/ PETER THE GREAT A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS ,^*,- LAURENCE IRVING {Printed for private use only.] TWO COPIES RECEIVED r-i-t . / *-w *> h^ .»^> Copyright, i8g7, By Laurence Irving. THE DEVINNE PRESS, NEW YORK, U.S.A. / ^J2-«/ PERSONS IN THE PLAY. ^6 {^Peter' s fellow-workers) {hostile to Peter') Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia Alexis {his son) Prince Menshikoff Peter Tolstoi, afterwards " Count " Admiral Apraxin Prince Dolgorouki Colonel Roumiantzoff Prince Abraham Lapoukhine {Endoxia's brother) Prince Zabouroff j Mansouroff S Alexander Kikine Jacob Ignatieff {Alexis^ Confessor) Field-Marshal Count Daun ( Viceroy of Naples) General Bauer {a German) Major Steinmitz Two Neapolitan Captains Carlo Catherine {Empress of Russia, Petet^s second wife) Eudoxia {divorced by Peter and mother to Alexis) EUPHROSINE {Alexis' mistress) Masha Boyars, Ecclesiastics, Officers, Officials, Soldiers, Citizens, etc. Period— 1717-18. Act I. Moscow. Act II. St. Petersburg Act III. . Naples. Act IV. . St. Petersburg Act V. St. Petersburg ACT I. SCENE.^ Moscow, the Kremliii. Summer time. A gloomy, vaulted, circular apartment, leading out through large wijtdow at back on to a raised way, faced by a parapet and led up to by a flight of steps {out of sight). Door right, ajar Two doors left. A large table with food and dri7ik on it, in middle of room ; a smaller table, covered with papers and writing materials, down L. A bureau, style Louis XIV., against right wall; on bureau, two dirty books, several maps, some mathematical in- struments, and a mariner's compass, all mixed up anyhow ; this bureau is the one piece of furniture in the room that is not in the old Russian style. A couch at right of window. Ikons with a light in front of them. [Discovered, seated at large table. Prince Lapoukhine, Prince Dolgorouki, Prince Zabouroff, Kikine and Man- SOUROFF. The meal is over, the drink is circulating freely. Lapoukhine, Zab- OUROFF and Mansouroff are dressed in the old Russian costume, and bearded. Kikine ^^a' Dolgorouki are dressed like Europeans, and clean-shaven. At table, left, two Acolytes discovered writing at Father Jacob Ignatieff's dictation:\ Mansour. [ F^rj/ ^r««/^.] Supposing Do Igor. Pigs ? Mansour. Peter Dolgor. Fly? Mansour. Defeated ! Zab. and Lapouk. Oh ! oh ! Mansour. Suppose, I say — Dolgor. Silence for Mansouroff! Mansour. Suppose, I say Dolgor. Peter Mansour. Suppose, I say, Peter Dolgor. Flying ? Mansour. Suppose .... Peter. . . . flying- Dolgor. A pig ? Zab. . Prince ! Prince ! Lapouk. Mansour. By your leave ! Suppose .... Peter . . . . flying .... a pig. Dolgor. Suppose Peter flying a pig ! Mansour. But these are details. Suppose — Kikine. \ Lapouk. > Enough ! Enough ! Zab. ) Mansour. By your leave ! Suppose .... Peter .... defeated ! Dolgor. Ah ! Suppose Peter defeated ! What then ? Mansour. Then — Dolgor. What? Mansour. What ? Dolgor. Then ! Kikine. Then — why, down with Peter and up with Alexis ! Down with the father, up with the son ! \General assent. Zab. Down with Germans ! Down with heretics ! Down with them in there ! Dolgor. Yes, down with Russia ! Zab. No, down with Peter ! Kikine. Peter 's not Russia ! Lapoiik. Peter 's not Russia ! Zab. Peter 's not Russia ! Dolgor. If Peter 's to be defeated, it follows the Turk, the infidel Kikine. No worser infidel than Peter ! Lapouk. No worser infidel than Peter ! Mansour. These are details. Kikine. \S tar ting to his feet, in a loud voice ^ De- struction to- [DOLGOROUKI lays hand on KiKlNE's wrist, designates door R., standing opeit ; KiKlNE looks blank and goes to shut it.~\ Mansour. But these are details. \As Kikine is about to shut door, enter Menshikoff, several unopened despatches under his arm ; stands for a moment look- ing over a plan. IGNATIEFF steals up be- hind him and looks over his shoulder. At that moment enter ToLSTOl, who catches Ignatieff in the act.^ Tolstoi. Er — Prince! [Menshikoff looks up. Ignatieff draws back. Menshik. Who here knows ? Where is the Re- gent ? \_Silence^ Come, someone here must know. \To Ignatieff.] You're his confessor. Don't you know ? Ignat. [ Very slowly. '\ Know what ? Menshik. You heard me ! Know where Alexis is? Ignat. \In same tone. ] Do you mean Alexis the baker's boy, or Alexis the tin-smith ? Menshik. Take care ! You know very well whom I mean — the Regent ! the Regent ! the Regent ! Ignat. You mean His Imperial Highness Alexis Petrovitch ? Tolstoi. [Tt? Menshikoff.] They grow so bold: they've heard something. Menshik. \_Suddenly, catching KiKINE by the throat. ] Where's the Tsarevitch ? You're his bosom friend. Out with it, you Kikine. Your Excellence, I left him at Enter a Courier. Menshikoff sigjts to him; he hands despatch to MENSHIKOFF. Menshik. [ IVith a shrug.'] For the Regent. Ignat. [Aside to KiKlNE.] You dare tell him ! Tolstoi. We had better open them ourselves. Menshik. Let's first try everything. \To First Officer.] Go to the Treasury, enquire for the Regent. \_Exit First Officer. To Second Officer.] Go to — er — and they know every one of them — Go anywhere, only find him. Ignat. [Aside to Acolyte.] Make him come, and at once ! [Exit Second Officer, Acolyte after him. Menshik. As for you — when the Tsar returns [Exeunt Menshikoff ««<3? Tolstoi. Men- shikoff closes door. Ignat. If, worthy Prince, if! Zab. Do you really think ? [Door is burst open, and a half-fainting Courier crosses stage. Ignat. Are these the couriers of victory ? I saw their map ! [Demonstrating with glasses, etc.] Peter ! Turks ! Turks ! Turks ! Kikine. If only they'd take Peter prisoner ! Ignat. \_Looking upT^ Strange-sounding words from your lips, son ! Kikine. Why strange from my lips ? Tolstoi. {Putting his head through door, R., leaving it open."] Rather warm, isn't it ? Mansour. Shut that door ! \The following scene played in a low voice ^ Kikine. Why strange from my lips ? Ignat. He asks — and he stands there in Peter's livery ! Mansour. Details. Zab. With his smooth girl's face. Ignat. And that perruque stuck on his head ! Kikine. And Prince Dolgorouki ? Why all go at me ? Dolgor. That follows not. Mansour. Shut that door ! Dolgor. I serve Peter; I love Peter; I adopt his clothes, his periwig, and his shave. I profess the new, and I practise the new ! You profess one thing and practise quite another. \_General assent. Kikine. It's all very well Lapouk. I sadly fear you are a coward, young sir ! Ignat. Worse ; a traitor ! Kikijie. I ! Traitor ? Dolgor. To Peter, certainly. Ignat. And to Russia. Just now you would have told them where to find Alexis. Kikine. When I don't know. Ignat. Oh, don't you ! Kikine. And if I had, what difference would it have made ? Ignat. The difference between Peter Tsar and Alexis Tsar. Mansour. But these are details. Ignat. Traitor to Peter ! traitor to Russia ! and traitor to your Church, Mansour. \Solemnly^ But these are details. \_Rises with difficulty, steadies himself, moves towards door R. Lapouk. Traitor ! Traitor ! Kikine. Ay ! ay ! it's easy enough for all of you to turn and round and run in at me ! When Peter's here — where are you all ? Nowhere near him, that's certain — yes, and you too, Father Ignatieff! But me ? — at his heels ; under his fist, so to say ! What would you do in my place, if you were me? — Come now ! Ignat. [To Acolyte.] By the small door. Let no one see her ! \_Bxit Acolyte.] They would do as they do now — pay Peter's iniquitous tax, but keep their reverent beards, their reverent clothes. [Mansouroff staggers to door R., and closes it. In making his way back to table, he falls on to divan and goes to sleep. Kikine. Much use that were ! You don't know, you see ! Tax or no tax, if you're about his person, one day, when he's feeling a bit jovial, just for fun you know — whit ! — out comes half your beard ! Only he takes the skin as well. Gentlemen, I prefer to shave. You don't know, you see ! He struck my two brothers' heads off with his own hands ! [Pulls up his sleeve.'] I had this of his sword. Zab. He kills you, if you won't do as he wants ; if you will, the doing it kills you. Lapouk. Have not our families all suffered in the good cause ? Ignat. Whose worse than yours ? Think of your sister's wrongs. Lapouk. Ay, think of them ! Ignat. She, your lawful empress — whilst this lewd German Catherine usurps her place — for twelve long years shut in a nunnery, bereft of state and son. Why ? Because she dared speak what you men are afraid to whisper ; because she dared do what you men dare scarcely speak ! Ye men ! ye cowards ! Kikine. Shame on us. \Tears off wig and stamps on it.] Under my feet. \_Tearing off coat.~\ Off, badge ! Off, stigma ! Come off, I say ! Lapouk. and Zab. Well done ! Well done ! Kikine. [ Crossing to bureau and picking up mathe- matical instruments. ] See — Peter's trash ! Zab. What things are those ? Lapouk. His instruments of torture. Dolgor. [ To himself^ Compasses. Kikine. {^Picking up maps.'\ Here again ! Lapouk. Do not touch them ! Ignat. They are spells and magic. Dolgor. \As before^ Maps. Kikine. \_Having picked up compass.'] Ah, see ! Zab. It moves. Lapouk. There's a live devil in it. Dolgor. A mariner's compass ! Kikine. Whichever way you turn it — it still only points Ignat. \_Dashing compass out of his hand.] The way to hell ! Enter Menshikoff, ToLSTOl, APRAXIN, etc. Kikine hurriedly resumes wig and coat. Menshik. What's all this noise, you drunkards ? Enter GENERAL Bauer, in wild excitement. Bauer. Prince, not a gun, not a man has left the city ! Menshik. You've had your orders ! Bauer. I haven't ! Menshik. Good heavens ! Apraxin ! Apraxin. \_Firing up.'] Nothing to do with me ! Menshik. Nothing to Tolstoi. Not before them. Enter Two Ofificers together. Menshik. Have you found the Regent ? ist O. No, and we've been everywhere. [Menshikoff looks to Tolstoi, who nods to Menshikoff. Menshikoff begins opening despatches. Lapouk. Open them at your peril! \Turning to others^ Princes, am I not right ? Dolgor. [Joining himself to Menshikoff's party. "] You are not right ! [Pause. Tolstoi. Go on ! [Menshikoff tears open despatches. Lapouk. An act of treason ! Witness, gentlemen ! [Menshikoff opens despatch, hands it to Tolstoi, who hands it to Apraxin. Silence. Menshik. [To himself.'] Defeat! Tolstoi. [Aside to MENSHIKOFF.] Let us provide for our own safety ! [Aloud.] The best of news. Come, gentlemen, let us prepare to receive the victors ! [Exeunt MENSHIKOFF, Tolstoi, Dolgo- ROUKI, etc. Ignat. [ Who pounces upon despatch APRAXIN has let fall.'] The Tsar is prisoner! \_Tears up despatch.] The time has come. Lapouk. Father Jacob, you are wise ; advise us what to do. Ignat. The Tsarevitch is ours. Zab. When we can find him ! Ignat. I have sent for him ; he will soon be here. But it is not the son we need ; it is the mother. Lapouk.^ w^ listen. Zab. > Ignat. Our cause's chief must be our cause's martyr, Eudoxia ! Lapouk. \ Zab. > Eudoxia, the martyr of our cause ! Kikine. ) Kikme. Let us release her ! Ignat. Stop ! She is free ! She is in Moscow. Lapouk. \ Zab. > Free, and in Moscow ! Kikine. ) Ignat. Go through the city, proclaim the tidings, gather the people in the square below; and in half- an-hour we'll have Alexis Tsar of Russia. [Exetmt hAFOUK. andZAB., crying " A'LEXIS Tsar of Russia ! Peter's a prisoner ! " Kikine. Is Peter a prisoner ? Ignat. Why don't you follow the others ? Kikine. No, thank you ; I have a bone to pick with you. You handled me very roughly just now. I know why ; because you're envious of my influence over Alexis. What I want to know is why we shouldn't work him together ? Ignat. I don't understand you. Is that all you have to say ? 13 Kikine. That is all. Oh, Father Jacob, you're very deep ! Ignat. What are you waiting for ? Kikine. For the Tsarevitch. Ignat. He will have left Euphrosine all alone. Kikine. I thank you for the hint. Yes, that would certainly be pleasanter, for, between ourselves, Alexis is a devilishly dull companion. {^Exit Kikine. Ignat. Now, if I can only persuade Alexis to sign this order for his mother's release, the whole respon- sibility will be shifted to his shoulders in case the Tsar return. But Alexis, though he dearly loves his mother, he mightily fears his father. Still, I fancy I — here he comes ! \E71ter Alexis reading ; stops short, glances round room, evinces repulsion; stoops, picks up and replaces compass on bureau ; moves towards window; makes a spasmodic move- ment of rapture ; stands looking out of window; appears uneasy under Igna- TIEFF'S steady gaze. Alexis. Well, Father, you sent for me ; I have come. Ignat. At the third summons, son. Alexis. I know. I could not come before. Ignat. Or would not — which ? Alexis. Which you like. Ignat. Which I like ! Ah, son, time was \Coolly takes book out of Alexis' hand and throws it on to floor Alexis. \Jumping up."] Yes, and that time is over ! Pick up that book and hand it back to me ! Pick up that book ! 14 Ignat. \Handing back dook."] Nowadays our old and long outstanding sins have become to us so easy and familiar that we run — yes ! nay, even with unburdened consciences — to the commission of fresh evils. Alexis. What do you mean ? If you mean — No, my love is pure and high ; it is no sin. Ah ! until to-day I never really knew Ig7iat. What did you never know until to-day ? Alexis. I never knew before Euphrosine Ignat. What did you never know until to-day — before Euphrosine ? Alexis. What it was to love and to be loved ! What life and summer were, and bliss and joy ! What heaven was in a woman's love on earth ! To-day I have stood, crowned, upon the summits ! Ig7iat. \_Scornftilly.'] " Until to-day — before Eu- phrosine ! " What of your mother's years on years of changeless love ? Alexis. My poor unhappy mother ! Ignat. Unhappy — ay, in having such a son ! Alexis. Why ? What have I done ? Tell me what have I done ? Ignat. Your sin consists in what you have failed to do. Are not you the Regent ? Alexis. My father's Regent. Ignat. Does not your mother lie immured ? Alexis. Is that my sin ? Ignat. That, having the power, you do not set her free. Alexis. What do you mean ? You know I must not — dare not ! Are you mad ? Would you destroy me ? You know my father's Ignat. Your father Alexis. No, no, no ! No, no ! 3 15 Ignat. Is a prisoner. Alexis. A prisoner — father ! \A huge sigh of re- lief i\ But are you sure ? Ignat. Your father is a prisoner with the Turks. Alexis. Then, mother, be thou free ! Ignat. Sign this — her release ! Alexis. I will, I will ! \_Preparing to sign.'\ Be thou free, mother ! Mother, be thou Will he not return ? Ignat. Do right, and fear no consequence. [EUDOXIA is introduced at back. Alexis. Why must I sign ? I do not want to sign. Can it not be done as though without my knowledge ? Ignat. Do you delay ? Alexis. \About to sign.'\ But how will she treat Euphrosine ? Ignat. Shame on you ! Sign ! Alexis. Mother was proud, Euphrosine is humble. \_Gets up^ Is it so well? In ten years things are so changed. Ignat. A mother's love never changes ; it would seem a son's does. Sign, or never more come to me for absolution ! [Alexis, turning round, sees Eudoxia. Alexis. Oh ! Mother ! Eudoxia. \In a half-choked voice^ My son ! my son ! [Eudoxia opens her arms ; Alexis rushes into them. Eudoxia. \_Crying for joy.'l I never thought — my i6 son ! my son ! — after twelve years ! Oh, my darling boy ! Changed ? No, not at all ! My Alexis — oh, my son ! Alexis. {Kneeling.l Mother, forgive me ! Eiidoxia. Why, for what ? Alexis. For what I said just now. I — I — my darling mother ; my dear, devoted mother ! Eudoxia. He loves me still ! He does ! — he loves me still ! Ignat. [7i7 Alexis.] Come, your signature ! Eudoxia. \_Crossiftg herself.'] Thank Heavens! [Advances to Ignatieff.] To what ? [Ignatieff, taken aback.] I ask you, Father Jacob, to what ? Ignat. To this edict, madam, for your reinstate- ment. Eudoxia. And for yourself. Father Jacob ? What for yourself? Ignat. The happy knowledge Eudoxia. Of having vilely abused the holiest of trusts — the trust a mother charged upon you to watch over her motherless son. How have you used that trust ? Ignat. To set you free, to set you on the throne. Eudoxia. I refuse them both ! Ignat. Then you mean to use your liberty Eudoxia. To warn my son. Yes, clever Father, this time it is you who have been my dupe. You should have remembered that, if I was once an Empress, I was always a mother. Ig7iat. Well said, madam ! We now understand one another clearly. We entertain opposite views as to the nature of your son's true interests. I shall continue to labour for them as I understand them ! \Exit. Alexis. Mother, what does this mean ? 17 Eudoxia. That in the future your father's enemies must be also yours. Alexis. There is nothing to fear. Father is pris- oner. Eudoxia. They say so, but I do not beHeve it. Alexis. Is not ? And you here ! He will come back ! He will find you here. You will destroy me. Eudoxia. No, son, I will save you. Listen to me well! — I am looking on you perhaps for the last time on earth — I charge you, my poor, distracted son — I charge you, love your father and do his work. Alexis. Mother, between my father and myself there is, and there can be, no love. Eudoxia. In all these twelve years have you and he not drawn together — not at all ? Alexis. No, not an inch ! Just as you left us, there we stand now. Eudoxia. Listen to me. You are his only son ; you are his successor. He may be careless towards you ; he is still strong. But the time is near at hand when he will turn to lean on you, the destined suc- cessor to his great work. If he then find you wilful or unwilling, remember my fate. He has not spared himself, he will not spare you. Alexis. Mother, would you see me slaughtering — butchering ? Eudoxia. I want to see you live. Alexis. How do you mean ? Eudoxia. I say love him, love, love — yes, even love Catherine. Ah ! It has cost me something to say that. Love his work ! Alexis. His work! his work! Go down into the street and you shall see a row of festering heads on spikes. That is my father's work, would you have i8 me do that ? [^Distant sound of murmurs.'] You'll see a batch of wretches, chained neck to neck, leg to leg, mercilessly beaten, branded — these are his recruits. See these men later, when my father has reformed them — every foul crime written on their faces, schooled to blood and rapine, brutes and worse than brutes — these are my father's soldiers ; these are his workers, the men after his own heart! And the fruit of all his work? — Universal degra- dation, and for himself, the title of the Great. \Confused sound of people in the distance^ Great in the tearing of flesh and the shedding of blood. \_Murmurs nearer.'] Listen ! Eudoxia. What is it, son ? Alexis. Do you hear nothing ? Eudoxia. I hear a confused noise of people. Alexis. There is some commotion. Listen ! We shall know now. Enter IGNATIEFF. What has happened ? Ignat. Do you not hear the people — {opening doors] — a mighty people crying aloud, as with one voice, for their Tsar ! {Throws open window. Cries of " Long live the Tsar Alexis ! " Silence. Eudoxia. [To IGNATIEFF.] You villain ! Alexis. {Looking straight in front of him.] Tsar .... Tsar Alexis .... Tsar ! Eudoxia. Son, do not heed them ! Ignat. [21? People.] Here is your Tsar Alexis ! {A shout. Alexis. Tsar .... Tsar Alexis ! . . . . Tsar ! 19 Eudoxia. There is no Tsar but Peter. \She tries to close window. IGNATIEFF pre- vents her. Ignat. \Holdi7tg EuDOXiA,] Choose, Alexis, choose ! Eudoxia. No Tsar but Peter ! There is no Tsar but Peter. Ignat. Children, your Tsar hears you ! \A loud shout. Alexis. \Suddenly coining out of his reverie7\ The suffering of the people has found voice. \Moves up stage.l Their cries run through my blood like fire ! Eudoxia. [Detaining him.'] Don't let them see you ! Don't let them see you ! Alexis. They stretch out their lacerated hands ! Eudoxia. All is lost ! Ignat. The Tsar will show himself! [A loud shout. In rush a crowd of Nobles, with Lapoukhine, Zabouroff and KiKlNE at their head. Lapouk., ) y r . \ My liege — -our Tsar — our Tsar ! \All throw themselves on their knees. Bells heard ringing. Alexis. Oh, God ! Oh, God ! I am the Tsar ! \Giving KiKlNE a ring.] To Euphrosine, quick ! Let her know ! Lapouk. \To another Boyar.] Who is Euphrosine ? Alexis. Euphrosine is your Empress. [Exit KiKINE. Ignat. The people hunger for a sight of you ! Lapouk. On to the balcony ! I on one side — you, sister, on the other ! Eudoxia. No, no ! No Tsar but Peter ! Lapouk. Sister ! Ignat. Stand aside ! Eudoxia. Wretches ! Wretches ! Lapouk. The Tsar will show himself ! [Alexis moves towards window ; suddenly steps back. Alexis. The city is on fire ! Zab. \_Gleefully.'\ The German suburb ! Alexis. Lives will be lost ! Zab. German lives ! Alexis. Put out the flames ! \A terrific explosion. Zab. Your father's magazines. Ignat. The reign of Antichrist is ended. Enter a throng of distracted foreigners, shouting : " Save us, save us our husbands' lives ! — our children's lives I " Shots are heard in the streets. Alexis. By St. Vladimir, I will ! There must be no bloodshed. Zab. Can you prevent it? \Other fugitives arrive. Alexis. There must be no bloodshed. Second me, gentlemen. Go out and put a stop to it. \Fugitives continue to clamour ; Russians don't budge."] Do you not hear me ? I am your Tsar ! See these poor people ? By Heaven, they shall not harm you ! Are your hearts of stone ? Does no one stir ? Am I your Tsar ? Then to my people — they will hear their Tsar. [ The bells stop ringing. A confused noise arises from below.] The people are dispersing. [All rush up round ALEXIS. Distant mar- tial music. The hubbub ceases. All fall apart so as to disclose ALEXIS. What is it ? What sound is that ? [Music nearer and nearer. 21 Eudoxia. My wretched son, read it on every face ; it is your father. Alexis. My father ? [Menshikoff, Tolstoi, Dolgorouki, and a party of Soldiers rush in. Menshik. Sentries at all the doors. Let no one pass but the Regent, \praws his sword^ We, faith- ful servants, go to join our master. Peter the Great, the father of his country ! \Thecry is taken up. Exeunt Menshikoff, Tolstoi, etc. Music grows louder and louder. Lapouk. For us the scaffold ! Eudoxia. \To Alexis.] Son, go before his anger! turn aside his wrath ! Alexis. \^Frenziedly^ Ye all have ruined me! — ruined me ! \_RHshes out wildly^ Curses on ye all ! Eudoxia. [^Followiiig^ Alexis ! Soldiers. [^Crossing bayonets.'] None but the Re- gent ! [^Several wild- looking Soldiers form in line along parapet. Eudoxia. My poor, poor boy ! Lapouk. Boyars ! shall we not hide this most un- happy lady amongst ourselves ? [Nobles /"«// apart. \ Come, sister ! Eudoxia. No, I will face him. Lapouk. You will only increase his fury ! [EU- DOXIA shakes head.] This way shall you better serve Alexis. Eudoxia. Ay, so I do I [ Goes in amongst Boyars. Lapouk. Close up, gentlemen ! be stout of heart. [Soldiers present arms. Enter Peter the Great, followed by Menshikoff, Tolstoi, Dolgorouki, Apraxin, Roumiant- ZOFF, etc. Peter stands still., livid and shaking with suppressed passion. Dead silence. Mejishik. [Dropping down to beside PETER.] My lord Peter. [Springing upon Menshikoff and forcing him on to his knees. He is so beside himself with fury that he transposes the sounds of his words ^ My re- inforcements — where were they ? Where was my ammunition ? Dog ! [Peter threatens Menshikoff with his sword. Dolgor. [Staying Feter' s arm.^ What will your history say of this ? Kill me ! Peter. [Who was on the point of turning his sword against DoLGOROUKi, thinks better of it and breaks sword over knee ^ Defeat! I am defeated ! Defeat — never till now! Disaster — never till now! I am de- feated ! Chuckle over it — laugh at it in your beards I I'll lop you and I'll mangle you ! You've wrenched me, I'll make you writhe ! Yet what shall that make up to me ? Oh, my work — my work ! Would you see me weep ? Oh, God ! oh, God ! had it pleased you to tear away my limbs — only my work — my work — my work ! [Sinks into chair.'] And this ! [Bafiging hand on table so as to make plates a^id goblets jump ^ Where were my provisions ? Come, my good children, sit down, eat and drink. [Soldiers seem half afraid to obey.] Sit down ! — Obey me ! [Soldiers fall to.] Where is Alexis, my son, my Regent — my Regent — eh? Why's he not here? Where is he ? Well ? Well ? Tolstoi. He was here a moment ago, but — does anyone know ? 4 23 Peter. \Walking up afzd down striki?ig his fore- head.'] Azoff ! — Azoff ! — Lost, lost Azoff ! Tolstoi. [After having inquired of bystanders.] They say that, at the news of your unexpected return, he fled out of the room in a state of some alarm. Peter. [ To himself] Shame ! Shame ! Of some alarm ! There's mighty much to be alarmed at, I can tell you ; and for all — yes, all of you, all of you — though less for him, for he's still young and green, than for you well-seasoned, elderly rascals ! Ah, Tol- stoi ! fetch me the Regent ! — Tolstoi, we fought there side by side ! Tolstoi. Where, my lord ? Peter. Tolstoi, at Azoff! Tolstoi. Ah, glorious Azoff! Yes, we stood there in the breach, ready for all comers ! Peter. Don't, Tolstoi, don't ! Tolstoi. We phed the bayonet all day — for you remember our ammunition had run out — and the spade all night ! Peter. Tolstoi, for God's sake wait ! wait while I tell you ! You'll grieve for it, Tolstoi. Tolstoi, Azoff is to be dismantled ! Tolstoi. Oh? \_Catches hold of Peter almost roughly. Peter. Ay, strike me! — and ceded to the Turks ! [Tolstoi strikes Peter in the chest.] Thank God ! he struck me for it ! Did you all see him strike me ? My brother, my brother ! [Falls on TOLSTOl'S neck, uttering inarticulate cries.] Azoff! Azoff! Azoff! Tolstoi. Bear up, my lord. Peter. I am trying ! [Quite calm.] For Azoff was my first conquest ! All those fine things we built with our own hands: the redoubts, the mole, 24 half a verst in length, there's not a finer anywhere ; the pier, just nearly finished — all to be pulled to pieces by the very hands that built them ! It takes the soul out of me ! I've no heart to go on ! When I was at Portsmouth, in England, I have seen chil- dren digging with wooden spades, throwing up mounds and parapets of sand, and with their souls in their work, too, I can tell you ; up comes the tide, and sweeps it all flat, flat — like Azoff. Then say I've lost a toy ; let's look at it that way : they've smashed my toy and I'm blubbering ! Here's the rough draft ; draw out a formal treaty ! Take it away and phraseologise it. [Eji;i^ Tolstoi, R. Peter buries his head in his hands. An Officer has entei^ed mean- while and spoken to Menshikoff. Menshik. Riga — taken ! [DOLGOROUKI, APRAXIN, etc., gather round.'] Shall I tell him ? Dolgor. Tell him ! Yes, tell him at once ! Menshik. My lord — [PETER looks up] — I felicitate you on the addition to your empire of the town of Riga. Peter. Riga is ours! \To Soldiers.] Children, Riga is ours! A seaport, too! Riga for Azofi"! [Soldiers get up from table cheering^ Who took it ? Menshik. Sheremetieff. Peter. God bless him. Here, take him this ! \Takes handfiils of money out of his pocket, which he puts into Menshikoff's /z^;z^.y.] And this for yourself \^Em- braces Menshikoff.] Oft" to Livonia. I'll follow at your heels ! Menshik. What shall I do when I Peter. What do ? Why, God, man ! press, push, drive home our advantage ! Tell Sheremetieff from me, of we two he 's the better general. He has 25 won Riga — I have lost Azoff ! [Exit Menshikoff. Mansouroff gives a loud snort. Peter turns round. Peter sees Mansouroff lying on divan, drags him up from, it, holds him out at arm's length and contemplates him scornfully^ Image ! Image of old Russia ! Rus- sia — till me ! [All laugh. Mansour. \_Blinkifig.'] Peter . . . details, sir, details ! Peter. Slothful ! sluggish ! sottish ! and seditious ! {Throws Mansouroff off, who falls on the floor.'] Where's my son ? Dolgor. They've gone back to look for him ! Peter. Yes, of course they've gone to look for him ! \_Walki7tg up and down in front of terrified Boyars.] Meantime let's take an inventory of incompe- tence and rank sedition ! Ay ! ay ! \_Pulli7tg one by the beard.] Beards and gowns outside, and, as sure as kernel is nut, hostility to me underneath ! Prince Lapoukhine, my good ex-brother-in-law, stili at it, eh, old boy ? Damn all you Lapoukhines ! {Tapping his head.] It'll have to come off this time, indeed it will ! Have you been tampering with my son ? But it's your last chance, for in future my hand is on him ! devoted to me, vowed to my work ! Why do you huddle so ? {Dragging them apart.] Let's know you all, and once for all ! Apart, I say ! [Eudoxia advances through Boyars. Eudoxia. Seek, my lord, no further ! Peter. {For some time unable to speak.] If I had been taken prisoner ! Oh, my God ! if I had been taken prisoner, — what a conspir God! — I can feel my hair turning grey on my head ! Enter Apraxin. Well? Apraxin. The Tsarevitch is coming ! 26 Peter. In good time. Now we shall — Madam ! No, we'll wait. [ Walks up and down. Silence. To himself.'] A giant plot — a giant plot! \Alo2id.'\ Where is he ? Why isn't he with you ? Apraxin. We found him, my lord, in bed. Peter. In bed ? But they said just now he was here. Apraxin. His attack had come upon him sud- denly, for when we had assured him of our good intentions \Smiles. Peter. Well? Well? Apraxin. He got out of bed with all his clothes on. Peter. Did he ? Apraxin. Yes, and Peter. That's enough ! You're trying to set me against him ! Apraxin. My lord Peter. Stand back ! \_A cough heard off. Apraxin. That's the Tsarevitch ! Peter. What, the man with the cough ? Is that what you know him by ? What does he cough for ? Sickly, is he — or what ? \The 'SioXd^^xs present arms. \_Enter ALEXIS. He stands rooted to the spot.] Aha ! ' [Points at EUDOXIA, then at Alexis, then at himself^ Did you do this ? Endoxia. No ! Peter. Be silent, madam ! [Alexis kneels and takes his father's hand to kiss^ Get up ! None of that ! I know the worth of that knee-scraping, hand-kissing business ! \Clicks fingers^ And I know what that conceals. Forms, customs, old 27 observances — what I've warred against these twenty years ! Father and son ! Good God ! that's close enough. Let's come to the root of the matter. Mind you, I'm not angry with you ; but do you still persist in loving your mother ? Eudoxia. Were that so wonderful ? Peter. Wonderful ! It were stupendous. Eudoxia. What, for a son to love his mother ? Peter. No, for a Tsarevitch to love the Tsar, his fa- ther's, declared, stigmatized enemy. Eudoxia. I came only to tell our son to be a good son to you. Peter. That I believe you, madam. A likely story. \Cries without of ' Long live the Empress!'' Peter makes a movetnent of joy.'] Ha ! Do you hear that? Eudoxia. Indeed, against my will. Peter. I think it is, indeed, " against her will." She thinks it's her. You think it's you. You an Empress ; you'd make a wife for a knock-knee'd sacristan. Alexis. I can't bear it. Peter. [At window.'] Come on, Kate, come along. Cath. [Without.] I'm coming, I'm coming — if there's anything left of me. [Enter CATHERINE in a travel-stained, half -military get-up.] I'm positively dripping. Give me something to drink, or [Starts at seeing EUDOXIA. Peter. There's your Empress for you ! Look at her. Isn't she splendid ? Isn't she just the thing for an Emperor's wife ? Peter's rough-and-tumble maid-of- all-work. [CATHERINE whispers to Peter.] Eh ? Consider her? [Looking towards EUDOXIA.] Let her learn; and you, Alexis, too; and all of you. Do you know what ? — She saved me from imprison- 28 ment — ay ! [CATHERINE /z^^j her hand over Peter's mouthy You get up here ! \_Makes Catherine stand on a chair.'\ And all you on your knees before her ! When everything had failed — stop there ! — she thought of a way to save us all. She went through the army — ashamed of it, are you? — collected all the gold and jewels in the camp — stop up there ! — bribed the Enter ToLSTOl, touches Peter's arm. Peter turns. Tolstoi. The treaty ! [Catherine gets off chair. Peter. \_Looking over treaty^ Ah, shame ! It's all smudged and wet. What ? Tolstoi. My lord, I — I couldn't — I couldn't ! Peter. He wept over it ! Ah ! this great honourable man — he couldn't draw out this treaty without — Look at these marks ! They came out of his eyes, out of his heart ! This never goes to the Turks ! Tolstoi, make another copy ! Yes. \Feels in pockets for money, finds none.'\ No ! But I '11 not forget. Great soul ! [ToLSTOl moves up stage."] He did ; he wept over it ! Tolstoi. [/« answer to a question from DoLGOROUKl.] They didn't come out of my eyes ! \_Exit Tolstoi. Peter. \Looking round him.] H'm ! Dolgorouki, you will convey Sister Eudoxia to her convent. Apraxin, put them [pointing to crowd of Nobles] to the question. \_A groan goes up from Nobles ; some fall on their knees in mute appeal. Cath. [71? Apraxin.] Wait! [Apraxin ^^wz^rj-.] Wait, I say! \To Nobles.] Take courage! 29 [EUDOXIA Stretches her arms out to ALEXIS ; he seems afraid for a moment, then rushes into them. Alexis. My mother ! [Peter crosses, separates Alexis and Eu- DOXIA. Peter. She ceased to be your mother when she ceased to be my wife ! Cath. Peter, don't be a brute ! Eudoxia. Husband, be patient with our son. Cath. Say something kind to her. What a pig you are ! [Eudoxia totters, but recovers herself to check Alexis, who has made a movement to- wards her. She goes towards door; she turns round, makes the sign of the cross several times and silently prays for Alexis. Cath. {Very timidly^ Madam, if I — [EUDOXIA draws herself up\ — I know, if you choose, you have the right to scorn me. Eudoxia. \_Relentitig, half speaking to herself] Catherine — Catherine ! Cath. But I respect you, and I honour you, and I feel for you. Eudoxia. Will you — you have influence over my husb — over Peter — you seem kind — will you watch over my son ? Cath. [ Taking hand, much overcome^ Madam ! madam ! I promise you, I swear to you ! Eudoxia. Even though you should have children of your own ? Cath. Even before them ! 30 Eudoxia. Swear it to me ! [Catherine crosses herself before images^ You have sworn, remember! Cath. I shan't forget ! Eudoxia. Ah ! you're a good woman ! Cath, I'm a woman ! Eudoxia. Heaven bless you ! Remember ! \^Exit Eudoxia. [Catherine gets over to Alexis, shakes his right hand with her left. Peter is look- ing over a map, muttering and chuckling to himself. He looks round suddenly. Peter. [71? Apraxin.] Well? Apraxin. Her Majesty told me to wait. Peter. Wait ! What for ? Cath. For your pardon. Peter. [Adout to break out.'\ How — you — well, I'm [Catherine holds her finger up at Peter. Boyars. Mercy, Father Tsar, mercy ! Cath. Of course he'll be merciful ! Can't you see it in his sunny countenance ? [Peter smiles against his will. Peter. It's no good my giving orders ! I'd better abdicate. Cath. Come, you've been defeated once ! Peter. And, by making sure of them, I'll make sure of not being defeated a second time. Cath. There ! He pardons you. Peter. I say, Kate, come now. Cath. You said you'd make sure you weren't defeated again ! Peter. Believe me, you'd better stop it. 5 31 Cath. No, I won't, just because I don't want to see you defeated again. I want to see the white angel of mercy, civilized and European, overcome the black devil of Russian barbarity in you. Try for once and behave like a civilized being. [Peter bursts out laughing. I declare you're the Russianest of the lot ! Peter. You're right, Kate. I've reformed others, but I can't reform myself Cath. Then they're forgiven ? Peter. No ! Cath. You confess yourself I saved you, and you refuse my very first request ! Peter. Ah, sorceress ! Well ! [ Waves hand."] No, — I have it ! — Yes ! Now listen to me, all of you ! — Catherine, be silent! \^To Boyars.] You, with terror! [7b Officers.] You, I hope, with joy. No, I'll not lop away amongst the branches any longer — I'll strike at the very root of all this matter. Not you will I punish this time, but thou. Holy Mother Moscow — Holy step-mother Moscow! — white-walled, many-domed mother of ignorance ! ay, and wet-nurse of sedition ! Thou Eudoxia amongst my cities. She was against me, and I divorced her ! Thou art against me, and I divorce you. Russia, I decapitate you. Come here! \^lhey gather round.'] My new capital must be a Catherine — one after my own heart. Where shall I find such a one ? Where did I find her ? In conquered territory. So my capital. What was she when I found her ? Cath. Oh, Peter ! Peter ! Peter. Well, never mind about that. What was my capital before I found it ? A swamp ! — [APRAXIN 32 gives a groan.'] Thank you ! — It is to be called Pe- tersburg, and it is to be situated here ! It shall be your punishment to have to build and deck out your Holy Mother Moscow's supercessor. \_To Apraxin, who, with others, is examining map in Peter's hand.] Well? [Apraxin is fogging about on map. There ! Can't you see ? — No, not there ! — There ! Apraxin. There ? Peter. Yes, yes, there ! Apraxin. Oh ? Peter. Well? Apraxin. Isn't it in the sea ? Peter. [^Mimicking.'] No, it's not in the sea; it's under water, if you mean that. [Apraxin looks at Peter in blank astonishment.] Have you ever heard of a city being built on piles ? Apraxin. Oh, I see! An excellent idea! You first build the site, and then build the city on top of the site, and Peter. {Taking him by the ear.] Yes, my friend, you have just caught the hang of it ! We will all start for Petersburg to-night ! Roumiantzofif, stop out there ! I shall want you ! [ROUMIANTZOFF goes out on to balco7iy. Raising hat to Officers.] Gentlemen ! \_Putting it on and addressing Boyars.] Traitors ! \Exeunt all except Peter, Catherine and Alexis. Peter walks up and down, stops and contemplates Alexis from time to time.] I've found my wife, and I've found my capital, now I've to find — or rather to fashion, for he's ready found for me — my son-successor. \_Hand on Alexis's shoulder. Catherine plucks Peter by the sleeve. Cath. Be gentle with Alexis. Peter. I know how to deal with him ! {Exit Catherine. Tolstoi has entered. Tolstoi. {Handing it to PETER.] The treaty ! [Peter gives a groan.'\ I thought, in case of refer- ence — these are the ukases promulgated during your absence. [Alexis makes a movement of anxiety. Peter. [T^ ALEXIS.] Never fear ! [T^? ToLSTOI.] I will judge my son {tears nkases'\ not by what he has put his hand to, but by what is in his head. Tolstoi. {Giving a second bundle.'] Which is here. These were only wanting the Regent's signature. Peter. {Tearing them.'] I will judge my son, not by what is in his head, but by what he has put his hand to. Tolstoi. Might I call your Majesty's attention ? Peter. Stand back! {To Alexis.] I will not judge you at all. My son! {Takes Alexis in his arms and kisses him.] I have no right to judge you ! I have neglected you shamefully ! {To ToLSTOl.] Go ! {Exit Tolstoi.] I have neglected you shamefully, but from to-day I mean to take you in hand. Your age ? Alexis. What? Peter. What is your age ? Alexis. Twenty- six — seven. Peter. Which is it ? Surely you Alexis. Twenty-seven. Peter. Good. Nothing is inveterate at twenty- seven. And — er — throw it away — the bit of paper. Don't fiddle about with things when you've done with them — throw them away. {Scratches his fore- head.] What do you feel an inclination for ? 34 Alexis. Oh ! — er — I Peter. Take your time. \Turn5 to table.'] Take your time ! [Writes on slzp.~\ Roumiantzoff! [Rou- MIANTZOFF enters from balcony^ Fetch me these — do you see? " Grisard on Fortification" and " Miiller's Ship-building " — from the Hbrary. \Exit Roumiantzoff.] Dehberation's no bad quaHty. Well — er — what was it I asked you ? What was it I asked you ? I say, don't make me Alexis. I — I don't remember what. Peter. \_Getting migry, but restrains himself !\ Never mind — never mind. Yes, don't look so obliquely.' That's better. Yes. Sprechen sie deutsch ? Alexis. Ein wenig. Peter. Good. Et frangais ? Alexis. Aussi, mon pere. Peter. Yes, I remember. What do you like best, military matters or naval, or administrative, or what ? Alexis. Oh, I — I — I think Peter. No, no ; one doesn't think about those sort of things. They drive one along. Are you eager, curious, energetic ? Alexis. Yes. Peter. You don't look it ; you look just — er — er — anxious. I wish he'd speak ! I do wish he'd speak ! You may, if you like — I must be patient. I mean I'm not your schoolmaster, I'm your father. Open your heart to me — no, not a word ! I have been through a terrible time these last few days. Oh, God, what I suffered that night, and all on account of you ! I'll tell you. There's the plan. Oh, how I bungled ! Do you see? — Turks, Turks, Turks! [Alexis heaves a deep sigh.] What's the matter with the boy ? Eh ? Well, we were reduced to a 35 handful; we had been fighting for three days on half-rations, mark you ; we had left, two rounds of ammunition apiece. With dayhght, either annihi- lation or surrender. There I sat in my tent, like this, trying, trying to think, with the infernal Turkish music dinning in my ears — for they were right close up to us — the whole night through; and at last their music seemed to form itself into a sort of jargon nothing would drive out of my head — beaten, beaten back ! Where's the great man now ? Beaten, beaten back ! Where's the great man now ? Oh, why the devil don't you ? No, I don't mean that, only — aren't you stirred ? Alexis. Yes, father, yes. [PETER moves about a bit. Peter. Where was I ? Ah, yes — like this. Trying to think, trying to think ! And at last I did think, I thought of the future, I thought of you — you are my future. I thought how little I really knew of you, how little I had done to fit you to succeed me, and at the thought of all you meant to me, and of the danger threatening Russia, — well, have you ever felt your heart sink, your lungs jump into your throat, and your stomach disappear altogether ? That's how I felt. Are you listening to me ? What were my last words ? [ALEXIS does not know^ But you must listen to me. This is serious — deadly earnest. But what am I ? Now, be patient — patient. Do you admire me ? Do I interest you ? Do you sympathise with me ? Alexis. You're my father ! Peter. No reason ! No reason at all ! You mustn't think I'm going to love you because you're my son ! That's all very well for common people, but that is no law for emperors ! Emperors don't 36 have sons ; they have successors ! Don't think I'm rough! My dear boy. [PETER puts hand on Ai.Y.xl'S,' shojilder. A1.Y.XIS appears afraid. "[ You're afraid of me ! Ha, ha, ha ! You thought I was going to strike you ! Damn them ! they have made me out a sort of ogre ! — who'd eat up my own chil- dren, eh? But I'm not; I'm not! I'm a splendid chap in reality, if you'll only Enter TOLSTOI. What do you want ! Tolstoi. There's a strange young woman outside, Alexis. \_Aside.'] Euphrosine ! Tolstoi. Insists on wanting to see someone she calls "Tsar Alexis." Alexis. [Aside.'] Euphrosine ! Oh ! Peter. Tell her my father's dead 1 Why do you trouble me with Tolstoi. Only I fancied, and, by his looks — er — that she meant the Tsarevitch ; and he, perhaps Peter. Do you know anything of this ? Alexis. No. Peter. You don't ? Alexis. No. Peter. Show the lady up. Alexis. Oh, Heaven ! \Exit TOLSTOI. Peter. That's the cleverest diplomatist, the cun- ningest liar in my service. Wily as a fox, with the scent of a bloodhound and a fidelity ! Never lies to me, never deceives me. Over forty, he was, when I took him in hand — thirteen years' difference — and as prejudiced as the worst of them. Alexis. [Aside?] She'll be here ! She'll be here 1 Peter. But I soon made him slough — as I'll make you slough. And once you shed your old skin, 37 hide it away in some thicket or other, and forget, as I will, that you ever went counter — against is' too strong — to me. Alexis. I know, father — forgive me ! I have done wrong ; I was badly advised. Peter. Why the — what the ! — Oh, God, won't he let it drop ? Didn't I tear it all up ? I hate all ex- cusers and exculpatisers ! As if there wasn't an excuse, a reason, for everything in earth, air, sea, sky, fire, water, heaven, hell and hedgerow. I care only about results. Oh! \Controlling himself with difficulty and looking out of window^ Trying! trying! very trying! Alexis. Here she comes ! Ah, Euphrosine ! Ah ! [EuPHROSlNE/^/j head in at door and says : ''Peep-bo!'' Alexis signs to her to be quiet. Peter turns round. EUPHROSINE collapses against door. TOLSTOI enters, pushing door and EUPHROSINE leaning against it. Peter. Peep-bo ! [EUPHROSINE looks scared ; then blubbers, then rushes across to Alexis.] Oh, oh ! so that's the little mystery ? Aren't we all Tsars for the women who love us ? \To TOLSTOI.] Even you, I daresay. But you shouldn't have told me a lie about her. Don't, don't be a liar. I've nothing against you amusing yourself, that's only natural ; and, at your age, I shouldn't like to see it otherwise. But now we've more important matters in hand, so bid her good-bye. \_Taki7tg her by the chin. She stniles at him coquettishly.~\ Hum ! hum ! Give him a good kiss and a squeeze whilst we look the other way. \^Goes up with TOLSTOI. Euph. But what was it about his being taken pris- oner, and you made Tsar ? 38 Alexis. 'Sh ! All false — all false — my love. Euph. I suppose you'll be wanting your ring back ? [ Taking off ring. Alexis. Would you like to keep it ? Euph. Well, it's a very pretty one. Alexis. Keep it, darling ; keep it. Euph. Have you asked him to let me marry you ? Alexis. Why ; can you be more to me than you are ? Peter. \_7zirning.'\ That's not the way, man. \_Rumbling of cannon and shouts of teamsters in street^ I shall have to show you. [ToLSTOI speaks to Peter.] Ah ! These are my sweethearts — my splendid cannon. \_Goes on to balcony with ToLSTOl. Alexis. You'll wait for me outside ? Peter. The thirty-pounder. There's a mouth to kiss, for you. Alexis. Good-bye, my darling ! Euph. I '11 wait outside. Peter. Leave the girl, lad, and come and see your father's harem ! Aren't they splendid ? Alexis. \JPollowing her up^ My love ! — my lovely one ! Euph. Mind you ask — about the marriage. \^Exit EUPHROSINE. Peter. Quick, or you '11 miss them ! Alexis, quick ! Here's old grandmother Poltava ! [ Claps his hands for excitement^ Little fool! Get out — \A shriek from outside. Alexis recoils from, window, covers face with hands. To ToLSTOI.] Cast her with my own hands ! \To men outside^ Drive on ! Drive on ! Alexis ! — {Turns to Alexis.] What are you flinching at? What is the matter ? What is it ? Alexis. The child — the child ! Is it killed ? 6 39 Peter. Bless you, no ! Only a bit smashed. \Com- i7ig back into rooin^ Why, you're as white — here, take some of this ! \_Pours brandy out. Alexis. But the child — I can hear him groaning — what are you going to do for him ? Peter. He's maimed for life, I should say ; and I have no use for cripples. Alexis. But you're not going to leave him there ? Peter. He'll drag himself off — he's trying to now. Brave little chap ! He's not a squealer ! Alexis. But this is hideous! You wouldn't treat a dog so, father ! Peter. Go and see to him yourself, if you're so Alexis. No, no ! I couldn't ! Enter RouMiANTZOFF, gives two books to Peter and goes out 071 to balcony again. Peter. Then be silent ! Now I want you Alexis. It's no use — it's horrible! I can't think of anything ! Something must be done. Peter. He's coming out at last ! Alexis. \_Calling^ Someone ! Anyone ! [ROUMIANTZOFF appears. Peter. All in the wrong direction. Alexis. [ To ROUMIANTZOFF.] Take that boy to the hospital. Roitm. What boy ? Alexis. That was run over. Roum. He's dead. Alexis. I can hear him groaning. Peter. [7^ TOLSTOI.] All wrong ! All wrong ! Roum. I tell you he's dead ! Peter. Dead ! Oh, take him then to the dissect- ing school ! Expect me there in half-an-hour. 40 Found some use for him at last ! [ROUMIANTZOFF is going.'] Give the order, but don't go yourself, for I want you. [^Exit ROUMIANTZOFF. Alexis is Slink in a chair. Alexis. I can hear him groaning, I can hear him groaning ! [Tolstoi and Peter stand contemplating Alexis. Peter. Tolstoi, don't shrug and smile like that — or I'll . Get my anatomical instruments — they're in the next room. \Exit Tolstoi.] Alexis, you are all you ought not to be. But a few battle- fields will soon knock this sort of nonsense out of you ; stale bread and dirty water ; a roof of canvas and a bed of planks ; bullets humming round your frost-bitten ears, and newly-spilled smoking blood up to your ankles ; and you'll soon become a great man ! In six months I shall myself examine you in these two books. So work at them, especially the diagrams ! Colonel ! \Enter ROUMIANTZOFF.] Seen to that ? Roiim. Yes. Peter. Alexis, you're a lieutenant in the Preobra- jenski Regiment. \_Pointing to ROUMIANTZOFF.] This is your Colonel ! Stand up ! [Alexis rises.] Well up ! [Peter takes Alexis by the shoulders^ That's what he wants — eh ? Roum. Yes, that's what he wants. Peter. Good height, though! [ROUMIANTZOFF feels Alexis' muscle ; Peter does same.] We'll soon give him that ! Mind, Colonel, I've chosen you be- cause of your stringency; you must treat him just like all the others — harsher, if anything ! It's a hard task we've got before us. [ToLSTOl has returned 41 with instruments P^ The material is very raw. Let us not deceive ourselves. But I hope my boy has plenty of good-will ; so, Alexis, my son, good-bye ! \_Going. Alexis. Father ! Peter. [^Stopping.'] I attend ! Alexis. Father, can't I stay by you ? Peter. No. I'm a colonel, you're a lieutenant. You must work your way up to 7ne, as I worked my way up to him. Alexis. But, father, I — I want to get to know you. Peter. To get to know me ! I'm just what you see me now ; neither more nor less. Alexis. Yes, but to — to love you. Peter. Here I am, love me ! Alexis. But you don't seem to understand, father. Peter. I'm trying — I'm trying ! Alexis. If we're always apart, how can I get to know you and to love you ? Peter. But let's have this out ! " To know me and to love me!" You know me — you 've heard me. Don't you love me ? Alexis. Father, I hardly know you ! \_Pause. Peter. But there's not such a devil of a lot to know about me, after all. Love Russia and you love me ! That's simple ! [Silence. Alexis. But we aren't like father and son ! Peter. But we will be. Look here, do you mean by loving, pottering around one another and making one another birthday presents, and that sort of thing ? Because, if so, I've no time for that. Alexis. No, no; don't you see, father Peter. Oh, don't give me up ! Alexis. If only we were together, we should gradually get to 42 Peter. I've no time for gradual processes. Alexis. But to love one another — for ourselves — as we are. Peter. I don't love you as you are ; I don't love you as you are. If I'm to love you, or anybody or anything, I must love them, not as they are, but as I have made them to be. I think that's clear. [ Going off. Quick Curtain. 43 ACT II. \^Three months are supposed to have elapsed?^ Scene. — Petersburg. Autumn. Dusk. Rain and wind. A large, low-ceilinged log-built room in Alexis' (so-called) Palace. Doors centre, right and left. In middle of room a large table. A smaller table at back, with two books of Act /., and a roll of dress material on it. Candles lighted and unlighted. A couch. Much litter. The rain comes through the roof. [Tolstoi and Dolgorouki in uniform, Mansouroff and Zabouroff in tatters, discovered at large table, writing. In front of Tolstoi and Dolgorouki lie their swords and pistols. Scratching of pens. Distant firing. A drop of rain falls 071 to Tolstoi's paper ; utters an ejaculation, shifts paper ; goes on writijig. Mansouroff' s head falls on to a^nn. Firing continued. Tolstoi and Dol- gorouki exchange glajices. TOLSTOI points at MANSOUROFF with pen. DOL- GOROUKI jogs Mansouroff, who picks tip pen and goes on writing. Zabouroff comes to a standstill from sheer exhaus- tion. Another drop falls on /^ ToLSTOl'S paper. Enter APRAXIN, holding his wrist ; sees piece of dress material on table back ; tears a strip off and bandages arm with it. Apraxin. Petersburg is a mistake. 44 Tolstoi. Hallo ! Have you driven the Swedes off ? Apraxin. For the present. Dolgor. You're wounded ? Apraxin. Scratched. It's the weather we've got to fear now. And I know no way of putting down a west wind ; powder and shot won't do it. I tell you we're literally taken between the devil and the deep sea. Tolstoi. Who stands for the devil ? Peter ? Apraxiji. No, the Swedes stand for the devil. Dolgor. Though Peter's a devil too — a devil to work. Tolstoi. {^Shaking Mansouroff.] Here, details ! \To DOLGOROUKI.] Look at your man! [DoLGO- ROUKI shakes Zabouroff.] Fine clerks, certainly. Mansour. \_Trying to write. '\ I can't .... I can't .... my fingers .... [Tolstoi takes paper on which Mansou- roff had been writing. Apraxin. The wind is rising. Petersburg is a mistake. Tolstoi. \Passing paper on to DOLGOROUKI.] Look at that. [DOLGOROUKI runs eye over paper and laughs^ Higher up! Dolgor. \Reading^ To transfer two hundred only sons, crushed up and down, to Peter's — what's this ? Tolstoi. Peter's hell. Dolgor. Oh, Pd like him to see that. Tolstoi. \Pntting paper on a pile of suchi\ He shall. Dolgor. No, poor wretch, pity him. Apraxin. [At window.'] A damnable mistake. [DOLGOROUKI has just finished writing a document, which he hands to TOLSTOI, who places it on pile as before. Dolgor. That, too ? 45 Tolstoi. That, too, Dolgor. You'll destroy the poor fellow. Tolstoi. Do you think I shall ? Dolgor. Tolstoi, you're hard on Alexis. Tolstoi. Am I ? {Pause. Apraxin. A terrible mistake. [Mansouroff «;e^ZABOUROFF's heads have sunk again. 7c'/y/^2. Let them be. {Alluding to papers.'] Have you forgotten one summer's afternoon, some three months back, when we all thought Peter a prisoner ? You remember our predicament then ? I am stor- ing up fuel, my friend, against the kindling of his father's ire. Enter Roumiantzoff, without a hat. Roum. The master has overshot himself. Apraxin. You agree with me, Petersburg is a mis- take. Dolgor. Colonel, what have you done with your hat? Roum. What have I done with it ? Tried to hold it on. What has the wind done with it ? Tried to haul it off — and succeeded. Where is it ? Where we shall all be — Peter's self, Peter's burg, Peter's son, you — his Chancellor, me — his Colonel — where we shall all be, if this wind keep up for two hours longer. Where's that ? " In the Neva, in the Neva, in the blue Neva waters." It's not every sovereign, at two hours' notice, can turn his capital city into a school of swimming. {Imitates swimming. Tolstoi. Damme if I think it funny at all. Roum. I say, haven't you something to offer me to 46 Enter Masha/;'^;?/ L., with a glass of tea on a tray. Tea. The very thing ! \Goes to table. Masha. You can't have that. Roum. Oh, can't I ? Masha. It's for the Empress. [ROUMIANTZOFF deposits glass, and exit Masha. Roum. Is she here ? Tolstoi. In there, with Euphrosine and that young sprawler, Kikine. Roum. You don't mean to say Euphrosine and she Tolstoi. Oh, they're most charming to one another ; they'd Hke to tear one another's eyes out, but they are most charming. Enter EuPHROSlNE first, eating nuts ; then CATH- ERINE and Kikine. All rise on Catherine's eiitrance. EUPHROSINE tosses her head. Cath. [ To Kikine.] But she mustn't precede me. Tell her so. [KiKlNE crosses to and expostulates with Euphrosine.] How are you all ? \_A burst of firing. Apraxin. Be ready ; they're recommencing. Euph. [7K\Ji ,;r . Tix ^ , . \ Mercy ! Mercy ! hudoxia. ^ ■' Alexis. It is no use. He has resolved my death. It was in his eyes as he looked at me. How did I ever come to let it startle me ? I ought to have been prepared! Cath. But, Peter, you'll not do this ? Eudoxia. Husband — our child ! Peter. Not one of all you is with me. Not even you. Cath. In all else I have been — but, Peter Eudoxia. Husband — our child ! 105 Peter. No words can move me, only I can move myself. Leave me one and all ! Clear the room ! Take your prisoner to the fortress. Let his mother have access to him. Alone ! Alone ! Alone ! [Tolstoi, Menshikoff and Soldiers get everybody out of the room. Etidoxia. The Lord fill your heart with mercy ! Alexis. \Being forced out.] Mercy ! Expect no mercy from him ! Kill me ! Murder me ! You have killed /ler already ! [T/iey are all forced out. Cath. Don't bring this curse upon our child. Peter. I am lifting a curse away from him. Cath. By baptizing him in his brother's blood ? Peter. Do you think he would not confirm himself in his ? Cath. Then I would I had never borne you any son ! Better had I remained the common servant- girl I was ! — that is what I say, and let all Russia know it ! Peter. Close all the doors ! Let no one come in ! Cath. Ah, husband, husband ! {Exit. \The doors are all closed. Peter is left alone, his hands resting upon his stick and his forehead on his hands. Peter. Never a man had his heart screwed up in a vice like me. All their hands are on the long handle — all of their hands are on it — turning and turning it ! The last drops of blood and the last clots of flesh seemed to have oozed out of it. They can take their hands from the handle ; their work is done ; the two iron sides have come together — or no, not quite together — the shrivelled io6 skin of what was once a joyful human heart still just keeps them from touching. But come — the sentence ! Let's grip and wrestle again. But let me get both shoulders to the ground this time. I thought I had done so before, — I had not. The paper is there, and there is the pen. \^Has made a space on the table for the Sentence of the Court and has laid a pen beside it."] Were I to let him live ? — If I came forth out of here and told them all? — They all think me pitiless. — If I did that? It is a temptation. Unscrew the dry skin of my heart out of the vice. Turn my back on all my labours — my factories and my dockyards ; on all the companions of my toil — on Gordon, Lefort, and the rest ; on all the men who have died for me ; and lead my people back into the desolate steppe, where Time wanders aimlessly with a tent and a herd through barren space ! No ! never ! I can't do that. Yet my thoughts won't let me mount them, and spur them on, on, on — as I used to — through the mist, into another mist, maybe, but still ever on and onwards. — No, to-day the trumpets are silent in my heart. If I let him live, could I ever make him love me ? No ; what would he see in my great mercifulness ? Only humanity — ordinary common humanity. They can see no life and death struggle in it, not one of them. A father kill his son, that's all they see in it. Only the very mightiest — Caesar, or Hannibal, or Charle- magne — thej/ might look into my heart and know its cruel agony ! At it again ; my head is beginning to whirl ! But I must end it. Which shall stand first — Father or Emperor ? Who shall tell me that ? \Clenches his hands and prays ^ You made me both ! You set them both at variance ! You know that my 14* 107 heart is not cruel towards him ! You know that it is full of pity ; but, like the rain-cloud with the thunder-bolt in its bosom, though it grieves for the parched-up fields, it must let the bolt fall somewhere. Let me but feel the purpose of my life this once ! In this great final moment, show me in which your will is found. Oh, God No, no ! it must be fought out here within me. No sanction for me but my own soul's sanction. [Goes toivard table, takes Mp pen, lays it down.'\ It is not fought out yet, and it must be ! [ Walks up and down.'] Which would I rather do ? Which tempts me ? The one that tempts me is the one I ought to put aside. I know which I would rather do. I will not juggle with my conscience. I would rather make all my arsenals and my fleet, and the very ground I stand on — this Petersburg of mine — safe and secure. Then ought I to choose the opposite ? But the opposite is so much easier ; for what other men call pain and weariness, is my joy and my refreshment. I cannot judge myself like other men. Yes, and if I slink back and hold my hand, that would secure my fame. It would secure me honour amongst men for all that I have done, even though it soon fall to pieces after me ; so that in destroying him, I make an equal sacrifice myself — the sacrifice of my his- toric glory. But I make it to my work. Let fame and glory pass from me, but let my work stand firm, for together our two bodies will sink down into the marsh but to make firmer the foundation of the city — and a great city that shall flourish and thrive happily over our graves. Yes, for hap- piness and peace, and the love you spoke of, son, shall spring up out of all this blood and torture. Son, I begin to understand it now — I hear the 1 08 trumpets sounding in my heart. I am for light and love ; you are against it. You only see the amputation and the cruel surgery ; I see God's light brought back to the darkened eye, and circulation restored to the stagnant blood. And yet — No, you are not against me, you are with me ! For light and love ! — your own words have laid you low. \Grasps pen.'] Therefore, as you are with me in the wish, but cannot follow me in the means — the only way to save us both — I sign ! Oh, my son, Absalom ! Oh, Absalom, my son — my son ! Curtain. 109 ACT V. Scene. — A casemate in the fortress of St. Peter and St. Paul. Two Embrasures look over the Neva. Day is breaking. [Alexis discovered looking out of one of the embrasures. Peter enters by door R. Alexis looks round, then looks across the water agai?t, then again looks round. Alexis. My father, my accuser and my judge — are you also come to be my executioner ? Peter. I come to ask for your forgiveness. Alexis. You are going to spare my life ? Peter. No ; I cannot do that. Alexis. And I am to forgive you ? I don't think you need mock me. Peter. Son, look into my face. Or, if the light's too feeble yet, then put your fingers to my eyes. Alexis. Is this hypocrisy, or what? — No, I think I begin to really know you now. You are hardly a sane man. Your eyes are dazzled and blinded with looking on the brilliancy of this greatness of yours. Peter. Then you do confess that I am great ? Alexis. Oh yes ; men call you so. Peter. I live for men. That is enough for me. Alexis. Do you remember teUing me that to be great was to be ankle deep in smoking blood. Well, you are that. It will be a particle of an inch higher TP 1 1 1 u.. 1 J.- .A. in !~' than your ankles in a few minutes or so. And the last few drops will be of your own brewing and of your own shedding. Peter. Ah, don't go down to the grave cursing me ! We are both to be pitied — I as much as you. \Cannon discharged. Alexis. What are the cannon for ? Peter. To-day is the anniversary of Poltava. Alexis. It will be a double anniversary in future. Mind you keep it with due celebration. There'll be many of you drunk to-night, when I'm dead. I suppose you'll get drunk, too, won't you ? Peter. Well, I don't know. I generally do. Alexis. There is a boat putting off from the other side. Tolstoi is in it, and Menshikofif. It's going to be a lovely day. It will see something memorable, a son put to death by his own father. Peter. Your end will be sharp and momentary. Mine will be long, life-long. I shall live on into the night-time of my life. And as the sun sinks the shadow of this deed will lengthen and lengthen across my path — and yet — yet I must do it. Alexis. Yes, I suppose I shall rather damage your fame. Peter. Perhaps you will. Although I shall not have deserved it, I have got into an inextricable mesh. I have had to choose and I have chosen without pity, with consideration to myself. You do not die for me, but for those who are already dead for me. Go, son, and join the martyrs of your country, more glorious than all, because your sacri- fice was willing ! Alexis. I can't believe it. But my heart is opening to you. Peter. It is ! Ah, give it way — my arms are open to you. Alexis. At least you have Hved for something higher than Euphrosine. Peter. The waste of all your life will be repaired. We have been hardly dealt with. Alexis. Father, we have ! \Rnshes into his arms."] Your life has been more nobly spent than mine. And I will lay mine down for you. Peter. For Russia ! In this last moment I have known you for my son. For this last moment I have lived in you ! Alexis. For the duty I have failed in, father, for- give me Peter. And if I have failed in love, forgive me, son ! Alexis. Yet it is better that I should die. For I should fail in duty to you again. Peter. And I might fail again in love to you. [Monks heard chanting. Alexis. What is that chanting? Peter. Your requiem in the Cathedral overhead. \Bell tolls. Alexis. And that bell ? Peter. To announce your death. Alexis. The time has come ! Peter. {Looks at his watch ^ It is past your time. Alexis. Then let me die at once. Peter. Be brave ! be brave. [Peter goes to door and beckons in the Doctor and two others^ Wait for him in that room. He will come to you. {Exeunt Doctor and others R. Alexis. Poison is it to be ? Peter. Ay, poison ; keep up to it, and yours will be the noblest death in history. Alexis. She — I mean my mother — she will mourn me bitterly. She only really loved me. Peter. She shall know how you died, confessing my glory and the greatness of my Russia. Alexis. No, tell her my last thought was for her; and — and, father, take care of Euphrosine. See now, what a poor weak thing I am — unworthy for this world. Peter. You do forgive me, son ? Alexis. I understand that you can be forgiven, father. \Riishes out. Peter. I understand that you can be forgiven. \_A shriek^ It is done. \^Falls on his knees and crosses his hands. Chanting and bell are still continuing. Enter Tolstoi and Apraxin. Tolstoi. My lord — your son Peter. My son ! Tolstoi. The infant Tsarevitch is dead. Peter. \Removing his hat.'\ Then I am childless. Apraxin. Shall we put off these celebrations ? Peter. No. \Band of military music in distance^ I hear them coming. Let Poltava have her glory. [Alexis is carried in dead.'] And let it mingle with his requiem. He made fullest atonement at the last. I honour him. Let Russia honour him. He was my son, my own, my very son. \_Cur tain falls amidst chanting of choir, toll- ing of bell, and blare of approaching military bands. THE END. "3 PETER THE GREAT A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS LAURENCE IRVING {Printed for private use only.] 'OtLIVLRtO r>S Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: April 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 006 929 867 9 ^