{"id":1759,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1759"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:08","slug":"03-rodogune-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\/03-rodogune-act-v-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-03_Rodogune – Act – V.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nThe Palace in Antioch.<\/i><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\n
\nA hall in the Palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPhayllus, alone.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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


\nMy brain has loosened harder knots than this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTimocles gets by this his Rodogune;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat’s one thing gained. Tonight or else tomorrow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI’ll have her in his bed though I have to hale her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStumbling to it through her own husband’s blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor he must die. He is too great a man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo be a subject: nor is that his intention<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho hides some subtler purpose. Exile would free him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor more stupendous mischief. Death! But how?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere is this Syrian people, there is Timocles<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhose light unstable mind like a pale leaf<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTrembles, desires, resolves, renounces.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nIt is the high gods bring about this good.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy great high brother, strong Antiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo come and kneel to me! No hatred more!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe is the brother whom I loved in Egypt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 293<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\nOh, wilt thou always be, thou shapeless soul,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nClay for each passing circumstance to alter?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nDo you not think I have only now to ask<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd he will give me Rodogune? She’s not his wife!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCast always together in the lonely desert,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLong nearness must have wearied him of her;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor he was never a lover. O Phayllus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen so much has been brought about, will you tell me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis will not happen too? I am sure the gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIntend this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nSo you think Antiochus comes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo lay his lofty head below your foot?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou can believe it! Truly, if you think that,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThere’s nothing left that cannot be believed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis soul that dreamed of conquests at its birth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis strong overweening swift ambitious man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhom victory disappoints, to whom continents<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSeem narrow, will submit, you say, \u2014  to you?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou’ll keep him for your servant?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat is it you hint?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStroke not your chin! Speak plainly. Do you know,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI sometimes hate you!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nI care not, if you hear me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd let me guard you from your enemies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI know you love me, but your thoughts are evil<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo every other and your ways are worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 294<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nYet speak; what is it you fear?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nHow should I know?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet this seems probable that having failed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy violent battle he is creeping in<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo slay you silently. You smile at that?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is the commonest rule of statesmanship<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd History’s strewn with instances. Believe it not;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBelieve your wishes, not mankind’s record;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSlumber till with the sword in you you wake<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd he assumes your purple.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font>
\n(indifferently<\/i>)<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI hear, Phayllus. Let him give me Rodogune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd all’s excused he has ever done to me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nHe will keep her and take all hearts besides<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat ever loved you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES <\/font>
\n(still indifferently<\/i>)<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will see that first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleopatra enters quickly.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nIt is true, Timocles? It is even true!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAntiochus my son is coming to me,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs coming to me!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThus you love him still!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nHe is my child, he has his father’s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I shall have my Parthian Rodogune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith her sweet voice and gentle touch, and her,<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 295<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nMy darling, my clear-eyed delight, Eunice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I shall not be lonely any more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have not been so happy since you came<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom Egypt. But, O heaven! what followed that?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill now no stark calamity arise<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith Gorgon head to turn us into stone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nVenging this glimpse of joy? Torn by your scourges<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI fear you, gods, too much to trust your smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nAntiochus comes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHail, thou victorious captain,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSyria’s strong rescuer!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSyria’s rescuer comes,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy brother Antiochus who makes himself<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA sword to smite thy dangerous enemies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nYou used not once to praise him so, Nicanor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nBecause I knew not then his nobleness<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho had only seen his might.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nYet had you promised<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat if he entered Antioch, it would be chained<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd naked, travelling to the pit or sword,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe comes not as a prisoner,<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 296<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nBut royally disdaining to enslave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor private ends his country to the Parthian.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nComes my dear brother soon?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nN<\/span>ICANOR<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nEven at this moment<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe enters.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nSummon our court. Let all men’s eyes behold<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis reconciliation. I shall see<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNext moment Rodogune!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nThere enter from one side Callicrates, Melitus,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleone, courtiers; from the other Antiochus, Eunice,<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nRodogune, Thoas, Leosthenes, Philoctetes.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nO brother, in my arms! Let this firm clasp<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe sign of the recovered amity<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat binds once more for joy Nicanor’s sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThis is like thee, my brother Timocles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet all vain strife be banished from our souls.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nMy sword is thine, and I am thine and all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have and love is thine, O Syrian Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDevoted to thy throne for Syria.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nBrother! O clasp me once again, Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nThe Syrian land once cleansed of foemen, rescued<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom these fierce perils, I shall have thy leave,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBrother, to voyage into distant lands;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut not till I have seen your Antioch joys<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 297<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nOf which they told us, I and my dear wife,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Parthian princess Rodogune. See, brother,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow all things work out by a higher will.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThou hast the Syrian kingdom, I have her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd my own soul for monarchy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nM<\/span>ELITUS<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The King is pale and gnaws his nether lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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


\nMother, I kneel to you; raise me this time<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I will not be forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

My child! my child!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHe will not give me Rodogune! And now he’ll steal<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy mother’s heart. Captains, I welcome you:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou are my soldiers now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nL<\/span>EOSTHENES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

We thank thee, King.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe are thy brother’s soldiers, therefore thine.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nYes! Philoctetes, old Egyptian friend,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou go not yet to Egypt?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I know not where.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI have forgotten why I came from thence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI hope that you will love your brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 298<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nOh yes, I’ll love him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nBrother Timocles,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe have come far today; will you appoint us<\/span><\/p>\n


\nOur chambers here?<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll take you to them, brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAll leave the hall except Cleone and Phayllus.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nC<\/span>LEONE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Is this their peace? But he’ll have Rodogune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd I shall like a common flower be thrown<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto the dust-heap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

 <\/p>\n

I have eyes; I see.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEven then I knew I would be nothing to you<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnce you were seated. I’ll not be flung away!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeware, Phayllus; for Antiochus lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nMake change of lovers then with Rodogune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhile yet he lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nC<\/span>LEONE<\/span><\/p>\n

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

I might do even that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe has a beautiful body like a god’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not have him slain.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 299<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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


\nYou may be his widow<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf you make haste in marrying him; for soon<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe will be carrion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nTimocles returns.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI’ld have a word with you,<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nCleone withdraws out of hearing.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere will they put the Parthian Rodogune?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nPut her?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nTo sleep, dull ruffian! Her chamber! Where?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nWhy, in one bed with Prince Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThou bitter traitor, dar’st thou say it too?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nArt thou too leagued to slay me? Shall I bear it?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn my own palace! In one bed! O God!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will go now and stab him through the heart<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd drag her, drag her \u2014 <\/span> <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nThe foam is on his lips!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nRestrain thy passions, King! He is transformed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThis is that curious devil, jealousy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs if it mattered! He will have her soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 300<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nCleone, I thank you. When I think of this,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSomething revolts within to strangle me<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd tears my life out of my bosom. Phayllus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYou spoke of plots; where are they? Let me see them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nThat’s hard. Are they not hidden in his breast?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nCan you not tear them out?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nTorture your brother!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nTorture his generals; let them howl their love for him!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTorture Eunice. Let truth come out twixt shrieks!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNumber her words with gouts of blood!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nYou’ll hurt yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe calmer. Torture! To what purpose that?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is not profitable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI will have proofs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWilt thou thwart me, thou traitor, even thou?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nArrange his trial instantly, arrange<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis exile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nExile! You might as well arrange<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt once your ruin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThere shall be justice, justice.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 301<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThou shalt be fairly judged, Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not slay him. Exile! And Rodogune<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith me in Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nListen! the passing people sing his name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey’ll rise to rescue him and slay us all<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAs dogs are killed in summer. Command his death:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo man will rise for a dead carcase. Death,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNot exile! He’ll return with Ptolemy<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr great Phraates, take your Syria from you,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTake Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nT<\/span>IMOCLES<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nI give my power to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTry him and sentence him. But execution,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLet it be execution. I will have<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo murder done. Arrange it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes out followed by Cleone.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nWhile he’s in the mood,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt must be quickly done. But that’s to venture<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith no support in Syria when it’s done<\/span><\/p>\n

\nExcept this brittle king. It matters not.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFortune will bear me out; she’s grown my slave-girl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat liberties have I not taken with her<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhich she has suffered amorously, kinder grown<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAfter each handling. Watch me, my only lover!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSudden and swift shall be Phayllus’ stroke.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 302<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

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

\n
\nAntiochus’ chamber.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nCleopatra, Antiochus, Eunice, Rodogune.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nEunice, cruel, heartless, sweet Eunice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow could you leave me?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Pardon me, dear lady.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nMine was the error, mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nO my son,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIf you had said that “mother” to me then,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll this had never happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nI have been hard<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo you, my mother, you to me your son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWe have both erred and it may be the gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill punish our offences even yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nO, say not that, my child. We must be happy;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will have just a little happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

O, answer her with kisses, dear Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 303<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\nDo you too plead for me, sweet Parthian?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Cousin<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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


\nMy heart is chastened and I love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMother, though even now I will not lie<\/span><\/p>\n


\nAnd say I love you as a child might love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho from his infancy had felt your clasp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut, mother, give me time and if the gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill give it too, who knows? we may be happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nPardon me, Madam, but my soul is harried<\/span><\/p>\n


\nWith fierce anxieties. You do not well<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTo linger with your son Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA jealous anger works in Timocles<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen he hears of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nIs’t possible?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\nFear it!<\/span><\/p>\n


\nBelieve it!<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\nCLEOPATRA<\/font> (shuddering<\/i>)<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nI will not give the gods a handle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut I may take Eunice and your wife<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo comfort me a little?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nGo with her,<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 304<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nEunice. Leave me for an hour, my Rodogune.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAll go from the chamber except Antiochus.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen, when will the gods strike? I feel the steps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf Doom about me. Open thy barriers, Death;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would not linger underneath the stroke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPhayllus enters with soldiers.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nSeize him! This is the prince Antiochus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nSo soon! I said not farewell to my love.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWell, Syrian, dost thou carry only warrants<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr keeps the death-doom pace with thy arrest?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nThy plots have been discovered, plotter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nVain subtle fool, I will not answer thee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhat matters the poor pretext? Guards, conduct me.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nHe goes out, guarded.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

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

\nMust thou be royal even in thy fall?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 305<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

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

\n
\nThe same.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nEunice, Rodogune.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nWill they not let me go and see him even?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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


\nWe’ll make our way to him and out for him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo Egypt, Egypt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

There’s only one joy left,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo be with him whether we live or die.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

You are too meek. Cleone helps us here<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhatever be the spring of her strange pity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen we come back, Phayllus, we shall find out<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhether the ingenuity of men<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHolds tortures huge enough for your deserts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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


\nWhy do you pace about with flaming eyes?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBe still and sit and put your hand in mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nMy Parthian sweetness! O, the gods are cruel<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho torture such a heart as thine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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


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

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 306<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nMy mother?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

She is lying in her room<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDry-eyed and voiceless, gazing upon Fate<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith eyes I dare not look at. Till tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt dawn we’ll have him out. Cleone bribes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sentries; Thoas has horses and a ship<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWide-winged for Egypt, Egypt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O yes, let us leave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSyria and cruel Antioch.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

For a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI would have had him out tonight, my king,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut ruffian Theras keeps the watch till dawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHow long will walls immure so huge a prisoner?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTrial! When he returns in arms from Egypt,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTry him, Phayllus. We must wait till dawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I shall behold him once again at dawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 307<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\n
\nScene
\n4<\/a><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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

\n
\nA guard-room in the Palace.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n<\/p>\n

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

\nWhat were Death then but wider life than earth<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCan give us in her clayey limits bound?<\/span><\/p>\n


\nDarkness perhaps! There must be light behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAs he speaks, Phayllus enters.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho is it?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nPhayllus and thy conqueror.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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


\nIn some strange warfare then!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nI came to see<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore thy end the greatness that thou wast;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor thou wert great as mortals measure. Thou hast<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAn hour to live.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nShorter were better.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nAn hour!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt is strange. The beautiful strong Antiochus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn one brief hour and by a little stroke<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShall be mere rotten carrion for the flies<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo buzz about.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 308<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/p>\n

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

\nThinkest thou so, Phayllus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

I know it, and in thy fall, because thou wert great,<\/p>\n

\nI feel my greatness who am thy o’erthrower.<\/p>\n

\nI long to probe the mightiness thou art<\/p>\n

\nAnd know the thoughts that fill thee at this hour;<\/p>\n

\nFor it must come to me some day. The things<\/p>\n

\nWe are, do and are done to! Let it be.<\/p>\n

\nDost thou not ask to kiss thy wife? She’ld come,<\/p>\n

\nThough she must leave thy brother’s bed for it.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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


\nWhat a poor lie, Phayllus, for the great man<\/p>\n

\nThou thinkst thyself!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

Thou knowst not then for her<\/p>\n

\nThou diest, that his hungry arms may clasp<\/p>\n

\nHer warm sweet body thou hast loved to kiss?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/p>\n

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

\nSo didst thou work it? Thou art a rare study,<\/p>\n

\nThou Graeco-Syrian.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

I am what my clay<\/p>\n

\nHas made me. It does not hurt thee then to know<\/p>\n

\nThat while thou art dying, they are hard at work<\/p>\n

\nEven now before thy kingly corpse is cold?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/p>\n

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

\nWhat a blind owl thou art that seest the sun<\/p>\n

\nAnd thinkst it darkness! Hence! I weary of thee.<\/p>\n

\nThou art too shallow after all. Outside<\/p>\n

\nIs it the dawn?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 309<\/p>\n

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

\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

The dawn. Thou wak’st too early<\/p>\n

\nFor one who shall not sleep again.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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


\nYes, sleep<\/p>\n

\nI have done with; now for an immortal waking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

That dream of fools! Thou art another man<\/p>\n

\nThan any I have seen and to my eyes<\/p>\n

\nThou seemst a grandiose lack-wit. Yet in defeat<\/p>\n

\nI could not move thee. I have limits then?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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


\nYes, didst thou think thyself a god in evil<\/p>\n

\nAnd souls of men thy subjects? Leave me, send<\/p>\n


\nThy executioner. Let him be quick.<\/p>\n

\nI wait!<\/p>\n

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

\nI fear he still will loiter. Waiting<\/p>\n

\nWas ever tedious to me: I will sleep.<\/p>\n

\n(he lies down; after a pause<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nIs this that other country? Theramenes<\/p>\n

\nBefore me smiling with his twenty wounds<\/p>\n

\nAnd Mentho with the breasts that suckled me!<\/p>\n

\nWho are these crowding after me so fast?<\/p>\n

\nMy mother follows me and cousin Eunice<\/p>\n

\nTreads in her footsteps. Thou too, Timocles?<\/p>\n

\nThoas, Leosthenes and Philoctetes,<\/p>\n

\nGood friends, will you stay long? The world grows empty.<\/p>\n

\nWhy, all that’s great in Syria staggers after me<\/p>\n

\nInto blind Hades; I am royally<\/p>\n

\nAttended.<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 310<\/p>\n

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

\n

THERAS<\/p>\n

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

Phayllus’ will compels me to it,<\/p>\n

\nOr else I do not like the thing I do.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

Who is it? Thou art the instrument. Strike in.<\/p>\n

\nKeep me not waiting. I ever loved proud swiftness<\/p>\n


\nAnd thorough spirits.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THERAS<\/p>\n

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

I must strike suddenly or never strike.<\/p>\n

\nHe strikes.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/p>\n

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

\nI pass the barrier.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THERAS<\/p>\n

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

Will not this blood stop flowing?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/p>\n

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

\nThe blood? Let the gods have it; ’tis their portion.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THERAS<\/p>\n

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

A red libation, O thou royal sacrifice!<\/p>\n

\nI have done evil. Will sly Phayllus help me?<\/p>\n

\nHe was a trickster ever. I have done evil.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nANTIOCHUS<\/p>\n

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

\nTell Parthian Rodogune I wait for her<\/p>\n

\nBehind Death’s barrier.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THERAS<\/p>\n

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

The world’s too still. Will he not speak again<\/p>\n

\nUpon this other side of nothingness?<\/p>\n

\nO sounds, sounds, sounds! The sentries change, I think.<\/p>\n

\nI’ll draw thy curtains, O thou mighty sleeper.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 311<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nHe draws the curtains, extinguishes the light and<\/i><\/p>\n

\ngoes out. All is still for a while, then the door<\/i><\/p>\n

\nopens again and Eunice and Rodogune enter.<\/i><\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

Tread lightly, for he sleeps. The curtain’s drawn.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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


\nO my Antiochus, on thy hard bed<\/p>\n

\nIn the rude camp with horses neighing round<\/p>\n


\nThou well mightst slumber nor the undistant trumpet<\/p>\n

\nStartling unseal thy war-accustomed ears<\/p>\n

\nFrom the sweet lethargy of earned repose.<\/p>\n

\nBut in the horrible silence of this prison<\/p>\n

\nHow canst thou sleep? It clamours in my brain<\/p>\n

\nMore than could any sound, with terror laden<\/p>\n

\nAnd voices.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

I’ll wake him.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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


\nDo not. He is tired<\/p>\n

\nAnd you will spoil his rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

He moves no more<\/p>\n

\nThan the dead might.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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


\nSpeak not of death, Eunice;<\/p>\n

\nWe are too near to death to speak of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

He must be waked. Cousin Antiochus,<\/p>\n

\nYou sleep too soundly for a prisoner. Wake!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 312<\/p>\n

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

\n

RODOGUNE<\/p>\n

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

There is some awful presence in this room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

I partly feel it. Wake, wake, Antiochus.<\/p>\n

\nShe draws apart the curtain and puts in<\/i><\/p>\n

\nher arm, then hastily withdraws it.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nO God, what is this dabbles so my hand,<\/p>\n

\nThat feels almost like blood?<\/p>\n

\n(tearing down the curtain<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nAntiochus!<\/p>\n

\nShe falls half-swooned against the wall. There is a<\/i><\/p>\n

\nsilence, then noise is heard in the corridors<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand the voice of Nicanor at the door.<\/i><\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Guard carefully the doors; let no evasion<\/p>\n

\nDeceive you.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

RODOGUNE<\/p>\n

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

Antiochus! Antiochus!<\/p>\n

\nAntiochus!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

Call him not; he will wake<\/p>\n

\nAnd Heaven be angry. O my Rodogune,<\/p>\n

\nLet us too sleep.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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


\nAntiochus! Antiochus!<\/p>\n

\nNicanor enters armed with soldiers and lights.<\/i><\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Am I in time? Thou? thou? How cam’st thou here?<\/p>\n

\nWho is this woman with the dreadful face?<\/p>\n

\nCan this be Rodogune? Eunice, speak.<\/p>\n

\nWhat is this blood upon thy hands and dress?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 313<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThou dost not speak! Oh, speak!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

I am going, I am going to my chamber<\/p>\n

\nTo sleep.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Arrest her, guards.<\/p>\n

\nHe approaches the bed and recoils.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAwake the house!<\/p>\n

\nSound the alarm! O palace of Nicanor,<\/p>\n

\nThou canst stand yet upon thy stony base<\/p>\n

\nUntroubled! The warlike prince Antiochus<\/p>\n

\nLies on this bed most treacherously murdered.<\/p>\n

\nCries and commotion outside.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nSpeak, wretched girl. What villain’s secret hand<\/p>\n

\nProfaned with death this royal sanctuary?<\/p>\n

\nHow cam’st thou here or hast this blood on thee?<\/p>\n

\nThere enter in haste Callicrates, Melitus,<\/i><\/p>\n

\nCleone; afterwards Phayllus and others.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/font> (to Nicanor<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nThou couldst not save him then for all my warning?<\/p>\n

\nIn vain didst thou mistrust me!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/font> (entering<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nIt is done. Yet Theras came not! Do I fail?<\/p>\n

\nFortune, my kindly goddess, help me still<\/p>\n

\nIn the storm I have yet to weather.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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


\nThou hast come!<\/p>\n

\nThis is thy work, thou ominous counsellor.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

In all the land who dare impugn me, if it be?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 314<\/p>\n

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

\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Thou art a villain! Thou shalt die for this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

One day I shall, for this or something else.<\/p>\n

\nBut here’s the King.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

No more a king for me<\/p>\n

\nOr Syria.<\/p>\n

\nTimocles enters, followed by Cleopatra.<\/i><\/p>\n

MELITUS<\/p>\n

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

The Queen comes cold and white and shuddering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEOPATRA<\/font> (speaking with an unnatural calmness<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nWhy do these cries of terror shake the house<\/p>\n

\nRepeating Murder <\/i>and Antiochus<\/i>?<\/p>\n

\nNicanor, lives my son?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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


\nBehold, O woman,<\/p>\n

\nThe frame you fashioned for Antiochus,<\/p>\n

\nCast from your love before, now cast from life,<\/p>\n

\nBy whose unnatural contrivance, let them say<\/p>\n

\nWho did it.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CLEOPATRA<\/p>\n

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

It is not true, it is not true!<\/p>\n

\nThere can be no such horror. O, for this,<\/p>\n

\nFor this you gave him back!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

O gods! Phayllus,<\/p>\n

\nI did not think that he would look like this.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 315<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nMELITUS<\/p>\n

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

Cover this death. It troubles the good King.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font> (recovering himself <\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nThis is a piteous sight, beloved mother;<\/p>\n

\nWould that he lived and wore the Syrian crown<\/p>\n

\nUnquestioned.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CLEOPATRA<\/p>\n

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

Timocles, I will not credit<\/p>\n

\nWhat yet a horror in my blood believes.<\/p>\n

\nThe eyes of all men charge you with this act;<\/p>\n

\nDeny it!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

Mother!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CLEOPATRA<\/p>\n

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

Deny it!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

Alas, mother!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CLEOPATRA<\/p>\n

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

Deny it!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

O mother, what shall I deny?<\/p>\n

\nIt had to be. Blame only the dire gods<\/p>\n

\nAnd bronze Necessity.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CLEOPATRA<\/p>\n

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

Call me not mother!<\/p>\n

\nI have no children. I am punished, gods,<\/p>\n

\nWho dared outlive my great unhappy husband<\/p>\n

\nFor this!<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 316<\/p>\n

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

\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Is this thy end, O great Seleucus?<\/p>\n

\nWhat Fury rules thy house? The Queen is gone<\/p>\n

\nWith desperate eyes. Who next?<\/p>\n

\nThere enter in haste Philoctetes, Thoas, Leosthenes<\/i><\/p>\n

\nand others of Antiochus’ party.<\/i><\/p>\n

PHILOCTETES<\/p>\n

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

It is true then,<\/p>\n

\nIt is most true! O high Antiochus,<\/p>\n

\nHow are thy royal vast imaginations<\/p>\n

\nAll spilt into a meagre stream of blood!<\/p>\n

\nAnd yet thy eyes seem to gaze royally<\/p>\n

\nInto death’s vaster realms as if they viewed<\/p>\n

\nMore conquests there and mightier monarchies.<\/p>\n

\nWhen we were boys and slumber came with noon,<\/p>\n

\nOften you’ld lay your head upon my knee<\/p>\n

\nEven thus. O little friend Antiochus,<\/p>\n

\nWe are again in hundred-gated Thebes<\/p>\n

\nAnd life is all before us.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THOAS<\/p>\n

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

O insupportable!<\/p>\n

\nThou styled by men a king, no king of mine,<\/p>\n

\nAcquit thyself of this too kindred blood.<\/p>\n

\nNo murderer sits in great Seleucus’ chair<\/p>\n

\nLonger than takes the movement of my sword<\/p>\n

\nOut of its scabbard. I live to ask this question.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

LEOSTHENES<\/p>\n

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

Nor think thy royal title nor thy guards<\/p>\n

\nShall fence thy life, thou crowned fratricide,<\/p>\n

\nNor many ranks of triple-plated iron<\/p>\n

\nShut out swift vengeance.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHILOCTETES<\/p>\n

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

His eyes look up and seem to smile at me.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 317<\/p>\n

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

\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Thoas, thy anger ranges far too wide.<\/p>\n

\nRespect the blood of kings, Leosthenes.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THOAS<\/p>\n

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

See dabbled on this couch the blood of kings<\/p>\n

\nThus by a kindred blood respected.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

The hearts<\/p>\n

\nOf kings are not their own, nor yet their acts.<\/p>\n

\nThis was an execution, not a murder.<\/p>\n

\nIn better time and place you shall have proofs:<\/p>\n

\nPhayllus knows it all. Be satisfied.<\/p>\n

\nLift up this royal dead. All hatred now<\/p>\n

\nForgotten, I will royally inter<\/p>\n

\nHis ashes guarding still his diadem<\/p>\n

\nAnd sword and armour. All that most he loved<\/p>\n

\nShall go with him into the silent world.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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


\nI come.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

The voice of Rodogune! That woman’s form<\/p>\n

\nThe shadowy anguished robe concealed! She here<\/p>\n

\nBeside my brother!<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

We had forgotten how piteous was this scene.<\/p>\n

\nO you who loved the dead, forbear a while;<\/p>\n

\nAll shall be sternly judged.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

O Rodogune,<\/p>\n

\nThe dead demands thy grief, since he too loved thee,<\/p>\n

\nBut not in this red chamber pay thy debt,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 318<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nNot in this square of horror. In thy calm room<\/p>\n

\nGently bedew his memory with tears<\/p>\n

\nAnd I will help them with my own. Me too<\/p>\n

\nHe loved once.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

LEOSTHENES<\/p>\n

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

Shall our swords yet sleep? He wooes<\/p>\n

\nHis brother’s wife beside his brother’s corpse<\/p>\n

\nWhom he has murdered.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTHOAS<\/p>\n

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

\nYet, Leosthenes.<\/p>\n

\nFor Heaven has borne enough from him. At last<\/p>\n

\nThe gods lift up their secret thunderbolts<\/p>\n

\nAbove us.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

She totters and can hardly move.<\/p>\n

\nAssist her or she falls.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nPHILOCTETES<\/font>
\n(raising his head<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nO Rodogune,<\/p>\n

\nWhat wilt thou with my dead?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

PHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

Shall it be allowed?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

I do not grudge this corpse her sad farewell.<\/p>\n

\nO Rodogune, embrace the unresponsive dead;<\/p>\n

\nBut afterwards remember life and love<\/p>\n

\nAre still on earth.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTHOAS<\/p>\n

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

\nAfterwards, Timocles.<\/p>\n

\nGive death a moment.<\/p>\n

\nThere is a silence while Rodogune bends<\/i><\/p>\n

\nswaying over the dead Antiochus.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 319<\/p>\n

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

\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

O my Rodogune,<\/p>\n

\nLeave now the dead man’s side whose debt is paid.<\/p>\n

\nReturn to life, to love.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nRODOGUNE<\/font>
\n(stretching out her arms<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nMy king! my king!<\/p>\n

\nLeave me not, leave me not! I am behind thee.<\/p>\n

\nShe falls dead at the feet of Antiochus.<\/i><\/p>\n

EUNICE<\/p>\n

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

O, take me also!<\/p>\n

\nShe rushes to Rodogune and throws<\/i><\/p>\n

\nherself on the dead bodies.<\/i><\/p>\n

NICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Raise the princess up;<\/p>\n

\nShe has swooned.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

THOAS<\/p>\n

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

Her heart has failed her: she is dead.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

TIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

Rise up, my Rodogune.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THOAS<\/p>\n

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

She is dead, Timocles;<\/p>\n

\nShe’s safe from thee. Thou goest not alone,<\/p>\n

\nMy king, into the darkness.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

CLEONE<\/p>\n

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

Look to the King!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font> (speaking with difficulty<\/i>)<\/p>\n

\nLives she?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

MELITUS<\/p>\n

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

No, she is dead, King Timocles.\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 320<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nCLEONE<\/p>\n

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


\nBrother, the King!<\/p>\n

\nTimocles has been tearing at the robe round<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

his neck. Phayllus, Melitus and others crowd<\/i><\/p>\n

\nround to support him as he falls.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

\nIt is a fit at worst<\/p>\n

\nWhich anger and despair have forced him to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

\nIt is not death? I live then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Death, thou intriguer!<\/p>\n

\nArt thou not Death who with thy wicked promptings<\/p>\n

\nAnd poisonous whispers worked to dangerous rage<\/p>\n

\nThe kindly moods of Timocles? Seize him,<\/p>\n

\nHe shall atone this murder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

\nYou build too soon<\/p>\n

\nYour throne upon these prostrate bodies. Your king<\/p>\n

\nLives still, Nicanor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

\nNot to save thee from death,<\/p>\n

\nNor any murderer. Drag him hence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/p>\n

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

\nThe King revives.<\/p>\n

\nSave thyself, brother.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nLEOSTHENES<\/p>\n

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

\nTen kings should not avail<\/p>\n

\n
\nTo save him.<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tPage\u2013 321<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

\nDrag hence that
\nsubtle Satan.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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

I live<\/p>\n

\nAnd I remember!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCLEONE<\/p>\n

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

\nSleepest thou, Phayllus?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

\nMy king, they drag me hence to murder me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES
\n<\/font>
\n(vaguely at first<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nWho art thou? Thou abhorred and crooked devil,<\/p>\n

\nThou art the cause that she is lost to me.<\/p>\n

\nSlay him! And that shrewd-lipped, rose-tinted harlot,<\/p>\n

\nLet her be banished somewhere from men’s sight<\/p>\n

\nWhere she can be forgotten. O brother, brother,<\/p>\n

\nI have sent thee into the darkling shades,<\/p>\n

\nMyself am barred the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

\nWhat I have done,<\/p>\n

\nI did for this poor king and thankless man.<\/p>\n

\nBut there’s no use in talking. I am ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/font>
\n(half-rising, furiously<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nSlay him with tortures! let him feel his death<\/p>\n

\nAs he has made me feel my living.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

Take him<\/p>\n

\nAnd see this sentence ruthlessly performed<\/p>\n

\nUpon this frame of evil. May the gods<\/p>\n

\nIn their just wrath with this be satisfied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage\u2013 322<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nPHAYLLUS<\/p>\n

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

\nAnd yet I loved thee, Timocles.<\/p>\n

\n

He is taken out, guarded.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

\nDaughter,<\/p>\n

\nEunice, rise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/p>\n

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

\nI did not know till now<\/p>\n

\nLife was so difficult a thing to leave.<\/p>\n

\nHer going was so easy!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

\nAh, girl, this tragic drama owns in part<\/p>\n

\nThy authorship! Henceforth be wise and humble.<\/p>\n

\nTo her chamber lead her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nEUNICE<\/p>\n

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

\nDo with me what you will.<\/p>\n

\nMy heart has gone to journey with my dead.<\/p>\n

\nO father, for a few days bear with me;<\/p>\n

\nI do not think that I shall long displease you<\/p>\n

\nHereafter.<\/p>\n

\n

She goes, attended by Melitus.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

\nFollow her, Callicrates,<\/p>\n

\nAnd let no dangerous edge or lethal drink<\/p>\n

\nBe near to her despair.<\/p>\n

\nCallicrates follows.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nTHOAS<\/p>\n

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

\nThis cannot keep us<\/p>\n

\nFrom those we loved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage\u2013 323<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

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

\nNICANOR<\/p>\n

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

\nSyrians, what yet remains<\/p>\n

\nOf this storm-visited, bolt-shattered house<\/p>\n

\nLet us rebuild, joining our strength to save<\/p>\n

\nThe threatened kingdom. For when this deed is known,<\/p>\n

\nThe Parthian lion leaps raging for blood<\/p>\n

\nAnd Ptolemy’s dangerous grief for the boy he cherished<\/p>\n

\nDarkens on us from Egypt. Syria beset<\/p>\n

\nAnd we all broken!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nTIMOCLES<\/p>\n

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


\nSomething has snapped in me<\/p>\n

\nPhysicians cannot bind. Thou, Prince Nicanor,<\/p>\n

\nArt from the royal blood of Syria sprung<\/p>\n

\nAnd in thy line Seleucus may descend<\/p>\n

\nUntainted from his source. Brother, brother,<\/p>\n

\nWe did not dream that all would end like this,<\/p>\n

\nWhen in the dawn or set we roamed at will<\/p>\n

\nPlaying together in Egyptian gardens,<\/p>\n

\nOr in the orchards of great Ptolemy<\/p>\n

\nWalked with our arms around each other’s necks<\/p>\n

\nTwin-hearted. But now unto eternity<\/p>\n

\nWe are divided. I must live for ever<\/p>\n

\nUnfriended, solitary in the shades;<\/p>\n

\nBut thou and she will lie at ease inarmed<\/p>\n

\nDeep in the quiet happy asphodel<\/p>\n

\nAnd hear the murmur of Elysian winds<\/p>\n

\nWhile I walk lonely.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPHILOCTETES<\/p>\n

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

\nWe too without thee now<\/p>\n


\nBreath-haunted corpses move, Antiochus.<\/p>\n


\nThou goest attended to a quiet air;<\/p>\n

\nDoomed still to live we for a while remain<\/p>\n

\nExpecting what the gods have yet in store.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nPage\u2013 324<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act V   The Palace in Antioch.   Scene 1   A hall in the Palace. Phayllus, alone.   PHAYLLUS My brain has loosened…<\/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-1759","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\/1759","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=1759"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1759\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}