{"id":751,"date":"2013-07-13T01:30:11","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=751"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:30:11","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:11","slug":"18-act-five-scene-2-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\/18-act-five-scene-2-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","title":{"rendered":"-18_Act Five-Scene-2.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

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

\n

\n <\/div>\n

\nThe Temple of Poseidon.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPolydaon, Therops, Dercetes, Cydone, Damoetes and a great
\nnumber of Syrians, men and women. Iolaus stands bound, a little
\nto the side: Cepheus and Cassiopea surrounded by armed men.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCepheus and Cassiopea, man and woman,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNot sovereigns now, you see what end they have<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho war upon the gods.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTo see thy end
\nMy eyes wait only.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet them see something likelier,
\nIs’t not thy son who wears those cords and that
\nAn altar ? What! the eyes are drowned in tears
\nWhere fire was once so ready! Where is thy pride,
\nO Cassiopea ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere are other gods
\nThan thy Poseidon, They shall punish thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf thou knew’st who I am, which is most secret,
\nThou wouldst not utter vain and foolish wishes.
\nWhen thou art slain, I will reveal myself.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou hast revealed thyself for what thou art
\nAlready, a madman and inhuman monster.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 166<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nMy queen, refrain from words.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPerissus comes.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAh God!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLook, the Queen swoons! Oh, look to her!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerissus enters.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, raise her up, bring back her senses: now
\nI would not have them clouded. News, Perissus!
\nThy face is troubled and thy eyes stare wildly.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStare, do they ? They may stare, for they have cause.
\nYou too will stare soon. Viceroy Polydaon.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat rare thing happened ? The heavens were troubled<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nstrangely,
\nAlthough their rifts were blue. What hast thou seen ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have seen hell and heaven at grips together.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nWhat do I care for hell or heaven ? Your news!
\nDid the sea-monster come and eat and go ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe came but went not.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 167<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWas not the maiden seized ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nP<\/font>ERISSUS<\/font>
\nAy, was she, in a close and mighty grasp.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBy the sea-beast?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTis said we all are animals;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThen so was he: but ’twas a glorious beast.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd was she quite devoured ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, in a manner,\u2014<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIf kisses eat.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHa! ha! such soft caresses
\nMay all my enemies have. She was not torn ?
\nWhat, was she taken whole and quite engulfed ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSomething like that.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYou speak with difficult slowness
\nAnd strangely. Where’s your blithe robustness gone,
\nPerissus?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nComing, with the beast. <\/b> He lifted her
\nMightily from the cliff to heaven.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 168<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nSo, Queen,
\nNothing is left thee of Andromeda.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, something yet, a sweet and handsome piece.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYou should have brought it here, my merry butcher,
\nThat remnant of her daughter.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is coming.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHo, ho! then you shall see your daughter. Queen.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis is a horrid and inhuman laughter.
\nRestrain thy humour, priest! My sword’s uneasy.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is a scandal in Poseidon’s temple.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDo you oppose me ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(to Therops)<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWilt thou resist Poseidon,
\nMisguided mortal ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe glares and his mouth works,
\nThis is a maniac. Does a madman rule us ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere has been much of violence and mad fierceness,
\nSuch as in tumults may be pardoned. Now
\nIt is the tranquil hour of victory<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 169<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nWhen decency should reign and mercy too.
\nWhat do we gain by torturing this poor Queen
\nAnd most unhappy King?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHear him, O people!
\nHe favours great Poseidon’s enemies.
\nTherops turns traitor.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe rails at the good priest.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTherops a traitor!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nTherops, thou favour kings ?
\nThou traitor to Poseidon and his people ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>ARDAS <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI say, hear Therops. He is always right,
\nOur Therops; he has brains.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHear Therops, Therops !<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet them be punished, but with exile only.
\nI am no traitor. I worked for you, O people,
\nWhen this false priest was with the King of Tyre
\nPlotting to lay on you a foreign chain.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIs it so? Is it the truth? Speak, Polydaon.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMust I defend myself? Was it not I<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 170<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nWho led you on to victory and turned<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe wrath of dire Poseidon ? If you doubt me,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBe then the sacrifice forbidden; let Cepheus<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd Cassiopea reign; but when the dogs<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf grim Poseidon howl again behind you,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCall not to me for help; I will not always pardon.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPolydaon, Polydaon, Poseidon’s mighty Viceroy! Kill
\nTherops! Iolaus upon the altar!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNow you are wise again. Leave this Therops.
\nBring Iolaus to the altar here.
\nLay bare his bosom for the knife.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nShall this be allowed?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWe must not dare offend
\nPoseidon. But when it’s over, I’ll break in
\nWith all my faithful spears and save the King
\nAnd Cassiopea. Therops, ‘twould be a nightmare,
\nThe rule of that fierce priest and fiercer rabble.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWith all the better sort I will support thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTherops, my crowd-compeller, my eloquent Zeus of the market-place, I know thy heart is big with the sweet passion of
\nrepentance, but let it not burst into action yet. Keep thy fleet
\nsharp spears at rest, Dercetes. There are times, my little captain,
\nand there is a season. Watch and wait. The gods are at work and Iolaus shall not die.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 171<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWe only wait until our mighty wrath
\nIs shown you in the mangled worst offender
\nAgainst our godhead. Then, O Cassiopea,
\nI’ll watch thy eyes.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBehold her, Polydaon.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerseus and Andromeda enter the temple.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAndromeda! Andromeda! who has unchained her?
\nIt is Andromeda!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is the spirit of Andromeda.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nShadows were ne’er so bright, had never smile
\nSo sunny! she is given back to earth:<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt is the radiant winged Hermes brings her.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis he who baffled us upon the beach.
\nI see the gods are busy in our Syria.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAndromeda runs to Cassiopea and clasps and kisses
\nher knees: the soldiers making way for her.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ASSIOPEA
\n\t<\/font>(taking Andromeda’s face between her hands)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nO my sweet child, thou livest!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMother, mother!
\nI live and see the light and grief is ended.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>ASSIOPEA
\n\t<\/font>(lifting Andromeda into her arms)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nI hold thee living on my bosom. What grief<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 172<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nCan happen now ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAndromeda, my daughter!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>OLYDAON
\n\t<\/font>(awaking from his amazement)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nConfusions! Butcher, thou hast betrayed me. Seize them!
\nThey shall all die upon my mighty altar.
\nSeize them! <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>ERSEUS
\n\t<\/font>(confronting him)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPriest of Poseidon and of death,
\nThree days thou gav’st me: it is but the second.
\nI am here. Dost thou require the sacrifice ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nArt thou a god ? I am a greater, dreadfuller.
\nTremble and go from me: I need thee not.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nExpect thy punishment. Syrians, behold me,
\nThe victim snatched from grim Poseidon’s altar.
\nMy sword has rescued sweet Andromeda
\nAnd slain the monster of the deep. You asked
\nFor victims? I am here. Whose knife is ready?
\nLet him approach.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho art thou, mighty hero ?
\nDeclare unto this people thy renown
\nAnd thy unequalled actions. What high godhead
\nBefriends thee in battle ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSyrians, I am Perseus,
\nThe mighty son of Zeus and Dana\u00eb.
\nThe blood of gods is in my veins, the strength<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 173<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOf gods is in my arm: Athene helps me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBehold her aegis, which if I uncover<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWill blind you with its lightnings; and this sword<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs Herpe, which can pierce the earth and Hades.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat I have done, is by Athene’s strength.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBorne from Seriphos through pellucid air<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon these winged shoes, in the far west<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have traversed unknown lands and nameless continents<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd seas where never came the plash of human oars.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOn torrid coasts burned by the desert wind<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have seen great Atlas buttressing the sky,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis giant head companion of the stars,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd changed him into a hill; the northern snows<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIllimitable I have trod, where Nature<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs awed to silence, chilled to rigid whiteness;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have entered caverns dim where death was born:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd I have taken from the dim-dwelling Graiae
\nTheir wondrous eye that sees the past and future:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd I have slain the Gorgon, dire Medusa,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHer head that turns the living man to stone<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLocking into my wallet: last, today,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn Syria by the loud Aegean surges<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have done this deed that men shall ever speak of.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAscending with winged feet the clamorous air<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have cloven Poseidon’s monster whose rock-teeth<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd fiery mouth swallowed your sons and daughters.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhere now has gone the sea-god’s giant stride<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat filled with heads of foam your fruitful fields ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have dashed back the leaping angry waters;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis Ocean-force has yielded to a mortal.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEven while I speak, the world has changed around you<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSyrians, the earth is calm, the heavens smile;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA mighty silence listens on the sea.
\nAll this I have done, and yet not I, but one greater.
\nSuch is Athene’s might and theirs who serve her.
\nYou know me now, O Syrians, and my strength
\nI have concealed not. Let no man hereafter<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 174<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nComplain that I deceived him to his doom.
\nSpeak now. Which of you all demands a victim ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe pauses: there is silence.
\n<\/i>What, you have howled and maddened, bound sweet women
\nFor slaughter, roared to have the hearts of princes,
\nAnd are you silent .now ? Who is for victims ?
\nWho sacrifices Perseus?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSpeak! Is there
\nA fool so death-devoted ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nClaims any man victims ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere’s none, great Perseus.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThen, I here release
\nAndromeda and Iolaus, Syrians,
\nFrom the death-doom: to Cepheus give his crown
\nOnce more. Does any man gainsay my action ?
\nWould any rule in Syria?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNone, mighty Perseus.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIolaus, sweet friend, my work is finished.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe severs his bonds.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO mighty father, suffer me for thee<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo take thy crown from the unworthy soil<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhere rude hands tumbled it. ‘Twill now sit steady.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDercetes, art thou loyal once again ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 175<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

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

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

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

\nI have abjured rebellion.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLead then my royal parents to their home<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith martial pomp and music. And let the people<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCover their foul revolt with meek obedience.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOne guiltiest head shall pay you forfeit: the rest,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSince terror and religious frenzy moved<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo mutiny, not their sober wills, shall all<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBe pardoned.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIolaus! Iolaus!
\nLong live the Syrian, noble Iolaus!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAndromeda, and thou, my sweet Cydone,
\nGo with them.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI approve thy sentence, son.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDercetes and his soldiers, Therops and the
\nSyrians leave the temple conducting Cepheus
\nand Cassiopea, Andromeda and Cydone.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nI have seen all and laughed.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 176<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nIolaus, and thou, O Argive Perseus,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYou know not who I am. I have endured<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYour foolish transient triumph that you might feel<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy punishments more bitter-terrible.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTis time, ’tis time. I will reveal myself.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYour horror-staring eyes shall know me, princes,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhen I hurl death and Ocean on your heads.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe man is frantic.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDefeat has turned him mad.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have seen this coming on him for a season and a half. He
\nwas a fox at first, but this tumult gave him claws and muscles
\nand he turned tiger. This is the end. What, Polydaon! Good
\ncheer, priest! Roll not thy eyes: I am thy friend Perissus,
\nI am thy old loving school-mate; are we not now fellow-craftsmen, priest and butcher?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDo you not see ? I wave my sapphire locks<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd earth is quaking. Quake, earth! rise, my great Ocean!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEarth, shake my foemen from thy back! clasp, sea,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd kiss them dead, thou huge voluptuary.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCome barking from your stables, my sweet monsters:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith blood-stained fangs and fiery mouths avenge me<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMocking their victory. Thou, brother Zeus,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRain curses from thy skies. What, is all silent?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI’ll tear thee. Ocean, into watery bits<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd strip thy oozy basal rocks quite naked<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIf thou obey me not.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tI<\/font>OLAUS
\n\t<\/font>(advancing)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe must be seized<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 177<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd bound.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPause. See, he foams and clutches!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPolydaon falls to the ground.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe
\n<\/b> Is sentenced.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPolydaon, old crony, grows thy soul too great within thee?
\ndost thou kick the unworthy earth and hit out with thy noble
\nfists at Heaven?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt was a fit, it is over. He lies back white
\nAnd shaking.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>OLYDAON
\n\t<\/font>(As he speaks, his utterance is hacked by pauses of
silence. He seems unconscious of those around him, his being
is withdrawing from the body and he lives only in an inner
consciousness and its vision.)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI was Poseidon but this moment.
\nNow he departs from me and leaves me feeble:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have become a dull and puny mortal.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(half rising)<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt was not I but thou who feared’st, god.
\nI would have spoken, but thou wert chilled and stone.
\nWhat feared’st thou or whom? Wert thou alarmed
\nBy<\/b> the godhead lurking in man’s secret soul
\nOr<\/b> deity greater than thy own appalled thee?…
\nForgive, forgive! pass not away from me.
\nThy power is now my breath and I shall perish
\nIf thou withdraw…. He stands beside me still
\nShaking his gloomy locks and glares at me
\nSaying it was my sin and false ambition
\nUndid him. Was I not fearless as thou bad’st me ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 178<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAh, he has gone into invisible<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVast silences!… Whose, whose is this bright glory?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOne stands now in his place and looks at me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nImperious is his calm Olympian brow,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe sea’s blue unfathomed depths gaze from his eyes,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWide sea-blue locks crown his majestic shape:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA mystic trident arms his tranquil might.
\nAs one new-born to himself and to the world
\nHe turns from me with the surges in his stride
\nTo seek his Ocean empire. Earth bows down
\nTrembling with awe of his unbearable steps,
\nHeaven is the mirror of his purple greatness….
\nBut whose was that dimmer and tremendous image?…
\nA horror of darkness is around me still,
\nBut the joy and might have gone out of my breast
\nAnd left me mortal, a poor human thing
\nWith whom death and the fates can do their will….
\nBut his presence yet is with me, near to me….
\nWas I not something more than earthly man ?…<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(with a cry)<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt was myself, the shadow, the hostile god!
\nI am abandoned to my evil self.
\nThat was the darkness!… But there was something more
\nInsistent, dreadful, other than myself!
\nWhoever thou art, spare me…. I am gone, I am taken.
\nIn his tremendous clutch he bears me off
\nInto thick cloud; I see black Hell, the knives
\nFire-pointed touch my breast. Spare me, Poseidon….
\nSave me, O brilliant God, forgive and save.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe falls back dead.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho then can save a man from his own self?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe is ended, his own evil has destroyed him.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 179<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThis man for a few hours became the vessel<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf an occult and formidable Force<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd through his form it did fierce terrible things<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUnhuman: but his small and gloomy mind<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd impure dark heart could not contain the Force.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt turned in him to madness and demoniac<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHuge longings. Then the Power withdrew from him<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLeaving the broken incapable instrument,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd all its might was split from his body. Better<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo be a common man mid common men<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd live an unaspiring mortal life<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThan call into oneself a Titan strength<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nToo dire and mighty for its human frame,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat only afflicts the oppressed astonished world,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThen breaks its user.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBut best to be Heaven’s child.
\nOnly the sons of gods can harbour gods.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nArt thou then gone, Polydaon ? My monarch of breast-hackers,
\nthis was an evil ending. My heart is full of woe for thee, my
\nfellow-butcher.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe gods have punished him for his offences,
\nAmbition and a hideous cruelty
\nIngenious in mere horror.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBurn him with rites,
\nIf that may help his soul by dark Cocytus.
\nBut let us go and end these strange upheavals:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCall Cireas from his hiding for reward,
\nTyrnaus too, and Smerdas from his prison,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 180<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFair Diomede from Cyclone’s house.
\nHumble or high, let all have their deserts
\nWho partners were or causes of our troubles.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere’s Phineus will ask reasons.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe shall be satisfied.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe cannot be satisfied, his nose is too long; it will not listen
\nto reason, for it thinks all the reason and policy in the world are
\nshut up in the small brain to which it is a long hooked outlet.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPerissus, come with me: for thou wert kind
\nTo my fair sweetness; it shall be remembered.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere was nothing astonishing in that: I am as chockfull with
\nnatural kindness as a rabbit is with guts; I have bowels, great
\nPerseus. For am I not Perissus? am I not the butcher?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey go out: the curtain falls.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 181<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SCENE II   The Temple of Poseidon.   Polydaon, Therops, Dercetes, Cydone, Damoetes and a great number of Syrians, men and women. Iolaus stands bound,…<\/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-751","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\/751","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=751"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/751\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}