{"id":719,"date":"2013-07-13T01:29:57","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=719"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:29:57","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:29:57","slug":"19-act-five-scene-3-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06\/19-act-five-scene-3-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","title":{"rendered":"-19_Act Five-Scene-3.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

\n
\nSCENE III<\/b><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/b><\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\n <\/div>\n

\n

\n <\/div>\n

\nThe audience chamber of the palace.
\nCepheus, Cassiopea, Andromeda, Cydone, Praxilla, Medes.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nA sudden ending to our sudden evils
\nPropitious gods have given us, Cassiopea.
\nPursued by panic the Assyrian flees
\nAbandoning our borders. –<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd I have got
\nMy children’s faces back upon my bosom.
\nWhat gratitude can ever recompense
\nThat godlike youth whose swift and glorious rescue
\nLifted us out of Hell so radiantly ? .<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe has taken his payment in one small white coin
\nMounted with gold; and more he will not ask for.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYour name’s Cydone, child? your face is strange.
\nYou are not of the slave-girls.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO I am!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIolaus’ slave-girl, though he calls me sometimes
\nHis queen: but that is only to beguile me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh, mother, you must know my sweet Cydone.
\nI shall think you love me little if you do not
\nTake her into your bosom: for she alone,
\nWhen I was lonely with my breaking heart,
\nCame to me with sweet haste and comforted<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 182<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMy soul with kisses, \u2014 yes, even when the terror
\nWas rising from the sea, surrounded me
\nWith her light lovely babble, till I felt
\nSorrow was not in the same world as she.
\nAnd but for her I might have died of grief
\nEre rescue came. <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat wilt thou ask of me,
\nEven to a crown, Cydone? thou shalt have it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNothing, unless ’tis leave to stand before you
\nAnd be for ever Iolaus’ slave-girl
\nUnchidden.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou shalt be more than that, my daughter.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have two mothers: a double Iolaus<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI had already. O you girl-Iolaus,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYou shall not marry Perseus: you are mine now.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOh, if you have learned to blush!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>(stopping her mouth)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHush, you mad babbler!
\nOr I will smother your wild mouth with mine.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerseus and Iolaus enter.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO welcome, brilliant victor, mighty Perseus!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSaviour of Syria, angel of the gods,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nKind was the fate that led thee to our shores.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nC<\/font>ASSIOPEA <\/font>
\n (embracing Iolaus)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tIolaus, Iolaus, my son!<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 183<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMy golden-haired delight they would have murdered!
\nPerseus, hast thou a mother?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOne like thee
\nIn love, O Queen, though less in royalty.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat can I give thee then who hast the world
\nTo move in, thy courage and thy radiant beauty,
\nAnd a tender mother? Yet take my blessing, Perseus,
\nTo help thee: for the mightiest strengths are broken
\nAnd divine favour lasts not long, but blessings
\nOf those thou helpest with thy kindly strength
\nUpon life’s rugged way, can never fail thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd what shall I give, seed of bright Olympus ?
\nWilt thou have half my kingdom, Argive Perseus ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThy kingdom falls by right to Iolaus<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn whom I shall enjoy it. One gift thou hadst<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI might have coveted, but she is mine,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nO monarch: I have taken her from death<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor my possession.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy sunny Andromeda!
\nBut there’s the Tyrian: yet he gave her up
\nTo death and cannot now reclaim her.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFather,
\nThe Babylonian merchants wait, and Cireas:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe people’s leaders and thy army’s captains<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 184<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAre eager to renew an interrupted
\nObedience.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAdmit them all to me: <\/b> Go, Medes.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAs Medes goes out, Diomede enters.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nDiomede! playmate! you too have come quite safe
\nOut of the storm. I thought we both must founder.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOh, yes, and now you’ll marry Perseus, leave me
\nNo other playmate than Praxilla’s whippings
\nTo keep me lively!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTherefore ’tis you look
\nSo discontent and sullen ? Clear your face,
\nI’ll drag you to the world’s far end with me,
\nAnd take in my own hands Praxilla’s duty.
\nWill that please you?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAs if your little hand could hurt!
\nI’m off, Praxilla, to pick scarlet berries
\nIn Argolis and hear the seabirds’ cries
\nAnd Ocean singing to the Cyclades.
\nI’ll buy you brand new leather for a relic
\nTo whip the memory of me with sometimes,
\nPraxilla.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>RAXILLA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou shall taste it then before you go.
\nYou’ll make a fine fair couple of wilfulnesses.
\nI pity Perseus.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 185<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nYou are well rid of us,
\nMy poor Praxilla.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPrincess, little Princess,
\nMy hands will be lighter, but my heart too heavy.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTherops and Dercetes enter with the Captains of
\nthe army, Cireas, Tyrnaus, and Smerdas.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHail, you restored high royalties of Syria.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO King, accept us, be the past forgotten.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is forgotten, Therops. Welcome, Dercetes.
\nThy friend Nebassar is asleep. He has done
\nHis service for the day and taken payment.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHis blood is a deep stain on Syria’s bosom.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOn us the stain lies, queen: but we will drown it
\nIn native streams, when we go forth to scourge
\nThe Assyrian in his home.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tT<\/font>HEROPS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nDeath for one’s King
\nOnly less noble is than for one’s country.
\nThis foreign soldier taught us that home lesson.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTherops, there are kings still in Syria?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 186<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nGreat Queen,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRemember not my sins.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThey are buried deep,
\nThy bold rebellion, \u2014 even thy cruel slanders,
\nIf only thou wilt serve me as my friend
\nTrue to thy people in me. Will this be hard for thee ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO noble lady, you pay wrongs with favours!
\nI am yours for ever, I and all this people.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>IREAS
\n\t<\/font>(to Diomede)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThis it is to be an orator! We shall hear him haranguing the
\npeople next market-day on fidelity to princes and the divine right
\nof queens to have favourites.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCireas, old bribe-taker, art thou living? Did Poseidon forget
\nthee?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI pray you. Prince, remind me not of past foolishness. I have
\ngrown pious. I will never speak ill again of authorities and
\ndivinities.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>OLAUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThou art grown ascetic? thou carest no longer then for gold?
\nI am glad, for my purse will be spared a very heavy lightening.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPrince, I will not suffer my young piety to make you break old
\npromises; for if it is perilous to sin, it is worse to be the cause of
\nsin in others. <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 187<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThou shalt have gold and farms. I will absolve
\nAndromeda’s promise and my own.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGreat Plutus!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nO happy Cireas!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMerchant Tyrnaus, art thou for Chaldea?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhen I have seen these troubles’ joyous end
\nAnd your sweet princess, my young rescuer,
\nHappily wedded.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>OLAUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI will give thee a ship
\nAnd merchandise enough to fill thy losses.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>ERSEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd prayers with them, O excellent Chaldean.
\nThe world has need of men like thee.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>MERDAS
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI quake.
\nWhat will they say to me ? I shall be tortured
\nAnd crucified. But she with her smile will save me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSmerdas, thou unclean treacherous coward soul!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAlas, I was compelled by threats of torture.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd tempted too with gold. Thy punishment<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 188<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nShall hit thee in thy nature. Farmer Cireas!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPrince Plutus!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>OLAUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTake thou this man for slave. He’s strong.
\nWork him upon thy fields and thy plantations.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO this is worst of all.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot worse than thy desert.
\nFor gold thou lustest? earn it for another.
\nThou’lt save thy life ? it is a freedman’s chattel.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO speak for me, lady Andromeda!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDear Iolaus, \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>EPHEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy child, thou art all pity;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut justice has her seat, and her fine balance<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDisturbed too often spoils an unripe world<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith ill-timed mercy. Thy brother speaks my will.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou hast increased thy crime by pleading to her
\nWhom thou betrayed’st to her death. Art thou
\nQuite shameless ? Hold thy peace!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGrieve not too much.
\nCireas will be kind to thee; wilt thou not, Cireas ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nAt thy command I will be even that
\nAnd even to him.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nNoise outside.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat other dangerous clamour
\nIs at our gates ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerissus enters brandishing his cleaver.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPull out that sharp skewer of thine, comrade Perseus, or let me
\nhandle my cleaver.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou art angry, butcher ? Who has disturbed thy noble serenity ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKing Cepheus, shall I not be angry? Art thou not again our
\nmajesty of Syria ? And shall our majesty be insulted with noses ?
\nShall it be prodded by a proboscis? Perseus, thou hast slaughtered yonder palaeozoic icthyosaurus; wilt thou suffer me to
\nchop this neozoan?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCalmly, precisely and not so polysyllabically, my good Perissus.
\nTell the King what is this clamour.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy monarch, Phineus of Tyre has brought his long-nosed royalty
\nto thy gates and poke it he will into thy kingly presence. His
\nblusterings. King, have flustered my calm great heart within me.<\/font> 
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nComes he alone?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nDamoetes and some scores more hang on to his long tail of
\nhook-nosed Tyrians; but they are all rabble and proletariate, not
\na citizen butcher in the whole picking. They brandish skewers; they threaten to poke me with their dainty iron spits, \u2014 me,
\nPerissus, me, the butcher !<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPhineus in arms! This is the after-swell
\nOf tempest.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet the Phoenician enter, comrade.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerissus goes out.
\n<\/i>Look not so blank. This man with all his crew
\nShall be my easy care.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPhineus enters the hall with a great company,
\nTyrians with drawn swords, Damoetes, Moms
\nand others: after them Perissus.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWelcome, Tyre.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou breakest armed into our presence, Phineus.
\nHad they been earlier there, these naked swords
\nWould have been welcome.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>HINEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am not here for welcome
\nLady. King Cepheus, wilt thou yield me right,
\nOr shall I take it with my sword ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPhineus,
\nI never have withheld even from the meanest,
\nThe least thing he could call his right.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nThou hast not?
\nWho gives then to a wandering Greek my bride,
\nThy perfect daughter ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ASSIOPEA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe was in some peril,
\nWhen thou wert absent. Tyre.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nA vain young man,
\nA brilliant sworder wandering for a name,
\nWho calls himself the son of Dana\u00eb,
\nAnd who his father was, the midnight knows.
\nThis is the lord thou giv’st Andromeda,
\nScorning the mighty King of ancient Tyre.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe saved her from the death to which we left her,
\nAnd she was his, \u2014 his wife, if so he chose,
\nOr, conquered by the sword from grim Poseidon,
\nHis then to take her as he would from that moment.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDo his deeds or thy neglect annul thy promise ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKing Phineus, wilt thou take up and lay down
\nAt pleasure ? Who leaves a jewel in the mud,
\nShall he complain because another took it?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd she was never his; she hated him.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI’ll hear no reasons, but with strong force have her,
\nThough it be to lift her o’er the dearest blood<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nOf all her kin. Tyrians!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAndromeda takes refuge with Perseus.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nAbandon, princess,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe stripling bosom where thou tak’st thy refuge.
\nThou hast mistook thy home, Andromeda.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis thou mistakest, Phineus, thinking her<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA bride who, touched, shall be thy doom. <\/b> Get hence<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nPrince Iolaus, the sword that cut
\nThy contract to Poseidon, cuts not mine, \u2014
\nWhich if you void, thou and thy father pay for it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>ERSEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPhineus of Tyre, it may be thou art wronged,
\nBut ’tis not at his hands whom thou impugnest;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHer father gave her not to me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHer mother then ?
\nShe is the man, I think, in Syria’s household.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHer too I asked not,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou wooedst then the maid?
\nIt shall not help thee though a thousand times
\nShe kissed thee yes. Pretty Andromeda,
\nWilt thou have for thy lord this vagabond,
\nWander with him as beggars land and sea ?
\nDespite thyself I’ll save thee from that fate
\nUnworthy of thy beauty and thy sweetness,
\nAnd make thee Queen in Tyre. Minion of Argos,<\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

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

\n

\nLearn, ere thou grasp at other’s goods, to ask
\nThe owner, not the owned.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI did not ask her.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>HINEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen by what right, presumptuous, hast thou her?
\nOr wherefore lies she thus within thy arm ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSay, by what right, King Phineus, thou wouldst take her,
\nHerself and all refusing ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBy my precontract.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou gavest her to Death, that contract’s broken.
\nOr<\/b> if thou seekest to revoke thy gift,
\nForegather then with Death and ask him for her.
\nThe way to him is easy.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThen by my sword,
\nNot asking her or any, because I am a king,
\nI’ll take her.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>ERSEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIf the sword is the sole judge,
\nThen by my own sword I have taken her, Tyrian,
\nNot asking her or any, who am king
\nO’er her, her sovereign. This soft gold is mine
\nAnd mine these banks of silver; this rich country
\nIs my possession and owes to my strong taking
\nAll her sweet revenues in honey. Phineus,
\nI wonder not that thou dost covet her<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWhom the whole world might want. Wrest her from me,
\nPhoenician, to her father she belongs not.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(opening his wallet)<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nKing Phineus, art thou ready? Yet look once more
\nOn the blue sky and this green earth of Syria.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYoung man, thou hast done deeds I’ll not belittle.
\nYet was it only a sea-beast and a rabble
\nWhom thou hast tamed; I am a prince and warrior.
\nWilt thou fright me with thy aegis ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot fright, but end thee;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor thou hast spoken words deserving death.
\nCome forth into the open, this is no place
\nFor battle. Marshal thy warlike crew against me,
\nAnd let thy Syrian mob-men help with shouts:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nStand in their front to lead them; I alone
\nWill meet their serried charge, Dercetes merely
\nWatching us.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou art frantic with past triumphs:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nArgive, desist. I would not rob thy mother
\nOf her sole joy, howe’er she came by thee.
\nThe gods may punish her sweet midnight fault,
\nTo whom her dainty trickery imputes it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCome now, lest here I slay thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>HINEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThou art in love
\nWith death: but I am pitiful, young Perseus,
\nThou shalt not die. My men shall take thee living
\nAnd pedlars hawk thee for a slave in Tyre,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWhere thou shalt see sometimes far off Andromeda,
\nA Queen of nations.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou compassionate man!
\nBut I will give thee, hero, marvellous death
\nAnd stone for monument, which thou deservest;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor thou wert a great King and famous warrior,
\nWhen still thou wert living. Forth and fight with me!
\nAfterwards if thou canst, come for Andromeda;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNone shall oppose thy seizure. Behind me, captain,
\nSo that the rabble here may not be tempted
\nTo any treacherous stroke.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPhineus goes out with the Tyrians, Damoetes and the
\nSyrian favourers of Phineus, followed by Perseus and
\nDercetes. Cireas behind them at a distance.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSunbeam, I am afraid.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am not, father.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAlone against so many!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nShall I go, father,
\nAnd stand by him?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>EPHEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe might be angry. Hark!
\nThe voice of Phineus.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe cries some confident order.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nThe Tyrians shout for onset; he is doomed.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThere is a moments pause, all listening painfully.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe shouts are stilled; there is a sudden hush. .<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>EPHEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat can it mean ? This silence is appalling.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDercetes returns.
\n<\/i>What news? Thou treadest like one sleeping, captain.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO King, thy royal court is full of monuments.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat meanest thou? What happened? Where is Perseus?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tD<\/font>ERCETES
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nKing Phineus called to his men to take alive
\nThe Greek; but as they charged, great Perseus cried, .
\n"Close eyes, Dercetes, if thou car’st to live,"
\nAnd I obeyed, yet saw that he had taken
\nA snaky something from the wallet’s mouth
\nHe carries in his baldric. Blind I waited
\nAnd heard the loud approaching charge. Then suddenly
\nThe rapid onset ceased, the cries fell dumb
\nAnd a great silence reigned. Astonishment
\nFor two brief moments only held me close;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut when I lifted my sealed lids, the court
\nWas full of those swift charging warriors stiffened
\nTo stone or stiffening, in the very posture
\nOf onset, sword uplifted, shield advanced,
\nKnee crooked, foot carried forward to the pace,
\nAn animated silence, life in stone.
\nOnly the godlike victor lived, a smile
\nUpon his lips, closing his wallet’s mouth.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThen I, appalled, came from that place in silence.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSoldier, he is a god, or else the gods<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWalk close to him. I hear his footsteps coming,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPerseus returns, followed by Cireas.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>ERSEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nKing, the Tyrians all are dead,
\nNor need’st thou build them pyres nor dig them graves.
\nIf any hereafter ask what perfect sculptor
\nChiselled these forms in Syria’s royal court,
\nSay then, "Athene, child armipotent
\nOf the Olympian, hewed by Perseus’ hand
\nIn one divine and careless stroke these statues.
\nTo her give glory."<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>EPHEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO thou dreadful victor!
\nI know not what to say nor how to praise thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSay nothing, King; in silence praise the Gods.
\nLet this not trouble you, my friends. Proceed
\nAs if no interruption had disturbed you.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>IREAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO Zeus, I thought thou couldst juggle only with feathers and
\nphosphorus, but I see thou canst give wrinkles in magic to
\nBabylon and the Medes. (shaking himself)<\/i> I cannot feel sure yet
\nthat I am not myself a statue. Ugh! this was a stony conjuring.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>ERISSUS
\n\t<\/font>(who has gone out and returned)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat hast thou done, comrade Perseus? Thou hast immortalised his long nose to all time in stone! This is a woeful thing
\nfor posterity; thou hadst no right to leave behind thee for its <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

\ndismay such a fossil.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat now is left but to prepare the nuptials
\nOf sweet young sunny-eyed Andromeda
\nWith mighty Perseus ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKing, let it be soon
\nThat I may go to my blue-ringed Seriphos,
\nWhere my mother waits, and more deeds call to me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ASSIOPEA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYet if thy heart consents, then three months give us,
\nO Perseus, of thyself and our sweet child,
\nAnd then abandon.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThey are given.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPerseus,
\nYou give and never ask; let me for you
\nAsk something.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>ERSEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAsk, Andromeda, and have.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>NDROMEDA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen this I ask that thy great deeds may leave
\nTheir golden trace on Syria. Let the dire cult
\nFor ever cease and victims bleed no more
\nOn its dark altar. Instead Athene’s name
\nSpread over all the land and in men’s hearts.
\nThen shall a calm and mighty Will prevail
\nAnd broader minds and kindlier manners reign
\nAnd men grow human, mild and merciful.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nKing Cepheus, thou hast heard; shall this be done?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHero, thou earnest to change our world for us.
\nPronounce; I give assent.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThen let the shrine
\nThat looked out from earth’s breast into the sunlight,
\nBe cleansed of its red memory of blood,
\nAnd the dread Form that lived within its precincts
\nTransfigure into a bright compassionate God
\nWhose strength shall aid men tossed upon the seas.
\nGive succour to the shipwrecked mariner.
\nA noble centre of a people’s worship,
\nTo Zeus and great Athene build a temple
\nBetween your sky-topped hills and Ocean’s vasts:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHer might shall guard your lives and save your land.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn your human image of her deity<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA light of reason and calm celestial force<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd a wise tranquil government of life,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOrder and beauty and harmonious thoughts<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd, ruling the waves of impulse, high-throned will<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIncorporate in marble, the carved and white<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIdeal of a young uplifted race.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor these are her gifts to those who worship her.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAdore and what you adore attempt to be.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWill the fiercer Grandeur that was here permit?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFear not Poseidon; the strong god is free.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe has withdrawn from his own darkness and is now<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis new great self at an Olympian height.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nHow can the immortal gods and Nature change ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAll alters in a world that is the same.
\nMan most must change who is a soul of Time;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis gods too change and live in larger light.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>EPHEUS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThen man too may arise to greater heights,
\nHis being draw nearer to the gods ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPerhaps.
\nBut the blind nether forces still have power
\nAnd the ascent is slow and long is Time.
\nYet shall Truth grow and harmony increase:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe day shall come when men feel close and one.
\nMeanwhile one forward step is something gained,
\nSince little by little earth must open to heaven
\nTill her dim soul awakes into the Light.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nCurtain<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 201<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SCENE III     The audience chamber of the palace. Cepheus, Cassiopea, Andromeda, Cydone, Praxilla, Medes.   CEPHEUS A sudden ending to our sudden evils…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","wpcat-15-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719","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=719"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}