PS 550«? •HiWs ill itiiiiMi iittiini Class ^E^^5_0^ COPYRIGHT DEF»OSIT; THE WIFE OF MAROBIUS THE WIFE OF MAROBIUS A PLAY BY MAX EHRMANN NEW YORK MITCHELL KENNERLEY MCMXI Copyright igii by Mitchell Kennerley Press of 7. J. Little ^ Ives Company East Twenty-fourth Street New York OLD 25982 THE WIFE OF MAROBIUS PERSONS Marobius, a Roman general. Clodia, his wife. Lydia, an old nurse. TIME: s8 B. C. The Wife of Marobius PLACE: An antechainher to Clodia's hed- room in the house of Marobius at Rome. Around the walls hang seven lamps of gold. The ceiling is traversed by beams bound with bands of silver and gold. On each side of the roo7n stands a marble pillar from which project two candlesticks of seven arches. At back there is a window screened by bronze shutters ^ be- neath and at the sides of which the wall is embedded with precious stones, pearl, jade and onyx. Against part of the back wall hangs gold woven tapestry. A citrus table stands in the centre of the room; and a couch at right. There is a door at left and a door at right. On the wall near the door at left is attached a clus- ter of Greek and Barbarian weapons, daggers, spears, and swords. From the ceiling hangs a small bell of hammered gold. The furnishings glitter in the light of the two burning lamps. Clodia is walking across the room. It is past midnight. 7 The Wife of Marobius [Enter Lydia] Lydia I thought that you would be asleep ere now. Clodia I tried to sleep, but tossed and tossed again. Lydia You should lie still and sleep will come. The night Is still, the house is still, but we yet stir. Clodia To me the night is full of ugly noise ; You say the night is still? Lydia No sound at all, Save now and then a wind that moves the leaves. Clodia Then must the noise be in myself. 8 The Wife of Marobius Lydia Perhaps. Clodia I am all tumult like a waterfall. Lydia You should lie still and sleep will come ere long, Sleep is so strange a thing. Clodia Is It so strange? I think the moving night Is far more strange. To you It has no motion and no sound; To me It Is a noisy, crowded street ; A city full of misty, moving shapes. Lydia These things are In yourself. Be still awhile. And you shall see how, like a loving nurse. Sweet sleep will soothe and kiss your tired eyes. 9 The Wife of Marobius Clodia [Taking a seat near the table] Last night I had a dream that was like death, So terrible was the fear it wrought in me. I thought I lay in there beside my husband [Pointing to the right'] And slept, as was my joy in other times. A hand plucked at my gown and wakened me ; And with my eyes wide open I beheld My husband lying headless by my side. I thought I tried to move and cry aloud, Yet could do naught but look upon his corpse. Then it seemed we lay out in the garden, Still side by side, his headless form and I; And plainly could I hear his moaning voice Come from the grassy earth! Lydia What said the voice? Clodia I could not tell, so inarticulate The sound, yet anger and a deep despair Commingled strangely. ID The Wife of Marobius Lydia Were you mucK afraid? Clodia A hundred times I died within the dream, It was as if his head rebelled its fate, And sought to issue from the grassy earth. I thought his pallid lips arose at last And mingled with the leaves of tender green, Which spat forth yellow flame and hissed the while. Then came that rolling sea of stormy dream That drowns all sense of earthly form and color, A moving world of nothing seen or heard. Yet moving, swiftly rushing on and on. When I awoke I should have cried aloud, ^But terror held my throat and quenched the sound. Lydia Dear mistress, drive away these darkened thoughts ; For all is still save now and then the wind II The Wife of Marobius That moves the leaves. The night was made for sleep. It IS the cooling balm of fevered minds. Clodia What meaning can there be in such a dream? Is it a message from the kinder gods To give me warning of approaching ill? Or does some dark corruption in myself Make sick with fear this helmsman of my sleep ? LydiA No meaning can there be in hapless dreams. Clodia Said you a wind was whining In the trees? Lydia A gentle wind. I cannot hear It now. Clodia There ! It is whining in the cypress trees. [Goes to the window and looks out] 12 The Wife of Marobius Lydia Come, come, dear mistress, think such thoughts no more. Your eyes are bright as noon, but should be dull. That sleep might close them up. Clodia [Listening at the window'] Hear, Lydia I It tells some sadden story fraught with pain. The night awakes the slumbering things of day. Perhaps it is the wind now on his round To wake the trees that babble through their leaves. This room is filled with living things by night; They whisper in my ears, and some cry ^'hist!" [Pointing to the hell suspended from the ceil- ing'] And, Lydia, that piece of hammered gold Has more unending terror in its tongue Than all the torments of the wicked dead. How often it has called me forth to shame ! 13 The Wife of Marobius I think each moment It will cry aloud And send me forth to him, for *tis the night That I am wont to barter for my bread. I am a harlot In my husband's house; My body does he love but not my soul. The food I eat Is paid for by my flesh. I cannot live through It another night; My tongue will cry aloud against my will. Lydia I would it pleased you more. \_Startled^ Clodia What sound Is that? I hear no sound. Lydia Clodia I heard It plainly — there! Lydia Perhaps some slave Is walking In his room. 14 The Wife of Marobius Clodia Perhaps some slave is walking in his sleep. No, it is there, up in the gloomy trees — A flutter as of wings. Lydia I cannot hear. Perhaps a bird has fallen from his nest. Clodia There are some birds that fly abroad at night And sing a waihng song as from the tomb. Lydia [Softly stroking her hair~\ Come, mistress, banish all these darkened thoughts. And sleep, else dawn will find you pale and weak. Clodia I would stay here and have you talk to me. Again I hear the noise. O that my mind Did cease to note each passing breath of sound! 15 The Wife of Marobius Lydia It is some slave that walks within the house. Clodia Go to his room and see if he's within. If he but sleeps! Lydia [Surprised] Go to the master's room? Clodia Yes, I would know if he is fast asleep. Then shall I yield myself unto the night; And you will lie by me, as long ago. Lydia But should he wake and find me spying him? Clodia Invent some answer should he question you. Lydia I cannot think what answer I should make. i6 The Wife of Maroeius Clodia Say that you came to fill the lamps with oil. Lydia At such an hour as this? Clodia Or that you thought You heard him speak, and came to learn his want. Lydia Attendants lie almost beside his bed. Clodia Or say you lost your way. The night is dark. Lydia No answer will I form, but go at once, That you may sleep and be yourself again. Clodia See, I would sacrifice you, Lydia — Good Lydia, so much am I distraught. 17 The Wife of Marobius Lydl\ And should he wake and punish me with words, Or think I am some thief come In the night, I shall not fear, so kind is he to me. [Lydia goes of at left. Clodia lights more lamps. There is a noise as if something had fallen. Presently Lydia reenters^ Clodla What sound was that? He woke and looked on you? L\T)IA While groping in the dark I fell. Clodl\ Speak, speak! You saw him in his bed? Lydla I saw him not. Clodl\ You looked inside his room? i8 The \Yife of Marobius Lydl\ He was not there. Clodl\ Then wanders he still somewhere In the night, Or lounges drinking at some festive board. Whose feast is It to-night? L\T)IA I know of none. And yet I heard one whispered of to-day. Clodia Is there an undertone of whispers here? Lydl\ Yes, but rebellion makes no sound In It. Why all the lamps aglow In dead of night? Clodl\ That there may be no visions In the room. No uninvited guests to torment me. 19 The Wife of Marobius Lydia Come, come, must I grow stern with you and chide, As when a child you lay within my arms ? Long has the hour of early sleep passed by, But we yet stir with all our lamps aglow. Clodia I cannot rest till he's within and sleeps. [Walks nervously up and down the room] Lydia And discontent looks ill upon your face, Like some rank weed spread o'er a bed of roses. O Clodia, come, be my child again; And hear my words with faith, as long ago. The stories that I told you on my knee Have all come true, as by some magic hand. This is a house of glitter and of dreams. And you the mistress of this shining land. Where noonday may be kindled in the night, So bright the lustre of these lamps of gold. 20 The Wife of Marobius And you are decked as if some youthful god Had wed you In the morning of the world. Yet growing discontent eats at your breast, And fear and loathing mingle in your soul. See, I am stern with you. Clodia [Kissing her on the forehead^ And I forgive. Lydia I now remember when he came for you. And how I thought that you must part from me, When lo I he packed me up and laughing said Our nests unharmed should still be side by side. So did he wed us both. Clodia Hark! Heard you that — Out there? Lydia I nothing heard but our own words. 21 Tkh Wife of Marobius Clodl\ The o'press trees are cr^'Ing out again. [Goc^s to the ZL'itiJo'Zv and looks out] How strange the dark! Come here and see how strange. \Yhat flecks of light are these that dot the sky? LyDL\ It is the moonlight breaking through the clouds. Clodl\ T would the dawn were here and I had slept. Lydia [Pointing to the ceiling] He'll sound the bell if he desires you. Are you not young and lithe and full of life? 'Tis time you bloomed, it is your early sum- mer. Xow look on me, how old and brown I am. But once I, too, was young and loved and lived. And when the moon shines on a summer night, 22 The Wife of Marobius I wish I could turn back the wheel of time, Awake the withered leaves of summers gone, And listen to sweet whispers In my ear. Sometimes I dream that I am young again, And wake and weep to find that I but dreamed. O, I would heed the sound that sent me forth To him my eager husband Clodia [J noise is heard] Was that an outer door? Pray forbear. L\T)L\ I think it was. l^Listening at door at right] The master is within his house at last. Clodia [Nenously] If, Lydia, by chance the bell should faU, Or were Its tonsrue drawn out, It could not sound See how its coat of gold needs burnishing, 23 The Wife of Marobius The dust of many days lies on its back. Can you not Improvise an accident, And dash It down, and say 'twas yesterday, And you forgot to make report of it? Lydia Good mistress, yield yourself no more to fear; The moments pass and there Is silence still; And soon we two shall softly fall asleep. Did you not say that I should lie by you, As long ago? Clodia Yes, I have need of you, To drive away the shapes that pluck at me. Lydia Just so It was when you were but a child And had o'er-played, all fitful was your sleep; Or when a little glutton you had been, And stole the sweets that were forbidden you. O would that we could live It all again ! 24 The Wife of Marobius Clodia 'Tis echoed In my heart a thousand times. I would give all the woman that I am To see once more the clouds as they appeared In that old time, and kiss the perfumed air That tossed my tresses In a hundred ways. But now I walk In fear as one condemned. O nurse — how strange that old name sounds ! Lydia To me There Is no sweeter name. Clodia [Seating herself again'] In that old garden Of painted dreams my childhood left Its soul. Sometimes the child I was comes back to me, And I stretch forth my arms to hold It fast. For one brief moment all the world Is changed: The lure of twilight shadows In the evening. The pallid gold of summer moons long past, Again enchant me with forgotten peace. 25 The Wife of Marobius Lydia Not so long past, for you are still a child, And I shall wake you with my hand to-night. If some unwholesome dream distress your sleep. Clodia O that your kindly touch might waken me From dreams that look into my open eyes ! Lydia Good mistress, come, let us to bed. Clodia Not yet. Some moments still must pass ere we lie down. Lydia Your voice is charged again with saddened tones, A moment since it had a sweeter sound. Clodia You led me o'er the paths of yesterday, 26 The Wife of Marobius And memory joined my childish hand to yours; I saw the sky rest on a sleeping hill, And heard the murmur of the meadow winds, It was my dawn, my springtime morning hour. Lydia Ah! now your voice Is sweet again. Good child [The bell of hanunered gold upon the celling faintly rings, Lydia goes tonard the right] Clodia [/Irises, startled] Wait! You need not hasten. Lydia I hasten not, [Lydia enters the room on the right, and re- turns at once with a sleeping-go%i'n~\ Lydia [Unbuttoning the gozcn] How chill these pearls must feel against the flesh! 27 The Wipe of ^LAROBI^s More pale are they than iiiies ci the r.rld, More pale than is this dress oi woven a:r — This dress of lawful pleasure a::d of dream. 'Tis ready now Clodia I will not put it on. Lydl\ Inmiodest would it be :: go without. See how the gold threads sparkle in the light, And hear the whisper of the shining folds. These gold threads dazzle me. Clodia They sicken me. [Holding up the ^own\ It waits for you to give it form and life. Clodl\ It is a shroud that brings decay and death. 2S The Wife of Marobius Lydia Nay, say not so. Upon your face a rose Breaks into bloom and paints your tender cheek. Clodl\ It is the rose of shame and not desire* Lydl\ The time goes quickly by. He wa.cs for you. Clodl\ I will not put it on. Lydl\ In all the world It is the honored custom and the law. Cjxxha [Boldly^ Too often have I sacrinced myself Upon the altar of the hated law, Which bids me eat the fruit that sickens me, Denies me drink when I am much athirst. But now I think there is another law, 29 The Wife of Marobius Wrought not by men, but by immortal gods, Which bids me be myself and walk erect. Lydia You are a ruler in this house of gold, Set up by him upon this mighty throne. Clodia I am a slave within this house of flesh. Lydia My child, you vex yourself with sophistry. The time goes quickly by. He waits for you. Clodia Forbear to urge me, for my flesh is weak. Lydia He is so good. How can you tarry here? Clodia [Anxiously] Go you to him, and say that I am ill, 30 The Wife of Marobius That I have tossed these hours in sleeplessness. Do not delay, I bid you go at once. Good Lydia, you do not understand. I am now being born again, and come i\f resh into this breathing world. Go, go ! Lydia I cannot say In truth that you are ill. Clodia Then say to him I do not come to-night. Lydia That shall I say, and then come back to you — Bluntly as you have said it now. Clodia L\T)IA' Then you will go to him? Wait, wait! Clodia \^Approaching the door at right] No, no, listen! 31 The Wife of Marobius Some one is passing to and fro outside, Some one is passing near our door. Or do I hear the wind up in the cypress trees? My mind is full of motion and of sound. Lydia 'TIs true, some one is coming toward our door. Clodia But now I think the sound grows fainter. Lydia Yes. Clodia I loathe this prowling in the dead of night. This watching, waiting to collect a debt. Lydia I shall at once to him and give your message. {^She lays the sleeping-gown over a chair, and goes out at left. Some moments elapse while Clodia quenches the lights until only two are burning. As she goes toward the 32 The Wife of Marobius remaining lamps, the left door opens softly and Marobius enters'\ Clodia OhI Marobius [Standing by the door] Do not startle. It is I. Clodia I — you You frightened me. I thought 'twas Lydla. You saw her? Marobius Yes, and sent her off to bed. Clodia Delivered she the message that I sent? Marobius Sne stammered that you would not come to me. But see, I come to you ! 33 The Wife of Marobius Clodia Whose steps were those I heard a moment since outside the door? So stealthily they came and went again, I thought at first it was the wind at play. Marobius I sent to learn if you were still awake. This room was found aglow with many lights. Since you come not to me, I come to you, To feel your light, woman of all women. Clodia [Aside] O had I let in darkness ere he camel Marobius [Still standing by the door] Spoke you to me? I understood you not. Am I unwelcome in your room of gold? Clodia Who shall say "no" to you in your own house? Here do I live by sufferance of you. 34 The Wife of Marobius My life is but a moving ornament Amid these pearl and gold embedded walls. Marobius You are too solemn. Pray convert your mood To cheerfulness. We two are here alone, No tedious guests to keep us from ourselves. [Goes toward her] I would infold you now — my wife, my wife I And feel you close — O, very close to me I Perpetual dew keeps moist your tender lips, And were I dead your kiss would waken me. Clodia [Moving away] Wait, wait ! not sudden thus, 'tis long ere dawn. Since early night I seem to hear a sound Up In the cypress trees — not like the wind; Yet Lydia supposed It was the wind. Think you the wind can speak like human lips? Marobius Have you not slept? 35 The Wife of Marobius Clodia The whispers In the night Have kept me wake with their unending noise. Marobius As you so quickly move about, I think I have not seen a deer more lithe than you, So agile are your limbs, so swift your eyes. Your hair is full of sleep and full of dream; It Is a sunlit fall of golden water, A rushing torrent made of liquid gold; 'TIs softer than a midnight summer wind Upon the hungry lips of eager love; And when at first I twined it round my face, I felt the passion of the gods. [Goes toward her} Clodia [Moving away] Wait, wait. Marobius You are a flower that blooms in quiet night, So fragrant that It thrills me through. 36 The Wife of Marobius Clodia Wait, wait. Listen ! It Is the whispers In the trees, It Is the moaning In the trees out there. Marobius 'TIs but the wind that tosses up the leaves. Clodia I hear a sound more human-like than wind. Marobius \_Goes to the window and looks out'\ Nothing but moving air disturbs the night. A little bird are you to frighten thus, A little bird with burnished marble breast. Come to me, sing your breath Into my face; Your breath like sweetened poison thrills me through. [^Goes toward her] Clodia [Moving away] Wait, wait; I still am trembling In my limbs. First tell me of the feast to-night. 37 The Wife of Marobius Marobius The feast! As stupid as a race won ere 'tis run. I would forget It and would feast with you. Clodia Pray tell me what was said. Marobius [Sits down] But stupid things : One told, with great gusto, an ancient tale I heard when yet a boy; another, old With wine and too much food, proclaimed his Ills, A swelling every morning In his legs. A youth talked much of love and much more drank. [Begins to arise] Clodia No, no ; there is much more to tell. Marobius Another, 38 The Wife of Marobius Our fat, complaining guest of yesternight, Explained In great detail the foods he ate. The foods he could not eat, In short, the virtues Of his stomach and the perils of foods. One ate too much of quince, grew deathly ill, Was taken home, and laughed at as he went. All fools they were, more foolish made by wine. Clodia Was there no noble thought expressed? Marobius Not one. Yet I am little judge of noble thoughts. My eyes are better trained than Is my mind; And when they look on you they see naught else. The world Is strangely dimmed as If 'twould rain. Why are your lips so red, your flesh so white — Whiter than lilies grown beneath a glass — Whiter than marble brought from Africa? 39 The Wife of Marobius Clodia Always of my body, but not my soul You speak. Marobius It is a sapling laurel tree, And I a stormy wind that bends It down. Your saffron hair Is like Assyrian silk, Like sheets of water that the winds distress. [Rises and goes tozvard her] Clodia [Avoid'Dig him] Walt, wait; I beg more time. Marobius [Stops] More time? Clodia More time — To tell a fearful dream of yesternight. I am your slave and ask more time. Marobius My slave ? Your lips alone dare call you slave of mine. [Sits dow7i] 40 The Wife of Marobius Clodia What meaning can there be in fearful dreams? Marobius Saw you some ugly thing that frightened you — That made you hide your head beneath your wing? Had I been near I should have wakened you, And held you in my arms. Clodia You were by me. Marobius I? Yesternight? Clodia I saw you in my dream. Marobius [^Golng toward her] No ugly thing shall frighten you to-night, For I, close by, will touch you with my hand. And kiss the velvet softness of your throat. 41 The Wife of Marobius Clodia [Moving away] Wait, wait ! Marobius [Following her step by step] Your hair shall I twine round my face, And breathe the perfume of your breath. Clodia No, no I Marobius And crush you in my arms against myself, Till both of us shall live as one. Clodia No, no ! Marobius Is It pursuit that thrills your heart with joy? And must I catch you ere I feel your warmth? If you were hid within a darkened house, The perfume of your flesh would cry to me. Or were you lost, so great is my desire That I could find you in a sunless world. 42 The Wife of Marobius Clodia O, do not touch me lest I cry aloud! Marobius [Stops] You gods, I waken I You repulse me? Clodia Yes. Marobius I am a fire from which you flee in dread? Clodia I fear the flamuig love you bear my body. Marobius Woman of all women, you repulse me! Within I stagger as a wounded deer. And yet I think half-hearted that some trick Your words have played — some trick of sound, perchance, ^ [Goes toward her] That turns their meaning round. You steal away! 43 The Wife of Marobius [Stops] I am put off, condemned, pronounced unclean. Behold my hands ! My touch Is venomous. I am a leper found beneath your bed. My breath more poison than the hemlock's juice; I am a deadly drink of stagnant water, The green covering of a pool of ooze. Where my lips press a yellow scar Is left, As If the juice of upas trickled there. My Image sparkles In your frightened eyes, A loathed thing with foul and festered form. Who lies abed with me shall rot alive. Clodia No, no! Your form Is noble like a god's, And pure as limpid water In the sun. Marobius I am a slimy asp found In your bed. You seek to soothe the wound you have just made, And mock me with your trembling lips. 44 The Wife of Marobius Clodia No, no; I only fear the love you bear my body. Marobius My touch would sting you as a viper's tongue. Clodia It would but chill me through. O, sadden not ! I am an evil wind— Marobius [Sinking into a chair] I am not sad; Subdued am I, bowed down, and thoughtful grown. Barbarian spears have cruelly rent my flesh, But this sword of yours has a keener edge. My life arises through the mist of years, And perished memories look on me again. A world of fancies was my boyish world, And love was sky and earth and wind and wood. 45 / The Wife of Marobius Love stirred ambition In my youthful breast, And sent me forth to conquest and to gain. A thousand youthful women have I seen Who with their eyes bade me to lead them forth. Barbarian maidens In Albanian lands, With dreadful fear consumed, fell on my breast, Maidens fresh and fair as springtime morn- ing, Fragrant, yielding as a violet blooming, Iberian women-slaves of tender age. With amber hair, Judean maidens crowned With waving locks of midnight ebony. And ruby-laden mistresses of kings. Were as a bed of roses to be plucked. Yet I kept myself for you. Clodia Why for me? Marobius Because the gods have formed you like a god- dess; 46 The Wife of Marobius Your flesh is whiter than the polished marble The Greeks have made to glow with life. I knew You In my dreams before I saw your face. Clodia Always your eyes are fixed upon my body. I fear the flaming love you bear my body. Marobius A thousand dreadful battles have I fought, And lain In swamps by the Hyrcanlan Sea, By deadly scorpions visited at night. Thus gathered I the glitter of this house. These jewel-embellished lamps of beaten gold Made bright the enamored evenings of a king. Yon seven-fingered candlesticks of bronze Burned in a temple at Jerusalem. Sweet dreams of love upbore me on the night I swam a moaning sea of poisoned spears To bring this tapestry that's stiff with gold. The grass of spring Is not more tender green Than Is the jade embedded In these walls; 47 The Wife of Marobius Nor autumn leaves more yellow than the topaz. See how the envious pearls, that sparkle not, Make solemn faces at the shining stones. That row of sapphire, soft as summer skies, Lay on a youthful princess' snow-white breast. All this I brought for you. ClodiA To buy my body. The food and drink your gourmand passion craves. Marobius To please the heart of her I saw in dreams, Who now repulses me. That citrus table, Your snow-white fingers now are trembling on. Came o'er the seas from Africa for you. [She lifts her hand from the table] Yon daggers, swords, and spears I bought with blood; Each one I wrenched from out the hand of death. I gave them you. They were my choicest gift. The favorite maiden of the King of Pontus Has worn that diamond that adorns your hair. 48 The Wife of Marobius 'Tis like a dewdrop on a saffron rose. [She takes the diamond from her hair and lays it on the table] That slender thread of scarlet pearls you wear Has felt the warmth of fair Statonlce's throat. In all of Rome there Is none like to it. Once In a hundred years, I have been told, The miser sea gives up a scarlet pearl. [She takes the pearls from her throat] Have I denied you aught? Clodia No, by the gods, That have you not. With gold and bronze and pearl, Well have you paid me o'er and o'er again For every inch of my defenceless self. By all the written laws I am your wife; And being such, I am a loathed thing. By signs and sounds of bells you summon me. Submission takes the place of love's reward. It is a world of flesh in which we live. My yearning soul you have not sought to buy. I would have given It for love alone. 49 The Wife of Marobius Marobius Do I not love you ? Clodia You love my body. You love the pleasure that I give to you. When you are calm you have no need of me; And day and night I meditate alone. Then in a frenzied heat you come to me; And I but live to feed your maddened fire. I am a sea your storm-winds beat upon. I am the withered leaves your flames consume. Your love is fire and straining wind and storm ; Like wine, it wakes to lust your dead desire. You dazzled me with gold and shining stones, And led me to this house of lawful shame. How am I better than the common women Who sell themselves for shelter and for food? Marobius Are you not my wife? 50 The Wife of Marobius Clodia You wed my body, But not my soul. What law can bind two souls? What ceremony pompous made with gold Can lead the heart to go where it will not? My timid flesh has tarried in this house; But that in me which lived for love Is dead. You, master, maker of my little world. You sought it not. Marobius 'Tis late to note this now. Clodia What did I know of life upon that morn You led me from my father's house, a child. My nurse, the sky, my poets had taught me dreams. I thought you loved my soul. Marobius I loved your soul? 51 The Wife of Marobius Can burning lips be cooled upon the soul? What is this love of things one cannot touch ? Clodia O would that I could form it into words And give It understanding In your mind! 'TIs soft and low and sweet and clamors not. 'TIs like the light of stars In quiet night, A hush and stillness of the world within. 'Tis bountiful as is the harvest time With mellow fruit, and yields ere it Is asked. It is like gentle springtime when the earth Of her own self, unforced, yields up the grass. Marobius Your soul then would I wed. Teach me this love. Clodia 'Tis learned not In the twinkling of an eye. Marobius I will be patient, teach me step by step. 52 The Wife of Marobius Clodia O, I have meditated in the night When silence almost murmured like a sound I And gazing long into the lighted sky, I thought the stars came slowly down to me; Then upward through the soft and darkened world I went with them unto the ends of space. With you this flight of soul had been divine. Marobius I will go through the universe with you. Clodia And often In the night I would you came With heavy heart that I might comfort you. I would you told me of some secret grief And found surcease of sorrow on my breast. In evening's quiet hour, beneath the trees, With eagerness I'd listen to your plans; And we should wander in one world of thought. When lonely night comes on I'd sleep by you. So near that I might touch you with my hand. 53 The Wife of Marobius And children would I bear that have your image ; And you would ache as I In pain brought forth Sweet roses In the garden of my breast — Appealing lips that cry and press for drink, Whose faintest smile makes sweet a bitter world. My unborn children have I seen at night, And heard their feeble cries to be brought forth, That they might know the glory that It is To live and see the world with human eyes. At night they whisper In the cypress trees, And cry aloud to me to be their mother. But we have murdered them — my little chil- dren I Marobius You sadden me with grief till now unknown. Clodia I would not pain you, but my heart Is hurt. Marobius You should have been a mother. 54 The Wife of Marobius Clodia You would not Forgo your pleasure for a season brief. Marobius There still is time. Clodia Not till you love my soul. Marobius ,Your words are piercing as a slender sword. Clodia At first I feared you. Now no more I fear, For sorrow sits upon your heavy soul And darkens all the chambers of your house. It will draw me to you again. Marobius You will Not flee from me if I come to you now? [Takes her in his arms] SS The Wife of Marobius Clodia No, kiss me not until I come to you: And then we two shall wander through the world; And you will know the bliss of loving me, When I shall breathless run Into your arms. Marobius I would that now your lips were touching mine. Mine are a burning field and yours a rain, A famished beggar gazing on a feast. Clodia No, no; not yet; my heart still beats In pain. Marobius O, loath am I so soon to let you go I Clodia Love but my soul, the part of me not flesh, And you shall see my body run to you. 56 The Wife of Marobius Marobius The dawn of this new love breaks through my night. Clodia Be patient, not so quickly Is It taught; Yet am I filled with joy that you will learn, That you will sit with me In night's still hours, And live with me your life of thought, as mine Henceforth I live with you. What sound Is this That like sweet music trembles through the night ? [Faint music is heard] Marobius I bade my servants softly touch the lute When I had been with you a measured time, That I, returning, might be cheered by sound. Clodia [Drawing slowly away from him] 57 The Wife of Marobius This is a new caprice your hunger craves. Yet sweet this whispered music in the night; It brings some cheer into my heart. Marobius [Seeing her night robe lying on the chair] Your robe ! O, put it on before I go, that I May look on you in all your loveliness! For one brief moment fill my eyes with light, For I am stricken blind and see you not. You are the sun of all my darkened world. I have been patient and will learn this love You told me of. See how I plead with you, Like some vile beggar at your outer door — I who but yesterday was master here; I thirst for you; I hunger for your beauty. My eyes alone will feel you with their sight. I have known sabre wounds that were a touch Beside the mortal hurt of all your words. O, put it on that I forget my wounds ! [Takes lip the gown] 58 The Wife op^ Marobius Clodia I bring you only grief. Your plaintive words Are heavy with their sorrow. Marobius Put it on, And be the goddess of my heart's own world. Clodia I am no goddess, but am still your wife. Marobius Put it on, put it on, and bring me cheer! Clodia O, ask me not again, else will I yield! Marobius [Placing the gown on her arm] And let me worship you. Clodia I would be loved. 59 The Wife of Marobius Marobius It IS the breaking dawn of love's new day. Your wondrous beauty mirrored on my eyes, I'll wander off to sleep and dream of you. Clodia Will It cheer you to look on me? Marobius Yes, yes! Clodia And as the days come on shall we two learn The bliss of our new love? Marobius My teacher, you. Clodia And will you sit by me at eventide? Marobius And in the morning twilight kiss your lips, Subdued by love that first is passionless. 60 The Wife of Marobius Clodia And sometimes in the watches of the night, We two shall meditate upon the gods, And think how beautiful it is to live. Marobius (Yes, yesl Clodia And will you gladly climb with me The peaceful mountains made of lofty thoughts That lie serenely in the soul? Marobius That too. Clodia Then will I come that you may look on me. [She goes of at right, closing the door behind her, Marobius relights several of the lamps. Lydia enters at leftl Master, master! Lydia Marobius I sent you off to bed. 6i The Wife of Marobius Lydia O master, do not look on her to-night! Marobius Have you been listening? Answer me. Lydia I— I * Marobius Have you been listening? Lydia Yes — behind the door. O master, do not look on her to-night! Marobius What strange anxiety distresses you? Am I to bow before a slave's command? Lydia O, do not look on her! 62 The Wife of Marobius Marobius Your trembling lips Give forth an evil sound. Begone ! Lydia I go. Marobius And bid the music softly start again, Not long, nor loud — some piece of passionate love ; For I would feel delight through every sense. You tarry. Shall I cast you out? Lydia No, no. [Lydia goes of at left. Marobius lights more lamps. Faint music is heard for a short time. The door at right is open a little'] Clodia [Within'] O ! I will come If you quench all the lights. 63 The Wife of Marobius Marobius [Quenching some of the lights'] How can I see If all the lights are quenched? Clodia One lamp gives light enough. Marobius One light but blinds. Clodia Then two or three. Marobius O come, I cannot wait! Clodia I have no pleasure In this show of me. Marobius O come, and be my dawn, and bring me cheer ! 64 The Wife of Marobius Clodia You will not lay your hands upon me? Marobius No. But with my eyes I'll touch you everywhere. [Clodia enters clad in the sleeping-robe. She stands by the door with eyes cast down] Marobius You make the earth beautiful. Clodia Marobius I am glad. I think till now I never looked on you. What amorous god made you to glow with light, Encircled by this dress of woven air I You are a lamp set In a silken shade, A radiant star set in a shining vale. 6s The Wife of Marobius Clodia None of these things am I save in your thought. If there is lustre, 'tis these precious stones And threads of gold; I only wear the dress. \_Lookhig tip, startled'] Your eyes are glaring like a fretted beast's. Marobius [Going toward her] My eyes could find you in a sea of mist. Around your body hovers perfumed air, As if the odorous bath had not yet dried. Clodia [Moving away] You said you would not lay your hands on me. Marobius A thousand fathoms of the deepest sea Are not as deep as are your liquid eyes. Clodia [PFeeping] No, no; I have done wrong to lure you thus! 66 The Wife of Marobius Marobius [Seizing her in his arms] And when you weep I yearn for you the more; Therefore, I make you weep to spur me on. Clodia [Stru^^lin^l I shall cry out! Marobius My fingers sting with joy. Your touch is cooling like a running stream. This brief embrace will do no hurt to you; It cools me who am burning like a flame. Clodia No, no — your promise — stand away from me ! Marobius You cannot put me off, I hold you fast. See how my lips come near to yours. Clodia No, no I 67 The Wife of Marobius Marobius They are athlrst to drink your beauty. Nol Clodia Marobius [Kissing her] I never loved you till this hour. Clodia Stand off I Marobius [Kissing her again] The more you struggle the more I love you. Clodia I shall shriek out I Marobius ^Drawing her to right, toward her chamber door] I cannot let you go; For every drop of blood within my veins Cries out for you, and will not yield you up. 68 The Wife of Marobius Clodia No, no, forbear! Your passion maddens you! I burn for you. Marobius Clodia You know not what you do ; Your fingers sink into my flesh! [Calls] Lydia! Your eyes dart flame. O stay, think ! Lydia ! [Smothering her voice with his lips, he draws her into her chamber. As she passes the door, endeavoring to stay herself, her hand touches the cluster of weapons hanging on the wall. She cleaves to one of these as he draws her through the do or J Marobius [Within, amid cries] Your beauty cools my burning lips. Be still! I'll drink you, crush you, feel your warmth on me. I cannot let you go. Be still, be still, Else will I tear your flesh and make you bleed. 69 The Wife of Marobius You are my wife; my wife shall be my wife! [There is a loud cry within, then silence, Clodia^ white and trembling, reenters, and Lydia enters from the opposite side} Lydia What noise? I thought I heard some one cry out. There's blood upon your wrist! Clodia [Whispering] I scratched myself. Speak not so loud lest you wake up the house. Lydia The master — where is he — asleep? Clodia . Asleep. Bring me my sable robe. Lydia At such an hour? 'Tis not yet dawn. 70 The Wife of Marobius Clodia We two are going home. Do quickly what I bid. Lydia Ere he awakes? Clodia [Gazing fixedly at the door at left] He will awake. I see him coming. Go! Lydia I do not see him — where? Clodia [Frantically] My robe — go quickly! There — there, his eyes, his voice— you hear him? Lydia No. Clodia He murmurs — hear ! He murmurs in his sleep. His lips are moving — see I 71 The Wife of Marobius Lydia [Caressing her] I see no one. You dream again. Be still, else will he wake. He sleeps so soundly now. Clodia He soundly sleeps. My mind Is full of fancies. Fetch my robe I What noise was that out there — out there? Lydia The wind. Clodia It sounded like a noise from human lips. Hear — hear the voices; all the house is roused! I hear a rush of maddened slaves. Lydia Be calm, The house Is still. Clodia Run, Lydia, run, run! Make clear the passage, beat them back, go, go I My robe — run quickly — fetch my robe! 72 The Wife of Marobius Lydia [Hurries off at right^ I go. Clodia [Calling wildly after her] Bring slaves — bring litter-slaves to bear us hence .... [Sinks to the floor] [Marobius, bleeding, raises himself in the doorway at left. He walks falteringly to where Clodia lies, takes her up in his arms. and lays her gently on the couch] Curtain 73 k/L.V^ One copy del. to Cat. Div. DEC 9 191t