{"id":1746,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:59","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1746"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:59","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:59","slug":"04-perseus-the-deliverer-act-iv-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-iv-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-04_Perseus the Deliverer- Act – IV.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\nAct IV<\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nThe countryside, high ground near the city of Cepheus. A crowd of Syrians, men and women, running in terror, among them Chabrias, Megas, Baltis, Pasithea, Morus, Gardas, Syrax.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nB<\/span><\/font>ALTIS<\/font><\/span> (stopping and sinking down on her knees<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAh, whither can we run where the offended<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPoseidon shall not reach us?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/span><\/font>HABRIAS<\/span><\/p>\n

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


\nStop, countrymen;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet’s all die here together.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nLet’s stop and die.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nM<\/span><\/font>EGAS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nRun, run! Poseidon’s monsters howl behind.<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nP<\/span><\/font>ASITHEA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nO day of horror and of punishment!<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nS<\/span><\/font>YRAX<\/span><\/p>\n

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


\nLet us stay here; it is high ground, perhaps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe monster will not reach us.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nD<\/span><\/font>AMOETES<\/span><\/p>\n

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


\nI have seen the terror near, and yet I live.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 441<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\n
\nIt vomits fire for half a league.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

SYRAX<\/p>\n

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

It is<\/p>\n

As long as a sea-jutting promontory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

It has six monstrous legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SYRAX<\/p>\n

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

Eight, eight; I saw it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

Chabrias, it caught thy strong son by the foot,<\/p>\n

And dashed his head against a stone, that all<\/p>\n

The brains were scattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/span><\/font>HABRIAS<\/p>\n

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

Alas, my son! I will<\/p>\n

Go back and join you in the monster’s jaws.<\/p>\n

\nHe is stopped by the others.<\/i><\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

It seized thy daughter, O Pasithea,<\/p>\n

And tore her limbs apart, which it devoured<\/p>\n

While yet the trunk lay screaming under its foot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PASITHEA<\/p>\n

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

Oh God!<\/p>\n

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

A<\/font>LL<\/p>\n

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

Lift her up, lift her up. Alas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>EGAS<\/p>\n

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

These sorrows may be ours.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 442<\/p>\n

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

\n

B<\/font>ALTIS<\/p>\n

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

Ah Heaven, my son!<\/p>\n

I did not wake him when this news of horror<\/p>\n

Plucked me from sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

G<\/font>ARDAS<\/p>\n

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

My wife and little daughter<\/p>\n

Are in my cottage where perhaps the monster<\/p>\n

Vomits his fiery breath against the door.<\/p>\n

I will go back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>ORUS<\/p>\n

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

Let us go back, Damoetes.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

I’ll not go back for twenty thousand wives<\/p>\n

And children. Life is sweet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>ANY VOICES<\/p>\n

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

Let us not go.<\/p>\n

\nThey stop Gardas.<\/i><\/p>\n

M<\/font>EGAS<\/p>\n

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

What noise is that?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>ALTIS<\/p>\n

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

Run, run, ’tis some new horror.<\/p>\n

\nAll are beginning to run. Therops enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Where will you run? Poseidon’s wrath is near you<\/p>\n

And over you and behind you and before you.<\/p>\n

His monsters from the ooze ravage howling<\/p>\n

Along our shores, and the indignant sea<\/p>\n

Swelled to unnatural tumultuous mountains<\/p>\n

Is climbing up the cliffs with spume and turmoil.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 443<\/p>\n

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

\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

O let us run a hundred leagues and live.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Before you is another death. Last night<\/p>\n

The Assyrians at three points came breaking in<\/p>\n

Across the border and the frontier forces<\/p>\n

Are slain. They torture, burn and violate:<\/p>\n

Young girls and matrons, men and boys are butchered.<\/p>\n

Salvation is not in your front and flight<\/p>\n

Casts you from angry gods to men more ruthless.<\/p>\n

I wonder not that you are silent, stunned<\/p>\n

With fear: but will you listen, countrymen,<\/p>\n

And I will show you a cure for these fierce evils.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

V<\/font>OICES<\/p>\n

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

Oh tell us, tell us, you shall be our king.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>EGAS<\/p>\n

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

We’ll set thy image by the great Poseidon’s<\/p>\n

And worship it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

What is the unexampled cause of wrath<\/p>\n

Which whelms you with these horrors? Is’t not the bold<\/p>\n

Presumptuous line of Cepheus? Is’t not your kings<\/p>\n

Whose pride, swollen by your love and homage, Syrians,<\/p>\n

Insults the gods, rescues Poseidon’s victims<\/p>\n

And with a sacrilegious levity<\/p>\n

Exposes all your lives to death and woe?<\/p>\n

There is the fount of all your misery, Syrians,<\/p>\n

For this the horror eats you up, \u2014  your kings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Away with them! throw them into the sea \u2014  let Poseidon swallow them!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 444<\/p>\n

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

\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

But most I blame the fell Chaldean woman<\/p>\n

Who rules you. What is this Cepheus but a puppet<\/p>\n

Dressed up in royal seemings, pushed forth and danced<\/p>\n

At her caprice? Unhappy is the land<\/p>\n

That women rule, that country more unhappy<\/p>\n

That is to heartless foreigners a prey.<\/p>\n

But thou, O ill-starred Syria, two worst evils<\/p>\n

Hast harboured in a single wickedness.<\/p>\n

What cares the light Chaldean for your gods,<\/p>\n

Your lives, your sons, your daughters? She lives at ease<\/p>\n

Upon the revenues of your hard toil,<\/p>\n

Depending on favourites, yes, on paramours, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

For why have women favourites but to ease<\/p>\n

Their sensual longings? \u2014  and insults your deities.<\/p>\n

Do you not think she rescued the Chaldeans<\/p>\n

Because they were her countrymen, and used<\/p>\n

Her daughter, young Andromeda, for tool<\/p>\n

That her fair childish beauty might disarm<\/p>\n

Wrath and suspicion? then, the crime unearthed,<\/p>\n

Braved all and set her fierce Chaldeans’ swords<\/p>\n

Against the good priest Polydaon’s heart, \u2014 <\/p>\n

You did not hear that? \u2014  the good Polydaon<\/p>\n

Who serves Poseidon with such zeal! Therefore<\/p>\n

The god is angry: your wives, sisters, daughters<\/p>\n

Must suffer for Chaldean Cassiopea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Let us seize her and kill, kill, kill, kill her!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Burn her!<\/p>\n

M<\/font>ORUS<\/p>\n

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

Roast her!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 445<\/p>\n

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

\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

Tear her into a million fragments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

But are they not our kings? We must obey them.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Wherefore must we obey them? Kings are men,<\/p>\n

And they are set above their fellow-mortals<\/p>\n

To serve us, friends, \u2014  not, surely, for our hurt!<\/p>\n

Why should our sons and daughters bleed for them,<\/p>\n

Syrians? Is not our blood as dear, as precious,<\/p>\n

As human? Why should these kings, these men, go clad<\/p>\n

In purple and in velvet while you toil<\/p>\n

For little and are hungry and are naked?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

True, true, true!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

G<\/font>ARDAS<\/p>\n

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


\nThis is a wonderful man, this Therops. He has a brain, countrymen.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

A brain! He is no cleverer than you or I, Morus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>ORUS<\/p>\n

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

I should think not, Damoetes!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

We knew these things long ago and did not need wind-bag Therops to tell us!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>ORUS<\/p>\n

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

We have talked them over often, Damoetes.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 446<\/p>\n

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

\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

We’ll have no more kings, countrymen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

No kings, no kings!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

G<\/font>ARDAS<\/p>\n

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

Or Therops shall be king.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Yes, Therops king! Therops king!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Good king Lungs! Oh, let us make him king, Morus, \u2014  he will not pass wind in the market-place so often.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon is our king; we are his people.<\/p>\n

Gods we must worship; why should we worship men<\/p>\n

And set a heavenly crown on mortal weakness?<\/p>\n

They have offended against great Poseidon,<\/p>\n

They are guilty of a fearful sacrilege.<\/p>\n

Let them perish.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Kill them! let us appease Poseidon.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Worship Heaven’s power but bow before the king.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

What need have we of kings? What are these kings?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

They are the seed of gods.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 447<\/p>\n

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

\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Then, let them settle<\/p>\n

Themselves their quarrel with their Olympian kindred.<\/p>\n

Why should we suffer? Let Andromeda<\/p>\n

Be exposed and Iolaus sacrificed:<\/p>\n

Then shall Poseidon’s wrath retire again<\/p>\n

Into the continent of his vast billows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

If it must be so, let it come by award<\/p>\n

Of quiet justice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Justice! They are the judges<\/p>\n

Who did the crime. Wherefore dost thou defend them?<\/p>\n

Thou favourest then Poseidon’s enemies?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Kill him too, kill Chabrias. Poseidon, great Poseidon! we are Poseidon’s people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Let him join his son and by the same road.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

M<\/font>ORUS<\/p>\n

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

Beat his brains out \u2014  to see if he has any. Ho! ho! ho!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Let him alone: he is a fool. Here comes<\/p>\n

Our zealous good kind priest, our Polydaon.<\/p>\n

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

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

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

Polydaon! Polydaon! the good Polydaon! Save us, Polydaon!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Ah, do you call me now to save you? Last night<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 448<\/p>\n

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

\n

You did not save me when the foreign swords<\/p>\n

Were near my heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

Forgive us and protect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

You, lead us to the palace, be our chief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>ORUS<\/p>\n

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

We’ll have no kings: lead, you: on to the palace!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon shall be king, thou his vicegerent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

G<\/font>ARDAS<\/p>\n

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

Therops at thy right hand!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Yes, Therops! Therops!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Oh, you are sane now, being let blood by scourgings!<\/p>\n

Unhurt had been much better. But Poseidon<\/p>\n

Pardons and I will save.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Polydaon for ever, the good Polydaon, Poseidon’s Viceroy!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Swear then to do Poseidon’s will.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

We swear!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Command and watch the effect!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 449<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

Will not the tongue<\/p>\n

Of Cassiopea once more change you, people?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

We’ll cut it out and feed her dogs with it.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Shall Iolaus bleed? Andromeda<\/p>\n

Be trailed through the city and upon the rocks,<\/p>\n

As the god wills, flung naked to his monsters?<\/p>\n

Cepheus and Cassiopea die?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

They shall!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

M<\/font>EGAS<\/p>\n

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

Not one of them shall live.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Then come, my children.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

But the beast! Will it not tear us on the road?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

It will not hurt you who do Poseidon’s will.<\/p>\n

I am your safeguard; I will march in front.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

To the palace, to the palace! We’ll kill the Chaldeans, strangle<\/p>\n

Cepheus, tear the Queen to pieces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

In order, in good order, my sweet children.<\/p>\n

\nThe mob surges out following Polydaon<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand Therops: only Damoetes, Chabrias,<\/i><\/p>\n

\nBaltis and Pasithea are left.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 450<\/p>\n

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

\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Come, Chabrias, we’ll have sport.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

My dead son calls me.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes out in another direction.<\/i><\/p>\n

B<\/font>ALTIS<\/p>\n

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

Pasithea, rise and come: you’ll see her killed<\/p>\n

Who is the murderess of your daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PASITHEA<\/p>\n

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

Let me<\/p>\n

Stay here and die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Lift her up. Come, fool.<\/p>\n

\nThey go out, leading Pasithea.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 400<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nCydone’s Garden.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nCydone, Iolaus, Perseus.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Perseus, you did not turn him into stone?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

You cruelty! must one go petrifying<\/p>\n

One’s fellows through the world? ‘Twould not be decent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

He would have been so harmless as a statue!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

The morning has broken over Syria and the sun<\/p>\n

Mounts royally into his azure kingdom.<\/p>\n

I feel a stir within me as if great things<\/p>\n

Were now in motion and clear-eyed Athene<\/p>\n

Urging me on to high and helpful deeds.<\/p>\n

There is a grandiose tumult in the air,<\/p>\n

A voice of gods and Titans locked in wrestle.<\/p>\n

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

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Ah, prince!<\/p>\n

\nShe bursts into tears.<\/i><\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Diomede, what calamity?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 452<\/p>\n

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

\n

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Flee, flee from Syria, save thyself.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

From Syria!<\/p>\n

Am I alone in peril? Then I’ll sit<\/p>\n

And wait.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon’s monsters from the deep<\/p>\n

Arise to tear us for our sin. The people<\/p>\n

In fury, led by Polydaon, march<\/p>\n

Upon the palace, crying, “Slay the King,<\/p>\n

Butcher the Queen, and let Andromeda<\/p>\n

And Iolaus die.” O my sweet playmate,<\/p>\n

They swear they’ll bind her naked to the rocks<\/p>\n

Of the sea-beach for the grim monster’s jaws<\/p>\n

To tear and swallow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

My sword, my sword, Cydone!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Oh, go not to the fierce and bloody people!<\/p>\n

Praxilla stole me out, hiding my face<\/p>\n

In her grey mantle: I have outrun the wind<\/p>\n

To warn you. Had the wild mob recognised me,<\/p>\n

They would have torn me into countless pieces,<\/p>\n

And will you venture near whose name they join<\/p>\n

With death and cursings? Polydaon leads them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Had he been only stone!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

My sword!<\/p>\n

\nCydone gives him the sword.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nPerseus goes out to the cottage.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 453<\/p>\n

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

\n

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

You’ll go?<\/p>\n

What will you do alone against ten thousand?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

To die is always easy. This canaille<\/p>\n

I do not fear; it is a coward rabble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

But terror gives them fierceness: they are dangerous.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Keep Diomede for your service, love,<\/p>\n

If I am killed; escape hence with your mother<\/p>\n

To Gaza; she has gold: you may begin<\/p>\n

A life as fair there. Sometimes remember me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Diomede, will you comfort my dear mother?<\/p>\n

Tell her I am quite safe and will be back<\/p>\n

By nightfall. Hush! this in your ear, Diomede.<\/p>\n

Escape with her under the veil of night,<\/p>\n

For I shall not come back. Be you her daughter<\/p>\n

And comfort her sad lonely age, Diomede.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

What do you mean, Cydone?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Are you ready?<\/p>\n

Let us be going.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Us, sweet lunatic?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Often you’ve said that you and I are only one,<\/p>\n

I shall know now if you mean it.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 454<\/p>\n

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

\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

You shall not give<\/p>\n

To the rude mob’s ferocious violence<\/p>\n

The beautiful body I have kissed so often.<\/p>\n

You’ll not obey me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

No.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Leave this you shall not.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

I do not know how you will stop me.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Shrew!<\/p>\n

You shall be stopped by bonds. Here you’ll remain<\/p>\n

Tied to a tree-trunk by your wilful wrists<\/p>\n

Till all is over.<\/p>\n

\nPerseus returns, armed.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

I’ll bring the tree and all and follow you.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Oh, will you, Hercules?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Forbid her not,<\/p>\n

My Iolaus; no tress of her shall fall.<\/p>\n

I have arisen and all your turbulent Syria<\/p>\n

Shall know me for the son of Zeus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Perseus,<\/p>\n

Art thou indeed a god? What wilt thou do,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 455<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nOne against a whole people? What way hast thou?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

This is no hour to speak or plan, but to act.<\/p>\n

A presence sits within my heart that sees<\/p>\n

Each moment’s need and finds the road to meet it.<\/p>\n

Dread nothing; I am here to help and save.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I had almost forgotten; the might thou hast shown<\/p>\n

Is a sufficient warrant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I shall come back,<\/p>\n

Diomede.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

My grip is firm on Herpe,<\/p>\n

Athene’s aegis guards my wrist; herself<\/p>\n

The strong, omnipotent and tranquil goddess<\/p>\n

Governs my motions with her awful will.<\/p>\n

Have trust in me. Borne on my bright-winged sandals<\/p>\n

Invisibly I will attend your course<\/p>\n

On the light breezes.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes out followed by Iolaus and Cydone.<\/i><\/p>\n

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

I am too tired to follow,<\/p>\n

Too daunted with their mad-beast howls. Here let me hide<\/p>\n

Awaiting what event this war of gods<\/p>\n

May bring to me and my sweet-hearted lady.<\/p>\n

O my Andromeda! my little playmate!<\/p>\n

\nShe goes out towards the cottage weeping.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 456<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA room commanding the outer Court of the Palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nNebassar, Praxilla.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I have seen them from the roof; at least ten thousand<\/p>\n

March through the streets. Do you not hear their rumour,<\/p>\n

A horrid hum as of unnumbered hornets<\/p>\n

That slowly nears us?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

N<\/font>EBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

If they are so many,<\/p>\n

It will be hard to save the princess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Save her!<\/p>\n

It is too late now to save anyone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

N<\/font>EBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

I fear so.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

But never is too late to die<\/p>\n

As loyal servants for the lords whose bread<\/p>\n

We have eaten. At least we women of the household<\/p>\n

Will show the way to you Chaldeans.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

N<\/font>EBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

We are soldiers,<\/p>\n

Praxilla, and need no guidance on a road<\/p>\n

We daily tread in prospect. I’ll bring my guards.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes out saluting Cassiopea who enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 457<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

Swift Diomede must have reached by now, Praxilla.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I hope so, madam.<\/p>\n

\nShe goes out to the inner apartments.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

\nThen Iolaus<\/font><\/p>\n

Is safe. My sad heart has at least that comfort.<\/p>\n

O my Andromeda, my child Andromeda,<\/p>\n

Thou wouldst not let me save thee. Hadst thou too gone,<\/p>\n

I would have smiled when their fierce fingers rent me.<\/p>\n

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

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

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

The mob is nearing; all my Syrian guards<\/p>\n

Have fled; we cannot hope for safety now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Then what is left but to set rapid fire<\/p>\n

To the rafters and prevent on friendly swords<\/p>\n

The rabble’s outrage?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Was it for such a fate<\/p>\n

Thou camest smiling from an emperor’s palace,<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

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

For me<\/p>\n

Grieve not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O Lady, princess of Chaldea,<\/p>\n

Pardon me who have brought thee to this doom.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 458<\/p>\n

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

\n

Yet I meant well and thought that I did wisely:<\/p>\n

But the gods wrest our careful policies<\/p>\n

To their own ends until we stand appalled<\/p>\n

Remembering what we meant to do and seeing<\/p>\n

What has been done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

With no half soul I came<\/p>\n

To share thy kingdom and thy joys; entirely<\/p>\n

I came, to take the evil also with thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Is there no truth in our high-winging ideals?<\/p>\n

My rule was mild as spring, kind as the zephyr:<\/p>\n

It tempered justice with benevolence<\/p>\n

And offered pardon to the rebel and sinner;<\/p>\n

I showed mercy, the rare sign of gods and kings.<\/p>\n

In this too difficult world, this too brief life<\/p>\n

To serve the gods with virtue seemed the best.<\/p>\n

A nation’s happiness was my only care:<\/p>\n

I made the people’s love my throne’s sure base<\/p>\n

And dreamed the way I chose true, great, divine.<\/p>\n

But the heavenly gods have other thoughts than man’s;<\/p>\n

Their awful aims transcend our human sight.<\/p>\n

Another doom than I had hoped they gave.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

A screened Necessity drives even the gods.<\/p>\n

Over human lives it strides to unseen ends;<\/p>\n

Our tragic failures are its stepping-stones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

My father lived calm, just, pitiless, austere,<\/p>\n

As a stern god might sway a prostrate world:<\/p>\n

Admired and feared, he died a mighty king.<\/p>\n

My end is this abominable fate.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 459<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

Another law than mercy’s rules the earth.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

If I had listened to thee, O Cassiopea,<\/p>\n

Chance might have taken a fairer happier course.<\/p>\n

Always thou saidst to me, “The people’s love<\/p>\n

Is a glimmer on quicksands in a gliding sea:<\/p>\n

Today they are with thee, tomorrow turn elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Wisdom, strength, policy alone are sure.”<\/p>\n

I thought I better knew my Syrian folk.<\/p>\n

Is this not my well-loved people at my door,<\/p>\n

This tiger-hearted mob with bestial growl,<\/p>\n

This cry for blood to drink, this roar of hate?<\/p>\n

Always thou spok’st to me of the temple’s power,<\/p>\n

A growing danger menacing the State,<\/p>\n

Its ambition’s panther crouch and serpent pride<\/p>\n

And cruel craft in a priest’s sombre face:<\/p>\n

I only saw the god and sacred priest.<\/p>\n

To priest and god I am thrown a sacrifice.<\/p>\n

The golden-mouthed orator of the market-place,<\/p>\n

Therops, thou bad’st me fear and quell or win<\/p>\n

Gaining his influence to my side. To me<\/p>\n

He seemed a voice and nothing but a voice.<\/p>\n

Too late I learn that human speech has power<\/p>\n

To change men’s hearts and turn the stream of Time.<\/p>\n

Thy eyes could read in Phineus’ scheming brain.<\/p>\n

I only thought to buy the strength of Tyre<\/p>\n

Offering my daughter as unwilling price.<\/p>\n

He has planned my fall and watches my agony.<\/p>\n

At every step I have been blind, have failed:<\/p>\n

All was my error; all’s lost and mine the fault.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Blame not thyself; what thou hadst to be, thou wert,<\/p>\n

And never yet came help from vain remorse.<\/p>\n

It is too late, too late. To die is left;<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 460<\/p>\n

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

\n

Fate and the gods concede us nothing more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

But strength to meet the doom is always ours.<\/p>\n

In royal robes and crowned we will show ourselves<\/p>\n

To our people and look in the eyes of death and fate.<\/p>\n

What is this armoured tramp?<\/p>\n

\nThe Chaldean guards enter with<\/i><\/p>\n

\nNebassar at their head.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

O King, we come<\/p>\n

To die with thee, the soldiers of Chaldea;<\/p>\n

For all in Syria have abandoned thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I thank you, soldiers.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>RIES OUTSIDE<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon, great Poseidon! we are Poseidon’s people. In, in, in!<\/p>\n

Kill the cuckold Cepheus, tear the harlot Cassiopea.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Voices of insolent outrage<\/p>\n

Proclaim the heartless rabble. On the steps<\/p>\n

Of our own palace we’ll receive our subjects.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

This, this becomes thee, monarch.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

N<\/font>EBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

Soldiers, form<\/p>\n

With serried points before these mighty sovereigns.<\/p>\n

\nThe mob surges in, Therops and Perissus at their<\/i><\/p>\n

\nhead, Polydaon a little behind, Damoetes, Morus<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand the rest. Praxilla and others of the household<\/i><\/p>\n

\ncome running in.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 461<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nM<\/font>OB<\/p>\n

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

On them! on them! Cut the Chaldeans to pieces!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Halt, people, halt: let there be no vain bloodshed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Here is a tender-hearted demagogue!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Cepheus and Cassiopea, ’tis vain and heinous<\/p>\n

To dally with your fate; it will only make you<\/p>\n

More criminal before the majesty<\/p>\n

Of the offended people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Majesty!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

An unwashed majesty and a wolf-throated!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Insolent woman, to thee I speak not. Cepheus, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Use humbler terms. I am thy King as yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

The last in Syria. Tell me, wilt thou give up<\/p>\n

Thy children to the altar, and thyself<\/p>\n

Surrender here with this Chaldean woman<\/p>\n

For mercy or judgment to the assembled will<\/p>\n

Of Syria?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

A tearing mercy, a howling judgment!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 462<\/p>\n

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

\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Therops, why do you treat with these? Chaldeans!<\/p>\n

And you, Praxilla! women of the household!<\/p>\n

Bring out the abominable Andromeda<\/p>\n

Who brought the woe on Syria. Why should you vainly<\/p>\n

Be ripped and mangled?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>RIES OF WOMEN<\/p>\n

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

Bring out Andromeda!<\/p>\n

Bring out the harlot’s daughter, bring her out!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>RIES OF MEN<\/p>\n

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

Andromeda! Andromeda! Andromeda!<\/p>\n

Bring out this vile Andromeda to die!<\/p>\n

\nAndromeda enters from the inner Palace, followed<\/i><\/p>\n

\nby slave-girls entreating and detaining her.<\/i><\/p>\n

P<\/font>RAXILLA<\/font>
\n(sorrowfully<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Wilt thou be wilful even to the end?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Alas, my child!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Mother, weep not for me. Perhaps my death<\/p>\n

May save you; and ’tis good that I should die,<\/p>\n

Not these poor innocent people. Against me<\/p>\n

Their unjust god is wroth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

O my poor sunbeam!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font> (advancing and showing herself to the people<\/i>)<\/p>\n

O people who have loved me, you have called me <\/p>\n

And I am here.<\/p>\n

\nA fierce roar from the mob.<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 463<\/p>\n

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

\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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

How she shrinks back appalled!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

God! What a many-throated howl of demons!<\/p>\n

Their eyes glare death. These are not men and Syrians.<\/p>\n

The fierce Poseidon has possessed their breasts<\/p>\n

And breathed his awful blood-lust into all hearts<\/p>\n

Deafening the voice of reason, slaying pity:<\/p>\n

Poseidon’s rage glares at us through these eyes,<\/p>\n

It is his ocean roar that fills our streets.<\/p>\n

\nCries from the mob.<\/i><\/p>\n

B<\/font>ALTIS<\/p>\n

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

Seize her! seize her! the child of wickedness!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

V<\/font><\/font><\/font>OICES OF WOMEN<\/p>\n

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

Throw her to us! throw her to us! We will pick<\/p>\n

The veins out of her body one by one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Throw her to us! We will burn her bit by bit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MORUS<\/p>\n

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

Yes, cook her alive; no, Damoetes? Ho, ho, ho!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

V<\/font>OICES OF MEN<\/p>\n

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

She has killed our sons and daughters: kill her, kill her!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

V<\/font>OICES OF WOMEN<\/p>\n

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

She is the child of her wicked mother: kill her!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>OB<\/p>\n

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

Throw her to us! throw her to us!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

We’ll tear her here, and the furies shall tear her afterwards for ever in Hell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 464<\/p>\n

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

\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Peace, people! she is not yours, she is Poseidon’s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Alas, why do you curse me? I am willing<\/p>\n

To die for you. If I had known this morn<\/p>\n

The monster’s advent, I would have gone and met him<\/p>\n

While you yet slept, and saved your poor fair children<\/p>\n

Whose pangs have been my own. Had I died first,<\/p>\n

I should not then have suffered. O my loved people,<\/p>\n

You loved me too: when I went past your homes,<\/p>\n

You blessed me always; often your girls and mothers<\/p>\n

Would seize and bind me to their eager breasts<\/p>\n

With close imprisonment, kiss on their doorways<\/p>\n

And with a smiling soft reluctance leave.<\/p>\n

O do not curse me now! I can bear all,<\/p>\n

But not your curses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Alack, my pretty lady!<\/p>\n

What madness made you do it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

She has rewarded<\/p>\n

Your love by bringing death upon you, Syrians,<\/p>\n

And now she tries to melt you by her tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>OB<\/p>\n

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

Kill her, kill her! Cut the Chaldeans to pieces! We will have her!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O do not hurt her! She is like my child<\/p>\n

Whom the fierce monster tore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

Unnatural mother!<\/p>\n

Would you protect her who’s cause your child was eaten?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 465<\/p>\n

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

\n

PASITHEA<\/p>\n

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

Will killing her give back my child to me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

No, it will save the children of more mothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Gag up her puling mouth, the white-faced fool!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

V<\/font>OICES<\/p>\n

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

Tear, tear Andromeda! Seize her and tear her!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

W<\/font>OMEN<\/p>\n

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

Let us only get at her with our teeth and fingers!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NEBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

Use swords, Chaldeans.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Order, my children, order!<\/p>\n

Chaldean, give us up Andromeda,<\/p>\n

And save your King and Queen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NEBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

What, wilt thou spare them?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Thou wilt not give my child to him, Nebassar?<\/p>\n

Thou dar’st not!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NEBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

Queen, ’tis better one should die<\/p>\n

For all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I swear to thee, I will protect them.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 466<\/p>\n

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

\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Trust not his oaths, his false and murderous oaths.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NEBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

He is a priest: if we believe him, nothing<\/p>\n

We lose, something may gain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

What wilt thou do?<\/p>\n

The people do not like it. See, they mutter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Let me have first their daughter in my grip,<\/p>\n

Be sure of the god’s dearest victim. People,<\/p>\n

I am Poseidon’s priest and your true friend.<\/p>\n

Leave all to me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CRIES<\/p>\n

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

Leave all to Polydaon! the good priest knows what he is doing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Soldier, give up the Princess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NEBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

Shall she be only given to Poseidon?<\/p>\n

Will you protect her from worse outrage?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I will.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Look! what a hideous triumph lights the eyes<\/p>\n

Of that fierce man. He glares at her with greed<\/p>\n

Like a wild beast of prey, and on his mouth<\/p>\n

There is a cruel unclean foam. Nebassar,<\/p>\n

O do not give her.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 467<\/p>\n

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

\n

N<\/font>EBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

If there were any help!<\/p>\n

Go forth, O princess, O Andromeda.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

My child! my child!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Give me one kiss, my mother.<\/p>\n

We shall yet meet, I think. My royal father,<\/p>\n

Andromeda farewells you, whom you loved<\/p>\n

And called your sunbeam. But the night receives me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Alas!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

How long will these farewells endure?<\/p>\n

They are not needed: you shall meet presently<\/p>\n

If Death’s angels can collect your tattered pieces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O savage Syrians, let my curses brood<\/p>\n

Upon your land, an anguished mother’s curse.<\/p>\n

May the Assyrian come and flay you living,<\/p>\n

Impale your sons, rip up your ravished daughters<\/p>\n

Before your agonising eyes and make you feel,<\/p>\n

Who drag my child from me to butcher her,<\/p>\n

The horror that you do. I curse you, Syrians.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Hush, mother, mother! what they demand is just.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

N<\/font>EBASSAR<\/p>\n

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

Lead back the King and Queen into the Palace,<\/p>\n

Women. We too will from this sad surrender<\/p>\n

Remove our eyes.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 468<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

I will not go. Let them tear her<\/p>\n

Before me: then surely Heaven will avenge me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Come, Cassiopea, come: our death’s delayed<\/p>\n

By a few minutes. I will not see her slain.<\/p>\n

\nCepheus and Praxilla go in, forcibly leading Cassiopea;<\/i><\/p>\n

\nthey are followed by the slave-girls and then by Nebassar<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand the Chaldeans: Andromeda is left alone on the steps.<\/i><\/p>\n

C<\/font><\/font><\/font>RIES OF THE MOB SURGING FORWARD<\/p>\n

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

Drag her, kill her, she is ours.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Therops and thou, Perissus, stand in front<\/p>\n

And keep the people off, or they will tear her,<\/p>\n

Defraud Poseidon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Cheer up, my princess, come!<\/p>\n

You shall be cleanly killed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

People of Syria,<\/p>\n

Rob not Poseidon of his own! ’tis not the way<\/p>\n

To turn his anger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

V<\/font>OICES<\/p>\n

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

Right, right! leave her to Poseidon: out with her to the sea-monster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GARDAS<\/p>\n

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

Therops is always right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

We will have her first: we will dress his banquet for him: none shall say us nay.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 469<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nM<\/font>ORUS<\/p>\n

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

Good; we will show Poseidon some excellent cookery. Ho, ho, ho!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

No, no, no! To the rocks with her! Strip her, the fine dainty princess, and hang her up in chains on the cliff-face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A
\n<\/font>
\nWOMAN<\/p>\n

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

Strip her! Off with her broidered robe and her silken tunic! Why should she wear such, when my daughter carries only coarse woollen?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A
\n<\/font>
\nWOMAN<\/font>
\n(shaking her fist<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Curse the white child’s face of thee: it has ruined Syria. Die, dog’s daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Is she to die only once who has killed so many of us? I say, tie her to one of these pillars and flog her till she drops.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MORUS<\/p>\n

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

That’s right, skin her with whips: peel her for the monster, ho, ho, ho!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BALTIS<\/p>\n

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

Leave her: Hell’s tortures shall make the account even.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

In order, children: let all be done in order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

She droops like a bruised flower beneath their curses,<\/p>\n

And the tears lace her poor pale cheeks like frost<\/p>\n

Glittering on snowdrops. I am sorry now<\/p>\n

I had a hand in this.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 470<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

You two have faces<\/p>\n

\nLess cruel than the others. I am willing<\/p>\n

To die, \u2014  oh, who would live to be so hated?<\/p>\n

\nBut do not let them shame or torture me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nOff! off! thick-brained dogs, loud-lunged asses! What do you do, yelping and braying here? Will you give a maimed meal to
\nPoseidon’s man-hound? Do you know me not? Have you never heard of Perissus, never
\nseen Perissus the butcher? I guard Poseidon’s meat, and whoever touches a morsel of it, I will make meat of him with my cleaver. I am Perissus, I am the butcher.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

V<\/font>OICES<\/p>\n

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

It is Perissus, the good and wealthy butcher. He is right. To the
\nrocks with her!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

V<\/font><\/font>OICES OF WOMEN<\/p>\n

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

\nBind her first: we will see her bound!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nIn all that is rational, I will indulge you.<\/p>\n

Where is a cord?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

A cord, who has a cord?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Here is one, Perissus. ‘Tis rough and strong and sure.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Come, wear your bracelets.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

O bind me not so hard!<\/p>\n

\nYou cut my wrists.<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 471<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nYou are too soft and tender.<\/p>\n

There, dry your eyes, \u2014  but that, poor slip, you cannot.<\/p>\n

\nSee, I have tied you very lightly: say not<\/p>\n

That this too hurts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I thank you; you are kind.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Kind! Why should I not be kind? Because I am a butcher must
\nI have no bowels? Courage, little Princess: none shall hurt thee but thy sea-
\nmonster and he, I am sure, will crunch thy little
\nbones very tenderly. Never had man-eater such sweet bones to crunch. Alack! but where is the remedy? <\/font> <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Now take her to the beach and chain her there<\/p>\n

\nUpon the rocks to bear her punishment.<\/p>\n

Perissus, lead her forth! We’ll follow you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Not I! not I!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

You’ld kill us, Polydaon?<\/p>\n

\nPoseidon’s anger walks by the sea-beaches.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nThe fierce sea-dragon will not hurt you, friends,<\/p>\n

Who bring a victim to Poseidon’s altar<\/p>\n

\nOf the rude solemn beaches. I’ll protect you.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWe’ll go with Polydaon! with the good Polydaon!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nPerissus, go before. We’ll quickly come.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 472<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nMake way there or I’ll make it with my cleaver.<\/p>\n

Heart, little Princess! None shall touch thee. Heart!<\/p>\n

\nPerissus and others make their way<\/i><\/p>\n

\nout with Andromeda.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

Hem, people, hem the Palace in with myriads:<\/p>\n

\nWe’ll pluck out Cepheus and proud Cassiopea.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nKill Cepheus the cuckold, the tyrant! Tear the harlot Cassiopea.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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


\nIs this thy sacred oath? Had not Nebassar<\/p>\n

Thy compact, priest?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I swore not by Poseidon.<\/p>\n

\nWilt thou oppose me?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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


\nThy perjury too much<\/p>\n

Favours my private wishes. Yet would I not<\/p>\n

\nBe thou with such a falsehood on my conscience.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhy, Therops, be thyself and thou shalt yet<\/p>\n

Be something great in Syria.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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

Where’s Iolaus?<\/p>\n

\nShall he not also die?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nToo long forgotten!<\/p>\n

O that I should forget my dearest hatred!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 473<\/p>\n

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

\n

By this he has concealed himself or fled<\/p>\n

\nAnd I am baulked of what I chiefly cherished.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

T<\/font>HEROPS<\/p>\n

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


\nOh, do them justice! the great house of Syria<\/p>\n

Were never cowards. The prince has been o’erwhelmed<\/p>\n

\nOn his way hither with rash sword to rescue:<\/p>\n

So Aligattas tells, who came behind us.<\/p>\n

\nHe’s taken to the temple.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nHeard you?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

M<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font>OB<\/p>\n

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

\nHurrah!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

BALTIS<\/p>\n

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

But what’s the matter now with our good priest?<\/p>\n

His veins are all out and his face is blood-red!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

This joy is too great for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I am a god,<\/p>\n

\nA god of blood and roaring victory.<\/p>\n

Oh, blood in rivers! His heart out of his breast,<\/p>\n

\nAnd his mother there to see it! and I to laugh<\/p>\n

At her, to laugh!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

This is not sanity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPOLYDAON<\/font>
\n(controlling himself with a great effort<\/i>)<\/p>\n

The sacrilegious house is blotted out<\/p>\n

\nOf Cepheus. Let not one head outlive their ending!<\/p>\n

Andromeda appoints the way to Hades<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 474<\/p>\n

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

\n

Who was in crime the boldest, then her brother<\/p>\n

\nYells on the altar: last Cepheus and his Queen \u2014 <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CRIES<\/p>\n

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

Tear her! let the Chaldean harlot die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

She shall be torn! but not till she has seen<\/p>\n

The remnants of the thing that was her daughter:<\/p>\n

\nNot till her sweet boy’s heart has been plucked out<\/p>\n

Under her staring eyes from his red bosom.<\/p>\n

\nTill then she shall not die. But afterwards<\/p>\n

Strew with her fragments every street of the city.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CRIES<\/p>\n

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

Hear, hear Poseidon’s Viceroy, good Polydaon!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEGAS<\/p>\n

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

In! in! cut off their few and foreign swordsmen.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CRIES<\/p>\n

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

In! in! let not a single Chaldean live.<\/p>\n

\nThe mob rushes into the Palace; only<\/i><\/p>\n

\nTherops and Polydaon remain.<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Go, Therops, take good care of Cassiopea,<\/p>\n

\nOr she will die too mercifully soon.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHow shall we bear this grim and cruel beast<\/p>\n

For monarch, when all’s done? He is not human.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes into the Palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I have set Poseidon’s rage in human hearts;<\/p>\n

His black and awful Influence flows from me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 475<\/p>\n

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

\n

Thou art a mighty god, Poseidon, yet<\/p>\n

\nAnd mightily thou hast avenged thyself.<\/p>\n

The drama’s nearly over. Now to ring out<\/p>\n

\nThe royal characters amid fierce howlings<\/p>\n

And splendid, pitiless, crimson massacre, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\nA great finale! Then, then I shall be King.<\/p>\n

(As he speaks, he gesticulates more wildly<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand his madness gains upon him.<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Thou luckless Phineus, wherefore didst thou leave<\/p>\n

\nSo fortunate a man for thy ally?<\/p>\n

The world shall long recall King Polydaon.<\/p>\n

\nI will paint Syria gloriously with blood.<\/p>\n

Hundreds shall daily die to incarnadine<\/p>\n

\nThe streets of my city and my palace floors,<\/p>\n

For I would walk in redness. I’ll plant my gardens<\/p>\n

\nWith heads instead of lilacs. Hecatombs<\/p>\n

Of men shall groan their hearts out for my pleasure<\/p>\n

\nIn crimson rivers. I’ll not wait for shipwrecks.<\/p>\n

Assyrian captives and my Syrian subjects,<\/p>\n

\nNobles and slaves, men, matrons, boys and virgins<\/p>\n

At matins and at vespers shall be slain<\/p>\n

\nTo me in my magnificent high temple<\/p>\n

Beside my thunderous Ocean. I will possess<\/p>\n

\nWomen each night, who the next day shall die,<\/p>\n

Encrimsoned richly for the eyes’ delight.<\/p>\n

\nMy heart throngs out in words! What moves within me?<\/p>\n

I am athirst, magnificently athirst,<\/p>\n

\nAnd for a red and godlike wine. Whence came<\/p>\n

The thirst on me? It was not here before.<\/p>\n

\n‘Tis thou, ’tis thou, O grand and grim Poseidon,<\/p>\n

Hast made thy scarlet session in my soul<\/p>\n

\nAnd growest myself. I am not Polydaon,<\/p>\n

I am a god, a mighty dreadful god,<\/p>\n

\nThe multitudinous mover in the sea,<\/p>\n

The shaker of the earth: I am Poseidon<\/p>\n

\nAnd I will walk in three tremendous paces<\/p>\n

Climbing the mountains with my clamorous waters<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 476<\/p>\n

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

\n

And see my dogs eat up Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nMy enemy, and laugh in my loud billows.<\/p>\n

The clamour of battle roars within the Palace!<\/p>\n

\nI have created it, I am Poseidon.<\/p>\n

Sitst thou, my elder brother, charioted<\/p>\n

\nIn clouds? Look down, O brother Zeus, and see<\/p>\n

My actions! they merit thy immortal gaze.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes into the Palace.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 477<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n4<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOn the road to the sea-shore.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

A mightier power confounds our policies.<\/p>\n

\nIs’t Heaven? is’t Fate? What’s left me, I will take.<\/p>\n

‘Tis best to rescue young Andromeda<\/p>\n

\nFrom the wild mob and bear her home to Tyre.<\/p>\n

She, when the roar is over, will be left<\/p>\n

\nMy claim to Syria’s prostrate throne, which force,<\/p>\n

If not diplomacy shall re-erect<\/p>\n

\nAnd Tyre become the Syrian capital.<\/p>\n

I hear the trampling of the rascal mob.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCRIES OUTSIDE<\/p>\n

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

Drag her more quickly! To the rocks! to the rocks!<\/p>\n

\nGlory to great Poseidon!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Tyrians, be ready.<\/p>\n

\nPerissus and a number of Syrians<\/i><\/p>\n

\nenter leading Andromeda bound.<\/i><\/p>\n

SYRIANS<\/p>\n

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

To the rocks with her, to the rocks! bind her on the rocks.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Pause, rabble! Yield your prey to Tyrian Phineus.<\/p>\n

Lift up thy lovely head, Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nFor thou art saved.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 478<\/p>\n

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

\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Who art thou with thy nose and thy fellows and thy spits?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Knowst thou me not? I am the royal Phineus.<\/p>\n

Yield up the Princess, fair Andromeda.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Art thou the royal Phineus and is this long nose thy sceptre? I
\nam Perissus, the butcher. Stand aside, royal Phineus, or I will chop thee royally with my cleaver.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

What wilt thou with me, King of Tyre?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Sweet rose,<\/p>\n

\nI come to save thee. I will carry thee,<\/p>\n

My bride, far from these savage Syrian tumults<\/p>\n

\nTo reign in loyal Tyre. Thou art safe.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/font> (sorrowfully<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nSafe!<\/p>\n

My father and my mother are not safe<\/p>\n

\nNor Iolaus: nor is Syria safe.<\/p>\n

Will you protect my people, when the god,<\/p>\n

\nNot finding me, his preferable victim,<\/p>\n

Works his fierce will on these?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHINEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou car’st for them?<\/p>\n

\nThey have o’erwhelmed thee with foul insult, bound thee,<\/p>\n

Threatened thy lovely limbs with rascal outrage<\/p>\n

\nAnd dragged to murder!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

But they are my people.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 479<\/p>\n

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

\n

Perissus, lead me on. I will not go with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou strange and beautiful and marvellous child,<\/p>\n

\nWilt thou or wilt thou not, by force I’ll have thee.<\/p>\n

Golden enchantment! thou art too rare a thing<\/p>\n

\nFor others to possess. Run, rascal rabble!<\/p>\n

On, Tyrians!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Cleavers and axes to their spits!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

King Phineus, pause! I swear I will prefer<\/p>\n

\nDeath’s grim embrace rather than be thy wife<\/p>\n

Abandoning my people. ‘Tis a dead body<\/p>\n

\nThou wilt rescue.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Is thy resolve unshakable?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nIt is.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Die then! To Death alone I yield thee.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes out with his Tyrians.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

So then thou art off, royal Phineus! so thou hast evaporated,
\nbold god of the Hittites! Thou hast saved thy royal nose from my cleaver.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nS<\/font><\/font>YRIANS<\/p>\n

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

On to the rocks! Glory to great Poseidon.<\/p>\n

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


\nPage \u2013 400<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

\nScene
\n5<\/a><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nThe sea-shore.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAndromeda, dishevelled, bare-armed and unsandalled, stripped of all but a single light robe, stands on a wide low ledge under a rock jutting out from the cliff with the sea washing below her feet. She is chained to the rock behind her by her wrists and ankles, her arms stretched at full length against its side. Polydaon, Perissus, Damoetes and a number of Syrians stand near on the great rocky platform projecting from the cliff of which the ledge is the extremity. <\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

There meditate affronts to dire Poseidon.<\/p>\n

Rescue thyself, thou rescuer of victims!<\/p>\n

\nI am sorry that thy marriage, sweet Andromeda,<\/p>\n

So poorly is attended. I could have wished<\/p>\n

\nTo have all Syria gazing at thy nuptials<\/p>\n

With thy rare Ocean bridegroom! Thy mother most<\/p>\n

\nShould have been here to see her lovely princess<\/p>\n

So meetly robed for bridal, with these ornaments<\/p>\n

\nUpon her pretty hands and feet. She has<\/p>\n

Affairs too pressing. We do some surgery<\/p>\n

\nUpon thy brother Iolaus’ heart<\/p>\n

To draw the bad blood out and make it holy,<\/p>\n

\nAnd she must watch the skilful operation.<\/p>\n

Do not weep, fair one. Soon, be confident,<\/p>\n

\nThey’ll meet thee in that wide house where all are going.<\/p>\n

Think of these things until thy lover comes.<\/p>\n

\nFarewell.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Art thou mad, priest Polydaon? How thou grinnest and drawest<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 481<\/p>\n

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

\n

back thy black lips from thy white teeth in thy rapture! Hast
\nthou gone clean mad, my skilful carver of hearts! art thou beside thyself, my ancient schoolmate and crony?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

S<\/font>YRIANS<\/p>\n

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

To the temple! To the temple!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Let one remain above the cliff<\/p>\n

\nAnd watch the monster’s advent and his going.<\/p>\n

Till I have news of dead Andromeda<\/p>\n

\nThe sacrifice cannot begin. Who stays?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

D<\/font>AMOETES<\/p>\n

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


\nNot I!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

A<\/font><\/font>LL<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNor I! nor I! nor I!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

DAMOETES<\/p>\n

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

As well stay here with the girl and be torn with her!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Do you quake, my brave shouters? must you curl your tails in between your manly legs? I will stay, priest, who fear neither
\ndog nor dragon. I am Perissus, I am the butcher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I’ll not forget thy service, good Perissus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Will you then make me butcher-in-chief to your viceroy in Damascus and shall I cut my joints under the patronage of King
\nPolydaon? To the temple, Syrian heroes! I will go and cross my legs on the cliff-top.<\/p>\n

\nThey go. Andromeda is left alone.<\/i><\/p>\n

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


\nPage \u2013 482<\/p>\n

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

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

 <\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

  Act IV   Scene 1   The countryside, high ground near the city of Cepheus. A crowd of Syrians, men and women, running in…<\/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-1746","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\/1746","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=1746"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1746\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}