{"id":1749,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:02","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1749"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:02","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:02","slug":"04-perseus-the-deliverer-act-v-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-v-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-04_Perseus the Deliverer- Act – V.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThe sea-shore.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAndromeda chained to the cliff.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

O iron-throated vast unpitying sea,<\/p>\n

Whose borders touch my feet with their cold kisses<\/p>\n

\nAs if they loved me! yet from thee my death<\/p>\n

Will soon arise, and in some monstrous form<\/p>\n

\nTo tear my heart with horror before my body.<\/p>\n

I am alone with thee on this wild beach<\/p>\n

\nFilled with the echo of thy roaring waters.<\/p>\n

My fellowmen have cast me out: they have bound me<\/p>\n

\nUpon thy rocks to die. These cruel chains<\/p>\n

Weary the arms they keep held stiffly out<\/p>\n

Against the rough cold jagged stones. My bosom<\/p>\n

\nHardly contains its thronging sobs; my heart<\/p>\n

Is torn with misery: for by my act<\/p>\n

\nMy father and my mother are doomed to death,<\/p>\n

My dear kind brother, my sweet Iolaus,<\/p>\n

\nWill cruelly be slaughtered; by my act<\/p>\n

A kingdom ends in miserable ruin.<\/p>\n

\nI thought to save two fellowmen: I have slain<\/p>\n

A hundred by their rescue. I have failed<\/p>\n

\nIn all I did and die accursed and hated.<\/p>\n

I die alone and miserably, no heart<\/p>\n

\nTo pity me: only your hostile waves<\/p>\n

Are listening to my sobs and laughing hoarsely<\/p>\n

\nWith cruel pleasure. Heaven looks coldly on.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 483<\/p>\n

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

\n

Yet I repent not. O thou dreadful god!<\/p>\n

\nYes, thou art dreadful and most mighty; perhaps<\/p>\n

This world will always be a world of blood<\/p>\n

\nAnd smiling cruelty, thou its fit sovereign.<\/p>\n

But I have done what my own heart required of me,<\/p>\n

\nAnd I repent not. Even if after death<\/p>\n

Eternal pain and punishment await me<\/p>\n

\nAnd gods and men pursue me with their hate,<\/p>\n

I have been true to myself and to my heart,<\/p>\n

\nI have been true to the love it bore for men,<\/p>\n

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

\nShe is silent for a while.<\/i><\/p>\n

Alas! is there no pity for me? Is there<\/p>\n

\nNo kind bright sword to save me in all this world?<\/p>\n

Heaven with its cold unpitying azure roofs me,<\/p>\n

\nAnd the hard savage rocks surround: the deaf<\/p>\n

And violent Ocean roars about my feet,<\/p>\n

\nAnd all is stony, all is cold and cruel.<\/p>\n

Yet I had dreamed of other powers. Where art thou,<\/p>\n

\nO beautiful still face amid the lightnings,<\/p>\n

Athene? Does a mother leave her child?<\/p>\n

\nAnd thou, bright stranger, wert thou only a dream?<\/p>\n

Wilt thou not come down glorious from thy sun,<\/p>\n

\nAnd cleave my chains, and lift me in thy arms<\/p>\n

To safety? I will not die! I am too young,<\/p>\n

\nAnd life was recently so beautiful.<\/p>\n

It is too hard, too hard a fate to bear.<\/p>\n

\nShe is silent, weeping. Cydone enters: she comes<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand sits down at Andromeda’s feet.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

How beautiful she is, how beautiful!<\/p>\n

\nHer tears bathe all her bosom. O cruel Syrians!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhat gentle touch is on my feet? Who art thou?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 484<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nI am Cydone. Iolaus loves me.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nMy brother! lives he yet?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nHe lives, dear sweetness,<\/p>\n

And sent me to you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA<\/font><\/font><\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font>
\n(joyfully<\/i>)<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It was a cruel lie!<\/p>\n

\nHe’s free?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

No, bound and in the temple. Weep not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Alas! And you have left him there alone?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

The gods are with him, sister. In a few hours<\/p>\n

We shall be all together and released<\/p>\n

\nFrom these swift perils.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Together and released!<\/p>\n

Oh yes, in death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

I bid you hope. O child,<\/p>\n

\nHow beautiful you are, how beautiful,<\/p>\n

Iolaus’ sister! This one white slight garment<\/p>\n

\nFluttering about you in the ocean winds,<\/p>\n

You look like some wind-goddess chained in play<\/p>\n

\nBy frolic sisters on the wild sea-beaches.<\/p>\n

I think all this has happened, little sister,<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 485<\/p>\n

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

\n

Just that the gods might have for one brief hour<\/p>\n

\nYou for a radiant vision of childish beauty<\/p>\n

Exposed against this wild stupendous background.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

You make me smile in spite of all my grief.<\/p>\n

\nDid you not bid me hope, Cydone?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nAnd now<\/p>\n

I bid you trust: for you are saved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I am.<\/p>\n

\nI feel it now.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nYour name’s Andromeda?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nIolaus calls me so.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nI think he cheats me.<\/p>\n

You are Iolaus changed into a girl.<\/p>\n

\nCome, I will kiss you dumb for cheating me<\/p>\n

With changes of yourself.<\/p>\n

\nKisses her.<\/i><\/p>\n

If I could have<\/p>\n

\nMy Iolaus always chained like this<\/p>\n

To do my pleasure with, I would so plague him!<\/p>\n

\nFor he abuses me and calls me shrew,<\/p>\n

Monster and vixen and names unbearable,<\/p>\n

\nBecause he’s strong and knows I cannot beat him.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nThe world is changed about me.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 486<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nHeaven’s above.<\/p>\n

Look up and see it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

There is a golden cloud<\/p>\n

\nMoving towards me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nIt is Perseus. Sweetheart,<\/p>\n

I go to Iolaus in the temple, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\nI mean your other fair boy-self. Kiss me,<\/p>\n

O sweet girl-Iolaus, and fear nothing.<\/p>\n

\nShe goes out over the rocks.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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


\nI shall be saved! What is this sudden trouble<\/p>\n

That lifts the bosom of the tossing deep,<\/p>\n

\nHurling the waves against my knees? Save me!<\/p>\n

Where art thou gone, Cydone? What huge head<\/p>\n

\nRaises itself on the affrighted seas?<\/p>\n

Where art thou, O my saviour? Come! His eyes<\/p>\n

\nGlare up at me from the grey Ocean trough<\/p>\n

Hideous with brutish longing. Like great sharp rocks<\/p>\n

\nHis teeth are in a bottomless dim chasm.<\/p>\n

\nShe closes her eyes in terror. Perseus enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

Look up, O sunny-curled Andromeda!<\/p>\n

Perseus, the son of Danae, is with thee<\/p>\n

\nTo whom thou now belongest. Fear no more<\/p>\n

Sea-monsters nor the iron-souled Poseidon,<\/p>\n

\nNor the more monstrous flinty-hearted rabble<\/p>\n

Who bound thee here. This huge and grisly enemy<\/p>\n

\nThat rises from the flood, need not affright thee.<\/p>\n

Thou art as safe as if thy mother’s arms<\/p>\n

\nContained thee in thy brilliant guarded palace<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 487<\/p>\n

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

\n

When all was calm, O white Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nLift up thy eyes’ long curtains: aid the azure<\/p>\n

With thy regards, O sunshine. Look at me<\/p>\n

\nAnd see thy safety.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nO thou hast come to me!<\/p>\n

It was not only a radiant face I dreamed of.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

In time to save thee, my Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nSole jewel of the world. I go to meet<\/p>\n

Thy enemy, confronting grim Poseidon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O touch me ere you go that I may feel<\/p>\n

\nYou are real.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nLet my kiss, sweet doubting dreamer,<\/p>\n

Convince thee. Now I dart like a swift hawk<\/p>\n

\nUpon my prey and smite betwixt the billows.<\/p>\n

Watch how I fight for thee. I will come soon<\/p>\n

\nTo gather thee into my grasp, my prize<\/p>\n

Of great adventure.<\/p>\n

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

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

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


\nThe music of his name<\/p>\n

Was in my brain just now. What must I call thee?<\/p>\n

Perseus, the son of Danae! Perseus!<\/p>\n

\nPerseus, Athene’s sword! Perseus, my sun-god!<\/p>\n

O human god of glad Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nForgive, Athene, my lack of faith. Thou art!<\/p>\n

How like a sudden eagle he has swooped<\/p>\n

\nUpon the terror, that lifts itself alarmed,<\/p>\n

Swings its huge length along the far-ridged billows<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 488<\/p>\n

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

\n

And upwards yawns its rage. O great Athene!<\/p>\n

\nIt belches fiery breath against my Perseus<\/p>\n

And lashes Ocean in his face. The sea<\/p>\n

\nIs tossed upon itself and its huge bottoms<\/p>\n

Catch chinks of unaccustomed day. But the aegis<\/p>\n

\nOf Perseus hurls the flame-commingled flood<\/p>\n

Back in the dragon’s eyes: it shoots its lightnings<\/p>\n

\nInto the horizon like fire-trailing arrows.<\/p>\n

The world surprised with light gazes dismayed<\/p>\n

\nUpon the sea-surrounded war, ringed in<\/p>\n

With foam and flying tumult. O glorious sight,<\/p>\n

\nToo swift and terrible for human eyes!<\/p>\n

I will pray rather. Virgin, beautiful<\/p>\n

\nAthene, virgin-mother of my soul!<\/p>\n

I cannot lift my hands to thee, they are chained<\/p>\n

\nTo the wild cliff, but lift my heart instead,<\/p>\n

Virgin, assist thy hero in the fight.<\/p>\n

\nDescend, armipotent maiden, child of Zeus,<\/p>\n

Shoot from his godlike brain the strength of will<\/p>\n

\nThat conquers evil: in one victorious stroke<\/p>\n

Collecting hurl it on the grisly foe.<\/p>\n

\nThou, thou art sword and shield, and thou the force<\/p>\n

That uses shield and sword, virgin Athene.<\/p>\n

\nThe tumult ceases and the floods subside.<\/p>\n

I dare not look. And yet I will. O death,<\/p>\n

\nThou tossest there inertly on the flood,<\/p>\n

A floating mountain. Perseus comes to me<\/p>\n

\nTouching the waves with airy-sandalled feet,<\/p>\n

Bright and victorious.<\/p>\n

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

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

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


\nThe grisly beast is slain that was thy terror,<\/p>\n

And thou mayst sun the world with smiles again,<\/p>\n

\nAndromeda.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 489<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nThou hast delivered me, O Perseus, Perseus,<\/p>\n

My sovereign!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Girl, I take into my arms<\/p>\n

\nMy own that I have won and with these kisses<\/p>\n

Seal to me happy head and smiling eyes,<\/p>\n

\nBright lips and all of thee, thou sunny Syrian.<\/p>\n

All thy white body is a hero’s guerdon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Perseus!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Sweetly thou tak’st my eager kisses<\/p>\n

\nWith lovely smiles and glorious blushing cheeks<\/p>\n

Rejoicing in their shame.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I am chained, Perseus,<\/p>\n

\nAnd cannot help myself.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nO smile of sweetness!<\/p>\n

I will unravel these unworthy bonds<\/p>\n

\nAnd rid thee of the cold excuse.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nMy chains?<\/p>\n

They do not hurt me now, and I would wear them<\/p>\n

\nA hundred times for such a happy rescue.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nThou tremblest yet!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 490<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nSome sweet and sudden fear<\/p>\n

O’ertakes me! O what is it? I dare not look<\/p>\n

\nInto thy radiant eyes.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nSweet tremors, grow<\/p>\n

Upon her. Never shall harsher fears again<\/p>\n

\nO’ertake you, rosy limbs, in Perseus’ keeping.<\/p>\n

How fair thou art, my prize Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nO sweet chained body, chained to love not death,<\/p>\n

That with a happy passiveness endures<\/p>\n

\nMy touch, once more, once more. And now fall down<\/p>\n

Clashing into the deep, you senseless irons,<\/p>\n

\nThat took a place my kisses only merit.<\/p>\n

Princess of Syria, child of imperial Cepheus,<\/p>\n

\nStep forward free.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

A<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font>NDROMEDA
\n<\/font>
\n(falling at his feet and embracing them<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nO Perseus, O my saviour!<\/p>\n

Wilt thou not also save those dear to me<\/p>\n

\nAnd make this life thou givest worth the giving?<\/p>\n

My father, mother, brother, all I love,<\/p>\n

\nLie for my fault shuddering beneath the knife.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

It was a glorious fault, Andromeda.<\/p>\n

Tremble not for thy loved ones. Wilt thou trust<\/p>\n

\nThy cherished body in my arms to bear<\/p>\n

Upward, surprising Heaven with thy beauty?<\/p>\n

\nOr wilt thou fear to see the blue wide Ocean<\/p>\n

Between thy unpropped feet, fathoms below?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

With you I fear not.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 491<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nCling to me then, sweet burden,<\/p>\n

And we will meet our enemies together.<\/p>\n

\nHe puts his arms round her to lift<\/i><\/p>\n

\nher and the curtain falls.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 492<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Temple of Poseidon.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nPolydaon, Therops, Dercetes, Cydone, Damoetes and a great number of Syrians, men and women. Iolaus stands bound, a little to the side: Cepheus and Cassiopea, surrounded by armed men.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Cepheus and Cassiopea, man and woman,<\/p>\n

Not sovereigns now, you see what end they have<\/p>\n

\nWho war upon the gods.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

To see thy end<\/p>\n

My eyes wait only.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Let them see something likelier.<\/p>\n

\nIs’t not thy son who wears those cords, and that<\/p>\n

An altar? What! the eyes are drowned in tears<\/p>\n

\nWhere fire was once so ready? Where is thy pride,<\/p>\n

O Cassiopea?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

There are other gods<\/p>\n

\nThan thy Poseidon. They shall punish thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

If thou knewst who I am, which is most secret,<\/p>\n

Thou wouldst not utter vain and foolish wishes.<\/p>\n

\nWhen thou art slain, I will reveal myself.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 493<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nThou hast revealed thyself for what thou art<\/p>\n

Already, a madman and inhuman monster.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

My queen, refrain from words.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Perissus comes.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Ah God!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Look, the Queen swoons! Oh, look to her!<\/p>\n

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

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

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


\nYes, raise her up, bring back her senses: now<\/p>\n

I would not have them clouded. News, Perissus!<\/p>\n

\nThy face is troubled and thy eyes stare wildly.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nStare, do they? They may stare, for they have cause.<\/p>\n

You too will stare soon, Viceroy Polydaon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

What rare thing happened? The heavens were troubled strangely,<\/p>\n

\nAlthough their rifts were blue. What hast thou seen?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nI have seen hell and heaven at grips together.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhat do I care for hell or heaven? Your news!<\/p>\n

Did the sea-monster come and eat and go?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 494<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nHe came but went not.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nWas not the maiden seized?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nAy, was she, in a close and mighty grasp.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nBy the sea-beast?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\n‘Tis said we all are animals;<\/p>\n

Then so was he: but ’twas a glorious beast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

And was she quite devoured?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Why, in a manner, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\nIf kisses eat.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nHa! ha! such soft caresses<\/p>\n

May all my enemies have. She was not torn?<\/p>\n

\nWhat, was she taken whole and quite engulfed?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nSomething like that.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nYou speak with difficult slowness<\/p>\n

And strangely. Where’s your blithe robustness gone,<\/p>\n

\nPerissus?<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 495<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nComing, with the beast. He lifted her<\/p>\n

Mightily from the cliff to heaven.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

So, Queen,<\/p>\n

\nNothing is left thee of Andromeda.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhy, something yet, a sweet and handsome piece.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nYou should have brought it here, my merry butcher,<\/p>\n

That remnant of her daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

It is coming.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Ho, ho! then you shall see your daughter, Queen.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

This is a horrid and inhuman laughter.<\/p>\n

\nRestrain thy humour, priest! My sword’s uneasy.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nIt is a scandal in Poseidon’s temple.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nDo you oppose me?<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

\nWilt thou resist Poseidon,<\/p>\n

Misguided mortal?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

He glares and his mouth works.<\/p>\n

\nThis is a maniac. Does a madman rule us?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 496<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nThere has been much of violence and mad fierceness,<\/p>\n

Such as in tumults may be pardoned. Now<\/p>\n

\nIt is the tranquil hour of victory<\/p>\n

When decency should reign and mercy too.<\/p>\n

\nWhat do we gain by torturing this poor Queen<\/p>\n

And most unhappy King?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nHe favours great Poseidon’s enemies.<\/p>\n

Therops turns traitor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

He rails at the good priest.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Therops a traitor!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Therops, thou favour kings?<\/p>\n

\nThou traitor to Poseidon and his people?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nI say, hear Therops. He is always right,<\/p>\n

Our Therops; he has brains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

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

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Let them be punished, but with exile only.<\/p>\n

\nI am no traitor. I worked for you, O people,<\/p>\n

When this false priest was with the King of Tyre<\/p>\n

\nPlotting to lay on you a foreign chain.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 498<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nIs it so? Is it the truth? Speak, Polydaon.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nMust I defend myself? Was it not I<\/p>\n

Who led you on to victory and turned<\/p>\n

\nThe wrath of dire Poseidon? If you doubt me,<\/p>\n

Be then the sacrifice forbidden; let Cepheus<\/p>\n

\nAnd Cassiopea reign; but when the dogs<\/p>\n

Of grim Poseidon howl again behind you,<\/p>\n

\nCall not to me for help. I will not always pardon.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nPolydaon, Polydaon, Poseidon’s mighty Viceroy! Kill Therops!<\/p>\n

Iolaus upon the altar!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Now you are wise again. Leave this Therops.<\/p>\n

\nBring Iolaus to the altar here.<\/p>\n

Lay bare his bosom for the knife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Dercetes,<\/p>\n

\nShall this be allowed?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

We must not dare offend<\/p>\n

Poseidon. But when it’s over, I’ll break in<\/p>\n

\nWith all my faithful spears and save the King<\/p>\n

And Cassiopea. Therops, ‘twould be a nightmare,<\/p>\n

\nThe rule of that fierce priest and fiercer rabble.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWith all the better sort I will support thee.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nTherops, my crowd-compeller, my eloquent Zeus of the market-<\/p>\n

place, I know thy heart is big with the sweet passion of<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 498<\/p>\n

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

\n

repentance, but let it not burst into action yet. Keep thy fleet
\nsharp spears at rest, Dercetes. There are times, my little captain, and there is a season. Watch and wait. The gods are at work
\nand Iolaus shall not die.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWe only wait until our mighty wrath<\/p>\n

Is shown you in the mangled worst offender<\/p>\n

\nAgainst our godhead. Then, O Cassiopea,<\/p>\n

I’ll watch thy eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Behold her, Polydaon.<\/p>\n

\nPerseus and Andromeda enter the temple.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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


\nAndromeda! Andromeda! who has unchained her? It is Andromeda!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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

It is the spirit of Andromeda.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Shadows were ne’er so bright, had never smile<\/p>\n

\nSo sunny! she is given back to earth:<\/p>\n

\nIt is the radiant winged Hermes brings her.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

‘Tis he who baffled us upon the beach.<\/p>\n

I see the gods are busy in our Syria.<\/p>\n

\nAndromeda runs to Cassiopea and clasps and kisses<\/i><\/p>\n

\nher knees, the soldiers making way for her.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nC<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font>ASSIOPEA<\/font> (taking Andromeda’s face between her hands<\/i>)<\/p>\n

O my sweet child, thou livest!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 499<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nMother, mother!<\/p>\n

I live and see the light and grief is ended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/font><\/font><\/font>ASSIOPEA<\/font> (lifting Andromeda into her arms<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I hold thee living on my bosom. What grief<\/p>\n

\nCan happen now?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Andromeda, my daughter!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

P<\/font>OLYDAON<\/font> (awaking from his amazement<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nConfusion! Butcher, thou hast betrayed me. Seize them!<\/p>\n

They shall all die upon my mighty altar.<\/p>\n

\nSeize them!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

P<\/font>ERSEUS<\/font> (confronting him<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nPriest of Poseidon and of death,<\/p>\n

Three days thou gav’st me: it is but the second.<\/p>\n

\nI am here. Dost thou require the sacrifice?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Art thou a god? I am a greater, dreadfuller.<\/p>\n

Tremble and go from me: I need thee not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Expect thy punishment. Syrians, behold me,<\/p>\n

\nThe victim snatched from grim Poseidon’s altar.<\/p>\n

My sword has rescued sweet Andromeda<\/p>\n

\nAnd slain the monster of the deep. You asked<\/p>\n

For victims? I am here. Whose knife is ready?<\/p>\n

\nLet him approach.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Who art thou, mighty hero?<\/p>\n

Declare unto this people thy renown<\/p>\n

\nAnd thy unequalled actions. What high godhead<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 500<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

\nBefriends thee in battle?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nSyrians, I am Perseus,<\/p>\n

\nThe mighty son of Zeus and Danae.<\/p>\n

The blood of gods is in my veins, the strength<\/p>\n

\nOf gods is in my arm: Athene helps me.<\/p>\n

Behold her aegis, which if I uncover<\/p>\n

\nWill blind you with its lightnings; and this sword<\/p>\n

Is Herpe, which can pierce the earth and Hades.<\/p>\n

\nWhat I have done, is by Athene’s strength.<\/p>\n

Borne from Seriphos through pellucid air<\/p>\n

Upon these winged shoes, in the far west<\/p>\n

\nI have traversed unknown lands and nameless continents<\/p>\n

And seas where never came the plash of human oars.<\/p>\n

\nOn torrid coasts burned by the desert wind<\/p>\n

I have seen great Atlas buttressing the sky,<\/p>\n

\nHis giant head companion of the stars,<\/p>\n

And changed him into a hill; the northern snows<\/p>\n

\nIllimitable I have trod, where Nature<\/p>\n

Is awed to silence, chilled to rigid whiteness;<\/p>\n

\nI have entered caverns dim where death was born:<\/p>\n

And I have taken from the dim-dwelling Graiae<\/p>\n

\nTheir wondrous eye that sees the past and future:<\/p>\n

And I have slain the Gorgon, dire Medusa,<\/p>\n

\nHer head that turns the living man to stone<\/p>\n

Locking into my wallet: last, today,<\/p>\n

\nIn Syria by the loud Aegean surges<\/p>\n

I have done this deed that men shall ever speak of.<\/p>\n

\nAscending with winged feet the clamorous air<\/p>\n

I have cloven Poseidon’s monster whose rock-teeth<\/p>\n

\nAnd fiery mouth swallowed your sons and daughters.<\/p>\n

Where now has gone the sea-god’s giant stride<\/p>\n

\nThat filled with heads of foam your fruitful fields?<\/p>\n

I have dashed back the leaping angry waters;<\/p>\n

\nHis Ocean-force has yielded to a mortal.<\/p>\n

Even while I speak, the world has changed around you.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 501<\/p>\n

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

\n

Syrians, the earth is calm, the heavens smile;<\/p>\n

\nA mighty silence listens on the sea.<\/p>\n

All this I have done, and yet not I, but one greater.<\/p>\n

\nSuch is Athene’s might and theirs who serve her.<\/p>\n

You know me now, O Syrians, and my strength<\/p>\n

\nI have concealed not. Let no man hereafter<\/p>\n

Complain that I deceived him to his doom.<\/p>\n

\nSpeak now. Which of you all demands a victim?<\/p>\n

\nHe pauses: there is silence.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nWhat, you have howled and maddened, bound sweet women<\/p>\n

For slaughter, roared to have the hearts of princes,<\/p>\n

\nAnd are you silent now? Who is for victims?<\/p>\n

Who sacrifices Perseus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Speak! is there<\/p>\n

\nA fool so death-devoted?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nClaims any man victims?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nThere’s none, great Perseus.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nThen, I here release<\/p>\n

Andromeda and Iolaus, Syrians,<\/p>\n

\nFrom the death-doom: to Cepheus give his crown<\/p>\n

Once more. Does any man gainsay my action?<\/p>\n

\nWould any rule in Syria?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nNone, mighty Perseus.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nIolaus, sweet friend, my work is finished.<\/p>\n

\nHe severs his bonds.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 502<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nO mighty father, suffer me for thee<\/p>\n

To take thy crown from the unworthy soil<\/p>\n

\nWhere rude hands tumbled it. ‘Twill now sit steady.<\/p>\n

Dercetes, art thou loyal once again?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

For ever.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Therops?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

I have abjured rebellion.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Lead then my royal parents to their home<\/p>\n

\nWith martial pomp and music. And let the people<\/p>\n

Cover their foul revolt with meek obedience.<\/p>\n

\nOne guiltiest head shall pay your forfeit: the rest,<\/p>\n

Since terror and religious frenzy moved<\/p>\n

\nTo mutiny, not their sober wills, shall all<\/p>\n

Be pardoned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Iolaus! Iolaus!<\/p>\n

\nLong live the Syrian, noble Iolaus!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nAndromeda, and thou, my sweet Cydone,<\/p>\n

Go with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I approve thy sentence, son.<\/p>\n

\nDercetes and his soldiers, Therops and the<\/i><\/p>\n

\nSyrians leave the temple conducting Cepheus<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand Cassiopea, Andromeda and Cydone.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 503<\/p>\n

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

\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Now, Polydaon, \u2014 <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

I have seen all and laughed.<\/p>\n

Iolaus, and thou, O Argive Perseus,<\/p>\n

\nYou know not who I am. I have endured<\/p>\n

Your foolish transient triumph that you might feel<\/p>\n

\nMy punishments more bitter-terrible.<\/p>\n

‘Tis time, ’tis time. I will reveal myself.<\/p>\n

\nYour horror-starting eyes shall know me, princes,<\/p>\n

When I hurl death and Ocean on your heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

The man is frantic.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Defeat has turned him mad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

I have seen this coming on him for a season and a half. He was
\na fox at first, but this tumult gave him claws and muscles and he turned tiger. This is the end. What, Polydaon! Good cheer,
\npriest! Roll not thy eyes: I am thy friend Perissus, I am thy old loving schoolmate; are we not now fellow-craftsmen, priest and
\nbutcher?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

POLYDAON<\/p>\n

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

Do you not see? I wave my sapphire locks<\/p>\n

And earth is quaking. Quake, earth! rise, my great Ocean!<\/p>\n

\nEarth, shake my foemen from thy back! clasp, sea,<\/p>\n

And kiss them dead, thou huge voluptuary.<\/p>\n

\nCome barking from your stables, my sweet monsters:<\/p>\n

With blood-stained fangs and fiery mouths avenge me<\/p>\n

\nMocking their victory. Thou, brother Zeus,<\/p>\n

Rain curses from thy skies. What, is all silent?<\/p>\n

\nI’ll tear thee, Ocean, into watery bits<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 504<\/p>\n

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

\n

And strip thy oozy basal rocks quite naked<\/p>\n

\nIf thou obey me not.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI<\/font><\/font><\/font>OLAUS<\/font> (advancing<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nHe must be seized<\/p>\n

And bound.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Pause. See, he foams and clutches!<\/p>\n

\nPolydaon falls to the ground.<\/i><\/p>\n

He<\/p>\n

\nIs sentenced.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERISSUS<\/p>\n

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

Polydaon, old crony, grows thy soul too great within thee? dost thou kick the unworthy earth and hit out with thy noble fists at
\nHeaven?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

It was a fit; it is over. He lies back white<\/p>\n

And shaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/font>OLYDAON<\/font> (As he speaks, his utterance is hacked by pauses of silence. He seems unconscious of those around him, his being is withdrawing from the body and he lives only in an inner consciousness and its vision.<\/i>)
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nI was Poseidon but this moment.<\/p>\n

Now he departs from me and leaves me feeble:<\/p>\n

\nI have become a dull and puny mortal.<\/p>\n

(half rising<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nIt was not I but thou who fearedst, god.<\/p>\n

I would have spoken, but thou wert chilled and stone.<\/p>\n

\nWhat fearedst thou or whom? Wast thou alarmed<\/p>\n

By the godhead lurking in man’s secret soul<\/p>\n

\nOr deity greater than thy own appalled thee?…<\/p>\n

Forgive, forgive! pass not away from me.<\/p>\n

\nThy power is now my breath and I shall perish<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 505<\/p>\n

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

\n

If thou withdraw…. He stands beside me still<\/p>\n

\nShaking his gloomy locks and glares at me<\/p>\n

Saying it was my sin and false ambition<\/p>\n

\nUndid him. Was I not fearless as thou bad’st me?<\/p>\n

Ah, he has gone into invisible<\/p>\n

\nVast silences!… Whose, whose is this bright glory?<\/p>\n

One stands now in his place and looks at me.<\/p>\n

\nImperious is his calm Olympian brow,<\/p>\n

The sea’s blue unfathomed depths gaze from his eyes,<\/p>\n

\nWide sea-blue locks crown his majestic shape:<\/p>\n

A mystic trident arms his tranquil might.<\/p>\n

\nAs one new-born to himself and to the world<\/p>\n

He turns from me with the surges in his stride<\/p>\n

\nTo seek his Ocean empire. Earth bows down<\/p>\n

Trembling with awe of his unbearable steps,<\/p>\n

\nHeaven is the mirror of his purple greatness….<\/p>\n

But whose was that dimmer and tremendous image?…<\/p>\n

\nA horror of darkness is around me still,<\/p>\n

But the joy and might have gone out of my breast<\/p>\n

\nAnd left me mortal, a poor human thing<\/p>\n

With whom death and the fates can do their will….<\/p>\n

\nBut his presence yet is with me, near to me….<\/p>\n

Was I not something more than earthly man?…<\/p>\n

\n(with a cry<\/i>)<\/p>\n

It was myself, the shadow, the hostile god!<\/p>\n

\nI am abandoned to my evil self.<\/p>\n

That was the darkness!… But there was something more<\/p>\n

\nInsistent, dreadful, other than myself!<\/p>\n

Whoever thou art, spare me!… I am gone, I am taken.<\/p>\n

\nIn his tremendous clutch he bears me off<\/p>\n

Into thick cloud; I see black Hell, the knives<\/p>\n

\nFire-pointed touch my breast. Spare me, Poseidon….<\/p>\n

Save me, O brilliant God, forgive and save.<\/p>\n

\nHe falls back dead.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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


\nWho then can save a man from his own self?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 506<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nHe is ended, his own evil has destroyed him.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nThis man for a few hours became the vessel<\/p>\n

Of an occult and formidable Force<\/p>\n

\nAnd through his form it did fierce terrible things<\/p>\n

Unhuman: but his small and gloomy mind<\/p>\n

\nAnd impure dark heart could not contain the Force.<\/p>\n

It turned in him to madness and demoniac<\/p>\n

\nHuge longings. Then the Power withdrew from him<\/p>\n

Leaving the broken incapable instrument,<\/p>\n

\nAnd all its might was spilt from his body. Better<\/p>\n

To be a common man mid common men<\/p>\n

\nAnd live an unaspiring mortal life<\/p>\n

Than call into oneself a Titan strength<\/p>\n

\nToo dire and mighty for its human frame,<\/p>\n

That only afflicts the oppressed astonished world,<\/p>\n

\nThen breaks its user.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nBut best to be Heaven’s child.<\/p>\n

Only the sons of gods can harbour gods.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Art thou then gone, Polydaon? My monarch of breast-hackers,
\nthis was an evil ending. My heart is full of woe for thee, my fellow-butcher.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

The gods have punished him for his offences,<\/p>\n

\nAmbition and a hideous cruelty<\/p>\n

Ingenious in mere horror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Burn him with rites,<\/p>\n

\nIf that may help his soul by dark Cocytus.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 507<\/p>\n

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

\n

But let us go and end these strange upheavals:<\/p>\n

\nCall Cireas from his hiding for reward,<\/p>\n

Tyrnaus too, and Smerdas from his prison,<\/p>\n

\nFair Diomede from Cydone’s house.<\/p>\n

Humble or high, let all have their deserts<\/p>\n

\nWho partners were or causes of our troubles.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nThere’s Phineus will ask reasons.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nHe shall be satisfied.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nHe cannot be satisfied, his nose is too long; it will not listen to reason, for it thinks all the reason and policy in the world are
\nshut up in the small brain to which it is a long hooked outlet.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nPerissus, come with me: for thou wert kind<\/p>\n

To my fair sweetness; it shall be remembered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

There was nothing astonishing in that: I am as chock-full with
\nnatural kindness as a rabbit is with guts; I have bowels, great Perseus. For am I not Perissus? am I not the butcher? <\/p>\n

\nThey go out: the curtain falls.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 508<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n<\/p>\n

\nThe audience-chamber of the Palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nCepheus, Cassiopea, Andromeda, Cydone, Praxilla, Medes.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

A sudden ending to our sudden evils<\/p>\n

\nPropitious gods have given us, Cassiopea.<\/p>\n

Pursued by panic the Assyrian flees<\/p>\n

\nAbandoning our borders.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

And I have got<\/p>\n

My children’s faces back upon my bosom.<\/p>\n

\nWhat gratitude can ever recompense<\/p>\n

That godlike youth whose swift and glorious rescue<\/p>\n

\nLifted us out of Hell so radiantly?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

He has taken his payment in one small white coin<\/p>\n

Mounted with gold; and more he will not ask for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Your name’s Cydone, child? your face is strange.<\/p>\n

\nYou are not of the slave-girls.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CYDONE<\/p>\n

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

O I am!<\/p>\n

Iolaus’ slave-girl, though he calls me sometimes<\/p>\n

\nHis queen: but that is only to beguile me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Oh, mother, you must know my sweet Cydone.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 509<\/p>\n

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

\n

I shall think you love me little if you do not<\/p>\n

\nTake her into your bosom: for she alone,<\/p>\n

When I was lonely with my breaking heart,<\/p>\n

\nCame to me with sweet haste and comforted<\/p>\n

My soul with kisses, \u2014  yes, even when the terror<\/p>\n

\nWas rising from the sea, surrounded me<\/p>\n

With her light lovely babble, till I felt<\/p>\n

\nSorrow was not in the same world as she.<\/p>\n

And but for her I might have died of grief<\/p>\n

\nEre rescue came.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhat wilt thou ask of me,<\/p>\n

Even to a crown, Cydone? thou shalt have it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Nothing, unless ’tis leave to stand before you<\/p>\n

\nAnd be for ever Iolaus’ slave-girl<\/p>\n

Unchidden.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou shalt be more than that, my daughter.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

I have two mothers: a double Iolaus<\/p>\n

\nI had already. O you girl-Iolaus,<\/p>\n

You shall not marry Perseus: you are mine now.<\/p>\n

\nOh, if you have learned to blush!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

A<\/font><\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font>
\n(stopping her mouth<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nHush, you mad babbler!<\/p>\n

Or I will smother your wild mouth with mine.<\/p>\n

\nPerseus and Iolaus enter.<\/i><\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

O welcome, brilliant victor, mighty Perseus!<\/p>\n

Saviour of Syria, angel of the gods,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 510<\/p>\n

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

\n

Kind was the fate that led thee to our shores.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/font>ASSIOPEA<\/font>
\n(embracing Iolaus<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Iolaus, Iolaus, my son!<\/p>\n

\nMy golden-haired delight they would have murdered!<\/p>\n

Perseus, hast thou a mother?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

One like thee<\/p>\n

\nIn love, O Queen, though less in royalty.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

What can I give thee then who hast the world<\/p>\n

To move in, thy courage and thy radiant beauty,<\/p>\n

\nAnd a tender mother? Yet take my blessing, Perseus,<\/p>\n

To help thee: for the mightiest strengths are broken<\/p>\n

\nAnd divine favour lasts not long, but blessings<\/p>\n

Of those thou helpest with thy kindly strength<\/p>\n

\nUpon life’s rugged way, can never fail thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

And what shall I give, seed of bright Olympus?<\/p>\n

Wilt thou have half my kingdom, Argive Perseus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thy kingdom falls by right to Iolaus<\/p>\n

\nIn whom I shall enjoy it. One gift thou hadst<\/p>\n

I might have coveted, but she is mine,<\/p>\n

\nO monarch: I have taken her from death<\/p>\n

For my possession.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

My sunny Andromeda!<\/p>\n

\nBut there’s the Tyrian: yet he gave her up<\/p>\n

To death and cannot now reclaim her.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 511<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nFather,<\/p>\n

The Babylonian merchants wait, and Cireas:<\/p>\n

\nThe people’s leaders and thy army’s captains<\/p>\n

Are eager to renew an interrupted<\/p>\n

\nObedience.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nAdmit them all to me: go, Medes.<\/p>\n

\nAs Medes goes out, Diomede enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

Diomede! playmate! you too have come quite safe<\/p>\n

\nOut of the storm. I thought we both must founder.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nOh, yes, and now you’ll marry Perseus, leave me<\/p>\n

No other playmate than Praxilla’s whippings<\/p>\n

\nTo keep me lively!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nTherefore ’tis you look<\/p>\n

So discontent and sullen? Clear your face,<\/p>\n

\nI’ll drag you to the world’s far end with me,<\/p>\n

And take in my own hands Praxilla’s duty.<\/p>\n

\nWill that please you?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nAs if your little hand could hurt!<\/p>\n

I’m off, Praxilla, to pick scarlet berries<\/p>\n

\nIn Argolis and hear the seabirds’ cries<\/p>\n

And Ocean singing to the Cyclades.<\/p>\n

\nI’ll buy you brand new leather for a relic<\/p>\n

To whip the memory of me with sometimes,<\/p>\n

\nPraxilla.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 512<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nYou shall taste it then before you go.<\/p>\n

You’ll make a fine fair couple of wilfulnesses.<\/p>\n

\nI pity Perseus.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nYou are well rid of us,<\/p>\n

My poor Praxilla.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Princess, little Princess,<\/p>\n

\nMy hands will be lighter, but my heart too heavy.<\/p>\n

\nTherops and Dercetes enter with the Captains of<\/i><\/p>\n

\nthe army, Cireas, Tyrnaus and Smerdas.<\/i><\/p>\n

ALL<\/p>\n

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

\nHail, you restored high royalties of Syria.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

O King, accept us, be the past forgotten.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

It is forgotten, Therops. Welcome, Dercetes.<\/p>\n

Thy friend Nebassar is asleep. He has done<\/p>\n

\nHis service for the day and taken payment.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

His blood is a deep stain on Syria’s bosom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DERCETES<\/p>\n

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

On us the stain lies, Queen: but we will drown it<\/p>\n

In native streams, when we go forth to scourge<\/p>\n

\nThe Assyrian in his home.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THEROPS<\/p>\n

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

Death for one’s King<\/p>\n

Only less noble is than for one’s country.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 513<\/p>\n

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

\n

This foreign soldier taught us that home lesson.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Therops, there are kings still in Syria?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Great Queen,<\/p>\n

\nRemember not my sins.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nThey are buried deep,<\/p>\n

Thy bold rebellion, \u2014  even thy cruel slanders,<\/p>\n

\nIf only thou wilt serve me as my friend<\/p>\n

True to thy people in me. Will this be hard for thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O noble lady, you pay wrongs with favours!<\/p>\n

\nI am yours for ever, I and all this people.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThis it is to be an orator! We shall hear him haranguing the people next market-day on fidelity to princes and the divine
\nright of queens to have favourites.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Cireas, old bribe-taker, art thou living? Did Poseidon forget thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I pray you, Prince, remind me not of past foolishness. I have
\ngrown pious. I will never speak ill again of authorities and divinities.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou art grown ascetic? thou carest no longer then for gold? I
\nam glad, for my purse will be spared a very heavy lightening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 514<\/p>\n

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

\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Prince, I will not suffer my young piety to make you break old promises; for if it is perilous to sin, it is worse to be the cause of
\nsin in others.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou shalt have gold and farms. I will absolve<\/p>\n

Andromeda’s promise and my own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CIREAS<\/p>\n

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

Great Plutus!<\/p>\n

\nO happy Cireas!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Merchant Tyrnaus, art thou for Chaldea?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TYRNAUS<\/p>\n

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

When I have seen these troubles’ joyous end<\/p>\n

And your sweet princess, my young rescuer,<\/p>\n

\nHappily wedded.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I will give thee a ship<\/p>\n

And merchandise enough to fill thy losses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

And prayers with them, O excellent Chaldean.<\/p>\n

\nThe world has need of men like thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI quake.<\/p>\n

What will they say to me? I shall be tortured<\/p>\n

\nAnd crucified. But she with her smile will save me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Smerdas, thou unclean treacherous coward soul!<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 515<\/p>\n

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

\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Alas, I was compelled by threats of torture.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nAnd tempted too with gold. Thy punishment<\/p>\n

Shall hit thee in thy nature. Farmer Cireas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Prince Plutus!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Take thou this man for slave. He’s strong.<\/p>\n

\nWork him upon thy fields and thy plantations.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O this is worst of all.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nNot worse than thy desert.<\/p>\n

For gold thou lustest? earn it for another.<\/p>\n

\nThou’lt save thy life? it is a freedman’s chattel.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O speak for me, lady Andromeda!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nDear Iolaus, \u2014 <\/font> <\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nMy child, thou art all pity;<\/p>\n

But justice has her seat, and her fine balance<\/p>\n

\nDisturbed too often spoils an unripe world<\/p>\n

With ill-timed mercy. Thy brother speaks my will.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou hast increased thy crime by pleading to her<\/p>\n

\nWhom thou betrayedst to her death. Art thou<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 516<\/p>\n

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

\n

Quite shameless? Hold thy peace!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Grieve not too much.<\/p>\n

\nCireas will be kind to thee; wilt thou not, Cireas?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

At thy command I will be even that<\/p>\n

And even to him.<\/p>\n

\nNoise outside.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhat other dangerous clamour<\/p>\n

Is at our gates?<\/p>\n

\nPerissus enters, brandishing his cleaver.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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


\nPull out that sharp skewer of thine, comrade Perseus, or let me handle my cleaver.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Thou art angry, butcher? Who has disturbed thy noble serenity?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

King Cepheus, shall I not be angry? Art thou not again our
\nmajesty of Syria? And shall our majesty be insulted with noses? Shall it be prodded by a proboscis? Perseus, thou hast slaughtered yonder palaeozoic ichthyosaurus; wilt thou suffer me to chop this neozoan?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Calmly, precisely and not so polysyllabically, my good Perissus.<\/p>\n

\nTell the King what is this clamour.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nMy monarch, Phineus of Tyre has brought his long-nosed royalty to thy gates and poke it he will into thy kingly presence.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 517<\/p>\n

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

\n

His blusterings, King, have flustered my calm great heart within
\nme.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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


\nComes he alone?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nDamoetes and some scores more hang on to his long tail of hook-nosed Tyrians; but they are all rabble and proletariate, not
\na citizen butcher in the whole picking. They brandish skewers; they threaten to poke me with their dainty iron spits, \u2014  me,
\nPerissus, me, the butcher! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nPhineus in arms! This is the after-swell<\/p>\n

Of tempest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Let the Phoenician enter, comrade.<\/p>\n

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

Look not so blank. This man with all his crew<\/p>\n

\nShall be my easy care.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPhineus enters the hall with a great company,<\/i><\/p>\n

\nTyrians with drawn swords, Damoetes, Morus<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand others; after them Perissus.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

Welcome, Tyre.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Thou breakest armed into our presence, Phineus.<\/p>\n

\nHad they been earlier there, these naked swords<\/p>\n

Would have been welcome.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I am not here for welcome,<\/p>\n

\nLady. King Cepheus, wilt thou yield me right,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 518<\/p>\n

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

\n

Or shall I take it with my sword?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Phineus,<\/p>\n

\nI never have withheld even from the meanest<\/p>\n

The least thing he could call his right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou hast not?<\/p>\n

\nWho gives then to a wandering Greek my bride,<\/p>\n

Thy perfect daughter?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

She was in some peril,<\/p>\n

\nWhen thou wert absent, Tyre.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

A vain young man,<\/p>\n

A brilliant sworder wandering for a name,<\/p>\n

Who calls himself the son of Danae,<\/p>\n

\nAnd who his father was, the midnight knows.<\/p>\n

This is the lord thou giv’st Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nScorning the mighty King of ancient Tyre.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nHe saved her from the death to which we left her,<\/p>\n

And she was his, \u2014  his wife, if so he chose,<\/p>\n

\nOr, conquered by the sword from grim Poseidon,<\/p>\n

His then to take her as he would from that moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Do his deeds or thy neglect annul thy promise?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

King Phineus, wilt thou take up and lay down<\/p>\n

\nAt pleasure? Who leaves a jewel in the mud,<\/p>\n

Shall he complain because another took it?<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 519<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nAnd she was never his; she hated him.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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

I’ll hear no reasons, but with strong force have her,<\/p>\n

Though it be to lift her o’er the dearest blood<\/p>\n

\nOf all her kin. Tyrians!<\/p>\n

\nAndromeda takes refuge with Perseus.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAbandon, princess,<\/p>\n

The stripling bosom where thou tak’st thy refuge.<\/p>\n

\nThou hast mistook thy home, Andromeda.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\n‘Tis thou mistakest, Phineus, thinking her<\/p>\n

A bride who, touched, shall be thy doom. Get hence<\/p>\n

\nUnhurt.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Prince Iolaus, the sword that cut<\/p>\n

Thy contract to Poseidon, cuts not mine, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

\nWhich if you void, thou and thy father pay for it.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nPhineus of Tyre, it may be thou art wronged,<\/p>\n

But ’tis not at his hands whom thou impugnest.<\/p>\n

\nHer father gave her not to me.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Her mother then?<\/p>\n

She is the man, I think, in Syria’s household.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Her too I asked not.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Thou wooedst then the maid?<\/p>\n

\nIt shall not help thee though a thousand times<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 520<\/p>\n

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

\n

She kissed thee yes. Pretty Andromeda,<\/p>\n

\nWilt thou have for thy lord this vagabond,<\/p>\n

Wander with him as beggars land and sea?<\/p>\n

\nDespite thyself I’ll save thee from that fate<\/p>\n

Unworthy of thy beauty and thy sweetness,<\/p>\n

\nAnd make thee Queen in Tyre. Minion of Argos,<\/p>\n

Learn, ere thou grasp at other’s goods, to ask<\/p>\n

\nThe owner, not the owned.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nI did not ask her.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Then by what right, presumptuous, hast thou her?<\/p>\n

Or wherefore lies she thus within thy arm?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Say, by what right, King Phineus, thou wouldst take her,<\/p>\n

\nHerself and all refusing?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

By my precontract.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nThou gavest her to Death, that contract’s broken.<\/p>\n

Or if thou seekest to revoke thy gift,<\/p>\n

\nForegather then with Death and ask him for her.<\/p>\n

The way to him is easy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Then by my sword,<\/p>\n

\nNot asking her or any, because I am a king,<\/p>\n

I’ll take her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

If the sword is the sole judge,<\/p>\n

\nThen by my own sword I have taken her, Tyrian,<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 521<\/p>\n

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

\n

Not asking her or any, who am king<\/p>\n

\nO’er her, her sovereign. This soft gold is mine<\/p>\n

And mine these banks of silver; this rich country<\/p>\n

\nIs my possession and owes to my strong taking<\/p>\n

All her sweet revenues in honey. Phineus,<\/p>\n

\nI wonder not that thou dost covet her<\/p>\n

Whom the whole world might want. Wrest her from me,<\/p>\n

\nPhoenician; to her father she belongs not.<\/p>\n

(opening his wallet<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nKing Phineus, art thou ready? Yet look once more<\/p>\n

On the blue sky and this green earth of Syria.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Young man, thou hast done deeds I’ll not belittle.<\/p>\n

\nYet was it only a sea-beast and a rabble<\/p>\n

Whom thou hast tamed; I am a prince and warrior.<\/p>\n

\nWilt thou fright me with thy aegis?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nNot fright, but end thee;<\/p>\n

For thou hast spoken words deserving death.<\/p>\n

\nCome forth into the open, this is no place<\/p>\n

For battle. Marshal thy warlike crew against me,<\/p>\n

\nAnd let thy Syrian mob-men help with shouts:<\/p>\n

Stand in their front to lead them; I alone<\/p>\n

\nWill meet their serried charge, Dercetes merely<\/p>\n

Watching us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou art frantic with past triumphs:<\/p>\n

\nArgive, desist. I would not rob thy mother<\/p>\n

Of her sole joy, howe’er she came by thee.<\/p>\n

\nThe gods may punish her sweet midnight fault,<\/p>\n

To whom her dainty trickery imputes it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Come now, lest here I slay thee.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 522<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

Thou art in love<\/p>\n

With death: but I am pitiful, young Perseus;<\/p>\n

\nThou shalt not die. My men shall take thee living<\/p>\n

And pedlars hawk thee for a slave in Tyre,<\/p>\n

\nWhere thou shalt see sometimes far off Andromeda,<\/p>\n

A Queen of nations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou compassionate man!<\/p>\n

\nBut I will give thee, hero, marvellous death<\/p>\n

And stone for monument, which thou deservest;<\/p>\n

\nFor thou wert a great King and famous warrior,<\/p>\n

When still thou wert living. Forth and fight with me!<\/p>\n

\nAfterwards if thou canst, come for Andromeda;<\/p>\n

None shall oppose thy seizure. Behind me, captain,<\/p>\n

\nSo that the rabble here may not be tempted<\/p>\n

To any treacherous stroke.<\/p>\n

\nPhineus goes out with the Tyrians, Damoetes and the<\/i><\/p>\n

\nSyrian favourers of Phineus, followed by Perseus and<\/i><\/p>\n

\nDercetes. Cireas behind them at a distance.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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


\nSunbeam, I am afraid.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nI am not, father.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nAlone against so many!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nShall I go, father,<\/p>\n

And stand by him?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

He might be angry. Hark!<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 523<\/p>\n

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

\n

The voice of Phineus.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

He cries some confident order.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

The Tyrians shout for onset; he is doomed.<\/p>\n

\nThere is a moment’s pause, all listening, painfully.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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


\nThe shouts are stilled; there is a sudden hush.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhat can it mean? This silence is appalling.<\/p>\n

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

\nWhat news? Thou treadest like one sleeping, captain.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

O King, thy royal court is full of monuments.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nWhat meanest thou? What happened? Where is Perseus?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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

King Phineus called to his men to take alive<\/p>\n

The Greek; but as they charged, great Perseus cried,<\/p>\n

\n“Close eyes, Dercetes, if thou car’st to live,”<\/p>\n

And I obeyed, yet saw that he had taken<\/p>\n

\nA snaky something from the wallet’s mouth<\/p>\n

He carries on his baldric. Blind I waited<\/p>\n

\nAnd heard the loud approaching charge. Then suddenly<\/p>\n

The rapid footsteps ceased, the cries fell dumb<\/p>\n

\nAnd a great silence reigned. Astonishment<\/p>\n

For two brief moments only held me close;<\/p>\n

\nBut when I lifted my sealed lids, the court<\/p>\n

Was full of those swift charging warriors stiffened<\/p>\n

\nTo stone or stiffening, in the very posture<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 524<\/p>\n

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

\n

Of onset, sword uplifted, shield advanced,<\/p>\n

\nKnee crooked, foot carried forward to the pace,<\/p>\n

An animated silence, life in stone.<\/p>\n

\nOnly the godlike victor lived, a smile<\/p>\n

Upon his lips, closing his wallet’s mouth.<\/p>\n

\nThen I, appalled, came from that place in silence.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nSoldier, he is a god, or else the gods<\/p>\n

Walk close to him. I hear his footsteps coming.<\/p>\n

\nPerseus returns, followed by Cireas.<\/i><\/p>\n

Hail, Perseus!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

King, the Tyrians all are dead,<\/p>\n

\nNor needst thou build them pyres nor dig them graves.<\/p>\n

If any hereafter ask what perfect sculptor<\/p>\n

\nChiselled these forms in Syria’s royal court,<\/p>\n

Say then, “Athene, child armipotent<\/p>\n

\nOf the Olympian, hewed by Perseus’ hand<\/p>\n

In one divine and careless stroke these statues<\/p>\n

\nTo her give glory.”<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nO thou dreadful victor!<\/p>\n

I know not what to say nor how to praise thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Say nothing, King; in silence praise the Gods.<\/p>\n

\nLet this not trouble you, my friends. Proceed<\/p>\n

As if no interruption had disturbed you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O Zeus, I thought thou couldst juggle only with feathers and
\nphosphorus, but I see thou canst give wrinkles in magic to Babylon and the Medes. (shaking himself <\/i>) Ugh! this was a stony
\nconjuring. I cannot feel sure yet that I am not myself a statue.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 526<\/p>\n

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

\n

P<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font>ERISSUS<\/font> (who has gone out and returned<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nWhat hast thou done, comrade Perseus? Thou hast immortalised his long nose to all time in stone! This is a woeful thing for
\nposterity; thou hadst no right to leave behind thee for its dismay such a fossil.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

What now is left but to prepare the nuptials<\/p>\n

\nOf sweet young sunny-eyed Andromeda<\/p>\n

With mighty Perseus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

King, let it be soon<\/p>\n

\nThat I may go to my blue-ringed Seriphos,<\/p>\n

Where my mother waits and more deeds call to me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CASSIOPEA<\/p>\n

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

Yet if thy heart consents, then three months give us,<\/p>\n

\nO Perseus, of thyself and our sweet child,<\/p>\n

And then abandon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

They are given.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Perseus,<\/p>\n

\nYou give and never ask; let me for you<\/p>\n

Ask something.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Ask, Andromeda, and have.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Then this I ask that thy great deeds may leave<\/p>\n

\nTheir golden trace on Syria. Let the dire cult<\/p>\n

For ever cease and victims bleed no more<\/p>\n

\nOn its dark altar. Instead, Athene’s name<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 526<\/p>\n

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

\n

Spread over all the land and in men’s hearts.<\/p>\n

\nThen shall a calm and mighty Will prevail<\/p>\n

And broader minds and kindlier manners reign<\/p>\n

\nAnd men grow human, mild and merciful.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

King Cepheus, thou hast heard; shall this be done?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Hero, thou cam’st to change our world for us.<\/p>\n

Pronounce; I give assent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Then let the shrine<\/p>\n

\nThat looked out from earth’s breast into the sunlight,<\/p>\n

Be cleansed of its red memory of blood,<\/p>\n

\nAnd the dread Form that lived within its precincts<\/p>\n

Transfigure into a bright compassionate God<\/p>\n

\nWhose strength shall aid men tossed upon the seas,<\/p>\n

Give succour to the shipwrecked mariner.<\/p>\n

\nA noble centre of a people’s worship,<\/p>\n

To Zeus and great Athene build a temple<\/p>\n

\nBetween your sky-topped hills and Ocean’s vasts:<\/p>\n

Her might shall guard your lives and save your land.<\/p>\n

\nIn your human image of her deity<\/p>\n

A light of reason and calm celestial force<\/p>\n

\nAnd a wise tranquil government of life,<\/p>\n

Order and beauty and harmonious thoughts<\/p>\n

\nAnd, ruling the waves of impulse, high-throned will<\/p>\n

Incorporate in marble, the carved and white<\/p>\n

\nIdeal of a young uplifted race.<\/p>\n

For these are her gifts to those who worship her.<\/p>\n

\nAdore and what you adore attempt to be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CEPHEUS<\/p>\n

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

Will the fiercer Grandeur that was here permit?<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 527<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nFear not Poseidon; the strong god is free.<\/p>\n

He has withdrawn from his own darkness and is now<\/p>\n

\nHis new great self at an Olympian height.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nHow can the immortal gods and Nature change?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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

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


\nAll alters in a world that is the same.<\/p>\n

Man most must change who is a soul of Time;<\/p>\n

\nHis gods too change and live in larger light.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nThen man too may arise to greater heights,<\/p>\n

His being draw nearer to the gods?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Perhaps.<\/p>\n

\nBut the blind nether forces still have power<\/p>\n

And the ascent is slow and long is Time.<\/p>\n

\nYet shall Truth grow and harmony increase:<\/p>\n

The day shall come when men feel close and one.<\/p>\n

\nMeanwhile one forward step is something gained,<\/p>\n

Since little by little earth must open to heaven<\/p>\n

\nTill her dim soul awakes into the Light.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 528<\/p>\n

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

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

  Act V   Scene 1   The sea-shore. Andromeda chained to the cliff.   ANDROMEDA O iron-throated vast unpitying sea, Whose borders touch my…<\/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-1749","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\/1749","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=1749"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1749\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}