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TRUSLOVE AND HANSON, LTD., London Copyright, 1919 and 1920. by Agnes Chalmers Grand Rapids, Michigan V This booh is offered as an American's expression of gratitude to His Majesty, the King of Great Britain and Ireland, and to his valiant armies through whose unselfed service Jerusalem was restored December 9, 1917, to the civilized world. .J 58470 *vv© \ THE KING'S CUPBEARER 3 AN EXPLANATION OF THE WRITING OF THIS PLAY THE POET AND HIS SONGS As the birds come in Spring We know not from where; As the stars come at evening From depths of the air; As the rain comes from the cloud And the brook from the ground As suddenly, low or loud, Out of silence a sound; As the grapes come to the vine The fruit to the tree ; As the wind comes to the pine And the tide to the sea ; As comes the white sails of ships O'er the ocean's verge ; As comes the smile to the lips, The foam to the surge; THE KING'S CUPBEARER So come to the Poet his songs, All hitherward blown From the misty realm that belongs To the vast unknown. For voices pursue him by day And haunt him by night, And he listens and needs must obey, When the Angel says : "Write !" — Longfellow. THE KING'S CUPBEARER INTRODUCTION This play is designed to give to the world a simple lesson in honest building. No more appropriate words of introduction could be offered than Montaigne has given in describ- ing the value of the honest motive which should accompany all constructive work. " ? Tis an exact life," writes Montaigne, "that maintains itself in due order in private. Every one may juggle his part, and represent an honest man upon the stage; but within, and in his own bosom, where all may do as they list, where all is concealed, to be reg- ular — there's the point. The next degree is to be so in his house, and in his ordinary actions, for which we are accountable to none, and where there is no study nor arti- fice. And therefore Bias, setting forth the excellent state of a private family, says: 'of which the master is the same within, by his own virtue and temper, that he is abroad, for fear of the laws and report of men/ And it was a worthy saying of Julius Drusus, to the masons who offered him for three 6 THE KING'S CUPBEARER thousand crowns to put his house in such a posture that his neighbors should no longer have the same inspection into it as before: 'I will give you/ said he, 'six thousand to make it so that everybody may see into every room/ " If this play furnishes an opportunity to look more closely into our dwellings, and if, even in a degree, it enables "everybody" to "see into every room," "The King's Cup- bearer" shall thus have aided — somewhat — in the ultimate liberation of the human race. Agnes Chalmers Grand Rapids, Michigan, Thanksgiving, 1916. THE KING'S CUPBEARER THE CAST Canticle I (In the order of their appearance) Hanani, brother of Nehemiah First Jew Second Jew Third Jew Nehemiah, the King's cupbearer Artaxerxes, King of Babylon (Military Aid) Hearinc — Wakefulness Sight — Intuition Taste — Discernment Touch — Faith Smell — Understanding Canticle II (Previous Characters) Canticle III Eliashib, the High Priest Several Priests Men op Jericho 8 THE KING'S CUPBEARER THE CAST (continued) Zaccur Sons of Hassenaah Meremoth, Meshullam, and Zadok Several Tekoites Jehoiada and Meshullam Melatiah and Jadon Uzziel and Hananiah Rephaiah, Jedaiah and Hattush Hashub Shallum Daughters of Shallum Hanun Malchiah Rehum, Hashabiah, Bavai and Ezer Baruch Meremoth Benjamin and Hashub Binnui and Palal The Nethinims and Tekoites Priests Zadok and Shemaiah Hananiah, Hanun and Meshullam Malchiah (the goldsmith's son) Goldsmiths and Merchants Eldest Daughter of Shallum THE KING'S CUPBEARER 9 THE CAST (continued) Canticle IV Sanballat First Messenger Sensuality or Personal Attraction Geshem Second Messenger Shame or Condemnation Creeds of Men Sleep Canticle V (Previous Characters) Canticle VI Groups of Jews Shemaiah Wife of Shemaiah Hashub Binnui Previous Characters Canticle VII (Sanballat's Messengers) Pride of Achievement Prejudice Human Goodness and his and her dual self, Self-Pity Shiftlessness 10 THE KING'S CUPBEARER THE CAST (continued) Human Will and his two children, Greed and Dishonesty Personality Human Ease Jealousy Idolatry Self-Righteousness Hurry Persecution Enemy Love of Money and his dual self, Limita- tion Canticle VIII Human Birth The Twelve Tribes of Israel, or Silent Approbation Maturity Discouragement Death Desire-to-be-Alone, or Human Goodness, whose better self is Understanding Canticle IX Imps Ezra, the Scribe Tobiah Previous Characters THE KING'S CUPBEARER 11 THE CAST (continued) Canticle X (Previous Characters) New Cupbearer Canticles XI and XII (Previous Characters) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 13 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Historical Sketch The word, Nehemiah, is derived from the Hebrew, nek-hem-yaw, meaning "comforted of God." The word, Jerusalem, is from the Hebrew, yer-oo-shaw-lame, meaning founded peacefully, or, habitation of peace. "To be safe in mind, body and estate," one authority adds in defining Jerusalem. Nehemiah, the Jewish patriot, was Cup- bearer in the royal palace of Shushan during the reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus. Dur- ing Nehemiah's term of service in the Per- sian Court, word came of the unfortunate condition of the children of Israel, the rem- nant, or returned colony, who dwelt unpro- tected in the unfortified city of Jerusalem. In this connection, it is of interest to recall that in the year 588 B. C, Nebuzar-adan, a lieutenant under Nebuchadnezzer, razed to the ground the city of Jerusalem, its Tempie and protecting walls. Moses had earlier pre- dicted that, if in the land of their captivity 14 THE KING'S CUPBEARER the children of Israel repented of their evil, the Holy City would again be restored to them and that they would then be able to re- joice in peace and safety within the pro- tection of its rebuilt fortifications. Nehemiah's sincere concern for the wel- fare of the captive Jews within the devas- tated "City of David" led him earnestly to request the King to give him a commission to go to Jerusalem and repair the demolished walls of the city. Having obtained this royal commission, the King's Cupbearer left the Persian Court, accompanied by a military es- cort, and reached Jerusalem B. C. 444, re- maining there until B. C. 432. During the first fifty-two days of the Prince's sojourn in Jerusalem, he rebuilt the city's wall, and although he was beset on all sides with discouragements and doubts, he faithfully continued his work until the fortifications were finished. During the proc- ess of the work on the walls, Nehemiah was persecuted unceasingly by the jealous gov- ernors of Samaria and the Plain region, San- ballat and Geshem and their accomplice, To- biah. In order to defeat the purpose of his scheming enemies, Nehemiah set a watch "against them day and night." He supplied THE KING'S CUPBEARER 15 his workers with both tools and weapons so that they might work with one hand and with the other fight against the foe. This earnest Prince not only bore the mockery and abuse of those outside of the city but he likewise endured the condemna- tion of his own workmen who rebelled against the heavy tithes and cruel oppression of their rulers and nobles. After the completion of the wall, the peo- ple joyously realized that they truly under- stood for the first time the Law, when they heard the Bible read by Ezra, the Scribe. Although a solemn covenant had been made to "walk in God's law" by observing brotherly love, supporting the Temple, and avoiding inter-marriages with the heathen, after Nehemiah was called back to Babylon, all of these sacred vows were broken. In this connection it is interesting to note that historians give two views of this absence of Nehemiah from Jerusalem. Some writers are of the opinion that Nehemiah was called back to Babylon for punishment because of the ac- cusatory letters Sanballat and Geshem sent to Artaxerxes regarding the Cupbearer's de- sire, or ambition, rather, to become King of Jerusalem. Other writers are of the opinion 16 THE KING'S CUPBEARER that Nehemiah returned to the Persian Court in fulfillment of the promise he gave before leaving Jerusalem. The view is here taken that Nehemiah was punished as a convict slave, doomed to hard labor in the quarries of Persia during his nine years' absence from Jerusalem. After this sojourn Nehemiah again re- turned to Jerusalem. He witnessed the ejec- tion of Eliashib and Tobiah from the Temple because of their attempt personally to own the Church which is destined to serve im- personally all mankind. This royal Cup- bearer beheld the separation of the mixed tribes from Israel, arranged for the reward of the singers and the Levites who had actually performed the work of reconstruc- tion, and made provision for the perpetual care and support of the Temple. The view is here taken that these reforms which fol- lowed Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem were actually accomplished through the Cup- bearer's surrender of all human power, which left him in possession of divine authority. In all these ways, Nehemiah, "The King's Cupbearer," acted much as all others act to- day whose desire is to build rather than to THE KING'S CUPBEARER 17 destroy. He knew that the practical and the ideal, the male and the female, must be for- ever united in the individual consciousness. Possibly history will not bear out the li- cense taken when the daughters of Shallum are made to appear as actual workers on the walls of Jerusalem. The appearance of the daughters of Shallum as builders; and the five women, representing Wakefulness, Intuition, Faith, Discernment, and Under- standing, coincides with the tender womanly traits "The King's Cupbearer" manifested in the loving, motherly care he showed at all times for the welfare of the children of Israel. In his consistent desire to rebuild the waste walls of Jerusalem, and thus safeguard the remnant of the house of Israel, Nehemiah was, in reality, re-establishing for all time that quality of thought which Bernard Shaw designates as "an eternal womanly principle in the universe." Nehemiah's fearless de- nunciation of crafty malice in his fight against the governors of the Plain shows forth the courageous masculine traits of this Prince's noble character. Nehemiah fully realized that strength and courage, patience and intuition must be truly manifested by one who would become an honest, construe- 18 THE KING'S CUPBEARER tive builder, and therefore stood earnestly by his work day by day. In quoting the Psalms in this play, it is with the thought that possibly some of these constructive songs of gratitude came into being when the waste walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt as a protection to the city and its temple. No more fitting tribute was ever given than that which history has recorded of Nehe- miah, "The King's Cupbearer:" "His char- acter seems almost without a blemish." History confirms the fact that Great Brit- ain, like Nehemiah, has throughout the cen- turies consistently continued to build the world's wall, rarely, if ever, leaving the scene of action. It is undeniable that the United States of America, likened here to womanly intuition or spiritual understanding, finally came to the world's rescue in the latter days of the first phase of Armageddon. Thus another act of the long conflict between the flesh and the spirit was ended. In the same manner, America's hand must again steady the world's wall until the four sides of the Holy City are rightly recon- structed. These four equal sides are here THE KING'S CUPBEARER 19 represented as Capital, Labor, Nation and Church. In the final phase of Armageddon, all of those who see face to face shall have the joy of beholding the final defeat of human goodness through the mighty power of spir- itual understanding. To this end, all men, nations and creeds, in this reconstruction period, are building together for good. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 21 PROLOGUE Description: Two Prologue speakers, Sight and Intuition, appear be- fore a curtain which por- trays two parallel paths winding up a mountain side. One path is the way of hu- man experience, the other typifies the way of spiritual discernment. The one path is beset with obstacles; the other winds upward with- out obstruction. Both paths converge in the distance. (The Prologue is spoken by Sight, a man; and by Intu- ition, a woman.) Sight My friends, you know him well, this man of good Who speaks to you to-night. Across the way, Perchance he dwells from you. Earth's brotherhood Comprises such as he. Yea, day by day, 22 THE KING'S CUPBEARER You meet him in the street, — the man who goes About his daily toil with hope and cheer, A loving worker, he who always knows The joy of building rightly in his task, — This is "The King's Cupbearer." None may ask To know a nobler one than he who serves Mankind with just the duty of each hour. This is "The King's Cupbearer" who deserves The merit Love bestows. Truth's strength and pow'r Be with each royal Cupbearer we meet, And pass to-day, upon life's surging street. Intuition Friends : We are the King's Cupbearers, As we go on our way, Serving the wine of heav'n, Loving all faithfully. The cup Love gives is patience; The wine, Truth understood. The King is our God in heav'n, Guarding earth's brotherhood. Jerusalem is knowing Man is nor bond, nor free ; Blest City, ever sowing Seeds of true liberty. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 23 The wall we build is justice, Protecting men from wrong. The temple, Church about us; Love's anthem, — work and song. The new birth comes through proving Man is complete to-day. Watching and ever loving Lead to eternal day. Sanballat is sin's malice, The curse of peace and good ; Geshem, hate's poison chalice, Drugging all those who stood Bravely through storm and sunlight, Ever through peace and war, Staunchly at dawn or midnight, Casting sin's curse afar; But ever God in heav'n Destroys the hand of fear; Who understands is giv'n Strength to endure and bear. Who leans on understanding Builds ever strong and high. With the World's Wall constructed, Salvation draweth nigh. Dear Friends, may we be watchful To aid all on our way, — To build and to destroy not, Blest King, we watch and pray. 24 THE KING'S CUPBEARER ("Sight and Intuition turn and walk some distance together. They finally separate, each to take a different path. Sight takes the rough path of human experience; In- tuition, the clear way of spiritual dis- cernment In the dim distance, it may be seen that these two paths converge.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 25 CANTICLE I Repentance, Doubt and Resolve Description : The scene is a richly appointed room in Shushan, the pal- ace, at the Persian Court of King Artaxerxes, in the year UU5 B. C. The hang- ings of the room are of white, green, and blue, fas- tened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble. The several beds in the spa- cious room are draped in gold and silver. The floor is a pavement of red, blue white and black marble. Discovered : When the curtain divides, sev- eral Jews are discovered standing in the center of the room talking to Ha- nani. They are engaged in earnest discussion. 26 the king's cupbearer Hanani (sadly) There is no hope ; the city desolate Now stands. First Jew Doth not one heed its direful fate? Hanani (wearily) No one repairs the city's shattered walls! Second Jew Is no one mindful lest its fortress falls? Hanani The world has not awakened yet to see There is nor Greek, nor Gentile, bond nor free. Third Jew Jerusalem is lost, yea, cast aside! Hanani (despairingly) The city which hath been adorned, the bride Of Life eternal ! (As these words are spoken, a stream of moonlight floods the room. Nehemiah is heard praying outside. The words are distinctly heard, although the speaker is not seen.) Nehemiah's Words "I beseech thee, Lord God of heaven, — THE KING'S CUPBEARER 27 That keepeth covenant and mercy For them that love him and observe his com- mandments : Let thine ear now be attentive, And thine eyes open, That thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, Which I pray before thee now, day and night, For the children of Israel thy servants, And confess the sins of the children of Israel Which we have sinned against thee : (The curtains at rear part, and Nehemiah slowly enters. He is a very tall, dark man, wearing heavy black beard, without mus- tache. He is dressed in the robes of a royal cupbearer, olive green satin gar- ment with conventional design of em- broidery, and a wide shoulder sash of royal purple.) both I And my father's house have sinned." (Nehemiah I: 5, 6.) Nehemiah (earnestly addressing Hanani,) The Jews which have escaped, tell me I pray, If they, left of captivity, are safe? 28 the king's cupbearer Hanani (to Nehemiah^ They are in dire affliction, day by day, — In great reproach; the walls are broken down; Jerusalem in hazard stands ; its gates Are burning. Nehemiah {sitting down and weeping — to himself) Before the God of heaven, grant my renown May come, alone, through building up these walls. Yea, every other task of mine must wait. ("King Artaxerxes and the Queen enter, fol- lovoed by a train of courtiers.) (The King and Queen ascend a miniature throne) The King Were it not pity, Cupbearer, that thou Shouldst seek to go about this thankless task? The captives in Jerusalem art now Endangered. If any grievous plague hath heav'n, Through centuries it hath been freely giv'n To waste Jerusalem. (Nehemiah bows his head. He makes no an- swer. The King summons messengers THE KING'S CUPBEARER 29 and gives orders for a seven-day feast. Enter several messengers who offer to all drink in various shaped vessels of gold. Royal wine is served in abundance. Ne- hemiah approaches the King's throne and silently kneels. He then arises and leaves the stage, L. During the festivities of wine drinking, in which all join save the King and Queen, Nehemiah again en- ters, bearing two jewelled cups of wine, brimming full. He presents these to the King and Queen.) (to Nehemiah> Thou art not sick Answer me, is this but sorrow of thine heart? Nehemiah (kneeling and kisHng King's hand) 0, King, live thou forever: (sadly) If I had The gift of tongues, I might then tell to thee The plight of those who in captivity Now wait within Jerusalem. The place Of all my fathers' sepulchres lies waste; The very gates are now consumed with fire. The King (according Nehemiah permission to arise, Nehemiah stands before the King,) 30 THE KING'S CUPBEARER For what dost thou then make request? Nehemiah (with hand uplifted, addressing the King,) Higher Than heav'n, let this, my prayer, ascend. I pray thee, King, Send me, that I may wisely build and mend Those broken walls. (The King turns and addresses the Queen, who is seated beside him on the raised dias.) The King (questioningly) How long his absence, Queen? When shall we sing Of his return ? (Both King and Queen drain to the dregs the cups Nehemiah has brought. They return the empty cups to the Cupbearer, who places them on table, R. Nehemiah again stands before the King and Queen.,) The Queen (to the King; We shall not miss him (kindly glancing toward Nehemiah,) if he can rebuild Those walls that lie so desolate. Stilled THE KING'S CUPBEARER 31 Shall our sorrow be till he return. Nehemiah (Stepping forward and kissing the hands of the King and Queen, as he kneels before them) I set a time to come ; it shall be when The waste walls of my thought are built. Yea, then I shall return. Forget not that I go Forth but to struggle with one deadly foe — Destructive self — the self that rends, indeed, All else save its own whims. King, I may need letters to governors. (King gives Nehemiah permission to arise. As Nehemiah rises, the King hastily whispers directions to scribes regarding letters. The scribes withdraw to one side and take from drawer, documents which they present to the King.) The King {receiving the papers and handing them to the Queen) (to Nehemiah; My son, go forth, And prove to all the world the mighty worth Of building rightly. 32 THE KING'S CUPBEARER The Queen (to King; King, bless these messages, and grant the way Of peace. (hands letters to the King,) The King (Beckoning to five men in military garb, who are waiting quietly at one side. The men approach the King, give military salute, and kneel.) (to NehemiahJ I summon officers to go with thee, — This military aid. (pointing to men and giving them the signal to arise. They all arise.) Nehemiah (doubtfully) God grant they be Faithful to service, willing to obey, And ever watchful lest I fall, the prey Of foe. Sight (Stepping forward and warmly shaking hands with Nehemiah, peering into his face and looking everywhere about.) Ah, look ! My name is Sight. I'll try To see for thee. Hearing (listening — to Nehemiah,) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 33 Hark! I am Hearing. I Will hear for thee. Touch (touching everything and bowing — to Nehemiah,) My name is Touch. I do Discern all things. Taste {tasting wine, proudly — to Nehemiah) My name is Taste. I, too, Teach thee discernment and delight, — a taste Of better things. Smell {sniffing the air — to Nehemiah) My name is Smell. {with importance) I waste All time on niceties. Nehemiah {sizing up the men, disapprovingly) Are these, my King, The best thou hast? The King {to Nehemiah, eager to explain) They are trained. Nehemiah {disapprovingly — to King) I would fling 34 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Their training all aside if I might be Protected by my better self. The King {regarding the five men sadly — to Nehemiah) I know {shaking his head) Just what thou fear'st, and, yet, no earthly foe Is conquered without them. Nehemiah {as if he would reject the aid of the men) And, yet, to me These soldiers stand for trained hypocrisy. (Nehemiah draws back from the five men who crowd about him. They endeavor to stand as his body guard.) No conquest save the conquest over each And every one of them ! {sadly regarding the five men) No vict'ry won Save by self's transformation! {to the five men) Friends, to reach My better self, I must discard, indeed, All thou dost cherish. The King (in a quandary — to himself) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 35 I am perplexed ! The Queen (eagerly, to King) King, grant that I may say One word of peace. (indicating the five men) These men in higher form Have oft appeared to keep our Court from harm. (to Nehemiah, with deep conviction) They can protect thee; if thou wouldst but see Their true selves, they will help to set thee free. Nehemiah (to King and Queen) If they (indicating five men) have higher form, blest Queen and King, I trust them, then, to guard from suffering Thy servant. (bowing and indicating himself) Sight (proudly, to Nehemiah) I have been trained everywhere To gain my present worth. I go, my friend, With thee. 36 THE KING'S CUPBEARER NEHEMIAH (again shrinking back from the five men as if he could not go with them — to Sight) Thou speakest proudly, Sir, I dare Not enter with thee in this task I do. Sight (eagerly to Nehemiah) If I should reach a greater height, renew My better self, wouldst thou then go with me? Nehemiah (to Sight) Assured, indeed, that I could never see Aught but the real through thee, I, then, shouldst go With thee, Sir Sight, to conquer alien foe. Sight (to Nehemiah) Then I shall stay with thee, for thou may'st need My presence as thou conquer'st form and creed. Hearing (stepping forward, convincingly — to Nehemiah) Have I not heard for thee in days long past? Nehemiah (peering long into Hearing's face, as if rec- THE KING'S CUPBEARER 37 ognizing an undesirable acquaintance) Yea, ofttimes heard; I've ofttimes wished thou had'st Not heard {covering his ears with his hands as if to shut out unpleasant sounds) The jarring noises of the fast Revolving centuries ! (as if brushing all noise aside) Would, I might cast Their shrieking woes aside! (weeps) Hearing (pleadingly, to Nehemiah) Friend, truly, I Will stand for perfect hearing; I will try To put down self. Nehemiah (testingly — to Hearing) Nor hear of foe nor friend Aught but the best? (Hearing nods assent) Then, come! Touch (stepping forward and addres- sing Nehemiah) I, too, wouldst lend Thee faithful service. 38 the king's cupbearer Nehemiah (to Touch) Yea, I know that thou Hast wrought good ofttimes, yet thy judg- ments now Are biased. Touch (proudly, to Nehemiah) I, friend, am trained to serve. Trust me! Smell (advancing and addressing Nehemiah) And I will warn thee when thou need'st to be On guard. Taste (hastily, to Nehemiah) I gladly tell thee what is good. Nehemiah (looking at the five men, sadly) And yet, not one of you has understood! All (incredulously) Not one of us has understood? Nehemiah (to Sight; Not in thy present form. 'Tis very true Each is well trained to serve. (indicating all) Yea, there are few Their equals! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 39 (again addressing Sight,) Still they are so incomplete I dare not go with them! {drawing back) I dare not meet (addressing all) — With just their aid, alone, — I dare not go — (addressing all) With them alone — to conquer self, the foe That doth resist the longest. Sight (loudly — to all) Men, awake (indicating all the men) Your better selves. The King {to Nehemiah) Our Queen says they have better selves. {indicating men) I know She truly speaks; thou may'st safely go With these five, well-trained men. The Queen {indicating men) They always take On higher forms whenever the command Is giv'n. The Five Men {together) 40 THE KING'S CUPBEARER We offer as a pledge our hand, (all extend hand to Nehemiah) In honor ; if thou need'st us, thou shalt see We will be present, friend, to set thee free From self. Nehemiah (to five men) Dear friends, I trust you as we go Forth to redeem all captives from the foe Of self. (instructing the men) Mark, God's own word each man must speak I Remember well, the fall'n and the weak Look up in pray'r to us. God grant we may Judge righteous judgment. (with bowed head) Let us watch and pray For wisdom. Smell (to all) Let us ever faithful be! Till Israel's remnant shall be truly free. Nehemiah Through understanding, all the sons of men, All nations, churches will be one again. When Israel's remnant is restored, the leav*n Of lasting peace to all the world is giv'n. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 41 (to the five) Speak up, my men, and tell me, dost thou know That good must aid us daily as we go Forth to our tasks? (to King and Queen) I go, blest King and Queen, With these, (indicating men) thy messengers. Grant they redeem Me from dread sin and fear, until I see I am nor Greek, nor Gentile, bond nor free, Nor male, nor female, in the task I do. (joyously) We shall redeem the remnant. Captive Jew Shall be set free ! Now I may go, indeed, (gathering men closely to him) with these. Our Father knows our every need. The King (handing the letters to Nehemiah) Go forth, thou Cupbearer of earthly King, Go forth, and let the world in gladness ring With all thine overcomings. May these (indicating letters) Bring thee peace. 42 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Nehemiah (with firm resolve) The city of my fathers' sepulchres must be rebuilt ! It ofttimes seems a struggle to begin To cleanse one's thought from cursed fear and sin. I long to go, and yet, (as if weakening in his resolve) I am afraid. (with firmness) Ah, no, God hath made all things that were made, And called them "good" and "very good." Blest King, I go (resolutely) to conquer sin and suffering. (Nehemiah steps forward and kneels a mo- ment before the King and Queen for a blessing.) The King and Queen (together to Nehemiah) Our blessing, Son, the Court of Persia gives Thee full commission. Go ! Earth's captive lives ! (King and Queen give command for Nehemiah to rise) the king's cupbearer 43 Nehemiah (Rising, to All as if in prayer, with hands outstretched. The five men stand close to Nehemiah while the King and Queen and Court listen with bowed heads.) "0 Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear Be attentive to the pray'r of thy servant, And to the pray'r of thy servants, who desire To fear thy name : and prosper, I pray thee, Thy servant this day, and grant him mercy In the sight of this man. (indicating King) For I was the king's cupbearer." (Nehemiah 1:11.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 45 CANTICLE II An Evening of Encouragement Description: The scene shows the moon, under a half cloud, shed- ding light upon the waste walls of Jerusalem. The scene is laid in a valley. The dragon well and the dung port are near. A brook runs close by. A most disconsolate aspect. The gates of the wall have all been consumed with fire. Discovered: Nehemiah and the five men, Sight, Touch, Taste, Smell, Hearing, are stand- ing together, viewing with cheerful countenances the most disconsolate of places, — Jerusalem's devastated walls. They walk together, as if on a tour of inspection, until they come to the gate 46 THE KING'S CUPBEARER of the fountain and the King's pool. A beast passes under this gate. Nehemiah "Ye see the distress that we are in, How Jerusalem lieth waste, And the gates thereof are burned with fire: Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusa- lem, That we be no more a reproach." (Nehemiah 2:17.) E'en through this dire distress, I seem to be Encouraged to press on and set men free. Sight (to Nehemiah) The hand of God hath dealt so well with thee. The King's words bless us. With sincerity We go about this task. Nehemiah (to the five men) Come, let us rise And build these walls aright. Touch (joyously, to Nehemiah) Let us surprise The rulers, priests, and nobles with a wall That never can be shattered, never fall. the king's cupbearer 47 Taste (to all) We are despised, yea, laughed to scorn, and yet, We, too, may build what multitudes forget Not, nor despise. Smell Let us build high — High unto heav'n, that he who passeth by May mark the remnant now is safe, indeed, Within these walls. Hearing Where never form, nor human creed May enter. Nehemiah (approvingly to all) Thou hast grown wise, my friends; yea, thou dost speak Words of true wisdom. All the lonely, weak And weary ones of earth shall be redeemed. Thou art much nobler than thou e'er hast seemed. I say again, thou hast grown wise ; and high Above thy former selves. Sight (meekly, to Nehemiah) And, if we try We may grow higher in this thing we do. 48 the king's cupbearer Hearing We may put off the old man for the new. Nehemiah (to all) My men, I see a change in thee. The Five Men (together) Tistrue! Nehemiah (to all) My friends, I doubted thee, but now I see Thou, trained in things of God, may'st set men free From self. The Five Men (together) 'Tis true, we, trained in things of good, Free thee and all earth's weary brotherhood. Nehemiah Then I must trust thy better selves, indeed, In all this reconstruction. Friends, we need To stand together. The Five Men (together) Friend, nor lust, nor greed Shall turn us back. Nehemiah (to all) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 49 These broken walls shall be Redeemed — this is God's work for you and me; And, as we work, God's truth shall bring to light Our better selves. The Five Men (together) God give us grace and might! Nehemiah (with hands outstretched — to the five) Remember well, ye men, that which I say, The God in heav'n always points the way Of him who builds for others. The Five Men (together) He doeth well! Nehemiah (to all) And yet he may not ever boast nor tell Of what he builds. Ye have no portion, right, Within Jerusalem. No fearful right Of ownership may enter in thy work. Come, let us build. The Five Men (together) Let not one of us shirk Our duty. 50 THE KING'S CUPBEARER NEHEMIAH (to all) I, Cupbearer, lead thee forth. The Five Men (earnestly) O, may our work alone speak of our worth. (At this moment, the appearance of the men changes. The dark garments they are wearing fall to the ground, showing bright, soft robes of ethereal nature. The men take on the forms of women as they stand in the moonlight, which has now become bright.) NEHEMIAH (beholding all with radiant countenance) Ah, I have thought that thou wert men. 1 see The woman in thee now! (peering into their faces) (to Hearing) And thou, dear Wakefulness, forever true To highest good art thou. I scarcely knew That thou wert male and female. (to Sight) Thou, Sight, art Intuition in disguise, — No wonder that thou hast discerning eyes. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 51 (to Touch) Thou, Touch, art Faith. Tis ever very well* Thou know'st events before the world can tell They have begun ; yea, friend, through hope and trust. Blest Faith, thy ways are ever true and just! (to Taste) Discernment, thou art joyous woman, too, And male, as well; thou dost, indeed, renew The youth of those who follow thee aright. (to Smell) Dear Understanding, leading on to day. (as if in prophecy) In years to come, thou wilt point out the way Of Life eternal for all creeds and men. Thou shalt arise a woman-country, free From self. A war-torn world shall see When Understanding comes, all nations then Shall dwell in peace, yea, men shall love, indeed. When Understanding comes, Love is earth's creed. (to all) (looking closely) Ah, I see The woman in thee now. 52 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Friends, this is well, for thou wilt need to be Both male and female in this task ye do, — Complete and satisfied. Each captive Jew, When wakened, shall behold nor bond nor free Is he, indeed. The courage of the male Is his, and woman's gentle tenderness; Complete and satisfied, he cannot fail. Yea, Israel's captives, still, shall richly bless All men. They shall behold God's husbandry ; Wedded to Truth, all men shall then be free. Ofttimes, my friends, a task at first seems light, Though it loom large, indeed, to finite sight. Be not fair weather friends. Stay thou and fight When fall discouragement and darkest night,— Through fiercest battle stay and win, — for right. "The God of heav'n, he will prosper us." THE KING'S CUPBEARER 53 CANTICLE III Honest Daily Needs The Transfiguration of Labor Description: A morning scene, showing a vast army of men ready for work on the waste walls of Jerusalem. Discovered : Eager groups of men carrying tools, the daughters of Shallum and Understanding. Eliashib (the High Priest) (beckoning to several priests) Come, brethren, let us build this sheep gate well. Several Priests (together) And sanctify it to the Lord of Hosts. Men of Jericho (building and speaking together) What we have builded, future ages tell. Zaccur Not one stroke of our hammers can be lost. 54 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Sons of Hassenaah {working at fish gate) We lay the beams thereof ; the doors are set ; The locks thereof, the bars thereof are fast. Meremoth, Meshullam, and Zadok {together) We work that no one ever can forget. Several Tekoites And we that peace and truth forever last. Jehoiada and Meshullam {working together at the old gate) We lay each beam thereof, and set each door. Melatiah and Jadon {together) We work nor ask for any blessing more. Uzziel and Hananiah {working on the broad wall) The broad wall must be perfect, too, that we May see them safe in their captivity. Rephaiah, Jedaiah and Hattush {working) May see them safe, and who are they? Malchijah and Hashub {repairing the tower of the furnaces) Each vagrant thought that hath become the prey Of self. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 55 SHALLUM (the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, working with his daughters) I came here with my daughters, they who rule And work with me. Each one with her own tool Is building. (the women drive nails) Daughters of Shallum (together) We came that all may see The utter helplessness, futility, Of those who come disguised as helpers, when The news of reconstruction reaches men, Hanun (repairing the valley gate) Sanballat and Geshem, the ones you fear, Daughters of Shallum? Daughters of Shallum (together) Not if we keep on building, tier on tier. Eldest Daughter of Shallum The ones we fear, — and yet why should we fear? Since God is God, alone, and He is All — Is just the cursed falsehoods that would tear One's true self from its union now with good. 56 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Understanding (She speaks but does not work with her hands) Ah, yes! One must abide Forever at one's work in peace to know God's law aright. To conquer self, the foe Of progress, one must build high unto heav'n E'en for another's good; such is the leav'n Of understanding, wisdom, power, might, — All those who sit in darkness see this light. Malchiah (building the dung gate) There is so much to cleanse from every thought, I build the dung gate. All that I have wrought Endures forever. Shallum (repairing the gate to the fountain) I set the doors of this, the fountain gate. God's messengers may enter, but the fate Of those who come to rob is fixed, indeed. No one may enter here with form or creed. Nehemiah (repairing the place over against the sepulchre of David) My friends, Sanballat hears we build this wall; THE KING'S CUPBEARER 57 The news has spread to him. "Ah, it shall fall!"— This is his dire foreboding. We abide Forever at this task until we know Those in captivity are saved from foe. Rehum, Hashabiah, Bavai, and Ezer (repairing near the turning of the wall) Never was work more welcome hour by- hour, — Baruch Welcome, because it proves there is one pow'r. Meremoth (working at door — to the priests, the men of the Plain) Courage, my friends, bear up, each day must bring Its own reward. Benjamin and Hashub (working together) Friends, let our hammers ring (all hammering together) In glad applause. (joyous, ringing music) Binnui and Palal (hammering together) No enemy can ever turn us back, 58 THE KING'S CUPBEARER The Nethinims and Tekoites (working together) Those who would build for good can never lack. The Priests (repairing near the horse gate) In learning meekness here, we may well find No man upon this earth shall e'er unbind Our work. Zadok and Shemaiah (working together) If we toil on with love, we may renew The waste walls with the fortified. Hananiah, Hanun and Meshullam (together) We knew Those shattered walls would one day be re- deemed ! Malchiah (the goldsmith's son) This broken shaft, it must be strongly beamed. Goldsmiths and Merchants (working together) Courage, my friends. Together we build well. (Their tools fall. Ringing noises. The eld- est daughter of Shallum slips behind each worker and, picking up fallen tools, restores them to owners.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 59 Eldest Daughter of Shallum (handing tools to men) Here is thine hammer, friend ; (to another) thy trowel fell. Nehemiah (to all) Beware, my friends, one cometh in disguise, A messenger of foes. (to another) Keep well thine eyes Upon thy work. (to all) Work as one man, work on, Until each task of earth is fitly done. (to another, encouragingly) Work, till each task of thine is fitly done. Understanding (Pausing behind a worker and regarding his work and tools approvingly.) Be not afraid of thy salvation, friend ; Thy tools are clean. The nail thy hands doth send Strikes always to the mark. (to another) This task of thine Hath turned earth's water into royal wine Of heav'n. 60 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (to another ivorker) When the marriage of mankind Is solemnized in work, then shalt thou find Love's home, and Church, Messiah's heav'n, Mind. (Passing to another worker.) I, Understanding, urge thee on, these walls of thought Shall be constructed. All that thou hast wrought Must ever stand. (To another group.) Work as one man, work on, Until mankind is saved, earth's battle won. (To all, as if in prayer.) This shall be Labor's triumph through the years, — To have contentment for its wage. No fears Can e'er assail the man who loves his task. He shall have all, yea, more than he can ask. Nehemiah (to all) He shall have kindly service for each need — This shall be Labor's reason, Labor's creed. "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, * * * * THE KING'S CUPBEARER 61 And fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, Your wives, and your houses." (Nehemiah 4:14.) For I am Nehemiah, the King's Cupbearer. And God, alone, is King of all the Earth. THE KIN 3 CUPBEARER 63 CANTICLE IV Jealousy and Dark Forebodings Description: A village of the Plain, repre- senting a low order of thought. Everything in chaos. Rubbish of expen- sive materials heaped about, showing carelessness and sloth. The heat of the day. Discovered: Sanballat, governor of the Plain, is entering. He is an idol worshiper and carries with him a ghastly idol which he places with fool- ish awe on a high pedestal. He is a short, very heavy man, gaudily overdressed in ornate colored satin robes and much jewelry. Sanballat (with sinister smile to the messenger who enters with him at L.) 64 THE KING'S CUPBEARER So they rebuild those walls — poor, foolish Jews! (Laughs a loud, derisive laugh, which is really no laugh at all but merely an ani- mal ejaculation.) Bring Geshem here, at once ! (With imperial wave of large, over -decorated hand to Messenger) Messenger (to Sanballat) Aye, Sir, I Do thy bidding. (exit Messenger) (Enter Sensuality at L. A woman of de- ceitful expression. One who has reached maturity, but still looks artificially young. She is dressed in flaming red velvet and wears many jewels.) Sanballat (walking across to the woman and chucking her rudely under the chin) Sweet lass, thy name? Sensuality (simpering foolishly into Sanballat's face) My name, Sir, is Sensuality. I keep mankind in grim captivity. As Personal Attraction, too, I come THE KING'S CUPBEARER 65 And rob mankind of work, and church and home. Sanballat (eagerly grasping her hands until the woman fairly winces under the crushing handclasp) Hold, woman, I have work for thee to do ; Thou shalt destroy each foolish, working Jew. Strange how I always find the help I need To aid me in the sowing of sin's seed ! (Sanballat and the woman, Sensuality, dance briskly about and, at the same time, laugh loudly and ivickedly. They plot to- gether. Enter several messengers. Sen- suality breaks away from Sanballat and, as if giving him an exhibition of her frivolity, she slips quietly from one messenger to another, leering wickedly into each face, while she hums a foolish, sentimental, love song. As she is singing, Geshem, enters, L. He is a tall, heavy-set man, wearing the costly trappings of a ruler. Sanballat and Geshem regard the woman approvingly as she sings. There are no words to the woman's song. Clashing, unrefined medley.) 66 the king's cupbearer Geshem (after Sensuality has ceased dancing, turns angrily to Sanballat and almost howls) Why have ye sent for me, Sanballat, pray? I am a Governor! (With vast importance, while he struts about nervously.) This busy day. I, too, have much to see to, much to do. Sanballat (in low tone) Didst thou not hear how every captive Jew Strives to rebuild the walls that lie so waste — The waste walls of Jerusalem? Make haste And give a plan to outwit all this task. Geshem (pondering) A plan? Tis simple! Let me think, I ask, One moment. (Thinks and rubs his forehead.) Sensuality (interrupting) Let me go to them, I pray. Each man shall bow to me. Yea, I will stay The hands of those who work, through flat- tery. (Sanballat and Geshem laugh loudly.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 67 SANBALLAT (delightedly) Poor foolish wench, thy wit is not half bad. Our messengers will go with thee, (Summons messengers, who flock about Sensuality.) And had We other emissaries — if we know Geshem (Interrupting) Each Jew Must be restrained from work. Sensuality (thinking) If we know of any others, they should go. (to Sanballat and Geshem) Dear Sirs, I pray thee, let me bring My sisters and my brother. Each has way Of evil fully learned. Sanballat (interested) Thy sisters? Give each name, And I will judge. And name thy brother, too. Sensuality (proudly) The younger one is Shame. The elder one is quiet, she is Sleep. 68 THE KING'S CUPBEARER My brother, Creeds of Men, There are but four of us, yet we can keep Each Jew from toiling further on his task. Sanballat (to Messenger) Bring hither her (indicating Sensuality) two sisters. And her brother, too, Grim Creeds of Men. They have grave work to do. Sensuality (to Messenger) Say, I ask Them to come quickly. We have work this hour That will require united strength and power. (Messenger departs quickly at L.) Geshem (turning to servant at his side) Go thou and tell those Jews who toil, that we Desire to see them in this village here; Tell them that we can help to set them free ; That we would talk with them. Tell them to fear Not to come hither. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 69 SANBALLAT (to servant at his side) Tell the Jews the Plain Is waiting for them ; that the ripened grain And fruit of all our kingdom wait. Ah me, Why should they for those in captivity Still toil? Both Servants (together) We go, Sirs. Geshem (to servants) Wait until the four, These sisters and their brother go before To mark the way of condemnation, death. Yea, let them go and rob men of their breath. (Enter Shame, Sleep, and their brother, Creeds of Men. They quickly embrace Sensuality. Shame is dressed in deep black and walks with bowed head as if fearing to look up. Sleep keeps her eyes closed. She is dressed in a shadowy, vapory-like gown. Creeds of Men piously mutters a meaningless prayer, while shaking his head in disapproval of of everything.) 70 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (to Shame) What canst thou do, thou sad-eyed woman, here? Shame I follow Sensuality. Men fear My very name. I am Disease, the curse Of sin unfettered. Couldst thou summon worse Than I? My name is Condemnation, too. I stand A cursed lie with men in every land ! My brother, Creeds of Men, doth rarely speak Words one can understand, but all the weak, And sinning ones of earth he doth condemn. He disapproves of all the sons of men. 'Tis strange but Creeds of Men will shake his head, In silent disapproval of the dead. The ones who live on earth he knows must go For punishment through lust and want and woe. I, Condemnation, know a day will come When Creeds of Men will leave me, — then my home Is hell! Geshem (to Sleep) And thou, frail shadow, canst thou, too, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 71 Do ought to hinder any working Jew? Sleep (raising languid eyes) My name is Sleep, and after men have well Been bound in chains by her, (pointing to Sensuality) and her, (indicating Shame) I tell My story to them, promising that I Will bring forgetf ulness. I close each eye Of him who listens to me, and I claim To be a blessing, but my very shame Is covered. I am Inactivity. My other names are Death, Inanity. Sanballat (laughing loudly) Ha, Ha, I see, He, He, Ha, Ha, I see! (Waving them on.) Go forth, ye messengers and ladies fair, And speak to those poor working Jews o'er there. Bring them to us, or cause them to desist From working. (Patting Shame on shoulder) 'Tis true, my dear, they cannot thee resist! Shame I am the condemnation of all men. 72 THE KING'S CUPBEARER While condemnation lasts, I know well then I am secure, but when it is no more, — Ah, how I shudder ! Then the open door Of death and hell awaits us. (indicating Sensuality and Sleep) (Regarding Creeds of Men with fear.) All men will lose their cruelty and go Into the Temple of the God of good. Then Creeds of Men shall no more dare to name These hopeless words, sin, condemnation, shame ! But Creeds of Men is cruel, ah, we should Make every use of him! Geshem Let Creeds of Men now speak ! Creeds of Men (muttering) Fear, sin, hell, heav'n, punishment, want and woe, Separation, old age, care, loss Sanballat (interrupting) Go forth, go forth, go, go! (To Creeds of Men; Ye spoke well, Creeds of Men, except of heav'n. See that no hope of heav'n here is giv'n To those poor, working Jews. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 73 Ye muttered heav'n and, yet, ye cannot say That word as if ye once had learned to pray. Bind them, hold them, and drive them quickly here, Those Jews, through flattery, or shame, or fear. Go forth, go forth, go, go, And see that Shame or Condemnation here Shall watch o'er all these men until they fear The eyes of everyone on earth below. Trust Condemnation's second death and woe ! Go forth, go forth, go, go ! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 75 CANTICLE V A Struggle With Self Description : Same as in Canticle HI except the walls are nearly re- paired. Discovered: Nehemiah and all the work- ers at their tasks on the walls, (enter First Messenger) First Messenger My Lord, Sanballat, Governor of Plain, Hath sent me to thee. He would once again Hold counsel with Cupbearer of the King. (Endeavoring to lead Nehemiah away.) (Nehemiah draws back as if refusing to go.) Sanballat, sir, (insistently) has counselled me to bring Thee to him that thou may'st together talk These matters over. (Nehemiah draws back.) No, thou need'st not walk. I have Sanballat's chariot. 76 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (All workers stop working on the walls and listen to the conversation between Nehe- miah and the messenger.) Nehemiah But I am doing here a great work. Answer why This work should cease, the whilst I go to talk With them? (Turning back to his work.) Tell them I shall ne'er walk Nor ride to them. This good work must not cease ! (A second messenger hurriedly enters, L.) Second Messenger (as if pointing to the Plain — to Nehemiah) I bear a message, too ; I bring thee peace, From Geshem, Governor, my Lord ; And he hath sent me forth to bring this word To thee. Come down, he begs of thee to-day, And talk this good work over, and the way Of progress. Nehemiah (firmly) Sir, no work was ever done Through useless talk. 'Tis better, one by one, That we should learn to work, and not to say THE KING'S CUPBEARER 77 How we have worked. I cannot come today, Nor any other time. {Turns back to his work; all begin ham- mering together) (Enter a wondrously beautiful woman. She is Personal Attraction. Nehemiah is tvorking earnestly when she enters, but he immediately becomes excited and confused. It is evident that he is doing poor work. All the time he looks admiringly at the woman. He drops his tools; the gate he is hammering into place crashes to the ground and, in its fall, tears a part of the wall away. Neither Nehemiah nor the woman speak. As if delighting in her conquest and Nehemi- ah's failure to work intelligently, the woman smiles joyously and exits. With a disappointed expression, and looking ever toivard the door whence Per- sonal Attraction had departed, Nehe- miah wearily takes up his work. Enter the five senses — Sight, Touch, Taste, Smell, Hearing. The five men stand near Nehemiah as if to encourage him to continue his work. Again the woman, Personal Attraction, appears. She is more beautiful than ever in a robe 78 THE KING'S CUPBEARER of shimmering material. Nehemiah gasps delightedly when he sees the woman. He tries to return to his work, but it is plain that his work disgusts him, and that he has eyes only for the beau- tiful creature who stands near him. The woman, seeing Nehemiah's displeasure with his work, laughs joyously and de- parts. The five corporeal senses look heavenward as if in prayer. Again the woman enters. She is even more beautiful than before, having thrown a rope of won- drous jewels about her neck and a fleecy, silken shawl upon her head. When Nehemiah sees her, he ceases work entirely and looks unceasingly at the woman. He sits down on a pile of build- ing material. The five senses bring him, first a hammer, then a trowel, then a joist. They try to encourage him to go on with his work but he refuses. He does nothing except to stare admiringly at Personal Attraction. Finally, Nehemiah gives one quick glance heavenward as if in prayer. ,At once the spell of mesmeric attraction is broken. In a moment's time, the gleaming robes fall at the woman's feet, showing an ugly creature dressed in THE KING'S CUPBEARER 79 sack-cloth. The five senses change again to beautiful women. Nehe- miah rises quickly from his reclining po- sition and with eager joy begins his work. He intelligently repairs the large gap in the wall caused by Personal Attrac- tion's first appearance. Personal At- traction, now in sack-cloth, ugly and old, tries to keep Nehemiah from working. She goes to him, attempts to seize his hands and hold him with her gaze, but her efforts are all in vain. Joyously Nehemiah continues to work.) Nehemiah (to the woman) God be praised ! I know thy heinous name, — Tis personal attraction*, lust and shame! Vain sensuality gives naught, indeed, Except her costly garb of self. Sin's creed Is always getting. It has naught to give— Who follows sensuality shall live No more. Whene'er thou comest first, clad in the flesh Of costly, vain attraction, ye enmesh Thy victims; well thou keepest them from gain * When Nehemiah perceives that evil is impersonal, the word typifying evil is not capitalized. 80 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Of true salvation through thy crafty, vain attentions. The second time thou com'st, men loathe their work; Their days become a useless drag ; they shirk all honest duty. The third time thou dost come, men cease their toil, — Thou bind'st upon them fetters, coil on coil. The world of useful joy would pass away, If thou, poor foolish creature, hadst thy say ; But as men lift their eyes to heav'n and pray, The joy of work comes forth into the light, — And thou art then a monster in their sight! Go from me, woman, never, never more Shalt thou appear to darken my own door Of thought. My daily work is all I need ; My work is my attraction and my meed Of joy and peace and happiness and rest! (as he pushes the woman away) Woman, for me, my work is ever best. (Discouraged at Nehemiah's words, Per- sonal Attraction then goes to the other men. One by one they drop their tools and half return her caresses. Nehemiah alone repulses Personal Attraction each time she returns to him. He con- tinues his work. Not a word is spoken. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 81 Every time one of the workers drops his tools because of the woman's caresses, the daughters of Shallum appear and re- store them to the idle hands.) Personal Attraction (in final attempt to gain Nehemiah's attention) Come, (whispering) Come with me, I will give thee ease And joy and gladness. Wouldst thou not for these Lay down this heavy anvil? (pointing to tool) Nehemiah (firmly) No, for I, Cupbearer of the King, must ever try To do my best. Personal Attraction (Gently stroking Nehemiah's hands.) Thou art so brave, my dear. It is thy bravery I love. (Still caressing his hands.) These wondrous hands ! How they have wrought ! Ah, do not fear 82 THE KING'S CUPBEARER My fond caresses. (Nehemiah brushes her aside and quickly begins work on the walls. Personal At- traction, seeing that it is useless to try to win Nehemiah, softly steals again to the other men, who are watching her with jealous glances. Nehemiah works on. Personal Attraction flits from one to another and casts her spell over each of them in turn. They rapturously return her caresses. Shame and Creeds of Men enter.) Shame (to one of the workers who has been holding Personal Attraction in his arms) My name is Sister Shame. Each working Jew Shall be inactive. Yea, let me renew My boast. Not one shall work, for I Shall make each one afraid. Each man shall try To shake me off ! I, too, am Condemnation, which doth hide Earth's sensuality. Tis true, this wide World dreams not yet that I am all That hath the pow'r to bind men with the thrall Of death. (She hovers like a cloud over the tired work- THE KING'S CUPBEARER 83 ers; with one hand she summons Sleep.) Come, Creeds of Men ; come, Sister Sleep, My work is finished! (The hands of the men drop listlessly.) Now I pray thee keep These hands from toiling, and these eyes from light. My work is finished ! (The men drop their heads in shame, while Creeds of Men shakes his head.) Creeds of Men Lead to blackest night These earnest Jews. Hell, hate, want, care, separation, loss, grief ! (Sleep approaches the men. They reach out their arms to her as if begging^ her to come to them. They yawn stupidly and sigh.) Sleep (surprised) I — I have naught to do! Shame, Sensuality, hath bound each Jew! While Creeds of Men condemn their soul to hell, Each one has worked so valiantly and well! (They all nod their heads in sleep except the daughters of Shallum and Nehemiah, who work diligently on. The eldest daugh- 84 THE KING'S CUPBEARER ter of Shallum approaches Nehemiah. He is so busily engaged in work that he has not noticed the sleeping toilers.) (to Nehemiah) The Eldest Daughter of Shallum (to Nehemiah) Cupbearer, awake those stupid Jews who sleep ! Nehemiah (regarding the sleepers) Our God shall fight for us. Yea, He shall keep Our hands from idleness. (to Daughters of Shallum) The trumpet sound! (Loud blowing of trumpet.) They shall awake ! (Men begin to awaken.) Their better selves when found Shall keep them. Daughters, tell them they shall be Both male and female, joyous, sinless, free. (Daughters of Shallum go quickly and awaken the men more fully, merely by placing the workers' own discarded weapons and tools in their listless hands.) (All the men arise, look about in startled manner and continue the work quietly. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 85 With a spear in one hand and a weapon in the other, each daughter of Shallum stands back of every group of men as a faithful guard. Enter Understanding.) Understanding Tell them, {to Daughters of Shallum) I pray thee, each with servant may At night lodge in Jerusalem. The way Grows brighter. Toilers, we are not afraid. God hath made "good" all things that He hath made. A day will come when men shall no more fear Vain sensuality. Yea, we shall hear No cursing and no condemnation then. The Father knows this hour ; it shall be when Earth's final condemnation for sin's lie Brings no more sensual curse. Stilled is the cry of shame. Remorse and fear shall not be heard. We shall have no more sleep or death. God's word Will raise the dead, and silence human strife. When condemnation ceases, all is Life. Nehemiah (Nehemiah rises suddenly, as if with in- spiration and looks searchingly at first one messenger and then another. The 86 THE KING'S CUPBEARER outer garment each messenger is wear- ing drops away. Exit Creeds of Men.) This messenger {indicating Sanballat's messenger) that we have dreaded, see! Is Intuition in disguise; was she Not Sight? Intuition The ills we deem dark woes may be, When overcome, a guide to lead to light. Nehemiah {shaking second messenger until outer covering falls) And this one, well thou know'st, was one time Taste. Thou art not Shame, at all, thou comest here To teach mankind to have no shame nor fear. Discernment And now I am Discernment. Nehemiah Thou, indeed, Art messenger who teaches us to waste No time in self-abasement. Discernment {as if holding aloft a cup) Taste of life's cup, Of grief or joy, let not this chalice pass ! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 87 NEHEMIAH (Looking Sensuality squarely in the eye; her outer garment falls, revealing a beau- tiful woman.) Ah, thou art Faith ! 'Tis true thou troubl'st me So long to-day as Touch ! This is the curse Of all earth's curses, mankind fears as worse Than Death. The touch of Touch brings bitter woe Because it claims to hold, caress, and go From life to death. Dear Faith, thine hands so long Have groped for satisfaction! Now the wrong Of sensuality can no more bind. Blest Faith, thy ways are ever true and kind. Faith Yea, I am Faith ! I best express myself by giving much To all mankind. Nehemiah (pondering) So thou wert one time Touch! Can this be why, in future years, there is Destined to come a King to earth ? — and this Shall be his message : Purity and Peace ! 88 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (as if prophesying) The dead are raised with grateful words like these : "Father, I thank Thee!" Men shall even know The garment's hem he wears shall heal their woe. If they but reach out for the Truth, they shall Be freed forever from the galling thrall Of sensuality, which comes to bind Mankind with touch of finite love. {to all) We find Our freedom, friends, forever as we give Our all of gratitude that men may live. This, then, is Faith, — forever giving all Of selfless love to free men from the thrall Of darkness, sickness, sensuality, (eagerly to Faith) .. Blest Faith, there never has been love like thine, That hath supplied earth's marriage feast with wine! Understanding And now I come to bless Earth with true understanding. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 89 NEHEMIAH Yea, 'tis true, When Understanding comes, men will con- fess That human goodness cannot heal or save. (to Understanding, tenderly) Thou shall redeem mankind. The open grave Of self is powerless to ever lure. When Understanding comes, life will endure Forevermore. (For a long time, Nehemiah regards Sleep. She does not change. Sleep constantly eludes the Cupbearer's steadfast, search- ing look. While Nehemiah is actually trying to "see through" Sleep, and Sleep is trying to evade the Prophet, Hearing, now Wakefulness, dressed in loose, flowing white garments, slips quietly into the room, and takes her place with the other four guards at Nehemiah's side. Sleep, beholding Wakefulness' appear- ance, shudders and makes quick exit. Ne- hemiah, turning, beholds Wakefulness, and embraces her lovingly.) Brave Wakefulness, my friend ! Thou art the friend of friends which God doth send! 90 the king's cupbearer Wakefulness (reassuringly, to Nehemiah) Blest Cupbearer, I come to-day to hear For thee. There is nor pain, nor any fear! Nehemiah (gratefully, regarding the five women) Ah, this one here (holding Wakefulness' hand) is friend, indeed, — 'tis she, True Wakefulness, comes to us now that we May keep awake and set our brethren free. (At this moment, heavy-eyed Sleep appears again, L. She yawns stupidly; seems about to enter but is apparently afraid of Wakefulness and Understanding.) Wakefulness (pointing derisively at Sleep, who cowers to the ground and almost creeps out of sight) Sleep hath no better self. She hath a need To hide herself! Death is her cruel creed. My friend, (to Nehemiah) there yet are days of grief and woe When death, or sleep, will try to make thee go As fettered slave to hell — but thou shalt see The world's great need of immortality, And, seeing this, thou shalt, indeed, be free ! the king's cupbearer 91 Understanding Yea, days will follow, too, when Love's high wall Which doth protect a world shall all but fall ; When from false human goodness, thou hast turned, The world and thou shalt have all thou hast yearned For in thy endless, selfless search for good. (with hands uplifted) Then I shall come, and all is understood. Nehemiah (to all) Half of thee hold the .spears (to the women) Until each star in highest heav'n appears, While half shall work. (To the men. They all return joyously to their work on the wall.) The way Grows ever brighter to us. Father, pray That none of us may falter, till we see Man is both male and female, deathless, free. Understanding (As if in prophecy.) I see on earth, in long, long years to come, Half of thee shalt, indeed, protect the home ; 92 THE KING'S CUPBEARER While half shall win earth's peace — this is God's will! The home thou shalt protect is consciousness ; The wakefulness all men express shall bless This earth-home with true, patient tender- ness. The intuition of our God shall be Made manifest ! Blest gratitude shall free Earth's fettered ones. Yea, Understanding is Prepared to lend to-day eternal bliss. There shall be no more war, nor hate, nor strife Within earth's home in heav'n, — this is life! From human goodness each must turn away And find eternal life, effulgent day For all mankind. Blest Understanding's might Shall make all nations one. Nehemiah (reverently, in benediction) "Let there be light!" THE KING'S CUPBEARER 93 CANTICLE VI A Struggle With Poverty and Greed The Transfiguration of Capital Description : The scene is again as in Can- ticles HI and V, the partly constructed walls of Jeru- salem. About six weeks later in time than Canticle V. Discovered: Groups of discontented Jews standing about engaged in angry conversation. Groups of anxious women and fret- ful children. The women wearily shift baskets of corn and wine from their arms to their heads. They sigh disconsolately.) Shemaiah (discontentedly) We, our sons and daughters, many are! That we may live, we take up corn and wine. Yea, we have borrowed money from afar 94 THE KING'S CUPBEARER That this work might proceed. Indeed, our fine Of tax is great ! Wife of Shemaiah (sullenly) Why should this work go on, when, day by day, Our debt grows larger? Meshullam (kicking at wall) We have naught to pay ! (Groups of angry men walk about and kick at walls as if they would destroy it.) We have encumbered vineyards, — all our lands! Meremoth (fiercely) And this is all we have! (Pointing derisively at wall.) My very hands Are wearied. Bavai (peevishly) I mortgaged all my lands — I Have naught more. Wife of Bavai (weeping) I know it! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 95 {rocking back and forth) I know it! Ah, I weep and sigh But no one cares. BlNNUI Yet our flesh is exactly as the flesh Of our own brethren, our children, too, And their children. Would we then enmesh, Our sons and daughters, into bondage? {Angrily approaches Nehemiah, who alone continues to build.) Jew, Speak up ! Some are already bought With no power to redeem {savagely) and thou hast wrought This mischief ! {At one side, an auctioneer is asking for bids on the children. The riders make va- rious offers.) Nehemiah {rising slowly from his work and towering above all) Not as they seem Are countless ills to-day. {Turns to messenger and summons nobles and rulers who are engaged in bidding on children. They crowd about Nehemiah.) 96 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Men, I pray, Listen, and find at once a better way To meet each need. Thou dost exact in whole Usury of thy brethren, and thy toll Is death. Our brethren, the Jews, redeemed shall be, Not in some far-off time, but now and here. They, sold unto the heathen, shall be free From cursed debt, disease, and human fear. (Shaking his clenched fists into the faces of the rulers.) And wouldst thou even sell thy brethren For stupid ease ? Quick, answer me, my men ! (There is a long silence. The rulers and nobles stand with bowed heads, as if ashamed.) Shall they be sold for us ; canst thou not say A word — not even one? There is none, nay Not one to e'er condone this usury. (All men stand with heads lowered.) (Nehemiah walks back to the wall as if his words to the rulers were finished; he picks up an anvil and gives a few ringing strokes, and then suddenly faces about and paces his way back to the silent men.) "It is not good that ye do : ought ye not To walk in the fear of our God because of The reproach of the heathen our enemies ? THE KING'S CUPBEARER 97 I likewise, and my brethren, and my serv- ants, Might exact of them money and corn : I pray you, let us leave off this usury. Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, Their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, And their houses, also the hundredth part Of the money, and of the corn, the wine, And of the oil, that ye exact of them" (Nehemiah 5:9, 10, 11.) (A long silence. The women are standing beside the rulers with baskets of corn and wine half extended to them. The rulers reach out their hands to receive the bas- kets, but as they listen to Nehemiah's words, their empty hands drop back to their sides. Understanding enters quietly and stands close to Nehemiah.) Understanding (to the Rulers) Restore to all earth's laborers the gain Of their true service. Give them all! No vain Percentage, laid aside, can give thee wealth. But giving all, thou shalt find peace and health. In years to come, thou shalt have all to give, Blest Capital, — then all mankind shall live, 98 THE KING'S CUPBEARER And lave and work and rest forever! Aye, When men give all to work, eternal day Shall dawn. Shallum "We will restore them, and will require nothing of them ; So will we do as thou sayest." (Nehemiah 5:12.) Nehemiah (to messenger) Go, call the priests, an oath we'll take of this That they should do according to their promise. (Shakes lap as if emptying it of something.) "So God shake out every man from his house, And from his labour, that performeth not this promise, Even thus be he shaken out, and emptied." (Nehemiah 5:13.) Understanding In years to come, each nation shall rejoice To be in loving debt to all. Truth's voice Shall summon to the warfare of the earth The sons of men to give their all. The worth Of wealth shall then be known. Wealth never ends THE KING'S CUPBEARER 99 When men and nations dwell as neighbors, friends. In lending all, one still has all to give; Giving is wealth whereby all men shall live. All (together) Amen ! Praise the Lord ! God be praised ! Nehemiah (with hand uplifted) At my table now I entertain One hundred-fifty Jews : The fruit and grain Of governors we eat not. Think of me, 0, Lord, Thou God of good, Grant that I be A faithful servant till this wall shall stand A worthy tribute to our Father's hand. 'Think upon me, my God, for good, According to all that I have done For this people" — (Nehemiah 5:19.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 101 CANTICLE VII A Desperate Struggle With Self Description: Showing walls completed ex- cept doors. Discovered: Nehemiah stands alone look- ing at the opening where doors should be. (Human Goodness, a large, florid man, a messenger from Geshem, enters, unob- served, and stands close to Nehemiah's side while he works. Self-Pity, a deceit- ful looking man, stealthily follows. He whispers whiningly into Nehemiah's ear as he works while Nehemiah attempts to brush him aside.) Human Goodness My name is Human Goodness. Ah, my friend, I never hesitate gladly to lend My aid. Geshem commissions me to say He would reward thee for thy work to-day — Yea, he will lavish all thou e'er could'st ask 102 THE KING'S CUPBEARER For having carried through this wondrous task. Come down to Ono, village of the Plain, And he will give thee lands of ripened grain, I gladly lend my name to every one Because my title is so justly won. Cupbearer, if it be to thee the same We will be going now. Self-Pity (to Nehemiah) I, I, I, I, I, I do suffer so. I, I, I, I, want, fear, death, pain, hell, woe! (Taking Nehemiah by the arm.) Nehemiah (Striking Self-Pity as if brushing aside a troublesome viper) Self-Pity and thyself art ever one; Poor Human Goodness, what hast thou e'er done To bless mankind? (to Human Goodness) In many guises, thou shalt come to me, Proud Human Goodness. Till the world is free, I shall encounter thee as women, men, As creeds and nations. Why go with thee when I know thy home is hell. Why go with thee? THE KING'S CUPBEARER 103 To-day, thou comest, selfish, greedy men. Thou next will come as women, and 'tis then I must be on my guard. Why go with thee? Human Goodness To get thy full reward. Friend, thou shalt be A ruler. Nehemiah (firmly) I have reward. None can tell Save God alone, my recompense, how well I am repaid. Human Goodness But it is fully right That governors should tell thee of thy might And wisdom. Nehemiah (hands raised to heaven) "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth ; In that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God : Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever/' (Ps. 146:3-6.) 104 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (About the middle of the Psalm, Geshem's dual messenger, Human Goodness and Self-Pity, slowly depart. Nehemiah, alone, again turns to view he wall.) Shiftlessness (sauntering in, walks up to the mortar and looks at it sneeringly — to Nehemiah) What is this? Ah, mortar? Then why mind Mixing this so? (Nehemiah is carefully placing in the lime.) Cast it in ! (Knocks Nehemiah's elbow so that the lime slips carelessly in. Laughs.) Cast it in! This will last after thou art dead and gone. Cast it in ! (jostling shovel) Cast it in, why stand alone For such exactness? (Nehemiah, saying nothing, goes to the wall and carefully measures the opening of a gate. Shiftlessness follows him and jeers at him.) Never mind measuring; Cast it in. (Nehemiah picks up the heavy gate which belongs in the opening.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 105 Who cares how it fits? Ah, bring Thy talents to the things that count, — this gate Is merely iron ! It can have no fate — 'Tis lifeless metal! Though it fit not, why Shouldst thou then care? Why shouldst thou even try? (Shiftlessness saunters about; carelessly knocks down one gate after another and kicks each about. Crashing noises.) Nehemiah Ah, shiftlessness, we two have met before. Thou may'st leave! (points to exit) I would not listen more To all thy foolish prattle. (pushing him away) I am here To do my best. Thou canst not interfere. Of all the messengers that Geshem sent Thou art the one whose crookedness hath bent Men from the line of rectitude. Thy ways Are not God's ways. For this, let Him be praised ! (exit Shiftlessness) (Nehemiah turns again to the wall. An of- ficious woman enters and approaches him. 106 THE KING'S CUPBEARER She wears a very anxious expression. She is Idolatry.) Idolatry (looking longingly at Nehemiah. He turns away from her with expression of annoy- ance and hatred. Nehemiah drops a tool. Idolatry picks it up and at the same time breaks a very valuable tool which is close at hand. Nehemiah angrily pushes the woman aside. Idolatry quickly measures a gate for him with no degree of exact- ness.) I idolize thee, friend. This work ye do I would do for thee. Nehemiah {much annoyed — to Idolatry) No! (pushing her roughly aside) . Vain, vain Idolatry. Speak not to me again. (Nehemiah continues working, but at every turn Idolatry interrupts his efforts with over-solicitous attention. Firmly, to Ne- hemiah.) I shall not give thee up! Thy angry pride At my attentions Nehemiah (interrupting) Go from me! (angrily). This wide World surely furnisheth enough of space THE KING'S CUPBEARER 107 So that I never need to see thy face ! I loathe thee! I despise thee, fiendish curse! Of all sin's leeches, none was ever worse! Idolatry (pleased at curses, smiling) I idolize thee ! Nothing thou canst say Shall ever turn my love for thee away. Nehemiah (scornfully) Thy love for me! Thou hind'r'st all I do! Thy love for me ! No word of this is true ! Thy useless, harmful hindrances I hate! Idolatry Ah, I am used to curses. Yea, I wait For thy attentions Nehemiah (interrupting) My attentions! No! Thou shalt have none from me — thou woman, go! (Idolatry brings a heavy mantle and wraps it closely about Nehemiah so that he can- not lift his hands to his work. With great effort, he casts the cloak aside.) Idolatry (trying again to wrap the mantle about Ne- hemiah, who continues to cast it aside) Ah, it is cold, my friend, and thou shalt be 108 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Forever blessed and comforted by me. I am Idolatry, close Family Tie, I shall not leave thee, dear, till thou shalt die. I am the finite love of those who fear For thee. I shall be ever, ever near Thee all thy life. (She throivs her arms closely about Nehe- miah's neck, clinging tenaciously to him) Nehemiah (with agonized expression, lifts his eyes to heaven in prayer. He makes no move to shake the woman from him, although he shows in every expression his longing to be free from her.) There is one God, above, Father, I thank Thee that Thy law is love. I thank Thee, Father! Idolatry (loosens her arms from Nehemiah's neck. With surprise, to Nehemiah) Have I heard aright? Thou used to curse me, now within my sight Thou giv'st thanks ! Nehemiah (unconscious of Idolatry) Father of love, I thank Thee ! Idolatry (as if determined to win Nehemiah's at- THE KING'S CUPBEARER 109 tentions. Peering into his face) Dear, dost thou see me, too ? Give me thy curses, love, pray do, pray do ! Nehemiah (refusing to see Idolatry) Who is so great a God as the One good? With Him, alone, all things are understood! Idolatry (desperately) Hast thou no curse to give me, dear ? My life Is nourished with vain curses, idle strife. (pleadingly) Give me abuse! Hatred my portion is Since time began, and, ah, I feed on this ! Nehemiah (looking heavenward) Who is so great a God as God in heav'n ? Idolatry (beseechingly) I need thy curses, dear, let them be giv'n That I may live! Idolatry, indeed, Feasts on harsh words. Scorn is her hourly need. Nehemiah (patiently, looking heavenward) Who is so great a God as God above, E'en though I dwell in hell, God still is Love. 110 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Idolatry (clinging closely to Nehemiah) Ah, I am sure thou need'st me. Dear, I know That I must follow thee where thou wouldsi go! Nehemiah I thank Thee, I can see but God's own ways. For all Life gives me, may I offer praise ! Idolatry (weeping) Thou praiseth me? (sadly) Alas! Praise me? Me? I shall remain with thee throughout thy life — As closest f am'ly tie, as mother, wife, As thine own sister, I shall love thee so That I shall keep thee e'er from pain and woe! Nehemiah (firmly) That which God gives me brings nor curse, nor shame. For all God sends me, may I praise His name. (Enter Understanding, followed by Human Goodness and Creeds of Men.) Understanding (to Nehemiah) Thou f earest this is family ! Alas, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 111 Thy fears are vain since heav'n and earth shall pass But Love's true family shall stand for aye, O'er this frail ownership hath no more sway. (When Idolatry hears these words, she ivails and clings tenaciously to Nehe- MIAH.) Idolatry (to Nehemiah) I beg of thee to make thy home with me ; I shall be with thee ever, thee, thee, / thee! Creeds of Men (shaking his head) Alas, this is his family. The curse Of ownership is true. There is none worse. Alas, this is his family ! Human Goodness (drawing herself up proudly) I never take one human step. I find I am too good to mingle with mankind. I have no family! Understanding (to Nehemiah) We yet shall prove to all mankind the worth Of fam'ly. All the nations of the earth, With Capital and Labor, churches, men, Shall dwell together. Ah, the world shall then 112 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Be wedded. Then this very earth shall rise To dwell within Jerusalem. Truth's wise And healing word foretells that Love and good Unite all men — then all is understood! This is salvation, Christian unity, Love's home, and Church, yea, this is family ! Idolatry (weeping bitterly, leaving) Base, cruel world, that will not grant me all The curses and abuse for which I call. I crave for these ! When kindness comes I go Back to idolatry, and hell, and woe. (Exeunt Idolatry, Human Goodness and Creeds of Men.) Nehemiah (with bowed head, as if in deep thought) A teacher came to earth, and said that we, Earth's toilers, have one God and thus are free; Thou shalt have no more gods than One, saith he. (Looking up as if wondering where Idolatry had gone.) Idolatry is gone! I murmured much At her attentions ! Ah, I loathed her touch ! (Idolatry hearing these last words, again steps forward to enter. Beholding UN- THE KING'S CUPBEARER 113 derstanding, she shudders and leaves. Idolatry quickly drops back from en- trance.) Understanding Now I can see that kindness changed to wine, Earth's water. God be praised! let not mine Iniquities be called to mind! In deed And word, let me be thankful that Love's creed Is never murmuring, nor vain abuse. 0, may I have one God, and rightly choose Whom I shall serve. One God is All-in-all, And God is Love! Father, on Thee I call To save me from each hind'ring thought of fear. There shall be no more pain ; no, nor one tear Of woe, as we remember God's great love Meets every need in earth and heav'n above. (Enter Human Will. At first sight, he ap- pears to be a very small man, but he in- creases constantly in size as he speaks. Human Will is accompanied by his son, Dishonesty, and his daughter, Greed. Dishonesty is very cowardly in appear- ance. Greed is large and florid.) 114 the king's cupbearer Human Will (breathlessly to Nehemiah) This will not do ! Come, come with me, my friend, Thou must come now. I say so. Wherefore bend Thy back in labor when I summon thee? (Nehemiah is fitting a gate in place.) Not there ! Not there ! (Indicating disapproval of placing gate in that opening.) Come with me now. Why be So earnest? (Human Will takes Nehemiah by the shoulder and pushes him about.) Go there ! (pushing him to another place) Go on (pushing him) Go! I said there! (angrily) Not there! There! There! No, Not there! (Pushing Nehemiah about, Human Will appears to be utterly exhausted.) Not there! (wearily) I said so! (Very wearily ) I — said — so. (Dishonesty is attempting to displace good building material with defective timbers; good stones with mere lumps of sand THE KING'S CUPBEARER 115 which fairly crumble away. Greed has- tens about and picks up bolts, nails, tools and many other valuables and hides them in her flowing sleeves.) Nehemiah Mark thy dishonest children, mark the greed (pointing to Greed) And avarice of her, and mark the need Thy son, Dishonesty, hath now to go With wiser vision or — (Dishonesty stumbles and falls ) Human Will (turning to his children) Ah, I did not know She (pointing to Greed) was a thief, a rob- ber; ah, ah, me! And he (pointing to Dishonesty) deceitful, crafty, tell me, can it be? (Dishonesty picks himself up. Human Will weeps.) Nehemiah Thy name is human will. Should I not know Thy falsity? Hast thou not led me on O'er crag and fen of self, in days long gone? I know thy name. (Human Will still weeps bitterly. His two children steal quietly from the stage.) I know the weariness 116 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Of thy poor counsels ; yea, thy faithlessness ! Of all his messengers, Sanballat's curse Hath never made of villany, a worse Than thou. I know thee, human will; I know I know thy wretched leadings — Go, Go, Go! (Human Will continues to iveep.) Human Will (to Nehemiah) I shall abide with thee, here, here, now, now, Until thou goest with me, thou, thou, thou, thou! (with feigned gentleness) I do not want my way ; come, thou, with me. Nehemiah False meekness, human will, thou dost as- sume, Since in thy scheming heart thou hast but room For self. Father, Thy will be done! (At these words, Human Will falls at Nehemiah's feet.) With Thee, I go where Truth directs. Yea, I am free To go where Love commands! Yea, there dwell I, As God's own image. the king's cupbearer 117 Human Will (looking up from the ground) Come with me. Oh, why Not go? Nehemiah (resolutely) I go where God directs the way. No human will can have the power to say Where I should go, or where my work shall be; The God in heav'n, alone, instructeth me. (Human Will appears to completely flatten out on the ground at Nehemiah's feet. He is wholly exhausted and, in his ex- haustion, his tongue protrudes as if he were fairly eating the dust of the earth.) Thou art sin's serpent, doomed to eat the dust (Human Will is creeping away) Of cannot, do not, shall, and will, and must. Human Will (muttering to himself as he creeps away) I shall, I will, I can, I must now go Back to perdition, human will and woe. Nehemiah (as if prophesying) One comes in future days to do God's will. (as if beholding someone present, radiantly) 118 THE KING'S CUPBEARER He stills earth's tempests with Love's "Peace, be still !" (As these last words are spoken, Human Will, silenced, exits by creeping away.) (Enter Personality. He is a very large, clumsy, awkward, pompous man. He is constantly tripping as if over himself, and falling. He stands before Nehemiah, who is working, and suddenly falls before him. Nehemiah in turn stumbles over Per- sonality, but does not fall. Each time Nehemiah stumbles and makes a mis- step, some of his good work is over- turned.) Personality Here am I ! See me ! Here am I ! See me ! Here am I ! Can it be, can it be Thou dost not see me? Nehemiah (stumbling over Personality, but not falling) I detected thee ! (Personality repeatedly places himself in Nehemiah's way, but each time the Cup- bearer sees the impostor and quickly steps aside to avoid falling over him.) the king's cupbearer 119 Personality (exultingly) Why step aside for me? Thou art afraid! Nehemiah (firmly) Ah, no, God made all things that were made ! Personality God? I (indicating himself) am creator, I am wondrous, I Nehemiah (interrupting) Thou'rt false from the beginning, yea, sin's lie! Personality Thou callest me false, then I shall go. Not here May I remain ! I must have awe and fear ! (Personality, much offended, rises majes- tically and exits) (Enter Human Ease, a large, very fleshy woman. She goes straight to the gate Nehemiah is working on, and reclines wearily upon it. She sighs.) Nehemiah (to the woman) Begone ! (Human Ease sighs and rests more easily on the gate.) 120 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Begone ! (Human Ease sighs wearily and refuses to move.) What (peering into the woman's face) is thy name, pray tell? Human Ease My name is Human Ease. (Nehemiah tries to move her.) With me, 'tis well, Why should I move? I like it here — to rest Is my one business, — that is ever best ! Nehemiah (Laughs long and joyously. Continues to ivork ivhile he laughs happily. Human i?ASE sighs, and sighs, , and looks dis- turbed over Nehemiah's laughter.) Human Ease Why dost thou work and laugh? Why work? Alas! (She rises wearily from her couch of build- ing material and appears much annoyed as Nehemiah continues to work and laugh.) I cannot live with work! (Brushing wearily past Nehemiah.) Knave, let me pass! (exit Human Ease) (Enter Enemy. He has almost the exact ap- pearance of Nehemiah, except his care- THE KING'S CUPBEARER 121 less, insincere manner. He creeps stealth- ily about and wickedly tries to undermine all of Nehemiah's work. Several loud reports indicate that powder explosions are going on.) Nehemiah Thou cursed fool! Thou Enemy of mine, (trying to push Enemy away) Why dost thou come to ruin all my days — Thou, hypocrite, thou traitor, coward, knave, I loathe thy very face! Enemy Hold, sir. Pray save Thy curses! Nehemiah Curses? (as if questioning himself) Curses? What are they To drive this Enemy of mine away? (looking closely at Enemy) Where have I seen that face, that cruel smile ? (seizing Enemy and shaking him vigorously) I know thee now. (rubbing his eyes) Blinded was I a while To whom thou wert. Thou hast my very face With fear's contortions. 122 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (Enemy makes ugly grimaces) (Nehemiah's hands raised as if in prayer) Give me strength and grace, Father, ever to know my enemy Is but the fear of self mine own eyes see. Ah, enemy, {to Enemy) I truly know that thou Hath counterfeited me. Go! Now, now, Now! {exit Enemy) {A woman, dressed in many dull colors, car- rying a long cloak, enters. She is Hu- man Goodness. She is followed by Self- Pity. Human Goodness slowly ap- proaches Nehemiah, and raising his cal- loused hands, looks at them, and shakes her head pityingly.) Human Goodness I cannot give my name. I came from one Who tells me of the marvels thou hast done. And not one Jew hath praised thee ! {She takes Nehemiah's hands very tenderly in her own and gently rubs her hands over them, as if feeling their callouses.) Self-Pity {to Nehemiah) Poor hands, true, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 123 Toiled long, in vain, for not one grateful Jew Hath stayed to bless thee ! Tobiah says that he Would give thee his thanks in sincerity. Poor hands! Poor hands! (Human Goodness continues to rub Nehe- miah's hands. For a moment, he almost weeps, but quickly recovers himself, and snatches his hands away.) Nehemiah (peering into Human Goodness' face) What is thy name? Where have we met be- fore? Thou hast annoyed me much in days of yore ! In countless guises, woman, thou art near Me ever. (as if discouraged) Need I thy temptations fear? Thou comest in the guise of every curse, Pitying myself and others. Is there worse than thou ? "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, And — come — down — to — you ?" Human Goodness But thou shouldst have reward. Thou toil'st but they, 124 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Those Jews (scornfully), are neither grate- ful nor obey Thy word. Self-Pity (to iVEHEMIAH) I, I, I, I, I, I do suffer so, — Hell, want, pain, death, grief, hate, sin, woe ! Nehemiah (almost assents, but quickly turning away from Self-Pity for a moment, regards his work on the wall. Again turning to Self-Pity.) What is thy name? Where have we met be- fore? Thou hast annoyed me much in days of yore. (Turning again to the wall, he disregards both the women, and begins measuring, as he intones these words from Psalm 78:) "Give ear, My people, to My law : Incline your ears to the words of My mouth. I will open My mouth in a parable : I will utter dark sayings of old: That the generation to come might know them, Even the children which should be born ; Who should arise and declare them to their children." {In the midst of the intonation of this Psalm, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 125 Human Goodness, weeping bitterly, stands before Nehemiah.) Human Goodness (to Nehemiah, wrapping about her the dark cloak she carries) Let me be hidden! I did not intend To give my name. I came disguised as friend, (weeping) But I am deadly foe. Yea, oft before I have annoyed thee in the days of yore. I come oftimes to pity, oft to blame. I come as grief and sin and hate and shame. I hide the form of every curse on earth. (Human Goodness and Self-Pity exeunt) Nehemiah (kneeling) Woman, thou hast no purpose and no worth! God be praised ! Magnify His holy name ! Once more, Thy servant is redeemed from shame. (Nehemiah continues his work. Enter Wakefulness, Intuition, Discern- ment, Faith and Understanding. With hands raised as if blessing Nehemiah, all leave.) (Enter a shrunken, fearful man, LOVE OF Money, leaning heavily on the arm of a 126 THE KING'S CUPBEARER still smaller, shrunken woman, Limita- tion. She is blindfolded.) Love of Money (to Nehemiah) Here, listen to me ! I have much to say, This is for thine own good. I have a plan For earning money quickly, and a man Like thee would do so well, so well for me ! Come with me, I can truly make thee free. (Limitation interrupts, ivhile Love of Money slaps her rudely in the face.) Limitation (to Nehemiah) Thou shalt lose all as I do, day by day, I toil and scrimp, and wear my life away. Love of Money (eagerly, to Nehemiah) I have an income I will give to thee, Gold in abundance, so thou need'st not be Fettered by weary toil. Activity And thou shalt part. Until ye die, indeed, Thou shalt have money for each daily need. (The little man walks nervously about as he speaks, always dragging the woman, Limitation, ivith him. He is constantly taking papers and gold from his pockets that he may figure up the total of his wealth. He appears disturbed over the THE KING'S CUPBEARER 127 process, ill-at-ease with himself and the world.) There is so much to gain, — notes, bonds, yea, all Of lands and houses, mortgages! (eagerly) I call On thee to help me with this mighty work. (Love of Money takes Nehemiah command- ingly by the arm as if he would lead him away. Nehemiah draws back.) Limitation (to Nehemiah) Yea, thou must fail him. Thou must even shirk The duty each wouldst grasp to earn — to earn. (Love of Money takes quantities of gold from apparently inexhaustible pockets and heaps the treasure, alluringly, about NE- hemiah's feet. Nehemiah makes as if he would turn away from the gold, but is almost unable to do so.) Love of Money Dost thou shrink back, dost thou not yearn, not yearn For this? (pointing to heaps of gold) 128 THE KING'S CUPBEARER NEHEMIAH (hesitatingly, addressing himself) This mortar, and these joists, I know Must yet be paid for ! (Nehemiah reaches out for the money. Darkness falls as he is struggling over the heap of gold. Love of Money holds him closely by one hand, Limitation by the other. He is powerless to move.) To pay (hesitatingly) as I go, Is all I ask! (as if justifying himself; Limitation sneeringly approves) (to Love of Money) God knows, God knows, this gold Hath no attraction for me, but I hold It precious — just — to — meet (as if trying to convince himself) my daily need. (Daily Human Needs come flocking in. Darkness creeps on. Nehemiah hesitat- ingly reaches out his hands to the gold. While the darkness deepens, he may be seen walking in the shadows away from the gold, and, as he walks, he prays. Love of Money snatches up the coin and carries it to a position near the entrance. At this moment, the scene again becomes THE KING'S CUPBEARER 129 as bright as morning. Understanding enters.) (Love of Money beckons alluringly Understanding (tp Nehemiah) One comes in future years whose every deed Shall prove the Father's infinite supply Doth meet each hourly need. Then why should I E'er falter in this work when God, alone, Doth pay for every joist and beam and stone? Limitation I have no money. I have naught to pay. I toil and scrimp, and wear my life away ! (Nehemiah stands as if in prayer. A flock of creditors, representing, collectively, Daily Human Needs, come hastening in presenting their bills for payment. Be- holding Love of Money with his heaps of gold standing at entrance, the creditors believe him to be Nehemiah's steward; and, quickly depositing their bills, they snatch up Love of Money's money and depart, each one saying as he leaves) Daily Human Needs "Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy 130 THE KING'S CUPBEARER brother ; usury of money, . . . usury of any- thing that is lent upon usury." (Deut. 23:19.) Love of Money (beholding that his riches have suddenly dis- appeared, despairingly to Nehemiah) 'Twas mine, 'twas mine, 'twas mine, and now 'tis lost — Think of the endless toil it cost, it cost! (Cries out loudly while looking where his heaps of gold had been.) Nehemiah (compassionately) Poor love of money, thou art richer now Than thou hast ever been. (Love of Money shakes his head.) Yea, now ; yea, thou ! Thou, hast, indeed, no money now to love, Yet God hath riches that ye dream not of. (Going with tender compassion to Love of Money and embracing him. As Nehe- miah embraces Love of Money, Limi- tation creeps under Love of Money's long, flowing cloak and is lost from view.) Dear outcast, let me even call thee, friend. Let this be thy new name, and let me lend Thee all I have, — a thought, a word of cheer. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 131 Friend, may Love bless thee on thy journeys here. Grim Limitation, too, is lost. Though she May seek to cling, she is no part of thee. (Limitation drops away from Love of Money and exits.) Robbed of the useless dross thou hadst, I see (peering closely into Love of Money's eyes) Thine eyes are bright with immortality. Such are thy riches, gold, — the light of youth, (Love of Money straightens up; appears youthful and happy.) Love in abundance, yea, the gain of Truth. Ah, friend, the harvests mortals daily glean From their earth's losses ! None hath surely seen More wondrous wealth than this! My friend, my friend, Thou hast lost all, and, yet, hast all to lend ! (Nehemiah and his Friend shake hands. Exit the Friend, formerly Love of Money. Nehemiah steps forward — with hands outstretched — while Understand- ing speaks.) Understanding Ah, World, when Love of Money comes, the light Of heav'n fades, and falls the darkest night 132 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Of self. When Love of Money goes, the way Grows ever brighter till effulgent day Of Truth hath dawned. Then, never human need Shall reach us, since the Father hath, indeed, Met every one abundantly! Ah, World, For centuries thou shalt be cast, yea, hurled Within the maelstrom of earth's search for dross. From self thou shalt be cleansed, until nor loss Nor gain shall mar thy journeyings. Ah, World, (as if in prophecy) Thou shalt have all ! God's ensign, then, un- furled Shall make of thee one nation, strong and free, Provisioned with Truth's immortality. No limitation shall men find on earth. Worlds shall awaken to the wondrous worth Of giving all. Worlds, reasoning, shall find There is one law, one Substance, yea, one Mind. Nehemiah (in prayer) "Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 133 And withheldest not thy manna .from their mouth, And gavest them water for their thirst." (Nehemiah 9:20.) (Nehemiah continues his work on the walls. Hurry comes in running. Dashes about stage, breathing excitedly. Rushes up to Nehemiah, and knocks over the gate which he slowly wid carefully is fitting into place.) (Nehemiah looks curiously ai, Hurry as he is dashing madly about from one thing to another.) There is no need for hurry. Ah, I know Thy name. 'Tis hurry, worry, lack of time ! There is, indeed, no reason, no, nor rhyme In thy existence. If thou wouldst not waste Thy days, remember, hurry hinders haste. Hurry (grabbing Nehemiah by the arm and pushing him around) Ah, friend, the time is short. This wall should go Up much more quickly! Thou art slow, so slow. Clamp that gate into place ! {Seizes gate, it crashes from Nehemiah's 134 THE KING'S CUPBEARER hand and drops down upon other clashing irons.) Stand back, thou knave, Canst thou not see the hours we might save ? Quick, bring that mortar! And that trowel now! (Harsh commanding tone. Nehemiah does not obey the orders.) Thou fool, thou knave, why falter? Quick! But thou Art slow! (Hurry rushes about smashing everything) Nehemiah {calmly) I do not thy dictations heed. God's ways Are higher than thy ways. My loving praise Goes to the Father who now leadeth me Reside still waters of tranquillity. Of all the messengers Sanballat had Thou art the one that makes mankind least glad, For thou art ignorance which never once Hath wrought one thing except, — to act the dunce. Thou canst not curse my work, nor interfere With my sure progress heavenward. The way Of true advancement is to wait and pray. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 135 The one who hastens on shall know calm poise, While hurry retrogrades with deafening noise. The one who acts is always gentle, still ; While hurry, doing nothing, tries to fill The world with the importance of its ways. (Raising his eyes to heaven as if in prayer while Hurry rushes from the scene.) Father, thy active quietness, I praise ! (A quiet woman enters and approaches Ne- hemiah. She is Human Goodness. She is again shadowed by Self-Pity.) Human Goodness (to Nehemiah) I am thy Human Goodness. See, my friend, I tell thee I have never seen thee bend To evil. All these Jews, a crooked set, Have wrought, indeed, but now they would forget The need of further toil. Just thou, just thou, Art worthy ! Dost thou not see ? (Nehemiah listens with pleased expression) Now, ah, now, Thou canst! (clapping her hands glee f idly) Come, then, Sanballat sends the word, 136 THE KING'S CUPBEARER And Geshem, and Tobiah, — they have heard How selflessly thou toil'st, and they would see Thee well rewarded for thy industry. (Nehemiah leans his arm heavily upon Human Goodness' shoulder, and slowly ivalks tvith her to exit. His feet drag as if he were very weary. Not a word is spoken.) Nehemiah (low voice) Yes, yes, 'tis true. I toil alone, 'tis true. The world's great burdens fall upon a few! Self-Pity (whispering to Nehemiah) I, I, I, I. I, I do suffer so ! Hell, pain, death, fear, grief, hate, want, woe ! (Just as Nehemiah is about to exit with Human Goodness, he slowly steps back and takes his arm from her shoulder. He looks her searchingly in the face.) Thou earnest here to mock the world and me. Thou can'st not heal nor save nor bless nor free. J "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: (turns toward wall) Why should the work cease, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 137 (he picks up his tools and begins to measure the door openings) whilst I leave it, and come down to you?" (Human Goodness and Self-Pity, turn de- jectedly and walk toward exit. Nehe- miah begins hammering loudly at gates.) Human Goodness (at exit) (addressed pleadingly to Nehemiah, who re- gards her disapprovingly) We have been friends in days long passed away. Thy Human Goodness, dost thou remember, pray, How kind a friend I have been unto thee? (pleadingly) Why dost thou, then, refuse to go with me? (mockingly) I shall return again to thee, my friend. I shall remain with thee till thou shalt lend Almost thine all to me. A world shall sway, Rocked by my human goodness. Still one day I shall return to curse thee. (As Human Goodness and Self-Pity leave, Human Goodness threateningly clanks 138 THE KING'S CUPBEARER heavy chains. Nehemiah pauses in his work on the walls.) Nehemiah (shuddering) I fear, alas, her chains. I must be free. Yea, Human Goodness will return. (as if beholding a vision) I see A whole world swaying, nations, churches, men, Cursed by the curse of human goodness, when Their need is loving more, — "Just unity, And no questions raised." Through eternity All men and nations, churches, yet shall stand Together, leagued, united — yea, one band. (Enter Pride of Achievement, a messenger from Sanballat. Pride says nothing. He struts about looking at wall. Whistles proudly.) Pride (to Nehemiah) "plendid work ! Marvelous ! Indeed, I won- der, friend, At all thou and these Jews have done. Pray lend An ear. My governor, Sanballat, sends thee peace THE KING'S CUPBEARER 139 And joy. He would, himself, convey to thee these greetings. (looking at wall) Wondrous! My friend, didst thou do all, Thou and these Jews ? It seems, indeed, this wall Is built to stand. I marvel at thy might, Thy wondrous skill in building this aright ! Nehemiah (For a moment, he listens eagerly. A dazed, stupid expression steals across his face. With a gesture, as if pushing the words of Pride away from him, he speaks slowly — to himself.) "0 God, Thou art my God ; early will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee, To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee In the sanctuary When I remember Thee upon my bed, And meditate on Thee in the night watches. Because Thou hast been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Thy wings Will I rejoice." (Ps. 63:1-7.) (Enter a driver and golden chariot; a richly 140 THE KING'S CUPBEARER trapped beast. A footman and messenger are close at hand.) Messenger (to Pride) My lord, I wait; and art thou ready quite? If so, we'll journey onward, e'er 'tis night. Pride (pleadingly to Nehemiah) Come down with me. Sanballat waits to hear Thy mighty conquest over sin and fear. Come with me, friend. Nehemiah (resolutely) "I am doing a great work, So that I cannot come down: Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, And — come — down — to — you ?" (Nehemiah 6:3.) Pride (insisting) They wait for thee at Ono. Nehemiah Let them wait ! I have a work. Yea, I know It must continue. Pride (pointing to wall) To tell them of this dost thou refuse to go? Come with me to the village of Ono. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 141 NEHEMIAH "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, And come down to you?" (Nehemiah 6:3.) {The driver slowly turns the chariot around; the footman, the messenger and Pride follow. They exeunt while Nehemiah slowly repeats:) "Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, And come down to you?" {Enter Jealousy. She is a deceitful looking woman with face wreathed in vain smiles. She approaches Nehemiah and looks with sinister smiles at his work.) Jealousy Why this is Nehemiah? {with surprise) Long ago I knew thee. We were friends, dost thou recall Those days in Babylon ? I little knew That thou wouldst prove a master over all This mighty work! {Smiling with pained expression.) No one is more rejoiced than I am, friend, At all thy progress! 142 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (As if trying to convince herself of her joy.) Ah, I am so glad Thou dost so well, my friend; and if I had My way, I would confer on thee all good! I am not jealous, — all is understood With me. No one could wish thee more than I Of great success ! (As if determined he should believe her.) So glad — so glad, friend! Why This vast success ? Nehemiah (not looking up from his work) I know thy voice ! Thy face I have not seen ! Thy words spell J-e-a-1-o-u-s-y. I have not been Deceived by all thou say'st of my success, — I know full well, thou lovest me no less Than this work I would do. Go from me, go, Admiring jealousy. Thou canst not know The purpose of my days. Why shouldst thou tell Me pleasing nothings of my work, when hell Is where ye wish to drag me? (Lifting his eyes in prayer.) Ah, 'tis true "Of mine own self, I do no thing," one prays, In future years: THE KING'S CUPBEARER 143 (as if in prophecy) "Yea, I forever do That which the Father does;" indeed, God's ways Are higher than my thoughts. (Jealousy with poisoned, admiring glances exits) (Nehemiah raises both hands as if he were fairly lifted up from the earth) Father, thanks, praise! (Four men enter carrying mortar-trough; after placing it, they exeunt.) (Nehemiah turns back to the contemplation of the work on the wall. Prejudice, a messenger from Sanballat, enters, al- most creeps about, and whispers as if frightened. Goes up to mortar which Ne- hemiah is mixing, and looks at it fear- fully.) Some one has mixed this mortar wrong, my friend, Sh — what have I said. I did not mean to tell That shameful plot. Nehemiah A plot ye say? Pray lend Assistance in unraveling it. (Nehemiah ceases his work and appears to be much disturbed.) 144 the king's cupbearer Prejudice Meshuliam, Zadok, Ezra, ah, for shame! I should not speak of this ! I would not say One word to turn thee from thy friendships, nay, Not one word; but (whispering) , 'twas Shal- lum said to me That ye were hard task-master! Ah, I see I have been wrong in telling this. (As if repentant.) Nehemiah (continuing his mixing of mortar) Alas, thy name Is prejudice! (pointing to exit) Go! Thou may'st pass Forever from my sight ! Thou canst not tell The light from darkness. Go, the gates of hell Swing back for such as thee. (Prejudice, muttering, starts to leave.) Prejudice I wouldst not turn Thee e'er against a brother, but, I yearn To tell thee how Hanani says that thou Sh — art basely wrong — Sh, what have 1 spoken now? Nehemiah (dropping his mortar mixer, he places hands THE KING'S CUPBEARER 145 over ears so that he cannot hear) Of all the messengers Sanballat prides, Thou art the falsest one,— yea, thou ! Death hides Behind thy muttered murmurings! Go now From me — Ah, never more shalt thou Deceive me, crafty, whispering abuse; Thy name is prejudice, and I refuse To listen to thee, coward! Whispering, Go back to Hades whence thy lispings spring. I shall rely on God to tell me all About my fellow-man. (lifting eyes) On Him I call For righteous judgment ! God, alone, is good, And, in His sight, man now is understood! One day, a singer comes to earth to say : "Our feet shall stand" within Jerusalem Where human prejudice no more hath sway. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." (Psalms 122:6.) (Exit Prejudice.) (A small man, Persecution, carrying a whip of many cords, enters. He appears proud of himself. He glides craftily here and there and everywhere. Nehemiah, not observing Persecution's entrance, con- tinues his work. Persecution wickedly 146 THE KING'S CUPBEARER looks at Nehemiah as he works and gives him a fearful lash with the whip on his back. The Cupbearer, startled, looks up with pained expression. Enter Human Goodness and Self-Pity. They say nothing, but stand solicitously at Nehe- miah's side. Nehemiah, taking a few steps, observes Persecution standing prominently before him, and immediately the Cupbearer's expression of suffering changes to a look of relief.) Nehemiah (to Persecution) Ah ha, I see thee now, thou gav'st the blow That turned me from my work ! I know thy name, — 'Tis Persecution. Yea, I surely know That thou hast caused me all this grief and shame ! (As Nehemiah weeps, Persecution, step- ping out into a more prominent position, appears to be most happy.) Persecution (proudly, to Nehemiah) Ah, yes, I struck the blow at thee, my friend, My name is Persecution ; many fear The grief and ravages I daily send To those whose mission is to conquer here. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 147 (proudly) I struck the blow ! (strutting about as if pleased with himself) Nehemiah (turning sadly to his work — to himself) He struck the blow ! Ah, me, When shall I from the curse of self be free? (These words are said discontentedly as if dissatisfied with himself and the whole world. Persecution, turning quickly, strikes the Cupbearer a stinging blow, this time over the head.) 'Twas thou, (turning defiantly toward Self Pity) Self Pity, who hath done this thing ! I shall not take thy curses! Suffering Is not my portion ! (again Persecution steals up behind and lashes Nehemiah cruelly over the head) Persecution (appearing boldly before Nehemiah) No, No, 'twas I who lashed thee, — My name is Persecution. (pleadingly) Call me so, And credit me with all I do ! 148 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Self-Pity (to Nehemiah) (She wears a pained, pious expression. Her eyes are* turned deceitfully upward. When she speaks, she whispers whiningly in Nehemiah's ear) Oh, how I suffer ! How I hear each blow ! I, I, I, I, I suffer so, so, so ! Human Goodness No one has stood alone, unloved, as thou,— Martyr of martyrs, cursed here, hated now I This blow came from my human goodness ! I (Nehemiah turns tp his work. Again Per- secution strikes a stinging blow as if in refutation of the claims of Human Good- ness.) Persecution (interrupting, to Human Goodness) Ah, no, it did not! I will tell thee why I struck the blow! Nehemiah (to Persecution) I scorn, indeed, each word thou sayest, knave ! And call thee not by name that thou wouldst crave. the king's cupbearer 149 Persecution (eagerly) 'Twas Persecution struck the blow, I, I, My name is Persecution, why, 0, why, Not credit me with all I do? Why pray? Nehemiah (firmly) I scorn, indeed, each word thou sayest; nay, I need not thee believe ! I shall not say Thy name. (Enter Understanding; Persecution (angrily) I go! I shall not stay, — not here! Unless thou cairst me Persecution, Fear! I like my name; no other one, alas, Becometh me. (Brushing with disgust past Nehemiah, Persecution takes Human Goodness and Self-Pity by the arm and leads them away.) Knave, traitor, let me pass! (Persecution and Human Goodness walk defiantly together to entrance. They exeunt.) 150 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Nehemiah (to Understanding) When human goodness shall have passed away, Frail persecution shall have no more sway. Understanding (to Nehemiah) This is the greatest wisdom men can know, — That persecution never struck one blow. When this is known in churches, nations, then, We shall have joy among the sons of men. The summit of one's search for Truth and good Is knowing in Mind's loving brotherhood There is no persecution. All is love. Nehemiah Then God is Lord of earth and heav'n above. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 151 CANTICLE VIII. Description : Same as Canticle VII. Morn- ing scene. Over-bright sun typifying unrest. Enter twelve very small children. They quarrel incessantly among themselves. They constantly get in Nehemi- ah's way and howl angrily over the least provocation. Collectively they represent Human Birth. Discovered: Twelve noisy children troop- ing in, and Human Goodness. Human Birth (First Small Child) (stubbing toe on building material and howl- ing bitterly) Oh, my, oh, my, oh, my, my toe ! (sitting down and holding toe in hands) my toe ! Human Goodness My toe ! (As each child speaks, Human Goodness 152 THE KING'S CUPBEARER repeats the last word of each sentence like an echo.) (All of the children crowd noisily about the injured one. Some of them laugh mis- chievously. Others push and crowd and knock each other over. Some whine. Others cry for fear. Some laugh loudly. The uproar is terrific as\ one child pushes another and shrieks: "Leave me alone!' 9 and another shouts: "Coward!" Suddenly someone throws bright colored baubles in the midst of the children. To- gether they roar hoarsely: "Good, good, good, good!" The baubles quickly vanish as the children reach put for them. Chil- dren all howl as baubles vanish.) Nehemiah (tenderly, to children) Where have I seen before such human woe? Where have I seen such poor untempered zest O'er life's vain baubles which but live at best One moment? (as if remembering) Ah, I recall, in days long gone, I, too, believed myself a child who grew As others bade me. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 153 Human Birth (Second Small Child) (accusing all the children) He knew, he, he knew ! Human Goodness He knew! Human Birth (Third Small Child) (snatching something from another child) He took that ! He took that! Don't you know, I told him not to do that? Human Goodness Not to do that! Human Birth (Fourth Small Child) It's mine! It's mine! You knew that was mine, now, didn't you? Human Goodness Now, didn't you? Human Birth (Fifth Small Child) I tell ye, it's mine! (sobbing) I tell ye, it's mine ! (sobbing) . And you know it, too. You do ! You do ! Now, don't you ? Human Goodness Now, don't you ? Human Birth (Sixth Small Child) It's mine. I wouldn't be dishonest like you. I can prove I'm honest. Yon know you can't. Can you? 154 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Human Goodness Can you? Human Birth (Seventh Small Child) I had it first ! You can't deny that, can you ? Human Goodness Can you? Human Birth (Eighth Small Child) I did! Human Goodness I did! Human Birth (Ninth Small Child) He took it ! He took it! You know he did. Don't you? Human Goodness Don't you? Human Birth (Tenth Small Child) It's mine. My sister gave it to me ! Human Goodness Gave it to me! Human Birth (Eleventh Small Child) She stole it! You saw her take it, didn't you? Human Goodness Didn't you? Human Birth (Twelfth Small Child) He did! Shame! Coward! Human Goodness Coward ! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 155 Human Birth (First Small Child) (trying to protect a child) Leave him alone, he's my brother. He's honest and so am I. We can prove it, too. We can prove that you took that ! Human Goodness You took that ! ;Human Birth (Second Small Child) (Indicating child and pushing tormentor aside scornfully.) Human Goodness Coward, fool, you, you! You! You! Nehemiah The words of God may now be understood. (beholding the quarreling of children) I credit not mine eyes. This is not true. (Raising hand as if stilling a tempest. The children immediately become quiet and listen. Exit Human Goodness.) Love knows no human birth, self's devious ways Of f retf ulness, and fear, and shouts of praise ! (Enter Understanding. The children's in- coherent arguments gradually cease.) Understanding Thy human questionings must one day cease. Love's government shall bring eternal peace. 156 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Nehemiah Yea, "Just unity and no questions raised" In nation, home nor church! Let God be praised ! Understanding None can deny that God is Father of All men and that He doth create through love! Nehemiah (Compassionately to the children.) Dear children, how I love thee, waifs of earth, God will reveal to thee thine own new birth ! (as if in prophecy) I raise no questions with thee. God is good ! In unity all things are understood ! Understanding Mere human goodness is forever vain ; Its quarreling must be hushed to ever gain True understanding which will lead men on Past fear of self until earth's wars are won. To-day, the tribes of Israel shall come, Yea, twelve of them, to lead thee safely home, Beside still waters, where man hath not age Nor youth ! (The children, as if in prayer, clasp their hands and look up to heaven.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 157 Nehemiah Come, tribes of Israel, come here! (Enter twelve Israelites, six men and six women. There is a hushed silence while each one takes a child gently by the hand.) (approvingly, to the silent tribes) Unity governs wisely every one. With no more "questions raised," God's will is done. All the Children (together) How glad we are! There is naught now to fear! Understanding (indicating the Tribes) They are Love's silent approbation. When The world is free, all men shall love all men. When approbation of all men is giv'n, Man's home and church and marriage art in heav'n. (Each of the twelve children, led by a rep- resentative of the twelve tribes of Israel, passes by Nehemiah. The Cupbearer tenderly places his hand on each child as if giving a blessing.) Nehemiah Thou shalt be safely led o'er moor and fen, 158 THE KING'S CUPBEARER And shouldst thou stumble thou shalt rise again. (lovingly to children) These Tribes of Israel shall guard and tell Thee how to go. Dear children, all is well ! Truth's peace be ever with thee on thy way To Life, eternal, and effulgent day, Where man is neither old nor young — where he . Dwells as God's image through eternity. (As the children and Twelve Tribes of Israel are quietly leaving the stage, Under- standing prays.) Understanding Thank God for silent witnesses of good ! With them, all men are truly understood. The silent Tribes of Israel shall bless Mankind with health and peace and happi- ness. When men and nations silently agree, The world shall know the Truth which makes it free. And when in church all questions cease for aye The world shall waken to eternal day. (Brightness of noon-day. Ex- cessive heat, denoting weari- ness.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 159 {Enter Maturity, a man who appears to be fast growing old. He carries a large mirror in one hand and a bottle of hair dye in the other. Maturity constantly places the mirror before Nehemiah and attempts to touch up his hair.) Maturity {fearfully to Nehemiah) I fear for thee ! Thou art not well, alas ! Why shouldst thou work, my friend, thy youth will pass From thee ! {peering into Nehemiah's face) Or, hath it gone, indeed, — The while thou toilest over work's dead creed? I am afraid for thee, thou troubl'st me! This heat is very great ! Alas, my friend, I fear for thee — I do so long to send Thee to thy rest in bed of ease, to-day, Where thou couldst sleep earth's stupid hours away. Nehemiah {scornfully) 'Tis strange that thou shouldst come, when I can see The very Truth that maketh all men free. 160 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Maturity I always come — Set Ways, Gray Hair, Old Age,— No one resists me — layman, Christian, sage ! If thou wilt never rest, then let me bring This touch of youth to thee. (Again tries to touch up Nehemiah's hair.) Thy suffering Hath brought thee age. Nehemiah (to Maturity) I know this argument, maturity — This cursed falsity, this cruel fear — This baseless nothing cannot enter here. Man is forever young, forever old, Forever childlike — God's law hath foretold ! (Pushes Maturity beyond exit.) (Enter a dark, sinister-looking man with long, flowing robes. He carries a large black sack over his shoulder. His robes fly about as if blown by the wind. He is Discouragement.) (Night falls. Extremely cold and desolate.) Discouragement (to Nehemiah) What, alone! Where are the lazy Jews to- day? THE KING'S CUPBEARER 161 Thou workest here so long, and wherefore, pray? Thou hast, indeed, no portion when 'tis done. (Nehemiah drops his hammer, rubs his forehead and listens.) I often wonder why thou shouldst do This useless work and slay thyself ! 'Tis true No Jew will thank thee. Come, and rest, my friend. A chariot awaits without. Just lend Thy time to us a while, and thou shalt be Repaid, indeed, for thy sincerity. Here no one knows. (Nehemiah sadly assents.) Yea, no one cares ! (Nehemiah agrees) I see Thou art well-nigh discouraged. (Nehemiah leans dejectedly against the wall.) Come with me ! (Nehemiah takes a few steps toward Dis- couragement and draws back.) I journey incognito and 'tis well — I am of noble birth. Come, I will tell Thee of thy portion, sleep ; thy sacred right To take the easy way of work. Dark night Enfolds thee in oblivion, my friend. 162 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (Long arms, with flowing sleeves, held high over Nehemiah's head.) Trust all to me, trust all, and I will send Thy soul to hell (eagerly) and there my par- ent, Death, Will rob thee of thine all, — thy very breath ! (Takes from the sack thrown over his shoul- der a handful of seeds, and scatters them about. As seeds fall, loud, harsh noises are heard.) This is my grain, — seeds of dismay. Why stand Beside that wall in danger? (Fearful noises as seeds fall. Nehemiah, frightened, drops tools from his hands.) From thine hand (indicating tools) They fall ! Come, let us in God's house now meet, Within the temple. Fear would slay thee ! (Loud reports of hail and sleet. Flashes of lightning. Stage becomes like blackest night. Evil imps, small of stature, whisk about everywhere. They tug at Nehe- miah's garments, bearing him almost to the ground, hang about his neck, whisper in his ear and mock him.) Sleet, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 163 Hail, and lightning, — in the night they come. (Discouragement steps forward and takes Nehemiah's hand as if to lead him from danger.) Come with me, friend, and I will lead thee home — Straight to our safe abiding place in hell. Come with me, and my parent, Death, will tell Thee of thy greatness ! (Nehemiah goes with him a few steps. The hail, thunder, and lightning cease and imps drop down behind heaps of building material. A lethargic peace seems to settle down.) Nehemiah {with a start, as if awakening) To— tell— of me— me? Discouragement (quickly as if correcting his words) To let thee tell of all the work that thou Hast wrought upon these walls. Come with me, now! Nehemiah (drawing back) To speak of one's own self is at a loss ! God bears true witness here ! Why should I cross 164 THE KING'S CUPBEARER The barriers of hell to talk with thee And Death about myself? I must be free ! Discouragement (still pleading) How still it is, — so quiet now! Ah, see, Thou may'st have peace if thou wilt come with me. (Nehemiah draws himself up to his full height, 'and towers above Discourage- ment who appears to shrivel away almost to nothing.) Nehemiah (to Discouragement) I ask, should such a man as I then flee ? (Steps with firm strides to wall and, seizing huge gates, clamps them into place. Dis- couragement partially rises again and begins once more to scatter seeds but the sounds are very faint and soon die away. In low, weak voice Discouragement tries to argue with Nehemiah, who continues his work.) Discouragement (to Nehemiah) Come — Come — (very faint, — hail — thunder — lightning — ) (very low voice) Come — come home — THE KING'S CUPBEARER 165 Home — (very low ) — home — home — hell — home — Home — home — hell — home — home. (Nehemiah rises to full height beside the nearly finished wall. One of the few last gates is clamped into place. He pays no heed to the whisperings of Discourage- ment but joyously continues his task.) Nehemiah (to himself — proudly) 'Tis nearly finished! (sigh of relief) Ah! I have done well, To stand against my enemies and foes. How well I wrought, the future ages tell, How well I stood, the God in heaven knows ! (As Nehemiah speaks of himself, one of the smallest and most persistent of imps perches on a pile of building material, and just as Nehemiah finishes these words, the imp tries to press a dark, green vial between his lips.) Imp (pressing vial to Nehemiah's lips) Taste, taste it, friend, 'tis very, very sweet. Nehemiah (struggling to get away) Why should I taste it? (as he speaks, the Imp quickly pours some of 166 THE KING'S CUPEEARER its contents down his throat?) Imp (to Nehemiah) Because 'tis truly meet That thou shouldst know all woe. Nehemiah This (striking vial from his mouth) taste (tasting), it is — Like cursed poison ! (As he begins to moan, Death enters dressed in black flowing robe; he is very old and bent.) Death (to Nehemiah) Did some one call? Is this The place where I am wanted ? Nehemiah (to Death) No one called. No, not wanted! (angrily) Death (to Nehemiah) I heard a moan, my name, Another name for Death ; in fact, some know No other name for Death but uttered woe! (Death steals across the stage and takes both of Nehemiah's hands. The Imps smile wickedly at Nehemiah while Dis- THE KING'S CUPBEARER 167 COURAGEMENT scatters seeds of discord. Loud noises, hail, thunder. Flashes of lightning. It is still very dark.) Thy hands are cold, my friend, just let me hold Them close ! They are so very, very cold. (Nehemiah shudders as if overcome with cold. Enter Sight, Hearing, Touch, Taste, Smell, and quietly take their places at his side. They appear power- less to act.) Nehemiah (to the five men, as he sinks down upon a pile of building material) I see, and smell, and taste, and touch, and hear, And, yet, I almost yield to cursed fear. (calling loudly) Come, Wakefulness and Intuition, come, And lead me on to Life's eternal home. (as if in a death struggle) Discernment, Faith And Understanding, each has understood! (Looking appealingly toward five men.) All senses change forms at once to those of women. Nehemiah appears relieved.) Faith (Kneeling down and speaking clearly into 168 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Nehemiah's right ear, while Death con- tinues to whine in his left ear. Nehe- miah's face undergoes a mighty change and struggle. The right side of his face, while Faith is speaking, seems tp be freed from pain. The left side twitches nervously as if in great pain. While Faith speaks, the scene is bright and warm.) Thou asked for just one day of gratitude, For vict'ry over cares, diseases, fears. I heard thee praising God, friend, as I stood Beside thee in thy work ! A thousand years Of blessings daily come to one who prays Rejoicingly, and thanks God for His ways. Thou needst not fear this monster, death, for he Is stupid sleep, weak inactivity. One day, a Master tenderly will say: "Thy faith hath made thee whole. Go thou in peace/' His words are spoken now. This very day Thou shalt have faith. Earth's tumults, then, must cease. (Faith rises and steps aside) Death {whispering whiningly in Nehemiah's left ear; scene changes to dark, cold night) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 169 How dark the night ! I am unloved and old ! My happiness is past ! How very cold This place is! In the yesterdays, I had So many joys to make me very glad. I loved the past! This present hour, I hate! I want to die! Why stay here? Wherefore wait For joy within the world, when joy is gone? While others have glad days, I mourn alone ! Intuition (kneeling, speaks clearly into Nehemiah's right ear. Bright light) Death is the myth of myths. Human despair And fretfulness its creed. Beset with care, Death's other self is age, old age, that lends Nor gives joys of to-day. Death's yesterday now sends It to its doom. Nehemiah (With doubt, to Intuition; looking fearfully toward Death.) Thou speak'st as if, indeed, Death were not someone! Why say'st: "Its creed Is fretfulness?" Is Death not someone, then ? 170 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Intuition (Bright scene.) Death is a counterfeit. Time and again It comes to speak to us, as person, when It is not person, place, nor anything! (Death continues to whine incoherently into Nehemiah's left ear. Nehemiah winces as if in pain. Intuition rises and steps aside. The scene again becomes dark.) Nehemiah Alas! Alas! This cruel suffering! Death (exultingly) Ah me, ah me, in Babylon, my friend, Thou didst have joy as Cupbearer. Why lend Thy self to those who have no thought for thee? None loves nor pities thee! None cares to see Thee now ! I know, for I am old, so old ! My name is Death, Old Age. Ah, I have told Thee mournful facts! Nehemiah (as if weakening) I know ! Yea, I grow old ! My happiness is past ! Friends turn away ! It was not thus, alas, in former day! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 171 Ah, these are mournful facts which Death hath told. Discernment (speaking clearly in Nehemiah's right ear. Light.) Thou shalt prove faithful, friend, patient, and kind, Thou shalt be grateful still to work and give ! — This is the good no man can e'er unbind, — Thou shalt be patient that all men may live. Thou needst not fear this monster, death. Rise, see, 'Tis stupid sleep, weak inactivity. Death (to Nehemiah Night scene.) The ones who built with thee, thy very own, Hath turned away from thee ; and now, alone, Thou f acest the end of all ! Is there worse Than just to have as heritage Death's curse? Why have they turned from thee, those shift- less men, To let thee die alone, unloved? Ah, when Shall we poor mortals wake to sadly see We have no portion save disloyalty ? Nehemiah Must we poor mortals wake to sadly see We have no portion save disloyalty? 172 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Why do I mutter words Death speaks to me? May I not voice the Truth that sets men free? Why doth it seem all friends have turned away? Is God not God in heav'n, eternally? This work of mine, could it have been for naught, — Why do I speak of self, what I have wrought? Understanding (comes quietly forward and kneels close to Nehemiah Bright scene.) To speak forever, friend, of God's great good Is loving charity. Well understood Is man's true character when God is claimed As his Creator, — none is cursed nor blamed. The work upon this wall is not of men, — None shall subtract nor add to it again. Thou needst not fear thy work shall pass away — And this is Life — o'er work death hath no sway (Death binds Nehemiah with heavy, cold chains. Nehemiah groans and breathes heavily.) Nehemiah (shuddering) How cold, alas, how very, very cold THE KING'S CUPBEARER 173 These chains are ! Wakefulness (Light.) Yet they cannot ever hold Thee from thy work. Thou shalt arise and go, As victor over sin and fear and woe. Death hath no power to bind the one who, freed From self, goes forth to meet another's need. (Nehemiah continues to breathe heavily. He appears to be in a death struggle. Death exults over every groan.) Nehemiah (gaspingly) Self! Self! Self! Self ! — From self may I then go ? Pain! Self! Fear! Death! Want! Woe! Death (exultingly as Nehemiah's breath becomes fainter) Ah, this is death ! I saw it long ago, — This closing off of breath ! I know ! I know ! Thou saw'st my mother breathe her last and go; Thy father, too, ye saw it long ago. Ah, this is death ! THE KING'S CUPBEARER It is the separation which I fear. Thou shalt be far away from here, from here. Thy hands are cold! (Holds Nehemiah's hands.) Yea, very cold, alas. I fear for thee. Thou know'st that I shall pass Death's boundaries. Nehemiah (Rising with a struggle, gaspingly.) Why dost thou speak of thee And me as ever one ? Death Ah, wouldst thou see Death's mysteries? (As if explainng a puzzle.) I would confound, confuse Thy name with mine, so that if thou wouldst choose Thine own, thou shalt, indeed, draw forth my name, Fast intertwined with thine. This is Death's game Of self, — a wicked prattle 'tis, indeed, To speak thy name and mine together so. Yea, Babylon confounded is my creed. Thine heritage and mine art self and woe* THE KING'S CUPBEARER 175 NEHEMIAH (shuddering) A tiny speck before my eye appears. It blots out all the world ! Death, all thy fears Art come to pass ! (Small black speck dances before Death's and Nehemiah's eyes. A dark and dreadful cloud, zigzag flashes of lightning. A dense, dark mist, spreading itself like a heavy cloud settles over all. Shrieks of women, screams of children, the shouts of men, some screaming, "0, let me die!' 9 ; some begging, "O, let me die!"; children crying, "O, why must I die!" Many homds lifted through the clouds of human war- fare as if reaching out vainly for help. Nehemiah, with a mighty struggle, raises himself on his elbow, and beholds the death struggle of a world. The ex- pression of his face changes quickly from intense fear to tender compassion. He reaches out both hands as if he would grasp the hands of those extended through the dark clouds and mist. Nehemiah, with wondrous strength, rises to his feet and lifts his eyes to heaven.) 176 the king's cupbearer Understanding (to Nehemiah) Self is the speck that now Doth dance before thy sight! I ask, canst thou (As if speaking to All.) Not see this speck wouldst shut out all the light Of good ? Father, I lift mine eyes to thee ! (speck disappears) Nehemiah (gratefully to Understanding) The speck of self is vanished ! I am free ! I stand a freed man now ! I, strong and well, Health, joy and peace, for all mankind fore- tell! Is all mankind involved in Death's dire woe ; Must they through endless night of fear then go? The world, itself, is perishing, and I Am crushed and buried in the heap ! Ah, why Should they (with compassion) not rise this moment, now, and be Transformed from death to immortality? THE KING'S CUPBEARER 177 (in earnest prayer) God save mankind, this hour ! Father, their need Is more than mine! I pray, may they be freed ! (as if in prophecy) The shepherds, keeping watch, shall see the light Of one brave star of Love. Yea, though dark night Of fear may settle o'er the world, they see The star of Truth's new birth that makes men free! (A bright star shines clearly down through the night of darkness and dispels the gloom. The hands reaching out for help vanish in the light.) The star that images God's wondrous might Of health, and holiness, and endless right. Death (as if disheartened) Thou prayest for the world? Alas, in vain I wait for thee ! Nehemiah (to Death) Thy loss becomes earth's gain ! Death's dream is false ! (triumphantly) An- other comes to say : 178 THE KING'S CUPBEARER "Where is thy sting ?" and where, grave, is thy way Of victory ? (Death sinks to the floor and falls into a dead sleep. Nehemiah laughs joyously.) Death takes the form of sleep. This is the one disguise that death would keep. (Nehemiah calls messengers; two men enter.) Come, Messengers, and carry out this form Of death. Disguised as sleep, death seeks to harm All men. Self, self alone! Death's very curse Is finite fear of self — could there be worse? Death is nor person, place, nor anything — Its one disguise is self and suffering. (The messengers carry Death from the stage. Nehemiah turns back to his work. Enter Enemy. He is the counterfeit of Nehemiah.) ,r Tis finished, as our enemies shall see. My God, think thou upon them, those who cursed Our labor ! Not for once, not once, I durst Not think of them! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 179 Enemy (Waving the Union Flag, — to Nehemiah.) Come, we will talk of thee. Come, hell, come, home! Come, let us ponder thy life's martyrdom! I can reverse thy vict'ry over death ; I still can rob thee of thy very breath. (Exit the five women. Enemy beckons as if to unseen allies. All of the evil mes- sengers previously appearing in this scene hasten in, each bearing in one hand a flaming vial of boiling oil and pitch, and in the other a national emblem. Flags of all nations are displayed. The mes- sengers war among themselves. In his effort to separate them and establish peace, Nehemiah is fairly flooded with the burning oil and tar. A beautiful woman enters slowly and seats herself at a table at left, quite aloof from the war- ring messengers. In one hand she holds an open Book of the Law, and in the other the Stars and Stripes. She has the appearance of a woman-child. She is sat- isfied, radiant, prosperous. Heaps of gold and bright colored toys are laid constantly on the table before her by pages, who quickly enter and leave. Enemy seizes a 180 THE KING'S CUPBEARER small messenger wrapped in a tattered green flag, and stationed before Nehe- miah, crushes the child under foot. Enemy attempts to strangle the waif with the Union Flag. The child, mock- ingly and vivaciously attempting to talk and moan in one breath, frequently escapes from Enemy's grasp, and limps over to the woman, only to be roughly dragged back by Enemy to again obstruct Nehemiah's vision. Nehemiah appears burdened. Unsuccessful in separating the warring messengers, he looks eagerly toward the woman for help. She sends money and scrolls of advice through her pages to Nehemiah and the messengers, but makes no effort to enter into the struggle.) Desire-to-be- Alone We are Desire-to-be-Alone, sin's throng Of evil messengers — we are pride's strong Desire to think of self for good or ill. Desire to be alone is our one will. Nehemiah {beseechingly, to the woman) Why should'st thou stand aloof forever? (Nehemiah attempts to steady the wall and at the same time to read from the Book of THE KING'S CUPBEARER 181 the Lata, while Enemy, flaunting the Union Flag and crushing the lame child, interferes. With back to the wall, by a supreme effort, Nehemiah keeps the structure from crashing.) Woman of Nations, come, and aid me now! Desire-to-be-Alone My boundaries are safe. I am at peace. Why should I ever enter quarrels like these? I need not fight. I need not be dismayed, When I can stand alone and unafraid ! (As Nehemiah beckons, one by one the mes- sengers come to the support of the totter- ing wall. Each places his national en- sign as a support to the crumbling struc- ture. As this is done, the flags of many nations are hidden from view. Desire- to-be-Alone wraps her Stars and Stripes closely about her, and refuses to move.) Earth's tumult wearies me. I love to rest Secure in my own peace, yea, this/is best! God has been good to give me this safe place, So far away from sin and war. His grace Hath well protected me! Nehemiah (to Desire-to-be- Alone) To think of one's own self is at a loss. God's secret place is here! I bear no cross. 182 THE KING'S CUPBEARER I know thee, troops of persons, nations, things — Thou art desire-to-be-alone, which brings These barriers of hell to me and thee. Though multitudes are with me, I am free ! Desire-to-be- Alone Why should I go? I rest here so secure! Though every; nation fall, I shall endure. My gold is plentiful. I have great gain. I am protected, too, from war and pain! Nehemiah {To the woman) Desire to share, desire to do and give, Desire to lend thyself that men may live, — This, then, is joyous rest, — home, heaven, alL Desire to be with men, to heed the call Of all mankind, — yea, each desire to be With others brings life, immortality. Woman, thine isolation thou shalt give That all the nations of the world may live. (The woman plays with her toys.) Thou shalt yet leave thy nursery and come Out among men and make the world thine home. Thou shalt retain thy childlike joy and ways And thus redeem all nations. God be praised ! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 183 Desire-to-be- Alone The troubles of this world are not for me, I shall remain alone, protected, free! Nehemiah (looking longingly toward the woman) Desire to be alone is worse than death, — It robs mankind of all. One's very breath Is giving and receiving. God is good, And in His law, all things are understood WTien men and nations speak of God each hour And long to be with others. Yea, the pow'r Of Truth is mighty as we know each one Who speaks proclaims the Father's will is done. (One by one as the messengers come to the support of the wall and surrender a na- tional emblem, Nehemiah bows his head in prayer.) Father, I thank Thee, thank Thee, I thank Thee. I thank Thee, Father, to be with Thee and Thine Own children, Thine own nations, Thine and mine! Father, I thank Thee. (Nehemiah turns away as if seeking no longer the woman's aid. He has not ob- 184 THE KING'S CUPBEARER served Enemy's cruel treatment of the lame child. The wall is about to crash. Each messenger now, with back to the wall, is aiding in the support. The woman reads calmly on and counts her gold.) Desire-to-be- Alone I love to be alone. This is my gain, — To stand aloof from war and want and pain. (As Nehemiah speaks, darkness enfolds the woman. She still endeavors to read.) Nehemiah (as if in prophecy) Friends, a nation's need One day shall be to dwell with others. Freed From lonely sepulchre, her men shall rise Leagued with a world, united. Paradise Is gained through guarding all earth's brotherhoood. This nation shall surrender naught of good. She having sought a quiet place of rest, Shall find her peace, all that is true and best, In dwelling with the nations of the earth, — A world shall waken, then, to Love's new birth. Desire-to-be-Alone God surely favored me when I was born So far remote from war and sin and harm ! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 185 {Darkness as of the sepulchre enfolds the ivoman. The wall is about to crash.) Discouragement, leaving Nehemiah, suddenly beholds the woman sitting in darkness, and goes quickly to her.) Nehemiah Who dwells in peace with others shall not find Within the tomb a lonely dwelling place. Each one shall see his Maker face to face. (Nehemiah has turned away as if he had completely forgotten the woman. For the first time, he beholds Enemy's inhumane treatment of the lame child. Nehemiah snatches the Uuion Flag from Enemy's grasp and hides the emblem behind the wall. The child, still lame, but freed, hobbles laughingly to the woman. Stone after stone crashes unnoticed upon Nehe- miah's head.) Desire-to-be- Alone I see it all. I loved God well but men I have not loved! I shall awaken when My love for men is born, — the sons of earth. (clasping the lame child in her arms) I shall awaken then to Love's new birth. 186 THE KING'S CUPBEARER This joyous child shall talk and laugh and sing; And weep no more, — then shall earth's suffer- ing Forever cease. This child knows government As well as others since God's word is sent To rule. Nehemiah (As Enemy exits) This enemy of mine shall no more claim That he must govern all the earth. (Tenderly to the child) No name Like thine, dear child, the world shall ever know. Thou hast awakened men from self and woe. Nations and men awaken now to find There is one government, the law of Mind. ( The woman, thrusting all of her gold within the Stars and Stripes, and holding by the hand the child, now walking straight hastens to the fast crumbling wall. The child, affectionately embracing each mes- senger in passing, goes to Nehemiah and lovingly takes his hand. The child joy- ously tosses his green flag over the wall. As the woman hurls past the wall the huge THE KING'S CUPBEARER 187 bundle of gold wrapped in the Stars and Stripes, the structure straightens but does not stand secure. The child, trans- formed, now strong and agile, expresses much joy while he dances vivaciously about. The woman, holding aloft the Book of the Laiv, enters in the dance with the child while they together pray the words of the Lord's prayer. Nehemiah and the messengers look up suddenly as if startled. With Nehemiah leading, all messengers holding their positions before the wall, join in the prayer of the woman and child, and as they pray, they dance. The wall stands almost if not quite secure. The woman, laughing joyously, stands at the right of the wall. Nehemiah and the messengers are at first startled at her joy, but, after a moment, they all join in her happiness. The woman at one end reads in the bright light the Book of the Law and, as she does so, the wall stands straight and true. The messengers, representing the nations of the world, stand at her left. Nehemiah at the ex- treme left with the Book of the Law in one hand, and ivith the other raised in grateful benediction, prays. In the bright 188 THE KING\S CUPBEARER light it is seen that the woman is Under- standing.) This work is wrought of God. Yea, He, alone, Hath surely built this wall, stone upon stone. (to the woman) Thou art Desire-to-be-with-Others. See! (Pointing triumphantly to the messengers, who rest easily beside the fortified wall.) Woman, thine hand hath set the whole world free! 'Tis plain why I alone have failed to save, I have been weary, burdened, far too grave. The world has need of childlike joy and rest, And true responsibility. 'Tis best That we should always build together now. While I must learn of thee, blest woman, thou May learn of me to love the sons of earth ; Thus shall we each rejoice in Truth's new birth. Thou art the Understanding men have sought So long, the childlike joy, not one has bought Save with the price of giving all. Blest one, Woman of Nations, God's will now is done! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 189 Understanding From this time forth, my words are spoken last. Whene'er I speak, the woes of earth are past. My work is to be glad ! This is Truth's way Of doing all. (with hands extended joyously, the wpman laughs as she prays) Rejoicingly we pray ! THE KING'S CUPBEARER 191 CANTICLE IX Sabbath Rest, Followed by Evil's Accusations Description : Showing completed walls. The bright light of a Sabbath morning shines over all. Discovered: A vast company of men, women, and children, sing- ing praises for the comple- tion of the walls. All (singing together) "0 give thanks unto the Lord : for He is good ; for His mercy endureth forever. give thanks unto the God of gods; for His mercy endureth forever. give thanks to the Lord of lords ; for His mercy endureth forever. To Him who alone doeth great wonders ; for His mercy endureth forever." (Ps. 136:1-4.) 192 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (Enter Nehemiah with Hanani and Hananiah) Nehemiah (to Hanani and Hananiah) I give thee charge over Jerusalem, — The while I depart to my lord, the King. Let thy singers sing a glad anthem; Everyone faithful let him praise and sing : Glory to God on High ! Hanani (to Nehemiah) I take thy charge. Nehemiah (to Hananiah) "Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot ; And while they stand by, Let them shut the doors, and bar them : And appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem Every one in his watch, And every one to be over against his house." Thou art a captain, commanded to keep Watch over Israel ; faint not nor sleep. (Nehemiah 7:3.) Nehemiah (to Ezra, the Scribe) Bring the Book of the Law of Moses THE KING'S CUPBEARER 193 Which the Lord hath commanded to Israel. Bring the Book. Let its pages tell The words of the Law, which the Lord, our God Hath commanded to Israel. (Ezra, the priest, brings the Book of the Law before the men and women; and reads therein before the water gate. He stands upon a pulpit of wood. Beside him stand several men.) Ezra (reading from parchment Bible) "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, With all their host, the earth, and all the things that are therein, The seas, and all that is therein, And thou preserveth them all; And the host of heaven worshippeth thee. Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, And broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, And gavest him the name of Abraham; And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, And heardest their cry by the Red sea ; 194 THE KING'S CUPBEARER And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, And on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest That they dealt proudly against them. And Thou did'st divide the sea before them, so That they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land." (Nehemiah 9:6, 7, 9, 10, 11.) (The people weep as the Law is read.) Nehemiah (to All) This day is holy unto the Lord your God ; Mourn not, nor weep. Mourn not, nor weep. Go your way (to the people ivho still weep), eat the fat, and drink the sweet, And send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: For this day is holy unto our Lord : Neither be ye sorry; For the joy of the Lord is your strength. The Levites (on either side of Ezra) "Hold your peace for the day is holy; Neither be ye grieved." (The people who have prostrated themselves THE KING'S CUPBEARER 195 rise with olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palms, and branches of thick trees, and sing to- gether.) All (singing together) This day is a day of gladness, For we have comprehended The words of the law which were read to us. Lord, Thy name we bless. (exeunt singers) Nehemiah (to Hanani) 1 appoint thee keeper of this wall, And all Jerusalem. Pray, Let not vain pride, nor power nor human sway Cause one stone e'er to fall. (to Eliashib, a relative of Tobiah, pointing to temple) Watch o'er yon temple wisely. Israel Shall be redeemed. God keep thee! All is well! To-day I return to my lord, the King Of Babylon. Indeed, I go to bring Him homage, gratitude, and loyalty. 196 the king's cupbearer All May peace and joy and health, be e'er with thee! (As the last words are spoken in farewell, enter two messengers from Artaxerxes, the King. All exeunt save Nehemiah.) First Messenger (hastily to Nehemiah) A letter to thee, sir, thy lord, the King, Commissioned me to come, quickly to bring This message. Nehemiah (Taking letter, reads it as if not understand- ing its contents. He continues to read, as if puzzled.) I was going there — to-day — To Persia— I seek to be a king? (reading) May I be punished if 'tis true, — I seek, — I (reading) To be a king? (puzzled) Of what and wherefore? Why Should I be king when there is One, alone, — The God in heaven? (reading) "And thou must well atone For all thy vanity. I trusted thee And now thou, traitor-like (reading), would'st pillage me Of mine own kingdom. Thou must surely be THE KING'S CUPBEARER 197 An ingrate, so Sanballat says, and he Hath proof whereof he speaks. I know no way Save punishment to curb thy wicked sway/' Second Messenger (while First Messenger steps to Nehemi- ah's side and both bind him with chains) We take thee prisoner. Nehemiah (to Messengers) I was to come Of myself as King's Cupbearer, (pondering) My home Is not an earthly kingdom. God is good, And He, indeed, hath surely understood. This work upon the walls, canst thou not see (pointing with chained hand to wall) Was truly mine own kingdom ! Just to free Another from the curse of poverty And sin and fear, my friends, is all I ask Of earthly kingdom, — just my daily task. (as if explaining a vision) I seek to be a king? If this should be, The friendship of the world is not for me. Who longs for understanding, now may gain The friendship of the world in Love's true name. 198 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (Enter Understanding.,) Understanding (to Nehemiah) In years to come, a jealous world shall aim To drag a nation down to hell and shame, Brave nation, suffring, till her crown is cast Aside for work, — then creeds and caste shall last No more in churches, nations, business, — then We shall have peace among the sons of men. And when she no more governs, then man- kind Is governed by the healing word of good, — That day, Mind's law shall heal earth's brotherhood. In years to come, this nation's love shall hold Rightly its royal kingship till the gold Of character is chastened, — well refined — A kingdom shall retain her king, till Mind Shall reign supreme o'er all; then worlds shall prove The King of all the heav'n, and earth, is Love! (Exit Nehemiah bound with chains between the two messengers.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 199 CANTICLE X Description: A vast underground rock quarry. Blinding smoke from the blasting. Deso- late, weird surroundings. Discovered: Several slaves and overseer silently at work crushing stones. They each groan under the desperate burden of the work. Sanballat and Geshem stand at one side and watch the workers with sinister glee. Time: Several years later. (Enter Nehemiah. He is carrying heavy blasting materials. He lays down his bur- den and begins hewing out the largest of the rocks. As he works, just above him Understanding holds aloft the Declara- tion of Independence and drops this precious manuscript, page by page, into the fire below. Nehemiah smiles grate- fully at Understanding and, taking from his bosom a crown of gold, heightened 200 THE KING'S CUPBEARER with four crosses, he drops it thought- fully in the flames below. Again Nehe- miah glimpses the completed Temple and tvall of Jerusalem. A wondrous city lies beyond. His work upon the stones is easily accomplished. Finally, a vision of the Statue of Liberty appears at the entrance to earth's Promised Land. For a brief moment, Nehemiah extends both hands as if in joyous greeting to the womanly traits of love and tenderness, typified in this statue, which must eventually spiritualize the universe; and as he reaches out his hands, the very stones about him fall of themselves to pieces as if made ready for use without human effort. All about Nehemiah, the other slaves who behold no vision, are moaning bitterly over their tasks. San- ballat, Geshem, and Tobiah discern Ne- hemiah's joy and work. Together they plan to further punish Nehemiah. Dur- ing this scene, no word is spoken.) THE KING'S CUPBEARER 201 CANTICLE XI "There Is Nothing Covered, That Shall Not Be Revealed;" (Matthew 10:26.) Description : Same as Canticle I. The Per- sian Court. Discovered: King Artaxerxes and Queen on throne. Royal festivities. A strange Cupbearer is serving wine. Time : Nine years later than Canticle VIII. The King (to Messenger) And so Sanballat comes to us to-day? Messenger (to King) Blest King, Sanballat comes, and Geshem, too. The King {observing the new Cupbearer as he goes about his task serving wine — to Messen- ger) 202 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Tell me, how is my Cupbearer of time long past? Messenger (to King) Nehemiah? King and Queen (eagerly, together) Nehemiah. Messenger 'Tis true to watch and pray And work, is all he ever seeks to do. The King Some one has said his peace and joy e'er last. Messenger Tis very true ; the hardest, roughest task Is not too much, indeed, for him to ask To do. The King Where is he working now, my son? Messenger (to King) He toils within thy quarries, till the sun Sinks low. Thou dost, blest King of Persia, know That he was doomed with convict-slaves to give His days to crushing stones, that he might live, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 203 Or merely might exist through days of woe, — This was his punishment, my Lord and King. Because Sanballat said he sought to bring Himself to higher power,— to rule, perchance, Within Jerusalem. The King (pondering) He has had chance To murmur (thinking deeply). Yea, I know that he was sent To toil on yonder pile of stones, till bent And old he should become. (As if arousing to new interest.) Does he complain? Messenger Not at his work! He holds as richest gain A task that takes all courage. There are days When those who watch him toil, say that he prays Unceasingly. The King What is his prayer? Messenger That fortified Jerusalem may stand. The King Would he return? 204 the king's cupbearer Messenger Of this he does not pray. He ofttimes says With deepest love, that God in His own ways Must keep Jerusalem — shall guard it well — That God is King, alone. The King And does he tell Of his own wondrous work upon the wall? Messenger Not once. He always prays no stone may fall. (Enter Sanballat and Geshem with sev- eral attendants. They all kneel before the King and Queen. The King gives them (permission to arise.) The King (to Sanballat and Geshem) Governors, thy wishes? Sanballat We came to say The punishment thou gav'st still does not stay His joy. The King What meanest thou? Speak on. Sanballat Nine years ago, we came and told thee, King, Of one knave, Nehemiah. We would bring THE KING'S CUPBEARER 205 Thee safety, King, again to-day. Ye gave A punishment to him, nine years ago, Because he sought to make himself a knave In trying to be king. I told thee this, I come once more to tell thee, thou shouldst know He truly seems to love the task that thou Hast given him for punishment, and now It would seem wise to change his work again, And give him duties that would cause him pain. The King (incredulously) Thou sayest he loves his toil as felon slave? Geshem (to King) He truly does! Ha, ha, (scornfully) he is a knave. The King (thoughtfully) What shall I give him, then, to do that he May still be punished for disloyalty? Sanballat (wickedly) It may seem strange, indeed, to thee, blest King, But I have thought it would be suffering 206 THE KING'S CUPBEARER For him, if thou wouldst bring him unto thee, Within thy court, and offer fealty And homage to him, give him ease and gain. I know him well! (chuckling) I'm sure, to him, 'twere pain To idle festive hours away in ease. I surely know, he would not relish these Gay, feasting days of Court life. Ah, I know To him it would be misery and woe. The King (doubtfully) To him it would be misery and woe? Sanballat (with decision) To him, it would be misery and woe. The King (to Court Messengers) Bring Nehemiah, and each convict slave Who toils on yonder pile. It is the hour Of day when each is coming from his work. Geshem (delightedly) Ah, we shall see again that fool and knave Who loves his labor. King, increase thy power, And give him work that he will loathe and shirk, — THE KING'S CUPBEARER 207 Give Nehemiah work that he will hate ! Sanballat (to King) 'Twould be just punishment. Why longer wait? (Enter Messengers and several galley slaves, including the overseer of the squad of toilers.) Messenger (to King) Thy subjects, King of Persia, now are here. (pointing to slaves) Overseer (explaining to King) Save Nehemiah ; he had work o'er there, Upon yon pile of stones. He ever stays Long past the hours of all his working days. I say, "Enough's enough!" We toil all day, Yea, thirteen hours, — more than this time, I say We cannot serve! The hours are very long, Except for him who always works with song Upon his lips. For him, the day is ever very brief ; But for the rest of us, (with wave of hand he indicates the slaves about him) King, our grief 208 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Is very great! The King (addressing the other slaves) My men, and what say'st thou? Men (almost moaning) King, for the rest of us, our misery Is very great. Sanballat (eagerly) I told thee so, my King ! This Nehemiah should have suffering, Deep suffering, and pain, and want, and woe ! Geshem (to King) This man who sought to be a King should know The pangs of hell. His work should day by day Be weary burden wearing life away. The King (to Messenger) Bring Nehemiah, tell him I send word For him to come at once, — let this be heard. (exit Messenger hastily) (to Sanballat and Geshem with tone indicating doubt) I took thy oaths, my Governors, the day THE KING'S CUPBEABER 209 I sent him to yon stone pile. Now the way Grows complicated. What am I to do To punish him? It may, indeed, be true He hath not yet atoned ; and, yet, I trust, We have judged righteous judgment. Ah, we must Ask Nehemiah's God this time to tell Just what is right to do, — that which is well. (The King bows his head a moment, as if in prayer. The Queen, also, bows her head reverently. Sanballat and Geshem shift from one foot to another, clear their throats, and appear annoyed.) Sanballat (anxiously interrupting, to King) The question is a simple one. I know An easy life at Court would bring him woe. (enter Nehemiah) Nehemiah (he has grown older, yet more radiant; he is dressed as a rough workman) (joyously) King, hast thou sent for me to come, I pray? The King (Appears deeply moved. The Queen looks at Nehemiah with the tender expression of a mother.) Yea, Prince, (pauses as if embarrassed) I 210 THE KING'S CUPBEARER sent for thee — (hesitatingly) for thee — to say- That thou shalt live in ease within my sight, As royal Cupbearer. Thou may'st begin To choose thine own attendants. Bring the ring And royal robe (to attendant). (Attendant brings at once a costly satin robe of many colors and places the garment tenderly in Nehemiah's hands. Nehe- miah drops the robe quickly to the ground and covers his face with his hands as if grieved.) Thou shalt have riches, honor, power, might. (Nehemiah picks the robe up from the floor as if fulfilling a duty. He shudders as his rough hands touch the soft satin.) Why speakest thou not to me? Hast thou naught To say, thou menial slave, with ransom bought And paid for by thy King? Wouldst thou not come And serve as Cupbearer within my home And court? Nehemiah (to King while he looks longingly toward THE KING'S CUPBEARER 211 the Overseer) King, there is much to do, as he {indicating Overseer) can tell. I should not leave my work. 'Twould not be well With thee (to Overseer) and all thy men (turning to slaves) (Nehemiah, still holding the costly robe, stands among the toilers. Unthinkingly, he begins stroking the soft satin garment. His hands, rough with toil, catch harshly on the soft satin. He shudders. To King.) Blest King, my very hands are hardened now To toil, — to roughest work. Why should I cease My labors? There are those to serve, I vow, Much fitter, in this Court. Pray, call on these, And let me go. Blest King, (pleadingly) they're needing me, These men (indicating slaves) are not so strong as I. Ah, see My brawny arms ! (bares his muscular arms) The Overseer (to King) My King, one word, 212 THE KING'S CUPBEARER When he (indicating Nehemiah) first came to me, I, too, had heard How he had sought to be a king o'er there, Within Jerusalem. I took great care To make his punishment full hard, King. I heaped upon him curses ! Suffering Became his daily portion ! Yea, I know He had full measure in his meed of woe. I hated him! And why? — I cannot tell, — I longed to see him suffer pangs of helL Queen and King (eagerly, as if suffering) And did he suffer? Overseer At first, there were days When all his stones seemed mountains. Bitter ways, My King, belong unto the felon-slave. Well doth he pay for all the hours he gave To sin. The King (to Overseer) And this man (indicating Nehemiah ), did he murmur much? Overseer (to King) Ah, no, my King, I never have seen such As he ! With every stone he toiled to break. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 213 It fairly seemed, he did arise, awake, To higher things ! My King, I cannot lend Him even unto thee — he is our friend ! {the Overseer and slaves crowd lovingly d&O^ NEHEMIAH ) {Startled) Ah, what have I said? Shall I be punished more? I told the truth but did not think before I spoke! King {to all — with firmness) But I have spoken, and my word Is first and last our law, — it must be heard! Sanballat) {laughing wickedly, — to Geshem) His {indicating Nehemiah) happy days, I know, are truly past, We have accomplished all we wish at last ! King {to Nehemiah) Speak up, and tell me — what hast thou to say About thy work? Nehemiah {to King) My King, just now, the way Is very bright for me, upon yon pile 214 1HE KING'S CUPBEARER Of stones ; if I might work there for a while (pleadingly) I know that I might help these men (indica- ting slaves). I stand Ready to serve, my King (pleadingly) . We have had good Days yonder ! (As if pointing to stone pile.) If one only understood! (earnestly) (Regretfully) If I should — come — (slowly) — to thee — I know — that — I — Can do no more than come, alas, and try To serve thee well. (As if convincing himself of a duty. Enter Understanding. She smiles approvingly.) King (to Nehemiah) Hast thou forgotten, pray Doth memory recall that long past day Thou wrought upon the towering walls that stand About Jerusalem? Nehemiah (joyously) Ah, King, my hand Still builds those walls. the king's cupbearer 215 King (startled) Thy hand still builds those walls? Nehemiah (to King) Ah, yes, blest King, and not a stone e'er falls. Each rock I crush o'er there, it is, indeed, For these redeemed captives. Yea, their need Is yet my prayer, King. King (eagerly) And wouldst thou go To view those walls again? Speak, let me know! (Leans forward eagerly. Nehemiah kneels at feet of King.) Sanballat and Geshem (afraid) King, why speakest thou so? Art thou, then, mad? This is his wish to go, — his prayer, ah, had — We our own way — King (interrupting, firmly) Hold, fools! I listened once To all thou hadst to say. I, too, was dunce 216 THE KING'S CUPBEARER And knave, indeed, to heed thy foolish lies! This man, (bending forward, as he tenderly places his hand on Nehemiah's bowed head) is Prince, indeed; yea, he may rise And go again to view those walls. His creed Of kingship is to meet each human need With love. He truly was a king o'er there, E'en at Jerusalem, and monarch where Those felon-slaves were toiling day by day. To be a king is just to watch and pray! I see it now, yea, all is very plain; He seeks no earthly kingship. No, nor gain Is there for him in title when he knows The joy of daily work where'er he goes. (Summons messengers and whispers direc- tions. They chain Sanballat and Ge- SHEM together.) (To Sanballat and Geshem) Go forth from me ! Thy faces nevermore Shall look on mine ! Go forth, the open door Of Hades waits for every cursed lie That would besmirch true manhood. They shall die, — These falsehoods, every one, but man is free, Born of one true Creator, God, is he! Such is the teaching of his ministry. (indicating Nehemiah, to Sandballat and THE KING'S CUPBEARER 217 Geshem) Thou shalt be punished. All that thou hast said, Each idle word thou uttered stand'st as curse Of wrong before thee. Yea, thou shalt be fed By jealousy. Ah, could'st thou suffer worse? (Sanballat and Geshem with heads bowed in shame depart. They are bound between two messengers.) {To Nehemiah, waving him permission to arise.) To-morrow, thou and I, and all these men, {indicating slaves) With our blest Queen, and Court, shall go again To see Jerusalem. Nehemiah (to King; {gratefully) Blest King, our gain Shall be to find those walls still strongly stand, — This is our kingdom, Sire. King {to Nehemiah) I pledge my hand That I regret those long and bitter days 218 THE KING'S CUPBEARER That thou hast toiled on pile of stones. The ways Of blind revenge are hard, indeed, to bear. (Weeps.) Nehemiah My King, I pray thee, do not have a care For those days; they were sweet, indeed, to me, — Those blessed hours I knew that I might be A friend to all I wrought with. Even, then, As slaves condemned, we still were friends and — men. Jerusalem ! (Extending his arms as if to an invisible City, while Understanding smiles radiantly.) I see thy walls again, Rising about me. Father, (eyes raised to heaven) I am blest With all thine hand hath given me ! I pray To thank Thee ever on my homeward way. Jerusalem, I saw thy walls arise Above yon pile of stones ! King, my surprise Was very great when I, awake, didst see The heavenly city come to set me free From all my weary toil and suffering! Ah, thou shalt see Jerusalem, my King! The new Jerusalem, with walls built high, — High unto heaven that he who passeth by THE KING'S CUPBEARER 219 May see the remnant now is safe, indeed, Within the city, coming down from heaven, The city, founded peaceably, and given To Love and Life and joy and work; yea, these Are its foundation stones. Understanding The God of peace Hath built Jerusalem! And, over all, The Father watcheth tenderly! The wall Of His protecting love stands strong and true About the remnant ! Israel's captive Jew Hath been redeemed! He is not bond, nor free, Nor male, nor female, Jew, nor Greek is he ! Messiah's hope shall free! The world shall see (to all, as if prophesying) Jerusalem! Father, thanks be to Thee. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 221 CANTICLE XII. Casting Personal Ownership, Human Goodness and Human Power out of the Temple. Salvation. Description: Same as Canticle VIII. Discovered : All the people gathered before the walls at mid-day. Time: Ten days later. All (intoning) "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his sal- vation. 222 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Lift up your heads, ye gates; And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors: And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, ye gates ; Yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors: Ard the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory." (Psalm 24.) Ezra (Reading, before the people, from Isaiah 52:1.) "Awake, awake ; put on thy strength, Zion ; put on thy beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall na more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean." (Closes the book, and turning, looks intently at the temple. All the people look toward the temple. Eliashib is seen running up and down the steps of the temple carry- ing armsful of Tobiah's personal belong- ings, such as robes, caps, shoes, etc. Some of these belongings he occasionally drops, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 223 and they are carelessly strewn about the temple steps. ) (Turning about and addressing the people.) Our friend, Cupbearer of the King, returns to-day. All (shouting gladly) Ah ha, he comes — he comes — the way Of peace is Nehemiah's. (Eliashib is busied in the door of the temple with his own personal work.) Ezra (disapprovingly to Eliashib) A good word Hast thou to say to him? Eliashib (carelessly to Ezra) Yea, I have wrought Within this temple, just as he has taught. Ezra (to Eliashib) For thyself, alone, hast wrought? Eliashib (to Ezra) At times, 'tis true. All work may not be given for Greek and Jew. 224 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (Hanani and Hananiah are sleeping soundly at one end of the porch of the temple. Sleep, in dull colors, is watching jealously over them.) Ezra (pointing derisively toward the sleepers) Yet they were truly left in charge! Yon temple wall They have not guarded. Even though it fall, Would they awake? (The sleepers, breath- ing heavily, move, in their sleep, over very near to the edge of the porch.) Ah, lethargy, I know Of none more deadly enemy and foe! (point- ing toward sleepers) Nor home, nor church thou guardest when with sleep Thine eyes are heavy. A still small voice will come, And sadly say: "Couldst thou not watch one hour, And keep a loving guard o'er church and home?" (A loud blare of trumpets is heard without. Enter chariots and drivers, Court attend- ants, King Artaxerxes and Queen, for- mer slaves dressed as nobles. Nehemiah THE KING'S CUPBEARER 225 enters last, accompanied by the five beau- tiful women, Wakefulness, Intuition, Discernment, Faith and Understand- ing. Nehemiah (to All) Greeting, my friends. (All bow reverently.) The walls (examining walls carefully) still stand, I see. I thank thee for thy true fidelity! (Again bows to all.) (At this moment, Eliashib and Tobiah emerge from the temple, carrying softest of down pilloivs, images, robes, and many personal belongings. Nehemiah discerns this proceeding, and bounding joyously up the steps of the temple, lovingly greets Eliashib.) So thou (tenderly) Hast prepared for God a great chamber, Where aforetime our fathers laid their meat offerings, The frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, The new wine and the oil, which was com- manded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters ; 226 THE KING'S CUPBEARER And the offerings of the priests? The King (to Nehemiah) I, Artaxerxes, king of Babylon, Bear witness, in all this time, Thou wert not at Jerusalem. Queen and COURT (together) We bear witness, Nehemiah, King's Cup- bearer. Nehemiah {to Court) Worthy King and Queen and Court of Artaxerxes Longimanus, Thou bearest witness, in all this time, I was not at Jerusalem. The King This cursed ownership is not thy shame; Thou art exonerated, free from blame! Nehemiah (to King) I thank thee for this judgment, still I call Upon thee for a higher sentence. All I ask is, let me share their blame. I know Sin's devious ways through finite church, and though They have built for themselves, 'tis true that THE KING'S CUPBEARER 227 they (indicating Eliashib and Tobiah) Are eager now to watch and work and pray. To leave them with a pow'r they could not prove In one brief moment, truly was not love. I should have stood with them. In Church, I know Are devious ways of self and pride and woe. Even the quarries there at Babylon Should not have held me. Truly, we are one In blame and Love's forgiveness. We are freed Together, they and I, to meet earth's need. King, Queen and Court (together) This is our judgment. They and thou art freed And all the world to meet mankind's great need. Nehemiah (to King, Queen and Court) I do thank thee for this just decision, Thou King and Queen and Court of Babylon. In years to come, I can behold a day When no one proves another wrong. The sway Of human creeds will then have passed away. 228 THE KING'S CUPBEARER There shall be no divisions then, that hour, Of just and unjust. God's unerring pow'r Shall rule all men. To-day Truth's temple cannot be profaned; None enter there as thieves in Mind's clear sight. (Tobiah, hearing the conversation without, comes to the door of the temple, and yawns as if awakened from a long sleep.) For himself none has wrought, not one has gained, For God is the Lord of right. Ezra {to Nehemiah) Stay {pointing derisively to Tobiah) His cursed selfishness. Nehemiah I raise no questions with him. God is good. In Church all men are truly understood. {pointing lovingly to Eliashib and Tobiah) Foir himself no one has wrought, no one gained, For God is the Lord of right. (Eliashib and Tobiah re-enter the temple and returning again to the door, cast out, far beyond the wall, their household stuff. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 229 Both men take their places with the group of workers. Servants come with water for cleansing. During this process, the singers flee from the stage, every one re- turning to his own field.) Ezra (to Nehemiah) I perceive that the portions of the Levites Have not been given them. (Looking about where the singers stood.) For the Levites and the singers that did the work Are fled every one to his field. (Addressing the rulers, and pointing toward the empty temple.) Why is the house of God forsaken? Nehemiah (Boivs his head in prayer.) The house of God can never be forsaken. (to rulers) And Labor's portion never can be lost. No one can own this sacred place. (Tobiah and Eliashib nod assent.) Naught e'er can drive a worker out Of Church. There is no fear, no doubt, Nor death, nor ownership, nor creed, That e'er can keep a worker from his meed. 230 THE KING'S CUPBEARER No one can own outright goodness and grace, Each worker must forever fill his place, And earn the loving wage of giving all. (Eliashib and Tobiah drop their personal belongings.) Rulers (repeating with emphasis) Each now pays the price Of giving all ! Ezra (to Nehemiah) (Observing Hanani and Hananiah, sleep- ing, while Sleep watchfully guards them.) Why is mankind so loath to keep awake? Is God not good to think of? Why, then, sleep Away one's precious hours ? Arise, and shake This cursed lethargy aside. (goes to edge of porch and gives men vigorous shaking) (Both men wake. Exit Sleep very quietly.) Nehemiah (to all) Men keep the faith today and bless, indeed, The earth since wakefulness is their one creed. (As Nehemiah speaks, Human Goodness, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 231 wearing a long silken wrap and costly furs, appears in the door of the temple. Persecution stands close beside her. Creeds of Men, in ecclesiastical garb, endeavors to enter. Human Goodness refuses to let him pass into the temple. Persecution holds a handkerchief to the eyes of Human Goodness as she weeps.) Human Goodness (Weeping while Persecution wipes her eyes.) Church is my place of refuge. There I weep And hide, e'en after lethargy and sleep And ownership all have been cast aside. In church I weep and whisper, sneer and hide! I weep for all the sins of everyone Except myself. I do not sin! Fve won Through ages, fulsome praise of human good, And yet, I'm neither loved nor understood. Ezra (to Nehemiah) Call all Judah, (gladly) let them bring The tithe of corn and new wine, And oil to fill our empty treasuries ; Let them gather the fruit from the field and vine, That our God in heaven we please ! 232 THE KING'S CUPBEARER (Nehemiah appears contented, as if he were refusing to assume false responsibility.) Nehemiah The voice of All in Church /redeems the earth. The voice of All speaks with Love's mighty worth. The voice of All in Church calls men to give Truth's corn and wine that mankind now may live. Shemaiah, the Priest (To Nehemiah, as Human Goodness and Persecution persist in obstructing the door of the temple so that All Creeds cannot enter.) Prince, wilt thou not rebuke this cursed lie Of Human Goodness, lest all men should die ? Nehemiah (Nehemiah smiles approvingly at Human Goodness and Persecution.) I see in each the image of blest Mind ; Each face I see is gentle, patient, kind. Nehemiah (to Shemaiah, the Priest, Zadok, the Scribe, Pedaiah of the Levites and Hanan.) Thou hast been faithful, for thou Hast distributed unto thy brethren. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 233 (Enter men and women and children. They are all carrying baskets of corn and wine and oil.) All We come, blest Nehemiah, here to-day To praise the King of kings and watch and pray. (Enter men with ware, selling fish. They go directly to the nobles and give them their earnings.) Zadok (to Nehemiah) What evil thing is this that they do, And profane the Sabbath day? Nehemiah (to the Nobles) Business can ne'er profane the Sabbath day. When men go to their Church e'en as they go To work, then all earth's sin shall pass away. There can be no more sickness, pain nor woe When Church becomes the quiet resting place Of all the world's activities ; we then Shall see our Maker ever face to face ; Business and Church shall be the home of men, (as if in prophecy) I see on earth Church and true .business rise Together in one temple. Paradise 234 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Shall then be this earth's dwelling place for all. The chimes of Church shall ring and truly call All men to work. (Nobles stand reverently with bowed heads. Darkness creeps on suddenly, as if a storm were rising. The gates are open.) All Let all the gates be shut this night, And opened not till after the Sabbath day. Let all the gates be shut! ( The iron gates swing forcefully shut, and as they close the setting sun shines forth with wondrous splendor.) Human Goodness (to those who sell fish) Why lodg'st thou about the wall? What right Hast thou to profane the Sabbath day? I always keep the rest, a Sabbath rest, I work unselfishly for God alone. Nehemiah I learned of Understanding years ago How to relinquish human care and woe! (Enter several young men talking to young women of foreign birth. The women have low, degraded appearance. They are all THE KING'S CUPBEARER 235 intoxicated. Loud, coarse jesting and vul- gar caressing.) The Young Men (to Nehemiah) Nehemiah, (laughing boisterously) our wives of foreign birth ! Nehemiah (to the Young Men) I raise no questions with them. They are thine Own choice, and thus they must be mine. Human Goodness (weeping) (To one young man) And thou, now Wouldst wed strange wives ! (To another) And thou? Thou seekest e'er thine own And not another's good ! Ezra Strange fancies have we when we seek our own, And not another's good. None can atone For wrong; forever it is cast without, With "dogs, and sorcerers," with creeds and doubts ! Strange wives, strange creeds, strange gods, strange idle prayers, 236 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Strange deprivations, strange diseases, cares ! Persecution (prpudly) I always must atone For wrong! Human Goodness Forever I have cast wrong out! Strange creeds can never enter here. No doubt, Nothing unworthy e'er has passed my door; Though I am best of all the earth, no more Men seek me. (She stands alone.) (to Nehemiah) See, ye built this wall. Art thou, then, not afraid that it will fall? The King will give thee pow'r to command; All things in church are under thine own hand. (The women of strange birth, with Creeds OF Men, try to enter the temple. Human Goodness drives them back.) Nehemiah (compassionately, to Human Goodness and Persecution) Keep all my human power, if ye choose; In losing it, it is no thing to lose. Keep all my human goodness. God is good, THE KING'S CUPBEARER 237 With Him, all men are truly understood. Divine authority is mine this hour, And thine. God giveth man in Church Love's pow'r. God giveth man in Church the right to speak Words that will comfort all the worn and weak And burdened sons of earth. This is man's right, — Divine authority and endless right. (As Nehemiah surrenders all human power and human goodness, the wives of strange birth are seen to be the radiant daugh- ters of Shallum. Exit Human Good- ness. She appears crushed. Enter Discernment. All crowd about Nehe- miah. Exeunt Creeds of Men and Persecution.) (Enter Understanding. She stands in the door of the Temple and lovingly welcomes all. The people with baskets of corn and wine and oil on their arms sing together.) All (Led by Understanding and Nehemiah, the people walk in groups on the towering heights of the walls. Nehemiah, passes 238 THE KING'S CUPBEARER to each a Book of the Law and immedi- ately Understanding gives to each another Book of the Law. The people hold these books aloft, one in the right hand and the other in the left, and read as they walk. The last rays of the setting sun shine softly over the procession of singers.) (Singing together.) "Create in me a clean heart, God ; And renew a right spirit within me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation ; And uphold me with thy free spirit. Thou delightest not in sacrifice; Thou hast no pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : A broken and a contrite heart, God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion : Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem." Nehemiah (hands uplifted to heaven — to the men and women on the heights of the walls) "Remember me, my God, concerning this, And wipe not out my good deeds that I have done THE KING'S CUPBEARER 239 For the house of my God, and for the offices thereof — Remember me, my God, for good." For I, as "The King's Cupbearer," Bring peace and joy to earth. Yea, I, as "The King's Cupbearer," Herald mankind's new birth. I prophesy peace, salvation. Jerusalem, saved, begins To mould the world in one nation And cleanse earth's temple of sins — Sins that have stirred through malice Earth's nations to war and hate. Jerusalem holds the chalice Of Love at her heavenly gate. Within Jerusalem, all men shall be Both male and female, sinless, deathless, free. (Understanding, Wakefulness, Intui- tion, Faith and Discernment stand on the highest point of the walls looking ten- derly down to Nehemiah. They typify collectively the womanly quality of spir- itual understanding which redeems all business, men, nations and churches. As these women walk upon the walls, they are intently reading two Books of the Law, which they hold aloft in either hand. 240 THE KING'S CUPBEARER Brilliant rays of the setting sun light up the pages of the open Books.) Father, we thank Thee that Love's marriage feast Is now prepared for all mankind. The least Thy grateful children o'er the earth can say Is: "Father, we thank Thee tenderly to- day." "Our feet shall stand within thy gates, Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is com- pact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, Unto the testimony of Israel, To give thanks unto the name of the Lord, Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : They shall prosper that love thee." Psalm 122. (Nehemiah gratefully beholding Under- standing, who looks down from the highest point of the wall, lovingly ad- dresses her.) From this time forth no one shall speak on earth Save Understanding. Men now know the worth Of Understanding's healing pow'r and might. THE KING'S CUPBEARER 241 (with head bpwed in prayer) Father, o'er all the earth, "Let there be light!" Understanding (with hands extended, looks down from the highest point of the wall) (in prayer) Now the glorious day Of understanding dawns, Thy servants may Lodge in Jerusalem eternally. With Anglo-Israel wedded, men shall rise, Triumphant over self. Earth's paradise Shall dawn for Judah. On this wedding morn, All men are satisfied, yea, newly born. Triumphant on the walls of Church, they stand, All men and creeds together. Hand in hand, Blest Capital and Labor, too, shall give Themselves! in wedlock that all men may live. This is earth's wondrous wedding, — Love shall bind Nations and men together. They shall find In unity, "no questions" can be "raised." They shall be bound in wedlock. God be praised ! (These words portray salvation for all Cap- ital and Labor, nations and creeds on 242 THE KING'S CUPBEARER earth, brought about by the union of the great Anglo-Saxon countries, the United Kingdom pf Great Britain and Ireland and the United States { of America, includ- ing in this indissoluable union all nations on earth. Thus the vision of perpetual peace is fulfilled, the waste walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt, and the pne Nation, Temple or Church, the Kingdom of Heaven, appears.) Composition by H. C. 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