{"id":1737,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:54","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1737"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:54","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:54","slug":"03-rodogune-act-iii-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-iii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-03_Rodogune – Act – III.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nThe Audience-Chamber in the Palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nNicanor, Phayllus and others seated; Eunice, Philoctetes, Thoas<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\napart near the dais.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIs it patent? Is he the elder? do we know?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nShould he not rule?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf Fate were wise, he should.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWill Timocles sack great Persepolis?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSooner I think Phraates will couch here,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe mighty, steadfast, patient, subtle man,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd from the loiterer take, the sensualist<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntioch of the Seleucidae.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nBut shall I rise against the country’s laws<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat harbours me? The sword I draw, is hers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 248<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nAre law and justice always one? Reflect.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf justice is offended, I will strike.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe withdraws to another part of the hall.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe man is wise, but when ambition’s heaped<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn a great bosom, Fate takes quickly fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt only needs the spark.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HILOCTETES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nIs it only that<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat’s needed? there shall be the spark.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nFate or else Chance<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWork out the rest. I have given your powers a lead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nNicanor, who has drawn near, stops before her.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYour council’s finished then?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat council, father?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI have seen, though I have not spoken. Meddle not<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn things too great for you. This realm and nation<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre not a skein for weaving fine intrigues<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn your shut chambers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWe have other sports.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat do you mean?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 249<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSee less Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCarry not there your daring spirit and free rein<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo passion and ambition nor your bright scorn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf every law that checks your headstrong will.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr must I find a curb that shall restrain you?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nMy prudent father! These men think that wisdom<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs tied up to beards. We too have heads<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd finer brains within them, as I think!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe goes up on the dais. Leosthenes, Callicrates<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nand others enter together.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nLeosthenes from Parthia! Speeds the war?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nIt waits a captain.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt shall have today<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA king of captains.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI have seen the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut there’s a mystery? Shall he be the king?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf Fate agrees with Nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nNeither can err<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo utterly, I think; for, if they could,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMan’s will would have a claim to unseat Fate,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 250<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\n
\nCleopatra enters with Antiochus and<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTimocles; Cleone, Rodogune in attendance,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nthe latter richly robed.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HILOCTETES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSee where she places him!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis on her right!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is a woman’s ruse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr must I at disadvantage play the game<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith this strong piece against?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe strong Antiochus has gone too early<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDown the dim gorges to that silent world<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere we must one day follow him. A younger hand<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTakes up his sceptre and controls his sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese are the Syrian twins, Nicanor’s sons,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese are Antiochus and Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy so long buried, why their right oppressed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy their precedence tyrannously concealed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForget. Forget old griefs, old hatreds; let them rest<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInurned, nor from their night recover them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWe need not raise the curtains that conceal<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThings long inurned, but lest by this one doubt<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe dead past lay a dark and heavy hand<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon our fairer future, let us swear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Queen shall be obeyed as if she spoke<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor Heaven. Betwixt the all-seeing gods and her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nConfine all cause of quarrel.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 251<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nLet the princes swear;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor how can subjects jar if they agree?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO not with oaths compel the Syrian blood!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy sons, do you consent?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYour sovereign will must rule,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMother, your children and our fraternal kindness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill drown the loser’s natural chagrin<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn joy at the other’s joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYour question, Madam, was for Timocles;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom me it needs no answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou accept<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour mother’s choice?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nGod’s choice. My mother speaks<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA thing concealed, not one unsettled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nSyria demands a plainer answer here.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWho art thou? Art thou of Seleucus’ blood<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho questionest Syria’s kings?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 252<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nEnough. My sons<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill know how to respect their kingly birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nToday begins another era. Rise,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrincess of Parthia; sit upon this throne,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPhraates’ daughter; thou art peace and love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd must today be crowned. Marvel not, Syrians;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor it is peace my envoys bear by now<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon their saddles to Persepolis.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThis was a secret haste!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nIs it possible?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe had our heel upon the Parthian’s throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSince Parthia swept through the Iranian East<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWrecking the mighty Macedonian’s toil,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWar sways for ever like a darkened sea<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn turmoil twixt our realms. How many heart-strings<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave broken, what tears of anguish have been wept<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd eyes sought eastward unreturning eyes!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nJoy has been buried in the blood-drenched sands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVain blood, vain weeping! Earth was made so wide<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat many might have majesty and joy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon one mother’s equal breast. But we<\/span><\/p>\n

\nArresting others’ portions lose our own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNations that conquer widest, perish first,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSapped by the hate of an uneasy world.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen they are wisest victors who in time<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKnowing the limits of their prosperous fate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAvoid the violence of Heaven. Syrians,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAfter loud battles I have founded glorious peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat fair work I began as Syria’s queen;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo seal it Syria’s king must not refuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 253<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nI do refuse it. There shall be no peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMy son!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nPeace! Are the Parthians at our gates?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas not alarm besieged Ecbatana?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen was it ever seen or heard till now<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat victors sued for peace? And this the reason,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA woman’s reason, because many have bled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd more have wept. It is the tears, the blood<\/span><\/p>\n

\nProdigally spent that build a nation’s greatness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI here annul this peace, this woman’s peace,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will proclaim with noise of victories<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIts revocation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThou speakest, King!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou are not crowned as yet, Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSyria forbids it, Syria’s destiny<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSends forth her lion voices from the hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere trumpets blare towards Persepolis,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nForbidding peace.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWe do not sue for peace,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy son, but give peace, taking provinces<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd taking Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 254<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nWho twenty times<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOutweighs all hero’s actions and exceeds<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEarth’s widest conquests.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFor her and provinces!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO worse disgrace! The sword had won us these.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe wrong the mighty dead who conquered. Provinces!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose soil are they that we must sue for them?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe princess! She’s my prisoner, is she not?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMust I entreat the baffled Parthian then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat I shall do with my own slave-girl here<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Antioch, in my palace? Queen of Syria,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis was ignobly done.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI know you do not love me; in your cold heart<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLove finds no home; but still I am your mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou will respect me thus when you are king?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI will respect you in your place, enshrined<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn your apartments, governing your women,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot Syria.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nLeave it. You will not think of peace?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYes, when our armies reach Persepolis.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nM<\/span>ELITUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHow desperate looks the Queen! What comes of this?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNICANOR
\n<\/font>
\n(who has been watching Eunice<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnd this debate; let Syria know her king.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleopatra rises and stands silent for a moment.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 255<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBehold your king!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nShe has done it, gods!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThere is an astonished silence.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSpeak once more, daughter of high Ptolemy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRemembering God. Speak, have we understood?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs Timocles our king?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font><\/span> (with a mechanical and rigid gesture<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBehold your king!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nNicanor makes a motion of assent as<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nto the accomplished fact.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nLet then the King ascend his throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nLEOSTHENES<\/font><\/span> (half-rising<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HILOCTETES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSpeak, King Antiochus, God’s chosen king<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho art, not Cleopatra’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSpeak, Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy didst thou give to me alone the name<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Syria’s princes? why upon thy right<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHast seated me? or wherefore mad’st thou terms<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor that near time when I should be the king,<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 256<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nChaffering for my consent with arguments<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnneeded if the younger were preferred?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWilt thou invoke the gods to seal this lie?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDost thou insult me thus before my world?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAscend the throne, my son.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nStay, Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMake not such haste, my brother, to supplant<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy elder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMy elder?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe looks at Cleopatra.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI have spoken the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThou hast not; thou art delivered of a lie,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA monstrous lie.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/span>LEONE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSilence, thou swarthy slave!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll not be silent. She offends the gods.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am Mentho the Egyptian, she who saw<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe royal children born. She lies to you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Syrians. Royal young Antiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas first on earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe truth breaks out at last.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 257<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nThis is a slave the surplus mud of Nile<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEngendered. Shall we wrong the Queen by hearing her?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI was a noble Egyptian’s wife in Memphis,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo slave, thou Syrian mongrel, and my word<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMay stand against a perjured queen’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font> (leaning forward<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nIs’t done?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nNicanor who has been hesitating, observes<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nher action and stands forward to speak.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe royal blood of Egypt cannot lie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall Syria’s queen be questioned? Shall common words<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf common men be weighed against the breath of kings?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet not wild strife arise, O princes, let it not.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntiochus, renounce unfilial pride;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWound not thy mother and thy motherland,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSon of Nicanor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>HOAS<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nShall a lie prevail?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/font>
\n(looking again at Eunice<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt was settled then among you! Be it so.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy sword is bare. I stand for Syria’s king.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHILOCTETES<\/font>
\n(in the midst of a general hesitation<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEgyptian Philoctetes takes thy challenge,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWho is for me in Syria?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 258<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nI set my sword<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAgainst Nicanor’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI am Leosthenes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI draw my victor steel for King Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWho else for me?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nO<\/span>THERS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI! I! and I! and I!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/span>ALLICRATES AND OTHERS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWe for King Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSlay them, cut down<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe party of the liars.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThere is a shouting and tumult with<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\ndrawing and movement of swords.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nProtect the King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet insolent revolt at once be quenched<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd sink in its own blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI slay all strife<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith the usurper.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nStay, stay, Leosthenes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nForbear! forbear, I say! let all be still!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 259<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThe great Seleucus’ house shall not be made<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA shambles. Not by vulgar riot, not<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy fratricidal murder will I climb<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto my throne, but up the heroic steps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf ordered battle. Brother Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat oft-kissed head is sacred from my sword.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNicanor, thou hast thrown the challenge down;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI lift it up.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO, hear me, son Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI have renounced thee for my mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO wretched woman!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe hurries out followed by Rodogune,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEunice and Cleone.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThou shalt not do this evil,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThough millions help thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes out with Timocles, Phayllus,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCallicrates and the others of his party.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HILOCTETES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nCan we hold the house<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd seize the city? We are many here.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNicanor’s troops hold Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 260<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nNot here, not here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOut to the army on the marches! There<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs Syria’s throne, not here in Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nGo with us. Gather swiftly all our strength,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen out to Parthia!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 261<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nRodogune, Eunice.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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


\nGod gave my heart and mind; they are not hers<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo force into this vile adultery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am a Parthian princess, of a race<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho choose one lord and cleave to him for ever<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThrough death, through fire, through swords, in hell, in heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>UNICE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe Queen’s too broken. It was Phayllus said it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe has leaped into the saddle of affairs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd is already master. What can we hope for<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeft captive in such hands? Not Syria’s throne<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall you ascend beside your chosen lord,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut as a slave the bed of Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nR<\/span>ODOGUNE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nIf we remain! But who remains to die?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Parthian deserts, in Antiochus’ tents!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere we can smile at danger.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>UNICE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, oh, yes!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeserts for us are safe, not Antioch. Come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAntiochus and Philoctetes enter from without.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>NTIOCHUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI sought for you, Eunice, Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo saddle! for our bridal pomp and torches<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 262<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAre other than we looked for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPhayllus enters from within with Theras.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nToday, no later.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Egyptian rebel ravishes our queen!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHelp! help!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>NTIOCHUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nOff, Syrian weasel!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe flings off Phayllus and goes out with<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nTheras, pursue them!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTheras hastens out; Phayllus rushes to the window.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntiochus escapes! Oppose him, sentinels.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA thousand pieces for his head! He’s through.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO for a speedy arrow!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTimocles enters with Cleone.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWho escapes?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThy brother, forcing with him Rodogune,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd with them fled Eunice.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nBy force he carried her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nO no, she went<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSmiling and glad. O thou unwise Phayllus,<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 263<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWhy dost thou stay with me, a man that’s doomed?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will come back and mount his father’s throne<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd rule the nations. Why wouldst thou be slain?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll, all’s for him and ever was. I have had<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLight loves, light friends, but no one ever loved me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom I desired. So was it in our boyhood’s days,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo it persists. He is preferred in heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd earth is his and his humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEven my own mother is a Niobe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBecause he has renounced her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI understand,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSeeing this, the reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy should he always have the things I prize?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat is his friendship but a selfish need<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf souls to unbosom himself to, who will share,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMirror and serve his greatness? Yet it was he<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe clear discerning Philoctetes chose;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon his shoulder leaned my royal uncle<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPreferring him to admonish and to love;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn me he only smiled as one too light<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor praise or censure. What’s his kingliness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut a lust of grandiose slaughter, an ambition<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlmost inhuman and a haughty mind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat lifts itself above the highest heads<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs if his mortal body held a god<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd all were mean to him? Yet proudest men,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThoas, Theramenes, Leosthenes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBecome unasked his servants. What’s his love?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA despot’s sensual longing for a slave,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCarnal, imperious, harsh, without respect,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hunger of the vital self, not raised,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRefined, uplifted to the yearning heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet Rodogune, my Rodogune to him<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 264<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nHas offered up her moonlit purity,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHer secret need of sweetness. O she has<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnveiled to him her sweet proud heart of love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe would not look at me who worshipped her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou too, Phayllus, go, Cleone, go<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd serve him in his tents: the future’s there,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot on this brittle throne with which the gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn idle sport have mocked me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThere must be a man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSomewhere within this!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/span>LEONE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYou shall not speak so to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLook round, King Timocles, and see how many<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrefer you to your brother. I am yours,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPhayllus works for you, princely Nicanor<\/span><\/p>\n

\nProtects you, famed Callicrates supports.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour mother only weeps in fear for you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot passion for your brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nHas left me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWe will have her back. Today<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBegan, today shall end this rash revolt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRise up, King Timocles, and be thyself,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPossess thy throne, recover Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI cannot live unless you bring her back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThat is already seen to. My couriers ride<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 265<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nBefore them to Thrasyllus on the hills.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir flight will founder there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nO subtle, quick<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd provident Phayllus! Thou, thou, deviser,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nArt the sole minister for me. Cleone,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe gods have made thee wholly beautiful<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat thou mightst love me.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nMinister! That’s something,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot all I work for.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(to Theras who enters<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nT<\/span>HERAS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe has escaped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour throw this time was bungled, Chancellor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI saw his rapid flight; but afterwards?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>HERAS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe band of Syrian Phliaps kept the gates.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe shouted loud, but he more quick, more high,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike some clear-voiced Tyrrhenian trumpet cried,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n“Syrians, I am your king,” and they at once,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n“Hail, glorious King!” and followed at his word,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGalloping, till on the Orient road they seemed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike specks on a white ribbon.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/span>HAYLLUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nLet them go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere’s yet Thrasyllus. Or if he returns,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThough gods should help, though victory march his friend,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI am here to meet him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 266<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nUnder the Syrian hills.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAntiochus, his generals, soldiers; Eunice, Rodogune, Mentho.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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


\nWhat god has moved them from their passes sheer<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere they were safe from me?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>HOAS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThey have had word,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo doubt, to take us living.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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


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

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>HOAS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThey are<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThree thousand, we six hundred armed men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall we go forward?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nOnward, still, I say!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>NTIOCHUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, on! I turn not back lest my proud Fate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAvert her eyes from me. A hundred guard<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe princesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes, followed by Thoas,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nLeosthenes, Philoctetes.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>UNICE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe’ll break them like sea-spray;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 267<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThey shall not stand before him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou missioned angels, guard Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAs she speaks, the Eremite<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nenters and regards her.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>UNICE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe is through them, he is through them! How they scatter<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore his sword! My warrior!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nR<\/span>ODOGUNE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWho is this man,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEunice? He is terrible to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>REMITE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWho art thou rather, born to be a torch<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo kingdoms? Is not thy beauty, rightly seen,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMore terrible to men than monstrous forms<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich only frighten?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>UNICE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat if kingdoms burn,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo they burn grandly?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>REMITE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSpirits like thine think so.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrincess of Antioch, hast thou left thy father<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo follow younger eyes? Alas, thou knowst not<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere they shall lead thee! It is to gates accursed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd by a dolorous journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>UNICE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nBeyond all portals<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ld follow! I am a woman of the Greeks<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho fear not death nor hell.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nPage \u2013 268<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nA<\/span>NTIOCHUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nOur swords have hewn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA road for us. Who is this flamen?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>REMITE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\n“Rejoice” I cannot say, but greet Antiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho never shall be king.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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


\nWho art thou, speak,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho barst with such ill-omened words my way<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDiscouraging new-born victory? What thou knowest,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeclare! Curb not thy speech. I have a mind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStronger than omens.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>REMITE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI am the appointed voice<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho come to tell thee thou shalt not be king,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut at thy end shall yield to destiny<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor all thy greatness, genius, pride and force<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEven as the tree that falls. March then no farther,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor in thy path Fate hostile stands.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>NTIOCHUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nIf Fate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWould have me yield, let her first break me. On!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nE<\/span>REMITE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe guardians of the path then wait for thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVigilant lest the world’s destiny be foiled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy human greatness. March on to thy doom.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI will. Straight on, whatever doom it be!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 269<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nE<\/span>REMITE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nFarewell, thou mighty Syrian, soul misled,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStrength born untimely! We shall meet again<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen death shall lead thee into Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 270<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/font><\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act III   The Palace in Antioch. Under the hills.   Scene 1   The Audience-Chamber in the Palace. Nicanor, Phayllus and others seated;…<\/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-1737","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\/1737","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=1737"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1737\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1737"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1737"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}