Class __^ Book -DthSft'7 GopyrightlsI?._ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/romanticdramasicOOIoma ROMANTIC DRAMAS; I. A Crown for a Song — Comedy; II. Miriam — tragedy. BY B. A. LOMAS. E. A. CARLEY PUBLISHER NEW YORK Copyright, 1915, By E. A. CARLEY. All Rights Reserved. c ^4.tfJ509 Press of J. J. Little & Ives Co. New York NOV 20 1915 '» I. A Crown for a Song; A Comedy in Four Acts. CHARACTERS. Henri, Prince of Languedoc. Count Raymond, his friend. Duke of Dauphine, uncle of Princess. Alphonse, minister of Princess. Rolando, an officer. Jean, Pierre, ^servants of Princess. Jacques, Gentlemen of the Court of Languedoc. Herald. Elise, Princess of Provence. Marie, daughter of Duke of Dauphine. Pauline, Marthe, Julie, SUSANNE, Brigette, Ladies of the Court of Provence, servants of Princess. IN EPILOGUE. Fairy Queen. Cupid. Hymen. Fairies. Time. — Thirteenth Century. Place. — Castle of the Princess in Provence. Costumes. — Of Middle Ages. Bight and left refer to the actor standing on the stage, facing the audience. The Prince and Rolando should resemble each other in height and build. As the singers are mashed in Act III profes- sional singers can be used in place of the actors. Act I. — Morning. One week elapses. Act II. — Morning. One hour elapses. Act III. — Afternoon. One day elapses. Act IV. — Morning. ACT I. Scene. — Reception room in Castle. Large doors at rear, and at the right, and at left. Time, morning. (As curtain rises, Pierre, Jean, Pauline, Marthe, and other servants of the Princess are seen stand- ing in a crowd at centre. Monsieur Alphonse stands facing them.) Alphonse. Now, then, let ev'ry man and ev'ry maid, Who in this palace works, lend me their ears. Marthe. Not I (feeling her ear). Pierre. I'm no such ass. Pauline. Our ears indeed! I'd be a pretty sight without my ears. Jean. You'd lose a large part of your head in truth. Pauline. Who has ears hears. Who has large ears hears much. 8 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Jean. Yes; and it's little that escapes your ears. Alphonse. 'Tis a poetic form of speech I used, "When I asked for your ears. I have my own. Pauline. God knows you have ! Pierre. "When ears were given out you did not hide behind the door. Alphonse. I would but borrow yours to pour therein Some sense, for I'm not Midas, you must know, And I would not desire ears like yours. Pierre. {To Pauline.) Who's Midas? , Pauline. I never knew the man. He must have come from some far distant town. Pierre. {To Alphonse.) Who's Midas? Alphonse. He was a king, who wore a donkey's ears. Jean. He was an ass. Pauline. No more than other men, who wear such ears, and there be plenty here. Jean. The women here were made to match the men. Alphonse. I've called you here with serious in- tent. ROMANTIC DRAMAS Pierre. Jean. Pauline. Alphonse. Pauline. Marthe. Jean. Pauline. Alphonse. Marthe. Jean. Pierre. Alphonse. But if you tell of men, who, just for fun, wear asses' ears, why one must laugh. That's laughing matter. That's true, but not to him who wears the ears. Let trifling cease! For business we are here. Now, mark my words ! The Princess has decreed That ev'ry servant, whom her palace holds, Shall say, whate'er they wish to say, in verse. What is that? Shall speak in verse! I know no verse. Is it a foreign tongue that we must speak ? What is it that we speak? Why all I've ever heard you speak is prose. 'Tis prose we speak it seems. Well, I like prose. Tell us what is this verse you'd have us speak ? That's very simple. 'Tis the choicest words, 10 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Pauline. Pierre. Jean. Marthe. Pauline. Jean. Alphonse. Arranged with taste in a melodious way So as to please our ears with har- mony. Thus if you 'd say : The cows went home at eve In verse, you put it thus: The low- ing kine, As glowed the western sky with ev'- ning's red, With laggard steps and softly tin- kling bells, Moved 'fore the herdsman to their resting place. Go to with lowing kine! And resting place ! Call you a dirty shed a resting place? I'm no such fool, and I'll not change our cows to lowing kine. And I'll not try. "Well, no such rigmarole will I at- tempt. The cows went home at eve has served my turn till now. Bah for your kine ! And bah for evening red and resting place ! Do as you please. The Princess has decreed ROMANTIC DRAMAS 11 Pauline. Jean. Marthe. Alphonse. Pierre, Alphonse. Pauline. Jean. Pauline. Pierre. Jean. That all, who work for her, shall speak in verse. And shell not change her mind I think yon 11 find. I think shell find that clever cooks don't grow on every bush. And every fool can't drive the royal steeds. But if we don't? Why then, forthwith, you'll have to leave this place, And other servants will essay your tasks. But if we can't? Why ev'rybody can, if he will try. Verse comes by Nature, men are poets born ; And ev'ry man can his own poet be, As well as he can his own shoeblack be. Well I speak prose. And wretched prose. Mayhap, but it's no worse than thine. Well, I'm too old a dog to learn new tricks, and I learned prose when, at my mother's knee, I first began to speak. Why so did I. Now that I come to think of it, why so did I. 12 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marthe. Well all my people— very respect- able people too — always spoke in prose. Alphonse. All that the Princess means to change at once. Shell make Provence a land of mel- ody, And she 11 begin the work in her own home. Her cooks shall talk in pleasing meta- phors, And from her housemaids' lips shall verses drop, As pearls from Grissel's lips in fairy tale. Pauline. This is no order that the Princess made of her own thought. Tis you who so decreed. Jean. 'Tis you who planned this scheme. Marthe. That's so. 'Tis you. Pauline. And well have our revenge. Pierre. Be sure of that. Pauline. 1 11 put soap in your soup, salt in your tea, and serve you up the trail for every meal. Marthe. And 1 11 spread sawdust between your sheets. Jean. And, when you take an airing in the ROMANTIC DRAMAS 13 coach, 1 11 bump you into every thank- you-ma 'am. (All are shaking their fists at Al- phonse, who calmly twists his mus- tache — Enter Duke at rear and ad- vances — All bow to him.) Duke. Hola! What's going on below the stairs ? Pauline. Please you, my lord, he says that I must bake, and mix my soups, and boil my meats in verse. Duke. Rubbish! What's more prosaic than a stew, Or less poetical than mutton hash? Eubbish I say! Who'd dine on poetry ? Pauline. Why, so say I, my lord. Yet he'd make poets out of kitchen folk. Alphonse. The Princess has decreed to that effect. Duke. Decreed! Why, sir, good victuals need no verse. They '11 tickle any stomach that craves food, Call them by whatsoever name you please, So that you call them while the hun- ger serves. 14 ROMANTIC DRAMAS {To servants.) Go now ! 1 11 to the Princess speak of this. Pauline ( going ) . Verses ! Jean {going). The lowing kine! Pierre {going) . As glowed the Western sky ! {Exeunt all servants at right.) Duke. Bad prose is all that one can get from them. Alphonse. You'll find the Princess firm. Duke. How know you that ? Alphonse. Why, I 'm her minister of poetry. Duke. Great Heavens, have we come to such a state That kings have ministers of poetry? Alphonse. That branch of government I have in charge. Duke. So you're her minister of poetry. Why I 've believed, since first I grew a beard, That 'twas the finance minister, who showed Imagination for the cabinet, When, from a deficit of monstrous size, He would evolve a surplus — in his dreams. But minister of poetry's a joke ROMANTIC DRAMAS 15 To make the gargoyles on the chapel laugh. Alphonse. I serve the Princess as such minister ; And here she comes. Ask her if I speak true. {Enter at right ladies of the Court singing; the Princess and Marie follow them.) Ladies. (Sing as they slowly advance.) There 's the rose in the realms on high Of the day that's newly born, And the flowers are lifting their blooms to the sky, All wet with the jewels of morn. And it's ho for the glowing sun! And it's ho for the day begun! And gladly we'll sing All the joys it will bring, Before its course is run. Hear the song of the babbling brook, That it sings to welcome day, As it wanders around each pleasant nook, That it meets upon its way! Hear the birds, that are floating high, With their melody fill the sky, While the sough of the breeze, As it ruffles the trees, 16 Princess. Marie. Princess. Duke. Princess. Marie. Princess. ROMANTIC DRAMAS Adds its note as the wind sweeps by ! (Advancing with Marie.) How like you, Marie dear, our morn- ing lay? 'Tis charming, like all else within your realm. This is the land of poetry and song, And so we sing at morn. (Ladies move to right and Duke is disclosed.) Why there's the Duke! Your father's here. (To Duke.) Good welcome, uncle mine But you'll not take your Marie home. (All at centre, except ladies who are at right.) Why no, If she shall choose to stay. (To Marie.) You'll stay, my dear? I'll surely stay, for I've scarce seen your land, And I would see its beauties far and near. You'll not wear out your welcome should you stay A twelvemonth and a day. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 17 Marie. Perchance I'll test Your patience to the uttermost. Duke. But, niece, "What means this wondrous joke that I've just heard? Princess. A joke! And told by whom? Mon- sieur Alphonse? He is not noted for his pleasan- tries. Duke. Yes, that 's the man. He told the won- drous joke As calmly as the clock ticks out the hours. "When I arrived I found your servants here, And by Monsieur Alphonse the crowd was bid To speak in verse. Marie. Why, that is marvelous, That kitchen-folk should speak in poetry. Princess. Not so. For, in the golden age in Greece, Each shepherd wooed his shepherdess in verse. {To Alphonse,) Is that not so? Alphonse. So say all learned men. 18 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess. And, in our golden age, Provence was famed As an abiding place of art and song. And I would bring that golden age again. Duke. And make your peasant speak in verse ? Princess. Why, yes. Marie. But, when I rode with you, I saw green fields "With lush grain filled, and trees with rip'ning fruit, And meadows rich with grass. Duke. Why, that's Provence, A land where Nature's lavish in her gifts. Princess. Provence indeed 's a land where Na- ture smiles, But 'tis also a land of song and art. And from Provence, in ev'ry century, Have wandered troubadours, with lute and song, Through all the realms of Christen- dom, And taught their melodies to ev'ry race. Duke. The merest idlers of an idle hour, Who waste our time. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 19 Marie. 0, not so bad as that ! For music after all is a delight, And gives a foretaste of elysium. Princess. And they have filled the world with happiness By singing their enchanting melodies, Where'er they went, and glorified my land; And so I'd have my subjects fond of art. Duke. Then there'll be little grain and less of fruit, If Jean and Jeanne give up their time to song. Marie. I scarce see how you'll make so great a change, For there are few, who have the gift of song. Princess. My minister, Monsieur Alphonse, maintains That music's hid in ev'ry mortal's breast, And men can all be taught to speak in verse, And he will teach my subjects poetry. Duke. I wish him luck. Princess. (To Alphonse.) 'Twill not be diffi- cult? 20 Alphonse. Princess. Duke Princess. Marie. Princess, Duke. ROMANTIC DRAMAS Why, 'tis but to select one's words with, care; And in six months, I 'm sure, 1 11 have good verse So common in your land, that, let one speak In prose, he'll be a thing to ridicule, Like some fair maid, enrobed in last year's style, "Who flaunts her finery as if 'twere new. As such a charity (interrupting) . A charity ! "Why, 'tis a charity to make the world Sing as it goes, both at its work and play, Just as the lark, that soars the sky at morn, Or our sweet nightingale, that sings at eve. To make men from their lips drop pearls, not toads, You mean. That's right. Why, it's all craziness, The madness that's akin to lunacy. Your Kingdom will be topsyturvy- dom. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 21 Princess. As such a charity should start at home I've started with my help. (To Alphonse.) You'll teach them soon ? Alphonse. Within a month they'll scrub and wash and cook Duke. And quarrel? Alphonse. Yes, and quarrel, in good verse. Marie. As good as one expects mayhap from cooks. Duke. (To Alphonse.) I wish you luck. Princess. (To Alphonse.) Let us not waste your time That should be given to your noble task. You have my leave. (Alphonse bows, and goes off at right.) Duke. (To Princess.) I wish you luck, good niece. But, when that haps, why hens will crow at dawn, And tabby-cats bay at the moon and geese Marie. "Why geese, like swans, will sing a dying song. I hope your rule does not apply to guests. 22 Duke. Princess. Duke. Princess. Duke. Marie. Princess. Duke. ROMANTIC DRAMAS Now, Heaven forbid, for I'm no nightingale ! There's not a whit more music in my voice Than in a rusty sign, that, in the wind, Discordant screeches at a tavern's door. 'Tis only our Provencals who must sing. And Marie may talk prose, and you may speak Of anything you please in any way. That privilege reminds me, gentle niece, That I have business here, that will not bide. And now we're wasting time on poetry. With me? With you, and 'tis of grave import. Of grave import! That's surely war or funds; For naught's of grave import save war or cash. What is this business grave that will not wait? Marriage ! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 23 Princess. Oho ! List, Marie, to his words ! He talks of marriages. Marie. They're no bad thing It seems to me. Princess. He says they will not wait. Duke. There's nothing strange in that, for, if you'd wed, Why then the sooner done, the better done. Marie. Well 'tis of grave import that maidens wed, And lovers will not wait. Duke. Nor will the maids. Princess. 'Tis grave in truth, but we are seek- ing fun. Marie. Well, isn't marriage fun? Princess. Why, oft it is. And sometimes it's a game, where both can laugh. Duke. But ofttimes he laughs best who laughs the last. Marie. 'Twould not be funny, if one should not wed. Princess. But serious if one should. Duke. Why ev'ry maid, Of healthy mind, is looking for a man, And faith she'll catch him too. 24 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marie. Well, I would wed, And take a chance. Princess. Well, surely if you wed, You'll take a chance. Marie. 'Tis called a lottery. Princess And, like all lotteries, it holds more blanks Than it holds prizes. Uncle, tell thy news ! For, though a maiden may not care to wed, It is an honor that one seeks her out, And offers unto her his hand and heart ; And, as you say the business will not wait, Why then unfold the secret that you bear. Duke. The Prince of Languedoc would wed with you, And sends me here as his ambassador. Marie. I'm glad, for Henri is a gallant Knight. Princess. You know this Prince? Marie. Why, passing well. Duke. Of course. Since childhood almost has she known the Prince. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 25 Princess. What is he like? Marie. 0, he's a charming Prince. Princess. With perfumed locks, entwisted into curls, And eyes too languid to observe a maid, And features that would fit a woman 's face, Just touched with red and white to hide their hue, And dawdling ways, as if but half awake, And mustache, that he twists to say Aha? Bah, bah! There's no red blood in such a man. Marie. Not so! Not so! He is a soldier tried, Bold as a lion, gentle as a girl, Who has his devoir done on bloody fields, And won his spurs amid the din of war. Duke. He is a very noble gentleman, And Languedoc's a very noble realm To add to thine. Princess. Perchance, all that is true. 26 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Duke. Marie. Princess. Marie. But, Princess though I am, I'm woman too, And have the ev'ry thought of wom- ankind ; And there's romance in life, that I would taste As eagerly as any low-born maid. Why that is what I offer unto you. What's more romantic than to wed a Prince ? When he's a gallant gentleman? In truth I would be wed, not sold. I would be wooed, Not offered as a dot to one, who' seeks To magnify by marriage his estate. Have you not seen, that, when the birdlings pair, The wooing bird seeks eagerly ite mate, Not sends another to declare its wish ? A woman fit to wed is fit to woo. That's ev'ry woman's wish. For who would wed Till she had known the joy of being wooed ? Without it matrimony would be flat As soup without the pungency of salt. ROMANTIC DRAMAS Duke. Told I you not that there was cause for haste? Scarce have you asked that you be wooed, when — hark (Sound of bell outside.) The Prince is knocking loudly at your door In eager haste to offer you his love. (Curtains at door at rear raised, and Prince, Raymond, and others dis- closed.) Servant (announcing). The Prince of Lan- guedoc ! Prince. (Advancing, followed by others.) I pray you, Princess, that you 11 par- don grant For our intrusion here. Princess. Most freely come! I beg you enter, and I welcome you. (Ladies of Court of Provence at right.) Prince. And here's Count Raymond. He's my nearest friend. And here are gentlemen, part of my court. (All bow.) Princess. I bid you all good welcome, gentle- men. 28 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Eaymond. Marie. Prince. Duke. And may you find Provence a place of joy. I pray you, ladies, welcome them as friends. (Men move over to ladies at right, bow and converse and stroll off at right.) (To Marie.) At least to you I am already known. And always welcome wheresoe'er we be. (Raymond and Marie move up and down at rear. Princess, Prince, and Duke at front.) Of one, who comes unbidden and' un- known, 'Tis fit, fair lady, you should some- thing learn. I see good friends, who'll kindly speak for me, As good friends ever should, else why be friends? (To Duke.) I'm sure, my lord, you'll warrant I'm a man Of honest thoughts. There is no better man In any land. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 29 Prince. My lord, your words are kind. And Marie here will say a word for me. Marie. Ay, many a word as oft as there be need I'll say for you, and goodly words also; For all through life, since first we played In childish games, I've found you brave and true. Raymond. And, if the word of one, who has through life Fought by his side, and known his ev'ry thought, Has aught of weight then will I boldly say There is on earth no nobler gentleman. Prince. I have good friends, I see. Princess. Indeed you have. And he, who has good friends, has in himself Some noble traits, else he'd not have such friends. Prince. There, Princess, I have brought my witnesses To my repute. Princess. Of that there was no need. 30 ROMANTIC DRAMAS For, through our land is thy repute well known As gallant Knight and noble gentle- man; And, as haps ever with all honest men, The thoughts, that rise within your breast, are writ Upon your face in tokens all can read. Prince. Fair Princess, you o'erwhelm me with your praise. You say to modesty be not too shy, And thus embolden me to state my suit, If you will list. Princess. Why, I will gladly list. So say whate 'er you please, for I well know You'll say naught that's not fit. Duke. Be sure of that. The boy was brought up in a home, wherein The courtesies of life make life itself. Prince. Throughout my realm all men speak in your praise; And so I've journeyed to your native land ROMANTIC DRAMAS 31 Princess. Prince. Princess. To humbly beg you 11 let me dwell near you, As dwell the twinkling stars beside the moon, And drink your beauty in, and hear your tones, That fall upon the ears like rippling brooks A-dancing through the groves in sum- mer-time, And watch the graceful movements of your form, As, like a Princess, you sweep through your rooms, Or, like a fairy, wander in your groves. 'Tis you that now o'erwhelms one with your praise. Nay; when the sky is studded with bright stars, Or when the sun shines brightly in the east, And one is fervent in his praise of them, One praises not o'ermueh. I like your way Of finding arguments in heaven's blue, 32 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And lifting thought above the mirk of earth To the Empyrean. Prince. The subject lifts The thought. Marie. He has a pretty turn of speech. Duke. That women like. Prince. Believe that I'm sincere. For, hearkening to the rumors of thy worth, And of thy beauty, spread through- out my land, I've journeyed here to find that Eumor, e'en Though fabled to possess a thousand mouths, Lacked words enough to truly spread # Thy praise ; And so overwhelmed am I with your deserts, That I scarce dare to lift my thoughts to you. Howe'er he little wins who little dares, And so I beg you'll let me dwell near you. Princess. I am beholden to your courtesy, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 33 That praises much where little praise is due. Duke. What he has said's well said. JIarie. I think so too. And what is better yet 'tis truly said. Duke. But one may show a too great mod- esty; And modesty as garb becomes no prince, If he can to his wooing bring aught else. Now here's a Prince, and he is fit to wed, And here's a Princess, fit. Why should they not? Princess. Permit then, Prince and uncle, that I say This fair Provence of mine has fa- mous grown For melody and verse. Its singers went Through ev'ry land, like nightingales that fly From North to South, and make the heavens ring With their delicious melodies at eve; And I would make my native land once more 34 ROMANTIC DRAMAS A rival to its past, a home of song, And have my people sing at work and play. Prince. But I too am a worshipper of art, And I would gladly lend my utmost aid To make your land the home of trou- badours. Duke. Why, ev'rybody would. I'd let them sing, Provided 'tis not in my ears they sing. Princess. I am a Princess only by my birth, And that my progeny may princes be, Not only by their birth but through their art, I'd wed a man, who is a Prince of Art. Prince. Whate 'er his state ? Princess. There are high ranks in art As well as in the world of politics, And he, who, in the realm of poesy, Can easily competitors outrank, Is Prince as much as one to purple born. Duke. Tut, tut! He'd be a prince of rub- bishtown. Marie. And wear a donkey's ears upon his crown. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 35 Princess. Yet out of nothing but a flash of hought, That moves as swiftly as the light- ning's bolt, He forms a mimic world, ethereal As snowy clouds, that float in azure skies, And peoples it with shades, so human- like That at their actions we or laugh or cry, Joy if they live, and sorrow if they die. Duke. That is the rankest sort of heresy. Marie. Poets are well enough. Duke. Yes, in their place. Princess. Still, if a man by any phase of art Can lift his fellows' minds out of the rut Of common life, can fill their souls with thoughts That raise them up far, far above the beast Until they gain their birthright, and become A little lower than the angels are, He is much nobler than the warrior, Or than the legislator, or the priest. 36 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Duke. Rank heresy! Prince. Not so have humans judged In all the centuries the world has lived. Duke. Nor ever will. Princess. Then I would make a change. And I would wish the throne on which I sit- To be a poet's heritage. Duke. You jest. You make my blood run icy in my veins. A poet never sat upon a throne. Princess. Well, I have planned a tournament of song, In which the troubadour, who writes and sings The sweetest song, shall wedded be to me, And sit upon my throne. Duke. 'Tis sacrilege, Or else midsummer-madness on your part. Marie. You cannot mean that you will wed a man Because he sweetly sings. Raymond. Whatever his state? Princess. That's what I mean. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 37 Duke. Prince. Raymond. Duke. Prince. Eaymond. Princess. Madness ! It seems in truth As if you'd take a leap out in the dark, With nothing for a guide, for it may hap That Fate may choose a man not fit to wed, And yet you will be bound with him to wed. Though he be vulgar in his life and tastes As is a ribald clown. 'Twill happen so. It never fails that, when a thing's well done, 'Tis done by some one of the common herd, Save fighting, where we hold our own as yet. The Duke is surely right. 'Twill be some clown, Devoid of manners and of taste, who'll win. Nay, none can make a song, so deftly formed That it can fill all human souls with joy, 38 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And sing it in such soft, melodious strains, That it can play upon the human heart Until the hearer's breast pants with delight At music, that seems made by angel's lips, And not be fit to wed with any queen. Duke. Go to! Go to! I've known a trou- badour, Whose voice so lovely was that he could charm Gold from a miser's bag, who was a lout. Eaymond. And many poets are a scurvy lot, "Who revel with the fruits of beggary. Princess. Nay, nay! I'll not believe that all that's pure, And noble, and refined fills not the soul Of such a man ; and he is born a King, Who has such feelings throbbing in his breast. What say you, Prince? Prince. 'Tis not experience That fathers such a thought. Duke. Indeed, 'tis not! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 39 Raymond. Why idle poets all the taverns fill, And 'twang their lutes for hini, who 11 fill their pots. Marie. I've heard that some wear motley that 's in rags. Princess. Perchance there may be such. I none have seen. Nor will I think a soul, that can give birth To noble thoughts, will thus itself de- grade. Prince. I hope lis but the fancy of a maid, That passes through her mind and flits away, As rise the clouds and float across the sky Until they fade away in nothingness. Duke. It makes my blood within my veins run cold As if an icicle lay 'gainst my spine. And my dead brother would turn in his grave, If he could know his child would so descend. Marie. I hope lis a vagary you 11 forget. Raymond. The idle fancy of an idle hour. Prince. Or some gay fantasy that Time will raze. 40 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess. Nay, you mistake. My thought has riped to act. And I have sent a message to the world, Inviting all, who choose to make essay, To come here to my palace this day week; And till that day I ask you all to bide, And be my judges in the tournament. Duke. It must not be. Why it's devoid of sense. Princess. What say you, Marie dear? Marie. Why I will bide ; But I'd not put my fate at such a risk. Raymond. A clown is like to win as is a king. Princess. And you, my uncle, will you also stay ? Duke. I must. This scheme my honor touches close. The devil's in a woman when she may, In her affairs, have her own wilful way. Princess. {To Prince.) I Ve heard that you have music in your soul. Wilt thou make essay in my tourna- ment, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 41 Prince. Raymond. Marie. Duke. In which a kingdom is the prize — and me? "Why, in my land, we too have trouba- dours, Who rank in honor high as in your clime, And e'en the princes there by them are taught; So that I can indifferently sing, And more indifferently rhyme. My prince, You do yourself injustice with your speech ; For I have often heard you sing so sweetly, That I am sure the soaring nightin- gales, Surprised, fell silent and listened to your song. You do indeed, for I have heard you sing In such delightful strains that e'en my heart Leaped in my breast in ecstasy. That's true. The boy can sing as well as any poet born, 42 ROMANTIC DRAMAS E'en if he were the offspring of a churl. Princess. I am so glad of that. I hope my hand Is not so worthless that you will not strive ? Prince. I would not wish to win the maid I '11 wed By aught so adventitious as a song. There should be something nobler in a man Than a melodious voice, or that mere skill, That helps to weave his language into verse, To make him worthy of a Princess born, Who's worthy of the throne on which she sits; And so I would not win you by a song. But lest some other should,— and that I may Have still a chance to show regard for you — Why I'll essay. Princess. Who knows that you '11 not win ? Raymond. He's sure to win. Duke. Pray Heaven that he may ! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 43 Marie. You have our hopes. Prince. {To Princess.) The hopes of ev'ry one? Princess. That may not be, for 'tis a tourna- ment Begot by me. I must the balance hold, As Justice does, and let it lean to none Until the trial's o'er, the verdict's heard. {Bell outside sounds.) Princess. And now I beg you all to break your fast. The bell invites us to the morn's re- past. {Ladies and Gentlemen at right at door. The Princess, and Duke, and Prince, and Raymond, and Marie move towards the door at right. Meanwhile the ladies sing.) Ladies. {Sing.) Hear that bell, The music of that bell! Through ev'ry room and ev'ry hall It clearly sounds its morning call, And gaily summons one and all. Hear that bell ! 44 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Hear the music swell Of that bell! That sound each morning has its birth, And swiftly rolls around the earth, And tells, On mountains and in dells, To ev'ry one, who on Earth dwells, The story of the morning's birth, That breakfast bell. Curtain. ACT II. Scene. — Same as Act I. Time — Morning. (Enter Prince and Princess at right and move towards center.) Princess. To-day the hours wear their leaden shoes, "With which they move so slowly that the day Drags on as lazily as wearied ox Goes o'er his course. Prince. We should not urge old Time To haste his pace, for ev'ry step he takes Bears us a little nearer to that end All mortals dread. Princess. no, I 'd not urge Time ! If I could have my way I 'd rival e 'en The wand 'ring Jew, and live for cen- turies, And always young, but this you know's the day 45 4b ROMANTIC DRAMAS Prince. The day? — 0, when the tourney will be held, That you have planned. Princess. Alas, that I have planned ! Prince. Perchance your plans seem not so pleasant now, And you regret. Princess. Some other wishes now Engross my mind. I little thought that— time Could change my views. Prince. I'm glad that they have changed; For I liked not your plans, nor like them now. Princess. I wish Prince {eagerly). You wish? Princess. Nay, nay, I must not wish! Prince. Princess. A woman should be honest as a man. Whate'er might hap a man would keep his word, And yet I'm woman still enough to wish Tell me your wish. Nay, I must keep my word As strictly as a nun must keep her vows. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 47 I've pledged my hand unto the man who wins, And though I wish Prince. I would I knew your wish. Princess. Nay, I must honest be and keep my word. Come stroll within my garden, where the rose Is queen of blooms, and kill the drag- ging time. This is Provence, the rose land of the South, And nowhere are there flowers that will show More fair than in the gardens of Provence. Prince. I'll gladly go. There's yet an hour to run Before the tournament, that you have planned, Where I must sing— and there I must not fail. Princess. You must not fail? Prince. In truth I must not fail To put my skill unto the test, and win; For there 's a prize no other man must get. 48 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And, if I win, at least I'll have the chance To plead my cause. Princess. You still then wish to win ? Prince. Still wish to win! There's naught I would not do, That honesty bars not, to win. Princess. You think The prize worth winning then ? Prince. Why, when I came Unto your lovely land, beguiled by tales The minstrels brought of your fair face and form, That, in their tales, outrivaled Helen 's charms, I found their stories, that seemed fab- ulous, Were not o'erdrawn; but e'en their melodies Told naught of all thy charming witcheries. But now, that I have lived here in your home, And seen you near Princess (quickly). 'Tis but a scanty week Since first we met, since first I saw your face. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 49 Prince. Princess. Prince. A week, a day, an hour is time enough, For you have let me see the charming soul, That in your features shows, and lights your eyes, And makes your ev'ry word fall on my ear, Like water rippling in a gentle brook. Ah, I 'd kneel down with heart buoyed up by hope — Perhaps a daring hope, but what's hope worth That nothing dares?— Ay, gladly I'd kneel down Before your feet — but you are firmly bound Alas, firm bound to bide the tourney 's end! Ah, me, how little wisdom women have! They think their reason lies within their brains, As haps with men, but 'tis a woman 's heart That rules her life, and sets her plans awry. If I had only known If you had known? 50 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess. Nay, nay ! Wilt come into the garden now? See, here's a rose! Wilt wear it for my sake, Or shall I pluck a fresh one from the bush, Still warm with morning's rays and wet with dew? {Takes rose from corsage, and raising it to her lips, holds it out to him.) Prince. (Talcing rose.) This one I choose, and not some other rose. It rested on your breast, and touched your lips. Your heart has warmed it, and your breath bedewed, And I will wear it next my heart. Princess. Perchance 'Twill help you win. Prince. Your words have sent the blood A-surging through my veins, like some wild stream That fiercely tears adown a moun- tain's side, And now I'll surely win. Princess. Wilt come with me, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 51 And through my garden stroll, and watch the blooms Lift up their petals to the golden god, Who shines above, and showers them with beams? Prince. 1 11 go with yon — e 'en to — 1 11 go with you. (Exeunt Prince and Princess at left front. Enter Raymond at right — looks around — advances.) Raymond. Rolando should be here. I wrote to him. He is not wont to fail. (Enter servant at rear — he advances and hands card to Raymond.) Raymond. (To servant.) Bid him come in! (Exit servant at rear.) Raymond. I knew he would not fail. (Enter at rear Rolando masked, wear- ing red costume with white cross on right shoulder and wearing gloves.) Raymond. This must be he. You've come, Rolando? Rolando (advancing). Yes, at your request. Raymond. My letter told you of the tournament, 52 ROMANTIC DRAMAS In which the winner shall the Prin- cess wed, And that I wished that you would sing therein? Rolando. Your letter came. I was upon my way, "With all my troops, unto the southern sea. 'Twas but a step aside to meet you here. But I'll not wed. Raymond. No, no! 'Twas so I wrote. There 11 be no wedding bells for you, be sure. 'Twas kind of you to come. Rolando. I owe you much. There's little you can ask I will not do. And I have seen the man, who's in command, Monsieur Alphonse. I've been placed on his list, And, by his orders, have put on this mask, That none may know who sings, and in my room I donned this garb that you left there for me. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 53 Raymond. I thank you, from my heart. That helps my plans. The Princess is romantic as a girl, Who, coming from a convent school, has heard The minstrels sing their many tales of love, And so we have this foolish tourna- ment. Rolando. What would you have me do ? Show me your plans, That I may bear them out, not muddle them. Raymond. I've asked you to come here because I fear Some worthless rhymester may the tourney win, For singing is a gift, as seeing is; But we must save the Princess from that fate, And, if you sing, there's no man in Provence Can rival you. Rolando. I'll sing my very best. Raymond. Then will you win, for I have heard you sing So sweetly that the angels, I am sure, 54 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Leaned over Heaven's walls to hear your notes. 'Tis this I 'd have you do. When you have won You 11 claim the Princess for your bride. Eolando. But she— I hope that 'tis no portion of your scheme That I'm to wed. Eaymond. No, no! She will refuse. Eolando. Art sure of that? Eaymond. As sure as if her pact Lay in my hand. Eolando. No woman will I wed. Eaymond. Nor she with you, but, when she will not wed, You'll threat to pull her walls about her ears And bear her off. Eolando. 'Twill be an idle threat. Eaymond. Not so ! You have your soldiers here at hand, And you will siege this place. Eolando. And fight her troops? Eaymond. She has no troops. Her Kingdom's kept alive By jealousies of all the other kings, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 55 Each one of whom would swallow her domain, If he feared not the rest. You'll frighten her. Then send a challenge here, and I'll arrange To have the Prince act as her cham- pion. Rolando. Knows he aught of this scheme ? Raymond. Nay, I'd not dare To breathe of it to any one save you. For on him too romance has laid its hold, And he would win a bride by love alone, As if poor Cupid would not often fail Were there no artisans of bows and strings. Rolando. What shall I do when he takes up my gage? Raymond. Why, there's the rub. I would not ask too much, Yet would I have him win. Ask I too much? Rolando. Not more than I will gladly grant, and still To you be much in debt. 56 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Raymond. 'Twill pay your debt, And, as you would not wed— — Rolando. I would not wed With any woman, whatsoe'er her state. Raymond. Well, it's the rule that, if a Knight should lose His foothold or should fail to strike his foe, He is adjudged the loser in the strife — A word unto the wise. Rolando. 'Tis quite enough. And now I'll seek the tournament of song. Raymond. Haste then, for failure there would balk my plans. I must make sure no churl can win the prize. Rolando. I'll go at once. (Exit 'Rolando at rear.) Raymond. (Sol.) 'Tis pity there should be So many souls enamored with ro- mance ; But, if imagination rules their lives, Why then sound common-sense must aid romance, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 57 And mix what they should have with what they seek. {Enter Marie at right — advances.) Marie. I can do naught but wander round the house, Like some poor cat, distraught with loneliness, From room to room, and here I am at last. This is the fateful day. Eaymond. If that be Fate, That we ourselves arrange in our be- half, The Princess played her game in her own way, And now she'd blame the bad results on Fate. Marie. She now regrets. Eaymond. Think you she does regret ? Marie. I'm sure of that. Have you not seen her eyes, "When they rest on the Prince, her sorrow show, And almost overflow with sudden tears ? And I have seen her eyes with love- light glow, "Whene'er he spoke. 58 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Raymond. Marie. Eaymond. Marie. Eaymond. Marie. Raymond. Marie. Raymond. Marie. Raymond. And what is in his thought? O, he's as much enamored as a boy, Who meets his first sweetheart. Then I'm resolved. Resolved ? That he shall wed, and she shall wed, And both shall wed, and each shall wed the other. You have a plan? In truth I have a plan, That's launched auspiciously, yet need I help. Can I assist? Not if you sympathize With this fantastic foolishness, that leads A sovereign maid to put her hand at stake, Where lout may win as easily as King. I am a woman, and I know no maid Who would not wed, and I am like the rest; But, ere a life-long consort I'd select Because his voice was sweet or rough- attuned, I'd go a virgin maiden to my grave, Most things that mortals do are com- monplace, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 59 And marriage, the most commonplace of all, Should be arranged according to rou- tine. Romance may furnish pleasure for a day, But stern reality should rule our lives, Which are lived here on Earth, not in the clouds. And syllabub is not a sating food. Marie. Nay, good roast-beef will better line man's ribs. Raymond. Then I '11 take aid from you. Marie. "Which I will give. Raymond. But I need other help, and here it comes. {Enter at right Duke and Alphonse — advance.) Duke. So you can judge 'tween singers in this bout, As I can judge the blows of Knights at arms? Alphonse. Beyond a doubt. Raymond. What manner have you fixed, Good minister of poetry, to judge Who is the best of them? Duke. Who loudest squalls Is always the best singer. 60 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Alphonse. It is thus : A singer, and a poet, and myself "Will choose from all, who sing, two troubadours, Who best perform. That twain will sing again Out here before the Princess and her suite, And she will choose the best. Duke. Will choose the worst; For there's no best in such a devil's game. Marie. 0, let's hope chance will lend a little aid. Raymond. The singers will be known to all the world. Alphonse. Nay! They'll all wear a mask. Raymond. That's clever too. These judges you select, Monsieur Alphonse ? Alphonse. That task the Princess has turned o'er to me. Raymond. And they will list to you? Alphonse. No doubt they will. They'll get their pay through me. Raymond. And naught appeals So strongly to a man's artistic taste, That he will risk his pay. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 61 Duke. Artistic taste ! Artistic rubbish ! Money is the thing, That human beings rules in every- thing. Raymond. Well, listen then to me, Monsieur Al- phonse. In this crass madness there will meth- od be, For I will lend my aid in manage- ment. Alphonse. No doubt 'twill help us much, if there be need. Raymond. Your judges will pick out the men as best, Whom I will name. Alphonse. If they should be the best, They surely will; if not, they'll surely not. For art has claims that artists must obey. Duke. That's more artistic rot. Marie. Have patience, dear, And let the Count unfold his skillful plans. Raymond. If they should sing the worst, ay, if their squalls Should rival e'en a pack of snarling dogs, 62 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And rend the hearer's ears, you'll choose the twain Whom I select. Duke. A most praiseworthy course, For you'll pick out at least two gen- tlemen. Marie. And so the Princess will be sanely wed. Baymond. I hope you understand. Alphonse. It cannot be. No artist could do such a wicked act. Duke. More rot! Alphonse. I must select the very best. My honor is at stake. Duke. List to him now ! As if it were an honorable act To wed our Princess to a squalling churl. Alphonse. You know the Princess has agreed to wed The poet, who shall sing and write the best., Raymond. You err in that, I'm sure, Monsieur Alphonse. Alphonse. Not so. Raymond. 0, 1 am very sure you err. Duke. Of course you do, Monsieur Alphonse. That's clear. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 63 Raymond. Duke. Kaymond. Marie. Duke. Alphonse, Eaymond, That was your plan, no doubt; but this tourney Henceforth is in my charge. Quite right! Quite right! So listen, if you please, unto my words. There'll be one there, in red, and one in blue, "With snowy crosses worked in silver thread Upon the shoulder of the cloak each wears. You'll choose those two, if they no better sing Than croaking crows that fly across the corn. Why, that is very plain, Monsieur Alphonse. You cannot err. I could do that my- self. And that 's the way to talk. It may not be. I must hold that the best, that is the best, And I must go. Think well of what I 've said ; For, if you hap to fail, Monsieur Alphonse, 64 ROMANTIC DRAMAS If you by any chance should hap to fail To carry out the plan I have outlined, I'll call my troops within a scanty day To take a certain man, who's here inside — — Duke. Not you, nor me ? Raymond. No, neither you nor me. Duke. Ah, then 'tis clear. Raymond. To take that man, Monsieur, And hang him from a staple on my tower, That pushes out its loop as if it craved To have a poet hanging from its end ; And, if you could but see that man when hung, Ay, if you could but look upon his face, You'd swear he was your twin, Mon- sieur Alphonse, So like he'll be to you. Duke. That's common sense. And it's a plan that fits the circum- stance, A very proper and judicious course. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 65 Alphonse. It is a tourney, where the best must win. Raymond. You've worked upon the fancies of a girl— Duke. With rubbish of your art that's for art's sake — Raymond. Until she'll sacrifice herself and throne — Duke. My brother left, and he no more loved art Than— Marie. You or I. Duke. Or any man of sense. Alphonse. I must obey her highness 's commands. Duke. And we will save her. Raymond. If you should decide In any other way than I have asked, 'Twill hap to you as I have said. So go! But be discreet, I urge, Monsieur Al- phonse. For there's the staple in my castle's wall, And it will have the ornament it craves, Unless you wisely judge. (Exit at rear Alphonse.) 66 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marie. Duke. Marie. Kaymond. Marie. Duke. Raymond. Monsieur Alphonse Can scarcely wisely judge, if there shall float Before his eyes a vision of your hook, On which a poet hangs. They all should hang. They merely fret our souls. I like your v/ay; For, when you reason with a man, you state "What will befall, if he is not con- vinced. But why pick two? You heard Monsieur Alphonse A moment since. The Princess so ar- ranged. O, I recall. Well, I'd have made a rule That he should choose the Prince, and end the game. But then the Princess is most fanciful. She has romantic dreams like any girl, Whose mind is filled with fairy tales of love, And, if we Henri force on her too plain, Or make it seem that he has won by trick, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 67 Or if she change her mind and come to think That it degrades to be prize for a song, She may revolt, and e'en refuse the Prince. Duke. Put not your faith in woman's con- stancy ; For the chameleon's hue is firmer fixed. My plan 's the best. If he the Princess wants, And she wants him, what more is to be said? Call in the priest, and let them wed- ded be. Marie. She is romantic and the Prince is too. I wish she'd seen him do some nobler deed Than singing songs. Kaymond. I've thought of that, and planned To have the Prince before her eyes do deeds Like some bold Paladin of olden days, And thus enthuse her heart with burn- ing love. Duke. All rubbish, rubbish! Love is folde- rol! 68 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marie. Raymond, Marie. Duke. Raymond, Duke. Marie. Raymond. It never put a denier in a purse, It never put a dinner in a man. Knows he your plans ? Nay, not a whit knows he. He has a conscience sharp as has a priest To cassock and biretta newly come, And, if he knew my plans, they'd surely fail. What must we do? Tell us the part we play. I take not kindly to your woven plots, And wish to have my way most plain- ly marked By signals, like a channel that's ob- scure. Ill manage that the singer we select Shall win the prize. You've but to echo me. Why, that's no plot. And gives us naught to do. Just hold him best that I decide is best, Though he be worst. I dare not tell you more, For gossiping 's a very human trait, And he, who nothing knows, can noth- ing tell. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 69 Duke. Marie. Raymond, Marie. Duke. Pauline. Pierre. Jean. Duke. "Why he? It's she you mean. Nay, nay! It's he. For women secrets tell no more than men. "Well, he or she, yon know and will tell — naught. (Enter servants at right with all sorts of bags, and bundles of baggage, arid carrying banners, on which are inscriptions such as: "Down with poetry," "No poetry below the kitchen stairs," "Hang Monsieur Alphonse," "Poetry be ." They move to centre.) Why, here are all the servants in a mass. Tis an invasion from the realms be- low. What now ? What now ? What is it that you seek? We're throwing up our jobs. That's it. We're throwing up our jobs. At once. Why, this is socialism. If servants may Give up their places, whensoe'er they please, 70 ROMANTIC DRAMAS 'Twill be a topsy-turvy world in- deed. Marie. "Wherein the serfs shall rule, and lords obey, And ladies milk the cows, and dukes make hay. Duke. For what are servants born, if not to serve? Raymond. 'Twould be, it seems to me, the better way To find out what they want. Duke. Why, in my youth, They'd get not what they want, but what they need, A dressing-down. It's riot and re- volt. It's almost heresy. Raymond. What wish you here? Pauline. To see the Princess. Duke. Go, Marie ! Bring the Princess ! 'Tis for her To manage this rebellious crowd of hers. (Marie to right and exit.) Pauline. And beg her come with speed. Duke. Why come with speed? Pauline. We're leaving here forthwith. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 71 Pierre. Jean. Duke. Kaymond. Duke. Eaymond. Duke. Raymond. Princess. Pauline. Marthe. Princess. Well go at once. Or sooner. You're leaving here forthwith. Why can it be That servants can rise up and go — at once? You heard them say that such was their intent; And, if their legs fail not, perchance they'll go. If I were lord within these palace walls You'd hang them high as Haman. That I would. But then you're not, and she, who is the lord, Has I believe a softer heart than thine. {Marie and Princess at right.) And here she comes. {Princess and Marie advance.) Why, what's the trouble here? Why are my servants here? What mean those flags? We're leaving. And I want a character. A character. 72 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Jean. We all want characters. Duke. Hark to them! Now they all want characters ; And that's the truth. Princess. Allow me to proceed, Good uncle, if you will, with this my task, Which is no joking matter. Marie. No, indeed! Princess. (To servants.) Why should my servants leave at such a time? Jean. (To Marthe.) You speak. Marthe. (To Pierre.) No, you. Pierre. I can't. Jean. (To Pauline.) Well, you're the cook. I've heard the cook can speak to any one, if 'twere the king, a-sit- ting on his throne a-eating bread and honey. Pierre. That's true. The cook's any man's equal. Pauline. 'Tis not against your highness we would mutter, But 'tis impossible for one to utter, When she is basting beef, a rhyme for butter, Unless ROMANTIC DRAMAS 73 Jean. Marthe. Brigette, Pauline. Jean. Marthe. Pauline. Princess. Pauline. Pierre. Duke. One chooses o'er the beef to sputter. And I'll not try the palace floor to scrub, If ev'ry moment I must think of rub. Nor, when I'm dusting, will I try to keep My brains a-seeking for a rhyme for sweep. There never was a cook since Earth began, Who could control that lazy Marie Anne By rhyme, or any other human plan, Except to smash her with the frying pan, And I '11 not try. No more will I. Nor I. And so we've come to say good-by. No, no ! You must not go. Think of my guests, "Who must be fed. You cannot go away. Let Monsieur Alphonse feed them with his rhymes. Poetry 's his stuff. What, poetry for food! 'Tis a slim fare 74 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marie. Eaymond. Princess. Raymond. Duke. Marie. Princess. Pauline. Pierre. Marthe. Jean. Princess. For hungry men. One might as well consume The early morning breeze. Or pudding made Of foam, that dances on the ocean's waves. May I suggest? Why, aid me, if you can, For 'tis a situation fraught with woe, "When, without warning, all the serv- ants go. There is the remedy upon that flag. Yes, if you yield. The Princess will decide. (Beads from banner.) "No poetry below the kitchen stairs." Or, will you all go back, if I revoke The rule that you must always speak in verse? Why not? There's nothing else to which we can object. The place is good enough for me. I can't complain. Provided we speak prose. Well, I'll abolish verse. You can talk prose. Speak as you please, or through the mouth or nose. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 75 Pauline. No more verse in the kitchen? Princess. Monsieur Alphonse must give the kitchen up ; For, after all, the servants in a house Are more important than the poets are. Pauline. {To servants.) Fold up your ban- ners! {To Princess.) And well gladly stay. {Curtsies.) Pierre. Well gladly stay. Marthe. Tour highness, I will stay, now that you let me talk my native tongue. Jean. Well, I'll stay to talk back to the cook. Pauline. We'll go back to our work, and do it gladly. Jean. No Monsieur Alphonse with his fool poetry in the kitchen! {Exeunt servants at right.) Duke. That's common sense that fits the par- lor too. Raymond. That was a tempest in a tea-pot. Princess. No ; 'Twas in the kettles, pots, and colan- ders, In fact in all the culinary ware. Curtain. ACT III. Scene,— Same as in preceding acts. Some easy chairs at right centre. Time.— Afternoon, (Enter Prince and Raymond at rear. The Prince wears a hlue costume with white cross on his shoulder, and he carries a mask in his hand.) Eaymond. The tournament is o'er? Prince. Yes; all have sung. And now o'er the result the judges brood, Like three grave owls sitting on a branch, And nodding right for yes and left for no. Raymond. How fared you in your task ? Prince. Why, fairly well, If one can justly judge of his own work, For I had confidence born of the hope The words the Princess spoke put in my breast. 76 ROMANTIC DRAMAS 77 Nor did I think there was a singer here Who could outrival me. Raymond. And was there such ? Prince. Perhaps. A singer came, I know not whence, And sang his melody as charmingly As sings a nightingale, when twilight fades, And stars begin to glow in heaven's vault. I fear that he may win. Raymond. It cannot be. Prince. It must not be. Somehow I must suc- ceed; For I have lost my heart unto the maid, Who rules Provence, and, though I'd not demand Her hand if I should win, yet 'tis my wish That no one else shall win, for I 'm re- solved To win her love. Raymond. Fear not! You'll surely be One of the twain who'll sing before the Court. 78 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Prince. You are a cheerful friend. You buoy one up, And put heart in a man. Eaymond. Because I've heard You so melodiously sing that e 'en the birds, "Who fill the groves, could not outrival you. Prince. But if you're wrong? Raymond. "We'll find some surer way. For I have plans a-surging in my brain, And I have set my heart on this out- come From this fantastic, foolish tourna- ment That you shall wed the Princess of Provence. Prince. "With her consent? Eaymond. With her consent and love. Prince. For, though I love, yet would I not desire To wed because estates lie side by side, Or that affairs of state will so be served. It is the woman, not her rank, I love, And I would have her give herself to me ROMANTIC DRAMAS s 79 As gladly as Jeannette weds with Jeannot, Raymond. It will be so. You're tainted with ro- mance, And so is she, but I have laid my plans That you will wed with love, and so will she. Prince. Good friend! Raymond. You are my Prince. Prince. Yes, Prince and friend, And more than friend, if I shall win. Raymond. Trust me. But now the Princess and her com- pany Are drawing near to listen to your song, And you should not be seen till you have sung. Prince. I'll don my mask (puts on mask), and go away at once. Raymond. I hear the chatter of the maids. Prince. (Moving to rear.) I'll haste. Raymond. And, when you come again, return to win. Prince. If that's within my power I'll not fail. (Exit Prince at rear.) (Enter courtiers at right, followed by 80 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess, and Duke, and Marie. La- dies sing as they enter.) Ladies. (Sing.) This is our land of flowers, Fair Provence, Where bright, sunshiny hours Deck all our rustic bowers "With charming, fragrant flowers In Provence. This is our land of roses, Fair Provence. E ? en, if the sun-god dozes 'Hind clouds, he fills the closes With freshly blooming roses In Provence. (The courtiers remain at right. The Princess and Duke and Marie ad- vance to right centre where Ray- mond is, and the chairs are.) Princess. (Sitting on a chair.) Our Court becomes a judgment hall to-day, Wherein my future is to be adjudged ; And that is graver matter than I thought, When, with light heart, I planned my tournament. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 81 But sit you here, and give me coun- tenance. {Marie and Duke and Raymond sit — Monsieur Alphonse appears at rear door.) Marie. Monsieur Alphonse! (Alphonse ad- vances.) Princess. The trials, are they o'er? Alphonse. We have obeyed your Highness ? s com- mands, And heard the troubadours, who wished to sing, And chosen two, who seemed to sing the best. Princess. Know you their names? Alphonse. Nay, all were fully masked. Eaymond. (Rising — to Alphonse.) I hope, my very shrewd Monsieur Al- phonse, That you have wisely judged. (Marie appears to talk to Princess.) Alphonse. In very truth You will be pleased, and yet we sac- rificed No jot of our design, but chose the best. One wears a cloak of red, and one of blue, 82 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And on their shoulders crosses show of white. Raymond. 'Tis said that we should wise as ser- pents be, But you. Monsieur Alphonse, have topped that rule, For you have wisely judged, and just- ly judged. Princess. {To Raymond.) Sit here with me. I have a grievous task, And I am trembling with a nervous fit, For fear I'll fail. Know you if sang the Prince? Eaymond. ( Sitting. ) I Ve heard he sang. Princess. I 'm glad of that. I 'm glad Think you Nay, I '11 not ask. Eaymond. Perchance our aid May help you in determining your choice. Princess. I'd have you, Count, good uncle, and dear friend Decide— for I can scarcely justly judge In such a case, where ev'ry thing's at stake, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 83 My future life, my country, and my love — Who is the better singer of the twain. Marie. Why, we will help. Duke. Of course we'll lend our aid. And luck will serve us badly, if we fail To pick the better man. Raymond. I'll gladly serve. Princess. I'll leave the task to you, and I'll abide Whate'er you in your wisdom may decide. {To Alphonse.) Monsieur Alphonse, bring you the singers here, And let them come in mask that we may hear Their poesy, and nothing know of them, As if they were sweet birds, hid by the clouds, For we would judge with naught of prejudice. {Exit Alphonse at rear.) Marie. Well, we will judge them fairly. Duke. Rightly you mean, So that a nobleman may win the prize. 84 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess. Ah, 'tis a day of misery for me, And I had dreamed 'twould be a day of joy, That he, who'd win, would be a gal- lant man, Such as to maidens' fancies comes in dreams, But now I fear — my breast is filled with fear. I would I had not made this tourna- ment. I would I could with honesty with- draw, For now I 've other wishes in my mind, And other fancies make my bosom throb. Raymond. You surely, if you choose, can change your mind. That is, you know, a woman's privi- lege. Princess. A woman's privilege, when unre- strained. A Princess is a woman, and much more. She must uphold her honor like a man, And, when a Princess has her honor pledged ROMANTIC DRAMAS 85 To bide the outcome of a tournament, She must keep faith come there or weal or woe, And yet — you're sure the Prince has made essay? Eaymond. O yes. But you your plan can throw aside. For see— the prize you offer is a gift, For which no one has paid, and judges hold One can withdraw the offer of a gift, At any time before the gift's com- plete. Marie. I would, if I were you. Duke. You're Princess here. The plan 's no good. Just toss it over- board, And bid the rhymesters go to rubbish land, And squall their tunes, like dogs, unto the moon. Princess. Nay, nay ! My honor's pledged. And you will find A woman can her promise keep as firm As any man. (Alphonse, with Rolando masked, ap- pears at rear.) 86 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marie. Here comes Monsieur Aiphonse. (Aiphonse and Rolando advance. Bo- lando wears a red suit and is masked and gloved. There is a white cross worked on his shoulder.) Duke. The cause of all your woe. Princess. (To Rolando.) You're welcome, sir. And that you should have sung at my request Makes you a worthy guest here in my Court ; And I would further strain your cour- tesy By urging you to sing your song again, That we, ourselves, may judge its worthiness. And be you ready, friends, like some full bench Of puissant judges, gravely to decide A question that is full of pros and cons. (Princess hows to Rolando; Rolando hows.) Eol ando. ( Sings. ) There's a fountain afar, in the coun- try of dreams, Out of which ever-living tides flow, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 87 Where the sunlight of morn o'er the fair fountain streams, And tints its pure waters with life- giving beams Till one sees all the hues of the bow In the bubbles, that, crowding each other, upmount In a ne'er-ending stream to the top of the fount From the river of life below. And the water's as pure as the clouds up on high, A-floating snow white far up in the sky, That flows from this fountain of youth. There are trees, ever dressed in the garments of spring, And roses, that rival the morn, Bedecked with the gems that to the blooms cling, Flung hither and yon by the reckless day-king, Whenever the day is born, And lilies, white lilies, engather around, 88 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And pansies and daffodils spring from the ground, And daisies this fountain adorn, The while all the birds in the trees or on wing, The glory of living exultingly sing, Far up o'er this fountain of youth. You must journey in dreams afar and afar, In the gloom and the quiet of night, When there ? s naught but the gleam of some far distant star, That glitters above you wherever you are, To make your way clear with its light; And your limbs may be weak, and your hair may be gray, And your eyes may be dull, when you halt on your way By the side of this fount of delight ; But your body, rejoicing, shall have a new birth, And your soul shall exult, while you live on this Earth, If you drink from this fountain of youth. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 89 Princess. We thank you for the pleasure that your song Has brought to us, for, if one pleas- ure give By poetry or art, one should be praised. There's yet another singer to be heard. Wilt ask him to attend, Monsieur Al- phonse ? Alphonse. {To Rolando.) Come, sir, with me, and, should it hap that you Shall by the Princess be adjudged the best, I'll ask you to return. {Exeunt Rolando and Alphonse at rear. ) Marie. That was not bad. How seemed the song to you ? Princess. A lovely song ! I liked the story, and I liked the tune. Raymond. I think no better song was ever sung. Duke. 'Twas rubbish, nothing else. Why one can sing, And sing as sweetly as a nightingale, And have no more of sense than has a hen, 90 ROMANTIC DRAMAS "Who this way runs and that to 'scape a cart. (Alphonse and Prince at rear door. Prince wears a Hue suit and is masked. There's a cross on his shoulder in white.) Princess. I pray you speak more gently, uncle mine. The other singer comes. (Prince and Alphonse advance.) You're welcome, sir: And I 'm beholden to your courtesy. And, if it be a seemly thing to ask A poet to again repeat his lay, Well gladly listen to your melody. For we must judge, and one can scarcely judge Unless one hears. Would it be harsh to urge That you should sing your melody once more ? (Princess and Prince bow.) Prince. (Sings.) Cendrillon, she fled away From her home, where she was a slave, To the fields, where gaily the butter- flies play; ROMANTIC DRAMAS * 91 To the groves, where slowly the rivu- lets stray, And the roots of the flowers lave ; For there the sounds of the wild were heard, The songs of the brooks and breeze, And her heart was as free as that of a bird, That sings above the trees. Her beauty outshone the day, When it glows in the Eastern sky, Before the diamonds are swept away From the blooms by the dawn's tri- umphant ray, In which the dew-drops die ; But ev'ry one said, as she wandered free In meadow land and glade, How can a maid so lovely be, Yet be a beggar maid? And the lords were all amazed That a beggar should be so fair, And, one and all, the princes praised The light that in her blue eyes blazed, And the gold that tinged her hair; 92 ROMANTIC DRAMAS But, while such praise to her looks they paid In gentle words and low. The king, he wed that beggar maid A many years ago. Princess. That you have sung to us so gra- ciously, And raptured both our willing ears and minds Makes us a debtor for your courtesy, And we would willingly have you re- main, But we must judge, and lest you hear some words That may offend Alphonse. {To Prince.) Come, sir, I pray, with me. {Exeunt at rear Prince and Al- phonse.) Princess. I'd have you choose the best, but for my part I think the one in blue more sweetly sang. I liked his melody. I liked the words He unto music linked. I liked his grace, And I'd choose him. Raymond. {Rising.) Nay, he in red has won. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 93 Duke. Raymond. Princess. Raymond, Princess. By every rule of art he sang the best. The light and shade of tone, the mel- ody In which he wrapped his words, the graceful way In which the words and tones in one were fused, All show that as a poet he outranks All other men and as a singer too. (Aside.) Great Heavens, Count, art sure he is the Prince ? They were so much alike in size and shape, They vexed the judgment like a pair of twins. (Aside.) Have faith in me! The game is not so plain As you may think when one with lov- ers deals. How say you, friends ? Are you all of one mind? We are agreed that he, in crimson garbed, Has won the prize. (Enter Alphonse at rear.) Perchance you may be right. 94 i ROMANTIC DRAMAS Would that I knew which is the bet- ter course, But, when one sails upon the sea of chance, He has no compass that will mark his way, And knows not will he harbor make or sink. (To Alphonse.) Let him, who wore the crimson garb, come in. (Exit Alphonse at rear.) What silly folk we are to play with Fate, That, heedless as the car of Jugger- naut, Rolls on and crushes all that halt its course. (Enter at rear Alphonse and Rolando; Rolando is mashed. They advance.) Princess. I pray you, sir, unmask, that we may know What manner 'tis of man, who sang so sweet That, 'mong the many nightingales, who came To grace my tournament, his melody Charmed ev'ry ear. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 95 (Rolando unmasks, and shows that he is a Moor.) Princess. (Rising.) Why, he's a blackamoor! (The others rise.) Marie. A blackamoor from Afric's sunny clime ! Duke. Why, here's poetic madness gone in- sane. No niece of mine can wed a blacka- moor. Marie. 0, Princess, surely you'll not wed this man. Princess. My brain is dazed, but I'll not wed a black. Duke. Think you Provence will let you wed this man, Or, if you do, will leave you on the throne ? Princess. Why, I would breed a race, half white, half black, Like some white slut, crossed by an inky dog. It cannot be, for I would not dis- grace My forbears. Duke. Nay, posterity you mean; For never would the people of Pro- vence 96 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Consent to have a hybrid on the throne. Princess. It cannot be. {To Rolando.) Good sir, I much re- gret To aught say that your sentiments may wound, But with you I'll not wed. Rolando. I beg you note That in your offer, spread through- out the world, To wed the man who in melodious tones Enwrapped the most enchanting poetry, Princess. If he were white. Rolando. "Why, that's an afterthought. You barred not color, state, or lineage. I am a noble in my native land, And fit to wed with any Princess born. Marie. A Princess of your hue ! Duke. A blackamoor ! Rolando. And, as I've won, why I demand the prize. Duke. Pooh, pooh ! The thing was rubbish at the start, And one makes not demands of Prin- cesses. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 97 (Enters at rear Prince unmasked and advances.) Princess. Welcome ! You were the other singer then? And truly 'twas your voice I recog- nized. Marie. We blundered in our choice. Duke. That's very plain. Prince. You seem disturbed. Perchance this gentleman Princess. That is the winner of the tourna- ment, Who yonder stands, and he demands my hand. You would not have me wed a blacka- moor ? Prince. There's but one man on Earth I'd have you wed, And not e 'en him except by your free will. Princess. I cannot wed this man. Kolando. You. gave your pledge. Your honor will be shamed before the world, If you keep not your word, and I de- mand The prize you offered in the tourna- ment. 98 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess. I cannot wed with yon, (To Prince.) Will you not say What's fit in my behalf? For, come what may Of shame, I cannot wed a blackamoor. Prince. I'll gladly speak for you. (To Rolando.) It ill becomes The loser in a strife— as I have been — To urge the winner anything to yield ; Yet to a Princess something still is due, And to a woman something more. Duke. Of course ! Prince. And, as the Princess and the woman both Are firm resolved that shell not wed with you, It would be gracious courtesy for you To yield the victory you have fairly won, And set the woman and the Princess free. Eolando. I will not yield. I still demand the prize That I have won. Duke. A gallant knight in black ! Rolando. And, if it be not granted with good grace, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 99 I'll draw my troops around the cas- tle's walls, And siege it till you yield what I have won. A Princess should keep faith like other folk. Prince. May I still speak for you ? Princess. 0, speak for me! For now I find that, in a time of strain, A woman some one needs to lean upon. Prince. The Princess asked you to her tourna- ment Rolando. By asking all the world. Prince. And she would show Due courtesy, but she has changed her mind. That is a woman's privilege. Rolando. Not so. She should her promise keep as would a man. Duke. Tell him to go. The Princess will not wed, And no more's to be said. That's com- mon sense. Princess. Nay, uncle, there's a fitness in all things ; 100 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And, when one has been scant in cour- tesy, And when one will not keep her plighted word, One should the language of contrition use, And not the bold bravado of the just. Prince. The Princess will not wed. Duke. And, if she did, We 'd send her with you into Barbary. Prince. That's our response. "We ask you to depart. Rolando. Yes, and return, but this time as a foe. Prince. Whate 'er Time has in store, why time will show. (Exit Rolando at rear.) Curtain. ACT IV. The top of a tower of the castle of the Princess of Provence. The walls are as high as a man, with crenelles at short intervals. When the curtain rises Prince Henri is seen, (walking up and down. He is dressed in armor, and he occasionally looks through the crenelles in the wall. Prince. (Sol.) A pretty pass, a pretty pass in truth ! We're cooped up here within the cas- tle's walls, Like prisoners condemned to punish- ment, "While yonder sits our foe, like some grim cat, That watches well the hole wherein her prey Has hid itself, and waits for its escape. (Enter Princess at right.) 101 102 i ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess. I've come to help you in your weary task Of keeping guard. Prince. There 's danger in this place ; But 'tis a spot, whence I can watch the foe, While you There is no need that you should risk Your life. Princess. Save that, like most of womankind, I have an overwhelming wish to go "Where I should not. What does the foe outside? Prince. He draws his forces close against the gate, And makes his engines ready for at- tack. Princess. See what a little thing can tangle up The crossing threads of many human lives, And make what seemed a woman's harmless whim A cause of woe. There came not in my brain A thought, that, when I planned a tournament Of melody, 'twould end in cruel war. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 103 Prince. Tis always so. The outcome of our schemes Is seldom what we dream. A spark of flame Seems naught, yet burns a city to the ground. Princess. And I am like to be a captive made Unto a blackamoor, be led away To some strange land to breed young blackamoors. Prince. Let 's hope for better things, for I have sent A trusty messenger unto my camp, Who'll bring my troops, and well soon raise the siege. Princess. If it had only hap'd that you had won. Prince. You wish that I had won? Princess. Why, see what hap 'd ! With all the judges firm 'gainst my award, 'Twas I alone decided that your song Deserved the prize. But in a woman's way — That 's weak, when it should be as firm as steel, And soft, when it should be like ada- mant, — 104 ROMANTIC DRAMAS I let the others overbear my wish. And to their urgings yielded my assent. Prince. But had I won the prize ? Princess. "Why, had you won, There 'd be no question of a blacka- moor, A-sitting as a foeman at my gate. Prince. Yet, when I entered in your tourna- ment, I entered not that I might win the prize, But that I might, by such skill as, I own, Ensure your safety from the very fate That has befallen you. Princess. You did not care — You mean that you cared not to win the prize, To win me for a wife? Prince. I said not so. But I'd not care to gain a woman's hand "Without her heart. 'Twould be no prize to me. And 'tis my thought that never wom- an's heart ROMANTIC DRAMAS 105 Was by man won by melody alone, Or poetry, or anything save love. Princess. By love alone? Prince. That is what I believe. Her fancy may be touched, her mind allured, Her vanity be pleased, her pride in- creased By art, or poetry, or melody, But naught save love will make her bosom throb ; And if a man win not a woman's heart, Before she with him weds, he nothing wins. Princess May not a woman music love and art, May not a woman so divide her heart That many joys may find a home therein ? Prince. I would not have a woman for a wife Unless her heart, her body, and her soul, Her inmost thoughts, the essence of her life She gave to me as freely as the clouds Give of their substance to the thirsty flowers, 106 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Unless her love all passions over- whelmed, As some great torrent, with its reck- less swirl, Engulfs all smaller streams upon its course. Princess. I did not know Think you my tournament A foolish thing? Prince. Most things that mortals do Are foolishness, and they, who do the least, Make least mistakes. Ah me, if I had known !— And when a woman weds— — - Yes, when she weds? Then should she seek a man whose bosom beats In unison with hers. Ah, yes, I know. I've learned my lesson. Would that I had known- {Enter at right the servants, carrying spits, frying pans, mops, etc.) Princess. "What now? {Servants arrange them- selves in semi-circle.) Prince. Your kitchen's up in arms again. Princess. A kitchen is a most bewild 'ring thing, Princess. Prince. Princess. Prince. Princess. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 107 For now, it's placid as a summer sea, And now it's tumid as the mighty deep, When it is tempest tossed. {To servants,) What have you there? {Pauline holds in hand large piece of paper.) Pauline. 'Tis a round robin, that we have signed, in which the first is last, and no one knows who signed the robin first, because it 's signed on its circum- ference. Jean. Roundabout. Princess. Will some one read the script aloud to me? Pauline. Pierre will read. {Hands paper to him.) He's more a scholar than all the rest, and knows the words. Jean. When he sees them, and reads crabbed writing as easily as boys spell a, b ab. Princess. Then let him read what's written in your script. Pauline. Read it, Pierre! Jean. And with distinctness, for there be ears, more slow than other ears, and all should hear. Marthe. If he should not read distinctly then 'twould be mumbling. 108 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Princess. Pauline. Pierre. Pauline. Marthe. Pauline. Pierre. Jean. Marthe. Pierre. Pauline. Pierre. Pauline. Still I would let him try to do his best. 'Twill be no worse than the French that some Frenchmen speak— part with the nose, part with the teeth, and part — well, that they do not say at all. So, let him read. (Reads.) We, servants of the Prin- cess of Provence, All those below the stairs, your High- ness knows. Well, I 'm an upstairs girl, a chamber- maid. It's where you dine, not where you work, that marks your rank in the social scale, and you eat in the kitchen, like the rest of us. (To Pierre.) Go on! (Beads.) We, servants of the Princess of Provence, have written these words. Pierre wrote them, but we adopted them. Every one of us. (Beads.) Have written these words. But you read that. I'll read it o'er again, and o'er, and o'er until you weary grow unless you silence keep. Well, I'll not speak. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 109 Marthe. I'm sure I do not talk. Pierre, (Reads.) Have written these words. Pauline. O dear, well never reach an end, if he goes on a-reading o'er and o'er, Have written these words. Pierre. 'Tis so written here. Pauline. Yes, but only once. But you go on, like some mellifluous cow, that says Moo, Moo because she has said Moo. Princess. I pray you let him read it to the end. Pauline. O, if your Highness likes to hear, Have written these words, they'll not harm me. Princess. I pray you further read what's writ- ten there. Pierre. Have written these words, to-wit Jean. That's there. I put it there. Pierre. (Beads.) To-wit — — Jean. Which means, I 'm told, that is to say. Marthe. Or other things, that only wise men know. Pauline. And, as I nothing know of that to- wit, but only of the one the owl hoots, when in the woods he cries to whit to whoo, 'tis there 'gainst my protest. Princess. But surely it can do no harm to us. Jean. Ay. Why there be things, e 'en in the Holy Writ, at which I shake my head, 110 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Pauline. Pierre. Jean. Pierre. Jean. Pierre. Pauline. Jean. but then I know that they cannot do us harm. "Well, let it stand. (Beads.) To-wit, that is to say, that we have heard with the profoundest humiliation Them is my words, your Highness, them's my words. Read them once more, good Pierre, and read them slow that they may better sink into the mind. (Beads.) "With the profoundest hu- miliation — — Them words are good enough for any queen. (Beads.) That at your gate the foe is sitting rampant That part was not written with my consent, for, mark you, it is written without sense. We know each crea- ture has a sitting-place, and two or more legs to stand upon, but none can stand upon his sitting-place, nor sit upon his standing-place. Quite true ! But these be f oemen, and they sometimes sit, and sometimes stand, and where they stand or sit ROMANTIC DRAMAS 111 Marthe. Heaven knows! Pauline. They can't be rampant, if they sit, nor stand upon their sitting-place. Jean. Unless they 're kangaroos, who sit and stand, I've heard, upon their tails. Marthe. 'Tis no concern of ours. If they don't care to ramp, why let them sit. Princess. I pray you, therefore, let the script be read. Pauline. 0, if you like to have the foemen stand upon their sitting-place Jean. {Interrupting.) Read further, Pierre! Pierre. That at your gate the foe is sitting rampant. We pledge you our sup- port. So say we all. Pauline. That's the gist of it. So say we all. Pierre. {Beads.) And ev'ry one will for our Princess die. Princess. "Why that 's a sentiment that well may please. Pierre. {Heads.) And we have come with all our tools of war {All ~brandisli implements.) Pauline. To roast. Jean. And fry. Susanne. And boil. Julie. And stew. Pierre. {Beads.) Your enemies. 112 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marthe. (Brandishing broom.) And sweep him with a besom from your gates. Princess. Why 'tis a happiness that I should find Such loyalty. T thank you from my heart. And if there's need I'll put it to the test. Pauline. Well stand the test. All Servants. We 11 for our Princess die ! Princess. I thank you, and I pray you leave me now. Jean. We've said our say. Pauline. And said it well. All Servants. We 11 for our Princess die ! (Exeunt servants at right.) Princess. At least my servants- (Sound of shot outside.) Prince. (Eagerly, before Princess.) Back! Stand back I beg! That bolt went near your heart. If it had struck Against your breast I pray you go away. Princess. Nay, nay, 1 11 stay ! The quarrel here is mine. The castle's mine. My uncle and the Count ROMANTIC DRAMAS 113 Watch at the gate, and you are here on guard. 'Twould ill become the castle's chate- laine To in the cellar hide, like some weak maid, "Who fears the lightning's flash or thunder's roll. Prince. But, if you're harmed I would not have you harmed For all the world. Princess. I beg you let me stay. I would not that I should at such a time Be charged with cowardice. Prince. But, if you stay, Then stand far back lest some stray bolt shall find A lodgment in your breast, and you be killed, — And I — Ah, stand far back, far back I beg! Princess. {Moving hack towards right.) See ; I obey your wish. Prince. 'Tis better so, And safer far, and I would have you safe. 114 ROMANTIC DRAMAS (Enter Raymond, Duke and Marie followed hy a Herald at right.) Raymond. A messenger has come. Duke. Your charming poet, Who sits outside your gate, the black- amoor, Has sent a message here. Marie. A challenge 'tis. Princess. Well, he must be received, come whence he may, For heralds in all lands are sacred held. Raymond. We brought him here. Princess. (To Herald.) You have some word for me? Herald. A message for the Princess of Prov- ence. Princess. Weil, I am she. Herald. (Offering paper.) A message from my liege. Duke. I'd take no message from a blacka- moor. Princess. (Taking paper.) We owe some courtesy to ev'ry man, Whate'er his hue, who shows civility, For that's of our urbanity the proof; And I'd not be a heathen or a churl. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 115 {To Herald.) I beg you answer bide. {To Prince, offering paper.) Wilt read the script? Prince. {Beads.) Unto the Princess of Provence these words : That you have wronged me by your acts is plain, In that you have refused that which I won; And I am here, outside, to siege your town Until it falls, but, that there may be end To our contentions grave, I by this script Give you the chance, by chosen cham- pion, To meet me or with spear, or sword, or axe, In single combat in the open field. Princess. A challenge 'tis. Duke. But from a blacka- moor. Prince. A glorious chance ! 'Tis what I would have sought Above all things on Earth. {To Princess.) I beg you say 116 ROMANTIC DRAMAS That you will choose me for your champion, That you will let me meet this foe for you. Princess. I would not wish to trust my name, my life, My sacred honor unto better hands. Ill be beholden unto you — but yet, — You may be harmed. I would not have you harmed In my behalf. Ah, 'tis in your behalf That I most willingly would take the risk. But, if you're harmed! There ever is a chance, "When mortals strive in war, that harm may come; But all my life, my youth without excess, My daily studies in the art of war, My strivings in the field with other knights Have been a preparation for this day, When I shall fight a foeman here — for you. Princess. For me ! Ah, would it were a better cause. Prince. Princess. Prince. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 117 Prince. There is no better cause, and I'll not fail. May I send answer to the foe ? Princess. Pray do! Say what you will. Prince. (To Herald.) Go you unto your liege, And say to him, I follow on your heels To champion the Princess of Prov- ence, And with my body I will, in the lists, Maintain the rightfulness of all her acts. (Herald bows and goes off at right.) Princess. I beg you wear my colors on your arm. (Ties ribbon on arm.) Prince. You honor me, and I will bring it back As virgin pure as is the unsoiled snow. Princess. My prayers go with you, Prince. Raymond. I too must go That I may second be unto my Prince. (Exeunt Prince and Raymond at right.) Princess. Think you he'll win? Art sure the Prince will win ? Duke. As sure as there is sunlight in the sky. 118 ROMANTIC DRAMAS But that I know that he's a better knight Than any here, than any in Provence, I would have gone to fight the black- amoor, Who sought to put disgrace upon my race. Princess. Ah, he has gone ! I hear the rumbling chains That lower our main gate ; his horse *s hoofs Strike on the iron bridge; and now with speed He rides across the stones. Would I dare look. He may be hurt. I fear to see him hurt: And ev'ry blow 'gainst him will pierce my heart. I dare not look. Duke. Let that not fret your mind, For I dare look, and tell you all that haps. Marie. And so dare I, and, as a woman too, Tell all the details that you 11 wish to know. {Duke and Marie stand on bench ROMANTIC DRAMAS 119 Princess. Duke. Marie. Princess. Duke. Marie. Princess. that's built against the wall, and look over the wall.) Yes, yes! Look out and tell me all that haps! What do they now? They ride into the lists. The Prince however 's the nobler of the twain. How bears himself the Prince? Why, like a man, Whose cause is just, whose strength's at his command, Whose sword's of honest steel, whose heart throbs fast With eagerness to strike the coming foe. What more would you require of a man? In field of war he is a charming sight. He sits as firmly on his horse's back As some grim Centaur, and bears his spear As lightly as a baby swings a switch. I knew he would. I knew I 'd put my trust In gallant hands. What are they doing now ? 120 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Marie. They're moving in the lists, one to each end. Princess. Think you he'll win? Art very sure he'll win? Duke. "Why, if I were not sure that he would win, I'd hide my locks of grey, and haste outside To overwhelm that blackamoor my- self. Marie. They're sitting now like statues ere they, start. Princess. Art sure he'll not be hurt? Duke. Why, I'll engage To cover all the wounds that he may get With plaster smaller than a maid will use, When with a needle she may prick her thumb. Princess. (To Duke,) You do not look! (To Marie.) Pray tell me what they do! For all my nerves are tingling with affright. Marie. Why, like a flash of light, they leave their posts ROMANTIC DRAMAS 121 With leveled spears from which the sun-beams glance. The horses fly along the course like birds, That with fresh wings sweep swift across the sky. The whelming dust almost obscures my view Princess. (Interrupting.) Yes, yes! What haps? What haps? Marie. The two knights meet Like thunderbolts, that rush from dif- f 'rent clouds. Their spears strike 'gainst the shields He's down! He's down! Princess. 0, not the Prince. Marie. Nay, nay! Duke. The blackamoor. Princess. Thank heaven for that! Almost my heart stood still, And for a moment I had nearly passed From life into oblivion. Duke. Pooh, pooh ! Princess. For, if the Prince had died in my be- half, I would ne'er more have turned my eyes on man, 122 ROMANTIC DRAMAS But in a convent would have passed my life, And yet I hope- — see, Marie, what has hap 'd. I hope the other warrior was not harmed. Duke. 0, blackamoors die not so easily. He lost his stirrup in the charge, that's all, And almost fell, but that means he has lost. Marie. He seems to be unharmed. Princess. I'm glad of that. I would not wish that any man be harmed In my behalf. Duke. Then should you veil your face, And hide your eyes, and hood your chestnut locks; For gallant men will fight for women 's smiles So long as maids are fair. Princess. What do they now ? Marie. The Prince comes riding through the castle's gate. He'll be here in a trice. (Duke and Marie descend.) Princess. I 'm calmer now. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 123 And I can welcome him, but had it hap'd That he had wounded been Duke. I told you oft That could not be. Princess. I should have had more faith. Duke. A maid, who puts her trust in knightly hands, Should have a faith such as will moun- tains move. Marie. Here comes the Prince. (Enter Prince and Raymond at right.) Princess. Good welcome back again ! You've done a gallant deed most gal- lantly, And I am so beholden unto you That scarce I know what I should say. Prince. Say naught, For I am more beholden unto you. In that I met your foeman in the field And won your cause, and, that he should withdraw His claims on you, fills my heart with delight. Princess. Ah, that may be, but, pray you, bear in mind 124 ROMANTIC DRAMAS That you have saved my life, for I'd have died If I'd been forced to wed that black- amoor, My honor too, for it were shame to wed A man for whom there is no love in me, My country too, for I'd have lost my throne, And there should be reward fit for the work That you have done. So, say what you will have, For all I have is yours. Take what you will. Prince. I ask for no reward, no recompense. "Were your possessions tenfold what they are I would not wish a recompense from you; Yet, not as a reward, but as a gift I ask for all. I ask you for yourself, Your heart, your hand, your very soul, your love. (Kneels on one knee.) See, at your feet I kneel, because I love! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 125 See, at your feet I kneel, and ask your heart, But with your love. — I would not have it else. {Princess offers her hand which Prince takes. He rises.) Princess. I would not have you kneeling at my feet, I would not have my love so humbly ask For what is his. Prince. (Erect.) You give me then your love? Princess. If you will clasp my throbbing breast 'gainst thine, And press your lips 'gainst mine, that yet to man Are virgin lips, you'll find, my love, I yield My whole heart at thy touch. Prince. (Embracing and kissing her.) I love thy lips, That rosy as the dawn seem in my eyes; I love thy eyes, in which the lovelight gleams ; I love thy hair, bright with its threads of gold; 126 ROMANTIC DRAMAS I love thy face, o'er which with ev'ry thought There steals a glow, fresh from thy throbbing breast; I love thyself, the woman that's thy- self. Wish me great joy, good friends. Princess. And me also; For there is naught in music or in art, — Or in this world — that can compare with love, And it has filled my very soul with bliss. Marie. I told you that he was a gallant knight. Raymond. This end I think will justify the means. Duke. And yet 'tis no bad thing that your estates Lie side by side with hers, as I have said. Prince. Estates! Go to! What are estates to me? I'd wed her, if she were a beggar maid. Princess. And I 'd wed you, if in my land you 'd strayed ROMANTIC DRAMAS 127 A wand 'ring troubadour among the throng, "Who came to win my kingdom for a song. (All move to rear while Fairy Queen and fairies enter quickly at right and advance.) Fairy Q. It has, through all the ages, been the rule That, when the Princess of Provence shall yield Her heart and hand unto a loving swain, The fairies of Provence shall seek her home, And give her welcome unto fairy- land, "Where all true lovers go, when they are wed. And so we've come, and now we wel- come say, And give the freedom of our fairy land To you, fair Princess, and to you, brave Prince. (Enter Cupid at right, and advances.) Fairy Q. Why there comes Cupid, hastening to this spot. 128 ROMANTIC DRAMAS What do you here, you most vexatious elf? Cupid. At such a time who'd be here save myself ? Fairy Q. But this is fairy-land. Cupid. Well, all the more Should I be here, for search this planet o'er, From pole to pole, you will not find a spot That can be fairy-land where I am not. And I the power have at my command To turn a desert to a fairy-land. Fairy Q. Who comes here now? (Hymen at door.) (Enter Hymen at right, and ad- vances.) Cupid. 'Tis Hymen, and you'll find, When I have come, he seldom lags behind. Hymen. What say you, Cupid? Have you done your part? Cupid. You'll find my arrow in each lover's heart, Implanted there with my consummate art. Hymen. 'Tis well. Then I'm in time. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 129 Fairy Q. Thus Hymen steals Upon the scene, close on winged Cu- pid 's heels. Cupid. Not so; for Hymen sometimes goes ahead, But cold must be that sort of mar- riage bed. Fairy Q. "When, Hymen, will you fix the wed- ding day? Hymen. What can be better than the month of May? Fairy Q. Then will we for them sing a wedding lay. Fairies. (Sing.) When comes the lovely month of May, And in the groves dance elf and fay, And Mab rides o'er the turf in state, And merles, and doves, and swal- lows mate, And merry children idly play In all the woods, where brooklets stray, And lovers, at each garden gate, At eve for charming maidens wait, When comes the lovely month of May Why, then will dawn their wedding day; 130 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And we'll be merry for the nonce When Langnedoc shall wed Prov- ence. Curtain. II. Miriam ; A Tragedy in Five Acts. CHARACTERS. Licinius, 'Roman 'Emperor. Charos, Captain of the guard. Jason, Clerk of the Court. Simon Malachi, a necromancer. Thanos, leader of the Dacians. Proclus, chamberlain to Emperor. Aspar, a Jewish priest. Narses, a hired bravo. Courier. Messengers. Servants. Courtiers. Miriam, wife of Simon, afterwards Empress. Nerea, cousin of Emperor. Lydia, servant to Miriam. Ladies of the Court. Time.— 320 A. D. Place. — Byzantium. Costumes. — Ancient. Right and left refer to the actors on the stage facing the audience. 133 134 < ROMANTIC DRAMAS Act I. — Morning. One day elapses between Act I and Act II. Act II. — Morning. One month elapses between Act II and Act III. Act III. — Morning. Acts Illy IV, and V, all occur on the same day. Act IV.— Early Afternoon. Act. V. — Late Afternoon. ACT I. Scene. — The Forum of Byzantium. Temples, etc., in the background. In the fore- ground, towards left, is a large seat, slightly raised, from which on each side in a semi-circle runs a bench. In front of the seat, near centre, are a desk and chair for the Clerk of the Court. As the curtain rises Charos is seen seated in the large chair, and Jason at the Clerk' 's desk. Of- ficers of the Court and soldiers are standing. Be- fore Charos stand a prisoner, and an officer in charge of him. Charos. (Seated in chair, to prisoner.) Your crime was murder. That was clearly proved. A brutal murder 'twas, without ex- cuse Save greed. For that there 's but one punishment, And that is present death. Take him away, 135 136 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And let him expiate his crime forth- with ! {Officer leads off prisoner at left rear.) {To Jason.) Is there aught else to vex my mind to-day ? Jason. No one can tell who yet may hither come; For, till yon hour-glass has run its course, The Court must open be, the Judge must sit That all, who choose, may tell their grievances. Charos. {Rising and coming down from the "bench.) That is the heavy burden of a judge, To loll upon a bench till suitors come, To sit and wait. Come, Jason, walk with me. {Jason rises and advances.) We'll stretch our wearied limbs since suitors fail. {Both walk slowly up and down at front.) I hate this work. I hate the very name ROMANTIC DRAMAS 137 This broad place bears. The Forum's but the spot Where's placed the judge's bench to which I 'm tied, Like some poor slave unto the galley's seat. Jason. There must be judges. Charos. Yes; but I'm not one "Who'd sit half-dozing on a cushioned bench, And listen to men 's silly vaporings With weary ears. I am a soldier born, And I'd lead men to meet embattled hosts On fields, where death may come or victory. I love the flash of swords, the clash of arms, The wild, mad charge of serried ranks of men Against the waiting foe. There's joy in war. There's life in conflict. That's what stirs the blood, And makes it stream through ev'ry artery Like molten lava, in the mountain's breast, 138 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And gives a vim to life, that makes it worth The living. Jason. Yes. Still peace has glories too; And it is honorable to sit as judge. Charos. Honor! Bah, bah! To sit and mutely hear The petty squabbles of a petty race, "Where filthy lucre's all there is at stake, And ev'ry tale's bedecked with per- jury! That seems not honorable. 'Tis cruelty To place me here, when I could lead brave troops To glory in the field. Jason. If there were war. Charos. Why, there is always war, and, if there's not, Naught is so easy as to start a war, For man's a fighting brute. But I must sit Upon yon tiresome bench, and deftly sift The truth from this man's lies and that man's lies, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 139 Just as the sieve the grain parts from the husk, And make no protest, though I know they lie. {They halt near judicial seat; noise heard from people outside at left front.) Crowd. {Outside at left.) Stone him ! Stone him ! Charos. {Taking seat.) What does this up- roar mean ? {Jason sits at his desk — Enter Simon at left front, cringing as if fright- ened; Miriam enters, erect and fac- ing the crowd, and moves slowly backward; the crowd follows her.) Officer. Let there be order here ! Charos. For what come ye? Crowd. Stone him ! Stone him ! Officer. Let there be order here ! Charos. Let one man speak! {Simon and Miriam at centre front; Aspar at front more to left; crowd at left front.) Aspar. {Motioning to crowd.] ness, I will speak. Behold this Simon.) man Your High- {Pointing to 140 ROMANTIC DRAMAS He's breeding anarchy Among the folk, of whom I am the priest. Charos. That is a crime of which the State takes note. How breeds he anarchy? "What has he done? Aspar. He leads my folk astray with cun- ning tricks, And of religion makes a mockery By pretence that the future he can tell, When ev'ry human knows the fu- ture's held Within the hollow of the Almighty's hand. And this man claims — e 'en at the tem- ( pie's door — That he can with the spirits of the dead Communion hold, and solve life 's mys- teries ; And, with blasphemous mummeries, he'd lead My folk to a belief in divination. And he has so aroused my acolytes That they would stone him. Crowd. Stone him ! Stone him ! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 141 Charos. ( To Simon, ) What say you to this charge ? Simon. I pray you hear. I but pursue my trade — a legal one, For which I hold a license from the Court — Wherein of priestly craft there is no need; And to the priests that is a stumbling block. Charos. It well may be. {To Aspar.) Is that all that you charge ? Aspar. He leads my folk astray with doc- trines false. Charos. This is a Roman land. Belief is free. There are a dozen faiths held in this land. Think you a Roman judge will one destroy ? There's nothing in your charge. Let him go free. Crowd. Stone him ! Stone him ! Charos. (To officer.) Take two men of your troop, And guard this man. And, if a stone be thrown — 142 ROMANTIC DRAMAS If but a single stone be thrown at him — Hang him who throws it, if you hang the mob To find him out. (To Aspar.) Go, worship in your way, And let all other folk think as they will. (Exeunt mob and Aspar at left front.) Charos. {To Simon.) You do not go. The troops will keep you safe. Simon. Your highness, pardon me. 'Twas to this Court That we, my wife and I, were on our way "When by this mob attacked. Charos. What want you here? Simon. Your highness knows me, Simon Mala- chi? Charos. As well as one can know one of your race, Who in secretiveness outrank the world. You're Simon Malachi, soothsayer, Who trades upon the ignorance of men ROMANTIC DRAMAS 143 And women, who believe you can fore- tell Their future lives, when you know not your own. Simon. But 'tis a trade, your highness, like the rest. "What I would sell some other folk would buy. The merchant, doctor, lawyer, priest all trade Upon the ignorance of men. Charos. Perchance ! For most of them have little honesty, And less of skill. What is it you'd have here ? Simon. Your highness, I am told that, by your laws, WTien married folk appear before a judge, And ask that they be freed, the Court will grant Their freedom from the marriage yoke. Charos. 'Tis so. The law will break the yoke, if both consent. Wish you to be divorced ? Simon. That is my wish. 144 fc ROMANTIC DRAMAS I would be freed. And I've brought Miriam here. She is my wife. Charos. What's wrong about your wife? You must be overnice, if shell not suit, For she seems fair as Aphrodite. And she has courage too. Why, like a man With hot blood dancing in his ev'ry vein, She faced that howling mob. I like that kind. A woman's beauty's to delight men's eyes; Her courage is to buoy up their hearts In time of stress by child-like fear- lessness. Simon". Nay, nay! I did not say that there's aught wrong. Miriam. He dare not say that there's aught wrong with me. I've been an honest wife since I was wed. His will has been my law, his home my care. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 145 In naught have I gainsaid his slight- est word. Simon. Nay, nay, I have not made the least complaint. I would not part with you, if I could help. I'd gladly keep you as my wife. Charos. (To Miriam.) And you, Would you say aught? Wish you to be divorced? Miriam. Because this ingrate has me in his power, Because there's nothing here for womankind, There's nothing for a woman in this land Except to be a wife to such as he, Or be an abject slave, or that vile thing, That flaunts her gaudy robes upon the street, With painted cheeks and locks of golden hue, To tempt the passer by to buy her charms, And make of her a beast, of him a beast, 146 ROMANTIC DRAMAS He 'd sell me, as a slave unto a wretch, A loathsome wretch, who cast his greedy eyes Upon my face, and covets what he saw. Charos. What say you, Simon, unto her com- plaint? Simon. Your highness list, I beg, unto my plea. Charos. {To Jason.) Now listen, Jason, if you'd hear the worse Presented as the better cause, unless His tongue has lost its cunning. {To Simon.) I listen. Now then, soothsayer, put your tale in words. Simon. Soothsayer is my trade, as you have said; But there have lately come men of my sort, "Who tell the future by some novel means, Unknown to me, which they have learned abroad, And so the foolish crowds swarm round their doors, For mortals ever crave a novelty; ROMANTIC DRAMAS 147 Charos. Simon. Charos. Simon. Miriam. But one must live and must live by his trade. In Egypt I can learn the mysteries From her high priests {Interrupting.) Mere childish mum- mery Perhaps, but apt to catch the public eye, And fill all foolish minds with won- derment, And bring the means of living to my purse. Well, go to Egypt ! Gladly would I go. But priests give naught for naught, and I 've no gold ; So, as I've nothing else but her to sell, I'll sell my wife. I bought her, when I wed, And to her father paid the price he asked. She's mine to keep or sell. He bought me! I ne'er had seen his face, before I wed; Nor was I asked would I or would I not; 148 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Simon. Miriam. But, having wed, I craved a woman's lot. I would have lived an honest woman's life, Had little children climbing on my knee, And had a home, wherein to pass my days In that seclusion that a woman seeks, Until the passing years turned into snow My raven locks, and till, with all my kin Engathered round my bed, I passed away. Bah, bah! 'Twas all a woman's fool- ish dream. And now this wretch would sell me for a price. I would not part with you, if I could help; For I would gladly have you by my side; But one must live, and must live by his trade. Live by his trade! Why should you live at all? ROMANTIC DRAMAS 149 Charos. Simon. Charos. Simon. Charos. Simon. Charos. Live by his trade! A man, who's fit to live, Will find a trade, and, if a trade serves not, Another 11 find, or dig, if that must be, The garbage in the street to keep his home A sacred spot, his wife beyond re- proach : But you — you'd sell the woman, whom you wed, That you may live at ease. Had you a soul That's worth more than the mud that soils the streets, You'd scorn such beastliness. {To Simon.) Has some one bid The price you ask? A man has bid the price I paid for her, three hundred drachma gold. Who bids that price? Your highness knows him well ; 'Tis Simon Barnabas. The usurer ? Yes, that is he. He 's eighty, if a day. 150 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Simon. One loses not all taste by growing old. Age stales not all the passions of a man, And love for women dies the last of all; So all the dotards, who have gathered wealth, Would purchase female loveliness for cash. Charos. But why divorce? Why seek you a divorce ? Simon. Old Simon's overnice. While she's my wife He will not buy. Charos. He 's overshrewd, you mean. He knows your game. Some hus- bands will connive At their own shame to profit gain thereby. Simon. Your highness knows me better. Charos. Yes, I know. What can this woman do ? She 's fair enough To grace a Court, and I have present need To send unto the throne a pleasing gift, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 151 That I be not forgot. Can she do aught To please a king? Simon. She can both sing, and dance, And play upon the harp. Charos. Would you prefer That I should buy before the usurer? I'll pay your price. Simon. I care not who may buy, So that I have the cash to meet my need. Charos. {To Miriam.) What say you then? Miriam. Is it this country's law That he can sell me if he choose ? Charos. It is. He bought you from your father at a price, And, till that price is rendered him again, He holds you as a pledge. Miriam. A female child ! Why should a father bring such in the world, Where she '11 have naught of life save what she'll get From mercy of mankind? — If it be true, 152 ROMANTIC DRAMAS As you have said, that he has such a right, To sell my body in the open mart. I 'd not be sold unto the usurer To be the plaything of a senile rake. Pay him the price he asks, and let him go. Charos. {To Jason.) Give him the cash! {Jason gives money to Simon.) {To Simon.) Count it! Simon. {Counts money.) 'Tis quite correct. I thank your highness. Miriam. Hold ! Is it complete ? Am I forever freed, so that this man Can make no claim on me as wife or slave ? Charos. It is complete. You're free as is a bird Loosed from the nets. Miriam. {To Simon.) Go then! See me no more! Simon. "When I have won a fortune in the Bast I will return, and buy you back again ; For you're the only woman I have loved. Miriam. You loved! The very words should scorch your tongue ! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 153 Charos. Jason. Charos. Simon. You know no more of love than does the beast, That gratifies his passion on his mate. 'Tween us a wall so high has been raised up That e'en ambition, with its iron claws That clutch at ev'ry thing, could not climb o'er. And love, — bah, love would find its wings too frail To lift it o'er that bar. Go! Go your way, And never let me see your face again ! (To Jason.) Has their divorce been entered on the books ? It is complete. Then, Simon, go your way As she has said. Tour business here is done. But one must live, and must live by his trade; And I will go where I can learn my trade ; And, when I've learned it, I'll come back again. (Exit Simon at left front.) 154 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam. Thy servant waits for thy com- mands. Charos. {Leaving chair.) I pray That you will sit. (Miriam sits on seat at left.) (To Jason.) The hour ? has it run? Jason. The sand has run its course. Charos. Then I am free. I'm like a captive from a tread-mill loosed, And I can throw my trammels off. (Takes off judicial robe.) Jason. ( Rising. ) And I ? Charos. You, Jason, too are free, and all my men. (Exeunt Jason, officers and soldiers at left rear.) (To Miriam, who rises as he speaks.) I should not wish that you should feel that I Will hold you bound, save at your will. Go free, If that best please, but, if you wish to live At Court, you're fair enough to please a king, And I will send you there. Miriam. You're very kind. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 155 Charos. Miriam. Charos. Servant. Charos. I like your words. I'm little used to such. And I am glad you saved me from that wretch, The usurer. You cannot know the joy That fills my breast, now that I 'm free from him. He is a wretch. A woman, fair as you, Should have a better fate. I am content; For you have saved me from that cruel doom, And earned my gratitude, and all my life 1 11 owe you thanks. I could not see you sacrificed. (Enter servant hurriedly at right front,) The lady Nerea awaits without. 0, beg her to come here ! (Exit servant.) (To Miriam.) I pray you wait Upon that seat till I return again. (Miriam sits on seat at left; Charos to right. Enter servants at right front, hearing a palanquin, which they place at right front. Charos 156 ROMANTIC DRAMAS pulls aside the curtains, and helps Nerea out. Servants exeunt at right.) Charos. You've come then, Nerea, to see me here ? Nerea. Straight from the Court. Charos. This is most kind of you ; For I fret much that I am forced to stay Here at this place, when I would be at Court, And see you oft. Nerea. Well, I have news for you, Good news, that will delight your heart I'm sure. On yesterday the Captain of the Charos. glUUU (Interrupting.) The Captain of the guard! Why, what of him? Nerea. He 's dead ! Charos. The Captain of the guard has died ? Nerea. On yesterday. Charos. I had not heard of war ; Not e 'en a rumor had I heard of war. Where is the war? Nerea. 'Twas by an accident He lost his life. Charos. Ah, then there is no war ! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 157 Nerea. I straightway went unto the Emperor, And begged the place for you. I am, you know, A cousin to my liege. Charos. Yes, yes! What hap'd? Nerea. Why, as our monarch knew how fit you are To fill the place, Charos. (Interrupting.) The Captain of the guard ! Nerea. He heard my prayer, and chose you for the place. See, I have brought the patent for the post. Like you what I have done? (Offers parchment.) Charos. (Takes parchment.) I scarce can find The words to say my thanks. Your gracious act Has beggared me of words, and yet my heart Is full as some great sea, that's scarce confined Within its native banks. It is the post Of all those at the Court that I would hold; For it is suited to a warrior. 158 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Nerea. 'Twas well then that I sought the Em- peror, And asked in your behalf. Charos. It comes through you; And doubled is its worth because of that. Nerea. 0, I'm so glad, so glad that you are pleased! Charos. It is new life, it is great joy you give, Since I will be at hand when first the news Of war comes to the Court, and may, perchance, Be chosen to command, because I'm there. Nerea. And nothing else ? Charos. Why, I will be with you, On ev'ry day, until the time has sped That you have fixed for mourning your dead sire. Nerea. 'Twill make life doubly sweet to have you there, "Where I can see you through the pass- ing hours, And hear your voice, and look into your eyes, And wish, as oft I wish, the day had come ROMANTIC DRAMAS 159 When we might wed. Charos. I likewise wish that oft. Nerea. Yet there's respect due to the dead. Charos. In truth I would not wish that you should leave undone Aught due your father's memory. Nerea. But still I dread, I dread. Charos. Dread what? Nerea. I know not what. But there's a premonition in my soul — Perhaps 'tis from the gods — that we '11 not wed. Charos. Believe it not. 'Tis but a foolish thought, "Without a jot of truthfulness behind. Nerea. But there are many lovely maids at Court, And you may be misled by their bright eyes, And dainty forms, and lovely smiles. Charos. In truth There are fair women at our liege's Court, But there are handsome men to tempt the eyes 160 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Of maidens fair. And think you that I fear That Nerea will find another man More fair than I ? That cloak of jeal- ousy, You wear too oft, throw to the howl- ing winds, And let them sweep it to oblivion ; For 'tis an ugly garment for a maid, And spoils all loveliness. Nerea. Ah, you're a man, And cannot understand. 'Tis with her heart A woman loves. A man loves with his brain. He fancies one fair maid, but, when she's won, He would another seek. The steeple's cock, That dances 'round the circle with the wind, Is not more fickle than a man. Charos. Fear not ! There may be fairer maids, I know them not. There may be lovelier forms, I see them not. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 161 Some eyes may brighter shine, but not for me. Tis Nerea alone, who charms my eyes. Her voice is music sweet as birdling 's song, And in my heart's enshrined her phantasy. Nerea. May that be true ! Who is that wom- an there? Charos. She was the wife of Simon Malachi, The wizard, and her name is Miriam. Nerea. What does she here ? Charos. Her husband brought her here To be divorced. Nerea. But why keep you her here ? Since she's divorced why not send her away? Charos. Why, when I learned that she could dance and sing, 'Twas my intent to send her to the Court. The Emperor loves music and the dance ; And thus I hoped to keep myself in mind; For he who's out of sight is soon for- got. 162 ROMANTIC DRAMAS But, now that you have brought such joyous news, I '11 take this woman to the throne my- self. She'll be my gift of thanks. Nerea. I fear your gift "Will our undoing be. (Miriam rises.) She comes this way. Charos. "Why should she not come hither, if she choose? What harm ? Nerea. I know not, but there's in my heart A dread of her. Put me within my coach. (Charos helps her in, and Reckons servants, who enter at right.) Nerea. Now draw the curtains, and I'll say adieu Until to-morrow dawns. Bid them go on! (Charos draws curtain, and by mo- tions directs servants, who bear off palanquin at right. Meanwhile Miriam has slowly advanced to right.) Miriam. I would have seen the lady of your choice More near. Is she a lady fair? ROMANTIC DRAMAS 163 Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Why, yes ; She's 'mong the fairest in our mon- arch's Court. She well might be, since you have chosen her. I would have seen. You'll see her at the Court. Ah, at the Court ! Think you that one like me Can hold her own with ladies of the Court? "Why, if I am a judge, you need not fear Comparison with any there. With her? You're different in your types, as birds may be And yet be beautiful, but none can say That you're not fair. She went when I drew near. 'Tis true she went. She went when I drew near. That is to-day. To-morrow 'twill be so; And then to-morrow, while we both shall live ; 164 f . ROMANTIC DRAMAS For I foresee a struggle 'tween us twain, And one will gain,— the other 11 seek in vain. Curtain. ACT II. Scene. — Throne room in palace of Emperor. At rear, near centre, is a low throne, — large doorway at left rear, — smaller doorway at right rear, — door- way on left and on right, — curtains at doorways. {Enters Charos at right rear, followed by bearers of a palanquin.) Charos. Put it down there ! {Bearers put down palanquin.) {Charos opens palanquin, and helps Miriam to alight.) {To bearers.) "Wait outside till you're called. {Bearers exeunt ivith palanquin at right rear.) "Why, 'tis a miracle wrought in a night ! I scarcely can believe that it is you, You're such a vision of great loveli- ness. I did not dream that you could be so fair. 165 166 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Your face, your eyes, your hair are all the same, Yet different. Perhaps 'tis your at- tire. Miriam. The setting of a jewel should enhance The beauty of the gem; a picture's frame "Will make, or mar, the artist's deftest work. So acts the garb a woman wears. Dress her To suit her fancy, and her charming robes Will make more lovely ev'ry loveli : ness. You like my garb? Charos. Why, when I bade you choose Such garments as would best adorn your form, And best would please a jaded mon- arch's eyes, There came no thought of such ex- quisite taste ; Nor did I dream that or your face or form Would so become the niceties of dress. There'll be none in the Court more fair than you. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam, Charos. ROMANTIC DRAMAS What, not Nerea? 167 Nay, not even she. I'm glad that I have pleased by my array ; For when one has the liberty to choose Whate'er's most fit, why then it is one's task To pick such garb as is most sure to charm. You've more than pleased. You've added to your eyes A newer light, such as the stars dis- play When moonless is the night; and to your form Has come a newer grace, and e'en your face Shows loveliness I scarce had seen be- fore. You are most kind. (Offers hand, which he kisses.) But, now that I am here, What is it that you mean to do with me? I scarcely know; but yesterday I thought That I'd present you to the Emperor, 168 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. That you might live here in his pal- ace home Among the artists, who delight his Court : But now I hesitate. Why hesitate ? I did not know you were so fair. 'Tis that That makes you hesitate? 'Tis only that. Tell me what you had planned on yes- terday. The Emperor is old, with wearied eyes And jaded tastes, and yet would be amused. He has a fancy for all kinds of art, For singers, and for players on the lute ; And he has gathered many in his home, For those, who please, live in his pal- ace here. You sing, and play upon the lute, and dance ; And, if you please, you'll form one of his Court, And live in luxury. "Will such a life ROMANTIC DRAMAS 169 Be such as you would wish? Miriam. Will you be here? Charos. In truth I am the Captain of his guard, And, save in time of war, I must live here. Miriam. Then will I try to please. Charos. Because I'm here. Miriam. Because Now will I do my best to please. (Enter Nerea at large door at left rear, — she moves towards centre.) Nerea. The Emperor is waiting for his guard. And here's its Captain dallying — or worse. Charos. I'll haste. I did not note the hour of day. (To Miriam, pointing to right.) I pray you wait in yonder ante-room. (Exit Charos at left rear quickly.) Nerea. (Looking after him; Miriam moves slowly.) Without one word he goes, as if I were Naught more to him than dust be- neath his feet. (To Miriam sharply.) Why came you here? (Miriam halts.) 170 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam. Nerea. Miriam. Nerea. Miriam. Nerea. Miriam. I came not; I was brought. Arrayed in garments made of costly stuffs, And with rich ornaments of gold be- decked, And with fine jewels dangling round your neck. In hopes that I might please. A gilded doll! That's what a woman is, a charming toy For grown-up boys. I'd scorn such a career. I'd be a woman, not a gilded doll. You'd scorn it! Why? Because re- morseless Fate, That makes most mortals poor, has made you rich. We women, all, yourself as well as I, Are but the slaves of our environ- ment. Unless one has the beauty that will win The fancy of a man, or herits wealth, A woman's but a plaything for a man; For man, who rules the world, has willed it so. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 171 Nerea. You think yourself of far too much import. This beauty that you boast's a frail support. Miriam. Not while it lasts. It has torn off a crown, Made nations slaves, o'erturned old dynasties, And raised a common soldier to a throne. All history's the record of the deeds Of this man or of that, and he was ruled By some fair woman, who had beau- ty's power. Nerea, Bah, bah! Your beauty's but a tran- sient gift The gods have lent, and, when they take it back, You'll be tossed in the street. Miriam. Of that no doubt. For Time, that beauty steals, kills all our power. Howe'er, if one has had! — None should expect That happiness will be an endless joy. Time spares no woman, and 'twill come to you, 172 ROMANTIC DRAMAS As 'twill to me, when years have staled our charms, They'll call ns both, — us both — they'll call us hags. (Enter Emperor and suite at left rear — Charos leads at the head of the guards — Emperor advances to throne and sits — Nerea moves for- ward and stands near the throne — Miriam moves off right to ante- room — Ladies and gentlemen of the Court grouped around.) Emperor. How like you, Charos, your new Cap- taincy ? Charos. Naught that your Majesty could do for me Could please me more. I am a sol- dier born, And better as a soldier, than a judge, I'll serve your Majesty. Emperor. I've watched you long And know your worth, and our fair cousin here Plead strongly for my grace in your behalf. Nerea. 'Twas that I'd give unto your Maj- esty One worthy of the post. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 173 Charos. A grateful heart Gives thanks to both. And I would humbly beg Emperor. Well, well, what now? What further would you have? You should not be too greedy in de- mands. Charos. Your Majesty has given me such joy, And I so wish to please you in re- turn, That I now beg that you will gra- ciously Permit that I may bring a singer here, Who'll please both eyes and ears. Emperor. Why, if you've such, Let her come here, for singers in our Court Are scarce enough, and beauty is a gift The gods are chary of. Charos. She yonder waits Until your Majesty bids her approach. Emperor. Where found you her? Charos. 'Twas yesterday in court, Where I sat on a bench to hear com- plaints. Her husband came, a suitor for di- vorce 174 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Emperor. Charos. Emperor. Charos. Emperor. Because lie wished to sell lier for a price To Simon Barnabas. The usurer? That is the man. I 've known him many years, And sad would be a woman's fate with him. 'Twas so I thought, and finding she could sing, And play upon the lute, and knowing well That you are fond of beauty and of art, I've brought her here, and, if she chance to please, Perhaps you'll find her worthy of your Court. Why, if she sings and sings not an- cient songs, Of which we've weary grown, there's room enough Among our artist-band. Let her come here And make essay. (Charos goes to right and exit at right near rear.) ROMANTIC DRAMAS 175 Nerea. But should your Majesty Bring in a foreign woman to your Court? She is not of our country or our race. Emperor. Art has no country, has no race. 'Tis born In ev'ry land, in ev'ry rank in life. It's cradled in a palace or a cot. {Enter at right, near rear, Charos and Miriam and advance slowly.) "We ask, not whence it came, but is it art. "We nothing care about an artist's birth ; His work is all the ancestry he needs ; His art makes him a peer of poten- tates, And gives to him the freedom of all lands. (Charos and Miriam at centre front.) She 's wondrous fair, and, if she please our ears As she has pleased our eyes, then has our Court In her a worthy acquisition made. Nerea. I cannot see that she's so wondrous fair. 176 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Emperor. A jealous eye can nothing lovely see In rival loveliness. Your greatest fault Is jealousy. {To Miriam.) You're welcome to our Court. It is our pleasure that you sing for us. And, if you know aught strange in words or form, We would hear that, for novelty has charms. Miriam. {To Charos.) Wish you that I should sing? Charos. If you'd please me So sing that you will charm his Maj- esty, For I have promised much in your behalf. Miriam. Then will I do my best. Charos. Pray do your best. Miriam. {Recitative.) 'Tis a sound, that comes o'er the rag- ing sea, Whelming the tempest's roar; 'Tis the heart-rending cry of misery From the souls afloat on a stormy sea ROMANTIC DRAMAS 177 On a ship on a rock-bound shore ; Above their boat darts the lightning's flash, Above their heads rolls the thunder's crash, And the sprays to the heavens soar Of the waves, that over the vessel leap, Of the waves, that over the vessel sweep, And drive her upon that shore. 'Tis the awful sound of the horrible crash, That comes in the gloom of the night, As the waves all the water to white foam lash, As the waves on the rocks the frail ship dash With an ocean 's tremendous might ; And again comes the piteous human cry, As again darts the lightning across the sky, And shows by its flash of light The ship, swift crushed to a shape- less wreck, 178 EOMANTIC DRAMAS Emperor. Miriam. And mortals, who cling to a bit of its deck In an agony of fright. There 's silence upon the mighty deep, And the sun shows bright and red; No more o'er the waves the tempests sweep, Nor over the rocks the waters leap, For the howling storm has fled ; But the crew of that ship all sleep in their graves, Where the calm of the deep knows nothing of waves, In the slime of the ocean's bed, "Where they'll lie, through the ages, afar from the ken Of those, who have loved them among mortal men, Till the sea shall give up its dead. You cease too soon. For, when you sing your song, There is a charm about your face and form, That's doubled by the beauty of your voice. How are you called? My name is Miriam. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 179 Emperor. I like the name. It's pleasant in the ear. And I would have yon 'mong my singers here To charm my mind, when I have need of song. Miriam. I thank your Majesty. {To Char os.) Are you well pleased? Charos. I'm more than pleased. You've charmed me with the rest. {Enter Proclus at left rear hastily, — advances.) Emperor. What would you here ? Proclus. A courier's outside, Who'd speak with you. Emperor. Let him come in ! We'll hear his messages; we'll hear him here. {Proclus goes to left rear, moves aside curtain, and Courier enters and ad- vances.) You enter here in haste. Your body's hot From rapid running, and your gasp- ing breath Chokes almost in your throat. What news bring you That warrants speed? 180 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Courier. 1 bring news from the North. The Dacians have left their forest homes, And now are marching, many thou- sands strong, In war array with Thanos at their head. Emperor. So Thanos has again stirred up my foes. He is the ablest of their generals. Twice has he fought, twice has he been forgiven ; This time hell die. In what way came the news? Courier. Five couriers, of whom I am the last, In swift relays have hastened to your Court, That you might quickly send your forces North. Emperor. Then there is need for haste. Go you and rest! (Exit Courier at left rear.) (As if reflecting.) My troops must march at once. Whom shall I send To meet this foe? (To Char os.) Well, Charos, would you like ROMANTIC DRAMAS 181 To test your wits 'gainst Thanos in this fight, To try to win 'gainst such a warrior ? Charos. You could not offer what would please me more. I would not ask to live a better life, Or die a better death, if death should come, The very height of earthly happiness 'Twould be to me. Nerea. I would not have you go. You may be killed. Charos. There's naught can hold me back. Think you I'd dally 'mong the maids at Court, When there's a chance to fight? Miriam. A warrior speaks As warriors should speak, when glory becks. Emperor. You are the youngest of my generals ; But here's your chance. The second legion take, And bring me Thanos here. Charos. I'll not delay; And, though no mortal fortune can command, I will deserve success. Emperor. (Leaving throne.) Deserve and win. 182 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Nerea. Emperor. Nerea. Emperor. Charos. Miriam. Ill write my order to the legion's chief To put you in command. (Taking Nere'd's hand.) This timid maid, Who fears that you 11 be killed, per- chance would like To send you on your way to victory. If he must go. Why, he's a warrior, And he must seek for glory in the field. Then will I send him forth to victory. Come then, and you shall bring my mandate here. So bide you, Charos, here till she re- turns. It is your will, my liege, and I obey. (Exeunt at left rear Emperor, Nerea, and all the others except Charos and Miriam.) (To Miriam.) I thank you for your cheering words. 'Tis thus A friend should speak. Why, you're a warrior, And glory is the breath of life to you. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 183 How can you win a triumph save in war? There 's danger too, but I know naught in life That can be won, if it be worth the while, Without some risk. Charos. I love to hear you talk. 'Tis not alone that you have guessed the wish, That hidden lurks within a warrior's soul, But there's a melody about your tones, That captivates the ear, and there's a charm About your face, and form, and courtly way That captivates the eye. Remain you here? And shall I find you here when I return ? Miriam. Why, that's for you to say. I am your slave. You bought me with a price. Charos. I set you free, If that be so, for I'd not have you feel 184 ROMANTIC DRAMAS That any word of mine could be a law To bind you fast. You are not even bound To do aught that I ask, unless the wish To please is in your heart. Miriam. What do you ask ? Charos. Wilt write to me? Miriam. Why, that's a little thing. I'll do it with delight. Charos. 'Twill give me joy To hear from you, to know all that you do, And that I 'm in your mind. My mes- sengers Will wait on you, and bring your script to me Almost like flying birds. Nerea. (At door, left rear.) Charos! Charos! (He turns slowly towards her as she advances.) Your orders, Charos (holding papers to him) ! Charos. (Taking papers.) Then I'll haste at once. (To Miriam.) Wilt give me your good wishes when I go? ROMANTIC DRAMAS 185 Miriam. May smiling Fortune bring you vic- tory. Charos. Good-by, Nerea. (Kisses hand.) (Kissing hand.) Good-by , Miriam. (Exit Charos at left rear.) Nerea. He called her Miriam, and kissed her hand. Curtain. ACT III. Scene.— Throne-room of palace. Same o,s Act II, except that the throne is a double one. {Enter at left rear Nered followed by N arses and two other men.) Nerea. "Wait there, within the shadow of the door, Till I shall call. Know you your duties here? My messenger, told he what is my wish? Narses. Yes, we were told. We are, at your command, To take a woman hence to some far land. Nerea. So that shell not return again. Narses. Fear not. Shell not return. Nerea. To what land bear you her? Narses. This day a boat sails for Egyptian shores, And in that country there are realms of sand, 186 ROMANTIC DRAMAS 187 As boundless as the illimitable sea, Where, if one stray a scanty furlong's space, One is forever lost. Nerea. That suits me well, So that she ne'er returns. Narses. Shell not return: Of that be well assured. Once in our hands She 11 be as lost as if oblivion 's waves Had swept o'er her, and left no trace behind. Nerea. Wait quiet there until I bid you act, And, when I raise my hand, move silently ; And let there be no turmoil in this hall To make a scandal here. Narses. Well move like death, When he comes to a man in perfect health. There'll be nor sight, nor sound that we have been, Or she has gone, whene'er you give the sign. (Exeunt Narses and two men at rear left. Enter Lydia at left, ad- vances.) 188 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Nerea. (To Lydia.) Told you the woman, Miriam, to come ? Lydia. I told her you were here awaiting her, And wished to see her here. Nerea. "What said she then? Lydia. That she'd come presently. Nerea. Presumptuous minx! Said she naught more? Lydia. She thought that you could wait To her convenience suit. Nerea. Ah, said she so ? She'll find that I can wait, and I can move, More speedily perhaps than she ex- pects. Lydia. Yonder she comes (pointing to left). Nerea. Go you away at once ! (Exit Lydia at left rear. Enter Miriam slowly from left. She moves towards centre, where Nerea has moved.) Miriam. You wished to see me here, and I have come. Nerea. I wished! You have not chosen well your word. There 's nothing could be further from my thought. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 189 I would not see you here or anywhere, Had I my choice. Miriam. I wish not to intrude. 'Twas but the servant Lydia's word to me, And I know not that 'twas the truth she told, Nor if she was deceiving, or deceived. Nerea. And certain 'tis that wished was not my thought. I shudder ev 'ry time you draw anear. Miriam. "lis so with me, likewise, when you approach. 'Tis that inborn antipathy of souls, That nothing have akin. Nerea. Nothing akin! I would not have in me aught that's akin, In body or in soul, with you. Miriam. Indeed ! Yet women are I think made much alike : Their souls are wrapped up wholly in themselves ; They look out on the world with greedy eyes, That nothing see that they would not possess ; 190 ROMANTIC DRAMAS They differ chiefly in the outer shell, That's beautiful in some, in others plain. Nerea. I would not care how beautiful you were, Nor I how plain, if you had not pre- sumed To step between my love and me. Miriam. Art sure That there was need that I should lift my hand To set your lover free? Men wear their chains Ofttimes as oxen do, through habit's strength. Perchance your lover tired of your love. Nerea. How dare you e'en suggest so vile a thought? Miriam. Why I dare much, because I nothing fear. Nerea. Perchance there's more to fear than you may think. Miriam. From you? Nerea. From me. For, now that Charos comes Triumphant from the war, as rumor says, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 191 I'll not permit — I'm cousin to a King — I'll not permit a woman such as you, "Without repute save that she sings and plays To please the vulgar crowd Miriam. {Interrupting) . Why, would you call The monarch and his Court a vulgar crowd ? Nerea. I do not care to bandy words with you. I 've urged you to depart, have offered sums, That might tempt worthier folk, if you would go; But, now that Charos will be here once more Right speedily, you'll not part him and me. You'll dazzle not his eyes, nor witch his ears, Nor tempt him with your wiles when he returns. Miriam. Art sure? Nerea. How dare you speak in such a tone? Miriam. What can you do? 192 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Nerea. My slaves shall bear you off Unto a land, so distant that ne'er more Will Charos east his eyes on you. Miriam. Perchance Tour scheme is unsubstantial as a dream. 'Twere well to be quite sure that you are right Before you act; for baffled schemes turn back Like boomerangs, and smite the schemer. (Miriam claps hands. Lydia enters from left.) Miriam. (To Lydia.) The Emperor, where is he now? Lydia. Within. Miriam. Go, bid the Emperor come here to me. (Exit Lydia at left.) Nerea. Go, bid the Emperor! She takes my breath ! Go, bid the Emperor! He's like to come For such as you. Miriam. Perhaps though he will come To shield a woman, who can merely sing ROMANTIC DRAMAS 193 And dance so as to please a vulgar crowd, Though she have neither wealth nor birth like thine, But only womanhood. Nerea. Presumptuous minx! And, if he comes, think you a dancing girl Can stand 'gainst me, a Princess of his line, When I have told my woes? Miriam. And yet he comes. The Emperor has come at my re- quest. {Emperor at door on left.) Tell now your woes. Nerea. I scarce believe my eyes. (Emperor advances.) Emperor. What would you, Miriam? You sent for me. Miriam. This woman here — 'tis Nerea she's called — Boasts of her power as Princess of your line To drive me from your Court. Emperor. She must be daft. Miriam. She has her hirelings brought — yon- der they stand 194 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Half-hidden by the curtains of the door— To bear me from my home. Emperor. {To Nerea.) You'd bear my wife Out of her home? Nerea. Your wife! Is she your wife, This singing woman here? Is she your wife ? Emperor. Since yestereve, and in my Court to-day She'll be proclaimed. Nerea. It cannot be ! I dream ! My ears must play me false. Miriam. They clearly hear. I am the Empress of the Eastern world, And you an humble subject of my lord. I told you schemes, born in a dream- er's brain, Fantastic are as madmen '^ foolish plans. But tell your woes. Emperor. (To Nerea.) Send off your waiting men! Miriam. You brought them here to do a cruel act, To bear a woman to a loathsome death. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 195 0, 'twas a scheme well worthy of your guile ! Emperor. Well, it has failed. So send away your men. Miriam. They'll bear no singing maiden to her death ; Your plan has failed. (Enter Proclus at left rear.) Proclus. (To Emperor.) A messenger in haste, "Who brings a message for your Majesty. Emperor. Let him come in. (Exit Proclus at left rear and returns immediately ivith messenger.) (To messenger.) Well, well? Mess. Your Majesty ! Emperor. Speak out. What message do you bring to me?, Mess. Charos, your Captain's waiting at your gate. Emperor. Comes he victorious? Mess. He brings in chains The rebel Thanos. Emperor. Then has Charos won ; And he shall have a triumph in my Court Such as befits a winner in the field; 196 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And he shall wear the laurel wreath. (To Messenger.) Go, go, And bid him enter here! (Exit mes- senger at rear.) (To Proclus.) Call all my Court To welcome him with all the honor due A warrior, who brings us victory. (To Miriam.) And you shall sit beside me as my queen, And crown the conqueror. Miriam. Gladly, my lord! Emperor. Come then with me, and don your royal robes. (Exeunt Emperor and Miriam at left, and Proclus at rear.) Nerea. His wife! "lis hard to credit e'en his word, And yet it must be so. Now can I see "Why she so confidently called him here. (N arses advances slowly.) (To N arses.) Go, you! I have no further use for you. Narses. Some other day perhaps you 11 need our help. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 197 Like death, to station we show no respect. Nerea. No, no ! I dare not now. You will be paid. (Exeunt N arses and men at left rear.) But Charos conies! I'll see his face once more — Yet she — she is to crown him con- queror : But now she's wed. She will not dare. She will- (Enter Charos and Proclus at left rear.) (To Proclus.) The Emperor — he is not here? Not now. I would report to him, and I was told I'd find him here. Our monarch has decreed That you shall be received, in open Court, "With all the honors due a conqueror, And now I go to call his retinue. (Exit Proclus at left rear. Nerea advances.) Nerea. You 're back, and I 'm so glad to greet you first. Charos. Proclus. Charos. Proclus. 198 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Charos. Yes, yes; but I must haste to make report ; For first of all I am a warrior, And should unto my monarch make report. Nerea. It was a royal victory you won ; And I'm so pleased that he, who was my choice, Should be triumphant in his first essay, For it reflects a glory on me too. Charos. Yes, yes ; but where have all the cour- tiers gone? Nerea. And now, that youVe returned, well wedded be; For now there's naught that can our joy delay. Charos. Yes, yes; but I have duties to per- form, And in my brain are thoughts of other things. Nerea. Of other things? Why have you grown so cold? You were not wont to greet me in this way. While I — can you not see the burning flush, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 199 Charos. That flames my cheek, the glow that lights my eye? Look at my hand, that trembles like a leaf A-shaking in the breeze. See how my breast Beats up and down, with throbbing of my heart, Like some frail bird held in a sports- man's hand. 'Tis all that I am pleased at your return. Yes, yes, I know; but still the Court comes not, Nerea. aiiu j. wouiu see My time of mourning's past, And we can wed. Charos. Now is no time to wed. Nerea. No time? Charos. Nay, I have other things in mind. Nerea. I cannot understand. (Enter Miriam at left.) Charos. (Eagerly.) 'Tis Miriam! Nerea. The Empress. Charos. She? Nerea. She is the Empress now. (Miriam lias advanced, she offers her hand, which Charos kisses.) 200 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam. I welcome back our hero to his home. Charos. I am so glad to be back here once more, And see you once again. Nerea. Charos ! Charos ! Charos. Not now! Not now! Miriam. You've won a victory, A glorious victory in your campaign, That will give honor to your land. Nerea. (Moving towards rear,) Charos! Charos. Not now ; I 'm busy now. Miriam. It gives me joy To see you here again victorious. Nerea. Charos ! Charos. (To Nerea.) Not now, I say. (To Miriam.) But you? She said — Here — now — that you have wed my liege. Nerea. (At rear.) Charos! Charos. (To Nerea.) Pray pardon me, I'm busy now. (Exit Nerea slowly at left rear.) (To Miriam.) Tell me "What did she mean? I cannot com- prehend. Miriam. What would you have me do? You went away. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 201 "With no one here to aid what could I do? She would have driven me into the street, . Like some stray dog that knows no home. And but a moment hence, she brought her men To bear me off to some strange land to die. Charos. And I not here ! Miriam. What was there then to do? I wedded not from love, but by com- mand. We are the creatures of environ- ment; And when your monarch says: Go fight my fight! Do you refuse? And when he said to me, Be you my wife ! What else was there to do, With Nerea prepared to drive me hence ? Charos. I was not here. Miriam. I wed the Emperor To save my life. Charos. Ah, if I had but known! 202 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Why all the time, when I was in the field, And when 'neath sighing forest trees we marched, Or forded icy brooks,- or 'neath the sky, Engilded with the thickly crowding stars, Sought our repose, your image floated e'er Before my eager eyes, or ope or shut, A beacon, leading me to victory: And when I wrote to you, and you replied, Your letters came like manna from the skies Unto a hungry soul (shows letters). Behold the scrolls ! I wear them next my heart. But they said naught Of this event. Miriam. It happened yestereve, When, fearing Nerea— why, on this day, She came here by the throne, which should protect The weaker from the strong, with hired thugs ROMANTIC DRAMAS 203 To have me borne away Charos. Accursed tricks! Miriam. I yielded to the Emperor's commands To save my life. Charos. Would that I had been here! 0, had I thought that such a thing could hap, Nor hopes of victory, nor dreams of fame Could have deluded me with promises. Miriam. The Emperor approaches with his Court To do you honor. (Emperor at door at left rear, ad- vances.) Charos. I might have had— — But now- Miriam. (Interrupting.) Why, now, you've won a victory. (Emperor beside them — Courtiers crowd in at left rear.) Emperor. A famous victory. 'Tis scarce a month Since you led forth my legion to the war, And you've returned triumphant to your home. I chose my Captain well. 204 ROMANTIC DRAMAS {Emperor and Empress sit on thrones and Courtiers gather around. Tha- nos in chains is brought in at left rear and remains there.) Charos. I owe my thanks To you, in that you chose me for the task, And to the legion, that you sent with me. The second legion's full of fighting men, And fit for any strife. Miriam. Tell us your tale. Tell us about your legion and your- self ; For warriors' tales have all the magic charm For grown-up folk, with hot blood in their veins, That fairy stories have for children's ears; And 'tis a joy to those who sit at home, At peace beside the cheerful fireside, To hear the story of a war from men Who fought the fight. Emperor. Come, Charos, tell the tale; ROMANTIC DRAMAS 205 But let not modesty hang like a veil That beauty's face conceals, so as to cloud Your own exploits. Miriam. Tis well to praise one's self, When there is cause. Tis only when conceit Swells mole-hills into mounts that it annoys. Charos. I would not be a trumpeter to fill The earth with noisy murmurs of my deeds. Howe'er the story's not a lengthy one — And 1 11 spare words — for at the very start The rebel Thanos, knowing not our troops "Were close at hand, made a most grave mistake ; He cut his force in two. The legion moved With such surpassing speed that, ere he'd time To join his sundered troops, our legion fell Like heaven's bolt upon the stronger part, 206 ROMANTIC DRAMAS And swept it as the reapers sweep the grain Before their scythes. The weaker part would fly: But then our legion, flushed with vic- tory, Pursued them as the dogs pursue the stag, "When he 's in sight, and brought them to a stand. I Ve seen a charge of wild bulls down a hill, Stampeded by fierce wolves. 'Twas naught compared "With ours. That legion's full of fight- ing men. The rebel, Thanos, strove most val- iantly, But — well, they've brought him to your Majesty, And there he stands a prisoner of war. Emperor. And he shall die. Let him be forward brought ; For I w T ill crush him as I would a snake, That hisses in my path. Bring Tha- nos here! ROMANTIC DRAMAS 207 (Proclus goes to rear door and directs two soldiers. Proclus, Thanos, and soldiers advance, to centre.) Miriam. {To Charos.) It was a very gallant fight you f ought, And lost naught in the telling. Emperor. (To Thanos.) Well, you're here. Thrice, Thanos, you have risen 'gainst my rule, And twice I have forgiven. Now you'll die. Thanos. I '11 die, you say. That doom frets not my soul. To die is naught. "Why should I fear to die? What worth is life, if it be but to live, As live the beasts, for shelter and for food? There should be something nobler in man's life Than mere existence. He should oth- ers aid, Set 'fore his eyes a noble aim and fight — If there be need to fight — to give that aim Eeality in life, — and he should win. 208 ROMANTIC DRAMAS To fail ! To fail ! Ah, that's almost a crime In him, who has in charge a people 's cause ; And I have failed.— I fought not for renown, But that my people from your hated yoke Might be set free. Emperor. Well, you will fight no more ; For now you 11 die. Thanos. Think you my death will kill The freedom that we love? There'll be a man To lead, whene'er a people freedom seeks ; And, though I perish, freedom will not die. There'll rise another man to take my place, And, when he dies, there'll still an- other rise To lead the Dacians in their noble figbt To throw a tyrant's shackles from their limbs. And I can look adown the years to come, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 209 With a prophetic vision, born of hope, And see my Dacia free. — So, do your worst ! Emperor. Lead him away, and let him die at once; That is the fate of rebels, when they lose. (Soldiers lead off Thanos at left rear.) (To Char os.) And, Charos, you shall wear the laurel crown In honor of your gallant victory. (N erect is seen standing at door at left rear.) (To Proclus.) Bring here the crown (Proclus brings laurel wreath), and give it to the queen ; (Proclus hands wreath to Miriam), And she, who shares the throne with me, shall crown The warrior, who won his maiden fight. (Miriam stands; Charos kneels on one knee.) Miriam. This laurel wreath bears witness to your worth. 210 EOMANTIC DRAMAS It is a warrior's, statesman's, poet's crown, Such as the noblest of mankind have worn, To witness bear to their nobility, In all the ages past. Wear thou it too! (Puts wreath on head of Charos.) And on no nobler head conld crown be placed. (Char os rises; Miriam still stands; Nerea at rear door clasping her hands.) Curtain. ACT IV. Scene. — deception room of the Empress. Door- way at left; doorway at rear; curtains at both; large table at left front; chair beside it; usual fur- niture; above doorway at rear is a window. {Enter Miriam slowly at left, advances to centre.) Miriam. (Sol.) Too late, too late, a little day too late ! But yesterday, if he 'd come yesterday, He would have been in time. How strange this life ! The changeful sea, now swelling into waves, That tower up before the howling wind, Now smoothing to a mirror that re- flects The azure sky shows not more varied scenes. Between the rising and the setting sun 211 212 ROMANTIC DRAMAS There can be crowded such a wealth of joy, If joy should come, that scarce 'tis credible That, in the same brief space of time, grim Fate Can whelm the soul in utter misery. If Charos had come yesterday! (Bell rings.) Come in! (Enter Lydia at rear.) Lydia. The Captain of the guard would speak with you. Miriam. 1 11 gladly see him. Bid him enter in. (Exit Lydia at rear.) Ill gladly see him — greet him even now With joy — but, if he had come yester- day! (Enter Charos at rear, advances.) Charos. Your Majesty— Miriam. (Interrupting.) Speak not of majesty I beg of you, whene'er you speak to me. A title is a barrier to hold The vulgar crowds, that love to gaze on kings, Lest they intrude too far ; but Iween us twain ROMANTIC DRAMAS 213 There is no bar of title or of state. To you I still am Miriam. Charos. Miriam ! That is the name I heard, when first my eyes Gazed on your face, unconscious of your power; And Miriam was still the name you bore, "When on the morrow here before the Court You sang your song, and touched each hearer 's heart, And found a lodging place within my breast ; And Miriam 'twas, that, when I went away, I begged to write a little of her thoughts ; And Miriam was still the name I read Upon the letters that you sent to me. Miriam. It was ! I love to hear you speak my name. It has upon your lips a joyous sound, That my glad ears swift bear unto my heart. Charos. And, while I strove against our coun- try's foes, 214 ROMANTIC DRAMAS I ever thought of you as Miriam; Nor did I dream that, when I here returned, I'd find you wed. No, no, I did not dream I'd find you wed. Miriam. I wedded not from love — That you should know — but to protect my life, Sore threatened by the Lady Nerea. Who was there here to aid a singing girl? "Who was there here to lend a helping hand To save me from the wretched fate she planned ? Charos. And I in mad pursuit of warlike fame, As unsubstantial as the bubbles frail That children blow, and fading quite as soon. Miriam. I could not know when you'd return again. I could not know that you would care the least What hap'd to me. Charos. Not know that I would care! Had you not seen the flame gleam in my eyes, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 215 When they looked on your face ? Had you not seen My face grow soft, whene'er you spoke to me? Not care ! — I scarcely dare to speak the words, That, like the lava in the mountain's breast, May burst all bounds, and sweep us both away. Miriam. You dare not speak! Tou dare not speak to me ! Do you recall that, scarce a month ago, In yonder Forum, where you sat as judge, You bought me with a price ? Do you not know Our threads of life have tangled been by Fate Into a knot, that naught can e'er untwist ? You bought me, ay, you bought me with a price, And I pertain to you. Charos. You drive me mad. Your lips, that I have yearned to touch with mine, 216 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Your eyes, that look so eagerly in mine, Your words, that seem to promise ev 'ry thing, Your form, that I would crush in my embrace, All drive me mad. I scarce know what I say. Miriam. You bought me with a price for life or death, And I pertain to you. Charos. You drive me mad. Your burning words have set my brain aflame. The blood streams in my veins like boiling wine. I know — I nothing know but that I love. I love you, Miriam! I humbly kneel Here at your feet. Do with me as you will. {He kneels. She offers her hand. He kisses it.) Miriam. I beg you rise. I would not have you kneel. I would not have you, Charos, kneel to me. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 217 Charos. Miriam. (Offers her hand, which he takes and rises.) Think you I do not know, I do not feel? . Why there was smouldering in my breast a fire Your words have blown to flame un- quenchable. I know not how you entered in my heart, Nor when it hap 'd, but there's none else there now. I love you, Charos, better than my life, Or home, or hope, or anything on Earth. (Charos embraces her.) My Miriam, if Fate had been more kind, Or you more patient waiting my re- turn! I could not know that I had touched your heart, That you would hold a grand career as naught, And let love sweep ambition from your soul; 218 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Miriam. Charos. I could not know, I dared not even think That I had found a place within your breast. You did not know? Nay, love, I only hoped, I only wished, I only craved your love. You give yourself to me? All that I am Is yours alone. Command and I obey. I scarce know what I do or what I say: 'Tis all so sudden and so strange. Tis love; And love would have no charms, if 'twere not strange, And scanty joy, if 'twere not sudden too. I scarce can think. My brain is in a whirl, But I must find a way, my wits must work. And you are bound by ties. Love cuts all ties. One tie alone binds me, and that's to you. The honor of your name— the Em- peror — ROMANTIC DRAMAS 219 And I — the Captain of his guard — and you, And you — his wife ! Tis like a laby- rinth, That shows no path. Miriam. Would you give up my love ? Charos. Give up your love! Nay, that's beyond my strength. A little month ago I did not know You were on Earth. Now you're the world to me ; And honor, shame — they are but words — but words. Miriam. Ah, love is everything! Charos. I did not know It was so strong that it could sweep the world Out of my thought, that glory, honor, pride, Could seem phantasms of the land of dreams ; — But, if I have your love ? Miriam. My heart is thine. Charos. Then is the world well lost. Let glory go, And pride, — and honor too, if love remains. Miriam. My love is thine. 220 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Charos. Now must I find a way. The ties that bind you here, that bind me here, Must severed be. Miriam. Yes, love. Charos. And we must fly. Miriam. In truth we must. Charos. In other lands we '11 find A refuge for our love, where we can bide. Miriam. Together, love. Charos. What if I lose my rank? There's ever a demand for fighting men In ev'ry clime, and free from all the chains, That bind us here, we'll live. "Wilt go with me, And leave behind the luxuries of life, A palace home, a seat upon a throne, And trust your future to a man with naught To win his way, but his strong arm and wit? I fear to ask — I scarce dare ask so much. Miriam. I would not wait a moment to reply. ROMANTIC DRAMAS - 221 That I should gladly go is nothing strange ; For I'm a woman with a woman's thoughts, And to a woman love is ev'rything. But you? Have you thought how 'twill be with you? For you're a man, and title, honor, place, Are to a man the very breath he breathes. Think you that you can make this sacrifice, And bide the outcome be it good or ill? Charos. The past is dead. The present I will seize. I care not what the future may bring forth Of weal or woe, if I but have your love. I reck not where I live, if you be mine, Nor if I live in honor or in shame, If you, the woman whom I love, be mine. (Clasps her.) I love you, love you! That is all to me. 222 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Life, honor, reputation, praise of men — All other things, for which poor mor- tals strive, Are swallowed up in love. Wilt go with me? (Loosens his arm.) I set you free to choose. "Wilt go with me? Miriam. Where'er you please. Wherever you may go There I will go. Your country shall be mine; Your future shall be mine, or good or ill. See, I yield up my life, my love to you; All that I have and am I give to you, Because I love ; I ask naught but your love. Charos. My heart is thine. Till now I ne'er knew love, Nor that it could, like some wild whirling stream, Sweep men away. I must no moment lose ; For we must hasten hence. — I must take thought. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 223 Your life and liberty are both at stake, And likewise mine; — I must take thought for both. Miriam. Do what seems best to you. I have no wish Save to depart with you, whene 'er you go. Charos. I'll find a ship, with cargo in its hold, That's ready to unfurl its willing sails, This very day. Can you be ready soon ? Miriam. This very hour, if that will please you best. Charos. I'll hasten back. (Kisses her.) 'Till then, sweetheart, adieu ! (Exit Charos at rear.) Miriam. (Sol.) Adieu ! Ah yes, till you return again. My heart exults. I love and I am loved. My blood is dancing eager in my veins. I feel it flush my cheeks, and in my hands The pulse is dancing merrily. (Bell sounds.) Come in! 224 ROMANTIC DRAMAS (Enter Lydia at rear.) What now? Lydia. A man, sent by the Emperor, Awaits outside the door. Miriam. Let him come in. (Exit Lydia at rear.) (Sol.) "What can this person want? Can he know aught? (Enter at rear Simon , disguised as an old man.) "What is your wish ? What would you have with me? Simon. (In disguised voice.) The Emperor has sent me here to you That you may judge if I be fit to serve As soothsayer unto his Majesty; For that he thinks you know more of such folk Than he. Miriam. A soothsayer ! So that's your trade ! And yet I never saw your face before, Though I knew ev'ry fortune teller here, And ev'ry shrewd interpreter of dreams, And all foretellers of events to come, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 225 Simon. Miriam. Simon. Miriam. Simon. Miriam. Simon. Miriam. When I was wife to Simon Malachi. Ah, you were wife to Simon Malachi? But you I never saw. Whence came you here ? From Egypt. Ah, from Egypt, you have come. Perchance you may know Simon Malachi. I've never seen the man. There's something queer. I seem to know your voice, or tones thereof, As they ring in my ear. — How old are you? Tis sixty years, and more, since I was born; And I have gathered wisdom through my years. (Aside.) It cannot be. 'Tis but a foolish thought ; But there seemed in his voice some tones I know; And through my brain there flashed the thought; — But, no, it cannot be. He's much too old. (To Simon.) 226 ROMANTIC DRAMAS I'll test your power. What can you tell to me ? Simon. The past, if you desire. Miriam. I'm not a child To be entrapped by such a cheap device. "Why, any fool or knave, can tell the past ; For that is known or writ and may be learned By trickery or by a servant's aid; But who the future tells, and tells it true, Why he's a seer, that's fit to serve a king. Simon. 'Tis that I seek, to be seer to a king; And that I may be judged I come to you. Miriam. You come to me! Why, I know all the tricks Of ev'ry necromancer in this place. What is your trick? Simon. I deal not in chicane. The sages of the Bast, Egyptian priests, Have wrested Nature's secrets from her grasp, And I have learned from them. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 227 Miriam. What have you learned ? "What is the Eastern juggle that you know? 'Twill be a clever trick that humbugs me. Simon. I have a globe of glass, wherein is shown To ev'ry one his future or his past. Miriam. Bah, bah! You'd have me think that you can see All that will hap to all the world. Simon. Not so. I can see naught for you, nor you for me; For in this globe one sees what's in his soul, And nothing else. Each life, from birth to death, In all its details is completely planned, And of that plan each soul has cog- nizance, But cannot, without aid, this knowl- edge stamp Upon the sluggish brain; my globe does that. Who looks within my glass will noth- ing see 228 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam, Simon. Miriam. Save what will hap to hiin, save what is hid Within his inmost soul. Miriam. If I should look ?- Simon. You'll see naught of the future or the past. Save what pertains to you. If I should look 111 only see my life. 'Tis wondrous strange, More like a miracle than life — if true. "Where is this glass? 'Tis in the outer room. Let it be brought! (Simon moves to rear, opens curtains, two men roll in large glass globe mounted on tripod, having wheels; they roll the globe which is covered with a cloth to centre front; the two men exeunt at rear.) (Aside.) What can this trickster know About my plans? Simon. (Removing cloth.) Think well before you look ; For Fate is cruel, oftener than kind, And what must be is oft not what we wish. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 229 Miriam. Know you your future, pictured in your glass? Simon. One needs must look, and wish, or else the. glass Is but an opaque mass. It is the wish, That makes the pictures, lurking in the soul, Take on reality within the glass. I've never dared to wish. 'Twould kill all hope To know what 's hidden in the future 's womb ; And, if there 's naught of hope, if one must think There's nothing that the future will bring forth, Then life is death. I would not lose all hope; So I 've ne 'er looked. Miriam. He has a timid soul, "Who dares not know what will the future bring, Be it or weal or woe. I'll try your globe. Go yonder! None shall look within the glass, Save me, when is disclosed my future life. 230 i ROMANTIC DRAMAS (Simon retires to rear—Miriam looks at glass.) Perhaps 'tis, as he says, a risky act To probe the future, but 'tis risky too To meet the future all unknown.— 1 11 try. I wish to know, I wish to know my end. (Looking in glass.) A gloomy cloud sweeps swiftly o'er the scene. Ah, now I come in view.— -Who is that man, "Whose back alone I see ? "With naked sword He springs at me. No, no ! It cannot be! Murdered! such an end! It can- not be ! Yet 'tis my body lying there, inert, With blood aflow. (Covers eyes with hands.) Enough! I'd see no more. (Removes hands.) Now gloomy clouds again obscure the glass. The end ! Is it the end ? can it be ROMANTIC DRAMAS 231 Simon. Miriam. Simon. That I must die so soon, that I must die While life is full of charm, while life is love ! I'll not believe. There is some trick in it. 'Tis necromancy, ay, 'tis a deceit. Why looked I in his glass that he might play His tricks on me, as if I were a child?— How can I know if 'tis reality, That 'tis the future he has shown to me? His globe can mimic what is in his thought. {To Simon.) Come here! {Simon advances.) {Pointing to globe.) This tells not truth. The globe can show Naught save what's in the soul. Would you have proof As positive as from an oracle? Yes, I'd have proof. If I the past can show, The hidden past, that none save you can know, 232 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam. Simon. Miriam. Simon. Miriam. "Will that be proof? 'T would be the best of proof. Ask what yon will. Then picture in your globe What hap'd upon this spot before yon came. "Wish it with all the power of yonr will: Then look. If 'tis not pictured in the glass Then is my globe a cheat. Go back! Go back! I would not have you here. (Simon retires to rear.) I wish, I wish To see the nearest past (looks in glass) . He comes! He comes! The best of all! That is the best of all; For Charos kneels beseeching at my feet. I raise him with my hand. His eyes meet mine, And I am in his arms. His kiss again Is warm upon my lips. I almost feel His bosom throb against my breast once more ROMANTIC DRAMAS 233 In sweet caress of love. His heart is mine. And I — There's naught of life save in his love. My soul's in ecstasy. — 0, cruel glass! The clouds sweep o'er its face, and he has gone. 'Twas like a midnight dream.- — Yet I would wish That moment, when his kiss was on my lips, Might last fore'er (drops in a chair). (To Simon.) Come here again! Simon. (Advancing.) My globe, Has it shown what you asked? Miriam. I've seen the past For which I asked. What it has shown to me Surpasses all belief. Take it away. I would no more of it. Simon. (Covering globe.) But will you say Unto his Majesty that I am fit To be seer to a king? Miriam. What I can do, I'll gladly do. Simon. I thank you for that word, For I would wish to be seer at this Court. 234 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam. (Rising.) Take it away ! (Simon claps hands. Two servants enter at rear, and advance to globe.) It grates upon my nerves. I would not have it here. Take it away! (Servants roll off globe at rear.) (To Simon.) Go, go! I've things that press upon my brain, That must be done. (Servants, followed by Simon, exeunt at rear.) (Looking after them.) Why did I tempt my fate? "Why did I look within his mystic globe ? That end! That end! 0, if that be my end ! Curtain. ACT V. Scene. — Same as Act IV. (Miriam enters at left.) Miriam. Lydia. Miriam. Lydia. Miriam. (Sol., looking at dial.) The shadow on the dial scarcely moves. If Charos would but come we'd haste away. This place has almost hateful grown to me. (Bell rings.) Can that be Charos now? Come in! (Enter Lydia at rear — to Lydia.) What now? The princess Nerea is at your door. The princess Nerea! What wishes she With me? I know not, save that she has sent A message that she'd wish to call on you. (Aside.) 235 236 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Some trick perchance ! Can she have seen or guessed Aught of our plans ? Still I had bet- ter know. {To Lydia.) Let her come in. {Exit Lydia at rear— Enter Nerea at rear.) "What would you have with me ? You dare not try again to bear me hence. Nerea. Nor have I such design. Miriam. Your myrmidons I see not hanging round the outer door, Like greedy hounds, a-watching for their prey. I've come alone. What for? I've come to ask That you will give to me the man I love. Ah, that's your wish. For that you come to me. If animals had memory as brief As humans have, we'd rightly call them dull. Nerea. I am a princess born, and yet I beg, Nerea. Miriam. Nerea. Miriam. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 237 I beg of you who yesterday was naught, Because I love, and I'd endure all shame . To win back to my side the man I love. Miriam. The man you love! Why, you know naught of love. The greedy passion, that your breast inflames, To hold a man bound fast, that is not love. Love comes we know not whence, oft like the flash, That flames across the sky; it stays a while, Or long or short; sometimes it bides fore 'er, Sometimes a scanty hour; and, if it goes, It swiftly flits away we know not where. If it be true it hugs the fireside, As closely as the purring cat ; if false 'Tis like a bird that hovers o'er our heads, The while it sings, then soars, far up the blue. 238 ROMANTIC DRAMAS You cannot bind love fast; it's free as air. You cannot hold it, if it choose to go. Nerea. If you would leave him free, if you'd refrain From seeking to enchant, he would return. Miriam. Believe it not, for, if you'd filled his heart, His eyes would not have wandered from your face. The nesting bird seeks not another mate. Nerea. I pray you give me back my lover's love. Miriam. I could not, if I would, give you his love; I would not, if I could. Nerea. Then he is lost. (Bell rings.) Miriam. Come in! (Enter Lydia at rear.) Lydia. The Captain of the guard awaits. Miriam. Bid him come in. (Exit Lydia at rear.) (To Nerea.) If Charos, as you say, Your lover is, take him away with you. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 239 (Enter Charos at rear, advances.) (To Charos.) That you should come so opportunely here, Seems wondrous strange, yet Fate oft plays such tricks. The princess Nerea is here, you see. She'd have your love, and she has come to me. Nerea. I've come to one, who's not a friend to me. Miriam. Nor makes pretence to be. {To Charos.) You should reply, Not I, to her demand. Nerea. I've come to her, And have abased myself. A princess born I've, for my love, so far forgot my state That I 've a dancer begged Miriam. (Interrupting.) Who haps to be The Empress of the East. Nerea. (To Charos.) I only ask That I may have your love, whate'er her state. A little while ago — a little while And yet it seems as if long years had passed, 240 ROMANTIC DRAMAS You loved me, Charos. We were soon to wed, As soon as passed my mourning for my sire; But now you are so cold, so changed, so strange. Charos. I pray you pardon me; I did not know ; — There's naught else I can say. I am to blame. Nerea. You do not love me then ? Charos. Pray, pardon me; But I would say no word that might offend ; Yet what I thought was love was never love. Nerea. Another has stepped in between us twain, And stolen happiness that should be mine, And there she stands. Miriam. I've uttered not a word, Nor would I now, save to repel at- tack. I've stolen naught, naught taken that was yours. You've boasted that you are a princess born. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 241 Nerea. Charos. Miriam. Nerea. Charos. Miriam. Charos. Think you that it becomes a princess born To sue a man for love ? ( To Charos. ) Is it the end ? I pray you pardon me. My love for you, If ever it was love, is dead. Is dead ! {Moving towards rear.) In truth then 'tis the end, and you are lost. {Exit Nerea at rear.) There's need for haste. No moment must we lose. A slighted woman's wrath will stop at naught. She scarcely knows herself what she will do, Nor cares about results. Let's go at once. I found a boat, whose snowy, flapping sails Were eager for the breeze. Her cap- tain came, Here to the palace for permit to sail, And, while he waits his turn, I hur- ried here Lest you might grow afraid. 242 , ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam. I nothing fear, Now that your love is mine. Charos. You're ready then? Miriam. I'm ready now, or whensoe'er you please. Charos. I will the captain aid, and then re- turn. Have patience till I come. (Exit Charos at rear.) Miriam. (Sol.) This dignity, This luxury of life, and pomp, and power, This palace home, with all its wealth of art, The things that fill a woman's heart with joy, For which she yearns, for which she '11 sacrifice All else except her life, I must give up. And yet why not ? To live a fettered slave, However bright the chains — that is not life. To live, to love, to be beloved, that's all. If I could make a heaven to my taste, 'Twould be eternal youth, eternal love. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 243 Farewell, ye gilded toys! I give you up For him. — His love to me is ev'ry- thing.— Come when you will, my love, I'll be prepared. (Exit Miriam at left.) (Enter Emperor and Nerea at rear, advance.) Emperor. What is this tale ? Nerea. The Captain of your guard Emperor. (Interrupting.) "What, Charos? Why, I brought him to my Court At your express request. Nerea. Would you had not. Emperor. Well, tell the rest. Nerea. The Captain of your guard Has now become the lover of your queen. Emperor. Tut, tut! Your fancies have be- witched your brain, And now you dream. Nerea. They'll meet here in this hour, And you can see their acts. Emperor. How know you that? Nerea. I 've bribed one of her maids. Emperor. How could she know? 244 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Nerea. She overheard their words. Emperor. A servant's guess. Besides the Captain is in love with you. That was your tale. Nerea. He was in love with me, But is no more, for she has won his love. Emperor. Ah, as I thought, a little jealousy. 'Tis but a foolish thought that fills your brain, The idle fancy of a jealous girl. One gives not all for naught. A wom- an e'en, Though foolish as most of her sex, would know Enough of life to hold fast to a throne ; For women are more plentiful than thrones. And so your tale is scarcely credible. Nerea. And you would gladly put the tale aside, Because a woman has obsessed your wits, And you would fain have faith, be- cause she's fair, As is the way of men. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 245 Emperor. Nerea. Emperor. Nerea. Emperor, Nerea. Emperor. And you'd adjudge Her false, because she's fair. Tis woman 's way. You dare not put my story to the test. Why not? You know the secret corridor, That yonder window lights? {Pointing to window at rear.) Of course I know. 'Twas built that I unseen might watch this room. I did not know that you had found the way Into the secrets of that corridor ; But what is there a woman will not seek, If it be but a secret ? Come with me, And, through that window, look into this room, And you will see the story I have told Is not the idle fancy of a girl. I'll go, and see the real impeach your dreams. {Exeunt both at rear.) {Bell heard; then Lydia enters at rear; she looks around, crosses stage and exit at left. Enter from left 246 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Miriam with cloak on her arm,, fol- lowed by Lydia; Miriam throws cloak on a chair.) Miriam. Some one, you say, desires to see me here. Lydia. The necromancer, whom you saw be- fore. Miriam. "What wishes he ? Lydia. He says that he has news Of great import. Miriam. (Aside.) Can it be possible That he knows aught? (To Lydia.) Well, let him enter here! (Exit Lydia at rear.) He can know naught. There's noth- ing in the tricks Of these soothsayers, save deceit. (Enter Simon disguised at rear door.) Come in! What would you have? I've scanty time to give, And none to waste upon your foolish- ness. (Simon beckons to two men outside, and they enter at rear, and stand near the door.) No, no; I do not wish to see your globe. ROMANTIC DRAMAS 247 If you have other business let me know, And let me go my way. {Simon advances, removes wig, beard, and glasses from eyes.) Simon. Look, Miriam! Miriam. So after all it's you. A serpent garbed In a new skin! My ears outstripped my eyes. Simon. I eome from Egypt. Miriam. Always worthless folk Come home again. Simon. You're wrong. By chance I saved The life of Egypt's priest, and in his home I am a welcome guest, and in his land I'm held in high esteem. Miriam. In high esteem ! Well, here you're not esteemed, and you may go To Egypt and your priest, where you're esteemed. Simon. I will go back again ; but I have come To take you with me to my chosen land. Miriam. Me, me! You've eaten of the lotus fruit, 248 ROMANTIC DRAMAS Until you dream the wild, fantastic dreams That lotus-eaters know. Simon. You do me wrong. I 've yearned for you wherever I have gone, As yearns the trav'ler for his child- hood's home. You're far more beautiful than when I left. The pomp of power, the luxury of life, The royal garb, fit for your state, all tend To make more tempting all your love- liness ; And I would have you for my own again. Miriam. Go, go! I would not look upon your face, Your hated face. Simon. You loved me, Miriam, When we were wed. Miriam. As if one could love you ! You are a cur, the vilest wretch e'er born. You sold me for a price, and now you come, ROMANTIC DRAMAS 249 Because I am in power, to vex my ears With loathsome words. Why, if it were a choice Between the wretch that dwells in lowest hell, In scorpions twined, and scarred with loathsome sores, And you, I'd choose that denizen of hell. Begone ! There 's some one waits. Simon. Your lover waits ; And he shall wait fore 'er, for you are mine. I'll pay him back his price, and end his claim. You are no empress. Your divorce holds not; 'Twas a device, and you are still my wife. When I pay back the price you're mine again. My slaves are here, and they shall bear you hence. (Simon advances to her and grasps her left wrist; Miriam strikes him in the face with her right hand.) Miriam. You cur ! I '11 put a mark upon your face, 250 ROMANTIC DRAMAS That, if you had a drop of valiant blood Within your veins, would scorch you till your death. (Simon beckons his men, who ad- vance.) (Calling loudly,) Help, help! Charos. (Enters at rear hastily.) What ho, the guard, the guard ! (Charos advances; Simon drops Miri- am' } s wrist and draws his sword; Charos attacks Simon, who defends himself ; soldiers enter and attack and disarm Simon' } s two men; after a short struggle Charos stabs Simon with his sword; Simon falls against a table with sword still in his hand; Charos draws back; Miriam ad- vances close to Simon.) Miriam. (Sarcastically. ) There 's death writ in your eyes, upon your lips! I did not think you had the heart to stand Before a man. Yet e ? en a cur will turn When driven to the wall. You'll go alone ROMANTIC DRAMAS 251 To Egypt or elsewhere. What, not dead yet ! (Simon suddenly straightens up, and drives his sword through her body, and then falls to the ground dead. She puts hand to breast.) The glass ! The glass ! It is the end, the end ! (Miriam falls to the ground; Charos kneels down, and raises her in his arms; enter Emperor and Nered at rear.) Charos. Speak, Miriam, I beg ! Miriam. (Convulsively.) It is the end! (Miriam dies in arms of Charos.) Emperor. What means this frightful scene? (Pointing to Simon's body.) Who is that wretch? (To Charos.) You hold the Empress in your arms! Charos. (Looking up — sadly.) She's dead. (Charos and Miriam at centre front, he kneeling and her body resting in his arms; Simon's body on floor at left front; Emperor and Nered at right front; guards in charge of Si- mon's men at rear.) Curtain. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iiiiiiiiiiiii 016 235 866 2 ■<