{"id":750,"date":"2013-07-13T01:30:10","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=750"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:30:10","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:10","slug":"49-rodogune-act-three-scene-1-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\/49-rodogune-act-three-scene-1-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","title":{"rendered":"-49_Rodogune-Act Three-Scene-1.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

\n
\nAct Three <\/font><\/p>\n

<\/b> <\/p>\n

\nThe palace in Antioch.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nSCENE I<\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/div>\n

\nThe Audience Chamber in the palace.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNicanor, Phayllus and others seated; Eunice, Philoctetes.., Thoas
\napart near the dais.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIs it patent ? Is he the elder ? do we know ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShould he not rule?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf Fate were wise, he should.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWill Timocles sack great Persepolis ?
\nSooner, I think, Phraates will couch here,
\nThe mighty, steadfast, patient subtle man,
\nAnd from the loiterer take, the sensualist
\nAntioch of the Seleucidae.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPerhaps.
\nBut shall I rise against the country’s laws
\nThat harbours me ? The sword I draw is hers.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre law and justice always one? Reflect.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf justice is offended, I will strike.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 394<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHe withdraws to another part of the hall.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe man is wise, but when ambition’s heaped
\nIn a great bosom. Fate takes quickly fire.
\nIt only needs the spark.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIs it only that
\nThat’s needed ? there shall be the spark.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe withdraws.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFate or else Chance
\nWork out the rest. I have given your powers a lead.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNicanor, who has drawn near, stops before her.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYour council’s finished then ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat council, father?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have seen, though I have not spoken. Meddle not
\nIn things too great for you. This realm and nation
\nAre not a skein for weaving fine intrigues
\nIn your shut chambers.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWe have other sports.
\nWhat <\/b> do you mean ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSee less Antiochus.
\nCarry not there your daring spirit and free rein
\nTo passion and ambition nor your bright scorn<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 395<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOf every law that checks your headstrong will,
\nOr must I find a curb that shall restrain you?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe withdraws.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy prudent father! These men think that wisdom
\nIs tied up to their beards. We too have heads
\nAnd finer brains within them, as I think!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe goes up on the dais; Leosthenes, Callicrates
\nand others enter together.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLeosthenes from Parthia! Speeds the war?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt waits a captain.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt shall have today
\nA king of captains.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have seen the boy.
\nBut there’s a mystery? Shall he be the king?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf Fate agrees with Nature.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNeither can err
\nSo utterly, I think; for if they could,
\nMan’s will would have a claim to unseat Fate,
\nWhich cannot be.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nCleopatra enters with Antiochus and
\nTimocles; Cleone, Rodogune in attendance, <\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nthe latter richly robed.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 396<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nSee where she places him!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis on her right!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is a woman’s ruse.
\nOr must I at disadvantage play the game
\nWith this strong piece against ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe strong Antiochus has gone too early<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDown the dim gorges to that silent world<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhere we must one day follow him. A younger hand<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTakes up his sceptre and controls his sword.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThese are the Syrian twins, Nicanor’s sons,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThese are Antiochus and Timocles.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhy so long buried, why their right oppressed,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhy their precedence tyrannously concealed,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nForget. Forget old griefs, old hatreds; let them rest<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nInurned, nor from their night recover them.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWe need not raise the curtains that conceal<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThings long inurned, but lest by this one doubt<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe dead past lay a dark and heavy hand<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon our fairer future, let us swear<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Queen shall be obeyed as if she spoke<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor Heaven. Betwixt the all-seeing gods and her<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nConfine all cause of quarrel.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet the princes swear;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor how can subjects jar if they agree ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 397<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nO not with oaths compel the Syrian blood!
\nMy sons, do you consent ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n1 Your sovereign will must rule,
\nMother, your children and our fraternal kindness
\nWill drown the loser’s natural chagrin
\nIn joy at the other’s joy.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAntiochus, my son!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYour question, Madam, was for Timocles;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFrom me it needs no answer.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYou accept
\nYour mother’s choice ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGod’s choice. My mother speaks
\nA thing concealed, not one unsettled.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPrince,
\nSyria demands a plainer answer here.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho art thou? Art thou of Seleucus’ blood
\nWho questionest Syria’s kings?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nEnough. My sons
\nWill know how to respect their kingly birth.
\nToday begins another era. Rise,<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 398<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nPrincess of Parthia; sit upon this throne,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPhraates’ daughter; thou art peace and love<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd must today be crowned. Marvel not, Syrians;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor it is peace my envoys bear by now
Upon their saddles to Persepolis.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis was a secret haste!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIs it possible ?
\nWe had our heel upon the Parthian’s throat.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSince Parthia swept through the Iranian East<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWrecking the mighty Macedonian’s toil,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWar sways for ever like a darkened sea<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn turmoil ‘twixt our realms. How many heart-strings<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHave broken, what tears of anguish have been wept<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd eyes sought eastward unreturning eyes!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nJoy has been buried in the blood-drenched sands.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVain blood, vain weeping! Earth was made so wide<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat many might have majesty and joy<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon one mother’s equal breast. But we<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nArresting others’ portions lose our own.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNations that conquer widest, perish first,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSapped by the hate of an uneasy world.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThen they are wisest victors who in time<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nKnowing the limits of their prosperous fate<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAvoid the violence of Heaven. Syrians,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAfter loud battles I have founded glorious peace.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat fair work I began as Syria’s queen;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo seal it Syria’s king must not refuse.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI do refuse it. There shall be no peace.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 399<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nMy son!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPeace! Are the Parthians at our gate ?
\nHas not alarm besieged Ecbatana ?
\nWhen was it ever seen or heard till now
\nThat victors sued for peace? And this the reason,
\nA woman’s reason, because many have bled
\nAnd more have wept. It is the tears, the blood
\nProdigally spent that build a nation’s greatness.
\nI here annul this peace, this woman’s peace,
\nI will proclaim with noise of victories
\nIts revocation.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nThou speakest. King!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYou are not crowned as yet, Antiochus.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSyria forbids it, Syria’s destiny
\nSends forth her lion voices from the halls
\nWhere trumpets blare towards Persepolis,
\nForbidding peace.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWe do not sue for peace,
\nMy son, but give peace, taking provinces
\nAnd taking Rodogune.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho twenty times<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 400<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOutweighs all hero’s actions and exceeds
\nEarth’s widest conquests.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFor her and provinces!
\nO worse disgrace-! The sword has won jus these.
\nWe wrong the mighty dead who conquered. Provinces!
\nWhose soil are they that we must sue for them ?
\nThe princess! She’s my prisoner, is she not ?
\nMust I entreat the baffled Parthian then
\nWhat I shall do with my own slave girl here
\nIn Antioch, in my palace ? Queen of Syria,
\nThis was ignobly done.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI know you do not love me; in your cold heart
\nLove finds no home; but still I am your mother.
\nYou will respect me thus when you are king?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI will respect you in your place, enshrined
\nIn your apartments, governing your women,
\nNot Syria.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLeave it. You will not think of peace ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, when our armies reach Persepolis.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ELITUS<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHow desperate looks the Queen! What comes of this ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>(who has been watching Eunice)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nEnd this debate; let Syria know her king.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCleopatra rises and stands silent for a moment.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 401<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

\nBehold your king!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ENTHO
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe has done it, gods!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThere is an astonished silence.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSpeak once more, daughter of high Ptolemy,
\nRemembering God. Speak, have we understood?
\nIs Timocles our king?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>LEOPATRA
\n\t<\/font>(with a mechanical and rigid gesture)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBehold your king!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNicanor makes a motion of assent as
\nto the accomplished fact.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLet then the King ascend his throne.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES
\n\t<\/font>(half-rising)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

\nSpeak, King Antiochus, God’s chosen king
\nWho art, not Cleopatra’s.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSpeak, Antiochus.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy didst thou give to me alone the name<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf Syria’s princes? why upon thy right<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHast seated me? or wherefore mad’st thou terms<\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 402<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFor that near time when I should be the king,
\nChaffering for my consent with arguments
\nUnneeded if the younger were preferred ?
\nWilt thou invoke the gods to seal this lie ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDost thou insult me thus before my world ?
\nAscend the throne, my son.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStay, Timocles.
\nMake not such haste, my brother, to supplant
\nThy elder.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy elder ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe looks at Cleopatra.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have spoken the truth.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ENTHO
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThou hast not; thou art delivered of a lie,
\nA monstrous lie.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSilence, thou swarthy slave.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ENTHO
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI’ll not be silent. She offends the gods.
\nI am Mentho the Egyptian, she who saw
\nThe royal children born. She lies to you,
\nO Syrians. Royal young Antiochus
\nWas first on earth.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe truth breaks out at last.<\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 403<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThis is a slave the surplus mud of Nile
\nEngendered. Shall we wrong the Queen by hearing her?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ENTHO
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI was a noble Egyptian’s wife in Memphis,
\nNo slave, thou Syrian mongrel, and my word
\nMay stand against a perjured queen’s.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tE<\/font>UNICE
\n\t<\/font>(leaning forward)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIs’t done?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNicanor who has been hesitating, observes
\nher action and stands forward to speak.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe royal blood of Egypt cannot lie.
\nShall Syria’s queen be questioned? Shall common words
\nOf common men be weighed against the breath of kings ?
\nLet not wild strife arise, O princes, let it not.
\nAntiochus, renounce unfilial pride;<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWound not thy mother and thy motherland,
\nSon of Nicanor.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nShall a lie prevail?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>(looking again at Eunice)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt was settled then among you! Be it so.
\nMy sword is bare. I stand for Syria’s king.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>HILOCTETES
\n\t<\/font>(in the midst of a general hesitation)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nEgyptian Philoctetes takes thy challenge,
\nNicanor.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho is for me in Syria?<\/font> <\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 404<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI set my sword
\nAgainst Nicanor’s.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am Leosthenes.
\nI draw my victor steel for King Antiochus.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho else for me ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tO<\/font>THERS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI! I! and I! and I!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tCALLICRATES AND <\/font>OTHERS
\n\t<\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWe for King Timocles.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSlay them, cut down
\nThe party of the liars.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThere is a shouting and tumult with
\ndrawing and movement of swords,<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nProtect the King.
\nLet insolent revolt at once be quenched
\nAnd sink in its own blood.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI slay all strife<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith the usurper.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStay, stay, Leosthenes.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nForbear! forbear, I say! let all be still!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 405<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe great Seleucus’ house shall not be made<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA shambles. Not by vulgar riot, not<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBy fratricidal murder will I climb<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nInto my throne, but up the heroic steps<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf ordered battle. Brother Timocles,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat oft-kissed head is sacred from my. sword.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNicanor, thou hast thrown the challenge down;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI lift it up.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO, hear me, son Antiochus.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have renounced thee for my mother.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tR<\/font>ODOGUNE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

\nO wretched woman!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe hurries out followed by Rodogune,
\nEunice and Cleone.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ICANOR
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThou shalt not do this evil,
\nThough millions help thee.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe goes out with Timocles, Phayllus,
\nCallicrates and others of his party.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCan we hold the house
\nAnd seize the city ? We are many here.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNicanor’s troops hold Antioch.<\/font> <\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 406<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tL<\/font>EOSTHENES <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNot here, not here.
\nOut to the army on the marches! There
\nIs Syria’s throne, not here in Antioch.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMentho,
\nGo with us. Gather swiftly all our strength,
\nThen out to Parthia!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 407<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Act Three   The palace in Antioch.   SCENE I     The Audience Chamber in the palace. Nicanor, Phayllus and others seated; Eunice, Philoctetes..,…<\/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-750","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\/750","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=750"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/750\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=750"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=750"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=750"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}