{"id":1764,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:12","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1764"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:12","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:12","slug":"04-perseus-the-deliverer-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\/04-perseus-the-deliverer-act-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-04_Perseus the Deliverer- Act – I.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n


\n<\/p>\n

\nPerseus the Deliverer<\/span><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nA Drama<\/i><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\nThe Legend of Perseus<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAcrisius, the Argive king, warned
\nby an oracle that his daughter’s son would be the agent of his death, hoped to
\nescape his doom by shutting her up in a brazen tower. But Zeus, the King of the
\nGods, descended into her prison in a shower of gold and Danae bore to him a son
\nnamed Perseus. Danae and her child were exposed in a boat without sail or oar on
\nthe sea, but here too fate and the gods intervened and, guided by a divine
\nprotection, the boat bore her safely to the Island of Seriphos. There Danae was
\nreceived and honoured by the King. When Perseus had grown to manhood the King,
\nwishing to marry Danae, decided to send him to his death and to that end ordered
\nhim to slay the Gorgon Medusa in the wild, unknown and snowy North and bring to
\nhim her head the sight of which turned men to stone. Perseus, aided by Athene,
\nthe Goddess of Wisdom, who gave him the divine sword Herpe, winged shoes to bear
\nhim through the air, her shield or aegis and the cap of invisibility, succeeded
\nin his quest after many adventures. In his returning he came to Syria and found
\nAndromeda, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopea, King and Queen of Syria, chained
\nto the rocks by the people to be devoured by a sea-monster as an atonement for
\nher mother’s impiety against the sea-god, Poseidon. Perseus slew the monster and
\nrescued and wedded Andromeda. <\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn this piece the ancient legend
\nhas been divested of its original character of a heroic myth; it is made the
\nnucleus round which there could grow the scenes of a romantic story of human
\ntemperament and life-impulses on the Elizabethan model. The country in which the
\naction is located is a Syria of romance, not of history. Indeed a Hellenic
\nlegend could not at all be set in the environments of the life of a Semitic
\npeople and its early Aramaean civilisation: the town of Cepheus must be looked
\nat as a Greek colony with a blonde Achaean dynasty ruling<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 327<\/p>\n

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

\n

\na Hellenised people who worship an old Mediterranean deity under a Greek name.
\nIn a romantic work of imagination of this type these outrages on history do not
\nmatter. Time there is more than Einsteinian in its relativity, the creative
\nimagination is its sole disposer and arranger; fantasy reigns sovereign; the
\nnames of ancient countries and peoples are brought in only as fringes of a
\ndecorative background; anachronisms romp in wherever they can get an easy
\nadmittance, ideas and associations from all climes and epochs mingle; myth,
\nromance and realism make up a single whole. For here the stage is the human mind
\nof all times: the subject is an incident in its passage from a semi- primitive
\ntemperament surviving in a fairly advanced outward civilisation to a brighter
\nintellectualism and humanism \u2014  never quite safe against the resurgence of
\nthe dark or violent life-forces which are always there subdued or subordinated
\nor somnolent in the make-up of civilised man \u2014  and the first promptings of
\nthe deeper and higher psychic and spiritual being which it is his ultimate
\ndestiny to become.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 328<\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nPALLAS<\/font>
\nATHENE<\/font>. <\/p>\n

\nPOSEIDON<\/font>.\n<\/p>\n

\nPERSEUS<\/font>,
\nson of Zeus and Danae. <\/p>\n

\nCEPHEUS<\/font>, King of Syria.\n<\/p>\n

\nIOLAUS<\/font>, son of Cepheus and Cassiopea.\n<\/p>\n

\nPOLYDAON<\/font>, priest of Poseidon.\n<\/p>\n

\nPHINEUS<\/font>, King of Tyre.\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nTHEROPS<\/font>, a popular leader.\n<\/p>\n

\nPERISSUS<\/font>, a citizen butcher.\n<\/p>\n

\nDERCETES<\/font>,
\na Syrian captain. <\/p>\n

\nNEBASSAR<\/font>,
\ncaptain of the Chaldean Guard. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nCIREAS<\/font>, a servant in the temple of Poseidon.\n<\/p>\n

\nMEDES<\/font>,
\nan usher in the palace. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nCASSIOPEA<\/font>,
\nprincess of Chaldea, Queen of Syria. <\/p>\n

\nANDROMEDA<\/font>, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopea.\n<\/p>\n

\nCYDONE<\/font>,
\nmistress of Iolaus. <\/p>\n

\nPRAXILLA<\/font>,
\nhead of the palace household in the women’s apartments. <\/p>\n

\nDIOMEDE<\/font>,
\na slave-girl, servant and playmate of Andromeda. <\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nSCENE<\/font>. \u2014  The city of Cepheus, the seashore, the
\ntemple of Poseidon on the headland and the surrounding country.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

\n

<\/p>\n

\nPrologue
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe Ocean in tumult, and the sky in storm: Pallas Athene<\/i> <\/p>\n

appears in the heavens with lightnings playing over her<\/i>
\nhead and under her feet.<\/i> <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Error of waters rustling through the world,
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVast Ocean, call thy ravenous waves that march
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith blue fierce nostrils quivering for prey,
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBack to thy feet. Hush thy impatient surges
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAt my divine command and do my will.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nV<\/font>OICES
\nOF THE<\/font> S<\/font>EA <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho art thou layest thy serene command
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon the untamed waters? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nATHENE<\/p>\n

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

I am Pallas,
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Daughter of the Omnipotent. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nVOICES<\/p>\n

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

What wouldst thou?
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n For we cannot resist thee; our clamorous hearts
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Are hushed in terror at thy marble feet.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nATHENE<\/p>\n

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

Awake your dread Poseidon.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Bid him rise And come before me.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nVOICES<\/p>\n

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

Let thy compelling voice
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Awake him: for the sea is hushed.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 331<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

Arise,
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Illimitable Poseidon! let thy blue
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n And streaming tresses mingle with the foam
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Emerging into light. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Poseidon appears upon the waters.<\/i>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\n What quiet voice <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Compels me from my rocky pillow piled
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Upon the floor of the enormous deep?
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n A whiteness and a strength is in the skies.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n How art thou white and beautiful and calm,
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Yet clothed in tumult! Heaven above thee shakes
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Wounded with lightnings, goddess, and the sea
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Flees from thy dreadful tranquil feet. Thy calm
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Troubles me: who art thou, dweller in the light?
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n I am Athene. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

\n Virgin formidable <\/font><\/p>\n

\n In beauty, disturber of the ancient world!
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Ever thou seekest to enslave to man
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n The eternal Universe, and our huge motions
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n That shake the mountains and upheave the seas
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Wouldst with the glancing visions of thy brain
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n Coerce and bridle. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n Me the Omnipotent <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Made from His being to lead and discipline<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 332<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThe immortal spirit of man, till it attain <\/p>\n

\nTo order and magnificent mastery <\/p>\n

\nOf all his outward world. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nWhat wouldst thou of me? <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nThe powers of the earth have kissed my feet <\/p>\n

\nIn deep submission, and they yield me tribute, <\/p>\n

\nOlives and corn and all fruit-bearing trees, <\/p>\n

\nAnd silver from the bowels of the hills, <\/p>\n

\nMarble and iron ore. Fire is my servant. <\/p>\n

\nBut thou, Poseidon, with thy kindred gods <\/p>\n

\nAnd the wild wings of air resist me. I come <\/p>\n

\nTo set my feet upon thy azure locks, <\/p>\n

\nO shaker of the cliffs. Adore thy sovereign. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nThe anarchy of the enormous seas <\/p>\n

\nIs mine, O terrible Athene: I sway <\/p>\n

\nTheir billows with my nod. Man’s feeble feet <\/p>\n

\nLeave there no traces, nor his destiny <\/p>\n

\nHas any hold upon the shifting waves. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\nThou severest him with thy unmeasured wastes <\/p>\n

\nWhom I would weld in one. But I will lead him <\/p>\n

\nOver thy waters, thou wild thunderer, <\/p>\n

\nSpurning thy tops in hollowed fragile trees. <\/p>\n

\nHe shall be confident in me and dare <\/p>\n

\nThe immeasurable oceans till the West <\/p>\n

\nMingles with India, and reach the northern isles <\/p>\n

\nThat dwell beneath my dancing aegis bright, <\/p>\n

\nSnow-weary. He shall, armed with clamorous fire, <\/p>\n

\nRush o’er the angry waters when the whale <\/p>\n

\nIs stunned between two waves and slay his foe<\/p>\n

\n


\nPage \u2013 333<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nBetwixt the thunders. Therefore I bid thee not, <\/p>\n

\nO azure strong Poseidon, to abate <\/p>\n

\nThy savage tumults: rather his march oppose. <\/p>\n

\nFor through the shocks of difficulty and death <\/p>\n

\nMan shall attain his godhead. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

What then desir’st thou, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAthene? <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

On yonder inhospitable coast <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFar-venturing merchants from the East, or those <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho put from Tyre towards Atlantic gains, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre by thy trident fiercely shaken forth<\/p>\n

\nUpon the jagged rocks, and who escape, <\/p>\n

\nThe gay and savage Syrians on their altars <\/p>\n

\nMassacre hideously, thee to propitiate, <\/p>\n

\nMoloch-Poseidon of the Syrian coasts, <\/p>\n

\nDagon of Gaza, lord of many names <\/p>\n

\nAnd many natures, many forms of power <\/p>\n

\nWho rulest from Philistia to the north, <\/p>\n

\nA terror and a woe. O iron King, <\/p>\n

\nDesist from blood, be glad of kindlier gifts <\/p>\n

\nAnd suffer men to live. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Behold, Athene, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy waters! see them lift their foam-white tops <\/font><\/p>\n

\nCharging from sky to sky in rapid tumult: <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAdmire their force, admire their thunderous speed. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith green hooves and white manes they trample onwards. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy mighty voices fill the world, Athene. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nShall I permit the grand anarchic seas <\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo be a road and the imperious Ocean <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA means of merchandise? Shall the frail keels <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf thy ephemeral mortals score its back<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 334<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWith servile furrows and petty souls of men <\/p>\n

\nTriumphing tame the illimitable sea? <\/p>\n

\nI am not of the mild and later gods, <\/p>\n

\nBut of that elder world; Lemuria <\/p>\n

\nAnd old Atlantis raised me crimson altars, <\/p>\n

\nAnd my huge nostrils keep that scent of blood <\/p>\n

\nFor which they quiver. Return into thy heavens, <\/p>\n

\nPallas Athene, I into my deep. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Dash then thy billows up against my aegis <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn battle! think not to hide in thy deep oceans; <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor I will drive thy waters from the world <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd leave thee naked to the light. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Dread virgin! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nI will not war with thee, armipotent. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Then send thy champion forth to meet my champion, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd let their conflict govern ours, Poseidon. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Who is thy champion? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Perseus, the Olympian’s son, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhom Danae in her strong brazen tower, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAcrisius’ daughter, bore, by heavenly gold <\/font><\/p>\n

\nLapped into slumber: for of that shining rain <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe is the beautiful offspring. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

The parricide <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat is to be? But my sea-monster’s fangs <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd fiery breathings shall prevent that murder.<\/p>\n

\n


\nPage \u2013 335<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nFarewell, Athene! <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Farewell, until I press
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy feet upon thy blue enormous mane
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd add thy Ocean to my growing empire.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPoseidon disappears into the sea.<\/i>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe dives into the deep and with a din
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe thunderous divided waters meet
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAbove his grisly head. Thou wingest, Perseus,
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFrom northern snows to this fair sunny land,
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNot knowing in the night what way thou wendest;
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut the dawn comes and over earth’s far rim
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe round sun rises, as thyself shalt rise
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOn Syria and thy rosy Andromeda, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA thing of light. Rejoice, thou famous hero!
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBe glad of love, be glad of life, whose bosom
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHarbours the quiet strength of pure Athene.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe disappears into light.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 336<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nA rocky and surf-beat margin of land walled in with great frowning cliffs.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Diomede? You here so early and in this wild wanton weather! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I can find no fault in the weather, Cireas; it is brilliant
\nand frolicsome. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

The rain has wept itself out and the sun has ventured into
\nthe open; but the wind is shouting like mad and the sea is still
\nin a mighty passion. Has your mistress Andromeda sent you then with matin-offerings to Poseidon, or are you walking here to whip the red roses in your cheeks redder with the sea-wind? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

My mistress cares as much for your Poseidon as I for your
\nglum beetle-browed priest Polydaon. But you, Cireas? are you
\nwalking here to whip the red nose of you redder with the sea-wind or
\nto soothe with it the marks of his holiness’s cudgel? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I must carry up these buckets of sea-water to swab down the blue-haired old fellow in the temple. Hang the robustious
\nstorm- shaken curmudgeon! I have rubbed him and scrubbed him and<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 337<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nbathed him and swathed him for these eighteen years, yet he never sent me one profitable piece of wreckage out of his sea yet. A gold bracelet, now, crusted with jewels, dropped from
\nthe arm of some drowned princess, or a sealed casket velvet-lined with a priceless vase carried by the Rhodian merchants: that would not have beggared him! And I with so little could have bought my liberty. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Maybe ’twas that he feared. For who would wish to lose such an expert body-servant as you, my Cireas? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Zeus! if I thought that, I would leave his unwashed back to
\nitch for a fortnight. But these Gods are kittle cattle to joke
\nwith. They have too many spare monsters about in their stables trained
\nto snap up offenders for a light breakfast. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

And how prosper the sacrifices, Cireas? I hope you keep your god soothingly and daintily fed in this hot summer season? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Alack, poor old Poseidon! He has had nothing but goats and sea-urchins lately, and that is poor food for a palate inured
\nto
\nhomme \u00e0 la Phenicienne<\/span><\/i>,<\/span>
\nDiomede. It is his own fault, he should provide wreckage more freely. But black Polydaon’s forehead grows blacker every day: he will soon be as mad as Cybele’s bull on the headland. I am every moment in terror of finding myself tumbled on the altar for a shipwrecked Phoenician and old Blackbrows hacking about in search of my heart with his holy carving-tools.\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

You should warn him beforehand that your heart is in your paunch hidden under twenty pounds of fat: so shall he have
\nless cutting-exercise and you an easier exit.<\/p>\n

\n


\nPage \u2013 338<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

Out! would you have me slit for a water-god’s dinner? Is this your tenderness for me? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Heaven forbid, dear Cireas. Syria would lose half her
\nscampishness if you departed untimely to a worse world. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Away from here, you long sauciness, you thin edge of naughty satire. But, no! First tell me, what news of the palace? They
\nsay King Phineus will wed the Princess Andromeda. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Yes, but not till the Princess Andromeda weds King Phineus. <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

It was the cry of many men in anguish.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe climbs up a rock.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

Zeus, what a wail was there! surely a royal <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHuge ship from Sidon or the Nile has kissed <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOur ragged beaches. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

A Phoenician galley <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs caught and spinning in the surf, the men <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrge desperate oars in vain. Hark, with a crash <\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe rushes on the boulders’ iron fangs <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat rip her tender sides. How the white ship <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBattered against them by the growling surf <\/font><\/p>\n

\nScreams like a woman tortured! From all sides <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe men are shaken out, as rattling peas <\/font><\/p>\n

\nLeap from a long and bursting sheath: these sink <\/font><\/p>\n

\nGurgling into the billows, those are pressed<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 339<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAnd mangled on the jagged rocks. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

O it must be <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA memorable sight! help me up, Cireas. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

No, no, for I must run and tell old Blackbrows <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat here’s fresh meat for hungry grim Poseidon. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe climbs down and out running.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

You disobliging dog! This is the first wreck in eighteen
\nmonths and I not to see it! I will try and climb round the rock even
\nif my neck and legs pay the forfeit.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe goes out in the opposite direction.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 340<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Perseus descends on winged sandals from the clouds.<\/i> <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

\n

\nRocks of the outland jagged with the sea, <\/p>\n

\nYou slumbering promontories whose huge backs <\/p>\n

\nJut into azure, and thou, O many-thundered <\/p>\n

\nEnormous Ocean, hail! Whatever lands <\/p>\n

\nAre ramparted with these forbidding shores, <\/p>\n

\nYet if you hold felicitous roofs of men, <\/p>\n

\nHomes of delightful laughter, if you have streams <\/p>\n

\nWhere chattering girls dip in their pitchers cool <\/p>\n

\nAnd dabble their white feet in the chill lapse <\/p>\n

\nOf waters, trees and a green-mantled earth, <\/p>\n

\nCicalas noisy in a million boughs <\/p>\n

\nOr happy cheep of common birds, I greet you, <\/p>\n

\nSyria or Egypt or Ionian shores, <\/p>\n

\nPerseus the son of Danae, who long <\/p>\n

\nHave sojourned only with the hail-thrashed isles <\/p>\n

\nWet with cold mists and by the boreal winds <\/p>\n

\nSnow-swathed. The angry voices of the surf <\/p>\n

\nAre welcome to me whose ears have long been sealed <\/p>\n

\nBy rigorous silence in the snows. O even <\/p>\n

\nThe wail of mortal misery I choose <\/p>\n

\nRather than that intolerable hush; <\/p>\n

\nFor this at least is human. Thee I praise, <\/p>\n

\nO mother Earth and thy guardian Sea, O Sun <\/p>\n

\nOf the warm south nursing fair life of men. <\/p>\n

\nI will go down into bee-murmuring fields <\/p>\n

\nAnd mix with men and women in the corn <\/p>\n

\nAnd eat again accustomed food. But first<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 341<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThis galley shattered on the sharp-toothed rocks <\/p>\n

\nI fly to succour. You are grown dear to me, <\/p>\n

\nYou smiling weeping human faces, brightly <\/p>\n

\nWho move, who live, not like those stony masks <\/p>\n

\nAnd Gorgon visions of that monstrous world <\/p>\n

\nBeyond the snows. I would not lose you now <\/p>\n

\nIn the dead surges of the inhuman flood. <\/p>\n

\nHe descends out of sight.<\/i> <\/p>\n

\nIolaus enters with Cireas, Dercetes and soldiers.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

Prepare your ambush, men, amid these boulders, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut at the signal, leave your rocky lairs <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith level bristling points and gyre them in. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

O Poseidon Ennosigaios, man-swallower, earth-shaker, I have swabbed thee for eighteen years. I pray thee tot up the price of those swabbings and be not dishonest with me nor miserly. Eighteen by three hundred and sixty-five by two, that is the
\nsum of them: and forget not the leap years either, O great
\nPoseidon. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Into our ambush, for I hear them come.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey conceal themselves.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

Chaldean merchants, would my speed to save <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Had matched the hawk’s when he swoops down for slaughter. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n So many beautiful bodies of strong men <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Lost in the surge, so many eager hopes <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Of happiness now quenched would still have gladdened <\/font><\/p>\n

\n The sunlight. Yet for two delightful lives <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Saved to the stir and motion of the world <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I praise the Gods that help us.<\/p>\n

\n


\nPage \u2013 342<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n

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

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

Thou radiant youth <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhose face is like a joyous god’s for beauty, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhatever worth the body’s life may have, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nI thank thee that ’tis saved. Smerdas, discharge <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat hapless humour from thy lids! If riches <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre lost, the body, thy strong instrument <\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo gather riches, is not lost, nor mind, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe provident director of its labours. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Three thousand pieces of that wealthy stuff, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFull forty chests all crammed with noble gems, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll lost, all in a moment lost! We are beggars. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Smerdas, not beggared yet of arm or brain. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

The toil-marred peasant has as much. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Merchant, <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I sorrow for thy loss: all beautiful things <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Were meant to shine in the bright day, and grievous <\/font><\/p>\n

\n It is to know the senseless billows play with them. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Yet life, most beautiful of all, is left thee. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Is not mere sunlight something, and to breathe <\/font><\/p>\n

\n A joy? Be patient with the gods; they love not <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Rebellion and o’ertake it with fresh scourgings. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O that the sea had swallowed me and rolled In my dear treasure! Tell me, Syrian youth, Are there not divers in these parts, could pluck My wealth from the abyss?<\/p>\n

\n


\nPage \u2013 343<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n

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

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

Chaldean merchant, <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I am not of this country, but like thyself <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Hear first today the surf roar on its beaches. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Cursed be the moment when we neared its shores! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nO harsh sea-god, if thou wilt have my wealth, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy soul, it was a cruel mercy then to leave <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis beggared empty body bared of all <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat made life sweet. Take this too, and everything. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

I<\/font>OLAUS<\/font> (stepping forward<\/i>) <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThy prayer is granted thee, O Babylonian. <\/p>\n

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

\nhe soldiers appear and surround<\/i>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerseus and the merchants.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

All the good stuff drowned! O unlucky Cireas! O greedy
\nPoseidon! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Shield us! what are these threatening spear-points? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Fate’s. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis is that strange inhospitable coast <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhere the wrecked traveller in his own warm blood <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs given guest-bath. (draws<\/i>) Death’s dice are yet to
\nthrow. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Draw not in vain, strive not against the gods. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis is the shore near the temple where Poseidon <\/font><\/p>\n

\nSits ivory-limbed in his dim rock-hewn house <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd nods above the bleeding mariner <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis sapphire locks in gloom. You three are come, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA welcome offering to that long dry altar,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 344<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nO happy voyagers. Your road is straight <\/p>\n

\nTo Elysium. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

An evil and harsh religion <\/font><\/p>\n

\n You practise in your land, stripling of Syria, <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Yet since it is religion, do thy will, <\/font><\/p>\n

\n If thou have power no less than will. And yet <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I deem that ere I visit death’s calm country, <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I have far longer ways to tread. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

T<\/font>YRNAUS<\/font> (flinging away his sword<\/i>) <\/font><\/p>\n

\nTake me. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nI will not please the gods with impotent writhing <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUnder the harrow of my fate. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey seize Tyrnaus.<\/i> <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

O wicked fool! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nYou might have saved me with that sword. Ah youth! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAh radiant stranger! help me! thou art mighty. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Still, merchant, thou wouldst live? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

I am dead with terror <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf these bright thirsty spears. O they will carve <\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy frantic heart out of my living bosom <\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo throw it bleeding on that hideous altar. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nSave me, hero! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I war not with the gods for thee. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n From belching fire or the deep-mouthed abyss <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Of waters to have saved the meanest thing <\/font><\/p>\n

\n That wears man’s kindly semblance, is a joy.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 345<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nBut he is mad who for another’s ease <\/p>\n

\nIncurs the implacable pursuit of heaven. <\/p>\n

\nYet since each man on earth has privilege <\/p>\n

\nTo battle even against the gods for life, <\/p>\n

\nSweet life, lift up from earth thy fellow’s sword; <\/p>\n

\nI will protect meanwhile thy head from onset. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>MERDAS<\/p>\n

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

Alas, you mock me! I have no skill with weapons <\/font><\/p>\n

\nNor am a fighter. Save me! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Syrians seize Smerdas.<\/i> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHelp! I will give thee <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe wealth of Babylon when I am safe. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

My sword is heaven’s; it is not to be purchased. <\/p>\n

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

\n Smerdas and Tyrnaus are led away.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

Take too this radiance. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

P<\/font>ERSEUS <\/font>
\n (drawing his sword<\/i>) <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Asian stripling, pause. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I am not weak of hand nor feeble of heart. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Thou art too young, too blithe, too beautiful; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I would not disarrange thy sunny curls <\/font><\/p>\n

\n By any harsher touch than an embrace. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I too could wish to spare thy joyous body <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFrom the black knife, whoe’er thou art, O stranger. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut grim compulsion drives and angry will <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf the sea’s lord, chafing that mortal men <\/font><\/p>\n

\nInsult with their frail keels his rude strong oceans. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nTherefore he built his grisly temple here, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd all who are broken in the unequal war <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith surge and tempest, though they evade his rocks,<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 346<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nMust belch out anguished blood upon that altar <\/p>\n

\nMiserably. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I come not from the Ocean. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

There is no other way that men could come; <\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor this is ground forbidden to unknown feet. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n(smiling<\/i>) <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUnless these gaudy pinions on thy shoes <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWere wings indeed to bear thee through the void! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Are there not those who ask nor solid land <\/font><\/p>\n

\n For footing nor the salt flood to buoy their motions? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n Perhaps I am of these. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Of these thou art not. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe gods are sombre, terrible to gaze at, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOr, even if bright, remote, grand, formidable. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut thou art open and fair like our blue heavens <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn Syria and thy radiant masculine body <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAllures the eye. Yield! it may be the God <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWill spare thee. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Set on thy war-dogs. Me alive <\/font><\/p>\n

\n If they alive can take, I am content To bleed a victim. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Art thou a demigod <\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo beat back with one blade a hundred spears?<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 347<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n

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

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

My sword is in my hand and that shall answer. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n I am tired of words. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Dercetes, wait. His face <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs beautiful as Heaven. O dark Poseidon, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat wilt thou do with him in thy dank caves <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUnder the grey abysms of the salt flood? <\/font><\/p>\n

\nSpare him to me and sunlight. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPolydaon and Phineus enter from behind.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

Prince, give the order. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

Let this young sun-god live. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

But I allow it. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nAnd when did lenient Heaven <\/font><\/p>\n

\nMake thee a godhead, Syrian Iolaus, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo set thy proud decree against Poseidon’s? <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWilt thou rescind what Ocean’s Zeus has ordered? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Polydaon \u2014
\n<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n

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

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

Does a royal name on earth <\/font><\/p>\n

\nInflate so foolishly thy mortal pride, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou evenest thyself with the Olympians?<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 348<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nBeware, the blood of kings has dropped ere now <\/p>\n

\nFrom the grey sacrificial knife. <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Our blood! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou darest threaten me, presumptuous priest? <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBack to thy blood-stained kennel! I absolve <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis stranger. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Captain, take them both. You flinch? <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre you so fearful of the name of prince <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe plays with? Fear rather dark Poseidon’s anger. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Be wise, young Iolaus. Polydaon, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThy zeal outstrips the reverence due to kings. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

I need not thy protection, Tyrian Phineus: <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis is my country. <\/font><\/p>\n

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

P<\/font>HINEUS<\/font> (aside to Polydaon<\/i>) <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt were well done to kill him now, his sword <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBeing out against the people’s gods; for then <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho blames the god’s avenger? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Will you accept, <\/font><\/p>\n

\nSyrians, the burden of his sacrilege? <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon them for Poseidon! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Seize them but slay not! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nLet none dare shed the blood of Syria’s kings.<\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 349<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n

S<\/font>OLDIERS<\/p>\n

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

Poseidon! great Poseidon! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

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

\n Rein in thy sword: I am enough for these.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n He shakes his uncovered shield in the<\/i> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n faces of the soldiers: they stagger<\/i>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n back covering their eyes.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

Gods, what a glory lights up Syria! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nIs this a god opposes us? Back, back! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Master, master, skedaddle: run, run, good King of Tyre, it is
\nscuttle or be scuttled. Zeus has come down to earth with feathered shoes and a shield made out of phosphorus.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe runs off, followed more slowly by<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

\nDercetes and the soldiers.<\/i> <\/p>\n

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

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

Whate’er thou art, yet thou shalt not outface me.
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe advances with sword drawn.<\/i> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHast thou Heaven’s thunders with thee too? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

P<\/font>OLYDAON <\/font>
\n(pulling him back<\/i>) <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBack, Phineus! <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe fiery-tasselled aegis of Athene
\n<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShakes forth these lightnings, and an earthly sword
\n<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWere madness here. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 350<\/p>\n

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

\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

O radiant strong immortal,<\/p>\n


\nIolaus kneels to thee.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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


\nNo, Iolaus.<\/font><\/p>\n

Though great
\nAthene breathes Olympian strength<\/p>\n


\nInto my arm sometimes, I am no more<\/font><\/p>\n

Than a brief
\nmortal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Art thou only man?<\/p>\n


\nO then be Iolaus’ friend and lover,<\/font><\/p>\n

Who com’st to me
\nlike something all my own<\/p>\n


\nDestined from other shores.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Give me thy hands,<\/p>\n

O fair young child
\nof the warm Syrian sun.<\/p>\n


\nEmbrace me! Thou art like a springing laurel<\/font><\/p>\n

Fed upon sunlight
\nby the murmuring waters.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Tell me thy name.
\nWhat memorable earth<\/p>\n


\nGave thee to the azure?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

I am from Argolis,<\/p>\n


\nPerseus my name, the son of Danae.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Come, Perseus, friend, with me: fierce entertainment<\/p>\n

We have given,
\nunworthy the fair joyousness<\/p>\n


\nThou carriest like a flag, but thou shalt meet<\/font><\/p>\n

A kinder Syria. My
\nroyal father Cepheus<\/p>\n


\nShall welcome, my mother give thee a mother’s greeting<\/font><\/p>\n

And our
\nAndromeda’s delightful smile<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 351<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

Persuade thee of a world more full of
\nbeauty<\/p>\n


\nThan thou hadst dreamed of.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I shall yet be glad with thee,<\/p>\n

O Iolaus, in thy
\nfather’s halls,<\/p>\n


\nBut I would not as yet be known in Syria.<\/font><\/p>\n

Is there no
\npleasant hamlet near, hedged in<\/p>\n


\nWith orchard walls and green with unripe corn<\/font><\/p>\n

And washed with
\nbright and flitting waves, where I<\/p>\n


\nCan harbour with the kindly village folk<\/font><\/p>\n

And wake to
\ncock-crow in the morning hours,<\/p>\n


\nAs in my dear Seriphos?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Such a village<\/p>\n

Lurks near our
\nhills, \u2014  there with my kind Cydone<\/p>\n


\nThou mayst abide at ease, until thou choose,<\/font><\/p>\n

O Perseus, to
\nreveal thyself to Syria.<\/p>\n


\nI too can visit thee unquestioned.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PERSEUS<\/p>\n

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

Thither<\/p>\n

Then lead me. I
\nhave a thirst for calm obscurity<\/p>\n


\nAnd cottages and happy unambitious talk<\/font><\/p>\n

And simple people.
\nWith these I would have rest,<\/p>\n


\nNot in the laboured pomp of princely towns<\/font><\/p>\n

Amid pent noise
\nand purple masks of hate.<\/p>\n


\nI will drink deep of pure humanity<\/font><\/p>\n

And take the
\ninnocent smell of rain-drenched earth,<\/p>\n


\nSo shall I with a noble untainted mind<\/font><\/p>\n

Rise from the
\nstrengthening soil to great adventure.<\/p>\n


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


\nPage \u2013 352<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\nThe Palace of Cepheus. A room in the
\nwomen’s apartments.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

Praxilla, to her enters Diomede.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

O Praxilla, Praxilla!<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

So, thou art back,
\nthou tall inutility? Where wert thou lingering
\n
\nall this hour? I am tired of always whipping thee. I will hire thee <\/font>out
\nto a timber-merchant to carry logs from dawn to nightfall.
\nThou shalt learn what labour is.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Praxilla, O Praxilla! I am full to the throat with news. I pray you, rip me open.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Willingly.<\/p>\n


\nShe advances towards her with an
\nuplifted knife.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

D<\/font><\/font><\/font>IOMEDE<\/font> (escaping<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nA plague! can you not appreciate a fine metaphor when you hear <\/font>
\nit? I never saw so
\nprosaic a mortal. The soul in you was born of
\n
\na marriage between a saucepan and a broomstick.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Tell me your news. If it is good, I will excuse you your whipping.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I was out on the beach thinking to watch the seagulls flying and crying in the
\nwind amidst the surf dashing and the black
\n
\ncliff-heads \u2014 <\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 353<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

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

And could not Poseidon turn thee into a gull there among thy natural kindred?
\nThou wert better fitted with that shape than in
\n
\na reasonable human body.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Oh then you shall hear the news tell itself, mistress, when the whole town has
\nchewed it and rechewed it.<\/p>\n


\nShe is going.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

Stop, you long-limbed impertinence. The news!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I’ll be hanged if I tell you.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

You shall be whipped, if you do not.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Well, your goddess Switch is a potent divinity. A ship with men from the East has
\nbroken on the headland below the temple and
\n
\ntwo Chaldeans are saved alive for the altar.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

This is glorious news indeed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

It will be a great day when they are sacrificed!<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

We have not had such since the long galley from Cnossus grounded upon our
\nshores and the temple was washed richly
\n
\nwith blood and the altar blushed as thickly with hearts of victims <\/font>as the King’s
\nthrone with rubies. Poseidon was pleased that year
\n
\nand the harvest was so plentiful, men were brought in from <\/font>beyond the hills
\nto reap it.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 354<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

There would have been a third victim, but Prince Iolaus drew sword on the
\npriest Polydaon to defend him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

I hope this is not
\ntrue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I saw it.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Is the wild boy<\/p>\n


\nIn love with ruin? Not the King himself<\/font><\/p>\n

Can help him if
\nthe grim sacrificant<\/p>\n


\nDemand his fair young head: only a god<\/font><\/p>\n

Could save him.
\nAnd he was already in peril<\/p>\n


\nFrom Polydaon’s gloomy hate!<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

And Phineus’.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Hush, silly madcap, hush; or speak much lower.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Here comes my little queen of love, stepping<\/font><\/p>\n

As daintily as a
\nyoung bird in spring<\/p>\n


\nWhen he would take the hearts of all the forest.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

You have slept
\nlate, Andromeda.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Have I?<\/p>\n


\nThe sun had risen in my dreams: perhaps<\/font><\/p>\n

I feared to wake
\nlest I should find all dark<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 355<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

Once more, Praxilla.<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

He has risen in
\nyour eyes,<\/p>\n


\nFor they are full of sunshine, little princess.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I have dreamed, Diomede, I have dreamed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

What did you dream?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I dreamed my sun had risen.<\/p>\n

He had a face like
\nthe Olympian Zeus<\/p>\n


\nAnd wings upon his feet. He smiled upon me,<\/font><\/p>\n

Diomede.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Dreams are full of
\nstranger fancies.<\/p>\n


\nWhy, I myself have seen hooved bears, winged lions,<\/font><\/p>\n

And many other
\nmonsters in my dreams.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

My sun was a
\nbright god and bore a flaming sword<\/p>\n


\nTo kill all monsters.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

I think I’ve seen today<\/p>\n

Your sun, my
\nlittle playmate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

No, you have not.<\/p>\n


\nI’ll not have any eyes see him but mine:<\/font><\/p>\n

He is my own, my
\nvery own.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 356<\/p>\n

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

\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

And yet<\/p>\n

I saw him on the
\nwild sea-beach this morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n


\nD<\/font><\/font>IOMEDE<\/font>
\n(to Andromeda<\/i>)<\/font><\/p>\n

You have not
\nheard?<\/p>\n


\nA ship was flung upon the rocks this morning<\/font><\/p>\n

And all her human
\nburden drowned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Alas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

It was a
\nmarvellous sight, my little playmate,<\/p>\n


\nAnd made my blood with horror and admiration<\/font><\/p>\n

Run richer in my
\nveins. The great ship groaned<\/p>\n


\nWhile the rough boulders dashed her into pieces,<\/font><\/p>\n

The men with
\ndesperate shrieks went tumbling down<\/p>\n


\nMid laughters of the surge, strangled twixt billows<\/font><\/p>\n

Or torn by strips
\nupon the savage rocks<\/p>\n


\nThat tossed their mangled bodies back again<\/font><\/p>\n

Into the cruel
\nkeeping of the surge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

O do not tell me
\nany more! How had you heart<\/p>\n


\nTo look at what I cannot bear to hear?<\/font><\/p>\n

For while you
\nspoke, I felt as if the rocks<\/p>\n


\nWere tearing my own limbs and the salt surge<\/font><\/p>\n

Choking me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

I suppose it must
\nhave hurt them.<\/p>\n


\nYes, it was pitiful. Still, ’twas a sight.<\/font><\/p>\n

Meanwhile the deep
\nsurf boomed their grandiose dirge<\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 357<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

With fierce triumphant voices. The whole
\nscene<\/p>\n


\nWas like a wild stupendous sacrifice<\/font><\/p>\n

Offered by the
\ngrey-filleted grim surges<\/p>\n


\nOn the gigantic altar of the rocks<\/font><\/p>\n

To the calm cliffs
\nseated like gods above.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Alas, the unhappy
\nmen, the poor drowned men<\/p>\n


\nWho had young children somewhere whom they loved!<\/font><\/p>\n

How could you
\nwatch them die? Had I been a god,<\/p>\n


\nI would not let this cruel thing have happened.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Why do you weep for them? they were not Syrians.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Not they, but barbarous jabbering foreigners<\/p>\n

From Indus or
\nArabia. Fie, my child,<\/p>\n


\nYou sit upon the floor and weep for these?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

When Iolaus fell upon the rocks<\/p>\n

And hurt himself,
\nyou did not then forbid me<\/p>\n


\nTo weep!<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

He is your brother. That was loving,<\/p>\n

Tender and right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

And these men were
\nnot brothers?<\/p>\n


\nThey too had sisters who will feel as I should<\/font><\/p>\n

If my dear brother
\nwere to die so wretchedly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Let their own
\nsisters weep for them: we have<\/p>\n


\nEnough of our own sorrows. You are young<\/font><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 358<\/p>\n

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

\n

And softly made: because you have yourself<\/p>\n


\nNo griefs, but only childhood’s soon-dried tears,<\/font><\/p>\n

You make a luxury
\nof others’ woes.<\/p>\n


\nSo when we watch a piteous tragedy,<\/font><\/p>\n

We grace with real
\ntears its painted sorrows.<\/p>\n


\nWhen you are older and have true things to weep for,<\/font><\/p>\n

Then you will
\nunderstand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I’ll not be older!<\/p>\n


\nI will not understand! I only know<\/font><\/p>\n

That men are
\nheartless and your gods most cruel.<\/p>\n


\nI hate them!<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Hush, hush! You know not what you say.<\/p>\n

You must not speak
\nsuch things. Come, Diomede,<\/p>\n


\nTell her the rest.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font> (covering
\nher ears with her hands<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nI will not hear you.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

D<\/font>IOMEDE<\/font> (kneeling
\nby her and drawing her hands away<\/i>)<\/p>\n


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

Will tell you of
\nyour bright sun-god.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

He is not<\/p>\n


\nMy sun-god or he would have saved them.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

He did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font> (leaping
\nto her feet<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nThen tell me of him.<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 359<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Suddenly there dawned<\/p>\n

A man, a vision, a
\nbrightness, who descended<\/p>\n


\nFrom where I know not, but to me it seemed<\/font><\/p>\n

That the blue
\nheavens just then created him<\/p>\n


\nOut of the sunlight. His face and radiant body<\/font><\/p>\n

Aspired to copy
\nthe Olympian Zeus<\/p>\n


\nAnd wings were on his feet.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

He was my
\nsun-god!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

He caught two drowning wretches by the robe<\/p>\n

And drew them safe
\nto land.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

He was my
\nsun-god.<\/p>\n


\nDiomede, I have seen him in my dream.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

I think it was Poseidon come to take<\/p>\n

His tithe of all
\nthat death for the ancient altar,<\/p>\n


\nLest all be engulfed by his grey billows, he<\/font><\/p>\n

Go quite
\nunhonoured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Hang up your grim
\nPoseidon!<\/p>\n


\nThis was a sweet and noble face all bright<\/font><\/p>\n

With manly
\nkindness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

O I know, I know.<\/p>\n


\nWhere went he with those rescued?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Why, just then<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 360<\/p>\n

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

\n

Prince Iolaus and his band leaped forth<\/p>\n


\nAnd took them.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font> (angrily<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nWherefore took them? By what right?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

To die according to our Syrian law<\/p>\n

On dark Poseidon’s
\naltar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

They shall not
\ndie.<\/p>\n


\nIt is a shame, a cruel cold injustice.<\/font><\/p>\n

I wonder that my
\nbrother had any part in it!<\/p>\n


\nMy sun-god saved them, they belong to him,<\/font><\/p>\n

Not to your
\nhateful gods. They are his and mine,<\/p>\n


\nI will not let you kill them.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Why, they must die<\/p>\n

And you will see
\nit done, my little princess.<\/p>\n


\nYou shall! Where are you going?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Let me go.<\/p>\n

I do not love you
\nwhen you talk like this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

But you are
\nSyria’s lady and must appear<\/p>\n


\nAt these high ceremonies.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

I had rather be<\/p>\n

A beggar’s
\ndaughter who devours the remnants<\/p>\n


\nRejected from your table, than reign a queen<\/font><\/p>\n

Doing such
\ncruelty.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 361<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Little passionate scold!<\/p>\n

You mean not what
\nyou say. A beggar’s daughter!<\/p>\n


\nYou? You who toss about if only a rose-leaf<\/font><\/p>\n

Crinkle the creamy
\nsmoothness of your sheets,<\/p>\n


\nAnd one harsh word flings weeping broken-hearted<\/font><\/p>\n

As if the world
\nhad no more joy in store.<\/p>\n


\nYou are a little posturer, you make<\/font><\/p>\n

A theatre of your
\nown mind to act in,<\/p>\n


\nTake parts, declaim such childish rhetoric<\/font><\/p>\n

As that you speak
\nnow. You a beggar’s daughter!<\/p>\n


\nCome, listen what became of your bright sun-god.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Him too they would have seized, but he with steel<\/p>\n

Opposed and
\ntranquil smiling eyes appalled them.<\/p>\n


\nThen Polydaon came and Phineus came<\/font><\/p>\n

And bade arrest
\nthe brilliant god. Our Prince,<\/p>\n


\nSeized by his glory, with his virgin point<\/font><\/p>\n

Resisted their
\nassault.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

My Iolaus!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

All suddenly the
\nstranger’s lifted shield<\/p>\n


\nBecame a storm of lightnings. Dawn was blinded:<\/font><\/p>\n

Far promontories
\nleaped out in the blaze,<\/p>\n


\nThe surges were illumined and the horizon<\/font><\/p>\n

Answered with
\nlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nA<\/font><\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font>
\n(clapping her hands<\/i>)<\/font><\/p>\n

O glorious! O my
\ndream!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

You tell the
\nactions of a mighty god,<\/p>\n


\nDiomede.<\/font><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 362<\/p>\n

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

\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

A god he seemed to us, Praxilla.<\/p>\n

The soldiers ran
\nin terror, Polydaon<\/p>\n


\nWent snorting off like a black whale harpooned,<\/font><\/p>\n

And even Phineus
\nfled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Was he not killed?<\/p>\n


\nI wish he had been killed.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

This is your pity!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>NDROMEDA<\/font> (angrily<\/i>)<\/p>\n


\nI do not pity tigers, wolves and scorpions.<\/font><\/p>\n

I pity men who are
\nweak and beasts that suffer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

I thought you
\nloved all men and living things.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Perhaps I could
\nhave loved him like my hound<\/p>\n


\nOr the lion in the park who lets me pat his mane.<\/font><\/p>\n

But since he would
\nhave me even without my will<\/p>\n


\nTo foul with his beast touch, my body abhors him.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Fie, fie! you speak too violently. How long<\/p>\n

Will you be such a
\nchild?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Our Iolaus<\/p>\n


\nAnd that bright stranger then embraced. Together<\/font><\/p>\n

They left the
\nbeach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Where, where is
\nIolaus?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 363<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

Why is he long in coming? I must see him.<\/p>\n


\nI have a thousand things to ask.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

She is<\/p>\n


\nA strange unusual child, my little playmate.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

None can help loving her, she is in charm<\/p>\n

Compelling: but
\nher mind is wry and warped.<\/p>\n


\nShe is not natural, not sound in fancy,<\/font><\/p>\n

But made of wild
\nuncurbed imaginations,<\/p>\n


\nWith feelings as unruly as winds and waves<\/font><\/p>\n

And morbid
\nsympathies. At times she talks<\/p>\n


\nStrange childish blasphemies that make me tremble.<\/font><\/p>\n

She would impose
\nher fancies on the world<\/p>\n


\nAs better than the eternal laws that rule us!<\/font><\/p>\n

I wish her mother
\nhad brought her up more strictly,<\/p>\n


\nFor she will come to harm.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Oh, do not say it!<\/p>\n

I have seen no
\nchild in all our Syria like her,<\/p>\n


\nNone her bright equal in beauty. She pleases me<\/font><\/p>\n

Like days of
\nsunlight rain when spring caresses<\/p>\n


\nWarmly the air. Oh, here is Iolaus.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Is it he?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

I know him by the noble strut<\/p>\n

He has put on ever
\nsince they made him captain.<\/p>\n


\nAndromeda comes running.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 364<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

My brother comes! I saw him from the terrace.<\/p>\n

Enters Iolaus. Andromeda runs and embraces him.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nOh, Iolaus, have you brought him to me?<\/font><\/p>\n

Where is my
\nsun-god?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

In heaven, little
\nsister.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

\nOh, do not laugh at me. I want my sun-god<\/p>\n


\nWhose face is like the grand Olympian Zeus’<\/font><\/p>\n

And wings are on
\nhis feet. Where did you leave him<\/p>\n


\nAfter you took him from our rough sea-beaches?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

DIOMEDE<\/p>\n

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

Some power<\/p>\n

Divine sent her a
\ndream of that bright strength<\/p>\n


\nWhich shone by you on the sea-beach today,<\/font><\/p>\n

And him she calls
\nher sun-god.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Is it so?<\/p>\n


\nMy little wind-tossed rose Andromeda!<\/font><\/p>\n

I shall be glad
\nindeed if Heaven intends this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Where is he?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Do you not know,
\nlittle rose-sister,<\/p>\n


\nThe great gods visit earth by splendid moments<\/font><\/p>\n

And then are lost
\nto sight? Come, do not weep;<\/p>\n


\nHe is not lost to Syria.<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 365<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Iolaus,<\/p>\n

Why did you take
\nthe two poor foreign men<\/p>\n


\nAnd give them to the priest? My sun-god saved them,<\/font><\/p>\n

Brother, \u2014 
\nwhat right had you to kill?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

My child,<\/p>\n


\nI only did my duty as a soldier,<\/font><\/p>\n

Yet grieve I was
\ncompelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Now will you save
\nthem?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

But they belong to
\ndread Poseidon now!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

What will be done
\nto them?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

They must be bound<\/p>\n


\nOn the god’s altar and their living hearts<\/font><\/p>\n

Ripped from their
\nblood-choked breasts to feed his hunger.<\/p>\n


\nAndromeda covers her face with her
\nrobe.<\/font><\/i><\/p>\n

Grieve not for them: they but fulfil their
\nfate.<\/p>\n


\nThese things are in the order of the world<\/font><\/p>\n

Like plagues and
\nslaughters, famines, fires and earthquakes,<\/p>\n


\nWhich when they pass us by killing their thousands,<\/font><\/p>\n

We should not weep
\nfor, but be grateful only<\/p>\n


\nThat other souls than the dear heads we loved<\/font><\/p>\n

Have perished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

You will not save
\nthem?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 366<\/p>\n

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

\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Unhappy girl!<\/p>\n

It is impiety to
\nthink of it.<\/p>\n


\nFie! Would you have your brother killed for your whimsies?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Will you not save them, brother?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I cannot, child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ANDROMEDA<\/p>\n

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

Then I will.<\/p>\n

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

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Does she mean it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Such wild caprices<\/p>\n


\nAre always darting through her brain.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

I could not take<\/p>\n

Poseidon’s wrath
\nupon my head!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Forget it<\/p>\n


\nAs she will too. Her strange imaginations<\/font><\/p>\n

Flutter awhile
\namong her golden curls,<\/p>\n


\nBut soon wing off with careless flight to Lethe.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

What is it, Medes?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 367<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

MEDES<\/p>\n

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

The King, Prince Iolaus,<\/p>\n

Requires your
\npresence in his audience-chamber.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

So? Tell me,
\nMedes, is Poseidon’s priest<\/p>\n


\nIn presence there?<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MEDES<\/p>\n

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

He is and full of wrath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Go, tell them I am coming.<\/p>\n

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

PRAXILLA<\/p>\n

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

Alas!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

IOLAUS<\/p>\n

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

Fear not.<\/p>\n


\nI have a strength the grim intriguers dream not of.<\/font><\/p>\n

Let not my sister
\nhear this, Diomede.<\/p>\n


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

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

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

What may not happen! The priest is dangerous,<\/p>\n

Poseidon may be
\nangry. Let us go<\/p>\n


\nAnd guard our child from peril of this shock.<\/font><\/p>\n

They go.<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 368<\/p>\n

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

<\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/font>
\n<\/font>
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Perseus the Deliverer   A Drama The Legend of Perseus   Acrisius, the Argive king, warned by an oracle that his daughter’s son would…<\/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-1764","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\/1764","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=1764"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1764\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1764"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1764"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}