{"id":1758,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1758"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","slug":"03-rodogune-act-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/03-04-collected-plays-and-stories\/03-rodogune-act-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-03_Rodogune – Act – I.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\n
\n<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n
\n
\nA Dramatic Romance<\/i><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nPersons of the Drama<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n<\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/font>, of the royal house, general-in-chief of the Syrian armies.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\n<\/p>\n

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

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font>, an official, afterwards Minister of Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPHILOCTETES<\/font>, a youg Greek noble of Egypt, friend of Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMELITUS<\/font>, a Court official.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCALLICRATES<\/font>, a young Greek noble of Syria.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTHERAS<\/font>, a gentleman in waiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAN<\/font>
\nEREMITE<\/font>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font>, an Egyptian princess, sister of the reigning Ptolemy, Queen of Syria; widow successively of King Nicanor and his brother Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font>, a princess of Parthia, prisoner in Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/font>, daughter of Nicanor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font>, sister of Phayllus, in attendance on the Queen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMENTHO<\/font>, an Egyptian woman, nurse of Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nZOYLA<\/font>, an attendant of Cleopatra.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nAntioch. The Palace; a house by the sea.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe Palace in Antioch; Cleopatra’s antechamber.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleone is seated; to her enters Eunice.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nAlways he lives!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nNo, his disease, not he.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor the divinity that sits in man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom that afflicted body has withdrawn, \u2014 <\/span><\/p>\n

\nIts pride, its greatness, joy, command, the Power<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnnameable that struggles with its world:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe husk, the creature only lives. But that husk<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHas a heart, a mind and all accustomed wants,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd having these must be, \u2014  O, it is pitiful, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nStripped of all real homage, forced to see<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat none but Death desires him any more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou pity?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nSeems it strange to you? I pity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI loved him not, \u2014  who did? But I am human<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd feel the touch of tears. A death desired<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs still a death and man is always man<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 189<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAlthough an enemy. If I ever slew,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI think ‘twould be with pity in the blow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat it was needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThat’s a foolish thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIf it were weakness and delayed the stroke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThe Queen waits by him still?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNo longer now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor while officiously she served her lord,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe dying monarch cast a royal look<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf sternness on her. “Cease,” he said, “O woman,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo trouble with thy ill-dissembled joy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy passing. Call thy sons! Before they come<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI shall have gone into the shadow. Yet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nToo much exult not, lest the angry gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nChastise thee with the coming of thy sons<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt which thou now rejoicest.”<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhere is she then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr who waits on her?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThat slave!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo nobler attendance?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 190<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nI think I hear the speech<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf upstarts. Are you, Cleone, of that tribe?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI marvel at your strange attraction, Princess,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou fondle and admire a statue of chalk<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn a black towel dismally arranged!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nShe has roses in her pallor, but they are<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe memory of a blush in ivory.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is all silent, gentle, pale and pure,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDim-natured with a heart as soft as sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nShe is a twilight soul, not frank, not Greek,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome Magian’s daughter full of midnight spells.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI think she is a changeling from the dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI hate the sorceress!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWe shall have a king<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho’s young, Cleone; Rodogune is fair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat think you of it, you small bitter heart?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHe will prefer the roses and the day,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI hope!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYourself, you think? O, see her walk!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA floating lily in moonlight was her sister.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nHis agony ends at last.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 191<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nWhy have you left<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour mistress and your service, Rodogune?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nShe will not have me near her now; she says<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI look at her with eyes too wondering and too large.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo she expects alone her husband’s end<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd her release. Alas, the valiant man,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe king, the trampler of the fields of death!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe called to victory and she ran to him,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe made of conquest his camp-follower. How<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe lies forsaken! None regard his end;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis flatterers whisper round him, his no more;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis almost widow smiles. Better would men,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCould they foresee their ending, understand<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe need of mercy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nMy sandal-string is loose;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKneel down and tie it, Parthian Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou too may feel the need of mercy yet,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nCleopatra enters swiftly from the<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\ncorridors of the Palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nAntiochus is dead, is dead, and I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall see at last the faces of my sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, I could cry upon the palace-tops<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy exultation! Gaze not on me so,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEunice. I have lived for eighteen years<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith silence and my anguished soul within<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhile all the while a mother’s heart in me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCried for her children’s eyelids, wept to touch<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 192<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThe little bodies that with pain I bore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe long chill dawnings came without that joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly my hateful husband and his crown, \u2014 <\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis crown!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nTo the world he was a man august,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh-thoughted, grandiose, valiant. Leave him to death,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd thou enjoy thy children.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHe would not let my children come to me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTherefore I spit upon his corpse. Eunice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave you not thought sometimes how strange it will feel<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo see my tall strong sons come striding in<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho were two lisping babes, two pretty babes?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSometimes I think they are not changed at all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I shall see my small Antiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith those sweet sunlight curls, his father’s curls,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd eyes in which an infant royalty<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExpressed itself in glances, Timocles<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHolding his brother’s hand and toiling to me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith eyes like flowers wide-opened by the wind<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd rosy lips that laugh towards my breast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill it not be strange, so sweet and strange?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd when<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill they arrive from Egypt?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAh, Eunice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom Egypt! They are here, Eunice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 193<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nNot in this room, dear fool; in Antioch, hid<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere never cruel eyes could come at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, did you think a mother’s hungry heart<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCould lose one fluttering moment of delight<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAfter such empty years? Theramenes, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nThe swift hawk he is, \u2014  by that good illness helped<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDarted across and brought them. They’re here, Eunice!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI saw them not even then, not even then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCould clasp, but now Antiochus is dead,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs dead, my lips shall kiss them! Messengers<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbridge the road with tempest in their hooves<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo bring them to me!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nImperil not with memories of hate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hour of thy new-found felicity;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor souls dislodged are dangerous and the gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave their caprices.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWill the Furies stir<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBecause I hated grim Antiochus?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen I have slain my kin, then let them wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe man who’s dead was nothing to my heart:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy husband was Nicanor, my beautiful<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh-hearted lord with his bright auburn hair<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd open face. When he died miserably<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA captive in the hated Parthian’s bonds,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy heart was broken. Only for my babes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI knit the pieces strongly to each other,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy little babes whom I must send away<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo Egypt far from me! But for Antiochus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat gloomy, sullen and forbidding soul,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHarsh-featured, hard of heart, rough mud of camps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd marches, \u2014  he was never lord of me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe was a reason of State, an act of policy;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 194<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAnd he exiled my children. You have not been<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA mother!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI will love with you, Cleopatra,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlthough to hate unwilling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nLove me and with me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs much as your pale quiet Parthian’s loved<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom for your sake I have not slain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nShe too,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Parthian! \u2014  blames you. Was it not she who said,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour joy will bring a curse upon your sons?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nHast thou so little terror?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNever she said it!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nFear yet; be wise! I cannot any more<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFeel anger! Never again can grief be born<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn this glad world that gives me back my sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI can think only of my children’s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere is a diphony of music swells<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWithin me and it cries a double name,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTwin sounds, Antiochus and Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTimocles and Antiochus, the two<\/span><\/p>\n

\nChanging their places sweetly like a pair<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf happy lovers in my brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBut which<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 195<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nShall be our king in Syria?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBoth shall be kings,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy kings, my little royal faces made<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo rule my breast. Upon a meaner throne<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat matters who shall reign for both?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n\u00a8<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nThe banner floats upon that seaward tower.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nO my soul, fly to perch there! Shall it not seem<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy children’s robes as motherwards they run to me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTired of their distant play?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe leaves the room followed by Zoyla.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYou, you, Cleone! gods are not in the world<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf you end happily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nDo not reproach her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have no complaint against one human creature;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNature and Fate do all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBecause you were born,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy Rodogune, to suffer and be sweet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs was Cleone to offend. O snake,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor all thy gold and roses!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI did not think<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHer guiltless sons must pay her debt. Account<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 196<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nIs kept in heaven and our own offences<\/span><\/p>\n

\nToo heavy a load for us to bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nRodogune and Eunice go out.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe doll,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Parthian puppet whom she fondles so,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe hardly has a glance for me! I am glad<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis gloomy, grand Antiochus is dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO now for pastime, dances, youth and flowers!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYouth, youth! for we shall have upon the throne<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo grey beard longer, but some glorious boy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMade for delight with whom we shall be young<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor ever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(to Phayllus, as he enters<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRejoice, brother; he is dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIt was my desire and fear that killed him then;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor he was nosing into my accounts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen shall we have these two king-cubs and which<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs the crowned lion?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThat is hidden, Phayllus;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou know it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nI know; I wish I also knew<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy it was hidden. Perhaps there is no cause<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSave the hiding! Women feign and lie by nature<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs the snake coils, no purpose served by it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr was it the grim king who’ld have it so?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThey are in Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 197<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nThat I knew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nYou knew?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBefore Queen Cleopatra. They do not sleep<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho govern kingdoms; they have ears and eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nKnew and they live!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy should one slay in vain?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA dying man has nothing left to fear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr hope for. He belongs to other cares.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhichever of these Syrian cubs be crowned,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will be hungry, young and African;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will need caterers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nShall they not be found?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIn Egypt they have other needs than ours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere lust’s almost as open as feasting is;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nScience and poetry and learned tastes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre not confined to books, but life’s an art.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere are faint mysteries, there are lurid pomps;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStrong philtres pass and covert drugs. Desire<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs married to fulfilment, pain’s enjoyed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd love sometimes procures his prey for death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe’ll want those strange and vivid colours here,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot dull diplomacies and hard rough arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen who shall look to statecraft’s arid needs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf not Phayllus?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 198<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nWe shall rise?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is that<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI came to learn from you. I have a need for growth;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI feel a ray come nearer to my brow,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe world expands before me. Will you assist, \u2014 <\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor you have courage, falsehood, brains, \u2014  my growth?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour own assisted, \u2014  that is understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBecause I am near the Queen?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThat helps, perhaps,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut falls below the mark at which I aim.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf you were nearer to the King, \u2014  why, then!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nDepend on me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nCleone, we shall rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 199<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nThe colonnade of a house in Antioch, overlooking the sea.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe summons comes not and my life still waits.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nPatience, beloved Antiochus. Even now<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe fronts the darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nNothing have I spoken<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs wishing for his death. His was a mould<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat should have been immortal. But since all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre voyagers to one goal and wishing’s vain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo hold one traveller back, I keep my hopes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Philoctetes, we who missed his life,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShould have the memory of his end! Unseen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe goes from us into the shades, unknown:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe are denied his solemn hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAll men<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre not like thee, my monarch, and this king<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas great but dangerous as a lion is<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho lives in deserts mightily alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAdmire him from that distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nO fear and base suspicion, evillest part<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Nature, how you spoil our grandiose life!
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 200<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nAll heights are lowered, our wide embrace restrained,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGod’s natural sunshine darkened by your fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe were not meant for darkness, plots and hatred<\/span><\/p>\n

\nReading our baseness in another’s mind,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut like good wrestlers, hearty comrades, hearty foes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo take and give in life’s great lists together<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBlows and embraces.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nA mother’s love, a mother’s fears<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEarn their excuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nI care not for such love.<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Philoctetes, all this happy night<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI could not sleep; for proud dreams came to me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn which I sat on Syria’s puissant throne,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr marched through Parthia with the iron pomps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf war resounding in my train, or swam<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy charger through the Indus undulant,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr up to Ganges and the torrid south<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRestored once more the Syrian monarchy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is divinity on earth to be a king.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\nBut if the weaker prove the elder born?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf Timocles were Fate’s elected king?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDear merry Timocles! he would not wish<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo wear the iron burden of a crown;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf he has joy, it is enough for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSunshine and laughter and the arms of friends<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGuard his fine monarchy of cheerful mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nIf always Fate were careful to fit in<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 201<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThe nature with the lot! But she sometimes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLoves these strange contrasts and crude ironies.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHas not nurse Mentho often sworn to me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat I, not he, saw earth the first?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd when<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\nDid woman’s tongue except in wrath or malice<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeliver truth that’s bitter?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nDo you not wish me to be king?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhy left I then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNile in his fields and Egypt slumbering<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCouchant upon her sands, but to pursue<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour gallant progress sailing through life’s seas<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShattering opponents till your flag flew high,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSole admiral-ship of all this kingly world?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut since upon this random earth unjust<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe travel stumbling to the pyre, not led<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy any Power nor any law, and neither<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat we desire nor what we deserve<\/span><\/p>\n

\nArrives, but unintelligible dooms<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO’ertake us and the travesty of things,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is better not to hope too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\nIt is better<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo lift our hopes heaven-high and to extend them<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs wide as earth. Heaven did not give me in vain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis royal nature and this kingly form,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese thoughts that wear a crown. They were not meant<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 202<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nFor mockery nor to fret a subject’s heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo you not hear the ardour of those hooves?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy kingdom rides to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe hastens to the other end of the colonnade.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nO glorious youth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose young heroic arms would gird the world,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI like a proud and anxious mother follow,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDesiring, fearing, drawn by cords of hope and love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAdmire and doubt, exult and quake and chide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is so glad of her brave, beautiful child,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut trembles lest his courage and his beauty<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAlarm the fatal jealousy that watches us<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom thrones unseen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThoas and Melitus enter from the gates.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nAre these the Syrian twins?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe elder of them only, Antiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSon of Nicanor! Antiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe high Seleucid travels the dull stream<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Syria’s throne is empty for his heir.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nA glorious sun has fallen then from heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSaddening the nations, even those he smote.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is the rule of Nature makes us rise<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDespite our hearts replacing what we love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I am happy who am called so soon<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo rule a nation of such princely men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre you not Thoas?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 203<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nThoas of Macedon.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThoas, we shall be friends. Will it be long<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore we march together through the world<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo stable our horses in Persepolis?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe turns to speak to Timocles who has<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\njust entered and goes into the house.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThis is a royal style and kingly brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe man is royal. What a face looks forth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom under that bright aureole of hair!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI greet you, Syrians. Shall I know your names?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMelitus. This is Thoas.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nOh yes, of Macedon.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNo, Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe talked of you in Alexandria and in Thebes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll of you famous captains. Your great names<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre known to us, as now yourselves must be<\/span><\/p>\n

\nKnown and admired and loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 204<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nYour courtesy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOverwhelms me; but I am no captain, only<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe King’s poor chamberlain, your servant come<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo greet you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNot therefore less a cherished friend<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose duty helps our daily happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThoas, your name is in our country’s book<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInscribed too deeply to demand poor praise<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom one who never yet has drawn his sword<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI am honoured, Prince. Do not forget<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour mother is waiting for you after eighteen years.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMy mother! O, I have a mother at last.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou lords shall tell me as we go, how fair<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is or dark like our Egyptian dames,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNoble and tall or else a brevity<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf queenhood. And her face \u2014  but that, be sure,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs the sweet loving face I have seen so often<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Egypt when I lay awake at night<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd heard the breezes whispering outside<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith many voices in the moonlit hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is late, Thoas, is it not, a child to see<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis mother when eighteen years have made him big?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis, this is Paradise, a mother, friends<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Syria. In our swart Egypt ’twas no life, \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAlthough I liked it well when I was there;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut O, your Syria! I have spent whole hours<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWatching your gracile Syrian women pass<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith their bright splendid faces. And your flowers,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat flowers! and best of all, your sun, not like<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 205<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThat burning Egypt, but a warmth, a joy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd a kind brightness. It will be all pleasure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo reign in such a country.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/font>
\n(returning from the house<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet us ride<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto our kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAntioch in sweet Syria,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe realm for gods, and Daphne’s golden groves,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd swift Orontes hastening to the sea!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRide by me, Melitus, tell me everything.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 206<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

<\/p>\n

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

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

\n
\nCleopatra’s antechamber in the Palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleopatra, seated; Rodogune.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt is their horsehooves ride into my heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt shall be done. What have I any more<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo do with hatred? Parthian Rodogune,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave you forgotten now your former pomps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd princely thoughts in high Persepolis,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr do your dreams still linger near a throne?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI think all fallen beings needs must keep<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome dream out of their happier past, \u2014  or else<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow hard it would be to live!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO, if some hope survive<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn the black midst of care, however small,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe can live, then only, O then only.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nI have forgotten how men hope.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIs your life hard<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Syrian Antioch, Rodogune, a slave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo your most bitter foemen?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 207<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nNot when you speak<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo gently. Always I strive to make it sweet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy outward harmony with circumstance<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd a calm soul within that is above<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy fortunes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nParthian, you have borne the hate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy husband’s murder bred in me towards all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour nation. When I felt you with my heel,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI trampled Tigris and Euphrates then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd Parthia suffered. Therefore I let you live<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHalf-loving in your body my revenge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut these are cruel and unhappy thoughts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI hope to slay and bury with the past<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich gave them birth. Will you assist me, girl?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill you begin with me another life<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd other feelings?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf our fates allow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich are not gentle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nMy life begins again,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy life begins again in my dear sons<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd my dead husband lives. All’s sweetly mended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI do not wish for hatred any more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe horrible and perilous hands of war<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAppal me. O, let our peoples sit at ease<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Grecian Antioch and Persepolis,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMothers and children, clasping those golden heads<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDeep, deep within our bosoms, never allow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir going forth again to bonds and death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPeace, peace, let us have peace for ever more.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 208<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nAnd will peace take me to my father’s arms?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOr else detain you on a kingly throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere are happier fetters.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf it must be so!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nArt thou insensible or fearst to rise?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI cannot think that even in barbarous lands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAny called human are so made that they prefer<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSerfhood and scourge to an imperial throne.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr is there such a soul?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nShall I not know<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy husband first?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI did not ask your choice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut gave you a command to be obeyed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike any other that each day I give.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nShall I be given him as a slave, not wife?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou rise, I think, too quickly with your fate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr art thou other than I saw or thou<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFeignedst to be? Hast thou been wearing all this while<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly a mask of smooth servility,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou subtle barbarian?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 209<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nSpeak not so harshly to me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho spoke so gently now. I will obey.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHop’st thou by reigning to reign over me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRestoring on a throne thy Parthian soul?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat shall I be upon the Syrian throne<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExcept your first of slaves who am now the last,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe least considered? I hope not to reign,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor ever have desired ambitious joys,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnly the love that I have lacked so long<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSince I left Parthia.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nObey me then. Remember,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe hand that seats thee can again unthrone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI shall remember and I shall obey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe retires to her station.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHer flashes of quick pride are quickly past.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAfter so many cruel, black and pitiless years<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall not the days to come conspire for joy?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Queen shall be my slave, a mind that’s trained<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo watch for orders, one without a party<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Syria, with no will to take my son from me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr steal my sovereign station. O, they come!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSlowly, my heart! break not with too much bliss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEunice comes in swiftly.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nAm I the first to tell you they have come?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 210<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nO girl, thy tongue rain joy upon the world,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat speaks to me of heaven!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nC<\/span>LEONE<\/font><\/span>
\n((to Eunice<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey are more beautiful than heaven and earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n(to Cleopatra<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy children’s feet are on the palace stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO no! not of the palace but my heart;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI feel their tread ascending. Be still, be still,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou flutterer in my breast: I am a queen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd must not hear thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThoas and Melitus enter bringing<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nin Antiochus and Timocles.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nQueen, we bring her sons<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo Cleopatra.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI thank you both. Approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhy dost thou beat so hard within to choke me?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe motions to them to stop and<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\ngazes on them in silence.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThis is my mother. She is what I dreamed!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO high inhabitants of Greek Olympus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich of you all comes flashing down from heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo snare us mortals with this earthly gaze,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThese simulations of humanity?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 211<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nSay to the Syrians they shall know their king<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn the gods’ time and hour. But these first days<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAre for a mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nNone shall grudge them to thee,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRemembering the gods’ debt to thee, Cleopatra.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThoas and Melitus leave the chamber.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nMy children, O my children, my sweet children!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCome to me, come to me, come into my arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou beautiful, you bright, you tall heart-snarers,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are all your father.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMother, my sweet mother!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have been dreaming of you all these years,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd was the dream too fair, my child?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO strange, sweet bitterness that I must ask<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy child his name!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI am your Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou first within my arms! O right, ’tis right!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is your privilege, my sweet one. Kiss me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO yet again, my young son Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO bliss, to feel the limbs that I have borne<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWithin me! O my young radiant Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have outgrown to lie upon my lap:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have not had that mother’s happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 212<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nMother, I am still your little Timocles<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPlaying at bigness. You shall not refuse me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sweet dependent state which I have lost<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn that far motherless Egypt where I pined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd like a child too, little one, you’ld have<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll of your mother to yourself. Must I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen thrust you from me? Let Antiochus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy tall Antiochus have now his share.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHe is all high and beautiful like heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom which he came. I have not seen before<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA thing so mighty.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMadam, I seek your blessing; let me kneel<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo have it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nKneel! O, in my bosom, son!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHave you too dreamed of me, Antiochus?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOf great Nicanor’s widow and the Queen<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Syria and my sacred fount of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThese are cold haughty names, Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot of your mother, not of your dear mother?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou were for me the thought of motherhood,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA noble thing and sacred. This I loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 213<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nNo more? Are you so cold in speech, my son?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO son Antiochus, you have received<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour father’s face; I hope you have his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDo you not love me?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nSurely I hope to love.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYou hope!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nO madam, do not press my words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI do press them. Your words, your lips, your heart,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour radiant body noble as a god’s<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI, I made in my womb, to give them light<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBore agony. I have a claim upon them all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou do not love me?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe thought of you I have loved,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHonoured and cherished. By your own decree<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe have been to each other only thoughts;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut now we meet. I trust I shall not fail<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn duty, love and reverence to my mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHis look is royal, but his speech is cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nShould he debase his godhead with a lie?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe is to blame and her unjust demand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 214<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nIt is well. My heart half slew me for only this!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO Timocles, my little Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet me again embrace you, let me feel<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy child who dreamed of me for eighteen years<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn Egypt. Sit down here against my knee<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd tell me of Egypt, \u2014  Egypt where I was born,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEgypt where my sweet sons were kept from me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDear Egypt, hateful Egypt!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nI loved it well because it bore my mother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut not so well, my mother far from me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat was your life there? Your mornings and your evenings,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour dreams at night, I must possess them all,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll the sweet years my arms have lost. Did you<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRising in those clear mornings see the Nile,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur father Nile, flow through the solemn azure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPast the great temples in the sands of Egypt?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou have seen hundred-gated Thebes, my Thebes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd my high tower where I would sit at eve<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWatching your kindred sun? And Alexandria<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith the white multitude of sails! My brother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe royal Ptolemy, did he not love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo clasp his sister in your little limbs?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere is so much to talk of; but not now!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEunice, take them from me for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTake Rodogune and call the other slaves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet them array my sons like the great kings<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey should have been so long. Go, son Antiochus;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGo, Timocles, my little Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWe are the future’s greatness, therefore owe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSome duty to the grandeurs of the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 215<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThe great Antiochus lies hardly cold,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGarbed for his journey. I would kneel by him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd draw his mightiness into my soul<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore the gloomy shades have taken away<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat earth could hardly value.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThis was a stab.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs there some cold ironic god at work?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThe great Antiochus! Of him you dreamed?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are his nephew! Parthian, take the prince<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo the dead King’s death-chamber, then to his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nShe was the Parthian! Great Antiochus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSyria thou leav’st me and her and Persia afterwards<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo be my lovely captive.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/font><\/span>
\n(as he follows Eunice<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTell me, cousin, \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nI knew not I had such sweet cousins here, \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\nWas this the Parthian princess Rodogune?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nPhraates’ daughter, Prince, your mother’s slave.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThere are lovelier faces then than Syria owns.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nYou gods, you gods in heaven, you give us hearts<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor life to trample on! I am sick, Cleone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 216<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nWhy, Madam, what a son you have in him,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe joyous fair-faced Timocles, yet you are sick!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nBut the other, oh, the other! Antiochus!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe has the face that gives my husband back to me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut does not love me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nYet he will be king.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou said he was the elder.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nDid I say it?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI was perplexed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHe will be king, a man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith a cold joyless heart and thrust you back<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto some distant corner of your house<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd rule instead and fill with clamorous war<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSyria and Parthia and the banks of Indus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTaking our lovers and our sons to death!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur sons! Perhaps he will take Timocles<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd offer him, a lovely sacrifice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo the grim god of battles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nMy Timocles! my only joy! Oh, no!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe will have peace henceforth and bloodless dawns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy envoys ride today.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHe will recall them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is no man to rest in peaceful ease<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhile other sceptres sway the neighbouring realms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 217<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWar and Ambition from his eyes look forth;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis hand was made to grasp a sword-hilt. Queen,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPrevent it; let our Timocles be king.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat did you say? Have you gone mad, Cleone?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe gods would never bless such vile deceit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO, if it could have been! but it cannot.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIt must.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTimocles dead, you a neglected mother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA queen dethroned, with one unloving child, \u2014
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nChildless were better, \u2014  and your age as lonely<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs these long nineteen years have been. Then you had hope,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou will have none hereafter.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIf I thought that,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would transgress all laws yet known or made<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd dare Heaven’s utmost anger. Gods who mock me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not suffer to all time your wrongs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHush, hush, Cleone! It shall not be so.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI thought my heart would break with joy, but now<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat different passion tugs at my heart-strings,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCleone, O Cleone! O my sweet dreams,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere have you gone yielding to pangs and fears<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYour happy empire? Am I she who left<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLaughing the death-bed of Antiochus?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nShe goes into her chamber.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWe must have roses, sunlight, laughter, Prince,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot cold, harsh light of arms. Your laurels, laurels!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe’ll blast them quickly with a good Greek lie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere he has gone, admire Antiochus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot here repeat him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 218<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

    Rodogune   A Dramatic Romance   Persons of the Drama   NICANOR, of the royal house, general-in-chief of the Syrian armies. THOAS LEOSTHENES…<\/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-1758","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\/1758","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=1758"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1758\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}