{"id":1736,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:53","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1736"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:53","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:53","slug":"03-rodogune-act-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/03-04-collected-plays-and-stories\/03-rodogune-act-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-03_Rodogune – Act – II.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAct II<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\nThe Palace in Antioch.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 1<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nA hall in the Palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleone, Phayllus.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWorry the conscience of the Queen to death<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike the good bitch thou art. If this goes well,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI may sit unobserved on Syria’s throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo not forget me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo not forget thyself,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen how shall I forget thee?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI shall remember.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf for a game you were the queen, Cleone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I your minister, how would you start<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour play of reigning?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would have many perfect tortures made<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo hurt the Parthian with, for every nerve<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 219<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nA torture. I would lie in flowers the while<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDrinking sweet Cyprian wine and hear her moan.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI do not like your thought; have better ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall I not satisfy my love, my hate?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen just as well I might not reign at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO hatred, love and wrath, you instruments<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy which we are driven! Cleone, the gods use these<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor their own purposes, not we for ours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll do my will, Phayllus; you do yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur kingdom being won! It is not, yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(turning away<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe’s too violent for my calmer ends;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLust drives her, not ambition. I wait on you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou gods who choose. If Fate intends my rise,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe will provide the instruments and cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTimocles enters from the inner palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI think I am afraid to speak to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI never felt so with the Egyptian girls<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Thebes or Alexandria. Are you not<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPhayllus?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou remember faces well<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd have the trick for names, the monarch’s trick.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 220<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntiochus, all say, will be the king.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut I say otherwise and what I say<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas a strange gift of happening.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’re my friend!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy own and therefore yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is your sister?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCleone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nA name that in its sound agrees<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith Syria’s roses. Are you too my friend,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCleone?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour subject, prince.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd why not both?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo serve is better.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall I try your will?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(embracing her<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou art warm fire against the lips, thou rose<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCleone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 221<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMay I test in turn?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, do!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nA rose examines by her thorns, \u2014  as thus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe strikes him lightly on the cheek and goes out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font>
\n(looking uncertainly at Phayllus who is stroking his chin<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt was a courtesy, \u2014  our Egyptian way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHers was the Syrian. Do not excuse yourself;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am her brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font>
\n((turns as if to go, hesitates, then comes back<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, have you met, Phayllus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA Parthian lady here named Rodogune?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBlows the wind east? But if it brings me good,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet it blow where it will. I know the child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe’s fair. You’ld have her?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nFie on you, Phayllus!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrince, I have a plain tongue which, when I hunger,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOwns that there is a belly. Speak in your language!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI understand men’s phrases though I use them not.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThink not that evil! She is not like those,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe common flowers which have a fair outside<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 222<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf beauty, but the common hand can pluck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe wear such lightly, smell and throw away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is not like them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo? Yet were they all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBorn from one mother Nature. What if she wears<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe quick barbarian’s robe called modesty?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere is a woman always in the end<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBehind that shimmering. Pluck the robe, ’twill fall;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen is she Nature’s still.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have seen her eyes; they are a liquid purity.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd yet a fish swims there which men call love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut truth names lust or passion. Fear not, prince;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe fish will rise to such an angler’s cast.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMistake me not, nor her. These things are done,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut not with such as she; she is heaven-pure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd must like heaven be by worship won.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat is it then that you desire of her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr ask of me? I can do always much.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO nothing else but this, only to kneel,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLook up at her and touch the little hand<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat fluttered like a moonlit butterfly<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbove my mother’s hair. If she consenting smiled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA little, I might even dare so much.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 223<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy, she’s your slave-girl!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI shall kneel to her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome day and feel her hand upon my brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat animal this is, I hardly know,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut know it is the animal for me:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy genius tells me. Prince, I need a bribe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore I’ll stir in this.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat bribe, Phayllus?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nA name, \u2014  your friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO more than merely friend!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBring me into the temple dim and pure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhence my own hopes and fears now bar me out,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen I am yours, Phayllus, you myself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor all things.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nRemember me when you have any need.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have a friend! He is the very first<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho was not conquered by Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow has this love like lightning leaped at me!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 224<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 2<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe same.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEunice, Rodogune.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHeaven had a purpose in my servitude!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will believe it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOne sees not now such men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat a calm royalty his glances wield!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe are their subjects. And he treads the earth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs if it were already his.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll must be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have lived a slave, yet always held myself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA nobler spirit than my Grecian lords;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut when he spoke, O, when he looked at me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI felt indeed the touch of servitude<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd this time loved it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, you too, Rodogune!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI too! What do you mean? Are you, Eunice \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI mean, our thorny rose Cleone too<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas fallen in love with pretty Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 225<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou slanderer! But I thought a nearer thing<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat ran like terror through my heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd so<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou love him?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat have I said, Eunice? what have I said?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI did not say it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou did not say it, no!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou lovely fool, hide love with blushes then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd lower over your liquid love-filled eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir frightened lashes! Quake, my antelope!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll have revenge at least. O sweet, sweet heart,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy delicate Parthian! I shall never have<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnother love, but only Rodogune,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy beautiful barbarian Rodogune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith the tall dainty grace and the large eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd vague faint pallor just like twilit ivory.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy own Eunice!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThey embrace. Phayllus enters.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font>
\n((stroking his chin<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI always hated waste.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour steps too steal, Phayllus?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have a message.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 226<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI do not like the envoy. Find another<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I will hear it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome, you put me out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf your accounts? They say there is too much<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have put out already for your credit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’re called. The Queen’s in haste, Cleone said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEunice goes.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nParthian, will you be Syria’s queen or no?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI startle you. The royal Timocles<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy your beauty strives ensnared. Don not your mask<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf modesty, keep that for Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI offer you a treaty. By my help<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou can advance your foot to Syria’s throne:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis bed’s the staircase and you shall ascend,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor will I rest till you are seated there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome, have I helped you? Shall we be allies?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou speak a language that I will not hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, language! you’re for language, all of you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre you not Parthia’s daughter? do you not wish<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo sit upon a throne?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot by your help,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor as the bride of Syrian Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat are these things you speak?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 227<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWeigh not my speech,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut only my sincerity. I have a tongue<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDispleasing to all women. Heed not that!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy heart is good, my meaning better still.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPerhaps! But know I yearn not for a throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd if I did, Antiochus is king<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd not this younger radiance.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat’s your reason?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are deceived. Besides he loves you not<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor ever will put on a female yoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrefer this woman’s clay, this Timocles<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd by my help you shall have empire, joy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll the heart needs, the pleasures bodies use.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI need no empire save my high-throned heart,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI seek no power save that of sceptred love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI ask no help beyond what Ormuzd gives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnough. I thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’re subtler than these Greeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMust he then pine? Shall he not plead his cause?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would not have him waste his heart in pain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf what you say is true. Let him then know<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis cannot be.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will not take from me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAn answer you yourself alone can give.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 228<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nI think you parry to be more attacked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThink what you will, but leave me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf you mean that,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe way to show it is to let him come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou feign and do not mean this, or else you would<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeny him to his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font>
\n(flushing angrily<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will; tell him to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI thought so. Come he shall. Remember me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI did not well to bid him come to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is some passing fancy of the blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI do not hear that he was ever hurt<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut danced a radiant and inconstant moth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbove the Egyptian blossoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTimocles enters hastily, hesitates, then rushes and<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nthrows himself at the feet of Rodogune.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nRodogune!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI love thee, princess; thou hast made me mad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI know not what I do nor what I speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat dreadful god has seized upon my heart?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am not Timocles and not my own,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut am a fire and am a raging wind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo seize on thee and am a driven leaf.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Rodogune, turn not away from me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForgive me, O, forgive me. I cannot help it<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 229<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nIf thou hast made me love thee. Tremble not,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor grow so pale and look with panic glances<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs if a fire had clutched thee by the robe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am thy menial, thy poor trembling slave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd thou canst slay me with a passing frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTouch not my hand! ’tis sacred from thy touch!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is most sacred; even the roseate nail<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf thee, O thou pale goddess, is a mystery<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd a strange holiness. Scorched be his hand<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho dares with lightest sacrilegious touch<\/span><\/p>\n

\nProfane thee, O deep-hearted miracle,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnless thy glorious eyes condone the fault<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy growing tender. O thou wondrous Parthian,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFear not my love; it grows a cloistered worship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSee, I can leave thee! see, I can retire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLook once on me, one look is food enough<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor many twelvemonths.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEunice returns.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou wrong your mother, cousin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHer moments linger when you are not there;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlways she asks for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy mother! You gods,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForbid it, lest I weary of her love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat was this? Speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 230<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas Fate not satisfied<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith my captivity? Waits worse behind?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt was a grey and clouded sky before<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd bleak enough but quiet. Now I see<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFresh clouds come stored with thunder toiling up<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom a black-piled horizon.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTell me all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat said Phayllus to you, the dire knave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho speaks to poison?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe spoke of love and thrones and Timocles;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe spoke as selfish cunning men may speak<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho mean some evil they call good.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd how<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCame Timocles behind him?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCalled by him,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith such wild passion burning under his lids<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI never thought to see in human eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat are these movements?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe move as we must,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot as we choose, whatever we may think.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour beauty is a torch you needs must carry<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbout the world with you. You cannot help it<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf it burns kingdoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI pray it may not. God who only rulest,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 231<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLet not the evil spirit use my love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo bring misfortune on Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nMentho enters.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich is the Parthian?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDesires you in his chamber with a bowl<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Lesbian vintage.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDoes he desire? The gods then choose their hour<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor intervention. Move, you Parthian piece.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSend someone else. I cannot go.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI think<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have forgotten that you are a slave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are my piece and I will have you move.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMove quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSurely he did not speak my name?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy do you fear, my child? He’s good and noble<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd kind in speech and gentle to his servants.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font>
\n(low, to herself <\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is not him I fear, it is myself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 232<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nFear me instead. You shall be cruelly whipped<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnless you move this instant.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, Eunice!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhipped savagely! I’ll sacrifice so much<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor a shy pawn who will not move? Go, go,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd come not back unkissed if you are wise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe pushes Rodogune to the door and<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nshe goes, followed by Mentho.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis heart’s not free, nor hers, or else I’ld try<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy hand at reigning. As the gods choose. Through her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI may rule Syria.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 233<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 3<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nAntiochus’ chamber.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAntiochus, with a map before him.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nEcbatana, Susa and Sogdiana,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Aryan country which the Indus bounds,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEuphrates’ stream and Tigris’ golden sands,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Oxus and Jaxartes and these mountains<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVague and enormous shouldering the moon<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith all their dim beyond of nations huge;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis were an empire! What are Syria, Greece<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd the blue littoral to Gades? They are<\/span><\/p>\n

\nToo narrow to contain my soul, too petty<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo satisfy its hunger and its vastness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO pale, sweet Parthian face with liquid eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMid darkest masses and O gracious limbs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nObscuring this epitome of earth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou will not let me fix my eyes on Susa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI never yearned for any woman yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhile Timocles with the light Theban dames<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAmused his careless heart, I walked aside;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nParthia and Greece became my mistresses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut now my heart is filled with one pale girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExult not, archer. I will quiet thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith sudden and assured possession first,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen keep thee beating an eternal strain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have loved her through past lives and many ages.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Parthian princess, lovely Rodogune!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO name of sweetness! Renowned Phraates’ daughter,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA bud of kings, \u2014  my glorious prisoner<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith those beseeching eyes. O high Antiochus,<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 234<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho snatched her from among her guardian spears,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou hast gone past but left this prophecy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf beautiful conquered Persia grown my slave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo love me. It is thou, my Rodogune!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nRodogune enters.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font> (with lowered eyes<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have brought the wine.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nThou art the only wine,<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\nO Parthian! Wine to flush Olympian souls<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs in this glorious flask. Set down the bowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLift up instead thy long and liquid eyes;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI grudge them to the marble, Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou knowest well why I have sent for thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave we not gazed into each other’s eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd thine confessed their knowledge?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrince, I am<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy mother’s slave.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMine, mine, O Rodogune,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor I am Syria.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThine.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, thou hast spoken!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTouch me not, touch me not, Antiochus!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSon of Nicanor, spare me, spare thyself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO me! I know the gods prepare some death;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 235<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI am a living misfortune.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWert thou my fate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf death itself, delightful Rodogune,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot, as thou art, heaven’s pledge of bliss, I’ld not abstain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom thy delight, but have my joy of thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe short while it is possible on earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, play not with the hours, my Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy should brief man defer his joys and wait<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs if life were eternal? Time does not pause,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeath does not tarry.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlas!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou lingerest yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWilt thou deny the beating of our hearts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat call to us to bridge these sundering paces?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, then I will command thee as a slave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou wouldst not let me draw thee, come thyself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto my arms, O perfect Rodogune,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy Parthian captive!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntiochus, my king!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo heave against me like a wave for ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMelt warmly into my bosom like the Spring,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO honied breathing tumult!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO release me!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 236<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou sudden sorceress, die upon my breast!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy arms are cords to bind thee to this stake,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSlowly to burn away in crimson fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nRelease me, O release me!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot till our lips have joined<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEternal wedlock. With this stamp and this<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd many more I’ll seal thee to myself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEternal Time’s too short for all the kisses<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI yearn for from thee, O pale loveliness,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDim mystery! Press thy lips to mine. Obey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAgain! and so again and even for ever<\/span><\/p>\n

\nChant love, O marvel, let thy lips’ wild music<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome faltering from thy heart into my bosom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nRodogune sinks at his feet and<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nembraces his knees.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am thine, thine, thine, thine for ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe rises and hides her face in her hands.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font> (uncovering her face<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeloved,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHide not thy face from love. The gods in heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLook down on us; let us look up at them<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith fearless eyes of candid joy and tell them<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot Time nor any of their dooms can move us now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe passion of oneness two hearts are this moment<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDenies the steps of death for ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy heart<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStops in me. I can bear no more of bliss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 237<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOh, leave me now that I may live for thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nStay where thou art. Or go, for thou art mine<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I can send thee from me when I will<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd call thee when I will. Go, Rodogune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho yet remain with me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nRodogune leaves the chamber with<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nfaltering steps.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Love, thou art<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDiviner in the enjoying. Can I now<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnblinded scan this map? No, she is there;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is her eyes I see and not Ecbatana.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 238<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene 4<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe hall in the Palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTimocles, Phayllus.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, all the sweetness and the glory gathered<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto one smiling life, the other’s left<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBarren, unbearable, bleak, desolate,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA hell of silence and of emptiness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nImpossible for mortal souls to imagine,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMuch less to suffer. My mother does this wrong to me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy should not we, kind brothers all our lives, \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nO, how we loved each other there in Egypt! \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nDivide this prize? Let his be Syria’s crown, \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh, let him take it! I have Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will consent?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOh, yes, and with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe is all loftiness and warlike thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy high Antiochus! how could I dream<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf taking from him what he’ld wear so well?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet me have love and joy and Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sunlight is enough for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt may be,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet not enough for both. Look! there he comes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCarrying himself as if he were the sun<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBrilliant alone in heaven. Oh, that to darken!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAntiochus enters.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 239<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font> <\/p>\n

\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nBrother, it is the kind gods send you here.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDear Timocles, we meet not all the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt was not so in Egypt. Tell me now,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat were you doing all these busy hours?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow many laughing girls of this fair land<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave you lured on to love you?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave you not heard?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat, Timocles?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur mother gives the crown<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd with the crown apportions Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur royal mother? Are they hers to give?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI do not marry by another’s will.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO brother, no; our hearts at least are ours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have not marked, I think, Antiochus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis pale sweet Parthian Rodogune?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font>
\n(smiling<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo, brother?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have not marked, you say?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are so blind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo woman’s beauty. You only woo great deeds<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd arms imperial. It is well for me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou rather chose to wed the grandiose earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 240<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI am ashamed to tell you, dear Antiochus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI grudged the noble crown that soon will rest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo gloriously upon you. Take it, brother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut leave me my dim goddess Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy goddess! thine!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is not possible<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat you too love her!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat is it to thee whom or what I love?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSay that I love her not?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen is my offer<\/span><\/p>\n

\nJust, brotherly, not like this causeless wrath.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy wondrous offer! Of two things that are mine<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo fling me one with “There! I want it not,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll take the other”!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES
\n<\/font>(in a suffocated voice<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas she made thee king?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI need no human voice to make me anything<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho am king by birth and nature. Who else should reign<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Syria? Thoughtst thou thy light and shallow head<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas meant to wear a crown?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Egypt you were not like this, Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 241<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSee not the Parthian even in dreams at night!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRemember not her name!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is my mother’s slave:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll ask for her and have her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou shalt have<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy sword across thy heart-strings first. She is<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe kingdom’s prize and with the kingdom mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy dream, my goddess with those wondrous eyes!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy sweet veiled star cloistered in her own charm!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not yield her to thee, nor the crown,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot wert thou twenty times my brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nCapital!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDelightful! O my fortune! my kind fortune!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou lov’st her not who dar’st to think of her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs if she were a prize for any arms,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy slave, thy chattel.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nSpeak not another word.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMore! more! My star, thou risest o’er this storm.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI pardon thee, my brother Timocles;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy light passions are thy excuse. Henceforth<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 242<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOffend not. For the Parthian, she is mine<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I would keep her though a god desired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExalt not thy presumptuous eyes henceforth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigher than are her sandals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is your brother!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall he not have the crown?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor her, nor Syria.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nRodogune and Eunice enter<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\npassing through the hall.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTimocles rushes to her.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy Rodogune, my star! Thou knowest the trade<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich others seek to make of thee. Resist it,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrevent the insult of this cold award!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSay that thou lov’st me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrince, I pity thee,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut cannot love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe passes out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy cousin Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll flowers are not for your plucking. Roses<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnough that crave to satisfy your want,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre grown in Syria; take them. Here be wise;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTouch not my Parthian blossom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe passes out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow am I smitten as with a thunderbolt!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 243<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill you be dashed by this? They make her think<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntiochus will reign in Syria.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe loves him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs love so quickly born? Oh, then,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt will as quickly die. Eunice works here<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo thwart you; she is for Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll, all are for Antiochus, the crown,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Syria and men’s homage, women’s hearts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd life and sweetness and my love.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nYoung prince,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe more a man. Besiege the girl with gifts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd graces; woo her like a queen or force her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike what she is, a slave. Be strong, be sudden,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForestalling this proud brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would not wrong her pure and shrouded soul<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThough all the gods in heaven should give me leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe graceful, handsome fool! Then from your mother<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDemand her as a gift.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font>
\n(going<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy soul once more<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs hunted by the tempest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 244<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nScene
\n 5<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleopatra’s chamber.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleopatra, Cleone.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am resolved; but Mentho the Egyptian knows<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe true precedence of the twins. Send her to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleone goes out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO you, high-seated cold divinities,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou sleep sometimes, they say you sleep. Sleep now!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI only loosen what your careless wills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave tangled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nMentho enters.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nMentho, sit by me. Mentho,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have not breathed our secret? Keep it, Mentho,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDead in your bosom, buy a queen for slave.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nDead! Can truth die?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, Mentho, truth! But truth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs often terrible. Justice! but was ever<\/span><\/p>\n

\nJustice yet seen upon the earth? Man lives<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBecause he is not just and real right<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDwells not with law and custom but for him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt grows by whose arriving our brief happiness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs best assured and grief prohibited<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor a while to mortals.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is the thing I feared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 245<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nO wickedness! Well, Queen, I understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot less than you I love Antiochus;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut Timocles seeks Parthian Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, if these brother-loves should turn to hate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd slay us all! Then rather let thy nursling stand, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nWill he not rule whoever fills the throne? \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nApproved of heaven and earth, indeed a king,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nProtector of the weaker Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis right hand in his wars, his pillar, guard<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd sword of action, grand in loyalty,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKingly in great subjection, famed for love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen there shall be no grief for anyone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd everything consent to our desires.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nQueen Cleopatra, shall I speak? shall I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForget respect? The god demands my voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI tell thee then that thy rash brain has hatched<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA wickedness beyond all parallel,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA cold, unmotherly and cruel plot<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou striv’st in vain to alter with thy words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO nature self-deceived! O blinded heart!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is the husband of thy boasted love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWoman, thou wrongest in thy son.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlas,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMentho, my nurse, thou knowest not the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI do not need to know. Art thou Olympian Zeus?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas he given thee his sceptre and his charge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo guide the tangled world? Wilt thou upset<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis rulings? wilt thou improve his providence?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre thy light woman’s brain and shallow love<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 246<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA better guide than his all-seeing eye?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO wondrous arrogance of finite men<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho would know better than omniscient God!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeware his thunders and observe his will.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat he has made, strive not to unmake, but shun<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe tragical responsibility<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf such dire error. If from thy act spring death<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd horror, are thy human shoulders fit<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo bear that heavy load? Observe his will,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo right and leave the rest to God above.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy words have moved me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet thy husband move thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow wilt thou meet him in the solemn shades?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill he not turn his royal face from thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSaying, “Murderess of my children, come not near me!”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Mentho, curse me not. My husband’s eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall meet me with a smile. Mentho, my nurse,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou will not tell this to Antiochus?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am not mad nor wicked. Remain fixed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn this resolve. Dream not that happiness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCan spring from wicked roots. God overrules<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Right denied is mighty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 247<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act II   The Palace in Antioch.   Scene 1   A hall in the Palace. Cleone, Phayllus.   PHAYLLUS Worry the conscience of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1736","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","wpcat-39-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1736","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1736"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1736\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1736"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1736"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1736"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}