P s 
 
 6'55 
 
 fHE WIFE AND 
 THE SWORD. 
 
 AN HISTORICAL TRAGEDY- 
 DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 
 
 By DR. ALBERT CARR. 
 
 The plot of this drama is based 
 upon certain events recorded in 
 Roman history, and said to have 
 transpired about 400 B.C. In the 
 construction of this drama such 
 license was taken with this his- 
 tory as seemed essential to con- 
 sistent narrative and unity of 
 plot. The civilized Romans called 
 the Cfauls, the barbarians. The 
 strugfg-le of the noble ag'ainst sel- 
 fish pride and barbarism is the 
 th«me of our story. 
 
 HILL CITV S. D. 
 
 1909. 
 
nias^ "P.S 4 3 5 
 Goiiyright 1^" 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
THE WIFE AHD THE SWORD- 
 
 AN HISTORICAL TRAGEDY- 
 DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS. 
 
 By DR. ALBERT CARR. 
 
 Author of the following published 
 dramas: The Irish Prince; The 
 Shining Mystery; The Bed- 
 rock Flume; The Miner's 
 Dream 
 
 Copyright^ 1909^ by Albert Carr. 
 
 PUBLJSHED AT 
 
 HILL CITY S. D. 
 1909. 
 

 lA 
 
 CAST OF CHAHACTERS. 
 
 (!^AMILLIUS. (yonsul general of the Roman 
 army. 
 
 PAPIRIUS. An aged Roman senator 
 
 MANLIU8. A wealthy and dietingaiehed 
 Roman commander. 
 
 COSITS . A Roman patriciall. Proud and ornel . 
 
 Formerly, dictator. 
 SULPICIUS. A rich patrician money-lender. 
 BRENNUS. Chief of the Gauls. 
 MUCIUS. A Roman centurion. 
 C0MINIU8. A brav* young Roman. 
 OFFICER. Roman ofificer of the guard. 
 
 1 SOLDIER. ) 
 
 V Wounded Roman soldiers. 
 
 2 SOLDIER, ) 
 
 FOREMAN. Of the citizen's jury. 
 PATRICIAN, Leader of patrician jury, 
 
 1 CITIZEN. . 
 
 2 CITIZEN. J- Roman citizens. 
 
 3 CITIZEN 
 
 ;( 
 
 MARCELLA, Wife of. Manlius and grand- 
 daughter' of Papirius, 
 
 LAURINDA. Daughter of Mucins. Beloved of 
 Cominiui. 
 
 Aged senators. Patrician nobles. Roman 
 
 ofificers and soldi*rs. Gaulish warriors. 
 
 Roman citizens and rabble. 
 
 CID 17749 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. The house of Manlius in 
 Rome. 
 
 Enter cosus and ^ulpicius, L. 
 
 SulpiciUB. Thou shouldst be dictator, 
 now, Cosus. Rome needs the disciphne 
 of tby firm band. 
 
 Cosus. I should be, and would be, 
 Sulpicius, had my friends been less con- 
 fident. Manlius secretly stirred the peo- 
 ple against me, and old Papirius quietly 
 opposed me in the senate. I was 
 defeated, and Camillius made consul. 
 
 Sulpicius. Papirius is Marcellas's 
 grandfather. 
 
 Cosus, It was through her, that 
 Manlius was brought into the conspiracy 
 against me. 
 
 Sulpicius, It is four months since 
 Marcella became his wife. 
 
4 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 CoBus. And six, since she rejected 
 thee. There is the coiumander's house. 
 There, he is passing his nuptial year 
 with his young wife, — Marcella. 
 
 Sulpicius. This marriage quite un- 
 manned me. 
 
 Cosus. Think not of it! 
 
 Sulpicius, 'Tis easier said than done. 
 I love Marcella still, 
 
 Cosus. Porget her. Erase her from 
 thy mind. Hath Camillius been heard 
 from? 
 
 Sulpicius. The last report received 
 from him by the senate, he and his 
 army were marching north along the 
 Tiber. It it is rumored, the Gauls are 
 advancing towards our borders. 
 
 Cosus, Then, Camilliue is advancing 
 to intercept them, 
 
 Sulpicius. That is the supposition. 
 
 Cosus. [Aside.] If they meet, there 
 will be a battle. Camillius may never 
 return. 
 
 Sulpicius. I have been privately in- 
 formed, that Manlius hath been ordered 
 to join Camillius with the four remain- 
 ing cohorts. That will leave the city 
 defenseless. 
 
THE WIPE AND THE SWORD. 5 
 
 Cosus. When does the commander 
 depart? 
 
 Sulpicius. Today. 
 
 Cosus. Good! When he is gone, thou 
 canst resume thy siege. It is often 
 easier to corrupt a matron, than to win 
 a maid. 
 
 Sulpicius. If money will buy her, Til 
 bid high. 
 
 Cosus. The influence of this clique 
 must be overcome. We will connive 
 together, Sulpicius, and secretly 
 undermine their power. The first to be 
 brought to dishonor; and, then 
 destroyed, must be Manlius. 
 
 Sulpicius. But Marcella:— What of 
 her? 
 
 Coeus. When her husband is no 
 more; she'll turn to lliee. I luusl be 
 made dictator. 
 
 Sulpicius, And dicttitor thou shall 
 Ije, if raouey and pati-iciH«i power can 
 make thee. Come with me to the 
 senate-house. There, we will meet gome 
 of the younger senators, ana touch them 
 lightly with our purposes. 
 
 Cosus. Well advised. I will go with 
 t hee. \Kxeunt oosus and svr.picius, K\ 
 
t) THE WIFE AND TH E SWORD. 
 
 Enter manlius and maroella 
 from house. 
 
 Manlius. My star grows l)nghter, as 
 my sword grows keener. 
 
 Marcel la. Ay, Manlius, iDut one fell 
 blow will stay it's upward course and 
 take thee from nie. 
 
 Manlius. Fear not, Marcella! Victory 
 hath ever stood exultant by my side. 
 Eight Roman citizens have I saved from 
 flood, tire, and steel. Thirty times have 
 I fought in single combat, and borne my 
 adversaries shield and weapon from the 
 field. And, on my body are the scars 
 of many close encounters with my 
 country's foes. In all this stress, Victory 
 hath stood fast my friend and brought 
 me off in safety. M}' time is up. ' T 
 must depart. My love is thine; my life, 
 my country's. 
 
 Alarcella, Must thou go, today? 
 
 Manlius. Today, Marcella. Only thar 
 Roman, who holds bis country first, is 
 worthy of a Roman wife. 
 
 Marcella. But love is love, dear, and 
 difficult to constrain. [Miirmer of voicps 
 off. ft] Hark, what's that! 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 7 
 
 Manlius. It sounds like the mutter- 
 ings of a mob. [Voices heard louder, R.] 
 There is some distubance in. the city. 
 [Long blast of trumpets off, JS.] Listen, 
 Marceeila, it is the call to arms! That 
 call is never sounded vvithiu the walls 
 of Rome, except the en^Tny be at hec 
 gates. 
 
 Mucius nms on, R. 
 
 Mucius, The Gauls are upon us 
 The citizens are arming and the soldiers 
 are assembling at the gales. They are 
 calling for thee to command them. 
 
 Manlius. Have the barbarians been 
 see n 't 
 
 Mucius. Ay, from the walls. 
 
 Manlius. Farewell, Marcella. Come, 
 Mucins. This will bear no delwy. 
 
 [Manlius draws swcn^d. Exeunt 
 Manlius and Mucius, R. Mar- 
 cella gazes earnestly after 
 them. 
 
 SCENE II. A street in Rome. 
 
 Enter cominius, L. t^aurinda 
 <'linging to him. 
 
8 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 Laurinda. As thou lovest me, Co- 
 minius, forsake me not. 
 
 Cominius. Calm thyself, Launnda. 
 
 Laurinda. How terrible for a womac 
 to fall into the hands of those wild bar- 
 barians! Oh! Cominius, when the gates 
 begin to yield, leave all and come to me, 
 or I will kill myself. 
 
 Cominius. I promise thee, by the 
 veil of Vesta. So, for the present, fare- 
 well. Thy father, Mucius, awaits me at 
 the gates. 
 
 Laurinda. Forget me not) Cominius. 
 
 Cominius. I will not fail thee. [Exit, 
 R.] 
 
 Laurinda. [R. Looking after Comin- 
 ius.] May the gods defend us from those 
 brutal barbarians, — greedy of wine and 
 merciless to women. The very thought 
 of them fills me with an agony of terror. 
 
 Inter papirius and makcella, 
 L. 
 
 Marcella. I fear, grandfather, our 
 army has been defeated. 
 
 Papirius. T am a Roman senator, 
 grandaughter, and can entertain no fears. 
 If Rome falls, I fall with it. [Sees t.au- 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 9 
 
 RiNDA.] Here is thy young plebeian 
 t'cieod. Laurinda, the dauj^hcer ol tl^e 
 cnrituriotj, Miicius. 
 
 L.au rii:da. [Boiving.] Good father, Pa- 
 pirius, may the gods preserve thee! 
 [Crosfes to marcella.] My dear lady! 
 yKisHes MARCELLA 's hciiicl.^ I shall 
 ^»•^ma^n with thee. 
 
 xVlarcella. Tiiank thee, Laurinda, I 
 neec] thy comfort and companionship, 
 I ara much distressed. 
 
 P:ipiruis. I must hasten to the 
 senate-house. Pear not, grandaughter: 
 Rome is. still, Kome. \Exit,U.^ 
 
 Marcella. Mai hus is with thy father. 
 I am beset with fears, LiHurinda Come, 
 we will slowly follow along rovvards the 
 gates. [Exeunt marcella and laurinda, 
 R.] 
 
 SC ENE ITI. The principle gates of 
 Rome,— inside. Sentinels pacing on 
 the ivall. Soldiers und armed citizens 
 on both sides of the gates. 
 
 Enter manlius, L followed by 
 MucTus, and soldiers. Citizens 
 shout'. " Hail, brave Manlius. " 
 Mucius goes to gates. Guards 
 
10 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 open gates cautiously and he 
 passes out. 
 
 ■Manlius, brjldiers ai)d citizens the 
 Gauls have approached our walls and 
 hurled defiance at our city. Canaiilius 
 muse be notified. I will undertake the 
 mission, and go at once. [CitizetLS cheei\ 
 Guards open gates. Enter mucius/oZ- 
 lowed by two Rofnan soldiers, bleeding 
 and torn. Guards close gates \ Whence 
 come these bleeding soldiers? 
 
 Mucius. Eet them speak for them- 
 selves. 
 
 1 Soldier. [With effort. \ 1 come from 
 the army maichin^' north alonj^ the 
 Tiber's bank. The Gauis fell suddenly 
 upon us, and we were every where routed. 
 
 2 Soldier. [With effort.] In this bat- 
 tle, it was first defeat, then rout, and 
 then massacre. But few are left of our 
 defeated legions to tell the story of tins 
 day's carnage. 
 
 Manlius. Is Caraillius slain? 
 
 J Soldier. No. He, with a remnant 
 of the army, escaped to Veil. 
 
 Manlius Ijet these brave soldiers be 
 cared for and their wounds dressed. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 11 
 
 [Citizens assist 1&2 soldiers off L.\ Sol- 
 diers and citrzeas. the army up()n v;hich 
 we depended for defence, has been 
 defeated and scattered. It is no ion,?er 
 a question of defence, but of sat'ety 
 safety to our wiv<^s and children. They 
 must retire from the city, and has en\up 
 the Tiber to Veii. For myselt', I shall 
 remain in Rome to drive the barbacian 
 hence, or perish in her sireeis. [Slunits: 
 " To Veii\ To Veii\ " People hiirrg off' 
 L.] Soldiers, those of you who are youn},':. 
 without families, and are wiliiniL^ to stay 
 step to the right. The osiiers luiy ,^'.! 
 with their families lo Veil. 
 
 JVlucius. [ Stepping to rk/ht. J 1 
 shall remain wiih the cominander. 
 
 [Soldiers separate. Some step 
 to the right ; others cross stage, 
 and exeunt, L. Man litis 
 stands, RC. 
 
 Enter marcella, L. followed h/j 
 r.AURiNDA. T/'tey pause, L 
 
 [Mticius crosses to Laurinda 
 
 Marcella. [Adv<inci>ig towards Man- 
 h'.n.s.) Oh! Manlius, stay not here. To 
 
12 THE WIFE A^D THE SWORD. 
 
 stay Will not save Rome. 
 
 Maui I us- iJuookiay to front; in posi- 
 tion of a soldier; sword point down; 
 iniiiioouble, li<>.e a st'itae.\ I'o stay will 
 not save Rome, but it will main tain the 
 honor of the Komau name, 
 
 Marceila. Trus is a forlorn hope, 
 Manlius, in whion one must die, but for 
 the name of dying bravely. If it were 
 possible, — if it were probable, --What am 
 1 sayiug! — 
 
 Manlius. Thou art talking as a wife, 
 not as the daughter of a Roman general, 
 who died a Roman death. 
 
 Marceila. lAdvances to manlius and 
 winds arms around his neck. He does 
 not 7nove.] Manlius, my brave lord, pity 
 my weakness in this tryiuy hour. 
 Between my woman's love and thy 
 soldier's honor, I see two ways; one 
 leads to a happy tireside with bnght- 
 faoed children playing about my feet 
 and thee, dear, sitting by my side; tiie 
 other leads to the grave, [Breaks doivn. 
 Sobs and cities on majstijIus's breast. He 
 does not move.] a dark, cold grave, — and 
 I — T — alone, -the opening flower of our 
 love— crushed, — and wet with- with — 
 my sad tears. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 13 
 
 Manilas. IStill i7}if)L0vable, but with 
 self repression.] My resolution banjjK 
 but by a thread. Another tear, anot her 
 sob, and I will cast my sword down upon 
 the ground, and follow thfi« to Veii. 
 
 Marcel la. [Starting back from hini, 
 with loic scream and arms extended.] 
 No, no, Manlius! Stay, and I will f^o! 
 At once, at once! [Stands for a moment, 
 C. Staggers, manlius does not move, 
 but shows strain of contending emotions 
 severely repressed.] I scarce can see. 'Jhe 
 day is turning into night. Come, Lau- 
 rinda, lead me hence, lest I do cry or 
 sob again, [laurtnda advances to mar- 
 CELL.A. Mucius, with bowcd head, crosses 
 to soldiers, laurinda leads marcella 
 towards L. marcella turns at L, gazes 
 at MANLIUS, and then — J Mine is a 
 woman's lov^: thine is a soldier's honor. 
 Which IS the worthier, time and tlie 
 gods will tell, [laukinda leads mauoella 
 offL.] 
 
 Manlius. [Looking ,tp.] Ye gods, if 1 
 do err in this, mark vfeW the Oitter 
 agony of my heart. A woman's love 
 is poison to a soldier's courage. [Raises 
 sword extended.] How bright and keen 
 the blade of my good sword! For the 
 
14 THE WIFE. AND THE SWORD. 
 
 first time, it trembles in my holding. 
 How oft hast thou and I, moved hilt and 
 hand, midst roaring tumult and raging 
 strife. How close to parting, how close 
 to shame, we were a moment ago! 
 Another tear, another sob, would have 
 swept thee from my grasp. 
 
 Enter aged senator's, L. led by 
 
 PAPIRIUS 
 
 Papirius. Come, Manli us. Come, Mu- 
 cius, and my brave young Roman 
 soldiers, lead us to the senate-house. 
 
 Maniius. Stay not, venerable Papinus. 
 
 Papirius. We aged senators have 
 solemnly sworn unto the gods, we all 
 adore, not to desert the city. If Rome 
 falls, we fall with it. 
 
 Maniius. To the senale-house. Mucius. 
 
 Mucins. In column! [Soldiers fall in, 
 in column of twos at head of aged sen- 
 ators.] To the senate-house, march! 
 
 [Exeunt L. Mucius, followed 
 by soldiers and aged senators, 
 and Maniius in rear. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 15 
 
 ACT TI. 
 
 SCENE I. Before the seriate- house. 
 Wild discordant shouts and yells 
 off R. Aged senators sc ated in ivory 
 chairs on porch of senate-house at 
 head of steps. Papirius is seated 
 center ivith ivory scepter in hand. 
 
 , Enter manlius, L. papirius 
 rises and decends steps to meet 
 him. 
 
 Manhus. IBowing low.} The barba- 
 rians surround the city. [Yells and 
 heavy battering off, R,] They are bat- 
 tering the gates. 
 
 Papirius. Where are the soldiers? 
 
 Manlius. In the citidel on the Capi- 
 tohne hill. The hill is hii^h airi it,'s 
 walls abrupt. The citidel can bo 
 reached only by the secr»-a path. I 
 have come to lead thcaaod thy vener- 
 able companions to this secure retreat. 
 
 Papirius. Nay, Manlius, we will abide 
 
 here, — here at the senate- house, where 
 we have ruled and been honored bv 
 
16 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 the people. [Terrific yells and battering 
 
 offL.] 
 
 Maolius. The barbarians will kill' 
 
 you. 
 
 • Papiriue. We will trust to the gods, 
 
 and our gray beards. 
 Manlius. 1 pray thee, come, 
 Papirius. [Oohig^ Farewell! Thou 
 
 knowest better than to urge me. 
 
 [Papirius ascends steps and 
 resumes seat. Manlius walks 1/, 
 tarns, looks up at senators, 
 and bows low. Senators rise, 
 look towards him, and then 
 sit down. Yells and battering 
 off R. Manlius exits L. Yells 
 and battering continuous off' 
 R. Loud crasJiing as of fall- 
 ing gates. Roar of voices, 
 tumult and clashing iron. 
 Barbarians rush on stage. R.,' 
 stop suddenly, and stare at 
 senators with awe. A Barba- 
 Han advances slotvly and 
 superstitiously up steps. Stops 
 near Papirius. Gazes reiser- 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 17 
 
 ently at Papirius, mid then 
 strokes senator's gray beard. 
 Papirius rises and strikes bar- 
 barian on head with scepter. 
 Barbarian falls and rolls 
 down steps. Barbarians yell, 
 rush up steps and massacre 
 senators. After massacre, bar- 
 barians rush off L, shouting 
 and yelling. Red glare throivn 
 07i stage in imitation of sun- 
 set : then darkness of ap- 
 proaching night. 
 
 SCENE II. In the citidel on the 
 Capitoline Hill. Time night. Lights 
 doivn. 
 
 Enter mucius, L. 
 
 Mucius. The Gauls howl like a pack 
 of famished wolves in the city below. 
 DruQk with wine, they stagger through 
 the streets plundering 'and burning. 
 Here on the hill and in this citidel we 
 are secure, and can hold out until our 
 food supply is exhausted. Then we 
 
18 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 must fight or starve. 
 
 Enter manlius. L. 
 
 Manlius. The night is very dark. See 
 that the guards be doubled, Mucius, 
 until the moon rises. [Crosses to R.^ 
 
 Mucius. I will attend to it. [Salutes^ 
 and exits L.] 
 
 Manlius. Had I a legion of our war- 
 tried veteans, I would attack the Gauls 
 at once. [Walks up and down.^ Oh, 
 why this delay! Not a word have I 
 heard from Veii. What can they be 
 doing! 
 
 Enter mucius and comtnius, L. 
 
 Cominius. Hail! brave Manlius, 
 I come from Veii. 
 
 Manlius. What, Cominius! Irlow didst, 
 thou reach the hill? 
 
 Cominius, As the night s»^ttled 1 stole 
 through the Gaulish lines. 
 
 Manlius. Didst thou ascend by the 
 secret path.? 
 
 Cominius. Nay, 1 climbed up the 
 side of the hill by digging holes for my 
 feet with my dagger, and clinging to 
 whatever my hands could grasp. I 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 19 
 
 feared to come by the secret, way, lest 
 1 discover it to the enemy. 1 must 
 depart before the moon rises. 
 
 Manlius. Bnngest thou a message? 
 
 Cominius, Ay, here it is. [Offera 
 sealed packet, manlius extends hand.] 
 It is from thy wife. 
 
 iVLanhus. {Withdrawing hand.] tiasii 
 thou no other? None from the consul, 
 Camilhus? 
 
 Cominius. Yea, he bid me tell thee, 
 to hold the citidel until he came. He is 
 recruiting and reorganizing the army. 
 He has received but little encourage- 
 ment from the senators. They regard 
 him with indifference. 
 
 Manlius. The senators at Veil are 
 young. The elder senators were mas- 
 sacred by the barbarians, 
 
 Cominius. Papirius, too? 
 
 Manlius. All, Cominius. A soldier 
 lingering back when we ascended the 
 hill saw them cut down. They would 
 remain. 
 
 Cominius. This news will grieve thy 
 wife, and much discourage CamiUius. 
 Cosus is now the power at Veii, The 
 
20 THE WIFE ANB THE SWORD. 
 
 senators give to him a ready ear. He 
 hath declared, that we are not able, at 
 the present time, to give successful bat- 
 tle to the Gauls. 
 
 Manlius. What, then, doth he sug- 
 gest? 
 
 Comiuius. To pay the Gauls a thou- 
 sand pounds by weight in gold lo lift 
 their standards and depart. 
 
 Manlius. This is merely gossip! 
 
 Cominius, Nay. it was thy wife who 
 told me. 
 
 Manlius. And who told her? 
 
 Cominius. &ulpicius. She is oft, of 
 late, with Sulpicius. 
 
 Manlius. With Sulpicius! No? 
 
 Cominius. It seems, he hath much 
 befriended thy good lady since the 
 exodus to Veii. 
 
 Manlius. Well, what of Cosus? 
 
 Cominius, He hath recommended 
 Sulpicius to the senators as the proper 
 person to transact the business with the 
 Gauls. Sulpicius is a man of business 
 understanding, is rich, and hath much 
 ready gold. 
 
 Manlius. Then the removal of the 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 21 
 
 Gauls from our territory is to be made 
 a business transaction? 
 Cominius. It so appears, 
 
 Manlius. What saith my wife of this 
 proposal? 
 
 Cominius. She thinks it most expedi- 
 ent. In it she sees thy safety. Her love 
 for thee hath quite distracted her. 
 
 Manlius. How doth she know, that I 
 am alive? No word hath been sent from 
 here since the day the people left. 
 
 Cominius. She believes thou art 
 alive, but fears thy bravery will take 
 thee from her. She trembles at the 
 name of war. 
 
 Manlius. 1 tremble for Rome. May 
 the gods deliver us from the vagaries of 
 a woman's mind. 
 
 Cominius. Here is the packet from 
 thy wife. [Offers packet,] It contains a 
 letter. 
 
 ManJius. [Not taking it.] Tell Camil- 
 lius, I await him; that our food-supply 
 IB neai^ly exhausted: that tbe Gauls are 
 plundering and burning in the city. 
 
 Cominius, What shall I tell the 
 senators? 
 
 Manlius. Tell them, I am alive, and 
 
22 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 with my soldiers m the citidel on the 
 CapitohDe Hill. 
 
 Cominius. What shall I tell thy wife? 
 
 Manlius. Tell her, I will follow my 
 sword, ay, though the sky rains tears, 
 
 Cominius. Here is the packet. [Offers 
 him packet] 
 
 Manlius. \ Not noticing p<icket.] It is 
 approaching midnight. The moon rises 
 shortly after midnight. 
 
 Cominius, Then 1 must go. [Puts 
 packet in breast.] Good night, com- 
 mander. 
 
 Manlius. Good night, Cominius. 
 
 Mucius. I will go with thee, Cominius. 
 to the edge of the hill, [mucius aiid 
 COMINIUS exeunt L,] 
 
 Manlius. Cosus recommends it, and 
 my wife favors it. Rome with all her 
 honors, all her glories, all her heroes 
 to be made the subject of a bueinese 
 transaction! Bartered for as they bar- 
 ter for pigs and sheep m the market. It 
 shall not be! [Exit, R.] 
 
 SCENE III. The summit of the 
 CapitoUne Hill. Wall of the citidel 
 with arched opening, R. Pile of 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 23 
 
 shields near wall, R. Tarpeian rock 
 L. Ridge of rocks across stage ^ 
 rear. Rear scene, blue sky. Stage 
 dark. 
 
 Enter manlivs in lo7ig cloak 
 from citidel, R. 
 
 Maolius. Is the day of Roman patri- 
 otism and Roman heroism passing away! 
 Hath the Roman soldier become a dogl 
 A dog to guard the property of the rich, 
 and watch the goods that vulgar traffic 
 piles up! The very thought of it stirs 
 me to the finger tips and awakes in me 
 an unutterable detestation. ICrosses to 
 L. Moon rise*.] Here is the Tarpeian 
 rock. Prom it the Roman traitor is 
 hurled. And here is the unmarked 
 grave of Tarpeia, the Roman maiden 
 wh6 once betrayed this citidel 
 to the enemy. Prom her the rock was 
 named. What a dark spot! How the 
 soul of the patriot shrinks from it! 
 [Crosses to, R, sits down and reclines on 
 shields.] My wife — Well, what of her! 
 She is beautiful and of pure patrician 
 blood. The Koman Sjjirit is in her, but 
 
24 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 love hath made pliant her RomaD mind, 
 and now it bends to every weak emo- 
 tion. I love her, yea, but I will not 
 yield. Better die for my manhood, Ihan 
 live for my wife's fears. [Sleeps. Moon 
 croftses horizon and goes down. Cackle 
 of geese off, RR. manlius rouses up and 
 looks around. Geese cackle again. 
 MANLius springs to his feet, thi^ows off 
 cloak, pi'iks up shield, a7id looks rear.] 
 The geese are cackling in the temple of 
 Juno. Something disturbs them. Can 
 it be— [Head of Oaul rises above ridge 
 of rocks, rear, manlius rushes to rear 
 and up rocks. Dashes shield in OauVs 
 face. Gaul falls from ridge to rear, and 
 disappears ivith a yell. He is answered 
 witit yells from below and rear of ridge.] 
 The Gauls! The Gauls! [E7iter mugtus 
 from citidel, followed by soldiers. They 
 rush to rear and wp ridge. They hurl 
 rocks down on Gauls from ridge.\ 
 Enough, brave comrades, tbe Gauls are 
 repulsed. [It begins to dawn. Trumpet 
 heard from rear of ridge.) That is a 
 Roman \iotQ.\Gazes rear and then points 
 downwardly to rear.) Look, Mucius, is 
 not that a body of Roman citizens 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 25 
 
 fidvancing towarde the Forum? 
 
 Mucius. [Looking.] It is. I recognize 
 Sulpicius by his gait. He hath astride. 
 There is a citizen with a trumpet, 
 another with a white flag, and others 
 bearing sacks on their shoulders. 
 
 JVlanhus. There is gold in those 
 sacks, Mucius. The yellow scab of 
 Roman shame! I can restrain myself 
 no longer! I am going below. I'll stop 
 this cowardly bussinese transaction or 
 write mine epitaph upon my sword. 
 Follow me, who will, by the secret path. 
 [Trumpeter sounds. Standard-bearer 
 steps to Manlius's side.] To the Forum! 
 [Exeunt manlius, pumpeter, and 
 standard-bearer. L.] 
 
 Mucius, In column! To the Forum, 
 march ! [Soldiers fall in, in column of 
 twos, and led by mucius, hurry off, L.\ 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
26 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 ACT TIL 
 
 SCENE I. The secret path. 
 
 Enter MARCEr^LA and laurtnda, 
 R. followed by cos us. 
 
 Cosus. We have escaped detection. 
 The barbarians are in the Forum await- 
 ing Sulpicius and the gold. Here is the 
 enirance to the secret path. Follow it, 
 and It will lead you to the citidel on the 
 hill. The commander is there. 
 
 Marcella. I thank thee, noble Cosus, 
 for thy guidance and protection. 
 
 Cosus. [ am honored by the service I 
 
 have rendered thee, noble lady. [Bows, 
 
 exits, R.\ 
 
 aiarcella. [Drawing dagger from 
 
 breast.] If the barbarians capture us, we 
 
 have our daggers, Laurinda. [Returns 
 
 dagger to breast.) 
 
 Launnda. Yea, we will kill ourselves. 
 
 Hark, lady! I hear the measured tread of 
 
 soldiers, {Looking, L.] It is soldiers,— 
 
 Roman soldiers. They are decending 
 
 from the hill. 
 
* THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 27 
 
 Enter manlius trumpeter and 
 standard-bearer^ L. 
 
 Marcella. Manlius, beloved — [manlius 
 does not notice her. Crosses to R. fol- 
 lowed by trumpeter and standard- 
 bearer.] Stay, Maahus— Speak but a 
 word of welcome, and then pass on. 
 [Exeunt manlius, trumpeter and stand- 
 ard-bearer,R. Enter mtjcius and soldiers, 
 L. They cross stage hurriedly and 
 exeunt, R.] Oh! Liaurinda, my brave 
 lord, hath spurned me. Come, we will 
 follow him. Neither shame nor death 
 ^ shall keep me from him. [They exeunt R.] 
 
 SCENE II. The Roman Forum. 
 BRENNUS chief of the Gauls seated 
 in a large red chair, rear and C. 
 Gauls right and left of chair. 
 
 Brennus. (Rising.) Bring on the scales 
 to weigh the Roman gold. [Gauls bring 
 in scales from R, and set them down 
 right C] Put in the weights^ [Gauls put 
 weights in left scale.] Now, let the 
 Roman approach. [Brennas sita down.], 
 
 [A Gaul steps to R. and motions 
 
28 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 with his sword. Enter Sulpi- 
 clus followed by a citizen bear 
 ing a ivhite flag, and a citi- 
 zen trumpeter, and other citi- 
 zens bearing sacks on their 
 shoulders. Cittzens drop sacks 
 down right of scales. 
 
 Sulpicius. [Advancing to bkennus.J 
 Breauus, great chief of the Gauls - 
 
 Brennus. Bow Roman, or begone. 
 
 Sulpicius. [Bowing.] Great chief, I 
 am the Roman commissioner. 
 
 Brennus, Brmgest thou the tribute. 
 
 Sulpicius. I have brought the gold. 
 
 Brennus. Then put it in the scale. 
 There is no need for speech. The gold 
 speaks for itself. We understand it 
 better than your Roman words. 
 
 [Sulpicius motions to citizens. 
 They take gold bars from 
 sacks and put them in right 
 scale. They cease when the 
 scales balance. 
 
 Sulpicius. There is more gold in the 
 scales than the agreement calls for. 
 
THF WIFE AND THE SWORD. 29 
 
 BrenDUS. [Rising.] The scales bal- 
 ance. 
 
 Sulpicius. The scales balance, great 
 chief, but I fear thy weights — 
 
 Brennus. What of my weights! You 
 fear my sword more than you fear my 
 weights. (Casts sword into left scale.) 
 To the victor belongs the spoils! Put in 
 your gold. Be quick, or I may change 
 ray mind. Woe unto you, if I take my 
 sword from the scales before they bal- 
 ance! {Sulpicius motions. Citizens hur- 
 riedly put gold into right scale 
 until the scales balance, brennus 
 takes sword from scales. Enter manlius, 
 trumveter, standard-hearer, mucius and 
 soldiers, L.) The tribute is paid. 
 
 Manlius. What tribute? 
 
 Brennus. [Turning, and seeing sol- 
 diei's.] The Roman tribute to the Gaul. 
 It is paid. We are ready to depart. 
 
 Manlius. When did Rome pay tribute! 
 
 Brennus. Now, even now. [Points to 
 gold.] There is the gold, [Points to Sul- 
 picius.] and, there the Ronian commis- 
 ioner, that paid it. 
 
 Sulpicius. [Advaucing towards man- 
 r.Tus,] Proud commander, I was chosen 
 
30 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 by the Roman senators to conclude this 
 treaty, 
 
 Manlius. And I was chosen by the 
 Ronaan gods to defeat It. 
 
 \MiiGius strikes Sulpicius with 
 shield and knocks him down. 
 Sulpicius rises, grabs up 
 reinai^iing sack of gold, and 
 exits, L. followed by citizens. 
 Trumpet sounds off R. Great 
 excitement among Gauls. 
 
 Brennus. That is a Roman trumpet! 
 
 coMiNius runs on L. 
 
 Cominiue. CamilHus hath come! 
 Manhus. Then charge. Romans! For 
 Rome and Victory! 
 
 [^Shouting off R. with trumpet 
 sounds. Manlius and Roman 
 soldiers charge Gauls. They 
 fight. Romans drive Gauls off 
 R. Manlius and Brennus 
 remain. They engage in a 
 fierce combat. Brennus, left: 
 Manlius, right. Brennus knocks 
 
THF WIFE AND THE SWORD. 31 
 
 Manlius^s sword out of his 
 hand. Enter Marcella, L, 
 dagger in hand. BrennuSy hack 
 to her. She steals towards 
 him. He C7'owds Manlius to his 
 knees. Is about to thrust him 
 through with siuord. Marcella 
 stabs Brennus in back with 
 dagger. Brennus drops sword, 
 turns, staggers to L. falls, dies. 
 
 Marcella. [Dropping dagger.] The 
 gods have decided, Manlius. My love 
 hath saved thy honor. 
 
 Manlius. When I lost iny sword, I 
 lost my honor. Thou hast saved my 
 dishonored life. 
 
 Marcella. Manlius. Manlius, why so 
 cruel! Man fights with thf» sword, but 
 the weapon of the gods is love. 
 
 [Cry heard from off R : "The 
 Gauls flee! Victor j for the 
 Romans !" 
 
 Manlius. [Eising, picks up sword] 
 Take thou my sword: from this day 'tis 
 thine, not mine, [marcella takes sword \ 
 
32 THE WIFE Ab^D THE SWORD. 
 
 1 am thy prisoner. [Takes her in his 
 arins.] The prisoner of my brave young 
 Komao wife. 
 
 Marcella. My happiness is too great. 
 1 fear the gods will make me pay for it's 
 excess. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 33 
 
 ACT TV. 
 
 SCENE I- A street leading to the_ 
 Forum. 
 
 Enter sulpicius, L. followed 
 by OPPTOER OF THE GUARD and 
 Mucius between two soldiers. 
 
 Sulpicius. Bring him along, officer! 
 [To Mucius.j 1 loaned thee this money, 
 centurion, two years ago. So far. I have 
 received no return for my kindness, but 
 the blovf thou struckest me, in the 
 Forum, with thy ahield. 
 
 Mucius. The debt is small. 
 
 Sulpicius. Yea, it is small, but it 
 seemt still too large for thee to pay. 
 
 Mucius. Good sir, bethink thee, [ am 
 an officer of the legion — 
 
 Snlpicius. Tut, tut! that does not 
 pay the debt. 
 
 Mucius. I am much in debt. Plun- 
 dered of »11 I had by the barbarians, 
 and my house burned, I'had to build 
 and buy again. To do this, I had to 
 borrow money. Pray give me time, and 
 I will pay thee all J owe thee, and half 
 
34 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 as much in interest. 
 
 Sulpicius. Not another motneot. Pay 
 the debt at once, or I will bid thee in. I 
 need an old man to hoe my garden. 
 
 Mucins. [With dejection] Hoe thy 
 garden ! 
 
 Enter laukinda and cominius, L. 
 
 Laurinda. Oh! father, what doth this 
 mean? 
 
 Mueius. I owe a debt, I cannot pay. 
 Under our Roman law, I will becon- 
 demoed and Bold into slavery. 
 
 Sulpicius. Lead on, officer. To 
 prison with him, 
 
 Cominius. Here comes Manlius, the 
 friend of the people. 
 
 Enter, manlius L, followed by 
 Roman rabble. 
 
 Manlius. Stay you, who lead that 
 brave centurion, a prisoner, through the 
 streets. [Soldiers pause.] Why this 
 indignity to a Roman officer? 
 
 Sulpicius. He owes me money, and 
 will not pay. 
 
 Mueius. I cannot pay. 
 
 Manlius. What is the debt? Tell m«. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 35 
 
 and I will pay it. \ Babble cheer.] 
 
 1 Citizen. Noble Manlius! 
 
 2 Citizen. Brave Maoliue! 
 
 3 Citizen. Good Manlius! 
 SulpiciuB. [To MANLIUS.] Art thou 
 
 the patron of the rabble? 
 
 Manlius. I have solemnly declared: 
 that while my money lasts, no Roman 
 citizen shall be sold for debt. Should 
 poverty make a man a slave? The law 
 18 most unjust. 
 
 Sulpicius. 'Tis hoped, thy money will 
 last. 
 
 Manlius. A few more words from thee, 
 and my patience may prove less endur- 
 ing than my money, What is the debt? 
 
 Sulpicius. [Aside.] There is no other 
 way. I must accept the money. [To 
 MANLIUS.] Here is the bond. 
 
 Manlius. [Takes bond and looks at it.] 
 Here is thy money, 
 
 Sulpicius. [Taking money.] Release 
 the prioner. 
 
 [Officei^ and soldiers release 
 Mucins., and- march off^ R. 
 Rabble cheer. Laurinda throws 
 arms around father's neck. 
 
36 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 Cominiue. [Grasping mu'jius's hand,] 
 Would, I could have paid thy debt! 
 
 Man Hue. [Embracing mucius.] My 
 brave old friend! 
 
 Sulpiciue. Some men make frieods, 
 but, it seems, Manlius buys them. 
 [Strides off R. Rabble hoot him.] 
 
 Manlius. Take this purse, Mucius, 
 and pay all thy debts, I should have 
 thought of this before. Nay, the money 
 is thine. As thou boldest me in thy 
 friendship, refuse it not. 
 
 Mucius. [Taking purse.) My good 
 commander! Thou art more Roman, 
 than our Roman law. 
 
 Manlius. Happiness be thine, Mucius! 
 [Exeunt manlius, L. followed by rabble 
 shouting :"Noble Manlius! Brave Manli- 
 us! Good Manlius! "] 
 
 Mucius. Since thy mother's death, 
 Laurinda, I have watched o'er thee with 
 double care. I have but one desire left. 
 Thy happiness. Cominius, thou haet 
 aeked me for her. She loves thee. Take 
 her, and with her my home and all I 
 have. The door of the house is open. 
 Lift her over it's threshold, and she is 
 thin*, — my daughter and thy wife. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 37 
 
 ComiDius. Ijaurinda! 
 Laurinda. Cominius! 
 
 [They emhraAie. 
 Cominius. Come. 
 
 Cominius and Laurinda ivalk 
 towards L, Cominius ivith arm 
 around her, Mtwius folloirs- 
 bj.veiiiit antncs, L. 
 
 SCENE II. x\ room itt Cosks'.'s Itoiisr. 
 
 Enter cosus, R. 
 
 Rabble passing outside, L. 
 shout: -'Noble Manlius! Brave 
 MaDliusI Good Manlius!" 
 
 CosLis. [Contemptti.ously.] ISToble Man- 
 lius! Brave Manlius! Good Manlius! 
 [Crosses, to L. mid looks off, L.] The 
 rabble follow him through the streets, 
 kissing his hands, and shouting his 
 praises. He, moved by an appetite of 
 insatiable vanity, licks up this slaver as 
 a hungry dog lioks the grj^ase from a 
 kitchen platter. [Advances to C] King 
 Manlius! It is certain that to this title 
 he doth aspire. To seek to be made king 
 is treason under our law. I have started 
 the rumor among the patricians, that 
 
38 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 the commauder is coaspiriag and 
 couniviDg with this treasonable purpose. 
 Sulpicius balh secretly warned the 
 senate against him, and suggested that 
 I be made dictator. 
 
 Enter sur-,picius, L. 
 
 Sulpicius. Hail! noble Cosus, the 
 power is thine. The senate hath 
 appointed thee dictator. 
 
 Cosus. This is most opportune, 
 CamiUius is with the army in the West, 
 punishing the Gauls. We must take 
 advantage of his absence, and strike 
 without hesitation. How soon, thinkest 
 thou, the senate will notify me of my 
 appointment? 
 
 Sulpicius. Immediately. 
 
 Cpsus. Then the work will soon 
 begin. 
 
 Sulpicius. I have begun already. I 
 arrested that old centurion, JViucius, for 
 debt. The rabble all but assaulted me 
 as I led him through the streets. 
 
 Cosus. Didst make him thy slave? 
 
 Sulpicius. Nay; king Manlius cam* 
 and paid his debt. 
 
 Cosus. That pleased the rabble. 
 
TEE WIFE AND THE SWORD 39 
 
 Sulpicius. Pleased them! They shouted 
 and cheered, and applauded him with 
 their hands and" mouths as though all 
 the comfort and happiness of their 
 cheap lives depended upon him. 
 
 Cosus. How did this lord of the 
 rabble take it? 
 
 Sulpicius. He strutted about like a 
 god come down from the sky. 
 
 Cosus. [^Fiercely.] I'll send him down 
 from the Tarpeian rock in a most ungod- 
 ly manner! I will order his arrest the 
 instant I am notified by the senate of my 
 appointment. But first, Sulpicius, thou 
 sbalt make the charge to me in writing, 
 that thou believest, this fellow Manlius 
 is seeking the favor of the common 
 people and conniving with certain other 
 people with purpose to make himself 
 king. The words, certain other people, 
 is a covert reference to the clique, chief 
 among which is Camillius. 
 
 Sulpicius. I will make the charge 
 most willingly. 
 
 Cosus. We must look well to tbe jury^ 
 
 Sulpicius. I'll take care of that. 
 
 Cosus. He must be found guilty. 
 Come, we will go and prepare the indict- 
 
40 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 ment, and arrange the method of our 
 procedure. [Exeunt omnes^ M.] 
 
 SCENE III. Before the house of 
 
 Manlius in Rome. 
 
 Enter manlius and makcella, R, 
 
 Maalius. The sword deserted me, and 
 Victory fled, but thou didst abide, and 
 struck the blow that saved me. 
 
 Marcella. Thy nature speaks for 
 something l)etter, dear, than blood and 
 strife. 
 
 Manlius, That there is something 
 better, I have learnt from thee. 
 
 Marcella. The people love thee Man- 
 lius. As their friend, thou mayst lead 
 them on, along the path of peace to 
 truth and justice. 
 
 Manlius. I have felt this urging in 
 my secret thoughts. It seems, at times, 
 the gods speak in my mind. Rut will 
 the people understand? 
 
 Marcella. Sincerity will beget in them 
 a faith, in thee a confidence, which will 
 bind you both unto the hoped for end. 
 I see, love,— but, Oh, so dimly! -in the 
 vague far future, a reality of goodness. 
 
 Manlius. I see it too, Marcella. a 
 charity and a faith, so kind and true, 
 
TH E WIFE AND THE SWORD. 41 
 
 that one might wish to die and sleep 
 and not wake up to life again until that 
 blessed day had come. 
 
 Marcella. What pleasure to hear thee 
 speak these gentle words, and mark thy 
 gentle ways, now freed from pride's cold 
 purposes and the soldier's boast. 
 
 Manlms. [Taking her in his arms.'\ 
 Dear wife, we'll walk together in the 
 path of peace. I'll be a quiet citizen, 
 devoted in my love to thee; pruning my 
 vines, and watching my fruit trees grow. 
 
 Marcella. My cup with happiness is 
 brimming o'er. There is no evil left to 
 mar the peacetul progrsss of our love. 
 Each hour will bring some brighter 
 hope, each day some newer joy. In this, 
 I bless the gods as they've blessed me. 
 
 Enter ofpicek of the guard 
 and soldiers, R. 
 
 Officer. I arrest thee commander by 
 order of the dictator. 
 
 Manlius. The dictator! Who is the 
 dictator? 
 
 Officer. Cosus. He awaits thy pres- 
 ence in the Place of Judgment. [Ad- 
 vancing to manijIds.] Back, lady! [To 
 MANiiius.] Wilt thoa come, or shall 
 
42 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 I have to take thee? 
 
 IfaDliuB. No violence. I will cotue. 
 Permit me but a moment with my wife. 
 [manlius and MARCEiiLA converse apart, 
 L. Kisses her. Then, aside.^ Would 
 Camillius wer« here! [Advancing to 
 OFFICER, j I am residy. [Soldiers surround 
 
 MANL.IUS.] 
 
 Officer. To the Place of Judgment, 
 march! [Exeunt offioer, R. followed 
 by MANLiTus surrounded by soldiers.] 
 
 [Marcella looks distractedly 
 after Manlius^ and bursts into 
 tears. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
THE WIP^E AND THE SWORD. 43 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE T. The PLACE OF JUDG- 
 MENT in Rome, A large stone chair 
 with sculptor ed wolf heads on af-ms, 
 R. Row of plain stone benches left of 
 stone chair. Stone chair and benches 
 on raised stone foundation. COSUS 
 discovered seated in stone chair. Citi- 
 zens jury is seated on stone benches. 
 Group of patrician nobles to right of 
 Cosus. Group of soldiers, R. Enter 
 SULPICIUS, R. Bows low to Cosus. 
 CosTis nods to Sulpicius. Sulpicius 
 remains at R. Enter rabble, L. and 
 remain L. Rabble fall back. Enter 
 OFFICER OF THE GUARD, X. /oZ- 
 loived by MANLIUS surrounded by 
 soldiers. Officer bows low to Cosus. 
 He responds tvith a nod. Officer, 
 Manlius, and soldiers stand L. 
 of jury. Enter MUCIUS,-COMINIUS 
 and LAURINDA, L. They stand, 
 back, to left of Manlius. Enter 
 citizens, L. pulling and pushing on 
 a small oar with Manlius's garlands 
 
44 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 .and trophies displayed on it. 'They 
 place car forward and to left of jury, 
 and retire to left rear. 
 Enter MARCELLA, L. tvith Manli- 
 us's sword. She lays sword down 
 right ^of car, turns and advaces 
 towards Manlius. 
 
 Officer. [Getting hetioeen manl us 
 and MARCELLA.] He is a prisoner. 
 
 [Rabble hiss. Marcella retires 
 to Laurinda. 
 
 Cosus. Commander, thou hast been 
 charged by Sulpicius with seeking the 
 favor of the common people and 
 conniving with certain other people 
 with purpose to make thyself king. It 
 is well known thdt thou art vain- 
 glorious and ambitious of all honors 
 that thou art the friend of the base-born 
 and seditious; that thou seekest the 
 favor of the common people by paying 
 thfeir debts, visiting their homes, 
 making presents to their wives, and 
 petting their children. What hast thou 
 to say to the charge against thee? 
 
 Manlius. Net guilty. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD, 45 
 
 Cosus, What hflst thou to offer in 
 support of this plea? 
 
 Manliua. Not much shall I attempt to 
 Bay in my defence, [Points to oak leaf 
 garlands on car.] There are eight oak 
 leaf garlands awarded for the saving of 
 eight Roman lives. [Points to trophies 
 on car.] There are thirty shields and 
 thirty weapons, trophies of thirty 
 victories won in singlp-combat. And 
 here, [tearing open tunic at breast,) 
 upon my breast are the soars of many 
 
 battles fought for Rome. No traitor's 
 heart can beat beneath these scars! 
 These are my witnesses. Their voiceless 
 testimony, I submit in my defense. 
 
 Cosus. Js thy plea concluded? 
 
 Manliue. It is. Tfae gods must speak 
 for me now, 
 
 Cosus. Hast thou no witnesses, no 
 further testimony to offer? 
 
 Manliu8. None. 
 
 [Mucius and citizens step 
 forth. 
 
 Mucius. Citizena of the jury, the 
 commander, who is m jeopardy before 
 you, paid our debts, and saved us from 
 
46 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 slavery. We beseech you as Romans to 
 regard his kindness to us, who are 
 Roman citizens. 
 
 [Mucius and citizens retire 
 to fonner places. 
 
 Cosus. Sulpicius, hast thou augbt to 
 say? 
 
 Sulpicius. Nothing, noble Cosus, 
 only to reiterate the charge, I have 
 made against the commander. 
 
 Cosus. Hast thou any witnesses to 
 present? 
 
 Sulpicius, Not any. 
 
 [Citizen jurors whisper. 
 
 Cosus. Is tfie jury ready to render a 
 verdict? 
 
 [Jury stands up. 
 
 Citizen Foreman. It is. 
 
 Cosus. What is the verdict of the 
 jury? 
 
 Citizen Foreman. Not guilty. 
 
 [Jury remains standing, Rab- 
 ble cheer and yell. Citizens 
 push ear off, L. Manlius's 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD, 47 
 
 sword is left. Cosus converses 
 apart with Sulpicius and 
 patricians, Marcella rushes to 
 Manlius and thr^ows arms 
 around his neck. Mucins and 
 Cominius grasp Manlius's 
 hand. Rabble close in around 
 Manlius and Marcella. Great 
 rejoicing and satisfaction 
 expressed by Manlius's friends. 
 Cosus returns to his seat. 
 
 Officer. [Raising sword.^ Silence! 
 The dictator sits in judgment. 
 
 [Soldiers thrust everybody 
 back from Manlius. 
 
 CoBus. [Rising and speaking with 
 severity.'] Citizens of the jury your ver- 
 dict was rendered without consideration. 
 I believe you were bribed. Begone, or 
 I will command the soldiers to drive you 
 from our presence. 
 
 [Cittzen jury htirry off L^ 
 Rabble hiss, then groan. 
 
 1 Citizen. No one bribed the jury. 
 
 2 Citizen. He is not guilty. 
 
48 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 3 Citizen. There is conspiracy against 
 him. 
 
 CosuB. [In great rage.\ Officer, clear 
 the Place of Judgment of that noisy and 
 seditious rabble, [Officer and solditrs 
 drive rabble off L.] Sulpicius, you will 
 select a jury from these patrician noble- 
 men. I will render judgment according 
 to their finding. [Cosu$ tits. Sulpicius 
 fills jury seats with patricians. Bows to 
 "^Cosus and retires to R.^ Noble patri- 
 cians, you have heard the indictment 
 and the plea. Are you ready to render 
 a verdict? 
 
 Patricians. [Rising.^ We are. 
 
 Cosus. What is your verdict? 
 
 Patricians. Guilty, Treason! Very 
 guilty. 
 
 [Marcella bursts into tears 
 dnd sinks into Laurinda's 
 arms. 
 
 Officer. Put on his chains. 
 
 [Soldiers put chains on Man- 
 
 lius, 
 Cosus. Stand the prisoner before the 
 
 judgment seat. [Officer leads Manliu% 
 
 before judgment seat. Coaus risesq 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 49 
 
 Thou unworthy Roman! Thou vain- 
 glorious, praise-loving conspirator! Thou 
 traitor ! 
 
 Manlius. {Starting towards Cosuii] 
 I, a traitor! 
 
 [^Soldiers seize Manlius rough- 
 ly and restrain him. 
 
 CoBUS. Ay, a traitor. A most 
 dangerous t^aito^^ A traitor with a patri^ 
 cian mind, and plebeian heart. Thus 
 do I pass sentence upon thee. Thou 
 shalt be taken to the top of the Capito- 
 line Hill, and hurled from the Tarpeian 
 rock. 
 
 Officer. When shall the sentence be 
 executed, noble dictator? 
 
 Cosus. Now!!! {Pointing up to left 
 and rear.) Yonder is the Tarpeian rock, 
 {Points to MANLiHS.) and there is the 
 traitor. Away with him! 
 
 [Cosus comes doimi from, 
 judgment sea"^. 
 
 Marce!la. [Advancing to manlfus with 
 effort.^ Love— love — love — 
 
 [Soldiers get between Manlius 
 and Mar cell a. 
 
50 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 Maalius. [To co»vs, pitifully.] Wont 
 you let Gay wife come to me, — my poor 
 young wife? 
 
 Cosus. [Advancing towards manlius.] 
 No!!! Thou hast no wife. Thou hast 
 no friends. Thou hast no country 
 Thou art a traitor. Get thee to thy 
 grave. 
 
 Mareella. Manlius! 
 
 Manlius. Farewell, my love; may the 
 gods guard thee. 
 
 [Offi.cer and soldiers hurry 
 Manlius towards, L. 
 
 Marcella. [Just as manlius is about to 
 pass off L. Marcella rushes after him, 
 and cries:] Manlius! Manlius! [Officer 
 thrusts MARCEi^LA back, manlius is led 
 Off L. by Officer and soldiers. He is 
 followed by mucius, cominius: and 
 L.AURINDA. maroella rushes towards 
 cosus with clenched hands.] This is the 
 cruelest sorrov? ever felt: the cruelest 
 blow that power ever struck. It cannot 
 be! Cosus, thou art not in earnest. 
 This IS some martial joke to try the 
 courage of my noble lord. Is it not, 
 good Cosus? [Laughs wildly.] Just a 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 51 
 
 soldier's test, — the last and most severe? 
 
 CosuB. This is no martial joke. Thy 
 husband is a traitor, and will die a 
 traitor's death. 
 
 Marcella. A traitor, no! He loved 
 his country better than he loved his 
 wife. He fought and bled for it, and 
 asked for nothing but to tight and bleeil 
 again. [To patrician jury.] You know 
 he is not guilty. Why have you con- 
 demned him to this shameful death? 
 When you kill him, you kill me. I cannot 
 
 live when he is gone. Would you kiUme,- 
 a little, helplesB woman, all made up of 
 love and tears? [To Cosus.] Good Cosus, 
 call them back. No? Then I will go lo 
 him. [Patricians interpose,'] You'll 
 neither let him come to me, nor let me 
 go to him. Cosus, noble Cosus, recall 
 thy sentence. Be merciful to me. Save 
 him! [Looks up and off to left rear.] 
 Look! he is standing upon the rock. 
 And now he waves his shackled hands. 
 Cosus, Cosus, hold up thy hand, signify- 
 ing pardon. Quick! Quick! I can 
 hardly speak! Hold up thy hand before 
 my heart stops beating, and my pleadings 
 with it. [Lookg up and off to left and 
 rear.] He has leaped.— He decend* 
 
52 THE WIPE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 through the air. He — [Gives long, 
 piercing scream, turns and seizes Cosus 
 at throat,] Thou hast done this! Thou 
 poisonous, conspiring patrician wretch! 
 Cosus. Take thy hands from my 
 throat, or 1 will do thee harm. 
 
 [They st/)mggle. Marcella's hair 
 comes down. 
 
 Marcella. [Throwing cosus /rom her^ 
 and glaring at him,] Thou hast done 
 me harm already, thou heart of stone! 
 Thou hast murdered my belove«l. For 
 this the Furies will lash thee with 
 whips of fiery scorpions to thy grave, 
 and the feeble echoes ef my falling tears 
 will haunt thy soul in Hades. 
 
 Cosus. Rail on, — thy traitorous hus- 
 band is dead. [Turns from MARCEL,L«Aa« 
 if to depart ,R. marcel.l.a quickly picks 
 up MANfjius sword, and thrusts cosus 
 through chest from behind.] I— I— 
 help! [Reels, falls, dice.] 
 
 Marcella. Good sword, we have 
 avenged our noble lord. [Kisses sword. 
 Drops hilt of sword to ground, and 
 holds blade as if about to fall on ifs 
 'point.] Dear sword take me t o my love. 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 53 
 
 Sulpicius. See! — she is about to fall 
 upon the point of the sword. [Rushes to 
 MARCEL.LA.] Do it DOt, sweet . Marcella! 
 Live for my sake. 
 
 Marcella. [Dropping sword and tow- 
 ering.] Live for Ihy sake! Thou viper 
 hearted hypocrite! Thou ugly fa^^ed 
 8atyr! { 
 
 [Marcella strikes Sulpicius in 
 face. Sulpicius retires in 
 confusion to right front. 
 
 Enter mucius, cominius and 
 LAUiiiNDA, L. They express sad- 
 ness. They advance to marcella. 
 Enter citizens and rabble, L. 
 
 [Trumpets sound off R. 
 
 Cominius. Camillius hath returned! 
 
 [Patricians slip off right rear. 
 Sulpicius looking about for 
 some point of escape. Marcella 
 picks up sword. - 
 
 Enter oamillius, R, followed by 
 toldier bearing consul's hehnet. 
 Next, trumpeter and standard- 
 
54 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 bearer. Then, enter Roman 
 officer H and soldiers R. 
 
 xMucius. Hail, noble Camillius! 
 
 Caoiillius. Greetings, good Mucius. 
 ySees MARCELJ.A.] Ah, nay lady, Marcella! 
 What dost, thou with a sword? Where 
 IS my friend, thy noble husband, the 
 commander? 
 
 Marcella. [Dropping Head on l.a¥- 
 rtnda's shoulder. Speaks with sobs.] My 
 lord is dead. 
 
 Camillius. Manlius dead! [Looks 
 down, — sees cosus.] That is Cosus. He 
 is dead! Who killed Cosus? 
 
 Marcella, I did. 
 
 Camillius. Thou! 
 
 Marcella. He killed Manlius. 
 
 Camillius. I am bewildered! Hath 
 Rome gone mad! Command my legions 
 to enter the city. [An officer salutes and 
 exits, R.] I am supreme in Rome. Ex- 
 plain, Mucius. What hath happened? 
 
 Mucius. Cosus was appointed dicta- 
 tor by the senate. Sulpicius charged 
 Manlius with seeking the favor of the 
 common people and conniving with 
 certain other people with purpose to 
 
THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 55 
 
 make himself king. Manlius was 
 arrested on this charge, and brought 
 before Cosus. The citizen jury acquit- 
 ted him. But Cosus ordered another 
 jury. The second jury was patrician, 
 "^his jury found Manlius guilty, and 
 Cosus condemned him to the traitor's 
 death. His body is lying at the foot of . 
 the Capitoline Hill. 
 
 Camillius. Cosus was the traitor. 
 But I did not think him quite so vile. 
 He judicially murdered one of the 
 noblest, truest Romans that ever lived. 
 [S^ees suLPiCTus.] Is not that Sulpicius, 
 yonder? 
 
 MuciuB. It is, noble Camillius, 
 
 [Sulpicius moves towards L, 
 cringing and cowering. Rabble 
 attacks him and, with a yell 
 of rage, maul him off,L. 
 
 Mucins. lA.side.] The common people 
 will settle with Sulpicius,. now, 
 
 Camillius. [To marcella.] Give me 
 that sword. It doth not grace thy 
 hand, 
 
 Marcella. [Oiving Camillius aivord.] 
 
56 THE WIFE AND THE SWORD. 
 
 It is Maolius's sword. It is time for me 
 to go. [Drmvs dagger. Is about to stab 
 Jierself.] 
 
 Camillius. [Taking dagger from her, 
 gently.^ Daughter of ray friend, take not 
 thy life! [Throivs dagger rear.^ On the 
 field of battle, thy noble father saved 
 my life. But, in the act, he lost his own. 
 I am old. I have no wife; no child. 
 [Lifting up right hand.) I swear by the 
 gods to be a father to thee, and to 
 shield thee from all harm. Thou didst 
 but kill the man that killed thy hus- 
 band. Cosus was a traitor to the senate 
 and the people. This, I am prepared to 
 prove. Be patient, daughter, and think 
 no more of death. The gods may give 
 to thee a posthumous comfort. Thpu 
 canst not live for Manlius, for he is 
 dead; but thou canst live for Manhus's 
 child and thine. Yea, live to tell ft of 
 it's father's glory and it's father's 
 wrongg. 
 
 jyEaroella. I will live. Give me the 
 sword. [Camillius gives her sword?\ I 
 am his wife, and this is his sword. I 
 loved him: the sword avenged him. 
 
 Camilliwe. The wife anil th» sword! 
 
THE WIPE AND THE SWORD. 57 
 
 How oft by Roman firesides, with Bigbs 
 aod tears, will thy sad story b© told. 
 
 Ifaroella. He is lying at the foot of 
 the hill. Come, let us go to him. 
 
 [Camillius puts right arm 
 around Marcella, 
 
 Camillius. Poor child! To look upon 
 his shattered form, I fear — 
 
 Marcella. Pear not, the gods go with 
 me in my sorrow. 
 
 [All fall m behind Camillius 
 and Marcella. Mucius. Lau- 
 rinda, and Cominius, first; 
 next, helmet -bearer ; next, 
 trumpeter and standard- 
 bearer ; next, officer's and 
 soldiers. Cortege moves slowly 
 off L, Marcella sobbing and 
 crying on Gamillius's shoulder. 
 
 CUKTAin. 
 
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