Class. ftnok Copyright N ° . . COFUUGHT DEPOSIT. CO-O-ZA CO-O-ZA BY THEODORE STEARNS THE CORNHILL PUBLISHING COMPANY BOSTON NEW YORK tf Y*-> Copyright 1922 By THE GORNHILL PUBLISHING COMPANY All rights reserved v « -a «» Printed in the United States of America THE JORDAN & MORE PRESS BOSTON ©CI.A677006 ! IN MEMORY OF MY MOTHER FOREWORD According to occult history, the Deluge was but the ebb-tide of the sinking of Atlantis. This lost continent extended from Egypt to Wyoming, including the Atlantic Ocean, which, in that day, then was land. The Saharan Desert and African jungles were then a rolling sea, and south of where today Cape Town now stands, land began again. The civilization of Atlantis was far beyond the richest culture of any modern time. By harnessing the currents of the earth the Atlantians obtained their heat and power; by overcoming gravity they found transportation in the air. With mental telep- athy in use a telegram was out of date. Courageous, beautiful and strong, both men and women were intensely human. They loved their pageants and their games and scorned a costume that would stilt their vigor or deny them grace. They used the seven colors, but blended them with opal, onyx, madder, rose and jade. Their fine arts were so far advanced they turned, for welcome contrast, to the primitive and rude. Spiritually, Atlantis had a priesthood and a faith, but they delved into the occult and this knowledge brought abuse. Their morals then corrupted and decayed. FOREWORD To India and Babylon, Atlantis left dim relics of her architectural wealth. From her, Phoenicia learned to mart and trade. To Greece she gave her sculpture and the whole tone scale. On Rome she let the mantle of her logic fall. But where she left these legacies those countries, like herself, dared to be too arrogant, and miserably fell. CHARACTERS IN THE PROLOGUE : The Man, as a musical director . . Tenor The Girl, as a little cleaning girl . Soprano Po, as a Hidden Helper .... Basso Chorus Girls, departing from a rehearsal A Stage Door Man IN ACT ONE: The Man, as Co-o-za, last king of Atlantis The Girl, as Badu-lee-ae, captive Queen of Zend Po, as Co-o-za's High Priest Lo-al-yah, Co-o-za's mistress . Contralto Q Darra, a Noble of Atlantis and brother to Lo-al-yah Tenor Soldiers, Slaves, Nobles, Priests, Women, People and Dancing Girls CHARACTERS •As in Act One IN ACT TWO The Man - The Girl Po Q Darra Fhef Ilki, a craven priest First Noble Second Noble Two Other Nobles Followers of Q Darra Low Baritone Baritone Baritone Tenors First Sentinel Low Baritone Second Sentinel Tenor Three Priests .... High Baritones The Red Mammoth A Voice Tenor Chorus of Astrals, Soldiers and People IN THE EPILOGUE Po The Girl The Man • As in the Prologue CO-O-ZA GO-O-ZA PROLOGUE (The scene is on the stage of a Broadway musical comedy theatre, looking from the back wall into the deserted, seat-shrouded auditorium. Chorus girls, in practice clothes, are departing. A rehearsal is just over. In the empty theatre, up stage, The Little Cleaning Girl is standing against the orchestra rail and, as the chorus girls pass out of sight they look down at her with sophisticated smiles. The Man is climbing over a "run" onto the stage as the curt am ascends. He approaches a piano, set in the right, second entrance. A Stage Door Man reaches with a stage brace into the half -discernible switchboard (right, last entrance) and pulls the orchestra and bor- der lights. Then he picks up a pilot lamp and looks inquiringly at The Man.) THE MAN Place it there. (The Stage Door Man places the lamp near the piano and exits. The Man looks at The Little Clean- ing Girl with a smile.) Now we are alone. You sing well, little girl, and you can dance like a fawn — light as sunbeams on your two, pretty feet. Are you afraid? 4 CO-O-ZA THE GIRL No — no — I just was thinking. Are you sure we are alone? THE MAN No one is here — come, we are alone; just one light to twinkle and smile and give you courage — and show how easy it is to love. (He assists her over the "run" and continues, playfully.) I did not know that clean- ing women were so young. Tell me, how came you here to dust and sweep? THE GIRL My grandmother was here for \'ears, and did her best to bring me up. I've always loved to dance and sing — so when she died, I took her place — just to be near to you. THE MAN You have no home? Come, live with me, and eat and drink — and love. I'll buy you pretty frocks — a bracelet, too. See! the pretty wrist! (He bends towards her. She draws back slightly.) THE GIRL (Startled) Does that mean love? (Half fear- fully) Does that mean love? THE MAN Well, must you have a priest and book to make you love? CO-O-ZA 5 THE GIRL No! No! I am content with you; 'tis as you say — and yet — (dreamily) it seems as if you said those words to me before. (She looks off stage, left, and arouses herself with an effort.) Is something shin- ing — there? (Po is discovered standing in the left, second entrance. The Man and The Girl do not see him. Po is regarding the two earnestly. His figure is com- manding but not tall. His attitude is one of dignified grace, great intentness and reposeful virility. His smooth face, aesthetically grave, is lit by brilliant, deep-set, dark eyes. Over his erect form is thrown a robe of purple, edged with black. On the left sleeve is embroidered an olive branch. But for his mane of white hair he woidd seem to be a man of 4 ; ~>- The Man looks at him, carelessly, unseeingly, then smiles at The Girl.) THE MAX Silly child! Why, we first met just thirteen days ago. Your eyes are tired — come, there is nobody there. Love me, dear. Give me your lips — and kiss me. Kiss me! (Passionately) Kiss me! (The Man is sitting at the piano, The Girl kneel- ing at his feet. He reaches his hand to draw her. slowly — half-unresistingly to him.) PO I know thee now, Co-o-za ! Mad king, I've found the secret of the spheres. You see me not, but I can see your soul! (The Girl looks adoringly into the 6 CO-O-ZA face of The Man. She slips, momentarily, still closer at his feet.) Roll back the scroll, Akashic Records of the Past ! Give me this man's lost thought that I may lead him to recall the wrong — (The Man bends over The Girl and draws her tenderly into his em- brace.) he did to this same love, twelve thousand years ago ! ( As Po finishes, and as The Man and The Girl are about to kiss, the stage goes instantly black and an immense volume of chorale is heard, triumph- ant, virile, clear.) A HIDDEN CHORUS (With great grandeur.) Hail, Co-o-za ! Hail, Co-o-za ! Hail! Hail! Hail! (The lights flash, full up, and the scene has changed to — ) (End of Prologue) CO-O-ZA ACT ONE (A landing quay before the palace of Co-o-za, last king of Atlantis, ten thousand years, B. C. The entire scene is formed from a magnificent, lofty grotto, hewn out of a solid mountain of iridescent marble. Polished pillars — columns — palace and gardened balconies — give a striking impression of savage splendor — of brilliant, Titanic strength — knit, however, with masterly architectural cunning, into a sense of sunlit, sophisticated ease. Here and there the rugged outlines of the virgin rock are left intact, at base or cornice, with insolent, artistic assurance. The ceiling of the mighty hall flings upward in a convoluted, mosque-made dome, pierced by sunshot casements through which — deep- clustered — hang wisteria and grape. A terrace, stretching far across the stage, is broken by a marble stairway leading to a restless sea, further distanced to the view through a natural gateway formed by two lofty headlands, topped and filmed with cloudy wrack. Another stairway gives into the stage proper, and at its left, a purpled canopied throne of opal is backed by an entrance into the palace. At the right, tower huge, rough shafts of red marble and in their depths, obliquely set, is hewn a mighty cavern, protected by a door, brass-studded. This is the stable of The Red Mammoth of Atlantis. Blue- black cypress trees and giant ferns soften the back- ground, to the left and right. The carved figures of two, hairy mammoths, with trunks up-reared, are 8 CO-O-ZA pedestaled on pillars, guarding the entrance to the sea. The Man, as Co-o-za, leading The Girl, as Badu-lee-ae, enters over the terrace, followed by war- riors and slaves — these latter burdened with spoil and trophies. The processional is greeted by sol- diers, priests, nobles and people. A golden, new-born sunshine shows the time as early morn.) ALL Hail, Co-o-za ! King- of Atlantis ! Hail! He has triumphed over Zendea ! Praise to the Conqueror ! Praise to Co-o-za, Lord of Atlantis ! His is the glory, forever and ever ! Hail, Co-o-za, King of Atlantis ! Hail! Hail! Hail! {During the processional Co-o-za mounts the throne. His bold outlines, tawny-golden in hue, are plentifully displayed through a war harness of plati- num and jade. Upon his head is a helmeted crown, artistically fashioned from the paw of a sabre- toothed tiger. In its center gleams a star. Badu- lee-ae, head averted, stands beneath him and aside. Unlike the other women she is closely swathed in a shimmering, silver-white tunic, reaching to her feet. Beneath its folds her diminutive, but majestic, form, is clearly seen. Upon her flowing, golden hair is pressed a laurel wreath of green. As though in a dream she remains, motionless, throughout the fol- lowing scene.) CO-O-ZA 9 Q DARRA (An impetuous youth, but a brave soldier.) Wel- come, Co-o-za ! (He salutes Badu-lee-ae.) All Atlan- tis greets thee, noble Queen of Zend ! ALL, Hail! Badu-lee-ae! co-o-za Q Darra, it would seem that thou art growing too presumptuous for a noble of my realm. What rumor says of thee, and thy proud comrades there, whis- pers like grave treason. (To the people) And, furthermore, Atlantis' triumph made a slave of Zend. (He indicates Badu-lee-ae) I tell ye all this is my captive prize. The victory was mine ! She must forget she once was queen! (The people murmur discontentedly.) 0. DARRA The future of Atlantis hinges on her fate. PEOPLE Aye ! Aye ! Q DARRA She is the noblest woman in the land and royally would grace thy throne. ALL Hail ! Badu-lee-ae ! 10 CO-O-ZA CO-O-ZA Silence! (to Q Darra) Is this the secret of thy politics of late? (to all) Am I not all-sufficient for Atlantis' throne? Think ye it is too broad for me alone? I conquer as I rule, apart. What started this mad insurrection? PRIESTS Ask thy High Priest, Po ! NOBLES Aye, O King, ask Po ! ALL The Adept, Po ! (There is a momentary mob- swaying commotion. Suddenly, Po is discovered standing quietly near the left, second entrance, as he was last seen in the Prologue.) THE WOMEN (Reverently) Po ! (To Co-o-za) Who sung thy lullabies, O King? THE SOLDIERS (To Co-o-za) Who will rule us when thy time is run? (Co-o-za rises haughtily and sweeps the assemblage with a bitter, sarcastic smile. He gazes fixedly at Po.) CO-O-ZA 11 CO-O-ZA It seems this fickle shouting in my praise hath reservations, High Priest Po. It seems my word, once law, hath wilted whilst I warred abroad. Canst thou not leisure me the time to ravel out these strange petitions ? PO 'Tis better that we speak alone, O king. But wait. There still is one more pawn who first must speak. (Lo-al-yah enters. She steps up from the stair- way to the sea and her sweeping midnight hair, inter- twined with water flowers, clothes her in a swaying, leopard grace. Emphasizing her rich, golden skin is a flame-red scarf bound around her hips. As the mistress of Co-o-za her slender ankles are imprisoned with delicate chains of platinum, jade-studded. Ac- companied by her dancing girls she approaches the throne with rebellious assurance, her eyes fixed on Badu-lee-ae. Then her glance passes meaningly to Co-o-za.) LO-AL-YAH Love divine, Thy hour is come. Breast to breast my passion soothe. Throbbing heart Beware thy urge, For well we know thy frenzy, fine. (The Dancing Girls advance in pantomimic rhythm. Their breasts are firmly covered with each a broad, brass disk and these they lightly clash 12 CO-O-ZA against their vis-a-vis, revolving slowly in grouped pairs with arms outstretched and moving in a smoul- dering, fierce sway. Their mood becomes suddenly tender and they salute one another with a frankly sensuous appeal. They kneel before Co-o-za but his interest is indifferent. Lo-al-yah raises both her arms and loosens, slightly, her filmy, unshielding robe. Still Co-o-za gives no sign of pleasure at the dance. The dancers press their brazen breasts and sway in rhythm more pronounced. In passionate, inviting lure Lo-al-yah reaches out her arms. Co-o-za turns his head. She stamps her foot and, at this sign, her women spring in whirlwind dance, then drop, dead- like, as though completely overcome. Lo-al-yah turns to Badu-lee-ae.) LO-AL-YAH Who art thou now, lost Queen of Zend ! Hast come, perchance, to view our royal Red Mammoth? (To Co-o-za) His ponderous, hairy feet, are very restless, fair Co-o-za. (In his cave the Mammoth is heard tramping heavily.) co-o-za He hears thy voice, the giant beast. Is he securely caged ? LO-AL-YAH With all his strength he cannot bend the bars. The lock is safe, and yet a child could move its bolt — did he but know the trick. CO-O-ZA Then leave us. I would counsel with Priest Po. CO-O-ZA 13 LO-AL-YAH Priest Po, I love thee not! {Turning to Badu- lee-ae) Hail! Twilight maid of Zend! {With her dancing girls she departs. Through various exits the others make their way. Two sentinels, who would remain, are impatiently dismissed by the king. Co-o-za, Po and Badu-lee-ae are left alone.) PO {To Badu-lee-ae) Art thou not weary? BADU-LEE-AE No. No — I was but thinking. {Turning imperi- ally to Co-o-za) I thought thou hadst a subtler pride than thus to bring our love to public shame ! Hadst thou not told me I would share thy throne, I knew the way to die, for I am proud as thee, false king! Dost dream, perchance, that I would humbly share thy smiles with her who mocked me now? Better, far, to lie beneath j r on mammoth's grinding feet than have thee call me, "Captive"— "Slave" ! CO-O-ZA Thou art mad ! BADU-LEE-AE {Drawing herself up proudly) I fear not death. I fear thy love, Co-o-za. po Thou, thyself, art mad, O king. Thou canst not make a mistress of a queen. Thy very guards would start a revolution. 14 CO-O-ZA BADU-LEE-AE My word to thee is a warning of death. Far in the future I seem to see our love shattered. All, my lord, take heed ere ambition doth part us forever. Ah, if my love could but guide thee, Co-o-za ! CO-O-ZA Canst thou forget that silent watch — our galley, ocean-bosomed 'neath the eager stars and floating moon, — when we alone, save sentinels asleep, did speak of love and not of thrones? Almost our hearts did brush — the opal-purpled night was quite enough. Didst thou not say: "I am Co-o-za's slave?" BADU-LEE-AE {Tragically) Co-o-za's slave? Was that, thy love ? CO-O-ZA I took thee at thy word. PO {Sternly) Almost thou hast no choice nor throne at all, proud king. This hour is thick with fate. Pledge thy power with Badu-lee, so that the pages of this night may not record a karmic stain ! CO-O-ZA I fear no evil — nor woe. I, too, can scan the Future's page. It tells me: "Share the throne with none." (To Badu-lee-ae) Importune me not CO-O-ZA 15 again! (He rushes away. Badu-lee-ae starts im- pulsively to follow him, then stops, dropping her head and hands in despair. Po exits hurriedly after Co-o-za. Badu-lee-ae raises her head and stares at the entrance of the Mammoth's cave.) BADU-LEfi-AE (Listlessly) She said a child could move the bolt. I would I knew the way. (Lo-al-yah re-enters stealthily.) LO-AL-YAH Then why not die? Why live, O queen, to be the cast-off of yon selfish king? Come! I can pick the lock. (Badu-lee-ae gazes at her with calm dignity.) I've seen the king, the proud Co-o-za, woo fair slaves before and, tiring of them soon, return to me. Canst thou escape? (Badu-lee-ae gazes dumbly at the cave of the Mammoth. Po re-enters and, unobserved, watches the two women intently. Lo-al-yah con- tinues relentlessly.) Where wilt thou find sure peace? Unless content to love Co-o-za for a while — if I so choose — BADU-LEE-AE (Passionately) 'Tis false ! Co-o-za loves me ! Still my heart is breaking! Ah, this torture — friendless and alone! (Piteously) I am so young to die. Is there no other way ? LO-AL-YAH None, but through this door. (She goes to the Mammoth's cave) 'Tis very swift and sure. Come! 16 CO-O-ZA (She busies with the bolt. Po raises his hand and she sways suddenly.) My hands are strangely numb — have patience. (Q Darra enters, sees the two women near the cavern and rushes towards them.) Q DARRA Lo-al-yah! Sister! What doest thou here? LO-AL-YAH (Over her shoulder) Co-o-za's captive queen would rather die than share his love with me. And I would help her die. Why not? (Ironically) I am her friend. (To Badu-lee-ae) Come! Q DARRA Queen Badu-lee, once more I offer thee my life, my sword. Let me guide thy stricken heart, my Queen, to another realm where freedom reigns. Where love shall blossom at thy smile and never die — not even in thy dreams. The golden birds will sing: "Queen Badu-lee." BADU-LEE-AE No — no — I love Co-o-za. Let me die, that he may know. (Lo-al-yah opens the door to the cave.) LO-AL-YAH Come ! The way is clear. Q DARRA Badu-lee-ae! (Lo-al-yah pushes Badu-lee-ae against the door of the cave. She strives, desper- CO-O-ZA 17 ately, to hold the door ajar and likewise assist Badu- lee-ae who is half -fainting. The Mammoth is heard tramping angrily. Badu-lee-ae sees the beast, shrieks and swoons. Lo-al-yah frantically tries to push her into the cave with her foot. Q Darra throws his sister back and in the struggle the door shuts.) Q DARRA (Angrily) Back! Back! LO-AL-YAH (Furiously) Let her die! Q DARRA No! (They struggle. Shouts are heard off stage and Q Darra springs to attention as Co-o-za enters with his guards. Lo-al-yah stands aside noncha- lantly. Po has retired, half-hidden, near the throne. Co-o-za rushes across to Badu-lee-ae. He kneels — feels her heart — lifts her arm — drops it. He rises with a frown and motions to his guards. Two of them pick up Badu-lee-ae and carry her off.) CO-O-ZA (To the guards) Carefully! (He turns to Lo-al- yah) Now then ! Speak ! Thou whom once I deigned to kiss! (Lo-al-yah returns his glance scornfully. He whirls around to Q Darra) Speak! Thou erst- while noble of my throne! (Q Darra starts, then draws himself up haughtily. Po slowly advances. Co-o-za sees him.) 18 CO-O-ZA CO-O-ZA High Priest, thou who readeth dreadful pages from life's scroll, tell me — be quick! — what happened here ? PO (Quietly) Speak, Lo-al-yah. LO-AL-YAH (Sullenly) She wished to die. A moment more and I had gladly slipped the bolt ! CO-O-ZA (Savagely) Then thou shalt wed the Mammoth of Atlantis! (Q Darra springs forward in horror.) Q. DARRA Fiend ! LO-AL-YAH 'Twas but my love for thee, Co-o-za ! co-o-za I love thee no more! (Lo-al-yah looks beseech- ingly at Q Darra.) Q DARRA I'll take her to my province. CO-O-ZA After she has entered yonder door! (He points to the cavern.) CO-O-ZA 19 LO-AL-YAH Ah ! Co-o-za ! co-o-za (Brutally) I said it! {Lo-al-yah sways dizzily and Q Darra springs to support her. Confusion off stage. People enter. After them the nobles, fol- lowers of Q Darra, priests and soldiers.) Back Q Darra ! Let her obey — back ! ( The people mur- mur. The priests eye one another meaningly. Q Darra kisses Lo-al-yah on the forehead. Soldiers part them.) co-o-za See that thou goest far, Q Darra. Return here not again! Q. DARRA (Darkly) That I cannot promise thee, mad king. I, and my nobles here, may return in time. (He breaks his sword and casts it, significantly, at Co-o-za's feet. He gives Lo-al-yah the royal salute.) My sister, I go. But thou shalt be avenged! (Co-o-za disdains the menace. Q Darra exits, fol- lowed by his nobles.) LO-AL-YAH I loved thee, Co-o-za. CO-O-ZA Go! 20 CO-O-ZA LO-AL-YAH ( With dignity) I go, thy dread command to obey. And when I slip into the cold Unknown I'll ne'er return again. Let others garland thee with flowers, O King ! E'en as thy glance urged me to love so now thy frown is quite enough. But one thing even thou canst not retain. It is my all — my love. Farewell ! (Slowly she approaches the cave of The Red Mam- moth. As the people turn their faces she slips the bolt and proudly enters in. There is a moment's silence. Then a heavy, tramping footfall. Curtain.) (End of Act One) CO-O-ZA 21 ACT TWO (The scene is the same as Act One, but lighted by the moon. Its full, round face is rising just beyond the distant headlands and at first just lightly touches the terrace and the throne. In silhouette, two senti- nels, beneath the sculptured mammoths, are guard- ing the stairway to the sea. Badu-lee-ae is faintly discovered in the shadow of the throne. The song of the whippoorwill is heard as the curtain swiftly ascends.) (Hidden) CHORUS OF ASTRALS All — ee — yah ! O — ah — o — ee — ay ! Co — ah — du — ee — zah ! Lo — al — co — lee — ay ! FIRST SENTINEL (Gruffly) Comrade, the sea is rising. SECOND SENTINEL Aye, and not a trace of storm — 'tis strange. FIRST SENTINEL Much is strange since Lo-al-yah's death. I like it not — this night watch o'er a captive queen. SECOND SENTINEL Nor I. 22 CO-O-ZA FIRST SENTINEL Didst thou observe that one of yonder steps, descending to the sea, is sunken out of sight? SECOND SENTINEL Aye. Why speak of it? FIRST SENTINEL If I had quaffed a cup too much I'd swear this terrace swayed anon. Didst notice it? VOICE (Off stage) Lo-al-vah. SECOND SENTINEL What's that? FIRST SENTINEL Q Darra, exiled noble. He comes here, secretly o' nights, to mourn his sister's fate. SECOND SENTINEL Is that a shadow — there? FIRST SENTINEL No. SECOND SENTINEL What is it? CO-O-ZA 23 FIRST SENTINEL (Impatiently) I'm not a priest. SECOND SENTINEL (Leaning over the parapet) The tide is higher than it ever was before, or else — FIRST SENTINEL What? SECOND SENTINEL Or else this terrace has sunk down. Think ye — FIRST SENTINEL Silence ! SECOND SENTINEL What is it — comrade? FIRST SENTINEL What was that? SECOND SENTINEL I felt a cold wind. FIRST SENTINEL From the shore? SECOND SENTINEL Nay — from the Mammoth's cave. FIRST SENTINEL Look. The water whirlpools in a monstrous circle. Strange ! 24 CO-O-ZA SECOND SENTINEL (Flings down his spear) I am a free man and a bold but never was I born to drown ! FIRST SENTINEL (Nervously) Shadows need no guards. Hast thou a quaff o' wine? SECOND SENTINEL Aye — up on yonder cliff. Let Co-o-za guard his Badu-lee-ae and his ghosts ! FIRST SENTINEL (Flings down his spear) Come! (They desert. The moon bathes the entrance to the palace and lin- gers over Badu-lee-ae. Two stars are clearly seen above the moon.) BADU-LEE-AE Shadows — shadows ! Reaching low. Tendrils of silence, Weaving wraiths of dreams, unslumbered, still restless with brooding fears. Ah, Stars ! Teach me to dream once again as in days, now flown — when love was all alluring. Starlight ! Lift up my soul from these shadows ! Alone — Forgotten ! Still the night a welcome beckons — breathes a solace and a warning — a message of purple and tears. CO-O-ZA 25 Ah, Moon ! Teach me to be serene, that love, be- trayed, might be enduring. Moonlight ! Starlight ! Lift my soul from thy shadows ! VOICE (Off stage) Lo-al-yah! (Badu-lee-ae looks fear- fully around, then withdraws into the darkness behind the throne. Q Darra enters, followed by four nobles. After them cringes Fhef Ilki, a craven priest. His robe is sullen red and his hairless pate and face a greyish white. The nobles halt as Q Darra advances to the entrance of the cave. He kneels for a moment, then starts up suddenly.) Q DARRA I can no longer wait. Co-o-za must this night be slain ! NOBLES Surrounded by his guards ? Q DARRA Nay — let me think. If we could but send a mes- sage that would speed him here, alone — FHEF ILKI May I be heard, my lord? Q DARRA Speak. FHEF ILKI If Co-o-za thought that thou wert here — alone — 26 CO-O-ZA Q DARRA Go on FHEF ILKI — with Badu-lec-ae — Q DARRA Foul Priest! (He drags at his sword and Fhef Ilki cringes. The Nobles restrain Q Darra.) FIRST NOBLE (Sternly) Priest, link not thy plots in any way against our virtuous queen. SECOND NOBLE Beware a counsel that would sully her fair name. Q_ DARRA Kill the serpent ! Why I do humbly love the queen ! FIRST NOBLE So does all Atlantis, and that very fact has made Co-o-za fear her power. FHEF ILKI The priesthood hates Co-o-za ! In that principle we all agree. I, too, say he must die ! Overthrow the king and place thy Badu-lee-ae on his throne — do what ye will — so long thy action spells his certain doom. (Fawningly to Q Darra.) I would not dis- repute the queen — but, send the message. CO-O-ZA 27 NOBLES He would say 'tis false ! FHEF ILKI Not he ! A slave might give ye that reply, but not a king. And, king or serf, a man fights for his honor best, alone. SECOND NOBLE The priests are hungry for Co-o-za's death? FHEF ILKI Hungry ? Accursed monarch who believes we are but fools ! Who tells us that our Gods are silly toys ! We, who guard the mysteries of the Deep since man began ! Accursed King who laughs and calls us fools ! He, and his wonderful High Priest, whom all our magic cannot slay ! We'll bury him beneath the rough sands of the sea ! We priests are sending Po a message, long foretold. 'Twill make him pale and shudder with affright. Thou Bell ! — toll once ! Ye Mystic Bell of Death ! Toll once ! Toll on ! Toll on ! (Fhef Ilki reaches both hands in incantation to the moon. He moves his arms as though pulling a rope. A deep bell tolls solemnly — Twice! The priest drops to the stage.) 28 CO-O-ZA Q DARRA {Hurriedly) The madman is right. I'll lure Co-o-za here, alone. We'll cast him, as agreed, be- neath the Mammoth's feet ! Meet me in an hour, again! (Q Darra and the nobles exit. Fhef Ilki raises himself with difficulty.) FHEF ILKI (Apprehensively) The Bell — tolled twice — two lives— ^will pass — this night ! (He staggers off. Badu- lee-ae emerges from the shadows and sweeps after him in great agitation. She pauses, then returns as though to enter the palace. As she is about to dis- appear, Po is discovered, surrounded by a curious, pale glow. He is standing in the entrance to the palace. He intercepts the queen.) po Where wouldst thou, Badu-lee? BADU-LEE-AE Let me pass ! PO A moment, Queen of Zend. BADU-LEE-AE I go to warn Co-o-za ! po Still, I bid thee stay. CO-O-ZA 29 BADU-LEE-AE But danger waits him ! — Q Darra plots to lure him here beneath the Mammoth's foot ! PO Nay — warn him not. Let him meet thee here. BADU-LEE-AE Ye would let Co-o-za die? PO Aye, and thee, also. BADU-LEE-AE (Startled) Die? (Faintly) I am to — die? PO (Softly) Have courage, child. BADU-LEE-AE This, then, the end of all? Co-o-za slain? Our love a myth? Alone — afar from home — death? PO (Still softly) No, thy love will live again. BADU-LEE-AE (Brokenly) I fear I am a woman after all. Ah, sadly human, seeking for her mate. (Excitedly) Stay me not! I must save Co-o-za! (She starts to exit. Po raises his hand.) 30 CO-O-ZA PO Tli y death alone will save him now. BADU-LEE-AE (Shaking her head slowly) Thou knowest I would die for him. Priest Po, I've seen too much in my brief exile here, not to feel sure thou dost, indeed, know all. ( Wistfully) But let me see him once again — before we dream. PO (Tenderly) Why, silly child, there is no spectre here. Thine eyes are wearied with thy fears. Atlan- tis falls this night — I, too, will die — but what is death, when measured by the new ! — where thou wilt meet, and wed, Co-o-za! This, I know! (As Badu- lee-ae, glorified, is about to speak, three Shrouded Priests enter and gaze fixedly, at Po.) Whence come ye? FIRST PRIEST From darkness, into light. SECOND PRIEST Our subterranean temple floor has sunk full seven spans. THIRD PRIEST Upon the erstwhile dusty altar's feet I found this washed-in spray of slimy seaweed ! CO-O-ZA 31 PO (Musingly) This is the sign, long since foretold, that land and sea will swiftly change their place. BADU-LEE-AE (Breathlessly) Atlantis falls? PO Aye, even as I told thee. (Sternly, to the priests) Ye have but little time to spare. Return — the Bell will shortly toll again. (The three priests exit.) BADU-LEE-AE (Confidently) Still, we will live again? PO ( With vision) — And meet and love, as human as ye stand here now. Unseen, I will be there and try to make ye both remember what this night has brought to pass. And if, in that next tryst of thine, I can but reach Co-o-za's soul — if, but an instant, he will strive to speak thy name — I tell thee, Queen, all will be well ! BADU-LEE-AE Nay, Priest Po, I do not fear. My heart tells me thy words are true. I'll greet my royal lover once again, as Badu-lee-ae, Queen of Zend. Farewell ! 32 CO-O-ZA po ( With great emotion) Peace be with thee ! As now the sea sends his damp, weedy messenger of fate, to herald the quick onrush of his mighty billows ; so, after all is passed and gone, a simple dove will find a new-born olive leaf with which to tell the world that life is come again ! (He kisses her brow in tender bene- diction and passes on. A tense moment follows, broken by the faint call of the whip-poor-will. Co-o-za is heard approaching. He enters, fully attired for battle. He crosses in front of Badu-lee-ae — halts suddenly. ) CO-O-ZA (Harshly) Retire, Queen of Zend. Q Darra has confessed he loves thee. I await him here ! BADU-LEE-AE So blind, my lord? 'Tis but a plot to draw thee from thy guards. Why, ever since we met I have been beneath thy lock and key — just thirteen days ago. co-o-za (Sullenly) A plot? BADU-LEE-AE Co-o-za, we face death! (He starts, then draws himself up proudly.) This fleeting moment in the night will be our last, as king and queen. Atlantis falls! CO-O-ZA 33 CO-O-ZA Not while Co-o-za stands ! BADU-LEE-AE Cannot I make thee understand? Dear lord, the very caverns underneath our feet will shortly be a torrent sea. co-o-za Then why dost thou wait here? BADU-LEE-AE For thee I wait — as hushed and happy as a new- born dawn that trembles with love voices, soon to awake. co-o-za Then let those voices speak. BADU-LEE-AE Thou dost not fear to die? CO-O-ZA Not with thy hand in mine. BADU-LEE-AE (Very softly) Thou dost believe me — true? co-o-za (Tensely) As life itself! 34 CO-O-ZA BADU-LEE-AE {In lovely confusion, but with great dignity) Then — knowing all — at last I do not fear to give myself to thee! co-o-za {Springing to her) My Mate! {They embrace.) BADU-LEE-AE Thou dost not fear to follow me? co-o-za Nay — through the very gates of death ! BADU-LEE-AE Then — my love — my King — I am thy fate. This shimmering coverlet of night is but a panoply of dreams. {She removes his helmet, cuirass, and un- girdles his sword. She throws a portion of her flow- ing, filmy draperies over him, and, with it, the tresses of her hair.) CO-O-ZA Floating bosoms of the sea — Brushing brow to beating breast — Sailing Soul beneath the stars ! Dear, 'til death, to me. BADU-LEE-AE Fear not, Co-o-za. Love can never die, our ceaseless souls May sometimes dream — then meet again — Fear not ! CO-O-ZA 35 CO-O-ZA Forgot is fate. With this, thy pledge of matchless love, An earthly throne is dross to me. All the jewels in a worldly crown Pale in the glory of thy golden hair. Caressing shadows, whispering love, Melting the moonlight in thy glow, Lo, they linger, just to kiss Thine uplifted beauty, Badu-lee ! BADU-LEE-AE Tell me once more, and gaze into my eyes — That thou art mine — forever mine ! CO-O-ZA Help me to recall, when through the gates of death we meet, That thou art mine — forever mine ! BADU-LEE-AE Fear not, dear lord, for when we meet, My heart will surely know — And speak thy name! My heart will know! BOTH (With great ecstasy) My heart will know! {They sink, exalted, upon the throne, royally — madly — in each other's embrace. Q Darra rushes over the ter- 36 CO-O-ZA race and onto the stage. With him are his four Nobles. Behind them, in safety upon the full-lit ter- race, lurks Fhef Ilki, bearing in one hand a long dagger.) NOBLES Tyrant! Death to Co-o-za! (Co-o-za springs from the throne, in front of Badu-lee-ae, and, dis- daining to recover his sword, folds his arms over his unprotected breast and gazes haughtily at Q Darra. The Nobles draw back three paces.) Q DARRA (Drawing his sword) Thy time is come, O King! Under the paw of the Red Mammoth of Atlantis thou wilt shortly lie. We come to escort thee thence! co-o-za (Without moving) Badu-lee-ae, thou didst ungirdle me my sword ! BADTT-LEE-AE I will be thy breast and shield. Remember! "Through the very gates of death" ! Q DARRA Seize him ! ( With the Nobles, he springs at Co-o-za. Badu-lee-ae throws herself upon Co-o-za's breast. Q Darra's descending sword strikes her and she falls! At that moment a terrific thunderbolt is heard and all is sudden darkness. A vivid flash of lightning whitens the scene. Only the form of Badu- CO-O-ZA 37 lee-ae is lying prostrate on the foot of the throne. Co-o-za, Q Darra and the Nobles have vanished. Again a thunderbolt and darkness. Again a vivid flash. This time the distant headlands are seen slowly sinking beneath the storm-hurled ocean. Fhef Ilki on the terrace sees this and shrieks. The Two Sentinels appear, seize the mad priest's dagger and with it slay him furiously. The terrace sinks beneath them. Again darkness — again half light. A bell tolls twice! The cavern of the Mammoth splits asun- der and in the semi-darkness the gigantic brute wal- lows forth — over the remains of the terrace — into the plunging, rising sea. His huge body catches the swaying pillars of the palace and tramples them into the billows. The moon is fiery red. Atlantis falls!) PO ( Unseen) Roll on, Akashic records of the Past ! Give me this man's lost thought that I may lead him to recall the wrong he did to this same love, twelve thousand years ago ! (Scene changes to — ) 38 CO-O-ZA THE EPILOGUE (As Po finishes his foregoing recitative, the stage lights up slowly, revealing the same scene as in the Prologue. Po is discovered standing as he did then. The Man and The Girl are in the identical positions as before; The Man sitting at the piano, The Girl still kneeling at his feet. Her eyes are closed.) THE MAN (Gazing at The Girl in a troubled manner) Can you not speak, little girl? PO (Softly) Canst thou not speak her name? THE MAN (Still regarding her earnestly, places his hand on her brow with great tenderness.) Can you not speak — Badu— ? PO (Softly) Think! OKing! THE MAN (To The Girl) Tell me, have we ever — met — before? CO-O-ZA 39 PO (Quickly) Speak to him, Badu-lee-ae! THE GIRL (Opening her eyes) Co-o-za! (Po disappears. The Man draws The Girl closer into his arms. They kiss solemnly. As the curtain descends slowly they remain in rapt embrace, smiling into each other's eyes.) (End of the Opeea)