UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES MARY OF MAGDALA MARY OF MAGDALA AN HISTORICAL AND ROMANTIC DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS THE ORIGINAL IN GERMAN PROSE BY PAUL HEYSE THE TRANSLATION FREELY ADAPTED AND WRITTEN IN ENGLISH VERSE BY WILLIAM WINTER " Whereto serves mercy, But to confront the image of offence ? And what's in prayer, but this two-fold force, To be forestalled ere we come to fall, Or pardoned, being down ? Then I'll look up : My fault is past." SHAKESPEARE. THE MACMILLAN COMPANY LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., LTD. 1903 All rights reserved Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the years 1902 and 1903, by HARRISON GREY FISKE, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. All rights reserved. Set up, electrotyped, and published, September, 1903. NOTICE AND WARNING. This play is fully protected by the Copyright Law, all requirements of which have been complied with. In its present printed form it is dedicated to the reading public only, and no performance of it can be given without the permission in writing of HARRISON GREY FISKE, Manhattan Theatre, New York. Nortooott !rrss J. S. Gushing & Co. Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. r i M 3 1 IAJ r PREFACE It is suggested to the readers and spectators of the drama of " Mary of Magdala " that it aims to depict a fanciful state of facts and circumstances, such as might have existed anterior to the establishment of Christianity, at a time when Jesus of Naza- reth around whom, although he is not introduced, the action circulates was viewed exclusively as a man, and had not yet, in the eyes of any considerable number of persons, been invested with a sacred character. The picture of his personality that has been made in these imaginary scenes might seem sacrilegious, if this point of view were ignored. The allusions to him, under the various designations of Preacher, Prophet, Nazarene, etc., by Caiaphas, the High Priest of Jerusalem, by Flavius, the young Roman soldier, and by Judas, here presented as a Hebrew patriot, are such as might naturally be made, by different orders of men, with reference to a being hitman like themselves, and not, to their minds, in any sense divine ; and, accordingly, these allusions should not be misconstrued as intending to dis- parage a Christian ideal. The defection of Judas from his leader is ascribed to loss of faith in that leaders ability and purpose forcibly to free the Jews from bondage to Rome, while his subsequent betrayal of that leader is attributed to frenzied rage, Judas and Mary of Magdala having been lovers, and Mary, in her contrition and in her practical regeneration, hav- ing broken that alliance, repudiated him, and given her heart to Heaven. The tendency of the drama, in the English form, as here printed, while telling a romantic story of action and depict- 5 6 PREFACE ing aspects of Hebrew life in ancient Jerusalem, is to diffuse an influence of charity and to suggest the celestial victory of a human soul, triumphant over sin and sorrow, through belief in Divine goodness. Tlie German original upon a rough, literal trans- lation of which the present play has been built is human and compassionate in spirit ; but it is neither poetical nor spiritual, and, in some particulars, it lacks refinement. /Its exposition of the Jteroine^s sJtame is somewhat needlessly specific and ample', its portrayal of Flavius, the young Roman lover, is carnal and coarse ; and it makes the motive of Judas not only the fanatical resentment of a disappointed patriot, but the sensual jealousy of a discarded paramour. In its original form it would have proved offensive ; in fact, it could not have been presented/ The present adaptation, which was first written in prose and then rewritten in verse, presents the component parts of the original; but, in its treatment of them, it follows a free course, making essential modifications, alike in the structure, the character, and the tone, and resulting in a paraphrase. Upon a first reading of the German drama it seemed impracticable for the English stage ; but a later study of it prompted the thought that, since the subject represented by the Magdalen has, whether for good or evil, become a stock theme in theatrical composition and almost continually recurrent on the stage, a salutary influence might, perhaps, be diffused by utilizing this fabric in a modified form ; showing this representative type of degraded womanhood as a repentant sinner, and indicating without either a specious embellishment of vicious life or a sentimental appeal to maudlin sympathy the only refuge, comfort, and hope that tJie penitent can ever find. The introduction of this play to the English-speaking stage is due to the confident judgment and resolute purpose of Mr. Har- PREFACE 7 rison Grey Fiske who early perceived its dramatic as well as ethical vahie, and never doubted its practical worth and to the intrepid spirit and fine interpretative instinct and facility of Mrs. Fiske who brought to the impersonation of its principal character a profound sympathy with human suffering, an acute sensibility, and authentic emotional force. The play, in its Eng- lish form, was first acted on October 23, 1902, at Milwaukee', it reached Chicago on October 27 ; and on November 19 it was pre- sented in New York, at the Manhattan Theatre, where it held its course, in ample public favor, till February 28, 1903, when Mrs. Fiske took it on a tour, which is still in progress. W. W. New Brighton, Staten Island, New York. June 18, 1903. " The Jews, . . . animated with a fiercer zeal and a more jealous faith, perceived the gradual separation of their Nazarene brethren from the doctrine of the synagogue, and they would gladly have extinguished the dangerous heresy in the blood of its adherents" "We may learn from Josephus (" Antiquitat." xviii.3), that the pro- curator ship of Pilate corresponded with the last ten years of Tiberius, A.D, 2"j3J. As to the particular time of the death of Christ, a very early tradition fixed it to the 25 'th of March, under the consulship of the two Gemini" " From the reign of Nero to that of Antoninus Pius the Jews discov- ered a fierce impatience of the dominion of Rome, which repeatedly broke out in the most furious massacres and insurrections. . . . The enthusiasm of the Jews was supported by the opinion that it was unlaw- ful for them to pay taxes to an idolatrous master, and by the flattering promise, which they derived from their ancient oracles, that a conquer- ing Messiah would soon arise, destined to break their fetters and to invest the favorites of heaven with the empire of the earth" " The Jews were a nation; the Christians were a sect. . . . By embracing the faith of the Gospel the Christians incurred the supposed guilt of an unnatural and unpardonable offence" GIBBON. " One fatal remembrance, one shadow that throws Its bleak shade alike o'er our joys and our woes ; To which life nothing darker nor brighter can bring, For which joy hath no balm, and affliction no sting." MOORE. " Man-like is it to fall into sin, Fiend-like is it to dwell therein, Christ-like is it for sin to grieve, God-like is it all sin to leave" From the " Sinngedichte " of FRIEDRICH VON LOGAU, Translated by LONGFELLOW. " What shall 1 do to live aright? My life is wrong; I feel it so : I bear about a muffled woe, I perish with a nameless blight . . . This is my sorrow day and night . . . My life is wrong ! My life is wrong ! What shall I do to make it right ? " RICHARD HENRY STODDARD. "Pilgrim, burdened with thy sin, Come the way to Zton's gate ! There, till Mercy let thee in, Knock, and weep, and watch, and wait! Knock he hears the sinner's cry ! Weep he heeds the mourner's tear ! Watch for saving grace is nigh ! Wait till Heavenly Love appear ! " " Sir Eustace Grey," CRABBK. " For, though seduc'd, and led astray, Thotfst travelled far and wander 1 d long, Thy God hath seen thee, all the way, And all the turns that led thee wrong." " The Hall of Justice," CRABBE. Mary of Magdala ACT I PERSONS REPRESENTED CAIAPHAS. High Priest of Jerusalem. AULUS FLAVIUS. A Roman nobleman and soldier, nephew to PONTIUS PILATE, and employed, under Pilate, in the Roman consular service at Jerusalem. QUINTUS. Secretary to FLAVIUS. HARAN. A young Syrian, a native of Sidon, visiting Jerusalem as a traveller and the guest of CAIAPHAS. JOTHAM. A profligate young Hebrew. JOAB. Son of CAIAPHAS, dedicated to the priesthood, companion to JOTHAM. GAMALIEL. A young priest, attendant on CAIAPHAS. JUDAS OF KERIOTH. A Hebrew patriot. SIMON. An old Hebrew; a convert to Christianity. ENOS. A friend of SIMON. MACRO. Steward to FLAVIUS. MARY OF MAGDALA. RACHEL. An elderly Hebrew woman, attendant on MARY. MIRIAM. A young Hebrew woman, at first servant to FLAVIUS, after- ward to SIMON. A TORCH-BEARER. Attendant on FLAVIUS. Roman Soldiers, Hebrew Priests, Men and Women of Jerusalem, Jews, Christians, Egyptian Dancing Girls, etc. PERIOD OF THE DRAMA : The reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, who was born B.C. 42 and died A.D. 37 reigning from A.D. 14 to A.D. 37. The scene of the play is Jerusalem. 12 ACT I TIME: Evening SCENE: A room in the house of MARY OF MAGDALA, at Jerusalem The room should be spacious and handsome. A wide door- way at back, draped and partly covered with a rich, heavy curtain. A dimly lighted anteroom, visible through this doorway, with a door, C., opening to the street. A door L. and a door R. Down at L., a couch. Op- posite, at R., a low table and a cushioned seat. On table a jug of wine, several wine-cups, and a dish con- taining oranges, dates, and figs. Several low seats, placed against the walls. Three lamps, each on a ped- estal. RACHEL is discovered. Enter MARY, L. MARY Another day, and yet no word of him. RACHEL I ever thought that he would bring you grief. Once you were gay, and this house rang with music : The proudest of Jerusalem came here, And he that gain'd your smile was crown'd a prince : Then came dark Judas and all this was chang'd. MARY No one has seen him ; no one hears of him. 14 MARY OF MA CD ALA RACHEL He might have sent some token of remembrance : He would have done so, had his heart been true. MARY Perhaps he thinks such love as mine is humble. He will be wiser, should we meet again. He has been lifted high ; the worse his fall. RACHEL Not fair to see, and neither kind nor merry ! And yet for him the doors are closed to all, Even to your oldest friends. MARY Base flatterers ! Friends ? I am weary of their foolish faces, Their scented robes, their empty compliments, Their idle chatter and their hollow vows. Judas, I know, was passionate and rough ; There was in him the spirit of a man : He loved me or, at least, he made me think so. RACHEL Boasters are ever liberal with words. MARY He did not boast ; he did not cringe and flatter. His soul with hatred burned against the Roman. MARY OF MAGDALA 15 Haughty and harsh he was a man of pride : That I could pardon. But all this must cease. This my last folly ! I'll be no man's dupe. Fool that I was, to dream of faithful love, Or think a lover could be true to me ! \_Knocking at door of 'anteroom .] RACHEL Perhaps he comes at last. MARY I will not see him. No one shall enter. Bar the door to all. [RACHEL goes hastily into anteroom. The door is thrown open, and enter, hurriedly, JOTHAM, JOAB, and HARAN. JOTHAM is boisterous with drink; JOAB, foolishly tipsy; HARAN, sober. They rudely thrust RACHEL aside and come forward, leaving the door open.~\ JOTHAM {To RACHEL.] Night-owl, begone ! We seek the nightingale. Where is thy beauteous mistress ? Where our queen ? RACHEL [ Opposing him.~] This is no wine-shop. Brawlers come not here. [JOTHAM passes RACHEL and approaches MARY.] 1 6 MARY OF MAGDALA JOTHAM Hail, Star of Magdala ! Are friends forgotten ? And old friends, too ? Do you not know me, Mary ? MARY I know you well : Jotham, the infamous, Whom no man trusteth but to be betrayed, Nor woman neither. Nothing is forgot JOTHAM [ With ribald laughter.] No man forgets Mary of Magdala ! Night after night, tossing in fevered sleep, I see her image, fair and terrible ! Princess of Israel, I am shrunk with pining. By Zion's light, I had not dared to come MARY [Interrupting him.'] Out of my sight, and never let me see Thy hateful face again ! HARAN Fair lady, pardon JOTHAM I say I had not dared to brave thy wrath, But for this friend of ours, this traveller, Come from afar to see thee. MARY OF MAGDALA I? HARAN And who hopes To win, at least, forgiveness of intrusion. MARY This is my house, and I command you, leave it ! JOTHAM [Sitting on couch] Did I not say so, Haran ? Fair as Esther, And proud as Sheba's queen, is our sweet Mary ! How like you beauty rampant in a storm ? Behold her wrath is a consuming fire, But only such a one as kisses quench. \To JOAB, who has come to the table and has seized a wine-cup] Let it alone ! Thou hast thy fill already. That cup, O Joab, is not set for thee, But for some better man, more fortunate, Than is the son of Israel's High Priest. JOAB \At table, with drunken gravity.] Israel is an empty vine, saith the prophet Hosea. Yea, verily ; yet her grapes are sweet, saith Joab, the son of Caiaphas. [JOAB potirs wine and drinks it.~\ 1 8 MARY OF MAGDALA JOTHAM Heed him not, Mary ! One more draught like that, And this young cub will lull himself to sleep. But, for this noble stranger HARAN [Interrupting] Hush, good friend ! Let us withdraw : we are not welcome here. JOTHAM [Rising.] Gaze on him, Mary. Sidon is his home ; Friend of the High Priest of Jerusalem ; Learn'd in the Law and sapient in counsel ; Possessing vineyards, olive trees, and ships. To-night he boasted of the Sidon women, Whom he declared the loveliest of the earth. Then said I unto him, ' Thou knowest nothing : Thou hast not seen the Star of Magdala ! Thou shalt behold a wonder ! I will show her.' JOAB [Incoherently] Let none deal treacher reacher ously against the wife of his youth saith saith the prophet Malachi saith Mary of Magdala [To HARAN] say thou what she is, thou golden ass of Sidon thou sober sot ! MARY OF MAGDALA 19 HARAN [Anxiously.] We will depart. I humbly crave your pardon, That in such company I have intruded. MARY You are a stranger, sir, and not to blame : But go with them, if you would have my pardon. JOTHAM Banish not Fortune, Mary ! Drive not forth This Prince of Sidon, bearing sacks of gold ! For every kiss of thine he would give pearls ! MARY Peace, ribald wretch ! Shameless and infamous ! JOAB [Maudlin.] We have not hearkened to his voice, neither have we walked in his paw law saith Hab hab bek buk bak saith Zephaniah and the house of Jacob shall be a fire, saith the prophet Obadiah yet have mercy on thy servant, for he is sore very sore afflicted. [JOAB falls.] MARY This is an outrage. [ To RACHEL] Rouse the neigh- borhood ! Call in the watch ! [RACHEL goes to door in anteroom .] 20 MARY OF MAGDALA HARAN Come, Jotham, come away ! JOTHAM We are departing, Mary. Fare thee well. Our hearts are broken, but we'll keep our heads. But one cup, fairest ! [He goes to table, pours wine into cup, and drinks. .] Just a parting pledge ! [To JOAB, who is prostrate^ Child of the Prophet, dost thou hug the earth ? Watchman of Zion, art thou weary grown ? Up, slothful saint ! Up, pious sluggard ! Up ! JOAB Turn me not about ; I would be peaceful. HARAN Help me to raise him, Jotham ! Let's begone i [HARAN and JOTHAM assist JOAB to rise.] RACHEL [At door.] Watch! Watch! Help! Help! [FLAVIUS, attended by a Torch-bearer with a lighted torch, appears in open doorway.] FLAVIUS Who calls so loud for help ? In your own house, who is it that affrights you? [To MARY.] MARY OF MAGDALA 21 MARY \_Pointing to JOTHAM and his companions^ We do not fear the thing that we despise. FLAVIUS [ Contemptuously^ And who are these bold warriors with a woman? JOTHAM And who are you ? A Roman, by your dress : But here your privilege will avail you nothing. You can command us in the public streets, Not in our homes : we still are masters there. FLAVIUS \Drawing his sword.~\ Your homes ? Your proper home is in some kennel. This is the house of Mary of Magdala : Leave it or else my sword shall drive you from it ! HARAN We have no right here, Jotham ; we must yield. JOTHAM He draws his sword on men that have no weapons : A valiant champion, truly ! FLAVIUS Sots and ruffians ! The flat of the blade would do you too much honor. 22 MARY OF MAGDALA JOAB I warn thee, honest soldier, have a care. I am Joab, son of Caiaphas, the mighty my father is the High Priest what saith the prophet Zechariah deal gently be not like your fathers but turn to to me sweetest of Marys [JOAB totters, but is supported by HARAN.] HARAN Help me to lead him, Jotham. JOTHAM \To FLAVIUS.] Curse upon thee ! [ JOTHAM and HARAN assist JOAB, and the three go toward door in anteroom, where they pause.~\ And thou, fair serpent, virtuous hypocrite, \To MARY, with menace. ,] Scorning thy friends, to wile a Roman foe Thou shalt not be forgotten. FLAVIUS And bear me also in thy memory. He that hath scorn'd, this night, to shed thy blood, Is Aulus Flavius, nephew to Pontius Pilate, The Procurator of Jerusalem. MARY OF MA CD ALA 2$ JOTHAM \_Impudently ^\ Tell him he hath great Caesar for a nephew. [Exeunt JOTHAM, JOAB, and HARAN. [During the ensuing colloquy between MARY and FLA- vius, the Torch-bearer, attendant on FLAVIUS, is seen, at intervals, pacing to and fro in the street, in front of the open door^\ MARY I thank you, Aulus Flavius, for your help. Rachel, bring wine, and take away these cups. [MARY sits. RACHEL takes the cups that have been used, and goes out, Z.j FLAVIUS Tis I who should be thankful for this hour, Blessing the gods that Aulus Flavius Hath been of service, howsoever humble, To one so gracious and so beautiful. [RACHEL enters, L., while FLAVIUS is speaking, and places wine-cups and a flagon of wine on the table. She Jills a cup and brings it to FLAVIUS. He takes it and drinks. Loveliest of all the daughters of thy race ! [ Gives the cup to RACHEL, who places it on the table, and then, at a sign of dismissal from MARY, goes out, L.~\ 24 MARY OF MAGDALA MARY Again I thank you, Roman ; but with this My hospitality must end. No Roman Is welcome here. FLAVIUS I know it ; I have known it many a day ; And if you bid me go, I will depart. MARY [ With a sudden interest."} How do you know it? FLAVIUS Easily enough. Against my will, and with a heavy heart, I left my friends in Rome, my gay companions, My free and joyous life, so full of pleasure, And hither came, to bleak Jerusalem. My uncle, Pilate, procurator here, Wished me to serve the realm, beneath his eye, And, since I am his heir, I heed his wish. The change was bitter. In Jerusalem I found strange people, dark and hostile looks, Stern duties, and a weary weight of care. But I forget this land is yours you love it : Let me not speak one word to give offence. MARY You might have seen, Mary of Magdala Loves not all things around her, even though This be her home \bitterly\ if any home be hers. MARY OF MAG DA LA 2$ FLAVIUS I say I found a sombre people here, And worship of a hidden Deity That frowns on Rome and all the Roman gods ; And I grew sad and grim, like all around me. One twilight hour, walking in these dull streets, I saw a woman glorious like no other That ever in the world these eyes had seen ! Hebe in grace ! Juno in majesty ! Venus herself were not so beautiful. MARY Are there such women, then, in Israel ? FLAVIUS The stately figure moved, in loveliness ; Her rich hair floated carelessly, in curls, From under a light veil ; her dark, proud eyes Looked calmly onward, with a steadfast gaze That seemed to make a radiance all around her. Her lips were firmly closed, like one in thought. She saw not anything nor man, nor woman Though many turned to view her, as she passed, Men, with delight ; women with furtive scorn. And so she met me, passed me, and was gone. My eyes were dazzled and my heart stood still. When I could speak, I sought to know her name. MARY And then you heard 26 MARY OF MAGDALA FLAVIUS I heard the name of Mary Mary of Magdala : and then I heard \_He pauses.~\ MARY Why are you silent ? Nothing said of me Remains to me unknown. . . . And then you heard ? FLAVIUS Words that were flippant ; words that anger'd me. I'll not repeat them. Something of the past ; More of the present. All thy life, it seems, Is given up to luxury and pleasure. Thou hast had many suitors. All thy nights Fleet by with wine and music. MARY Even so. Did any tell you that I loved again ? FLAVIUS Thy proud eyes tell me now and tell me much : And surely thou canst understand the passion That ever since has flamed within my heart. Twice have I sought thy door, twice been repulsed. MARY 'Tis known I have no friendship for the Romans, The cruel tyrants that enslave my people. MARY OF MAGDALA 2? FLAVIUS And yet it well might please Judea's daughter To make a slave of one of those same tyrants. MARY That I might do to him as Jael did The wife of Heber unto Sisera ? FLAVIUS And what did Jael ? MARY As he lay in slumber She took a nail and drove it in his temples, So that he died. FLAVIUS By Jupiter, 'tis well Your doors were closed to me ! But, tell me, lady, Are deeds like that commended in your creed ? I'll not believe it though, indeed, I've heard Your Deity is one of wrath and vengeance. MARY I do not any longer seek the Temple For they would cast me out, sinner and wanton ! She must not look for pardon. There's no hope For her that once hath sinned. " An eye for an eye ! " Yet, if my heart be hardened, 'tis the lust And craft of man have made me what I am. 28 MARY OF MAGDALA FLAVIUS And hast thou then been wronged, and hast thou suffered ? MARY I know not why I should confide in you, A Roman and a stranger. But, I'm sad, And something tells me there's a change at hand, And you, I think, are mingled with my fate. Wrong was my portion, even from my childhood, And grief has walked with me for many a day. When I was scarce sixteen my parents sold me, Sold me, in marriage, to a profligate, A creature old in years, older in vice, Evil in all things, bestial and corrupt ; But he had wealth, and wealth, with them, was all ! Vainly I supplicated, vainly wept, Saying " I'll be a servant," " I will beg," " But sell me not to slavery and shame." FLAVIUS Thy lot was hard indeed. What then befell ? MARY Three years I bore it, loathing life itself. Then I could bear no more. I found a friend Who had compassion on my misery. We fled by night, here, to Jerusalem. With him I lived, concealed until, at last MARY OF MAGDALA 29 FLAVIUS He died ? And you were friendless ? MARY Worse than that ! When he had spent the money that I brought, He left me, helpless and in poverty. Then first I learned the wisdom of our King That everything on earth is vanity. The tenderness of parents for their children, That which they call the holiest of feelings, The love of man for woman, which they call The mightiest, They are as stubble in a raging flame, When set against the lust and treachery Of miserable man ! One thing alone is real, that I have found, Even because the lightest of all things, The frailest and the first to pass away. And yet 'tis potent to renew itself, Even as it dies. FLAVIUS The truest thing, because the most untrue ? MARY {With bitter levity^ Pleasure ! Unthinking and unheeding pleasure ! Careless, free-hearted mirth, that lives to-day, And takes no heed of any day but this ! 30 MARY OF MA CD ALA The reckless will to seize the instant joy; Only to feed the hunger of our senses ; Only to revel in the bliss of youth. FLAVIUS And thou art right for love is happiness, And happiness knows nothing but itself. MARY \With bitterness^ What word is that ? I've thought of happiness. It would be freedom from these wild desires, This strife between the senses and the soul, This self-contempt, this sinking at the heart With secret dread. It would be rest and peace. Such blessed comfort never will be mine : Frenzy of mirth is all that's left for me. Nothing in life is sacred, nothing true. FLAVIUS But is there no relief in friendship, Mary ? And hast thou never had even one true friend ? MARY One friend I had, and him I dearly prized. 'Twas not a common pleasure that he craved. His mind was full of high and noble thoughts. Ay ! and he hated Romans, and had died Sooner than bend the knee, even to Caesar ! MARY OF MAGDALA 31 For him I closed my doors against the world : For him I gave up all. He did not care. He, too, has left me. I can answer you : Friendship is also vain. FLAVIUS Then take my counsel and turn back to love! From the first moment when I saw thy face My heart has worshipped thee. Thou hast not learned yet how a Roman loves : Learn it of me. MARY [FLAVIUS rises."] Never ! No fellowship can any Roman have With Mary of Magdala ! . . . Thou hast been kind, And something in thee in thy face or voice Hath made me trust thee. . . . Now go thy ways, And all the goodness of thy gods go with thee ! [JuDAS appears in the doorway at the back, C., -visible in the light of the torch. He pauses for a moment and looks into the room; then he enters and comes quickly forward^ JUDAS \To MARY.] A Roman in this house ! Hast thou forgotten ? 32 MARY OF MAGDALA MARY Why should I not forget ? Thou hast given me time. FLAVIUS [Satirically.'} Is this, then, lady, thy heroic friend, Whose haughty spirit bends not to the Caesar ? \ JUDAS Insolent Roman ! Leave this house at once, Or FLAVIUS [ Contemptuously regarding JUDAS.] Am I then in present peril, sir ? JUDAS Thou hast a sword, and I am weaponless ; But what of that ? These hands shall conquer thee. FLAVIUS Judas of Kerioth not Maccabaeus ! Thou art no conqueror, Judas. [JUDAS rushes toward FLAVIUS. MARY quickly inter- poses^ MARY OF MAGDALA 33 MARY Peace ! I command you ! Let there be no brawling In my abode ! . . . Judas, this brave young soldier Stood between me and insult and I thank him. {To FLAVIUS.] How dost thou know him, Flavius ? FLAVIUS I seem to know him somewhat better, lady, Even than thou dost, calling him thy friend. Near to my dwelling lives an honest Jew, Named Simon, and his garden, next to mine, Is parted only by a narrow lane. Walking among my roses, I can see him, With his companions. Common men, they seem Men with coarse garments ; one of them a preacher, But him they honor, as he were a prince. I have been told he comes from Galilee. One of my menials, following in his train, Hath told me this. Another of his people, A man of dark and lowering countenance, A falcon among doves, she says, is Judas, Judas of Kerioth. MARY Here all this time Here, in the city, and hath kept himself Concealed from me. [JUDAS turns away, disturbed, but sullen and defiant^\ c 34 MARY OF MAGDALA FLAVIUS This is no hawk : this fowl is of the barnyard. Of those tame followers Judas is the tamest. He was a money-changer, at the Temple ; One day this preacher, out of Galilee, Came, with a whip, and set upon the hucksters, And scourged them from the Temple to the street. Then was the stall of Judas overturned, And all his silver scattered on the ground, Where beggars scrambled for it. MARY {To JUDAS.] Is this true ? FLAVIUS Your doughty friend is little like to tell How meekly he endured this ignominy ; How at the heels of his despoiler He slunk and cowered, following, like a dog, The man who beat and robb'd him. Do you marvel That I despise his threats, and will not go, At any bidding, from this place, but thine ? MARY {To FLAVIUS.] And now, once more, Flavius, I bid thee go. {To JUDAS.] Thou hearest, Judas, what is said of thee. MARY OF MAGDALA 35 FLAVIUS [As he goes toward door, C.~] Remember, Mary, all that I have said. The heart of Flavius is not one that changes. As to this Judas, If thou would'st see the preacher and his clan, Visit my dwelling. Any time be thine. Come when thou wilt. Thou shalt behold the brethren, And meek and lowly Judas in among them ; And every honor shall attend upon thee. And so, Farewell ! \_Exit FLAVIUS, through door at back, meeting his Torch- bearer, who attends him. After they have vanished, enter RACHEL, L. She goes to door at back, and closes it. Then she glances at MARY and JUDAS, and goes out, L. MARY sits on couch, R. JUDAS looks around uneasily, glancing at MARY. Pause. The scene slightly darkens. Low and solemn music, at distance ~\ JUDAS Why dost thou bend thy looks upon the ground ? Is this thy greeting, Mary, to thy lover ? MARY It always was my habit to look up, Whene'er I looked on Judas. Now, degraded, I must look for him in the dust. 36 MARY OF MAGDALA JUDAS Degraded ? Is it disgrace to tend upon a hero ? Had you but seen his face, when he despoil'd me, There at the Temple gate you would have known, Have comprehended, all ! So looks the hunter, striking down the lion ! I had no will, except to follow him ; To leave my home, my calling, even you, My best beloved ! His eyes compelled me and his power subdued ; His glory shrivelled all my spirit up, And changed me in an instant : what I was Became as nothing, underneath the glance That made me what I am his worshipper ! MARY Why not have told me, Judas ? JUDAS \_Moodily ^\ All is not clear : a cloud is on my mind. Those gentle souls, those humble followers, Are not like me ! No fire of stately race Burns in their veins, to think on Israel's fate Submission, degradation, slavery ! And yet he heeds me even less than them. Still he delays to strike, and still I rage To lift our banner and to save our people. Am I deceived ? . . . Idolatry and shame, Belief and doubt they struggle in my soul, MARY OF MAG D ALA 37 And this vain anguish makes a living hell, Where once there was a heaven of content With love and thee. MARY [Thoughtfully, half aside.'] I must behold him : I must know this man, Who hath such power both to bless and curse, JUDAS Be warned by me ! The radiance of thy beauty Would turn to darkness in his heavenly gaze. Woman is naught to him. If thou should'st see him, The blight of self -contempt would fall upon thee ; Scorn of the past and terror of the future ; The misery of infinite desire, Forever longing and forever baffled. Let us forget him, and be happy, Mary. We are together, Mary : thou art fair : And all my soul knows now is, that I love thee. MARY 'Tis a long time since thou hast thought of love : A weary time since thou hast turned to me. JUDAS I have been absent from Jerusalem, Following the prophet, where, in many places, He taught the people. But I tell thee, Mary, In all my wanderings, still my secret thoughts Were all of thee ! 55451 38 MARY OF MAGDALA Toiling, by day, along the dusty roads, Resting, by night, beneath the pitiless stars, Still, in despair, my heart has turned to thee, With all the longing passion of this hour. Thou, who hast taught me what it is to love And to be loved, Thy heart must surely tell thee what I suffer When I am parted from thee, and alone ! Whichever way I turn I see thy face ; In every wand'ring wind I hear thy voice ; Thy kisses seem to burn upon my lips. Mary, life has been one wild desire To feel thy arms around me once again ! And now, at last, when I have broke the chain That bound me to the prophet ; now, at last, When I have sought thee, Mary, nevermore To live without thee, all thy love is frozen ! But I will melt this ice. Without thee, Mary, 1 cannot live ! MARY [Bitterly] No more of this pretence ! Hast thou once named me to that holy man ? Hast thou once told him of a friend of thine, Long since cast out, despis'd, condemn'd, and scorn'd By all good men and women ? JUDAS [Defiantly] Why should I speak of thee ? Is he our judge ? Why should he know what this night's veil will cover ? MARY OF MAGDALA 39 MARY His gaze might pierce the veil ! And he might drive thee from his presence, Judas, When he should know JUDAS Mary! MARY Do not come near me. Bitter thoughts are mine, [MARY rises. ~] Seeing thee what thou art. My love is dead. Obey thy Master ! Go ! . And from this hour Let Mary be forgotten ! JUDAS I thought to find my refuge in those arms. What hath so changed thee ? MARY Our thoughts range far, and turn with every breeze. JUDAS So be it ; I will go : but I remember ! Thy heart was mine ? Thou hast no other hope. And one day thou wilt turn again to me, Seeking the love that thou dost banish now. [/for// JUDAS, rapidly, C. Pause. Silence. MARY stands, absorbed in thought^ 40 MARY OF M AGO ALA MARY Rachel ! [Enter RACHEL, Z.] To-morrow go, inquire, and bring me word Where dwells this Roman who was here but now. RACHEL The Roman, Flavius ! Lady, can it be That you will visit him ? [Pause. MARY makes no answer, but stands motionless. RACHEL goes out, L. Pause J] MARY \_Scornfully repeating the words of JUDAS.] ' His eyes compelled me and his power subdued ; His glory shrivelled all my spirit up, And changed me in an instant : what I was Became as nothing, underneath the glance That made me what I am his worshipper ! ' . . . I must behold this man of mystery. CURTAIN. ACT II ACT II SCENE : A room in the house of FLAVIUS At back a wide arcade, through which a spacious garden is visible. The trees and shrubbery must be Oriental, palms, olives, figs, cypress, etc. Platform at base of arcade, accessible by steps. Roman furniture, stately but simple. A bust of Augustus Ccesar, R., and a bust of Tiberius, L., each on a column. Door L. and door R., each draped with a curtain. Down stage, R., a table, on which are parchment scrolls and other writing materials ; also the sword of FLAVIUS. Chair at table. Several other chairs, conveniently disposed. FLAVIUS and QUINTUS are discovered. QUINTUS is seated at table, writing. FLAVIUS is pacing the floor and dictating letter. FLAVIUS \_DictatingI\ Thou knowest, my Fulvia, that I honor each wish of thine as a celestial command ; but how am I to write merry letters when my soul is in gloom ? I must play the hypocrite, singing glad songs, with a heart full of sorrow. Rather let my songs be mourn- ful, like those poor Ovid, in his banishment, sent back to Rome, for then they will tell the truth. Much of my occupation is to write the letters that my uncle, Pontius Pilate, sends to Caesar. As for the women, of whom thou art curious, I have seen but one that 43 44 MARY OF MAGDALA Fulvia might deign to heed. Yet be not jealous, for she, like all the women of Jerusalem, is scornful of the Romans. \_Enter, Z., MACRO.] Speak, fellow ! MACRO Thy servant, Miriam, the Hebrew woman, Would beg of thee. FLAVIUS Admit her. \Exit MACRO, Z. QUINTUS gives scroll to FLAVIUS.] ' Thy faithful Aulus.' [ Glancing at scroll.'] Ay, that will do. [Fas fens the scroll. Enter MIRIAM, Z.] Give this to Sextus. Let it go to Rome, By the first messenger. [QUINTUS takes the scroll and goes out, L. MIRIAM kneels before FLAVIUS and tries to carry the hem of his toga to her lips."} FLAVIUS Rise, Miriam. What would you ask of me ? MIRIAM Heaven grant thee many years ! Thou art just and kind. [She rises."] MARY OF MAGDALA 45 FLAVIUS What hast thou to complain of, in my service ? MIRIAM Far be it from me ever to complain. Thou art most kind. Thy servants do not mock me, Even when I leave their table, as commanded By Israel's law. Yet do I beg of thee To be released from service. FLAVIUS And hast thou found a better service, Miriam ? More richly paid ? Speak freely. I'll not hold thee, At any disadvantage. MIRIAM The holy man, the Nazarene, who comes To teach the people, in thy neighbor's garden FLAVIUS Well, what of him ? Hath he a service for thee ? MIRIAM Often thou hast permitted me to hear him. They say he will be king in Israel, Blessing the poor and making all men happy. I do not understand but, 'tis new life To hear his voice and to see his face. And now he has done so great a thing for me, So wonderful 46 MARY OF MAGDALA FLAVIUS Be brief. Speak on, and plainly. MIRIAM I have a son. Sickly he was, from birth ; Walking with crutches. Yesterday the prophet Laid hands upon him, saying, ' Rise and walk ; ' And in that very moment was he healed, Throwing away his crutches. And he rushed hither, wild with joy, to tell me. FLAVIUS [Playfully.] Good tidings ! And a wondrous cure, indeed ! But what dost thou desire for thyself ? MIRIAM [Kneeling] To leave all worldly service, for his sake ! By day and night to serve but only him. That is my prayer. FLAVIUS Thy prayer is granted ; thou art free to go. MIRIAM {Rising] Blessing upon thee ! Morning and evening shall the prayers of Miriam Be said, for her kind lord. MARY OF MAGDALA 47 FLAVIUS So fare thee well. Quintus shall give thee money. \_Exit MIRIAM, Z.] FLAVIUS \_Alone. Playfully^ Now might I cousel my grim uncle, Pilate, To seek, from this same wonder-working prophet, The healing of his gout. [Enter MACRO, Z.] Well : who comes now ? MACRO A lady, sir, who says she is expected. FLAVIUS Bid her enter. \Exit MACRO, Z.] Mary of Magdala ! [Facetiously.] O, curiosity ! Thou first and ever fatal conqueror, That women ne'er resisted ! \Enter MARY, Z., gorgeously attired. She is ushered by QUINTUS, and is attended by RACHEL and followed by several female slaves. FLAVIUS advances / MARY Crowned him with thorns ? What idle tale is this ? FLAVIUS Ay, in contempt and scorn. Your priests hate well, And they are merry hangmen. MARY Thou canst not mean it, Aulus Flavius ! Tell me the rest ! Tell all ! For these three days I have not left my home. No voice hath spoken to me of the city. What dreadful thing hath chanced, and who hath done it ? 102 MARY OF MAGDALA FLAVIUS Thy friend hath enemies. The priesthood hates him. He knew his danger, for he took good care. They could not come upon him but by stealth. 'Twas in a garden, at Gethsemane, He thought himself secure, with his companions. There was, I hear, some traitor in the fold. They stole upon him suddenly, with guards, Bound him with chains, and hurried him to prison. MARY The Lord will loose his bonds: the Lord will help him. The Lord will shatter all his enemies. FLAVIUS The Lord, it seems, hath overlooked this matter. The priesthood of the Temple hath prevailed. From the High Priest they brought him to my uncle. The charge was treason treason against Rome That he had sought to seize Judea's crown. MARY \_Rising, in agony of suspense^ And what said Pilate ? FLAVIUS We Romans, whom the Jews denounce as tyrants, Are little like your priestly potentates, The mad fanatics of your gloomy race, MARY OF MA CD ALA 103 Cruel and fierce and ruthless. Pilate said : ' This man is innocent and should go free : I find no harm in him : he is a dreamer.' But, while he stood in patient silence by, The angry multitude cried ' Death ' upon him. Then Pilate washed his hands, and, turning, said, ' Lo ! I am innocent of this man's blood : Do with him as you will.' And then the populace the dear, sweet people Bore off their victim. To-morrow [MARY sinks to the floor .] Mary! [FLAVIUS springs up and raises MARY.] Be calm ! Be strong ! All is not lost. MARY Yea, thou art right ; he will not be forsaken ! His faithful followers they that loved him so Will they not break the prison where he lies, And save their Master ? FLAVIUS The cowards ! They have fled like trembling sheep, That see their shepherd mangled by the wolf. 'Twas one of them betrayed him unto Caiaphas, Where, in a garden of Gethsemane, By night and secretly, he might be taken. IO4 MARY OF MAGDALA MARY [ With thought of JUDAS.] Who was it ? God of Zion ! if that were true ! No no I cannot think it. [With sudden resolution] I thank thee. Fare thee well. FLAVIUS Where wilt thou go ? MARY To Simon to his followers to them all, To ask if they can live, when he is dead. And, if shame burns the heart of none of them, To think of him, abandoned, in his woe, Then to the High Priest of Jerusalem ! Surely my prayers and tears will melt his heart. FLAVIUS A stone were easier melted than the heart Of that fierce priest. Nay, Mary, do not hope it. Thy friend is lost, unless a miracle [Significantly} Be wrought to bring him rescue. MARY There is some way to save him. There must be. And thou dost know it, Flavius. FLAVIUS Perhaps there is one way to help thee, Mary. As yet he lives. There is one other night before his doom, MARY OF MAGDALA 10$ And in a night this night there's much may happen. 'Twould not be easy : yet it might be done. My kinsman, Pilate, still hath power to free him, And Pilate loves me well. Were I to urge His swift release, with certain reasons for it Reasons of State, (my uncle hath no heart In this bad business, and his wife has begged him, By every means, to stop it,) very like He would accept my counsel. MARY At last I see thee truly, as thou art, Noble and good ! Ah, Flavius, let me kneel and kiss thy hand, Thy bounteous hand, that gives me more than life. FLAVIUS I said perchance I might not that I would! MARY But, if this deed were possible at all, Thou would'st make haste to do it. Think, good Flavius ! He lies in chains ! He is condemned to death ! FLAVIUS And am I not in chains ? Do I not suffer ? O Mary, from the hour when first we met, My heart has had no other pulse but love 106 MARY OF MAGDALA No other thought by day nor dream by night, But of thy peerless beauty. All the world Is desolate for me when thou art gone. Canst thou not whisper any word of hope To him that loves thee better than his life ? Canst thou not cast aside this strange delusion This fevered dream of something in the clouds That hath so changed thy nature ? MARY It is changed. I do not understand thee. FLAVIUS I love thee, Mary. And wilt thou give me not a single smile ? A single kiss ? Ah, Mary, do not scorn me ! We will go far from here. We'll dwell together, Where none will trouble us, or know the past, And we'll be happy, Mary ! MARY Thou darest to think FLAVIUS I think of nothing but thy beauty, Mary. Thy beauty and my love. Thou shalt decide. I've said that I can save him and I will. Be mine and he is saved. Wake from this dream. I give thee time to choose. At midnight I will knock upon thy door To know thy answer. MARY OF MA CD A LA [FLAVIUS goes out hurriedly, C. MARY sinks down at couch. RACHEL enters, L. U. E., crosses to C., and bars the door. She quickly goes out, L. U. E.~\ MARY nameless torture ! Lifting me to heaven, Only to hurl me to the depths of hell ! Demon ! Demon ! Demon ! Father in heaven, descend upon my soul And light my way, that I may know Thy will. Thou knowest I have struggled toward the light, Tried to be worthy, kneeling at the feet Of him, the holy one, Thy messenger ! And must I now be thrust back into shame ? Sink till the tide of death flow over me The black and hideous waves, that gulf the soul And I be lost forever ? Give me a sign, that I may know my doom ! . . . Silence and darkness ! . . . Stealthy feet of sin Creep toward my dwelling, in the treacherous night No hand is raised to save, no voice of doom To fright this reptile horror from my door. 1 am alone, and utterly forsaken. What doth it matter ? Though my heart be clean, This, my poor body, is dishonored so, That all the tears of all the world were vain To wash away my sins. Thy will be done ! The sacrifice be Thine ! [ With great passion and a lamentable cry.] 108 MARY OF MAGDALA But if I give myself to this defilement, Endure this shame, make this dread sacrifice, In the abhorrent night of my despair, Where shall I turn for peace ? \_Enter JUDAS, R. MARY rises."] JUDAS The door was barred. I found another way Across thy garden wall. I have a word that must be said to thee, And thou must hear it. MARY [Retreating from JUDAS.] No words of thine nor looks nor anything ! I shudder to behold thee ! Come not near ! Thou art acctirs'd. 'Tis thou hast done this deed. JUDAS Who tells thee so ? MARY Thy face hath told me. There's no need of words. JUDAS He was the public enemy and mine ! The man was not my brother. Does a brother Blast a man's heart his pride his faith his hope ? Make him a beggar first, and then a recreant ? Did I not give up all, to follow him ? Count on the hour when he should bid us strike, MARY OF MAGDALA 109 And slay the Roman ? And did he not, at last, desert our cause, Bidding us love our enemies and bless them ? MARY And to this fiend I gave a woman's love ! JUDAS They thought 'twas gold that tempted me ; the fools ! I cast it in their faces. All the treasure That's heaped within the Temple could not bless me, As doth the knowledge that my soul is free. Judas will be no dupe. 'Twas I that did it ! And I have saved Judea from her shame. I know the lips of slaves will utter curses Upon the name of Judas. Be it so ! Weakness still hateth strength. My vindication Will be the praise of every patriot heart That beats for Israel. MARY \_Lamentations, outside, are audible.~\ Forbear thy raving ! Peace, I say ! Depart ! Go from my home. Here is no place for thee. And never let me see thy face again. JUDAS Thou sayest well. Here is no place for me. The doors of all Jerusalem are clos'd, And I must be an outcast evermore. HO MARY OF MAGDALA The number of the fools that follow him Is great, and madness may give folly power. They call it treachery, which was their rescue. Even the priests may not avail to shield me. I will betake me to some other place, Where there's no blight upon the name of Judas. But not alone : thou shalt go with me, Mary. MARY Thou art mad ! JUDAS Mad were I, if I left my love behind Only to brood, in my new dwelling-place, On all her life, and light, and joy, and splendor, When she revives and is herself again. My hopes are shatter'd, like a broken reed. My soul is full of wrath and bitterness. I have lost all but thee. This is the end. Mine art thou, soul and body wholly mine ! Therefore make ready to depart with me. To-morrow, at the dawn, I'll come for thee. MARY To-morrow will be mine and what it brings Will be my secret, and my destiny. JUDAS I know thy thought to testify thy faith ; There, in the track that leads to Golgotha. Thou would'st cast down thy body, where the feet MAR Y OF MA GDALA III Of the vile rabble and the hoofs of horses Might trample thee to death. Thou shalt not do it. Behold ! the hand of Judas shall prevent thee, And stay thy madness. [JUDAS draws his dagger. ~\ MARY \_Speaking softly and slowly '.] That way would be the shortest and the best. That knife of thine would cut the dangerous knot, And make all smooth. I trust the edge is keen. I never thought that I should ask from hate The tender help and offices of love. But, let me tell thee JUDAS Think not to escape. MARY There's neither thought, nor wish, nor dream of that. Come to me at the dawning. Bring the knife. I will lay bare my bosom, point the place, Show thee my heart, where once it used to beat, Even for thee. JUDAS Flight is impossible. Remember that. MARY And flight were foolish, from my only hope. Death, at thy hand, would be a blessing, Judas. It brings no terror. In the morning, come. But let this night be mine. It must it shall be. 1 1 2 MAR Y Of MA GDALA JUDAS [Sound of lamentation outside is audible."} What is thy purpose ? MARY My purpose is the purpose of my fate Whatever that may be. This night is mine. JUDAS So be it, then ! To-morrow, at the dawn ! Either a life with me far off from here Or in Jerusalem a grave. [Exit JUDAS, R. Enter RACHEL, Z.] RACHEL No one has entered since the Roman went ; Yet, as I came, I heard another voice. MARY 'Twas nothing ; 'twas a fancy. Where hast thou been ? RACHEL Into the street but only for a step. Many are in the street. There is some trouble ; A great calamity. The people moan. They say MARY [Interrupting her.~\ That he is bound with chains in prison To-morrow will be slain. MARY OF MAGDALA 113 RACHEL Thou knowest all. But who hath told thee ? MARY A demon as I think. RACHEL Almighty Heaven ! And thou speak'st so calmly. This cruel thing ! This butchery ! This horror ! MARY The morning light will show how calm I am ! RACHEL Something strange sounds in thy voice, dear lady. Try to rest. We can do nothing : and my soul is sick With fear for thee. MARY Be comforted, dear heart. All will be well. Thou hast been kind to me. Thou wilt be glad To see my troubles cease. They have been heavy ; they grow lighter now ; They will be gone to-morrow. Never fear ! RACHEL If I could only see thee smile again ! I know not why but my heart shudders when I look upon thy face. 114 MARY OF MAGDALA MARY Be of good cheer ! There will be smiles to-morrow, And many happy faces in the streets. I have a thing to tell would make thee glad, But must not tell it yet. Go to thy rest. Bring me some wine. There is a fire within my bosom here, Tears cannot quench. RACHEL [Sorrowfully.] If she could only sleep. [Exit RACHEL, Z.] MARY I must watch. No rest for Mary, any more on earth. [She fakes the parchment, as if to read.~\ No scribe hath written it no sacred book Can give one word of comfort [Drops the parchment.] Not since the world began was any fate So dread as that which hangeth over me. [Re'enter RACHEL, Z., bringing wine.] RACHEL Thou art burnt up with fever : wilt thou feed Oil to the*flame ? MARY OF MAGDALA 115 MARY Give me the cup. [She seizes a cup of wine.'] Hark ! Is he come so soon ? \_Faint sound of storm. ~\ RACHEL There's no one coming. It is the night wind shakes the door a little. A storm is rising. MARY Take away the wine. Thou art right. 'Tis better that I should not drink. I must be gay and beautiful to-night. It is the bridal feast. RACHEL Alas ! Alas ! Her mind is wandering. Thou dost break my heart, with thy dark sayings. MARY They will all be clear. Wait but the morning. Everything is well. I think sometimes I've been unkind to thee Harsh and imperious, in my days of pride. Thou wilt forgive me ? Thou wilt speak my name, Sometimes, with love ? Thou wilt not all forget me, when I'm gone. RACHEL Thou hast been very kind to thy poor Rachel ; And I have loved thee as a mother doth Il6 MARY OF MA CD ALA The child that she hath carried next her heart. I could not bear to lose thee. MARY Be calm and listen. It may be that I have not long to live. Thou art the only creature in the world Will grieve for Mary. Promise thou wilt wrap The shroud around me. Let no hand but thine Touch my poor body. Lay me in the grave, And strew some flowers upon it. RACHEL What is it thou art saying ? MARY We cannot know the measure of our days, Or whether we shall see to-morrow's sun. But I have taken careful thought of thee ; All that I have is thine. Now come and kiss me And then to rest. RACHEL [Embracing MARY, and weeping.~\ Ah, woe is me, that I should see this hour. MARY Hush, dear ! No tears ! For I shall be at rest. Now leave me, Rachel. I would be alone. MARY OF MAGDALA 117 [Exit RACHEL, sobbing, L. Occasional low sounds of storm and rushing wind should be audible, at intervals, till the end of the act, but they must be so made as not to drown the words^\ Shall I not hear his voice ? Will he not say ' Surely she hath lov'd much, and unto her Shall much be now forgiven ' Only to have no will to lose all knowledge ! Be as the leaf is, that the rushing storm Rends from the tree ! Was that a footstep ? Hark ! No ! 'tis but the wind Or 'tis the blood that rushes to my brain. I must be firm and steadfast to my purpose ; Think but one thought that he lies there, in chains, And hearkens to the noises in the street, And hears the storm, as I do. Make sure thou art remember'd in thy woe ! The hour of thy deliverance draws near ! The soldiers shall not drag thee to the cross ! Thou shalt be saved, and I, poor, sinful wretch, I shall have part in thy deliverance. \_Knocking at door, C.~] Merciful heaven ! It is the sound of doom ! [She gazes wildly around, as if to escape '.] Yea, I am ready : instantly I come. Why do I tremble now ? The way is short : Only to draw the bolt. I've answered other voices that I knew : To-night it is the voice of death that speaks. 1 1 8 MAR Y OF MA CD ALA \_Louder knocking is heard at door, C., and sound of tempest,~\ It is not midnight yet : 'tis very early. The sun is hardly set. Patience have patience. I'm worn with watching and I've wept my heart out. [ Mary moves toward door, C.~] FLAVIUS \_Speaking outside.~\ It is I Flavius thy lover Flavius. MARY A black abyss ! I cannot cross it ! There There in the darkness there his face his eyes They burn into my soul ! I hear his voice ' What dost thou, Mary ? Art thou not redeem'd ? And wilt thou be dishonored ? desecrate ? ' FLAVIUS Dost thou not hear me, Mary ? MARY Be thou my strength ! Do not forsake me now. FLAVIUS I see the glimmer of thy lamp within. MARY OF MAGDALA 119 MARY Guard me, ye heavenly angels ! Be my shield ! FLAVIUS For the last time good night ! MARY \_Rushes frantically at the door and hurls herself against it^\ Flavius ! Flavius ! Have mercy on me ! \_She faints and falls .] QUICK CURTAIN ACT V ACT V SCENE : Near Jerusalem. A wild ravine. In the background, rocks, through which a path, L., leads to the hill of Calvary. Another path is visible, and practicable, JR. Dark sky ; storm. Occa- sional faint flashes of lightning and dull peals of thunder. Enter JUDAS JUDAS Where shall I turn accursed that I am ? Up to the scene of death that is my work ? Is it not evermore before my eyes ? Do I not see them bind him to the cross ? Do I not see the nails that pierce his hands ? Do I not hear the hammer strokes that drive them ? The thorns that tear his brow do I not feel them ? \_Thunder and lightning. He falls upon the rocks, ,] The fires of hell are raging in my bosom. Sleeping or waking, still I see his face, And still his calm lips murmur, ' Thou art mine ! Thou canst not separate thyself from me. I love thee, that hast been my enemy ! 123 124 MARY OF MAG D ALA I do not curse thee.' O a thousand times His curse were more a mercy than his pardon. It bows me to the dust ! \Thunder and lightning.~\ O Thou that hast the lightnings in Thy hand, Hast Thou no bolt for this curse-laden head ? \Peal of thunder.~\ Not one avenging stroke ? Must I live on, to be my own damnation ? He called Thee Father. I have shed his blood. Is there no cliff whence I can cast myself And so be dashed to pieces ? \Jle starts up wildly. Flashes of lightning and loud peals of thunder.~\ It is the end ! The Lord hath come in tempest, hath descended, And the pure soul of him, His messenger, Is borne beyond the stars. Where shall I turn to hide my guilty face ? \_Enter hurriedly, descending from the hill of Calvary, HARAN.] Thou comest from the hill of Calvary ? What didst thou see ? HARAN Delay me not ! I have beheld a sight That drowns my senses, steeping them in blood. My very soul shudders to think of it. MARY OF MAGDALA 12$ JUDAS Then all is over ? HARAN A great man hath been butchered, just and wise, To glut the anger of a jealous priesthood, And the vile passions of a cruel mob. The people thronged around me in such numbers That I was like to perish. Not one hand Was raised to save him. Not one of all whose sickness he hath healed, Not one of all whose hearts his love hath bless'd, Came nigh to do him service. Then I fled. JUDAS Of his disciples, not a single one ? HARAN Not one. There was not any man that dared To tempt the anger of his brutal foes. He was betrayed by one of his companions. JUDAS Which one of them ? Didst thou not hear his name ? HARAN I heard it whispered. Judas was his name And by that name hereafter shall be known, Throughout the world and till the end of time, The miscreant who doth betray his friend, 126 MARY OF MAG D ALA And give the blood of trusting innocence To ruin and to death. Stay me no longer ! I will hie away From all the horrors of this dismal place, Even while I can. I was the guest of Caiaphas, the priest. I could not look upon his face again The face of murder and of infamy. [HARAN rushes out quickly, R., toward Jerusalem. Thunder and lightning.] JUDAS ' And by that name hereafter shall be known, Throughout the world and till the end of time, The miscreant who doth betray his friend ! ' So must it be. But not the voice of man Hath any terror for the soul of Judas. What care I for the ignorant multitude ? But if his word be true, If that which he hath promised be fulfilled, How shall my soul stand up before his eyes ? Where shall I hide the horror of my guilt ? \_Lamentations are heard. The multitiide begin to descend the heights.] They come, the people, miserable dogs. They shall not crush me underneath their feet. Judas hath lived his life, and only Judas Shall be his judge. MARY OF MAGDALA I2/ [Exit JUDAS, R. FLAVIUS and CAIAPHAS appear at top of the path from Calvary, with priests and soldiers, all descending in tumult.'} FLAVIUS Art thou content, O priest ? And is thy thirst for vengeance satisfied ? This was thy work the death of innocence. We Romans are not guilty of this blood. CAIAPHAS He lifted up his hand against our Law. We judged and we condemned him. You Romans, you have sacrificed whole peoples, That would not bow their necks beneath your yoke Nations that knew you not, and over whom You had no just dominion. If thou didst hold him dear and think him sacred, Why didst thou not defend him ? FLAVIUS Would that I had ! I cared not for your quarrel. I ever took him for an idle dreamer; But when I saw the grandeur in his face, And heard him speak that pardon from the cross, On thee and all thy misbegotten rabble, I knew the man was godlike. Haughty priest ! I tell thee he was victor in this battle Not you, nor your dark deity of wrath ! 128 MARY OF MAGDALA CAIAPHAS Thou art an idle boy. Thy years are raw. Tarry yet longer in Jerusalem, And learn to know us better. FLAVIUS Not a day longer in this cursed place Foul with the taint of bigotry and blood. To-morrow will I turn my face to Rome, Bearing the story of this fatal deed, Which lieth heavy on my uncle's heart. And I will bear away the memory Of that just man, who, from the bitter cross, Looked down upon me with a smile of blessing. [MARY appears at the top of the path. She is crazed with grief. SIMON and MIRIAM are with her and strive to restrain her. She breaks from them.~\ MARY I say release me. Who hath given you power To stay me from my place ? FLAVIUS Yonder she comes poor, miserable wretch ! SIMON Come with us, Mary. Let us lead thee home. MARY OF MAGDALA MARY I have no home, save there beneath the cross. That is my home. Let me go back to it And with my tears I'll wash away the blood. SIMON Mary, be calm ! All eyes are turned on thee. MARY So should they be. When there is murder done, all eyes are turned Upon the murderer. Look on me, people of Jerusalem ! 'Twas I that murdered him ! But not alone. There was one other. Let it be avenged. Are there not stones enough to strike us down ? MIRIAM Poor soul ! Her mind hath gone. SIMON Her words are wild. MARY [Pointing to FLAVIUS.] Yonder he stands and, see he tries to smile. He will be silent but he knows our secret. God will not let him ever smile again. Good night, fair world. Thou art a pit, and it is full of serpents. 130 MARY OF MA CD ALA There was one creature in the shape of man But he was much too beautiful for thee. Thou wert ashamed when he did see thy face. Thou didst pursue him, giving him no rest And there was one betrayed him, in the dark. I might have saved him. Now his shining eyes Are closed forever. CAIAPHAS Take this mad woman hence, and keep her close. She sought my door, at midnight, begging me To set the prisoner free. She sought his prison, offering to the watch Her gold and jewels. Her weak brain is turned. MARY Look on him, people of Jerusalem. He is the ravening wolf hath torn the lamb. His hands are red with blood the innocent blood. But one day it shall be required of him ! CAIAPHAS Seize the blaspheming wanton. To the prison ! Lest she do raise a clamor 'gainst the Temple, And us, that have done justice on a foe. FLAVIUS [Drawing his sword.~\ Let no one dare to touch her ! \_To the soldier s.~\ MARY OF MAGDALA 131 Close around me ! \_The Roman soldiers press around FLAVIUS and shield M.ARY/rom the Priests of CAIAPHAS.] Beneath the Roman eagle she is safe ! CAIAPHAS \_Enraged.~] The blame be thine if violence and riot Rage through the city. Pilate shall know all. And we, the sacred priesthood, be assured, Can guard ourselves. [Exeunt CAIAPHAS and Priests, R., toward Jerusalem. FLAVIUS approaches MARY and touches her hand.'] FLAVIUS Do you not know me, Mary ? MARY 'Tis Flavius ! Bar the door. He must not enter ! FLAVIUS Poor Mary ! Flavius is indeed thy friend. MARY Hadst thou been so, thou wouldst have done the deed My soul desired, saving his precious life ! FLAVIUS It was his will to die : I could not save him. My soul is guiltless, Mary. Come with me 132 MARY OF MA CD ALA We will go far from this polluted land. Trust in my truth. I will protect thee, Mary, And ask for no reward but thy forgiveness. \_Enter RACHEL, R. She hastens to MARY.] MARY Farewell. There is a friend who waits for me There in my house. He will do much for love. He says he loves me. I must go to him. Come, Rachel. RACHEL Not to our home ! Not thither. Terror waits Terror and death. MARY It hath no terror. Nay, it is a friend. RACHEL Prevent her, friends ! Upon a fig tree, in our garden, yonder, Judas hath hanged himself. She must not know. SIMON Heaven be his judge not man. Go with us, Mary. Be as my child and I will care for thee. MARY I thank thee. He is waiting at the cross. I must go home. FLAVIUS She knows not what she says. MARY OF MAGDALA 133 SIMON Not at the cross, my child ; he is not there. He hath gone from us, for a little while, Far from us, and our hearts are very sad. But he will not forget us, in our sorrow ; And one day we shall see his face again. He ever taught us to be patient, Mary. Wilt thou not try to be so ? For his sake ? MARY Yes : he was patient patient even with me, That have so deeply sinned. But thou dost know He did forgive me. All of you remember I was forgiven. SIMON We remember it. Have comfort, Mary : all will yet be well. There is no human soul so steeped in sin But by repentance it may be redeemed, And come to him. MARY I must go to him, now. SIMON That may not be. But, after many days, If we are faithful, he will come to us. MARY And shall we see him, as we used to do, And hear his voice ? 134 MARY OF MAGDALA SIMON Yes, daughter, we shall see him. Will thou not, Mary, wait for his return ? MARY [Pausing.] And dost thou think that he will come again ? I could watch many nights. I am not weary Only there's something moaning at my door And in my heart SIMON He said that he would come again ; he promised. MARY [In sudden ecstasy.] And if he promised it, he will come back. No falsehood ever fell from those pure lips. He will come back. He hath the power to come. He that could raise my soul out of the grave, He for himself can loose the bonds of death. He will come back. It will be very soon. I have so many things to ask of him ! I'll go with thee. We shall be very happy when he comes. He knows thy house. 'Twas there I saw him first. [ The scene grows lighter^ MARY OF MA CD ALA 135 Yes, I will go with thee. And my poor Rachel, she shall go with us. {The moon breaks through the storm-clouds and illumines the scene with a soft light. ~] Behold the sign ! God sets it in the heavens ! He will come back ! [Picture.] SLOW CURTAIN By Mr. WILLIAM WINTER Cloth. i8mo. Uniform edition. Each Seventy-five cents. Shakespeare's England "Delightful, wise, and impressive." New York Times. " A delicious view of England." Scribncr's Monthly. Gray Days and Gold " To those who propose to visit the districts no more useful, inform- ing, and pleasant companion could be recommended." Glasgow Herald. Also an illustrated edition. Crown 8vo. $2.25. Old Shrines and Ivy " Contains some of his most charming work." Journal of Education. Brown Heath and Blue Bells " Instinct with poetry." San Francisco Chronicle. Shadows of the Stage. 2 Volumes Charming memories in which Jefferson, Booth, Neilson, Irving, Ellen Terry, Mary Anderson, Ada Rehan, and others are pictured delightfully. Illuminating sketches of the elder Booth, of James H. Hackett, of John Brougham, of Modjeska, and twenty . others. George William Curtis, With Portrait Wanderers* Poems Also by Mr. WILLIAM WINTER The Life and Art of JOSEPH JEFFERSON Together with Some Account of his Ancestry and of the Jefferson Family of Actors. Cloth. Crown 8vo. Illustrated. $2.25. " The story of one of the most interesting actors of our time by ... the highest critical authority on matters of dramatic art of which this country boasts, and his eloquent style never found a more attractive subject. The narrative is clear, strong, copious, and fascinating." The Public Ledger, Philadelphia. The Life and Art of EDWIN BOOTH Uniform ith " The Life and Art of Joseph Jeffer- son/' With Portraits in Character and other illus- trations. Cloth. Crown 8vo. Gilt top. $2.25. Also an i8mo edition, with one portrait, 75 cents. " Mr. Winter's book, aside from the great interest of its subject proper, and without considering its beauties of style and richness of material, is valuable for the many fine glimpses it gives of Booth's contemporaries in this country and in England. Nor are these glimpses confined to the theatrical life. Many of the most dis- tinguished artists, literary men and women, editors, statesmen, and scholars were his friends, and delighted in his company. The frontispiece of the book is a striking full-length portrait of Booth." The Independent. The Illustrated Edition of GRAY DAYS AND GOLD With numerous full-page and vignette illustrations. Crown 8vo. Full gilt, with ornamented cover. $2.50. " Mr. Winter not only perceives the poetic beauty of the scenes he visits, but he makes his readers perceive it. There are more golden than gray days in this book, for Mr. Winter's thought is like to an Eldorado in its natural opulence of wealth; it is always bright, warm, glowing with color, rich in feeling." Ledger, Philadelphia. THE MACMILLAN COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 66 Fifth Avenue, New York THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY This book is DUE on the last date stamped below fiJEC'D MAkg MAY 13 L 1975 p CAL5TOHBH L0 A^ TTR9APV 001 179 Duplicate Stanford Lib.