r^^ P^SbKS ^ S^5^l^ ^P ipjj^^fj ^ ^StI S{«r53S^?^ ^ ^CjT^^*aj5 39l^ ?^S ' ^^^L sSkS-^ ^^S l^^sj ^^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. iVV, .vi^: ^p of* i 9^ ^ Mm ';<3t, I PAUSANIAS AND XERXA King Xerxes^ Daughter HISTORICAL DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS Founded on An Unfinished Historical Romance by The Late Lord Lytton "The dramatic situations have been obtained from Plutarch, Thucydides, Grote and other historians BY HUBERTA M. PLUM-WOEHNING i LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two Copies Received NOV 15 1904 I Copyrieni tntry / [UmX^ iff ICj^)U "CUSS /^ X^. Nor ^io^^ PY B. Entered According to Act of Congress in the year 1904 By HUBERTA M. PLUM-WOEHNING In the Office of trie Librarian of Congress Washington, D. C. BIGHTS OF TRANSLATION RESERVED. BURR PRINTTN^G HOUSE, NEW YORK. EESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO ME. HERBERT MILLER, PORTLAND, OREGON, DISTINGUISHED INTERPRETER OF THE CLASSICAL DRAMA AND A LEADING ACTOR ON THE AMERICAN STAGE. PERSONS REPRESENTED, PAUSANIAS, Eegent of Sparta, the Victor of Plataa, Ad- miral of the United Greek Fleet in the Waters of Byzan- tium ANTAGORAS, of Chios, Captain LYSANDER, Officer, Friend to Pausanias, his father an Ephor. belonging to one of the highest families in Sparta. TJLIADES. of Samos, Captain, Friend to Antagoras. ARISTIDES, Athenian Admiral ) Athenian CIMOlSr, General \ nobles. THEMISTOCLES OF ATHENS (The Victor of Salamis, Athenian Ambassador) ALE^IAN, of Sparta, Foster-brother of Pausanias, a Helot, a Mothon (household slave). Poet, Singer and Warrior. CONGYLUS, Governor of Byzantium DIAGORAS, of Byzantium, a very rich nobleman. . ARTAXP]RXP]S, a Persian Ambassador and Uncle to Prin- cess Xerxa GYLIPPUS, a Helot, a Slave — PERICLIDES OF SPARTA, the Chief of the Ephors. DORIS, an Ephor — Persons Represented— (Continued.) A MINSTREL POLIDORUS, the Chief of the Five Spartan Equals. An Egyptian Dancer PRINCESS XERXA, King Xerxes' Daughter (a royal captive) CLEOXICE^ Daughter to Diagoras, a famed beauty. ASTARTE, Prophetess and priestess, daughter to Diagoras. ALITHEA, the Widow of a King^ Mother of Pausanias. PERCULA, Daughter to an Ephor, a young Spartan beauty. AX OLD LADY, Attendant on Princess Xerxa. . . . SYRA, IXDRA, I Attendants on Cleonice. APR A (a black slave) J Ladies and women attending on the Princess. Hand-maidens at- tending on Cleonice. Dancers and dancing girls. Captains of the Grecian States. The Spartan Equals. The Ephors, the Council of Five. — From the Representatives of the Spartan People. Two Jonian Commissioners. Officers, Soldiers, Guards, Seamen, Helots, People, and Other Attendants. SCENE-Byzantium a^b Spakta (475 B. C.) BYZANTIUM (CONSTANTINOPLE) 475 B.C. After the victory of the Greeks over the Persians — when the Spartan Eegent, Pansanias, a Lacedaemonian general, the victor of Platsea, as admiral of the united Greek fleet in the waters of Byzantium, was at the summit of his power ;and reputation, and of the awe which his character inspired. PAUSANIAS AND XERXA, KING XERXES' DAUGHTER ACT I. On one of the quays of Byzantium. In the waters of the haven are vessels of the Grecian fleet. To the right of the fleet is a vessel still more ornamented than the rest. On the prow were carved the heads of Castor and Pollux. In the centre of the deck is a pavilion having a gilded roof and shaded by purple awnings, an imitation of the luxurious galleys of the Barbarian. From the stern hangs a gilded shield and a crimson pennon. The masts and prow are heavy Avith garlands. A flag waves in the breeze of the beautiful evening, and exhibits the terrible serpent, an emblem of the policy of the Spartan state. It is the galley of the Commander of the armament, the renowned Chiefs Pausanias. Agreeable to orders he had given, the rowers are on their benches, the libation to the god Apollo, under whose special protection the ship was placed, had been poured forth, and with the rising sea the gorgeous vessel should move forth from the Bay. According to Grecian custom, to the rowers is allotted a musician, with whose harmony their oars, when first putting out to sea^ keep time. And on this occasion Aleman superseded the wanted performer by a popular song and the melody of his voice, stand- ing by the mainmast and holding a large harp. The larger proportion of the crews of the various vessels are on shore; and on the decks, idly reclined, small groups of sailors are assembled. 1 On the quay, in the front, are standing several Athenian nobles. One of them is Aristides, a man in the meridian of manhood, of a calm but haughty aspect; the other next to him is Cimon, in the full bloom of youth, of lofty stature and with a certain majesty of bearing. Down his shoulders flows a profusion of long curly hair, connected with golden clasps, in which is wrought the emblem of the Athenian nobles. The clasp that fastens the clamps upon the right shoulder, leaving the arm free, is of gold and exquisite workmanship, and the material of the vesture is of a quality betokening wealth and rank to the wearer. Now music sounds from the deck. Aleman sings the old Grecian hymn to the Dorian god of Light and Poetry. ALEMAN ^^God Apollo : For thine altars do the seasons Pay the tributary flowers. Spring thy Hyacinth restores, Summer greets thee with the Roses. Autumn the blue Cyane mingles With the coronals of corn, And in every wreath thy Laurel Weaves its everlasting green. Hey ! ho ! Carnee ! Hey ho ! Carnee ! Ho ! hey ! Hey ho !- "Strong are those who win the Laurel ! For the brows Apollo favors^ Spring and Winter does the Laurel Weave its everlasting green." 2 (Rowers as in chorus.) "Strong are those who win the Laurel ! For the brows Apollo favors. Even Ocean bears the Laurel Hey ! ho ! Carnee ! Hey ! ho ! Carnee ! Ho ! hey ! Hey ! ho ! — '* AEISTIDES "Yes, Cimon, yonder vessel itself affords sufficient testimony of the change that has come over Pausanias, the haughty Spartan. It is difficult, indeed, to recognize in this luxurious Satrap, who effects the dress, the manners, the very insolence of the Barbarian, that Pausanias who after the fall of Mardo- nius at Platasa — after the glorious battle — ordered the slaves to prepare for the Chiefs of Greece in the tent of Mardonius such a banquet as would have been served to the Persians, while his own Spartan black broth and bread were set beside him." CIMON "His manners are spoilt by the people, the women, the delicious wine and the balm of the subduing climate — spoilt by the luxuries of Byzantium. I love the Spartans so well that I blush for whatever degrades them. And all Sparta is dwarfed by the effeminacy of her Chief . . . ." AEISTIDES "The gods are at work for Athens. See you not that, day after day, while Pausanias disgusts the allies with the Spar- tans themselves, he throws them more and more into the arms 3 of Athens ? Let his madness go on, and ere long the Violet- crowned City will become the queen of the seas/' CIMOX "Several officers of Jonia and the Isles have already openh^ and loudly proclaimed to me their wish to exchange the Spar-^ tan ascendancy for the Athenian/' AEISTIDES (Looking searchingly at his comrade.) "And with all your love for Sparta, you would not, then, hesitate to rob her of a glory w^hich you might bestow on your own Athens T' CIMON "Ah ! Am I not Athenian ? Though my great father perished a victim to the injustice of a faction — though he who had saved iVthens from the Mede died in the Athenian dun- geon — still, fatherless, I see in Athens but a mother, and if her voice sounded harshly in my boyish years, in manhood I have feasted upon her smiles. Yes, I honor Sparta, but I love Athens. You have my answer." AEISTIDES "You speak well ; you are worthy of the destinies for which I forsee that the son of Miltiades is reserved. Be wary, be cautious ; above all, be smooth and blend with men of every state and grade. / would wish that the allies themselves should draw the contrast between the insolence of the Spartan 4 •Chief and the courtesy of the Athenians. What said you to the Jonian officers ?" CIMON "I said: ^\Ye come here to fight the Barbarian, not to dis- pute among ourselves ; place us where you will' — even so now, while the allies give the command to Sparta, Sparta we will obey. But if we were thought by the Grecian States the fittest leaders, our answer would be the same that we gave at Plateea, ^Not we, but Greece, be consulted : Place us where you will !' '' AEISTIDES "Oh ! wise Cimon ! I have no caution to bestow on 3^ou. "You do by intuition that which I attempt by experience. But hark ! What music sounds in the distance ?" CIMON (Sarcastically). "The airs that Lydia borrowed from the East and for which Pausanias hath abandoned the Dorian flute." (The sailors rise, eagerly listening from the decks; there is now bustle, life and animation on board the fleet. From several of the vessels the trumpets wake a sonorous signal- note. . . . In a few minutes the quays, before so -deserted, swarm wdth the Grecian mariners, who emerge hastily to their respective ships. (On board the galley of Pausanias there is more special animation; not only mariners, but slaves, from the Eastern markets, are to be seen, jostling each other, talking quick and loud in foreign tongue. Hasty hands lay rich carpets across the decks and smooth into yet more graceful folds the curtains^ that shed the gay pavilion in the centre. The Athenians look on with a bitter smile while these preparations announce the expected approach of the great Pausanias. (Antagoras, the young Chief of Chios, who, hurrying- toward one of the vessels, caught sight of the Athenians and paused. Approaches them.) ANTAGOEAS "Ho, noble Cimon ! You are the very person whom I most desire to see. Aristides, too ! I am fortunate !" CIMON (Laying his hand with frank and somewhat blunt cordialitjr on Antagoras' shoulder.) ^TTou cannot fail to be welcome at all times. But why- would you seek us now ?" ANTAGORAS "Because I will not endure the insolence of this rude- Spartan any longer. Will you believe it, Cimon, will you believe it, Aristides? Pausanias has actually dared to sen- tence to hlows, to stripes, one of my own men — a free Chian — a leader of ten men. I have but this instant heard it. And the offence — Gods ! The offence ! Shall this be borne,, Cimon ?" CIMON "Stripes to a Greek ! Thinks Pausanias that the Jonianj race are already his Helots, his slaves ?" C ARISTIDES "Be calm, Pausanias approaches. I will accost him/' ANTAGORAS (Eagerly plucking the gown of Aristides as he turns away. ) "I need not ask you, oh Aristides, why you seek Pausanias. You have learned through Cimon the escape of the Persian prisoners, Arimanes and Datis, men of the highest rank and influence at the Court of Xerxes. "Well, it is more than rumored that of late Pausanias has visited and conferred with them, through the interpretation of Congylus, far more frequently than became the General of the Greeks.^' ARISTIDES (calmly). "We will see to it, but keep by my side.'* (Now the music sounds loud and near, and suddenly, as the procession approaches the character of that music alters. A. minstrel, who walks bt^ide them, sings) : THE PRAISE OF THE SPARTAN" KNIGHTS. Multitudes, backward ! Way for the Conqueror ! Way for the Dorian ! Way for the lord of rocky Laconian ! Way for these heroes ! Keenest racers to glory, on wave or on shore, By the rush of the steed or the stroke of the oar ! On their bosoms the battle splits, wasting its shock. They charge like the whirlwind, they stand like the rock. 7 Multitudes, backward ! Way for the Conqueror ! Way for the Dorian ! Way for the lord of rocky Laconian ! Way for these heroes Wheresoever is peril these knights lead the way — Place them first in the fight — they claim it as pay. Hail the stoutest in war, hail the mildest in peace, The pride of Sparta, the bulwarks of Greece. (Behind the musicians come five Spartans, selected from the celebrated three hundred who claim the right to be stationed around the King in battle. Tall, stalwart, sheathed in armor, their shields slung at their backs, their crests of plumage or horsehair waving over their strong and stern features, these hardy warriors betrayed to the keen eye of Aristides their sul- len discontent at the part assigned to them in the luxurious procession; their brows are knit, their lips contracted, and each of them who catches the glance of the Athenians turns his eyes as half in shame, half in anger, to the ground. (Coming now upon the quay, opposite to the vessel of Pausanias, from which is suspended a ladder of silken cords, the procession stops and, opening on either side, leaves space in the midst for the commander.) ANTAGOEAS (To Cimon). "He comes ! By Hercules ! Is it the Conqueror of Mar- donius, or the Ghost of Mardonius himself T^ (The victor of Plataea, Pausanias, wore the flowing gorgeous 8 garment of the Mede. His long gown, covered with flo'.vers wrought in golden tissue, swept the earth, and instead of the Spartan hat the high Median cap or tiara crowned his long black hair, while — what of all was hateful to Grecian eyes — he wore the curved cimeter and short dirk that were the national weapons of the Barbarians. By the side of Pausanias is a man whose dark beard is already sown with gray, the features sharp, the visage lean, the eyes vivid and sparkling as those of a lynx — it is Congylus. Pausanias lias just given to him the government of Byzantium, and has entrusted to him the custody of the Persian prisoners captured in that port. (He glances quickly and pryingly around, till his eyes rest Upon the Athenians, with the young Chian standing in their rear. He touches the arm of Pausanias.) COXGYLUS "The Athenian Captains are here to do you homage/' (Pausanias turns and Aristides approaches.) ARISTIDES "If it please you, Pausanias, Cimon and myself, the leaders of the Athenians, would crave a hearing upon certain mat- ters '' PAUSAXIAS "Son of Lysimachus, say on.^^ ARISTIDES (Lowering his voice and with a smile.) "Your pardon, Pausanias, this is too crowded a Council Hall. May we attend you on board of your galley ?" 9 PAUSANIAS (Haughtily). "Not so; the morning to affairs, the evening to recreation _ We shall sail in the bay to see the moon rise, and if we indulge in consultations it will be over our wine-cups." ANTAGORAS "Well, then, no matter if the whole city hears what we have: to address to Pausanias — it is to complain." PAUSANIAS "Ay, I doubt it not. The Jonians are eloquent in grum- bling." ANTAGOEAS "It was not found so at Plataea." PAUSANIAS "Your wit exceeds your experience. But my time is; short." ANTAGORAS "In the name of my countrj^men I demand justice." ULIADES (Who had joined the group unobserved, doggedly.) "And I also, Uliades of Samos, I demand justice. What by" the gods! Are we to be all equals in the days of battle? 'My good sir, march here,^ and ^My dear sir, just run into that: 10 breach;' and yet when ive have won the victory and should share the glory, is one State, nay, one man, to seize the whole and deal out tough cowhides and iron anchors to his com- panions, and giving orders to the unworthy punishment b}" standing all day in the open sun with the weight of those anchors on their shoulders ? "No, Spartan, this is not my view of the case ; you suffer in the eyes of Greece by this misconduct. To Sparta itself I appeal, for if you tarry here longer in the command thou wilt render all the allied enemies to thy country." PAUSANIAS (To Aristides, with calm sarcasm, though his eye shot fire.) "You have prepared a notable scene for the commander of your forces, son of Lysimachus." (Changing the tone of his voice, he stamps his foot vehe- mently to the ground.) "Enough, we owe no account to our inferiors ; we render no explanations save to Sparta and her Ephors.'' ULIADES "So be it then; we have our answer, and you will hear of our appeal !" PAUSANIAS "l\rean you to threaten me — Me — wdth carrying the busy tales of your disaffection to the Spartan Government?" CIMON "Pausanias, you must guess why we have sought you . . . 11 The angry excitement at the news of the escape of the Persian prisoners, Arimanes and Datis, is the cause which leads us to your presence. These prisoners were our noblest; their cap- ture the reward of our common; they were Generals, more- over, of high skill and repute. They became experienced to our Grecian warfare. Those two men, should Xerxes again invade Greece, are worth more to his service than half the nations whose myriads crossed the Hellespont. But this is not all. Arimanes has the greatest influence over Xerxes — we all knew that the great King would at any cost seek to regain the liberty of his friend. We could have urged upon Arimanes the wisdom of a peace with the Greeks even on tJieir own terms It is treason at home which can alone appall us. (There is a long murmur among the Jonians at these words.) PAUSANIAS (Ironically). ^^Treason ! Son of Miltiades, and from whom ?" CIMON "Such is the question that we would put to thee, Pausanias — to thee whose eyes, as leader of our armies, are doubtless vigilant, daily and nightly, over the interests of Greece." PAUSANIAS "I am not blind, but I am not Argus. If thou hast dis- covered aught, speak boldly." 12 CIMON "Thou hast made Congylus the Eretrerian Governor of Byzantium; for what great service we know not. But he has lived much in Persia." PAUSANIAS "For that reason he is better enabled to penetrate her designs and counteract her ambition." CIMON "Wisely or not, Sparta is now in command at Byzantium, and it behooves her to maintain, with the dignity she assumes, the interests she represents. But, Pausanias, Congylus is well known to have often frequented the Persian captives in their confinement." .... PAUSANIAS "In this he had my commands." CIMON (Raising his voice) . "Had he also thy command to leave thy galley last night and to return to the Citadel?'' PAUSANIAS "He had! What Iheuy^^ CIMON "On his return the Persians disappeared — a singular chance, truly — but that is not all. Last night, before he returned to 13 the Citadel, Congylus was perceived — alone — in a retired spot on the outskirts of the city." PAUSANIAS CIMON (Draws from his vest some pearls). "Alone. This spot was out of the path he should have taJcen. By this spot, on the soft soil, are the marks of hoofs, and in the thicket close by were found these witnesses, a handful of the pearls only worn hy Arimanes." POLIDORUS. "There is something in this which requires at least exam- ination. May it please Pausanias to summon Congylus hither P' PAUSANIAS "You have spoken well, Polidorus. This matter must be sifted." (Pausanias orders a Spartan to summon Congylus, who had gone aside. The Governor of Byzantium advances slowly. With a calm salutation, he scrutinizes with apparent indiffer- ence the whole group.) POLIDORUS. "It rests with you, Pausanias, to acquaint the Governor of Byzantium with the suspicion he has excited." 14 PAUSANIAS "Congylus, the Persian prisoners were placed by me ■especially under thy vigilance and guard. They have escaped. "The captains of Greece demand of thee — as I — by what means, by what connivance ?'' CONGYLUS "Eaised by thy favor to the command of Byzantium, what have I to gain by treason or neglect. I knew these Persians well. I had known them in Susa. — known them when I served Darius, being then an exile from Eretria ; but when Darius invaded Greece I left his court and armies, and sought my native land, to fall or to conquer in its cause. Well, then, I knew these Grecian prisoners. I sought them frequently to Teturn to them, in their adversities, the courtesies shown me in mine. Ah ! You are Greeks — you will condemn me for humanity and gratitude But, with too great -confidence in their faith, I released by degrees the rigor of iheir confinement; that was a fault, I own it. Their apart- ments communicated with a court in which I suffered them to walk at will. But I placed there two sentinels in whom I •deemed I could repose all trust. Those men were — one ii Samion, the other a Chian. These men have betrayed me and Oreece. Last night, on returning to the Citadel, I visited the Persians — they were about to retire and I quit them soon, sus- "pecting nothing. This morning they had fled, and with them their sentinels. I hastened first to send soldiers in search of ihem; and, secondly, to inform Pausanias. If I have erred I isubmit to your punishment. Punish my error, but acquit my iionesty.'' 15 CIMON "But what led thee far from thy path to the fields near the- Temple of Aphrodite, between the Citadel and the Bay ? Thy color changes. Mark him, Greeks. Quick, thine answer." CONGYLUS (There is a pause; but then he points to Pausanias.) "Cimon, question me no further. I dare not speak !" PAUSANIAS (In fury). "Congylus, I know not what tale trembles on thy lips; but be it what it may, give it voice. I command thee !" CONGYLUS (In a low voice). "Thou thyself — thou wert the cause that led me toward the Temple of Aphrodite." (At these words there is a general murmur; every Greek wants to rush near. The Spartan attendants in the rear of Pausanias draw close to his person. Pausanias alone remains unmoved. Waving his hand, with haughty eyes, he meets the gaze of the assembly.) PAUSANIAS "In the name of all Greece, whose Chief I am, whose pro- tector I have once been, I command ye to be quiet and listen to the Eretrian. Spartans fall back Governor of Byzantium, pursue your tale." 16 CONGYLUS *^Yes, Pausanias, you alone were the cause that drew me from my rest. I would fain be silent, but" (Pausanias looks fiercely; and measures the space between himself and Congylus, who draws back some spaces.) PAUSANIAS "Say on . . . ." CONGYLUS "I place myself, oh Greeks, under your protection. . . . Learn, then, that Pausanias is not without weakness ; he loves a maiden — a Byzantine — Cleonice, the daughter of Diagoras.'' (The gay Jonians smile; but an exclamation of jealous anger breaks from Antagoras. After a short pause) : CIMON "Is it, then, among the grave duties of the Governor of Byzantium to watch over the fair Cleonice, or to aid the suit of her illustrious lover?" CONGYLUS "Not so; but the life of the Grecian General is dear, at least to the grateful Governor of Byzantium. "Greeks, ye know that among you Pausanias has many foes. Returning last night from his presence, and passing through the thicket I overheard voices. I caught the name of Pau- sanias. ^The Spartan,' said one voice, ^visits the house of Diagoras to-night. From the heights near the Temple we can 17 watch well, for the night is clear; if he goes alone, we can intercept him on his return/ '^To the heights !' said the other. The trees hid the speaker. I followed their footsteps toward the Temple. The steps gained the Temple before I could recognize the men. I concealed myself, as I thought, to watch; but it seems that I was observed, for he who saw me, and how accuses, was doubtless one of the assas- sins. The men retreated as they came, unseen, not unheard. I caught their receding voices through the brushwood. Greeks, I have said. Who is my accuser? "/n him behold the ivould-he murderer of Pausanias." (Antagoras stands forth from the circle of the Grecian Chiefs, and with an indignant and loud voice exclaims) : ANTAGOEAS "Liar ! Liar ! It is I who saw thee. Barest thou dare to 'accuse Antagoras of Chios f Standing near the Temple, I heard the murmur of whispered voices below, and recognized the form of Him clearly under the starlit skies. But He was not alone. I could see sufficient of the outlines of two other figures to observe that they were not dressed in the Grecian garb ; their long robes betrayed the Persian. I hastened toward them, but they vanished. / found the pearls thai "Cimon has displayed to you. I saw the print of hoofs within the thicket. Clear then, is it, that this man lies .... ■clear that the Persians must have fled already.'' CONGYLUS "He who would speak false witness can find pearls at what- jsoever hour he pleases But, Ay ! Ay ! What at 18 -that hour brought Antagoras of Chios to the Temple of J^phrodite?'' ANTAGOEAS (Looks at Congylus with a curl of the haughty lip, but then i;urns to Cimon, who placed his hand on his shoulder. ) "Why should I blush to own it, Cimon? Aphrodite is no ^dishonorable deity. I sought the Temple at that hour to meet my Love — she came with her sister to see me. 1 stood watch- ing for the parting of my Lovers boat, as they passed along "the smooth sands, till a bend in the wooded shore hid them from my view. It was just ten o'clock. All was hushed and l)reathless.'*' CIMON '^e all know that Aphrodite is powerful at Byzantine. "Who can acquit Pausanias and blame Antagoras ?'' CONGYLUS "Pardon me, one question. Is not that female heart which -Antagoras wants to soften towards him that of the Cleonice •of whom we spoke? See, he denies it not Greeks, Antagoras of Chios is a warm lover, and warm lovers ^are revengeful rivals " PAUSANIAS "Son of Miltiades, I invoke your aid to appease a contest in which I foresee no result but that of schism among ourselves. Antagoras has no witness to support his tale — Congylus none "to support his own. Time and chance meanwhile may favor Tus in clearing up the darkness we cannot now penetrate. 19 . . . . We shall consult at our own leisure whether or not that course suffices to remove Congylus from the Government of Byzantium. Heralds, advance ; there comes our royal cap- tive, Princess Xerxa, with her ladies and attendants." (There is a low murmur at these words. Pausanias turns his eyes from the murmurers to Cimon and Aristides. And now with the dignity of the Chief he returns the salute of the officers. A low and muffled conversation is carried on in small groups among the Greek Captains, amidst which the voice of Uliades is heard the loudest.) AEISTIDES "Time will show. Farewell, Pausanias ; we will detain yon no longer from your pastime." ULIADES "Antagoras, let us summon our friends, and hold council on the Spartan's insults." ARISTIDES "Hush ! After issuing orders to pursue the fugitives'. . . . . we will confer anon " (Placing his hand on Antagoras' shoulder leads him and Cimon away.) (It is the ship of Pausanias that the royal captive. Princess- Xerxa, honors with her visit. All the Grecian Chiefs salute her and give way on either side; a murmur of admiration, circles through the Bay when the young beauty appears with her ladies and her attendants, for the daughter of the great 20 l^ing Xerxes is honored by the Greeks on account of her illus- trious birth, her wealth, her beauty, her taste for magnifi- cence, and on account of her lofty and aristocratic demeanor. (She turns and bows her graceful head Pausa- nias approaches his illustrious visitor and kisses her hand with courtesy.) PAUSANIAS "I greet thee, fair rose of Persia. This is most kind — I already began to distrust thee." PEINCESS XERXA '^Oh, Pausanias ! Thou knowest that I would come to the festival; but I became acquainted with a young priestess — Astarte, a prophetess, the sister of a noble Byzantine maiden — her name is Cleonice, and the v/hole camp speaks of her beauty. PAUSAXIAS "Of Cleonice! .... So ! .... But tell me, dost thou like the young steed I bought for thee? I guess it was that horse that you were riding." PRINCESS XERXA "Yes, indeed. Oh ! I like the horse. His eyes are full of fire and his step full of pride. Like an arrow we rushed through the air along the shore .... it was a glorious ride. I could not but enjoy that wild rush, through the sweet, soft air." PAUSANIAS "Where have you been?" 21 PRINCESS XERXA "I sought the Temple of Aphrodite/' PAUSANIAS "What for?" PRINCESS XERXA "To .... soothe my jealousy . . . ." PAUSANIAS "x\phrodite will have sharp work to cure thee of jealousy/*^ PRINCESS XERXA (Looks at him sideways). "I was told that thou lovest that fair Byzantine named Cleonice/* PAUSANIAS "Cleonice ! . . . . Cleonice ! Oh, I do not flatter myself that that would break thy heart But now listen. I should like half a dozen words with thee aside before we go to the vessel." PRINCESS XERXA "A hundred if you choose ....'' PAUSANIAS (Leads her aside). (A slave advances, salutes and hands Pausanias an etwee- case, out of which he takes a necklace. The slave withdraws.) 22 "Thy royal father, the great King Xerxes, did send thee^.. with the vessel Nausica, pearls, jewels, rings and this very costly necklace of rare diamonds And .... gold. Gold .... (laughingly). Perhaps he did send all this on account that 1 might not be ruined by thy extrava- gance . . , ." PRINCESS XERXA "You amaze me, Pausanias. My extravagance? Why, I am sure I am not more extravagant than a Persian Princess,., the daughter of the great King Xerxes ought to be." (Pausanias puts the necklace around her neck.) "But what else did my father send me? Xot a message that he will pardon his daughter? .... "If he would send me such a message then my soul would speak, in tears of gratitude .... But it seems he can- not forgive that when I could not win his consent to our intended wedding that after the fall of Mardonius at Platsea, when you nobly dismissed to our country his captive wife and my father's family, I, then a weak girl, mocked him, and did not return to his Court/* PAUSANIAS "No wonder, because I sat and listened to thee, fair rose of Persia. "The daughter of the great King Xerxes had captivated my heart, and I was at once converted by her grace and beauty; and so madly did I long to call thee mine that I tried hard to win thy consent to an elopement. Soon afterward, in a dark 23 night of storrrij earth shook and heaven answered I then succeeded in making thee follow me from the vessel of thy father, on which his family was ready to return to Asia, and I then recollected that just one year had flown when in such a dark night of storm, in consequence of the triumphs of the Greeks over the Persian fleet, thy father. King Xerxes, had to fly on a single bark, to recross the Hellespont. Fleet, armies gone, leaving behind family, camp and that lofty throne on the Attic coast." PRINCESS XERXA "Oh ! there are moments when I think I hate thee ! But, yes, there my father. King Xerxes, stood when last I saw him, on the battle eve, proud in glittering helm, expecting a great victory But, Pausanias, you speak as if I had acted with no pride, no sense of honor, ^Tis true thou caused me to fly from the vessel; but thou dids't not succeed before bringing the marriage certificate with thee and having given notice to the Clerk and Priest at the Temple of Platosa. But then, I gave my consent to be married to thee within a few hours." PAUSANIAS "Fair Rose of Persia, I was madly in love and could only act as my passion impelled me." PRINCESS XERXA "Pausanias, you have made me your wife. I saw reason why our marriage should be concealed; but now I am fully aware that I am not considered much of a credit to my family. 24 The time of acknowledgment has come. Keep thy word. Prochiim that Princess Xerxa, Hhe royal captive,' is thy law- ful wife. Proclaim our marriage as you have promised. It seems probable that that will smoothen matters." PAUSANIAS "That is very true, indeed; but did I not often tell thee that a law so fundamental in Sparta as that which forbids inter- marriage with a foreigner could not be cancelled — even not for me, the Regent of Sparta, and in favor of thee, the great King Xerxes^ daughter?" PEINCESS XERXA (With sparkling eyes). "Yes, yes, Pausanias, it was so indeed .... still it seems to me, seeing in thee the hero of all Hellas, so natural that thou canst make the laws of Sparta yield to the weight of thy authority." PAUSANIAS (Angrily). "Enough of these matters I want to have my own way in everything, and this, allow me to tell thee, Princess Xerxa, is thy situation." (Xerxa stands looking at Pausanias with a mischievous sparkle in her eye.) PRIXCESS XERXA "Why dost thou make thyself so disagreeable to me ? . . . If you wanted authority over me, you should have adopted 25 me, and not have married me. I am sure you were old enough." PAUSANIAS "Old enough ! Ay, there it is ! Thy temper is not at its best Now for my part. As for thy elegant little expenses, thou mayest spend as much to furnish thy dressing room with flowers as would suffice to turn the Pantheon into a greenhouse." PRINCESS XERXA "I wonder at thy talking thus. I have been born to this.. For my part I wish it was spring all the year around and that roses grew under my feet." PAUSANIAS "I think thou never appearest to such advantage as when' thou art doing everything in thy power to plague me. But now. as we have finished our daily jangle, bring thy lovely face in repose and rejoice in the green freshness of thy spring Fair Rose of Persia, thou knowest thy promise to come to the festival of Apollo Very well then, I presume we may go to the vessel and there I will give thee the fairest flowers of the gardens to bind around' thy brow, and Aleman shall sing his songs in praise of thy^ powerful beauty . . . ." (Turns around.) "Now to the vessel !...." (Pausanias advances with Princess Xerxa to the vesseL Officers lead her ladies and her attendants. His warlike five,, the Spartans, musicians, etc., follow.) 26 ACT II. Scene I. The Harbor of Byzantium. — The next evening. The scene gives to view the moon-lit ocean. Lysander remains motionless reclin- ing by a boat in the background. Pausanias appears, in the armor he has worn at Plataea, his head uncovered, his long sable locks gathered up into a knot in the Spartan fashion — he is passing the shore alone — he is arguing with himself — he turns to the front. PAUSANIAS "As Regent of Sparta I am General of her armies, and I have the sway and functions as her King But when wy nephew arrives at the customary age, I am a subject, a citizen, a nothing .... a miserable fool of memo- ries, gnawing my heart away amidst joyless customs. As the man never returns to be boy. so never, never, never once more can I be again the Spartan subject Dull, dull, selfish, stolid Sparta ! Methinks I could pardon the slavery thou inflictest on my life didst thou but leave unshackled my intelligence. Liberty in Sparta is but one eternal servitude. One cannot move, or eat, or sleep, save as the law directs. Why, this is souls' prison ! . . . . There have been days 27 when my desires swept afar from Sparta, from all Hellas, and rested on the tranquil pomp of Oriental satrapies. But now, since I love Cleonice .... a throne in stormy Hellas seems to me the fitting object of my ambition. Sparta is too small for me. My nature, once released from the cramps of our customs, expands itself as an eagle long caged would outspread its wings. ... 7 therefore desire to make a monarcJiy of Greece with Sparta for its head! ! . . . . "Soon I will have at my will a force that may suffice to overthrow in Sparta its grim and unnatural laws, to found amidst its rocks that single throne which the son of a demi- god should ascend. "From that throne I would spread my Empire over the whole of Greece, Corinth and Athens being my tributaries, so that men now and hereafter may say : " ^Pausanias overthrew the Spartan Government and annexed to the Spartan sceptre the realm of Greece.' "Through Arimanes, the grateful King Xerxes promised that a Persian army, a band of fifty thousand, should march at once to the Phrygian confines intrusted, to yield command to me when the hour comes to assume it. "Witli such an array, if my command be undisputed, I will win a second Platcea, hut against the Greeks It is not pomp and dominion that allure me, though I am not above the love of powers. Neither is it the great King Xerxes' glowing promises, though blood too wild for a Spar- tan runs riot in my veins It is my deep loath- ing, my inexpressible disgust for Sparta and her laws, my horror at the thoughts of wearing away life in those sullen 28 customs, amidst that joyless round of tyrannic duties. This it is, and this alone, that makes me (the words must come out) A TRAITOR TO MY COUNTRY .... onc who drcams of becoming a dependent on her foe Ah ! had I but been born an Athenian, I should have never uttered a thought against my country. She and I would have expanded and aspired together As I am a Spartan . . ^ Better the Chief tarn to a great King than a servant to a moh! Corae what may, I have thrown my shield into a fearful peril; hut I will wiii it back or perish! ....'* (Congylus appears.) CONGYLUS '^I have learned from my spies not an hour since that there is a conspiracy formed — a mutiny " PAUSA^IAS '^1 have ordered a general review of the vessels of the fleet. Is that to be the occasion for the mutiny V^ CONGYLUS "So it is supposed And yonder sails a danger which thou canst not, I fear, overtake. Look out upon the ocean There .... Further off, seest thou nothing ? Yonder ! I see nought — it foretells a storm.^* (Pausanias' eyes followed the hand of Congylus.) PAUSANIAS "A dim speck on the farthest horizon, if mine eyes mistake not.'' 29 CONGYLUS "The speck of a sail that is bound to Sparta. It carries with it a request for thy recall." PAUSANIAS "Art thou sure of this ?'' CONGYLUS "So I hear, that the Samian Captain Uliades has boasted at noon in the public baths. And from what I could gather the complaint is powerfully backed. I conjecture that Athens has not been silent, and before the vessel sailed Jonian Cap- tains were seen to come with joyous faces from the lodgings of Cimon," PAUSANIAS "Cimon's words would weigh most in Sparta It were ruin to my schemes to be recalled — until — until — " CONGYLUS "The hour to join the Persians on the frontier Yes; but if the Epliors recall thee before the Asian army is on the frontier farewell to the sovereignty of Hellas!" PAUSANIAS "Ha ! Tempt me not. Thinkest thou I need other tempters than I have here in my breast ?" 30 CONGYLUS "Pardon me, Pausanias, but temptation is another word ior hestitation Are not thy messengers, our noble prisoners, Arimanes and Datis, on the road to the great King Xerxes? Didst thou not say how intolerable to thee would be life henceforth in the iron thralldom of Sparta — and nowr PAUSANIAS "And now — I forbid thee to question me more. Thou hast performed thy task; leave me to mine " CONGYLUS "Pardon me, Pausanias, but the Grecian Captains demand iiudience. What .... shall I . . . /' PAUSANIAS (Passionately). ^Bid them to wait, till to-morrow. 99 COXGYLUS (Whispers). "Hist ! Pausanias, is it not best to soothe them .... to play with them, to cover the lion with the fox's hide?" PAUSAXIAS (Turns with a frown). "I am sensible of the wisdom of thy counsel. On thy Tcturn to the Citadel thou mayest announce to the Grecian 'Chiefs that Pausanias will await them in an hour." 31 CONGYLUS "Because it is while the Greeks are yet at Byzantium, while- thou yet are in command, that thou shouldst strike the blow. . . . . Listen, Pausanias, King Xerxes has sent thee gold, gold — , and he who employs most of those yellow orators will prevail most! "Yet if by chance ihou failest, hold thyself ready to fly with Princess Xerxa to the fair regions which the gods of the East have given to the race of Cyrus, to the courts of that wonder of the world, the crown of the East, to the marble magnificence of Persepolis. Ah ! And if thou wouldst marry his daughter Xerxa, what would be the splendid Satrapy in^ which the Conqueror of Plataea might plant his throne ?" PAUSANIAS "Ha ! There comes Aleman. I have to speak to him. Tarry here yet awhile, for now I consider it best to return with thee to the Citadel." (Congylus salutes, goes aside to the right, waits a little apart from Pausanias and Aleman and stands there in gloomy silence.) (Aleman appears in a Helot's cap and hide — in these rough garments — the cap half over his face, the Mothon approaches. Pausanias with an air of conscious triumph.) PAUSANIAS (Eagerly). "Well, well, thou hast mingled with these men, these Helots, among the taverns and wine-shops. Hast thou had occasion to sound these men? . . . ." 32 ALEMAN "But half an hour since '' PAUSANIAS "They do not hate me, these Helots?'' ALEMAN "Thou art the only Spartan they love. They will be true ta thee. Lift thy right hand and the ground where thou standest will bustle with men who fear death even less than the Spartans." PAUSANIAS "Their aid were useless here against the whole Grecian fleet ; but in the defiles of Sparta otherwise I am prepared then for the worst, even recall .... were my life in danger from the Ephors '' ALEMAN" "The Helots would rise to a man." PAUSANIAS. "Did I plant my standard on Taygetus to break down the Spartan Government, though all Sparta encamped against it." ALEMAN "All the slaves would cut their way to thy side ; they would fight for thee and their own liberties. "Oh, Pausanias, think how much nobler it were to reign 33 over tens of thousands who become free men at thy word than to be but the equal of a thousand tyrants ** PAUSANIAS. "The Helots fight well when well led. Announce to Lysan- •der that I await him, in order that I might confer with him." ALEMAN "Pardon me, Pausanias; but is it prudent to trust Lysan- der any longer? He is the pattern of the Spartan youth, and you do not know how Lysander would act in the final struggle which his character and fate are already preparing for him — between patriotism and friendship — his fidelity to jou and his devotion to Sparta? . . . ." PAUSANIAS. "Sparta ! Sparta ! Wilt thou not leave me one friend ! , . . . No, no, Aleman, he will not betray me; he will not desert me, nor I him. I love him so well that I would fain he shared my fortunes. Perhaps by little and little I may lead him on. Meanwhile, his race and his name are so well accredited in Sparta, his father an Ephor, that his very presence there in the boat allays suspicion. Well now begone, be quick, but wait over there." (Aleman salutes and approaches Lysander, who has hith- erto remained motionless, reclining by the boat. The Mothon salutes and addresses Lysander, who rises and advances towards Pausanias. Aleman has seated himself beside the ijoat. There is in Lysander's countenance, as the moon 34 shines on it, so much of anxiety, of affection, of fear ; so much of the evident, unmistakable solicitude of friendship that Pausanias mutters.) PAUSANIAS. "No, no, thou wilt not desert me, nor I thee/' LYSANDER (Mournfully). "My friend, my Pausanias, I have had fears I have seen omens Undertake nothing, I beseech thee, at which thou hast meditated this night \" PAUSANIAS. "And what hast thou seen?^' LYSANDER "I was praying to the gods for thee and Sparta when a star shot suddenly from the heavens " PAUSANIAS. "But the night is not moonless, Lysander, and the omen is therefore naught Hast thou heard that the Jonians have offered to me the insult of a mission to the Ephors demanding my recall ? "Grant that I am recalled from the head of this armament. I am dishonored in the eyes of Greece Dost thou remember in the last Olympiad that when Themistocles, the only rival now to me in glory, appealed on the Altis .... 35 assembled Greece rose to greet and to do him honor? And if I, deposed, dismissed, appeared at the next Olympiad how would assembled Greece receive me? Couldst thou see the pointed finger and hear the muttered taunt : 'That is Pau~ sanias, whom the Jonians hanished from Byzantium* "No, I must counteract this mischievous embassy to the Ephors. I must send to them an ambassador of my own. . . . . Lysander, wilt thou go, pleading for me, arguing; for me, and winning my suit?^' LYSANDEE "It is for thee to command, for me to obey." PAirSANIAS. (Placing his clasped hands on Lysander^s shoulder and leav- ing them there.) "I select thee for this mission because tViee alone I can trust And of me thou hast a doubt ? Tell me V^ LYSANDER "Never could I doubt I am a Spartan — unless — unless — . . . ." PAUSANIAS. "Unless what?" LYSANDER "Thou wert standing under Jove's sky, against the arms of Hellas " 36 PAUSANIAS. "And then, if some other Chief bid thee raise thy sword iigainst me, thou art a Spartan and wouldst obey?" LYSANDER "I am a Spartan, and cannot believe that I should ever have :a cause, or listen to a command, to raise my sword against ihe Chief I now serve and love/' (Pausanias turns and makes no answer. Lysander touches Pausanias lightly.) "My Pausanias, I am at thy orders. Shall I go ? Alas ! I read thine eye, and I shall leave thee in peril." PAUSANIAS. "Greater peril in the council of the Ephors. Thou shalt lake a letter to the Ephors. I shall say but little. I confide my case to thee Thou hast half an hour yet for oblivion, but then the ship will be ready, the wind favors. "Farewell, my Lysander ! . . . . The gods speed and jguard thee, beloved friend. With thee goes all the future of Pausanias " (Lysander grasps his hand in silence, more eloquent than vrords. ) "Be not ashamed of the tear that fell on this hand which jou clasped . . . ." (Lysander turns away and wraps for a moment his red doak around his face, but then he is hurrying toward the l)oat. Pausanias shades his brow with his hand and follows with thoughtful eyes the receding form of Lysander. (He is gazing after him — gazing long till — till — . . .) 37 ACT II. Scene II. Byzantium — A noonday. A most beautiful flower garden, belonging: to one of the villas of the rich Diagoras, father of Cleonice,, and the priestess Astarte. A fountain sparkles. The sward about is sheltered from the sun by vines formed into shadowy arcades, with interlaced leaves form- ing the roof. Afar through the vistas gleams the sea. Under the- hills, or close by the fountain, Cleonice is seated upon a grassy knoll, covered with flowers. At a little distance group the attendants — Syra, Indra — a black slave^ Afra, and the handmaids, engaged in embroidery-spinning, occa- sionally conversing in whispers. At Cleonice's feet reposes Pausanias. Aleman stands not far behind^ his hand resting on his lyre. His gazes are fixed upon Astarte^ the priestess. Cleonice is dressed in a robe like those of the- Jonians, the sleeves of the robe from the shoulder open long and loose and large golden clasps, studded with jewels of rare value^ join the shoulders. A necklace of diamonds and brilliant bracelets give to her dress an> appearance of affluence and splendor. She wears, to suit the- robe, embroidered sandals with high instep. Astarte is dressed in white vestments. Aleman now raises his lyre and sweeps his hand over the chords. The musical sounds pro-^ duce their effect on all. The handmaids pause from their work- 38 PAUSANIAS. "I have heard that measure to a hymnal song. Sing u& the words that go with the melody." ALEMAN '^Oh, son of Hercules, the words are not those which aro' sung before youth and maiden when they walk over per- ishing flowers to bridal altars — " CLEONICE "They are the words which embody a legend of the land in which the heroes of old dwell, removed from earth, yet preserved from Hades. "Sing them to us, I pray thee." (Aleman bows his head and begins) : TO THE BLESSED SILVER ISLAND. Welcome hither, fearless warrior. Voyage o'er the troubled waters To the blessed Silver Island — To the tranquil spirit-land. Even when between Olympus And Arcanus hangs a storm. Many wonders on the ocean - B}^ the moonlight may be seen; Towering statues of great Heroes, They who fought at Thebes and Troy, And the large phantom of Achilles Overshadowing sea and sky. 39 On the bless'd Silver Island, As the vessel touch'd the shore, Glimmer'd there amid wild roses A lifelike shadow of such beauty As the living see no more ; A shape of glory . . . with looks that Poets dream of. ^This is Helen," says a voice of music low ; ^She whose guilt unpeopled Hellas; She whose marriage lights fired Troy ; Helen's mate is here Achilles — Fairest prize to bravest victor : Know the beautiful and famous marry here/ PAUSANIAS "Thy song bears a meaning deepej than its words; but if that meaning be consolation, I comprehend it not/^ "Singer, I do/ CLEONICE ASTARTE (Astarte rises softly and taking from her bosom a rose kisses it and lays it at the feet of the singer.) "Were this my soul, I would ask thee to bind it in the Avreath." 40 ALEMAN (Kisses the hem of her robe). ^^Art thou not, fair maidens, two of the many female dis- ^ciples whom the successors of Pythagoras have enrolled?" CLEONICE "My sister and I have listened to great teachers of wisdom, :and I can only speak imperfectly the thoughts I have heard ihem utter." ALEMAN "Fair maidens, we in Sparta, whether free or enslaved, are not educated to the subtle learning which distinguishes the intellect of the Jonian sages. "But, since we left the land of Sparta — and more especially in your city — the center of many tribes and of many minds^ I eagerly converse with all who swell the stores which enrich the treasure-house of my song." ASTARTE "No wonder thou art born and licensed to be a poet." ALEMAN (Looks at Astarte). '"What is this world to him who came into it a slave ? ASTARTE '"Nature knows no slaves." 41 PAUSANIAS "Aleman, the foster-brother of the Heraclid, is no more a slave/' (Aleman bows his head gratefully, but the expression on his. face retained the same calm and sombre resignation.) CLEONICE "Alas ! Who in this life is really free ? Have citizens no^ thraldom in custom and law? Are we not all slaves?'' PAUSANIAS (Kissing Cleonice's hand). "True. .... All slaves ! I am thy slave, oh Cleo- nice! But let us talk of that what lies not so far amidst troubled waters. Who ever burns for glory sighs not for thy^ silver island, vain singer, and my soul soars to the stars — shadows in the shade are the dead — things bloodless and pulse- less, existence followed to no purpose through eternity. Wha cares so to live again? Not I." ASTAETE "And yet, one who has learned melody and measure will recognize music in them all. "Thy singer. Oh Pausanias, has learnt his art from a teacher more heavenly than the muses, and its name is Hope.'* PAUSANIAS "The Hope that inspired him is a goddess who blessed him little on the earth. But Aleman is celebrated in Sparta not 42 only for courage in war, but for arts in peace. He is a poet, and his strains please the Dorian ear, for they are stern and simple and breathe of war. We have laid on the same bosom, and his mother was kinder to me than my own. Helots who have been our foster-brothers cease to be slaves but have no rights of citizenship. Aleman has bound his fate to mine." (The attendants and the handmaids have risen and gather hushed and noiseless. Aleman seems to explain to Astarte the allegory of his marriage-song upon Helen and Achilles, for his hand is raised up high Lnd again he sings : '^Fairest prize to bravest victor : Know the beautiful and famous marry here.^' (Pausanias takes Cleonice by the hand, draws her to the front. Aleman, Astarte, attendants and the handmaids turn to the background. They all disappear.) PAUSANIAS "Oh ! Cleonice, I am not a gentle wooer ; where in Sparta should I learn the art? I do love thee with all that fervor of which the old Dorian legends tell. 1 could brave — like the Thracian — the dark gates of Hades were thy embrace my reward. Command me as thou wilt. Make me thy slave in all- things, even as Hercules was to Omphale; but tell me only that I may win thy love at last Fear not. Why fear me ? In my wildest moments a look from thee can control me. I ask but love for love. Without thy love thy beauty were valueless " 43 CLEONICE '^I do not fear thee, but — but — I fear -, t a /' (Draws back her hand). PAUSANIAS (Delighted). '^Ah, no, no, do not fear ....'' CLEONICE ''1 have something I would confide to thee. Listen: Know that my dear sister Astarte — she is a few years older than myself — has the divine gift of trance which comes from Apollo? Often, gazing into space, her eyes become fixed, and her form calm as a statue's. Then a shiver seizes her limbs, and prophecy breaks from her lips. "And Astarte told me in one of these hours when, as she said^ '^All space and all time seemed spread before her like a sunlit ocean,' she told me of my future, so far as its leaves have yet unfolded from the stem of my life. Pausanias, she prophesied that I should see thee — and — (pauses, shudders and then hurries on) and she told me that suddenly her eye could follow my fate on earth no more, that it had vanished out of the time and the space on which it gazed, and saying it she wept and broke into a funeral song. And therefore, Pausanias, I say life is very short for me at least. . . . . Therefore do not . . . ." PAUSAXIAS '^'^Hold, torture me not, nor delude thyself with the dreams of thy sister." 44 CLEONICE "Dreams? Oh, Pausanias, Astarte, my dear sister, gives the answer to perplexed nations from the Pythian shrine. She is one of the prophetesses whom the Priesthood of Delphi employ. But wherefore doubt her? Where the sorrows?" PAUSANIAS (Kneels to the girl. He kisses the hem of her robe). "Oh, Cleonice, thou die ! Die before me ! Thou, scarcely half my years ! And I be left here, with no comfort but a singer^s dreamy verse, not even my ambition ! "Thrones would vanish out of earth and turn to cinders in thine urn." (He rises from his knee.) CLEONICE (With imploring softness). "Speak not of thrones, dream but of glory and Hellas. Pass to the side of the good spirit ; gentle deeds will make him to save and to bless thee against the malice of the bad. "And if thou lovest nobly thou must fly me. What result can come from such a love? Thou canst not marry the stranger — the Spartan laws do not allow intermarriage with a foreigner. And yet thou knowest that all other love dis- honors a virgin. "Awake to the true sense of what is due to thy divine ances- try — ^thy great name ! 45 "Pausanias, spare me. Appeal not to my father's fear. The laws of the Spartan state dishonor the stranger whom the free citizen stoops to marry. "Fly me. oh fly me, son of Hercules. Even human laws part us." PAUSANIAS (With great emotion). "I cannot, T cannot fly thee Since first I saw thee I loved thee. At first, when as good luck would have it, I lodging a few days under thy father's roof saw and admired thee. I cannot fly thee ! "Oh, Hercules ! Like thee 1 will spread the influence of my arms to nations whose glory shall be my name, and this hand outstretched toward a mightier sceptre than Greek ever wielded may yet dispense glory and golden affluence to those I love." CLEONICE "Thou amazest me, Pausanias. Now I fear thee. Hast thou the dark ambition to restore in thy own person that race of tyrants whom thy country hath helped to sweep away? Canst thou hope to change the laws of Sparta, and reign there, at thy will, the state ?'* PAUSANIAS "I cannot discover any path except that w^hich may lead thee and me to the marriage altar. "Oh, Cleonice, if thou lovest me I should rejoice in an hour when I might pour every thought into thy bosom '* 46 (Cleonice gently withdraws the hand that he thought to •clasp. At this moment there is heard a single note from Aleman's instrument, low but prolonged. It ceases and is again renewed.) PAUSANIAS "It is a signal! They await me. Cleonice, I had hoped, ere we parted, to have drawn from thy lips those assurances which would give me energy for the present and hope in the future Ah, turn not from me What, Cleonice, what if I could defy the laws of Sparta, or if I could bear thee to lands where heaven and man alike smile benignant on love ? Might I not hope then ?" CLEOOTCE "I turn from thee so with pain, for what worthier homage •canst thou render to a woman than honorable love ? "Gratefully do I hearken to the suit that comes from thee ; hut gratitude is not the return thou wouldst ask, Pausanias." PAUSANIAS "Say not so, Cleonice ; say not that thou canst not love me, if though I am to interpret thy words Love brings love. Thy heart will catch the heavenly spark from .mine.'' CLEOmCE "When as my father's guest-friend thou wert a sojourner Twithin those walls, oft have I heard thee speak, and all thy 47 words spoke the thoughts of a noble soul. Were it otherwise not thus would I now address thee Well, then, thou Pausanias asked love for love. This I cannot give thee. Spare me, oh generous Pausanias !" PAUSAKTAS "Answer me but one question. Dost thou then love another ?" CLEOiNTICE. "Thou sayest it; I love another.'' PAUSANIAS "And that other is Antagoras ? . . . . Alas ! Thy silence, thy trembling, answer me " (Pausanias groans aloud, and covers his face with his hands.) "Ah, are thy thoughts then upon the son of Chios ? . . . 'No, no, say not that thou lovest Antagoras. Ha, say not that Aphrodite has so accursed thee Fear, fear my power ! Fear the power of Pausanias !.../' CLEONICE (Her form dilates, her lips curl). "Hold, haughty Spartan ! Not so ... . not so ! . . . . I fear thee not ! My heart, alas ! is mine. . . . The maidens of Byzantium are not in the control of the General of the Greeks !" (Raising her eyes and with a still and mournful sweetness. in her upraised features.) 48 "Yes, Pausanias, I love Antagoras, the Chief of the Chios, the young warrior ! I see our love has no hope .... Let him depart as soon as he must ; let these eyes behold him no more; still there exists for me all that exists now . . . a dream ! Never for me may the nuptial hymn resound or the marriage torch be illumined Oh, goddess of the silver bow, Oh, Artemis ! Receive — protect me ; and ye. Oh, funeral gods, lead me soon, lead the virgin unreluctant to the shades !...." PAUSANIAS "Fear not that I should wrong thee. To woo thee is not to wrong / asJc thee to hless me with thy hand, Cleonice, hear my oath: Give me thee as vrlfe, and in so doing I assure thee that I and lovers almighty goddess soon will set those cruel laws aside to give thee an honorable place on my side as my wife in my native state, Sparta; and that the haughtiest woman of the Grecian states will not be more honored as the Byzantine wife of Pausanias. But let thy father close his door on me. to immure thee from my side, and no armed slaves, nor bolts, nor bars shall keep my love from thee. And, Cleonice, thou shalt be Queen of all Hellas, de- spite thyself, despite Sparta, the Ephors and their iron laws.'' (Pausanias gives way to his passion — he wants to clasp Cleonice in his arms, and tries to kiss her forehead and hands; again the signal. Just then Congylus appears — his eyes glitter keen upon Pausanias, who startles and turns and seems to be displeased.) 49 PAUSANIAS *^^What brings thee hither, man T^ CONGYLUS (In a hissing whisper). ^^^Danger — lose not a moment in coming !'* PAUSANIAS "What thinks, a Heraclid of danger !....! follow ihee, Congylus. Take my greeting, Cleonice. Eemember, the fairest prize to bravest victor ! The beautiful and fam- ous marry here." (Cleonice sighs and moves not, he waves his hand.) (Pausanias and Congylus disappear.) CLEONICE "Why do I not love him? And why do I love Anta- ;goras so, and yet wrestle against my love? . . . . Because dark forebodings tell me that Aphrodite smiles not on our love W^oe is me ! What,- what will be the end of it?" 50 ACT III. Scene I. The evening of the next day. In one of the villas of the rich and noble Diagoras on the shore to the right of the port of Byzantium. A large apartment (half chamber, half grotto). 'The ceiling of cedar- wood, glowing with gold and azure, supported by slender shafts of alabaster, between which are open arcades, lighted by elegant lamps. The whole of the background of this apartment is open to a broad and extensive balcony, and the clearness of the soft night gives to view the moon-lit ocean and the dim shadoAvs of the shore, with the dark woods beyond, relieved by the distant lights of the city. The pavement is spread with ottomans and couches of the richest azure, prodigally enriched with quaint designs in broideries of gold and silver. Cleonice and Astarte hear from below the sound of a cithara and the melodious song of a voice: A MYRTLE BOUGH. Maiden, I come with a gift to thee — I come with a myrtle wreath; I pluck'd the branch with a hasty hand. But Love was lurking amidst the leaves. I carry Cupid in this myrtle wreath — His bow is bent and his shaft is poised From hand to hand under the silent stars, O^ maiden, let the god pass to thee. And o'er thy forehead twined round I implore thee, my myrtle bough. 51 (Now a slave draws aside a curtain suspended between two columns. Cleonice has listened breathlessly to the words of the song — she is so absorbed that she does not for some mo- ments perceive the entrance of Diagoras, her father, with Antagoras behind him. But now starts to her feet, and stands before her father, her eyes downcast, her arms crossed, upon her bosom.) DIAGOEAS "Daughters, I bid ye welcome my guest-friend, Antagoras- of Chios. Slaves withdraw." (Cleonice and Astarte bow their heads, the attendants and. handmaids leave the room.) "Cleonice, I present to thee a suitor for thy hand. "I need not to remind thee that our families are united by the hospitable ties; that among thy treasures thou wilt find the gifts of his ancestors for five generations. A year- since, when his affairs brought him to Byzantium, when he came to visit thy father with the symbols of his right to claim my hospitable cares he first saw and loved thee, Cleonice. "He had told his love, but then his father lived, and he desired that, he a Chian, should wed a Chian. Since he has been with the fleet news reached him that the urn holds his father's ashes/" CLEONICE "May Hermes, oh, Antagoras, have led thy father to pleas- ant groves." 52 DIAGOEAS "His father was a worthy man though harsh. It is a com- fort to think that all does not die with the dead. His money at least survives him. "But now, Antagoras is free, and he asked me to bless him with thee, oh, Cleonice. Thou knowest that Antagoras is very rich, and thou knowest that his birth dates from the oldest citizens of Chios. No dowry he asks with thee, and this gives gladness to my heart, for that custom of dowries is abomniable. "Well, well, never bite thy forefinger and curl up thy brows. I tell thae, daughters are the plague of a man's life. First one has to keep away lovers, and next to find such a husband where one has not to put one's hand in one's chest to pay a tall fellow for robbing one of one's child.'^ ANTAGORAS "Diagoras, I know that thy heart is better than thy speech, and that, much as thou covetest money, thou lovest thy; daughters more." DIAGORAS "Well, well, but now listen, my daughter, seriously, thou sayest thou canst not love Pausanias, this great hero and mighty warrior, but this black-curled Jupiter has Life and Death in his hands, he can raise or ruin us with a nod of his head. He is fierce, irascible haughty And what slighted lover is not revengeful? But, child, if thou 53 lovest Antagoras for my sake, oh, Cleonice, for thy poor father's sake, do not tell Pausanias that thou art his bride — draw not down the thunder-bolt If thou dost not love the Spartan why thou canst but smile and talk with him, as thou hast done, and when Pausanias returns to his native state thou then marriest Antagoras/' CLEONICE "Why, oh, my father?" DIAGORAS "There is an expression of shame and sadness on thy countenance My child, do not misconceive me t Cursed . . . . be the hour when the Spartan saw thee. . . . . But since the Fates have so served us let us not make bad worse. I love thee, Cleonice, more dearly than the apple of my eye ; it is for thee I fear, for thee I speak. Alas I It is force I fear It is force I would shun." CLEONICE (Drawing up her form). "Force! Fear not that. It is . . . ." DIAGORAS "What then?" ANTAGORAS "Force ! Ha ! Diagoras, how darest thou speak thus ? . . . . I will speak to Pausanias as one speakest to men,, and I will . . . ." 54 DIAGORAS (Greatly agitated). "There you can see, Cleonice, these two Grecian fighting- cocks want no garlic to make them more fierce, I warn thee . . . . by the head of Zeus ! . . . . Youth, youth, wouldst thou see my daughter reft from me by force ?'' ANTAGORAS "If Pausanias wronged a virgin all Greece would raise against him." DIAGORAS "Yes, yes, but not until the ill is done, till my throat were cut and my child .... At first, indeed, when as ill luck would have it, Pausanias, lodging a few days under my roof saw and admired Cleonice. I did venture to remonstrate ; and how think you he took it? He turned on his heel and left me. But the next day came a Lydian in his train — with a goodly pannier of rich stuff's and a short Spartan sword. On the pannier was written, 'Friendship;' on the sword, 'Wrath f and a herald gave me a scrap of parchment, whereon, with the cursed brief writ of a Spartan, was in- scribed, 'Choose'! Who would doubt which to take? Who, by the gods, would prefer three inches of Spartan iron in his stomach to a basketful of rich stuffs for his shoulders? Wherefore Pausanius comes. But Cleonice humors him not, let tongues wag as they may. Easier to take three cities than that child's heart." 55 ANTAGORAS (Joyfully). **Is it so, indeed? You love him not?" CLEONICE *Tear not that ! I do not love him." DIAGORAS "Laughs at him to his beard, that is, would laugh if he wore one But now I see my presence is no longer necessary; look up, Antagoras, and speak for thyself. . . . . Cleonice, receive him as I have done, and he shall have leave to carve thy name on every tree in the garden. Come with me, Astarte." (Diagoras and Astarte withdraw.) ANTAGORAS "Fair Virgin, not in the groves of Byzantium will thy name be first written by the hand of Antagoras. In my native Chios the myrtle trees are already eloquent of thee. , . . . Oh, Cleonice, confirm the fair omens with which Aphrodite has received my offerings. I feared thy love was gone — gone by the wooings and visits of the Spartan Regent, and I burn with increasing hatred against my powerful rival. . . . . Maiden, wilt thou be my wife? . . . . Oh, Cleonice, I clasp thy knees ; put thy right hand in mine, . . . . Tell me, wilt thou be my wife?" 56 CLEOmCE "Oh, Antagoras .... Be it then as thou wilt . . . but— but— " ANTAGOKAS (He embraces and kisses Cleonice). "My own! my beloved one! .... Pausanias shall not come between us !^ CLEOMCE "Oh, Antagoras, thou art the object of Pausanias' jealous liate . . . ." ANTAGORAS "The laws of Sparta forebid him to marry thee, but fiercely as he loves, he cannot resist the sweet charm of thy presence, and I fear the hour is approaching when these laws should be trampled under his armed heel. Cleonice, thou art famed for thy great beauty and for thy intellectual cultiva- tion. Thou hast all that feminine fascination of manner in- expressible yet irresistible, which has so often made willing slaves of the proud rulers of the world. "Indeed, I fear an hour could come when thou shouldst Jiave need of man's honor against man's wrong Cleonice, I fear that thy father will be unable to shun the visits of Pausanias, and if thou shouldst have cause to tremble at power and force — how little could he defend thee. There- fore, ere I depart, oh, grant me this prayer, swear to me that 57 io-morrow evening thou wilt become my lawful wife — the- lawful wife of Antagoras of Chios, and through him summon around thee all the majesty of Greece? It is the best course to preserve thee from the fierce love of Pausanias. The daughter of a Byzantine might be unprotected; the wife of a Jonian captain is safe ever from the power of Pausanias, *'Cleonice, be my ivife, and deliver thyself at once from the Spartan power Once mine, all the fleets of Hellas are thy protection and our marriage-torches are the swords of a Grecian army!'* CLEONICE "Generous and noble Antagoras, be it so. I consent — take my right hand and hear my oath: To-morrow evening I will become thy lawful wife, the lawful wife of Antagoras of Chios. But I have a request to ask of thee, will you gratify myself by keeping, for my father's sake, all this secret?" (Their hands close in each other; he takes her in his arms and kisses Cleonice.) "A great marriage festival; in that manner — might pre- pare a strong motive for that sentiment of revenge on the part of Pausanias. Alas ! would probably lead to a fearful tragedy Under such circumstances my flight from the house of my father will be excusable, and the best step to take " ANTAGOKAS "Well then, my beloved Cleonice, all shall be kept secret 58 , . . . and now listen to me To-morrow evening I shall give a great banquet — a supper to the prin- cipal captains of the Isles — with Lydian music and dancers, the Jonian custom .... but I then will steal away with Uliades to await thee at the Temple of Aphrodite, and there soon afterwards our marriage shall take place. Will you consent?" CLEOmCE "Be it so ! I consent " ANTAGORAS "And at what time shall -I await thee, my beloved Cleonice T* CLEOMCE "To-morrow thou mayest expect me at the hour before midnight. I dare not come sooner. This time I come alone — alone in my little boat which lies yonder in that creek, overspread by the wild shrubs. I beseech thee, my beloved Antagoras, do not combat this resolution. "Each of us is watched in our villa by a slave, and an evil one — therefore none shall go with me. I fear — I fear it would be — into death Alone I will steal away — alone I shall steer to yonder trees, and alone I will go to the Temple of Aphrodite Antagoras, I will come to thee — alone I will trust myself to thy honor.'' (Antagoras kneels to the girl and kisses the hem of her robe.) ANTAGORAS ^My beloved Cleonice, oh follow me to the terrace to take 59 «^ the greeting of Antagoras of Chios, a myrtle wreath, and under the stars, over thy forehead, entwine around, I implore thee, oh, Cleonice, my myrtle bough." (They go together to the background, and there he presents to the girl a myrtle wreath which his servant brought to him. She twines the wreath around her forehead. Anta- goras embraces and kisses Cleonice, and vanishing, descends to the beach.) 60 ACT III. Scene II. The Same Apartments. The day after, late in the evening. Indra, Cleonice'a maid, softly raises the curtain and the Persian Princess Xerxa and Astarte enter the apartment. Astarte speaks in a whispering voice to King Xerxes' daughter^ who seems to be deeply troubled. She then goes to the back- ground of the apartment, which opens upon the broad and ex- tensive balcony from where now Cleonice, dressed in a bridal costume, crowned with a myrtle wreath, slowly approaches. She looks with astonishment at her visitor. She greets calmly but with dignity. Unnoticed by them, Congylus with soft footsteps steals into the room, secreting himself behind the nearest pillar, where he stands motionless, all attention, gazing upon them and re- maining there. CLEONICPJ "Lovely maiden, what is it thou would^st have of me?*' XERXA "Oh ! thou art the fair and noble maiden, the young beauty Pausanias loves Oh ! pardon me if I came to see thee ! It is not a trifle which brings me to thee." Gl CLEONICE "And who is my sweet guest? We have not met before — not even in festal hours." XERXA "Oh, lovely maiden, recall the tales of a song — Aleman, the poet, loves to sing of, the adventures of the Conqueror of Platcea, and the willing flight of a Persian Princess with Pau- sanias from the vessel of her father, the great King Xerxes, on a night of storm Well, I am this Persian princess while King Xerxes' daughter. Xerxa is my name, and my soul belongs to Pausanias !" CLEONICE "Ah ! thou art the fair Rose of Persia ! . . . . Royal maiden, of thee mention is made in a letter which I received from Congylus only a few hours ago, he conjures me, if per- chance I should have the honor of seeing thee, to treat thee in the same manner as if thou were't my dear sister He has praised the qualities of thy head and heart." XERXA "And I beg thee, lovely maiden, to look upon me as the princess to whom my uncle Artaxerxes, whom I love and honor, has imparted by this letter, all his sentiments with regard to thy sister; namely, through the Priesthood of Delphi, King Xerxes, my father, has heard of a Pytheness, thy sister Astarte, and he should like to have her come with 62 me to Persia, to his court, to hear her answers from a Pythian shrine. I trust thee with this proof of my sincerity, with this sealed letter from my uncle Artaxerxes/^ (Gives Cleonice a letter.) CLEOXICE "But why so sad, royal maiden? Be it what it may — give it voice '^ XEPtXA "An hour ago, coming from the Temple, I met Congylus, it is he who told me that Pausanias loves thee '^ CLEOXICE "Why should I blush to own it." XERXA "You are silent, you turn away May the .gods be kind to thee ! . . . . And it is Congylus who ad- vised me to pay thee this secret visit to disclose to thee the situation of my affairs, but to quit your apartments as quick ^s possible and never return to them again. And come what may, we should never relate what would pass between us — ;not to any one, save thy sister Astarte . . . ." CLEOXICE "I understand thee^ royal maiden. Be it so ^ut now speak plainly. What wouldst thou have me do? - . . . Tell me why thou art so sad?'' 63 XERXA "Ah! there was a time when I, now so sad, was such a joyous girl Oh, sweet maiden, thy kind heart is open in thy look, thou must feel my misery; I am in a foreign country, far from all my heart holds dear, to thee T must speak — a feeling irresistible in its impulse, induces me to disclose my sufferings. Ah, maiden, let me recall the past .... in order that no after discoveries might be prejudicial to me with thee. I tell thee the truth '" CLEOXICE "I love thee the more for it Thou lovest Pau- sanias ?'^ XERXA *^1 loved him during three wonderfully bright years which now appear to me ages ago, as of a portion of some former- existence; loved him with that adoring, confiding love which the young girl gives to her hero, her lover. Pausanias told me the reason why our marriage must be kept secret. Alas I I should as soon have doubted in Heaven as in Pausanias. . . . . I was assured of a legal marriage Pausanias deluded me into the belief that I was his lawful wife, but yesterday morning Pausanias stated how I had been deceived by a sham marriage, and that I, therefore, had no legal hold I am without friends, alone in By- zantium. I wrote to my father, I dared not deny the truth,, and with many tears, stated that I had been deceived, that T now know myself no longer to be Pausanias' wife. Since 64 I am with Pausanias I did not receive a letter from King- Xerxes, my father. But a few days ago, after three years anxious waiting, he sent me but gold, pearls, jewels, and this necklace Xo, there is not on earth a jewel that is worth one tear born of such grief \" cleo:n^ice "Alas ! a bitter song thou singest, royal maiden ! But thou lovest Pausanias still ?^' XEHXA "Yes, yes ! But that very feeling becomes intolerable, be- cause he grew cold and formal, and I can touch the sweet chords of love no more. With a charming air he contradicts everything I say. Well, though I cannot make him love me my pride finds great satisfaction in quarrelling with him, and, therefore, I do everything in my power to plague him. He shall not flatter himself that he shall ever break my heart. However, this queen in my nature, my pride does not allow me to bear all this any longer, for, indeed, it ill becomes one- of my rank to struggle for his love. 1 will appeal to Pau- sanias' knightly honor, to his ancestral chivalry, to dis- miss to her country their royal captive — the Persian Princess Xerxa, the daughter of the great King Xerxes My uncle, Artaxerxes, assures me that my generous father will pardon his child Yes, I will return to my country, for I am now but a poor little bird All those I see around me are my enemies, there is not one to con- sole me and none my grief to share Wandering 65 by some rocky steep I tell the tales of my despair, the echoes, ■or the wild waves of the sea when they are lashing themselves to foam against the shores. Oh ! pardon me, noble maiden, but my throbbing heart, the power of my love to Pausanias compels me to speak from the impulse of my soul ! . . . . Thou seest how dearly I love him despite of all my hateful pride. But ere I depart to Persia, my country, grant me but one prayer and I leave thee. "My fate rests on what you say, therefore, oh, noble maiden, reply but honestly to one plain question, let me ask : Did, oh did Pausanias win thy heart? .... Tell me, have I to go to Persia But — but, if thou canst not love him .... if thou lovest not Pausanias, oh, then, I implore thee, speak to me the plain language of an honest soul . . . ." (Kneeling, lays her hand upon her breast.) "Be generous, maiden, hide not from me the truth ! Tell me, oh, do tell me ! On my knees 1 will try. Be merciful ! If thou canst not love him — oh, then be merciful and give me back his heart, that Pausanias may take me to his arms again And if then, generous maiden, thou willst help me, but let me kiss thy hand " CLEONICE (Lays her arms around Xerxa's neck). "Kiss my lips, which NOT Pausanias has touched !" (They embrace and kiss each other with tenderness.) "Now, royal maiden, listen to the words I will speak, and let new hope thy heart inspire. 66 "I am the bride of Antagoras of Chios, his fond heart will save me. I shall be married to him within a few hours. But noiseless must be my way. Spies surround me Alone will I steal the dear moment to meet Antagoras at mid- night at the Temple of Aphrodite, while my black slave will keep watch on the shore till my boat brings me there, till his fond arms shall shelter me " XERXA ^^A worthier young warrior could not reward thee ! . . . . His noble character, his strong will and his fond heart will save thee I thank thee, generous maiden. . . . . I came in sorrow, thou art leading me to joy and hopes ! . . . . Farewell then, my dear, noble maiden ! Farewell, take this necklace as a parting token ; when thou wearest it to-night think of me." (She takes the necklace which King Xerxes had sent her, from her neck and hangs it around the neck of Cleonice.) (They embrace and kiss each other tenderly.) "Hark ! I hear my attendants." ASTARTE (Coming from the balcony). '^Oh, Cleonice, what is this? What does this mean?" CLEONICE "Astarte, ah ! Why thy sudden start, thy deadly pale- ness ? Thou frightens me, thou art in horror !" 07 ASTARTE ^^Oh, Cleonice ! Oh, sister, I must tell thee I see horses^ and soldiers stationed in the shadow of the wall, and well do they obey of keeping silence Cleonice^ .... I fear that Pausanias gave orders to force thy removal from here. Therefore, Cleonice, fly, wrap thyself in thy cloak — come — come . . . ." CLEONICE "Yes, yes ! It must be ! I must fly ! That shall not be my fate Here, take this letter from Artaxerxes . . . . and now, darling, come, lead me through this small door. Through the garden to my boat, to the Temple, to Antagoras I will fly ! . . . .'^ (They are startled by a sound from the inner part of the house, footsteps are advancing.) (Astarte wraps Cleonice in the cloak. Cleonice stops and supports herself by resting her hand on the table, faintness is stealing over her, assisted by Astarte she tries to go on again. It is useless, soldiers and servants enter, Congylus approaches from behind the pillar.) CONGYLUS "Daughter of Diagoras, we have received orders to remove thee from the house of thy father Pausanias, oh, Cleonice, wants to raise thee to his heart's throne, wants to celebrate his marriage festival with thee to-night. In- deed, thou art far too beauteous to be the wife of Antagoras ! Soldiers, carry the beautiful captive away ! Quick or she will faint. Quick V 68 (Princess Xerxa runs with her arms widely extended to protect Cleonice, who drops senseless into her arms on the iloor. Xerxa kneels do\^Ti beside her Aleman -appears overwhelmed with mortification and rage He rushes with a drawn sword to Congylus.) ALEMAN (To Astarte). ''Ha ! Shall I stand idly by, looking on while strength to strike in thy sister's defence lies in my arms? . . . , 'Back men ! make way ! Congylus ! Wretch ! Ha ! Didst thou scheme this misdeed?" CONGYLUS ^Tausanias/' ALEMAX "What care I what thou sayest Soldiers, I protest against this ! . . . . Halt ! Back men V CONGYLUS "Upon him, soldiers V ALEMAN "Coward, fight! .... Take this .... and this . . . ." (They draw their swords. Aleman strikes him, the shock l)rings Congylus to his knee, soldiers come between them.) 69 y CON^GYLUS "Upon him^ soldiers ! . . . . Ah, Heaven ! my arm I am wounded Be careful, men, lift up her head ! Now, soldiers, carry this beauty away. She is to be delivered to Pausanias this night It is done." (Several soldiers remove Cleonice.) 70 ACT IV. Scene I. In the City of Byzantium. An hour after. Antagoras, the ricli' Chios, gives a great banquet, a supper to the principal captains^ of the Isles; an entertainment which carries luxury and splendor to a wondrous degree, which it reached at that time in Asia>, and in such a city as Byzantium. In an immense peristyle of a house the young rival of Pausanias- feasts the chiefs of the Aegean. The columns of the peristyle are of alabaster, wdth their capitals richly gilded. The space above is roofless ; but an immense awning of purple, richly embroidered by Persian looms shade^ the banqueters from the summer sky. The couches on which the banqueters recline are of citron wood, inlaid with ivory, and covered with the tapestries of Asiatic looms. In the corners of the vast hall play four fountains, and their spray sparkles to a blaze of light from colossal candelabras. The: guests are not assembled at a single table, but in small groups ; to each group its tripod, of exquisite workmanship. With gar- lands each guest has crowned his brow, and in them are com- bined the flowers that most charm the eye — above all, the rose. The first and second course is over. The tables are covered with all the fruits in season, and with all sorts of triumphs repro- duced in confectionery. Vessels of perfumed waters, in which the banqueters dipped their fingers, were handed around by^ slaves. And now, for the first time, wine comes. Each one, 71 as the large goblet passes to him, pours from the brim before it touched his lips, his libation to the good spirit. And, Anta- ^oras, rising first, sets this pious example. Out from the fur- ther end of the hall, behind the fountains, bursts a concert of flutes, the great Hellenic hymn. ANTAGORAS (Rising). "My libation to the good spirit !" (As this ceases^ up again rises Antagoras.) ANTAGORAS "This seems an occasion to revive the good custom of tyranny. And I propose to do so in my person by proclaim- ing myself Symposiarch and absolute Promander in the Com- monwealth here assembled. But if you prefer the chance of the . . . ." GUESTS (Almost in unison). "No, no, Antagoras, the Symposiarch, we submit. Issue ihy laws." ANTAGORAS "Harken, then, and obey. First, then, as to the strength of the wine. Behold the crater in which there are three Najades to one Dionysos. He is a match for them; not for more. No man shall put into his wine more water than the slaves have mixed. Yet if any man is so diffident of the god "that he thinks three Najades too much for him, he may omit one or two, and let the wine and water fight it out upon equal 72 terms. So much for the quality of the drink. As to quan- tity it is a question to be deliberated hereafter. And now this ALEMAN "The brain of Pausanias whirled as the vessel shot along. He looked fiercely around, but then the whole of the tumul- tuous scene vanished from his senses. He sunk beneath my feet insensible of every danger. "And the proud galley of Pausanias was sorely damaged, with part of its side rent away, and the water rushing in, swayed and struggled alone in great peril." LYSANDER "By all the gods ! Speak Aleman, speak ! . . . . What happened to Pausanias, my great-hearted friend ?^^ ALEMAN "From that moment repose has vanished from the life of Pausanias. His mind is wandering He seems to be troubled by the phantom of a virgin, he the ill-fated 99 L.o^ man has loved and slain The Spartan peers and his warriors believe that extreme grief has deprived Pau- sanias of his reason/^ POLIDORUS '^Indeed, Lysander, to us it seems that Pansanias, the Spartan Regent, returns to Sparta as a mad man '^ (Spartans and warriors disappear.) LYSANDER "I would give all I have had this not occurred !'' THEMISTOCLES "Pausanias has succeeded in escaping from Byzantium. He is already here in Sparta. But here he is in great danger. "I tell thee, he has to fear the sharp jealousies of the Ephors, to whose ears the birds carried all tidings. They are too anxious to keep Sparta what she is." LYSANDER ^'1 am perhaps too Spartan to answer rightly But if I am a Spartan, I am also Pausanias' friend, and I will serve him, who saved my life, in every way that may be lawful to a Spartan and a Greek." THEMISTOCLES "Well then, Lysander, draw back and hearken what I have to say: Pausanias' secret is lost. He must try to make his escape to Asia. He must fly over the dark hills this very 100 night in the direction of the Temple of Neptune. We have ^ r fcjW|y-^MRy^y y ffyvyji S^ii^