{"id":1745,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:58","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1745"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:58","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:58","slug":"04-perseus-the-deliverer-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\/04-perseus-the-deliverer-act-iii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-04_Perseus the Deliverer- Act – III.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nScene
\n1<\/a><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nThe women’s apartments of the Palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAndromeda, Diomede.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nA<\/font>NDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

All’s ready, let us go.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Andromeda,<\/p>\n

My little mistress whom I love, let me<\/p>\n

\nBeseech you by that love, do not attempt it.<\/p>\n

Oh, this is no such pretty wilfulness<\/p>\n

\nAs all men love to smile at and to punish<\/p>\n

With tenderness and chidings. It is a crime<\/p>\n

\nFull of impiety, a deed of danger<\/p>\n

That venturous and iron spirits would be aghast<\/p>\n

\nTo dream of. You think because you are a child,<\/p>\n

You will be pardoned, because you are a princess<\/p>\n

\nNo hand will dare to punish you. You do not know<\/p>\n

Men’s hearts. They will not pause to pity you,<\/p>\n

\nThey will not spare. The people in its rage<\/p>\n

Will tear us both to pieces, limb from limb,<\/p>\n

\nWith blows and fury, roaring round like tigers.<\/p>\n

Will you expose yourself to that grim handling<\/p>\n

\nWho cry out at the smallest touch of pain?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Do not delay me on the brink of action.<\/p>\n

You have said these things before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 402<\/p>\n

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

\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

You shall not do it.<\/p>\n

I will not go with you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

So you expose me<\/p>\n

\nTo danger merely and break the oath you swore;<\/p>\n

For I must do it then unhelped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

I’ll tell<\/p>\n

\nYour mother, child, and then you cannot go.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I shall die then on the third day from this.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

What! you will kill yourself, and for two strangers<\/p>\n

You never saw? You are no human maiden<\/p>\n

\nBut something far outside mortality,<\/p>\n

Princess, if you do this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I shall not need.<\/p>\n

\nYou threaten me with the fierce people’s tearings,<\/p>\n

And shall I not be torn when I behold<\/p>\n

\nMy fellows’ piteous hearts plucked from their bosoms<\/p>\n

Between their anguished shrieks? I shall fall dead<\/p>\n

\nWith horror and with pity at your feet:<\/p>\n

Then you’ll repent this cruelty.<\/p>\n

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

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Child, child!<\/p>\n

Hush, I will go with you. If I must die,<\/p>\n

\nI’ll die.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 403<\/p>\n

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

\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Have I not loved you, Diomede?<\/p>\n

Have I not taken your stripes upon myself,<\/p>\n

\nClaiming your dear offences? Have I not lain<\/p>\n

Upon your breast, stealing from my own bed<\/p>\n

\nAt night, and kissed your bosom and your hands<\/p>\n

For very love of you? And I had thought<\/p>\n

\nYou loved me: but you do not care at last<\/p>\n

Whether I live or die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Oh hush! I love you,<\/p>\n

\nI’ll go with you. You shall not die alone,<\/p>\n

If you are bent on dying. I’ll put on<\/p>\n

\nMy sandals and be with you in a moment.<\/p>\n

Go, little princess. I am with you; go.<\/p>\n

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

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

O you poor shuddering men, my human fellows,<\/p>\n

Horribly bound beneath the grisly knife<\/p>\n

\nYou feel already groping for your hearts,<\/p>\n

Pardon me each long moment that you wrestle<\/p>\n

\nWith grim anticipation. O, and you,<\/p>\n

If there is any god in the deaf skies<\/p>\n

\nThat pities men or helps them, O protect me!<\/p>\n

But if you are inexorably unmoved<\/p>\n

\nAnd punish pity, I, Andromeda,<\/p>\n

Who am a woman on this earth, will help<\/p>\n

\nMy brothers. Then, if you must punish me,<\/p>\n

Strike home. You should have given me no heart;<\/p>\n

\nIt is too late now to forbid it feeling.<\/p>\n

\nShe is going out. Athene appears.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nWhat is this light, this glory? who art thou,<\/p>\n

O beautiful marble face amid the lightnings?<\/p>\n

\nMy heart faints with delight, my body trembles,<\/p>\n

Intolerable ecstasy beats in my veins;<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 404<\/p>\n

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

\n

I am oppressed and tortured with thy beauty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

I am Athene.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Art thou a goddess? Thy name<\/p>\n

\nWe hear far off in Syria.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

I am she<\/p>\n

Who helps and has compassion on struggling mortals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/font> (falling prostrate<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Do not deceive me! I will kiss thy feet.<\/p>\n

\nO joy! thou art! thou art!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Lift up thy head,<\/p>\n

My servant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Thou art! there are not only void<\/p>\n

\nAzure and cold inexorable laws.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Stand up, O daughter of Cassiope.<\/p>\n

Wilt thou then help these men of Babylonia,<\/p>\n

\nMy mortals whom I love?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I help myself,<\/p>\n

When I help these.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

To thee alone I gave<\/p>\n

\nThis knowledge. O virgin, O Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 405<\/p>\n

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

\n

It reached thee through that large and noble heart<\/p>\n

\nOf woman beating in a little child.<\/p>\n

But dost thou know that thy reward shall be<\/p>\n

\nBetrayal and fierce hatred? God and man<\/p>\n

Shall league in wrath to kill and torture thee<\/p>\n

\nMid dire revilings.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

My reward shall be<\/p>\n

To cool this anguish of pity in my heart<\/p>\n

\nAnd be at peace: if dead, O still at peace!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Thou fearst not then? They will expose thee, child,<\/p>\n

To slaughter by the monsters of the deep<\/p>\n

\nWho shall come forth to tear thy limbs.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Beyond too<\/p>\n

Shall I be hated, in that other world?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Perhaps.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Wilt thou love me?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Thou art my child.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

O mother, O Athene, let me go.<\/p>\n

\nThey linger in anticipated pangs.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Go, child. I shall be near invisibly.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 406<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nShe disappears. Andromeda stands with clasped<\/i><\/p>\n

\nhands straining her eyes as if into infinity.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nDiomede returns.<\/i><\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

You are not gone as yet? what is this, princess?<\/p>\n

\nWhat is this light around you! How you are altered,<\/p>\n

Andromeda!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Diomede, let us go.<\/p>\n

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


\nPage \u2013 407<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn the Temple of Poseidon.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nCireas.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

C<\/font>IREAS<\/p>\n

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

I am done with thee, Poseidon Ennosigaios, man-slayer, ship-breaker, earth-shaker, lord of the waters! Never was faithful service so dirtily rewarded. In all these years not a drachma,
\nnot an obolus, not even a false coin for solace. And when thou hadst mocked me with hope, when a Prince had promised me all
\nmy findings, puttest thou me off with two pauperized merchants of Babylon? What, thou takest thy loud ravenous glut of the
\ntreasures that should have been mine and roarest derision at me with thy hundred-voiced laughters? Am I a sponge to suck up
\nthese insults? No! I am only moderately porous. I will break thy treasury, Poseidon, and I will run. Think not either to send thy
\nsea-griffins after me. For I will live on the top of Lebanon, and thy monsters, when they come for  me, shall snort and grin and
\ngasp for breath and return to thee baffled and asthmatic. <\/p>\n

\nAs he talks Iolaus and Perseus enter.<\/i><\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

What, Cireas, wilt thou run? I’ll give thee gold<\/p>\n

\nTo wing thy shoes, if thou wilt do my bidding.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

I am overheard! I am undone! I am crucified! I am disembowelled!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Be tranquil, Cireas, fool, I come to help thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 408<\/p>\n

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

\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Do you indeed! I see, they have made you a god, for you know men’s minds. But could old father  Zeus find your newborn godhead no better work than to help thieves and give wings to runaways? Will you indeed help me, god Iolaus? I can steal then
\nunder thy welcome protection? I can borrow Poseidon’s savings and run? <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Steal not: thou shalt have gold enough to buy<\/p>\n

\nThy liberty and farms and slaves and cattle.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Prince, art thou under a vow of liberality? or being about to die, wilt thou distribute thy goods and chattels to deserving
\ndishonesty? Do not mock me, for if thou raise hopes again in me and break them, I can only hang myself. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I mock thee not, thou shalt have glut of riches.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

What must I do? I’ld give thee nose and ears<\/p>\n

\nFor farms and freedom.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Wherefore dost thou bribe<\/p>\n

This slave to undo a bond my sword unties?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I shrink from violence in the grim god’s temple.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Zeus, art thou there with thy feathers and phosphorus? I pray
\nthee, my good bright darling Zeus, do not come in the way of my earnings. Do not be so cantankerously virtuous, do not <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 409<\/p>\n

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

\n

be so damnably economical. Good Zeus, I adjure thee by thy
\nfoot-plumes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Cireas, wilt thou bring forth the wretched captives<\/p>\n

Who wait the butcher Polydaon’s knife<\/p>\n

\nWith groanings? we would talk with them. Wilt thou?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Will I? Will I? I would do any bad turn to that scanty-hearted rampageous old ship-swallower there. I would do it for nothing,
\nand for so much gold will I not?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

And thou must shut thine eyes.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Eyes! I will shut mouth and nose and ears too, nor ask for one penny extra.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Dost thou not fear?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Oh, the blue-haired old bogy there? I have lived eighteen years
\nin this temple and seen nothing of him but ivory and sapphires. I begin to think he cannot breathe out of water; no doubt, he is
\nsome kind of fish and walks on the point of his tail.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Enough, bring forth the Babylonian captives.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

I run, Zeus, I run: but keep thy phosphorus lit and handy against Polydaon’s return unasked for and untrumpeted.<\/p>\n

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


\nPage \u2013 410<\/p>\n

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

\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

O thou grim calmness imaged like a man<\/p>\n

\nThat frownst above the altar! dire Poseidon!<\/p>\n

Art thou that god indeed who smooths the sea<\/p>\n

\nWith one finger, and when it is thy will,<\/p>\n

Rufflest the oceans with thy casual breathing?<\/p>\n

\nArt thou not rather, lord, some murderous<\/p>\n

And red imagination of this people,<\/p>\n

\nThe shadow of a soul that dreamed of blood<\/p>\n

And took this dimness? If thou art Poseidon,<\/p>\n

\nThe son of Cronos, I am Cronos’ grandchild,<\/p>\n

Perseus, and in my soul Athene moves<\/p>\n

\nWith lightnings.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I hear the sound of dragging chains.<\/p>\n

\nCireas returns with Tyrnaus and Smerdas.<\/i><\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Smerdas and thou, Tyrnaus, once again<\/p>\n

\nWe meet.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Save me, yet save me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

If thou art worth it,<\/p>\n

I may.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Thou shalt have gold. I am well worth it.<\/p>\n

\nI’ll empty Babylonia of its riches<\/p>\n

Into thy wallet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Has terror made thee mad?<\/p>\n

\nRefrain from speech! Thine eyes are calm, Tyrnaus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 411<\/p>\n

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

\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

I have composed my soul to my sad fortunes.<\/p>\n

Yet wherefore sad? Fate has dealt largely with me.<\/p>\n

\nI have been thrice shipwrecked, twice misled in deserts,<\/p>\n

Wounded six times in battle with wild men<\/p>\n

\nFor life and treasure. I have outspent kings:<\/p>\n

I have lost fortunes and amassed them: princes<\/p>\n

\nHave been my debtors, kingdoms lost and won<\/p>\n

By lack or having of a petty fraction<\/p>\n

\nOf my rich incomings: and now Fate gives me<\/p>\n

This tragic, not inglorious death: I am<\/p>\n

\nThe banquet of a god. It fits, it fits,<\/p>\n

And I repine not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

But will these help, Tyrnaus,<\/p>\n

\nTo pass the chill eternity of Hades?<\/p>\n

This memory of glorious breathing life,<\/p>\n

\nWill it alleviate the endless silence?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

But there are lives beyond, and we meanwhile<\/p>\n

Move delicately amid aerial things<\/p>\n

\nUntil the green earth wants us.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/font> (shearing his chains with a touch of his sword<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nYet awhile<\/p>\n

Of the green earth take all thy frank desire,<\/p>\n

\nMerchant: the sunlight would be loth to lose thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O radiant helpful youth! O son of splendour!<\/p>\n

I live again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou livest, but in chains,<\/p>\n

\nSmerdas.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 412<\/p>\n

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

\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

But thy good sword will quickly shear them.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou wilt give me all Babylonia holds<\/p>\n

Of riches for reward?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

More, more, much more!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

But thou must go to Babylon to fetch it.<\/p>\n

\nThen what security have I of payment?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Keep good Tyrnaus here, my almost brother.<\/p>\n

I will come back and give thee gold, much gold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

You’ld leave him here? in danger? with the knife<\/p>\n

\nSearching for him and grim Poseidon angry?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

What danger, when he is with thee, O youth,<\/p>\n

Strong radiant youth?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Yourself then stay with me,<\/p>\n

\nAnd he shall bring the ransom from Chaldea.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Here? here? Oh God! they’ll seize me yet again<\/p>\n

And cut my heart out. Let me go, dear youth,<\/p>\n

\nOh, let me go; I’ll give thee double gold.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou sordid treacherous thing of fears, I’ll not<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 413<\/p>\n

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

\n

Venture for such small gain as the poor soul<\/p>\n

\nThou holdest, nor drive with danger losing bargains.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Oh, do not jest! it is not good to jest<\/p>\n

With death and horror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

I jest not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Oh God! thou dost.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nDIOMEDE<\/font> (without<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Cireas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCIREAS<\/font> (jumping<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Who? who? who?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Is’t not a woman’s voice?<\/p>\n

\nWithdraw into the shadow: let our swords<\/p>\n

Be out against surprise. Hither, Tyrnaus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Cireas! where are you, Cireas? It is I.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

It is the little palace scamp, Diomede.<\/p>\n

\nPlague take her! How she fluttered the heart in me!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Say nothing of us, merchant, or thou diest.<\/p>\n

\nIolaus, Perseus and Tyrnaus withdraw into the dimness<\/i><\/p>\n

\nof the Temple. Andromeda and Diomede enter.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 414<\/p>\n

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

\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Princess Andromeda!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAndromeda!<\/p>\n

Iolaus’ rosy sister! O child goddess<\/p>\n

\nDropped recently from heaven! Its light is still<\/p>\n

Upon thy face, thou marvel!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

My little sister<\/p>\n

\nIn these grim precincts, who so feared their shadows!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Cireas, my servant Diomede means<\/p>\n

To tell you of some bargain. Will you walk yonder?<\/p>\n

\nCireas and Diomede walk apart talking.<\/i><\/p>\n

Art thou, as these chains say, the mournful victim<\/p>\n

\nOur savage billows spared and men would murder?<\/p>\n

But was there not another? Have they brought thee<\/p>\n

\nFrom thy sad prison to the shrine alone?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

He, \u2014  he, \u2014 <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Has terror so possessed thy tongue,<\/p>\n

It cannot do its office? Oh, be comforted.<\/p>\n

\nAlthough red horror has its grasp on thee,<\/p>\n

I dare to tell thee there is hope.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

What hope?<\/p>\n

\nAh heaven! what hope! I feel the knife even now<\/p>\n

Hacking my bosom. If thou bringst me hope,<\/p>\n

\nI’ll know thee for a goddess and adore thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 415<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Be comforted: I bring thee more than hope.<\/p>\n

Cireas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

You’ll give me chains? you’ll give me jewels?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

All of my own that I can steal for you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Steal boldly, O honey-sweet image of a thief, steal and fear not.
\nI rose for good luck after all this excellent morning! O Poseidon, had I known there was more to be pocketed in thy disservice
\nthan in thy service, would I have misspent these eighteen barren years?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Undo this miserable captive’s bonds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

What! I shall be allowed to live! Is’t true?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

No, I’ll undo them, Cireas; I shall feel<\/p>\n

\nI freed him. Is there so much then to unlink?<\/p>\n

O ingenuity of men to hurt<\/p>\n

\nAnd bind and slay their brothers!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis not a dream,<\/p>\n

The horror was the dream. She smiles on me<\/p>\n

\nA wonderful glad smile of joy and kindness,<\/p>\n

Making a sunshine. Oh, be quicker, quicker.<\/p>\n

\nLet me escape this hell where I have eaten<\/p>\n

And drunk of terror and have slept with death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 416<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Are you so careless of the friend who shared<\/p>\n

The tears and danger? Where is he? Cireas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTYRNAUS<\/font> (coming forward<\/i>)<\/p>\n

O thou young goddess with the smile! Behold him,<\/p>\n

\nTyrnaus the Chaldean.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/font> (dropping the chain which binds Smerdas<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nAlready free!<\/p>\n

Who has forestalled me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

Maiden, art thou vexed<\/p>\n

\nTo see me unbound?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I grudge your rescuer the happy task<\/p>\n

Heaven meant for me of loosening your chains.<\/p>\n

\nIt would have been such joy to feel the cold<\/p>\n

Hard irons drop apart between my fingers!<\/p>\n

\nWho freed you?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

A god as radiant as thyself,<\/p>\n

Thou merciful sweetness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Had he not a look<\/p>\n

\nLike the Olympian’s? Was he not bright like Hermes<\/p>\n

Or Phoebus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

He was indeed. Thou knowst him then?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

In dreams I have met him. He was here but now?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 417<\/p>\n

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

\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

He has withdrawn into the shadow, virgin.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Why do you leave me bound, and talk, and talk,<\/p>\n

As if Death had not still his fingers on me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/font> (resuming her task<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Forgive me! Tyrnaus, did that radiant helper<\/p>\n

\nWho clove thy chains, forget to help this poor<\/p>\n

Pale trembling man?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

Because he showed too much<\/p>\n

\nThe sordid fear that pities only itself,<\/p>\n

He left him to his fate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Alas, poor human man!<\/p>\n

\nWhy, we have all so many sins to answer,<\/p>\n

It would be hard to have cold justice dealt us.<\/p>\n

\nWe should be kindly to each other’s faults<\/p>\n

Remembering our own. Is’t not enough<\/p>\n

\nTo see a face in tears and heal the sorrow,<\/p>\n

Or must we weigh whether the face is fair<\/p>\n

\nOr ugly? I think that even a snake in pain<\/p>\n

Would tempt me to its succour, though I knew<\/p>\n

\nThat afterwards ‘twould bite me! But he is a god<\/p>\n

Perhaps who did this and his spotless radiance<\/p>\n

\nAbhors the tarnish of our frailer natures.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Oh, I am free! I fall and kiss thy robe,<\/p>\n

O goddess, O deliverer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

You must<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 418<\/p>\n

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

\n

Go quickly from this place. There is a cave<\/p>\n

\nNear to those unkind rocks where you were shipwrecked,<\/p>\n

A stone-throw up the cliff. We found it there<\/p>\n

\nClimbing and playing, reckless of our limbs<\/p>\n

In the sweet joy of sunshine, breeze and movement,<\/p>\n

\nWhen we were children, I and Diomede.<\/p>\n

None else will dream of it. There have I stored<\/p>\n

\nEnough of food and water. Closely lurk<\/p>\n

Behind its curtains of fantastic stone:<\/p>\n

\nVenture not forth, though your hearts pine for sunlight,<\/p>\n

Or Death may take you back into his grip.<\/p>\n

\nWhen hot pursuit and search have been tired out,<\/p>\n

I’ll find you golden wings will carry you<\/p>\n

\nTo your Chaldea.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Can you not find out divers<\/p>\n

Who’ll rescue our merchandise from the sunk rocks<\/p>\n

\nWhere it is prisoned?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

You have escaped grim murder,<\/p>\n

Yet dream of nothing but your paltry gems!<\/p>\n

\nYou will call back Heaven’s anger on our heads.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

We cannot beg our way to far Chaldea.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Diving is dangerous there: I will not risk<\/p>\n

Men’s lives for money. I promised Cireas what I have,<\/p>\n

\nAnd yet you shall not go unfurnished home.<\/p>\n

I’ll beg a sum from my brother Iolaus<\/p>\n

\nWill help you to Chaldea.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O my dear riches!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 419<\/p>\n

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

\n

Must you lie whelmed beneath the Syrian surge<\/p>\n

\nUncared for?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/font> (to Diomede<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nTake them to the cave. Show Cireas<\/p>\n

The hidden mouth. I’ll loiter and expect you<\/p>\n

\nUnder the hill-side, where sweet water plashes<\/p>\n

From the grey fountain’s head, our fountain. Merchants, go;<\/p>\n

\nAthene guard you!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

Not before I kneel<\/p>\n

And touch thy feet with reverent humble hands,<\/p>\n

\nO human merciful divinity,<\/p>\n

Who by thy own sweet spirit moved, unasked,<\/p>\n

\nNot knowing us, cam’st from thy safe warm chamber<\/p>\n

Here where Death broods grim-visaged in his home,<\/p>\n

\nTo save two unseen, unloved, alien strangers,<\/p>\n

And being a woman feared not urgent death,<\/p>\n

\nAnd being a child shook not before God’s darkness<\/p>\n

And that insistent horror of a world<\/p>\n

\nO’ershadowing ours. O surely in these regions<\/p>\n

Where thou wert born, pure-eyed Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nThere shall be some divine epiphany<\/p>\n

Of calm sweet-hearted pity for the world,<\/p>\n

\nAnd harsher gods shall fade into their Hades.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

You prattle, and at any moment, comes<\/p>\n

The dreadful priest with clutch upon my shoulder.<\/p>\n

Come! come! you, slave-girl, lead the way, accursed!<\/p>\n

\nYou loiter?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Chide not my servant, Babylonian.<\/p>\n

Go, Diomede; darkness like a lid<\/p>\n

\nWill soon shut down upon the rugged beach<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 420<\/p>\n

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

\n

And they may stumble as they walk. Go, Cireas.<\/p>\n

\nDiomede and Cireas go out,<\/i><\/p>\n

\nfollowed by the merchants.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAlone I stand before thee, grim Poseidon,<\/p>\n

Here in thy darkness, with thy altar near<\/p>\n

\nThat keeps fierce memory of tortured groans<\/p>\n

And human shrieks of victims, and, unforced,<\/p>\n

\nI yet pollute my soul with thy bloody nearness<\/p>\n

To tell thee that I hate, contemn, defy thee.<\/p>\n

\nI am no more than a brief-living woman,<\/p>\n

Yet am I more divine than thou, for I<\/p>\n

\nCan pity. I have torn thy destined prey<\/p>\n

From thy red jaws. They say thou dost avenge<\/p>\n

\nFearfully insult. Avenge thyself, Poseidon.<\/p>\n

\nShe goes out: Perseus and Iolaus come forward.<\/i><\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou art the mate for me, Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nNow, now I know wherefore my eager sandals<\/p>\n

Bore me resistlessly to thee and Syria.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

This was Andromeda and not Andromeda.<\/p>\n

\nI never saw her woman till this hour.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Knew you so ill the child you loved so well, Iolaus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Sometimes we know them least<\/p>\n

\nWhom most we love and constantly consort with.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

How daintily she moved as if a hand<\/p>\n

She loved were on her curls and she afraid<\/p>\n

\nOf startling the sweet guest!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 421<\/p>\n

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

\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

O Perseus, Perseus!<\/p>\n

She has defied a strong and dreadful god,<\/p>\n

\nAnd dreadfully he will avenge himself.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Iolaus, friend, I think not quite at random<\/p>\n

Athene led me to these happy shores<\/p>\n

\nThat bore such beautiful twin heads for me<\/p>\n

Sun-curled, Andromeda and Iolaus,<\/p>\n

\nThat I might see their beauty marred with death<\/p>\n

By cunning priests and blood-stained gods. Fear not<\/p>\n

\nThe event. I bear Athene’s sword of sharpness.<\/p>\n

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


\nPage \u2013 422<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\nDarkness. The Temple of Poseidon.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Cireas! Why, Cireas! Cireas! Knave, I call you!<\/p>\n

\nIs the rogue drunk or sleeps? Cireas! you, Cireas!<\/p>\n

My voice comes echoing from the hollow shrine<\/p>\n

\nTo tell me of solitude. Where is this drunkard?<\/p>\n

A dreadful thing it is to stand alone<\/p>\n

\nIn this weird temple. Forty years of use<\/p>\n

Have not accustomed me to its mute threatening.<\/p>\n

\nIt seems to me as if dead victims moved<\/p>\n

With awful faces all about this stone<\/p>\n

\nInvisibly here palpable. And Ocean<\/p>\n

Groans ever like a wounded god aloud<\/p>\n

\nAgainst our rocky base, his voice at night<\/p>\n

Weirdly insistent. I will go and talk<\/p>\n

\nWith the Chaldeans in their chains: better<\/p>\n

Their pleasing groans and curses than the hush.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes out and after a while<\/i><\/p>\n

\ncomes back, disordered.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nWake, sleeping Syria, wake! Thou art violated,<\/p>\n

Thy heart cut out: thou art outraged, Syria, outraged,<\/p>\n

\nThy harvests and thy safety and thy sons<\/p>\n

Already murdered! O hideous sacrilege!<\/p>\n

\nWho can have dared this crime? Could the slave Cireas<\/p>\n

Have ventured thus? O no, it is the proud<\/p>\n

\nGod-hating son of Cepheus, Iolaus,<\/p>\n

And that swift stranger borne through impious air<\/p>\n

\nTo upheave the bases of our old religion.<\/p>\n

They have rescued the Chaldeans. Cireas lies<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 423<\/p>\n

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

\n

Murdered perhaps on the sound-haunted cliffs<\/p>\n

\nWho would have checked their crime. I’ll strike the gong<\/p>\n

That only tolls when dread calamity<\/p>\n

\nStrides upon Syria. Wake, doomed people, wake!<\/p>\n

\nHe rushes out. A gong sounds for some<\/i><\/p>\n

\nmoments. It is silent and he returns,<\/i><\/p>\n

\nstill more disordered.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nWake! Wake! Do you not hear Poseidon raging<\/p>\n

Beneath the cliffs with tiger-throated menace?<\/p>\n

\nDo you not hear his feet upon the boulders<\/p>\n

Sounding, a thunderous report of peril,<\/p>\n

\nAs he comes roaring up his stony ramparts<\/p>\n

To slay you? Ah, the city wakes. I hear<\/p>\n

\nA surge confused of hurrying, cries and tumult.<\/p>\n

What is this darkness moving on me? Gods!<\/p>\n

\nWhere is the image? Whose is this awful godhead?<\/p>\n

\nThe Shadow of Poseidon appears, vague<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand alarming at first, then distinct and<\/i><\/p>\n

\nterrible in the darkness.<\/i><\/p>\n

P<\/font>OSEIDON<\/p>\n

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

My victims, Polydaon, give me my victims.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPOLYDAON<\/font> (falling prostrate<\/i>)<\/p>\n

It was not I, it was not I, but others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POSEIDON<\/p>\n

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

My victims, Polydaon, give me my victims.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

O dire offended god, not upon me<\/p>\n

\nFall thy loud scourges! I am innocent.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POSEIDON<\/p>\n

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

How art thou innocent, when the Chaldeans<\/p>\n

Escape? Give me my victims, Polydaon.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 424<\/p>\n

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

\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I know not how they fled nor who released them.<\/p>\n

Gnash not thy blood-stained teeth on me, O Lord,<\/p>\n

\nNor slay me with those glaring eyes. Thy voice<\/p>\n

Thunders, a hollow terror, through my soul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POSEIDON<\/p>\n

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

Hear me, unworthy priest. While thou art scheming<\/p>\n

\nFor thy own petty mortal aims abroad,<\/p>\n

I am insulted in my temple, laughed at<\/p>\n

\nBy slaves, by children done injurious wrong,<\/p>\n

My victims snatched from underneath my roof<\/p>\n

\nBy any casual hand, my dreadful image<\/p>\n

Looking deserted on: for none avenges.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Declare thy will, O Lord, it shall be done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POSEIDON<\/p>\n

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

Therefore I will awake, I will arise,<\/p>\n

\nAnd you shall know me for a god. This day<\/p>\n

The loud Assyrians shall break shouting in<\/p>\n

\nWith angry hooves like a huge-riding flood<\/p>\n

Upon this country. The pleasant land of Syria<\/p>\n

\nShall be dispeopled. Wolves shall howl in Damascus,<\/p>\n

And Gaza and Euphrates bound a desert.<\/p>\n

\nMy resonant and cliff-o’ervaulting seas,<\/p>\n

Black-cowled, with foaming tops thundering shall climb<\/p>\n

\nInto your lofty seats of ease and wash them<\/p>\n

Strangled into the valleys. From the deep<\/p>\n

\nMy ravening herds pastured by Amphitrite<\/p>\n

Shall walk upon your roads, devour your maidens<\/p>\n

And infants, tear your strong and armed men<\/p>\n

\nHelplessly shrieking like weak-wristed women,<\/p>\n

Till all are dead. And thou, neglectful priest,<\/p>\n

\nShalt go down living into Tartarus<\/p>\n

Where knives fire-pointed shall disclose thy breast<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 425<\/p>\n

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

\n

And pluck thy still-renewing heart from thee<\/p>\n

\nFor ever: till the world cease shall be thy torments.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

O dreadful Lord!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POSEIDON<\/p>\n

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

If thou wouldst shun the doom,<\/p>\n

And keep my Syria safe, discover then<\/p>\n

\nThe rescuer of the Babylonian captives<\/p>\n

And to the monsters of my deep expose<\/p>\n

\nFor a delicious banquet. Offer the heart<\/p>\n

Of Iolaus here still warmly alive<\/p>\n

\nAnd sobbing blood to leave his beautiful body;<\/p>\n

Slaughter on his yet not inanimate bosom<\/p>\n

\nThe hero for whose love he braved my rage,<\/p>\n

And let the sacrilegious house of Cepheus<\/p>\n

\nBe blotted from the light. Thy sordid aims<\/p>\n

Put from thy heart: remember to be fearless.<\/p>\n

\nI will inhabit thee, if thou deserve it.<\/p>\n

\nHe disappears thundering.<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Yes, Lord! shall not thy dreadful will be done?<\/p>\n

\nPhineus enters and his Tyrians with torches.<\/i><\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Wherefore has the gong’s ominous voice tonight<\/p>\n

Affrighted Syria? Are you Polydaon<\/p>\n

\nWho crouch here?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWelcome, King Phineus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Who art thou?<\/p>\n

Thine eyes roll round in a bright glaring horror<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 426<\/p>\n

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

\n

And rising up thou shak’st thy gloomy locks<\/p>\n

\nAs if they were a hungry lion’s mane<\/p>\n

Preparing for the leap. Speak, Polydaon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Yes, I shall speak, of sacrilege and blood,<\/p>\n

\nIts terrible forfeit, and the wrath of Heaven.<\/p>\n

\nCepheus enters with Dercetes and Syrian<\/i><\/p>\n

\nsoldiers, Therops, Perissus and a throng<\/i><\/p>\n

\nof Syrians; scores of torches.<\/i><\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

What swift calamity, O Polydaon,<\/p>\n

\nHas waked to clamorousness the fatal gong<\/p>\n

At which all Syria trembles? What is this face<\/p>\n

\nThou showest like some grim accusing phantom’s<\/p>\n

In the torches’ light? Wherefore rangst thou the bell?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

It rang the doom of thee and all thy house,
\nCepheus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

My doom!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI glimpse a striking plot<\/p>\n

And ’tis well-staged too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

The victims are released,<\/p>\n

\nThe victims bound for terrible Poseidon.<\/p>\n

Thou and thy blood are guilty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou art mad!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 427<\/p>\n

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

\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis thou and thy doomed race are seized with madness,<\/p>\n

Who with light hearts offend against Poseidon.<\/p>\n

\nBut they shall perish. Thou and thy blood shall perish.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

O, thou appalst me. Wherefore rings out thy voice<\/p>\n

Against me like a clamorous bell of doom<\/p>\n

\nIn the huge darkness?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon’s self arose<\/p>\n

In the dim night before me with a voice<\/p>\n

\nAs angry as the loud importunate surge<\/p>\n

Denouncing thee. Thou and thy blood shall perish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Cepheus, let search be made. Perhaps the victims<\/p>\n

\nHave not fled far, and all may yet be saved.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Scour, captains, scour all Syria for the fugitives.<\/p>\n

Dercetes and thy troop, down to the coast,<\/p>\n

\nScan every boulder: out, out, Meriones,<\/p>\n

Callias, Oridamas and Pericarpus,<\/p>\n

\nRing in the countryside with cordons armed,<\/p>\n

Enter each house, ransack most private chambers,<\/p>\n

\nBut find them.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nDercetes and the captains go out<\/i><\/p>\n

\nwith their soldiers, the people<\/i><\/p>\n

\nmaking way for them.<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

People of Syria, hearken, hearken!<\/p>\n

\nPoseidon for this sacrilege arouses<\/p>\n

The Assyrian from the land and from the sea<\/p>\n

\nHis waves and all their sharp-toothed monsters: your men<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 428<\/p>\n

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

\n

Shall be rent and disembowelled, your women ravished,<\/p>\n

\nButchered by foemen or by Ocean’s dogs<\/p>\n

Horribly eaten: what’s left, the flood shall swallow.<\/p>\n

\nCries and groans.<\/i><\/p>\n

VOICES<\/p>\n

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

\nSpare us, Poseidon, spare us, dread deity!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Would you be spared? Obey Poseidon, people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Thou art our King, command us.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Bring the woman,<\/p>\n

Chaldean Cassiopea, and her daughter.<\/p>\n

\nTell them that Syria’s King commands them here.<\/p>\n

\nTherops and others go out to do his bidding.<\/i><\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

What mean you, priest?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Wherefore my queen and princess?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I do the will of terrible Poseidon.<\/p>\n

\nThou and thy blood shall perish.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou then art mad!<\/p>\n

I thought this was a skilful play. Thinkst thou<\/p>\n

\nI will permit the young Andromeda,<\/p>\n

My bride, to be mishandled or exposed<\/p>\n

\nTo the bloody chances of wild popular fury<\/p>\n

In such a moment?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 429<\/p>\n

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

\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Phineus, I know not what thou wilt permit:<\/p>\n

I know what terrible Poseidon wills.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon! thou gross superstitious fool,<\/p>\n

\nHast thou seen shadows in the night and tookst them<\/p>\n

For angry gods?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Refrain from impious words,<\/p>\n

\nOr else the doom shall take thee in its net.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Refrain thyself from impious deeds, or else<\/p>\n

A hundred Tyrian blades shall search thy brain<\/p>\n

\nTo look for thy lost reason.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/font> (recoiling<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nPatience, King Phineus!<\/p>\n

It may be, thou shalt have thy whole desire<\/p>\n

\nBy other means.<\/p>\n

\nDercetes returns.<\/i><\/p>\n

DERCETES<\/p>\n

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

One of the fugitives is seized.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Where, where?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DERCETES<\/p>\n

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

Creeping about the sea-kissed rocks we found him<\/p>\n

\nWhere the ship foundered, babbling greedily<\/p>\n

Of his lost wealth, in cover of the darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Now we shall know the impious hand. Tremble,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 430<\/p>\n

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

\n

Tremble, King Cepheus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I am besieged, undone.<\/p>\n

\nNo doubt it is my rash-brained Iolaus<\/p>\n

Ruins us all.<\/p>\n

\nSoldiers enter, driving in Smerdas.<\/i><\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/font>
\n(groaning<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nI am dragged back to hell.<\/p>\n

I am lost and nothing now can save me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Chaldean,<\/p>\n

\nThe choice is thine. Say, wilt thou save thy life<\/p>\n

And see the green fields of thy land once more<\/p>\n

\nAnd kiss thy wife and children?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

You mock me, mock me!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

No, man! thou shalt have freedom at a price<\/p>\n

Or torture gratis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Price? price? I’ll give the price!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

The names of those whose impious hands released thee:<\/p>\n

\nWhich if thou speak not, thou shalt die, not given<\/p>\n

To the dire god, for he asks other victims,<\/p>\n

\nBut crushed with fearful tortures.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O kind Heaven!<\/p>\n

Have mercy! Must I give her up, \u2014  that smile<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 431<\/p>\n

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

\n

Of sweetness and those kindly eyes, to death?<\/p>\n

\nIt is a dreadful choice! I cannot do it.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

It was a woman did this!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

I’ll say no more.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

I breathe again: it was not Iolaus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Seize him and twist him into anguished knots!<\/p>\n

Let every bone be crushed and every sinew<\/p>\n

\nWrenched and distorted, till each inch of flesh<\/p>\n

Gives out its separate shriek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O spare me, spare me:<\/p>\n

\nI will tell all.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Speak truth and I will give thee<\/p>\n

Bushels of gold and shipment to Chaldea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Gold? Gold? Shall I have gold?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Thou shalt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

The youth<\/p>\n

\nYou would have taken on the beach, arrived,<\/p>\n

And his the sword bit through my iron fetters.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 432<\/p>\n

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

\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Palter not! Who was with him? Thou shalt have gold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Young Iolaus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Alas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thus far is well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast a shifty look about the eyes.<\/p>\n

Thou spokest of a woman. Was’t the Queen?<\/p>\n

\nHast thou told all? His face grows pale. To torment!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/font> (groaning<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nI will tell all. Swear then I shall have gold<\/p>\n

And safety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

By grim Poseidon’s head I swear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O hard necessity! The fair child princess,<\/p>\n

\nAndromeda, with her young slave-girl came,<\/p>\n

She was my rescuer.<\/p>\n

\nThere is a deep silence of amazement.<\/i><\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

I’ll not believe this! could that gentle child<\/p>\n

Devise and execute so huge a daring?<\/p>\n

\nThou liest: thou art part of some foul plot.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

He has the accent of unwilling truth.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 433<\/p>\n

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

\n

Phineus, she is death’s bride, not thine. Wilt thou<\/p>\n

\nBe best man in that dolorous wedding? Forbear<\/p>\n

And wait Poseidon’s will.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHINEUS<\/font> (low<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Shall I have Syria?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

When it is mine to give thee.<\/p>\n

\nTherops returns.<\/i><\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

The Queen arrives.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Remove the merchant.<\/p>\n

\nThe soldiers take Smerdas into the background.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nCassiopea enters with Andromeda and Diomede,<\/i><\/p>\n

\nNebassar and the Chaldean Guard.<\/i><\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Keep ready hands upon your swords, Chaldeans.<\/p>\n

\nWhat is this tumult? Wherefore are we called<\/p>\n

At this dim hour and to this solemn place?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Com’st thou with foreign falchions, Cassiopea,<\/p>\n

\nTo brave the Syrian gods? Abandon her,<\/p>\n

Chaldeans. ‘Tis a doomed head your swords encompass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Since when dost thou give thy commands in Syria<\/p>\n

\nAnd sentence queens? My husband and thy King<\/p>\n

Stands near thee; let him speak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Let him. There stands he.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 434<\/p>\n

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

\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Why hidest thou thine eyes, monarch of Syria,<\/p>\n

Sinking thy forehead like a common man<\/p>\n

\nUnkingly? What grief o’ertakes thee?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

You see he speaks not.<\/p>\n

‘Tis I command in Syria. Is’t not so,<\/p>\n

\nMy people?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis so.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Stand forth, Andromeda.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

What would you with my child? I stand here for her.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

She is accused of impious sacrilege,<\/p>\n

And she must die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Die! Who accuses her?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Bring the Chaldean.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Oh, the merchant’s seized<\/p>\n

\nAnd all is known. Deny it, my sweet lady,<\/p>\n

And we may yet be saved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Oh poor, poor merchant!<\/p>\n

\nDid I unloose thy bonds in vain?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 435<\/p>\n

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

\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Say nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

And why should I conceal it, Diomede?<\/p>\n

What I had courage in my heart to do,<\/p>\n

\nSurely I can have courage to avow.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

But they will kill us both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I am a princess.<\/p>\n

Why should I lie? From fear? But I am not afraid.<\/p>\n

\nMeanwhile the soldiers have brought Smerdas to the front.<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Look, merchant. Say before all, who rescued thee?<\/p>\n

She was it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

It is she. Oh, do not look<\/p>\n

\nWith that sad smile upon me. I am compelled.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Is this the slave-girl?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

It is she.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

This wretch<\/p>\n

Lies at thy bidding. Put him to the question.<\/p>\n

\nHe said he was compelled.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I’ll not permit it.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 436<\/p>\n

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

\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Why, man, it is the law. We’ll not believe<\/p>\n

Our little princess did the crime.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Syrians,<\/p>\n

\nLook at this paltering priest. Do you not see<\/p>\n

It is a plot, this man his instrument<\/p>\n

\nWho lies so wildly? He’ll not have him questioned.<\/p>\n

No doubt ’twas he himself released the man, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\nWho else could do it in this solemn temple<\/p>\n

Where human footsteps fear to tread? He uses<\/p>\n

\nThe name of great Poseidon to conceal<\/p>\n

His plottings. He would end the line of Cepheus<\/p>\n

\nAnd reign in Syria.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

This sounds probable.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

VOICES<\/p>\n

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

\nDoes he misuse Poseidon’s name? unbind<\/p>\n

Victims? Kill him!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Look how he pales, O people!<\/p>\n

\nIs’t thus that great Poseidon’s herald looks<\/p>\n

When charged with the god’s fearful menaces?<\/p>\n

\nHe diets you with forgeries and fictions.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CRIES<\/p>\n

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

\nLet him be strangled!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

This is a royal woman!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Well, let the merchant then be put to question.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 437<\/p>\n

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

\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Come and be tickled, merchant. I am the butcher.<\/p>\n

Do you see my cleaver? I will torture you kindly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SMERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O help me, save me, lady Andromeda.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Oh, do not lay your cruel hands upon him.<\/p>\n

\nI did release him.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Ah, child Andromeda.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

You, little princess! Wherefore did you this?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Because I would not have their human hearts<\/p>\n

Mercilessly uprooted for the bloody<\/p>\n

\nMonster you worship as a god! because<\/p>\n

I am capable of pain and so can feel<\/p>\n

\nThe pain of others! For which if you I love<\/p>\n

Must kill me, do it. I alone am guilty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Now, Cassiopea! You are silent, Queen.<\/p>\n

\nLo, Syrians, lo, my forgeries and fictions!<\/p>\n

Lo, my vile plottings! Enough. Poseidon wills<\/p>\n

\nThat on the beach this criminal be bound<\/p>\n

For monsters of the sea to rend in fragments,<\/p>\n

\nAnd all the royal ancient blood of Syria<\/p>\n

Must be poured richly forth to appease and cleanse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Swords from the scabbard! gyre in your King from harm,<\/p>\n

\nChaldeans! Hew your way through all opposers!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 438<\/p>\n

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

\n

Thou in my arms, my child Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nI’ll keep my daughter safe upon my bosom<\/p>\n

Against the world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

What dost thou, Babylonian?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

To the palace,<\/p>\n

\nMy trusty countrymen!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Oppose them, soldiers!<\/p>\n

They cheat the god of the crime-burdened heads<\/p>\n

\nDoomed by his just resentment.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DERCETES<\/p>\n

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

We are few:<\/p>\n

And how shall we lay hands on royalty?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Nebassar, darest thou oppose the gods?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NEBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

Out of my sword’s way, priest! I do my duty.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Draw, King of Tyre!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis not my quarrel, priest.<\/p>\n

\nNebassar and the Chaldeans with drawn swords<\/i><\/p>\n

\ngo out from the Temple, taking the King and<\/i><\/p>\n

\nQueen, Andromeda and Diomede.<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

People of Syria, you have let them pass!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 439<\/p>\n

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

\n

You fear not then the anger of Poseidon?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Would you have us spitted upon the Chaldean swords? Mad
\npriest, must we be broached like joints and tossed like pancakes? We have no weapons. Tomorrow we will go to the Palace and
\nwhat must be done shall be done. But ’tis not just that many should be slain for the crime of one and the house of Syria out-rooted. Follow me and observe my commands, brave aristocracy of the shop, gallant commoners of the lathe and anvil, follow
\nPerissus. I will lead you tonight to your soft downy beds and tomorrow to the Palace. <\/p>\n

\nAll the Syrians go out, led by Therops and Perissus.<\/i><\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast done foolishly in this, O priest.<\/p>\n

Hadst thou demanded the one needful head<\/p>\n

\nOf Iolaus, it was easy: but now<\/p>\n

The tender beauty of Andromeda<\/p>\n

\nCompels remorse and the astonished people<\/p>\n

Recoil from the bold waste of royal blood<\/p>\n

\nThou appointest them to spill. I see that zeal<\/p>\n

And frantic superstition are bad plotters.<\/p>\n

\nHenceforth I work for my sole hand, to pluck<\/p>\n

My own good from the storms of civic trouble<\/p>\n

\nThis night prepares.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes out with his Tyrians.<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

O terrible Poseidon,<\/p>\n

\nThyself avenge thyself! hurl on this people<\/p>\n

The sea and the Assyrian. Where is the power<\/p>\n

\nThou saidst should tarry with me? I have failed.<\/p>\n

\nHe remains sunk in thought for a<\/i><\/p>\n

\nwhile, then raises his head.<\/i><\/p>\n

Tomorrow, Syrian? tomorrow is Poseidon’s.<\/p>\n

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


\nPage \u2013 440<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/font>
\n<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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  Act III   Scene 1   The women’s apartments of the Palace. Andromeda, Diomede.   ANDROMEDA All’s ready, let us go.   DIOMEDE Andromeda,…<\/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-1745","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\/1745","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=1745"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1745\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}