quicken me! Daedalus That white bull which my v/it, Quickened by thy decree, Kept from the sea, his master In secret hold, hath begot Offspring terrible, strange. Not out is the blood by the death of the Sire. Minos gazes at Daedalus, and in a dead silence questions him. Minos Where is the young of him, Daedalus ? I MINOS KING OF CRETE 49 Chorus (slow and urgent) O wave, O breath of the wind, O ye hills calm and free, Make me strong, nourish me! Minos Where is the young of him, Daedalus ? Daedalus Safe, while ye feed him on Cretan lives. The Labyrinth holds him fast. Minos (aloud) Minotaur! (Pause.) And the Dam .? Speak! [Dead silence. Daedalus The dam died — of late. [Minos ponders him terribly. Chorus (low and urgently) O plumed Night, O Death, Cover me silently. Hide me, encompass me! 50 THE AGONISTS i Minos Dark are thy words, but more dark The thoughts that throng me, and press My pulses to wild surmise. [He stops there, then asks suddenly. What of the Queen ? Where is she ? Daedalus The Queen is dead. She is dead. Ask me no more. [Minos draws back and looks terribly about him. Chorus (in terror) Clamour is round me of sin not to be named. Hissed from shooting and hidden lips; Hints, intervals of doubt. Wailing, unrest! But silence is worst of all — When the dread powers of the dark Gather, crowd and pass over Like birds in a winter night! Minos starts forward and clutches Daedalus by the throat. Minos Dog, here is work of thine! That which thou didst for Son, didst thou for Sire. And the dam, Daedalus! I MINOS KING OF CRETE 51 Minos holds Daedalus shaking by the throat, and speaks to him fiercely, while the People wail and toss their arms. Chorus The seed of man was sown In the broad lap of the Earth: So she conceived and gave birth. Minos Pasiphae is dead. And thou, Shalt thou live, Daedalus ? Chorus Earth was he, body and bone. Of Earth's blind ways, her dehght. Clinging to sight. Minos What shall be done to such — A trafficker in women, Daedalus ? Chorus But his blood and his breath Were wilder than aught that dwelleth in clay. Liquor of God were they. Minos Thou that didst cage the bull to serve her, Shall his seed not fatten on thee .? 52 THE AGONISTS Chorus Fire-fraught was his blood, Hiding a fire, seeking more fire For food of its whole desire. And the tide of his blood Surged against the walls of his veins. Maddened his reins! That most fatally dowered, Prometheus, of all men's seed, Lifted up restless eyes From our most gentle earth. And sought the glint of the skies. And stole immortal fire. To our immortal woe. For that keen flame of Heaven, Swifter than glancing light Or leap of sound, than the air More subtle, than day more bright — Thought! which to God is given Creative, is our despair. And a weight we cannot bear. It flickereth in the brain, It throbbeth in the heart; Before its flashing our eyes Dazzle; we reel and go Whither our hot thought flies. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 53 Up to the deathless Gods — O Fools, it is vain! Man is a cage of pain, His thought is a pure thin fire That beateth against the locks And bonds of his grosser part, Astrain for the sky. And behold! The flame roareth and rendeth, And the war nor stayeth nor endeth. Then at last when the bars Of the body, shattered and torn. Rend asunder, the flame Winneth the bitter stars. And man lieth prone in shame: Better not to be born! Minos has released Daedalus, and stands in deep thought. The Huntsman now advances and confronts the King. The People remark him. Who moves ? Who presses forward ? Watch that man. What needest thou In the King's Gate ? What seekest thou With thy sunken eyes ? Hast thou a vow I Is it love or hate Draweth thee on. Purposeful, 54 THE AGONISTS To the strong tower Of the Sons of the Bull ? Huntsman Minos, thou wise King, heed me. Minos Who art thou ? Huntsman Grief that cries solace. Minos Cry not in vain. Huntsman Justice thou art. Do justice then. Minos Rehearse thy plaint. Who art thou ? Huntsman One set apart To one fixed work. Blood calls to me for blood. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 55 Minos A blood-price ? For what blood ? How shed ? Huntsman A virgin shed her own bright blood. Minos By her own act slain ? What blood for blood self-shed hast thou ? Huntsman His that made death her need. Minos Who wagers her his life ? Huntsman I wager. Minos And if thou diest ? Huntsman I stand for the right. I die not. Artemis points my blade. Minos steadfastly regards him without speaking. Presently he changes the theme. 56 THE AGONISTS i Minos Not every huntsman pleaseth Artemis. Huntsman True. He that hunted down the maid to death Pleaseth not her. Minos Palterest thou ? What is thy lot in this .? Huntsman My sister was the maid. Minos Speak plainer, who this was. Huntsman Her blood was Britomart's. The King starts back, and his eyes at first meet the Huntsman's, then quail. The People observe it. Chorus The King shrinketh, the man scorches him down! As fire eateth a beam. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 57 So advanceth the gleam Of his hot-set eyes ! Mark Daedalus. What is this thing Come to confront the King ? Minos speaks as if unconscious of his whereabouts, as a sleeper to a shape in his dream. Minos I know thee not. [The other leaps forward, transfigured with rage. Huntsman Man, thou knew'st Britomart! Judgment, thou Son of Zeus, Son of the Bull! let thy blood Wager against my blood! The People are amazed. The Priest tries to move them. Priest Blasphemous, highland dog! Shall my ears not bleed .? Huntsman Let the King speak. [But the King is not ready. Chorus As elms in autumn show a hint of fire Ere all their goodly green is set in blaze, 58 THE AGONISTS And give to flame their topmost boughs, So is our good lord's kingly calm Ploughed by contorted pain That shudders over him and dies again Under his sovran v^ill. But this dark tale of violence done To Dictynna's consecrate one! This wild old tale of passion Shaking the seat of the soul's possession! How shall I hear it and stand Armed to defend the Cretan land In the old fearless fashion ? The Priest reasons with the People, and then exhorts Minos. Priest His sudden frenzy marks him out possessed: How else dare such contempt ? Oh, turn. Turn, Lord! Smite on the hip This dog that snarls at honour! Strike This blasphemer! Up, Minos! Son of Zeus, stand up! Chorus It is well said, it is well said. Is Minos a King for nought ? [Minos stands forward, now again master of himself. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 59 Fast for ever, chosen of Zeus! Son of the Bull, fast for ever! Lord of Crete and the Islands, Son of the Bull! What, are my eyes so dim, Is their light gone out ? Is a God come, dreadful . . . ? [The People falter and stay, as Minos begins to speak. Minos Neither denying, nor grudging Thy full requital of blood ; Excusing not, nor accusing; Making no haste to slay. Neither to save thee, I give thee All thy desire. Take up now In battle thy blood-feud. Not vain My Kingship, nor yet in vain The lineage of Zeus, and my lineage Shining within my Son. Behold, I wager my Son, Androgeos. The People murmur. Daedalus starts and looks at Minos. Huntsman I am content. Yet if thy son fight This battle of thine, he dies — 6o THE AGONISTS And the Bull's Blood be out. As it was foretold. Chorus The Bull's Blood! O thou fool! Knowest thou thy saying ? O fool I Daedalus Let not my Lord say so, let him heed. Androgeos hath no charm'd Hfe. Minos Daedalus, tempt me not further, Seeing thou diest. Daedalus Let me die Speedily, that I see not That which must come to pass. Dying, I pray the King Wager not here his son. Minos How not .? I MINOS KING OF CRETE 6i Daedalus Lest the Oracle Be sooth, and his son win A wreath of blood, and himself A crown of pain. [Minos stands in doubt, seeing the man's eagerness. Chorus The whole is not yet told — The King draweth his breath With labour between his teeth; But the slave is bold, the Avenger bold. Minos comes down from his throne and takes Daedalus apart. Minos Thou hast a darker message, Not yet told. Now tell it. Daedalus It is revealed, a wrong Was done to this man's kindred. Minos Fever, belike, in the blood, Unsubjugate, might sting Desire. 62 THE AGONISTS i Daedalus Ah, desire! Wild heat In the blood. Heed the Oracle. Minos The Bull's Blood! What is this .? Speak, be swift. Daedalus O King, The bullish blood is not out. Nor a bull from the sea redeems us. There needs A cut more deep. Earth shall age Or e'er th' intolerable load Of the flesh be cast. Ours the blood Wherewith we drug us the spirit, Clog up with lime his wings, Daub him the eyes. O vile, Servitude base, to achieve Lust, and devise new lust! How shall it cease till we cease ? Minos Thou bold in words, Thou spinner of webs. How shalt thou mesh me f What bull's blood MINOS KING OF CRETE 63 Have I, save the strain Immortal of Zeus, That made glorious my mother And made Crete glorious ? Am I not Son of the Bull ? Daedalus (fiercely) Thou knowest, thou sayest. What BulFs Blood is there but thine ? The Goddess foretold it. [Minos reels, then strikes down Daedalus. Minos I have the power to slay thee where thou liest. Anger me not, lest I stretch My hand out, and death come down. Daedalus Death and I, wrestlers, stand At grips, and I read his eyes In the hush of pause. Listen, I read Thy fate, O Minos, in them. Priest Read thou thine own, and shift A way from thy trap, Daedalus. 64 THE AGONISTS i Daedalus To no man is it given to read his fate Lest, aping God, he strain law's majesty Which may not set back Doom once fixt. But at death's point he does foreclose A partnership, and shares Death's great design Ere yet accepted. Fate, like a sea, Rises and falls, the same In difference, immutable. Is there a man Whose veins the ichor of God May bear, and not madden, and die Frenzy-bit ? Or can a man Stand undazzled such light As rayeth streaming from God ? Can a man, being God, bear with men — Having God's mast'ry, his haste. Dreadful splendour ashake on his front — His motions, his white light, Unageing youth in old flesh Weary of sin ? O never Hope that consummation, Minos! Be man, be God — but not both. That is denied thee. [He half rises up, strengthened by his gospel. Nay, thou unhappy, thou God encaged, Thou wretched mortal maddened by God If thou art God enough for our ruin, I MINOS KING OF CRETE 65 Enough of man to clog thy forehead with shame, How shall the God in thy seed Battle thy sin for thee, man ? [He looks about him despairingly, then sinks down. It shall not be. Thou saidst well. Goddess. Woe upon woe Till the Bull's Blood be out — His, this God among men and man among Gods. [He points the last words at King Minos. Chorus (horror-struck) Gods, Guardians of the earth! And ye, O nameless Ladies of Dread! Let not the head Bow down to the terrible words he said. Nor accept the monstrous rede. [They exclaim upon Daedalus. O art thou shameless, wretch ? Hast thou no knee to bend. Will thou slander thy friend ? Minos He slandereth God my father; He condemneth himself. 66 THE AGONISTS Yet I can pause Before I slay thee. Tell now Thy warrant for this thou utterest. Daedalus This is revealed — it shall come to pass Ere my tired heart sigheth free my breath, Thy son shall seek him a grave And funeral rites in vain. [All are hushed in fear. Then the People pray. Chorus Sea, and our Earth! O well-loved Earth, do thou be clement, And thou, O Sea, whose heart is Crete, Bear thou the young man home To his father's halls! [Minos has recovered himself. Minos (to Daedalus) Thou hast o'er-reached — like a stoat Biting the trap-teeth that clutch him. My son is King ^Egeus' guest In Athens, seeking her Olive Crown, Sunned 'neath her golden arts. For his high head awaiteth No shameful end in unconsecrate death — I MINOS KING OF CRP:TE 67 Him rather Fame like a mantle Binds to be one with Honour and Us. [He turns to the Huntsman. Comfort thee, seeker of blood-price. Huntsman Let blood be paid for the price of blood. I ask the full, fair price. Chorus The price of the strong! Minos is strong. Strong as a tower his House! Rumour without. The Priest exclaims, pointing with his hand. Priest Look yonder! The people! [All look. The Chorus voice the general agitation. Chorus See, see, a moving crowd, A vext concourse, a multitude Spreads from the shore with faces turned To greet the flags of the King! 68 THE AGONISTS i And lo, in the hiving midst, One breathless, sorely spent. Struggling with friends, on this hand, on that, Stain'd with travel — ^yet proud content Lighteth his brows, flames from his happy eyes — News, Minos, good news! A Messenger enters with following. The stage fills. He kneels to Minos. Messenger News, Minos, is mine! The race, the race, the swift steeds, Glory of Phaestos! The deeds Of Androgeos! Wine — I crave wine. That I pour libation to all Patrons of Crete ! Chorus O ministry of thy feet Jocund! O augury Of great and high Destiny! Minos, the cup is full! Minos Not in vain didst thou rear the House of the Bull, Zeus my father! Not vain I MINOS KING OF CRETE 69 My quest of Helios, parent of light,^ Lord of the light that shone in the flame of thy head, Pasiphae, queen and wife. Mother of children, blest in thy children's life! [As he names Pasiphae there is a sudden hush. Chorus Pasiphae! where is she? Minotaur ravens — O King, have mercy! [The Priest intervenes. Priest Praise we the Gods! [Minos in ecstasy of pride. Minos The Gods! I am a God — Son of all-seeing Zeus! See to him, there — Give him meat and drink — anoint his feet With wine and oil; heap a shield With golden treasure; let flocks, Fatlings and firstlings be his. Let his name be glorious, call him 1 Father also of Pasiphae 70 THE AGONISTS i Augur of Minos; let his place be set High at our table, who hailed our son Olive-crowned, Victor! [He turns fiercely to Daedalus. Ho, thou 111 mist, scowHng upon us, Darkener of days, thou boaster! Gird, twist thy fork, scorpion! Lo, the World-Disposer, Disposing of thee, maketh sport Of thee and thy mumbUngs there. Zeus, Hke a fresh wave, Brimmeth the harbour bar, So the dead water, stirring, Feeleth his might and swims To th' extreme verge, and life springs And motion where first was scum. Too soon, Daedalus, thy claw Put out, to rake in the heart Of Crete! Ah, Attic fox, Whose eyes shifted and turned. Devising snares — now hide In deeper maze thy disaster. Feed now the jaws thou wouldst feed With Crete! Ha, be done with him! Hale him to Minotaur! [They seize Daedalus, and hold him. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 71 Daedalus O Minos, I am ready. Do thy will. A state of exaltation in Minos infects Priest and People. Minos As the judgment of Zeus Is my judgment; let none Question or raise finger up — Till he drink of the cup Himself hath mixt, And his doom be done. Priest Ah, faced as a fox. Ah, heart of a sheep! Behold now the fowler Caught in his net; The jester's dry eyes Aching to weep. Chorus The fall of his pride Is as Phaeton's. He sailed far and wide, His wings were the sun's. But his cunning behed him, His art was denied him. And his sand-glass runs. 72 THE AGONISTS Daedalus As the striver washt clean Of blood and sweat; As the bridegroom whose fret Is o'er, and the bride-chamber set* As washt in CaUirrhoe's runnel, Let the Bride not delay — Even Kore the Queen. [Daedalus is led out by guards. Priest (as Daedalus goes) Doth fear gripe thee, wretch .? Art thou little at ease ^ Doth thy nostril 'gin twitch. Dost thou shake at the knees .? Lo, the King armed with dominion Hath struck. Zeus remembers his minion. Chorus (more thoughtful) Tho' I shudder his name, Yet must I pity The vials of shame He endureth, whose city^ Wears the helmet of fame. [Minos cries out in triumph. ' Athens, of course. MINOS KING OF CRETE 73 Minos Make now a feast to the Gods, heap high The altar-floors! Now let the priests Whet their blades, let the victims Smoke on the hundred altars! Let music shrill — let the strings Shrill like the wind, and thrill Our hearts. I, Minos, make Thank-offering to the Graces! Ho, bring the blossoming crown, Crown me ministrant! Flute-players, Wind your high music higher. Make keening melody! Kindle Fire upon Ida's brow! A shadow falls over the city and Minos falters suddenly. What now ? Why doth the music Fade ? Who hideth the sun ? Who cometh ? Who cometh now ? Chorus Who is this, haggard and wan ? Who cometh with jaded and weary feet ? A second Messenger stumbles in, and drops at the feet of Minos. Who art thou, shadow of sorrow ? 74 THE AGONISTS i Second Messenger Minos, have mercy, have mercy! Minos (still exalted) Mercy is mine to bestow. What is thy need ? Messenger My need is thine, and this people's, and hers — The flame-circled Lady, Pasiphae, Child of the Sun-God. As before, at Pasiphae's name there is a movement in the crowd. Chorus Pasiphae — where is she ? Lady of terror, and burning and fierce meditation, Crisping, uncrisping her hands! [Minos is still blind in his pride. MiNOS Stress and anguish are gone. Crete is great, Free, favoured of Heaven, proud Of my son ! I MINOS KING OF CRETE 75 Messenger Woe for her burden! Woe too for me! He looks about him at the people with flowers in their hands, brought for the thanksgiving. What feast do ye celebrate here ? Chorus New praise for Crete, the Crown of the Water! Priest A new crown for the fruit of the Sun-God's daughter! Minos A new wreath for the brows of the Son of the Bull! The second Messenger takes up authority— his message making him great. Messenger Cast down your garlands, put away your lutes, Your reed-pipes and your crowns. Take dust to crown yourselves, shred off Your tresses, women; and, ye maids, Let loose your coifed hair. 76 THE AGONISTS i Not for love do it, nor a bridal, Save Death be bridegroom. Lo! Ready is Death, sitting hereby in the gate, Sightless his eyes, fast in hand the dish Seeking an obol, seeking his toll. Give him his tribute, Minos, and you, Crete! Chorus (murmuring) Oh, oh, what is this that he saith ? Minos Hush there, and cease your murmuring. Speak. Chorus O King, O Daedalus forsook! O Queen of the fierce blood ! Minos Who speaks of them ? The dead are dead. Daedalus is dead. [He turns to the Messenger. Rumour of thee Ran on before thy breath could frame it. Empty, therefore, thy phial of woe. That we may drink it, and live Like men thereafter. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 77 Messenger Sir, the Athenians Murmured against thy son, And at his triumphs murmured. Then When he, begarlanded and anointed, Drove home from broad Eleusis His conquering team, a throng Of youth, their treacherous eyes Guarded by Hnen bands. Sprang from a thicket, and set On his company, three to a scorel Critas they slew, Menocles With stones, and Androgeos, the young man Thy son — him they slew and ravaged. Then tied His feet, thy son's feet, to the car, And hued the horses and cried; and they, mad With fear, went headlong in gallop The dust of the track; and by terror Made frantic, leapt the rock rampart, And fell- Horses, and car, and hero, To their end in one red grave. Now let me die; for no man May utter such things and live. He goes out through a way made by the people, who fear him. Minos stands shaking. 78 THE AGONISTS i Chorus O King, the tortured soul of Daedalus Rises and weeps to see us! [Minos stands shaking. What said that man tormented ? Spake he not true? Alas! Priest The viperous Athenian went Deathwards, foretelHng wretchedness. Chorus Woe to the father, woe to the mother! Woe to the kindreds of the great House — The House, the House of the Bull! Ariadne, Phaedra, woe to ye! Minos still shaking, Graulis appears from the house, sees the horror on all faces and comes quickly down. She peers at Minos who sees nothing. Graulis What is it? What is it? Quickly! Chorus Knowest thou not ? 'Tis Androgeos — I MINOS KING OF CRETE 79 Graulis Dead ? Chorus Dead. Tell thy mistress — Graulis She needeth no telling, nor heedeth it. She is acold, hugging herself. O Minos, Minos, King of wretchedness, Hear me and strike me down! [Minos pays no heed. The People swarm. Chorus Ha, Gods, ye have not ended. The Queen — Graulis Dead, Cretans, and well dead, Seeing this stroke was hers. Her scheming — and thy agonizing, lord! Priest The King stands dumb. What hast thou more ^ Graulis She is dead, but her child Hveth — 8o THE AGONISTS i Priest Her child ? Graulis Her child. Minotaur. The Chorus is shocked to silence. Presently it begins on a hushed note, which grows in volume. Chorus Clamour is round me of sin not to be named, Hissed from shooting and hidden lips; Hints, intervals of sound, Sobbing, unrest. Unrest is worst of all When the dread powers of the dark Gather, scream and pass over As birds on a winter night. Shriller than birds in a storm, More vacant, more desolately Cometh the clamour of sin not to be known ! [With wild hands uplifted. O haven of Dark, O plumed night. Fall on us, blot our name from the light! And thou, Pasiphae! O woman, wrecked and stained, Is there a shame on earth I MINOS KING OF CRETE 8i Thou hast not borne ? Or woe Or old inveterate sin Older, more hard than thine ? Now no swift hint of love And honourable things Can flush thy shameful cheek, Nor to thy frozen eyes Bring redemption of tears. She is cut off in sin's flood-tide. The best Were silence, the grave, and rest! Minos slowly gathers his force and confronts the Huntsman. Minos I am now old, who a little while Ago was hardy, and full of blood. Thou, Stranger, must take thy battle up With me — unequal war. For now I have no son. Huntsman The price is paid. I ask No more, nor asked so much. The Huntsman goes out with bent head. Minos is consumed with the rage of despair. Minos There is a price to ask Of Athens, Gods! I am King Of Crete, Minos, the Bull's Son. 82 THE AGONISTS i Take you a torch, dip it in fire. One lights a torch. Minos goes up on the sea-wall and holds the brand out over the sea. Hear now, ye Cretans! Ye men, And young men, soon to be Cretans, Ye women, mothers, and all ye virgins Who look to bear Cretans! Hear all. By the blood of my father, Zeus, by the altars, the hearth Where his shade dwells; by Crete, By her hold of th' inviolate sea, Athens shall smoke in blood-fray; Waihng shall fill her streets, But no live thing. A voice Shall she be, a wounded voice. Yea, like a woman tortured, BHnd and mad, she shall kill Her children, and smile at stabbing. Then wake, beat her breast, loathe herself. But still with wet, cruel hands, All that she holdeth dear She shall slaughter with craft malign, Till not one remaineth, but she — Moaning, writhing her Hmbs. I make war Henceforth on Athens, that year By bitter year she shall waste Her flowers to feed my hate. I MINOS KING OF CRETE 83 By black sails borne they shall come, In keels bodeful and black; And Minotaur feed, so he May prosper in gluttony, And we feed with him our hate. This is the doom of Minos, Son of Zeus, testified By this torch, and the fire of it, Unquenched while Athens stands up. He stands, the torch shaking in his hand while the People pray. Chorus Grant, Gods, this doom bear not Some fatal, double sense. And so our wreck come thence Where we had looked to win A crown. Alas! man crowned Remaineth man, his doom Recoileth often to spring Back to the doomsman, and he That judgeth is convict found! Who is so wise to know himself, to say To his soul. Thus far 'tis safe for thee, seek not Beyond thy little hedged ground I Who knoweth himself bound. Or knowing it, accepteth the decree Which, when it set man free 84 THE AGONISTS i Of all else, fixed him slave of his own whim, Tyrant whose subjects soon outmastered him ? Such wisdom standeth not with the force we have : He only that beareth the brunt of himself is brave. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS THE ARGUMENT The hero Theseus, having (with the help of Ariadne, daughter of Minos) slain Minotaur and so freed Athens from the yearly tribute exacted by Crete, sails thence for his own city, taking that same Ariadne with him for his bride. He had promised King ^Egeus his father that he would send a ship before him, with a white sail, if he should have been fortunate, instead of the black sail with which the tribute vessel commonly returned. That, however, he forgot to do ; so that the ship came in bearing the ensign of misfortune. On his home- ward voyage Theseus stays at Naxos, an island of Magic. The God Dionysus speaks the prologue. PERSONS A Maenad. Dionysus. Chorus of Cretan Maids. Theseus. Ariadne. An Athenian Sailor. The Scene A sandy bight in the shore of the island of Naxos, with the sea at the back. On the right is a grove of plane-trees, in which a stone altar. On the left are rocks and profuse vegetation. The season is the Spring. Flowers abound almost to the water's edge and are to be seen starry beneath the plane-trees. The sky is flawless blue, and the pathway of the sun glitters on the sea. ARIADNE IN NAXOS At the opening of the scene the stage is empty, and so remains for a while. Then there is a flash of lightning out of the clear sky, and immediately a thunder-clap, which, after, rolls among the unseen hills. Three figures are now before the scene, as if proceed- ing from the altar-grove to a thicket on the left. The first is a Maenad in short, looped-up tunic, and with streaming hair. Her head is thrown back. She carries a thyrsus in one hand, a dead kid in the other. The central figure is Dionysus, crowned with ivy, wearing his leopard-skin. He has the semblance of a smooth- faced, ruddy young man of great stature. Behind him is a Faun, naked to the waist, goat-legged and footed. He has a pan-pipe in his hand. The Maenad Bacchus is lord of the length and breadth of the earth, Red as wine, brighter than honey, ruthless as rain. lo! Zagreus! Regent of storm and pain! [She stands rigid, as in ecstasy. 89 90 THE AGONISTS n Dionysus From my still haunts of brooding and dreams, In mortal cerements, I come forth To light on men, and shed over earth With sleepy spell my will inscrutable, To this my island, fear-haunted, Where priests with pious hands and orgy Call up the dance through wintry nights And shake the dawn with fire more fierce than the sun's, Fire in the heart! Here as a mist Desire-laden, sick with torments For unused folk, I lie in wait Glamour to cast through all quiet ways. Through tangle of briar, thro' drencht herbage. On sundew thick, on restless floods. On scarred mountain-flanks, on the crannies in them. Peering for me like eyes. O'er the mad earth then, through leagues of air, I pass to men's dweUings and steep their blood With hinted joy and bHss surmised. Seasonal raptures, such wild love As only in dreams men know with women. So Hke the beasts, filled with me, II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 91 Headlong speeding, frenzy-gathered, Mouthing they fall, torn by their longing, Indiscriminate, prone, possest; And my hot breath blows and passes, Blows over and passes, and leaves them swooning. For not as the high Gods, Not as the great Twelve On hoar Olympus throned and pure, Am I whose dam, the pale wife, Semele, casting mortal love On her fruited womb, cast human tinge On me her fruit, with grief acquainted. Grief of a God, past human thought. Is mine, and Desire, desire of a man Shared with that earth whereof she was — Bound thereby to desire and pain. I am the Earth, its longing, its torment, Flood of the spring, summer drouth, Fall's foreboding, dearth of winter: These am I. Lo! and I move Swift in the blood; for in my dreams Virgins unsex, men in stress, HuddHng as herds, run to their woe. Till passion dies, and they reach the end of desire. Boundless oblivion, dreamless sleep. So I watch, croucht like a beast. At this first shrilhng call of the year To utter myself, and to be. 92 THE AGONISTS n Not long — for Theseus, the great captain, In triumph turning from perils past — From Minotaur sent shaggy with blood With his dead to mingle — homing to Athens, Wedded with her, the fast-girdled Soft Ariadne, loving and loved, Calleth here: whom now I await In trembling thicket, with eyes agleam. To bend her body to work my will; Drive my desire to burn in her blood, Make of her heart my love's wild garden. Press on, press on, abide we the hour! He bends his head to his breast and points forward with his rod. The procession streams on and dis- appears. The Chorus presently come in through the altar-grove: young girls in Cretan garb. They sing the Parabasis, turning their faces as they move round about to where they look for Theseus to come. Chorus Not upon us, Athenian, not upon us Despair sits darkling, nor sweet Hope From us hath folded her away While now the Morning, golden-zoned. Streams thro' the gateways of the east. This is the holy hour, it hath Cooling influence of dew. Gentle airs, remembered sleep. Promise of day renewed! Theseus appears, and stands at the edge of the grove, leaning upon his spear. They lift up their hands, hailing him. n ARIADNE IN NAXOS 93 Great deeds have I seen, Glory hath blinded me Till I know not Crete, nor bewail The Hght of my father's house. Nor the pleasant pastures of Ida. Behold, they are past as a bird's cry in the night, Suddenly! Yet I look up Trustful, as women trust in the eyes of a man. When for the sword and the battle The murderous beast's ire Availed him not; when he fell — Minotaur! — and the shout Rang thro' the streets, "We are free! Crete is free!" Then I knew A man was come: and I saw him, Theseus, tamer of men, crowned with his deed! Ariadne, the fair-browed maid, Wealth and pleasure of Crete, Saw him, how goodly and wise; Kneeled, set his foot on her neck, Master and lord of her life. Bowed her, yielded; and I — I too — fell where she fell, Claspt his knees where she claspt, Past with her to the ship; Stood looking steadfast upon him launcht on the deep! 94 THE AGONISTS n For the Gods, splendid on thrones. The far-seeing Gods are his friends: Zeus, Poseidon the Girdler, Wise Demeter — they stayed him, Upheld, threatening the sea. Grey-eyed Pallas, the War-Maid, Artemis shrill as the wind, Phoebus the death-dealer, Yea, all the deathless, the Twelve Smiled his going forth his fortunate way. Shall I not serve, being glad. Unmindful, Dicte, of thee; Forgetting the breathings of Ida Whose cypresses hush down the voice ? Shall I remember the Sisters whiter than snow Where Cydonia shoulders the sea ? Nay, but the pastures of Crete and upland places Are still, hid in death and the dark; And I choose for the light thou bearest, tamer of men ! [They stand all about Theseus, adoring. Theseus Daughters of Minos, pluckt from Crete, Chaplet for Athens, or a wreath For her smooth brows! me now so near My crown the Gods have furthered. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 95 And Athens, not remote Nor slow to welcome, ere two suns, Shall light your careful eyes, Wash pure your tear-worn cheeks To redden; for soon our sail Blown ripe to round the peak Of Salamis shall strain, And soon the banked oars Shall grip the tide, and our hearts Inhale the generous air, And our eyes the Violet Crown. Yet seeing 'twas willed in Heaven Out of the calm a sahent wind With moaning music should stir The surge against our oars, Should fling the prow of the ship To seethe his hair in the vast Recurring waves, and in foam Sluice them, we fled before it Hither to Naxos, here to stay us; And hence, yest'reen. When the long roaring wind had swooned And a light breeze ruffled the sea, Naucritas sped I, Leucippus, With news of our coming, redeemed. To iEgeus, King and Father — Father of Athens, father of me and the people. Hence now we too shall set Sail, and win back our peace Ere once more Hehos faint. 96 THE AGONISTS ii Chorus I I reck not Crete, but to win thy land! Chorus II What land hath a woman but her lord ? Chorus III And who is her lord but he that is strong And masterful, even as thou art? Theseus Fear not at all Cold welcome, maidens, fear not at all. Beneficent the Gods we hallow; there Clemency reigneth, and Justice Reigneth, and stately Measure, High-ordered Temperance, Piety, Laborious Peace! For their ends I took the shift; Pallas armed me And strung me to steel for the grim Grapple with Minotaur, Seven years a coil for our necks. No more: he is fallen, is fallen! Our days loom large, without end. Chorus O come! We delay. n ARIADNE IN NAXOS 97 Theseus Nay, first Smooth Ariadne, offering Milk and new-pressed wine. From Artemis seeketh her pledge — From that pitiful, that benign Maid that mothereth babes — A pledge of our love's sweet graft. Seeing how she is raised High above maids, as her worth Challenged us, proving it. Chorus A worthy wife ! Worthy of thee ! 'Twas thou felled Minotaur, 'Twas she gave thee the way. Theseus The clew was hers that did win me Forth from the miry ways Of error writhing to err. Thickened with drip of mist, Fat with the reek of bones And fretting members of men. Through all the toils devised By all-wise Daedalus — Trap for his terror, trap for himself — She brought me by sweet craft And wit; wherefore I praise her. I praise her, and crown her mine. 98 THE AGONISTS ii Chorus See, see, she cometh. O new-made, fortunate wife! O girdle happily loosed! O virgin made mother, O bride! Ariadne comes gladly from the grove. She is flushed and joyful, and comes to Theseus with worship. She stands at first looking upon him, her message in her eyes. Theseus What hast thou ? It is well ? Ariadne Well. It is well with me. Theseus What hast thou, looking upon me ? Ariadne Loving, I look where I love. Theseus Thou smilest. Thy cheek's fresh rose Speaketh. Ariadne Good augury! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 99 Theseus What then ? Ariadne My new joy! My King's gift: for my bosom a jewel, For my brows a crown; for thy house A son; honour for me. [She lifts up her arms, glorified. Theseus clasps her. Theseus Now praise all Gods for pride Of life! Chorus Now serve all Gods! Fill altar-cups, strew corn. Cast branches. Serve them so. Theseus They look benignantly On men who lust on life. Who carve their own fate out. Chorus Alas for women! For they Lack force for fate. 100 THE AGONISTS n Theseus Look they To husband^s thews for a sword. Chorus Nay, meekness serves them, and prayer. Theseus Pray then. I stand upright. [Ariadne, in his arms, touches his chin. Ariadne Pray yet for thy son, O Theseus. [He laughs as he kisses her. Theseus Pray thou! My prayer is made In sword-stroke and bloody doing Wrought for the land, to rid it Of plague, clamour, red envy, Hatred, malice: I serve Men, and so serve God best. Ariadne Some serve by wrath, and some By love. Love is humbleness And boundless giving. And joy Cometh of other joy. [She quits his arms. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS loi I go to give thanks to God For the joy I carry in me. Chorus excellent in woman To bend the knee, yet in spirit To outsoar the falcon, mate the blue Starry dwelling of Zeus! Theseus Go pay thy service, for ere the sun Be at high noon we seek the ship. Ariadne Bending my knees, I am gone. She goes into the grove. The Chorus grow thoughtful. Some look anxiously about, some whisper together; all keep within touch. So presently they turn to Theseus. Chorus Thou prayest not, O hero! Theseus 1 have prayed by stroke of sword. Chorus Yet a God, they say, dwelleth hereby Should have thy worship. 102 THE AGONISTS n Theseus Thy God! Name him. What sUm, sleek lad ? Chorus I Hush! For I name him not. Chorus H (whispering) The Son of Semele! Chorus HI The Son of bhnding Zeus! Chorus IV Nurtured by wild-eyed nymphs! Chorus V Nurtured with blood for milk! Chorus I Bright as wine! Sanguine bright! Chorus II Him of the gleaming shoulder! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 103 Chorus III Him of the wet skin Pluckt reeking from the fawn, Clinging about him! Theseus Bacchus! ' Chorus Hush! For we name him not. Theseus But I name him, O women! Shame and deep shame upon ye. Here is no God for maidens to seek To grace the bed for a bridal. Seek Pallas rather, the virgin grave. Seek rather the Huntress, the Shining One, Whom Ariadne now decks with prayer. Loud praises the Evian hath — but not yours. Chorus Oh, but this murmurous God Potency hath and dread! Here chiefly to be feared. 104 THE AGONISTS ii Theseus Seek ye the bride, lift with her Your arms. Hers dimb to the sun. Chorus Would that thine clomb, O son of iEgeus, with hers! Theseus Nay, let her love work wonders for me! For love is mighty, where force not availeth. Chorus Ay, love is mighty, envied of Gods. Theseus Well may they grudge! for what have they To venture against the dear joy, The warm-mouthed welcome of wife and child .? Chorus Beware lest they mar that peace, From husband's arms snatch wife, from mother Ravish the babe. Beware, Theseus! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 105 Theseus Quaking hearts, foolish talk — Here in this sunHt place! [He reclines at ease. After the dust of battle, From the puddled earth new-risen, Shaking the old turmoil From his clotted hair, and the sweat From haggard eyes, the hero Lies his length, and his head Sinks to the fragrant lap of his wife! She fills the mead-cup, crowns him With flowers, anoints his feet, Poureth oil in his wounds. With her hands ministereth! Who shall deny him ? What God ? I having fought, having prevailed, so crave her, So claim her, await her. So, even now, I could sleep, for in this mild air Is sweetness wooing to dreams. Chorus I I sense the mystery all about — Ah, me! Chorus II Ah, Lord! io6 THE AGONISTS n Chorus III Who cometh ? Who stealetn down the wind ? Chorus IV What riot is rife in the air ? Theseus Dimness assaileth me. What is this ? What thick sense, what languor of Hmbs ? What fumes of dropping wine ? Chorus V Virtue Hke that of hidden wine SteaHng at dusk from the wine-vat. [Theseus rises to his knees in wonder. Theseus In a day the spring has leaped! It is here! Chorus Virtue is in him of new wine. Theseus Ah, but that wine was sweet Supt at the bridal! Sweet was the chant II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 107 Of them by the wreathed Hermes fast by the door! Frohc the feast was, burning the bride, Hiding her shame to be so desired! But here is sterner joy — in spilt blood, In clash of men, shock of horses. In shouting, clamour, pressing of spears! Man against man [A hush falls. The sun is hidden. Chorus Hush! Hush all! He is here. Who then ? Theseus Chorus Our lord. Theseus What lord ? Chorus The nameless, many-named. Theseus Then is salvation nearer than at first. Dionysus appears with Maenad and Faun. The- seus rises, but never looks at him throughout the scene. io8 THE AGONISTS n Dionysus Loosed bonds for the encompassed I bring. Chorus O full of sleep and dreams! Dionysus Beneficent my spells upon men, Dreams out of wine, panoplied dreams, Conquest, empery, ventures wild In ruinous places, on high seas Unsailed before. Who follows me Forsakes wife, children, father's house. Enthusiast become. Endues the fawnskin, grasps the rod. Runs glad the riot. FoUowest thou me ? Theseus (trembhng) Lord, I am plighted, my father awaits. Dionysus Know thou no father but mine. Theseus He forfend! I have plighted troth. 11 ARIADNE IN NAXOS 109 Dionysus Great deeds are stored for thee — Rending of nations, renown in Achaia. Theseus Ay, I feel it! Dionysus For thee The shriek of men falling, for thee the spears, The shouting, the captives, acclaim. For thee Hippolyta Queen of scarred Maeotis Arrested her fate; thee Heracles, Alcmena's son, awaits even now To beckon lord of Athens. Yea, Adventurous beyond all men. To Hades shalt thou go, and see Passion-pale Kore, the dead — then come To lord it in Athens. Thee, Theseus, Athenian King, I urge to thy fate, Breathing upon thee thus with my mouth [He breathes upon Theseus, who trembles. Breathing thus again upon thee Theseus shudders and sways, then lifts up with a battle cry. no THE AGONISTS n Theseus Ho, for the battle! Ho, for the ship! Dionysus Thus breathing again, and thus. Theseus resists no more, but looks doglike, panting at his master. Chorus See, he trembles! Each hot breath Flushes him darker, beside himself. Dionysus I shake thee with my breath. Theseus It encompasseth as a fire, Floodeth my temples, beateth The balls of my eyes. [He strides forward, shaking his head. Chorus Risen great and grim. The son of ^Egeus looketh Wildly upon me, muttering. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS iii Dionysus (in a voice like a trumpet) Theseus, King, Girded with war-gear, Seeketh his mates By the black ships; Raiseth the chant, The chant of oarsmen; Crowdeth sail For the open water. [Theseus sways about, holding his spear. Theseus Am I not King? Shall I forbear me To seize the spear, to cry the battle Shrill among men .? Let all men know Me leader, adventurous. Not war-sated, by love not filled, Rather in battle seeking my food! Chorus Alas, what wilt thou .? Alas for us! And for her, the bride! Theseus O thou that settest desire and pain To rend a man, by these thy gifts Upon me now, hear! By the sword 112 THE AGONISTS ii I draw I renounce my former estate, And driven by tempest, mad with the fever Gotten of thee, harsh as a squall. With no look back, nor thought, I fling me — Heading the spearmen stark to havoc. [The Chorus impede him. Chorus Stay, lord, have pity On her thy chosen mate! Lo, we are women, daring Woman's extreme fate! Theseus Trouble me not, for the God, Giver of fire, is upon me. Battle! The sword is out! Chorus Alas for her, with a bleeding heart. Lonely, passioning to her death! Theseus Athene claims me — brail up the mast — Cry you, A Thesus, ho! Battle is joined! Bacchus is lord of the earth, God above Gods — Bacchus! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 113 Dionysus Time is. Theseus Hailing thee thus, I go. The procession goes forward, Theseus, with bent head, stumbling before it as if he was driven. The Chorus in great agitation hold out their arms to him. Presently they see the ship take the sea. Then they tell fiercely the tale after their manner. Chorus I He bared his eyes; with unstaying feet For the foam-bitten shore He hastened, hounded to fate. Soon shall the sails cover the fleet, The sea flash to the freight. The pulse and thresh of the oars. Man born of a woman, winged, outsoars The hawk's flight; falleth then and outpours His eager estate! Chorus II The Olympian breath'd upon him; the hero, bhnd, Drave where he led As a ship whose helmsman is gone. Yea, as a ship curst by the wind He went out muttering, wan; He spake not, turned not his head. 114 THE AGONISTS n Where is love's chaplet ? 'Tis faded, 'tis dead! Woe to the spousals, the desolate bed, The heart of stone! Chorus III Man born of a woman, purposeful, bound, Lifteth his eyes To the wild splendour of God, Dazzled. The earth he loveth, her sound Of reed-music, her load Of beauty, of ecstasies. How shall he dare the terrors, the mysteries, The silence, the brooding, the still surprise, The awful Abode .? Chorus IV Woman that Hveth to trust and to cling. Being forsworn, Choketh the tears as they start; Masketh her passion, traileth her wing As a bird, grieveth apart. Tearless, voiceless, forlorn. Laughter and speech hath she for love; but to mourn. Sighs, and labouring bosom, and shorn Hair, and dead heart. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 115 Chorus V And this is her lot, she boweth her knees, Yieldeth her limbs, Giveth her candour, her untrodden soul Into thy keeping, O Man; for lordship she sees Throned in thy brows, and control. Lit by thy favour she swims Sunned in thy smile, rapt in hymns Hymeneal, glorious in dreams Golden and whole! Chorus VI Whenas the battle, the lust of war, Smell of the sea Drive thee abroad, she cannot gainsay Thy purpose, O Man, but afar Setting her eyes to the day, She bendeth her knee. Hope against hope! for the God is in thee; Blood-fever, the fury that houndeth the free Have thee their prey! Chorus The high Gods drive us whither they will, Humble our knees. Lure to ruin and sin; Whelm us, spurn us, madden and kill; ii6 THE AGONISTS ii Crave us belike, net and fasten us in, Launch us on desolate seas. Power they have to possess, but not to appease Desire upon us; power to raven at ease — But to love! Ah, no, not so! Chorus I Love! That is ours. That have we From our kind, not Godkind. Chorus II Ay, we fear God, love man. Chorus III Alas, sisters, who would love man! See where she cometh alone with her joy — With mirthful step! [Ariadne comes in quickly. Ariadne Be glad with me O women! and be glad, thou Earth, And skyey vault, and amorous clouds That hang about the sun! And you. Ye birds! O hills, Hft up your heads! Let all clear streams dance Hke my heart! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 117 And thou, Maid Artemis, Patroness of the pure. Come thou to earth and me! [The Chorus cry to their Goddess. Chorus I O come, O come, Desirable! Chorus II O Lady, come! Chorus III Succour us now! Pity us now! Chorus IV Chorus V She pitieth none! Chorus VI O hidden Gods, whose name may not be spoken. This grows a sombre day that opened so fair! ii8 THE AGONISTS n Ariadne What mean ye, comrades ? What chill shade Shall pass between my love and me ? Chorus I Fate's way. We smile in our sleep, Anon the Furies beat their wings Wide, and we weep. Ariadne Talk ye so to a bride .? Talk ye so ? [One points out to sea. Chorus II The sail! The Dragon climbeth the sea. Ariadne Ships pass; and soon shall ours be Like snow upon hyacinth. Chorus III The sky will weep for that snow. Chorus IV Herald of wailing women. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 119 Chorus V Herald of bruised breasts. Ariadne (sobered) 'Tis true, clouds gather for rain. Chorus VI Rain ! Ay, of tears for love forsworn ! Ariadne Shall I weep ? Shall I weep ? With my hope Proud like the swelling wheat } Chorus I Black with blight is thy goodly grain. Widowed art thou, to kindred not yet un- veiled. Ariadne My heart is crying. Heed it not. I am trembhng. Look not at me. Chorus II The Dragon drives not alone. 120 THE AGONISTS ii Ariadne Where is Theseus ? Where is my lord ? Chorus III The godlike Theseus Chorus IV Godlike in this That he is stark and cruel Chorus V Is gone! He is gone — nor ship nor hero for thee. [A pause of shock. Ariadne Heed not my crying, heed not me. I am foohsh — but speak to me. Chorus VI A God bent down Through the air from his seat on high, Hither upon thy lord; and he breathed Furious breath on his eyes, and kindled A fire in him, which he fanned to flame, To leap and encompass his soul, his honour, His joy and pity, all the man n ARIADNE IN NAXOS 121 He was and might be. So then thy lord, Filled with a frenzy, fever of blood-thirst, Drave, blundering, out to the ship. Stammering "Bacchus! Battle is joined! A Theseus, ho!'' and rushed to the ship — And they pushed out to sea. Chorus III Nor shalt thou see his eyes again. Chorus IV Nor he thine in thy son. [Ariadne stands as one dazed. Ariadne The sun is darkened. Let us too go. Chorus IV Whither ? Ariadne I know not. My heart aches. She sits down, stiffly and strangely, as if out of her wits. Chorus Better by far had death, That stooping like a vulture clutcht Alcestis to his haunt among the shades 122 THE AGONISTS ii Across the coiling waters, and beneath The flowery crust of earth did lay her, Wrapt for sacrifice as in long folds Of priestly mantle, or golden prayer — Better, I say, that thou wert with the dead Folded, in expectation of no change. Chorus II Thou that wast wife, as widow must set to the shears The flow of thy tresses. Cast them a golden shower to the lap of the earth; Fold in a shroud thy head, thy shell-pink ears, Hide the crystalline sweet of thy limbs which the light caresses, Loving thee well; veil thee from sight. Black as the raven, black as the heart of the storm, black as the night! [Ariadne cries over the sea. Ariadne The dead wind lags, and even now All noontide lays her spell on the sea, And on Theseus, stretcht his length Upon his lionskin, sole on the poop. Watching Naxos — and lo! Her hills like barrows that mark a grave, And love and honour buried there! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 123 What thought hankering bleacheth his hair, Feedeth upon his brow ? What ruth ? Sighs he for me, or needs me ? Alas ! Alas, that from the bed Of grey Tithonus thou littest, thief, To laugh on Crete the day I first lookt On him, my moonbeam, maddening me! Was ever maid curst so by a man ? Curst! Nay, I was blest Beyond all maids born when I knew For one hour I was his, he mine! Blest beyond reach of Gods, Or tearing of fierce Moerae; With fire-tinct memories stored, Deep as the sea, and as clear — To flush my temples, and beat In my blood till I die! Agitation has stolen into the Chorus, who have become restless, attentive to distant sound. Chorus The far-ofFmurmur of wailing, voices intoned. Shrilling exultant, sobbing to rest, but anon Borne on a gust of wind sudden and fierce. Thrust rude on our ears. Swooning now, it is gone! Yet like the feeble flux of a falling tide Cometh the shadow of days bygone And the salt savour of tears. [Ariadne looks to her lap. 124 THE AGONISTS n Ariadne O thou dear seed! O tender shoot, in whose blood Is the streak Erechthean, The grain of thy sire! Honoured shall I be, harbouring thee, Blessed my breasts that give thee meat! [The Chorus are beside themselves. Chorus Soon shall be music, high delirium, Sobbing music, high procession! Life is heavy with fate too big to be borne; Fury shall enter, darkness gather possession; Dreaming shall follow on woe, for anguish remission ! Ariadne What sing ye ? What is your song ? Have ye not that to give me the grace of tears ? Chorus I (jerking) I know not. But where hath been Dejection, Madness enters the tilth New broken, and sows a seed. n ARIADNE IN NAXOS 125 Chorus II (inspired) War is on earth of God against God! This is the harbourage favoured of one Subtly sweet, terribly strong. Guard thee the guile of his tongue, Beware the cloudy abode Of Bromius, wilful and young. Chorus III (wildly) The God of the flame, the God of the torch ! The God of Chorus, the vintage, loosing of hair, Theban lacchus! Chorus IV Storm in his eyes! Chorus V Fire sits eating his eyes, buffets his wing! Chorus VI Bacchus is King! Chorus I Even so, come, on the breath of the spring, Come, Bacchus, our King! [Ariadne rises. 126 THE AGONISTS Ariadne Are ye wise, women, are ye wise ? Chorus II Yea, for my wisdom issues Darkly; my lips have words from on high. I know he is near. Chorus III Fear him, fear! Ariadne Nay, but I fear him not. Who stoopeth to strike the stricken ? Chorus IV Belike — O dreamer, O dreamful! Belike stooping with words Silky as balm, he will lighten thy load. Chorus V The fawnskin, the thyrsus, O come! Hark! Hark! Chorus VI The winding of flutes — Padding feet in rhythmical dance! II II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 127 Chorus I As herds to the water, advance — Come, for Bacchus is near! [They circle about Ariadne who stands perplexed. Ariadne What is your speech ? I know not. Whom sing ye so shrilly ? The Chorus now in wild excitement run about and urge one another. Chorus I Again the riot, the passion, the beating Of wings in the void, the rapture, the greeting Of shadovvy^ forms and vast! Chorus II Bacchus! Chorus III Numbed are the senses, the horror is past! Mountain calleth to mountain, deep unto deep! Chorus II Bacchus, O Bacchus! 128 THE AGONISTS n Chorus IV Sleepers awake ! Nymphs of the grove, Nereids, reedy and still, shiver and move. Your white arms as I move! Chorus V I feel the God! I am mad with light. Chorus II Bacchus, Bacchus, lacchus! Chorus VI It is thou, it is thou. Giver of Fire! Chorus II Bacchus, Bacchus, lacchus! Chorus I Nymph-beloved, it is thou, the myriad-named, Thou, born in Thebae, shameless, unshamed, God of the vine, God of the lyre! Chorus II Bacchus, Bacchus, Evoe! [Dionysus appears with the Maenad. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 129 Dionysus Mine, Ariadne, now, by day and by night. [The Chorus offer themselves to him madly. Chorus I Lord, I am thine! Chorus II And I! Chorus III And I! Chorus IV Lord, we follow Chorus V Ah, lord, take me! Ariadne Who art thou, lord ? Chorus Bacchus named, lord of the earth! 130 THE AGONISTS ii Dionysus Hail to the chosen bride! Hail to thee, loved and sought by a God, Anointed thus with my breath Upon bosom and brows, upon mouth and eyes, Softer shed than dew on the grass, Lighter than gossamer, caUing thee hence, Ariadne, to follow desire Whither I lead. Speaking, he breathes upon her, bending down over her where she kneels. Chorus We toil in thy track through thicket and hollow. Over the rocky steep of the mountain. Through the marish and salt lagoon. Through bramble and briar, over the dune. Through harsh bent grass bitter with wind from the sea. Fire aches in our blood, to thrust a way through — Ah, we madden, we die! Dionysus Mine, mine, O much-beloved! n ARIADNE IN NAXOS 131 Ariadne Not thine, not mine, but only his Who made me matron suddenly, An untried virgin, very young. Chorus Nay, he hath terrible eyes, His force is a force of rain, Irresistibly soft, Fretting the rock, gnawing the plain With furrow deeper than plough in the croft. Ariadne Shameful your song. Ill it beseems Ye drive me, burdened so heavily! And thou! Oh, be merciful, Take not my grief from me! Look on me, I am piteous. My strength is gone, and my garner of years May waste ere the sheaf be added Should win me sight of my lord In his son. If haply my prayer Hath flitted in vacant wind About her shrine, or if she. My Goddess, holdeth aloof. Thou wilt have pity, and leave us Hand in hand, grief and I, Bosom-mates. Thou that didst grieve 132 THE AGONISTS n Mortal mother, who died Of too clear sight of her joy Semele's son, pity thou me, Mother and mortal! Chorus Idle thy prayer! He is here. Desirous. Ariadne If I abate Ever so much as the breadth of a hair From virgin estate, Vow'd to my lord, how shall I dare Wash the tears from my body to make me fair When he calleth me home to be mate ? Now, Demeter, aid me, and bear My feet, sHpping to fate! Ah, lord, thou art great! Lore of dark wisdom is thine, thy blood Kindles desire for fulness of life. I look to thine eyes, as into water, where strife And clamour lie drowned, and still creatures brood, Watching the ebb and flow of thy mood: Look not so! thine eyes are as wells! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 133 Chorus Lord, that Pentheus the King Fought to his wreck and the woe of his house; That hurled him red to the teeth of his foes — Agave, wife, and old Cadmus, father and king, Tore, mangled his limbs. Driven by thee to the dark, terrible thing: Little she deems Her end who battles with God! Ariadne Take off from me the glamour of thine eyes, For thus to witch me is pitiful. Regard me not — thou'lt kill me! Dionysus Mine, mine, by day and night. Chorus He smileth on her, his mouth Is bright. Keen as the wind of the north with frosty bite, And the burning of frost — She reels, faints, and is lost. Ariadne (waiHng) Yea, irredeemably lost In the shrouds of thee! 134 THE AGONISTS ii Folded, carried away By floe too stealthy and swift. Drowning, I care not lift Hands, I care not to pray — Only I hymn thee, looser of toils, Swift Saviour, whom sin and the coils Of flesh never gainsay. Washt clean in thy waters, I take new birth. Hailing thee lord of the length and breadth of the earth. Maenad Dark as wine, ruthless as rain — lo, Zagreus, regent of storm and pain! Dionysus Come, O thou heavy-laden, behold In me all grieving drowned. Chorus Trembling in all her limbs, but not for fears, Rather for lassitude of pain; Seeking with eyes all blotted dim with tears Her souFs peculiar food; Lagging as flower dissipate by rain That faints to feel the sun. She gathers up her sorrow in a flood And heaps it on thee — and the strife is done. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 135 Ariadne (to the Maenad) Let there be mystic dance and procession; unbind My hair that it float on the wind. Loose ye my girdle, sister, let me go free For my lord's pleasure of me. So — I throw my head back, so feel I the God In my veins. The blossoming rod Into my hand give ye! [The Maenad has now approached her for the rite. lo, Bacchus, lover of Chorus, Tragic, dark, inscrutable one! Rapt lead I the dance, my blood Leaping to thine. O master of me, Catch the sob in my throat with a kiss, and seal me to thee! Maenad lo! The lord of lights and glooms goeth on! They pass out in procession. The Chorus dance the Bacchic hymn, which varies with each singer. Between each strophe there is dancing, which is heralded by the emotion expressed in the verse. Chorus I Let us fly to the hills and thyme-haunted places. Revel is on us; he goadeth us on! 136 THE AGONISTS n Kindle the pine-stem, snatch the thyrsus, Lift shrill song With wailing of flutes, scream of the pipes: Stamp ye your feet Rhythmically as the mad drums beat — Bacchus, Bacchus, lacchus! We drift in the throng Of the lightfoot fauns, nymphs bright- breasted and young. With hair afloat and giving of tongue — We are thy dogs, hounding the day! [Dance. Chorus II Thou that feedest on prayer, Worshipt with sobs at Eleusis, Where the Mystae fall to their faces, Lie with dust on their hair! Clear call the priests, wail the priestesses Thrilled by thee — thy might Fills the vast: they stumble, run to and. fro \ As drunken, reeling they go Whither they know not, astray Into the night! [Dance. Chorus III Like as the wounded deer. Limping adown the valley. Pants for the quiet hidden streams, ri ARIADNE IN NAXOS 137 Yet stays her not, nor slacks her Hmbs, White fear doth gripe her wholly; So labouring we long For haven in our pain, The patter of the rain, The volume of the storm without our wattled home! So labouring go we on Burdened with thee, And bruise thy fruit against our lips. And let the drips Of wine-vats sluice our brows and aching sense eclipse. [Dance. Chorus IV Lord of the choric strain, Darkly oracular, We search thy face in vain, Thy Hps for any sign Or soothful or benio;n Of any solace for our burning scar; Seeking thee from afar, From howling seas stormy with winter war, From where the windy, frozen caverns are. We struggle southward in a broken Hne, Swallows wide-scattered, seeking the south — And lo! the sun lays bare thy mocking mouth! [Dance. 138 THE AGONISTS n Chorus V More cruel than women fatal unto men, iEaean Circe or the Ogygian queen, Of beauty yet more fell and ruinous! Thee when Zeus garnered in his mighty thigh He fostered delicate poison, and willed us die That hungered. And thy savour maddened us, Who kissing thee again found death more piteous. [Dance. Chorus VI (pointing) Break off, for the sun shineth on high. And the God returneth And all the blue world yearneth To the spell of his beaming eye! Ah, see in what lovely wise With soft arms intertwined And head to ruddy neck reclined. The dream-God leads our dreaming one! Her eyes Upward search the fathomless Depth unutterable of his — Come, let us greet her, glozed with mysteries. Dionysus comes back, with Ariadne clinging to him, embraced with his arm. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 139 Dionysus Laugh for gladness, O be blithe, Open thy Hps and give me words Comfortable, that thy man might have, Whispering utter faithfulness, Joy in yielded strength of him. Chatter as she whose love is ripe, Whose heart and his as petals of flowers CHng together, ensheathing so That heart they two have conceived as one. Speak so to me whom thou hast so loved, Drowning in me thy conquered grief — Speak, Ariadne, speak, my bride! [She pores upon his face and clasps him wildly. Ariadne Let me see thy face, let me touch thy hair. Hold thee in arms — closer, closer! Touch me, touch me, love me close — Now let thy heart beat attune with mine — Kiss me long — ah! [She releases him. No man art thou, But God who maketh me faint With love that like hungry flame Leapeth and Hcketh my heart. And knoweth no rest for fear that it die! 140 THE AGONISTS It consumeth me as a feverish night. It passeth Hke fire on the hearth, It runneth about, roareth on high, Shaketh down ash, raveneth still, Mastereth me, giveth no peace — Nay, I must die of this love ! Dionysus Love I gave thee — owest thou nothing ? Ariadne Whither thou goest, I go. Dionysus What hast thou yet that I have not ? Ariadne Nothing. Thou hast me all. Dionysus Grudgest thou this our joy ? Ariadne Joy ? Had I joy of thee ? Joy ? Do I grudge thee such joy f Nor grudge, nor wish otherwise. Thou camest, a flare of light — II II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 141 Blinded, I fell asleep And dreamed of subtle and lovely things. Dionysus Lovely! And thou so lovely! So loved — and so unloving! I know what I have won, and what lost. Ariadne Thou hast won all. Dionysus Thy heart? Ariadne I have no heart. That is dead. Dionysus God giveth life. As God Bent I in love upon thee. Pouring my breath like new wine Into thy mouth. Ariadne As mortal I bowed to immortal God. 142 THE AGONISTS ii Dionysus Ranked in the clouds, seeing, not seen, Carven in beauty, sit the high Gods, In a white row, serene and cold; Holding each in his hand The strings of life and destiny; Having their will for law, Seeing Hfe as a tale told. Far from earth and its quiet recesses. The dusty orb of the earth, DarkHng and smouldering, Spinning below their sacred zone Of pure Hght, hangeth and swingeth Barred from doom by Charter, and free For sorrow or mirth. Thither God bendeth his eyes, to see How man to man turneth and cHngeth, Mate knitteth to mate. Maiden to youth, matron to man. With love to bind, beget and create More, to shun Him and hate, Even as they fear! What hath God to do here ? Driven by desire. He came down To visit the earth He had made. Clothed in Hghtning and majesty, Beamed in white ethereal fire. On the wind enthroned. Man was afraid II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 143 And hid, and called upon his desire To hide in his bosom. Then God grew wrath With the world. He drave With a sword man out of his path; But the closer man clave To his smooth counterpart, Loving even the grave. Where she lay hid, more than God's heart. Love starved now, God gloometh apart. Too high for love, and removed too far. Bound by his own decree. Absolute King, alone — Misjudged, hard - judging, powerless in potency! [He turns to Ariadne holding out his hands. O thou woman beloved! Who hast known me, had of me More than of man thou couldst ever — Thou who hast given me What save to God thou couldst never! See now, imploring. Urging thy heart, I, God, stoop To thy knees, thy lover! I, God, at thy knees — Stooping immortal — I, incorruptible, Stooping to thee, corruptible! What sayest thou ? 144 THE AGONISTS ii Ariadne (in a low voice) Whither thou callest go I. Dionysus Dazed and stricken thou doggest my heels. Ariadne So I must follow or die. Chorus A bitter ending! Fate like a hound Snuffing the track of the doomed one. Ariadne Fate's wings quicken. Dionysus Fate driveth us both, Both to the end appointed. [He cries to her. O woman! woman, give me thine heart! Give me the whole, for lacking it, 1 hold thee phantomwise. Nor touched thee when compelling. Thy heart. Woman, thy heart! Take back thy kisses. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 145 Take back thy lips, withdraw thine arms That clung and cradled me! Thy heart! Canst thou not understand How God must spurn all flesh that hath not soul, Yet weary of soul unwarmed by flesh, And anguish in his realm for mortal love! [He is very near her, but she holds him off. Ariadne Touch me not again, for I have sinned: Dark days are come. Sin being done, I know where 'tis paid, The debtor ruthless, the debt acknowledge. For I was delicate, being with child. Therefore I die. [The Chorus in great desolation. Chorus Must we die, Dionysus .? Dost thou leave us, O God, in our misery .? Dionysus Ariadne, stay thou patient for me. I go to Artemis. She will hear. In Delos, in the sacred sea. Of virgin harbours, shores untrod, 146 THE AGONISTS 11 Unsoiled and flawless as her birth, Where Leto Hghtened of her load, And never woman hath dared he-in, Nor dog set foot — in Delos holy Among the trees that bear no fruit, Aisles of plane, birchen groves. Ilex deep, there sober-lipt Artemis sister of high Apollo Has pure worship. Thither now I Will urge with pity, anon return To my love — to my love. Ariadne Lord, leave me not! This place is full of voices. [Dionysus vanishes as she speaks. Chorus I Gone! He was, and is not. This was a God. [The scene darkens. Chorus II With him the Hght is gone. Ariadne, in deep dejection, has sunk to the ground and buried her face in her knees. The Chorus murmur their despair. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 147 Chorus Where is there peace, Or where the land unstruck by God ? Where shall the wounded fly, Or in what covert lie Unvisited by his rod ? There is no peace at all! Our robe of beauty is a pestilent blight, God-given in our despite And set Hke a gilded pall To cover leanness, and hide corruption out of sight! [One points seaward and cries out. Chorus I Succour from the sea! More snarling. Chorus II Or spite Chorus III As a gathered squall Drives o'er the azure of the main And with his mantle enwrappeth ships, Now Cometh with hasty steps A stranger to bless or ban. 148 THE AGONISTS n Chorus IV His eyes are haggard with fear. Chorus V It filleth the air I breathe. Chorus VI Hush! Speak him fair. Hush! Lest he hear. [An Athenian Sailor enters the scene. He salutes Ariadne. Sailor Hail thou, that dost raise thy head Above thy women, as queen of them. Ariadne We greet you fairly, with service due — Washing of feet, clean raiment, bread And wine; then help with your burden of speech. Sailor No help for that, lady, that you can give. Ariadne Rest here, then speed the better. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 149 Sailor Like a ship before the wind I drive before shrilling fear. Ariadne Make this your haven, O friend. Sailor My haven! I have but one. I seek him here. Chorus Seek whom ? Sailor Heavy with news I seek The son of ^Egeus. Ariadne Aha! My Lady Hymnia, thou strikest.? Hast thou me ? Hast thou me ? Is thine arrow notched ? Sailor What pain Wrings her to this grief? 150 THE AGONISTS n Chorus Thou crownest her sorrow. Thou seekest her master and lord, Who late abode with us, and then sailed In a swift ship for the outland. Sailor The King is gone ? Went he out. Chorus A king's son Sailor Whither away ? Chorus I know not. Hounded he went By a God that breathed in him fever And fury and thirst for blood. Sailor Double woe! Chorus Tell thy tidings. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 151 Sailor The yearly tribute we owed to Crete, Which hke an issue drained our manhood And left us poorer and yet more wan, Was floated on our sighing Its full three moons of anguish tense; Yet never answering sail hove up. Or black as winter, or white as flowers That foam the uplands in spring. For one or other waited Athens, Seeing that Theseus, grieving for her. Himself the goodliest, himself did offer To staunch that wound. And thus he left it, That if he prospered, home to us Speedy would come, whose white sails Should flash our joy; but if harsh fate Adjudged him dead, his mourning ship Should cloud the day with a black sail. Black as our hopes. Such pact he made. Now when so long a time was past Rayless, the King, fear gnawing him. Strenuous in prayer, himself the priest, Long files of oxen, files of goats Slaughtered daily, and sluiced the altars. And after tottered, drunk with his fear, To where the citadel, white to sea, Breasts the liquid wonder of blue. — There king iEgeus, the old, the venerable, Winter-white, daily stood 152 THE AGONISTS ii Among the elders, older than any, And saw the dawn redden and fire. The sun rise burning out of the sea; Saw him anon swim over Athens, Drowsing among her sleeping hills; Watched and waited; then saw him slope, Clothe with purple the bosomed hills. And violet night steal down, with stars Gemmed in her curtains, and the young moon Stare acold on the muffled sea. Wonderfully still. Waxt she and waned, And new days broke; then a new moon Silvered the frosty girdle of earth: Then an ominous day. Stood up before the altar King JEgeus, Poured wine upon earth, oil upon wood. Set-to the torch; the sullen wood Hissed Hke a tangle of snakes, and died. So the Gods knew not, smelt not, nor felt The thigh-smoke, nor their nostrils with blood-reek Were filled that day — for ere new flame Caught the wood, one came and knelt And cried to the king. The ship is here! We went, he, ^Egeus, blenching for fear, Winter-white, and took up station On the sea-ward wall. He bared his eyes. Wandering and blue, to sea; and each Bared eyes and lookt, and lo! as a cloud Besmircht, black on a flawlesss sea, II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 153 Out some ten cable swayed a ship, Black as death's jaws, and flapping heavily, Dragging the mast, a soot-black sail. He gave no cry, nor wailed at all. But stretcht his arms out unto the ship As clamouring what it bore; so straining. Fell piteous down to ruin and death Over the sheer, and all his blood. His golden blood, pock-markt the earth. Thus in his full of days died he. Old iEgeus, and Athens mourned him long. As kinsfolk mourn housefather and lord. But when with oar-thresh came that ship To land, our woe was rent by laughing For news of Theseus at hand! who'd sent Swift heralds of grace; but in his joy Made mad, let sUp the promise given Of message by sail of white or black. So all this dule had wrought his people And worship quicker than he could covet On him, on Athens and her men. Whom yet, with vow to break no bread, Nor clip my locks, nor anoint my body, Seeking, I cHmb the unageing sea. Chorus Seek him not here; here is no room For hope or joy to have dominion. For he is gone, and left his troth 154 THE AGONISTS u A shredded rag on a bush of thorns. To rot in air. Sailor Went the king out With all his pomp, with his bride and her maids ? Chorus The King went alone in the keen ship. Sailor But swift returning will claim the bride. Chorus Nay, surely. A God constrained him To what (in men) were knavish work. Sailor Under what God then, went he ? Chorus Even Dionysus, the young, the wild, Whose breath tormented all his force So that he twisted under the stress of it, And muttering murder, shagged and red, Flung whence his honour lay moaning. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 155 Sailor Now by that God, by Theban rites, And mystic chorus round his altar, Some fate hath sealed your eyes, and marred — For to me all is clear. Chorus Declare it. Sailor O never the Theban men forsaketh At this their season of sacrifice With holy proffer of tragic song. Intoned speech and charged dancing; Rather, beneficent, full of cheer. Wakeful, watchful is he. He therefore, Weeping our wretchedness, bare estate. Forewarned the hero of instant need; But after when, the storm bypast, Athens grows ruddy, smiles thro' tears, Him will the cheerful God send out, And bring to port with beckoning wind The Cretan bride to rule his household And share his state. See ye to this. That Theseus when he come find love-looks And sweet subservience, the wife's good part. 156 THE AGONISTS 11 Chorus Thy words are honey, they drop as wine; Wisdom inflames them; they shine true! O lady, mend your sighing! Sailor Perverse, As one dismayed, with knotted hands And hard-rimmed eyes — What is this for cheer ? Chorus New hope hath struck too sudden on her. Sailor This is a wider wound, not healed. Ariadne Anguish can have no stay, Seeing I gave it life. Nor cease till I cease. Pain, Repentance, sharp reproach: A time for dreams, and a time For dumb expectance; a time For tears that come not — then She, The Bright, strikes hasty her stroke. iEgeus falleth. One more — II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 157 Another victim, from Crete, Must pay the forfeit of debt. perjured, that could not watch One hour! Her eyehght burns! There is one end for me. Chorus The end is at hand, and the ship awaits. An end in Athens, thy husband's arms. Ariadne 1 have done evil, a thing of scorn, A nameless thing, a thing of shame. Pasiphae taints my body. To win me this end. Chorus Alas, grief hath frozen her heart! Sailor Keep high your hearts at least. Chorus Listen her moan. Ariadne Stern law hath Artemis. Now in her eyes ruin I read, Ruin remediless! 158 THE AGONISTS n Chorus O madness which we wrought, O blind desire possessing! Ariadne Peace, O ye women, lured By craft of mine, and misled From sunny Crete, from the shrines Of your Gods, from your fathers' halls, From the kindled hearths, and streets foun- tained and leafy — Peace, this evil is mine! O pride, now art thou mockt, Faith in man's arms! Praise, thou wert vain! Mockery shoots his lips. The rain Beats on the waste, mockery rings on the plain, Crying, O Fool, O Fool! and O Fool! again. Chorus O breath that her mother gave her! O mother's breasts that she sucked! Ariadne There was no end to my pride. The strong lay prone before the light of my face — II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 159 Treasure for virgin there! I threw it aside. Glory in Athens beckoned; I saw the Hned ships Thick in port, the shore white with a host Of welcoming faces; songs on all lips, Flowers in all hands, epithalamic; the grace Of matron's estate, holy wife, mother holy — All, all mine! But I threw them aside. Chorus O leader of virgin chorus, Virgin no more! Ariadne Then I was lost! Athens was lost, her king snug in my womb, My new womb filled with a king — lo! my offence Greater than any sin under the sun. That a mother should barter her child, starve her breasts. Starve her eyes of the light Of eyes that never should see it! Where would ye have such a woman tossed ? Chorus O love of Hving! O souFs eclipse! Cast her adulteress, perjuress! i6o THE AGONISTS n Ariadne Hell is the end, the gray Whispering vales of the restless dead and acold Thrill to attend my soul. Hades that grim old king Fretteth his gnarly hands on the knops of his throne, Twisteth his mouth awry, and his pale Heavy-eyed Hstless wife, from the uplands of Enna Ravisht for his delight, Feeleth her chill blood stir for my coming in. This is my end — how else would ye pay the sin .f* Would ye crown with a golden harvest such deeds. Look for a blossom after the bhght ? Black-hearted, how shall my fruit be white, Or how reap figs where ye sow the thistle seeds ? I have no crown, but instead Reproach for garment, a shroud Of curses thick as the blind snow-cloud: Death unhallowed among the happier dead — Death for me and the babe I have never fed. Chorus For end of sin are madness and death. Shame, an ungarlanded tomb. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS i6i Ariadne This is the end of sorrow, for here I lay me down, aching for ease Where ease never can be. I, the King's daughter, ragged in shame, Seeking to hide her name; Calling upon the seas To fall over her and drown her legend in water! I, the King's daughter, Daughter of Minos, ancient of God, and of her The burning woman, Pasiphae, cursing, accurst. Whose sin Heaven shuddered to hear And Hell stood silent. She may never be clean. She must drag her sin as a chain. Show her robe with the crimson stain; She must wring her hands, utter her wailing cry — "I was lovely, I loved, I was false, and I dare not die!" Let me die. Goddess; less dare I live! Chorus Ai! Ai! She is beside herself. Sailor What can the end be but sorrow.? i62 THE AGONISTS n Ariadne Tarry ye here — all is not done. Chorus What more for sacrifice ? Ariadne There's that to offer the Goddess will have. Chorus Thou hast poured thy Hbation. Ariadne She had it, but shall have now A new libation, a cleaner flame. Tarry ye here. [She goes swiftly into the grove. Chorus As mist she goeth! An old saw teacheth. Be not over bold, Nor seek too much. Content thee in the mean, Thou shalt hve smoothly. O thou Queen Whose warning finger guarding the lip. Whose sinewy limbs stript bare for work II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 163 Show thee, how hardy, yet withal Forearmed with circumspection! Thou Couldst teach us whose hot blood Springeth, a mounted flood, Prompt for all turbulence, Fretting at bars, leaping them, rushing on To ruin sooner than hold back! Service is freedom! Chidden reins, locked hps. Proud high heart, proud bent head, stayed word: Having these, men were lords of the earth, For lordship of all is his who is lord of himself. O proud and patient! O fire of the chaste! O flame Of lovehness meek and mute! O modestly wise! O passion of love in bond! O bosom kept down By folded arms and strait girdle! The Gods Have no more lovely, no more delicate flower In all the hedged garden where God is the sun. And the flowers God, self-begot of his own pure beam! Thou that servest and waitest, inherit the earth ! i64 THE AGONISTS ii Sailor The worst of fortunes be averted ! Why tarrieth she ? What would she there ? Chorus Go thou and seek her. A fear is on me. God with a God may strive, air choke With peaHng battle! Sailor Ay! for the Theban is doughty, and She, The Arcadian, swifter than wind. Chorus Our little garden plot Is wasted with thunder, all the flowers Hang black. They die amain. So it must be when God wrestles with God. The powers of darkness and light, Powers of Earth and Heaven, powers of sea, Strain, lash in tumult of war! Sublime above. King Zeus, With motionless eyelids, setteth his gaze To some quick-burning star And lives its life, as He lives ours. So throbs in his work the craftsman! II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 165 O stranger, go thou, seek for her! Seek her, the king's daughter. He goes without more words. There is a long silence. They hear his cry; then pray. Dorian Crete, whose breathing is prayer, And daily task a sacrifice; Whose acts are thanksgiving of the thought; Crete, where Heaven's lord. The Thunderer, nodding o'er the world, Lay for a space, gathering the threads Of all his lordship — Dorian Crete! 1 weep for thee, I know the word Is past that never these eyes shall see thee. O Crete, in this hour I weep for thee! [They see the Sailor coming through the trees. Ah! thus her peace is made. Sisters, This is the end. [He comes in carrying the body of Ariadne. Sailor Peace! for ye stand Facing the dead, in this gentle thing. So! shroud ye, Hft your dirge. So, Ufe! So, breath, that scarce grew thinner for thee! So, Hght, that grew the gladder! Life, breath and Hght together Quenched and drowned, quenched and drowned! i66 THE AGONISTS ii Chorus Ai! Ai! my joy, my darling one! niggard fate of thine! Sailor This is so piteous, even God, 1 think, would stoop and sorrow. Chorus God rideth his wild way. Whose onset may be trackt By wringing hands, by hopeless eyes! Sailor Power goeth in God; Love hath no place, But only majesty, iron law. That cow to subservience — so here. What can ye do, poor women ? Chorus Know Our children happy, being less than God, In that they cannot wreak such woe. Let God be mighty; but let man love! And loving, be happy in spite of God. They compose her for burial, close her eyes, cover her face; then lay her in the midst. II ARIADNE IN NAXOS 167 Our meagre life affords A time to sin, for tears a little time; Thereafter, when the mower whets his scythe, We do confess ourselves to be as grass And bow us down to the sward. Yet who shall put unhappiness in this, Or who, when so much travail hangs thereby, Crave an immortal home ? For while we live we love, and, loved, Hold Hfe a sceptred fee. But the Gods love not, neither die, so live Wretchedly, not as we! O sterile Gods, banned by their own disdain. Almighty, vacantly great. Starved, pitiless, unpitied, feared and shunned! How shall man dream or how declare The chill remoteness of God ? Who may envy Him the dearth And silence of His abode ? Love is light of our darling earth — But bleak His kingdom and bare. Where man goeth lowly in his mirth. Loveless and sunless goeth God. Ill THE DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS THE ARGUMENT King Minos, driven from Crete, seeks refuge from tempest in Sicily, the realm of Cocalus his enemy. At the same hour comes Hippolytus, son to Theseus and Antiope, driven into exile by the thwarted desires, now turned to hate, of his stepmother Phaedra, Minos' daughter and last of the great House. She, too, half- repenting, is come to win him back if she may. Thus Minos and Theseus, Crete and Athens, meet once more in their children. PERSONS Minos King of Crete. Chorus of Cretan Priests. Artemis. Phaedra. HiPPOLYTUS. A Messenger. The Scene A rocky coast, near Agrigentum; a cliff looking over the sea. On either hand a steep path leads down to the sea-beach. The time is afternoon of a winter's day. The sky is clouded, and a fitful wind makes the sea unrestful. The waves break upon the beach. The sound of them is heard throughout the action, now furious, now lulled. THE DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS Minos speaks the Prologue. He is figured as an old man in black robes. His beard is long and grey. He walks with a staff. Minos Darkness gathers, and boding of storm Upon my ways; unfriended 1 go In a waste land, full of eyes watching, Of foemen ambushed, beset by the sea, Barred and bastioned by the high rocks Whereout looketh no issue benign To herald peace, with gleam like a shaft Of amber, low in the sky in winter. Shock upon shock, the sea's wild armies Throb at the cKfFs; and I stand here An old man exiled, lost to honour. Power or the homage of the just — I, who was Minos, the friend of Zeus. The just know me no more, nor have known Since Anger held me, and Malice and Clamour, Snarling tenants, entered me in And bayed me mad, that I bit at Crete; 173 174 THE AGONISTS m And she, putting up both her hands, Feared and shrank: then great in vain! I, friend of Zeus, was great in vain! They smelt the spoil from afar. The Achaian, Hungry Megara and her hordes Flocked like birds that search the watery leagues For wrack; and the fickle sea. Once a broad cincture to hold us inviolable. Staying, bowing herself before us. Forbad them not. As a dark cloud Of evil birds, attendant on death, they gathered, Watching sideways, eyeing us up and down, Blinking, waiting the death-grapple Of Crete and me, till Zeus should yield me; Which done, they hovered, settled, and feasted long. So sagged, so fell the goodly tower Of all my honour. Renowned Crete, Dorian Crete, whereof I was. The which I was, cast me out Empty-handed, and stood to see. With estranged eyes, vacantly, how I past Bent to my yoke of shame; so we took Ship, and the sea looked wildly, and bared Defiant teeth which hissed upon us Three days, three nights of fitful weather — Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 175 Veering winds, countering currents, and snaps Of flying foam, cold in our faces; And then a lull, and a stupor of calm. Anon sang in the shrouds a great wind. And Heaven was black, and the mews rested not. Wailing, drifting about us. The storm Leapt sudden upon us, rain in the van. Driven as mist. A howHng wind Tore up the sea; the sea in torment Writhed in that clutch, and bare for birth Mountainous water, swift ruin, A swerving death-floe, a smooth pit Wherein lay ravening death, with fear Cresting the wave's wild head. I saw The lightning flare to the rim of the water And bodying clamour, lap in one sheet Of flame the world. Therein we drave Two days, two nights, numb to the heart, With eyeballs frozen, rigid hands, Blencht, horrible lips, and made this coast Spied through the flitting rain, this coast Of low grey shore thundering in surf. Wet rocks, a line of wind-bent trees, A long white shelf of beaten water. Wherein a haven; wherein we dropt Panting. But Zeus the unrelenting Turned now the other edge of his blade To score our hearts; for what the sea Had hungered in vain, Cocalus, the King 176 THE AGONISTS m Of this waste land, grudged, and drew sword To front me, King and Hero, and to prevail. The Chorus of Priests, robed in grey, has entered the scene, has built a rude altar of stones and lit a fire upon it. And now they walk round about it, invoking the Genius of the land. Chorus As to a mountain holy. Peaked in blue trembling air, Anointed by the glory of the sun, Faltering and slowly I lift my aching eyes To this vague land that lies As a proud Queen to see her day-work done. Breasting the southern glamour, and slaves the north To fan the tresses of her heavy hair. And with her stretcht-out hands draws east and west in one. For rest I search thine eyes. For rest I heed thy voice Calling among the water-brooks of easeful things. Cool are the winnowings And full of solace when the sun-glare dies The play of thy great wings Across the thick of dusk with hidden noise. So on the heart of night, Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 177 Beneath thy serious eyes. Wrapt in the silver Hght About thy head that Hes, Lulled by the mysteries And soft low breathings of thy still delight, Let me faint out of strife where sleep is death's surmise. Surely, now surely succour cometh in. Surely is paid the sin And past the burden of night! For here in milder air The fading day smiles meekly, a kinder death Than threatened us beneath The crave and hunger of the sea. Minos Well may ye lift your hands! For what availeth man before God ? Chorus Nothing, O King, in this pass. Swifter than hounds he singleth the wrong. Minos Evil on evil — do I not know.? But do the Gods hear ? 178 THE AGONISTS m Chorus Prayer they hear, strained hands they see, Smell sacrifice. Minos Now let them hear Me, Minos, in my last throe — Me, Minos, dying a king. He goes to the altar and, taking incense, casts it on the fire. A cloud rises. Artemis, hear me now! Thee, chaster than blown flowers, Holiest, I invoke. By that smooth maid of thine, Arethusa, that here in this land Kept her raiment unsoiled And fled the ravisher, here to hide In Ortygian rocks her sinuous grace, I cry to thee. Lady of Lakes, Lovely upon the Mountains! If ever sacrifice duly Were done in Crete, or piety Of offering paid and taken; If with the dance, the paean. Or finked chorus of maidens, all Robed in the saffron defightful to thee; If ever one life, or one death Made thee one sin's amends Done in heat; if one sire Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 179 Held marriage-vow, or one wife Were holy; by honourable youth, By age venerable under thine eyes; By all such deeds and well-doers I claim thy mercy. Not now forsake These thy servants who stand By me in perilous hour. Artemis, hear thou me! Chorus A worthy wora of thine, proudly spoken! Minos I know in whom I believe. She, being proud, misliketh not pride. Chorus I I know it! Chorus H Nay, speak low. She whom thou soughtest is here. The Goddess Artemis appears out of the altar- smoke, clothed in silver, shining to the feet. Minos covers his face. The Chorus lift up their hands. Artemis Few thanks, O Minos, from me to thee For my fair land blight-bitten, and growth Of weeds, thy planting, on clean tilth. i8o THE AGONISTS m Or service of honour and sweet breath Made foul and unacceptable. Herein offending, take thou thy wages. For what shall profit the song of priests Gross to the lips, or incense burned On shameful shrines ? I, Artemis, Delightful in worship of white hands, How shall I praise thee who had Pasiphae To wife, Pasiphae rotten with sin ? I praise thee not, nor for her sin's brood, Minos, be sure; for sin must breed A spawn of sin, and she who polluted My house with shrieking, sent thine to death. By thy offending was I offended With Crete, my garden; thanks to thy fault Never was sacrifice duly done, Nor offering paid, nor taken, nor ever In dance took I pleasure, or paean Or linked chorus. Nor could one life, One death make me thy fault's amends — For he must pay that runneth the reckoning. Therefore no sire, careful of vows, Shall salve thee careless; nor Cretan wife Holy, make holy Pasiphae; Nor youth be lovely, nor age venerable While thine makes clamour to God. Claim no mercy of mine, Minos, But make thee ready. Ariadne, Androgeos Paying thy debts, Phaedra remaineth — To do what she shall do, to pay what she must. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS i8i Until in her quench the kindled fire Of its own surfeited, flagrant course. Shall I praise then thy house, Minos ? I praise it not, nor thank thee. Chorus O fierce and cold! O Lady of Snows! Burn us not so with thy frosty eyes! Minos That which is done is done. On my head Be what cometh. I stand upright. Chorus Pride is oft-times a shield; but not here. In deep waters what shield availeth .? Minos A man can see the scope of his eyne, Guard the strip of soil that he seeth. And guess the morrow — when morrow cometh. Chorus The household's father is as a god: As the belled sheep leadeth the flock foUoweth. i82 THE AGONISTS in Minos Your weakness then is my added sin! [He turns him to the Goddess. Hearken, Lady, to him whose quiver Is empty, and he left mockworthy! Hard have I Hved, fought, spent — if well, Let Zeus remember; if ill, then Zeus Shall trig the balance, and Nemesis Raving abroad, cut me down, I saying, 'Tis well done! But let her be speedy, strike Fair and true. Dally not. Huntress. Let Minos the King die in arms. ., Chorus Tempt not God! Artemis This was a man! Heed me now, the Bow-Bender, Queen of the Winds, the Waters, the Hills, The Open Country and quiet places That He pure from the taint of men. Because thou goest with fear unacquainted, And who will save his life shall lose it. And who fling it careless, he shall reap — This is my word: there swayeth one Hfe, Dear to me, caught in a flood. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 183 Of passion — not his — which if thy House save, That act shall save thee. Yet if it fail, Seeing thou art old, and undimmed thine eye, Take thou this further grace. Thou shalt die, Minos, but die in arms. Heed well this spoken word, nor think to amend it. A man's sin only himself can shrive. The image of the Goddess fades, and the fire dies down. Chorus Mystery! The King is alone, A stranger treading a strange land. No son remains to him, none of his line But Phaedra, queening in Athens. And she. What shall she do, in a strange land .? [Minos sits and broods. In the dim fields of time. Ere yet were cities in Crete To blossom their hundredfold; Or when as yet were not the stablisht towns, Cnossus nor Gortyna; Nor yet to the Twelve Gods given The soothful homage of rhyme — 1 84 THE AGONISTS m Squarely stood upon earth, raftered with goodly beams, The house that Minos the King Reared for his high-got race, Sprung from Zeus that sendeth the thunder down! Fair was the hall for guests, the greeting they gave Fair, and the sending, how it was blithe and brave! Sing now the deeds of the Bull* That bore Agenor's meek daughter On the sheer bulk of his strength To the chalk cliff in the dark blue water! Pasturing Phaestos was glad, and sang The hills at the wondrous birth Of the sons of the son of Cronos, Sarpedon mighty of girth, And Minos! Minos, the searcher of hearts, judge of the earth ! How was the house goodly for feast and sleep; Who shall tell the foundations, for they were deep! Laughed all the land, for the ships Gathered the spoils of the sea; Tyre yielded her increase, the cities of old, Ophir and Zend, paid tribute; Egypt that lips 'Zeus. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 185 First the frontal of day made offering due To the Pride of the sea of the sea's first- fruits ! High on a throne graved in the face of the rock, Set to the sea and the caved sky and the ships, Judged the chosen of Zeus, Minos, Searcher of hearts. Shall the pride of the house ever be full. Or ever fall down the tower of the Sons of the Bull ? Thrice nine winters, nine summers, did he doom for our Lord, He, Minos, famiHar friend of King Zeus. All wisdom, all knowledge were his, all force of the sea. Poseidon that shaketh the land held him for friend ; He was dreadful, he knew no end! But tell of the end of Britomart, white- shouldered maid. Of Sarpedon the end, of Daedalus, cunning of hand; Of Megara what hath he made .? Nay, but Pasiphae, blood-tressed queen, let me sing, and her deed without name! For woe brooded over the house, and stealthily came Darkness, and rending apart, and wailing, and shame. i86 THE AGONISTS m What shall wisdom avail, Or knowledge profit a man ? How shall Peace go abroad To smile and plenish the land. Where Love is not, but Lust? Lust drieth to dust; Sin enters, and pale Care doth hanker, and Trust Shivereth, falleth to fail. Pasiphae! Out! She sinned and fell down Clogged in the mire of her shame; Swift Androgeos, leaping for battle, fell, and so fell Sweet-bosomed Ariadne with love on her lips. Alas, who of them all remaineth to tell ? Dwindles the pride of the house that was forceful and keen. The wild nettle blows where proud lilies have been! Chorus I One remaineth! Chorus H Cometh ! Chorus HI To battle with death! Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 187 Chorus IV What is thy thought ? Chorus V I know it! Chorus VI Phaedra is near. Chorus Phaedra resteth, of ruinous beauty, white with desire! O gloomy, ravenous eyes, O hair black as the plumes of night! Phaedra, of smouldering eyes Fired with the mutter of fire, The burnt mouth of desire. And writhing fingers of fever and fire! Phaedra, of snake-black hair And searching face of a wolf! Lo, a scalding drop of Pasiphae's blood Hissed on the white of her flesh. And gave her a thirst never to tire. Phaedra, Phaedra, lo, for an end of song! To the house she resteth alone for ransom or wrong. Minos What sing ye of Phaedra, my last flower, The last flower of my marriage-wreath .? i88 THE AGONISTS m Chorus I By tingling blood I know her here In this empty land. Chorus II Is she here ? The red dawn's issue cometh to pass. Listen ye to the mourning wind. In a pause of listening, the wind is heard shrilling. The shock of the waves increases. Thro' the gates of the storm, Down the mass'd battalions of air, Full of the whistling fear Wherewith it shaketh us, Phaedra coming with swiftly seeking eyes, And the grudge that never dies! Phaedra comes swiftly up the path from the shore, and stands at the edge of the cliff, looking at Minos, who sees her, but gives no sign. The Chorus hail her with a wailing chant. Phaedra! Pasiphae's child! Alone on the torrent of fate — Thee now Judgment and Vengeance await. Stained with the stain that defiled, The spot, the smirch and the stain Of a spurned love bitten wild To torture of pain! O marr'd visage, never to gladden again. For never can be forgiven the soilure of love; Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 189 On the soul that sinneth must fall wrath from above Till the debt be lain. Phaedra! Phaedra! Lo, for an end of song, See in the low clouds warping the land Phaedra, last of the Cretans, at hand. Minos (muttering) I see her, Phaedra, once my child. Chorus (watching the two) As when two lions on the waste That sudden meet, dare not forego The grudge they owe, And greet not, neither eye each other, But stand awaiting the fate That works askance in the mind — So here of royal race the sire and whelp Stand grimly cognizant; nor passes between Their lockt Hps one All hail! or Blest art thou! O storm-beset! O driven apart! [Phaedra has now approached Minos. Phaedra With no rejoicing, nor memories. Nor leap of nature to nature do I, 190 THE AGONISTS m Queen of Athenians, greet thee, Cretan — Once king, now exile under a ban, Journeying no more surely nor gladly Than I. Am I so sure or so glad ? Death-bound art thou; and I, fate-bitten, Drive where I must, by passion urged. Minos An ill team hales thy car. Phaedra A darker evil flogs the steeds. Minos Woe on our house! The air is thick With hurrying clouds, and wave leaps wave, Emulous which shall gulph the ship! Chorus Hark! the Erinnyes riding the storm. Phaedra Madder the storm that screameth within. Minos Better meet death, and so end all. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 191 Chorus Look to it, ye! The Goddess revealed A way to escape Pasiphae's debt — O sin-dabbled, wreckt Pasiphae! Phaedra (stung) How say ye, slaves, that speak ill of a queen To me a queen ? Chorus I stand in a case Where ancient wrong stares horribly. Phaedra Go to! Where fate drives, sin is not. Necessity doth bind us. Chorus How shall be named her deed ? Phaedra Out, dogs, that spurn but the fallen — Jackals yelping a lion's track! Dead is that queen that nurtured ye With kindly offices, in and out, A mother to your tribe! She is dead, she is dead; and her fault. Irresistible, sudden, 192 THE AGONISTS m Dead too, atoned by death, And shame which is death in life. Shall not the Gods give over ? And ye. If they rest, shall ye not give over ? A trip! And your tongues a-wagging! Reproaches of you, vs^ith mud, not blood In the veins! (To Minos) And on you shame. King once, and nov7 a slave Whipt by your slaves! Minos O Phaedra, Peace with the dead! And on us Be peace if thou wilt; for thus Artemis, Gleaming white from the heart of the fire. Spake even now: If my house save a Hfe, That act saveth me, thy father, and thee, Last of my line. Peace now to the dead. And to the living an end of strife. [Phaedra reflects, and then speaks suddenly. Phaedra Rehearse that word of God. Minos Tell her the doom of the Goddess. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 193 Chorus Thus and thus uttered She That haunts the fallows when days are young, And is discerned in the wind of dawn: "Trembles a life beloved of me, Swayed in floods of riotous breath. Not his breath — which if thy house shall save. So shall the act save thee and thy house." Phaedra Here is a marvel, worthy of wonder! Such life have I to pluck from the grave; Such have followed over the sea. Resting not, staying not, ever pursuing. Courage then, falter not, be not afraid. Chorus Thou that art last shall be first, Ransomer of thy land! Now therefore boldly unto the Reaper stand With entreaty and prayer washed over thy hardy eyes. That he yield, ere the king dies, And we die! Phaedra Ye! Nay, not ye. Such as ye God strikes not, 194 THE AGONISTS m But leaves to rot and return Into the mould. But such as have force To dare him he strikes. Me ere long, Hardily daring, he well may strike, If I, counting the price. Dare all for one crown of joy. The man liveth yet whom your Goddess, not mine, Regardeth — Hippolytus, son to my lord, Whom to sin once I tempted. Minos Thou temptedst him .? Phaedra Ay, for I loved. Minos Treachery ? Phaedra Traitress sooner To a man than a God. Eros with a torch Set the fire to my heart; and the flame leaped. Enkindled the brain, made me cunning. Minos Thou toldest thy love ^ Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 195 Phaedra I whispered it By night, in words that tripped each other. And in my palms my nails drew blood; And in the sockets my eyes were dry. Minos And he ? Phaedra He was very still. He trembled. But when I touched him Turned, white and fierce, upon me. Minos Phaedra, what then .? Phaedra In my chamber, Padding the floor, up and down. Fighting thro' dark which beat like hot waves. Opening, shutting fans of madness, I spent the night and the day. Minos Phaedra, what then .? 196 THE AGONISTS m Phaedra All my love Seethed like gall. Loving I entered The chamber, hating came out, Craving him cold as once the heat. I compassed his wreck. Minos How? Phaedra His father, My husband, I sought, with cozening words Writhing, coiling about my tongue. Of violence offered me by Hippolytus. He curst his son, drave him abroad Out of the city, out of his lands; Prayed Poseidon, the Earth-Girdler, Boon for boon, that by all the thanks He, God, owed him, mortal, Requital swift on the youth Hippolytus — MaHce of the inconsolate sea, Chill death on the sea-beach, Unhallowed — here, not in Attica, Lest death unconsecrate smirch that land And curse the invoker of cursing. The which achieved, soon I repented; Loving again — him now I am come To save, to succour, to see. Let Artemis joy — and Hve thou I Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 197 Minos Save him, daughter; but save thyself. 'Tis thou art the slave, not I. Chorus O dark-browed queen, look not so fatal! Phaedra (to herself) A bitter seed in my heart's croft Sows sharp discord. My fair dreaming Shattered hes. I must renounce All I builded so high. But he will come again, My beloved, and needs Must look on me. He will scorn me, Yet I shall see his eyes! Minos See him not. But cry to Poseidon, Confessing thy fault. Phaedra To see him I came — To see him once more — to speak with him — touch him! Once more to touch him! 198 THE AGONISTS m Minos Thou hatest ? Or lovest ? Phaedra Love — hate — are they not one ? I need him — he draws me — all my body Acheth for him. Ah, Gods, give me ease! I die, Gods! I burn! Chorus See hov^ her passion tears at her! See w^here her palms have clencht The dark blood wells and spreads! O fatal seed of Zeus grafted in her! (To Minos) But thou, thus worn and weariful. Withdraw thyself a space from wind and storm. Watchful that mercy break the dark clouds thro', Streaming like pennons of the issuing day. Phaedra On me reclined, seek we the tents. Whence, thou asleep, I'll work for all. She withdraws Minos from the scene, leading him to the tents. The storm is now high and fierce. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 199 Chorus Her pride shall be as a tower To endure for a day! But the tide riseth, the waterfloods leap, Poseidon shaketh the reins; all the deep Groweth hungry and grey — Then at hand is the hour! See, like a bleacht dog-wolf Outmastered by his whelp, Timorous goeth the King, in doubt, Bending before the fury he bred. And her feverous calm. O of all punishments the worst And hardest to be borne. To see himself distorted in her soul! O sharper than the thorn. Than aloe-spike more resolutely keen, Unendurable scorn. That he who sinneth once Cannot thereafter sorrow and do well. But sows a fatal seed Of shame where might renew honour's old citadel. Herein, methinks. Fate urges hard. And flinty the heart of God, Since man to sin by necessary force Drifteth, nor can retard The swirling pit that sucks him deeply down 200 THE AGONISTS m To death, where Fortune guides his neigh- bour's course To equal unearned glory and reward. But harder yet the scourges of the rod, That not content with death Nor the labour of choked breath, Brandeth his seed till the tide of woe be run! Chorus I Give over, give over, I hear the tramp Of horses, the groaning of wheels! [They look to the shore below. Chorus II Lo, a traveller headeth the gale! Chorus III His cloak is a banner, sport of the wind! Chorus IV He holdeth his spear that the fury may not prevail, Nor shake his well-knitted limbs. Chorus V He scorneth to look behind At the wide ruin of foam. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 201 Chorus VI And see! He beareth for crest The Sphinx winged and fierce. Chorus I Tender of years, Athenian, nobly born; Poseidon he holdeth in scorn — That setteth the look of a hawk to the storm And smileth at ease. Chorus H This, this is he, that should earn our sur- cease. HippoLYTUs drives his chariot up the steep road from the shore. The Chorus hail him. Chorus Hail, O King's son, that lightest on the weary! Hold — that thy light depart not those that grieve. HiPPOLYTUS If king got me, no king calleth me son. Chorus Yea, but I know thee sprung from the Amazon, 202 THE AGONISTS m From battle-breathing Antiope, And Theseus, tamer of men! Thou Sun-anointed, begot of splendid wed- lock, Thou nervy hunter, Hippolytus, I know what gloomy fate And hoarse envious breath Urgeth thee on to abjure Thy pride of estate! Hippolytus What I must bear let my shoulders suffice. Chorus Nay, surely some blessed God Favours thee! Hippolytus Still I serve — As once in life, now in death. Chorus Often the Gods seem harsh, and man Driven thereby to riot. Hippolytus Shall a man, then, impoverish himself? If God sink, man may stand upright. True to the God he has made. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 203 Chorus What God thinkest thou to make ? HiPPOLYTUS I make but of that which I find, Elemental, veined in the earth: Here fleeting kindness, grace of tears, And here swift flight to a mark; here patience, Long watching, service pure, glad eyes, Clean limbs; rejoicing; giving of thanks — For of such I think God is. Chorus Thou thinkest! Stricken to exile, cursed by kindred! HiPPOLYTUS Unjustly stricken, wounded sore, I hold such nothing to my loss. Chorus What hast thou lost, Hippolytus ? HiPPOLYTUS Faith. Faith in the earth. How should ye know, Who know not my search, my empty soul C 204 THE AGONISTS m Anhungered ? Oh, I Hved tranquil days In the deme where Athens feels the sea Smihng towards her, in the cleft Between the hills' breasts, seamless of scar Or jut of rock; between the hills Where hides the temple of Artemis, The Huntress, Delian-born. I lived there tranquil in wind and sun, Tanned by the wind, by sun made ripe. To growth in service chaste, since I To the chaste Goddess was dedicate. From my youth upward. Tender I made Of body and mind, yet saw her never. Nor knew — yet felt her there in the wind, In morning glory of sun, in moonlight. In whisper of leaves and sighing breath of the pines — But saw at last. Like the wind's spirit. Like the wind's spirit in open lands, A young wild maiden, with hounds astrain. Stood in the wood, and looked and wondered. White shone her shoulder in the still wood- land. White her knee under green kirtle; Peering she stood, astart Hke a bird To flutter of leaves. Swift then a smile Rayed hke a morning flush upon her. Sunned her serious gaze and met me. Worshipping there with beating heart. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 205 I saw the blue beam of her wide eyes, Her carven throat and still raiment; Whispered her name, as now I do. Lifted hands, made my thanksgiving: "O thou miracle, spirit of pure breath, God be thanked for the glory he made in thee!" I loved a Goddess. Never since then this world Held a woman for me. • Chorus Thou servest well. We of Crete serve her. HiPPOLYTUS I had served unknowing; now served I on With reasons for my praises; Adored her when sun smote the sea's cold rim To sudden fire; in the moon's fair phases Made faithful tender of sober days; Gave her the breath of wholesome life, Guerdon of body, guerdon of mind. Worship of limbs; for thus She will be served that loveth in us Prepossession that foileth sin. So I waxt strong, and with strength too praised her Till that day dawned that I may not name. 2o6 THE AGONISTS m Chorus Ah, but I know it! HiPPOLYTUS O pool of sin! The fair woman df^secrate; Lust in love and lust in hate! Bright breasts with milk of gall, Fierce lips that would suck all Honour out, and kissing find Honour in the unclean mind. Phaedra, child of Peitho's brood. Bred this cancer in my blood; Made love unlovely, unmirthed mirth. Garbed in scum the daedal earth. Chorus O greater horror than this hour! Speak on and fill the cup of this wrath. HiPPOLYTUS I, curst aHke of Gods and Father — When he that did beget me Held me the traitor they perjur'd me. With curses thrust me out, and charged Poseidon to make an end — Not slow to meet him, now call on death. m DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 207 Chorus The storm thickens and grows! The spears of the army of death, Bare as the wild boar's teeth, Gleam for their glutting of blood. Soul of a God, grudged by God, to thy foes Abandoned, and shame beneath The licking and suck of the flood; To the rage of the wind that blows. And the fear that grows! HiPPOLYTUS Nay, I am ripe for death Whom Love hath despised. My soul it hath agonised: What should my body fear ? Chorus O son, wait still upon Love, For he dwelleth here; Tho' see him ye may not nor hear Even the lilt of his wings. He hovereth near. HiPPOLYTUS Yea, for within me sings A clear voice, saying, Fast Take up heart, for at last 2o8 THE AGONISTS m Lighteth Love upon earth — And thy torment bypast. Chorus Love is near to the birth: Soon Hke the morning star He shall guide thee where gardens are, And fountains of sweet water, And an end of war. HiPPOLYTUS Maybe the swift daughter Of Leto, the girdled, the pure, Artemis eager and sure. Will snatch me that served her ever From Hades' allure. Chorus Thou shalt 'scape the fret and the fever. Thou that art white! Thou shalt pass in the night As the worn soul from the breath of a man, And the end be light! Let her forget thee not! But hold. Let her defend thee; for Theseus' wife Cometh with evil on her brows Ridging them straight over her waiting eyes. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 209 O full of injuries! O thou that holdest Crete In the throes of thy forceful hands, Phaedra, look to the saving that lies As a spell, as a wonder-stroke, Mute, till thou bid it rise! HiPPOLYTUS Hold ye; nay, withdraw yourselves rather. For the issue is mine, and is now. He descends from his chariot, and stands to meet Phaedra. The Chorus prepare to withdraw. Chorus A dread encounter, fraught with fate! Lo, in this injured one. Under death's eyes, our life; And she who drew him within their dreadful scope Must save, or all must perish! Come, let us pray awhile With hands uplifted to our patron Gods: Guardians of Crete! Artemis, Pythian Apollo! They withdraw to the back of the altar. The wind blows furiously. Phaedra enters, battling against it. She stops when she sees Hippolytus; then comes slowly and stealthily forward until she is close to him. Her movements are those of a leopardess. 210 THE AGONISTS m Phaedra No rest! I have no rest. HiPPOLYTUS What dost thou seek ? Phaedra Ease. I am tormented. I follow thee. HiPPOLYTUS To see the end ? Trust Poseidon. Hark to him now. Phaedra O what has death to do with thee ? Grey death — and thy sanguine life! HiPPOLYTUS Drained of honour, 'tis wan. Phaedra Honour! Thou hast it. I give it thee. HiPPOLYTUS Thou .? in DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 211 Phaedra Power is honour. Minos dieth; Crete falleth mine. I give thee Crete. HiPPOLYTUS What canst thou give ? Peace, let me die. I ask nothing of thee But that. Phaedra To wrangle I came not. Rather to sue. HiPPOLYTUS As master of slave, A goad in thy hand, woman. Phaedra not to add a curse To those thou lightest I come! But to redeem thy life, and mine, Self-martyred by reproach not tolerable. 1 do repent, Hippolytus — I would repair! Give me Thy pardon! HiPPOLYTUS Peace, let me die. 212 THE AGONISTS m Phaedra Thou hast prevailed and mastered me! I will keep peace, and thou shalt have it So but thou kiss me. HiPPOLYTUS Kiss thee ? Forgive thee ? Why should I not ? Consecrate, I, to death; see nov^ 1 kiss thee. Queen. Be mother of sons That shall be kings if thou learn queenship. Pass to more honour, and I to death More smoothly, since purged of anger. [He kisses her. She shivers, then dings to him. Phaedra Not thy bright blood, O lord! Nor death if I could encompass thee So with my arms, so with my mouth, That we twain might fly clinging together, Conjoint in bUss! Or if death must be In wait for the twain, let us heap up Our Hfe-draught full, passing in swoon, Contented that one wild joy Hath crowned our thirst and left us filled! [He rejects her. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 213 HiPPOLYTUS Away, away! Seek not again to sting in my wound, Nor add one shame to the marks I bear. Phaedra Thou kissedst me! By the Paphian's fire And all her flames, leave not thou me! HiPPOLYTUS Now, by thy brows benign, Artemis, bend down thy face to me! [Her arms are about him. Phaedra See now, my lips are a pasture-ground, Mine eyes, see, they are brimmed with love! See my cheeks, are they fresh ? Is my side cool ? Is here a blossom worthy to pluck ? Treasured for thy strong harvesting, lord! [He sees her not, nor regards her. HiPPOLYTUS O thou foolish, insensible, Whom worm hath bitten, and made Within thy heart his cancerous nest, 214 THE AGONISTS m And seared thine eyes, and blotted the world — Learn of the wreck thou hast made of mine, Of that fair garden, once my world! When thro' thy deed I first blasphemed The cradHng Hght that held us both, Scared to panic, o'er land and sea. O'er sea and land and sky I ranged, Crying in empty realms of the air, "Thou Spirit of Life, appear, be seen! Kill me, but openly; let me see Thy fair cruel face, that I once knew kind!" The blue stared, and the naked sun Pitiless cut my eyes. The blood Masked them, that thro' the film flared red The very sky; so I knew, not there Dwelt he, but only hatred and strife. God was not; but only Enormity. Then in my pain I turned to the hills, The lonely mountains, whose gazing peaks Climb out of ken and bathe in the silence, Of old how lovely! But out of them Love spake nothing. An eagle screamed Above a lamb leagues under him; And the rock stared with sightless eyes On murder brooding. I dared the front Of lapping mists, quiet as the snow. Where vast in th' obscure I saw dim forms. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 215 Saw gleams rending the dark — heard the crying As of great storms, and pent-back seas Imminent with ruin and bulk of death, Not coexistent with Love, nor coequal. I shrieked — Where such terror may be, seek never For love! Seek the earth — and fell my length With buried face in her breathing breast, 'Mong flowers and clinging grasses, swept To and fro by the wind. Then slyly Came lust to leer — out of thine eyes. Woman! and rent the earth amain To an open grave, still yawning for me, Filled with the rotting bones of love. Murdered. I sought the calm of the sea: Poseidon, couching in mantle grey. Turned me from all his laughing places, Where the sun sheds a welter of gold, Or the wide water sways in sleep. To face dismay of rocks and scars. Where dominion is to the snake and the weed. And tangles drift; to oozy places Where the sun comes not, nor freshet tide. Not healing breeze with morning in it; But all's a bloat and scummy growth Of wrack of spent ships, wan dead men. Smooth-lidded traps of unmanly death! Treachery lurked there, watching. I paled And crouched, saying, Love is not here! 2i6 THE AGONISTS m Then where is Love ? Ah, thou hast killed him! Thou and thy vice! Go, sin no more, Lest I say, God made thee, and lust is God. Phaedra has withdrawn herself from him, and now covers her face. Phaedra (low) O cruel, O harsh, inexorable Mis-handler of women! How do I sin When I lift fading eyes to the light ? Is it a sin that I seek to live, or a sin That youth calls clear unto youth ? O heart, Shall spring wither, and summer go. Boon autumn, with corn-sheaves in her arms, Pass, she too, looking down ? So all The rout of the years, the flood-tide of Hfe Course by us, bowed like grass to the sickle ? Not that, Hippolytus; love was given To us for fruitage Hippolytus (aside) I see in the woodland My Goddess, pure in the white Hght That rays at even from the first clear star, In still, high-girdled raiment! (To Phaedra) But thou — Thou mangiest love as thou hast me, Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 217 With flesh-hooks raking his crimson wings Down from the sky ! Wilt thou rob God ? [She straineth towards him. Phaedra I am distraught, my breath comes thick, Mine eyes are a scalding waste of tears; Fever eateth me: see, I fall down, I fall to thy feet. Hippolytus! Shame me, do with me as thou wilt — Phaedra the queen, thy dog! Spurn or misuse me — let me be with thee! Hippolytus I pray for you whom frenzy enters. For you whom craving possesses and tears. Phaedra Kiss me again — ah, but thou shalt! I have thy hand in my wasted hands — I cling to thy knees — I clasp thy chin! Stoop now, kissing me once! O Gods! I would spend all the glory of Athens That this tall youth once kiss my mouth! Lay thy proud lips on mine, Hippolytus, I anguish for them! 2i8 THE AGONISTS m HlPPOLYTUS Off! Thou art foul7 A leprous woman and poisonous. I shake thee off. Go, drag thy shame Where cleansing waters are. Taint me not. Then he spurns her, and she recoils, and rage gathers in her, and breaks. Phaedra So! 'Tis enough. Then, sick self-lover, Go thou to death, a craven soul That watches a woman shame herself, And gathers credit from each poor shift. Ah, but thou heartenest me for this work! I could have saved thee, lulled the curse Pronounced upon thee and stooping for thee, The cold and curse of the sea, the malice Hid in the rocks, with death, Pale Death and Disaster on the watch. I would not save thee now; I would stand And watch the spilling thy traitor life, And laugh with clamour of shrill sea-birds Sure of a feast. Nay, listen and tremble! I invoke Poseidon, the storm-dweller, And all his horror: white sea-squalls That creeping cast their frozen shrouds, Gulfs of wet ruin, crested waves That race and ride each other in haste; Let these tear thy carcase as the teeth Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 219 Of rocks; suck thee under the traps And shelves of rocks, that gaping fish, Slow, blind monsters of soundless seas, Crawl groping over thee. Nor rest then! Let the unstaying sea give thee, wretch. No stay at all, but toy with thee In mock perpetual of ebb and flow, Thro' tumult of black and stormy nights. Through listless, long and idle days, Till weed and scum, sickening of thee, Bid bhnd worms fret thee to a rag; Cast thee unhonoured, not sought, forgotten, A loathing to thy foes, a burden To that which gloated thy full of shame — Dung for the spawn of tideless beds. Hear me, thou Ancient of the Sea, Poseidon! Pale-eyed Thetis, hear! [HippOLYTUs sets a foot on his chariot. HiPPOLYTUS O woman, that dost rail to ease thy rankle Of shame and scorn of thyself; Thou that seekest to add A pain to the pain I have lived. What dost thou think of death ? Think'st thou he makes his bed in a thicket of spines ? Nay, but his ways are quiet; ,x 220 THE AGONISTS m He dwelleth in fragrant places Of sleep, full of dreams, husht by murmuring pines. Look now, Phaedra, slave of desire, I have trodden the mire Of envious days; I have called upon God To turn the light of his face. No sign! Heaven was black. And black the mantle he laid upon earth. Nothing for me spake of love, who prayed. Then I fell back From the chase, saying, Curst from birth! That, seeing, I might not know, Not hearing, discover The flame of that Spirit that broods and stirs, and is love! Yet I know the hour is at hand when that fairest, that flusht Presence of God shall be here, to enfold us and lap us In a soft haven of solace, a beam of his light Shed on faint souls from the dawn. For I know Love, the King, liveth unseen, yet unheard, not felt. But to be known of men when the way shall be lit By the torches of God, now hidden from me ! So I die well at ease, for behold! Love is in me, enshrined, but not known! Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 221 I that was formed to be of Love the lover, To sing his praises, now seek surefoot death. Seeing that other issue is denied me. The gleam I joyed in quenched and dark. Ho, now, Poseidon, have thy pleasure of me! [He mounts his chariot and gathers the reins. Phaedra Go, scorner, of the voice of women crying, Slink thou, accurst from birth, to death more sharp. HippoLYTUS drives his team down the path to the sea. The Chorus come forward and watch him from the edge of the cliff. The storm is at its height. Chorus Pride sitteth on his brows as on a throne. And he goeth, splendid, alone. By the foam-shattered, ruinous waste of the shore. The sea is mad, and shudders beneath The knees of the mighty one. Even Poseidon that holdeth the reins. The sea gnashes his teeth. The way Hes withered and frore: Yet the hero urgeth him on. Phaedra Not for long! Hardly shall sea hold off so much as a span, 222 THE AGONISTS m For Poseidon watches and waits. Hear ye the mews ? They are hoarse, they wheel as the Fates That hanker the drowned eyes of a man And the tossed soul of him too! So let him weary of watching, and lo! when manhood abates, He shall tire, and they in a throng Scream, and hover, and pounce! Chorus The wind raveth, I hear the shuddering trees ! Now it buffets the crest of the flood ! The sea is amazed, distraught; yet the knees Of the terrible rider have grip. The wind is his whip! Ho, he cutteth the water, he raises his arm To passionate evil: the sea is white with alarm — As a flogged horse, he showeth the whites of his eyes! Now, beneficent Gods, help ye, arise Ere the hero dies! Phaedra Vain your crying; the Gods are throned in the skies; Haply they feast. Poseidon only is here. Taking his sport! Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 223 Lover, he, of the storm, and sudden shock of a wreck, The smooth, water-drowned deck, And ship reeHng to port, Tossed, buffeted, trapped, dereHct, With her wan sailors arow! Haste, Shaker of Earth, let his end be quick, Let his end be now! Chorus Lo, he is well on the way And urgeth mainly the steeds O'er the water-swept beach! The gale maketh them swerve; They are restive, they sway; The tide races on — reaches — he's down! Nay, nay! O might of iron-cast nerve, O King, thou'rt a King this day For heroes to serve! Phaedra (not looking) What, does he linger yet. Outcast, spurned of women and Gods ? Do the waves still fret To be at him and raven him down ? Surely Poseidon, brooder of tempest, nods. Or the sea surgeth in vain! Hark to the battle above us — the sky is in pain! 224 THE AGONISTS m Hark to the thunderous billows, the sweep of the rain, Hissing as rods. To beat to frenzy the struck flank of the main! Tell me now, what canst thou see ? Chorus The foam is flung as a mist, the land is washt out: Nothing! The sea-beast is loose. Phaedra Yea, for I hear him and join in the shout. Chorus Woe! Woe! look about, look about! W^ave upon wave, fury fury pursues! Now all is clear. I can see. Phaedra Hippolytus, where is he ? Chorus The sea is upon him, about him, above — The green billow hangs curving in air — All the eyes of the sea are angry and bare! Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 225 It hangs quivering, mountainous, tossed — Heu! It falls — he is lost — he is lost! Horses and man sweep out, to death and despair! O queen, a hero, went there! Phaedra Lo, for an end of him, scorner of love! Lo, Poseidon, conqueror! Masterful sea! Lo, Phaedra, triumphing, queen to the end! He cast me below him, and even below is he. [A pause. Hark to this clamour, than storm more shrill. Who cometh crying .? Chorus (looking landwards) With fear-fanned eyes, As one that's looked on havoc, he comes Beating his way through the horsemen of air — A Cretan! Speak, we are Cretans. [A Messenger from the tents comes in swiftly. Messenger The King! King Minos! Phaedra Tell what thou hast of the King my father. 226 THE AGONISTS m Messenger He was thy father. Phaedra (lifting her head) King of Crete! Now, Gods, ye mock me! I seek him out. [She goes out to the tents. Chorus O ever dreadful, sudden in haste — How like a cloud she scourgeth on With black hair flying, and thin hands Raised up to tear the light. Speak thou. Messenger The old King slept. But murmured in his sleep, and stirred, and woke. Saying in cold fashion, "The end is nigh. Bring ye my harness." So we did, and he. Raising himself, did do on bronze and leather. Set his great helm with nodding crest Upon his head, his sword to thigh. His sceptre took, and lightning-charged shield. And sat enthroned, as he were judge for Zeus Once more in Crete. So silence fell Wherein no man durst say him anything; Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 227 Nor did he speak. We heard the tramp of men, The creak and groan of chariot-wheels, And panic fell on all, except on Minos, Set mute and cold above the bed With never glance or stir. They burst the doors, A horde of shagged, fierce-eyed and sullen men. Hungry for prey. But Minos sat still, As carved in marble, a frozen king; And no man spake nor moved. Then, when the storm Seemed at its high of furious possession. And a vast bulk of water struck. To shake the broad foundations of the earth. The pallid King rose slowly, and spake like death. Saying, "This is the Doom declared by Zeus. Evil was done; evil ensued; and now Evil must end." And then he sat Again upon his throne, and bowed his head Down to his two stiff knees, and stayed, and died — Alone, untoucht, indomitable. Chorus Where is thy victory, sea ? Where, death, thy pride ^ 228 THE AGONISTS m Where, thin - lipped hate, thy pleasure in men's grief? So died Hippolytus, so Minos died. Meeting you, armoured thus. Facing you thus, they died, Scorning your dreadful state; And each victorious Sought out the Fields Elysian, glorified. Yet on Hippolytus Ye laid a vengeance keen; Ardent Hippolytus That kept him chaste and clean For sake of Her whom, loving, he could not know. Hapless his fortune was That seeking high and low. Calling on Love, Love never showed his wing. Nor hope could bring That of some far-off day the dawn would spring To show earth beauteous. Let us bewail his lamentable death. And tell his tale VN^herever youth Longeth and meeteth ruth. Let the sweet breath Of virgins sigh over his grave, The murmuring wave That serveth him at once for sod and funeral stave. in DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 229 Messenger The sea holdeth Hippolytus: What can ye pay, what rite, Where is no corpse, nor tomb to hallow? Chorus Justly thou speakest. Seek rather we Our great-hearted King. Messenger Seek Phaedra first, Last of his house, last King of Crete. Chorus Sombre-browed as of old, She Cometh with convulsed hands And ruin scowling across her! O thou terrible Queen, harder than life. Fiercer than death. Look not so forceful upon us! [Phaedra enters now. Phaedra Minos is dead, passing a King With all his state about him. He might have lived, but is dead. What say ye ? The kingship falleth to me. Last of the House of the Bull. 230 THE AGONISTS m Chorus Who can be King when storm is King ? Phaedra The storm that wrecked Hippolytus Wrecketh me not. Where ebbs your Dorian spirit? Chorus He shows the stoutest nerve who mourns Wrong done, good deeds avoided. Phaedra Let those who covet safety follow Their queen. Who cometh here ^ Artemis appears, robed now in grey. She carries a torch. The dusk is falling in, and the storm has abated. Who art thou, Spirit, walking as God ? Artemis Thou last of an iron stock. That thinkest to delay Doom by thyself prepared; Seeker of ill, and cheat Of thyself, why should I stay ? Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 231 Hast thou not wrought woe enough ? Death struck thy father Hes Whom death of thy lust had saved: Is it enough ? Thy lord dishonoured, Thyself blood-guilty for him; The Seer of lovely things under the sun, Struck to the soul, Blighted by thee to see foul things in sweet things : Pasiphae's child, is this work enough ? Shall I delay ? Phaedra (awed) I know thee not. Yet do believe thou hast that strength Thou vauntest. I think thou art God. Chorus Artemis! Artemis! Phaedra Hear then, Goddess. By my father's soul I fear thee not. That which I did Was sown in me from my wother's womb. As her deed in hers. We sowed it not. But goaded like cattle followed the doom Set of old. No fault at all Lies in us fettered ones, swirling as vs^rack Upon a flood racing to sea. Strike therefore soon. 232 THE AGONISTS m Artemis I make an end Of thee and wrangling matters too high For thee to stretch at. Evil and Good Were set before thee. Thou wouldst sup ill. Thou madest choice. Now get thee back- ward. Poseidon awaiteth. The Goddess advances, and Phaedra, as if fighting invisible foes, steps back and back until she stands with her arms extended on the very verge of the clifif. She sees her peril, but is careless to avoid it. The Goddess lifts her hand, and Phaedra with a great cry falls over the cliff. The Chorus describe this action in quick whispers. Chorus She edgeth backward, fending with hands, As one that fighteth the breath of fire; Hatred haunteth her eyes and shame Unacknowledged and undeclared! Ah! Ah! This is the end. Now she is gone down quick to the doom prepared. [They assemble themselves. Begotten in wrong, with wrong upheld, and by wrong Driven to outraged end, Lo, the portion of him who seeketh out God To make him a friend! Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 233 God must abide with God world without end, And man cleave unto man on this mortal road. What is the Wisdom of God without Power of God ? What Power, Wisdom, without the Love that is only in men. Only for them ? Our masters have trod And bruised us to blood — and how shall Love come again, Since Wisdom ministers Lust, and Power spreadeth Lust abroad ? Shall there ever be Gods with love as of men. Or men nurse love in their hearts with wisdom of Gods And power of Gods ? Scourged and beaten with rods, Curst and hated in vain. Can a God-man be, lord of himself and the hour, Welding in one Love and Wisdom and Power ? Earth should kiss Heaven then. Enough, Goddess, enough! Is not the cup of thy vengeance full ? One by one they have perished, gone into the night — As one that travelleth far 234 THE AGONISTS m They have set their faces away, And their place knows them no more! So in bad blood and hardened hearts begun, And in conflicting lust The terrible tale is told. Stay now thy hand, Artemis! Put up thy spear. Thou that strikest the deer! Smile out upon us, Maid without fear. For smitten to dust All the pomp of Minos and pride of his state. Fallen, fallen, that once were goodly and great; And all the Blood of the Bull spilt as it was foretold. [The light rays again from the Goddess. Artemis Comfort ye, for the youth Hippolytus Liveth, pure of his grief, his passion Spent — in calm of vigil and prayer. With me in communion not of this world. Deep in the woodland he hath his home, By the lake where no foot breaketh the silence: There I visit him, there he loveth me. There of each other we take our joy. Ill DEATH OF HIPPOLYTUS 235 Comfort ye, Love cannot die that lendeth Rather than earneth. Ye Cretan wanderers. Follow your hope! In this high fashion God and Man mingle and mate each other: Emptied each, and each fulfilled By love supreme that seeketh no price. Here and in Heaven they set a kingdom Fast for ever for all ye sorrowful. Seek ye the ships, launch for your land. Homeward hie, passing in trustfulness Crest and furrow; holding in patience Your way over sea — for strife is ended. [Artemis disappears. Chorus This is a faithful saying! and since She Whom ever Dorian eyes have sought. And to their children taught, Leaveth us now with words of peace, Let us await the issue she decrees; Bowing our heads until the storm be past. Waiting with hope the promise of new day. The storm has died down. There is no wind, and over sea a bar of pale amber light shows, low down in the sky. f ^ V "' <«» .»• ^^ *•" ^ -> -• <^ ,0 4.°^* 1 • O, • i ^ ^ ' aV^ _*^. o Ov* * q^^^^fr * Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. \ 5> <;K * «^^^/ar ^ K Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide fvO ri. t-^CCt/^^*^ ^^ Treatment Date: April 2009 ^ P ,^r^-* ^ v^ ' PreservationTechnologles ♦jA^^A,** ^^ii^ A^ ♦ -J A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION ."c %** %^^ ^^ llUhomson Park Drive a« ?* t ,n * X^ Cranberry Township, PA 16066 '^ ' *o ^0 Ho^ ^oK '-^0^ .0^ .'i';,^.*. C" ♦ '"" <* .. -^ • II f A<=^ * ^^ % tSl * °o '^<=U> *> iECKMAN INDERY INC. JAN 89 Tni=j7w- N. MANCHESTER, , %#^ INDIANA 46962 I "^ •■