{"id":1740,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:56","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1740"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:56","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:56","slug":"04-perseus-the-deliverer-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\/04-perseus-the-deliverer-act-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-04_Perseus the Deliverer- Act – II.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The audience-chamber in the Palace of Cepheus.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nCepheus and Cassiopea, seated.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

What will you do, Cepheus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

This that has happened<\/p>\n

Is most
\nunfortunate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

What will you do?<\/p>\n

I hope you will not give up to the priest<\/p>\n

My Iolaus’ golden
\nhead? I hope<\/p>\n

You do not mean that?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Great Poseidon’s priest<\/p>\n

Sways all this
\nland: for from the liberal blood<\/p>\n

Moistening that high-piled altar grow our harvests<\/p>\n

And strong
\nPoseidon satisfied defends<\/p>\n

Our frontiers from the loud Assyrian menace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Empty thy treasuries, glut him with gold.<\/p>\n

Let us be beggars
\nrather than one bright curl<\/p>\n

Of Iolaus feel his gloomy mischiefs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 369<\/p>\n

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

\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

I had already thought of it. Medes!<\/p>\n

Medes enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

Waits Polydaon yet?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEDES<\/p>\n

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

He does, my lord.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Call him, and Tyrian Phineus.<\/p>\n

Medes goes out again.<\/i><\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Bid Tyre save<\/p>\n

Andromeda’s loved brother from this doom;<\/p>\n

He shall not have
\nour daughter otherwise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

This too was in my
\nmind already, queen.<\/p>\n

\nPolydaon and Phineus enter.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

Be seated, King of Tyre: priest Polydaon,<\/p>\n


\nPossess thy usual chair.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Well, King of Syria,<\/p>\n

Shall I have
\njustice? Wilt thou be the King<\/p>\n


\nOver a peopled country? or must I loose<\/font><\/p>\n

The snake-haired
\nGorgon-eyed Erinnyes<\/p>\n


\nTo hunt thee with the clamorous whips of Hell<\/font><\/p>\n

Blood-dripping?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Be content.
\nCepheus gives nought<\/p>\n


\nBut justice from his mighty seat. Thou shalt<\/font><\/p>\n

Have justice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 370<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I am not used to cool my heels<\/p>\n

About the doors of
\nprinces like some beggarly<\/p>\n


\nAnd negligible suitor whose poor plaint<\/font><\/p>\n

Is valued by some
\npaltry drachmas. I am<\/p>\n


\nPoseidon’s priest.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

The prince is called to answer here<\/p>\n

Thy charges.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Answer! Will he
\ndeny a crime<\/p>\n


\nDone impudently in Syria’s face? ‘Tis well;<\/font><\/p>\n

The Tyrian stands
\nhere who can meet that lie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

My children’s lips
\nwere never stained with lies,<\/p>\n


\nInsulting priest, nor will be now; from him<\/font><\/p>\n

We shall have
\ntruth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

And grant the
\ncharge admitted,<\/p>\n


\nThe ransom shall be measured with the crime.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

What talk is this of ransom? Thinkst thou, King,<\/p>\n

That dire
\nPoseidon’s grim offended godhead<\/p>\n


\nCan be o’erplastered with a smudge of silver?<\/font><\/p>\n

Shall money blunt
\nhis vengeance? Shall his majesty<\/p>\n


\nBe estimated in a usurer’s balance?<\/font><\/p>\n

Blood is the
\nransom of this sacrilege.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Ah God!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 371<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

CEPHEUS<\/font> (in agitation<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nTake all my treasury includes<\/font><\/p>\n

Of gold and
\nsilver, gems and porphyry<\/p>\n


\nUnvalued.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

The Gods are not to be bribed,<\/p>\n

King Cepheus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nCASSIOPEA<\/font> (apart<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Give him honours,
\nstate, precedence,<\/p>\n


\nAll he can ask. O husband, let me keep<\/font><\/p>\n

My child’s head on
\nmy bosom safe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Listen!<\/p>\n


\nWhat wouldst thou have? Precedence, pomp and state?<\/font><\/p>\n

Hundreds of spears
\nto ring thee where thou walkest?<\/p>\n


\nSwart slaves and beautiful women in thy temple<\/font><\/p>\n

To serve thee and
\nthy god? They are thine. In feasts<\/p>\n


\nAnd high processions and proud regal meetings<\/font><\/p>\n

Poseidon’s
\nfollowers shall precede the King.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Me wilt thou
\nbribe? I take these for Poseidon,<\/p>\n


\nNor waive my chief demand.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

What will content thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

A victim has been snatched from holy altar:<\/p>\n

To fill that want
\na victim is demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

I will make war on
\nEgypt and Assyria<\/p>\n


\nAnd throw thee kings for victims.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 372<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Thy vaunt is empty.<\/p>\n

Poseidon being
\noffended, who shall give thee<\/p>\n


\nVictory o’er Egypt and o’er strong Assyria?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Take thou the noblest head in all the kingdom<\/p>\n

Below the Prince.
\nTake many heads for one.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Shall then the
\ninnocent perish for the guilty?<\/p>\n


\nIs this thy justice? How shall thy kingdom last?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

You hear him, Cassiopea? he will not yield,<\/p>\n

He is inexorable.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Must I wait
\nlonger?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Ho Medes!<\/p>\n


\nMedes enters.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

Iolaus comes not yet.<\/p>\n


\nMedes goes out.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

\nCASSIOPEA<\/font> (rising fiercely<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nPriest, thou wilt have my child’s blood then, it seems!<\/font><\/p>\n

Nought less will
\nsatisfy thee than thy prince<\/p>\n


\nFor victim?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon knows not prince or beggar.<\/p>\n

Whoever honours
\nhim, he heaps with state<\/p>\n


\nAnd fortune. Whoever wakes his dreadful wrath,<\/font><\/p>\n

He thrusts down
\ninto Erebus for ever.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 373<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Beware! Thou shalt not have my child. Take heed<\/p>\n

Ere thou drive
\nmonarchs to extremity.<\/p>\n


\nThou hopest in thy sacerdotal pride<\/font><\/p>\n

To make the Kings
\nof Syria childless, end<\/p>\n


\nA line that started from the gods. Thinkst thou<\/font><\/p>\n

It will be tamely
\nsuffered? What have we<\/p>\n


\nTo lose, if we lose this? I bid thee again<\/font><\/p>\n

Take heed: drive
\nnot a queen to strong despair.<\/p>\n


\nI am no tame-souled peasant, but a princess<\/font><\/p>\n

And great
\nChaldea’s child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPOLYDAON<\/font> (after a pause<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Wilt thou confirm<\/p>\n


\nThy treasury and all the promised honours,<\/font><\/p>\n

If I excuse the
\ndeed?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

They shall be
\nthine.<\/p>\n


\nHe turns to whisper with Cassiopea.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/font> (apart to Polydaon<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nDost thou prefer me for thy foeman?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

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

In the queen’s
\neyes her rage. We must discover<\/p>\n


\nNew means; this way’s not safe.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou art a coward, priest, for all thy violence.<\/p>\n

But fear me first
\nand then blench from a woman.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Well, as you
\nchoose.<\/p>\n


\nIolaus enters.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 374<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Father, you sent for me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

There is a charge upon thee, Iolaus,<\/p>\n

I do not yet
\nbelieve. But answer truth<\/p>\n


\nLike Cepheus’ son, whatever the result.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Whatever I have done, my father, good<\/p>\n

Or ill, I dare
\nsupport against the world.<\/p>\n


\nWhat is this accusation?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Didst thou rescue<\/p>\n

At dawn a victim
\nfrom Poseidon’s altar?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I did not.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Dar’st thou deny
\nit, wretched boy?<\/p>\n


\nMonarch, his coward lips have uttered falsehood.<\/font><\/p>\n

Speak, King of
\nTyre.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Hear me speak
\nfirst. Thou ruffian,<\/p>\n


\nIntriguer masking in a priest’s disguise, \u2014 <\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Hear him, O King!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Speak calmly. I forbid<\/p>\n

All violence. Thou
\ndeniest then the charge?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 375<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

As it was worded to me, I deny it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Syria, I have not spoken till this moment,<\/p>\n

And would not now,
\nbut sacred truth compels<\/p>\n


\nMy tongue howe’er reluctant. I was there,<\/font><\/p>\n

And saw him rescue
\na wrecked mariner<\/p>\n


\nWith his rash steel. Would that I had not seen it!<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou liest, Phineus, King of Tyre.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Alas!<\/p>\n

If thou hast any
\npity for thy mother,<\/p>\n


\nRun not upon thy death in this fierce spirit,<\/font><\/p>\n

My child. Calmly
\nrepel the charge against thee,<\/p>\n


\nNor thus offend thy brother.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

I am not angry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

It was no shipwrecked weeping mariner,<\/p>\n

Condemned by the
\nwild seas, whom they attempted,<\/p>\n


\nBut a calm god or glorious hero who came<\/font><\/p>\n

By other way than
\nman’s to Syria’s margin.<\/p>\n


\nNor did rash steel or battle rescue him.<\/font><\/p>\n

With the mere
\ndreadful waving of his shield<\/p>\n


\nHe shook from him a hundred threatening lances,<\/font><\/p>\n

This hero hot from
\nTyre and this proud priest<\/p>\n


\nNow bold to bluster in his monarch’s chamber,<\/font><\/p>\n

But then a pallid
\ncoward, \u2014  so he trusts<\/p>\n


\nIn his Poseidon!<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 376<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Hast thou done?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Not yet.<\/p>\n

That I drew forth
\nmy sword, is true, and true<\/p>\n


\nI would have rescued him from god or devil<\/font><\/p>\n

Had it been
\nneeded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Enough! He has
\nconfessed!<\/p>\n


\nGive verdict, King, and sentence. Let me watch<\/font><\/p>\n

Thy justice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

But this fault was
\nnot so deadly!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I see thy drift, O
\nKing. Thou wouldst prefer<\/p>\n


\nThy son to him who rules the earth and waters:<\/font><\/p>\n

Thou wouldst exalt
\nthy throne above the temple,<\/p>\n


\nSetting the gods beneath thy feet. Fool, fool,<\/font><\/p>\n

Knowst thou not
\nthat the terrible Poseidon<\/p>\n


\nCan end thy house in one tremendous hour?<\/font><\/p>\n

Yield him one
\nimpious head which cannot live<\/p>\n


\nAnd he will give thee other and better children.<\/font><\/p>\n

Give sentence or
\nbe mad and perish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Father,<\/p>\n


\nNot for thy son’s, but for thy honour’s sake<\/font><\/p>\n

Resist him. ‘Tis
\nbetter to lose crown and life,<\/p>\n


\nThan rule the world because a priest allows it.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Give sentence, King. I can no longer wait,<\/p>\n

Give sentence.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 377<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

CEPHEUS<\/font> (helplessly to Cassiopea<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nWhat shall I do?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Monarch of Tyre,<\/p>\n

Thou choosest
\nsilence then, a pleased spectator?<\/p>\n


\nThou hast bethought thee of other nuptials?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Lady,<\/p>\n

You wrong my
\nsilence which was but your servant<\/p>\n


\nTo find an issue from this dire impasse,<\/font><\/p>\n

Rescuing your
\nchild from wrath, justice not wounded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

The issue lies in
\nthe accuser’s will,<\/p>\n


\nIf putting malice by he’ld only seek<\/font><\/p>\n

Poseidon’s glory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

The deed’s by all
\nadmitted,<\/p>\n


\nThe law and bearing of it are in doubt.<\/font><\/p>\n

(to Polydaon<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nYou urge a place is void and must be filled<\/font><\/p>\n

On great
\nPoseidon’s altar, and demand<\/p>\n


\nJustly the guilty head of Iolaus.<\/font><\/p>\n

He did the fault,
\nhis head must ransom it.<\/p>\n


\nLet him fill up the void, who made the void.<\/font><\/p>\n

Nor will high
\nheaven accept a guiltless head,<\/p>\n


\nTo let the impious free.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Phineus, \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

But if<\/p>\n

The victim lost
\nreturn, you cannot then<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 378<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n<\/i><\/p>\n

Claim Iolaus; then there is no void<\/p>\n


\nFor substitution.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

King, \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

The simpler fault<\/p>\n

With ransom can be
\neasily excused<\/p>\n


\nAnd covered up in gold. Let him produce<\/font><\/p>\n

The fugitive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Tyrian, \u2014 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

I have not
\nforgotten.<\/p>\n


\nPatience! You plead that your mysterious guest<\/font><\/p>\n

Being neither
\nshipwrecked nor a mariner<\/p>\n


\nComes not within the doom of law. Why then,<\/font><\/p>\n

Let Law decide
\nthat issue, not the sword<\/p>\n


\nNor swift evasion! Dost thou fear the event<\/font><\/p>\n

Of thy great
\nfather’s sentence from that throne<\/p>\n


\nWhere Justice sits with bright unsullied robe<\/font><\/p>\n

Judging the
\npeoples? Calmly expect his doom<\/p>\n


\nWhich errs not.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Thou art a man noble indeed in counsel<\/p>\n

And fit to rule
\nthe nations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

I approve.<\/p>\n


\nYou laugh, my son?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I laugh to see wise men<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 379<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

Catching their feet in their own
\nsubtleties.<\/p>\n


\nKing Phineus, wilt thou seize Olympian Zeus<\/font><\/p>\n

And call thy
\nTyrian smiths to forge his fetters?<\/p>\n


\nOr wilt thou claim the archer bright Apollo<\/font><\/p>\n

To meet thy human
\ndoom, priest Polydaon?<\/p>\n


\n‘Tis well; the danger’s yours. Give me three days<\/font><\/p>\n

And I’ll produce
\nhim.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Priest, art thou
\ncontent?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Exceed not thou
\nthe period by one day,<\/p>\n


\nOr tremble.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/font> (rising<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nHappily decided. Rise<\/font><\/p>\n

My Cassiopea: now
\nour hearts can rest<\/p>\n


\nFrom these alarms.<\/font><\/p>\n

Cepheus and Cassiopea leave the chamber.<\/i><\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Keep thy knife
\nsharp, sacrificant.<\/p>\n


\nKing Phineus, I am grateful and advise<\/font><\/p>\n

Thy swift
\ndeparture back to Tyre unmarried.<\/p>\n


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

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

What hast thou done, King Phineus? All is ruined.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

What, have the stripling’s threats appalled thee, priest?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast demanded a bright dreadful god<\/p>\n

For victim. We
\nmight have slain young Iolaus:<\/p>\n

Wilt thou slay him whose tasselled aegis smote<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 380<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

\nTerror into a hundred warriors?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Priest,<\/p>\n

\nThou art a superstitious fool. Believe not<\/p>\n

\nThe gods come down to earth with swords and wings,<\/p>\n

\nOr transitory raiment made on looms,<\/p>\n

\nOr bodies visible to mortal eyes.<\/p>\n

\nFar otherwise they come, with unseen steps<\/p>\n

\nAnd stroke invisible, \u2014  if gods indeed<\/p>\n

\nThere are. I doubt it, who can find no room<\/p>\n

\nFor powers unseen: the world’s alive and moves<\/p>\n

\nBy natural law without their intervention.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

King Phineus, doubt not the immortal gods.<\/p>\n

\nThey love not doubters. If thou hadst lived as I,<\/p>\n

\nDaily devoted to the temple dimness,<\/p>\n

\nAnd seen the awful shapes that live in night,<\/p>\n

\nAnd heard the awful sounds that move at will<\/p>\n

\nWhen Ocean with the midnight is alone,<\/p>\n

\nThou wouldst not doubt. Remember the dread portents<\/p>\n

\nHigh gods have sent on earth a hundred times<\/p>\n

\nWhen kings offended.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Well, let them reign unquestioned<\/p>\n

\nFar from the earth in their too bright Olympus,<\/p>\n

\nSo that they come not down to meddle here<\/p>\n

\nIn what I purpose. For your aegis-bearer,<\/p>\n

\nYour winged and two-legged lion, he’s no god.<\/p>\n

\nYou hurried me away or I’ld have probed<\/p>\n

\nHis godlike guts with a good yard of steel<\/p>\n

\nTo test the composition of his ichor.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

What of his flaming aegis lightning-tasselled?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 381<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWhat of his winged sandals, King?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

The aegis?<\/p>\n

\nSome mechanism of refracted light.<\/p>\n

\nThe wings? Some new aerial contrivance<\/p>\n

\nA luckier Daedalus may have invented.<\/p>\n

\nThe Greeks are scientists unequalled, bold<\/p>\n

\nExperimenters, happy in invention.<\/p>\n

\nNothing’s incredible that they devise,<\/p>\n

\nAnd this man, Polydaon, is a Greek.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Have it your way. Say he was merely man!<\/p>\n

\nHow do we profit by his blood?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

O marvellous!<\/p>\n

\nThou hesitate to kill! thou seek for reasons!<\/p>\n

\nIs not blood always blood? I could not forfeit<\/p>\n

\nMy right to marry young Andromeda;<\/p>\n

\nShe is my claim to Syria. Leave something, priest,<\/p>\n

\nTo Fortune, but be ready for her coming<\/p>\n

\nAnd grasp ere she escape. The old way’s best;<\/p>\n

\nExcite the commons, woo their thunderer,<\/p>\n

\nThat plausible republican. Iolaus<\/p>\n

\nOnce ended, by right of fair Andromeda<\/p>\n

\nI’ll save and wear the crown. Priest, over Syria<\/p>\n

\nAnd all my Tyrians thou shalt be the one prelate,<\/p>\n

\nShould all go well.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

All shall go well, King Phineus.<\/p>\n

\nThey go.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 382<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n2<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA room in the women’s apartments of the Palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

Andromeda, Diomede, Praxilla.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

My brother lives then?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Thanks to Tyre, it seems.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Thanks to the wolf who means to eat him later.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

You’ll lose your tongue some morning; rule it, girl.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

These kings, these politicians, these high masters!<\/p>\n

\nThese wise blind men! We slaves have eyes at least<\/p>\n

\nTo look beyond transparency.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Because<\/p>\n

\nWe stand outside the heated game unmoved<\/p>\n

\nBy interests, fears and passions.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

He is <\/i>a wolf, for I have seen his teeth.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Yet must you marry him, my little princess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 383<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

What, to be torn in pieces by the teeth?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

I think the gods will not allow this marriage.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I know not what the gods may do: be sure,<\/p>\n

\nI’ll not allow it.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Fie, Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nYou must obey your parents: ’tis not right,<\/p>\n

\nThis wilfulness. Why, you’re a child! you think<\/p>\n

\nYou can oppose the will of mighty monarchs?<\/p>\n

\nBe good; obey your father.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Yes, Praxilla?<\/p>\n

\nAnd if my father bade me take a knife<\/p>\n

\nAnd cut my face and limbs and stab my eyes,<\/p>\n

\nMust I do that?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Where are you with your wild fancies?<\/p>\n

\nYour father would not bid you do such things.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Because they’ld hurt me?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Yes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

It hurts me more<\/p>\n

\nTo marry Phineus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 384<\/p>\n

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

\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

O you sly logic-splitter!<\/p>\n

\nYou dialectician, you sunny-curled small sophist,<\/p>\n

\nChop logic with your father. I’m tired of you.<\/p>\n

\nCepheus enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Father, I have been waiting for you.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

What! you?<\/p>\n

\nI’ll not believe it. You? (caressing her<\/i>) My rosy Syrian!<\/p>\n

\nMy five-foot lady! My small queen of Tyre!<\/p>\n

\nYes, you are tired of playing with the ball.<\/p>\n

\nYou wait for me!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I was <\/i>waiting. Here are<\/p>\n

\nTwo kisses for you.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

\nOh, now I understand.<\/p>\n

\nYou dancing rogue, you’re not so free with kisses:<\/p>\n

\nI have to pay for them, small cormorant.<\/p>\n

\nWhat is it now? a talking Tyrian doll?<\/p>\n

\nOr a strong wooden horse with silken wings<\/p>\n

\nTo fly up to the gold rims of the moon?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I will not kiss you if you talk like that.<\/p>\n

\nI am a woman now. As if I wanted<\/p>\n

\nSuch nonsense, father!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Oh, you’re a woman now?<\/p>\n

\nThen ’tis a robe from Cos, sandals fur-lined<\/p>\n

\nOr belt all silver. Young diplomatist,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 385<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nI know you. You keep these rippling showers of gold<\/p>\n

\nUpon your head to buy your wishes with.<\/p>\n

\nTherefore you packed your small red lips with honey.<\/p>\n

\nWell, usurer, what’s the price you want?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I want, \u2014 <\/p>\n

\nBut father, will you give me what I want?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

I’ld give you the bright sun from heaven for plaything<\/p>\n

\nTo make you happy, girl Andromeda.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I want the Babylonians who were wrecked<\/p>\n

\nIn the great ship today, to be my slaves,<\/p>\n

\nFather.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Was ever such a perverse witch?<\/p>\n

\nTo ask the only thing I cannot give!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Can I not have them, father?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

They are Poseidon’s.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Oh then you love Poseidon more than me!<\/p>\n

\nWhy should he have them?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Fie, child! the mighty gods<\/p>\n

\nAre masters of the earth and sea and heavens,<\/p>\n

\nAnd all that is, is theirs. We are their stewards.<\/p>\n

\nBut what is once restored into their hands<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 386<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nIs thenceforth holy: he who even gazes<\/p>\n

\nWith greedy eye upon divine possessions,<\/p>\n

\nIs guilty in Heaven’s sight and may awake<\/p>\n

\nA dreadful wrath. These men, Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nMust bleed upon the altar of the God.<\/p>\n

\nSpeak not of them again: they are devoted.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Is he a god who eats the flesh of men?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

O hush, blasphemer!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Father, give command,<\/p>\n

\nTo have Praxilla here boiled for my breakfast.<\/p>\n

\nI’ll be a goddess too.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Praxilla!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis thus<\/p>\n

\nShe talks. Oh but it gives me a shivering fever<\/p>\n

\nSometimes to hear her.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

What mean you, dread gods?<\/p>\n

\nPurpose you then the ruin of my house<\/p>\n

\nPreparing in my children the offences<\/p>\n

\nThat must excuse your wrath? Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nMy little daughter, speak not like this again,<\/p>\n

\nI charge you, no, nor think it. The mighty gods<\/p>\n

\nDwell far above the laws that govern men<\/p>\n

\nAnd are not to be mapped by mortal judgments.<\/p>\n

\nIt is Poseidon’s will these men should die<\/p>\n

\nUpon his altar. ‘Tis not to be questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 387<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

It shall be questioned. Let your God go hungry.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

I am amazed! Did you not hear me, child?<\/p>\n

\nOn the third day from now these men shall die.<\/p>\n

\nThe same high evening ties you fast with nuptials<\/p>\n

\nTo Phineus, who shall take you home to Tyre.<\/p>\n

\n(aside<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nOn Tyre let the wrath fall, if it must come.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Father, you’ll understand this once for all, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\nI will not let the Babylonians die,<\/p>\n

\nI will not marry Phineus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Oh, you will not?<\/p>\n

\nHere is a queen, of Tyre and all the world;<\/p>\n

\nHow mutinous-majestically this smallness<\/p>\n

\nDivulges her decrees, making the most<\/p>\n

\nOf her five feet of gold and cream and roses!<\/p>\n

\nAnd why will you not marry Phineus, rebel?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

He does not please me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

School your likings, rebel.<\/p>\n

\nIt is most needful Syria mate with Tyre.<\/p>\n

\nAnd you are Syria.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Why, father, if you gave me a toy, you’ld ask<\/p>\n

\nWhat toy I like! If you gave me a robe<\/p>\n

\nOr vase, you would consult my taste in these!<\/p>\n

\nMust I marry any cold-eyed crafty husband<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 388<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nI do not like?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

You do not like! You do not like!<\/p>\n

\nThou silly child, must the high policy<\/p>\n

\nOf Princes then be governed by thy likings?<\/p>\n

\n‘Tis policy, ’tis kingly policy<\/p>\n

\nThat made this needful marriage, and it shall not<\/p>\n

\nFor your spoilt childish likings be unmade.<\/p>\n

\nWhat, you look sullen? what, you frown, virago?<\/p>\n

\nLook, if you mutiny, I’ll have you whipped.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

You would not dare.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Not dare!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Of course you would not.<\/p>\n

\nAs if I were afraid of you!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

You are spoiled,<\/p>\n

\nYou are spoiled! Your mother spoils you, you wilful sunbeam.<\/p>\n

\nCome, you provoking minx, you’ll marry Phineus?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I will not, father. If I must marry, then<\/p>\n

\nI’ll marry my bright sun-god! and none else<\/p>\n

\nIn the wide world.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Your
\nsun-god! Is that all?<\/p>\n

\nShall I not send an envoy to Olympus<\/p>\n

\nAnd call the Thunderer here to marry you?<\/p>\n

\nYou’re not ambitious?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 389<\/p>\n

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

\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

It is not that she means;<\/p>\n

\nShe speaks of the bright youth her brother rescued.<\/p>\n

\nSince she has heard of him, no meaner talk<\/p>\n

\nIs on her lips.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Who is this radiant coxcomb?<\/p>\n

\nWhence did he come to set my Syria in a whirl?<\/p>\n

\nFor him my son’s in peril of his life,<\/p>\n

\nFor him my daughter will not marry Tyre.<\/p>\n

\nOh, Polydaon’s right. He must be killed<\/p>\n

\nBefore he does more mischief. Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nOn the third day you marry Tyrian Phineus.<\/p>\n

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

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

That was a valiant shot timed to a most discreet departure.<\/p>\n

\nParthian tactics are best when we deal with mutinous daughters.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Andromeda, you will obey your father?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

You are not in my counsels. You’re too faithful,<\/p>\n

\nVirtuous and wise, and virtuously you would<\/p>\n

\nBetray me. There is a thing full-grown in me<\/p>\n

\nThat you shall only know by the result.<\/p>\n

\nDiomede, come; for I need help, not counsel.<\/p>\n

\nShe goes.<\/i><\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

What means she now? Her whims are as endless as the tossing of leaves in a wind. But you will find out and tell me, Diomede.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

I will find out certainly, but as to telling, that is as it shall please
\nme \u2014  and my little mistress.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 390<\/p>\n

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

\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

You shall be whipped.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Pish!<\/p>\n

\nShe runs out.<\/i><\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

The child is spoiled herself and she spoils her servants. There is
\nno managing any of them.<\/p>\n

\nShe goes out.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 391<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n3<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAn orchard garden in Syria by a river-bank: the corner of a cottage in the background.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nPerseus, Cydone.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/font> (sings<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nO the sun in the reeds and willows!<\/p>\n

\nO the sun with the leaves at play!<\/p>\n

\nWho would waste the warm sunlight?<\/p>\n

\nAnd for weeping there’s the night.<\/p>\n

\nBut now ’tis day.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Yes, willows and the reeds! and the bright sun<\/p>\n

\nStays with the ripples talking quietly.<\/p>\n

\nAnd there, Cydone, look! how the fish leap<\/p>\n

\nTo catch at sunbeams. Sing yet again, Cydone.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nCYDONE<\/font> (sings<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nO what use have your foolish tears?<\/p>\n

\nWhat will you do with your hopes and fears?<\/p>\n

\nThey but waste the sweet sunlight.<\/p>\n

\nLook! morn opens: look how bright<\/p>\n

\nThe world appears!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

O you Cydone in the sweet sunlight!<\/p>\n

\nBut you are lovelier.<\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

\nYou talk like Iolaus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 392<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nCome, here’s your crown. I’ll set it where ’tis due.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Crowns are too heavy, dear. Sunlight was better.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis a light crown of love I put upon you,<\/p>\n

\nMy brother Perseus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Love! but love is heavy.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

No, love is light. I put light love upon you,<\/p>\n

\nBecause I love you and you love Iolaus.<\/p>\n

\nI love you because you love Iolaus,<\/p>\n

\nAnd love the world that loves my Iolaus,<\/p>\n

\nIolaus my world and all the world<\/p>\n

\nOnly for Iolaus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Happy Cydone,<\/p>\n

\nWho can lie here and babble to the river<\/p>\n

\nAll day of love and light and Iolaus.<\/p>\n

\nIf it could last! But tears are in the world<\/p>\n

\nAnd must some day be wept.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Why must they, Perseus?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

When Iolaus becomes King in Syria<\/p>\n

\nAnd comes no more, what will you do, Cydone?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Why, I will go to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 393<\/p>\n

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

\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

And if perhaps<\/p>\n

\nHe should not know you?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Then it will be night.<\/p>\n

\nIt is day now.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

A bright philosophy,<\/p>\n

\nBut with the tears behind. Hellas, thou livest<\/p>\n

\nIn thy small world of radiant white perfection<\/p>\n

\nWith eye averted from the night beyond,<\/p>\n

\nThe night immense, unfathomed. But I have seen<\/p>\n

\nSnow-regions monstrous underneath the moon<\/p>\n

\nAnd Gorgon caverns dim. Ah well, the world<\/p>\n

\nIs bright around me and the quick lusty breeze<\/p>\n

\nOf strong adventure wafts my bright-winged sandals<\/p>\n

\nO’er mountains and o’er seas, and Herpe’s with me,<\/p>\n

\nMy sword of sharpness.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Your sword, my brother Perseus?<\/p>\n

\nBut it is lulled to sleep in scarlet roses<\/p>\n

\nBy the winged sandals watched. Can they really<\/p>\n

\nLift you into the sky?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

They can, Cydone.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

What’s in the wallet locked so carefully?<\/p>\n

\nI would have opened it and seen, but could not.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis well thou didst not. For thy breathing limbs<\/p>\n

\nWould in a moment have been charmed to stone<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 394<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAnd these smooth locks grown rigid and stiffened, O Cydone,<\/p>\n

\nThy happy heart would never more have throbbed<\/p>\n

\nTo Iolaus’ kiss.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat monster’s there?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

It is the Gorgon’s head who lived in night.<\/p>\n

\nSnake-tresses frame its horror of deadly beauty<\/p>\n

\nThat turns the gazer into marble.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Ugh!<\/p>\n

\nWhy do you keep such dreadful things about you?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Why, are there none who are better turned to stone<\/p>\n

\nThan living?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

O yes, the priest of the dark shrine<\/p>\n

\nWho hates my love. Fix him to frowning grimness<\/p>\n

\nIn innocent marble. (listening<\/i>) It is Iolaus!<\/p>\n

\nI know his footfall, muffled in the green.<\/p>\n

\nIolaus enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Perseus, my friend, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou art my human sun.<\/p>\n

\nCome, shine upon me; let thy face of beauty<\/p>\n

\nBecome a near delight, my arm, fair youth, possess thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I am a warrant-bearer to you, friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 395<\/p>\n

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

\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

On what arrest?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

For running from the knife.<\/p>\n

\nA debt that must be paid. They’ll not be baulked<\/p>\n

\nTheir dues of blood, their strict account of hearts.<\/p>\n

\nOr mine or thine they’ll have to crown their altars.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Why, do but make thy tender breast the altar<\/p>\n

\nAnd I’ll not grudge my heart, sweet Iolaus.<\/p>\n

\nWho’s this accountant?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon’s dark-browed priest,<\/p>\n

\nAs gloomy as the den in which he lairs,<\/p>\n

\nWho hopes to gather Syria in his hands<\/p>\n

\nUpon a priestly pretext.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Change him, Perseus,<\/p>\n

\nInto black stone!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Oh, hard and black as his own mood!<\/p>\n

\nHe has a stony heart much better housed<\/p>\n

\nIn limbs of stone than a kind human body<\/p>\n

\nWho would hurt thee, my Iolaus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

He’ld hurt<\/p>\n

\nAnd find a curious pleasure. If it were even<\/p>\n

\nMy sister sunbeam, my Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nHe’ld carve her soft white breast as readily<\/p>\n

\nAs any slave’s or murderer’s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 396<\/p>\n

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

\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nIt is a name that murmurs to the heart<\/p>\n

\nOf strength and sweetness.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Three days you are given to prove yourself a god!<\/p>\n

\nYou failing, ’tis my bosom pays the debt.<\/p>\n

\nThat’s their decree.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Turn them to stone, to stone!<\/p>\n

\nAll, all to heartless marble!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thy father bids this?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

He dare not baulk this dangerous priest.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Ah, dare not!<\/p>\n

\nYes, there are fathers too who love their lives<\/p>\n

\nAnd not their children: earth has known of such.<\/p>\n

\nThere was a father like this once in Argos!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Blame not the King too much.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Turn him to stone,<\/p>\n

\nTo stone!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Hush, hush, Cydone!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 397<\/p>\n

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

\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Stone, hard stone!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I’ll whip thee, shrew, with rose-briars.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Will you promise<\/p>\n

\nTo kiss the blood away? Then I’ll offend<\/p>\n

\nDaily, on purpose.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Love’s rose-briars, sweet Cydone,<\/p>\n

\nInflict no wounds.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Oh yes, they bleed within.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

The brow of Perseus grows darkness!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Rise,<\/p>\n

\nAnd be my guide. Where is this temple and priest?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

The temple now?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Soonest is always best<\/p>\n

\nWhen noble deeds are to be done.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

What deed?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

I will release the men of Babylon<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 398<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nFrom their grim blood-feast. Let them howl for victims.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

It will incense them more.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Me they have incensed<\/p>\n

\nWith their fierce crafty fury. If they must give<\/p>\n

\nTo their dire god, let them at least fulfil<\/p>\n

\nWith solemn decency their fearful rites.<\/p>\n

\nBut since they bring in politic rage and turn<\/p>\n

\nTheir barbarous rite into a trade of murder,<\/p>\n

\nNor rite nor temple be respected more.<\/p>\n

\nMust they have victims? Let them take and slay<\/p>\n

\nPerseus alone. I shall rejoice to know<\/p>\n

\nThat so much strength and boldness dwells in men<\/p>\n

\nWho are mortal.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Men thou needst not fear; but, Perseus,<\/p>\n

\nPoseidon’s wrath will wake, whose lightest motion<\/p>\n

\nIs deadly.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Mine is not harmless.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Against gods<\/p>\n

\nWhat can a mortal’s anger do?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

We’ll talk<\/p>\n

\nWith those pale merchants. Wait for me; I bring<\/p>\n

\nHerpe my sword.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

The wallet, Perseus! leave not the dear wallet!<\/p>\n

\nPerseus goes out towards the cottage.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 399<\/p>\n

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

\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

My queen, have I your leave?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Give me a kiss<\/p>\n

\nThat I may spend the hours remembering it<\/p>\n

\nTill you return.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/font> (kissing her<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nWill one fill hours, Cydone?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

I fear to ask for more. You’re such a miser.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

You rose-lipped slanderer! there! Had I the time<\/p>\n

\nI would disprove you, smothering you with what<\/p>\n

\nYou pray for.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Come soon.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I’ll watch the sun go down.<\/p>\n

\nIn your dark night of tresses.<\/p>\n

\nPerseus returns.<\/i><\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Come.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I am ready.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

Stone, brother Perseus, make them stone for ever.<\/p>\n

\nPerseus and Iolaus go out.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 400<\/p>\n

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

\n

(sings<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\n“Marble body, heart of bliss<\/p>\n

\nOr a stony heart and this,<\/p>\n

\nWhich of these two wilt thou crave?<\/p>\n

\nOne or other thou shalt have.”<\/p>\n

\n“By my kisses shall be known<\/p>\n

\nWhich is flesh and which is stone.<\/p>\n

\nLove, thy heart of stone! it quakes.<\/p>\n

\nSweet, thy fair cold limbs! love takes<\/p>\n

\nWith this warm and rosy trembling.<\/p>\n

\nWhere is now thy coy dissembling?<\/p>\n

\nHeart and limbs I here escheat<\/p>\n

\nFor that fraudulent deceit.”<\/p>\n

\n“And will not marble even grow soft,<\/p>\n

\nKissed so warmly and so oft?”<\/p>\n

\nCurtain<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 401<\/p>\n

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

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

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

  Act II   Scene 1   The audience-chamber in the Palace of Cepheus. Cepheus and Cassiopea, seated.   CASSIOPEA What will you do, Cepheus?…<\/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-1740","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\/1740","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=1740"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1740\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1740"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}